Niche Magazine Issue 6

Fa s h i o n

B u s i n e s s

H e a l t h

Fo o d

We d d i n g

NICHE

Festive Fun

From stocking fillers to secret santa, we have gift ideas galore!

Wedding Belles Ideas and inspiration for your special day

The Drifters Richie Sampson’s Drifters Tribute Revue

magazine Issue 6

If you know you want to change the way you look, you may want to take the first step. Come in and tell us your plans at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital.

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02

114.

Contents 04. wedding’s galore 26.

Are you prepping and planning for your big day? There is so much to think about isn’t there? Well, worry not as we have a handy checklist for you this issue plus heaps of inspiration and recommendations to help you make the whole process a whole lot more enjoyable!

51. Local Christmas competition

We have an amazing Christmas package night out prize for one lucky reader this issue! You could win tickets to Sound of Music at the curve, an overnight stay at the Ramada and a haircut and style at Moda Greco in one lovely bundle, turn to page 51 to find out how!

59. country christmas gifts

We are seeking inspiration from the countryside for our Christmases this year and that includes the type of gifts we are giving and we encourage you to do the same. Seek out the rustic and crafty gifts made by some of our great local suppliers and boutiques this Christmas and support your local area in the process.

144.

99. taking the plunge

One brave Niche team member is quite the dare devil as she takes to the skies and then jumps out of them all in the name of charity!

Take a look at what happened and how much she raised…

138.

114. talk business

The key to success in any business is communication, whether it’s within the company or as you seek advice and contacts through networking by keeping talking you are keeping on top of your business and its changes. Leicester offers some great networking and support events…

143. late night shopping event

65.

32.

We love late night shopping and as a result we are having our own!

Niche Magazine in partnership with Claes Retail are hosting an Exclusive Ladies Late Night Christmas Shopping Event on Friday 28th November at Costa Coffee, Oadby!

Company Director: Jenny Cross - jenny@crossproductions.co.uk Editor: Sally Smith - sally@crossproductions.co.uk Head of Operations: Leanne Baker - leanne@crossproductions.co.uk Design: Rachael Bambrough - design@crossproductions.co.uk Editorial Director: Emily Kirton - editorials@crossproductions.co.uk Media Account Manager: Emily Davison - emily@crossproductions.co.uk Media Account Manager: Emma Cross - emma@crossproductions.co.uk Media Account Manager: Tania Hollingsworth - info@crossproductions.co.uk Postal Address: Cross Productions, 17 Mandervell Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5LR Distribution: Media Matters Direct www.mediamattersdirect.co.uk Published by: Cross Productions Ltd www.nichemagazine.co.uk Email: info@crossproductions.co.uk Telephone: 0116 2712573

NICHE 03

wedding belles We love a good wedding here at Niche yet we also know how much goes into the planning for you happy couples!

That’s why we like to think we are doing our bit in taking away some of that stress by offering up some of our advice and contacts‌hopefully leaving you to then enjoy the planning.

Leicestershire Registration Service 04

The Ultimate Wedding Show F E AT U R I N G OVER 100 EXHIBITORS LIVE BRIDAL AREA C AT W A L K S H O W R E S TA U R A N T

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1ST - 2ND NOVEMBER 2014 L E I C E S T E R T I G E R S S TA D I U M W W W. N AT I O N A L W E D D I N G E X H I B I T I O N . C O M NICHE 05

Finding the wedding venue of your dreams

One of the most important parts in choosing your venue is location, location, location. Whether you are having a church wedding or a civil ceremony you need to consider how guests will travel from A to B and whether or not the location is right for the wedding day you have in mind.

How big is your party?

After location you need to find a venue that will hold the amount of guests you have in mind, if you are considering an intimate affair you won’t want a huge space as this will make your wedding party look lonely, equally if you are inviting lots of guests you won’t want them crammed in!

Finding the dream wedding venue is no easy task, whether it’s finding Theme, plans and colour schemes something to suit your budget, your If you have a specific look that you want for your day, whether it’s a rural country theme or a click style or the location there is a lot to city modern affair you want to make sure that your venue reflects this style! There are loads of consider when picking the place in licensed venues right here in the Midlands that will have something to suit your style. which you will play out one of the Budget savvy venues biggest days of your life. So, to help you with this task we have put together Try to think of a venue that will suit your budget, whilst you may dream of a Downton Style day your budget might not stretch to a manor house, so look out for venues which have a similar historical a few thinking points to help get the grandeur that might not share a similar price tag! ball rolling…

Feeling good?

Lastly as you visit a venue it needs to feel right, rather like when you choose a house that’s for you or you try on the wedding dress that becomes ‘the one’ it needs to feel like it suits you both as a couple! Not only that but you need to feel like the relationship you have with the proprietors or managers is right for you too; communication is key!

All the romance of the Old Rectory Hotel • The dream location for your wedding day • Set in beautiful gardens • Licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships • Receptions for up to 120 guests in the house and up to 150 in a marquee • Dedicated wedding co-ordinator • Delicious dinners and wedding breakfasts

www.theoldrectory-hotel.co.uk ipsleyoldrectory@aol.com Call: 01527 523000 Ipsley Lane, Ipsley, Redditch, Worcester, B98 OAP 06

Your perfect wedding venue in stunning Leicestershire So, the ring is sparkling on your

finger, you have announced to the

world your delight at being engaged

to your happy ever after now it’s that all important venue hunt. Luckily for

you Leicestershire has a huge choice

in approved civil ceremony locations, so, whatever your ceremony vision

there will be something for you. With

our rolling countryside, huge historical

legacy, quirky personality and stunning stately homes it’s the perfect region

for your wedding vows. Stay close to home for your nuptials and make it a day to remember forever more.

Here is our pick of some of the most perfect locations for your wedding day right here in charming Leicestershire. Leicestershire Registration Service have 6 approved ceremony rooms in their own registration offices, but they also perform civil ceremonies, renewal of vows, naming ceremonies and commitment ceremonies at a wide choice of venues across Leicestershire.

Something historical….for those that love their history, Leicestershire’s Bosworth Battlefield

offers the ideal ceremony location ; have your ceremony on the field itself and take in the beautiful scenery of an area steeped in history.

Something different….to inject a fun feel to your day there’s Leicestershire’s racecourse, Oadby.

Let your guests indulge in a bit of a flutter whilst witnessing your big day!

Something rural…here in Leicestershire we

enjoy beautiful countryside and Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel, is the perfect rural, rustic countryside location for you to wed...think rolling hills as the backdrop for your photos and a cosy barn setting.

Something grand… Stanford Hall, Lutterworth

provides the perfect location for those that love the grandeur and romance of a stately home.

Imagine it’s your home for the day and impress your guests with a venue fit for royalty!

These are just a few of our picks to help inspire, but the list of beautiful locations in Leicestershire is a wonderfully long one and there is sure to

However, it’s not all about your location; your ceremony can also be unique to you right here in Leicestershire. Working with Leicestershire Registration Service you can choose from a wide range of wordings and ceremony styles, add your own readings from friends and family, your own music and even some of your own vows.

Having a civil ceremony means you can openly add a great deal of your own wishes and desires into the ceremony, you can make your ceremony as unique as you are.

Your Leicestershire Registration Service team will work with you as you start proceedings when you give notice of marriage, book venues and dates to coincide and choose your wedding ceremony style, approving readings and music too.

Contact Tel: 0116 305 6565.

be something for you and your loved one to experience the happiest of days. Visit www.leics.gov.uk/registration to find out more.

NICHE 07

City Centre Wedding Chic Finding a wedding venue is one of the most

things to us here at St Martins

important aspects of your wedding. Not only

House is to offer a venue which

does it need to reflect your tastes as a couple

caters for a couple’s needs,

but it needs to be in just the right location,

as a result of this desire we

be accessible for your guests and offer you,

often surprise people in our

the happy couple, the wow factor as you see

commitment to this; we really

it. Plus, if it’s to be the memorable day that it

mean it. If you want certain

deserves to be, you need to be assured that

catering, certain décor, specific

the staff behind the venue care a great deal

equipment we will do our utmost

about your day. When it comes to finding a city

to make it happen. At the end

centre location for your wedding that ticks all

of the day for the time that you

these venue boxes they don’t come more highly

are at our venue we want people

recommended than St Martins House. A visit will

to feel that it’s theirs, we want

help you discover just why it is our city’s leading

them to feel entirely at home”

nuptial venue; with its modern yet traditional feel

The location and flexible nature

, its location in the heart of Leicester’s historic

of the building and its staff

quarter help to make it a vibrant and exciting

means that your wedding needs

place to host your wedding and make it a day to

can be accommodated with

remember forever.

ease leaving you to relax in the knowledge that everything is

Situated next to Leicester Cathedral and

in hand.

adjacent to the beautiful transformation of Cathedral Gardens, which includes

Providing the ideal backdrop

modern, well-kept new gardens and relaxing

to your city centre nuptials,

surroundings as well as Richard III making his

St Martins is the perfect

roots in the area, the Grade II listed building

cosmopolitan mix of being in

enjoys a rich history that was for over 130 years

the heart of a city you love with all the perks

a place where the youth of Leicester were

of its excellent transport links for your guests

educated. The building offers a wonderful

and a bright, bustling wedding day feel. The

mix of old and new and its 2011 restoration is

building is perfectly located near a choice of

both respectful of its roots but offers a healthy

registered ceremony venues with the stunning

refreshing nod to the contemporary too. As

historical Guildhall, the magnificent and

a result the building feels open, fresh, social,

impressive Cathedral and the traditional yet

peaceful and yet vibrant all at once.

grandeur of the Town Hall all within very short walking distance. St Martins House policy is

Their staff provide a friendly, approachable and

flexible and approachable on what they can do

flexible approach to your event and needs. We

for you and your big day, with an experienced

spoke to St Martins House Manager Nick Quinn

team keen to ensure your day is planned and

to find out more; “One of the most important

goes by exactly as you dream it should be.

The National Space Centre 52

From start to finish they make it their mission to give you the reception that you want from catering, provided by your choice from a wide range of local caterers, to whether you would like a band, a DJ, the details of your décor and pretty much everything else in between; “Over the years we have built up a great number of reliable suppliers and caterers who are more than happy to take care of many of the aspects of your big day so that you don’t have to.” Nick Quinn, St Martins House General Manager told us. The all-important catering for your event is handled with a great deal of passion by the team, who are delighted to offer catering from

“Over the years we have built up a great number of reliable and brilliant suppliers and caterers and are more than happy to take care of many of the aspects of your big day so that you don’t have to.” some well-known and highly regarded suppliers

features, beautifully kept plants and flowers,

in the area, many of which offer a wide range

and even a statue of Richard III. The gardens

of options for your tastes and budgets; “We

are surrounded by peaceful seating areas and

work closely with a number of local caterers

pedestrianized spaces; allowing the area to

including The Orange Tree and Hotel Maiyango

feel spacious, welcoming and tranquil yet at

but are also more than happy for you to use

the centre of a bustling cosmopolitan city. The

your own caterers too! We can help with as

gardens are the result of a regeneration of the

much or as little as you would like after all!”

area and really help mark the city’s position as

Nick told us.

a historical city. St Martins House itself stands on the very foundations of the fort that was the

The building’s Grand Hall provides the perfect

basis for Roman Leicester, and on top of which

backdrop for your special reception and can

lay medieval remains - its Leicester’s Historical

accommodate up to 200 guests. The vaulted 12

Heritage at its finest! “The gardens are a very

metre high ceiling and stained glass windows

exciting local addition for us and our guests;

mean your event will have all the grandeur you

they can be enjoyed by so many people in the

could hope for, whilst retaining just the right

area and provide a wonderful environment for

level of a welcoming and intimate atmosphere.

our guests to relax within. Great for photos and

A fully stocked bar located in the hall itself, as

perfect for a breath of fresh air and the chance

well as a variety of seating areas outside of

to take a few moments’ time out, they really

the Grand Hall enables you and your guests to

help to complete some of the great historical

enjoy your big day in comfort and style.

changes within the area.” Nick enthused.

For those all-important photographs the

So, if you are looking for the perfect wedding

newly appointed Cathedral Gardens are

reception venue; whatever ideas you have,

perfect providing a stunning backdrop for

pay a visit to St Martins and fall in love with the

your photographs. The gardens boast water

venue, just like we did!

www.stmartinshouse.com CALL: 0116 261 5223 7 Peacock Lane Leicester LE1 5PZ

NICHE 53

Wedding Checklist Planning your big day needn’t feel like the stressful situation you are imagining. As you set off at the start its handy to have an idea of a breakdown of the months and what you need to be thinking about and because most of us here in the Niche offices have been there and done that in wedding planning we decided to share our findings in the form of a checklist!

18 Months -12 months to go

6 Months to go

• • •

•

• •

• •

Find a venue Set a Date Work out your budget and what will be allocated where

12 months to go • • • •

Start planning your themes/colour schemes Inform your bridesmaids/ ushers etc Peruse those wedding magazines for ideas Book the registrar

10 months to go • • • • •

• •

Book a wedding photographer Choose food options Send out save the dates to your guests Look at wedding stationary Choose your dream dress (and prompt groom to start looking at suits!)

Design/look at rings Consider the bridal party outfits

8 months to go • • • • • • •

Book florists Look at car hire Set up a gift list Start looking at cake ideas Start gathering/making/buying décor things Send out invites Dream up your dream honeymoon

10

Finalise the big stuff! Outfits, venues, food, car hire and photographers Seek out gifts for the bridal party Book honey moon and any rooms needed for the night of the wedding Have a hair and makeup trial Book DJ/ Music acts

3 months to go • • •

• • •

Go for a dress fitting Work out a table plan for guests Gather all your décor things and favours to see how it will look Consider the music for your ceremony/reception Start thinking about speeches Plan hen do/stag do

1 month to go • • •

Go for final dress/suit fitting Check everything with all suppliers!

Enjoy your hen or stag do!

Day before •

Relax, beautify and try to remain calm - it should all be in hand now, enjoy this moment!

Sophistication for your wedding day at The Grey Lady If you are seeking a sophisticated, vibrant and contemporary venue for your wedding reception then you need look no further than the Grey Lady. Whether you are planning on a small intimate reception from 10 guests or a traditional large family wedding for up to 180 the Grey Lady is only too happy to welcome you for your big day celebrations.

All the elements that you would want for your celebrations to be a memorable success are here; fabulous dining areas, beautiful location and excellent quality of food – all you need to do to complete the perfect wedding reception is enjoy and bring your guests!

A committed, friendly and experienced team will ensure they meet your needs and provide the wedding reception of your dreams! Nestled in Newtown Linford in the heart of Charnwood Forest, The Grey Lady boasts stunning views overlooking Bradgate Park yet is less than 20 minutes from Leicester city, striking the perfect balance between country setting and the conveniences of great transport links in the city. Set over three acres and with an enviable outside drinking and dining area overlooking the Forest it really is an exceptional venue.

To create your unique reception you will work with The Grey Ladies wedding co-ordinator who will help you from your initial enquiry right through to the big day itself. Being known for their exceptional food The Grey Lady’s wedding food offerings are flexible and vast!

You can choose from a huge range of package options for both the seated meal and evening buffet with a team of Chef’s dedicated to bringing you and your guests some of the finest wedding food you have ever had! The diverse and delicious menus are traditional with a contemporary twist and the ethos when it comes to ingredients is to use local, seasonal produce wherever possible.

Open to you and your suppliers from the morning of the wedding day; you are able to decorate as you see fit and with ample room for dancing the night away and various areas for your guests to socialise and relax within it really is a venue full of possibilities for your celebrations.

“The Grey Lady recently hosted our wedding day reception and we can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we enquired we knew we had found the perfect venue for us.

The team were so good at talking us through all of our options and accommodated us in so many ways. The food was amazing and so many of our guests commented on how delicious it all was! The location was great too, not too far for our guests to get to but with great views of Bradgate Park. The day was amazing from start to finish and The Grey Lady played a huge part in that, thank you!” Leanne and Charlie, Newlyweds comment.

To find out more and to view the latest Grey Lady wedding brochure visit www.the-grey-lady.co.uk or call 01530 243558.

Grey Lady Sharpley Hill, Newtown Linford, Leicester

LE6 0AH NICHE 63

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Weddings at Beedles Lake Beedles Lake offers the perfect wedding venue and everything you need for a memorable day. Our private function room with breathtaking views can seat upto 160 people. The fantastic setting can also be enjoyed from the patio area next to our lake. Capture your special day with photographs around the lake and grounds.

We have a reputation for providing superb food at great value be it fine dining or a buffet style menu.We can also offer BBQ and carvery menus.

The function room has its own private facilities, PA sysytem and is fully air conditioned.

We look forward to hosting your special day and can ensure our best attention always. www.beedleslake.co.uk

Beedles Lake Golf Club, 170 Broome Lane, East Goscote, Leicester, LE7 3WQ 14

A wedding venue to suit you To choose Best Western’s Weston Hall as the hosts for your wedding day is a choice you will forever delight in. From the stunning surroundings to the attentive and friendly staff they always strive to give you one of the best days of your life. A delightful Elizabethan manor

rooms and a delicious breakfast served in the hotel’s restaurant in the morning.

The hotel prides itself on a flexible approach to your big day. For your wedding you can choose from a selection of wedding reception rooms,

house in the heart of the beautiful Warwickshire

a wide choice of carefully prepared wedding

guests from the minute you arrive. Sitting pretty

They can provide you with a toast master, a

countryside Weston Hall will delight you and your breakfast menus and evening reception buffets. in 7 acres of grounds, the 16th Century manor house is a delight at every turn.

choice of bridal suites and a personal wedding co-coordinator to ensure everything comes together and goes to plan! The most important

You can choose from a selection of wedding day thing to the wedding team and indeed every packages and of course create them entirely to your requirements for your special day, with the team delighted in helping you make choices which will create the day of your dreams.

Whether you are planning on an intimate civil ceremony and reception for 10 close family members and friends or looking to host a larger gathering for up to 250; the team will help make it a reality. The Grade II manor house and extensive gardens make for a photographers dream and will provide you with lasting

member of staff at the hotel is that you enjoy a stress free build up to and on your wedding day so that you can simply relax and delight in your day with the knowledge that it’s all taken care of.

The hotel’s head chef is a proud one and insists on using fresh, local ingredients wherever possible and with a huge choice in really rather special menu selections you can be assured you and your special guests will be delighted at the gastronomic offerings making your wedding

memories and images for years to come.

breakfast memorable for all the right reasons.

In a great central location, the manor house

no one need miss out on the delicious delights!

Plus, with dietary requirements catered for too,

is a short drive from Coventry, Stratford upon

So, for a wedding that is entirely you and a place

than ideal for guests travelling from all over the

memories forever more contact Weston Hall for

Avon, Leamington Spa and Warwick and is more in which to create lasting, joyful wedding day country. Of course, the accommodation your

a personal visit to the hotel and a chat with the

guests can expect is also of a luxurious standard co-ordinator about your dream day.

Tel: 02476 312 989 weddings@westonhallhotel.co.uk

with 38 individually decorated character filled

NICHE 15

Picks of our favourite wedding

VENUES

St Martins House

Weston Hall Hotel

The Griffin Inn

We built this beautiful venue in 2012 for a very specific reason.

We believe that your wedding day should be something personal. Unique. Bespoke.

weddings@swithland.info griffininnswithland.co.uk 01509 890 535 Swithland, Leicestershire, LE12 8TJ 16

Heritage at its best for your big day at Beaumanor Hall Choosing the right location for your Wedding Ceremony and Reception is no easy task, particularly with Leicestershire enjoying so many beautiful locations. However, one glance at the front of Beaumanor Hall and it’s likely your hunt for a dream venue will be over, especially when you set eyes upon the large staircase and exquisite décor. Set in 34 acres of idyllic Leicestershire countryside, Beaumanor Hall is the perfect venue with a suitably grand feel for your Wedding or Civil Partnership Ceremony.

With its Victorian splendour and beautiful gardens, Beaumanor is a sight to behold and will certainly impress your guests as they arrive at the hall to witness your big day! Built between 1842 and 1854 and designed by architect William Railton for the Herrick family, it remained in their possession until World War II when the estate was requisitioned by the War Office. It was here that the Hall played an important role in the war as it was used as a secret listening station to intercept encrypted enemy signals.

The exclusivity of this stunning venue means your day will remain a private and relaxing occasion.

You can create the day of your dreams within the elegant Victorian Hall and the beautiful gardens that surround it. This exclusive use includes the Main Reception Hall, Dining Rooms, Bar, Gardens and Marriage Room. Your photographs will be breath-taking with the Hall and stunning gardens as a backdrop.

The friendly, professional and experienced hands who will assist you and your partner will guide you right from your initial enquiry through to the very last dance, ensuring that every aspect exceeds your expectations. Working with you to establish your needs helps to make sure you can simply sit back and enjoy your big day.

For further information about weddings at Beaumanor Hall or to arrange a viewing please download their 2015/16 wedding brochure, call them on 01509 890119 or visit www.beaumanorhall.co.uk

Weddings and Ceremonies at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse

Beaumanor Hall is a 19th Century Manor House set in 34 acres of idyllic Leicestershire countryside. The perfect venue for your wedding or ceremony, you will enjoy exclusive use of the elegant Victorian Hall and the beautiful gardens that surround it.

Up to 120 guests may be seated formally for a wedding breakfast or 180 for a less formal buffet. more informationorortotoarrange arrange a a viewing call us us on on For For more information viewingplease please call 01509 890119 or visit www.leicestershireweddings.org.uk/beaumanor-hall 01509 890119 or visit www.beaumanorhall.co.uk M0818_BEAUMANOR WEDDING ADVERT_118X175MM.indd 1

19/12/2013 NICHE10:44 17

Super Dry Cleaners of Leicester are a premier provider of specialist cleaning and laundering services.

Wedding Gown Cleaning Just £65 + free box Terms and conditions apply

Ivory Tapestry Bridal Lingerie Corset

0116 2247144 www.superdrycleaners.co.uk 85 Bla by R oa d, Sou t h W i gs t o n, L e i ce s t e r , L E1 8 4P B

£79.00 www.butterflycorsets.co.uk

WW

Wonderful Wraps

An exquisite range of cloaks, capes, wraps, feather shrugs & stoles, fur wraps & lace bolero jackets for brides & bridesmaids.

New jewellery collection of Tiara’s, headpieces, earrings and necklaces

Jane’s Hair and Beauty We specialise in wedding hair...so let us pamper you on your big day! Either visit our salon or we will come to your home or venue. We provide all your hair and beauty needs including: - Hair - Make-up - Nails/Gel - Spray Tan

To see our portfolio come in and see us or visit our wesbite www.janeshairbeauty.co.uk 18

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02/10/2014 20:08

nature

Inspired By

Bring nature in for your big day‌. We are loving the natural element touch for weddings over the next few seasons and it’s an accessible and easy theme to DIY. Seek out wildflowers, add birds and animals to any print or stationary and incorporate earthy colours for a nature inspired unique look for your big day!

Classic Metal Bird Cage Plant Holder, 29.95, www.dotcomgiftshop.com 10 String Mini Heart Birdhouse Led Party Lights, 19.95, www.dotcomgiftshop.com.

Tissue Paper Pom Poms - Ivory - Vintage Lace, 4.99 www.gingerray.co.uk.

Bird Place Card for Glass Gold - Vintage Lace, 4.49, www.gingerray.co.uk.

Cards Hessian Burlap Bunting - Vintage Affair, 6.99, www.gingerray.co.uk.

Personalised Pair Of Love Birds, 19.99, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

NICHE 19

Truly Special Wedding Bands One of the most important, yet often overlooked, parts of your wedding planning is the wedding jewellery. Your wedding rings are the most important jewellery you will ever wear, not only are you hopefully going to wear them every day but they are also a reminder and symbol of your love and commitment to one another as a couple. So, taking all of this into consideration you will need to make sure that wherever you purchase these rings from they need to be of high quality and supplied by a jeweller who truly cares.

HS Jewellers, our Directors jeweller of choice, are a highly regarded jewellers who effortlessly combine a commitment to high quality pieces at affordable prices and simply put love to provide a happy couple with these important jewellery pieces that will last a lifetime.

Founded in 2002, HS Jewellers have delighted customers ever since and their expert knowledge and customer services, combined with their skills for seeking out pieces for their collections make them a jeweller whose reputation is growing in popularity and trusted as a jeweller with high integrity. For your wedding rings, both engagement and bands for him and her are designed by the small team of highly skilled jewellers who create each and every item from the start. After seeking out the components you would like, from the diamonds and metals through to the design and finish of each ring you can choose your own bespoke aspects to ensure your design is unique to you. Or, if you would prefer you can of course purchase from the existing collections which offer stunning engagement rings, bands and even eternity rings with all pieces at very affordable prices.

The key stand out feature at HS Jewellers is their ability to ensure the whole process is truly bespoke and a special one. From the word go they will communicate with you to establish exactly what you need and work together with you to ensure you get the wedding jewellery you dream of.

“I can personally recommend the amazing services at HS Jewellers. From start to finish of the bespoke service you are informed of each and every step making you feel at ease and excited about it all at once! The end result was stunning and I couldn’t have been more delighted!” Jenny Cross, Niche Company Director. www.hsjewellers.co.uk Tel: 0845 2000 314

AlixRDavis Tiara and Jewellery Hire + Makeup Artist

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Making you sparkle

Fully qualified, friendly freelance makeup artist offering a mobile service in the comfort of your own home, or at a venue of your choice.

Also offering a tiara and jewellery hire service to avoid that expense for something you may only wear once.

View the range on our website:

www.alixrdavis.co.uk 07972 763 593 20

Michael Grundy Jewellers we offer a bespoke service, which produces a unique product that certainly will not be reproduced on the high street.

View the extensive range of unique jewellery crafted by the designer at the workshop or begin to set your own ideas in precious stone.

0116 274 5968 info@michaelgrundyjewellers.com

www.michaelgrundyjewellers.com 64 Queens Road, Leicester LE2 1TU

w w w. a a r i y a d i a m o n d s . c o m

Aariya Diamond’s rings are a girl’s best friend The jewellery you choose to mark your

quarter or meeting with you at various upcoming

service and will definitely be recommending you

engagement and wedding is the most important

events across the country you can create a

to our friends.”

jewellery you will ever wear. Not only is it a

design you will love forever. Or, if you prefer, you

symbol of your love and commitment to your

can easily browse and purchase from their retail

partner but it’s also something that you need to

boutique online!

want to wear every day for the rest of your lives!

A true investment piece needs to reflect your

The relationship between you and these

tastes completely, be of high quality and put

prestigious jewellers is one based upon their

simply, be the jewellery of your dreams! Quite a

open communication; “When you come to

tall order!

us with your ideas for a design, we will be absolutely honest and realistic with you about

www.aariyadiamonds.com Call: 0121 6380618 Upcoming opportunities to meet with Aman and his team: 18-19 October, 2014

Excel arena, London

Aariya Diamonds of Birmingham’s prestigious

the ins and outs of what you can get within

jewellery quarter has been creating these

your budget. We can always provide a piece

significant pieces for years for large retail

at a lower cost than high street retailers and

jewellers and after realising their potential in the

it’s of course about passing this deal onto our

(East & West Wedding Shows)

retail market they know delight clients across

customers, but, more than that it’s about finding

the country in their high quality designs at a far

and creating a piece with the cut, clarity and

23rd November, 2014

reduced rate to that found on the high street or

quality that is within a customer’s budget.”

conventional jewellers. Their promise is simple:

Company Director Aman Bassi told us. This

to bring clients the jewellery they want at a price

could mean that if the piece you have in mind

they like.

is out of your price range, Aman will find ways and options to create the piece using different

9th November, 2014

Leicester City Football Club, Leicester

The New Bingley Hall Birmingham.

17th- 18th January 2015 Coventry Ricoh Arena

31st January – 1st February ,2015 London Excel Arena

materials or diamonds to make it fit your budget.

8th February, 2015

talented team with an idea of your budget and

One recent happy client comments; “It has just

(East & West Wedding Shows)

style and they handle the rest, working with their

arrived and it fits perfectly, I love it! Thank you

extensive contacts all over the world to bring

so much.” And another comments; “Was great

1st March, 2015

You design your piece, either with images you already have and like or a description to the

your ideas to life. Welcoming you into their studio meeting with you, so friendly and genuine. for a face to face consultation in the jewellery

22

Excited to see my ring! Thank you for your great

Leicester City Football Club, Leicester

Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham

Beautiful

Bridesmaids Your bridesmaids play an important part in your big day, they not only stand by you ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day itself but they also help with the stressful planning in the run up and help you celebrate in

Tinsel silver heart retro clutch bag £35.00 from It’s Vintage Darling

style on your hen do. So, you want to get them a bridesmaid’s dress that they will love, right? Whether

Stephanie Full Length Dress £120.00 from Phase Eight

they are little flowers girls or your adult maid of honour you want to ensure they feel great in what they are wearing. Now, this is no easy task, especially when it comes to dressing a lot of maids! There are different

Jewel Trim Pleated Shoes

tastes, sizes and of course your budget to consider so we say get this aspect of your wedding planning done early and choose a reputable boutique to help make the whole thing easier!

Beautiful handmade occasion wear for girls, boys and teens.

www.littlebevan.co.uk NICHE 23

Sprinkle Of Magic We d d i n g P l a n n e r s

We believe that your day should be individual and unique as you are.

Not being afraid to push boundaries in planning your special day, taking away the stress whilst you remain in full control is our passion.

Wedding packages to suit all budgets and lifestyles giving you flexibility in what you want from a wedding planner makes us unique.

Price from ÂŁ30 to our full planning package, not forgetting our bespoke package along with a beautiful range of stock to hire for your special day.

07961 477081 www.sprinkleofmagic.co.uk www.facebook.com/sprinkleofmagic.co.uk

Rustic birch number, ÂŁ3.69, Morgann Hill Designs at www.etsy.com

www.sprinkleofmagic.co.uk

24

Find the right photographer for you So many people comment on how quickly their wedding day seemed to pass them by, one moment you are counting down the days and planning every last detail and then it’s the last dance on the big day itself. Time flies when you are having fun! You want to freeze frame moments in your mind so you can relive them over and over; this is where finding the right wedding photographer is vital.

The right photographer will put you at ease, understand what you want from your wedding day and help you to relive the precious memories through their images for years to come‌.so make sure you do your research, meet with a few photographers and get a feel for who your wedding photographer match is!

www.whitehousephotography.co.uk

Whitehouse Photography Your day, captured your way. www.whitehousephotography.co.uk 01664 561704

Keith GraY photography

www.keithgray.co.uk 07967 585 789 NICHE 25

Money

saving

Sprinkle of Magic Wedding Planners

wedding

planning…

For so many people these days a wedding

Image by Horsely Photographic a trusted supplier for Sprinkle of Magic Wedding Planners

Spooky Wedding - Friday 13th Fun!!

is a daunting event to organise, for many

Are you someone who likes to push boundaries throw caution to the wind despite peoples reasons but the cost is one of the biggest superstitions? Then this could be article for you! factors, it puts many people off from tying Why worry about the superstitions ? We want the knot altogether, however there are ways to inspire you to bring luck to your Friday 13th Wedding.

to be budget savvy with your big day so that whilst you are cutting costs it doesn’t mean you are cutting corners…

As wedding planners we see many people wanting to incorporate fun into their special day and one particular date many avoid! So here are a few reasons to why to marry on Friday 13th..

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates a chain of Costco membership warehouses that carry quality name brand and related private label merchandise at substantially lower prices that are typically found at conventional wholesale sources. The warehouses are designed to help small to medium sized businesses reduce costs in purchasing for resale and everyday business use.

Costco warehouses present one of the largest 1) Discounts- This is the biggest advantage of all and most exclusive product category selections • Enlist the help of friends and family to be found under a single roof. A few of the for this date. Because of peoples superstitions this date leaves many venues and suppliers free categories include groceries, confectionery, This is a great way of involving loved ones in appliances, television and audio equipment, on that one day! So rather than have the diary your preparations and you will be surprised at how quickly people respond to your reach out for empty that day they will be happy to negotiate a automotive supplies, tyres, toys, hardware, discount for couples. help. If you are having DIY décor for example, sporting goods, jewellery, cameras, housewares, get the girls round for an evening of making apparel, health and beauty aids, tobacco, 2) It's an easy date to remember. Guests won't things together. If you know a photographer, be double booking that date and will talk about furniture, office supplies and office equipment.

DJ or cake maker ask them to ‘do the honours’, your Friday 13th Wedding.

Costco is known for carrying top quality national people love to help for such a happy occasion! brands with 100% satisfaction guaranteed to 3) RSVP's will come back quicker. Majority of your guests will be superstitious of the date and its members.

• DIY will want to return your RSVP sooner rather than later in the fear it will bring bad luck.

Costco also features a fine line of quality Creating a DIY wedding needn’t appear as 4) You can have a real laugh with planning. If products under its own Kirkland Signature cheap as it sounds and it can make the whole you are not superstitious yourself then you could private label. The company has taken great thing so much more personal. Whether it’s incorporate the date into your theme. Decorate making your own invites and decorations or care in selecting products such as housewares, your venue with Black Cats, Open umbrellas making your own set list to play at the disco luggage, pet food and bedding, nappies, wipes, instead of a dj often the DIY way means you can and getting married under a ladder is a fantastic coffee, wine and snacks as well as a large idea! add the personal touch to your big day. selection of fresh meats, diary, deli products, A few other little finishing touches could be... fresh and frozen foods and baked goods. All • Shop around Kirkland Signature products are guaranteed to a) Spread the luck with favours such as be of quality or better quality than name brands.

Seek out those bargains! Whether it’s by getting horseshoe's. Guests will be able to use them in their houses after your wedding day (to keep evil quotes from a variety of different suppliers or Costco’s Steve Pappas, Managing Director spirits away) scouring online boutiques there are loads of b) Put Lavender sprigs on your place settings explains Costco is able to offer lower prices bargains to be had...and don’t be afraid to ask which is thought to bring good luck to marriages. and better values by eliminating virtually all for deals!

Lavender is also know as a symbol of undying the frills and costs historically associated with love and devotion • Hire a planner conventional wholesalers and retailers, including sales people, delivery and credit accounts.

Dates for the next couple of years are Whilst hiring help may seem like too greater We run a tight operation with extremely low initial cost they can often save you lots of money! Feb 13th 2015, March 13th 2015, November overheads which enables us to pass on dramatic They know cost effective suppliers, they have the 13th 2015, May 13th 2016, October 13th 2017 savings to our members. contacts. They also often have many decorations and additions to the wedding already and will be So if you would like to take advantage of a T: 0116 269 0730 happy to hire them to you at a fraction of the cost Friday 13th Wedding why not give us a call as E: marketing123@costco.co.uk we have a Friday 13th Wedding Promotion.

We it would be to buy! are offering 13% off our selected packages www.costco.co.uk especially for the dates above.

07961 477081 www.sprinkleofmagic.co.uk

26

NICHE 27

The John Lewis Wedding Gift Service Managing the gifts for your big day is no simple thing, your guests wants to buy you something to mark the occasion and give thanks for sharing in the joy of your big day but you don’t want double gifts and you certainly don’t want things that you simply don’t need; it would be a waste wouldn’t it?

The John Lewis Wedding Gift List Service provides the perfect stress free solution for both you and guests- you get things you would like and will love whilst the guests don’t have to worry about what on earth to buy!

But, how does it work?

• You set up a list of the gifts you’d like to receive, either online or one of their shops, and

your guests then choose what they’d like to buy for you.

•

If you opt to go in store, they’ll explain the service to you and give you a hand-held scanner, so that you can work your way around the shop “zapping” the items you want added to your list. On your first visit, they’ll also give you a voucher for complimentary tea or coffee and cake to fortify you through your shopping trip!

• You’ll have a choice of up to 350,000 products, and their Never Knowingly Undersold

price commitment means you can be sure of best prices. In addition, you’ll get

guarantees of between 2 and 5 years on most electricals.

• There are exclusive free gifts on offer for Gift List customers from a number of okey suppliers.

•

Once you’ve finalised your list, you’ll be given inserts to place within invitations giving your guests details on how to select a gift from your list.

• Your list can be managed online or in our shops, so you can add or delete items, and see

who’s bought which gift (get ahead on the thank-you cards!). Items are instantly removed

from the list as they’re purchased, so you won’t end up with any duplicates.

•

All your gifts are stored for you, and free delivery of them all will take place on a day to suit you (often after the honeymoon).

www.johnlewis.com

MyWeddinglog Keepsake Box New and unique wedding gift keeps memories safe forever

g lookin We are r o f s t ckis for Sto nd a g inglo d d e W My bylog!

MyBa

www.mybabylog.co.uk 28

info@myweddinglog.co.uk

01202 256 356

Get me to the church on time…

Arriving and leaving your wedding in style is pretty important and you will want whoever is supplying your transport to be reliable, so…on time and not break down would be two major pluses! Also, the driver of said transport will in some way be a part of your big day so you want to feel like whilst they are involved you are comfortable with them on such a big day! Aside from these things how else do you choose the kind of wedding transport that you want?

Well…one of the first things to consider is the distance you are travelling from A to B in, for example, a horse and carriage may not be suitable for

ARRIVE at your wedding in STYLE with a beautiful horse & carriage

longer journeys, for one the horses will get too tired and secondly you will take an age to get to the location!

Secondly consider the style of transport you want, you will want it to suit your theme; for example a modern sports car may not be right for your country wedding but a vintage car or horse and carriage may be perfect!

Thirdly consider how long you want to hire your transport for, will you require it to just get you to the venue or wait until the ceremony is over to take you somewhere else? This last point can also affect the cost of the hire in some cases so it’s well worth considering.

0116 2779977 www.rusticoccasions.co.uk

NICHE 29

Cake

glorious

cake

Your wedding cake plays quite an important part in your big day; finding one that you as a couple and your guests will love is all part and parcel of the fun of it all! With some great cake makers out there it needn’t be a stressful thing on your list, just consider the following before you choose! Here’s our tick list of dos when choosing the cake for you…

• What’s your budget, an important starting point for the cake maker, understanding your spend for the cake will help dictate the rest…

• What are your tastes? Traditionally the top tier is a fruit cake to be saved for your first child’s christening but these days many just opt for their favourite flavours, whether its chocolate, vanilla sponge or even lemon or orange!

• What theme? If your wedding has a specific colour scheme or theme then the cake is a great way to incorporate that! Most cake makers will be delighted to create something which works with your ideas and lets them indulge their creative skills!

• What shape? Finally, how would you like your cake to appear? A grand, huge many tiered number or even cupcakes...the choice is yours! Remember the cake can also double up as a great dessert for guests, thus saving your food budget a little so make sure there is enough for all!

Bebalicious Cakes Handcrafted Wedding Cakes from Gingerbread Cottage Are you getting married or planning a big party?

We are here to make your sweet dreams come true.

Exceptional cakes for weddings and special occasions in Leicester.

Call: 01162531591 Mobile: 0771 2458408 Email: beba32@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/BebaliciousCakes

30

Gingerbread Cottage is a welcoming family run business with over 30 years’ experience in cake design. We have our own in-house bakers and cake decorators waiting to tend to your needs.

Our wedding cake range includes both traditional and contemporary designs & a wide selection of bases from sponges, fruitcakes & chocolate to butter cream, raspberry and fresh cream fillings.

0116 271 4677 www.gingerbreadcottage-leicester.co.uk 50 London Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DH

Your wedding cake is one of the biggest things your guests will comment on, they can be real show stoppers, particularly the creations at sharons sugarcraft. With the emphasis on high quality ingredients and of course meticulous attention to detail, a cake at Sharon’s Sugarcraft is guaranteed to be remembered. Taking inspiration from a couples personality, hobbies, colour schemes and even details of the brides dress, Sharon’s passion for baking the wedding cake of your dreams means the possibilities are endless. If your heart flutters for dots, diamonds, roses and pretty much anything in between, cakes by Sharon’s Sugarcraft will make it happen!

Choose from sponge, chocolate, fruit, lemon, coffee.....the list goes on and accommodates any of your taste buds desires.

There's more sweet treats at Sharon’s Sugarcraft with their flavoured chocolate favours, available in a wide range of exciting flavours such as strawberry and cream and even Baileys.

Chocolate place name settings will wow your guests and act as a favour too, so your getting 2 items for the price of 1!

Sharon is also more than happy to act as your cake consultant, offering you valuable advice, hints and tips as you create your own masterpiece.

So for sweet goodness on your wedding day visit www.sharons-sugarcraft.com or contact Sharon on 07789 742635 or email: sharons_sugarcraft@hotmail.co.uk

10% off when you quote Niche Magazine!

Dina’s Cakes

Helen Houlden Exclusive Cake Design Bespoke designs Award winning fruit cake and delicious sponge flavours Wedding Cakes with the oooh factor

www.helenhouldencakes.co.uk Tel: 0115 9656132 Calverton, Nottingham

Celebrate in style, with gorgeous handmade wedding cakes

by Dina. Made to your specifications & colour theme!

07954382042 Dinascakes.blogspot.com Facebook.com/Dina’s Cakes NICHE 31

Authentic wedding and event food that will leave you all delighted…

What are the things we look for from a wedding

Aston Martin! It’s easy to see why they are

cuisine made using the very best ingredients

caterer? Top of the list is really tasty food of

approved by some of the East Midland’s most

and promoting only the best local suppliers.

course, but aside from that, we are looking

prestigious venues and companies, and, if it’s

They have earnt a reputation which has had

for genuine food cooked by experienced,

good enough for the likes of Orlando and Sir

countless other caterers scrambling to emulate

passionate chefs who insist on using nothing

Steve?! A family run business with head chef

their ways, and you can be assured of the

less than the finest ingredients. We look for a

Samantha Dimblebee at the helm, an event

authentic approach taken by The Dimblebee

team of professionals who can take the catering

catered by Dimblebee is a personal affair with

Catering Company in every aspect of what

stress off our shoulders leaving us to simply

a wealth of experience and a passion for food.

they do. Whilst their speciality is in rustic style

enjoy the wedding; all of these requirements

To Dimblebee’s cooking is more than the food

British cuisine the team are experienced in

combined are sure to mean you will get the best

on the plate, it’s something very personal with

a wide range of service and foods including

wedding food and service that will have you and

attention to detail and a care for high quality

sharing foods, canapés, banqueting, BBQ’s,

your guests talking for years to come!

ingredients! The award winning Dimblebee

afternoon teas and a whole host of buffet styles

Catering team were established after Samantha

so you and your spouse to be can dream up a

The Dimblebee Catering Company Ltd of

was approached by local businessman Robert

mouth-watering menu that truly suits you. When

Leicestershire are the experienced outside

Dudley to realise her dream with The Dimblebee

it comes to large catering events gone are the

caterers to get it better than amazing every time,

Catering Company Ltd and it is from this dream

days of settling for food that does not much more

they believe in good food and they believe you

and perfect partnership that Dimblebee has

than placate the masses, these days you can

and your guests deserve nothing but the best in

thrived.

have a choice, and Dimblebee Catering are the

good food for your wedding.

team for the job.

Of course you would expect a caterer to have

Excelling in high quality food is the name of

a passion for food but with Dimblebee this

the game for Dimblebee Catering who have

passion isn’t simply something they talk about,

Contact the team to discuss your needs on:

won many accolades and recently featured on

it’s evident in the catering that they provide, it’s

the renowned ‘Rock My Wedding’ and catered

in the guest’s reactions and it’s in their client’s

07811 232801/ 0116 2835626

for 2,000 visitors and 230 VIPS including

faultless recommendations. They have earnt

Orlando Bloom, Pamela Anderson and Sir

themselves a fantastic reputation for providing

Steve Redgrave at the Bonhams Auction at

personal and flexible service and delicious

32

www.dimblebeecatering.co.uk

NICHE 33

Professional Mobile DJ and Disco based in Nottingham and Derby Will travel throughout the Midlands and UK Professional djs who will make your wedding or event stand out from the competition! Get your name in lights, we cater for small paries up to several thousand. Fully insured and come with good reviews and testimonials. Everything you need for a great night and more!

www.kpdsounds.co.uk

Dance the night away with Midlands Pro DJ The party element of your big day is what many of your guests will remember and talk about for years to come, and what makes a party get into full swing?

The music of course! You need to get your guests moving, get their arms in the air and their heels off…Midlands Pro DJ’s are the perfect music team to get the party started - and to keep it going til the end!

A quick chat with the team will encourage you to book right away, you will quickly see that their infectious energy and enthusiasm means your party will be nothing but fun!

Call: Bryan McIntosh : 07929452287

Ian McIntosh : 07875290818

info@kpdsounds.com

Email: info@midlandsprodj.com

01159 285 700

www.midlandsprodj.com Acoustic guitarist/pianist & DJ Mob: 07817 388223 Email: george@meltonmusic.co.uk Web: www.georgesimpson.net

Get everyone on the dance

floor with MD DISCO & KARAOKE! One of the hottest disco and karaoke shows in the area MD DISCO & KARAOKE generates energy and excitement everywhere they perform.

With a sound system big enough to cope with even the largest of rooms and a lighting system as good as any club including scanners, lasers smoke machines bubble machines and video screens all available for your event.With a computerised music system from the 1940's right up to the latest top 40 including rock, R&B, funk, reggae, swing, soul, Latin and pop and an amazing list of karaoke songs -- MD DISCO & KARAOKE does it all!

Please call for prices, availability and more information.

www.mddiscokaraoke.co.uk Marcdavis64@aol.com 07832 194933

Want you and your children to enjoy a wedding day to its fullest? Sue Aidley of Sue’s Childcare provides crèche services to your children at a wedding or event allowing the parents to enjoy the party with the children taken care of. Her team of two, which includes herself, are both CRB cleared and registered Child-minders with a wealth of experience behind them. With an emphasis on a high quality of care and providing for the children in a way that you the parents would like, Sue’s Childcare will ensure everyone can relax and enjoy the big day… including the little ones.

9 Roche Avenue, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 6QH Tel: 01538 371 292 or 07792207505 Email: saidley123@talktalk.net

34

Add the magic to your big day…

One of the most make or break aspects to

your wedding day celebrations is the music, right? Adding the right music that you have chosen as a couple to those all important

aspects, like walking down the aisle and the first dance will hold memories forever and

the all-important party soundtrack can make

or break a party for your guests to remember too. So, with this in mind, what could be more special that soul sensation Richie Sampson and his Drifters tribute group Revue performing at your wedding?!

One of the most make or break aspects to your wedding day celebrations is the music, right?

Adding the right music that you have chosen as a couple to those all important aspects, like walking down the aisle and the first dance will hold memories forever and the all-important party soundtrack can make or break a party for your guests to remember too. So, with this in mind, what could be more special that soul sensation Richie Sampson and his Drifters tribute group Revue performing at your wedding?!

Richie Sampson has enjoyed a glittering career thus far and his star just keeps on rising. Having sung professionally with original members of the huge soul group The Drifters as well as carving out his own successful career as a solo artist releasing singles ‘The Rainfall’ and ‘What did I do?’ produced by top music producer Andy Whitmore who has had over 14 top 10 hits with artist such as Peter Andre, Atomic kitten, Lamar, Cool and the Gang, Soul to soul to name a few........Both singles out now and are available through Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and at shows!) . The Drifters tribute super group seemed a natural progression for Richie and delights both old and new fans alike.

The Drifters started their soul mission in 1953 by Clyde Mcpahatter and became one of the most successful and enduring vocal groups of all time rightly earned their place in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Despite having experienced various members of the group in the early years in the 1960’s the group really came into their own and entered what is considered to

The guys with Rio Ferdinand

be a golden era releasing hits such as ‘On Broadway’, ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’, ‘There Goes My Baby’ and ‘Up On The Roof’.

Richie Sampson’s Drifters Revue, which includes a line up of Tim Hunter (vocals), Patrick Nicholoas (vocals), victor Alexander (percussion), will play all these hits and more; not only do they sound sensational but they look the part too as they always arrived suited and booted! Before your wedding day a chat with Richie will help you both determine the hits you and your guests will want to hear. Combined with your favourites and the experience that Richie has in knowing how to get your party

years including celebrities such as David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and even Tom Cruise at the Dubai film festival! On top of this they are award winning and have won a number of prestigious titles in the last few years including the Birmingham Evening Mail’s Best Overall Tribute Performance in 2012 and Best Act in 2013 courtesy of the National Tribute Award Winners! Respectfully imitating the group that so many of us love, Richie Sampson’s Drifters are the tribute band to look out for in the UK! So, help make your wedding as magical as it deserves by bringing a little bit of soul magic to it in the form of Richie Sampson’s Drifters

in full swing you will create a set list together

Revue.

which will give you the party of a lifetime! “We

Find out more at www.richiesampsonsrevue.

love to perform at weddings, of course they are as romantic a day as it can get and so many of the hits we perform speak right to the heart, it really is a thrill to be part of a couples special day.” Richie told us. Richie has performed with long standing members of ‘The Drifters’ such as Ray Lewis, Billy Lewis, Butch Leak and Roy Hemmings at various times and relights the magic of The Original Drifters, breathing new life into those memorable songs, such as

co.uk or call 07746 118 402. Book the group in

the run up to and over the Christmas period and get 10% off the usual booking price!

Win Win Win For your chance to win a signed photo and a copy of the latest single, ‘The Rainfalling’ simply answer the following question; What was the drifters only number American bill board

‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Save The Last Dance

single and who wrote it...?

For Me’, ‘Up On The Roof, Kissing In The Back

Send your name, answer and contact details

Row of The Movies’ and many more!

Richie Sampson’s Drifters Revue have played for and delighted so many people over the

with the subject ‘Drifters’ to competitions@ crossproductions.co.uk by the closing date of November 3rd 2014.

NICHE 35

beauty bible The festive season means one thing to us…it’s time to socialise! Those office parties and friend nights out on the town mean it’s time to up your beauty game!

So, we bring you some of our best salons and experts to help you get your body at its pampered and preened best so you can party in style!

Eden Hall 36

Winter comfort food Winter comfort food. Mmmm even the words sound great together don’t they? Like whatever shape or form the food comes in it will be like a warm

hug on a cold day! It conjures up ideas of British food fare…stews, roast dinners, soups, pies and puds to go with it too! Of course, when you consider this list you might automatically think of the extra pounds that pile on with it but comfort food doesn’t necessarily have to mean unhealthy food there are plenty of ways to enjoy winter comfort foods without the thousands of calories (although, those extra few pounds in winter can’t hurt too much can they? After all, they help keep you a little warmer and the thick jumpers can hide the rest!)

So…how do you prepare healthy winter comfort food? Easy. For a start invest in a slow cooker. Put simply, a slow cooker will change your life! Its great winter cooking made easy and you can incorporate so many great veggies into your stews that the health factor is high whilst effort is low

(dream cooking!). Stews and soups couldn’t be easier than with a slow cooker, pile in the root veg, stock, and meat if having, add a few herbs, leave for a few hours and hey presto dinner is served! Serve with mashed potato, dumplings, a chunk of granary for the rustic traditional stews or rice or couscous for the more Mediterranean (so, your chicken, tomatoes and pepper ones!) A home cooked stew couldn’t be easier, often it’s a cheap, quick and effortless route to domestic goddessness, hubby doesn’t need to know all you did was throw it all in!

For the healthier roast dinner opt to go big on vegetables, use this time to feed your family their five a day and if you are really going for the health stakes opt to minimise on the potato and Yorkshires (moan). So, winter comfort eating needn’t be as unhealthy as you might think, it actual fact a lot of the home cooked British winter foods are healthy anyway as they use fresh ingredients and no nonsense added stuff! So, what are you waiting for?

Get the slower cooker on and the veggies in!

Are you worried about your weight?

If you are,

Could be the answer Cambridge Weight Plan is all about choices, made by you to benefit you. Together you and yourConsultant will work out a plan that suits your lifestyle – helping you achieve the best results at the rate you want. So, why not make a positive decision to change your life for the better and contact me today.

Your independent Cambridge Consultant:

Eileen Larder M: 07784 333851 H: 0116 2889229 E: eileen1943@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/CWP/EileenBryanL/info

Eileen and Bryan recently celebrated a 30 year milestone as Cambridge Weight Plan Consultants, and are part of an Award winning team. They know that the fight to lose weight is not easy, they have been there themselves. They offer private consultations (not group meetings) at their home, or your home/workplace. The support they give is from their experience, they can show you how to get the very best results from this brilliant Weight Management Programme. What they offer is genuine, experience based support. Having been in the same situation as their clients, they know first-hand what it takes to get to your goal weight. They can show you how to get the very best results.

THE PLAN Cambridge Weight Plan is a scientifically formulated food that gives you your complete nutritional requirement. There is flexibility, which means there is something to suit everyone There is a wide a range of delicious Soups, Shakes, Porridge, Rice Pudding and bars. They can be used as the sole source of nutrition. For a more gradual weight loss. They can be combined with conventional food and weight management.

The nutritionally balanced programmes range from 440kcal to 1500+kcal per day and basically take away the need for you to be confused about what you should and should not be eating!

• You can use the amazing convenient and tasty products without food • Or you can use the products with one meal per day • Or you can have the products with low calorie meals as well Contact Eileen and Bryan to start your incredible weight loss journey today. They will help you change your life. Don’t delay.

NICHE 37

Cosy up at Leicestershire’s Finest Spa

As you pull up to the entrance you know a break

experience and get closer to nature and may

design unique signature treatments especially

in for, will be the ultimate treat. The hall is every

outdoor waterfalls? Whatever helps you to

world class beauty, holistic and traditional spa

at Ragdale Hall, however long you are booking

bit as grand as you would hope a country retreat could be, steeped in history and with a warm atmosphere it’s a building which offers you

a wonderful opportunity to retreat, relax and unwind.

Whether you are going for a weekend break with a stay at the hotel to recuperate and rejuvenate or simply an afternoon of pampering you get

to enjoy an atmosphere in a place where every guest is a VIP. As you shed your clothes and don a dressing gown and leave behind the

stresses of everyday life you are free to explore the first class facilities, eateries and treatments at your leisure. The emphasis is on allowing you to sit back and relax for your time at the

spa, where there is something for everyone. The

want to sample the unique cave showers and feel relaxed and comfortable these unique

experiences will blow you away and are all

available for you to use as and when you wish.

The large indoor and outdoor pool areas and jet spa provide a wonderful way to allow for

some gentle exercise and perhaps work up

Or, perhaps you prefer a more outdoorsy

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be treated from head to toe in the latest and traditional treatments.

Hall; with its cosy lounges and open fires, warm

very well) at the Garden Room or Veranda Bar

or take in the complete dining experience at the

Dining Hall. With its passionate kitchen staff and front of house team together and their shared commitment to providing a luxurious dining

experience for all you can indulge in a delightful menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

exceptional beauty and treatment facilities

mosaics and warm waters, it’s truly incredible.

to pretty much everything imaginable you can

alcoholic beverage (champagne could work

either stimulate or calm the senses. For our

with its perfectly lit cocoon feel, light reflecting

range of pampering, from massages and facials

The winter months provide a wonderfully cosy

options. Grab a pick me up coffee, tea or

Of course a stay at the Hall wouldn’t be

stay we like to head down to the candle room

treatments allow guests to experience a wide

an appetite for the Hall’s impeccable dining

12 luxurious and specially designed heat and

water experiences draw on indulgences which

for Ragdale Hall. The ground-breaking and

opportunity to experience the traditional country spa facilities and rejuvenating treatments it’s the perfect way to warm up, retreat and rejuvenate in these colder months.

Visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk to find out more and to discover some fantastic offers.

Call: 01664 434831

complete without some pampering and the

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa

at the Hall are something else. Innovative,

Melton Mowbray

holistic, and traditional spa therapies with the

therapists at Ragdale Hall all trained to a world class standard, many of their beauty experts

Ragdale Village Leicestershire LE14 3PB

Co s me ti c Surgery Clinic

• Breast Enlargement and Uplift • Body Contouring and Lift • Tummy Tuck • Liposuction • Nose and Ear Reshaping • Eye Bag Removal • Skin Lumps, Moles and Skin Tag Removal • Anti Wrinkle Treatments • Laser Treatments Fraxel Skin Tightening, CO2RE Resurfacing, Scars, Moles, Thread Veins and Birth Marks

All cosmetic Surgical and Non Surgical

Treatments at your local Private Hospital.

Secretary: Anne Bailey Tel: 0116 2743718 Email: anne.bailey@nuffieldhealth.com NICHE 39

Mr T.K.Sankar

MBBS BTEC(Laser) FRCS(Eng) FRCS (Plastic Surgery)

Your guide to the pre-christmas party perk me ups at Beau Aesthetica!

10 FACTS TO BE AWARE OF BEFORE UNDERGOING ANY COSMETIC SURGERY

We sat down for a chat with Beau Aesthetica’s Am to talk about the range of services they offer to help get you party ready this festive season…

Hi Am, thanks for taking the time to talk us through ways in which you and your team can be our party beauty saviours this year!

“No problem, my pleasure! We all love nothing more than helping clients feel and look their best and the festive season presents the perfect opportunity to get out there and shine!”

1. BLEEDING After any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding.

Your Surgeon will take due care to prevent any such complication from happening.

Dr Jai Shah

Happy with your smile?

If not, we can help

More and more people are realising that they

Okay, so let’s get started…what kind of procedures can I look at in advance of the season?

“Early on you will want to start looking at procedures that focus on freshening up on the inside so that in the few weeks before party season you can start to radiate that beauty from the inside out! Colon Hydrotherapy is the ideal place to start! We bring you a totally new and fresh approach to the ancient practice of colon hydrotherapy (once known as colonic irrigation), it brightens skin, detoxifies the body and leaves you looking and feeling great! Then we have Lipomassage to help shift those last few inches that just won’t budge and a full range of facials which always provide better results the longer and more frequently you have them!”

don’t have to put up with a smile they’re not

And, as things edge closer to those parties…?

“This is the time for the preening, so, with us you can go for semi-permanent makeup, nails in both manicure and pedicure treatments, HD Brows and waxing all of which ensure you are party prepped and looking preened for those social events!”

If you’ve got uneven teeth with crowding then

Thanks Am, we can wait to get party prepped with the help of you and your team At Beau Aesthetica Spa & Clinic!

clear braces which have tooth coloured wires

Beau Aesthetica Spa & Clinic 17 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 2DA

0116 270 9141

www.beauaesthetica.com

happy with. There can be many reasons why you might not be happy with your smile but Briarmeads Dental are able to offer solutions.

Cosmetic dentistry and invisible braces can give you a smile you’ll be delighted to show off!

Teeth whitening is our most popular cosmetic treatment, probably because it’s safe, simple and the results are clear for all to see in a quick time. Having a whiter, brighter smile can make an enormous difference to your confidence levels – stained or dull coloured teeth are no longer a worry. Teeth whitening is especially popular in preparation for big social occasions such as a wedding day or job interview.

adult orthodontics and invisible braces could be the solution for you. Orthodontic braces gently move the teeth in to a more desirable position leaving you with straighter teeth and a more attractive smile. Braces have come a long way since the metal ‘train track’ style you may remember from school, and we offer discreet but also braces which sit behind your teeth and even ones which are totally clear and so practically invisible!

To find out more about the full range of options that we offer call us on 0116 271 0500 or visit www.briarmeadsdentalpractice.co.uk

2. INFECTION It is very unusual to get an infection from an elective surgical procedure. Your Surgeon may prescribe antibiotics during and/or after the procedure.

3. SCAR There is always an amount of scarring from any surgical procedure and they usually will settle down. Degree Scarring varies depending upon your skin types, procedures and parts of the body.

4. PAIN It is normal to feel some amount of pain after any surgery, for which you will be given adequate analgesics. Some may experience pain several weeks after the surgery.

5. DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT) Anyone undergoing a long procedure under full anaesthesia, there is a risk of developing a DVT. You will be given compression leg stockings to wear and also a calf compression pump may be applied to your calves during and after surgery.

6. ASYMMETRY It is normal that people have some amount of asymmetry before and after surgery. The Surgeon will try and correct this.

7. UNDER OR OVER CORRECTION Sometimes the expectations of a patient cannot be met due to various limitations.

8. LONG TERM OUTCOME A good outcome from cosmetic surgery should last for several years but is not for life, as the body tends to change on a day to day basis.

9. REVISION SURGERY Even though the above mentioned complications are relatively rare, anyone contemplating having cosmetic surgery should be prepared for revision surgeries if needed.

10. SUPPORT Before you undergo any cosmetic surgical procedure, it is important to make sure that you have adequate support at home soon after surgery and long-term support from the Hospital and Surgeon. It is always recommended that you go to a Surgeon and the Hospital near to your home.

Remember: It is very important that you discuss your treatment options with your GP before you have any procedure and at least twice with your surgeon before surgery.

Tel: 0116 2743718

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NICHE 41

Get ready for the party season with Beau Aesthetica!

We love this season! So many great things to celebrate, get out there, be social and party!

With the festive season right around the corner it can only mean one thing…party time! Whilst that fills us with joy our appearance may not be as party ready as we would like to think. With the colder weather and layers of autumn it’s safe to say we have neglected our bodies somewhat, skins looking a little dull having lost that summer glow and those jumpers hide a multitude of sins.

However there is hope yet with the assistance and skills of the friendly team at Beau Aesthetica in Stoneygate, Leicester ready and waiting to get your body party ready!

The small clinic is one of Leicestershire’s premier pampering locations for women and men all over the Midlands to come for beauty treatments such as Muscle Relaxing Injections, Dermal Fillers, Skin Peels, Jan Marini Facial Rejuvenation, Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion and Semi permanent makeup as well as HD Brows, Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Muscle Relaxing Injections, Fillers, Peels and more besides.

For over 10 years husband and wife team Am Vadhesa and Dr Kam Singh have provided a wide range of life changing treatments for clients looking to find a trustworthy and expert service. Beau Aesthetica Spa and Clinic is one of the Midlands’ most respected providers of cosmetic dermatology procedures and their

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ethos is simple “We are dedicated to providing our clients with safe, affordable and appropriate treatments tailored to their individual needs.”

By combining their skills and experience in both dermatology treatments and pampering procedures they can and have helped Leicestershire’s ladies look and feel their very best. “We believe any skin can be measurably improved. Common conditions including the appearance of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scarring, and skin discoloration can be greatly improved by the use of our specialized formulations and services.

With the Jan Marini Skin Care Management System, the professionally supervised skin care program, skin of all types can be stimulated to appear clearer, younger, and smoother.” Am comments.

When it comes to opting for dermatology procedures such as Muscle Relaxing Injections, Fillers and Vaser you as the client need to feel you are in safe, professional hands and they don’t get much safer than Dr Kam Singh’s!

From his surgery in Thurmaston and with all consultations taking place at the Beau Clinic, both Dr Singh and Am make you their constant priority and are always available and happy to talk through all aspects of procedures before and after treatments; “We know that often a client has been pondering a specific treatment for a while and they may want to know every detail of what to expect or they may have done

a significant amount of research for themselves, wither way it’s of the utmost of importance to us that a client feels comfortable throughout, from what to expect results wise through to what to expect in comfort levels during procedure. We are strong communicators and it’s important for our clients to know what is happening every step of the way and so the right level of communication is key. A relaxed and assured client is a happy one and that’s what we want every single time.” Am and Kam told us.

With such a wide range of treatments available which incorporate the very latest in beauty trends, research and innovative products you can get yourself party ready at Beau in no time; whether it’s a cosmetic procedure or simply getting your eyebrows done or having a manicure and wax the attitude to your care and service is the same and is a strong foundation of the clinic as it has been from the start.

What strikes as you settle in the cosy clinic for your treatment is that it’s a social place with a welcoming non-intimidating feel, from the moment you arrive it’s like they are welcoming you back, not saying hi for the first time and at once you feel you are in the right place to feel good about yourself and leave with an extra glamorous glow!

The team are always looking for the latest treatment and technologies to bring to their Beau Aesthetica clients with Am passionate

to offer Lipo Selection by Vaser

Lipo Selection an exciting revolutionary procedure for body reshaping which targets just the fat cells you want removed. It uses the latest technology to gently dissolve fat cells and remove fat in your thighs, hips, abdomen, love handles, knees, back, arms, neck and chin. Dr Kam Singh is the first Doctor in the Midlands to perfect this treatment and is the only trainer in the Midlands.

Lose inches with the only clinical treatment to reduce cellulite.

Endermologie:

about discovering new machinery and products associated with some of the more invasive waking up inforthe without to spend time applying your eyeliner, lipliner or that work;Imagine “I think it’s really important us tomorning options.

Dr Kam having Singh describes the results stay ahead of what is happening in the world of as ‘remarkable’ “I would highly recommend perfecting your eyebrows. All this can be easily achieved and those perfectly applied eyebrows beauty, whether its products or the machinery INTRAcel to those patients who would like to; striking eyes and lips will remain smudge free day and night. we use for things like facials or cellulite improve the texture of the skin to produce a reduction. I am so passionate about bringing smoother and younger appearance, reduce concepts that really work to our clients that I sagging, fine lines and wrinkles by tightening know they will really love, it is actually a bit of the skin, diminish large pores, stretch marks an addiction of mine and so important to me and small, red broken veins or to treat acne, that we discover things that will get results.” acne scars and scars .The results are often Am told us. “We were the first in the Midlands astounding!” to introduce Colon Hydrotherapy using the new Libbe system. This system is considered to be Currently the clinic offers an array of top of the Rolls Royce of colonics. It provides more the range treatments thanks to this modern privacy, dignity and efficacy than other methods, machinery that delivers what it says it will, all (and even celebrity favourite) Beau Aesthetica. whilst offering our clients a relaxing, safe and of which are perfect in getting your body party Whether it’s for some new brows, a lifting facial comfortable treatment. This system allows you ready. Why not opt for a cellulite reducer that or for a dermatology procedure by Dr Singh to have a sense of being in control during the really works and is ideal for showing off those their welcoming attitude is exactly the same; treatment allowing you to detox the mind, body legs in the perfect little black dress, or a semidelighted to see you and even more delighted to and soul.” Am told us. permanent makeup look that looks professional help you feel amazing! yet natural every time saving you time and effort The most recent treatment that Beau Aesthetica as you move from one party to the next! Or, Drop in or call for further information/free has to offer is The INTRAcel treatment. A high perhaps you feel your skin is crying out for one consultation: tech skin rejuvenation treatment that targets of their amazing non-surgical caci facials, to Beau Aesthetica Spa & Clinic collagen production to firm, smooth and tighten make up for that autumnal skin slump and later 17 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, your skin. The treatment is rather like a nonparty filled nights! Or to really shake of those Leicester LE2 2DA surgical facelift and can combat the signs of love handles go for the Vaser machinery that ageing, delaying the need for more intrusive takes off 2 inches of fat, and to get you feeling 0116 270 9141 facial surgery. It combines radio frequency in true health choose the colonic that provides a technology, micro-needling and fractional discrete and effective treatment for a more finely treatments, all in one simple procedure. tuned body…the list goes on!

Opening Hours:

✓ All consultations are FREE! ✓ Dr Based Clinic

✓ Colon Hydrotherapy

✓ Jan Marini Skin Rejuvenation ✓ Laser Lipolysis

✓ Lumps Bumps and Mole Removal ✓ Muscle Relaxing Injections ✓ Semi-Permanent Makeup ✓ Skin Fillers ✓ Skin Peels

Together, these technologies deliver impressive anti-ageing results without any of the downtime

So, to ensure you are party ready this year and feeling your best pay a visit to our favourite

For further information, please call 0116

10-6pm Tues, Weds, Fri 10-9pm Thursdays – Dr Singh is at Beau Aesthetica on this day.

10-4pm Saturdays

270 9141 or visit www.beauaesthetica.com

17 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2DA NICHE 43

Niche’s teeth get the Hollywood treatment!

Who doesn’t want a Hollywood Smile? You can tell when someone has had their teeth freshly whitened, they smile a bit broader and flash their pearly whites that little bit more! Leanne Baker, Head of Operations at Cross Productions has been smiling a bit wider lately thanks to Samantha Weafer who provides the latest teeth whitening service from the renowned Hollywood Whitening group. Hollywood Whitening uses a specially formulated whitening gel with top secret unique ingredients which leave your teeth whiter, brighter and shinier! The system is safer than its competitors too with reduced sensitivity and harsh processes.

Here’s Leanne’s verdict….

“I am so impressed firstly with the results! So many people have complimented me on my teeth, not only on their whiteness but also on their healthy shiny look and appeal! I am always on the look out for ways to get a brighter smile and so when I heard about Samantha’s service I was really keen to give it a try! Samantha was really friendly and professional and asked me a number of questions about what I wanted out of the treatment and the current sensitivity of my teeth, she also told me how to ensure the whitener lasted as long as possible which was very informative! The machine she used was very fancy and looked to be top quality. The process was really quick and my teeth felt fine throughout, even afterwards where I expected sensitivity it was surprising at how little the process affected my teeth. I have only got positive words to say about the process and for the price its really great value for money, especially when you compare to other teeth whitening services.

Definitely recommend!”

Samantha is fully trained to provide the teeth whitening services of Hollywood Whitening and will visit you in your home or welcome you to hers for a comfortable, relaxed treatment.

To find out more about the Hollywood Whitening system visit www.hollywoodwhitening.co.uk.

Samantha is your local rep, call her on 07940 091675 to book your appointment and get a Hollywood smile in time for the festive party season!

Nailtastic

Laser white teeth just under 1 hour

Professional Nail Care

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WHITE NOW! Instant brighter result guaranteed       

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100% safe Non invasive procedure Hollywood Whitening Qualified Long lasting for years No side effects Most effective results Most recognised system used Contact 07936545205 sammy.weafer@hotmail.co.uk

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Hollywood

Whitening™

Nail extentions, Pink & White, Glitter Full set, Shellac, Manicure, Pedicure.

0116 247 7267 81 Blaby Road, South Wigston, LE18 4PB

20% off when you quote Niche Valid until 15th November

Get yourself body beautiful for the festive season…

When it comes to pampering ourselves there is nothing more worthy of pampering than the festive season, full of parties and social events the festive season makes for the perfect excuse to put on our glad rags and give ourselves some treatments! So, how do you get party ready in time?

Have you been neglecting your skin care routine? Losing that glow that was there in the summer but seems to have disappeared along with the sun? In need of some serious waxing that you have managed to avoid all autumn? There is time! Fear not! Yes, there are certain things that are best done in advance, whether it’s getting fitter so that you radiate a healthier glow, or opting for treatments that require a few in the build-up, such as facials, a bit of beauty forward planning goes a long way. The other parts are a little easier and once you have picked out a few dresses in prep the general body maintenance in the build-up is actually quite enjoyable. Why not have a pamper night every Sunday evening in the run up, get out the face masks and scented candles and give your skin a treat in the run up to party season. Start booking those hair and beauty appointments, get your hair and body in tip top shape in time to party! Find a salon that makes you feel comfortable where the team love nothing more than seeing happy people leave the salon looking and feeling their best. Waxing, HD Brows, manicures and pedicures all go a long way in helping you feel your best and ready to party, the important thing to remember here is that you aren’t trying to transform yourself (we are sure you look fab as you are!) but that you simply give yourself some pampering extras which will make you feel your most radiant best!

So, what are you waiting for? Time is ticking and before you know it that work’s Christmas do will be here! Get yourself preened, pampered and party ready and enjoy!

Beauty From the outside in

Discover new skin….

Hands up who wants to look younger? We certainly do and with the discovery of the services by Lucy Yates at Nu You Skin Clinic UK

The New You Boutique Galvanic Spa Facials Maintain your youthfulness The natural alternative to Botox and filler This is the best non-invasive treatment available in the UK 07581 268145

Nu Skin®’s anti-ageing and firming serum gives you firmer and younger looking skin. ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra is designed to promote facial firming.

This advanced anti-ageing serum addresses the effects of time and gravity. As Nu Skin’s firming specialist, ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra battles sagging skin and helps contour your features – defining skin around eyes, neck, chin, mouth and jawline. With its main ingredients including Ethocyn®, clinically proven to improve the key components of firm skin and an antioxidant network based on coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamins A and E, which help protect the skin from free radicals, the product also contains our ageLOC proprietary blend, which targets the sources of the visible signs of ageing that lead to the loss of firmness.

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now we can! As part of a hugely successful and groundbreaking skin care company Nu Skin Lucy can offer you the very latest in anti-aging products and technologies. NU Skin has a wide and expanding range of astounding skin care systems which will help you to transform your looks. With vast scientific research and with Lucy’s extensive training you are in more than capable hands. Their ageLOC science provides staggering results with the research focusing on our genetic make up amd what makes our skin the way it is, as a result of over 30 years of research in this particular area Nu Skin provides skin care like no one else to restore and balance your skin and looks for good.

How, you might ask? With ageLOC technologies such as the Galvanic Body Spa and the Nu Skin Galvaic Spa System combined with the innovative ageLOC Transformation skin care range Lucy will provide your skin with these systems which will allow for a skin care treatment like no other. Niche Accounts Manager Emily Davison experienced the

system herself; “I was truly astounded by the results. I have had facials before but have never had anything like this! People keep commenting on how amazing my skin looks!”

Treatmeants are available in clinics throughout Leicestershire, or to

book your home visitn now, contact Lucy and take back the years from your skin call: 07581 268145.

Cosy up, relax and pamper at Eden Hall

As the days get shorter and the need to cosy up increases there is nothing like a relaxing day at a Spa to give you a new lease of life. Why not indulge in some time away from it all? Switch off the mobile, close the computer and take some much needed R&R. Eden Hall Spa provides this very opportunity. Nestled in acres of beautiful Nottinghamshire land Eden Hall is a beautiful listed mansion built in 1875 and provides a warm welcome to all its guests. First class facilities and dedicated friendly staff make it a place you will want to visit time and time again, whether by yourself, with friends or with family.

So, what can you expect from a visit to Eden? Well, to give our readers a true picture we took on the arduous task of visiting the spa ourselves! Cross Production’s Jenny Cross and Sally Smith were the chosen two, the opportunity to spend some quality sister time and have a well-earned break was something they truly enjoyed. Here’s our verdict….

“We both were in real need of some time out and having decided it was high time we pampered ourselves a little bit set off for Eden Hall. We honestly couldn’t have been more impressed! Our first impressions were that whilst it offered the grandeur you would want from a mansion for the day it was also warm and inviting with staff really keen to welcome us and make us feel at home for our stay. Brilliant start! We were talked through our treatment options and as we were visiting in September we could enjoy the Autumn Daze Package which included a wonderful massage using Thai Poultice and full use of the luxurious facilities which included the salt-water vitality swimming pool, water therapies, sauna, saunarium, rose infused steam room, herbal caldarium and plenty of chill out areas. Within this package option we also were told we could enjoy a three course lunch at the renowned Eden’s Seventh Heaven restaurant! Bliss…. After donning our robes we soon forgot about the stresses of everyday life and settled in for a wonderful day of rest, relaxation and pampering in this lovely spa. There is a wide choice in beauty treatments from nail care, facials and blissful pampering packages to alternative therapies and reflexology which can of course be added to your day too but we stuck to the package so that we had plenty of time to simply chill!

The massage was amazing and we felt like our stresses were melting away, the chance to relax in the excellent facilities meant we had a great opportunity to have some much needed sister time and our lunch provided the perfect chance to sample the wonderful menu that the Eden restaurant has to offer. Both of us really loved our day at the spa and left feeling as though we had really experienced what the spa had to offer and promptly set about discussing our next trip….” Sally Smith Comments.

Their next trip may very well be the Winter Chill Package. The Autumn Daze is available through till the end of October and the Winter Chill through November and December. The Winter Chill Package includes a massage incorporating relaxing and warming festive oils, full use of spa facilities, three course lunch and even a mulled wine and mince pie! …where do we sign up?!

Visit www.edenspa.co.uk or call 01636 525555 Lodge Lane Elston Village, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5PG info@edenhallspa.co.uk

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From muscle spasm to slipped discs and sciatica, our experts are here to help you.

Whether you have back pain or neck pain, we have non-invasive treatments to help you get your life back on track, including IDD Therapy for sciatica and slipped discs.

Sarah’s back pain story “My life was devastated by back pain and sciatica for two years. I couldn’t leave the house without help from my partner and I relied on my parents to help with the children and the normal daily chores. After IDD Therapy, I’m finally pain-free and have my family life back again.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the treatment has changed my life completely.” - Sarah P, Corby

The Mind Works for Niche

The Ashleigh Clinic 26 Stoneygate Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2AD Tel: 0116 270 7948

www.AshleighClinic.co.uk

Ever wanted to know what is going on inside your body?

Liver function, Kidney Function, Leaky Gut, Migraines?

Lilias has a proven track record. Ascertain the root cause, and bring wellness back into your life. Book an appointment today, London, Bristol or Somerset or a Skype session.

www.liliasahmeira.com 01460 66990 48

Panic attacks are on the increase, what that is down to no-one really knows. Could it be our ever increasing demanding lifestyles? Or, perhaps the result of a shock or bereavement?

Whatever it is that triggers panic attacks for the sufferer it can be debilitating, affecting everything from the relationships they have with others to their careers and all of it in between.

However, these panic attacks don’t need to take over, the good news is there are ways and means of getting the support you need to manage them, or, hopefully, get rid of them completely.

A member of our close knit Niche team recently came forward and confided that she had been experiencing these attacks, having plagued her a few years ago after a number of bereavements in the family due to various stressful situations they were back, with a vengeance. Niche’s go to hypnotherapist and psychotherapist Ian Woodley at The Mind Works had spoken to us before about how he can help those suffering with panic attacks and so, after introducing the two Ian was confident he could help our Niche team member too. “Panic attacks are all too common these days, I see so many people suffering with them when they needn’t, with the right ways and means we can get to the root cause and find a better outcome for the individual, an outcome where they are no longer a prisoner to these attacks.” Ian told us.

“From the minute I spoke to Ian I felt at ease, naturally I was initially nervous about addressing things but soon enough we started with a mixture of hypnotherapy Neuro Linguistic Programming, CBT, and general psychotherapy which was all tailored to my specific concerns and I felt fine.

Ian communicated so well everything that we would do and how it would help. After just a couple of sessions I felt so different, there is still a little way to go but so many of the methods we used are practical and are really starting to help me gain some control over the attacks. I can’t recommend The Mind Works enough; honestly there is really no need to suffer in silence.” Niche Team Member Comments.

Contact 0845 504 6477 to change your life for the better. www.the-mind-works.co.uk

Gain clarity and focus in your life…

Do you sometimes feel like you are out of sync with the world? A little more troubled by things than you feel is healthy? It can be hard to spot the whys and wherefores of feeling slightly out of step with life and tricky to know when to ask for help but one thing is for sure, if you do take that step then you certainly won’t need to go it alone.

This is where hypnotherapist and psychotherapist Ian Woodley comes in. Assisting you in weight loss, quitting smoking, managing IBS, to gain confidence and motivation, to improve your self-belief or to manage stress, anger, anxiety and phobias as well as virtually any other situations that may be giving you that nagging ‘out of sync feeling’ ; Ian provides a vital lifeline for those that simply don’t know where to turn. “So many of us experience difficulties in life, in fact it would be particularly strange if we didn’t have hurdles we need to overcome, or things happen to us that we can’t control, I just believe that if we are given the right tools we can find ways to make these things in life more manageable, to attack them with the right focus and stance means you can live a freer life from them, managing things with a much more level state of mind.” Ian explains.

In helping with these situations Ian is keen to help you to become the person you want to

be, to unlock specific thought patterns or past experiences that your mind may be using to hold you back, by unlocking these patterns and behaviours Ian is confident he can help you become free from the worry they bring; “No two people are the same so I treat no two patients the same, it’s an evolving relationship in that I work with you to establish what you need and then we both work together to achieve that specific goal. The human mind is a complex thing and whilst some issues can be resolved with just a few sessions much of the time it’s about clients taking away the different way of looking at the things that we cover in our sessions and applying them to their everyday life” Ian told us.

Ian’s desire to help others is further echoed in the affordability and accessibility of his sessions and he currently works from therapy rooms in Norwich and Great Yarmouth, in your home or over the telephone. “I want to encourage everybody who has any stumbling block in life, whether its weight issues, confidence issues or ongoing anxiety problems to realise that there is effective help out there and that they can break the chain. Of course, my therapy style might not be for everyone, but I’m very adaptable and have many styles of work and effective

tools to use, we can start with a no obligation free consultation and see where it goes!” Ian explained.

It’s not uncommon to feel out of sync in your life, it can feel like a juggling act for so many of us. But, the question is; why suffer when you needn’t? Hypnotherapy could change your life for the better….so, what have you got to lose?

Gain a new set of perspectives and shake off the things that are holding you back.

Ian is trained in the following areas and is always seeking further training: National Council of Hypnotherapy Society of Neuro Linguistic Programming National Register of Advanced Hypnotherapists

He is also registered with Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council 002453 -L10 Contact 0845 504 6477 to change your life for the better. www.the-mind-works.co.uk

NICHE 49

Christmas gifts for everyone Eek, time to get that Christmas shopping started! This year instead of dreading it we have decided to start early and really enjoy the process and with our guides on where to shop along with a few of our recommended gifts for those on your list that are a little tricky hopefully you will enjoy it all too!

Sass & Belle

Luxury er leicest ition compet

WIn! Tickets to see Sound of music at the curve theatre, an Over Night Stay at the ramada encore & a hair style & finish by moda greco!

We have an amazing Christmas package night out prize for one lucky reader this issue! You could win tickets to Sound of Music at the curve, an overnight stay at the Ramada and a haircut and style at Moda Greco in one lovely bundle, for Monday 8th December! Pretty good huh?

This Christmas, Leicester will come alive with The Sound of Music as Curve presents a brand new production of the much-loved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic from 28 Nov – 17 Jan 2015.

Originally a hit Broadway and West End musical, then followed by the beloved 1965 movie version, The Sound of Music remains one of the most popular musicals of all time. Set against the idyllic landscape of the Austrian Alps, this heart-warming tale based on a true story follows spirited young nun Maria and her relationship with the Von Trapp family. (www.curveonline.co.uk) For your chance to win answer the following question….complete this line from the popular musical that’s featured in this competition; The hills are alive with????

Send your name, contact details and answer with the subject ‘Christmas Prize’ to competitions@crossproductions.co.uk by the closing date of Friday 28th of November 2014.

NICHE 51

Christmas

Pollys

local leicester

For gifts and fashions that show you have put in that extra care, discover the wide range of luxurious fashionable goods at Polly’s.

Unique Christmas shopping in Leicester

Find the welcoming boutique at: No. 15 Francis Street

Leicester provides some great areas to get your Christmas shopping done and with so many of us struggling with ideas for gifts this year we thought we would tell you a little about some of the

Online: www.pollysonline.co.uk

shopping areas in Leicester that may have passed you by before…

The Silver Arcade has recently enjoyed a stunning facelift and is now home to some beautiful gift and clothing boutiques just perfect for picking up something different this year. We can only imagine how pretty it will look all decked out in Christmas lights this year!

Stoneygate Shopping is another area we love to do our Christmas shopping in, filled with lovely independent shops and great bars and coffee houses it’s a great festive stress free location to tick off that Christmas list! Oh and look out for their Christmas Market in December too!

The Ramada Encore Leicester is the City’s newest Hotel and is situated in the heart of the city in the Cultural Quarter.

The Hotel is ideal for both your Business, Leisure and shopping trips alike.

Stay with us and Enjoy Leicester’s Highcross Centre, Silver Arcade and the Lanes.

The Hotel has 115 stylish bedrooms, all with Digital TV’s, Free Internet and WiFi, Comfy Furnishings and modern Wet Room Bathrooms.

Double, Twin, Family and fully accessible rooms Available.

Our contemporary Bar and Hub is open to both Residents and the public alike.

Enjoy a Costa Coffee, dine from our All Day Menu or sample some cocktails, beers or wines in the comfort of our Hub. We have 2 high tech meeting rooms with Plasma screen technology, comfy seating and modern furniture.

Ideal for meetings from 5 to 60 Delegates.

Competitive rates are available for accommodation or meeting room bookings.

To contact the Hotel, call 0116 366 0150 or email sales@encoreleicester.com

Ramada Encore Leicester

52

@EncoreLeicester

90 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1GE Tel: 0116 366 0150 www.ramada-encore.com

Open 8.30am-5.50pm Mon-Sat

Newmans

Good honest food in the heart of Leicester A visit to Newmans means quick service, fresh, delicious homemade food; all day menu, a friendly welcome and a warm atmosphere, what more could you want?

An independent restaurant in the heart of Leicester’s thriving city centre, Newmans is the ideal location to have a stop for a coffee or hot chocolate with a lovely homemade mince pie to top off your Christmas shopping!

3 3 M a r k e t S t r e e t , L e i c e s t e r, L E 1 6 D N

0116 2542090

New Harborough Market

Now open 6 days a week Tuesday to Sunday!

Harborough Market has been situated at the heart

books, to jewellery, to ladies fashion, to memorabilia,

afternoon tea or perhaps the Sushi or Dim Sum might

of the town since 1204, and is an integral part of

so shoppers should regularly nip in as they can find

take your fancy if you are feeling more adventurous!

Harborough life.

something different each time they come!

Harborough itself is a pretty, bustling, traditional

A vintage and retro market has been introduced on a

all your shopping, whether it be for local speciality

market town, and while the market does offer a

Wednesday and a craft market on a Thursday which

cheeses, exotic shellfish, good quality, locally sourced

traditional market experience with stalls such as a

is a great opportunity for local crafters and artists to

meat, beautiful celebration cakes, or a unique craft

butcher, cheesemonger, greengrocer, jeweller, hat stall

showcase their products. Both weekly events are well

item. There is a great atmosphere, brilliant stalls and

etc, they sit alongside a Spanish Deli, a Sushi stall, a

worth a visit on the run up to Christmas if you are

most importantly knowledgeable and expert traders

juice bar, a Dim Sum stall and a fish and chip shop!

looking for unique and affordable gifts. We have some

who can advise you on your purchase.

Harborough Market is a fabulous place to come for

gorgeous handmade jewellery, blankets, frames, home Harborough District Council recently invested

ware etc that would make an ideal Christmas gift.

ÂŁ480,000 to refurbish the market, which re-opened

Harborough Market is open 8am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 9am to 3pm for the popular antiques

to great acclaim in April 2014. There are now 43 fixed

We also hold an antiques market on a Sunday which is

unit stalls (17 in the food hall) and up to 30 pop up

a great way to spend a Sunday morning, browsing the

stalls all offering good quality goods and services all

antiques and collectables, looking for something special.

under one roof. The great thing about the pop up

market on Sunday.

Anyone interested in trading at the market please call 01858 465 206.

stalls is that you never know what is going to be there

At the heart of the market there is a fabulous central

each week. Pop up stalls can offer everything from

cafĂŠ with seating, which caters for breakfast, lunch and

www.harboroughmarket.co.uk Harborough Market

@HarbMarket

Tel 01858 465 206 for enquiries NICHE 11

Don’t have one for the road…

This Christmas there will inevitably be times you will go out and let your hair down, often this will include a tipple or two. If this is the case then drink responsibly and don’t drive! By drinking and driving, you risk your life, those of your passengers and others on the road. Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. You risk

There are strict alcohol limits for UK drivers: 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, 107 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine. However it is not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit. The way alcohol affects you depends on, your weight, age, sex and metabolism (the rate your body uses energy), the type and amount of alcohol you’re drinking, what you’ve eaten recently and your stress levels at the time.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists calculate that a drink drive conviction could cost between £20,000 - £50,000 as a result of fines, solicitors fees, increase in car insurance and loss of job.

Beware the morning after You could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it's the 'morning after'.

Sleep, coffee and cold showers don't help to sober you up - time is the only way to get alcohol out of your systemOpens new window

There is no excuse for drink driving "I can handle my drink." -Alcohol affects everybody's driving for the worse. It creates a feeling of overconfidence, makes judging distance and speed more difficult and slows your reactions so it takes longer to stop "I'm only going down the road." - A large proportion of all drink drive crashes occur within three miles of the start of the journey.

If you're planning to drink alcohol, plan how to get home without driving

a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum

Options include agreeing on a designated driver, saving a taxi number to your phone, or finding out about public transport routes and times before you go out.

12-month driving ban and a criminal

Don't accept a lift from a driver you know has drunk alcohol

record.

So if you’re driving, it’s better to have none for the road. Call a taxi, even better book it in advance! www.think.direct.gov.uk/drink-driving

Queens Cars 24hour local taxi service

Fast..reliable..affordable Ten eight-seaters / Seven six-seaters Wheelchair friendly cars & car seats available on request Party Mini-bus available All drivers CRB checked and NVQ qualified

Local - Airports - Business - Contract Airports from: East Midlands Airport Birmingham Airport Stansted Airport

Car/Bus £25/£35 £38/£50 £95/ £125

QUEENS

QUEENS

0116 271 2828 54

0116 270 1300

Julie Williamson Design Brighten your home with Julie Williamson Designs We were recently struck by the unique and intricate homeware designs from a Textile Designer and Maker living and working in her home in the Shetland Islands has been quietly but surely making waves in the interior products, accessories and unique gifts sector.

Julie Williamson creates stunning hand and screen printed design work which draws on the rich heritage and culture of her Shetland homeland. Julie's natural world and storytelling influences can be seen within every design.

Julie’s designs will brighten up any aspect of your home; from cushions and canvases to lightshades and notebooks her designs are bold and interesting, they tell a story and create a gorgeous interior design. Her influence as a maker comes from her home, its local imagery, wildlife and folk-lore stories; “I initially started to bring these images through in my work whilst I was studying away from home, they helped me feel a little closer to it! Now, these influences seep in from my life here in the Shetlands. The Toile De Jouy scenes in particular are a huge influence, I love that they tell a story or a memory in each scene and that by printing them they can carry on.�

Julie told us.

WIN to sp ÂŁ50 e onli nd ne!

Simply visit the website competition page, enter your email address to sign up to their newsletter and you will automatically be entered into a prize draw. Three lucky winners will be chosen at random to win ÂŁ50 gift vouchers to spend online.

Julie's work is perfect for giving your home that loved finished look or even as a gift to a loved one. Each item in the collection is handmade, usually in its entirety by Julie.

Competition ends 31st October. Winners will be contacted by 7th November.

Purchase online at: www.juliewilliamsondesigns.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulieWilliamsonDesigns

www.sassandbelle.co.uk

LOVINGLY HANDCRAFTED

Amor et PsychĂŠ was started by chandler Lex Lane. With inspirations from her travels and reading her scented products have been made to enhance and enchant every room.

Each candle has an individual name which carries a story. There is Jasmine which is named Icarus after the boy with wings made of wax who flew too <PM UWUMV\ aW] TQOP\ IV )UWZ M\ 8[aKPu KIVLTM Q\[ Ă&#x2020;IUM SQ[[M[ \PM ZWWU IVL I_ISMV[ Q\ NZWU Q\[ [TMMX close to the sun. There is Orange Blossom and Magnolia named Ovid <MT" !

IUWZM\X[aKPM KW ]S called so after the great Roman poet and philosopher who's work has been studied for two thousand years. Ovid has been bought by Lady GaGa and Christina Aguilera and is also a very popular scent for men.

Songbird is a candle made for Katherine Jenkins and she chose the delicate and feminine ingredients of berries and roses.

Natural, lasting luxury, using traditional skills. Mandoux

collaborates with artisans from around the world, to design

and create by hand unique gifts which will be the treasures of the future.

Tel: 01225338028

Email:mail@mandoux.co.uk

www.mandoux.co.uk

Lex created her perfume Cupid in Grasse. Cupid is as floral and feminine as a perfume could be and is worn by ladies all over the world. Amor et PsychĂŠ are soon releasing a range of reed diffusers and perfumes to match all the candles in time for Christmas.

Whether bought as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone special, Amor et PsychĂŠ is something to experience.

01494 611 306 amoretpsyche.co.uk NICHE 55

Christmas

Gifts for mum & dad

sloggi

Caralicious is a blend of natural caramel and finest vodka, and although originally designed to be an after dinner liqueur, it has proven to be extremely versatile. £20.00 www.fabulousvodka.co.uk

Our comfortable everyday stripy socks come in a range of three exciting colour combinations.

They are hardwearing and make ideal and very welcome gifts for both men and women. £12.00 per pair www.charltonalpacas.com

Start Hipsters Twin Pack £18 from www.justsloggi.co.uk

Ragdale Hall Gift Vouchers Choose from spa day, spa break or monetary vouchers, select one of our beautifully designed Christmas gift packages. www.ragdalehall.co.uk

The Ted Baker Purse Spray Gift Set is priced at £15 and available from September in selected Ted Baker stores, Debenhams, Superdrug and Very.co.uk

Feel revived each morning with KitSound’s new DAB alarm clock £40.00 Available in most high street and online retailers, like Amazon.

Codorníu Reina Maria Cristina Blanc de Noirs Reserva 2010 Spoil mums with bubbles this Christmas! - Available at Ma jestic and Sainsbury’s RRP £14.99

The Bluebeards Revenge “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor Slice through stubble the Bluebeards way with this truly stunning, bespoke double edge safety razor! Price £34.99 www.shaving-shack.com

The Voombox Travel is a palm sized, portable, water resistant, Bluetooth speaker designed specifically for outdoor lovers. £49.99 www.divoom.com

Mini Scented Candles Gift Set from Orla Kiely. Priced £26 each and available at John Lewis, Fenwicks, independent department stores, gift shops and online at orlakiely.com

Uplift in-ear headphones made with earth-friendly materials, Uplift is comfortable, slick, and composed of recyclable aluminum- £29.99 www.thehouseofmarley.co.uk

Greenlight Planet - Sun King Mobile - revolutionary solar lamp from the charity initiative SolarAid £30 www.solar-aid.org/eco-gift-shop

The Dark Chocolate Collection For chocolate fans that prefer the darker side, treat them to Green & Black’s Dark Chocolate Collection which includes some of the Green & Black’s favourites.

RRP £5.49 from stores nationwide

Quest ColourGen Retro Radiooffering award winning sound quality and packed full of innovative functionality including DAB+ and Apple device docking £99 www.viewquest.co.uk

TANITA PD-724 Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or simply getting started on a new routine, the Tanita product range has something for everyone £33.68, TANITA.EU

The Imperial Oak range has been designed with a modern clean contemporary look from 100% solid American White oak with a light oak oiled finish. £495.00 www.charliespineandoak.co.uk

GolfBuddy VS4 - it’s a talking gps device that gives golfers distances to the green. The VS4 is really small (the width of a golf ball) and can be worn as a watch, or on a belt clip or retractable cord. RRP is £159.95.

Wasgij Christmas 10: Mystery Shopper (2 x 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles) RRP £19.99 available to buy from Argos, Tesco and Amazon.

Edna Valley Vineyard 2012 Central Coast Pinot Noir - the perfect gift for foodie dads.

Available at Ma jestic RRP £12.99

Trion:Z DUO-LOOP Whether you’re looking to improve your health and wellbeing, banish daily aches and pains or improve your fitness performance; Trion:Z is the number one sports health bracelet. £19.99, TRION:Z.COM

56

Thule Atmos X3 iPhone® 5c Case Extreme drop-proof protection for an iPhone® expertly engineered into an ultra slim case.

Thule Gauntlet iPad® Air Case For those living “on-the-go”, a protective, slim-profiled iPad® Air folio.

Unlock the future to a younger looking you with the ageLOC® EDITION NU SKIN GALVANIC SPA SYSTEM. £300 normal RRP £365.

Can be purchased at Rebecca ann hair studio 1487 Melton Road, Quienborough or Lucy Yates at 07581268145

Charcoal Grey Velvet Evening Shrug £85 from www.wonderfulwraps.com

Songbird - Wild Berries & Roses Candle. A distinctive blend of sweet wild berries and freshly cut roses, Songbird symbolises protection, poetry and love.

50+ hour burning time. £30 amoretpsyche.co.uk

Rosa Faia - Malia. RRP: £60 Matching briefs – Thong/Brief/HW Brief £26. Sizes 32-42 B-G www.figleaves.com

Wooden bumble bee earrings.

Hypoallergenic surgical steel (nickel free) earring posts which are safe for sensitive ears and do not tarnish. £9.50 www.itchgallery.co.uk

Marion Owl Cushion - With pretty blue floral patterned fabrics in a patchwork effect, and brown eyebrows, Marion has black buttons for eyes. £16.25 from www.sassandbelle.co.uk

Stunning table lamps made using reclaimed oak beams, with handmade shades. £110 from www.tiffanyjayne.co.uk

Fleur Lavender Wheat Warmer - the perfect alternative to a hot water bottle, simple heat for 1minute in the microwave for long lasting warmth, perfect for aches and pains or chilly nights. £14.95 www.lsinteriorsstore.co.uk

Six Fancies Gift Box - Indulge in a little sweet-scented luxury with these delightful Patisserie de Bain bath fancies. Inspired by the traditional French patisserie & handmade in Yorkshire. £15.00 www.beautynaturals.com

Kneipp Herbal Bath Collection Kneipp’s best selling Herbal Bath remedies and Aroma-Baths. £8.95 from www.beautynaturals.com

HE ALL-IN-ONE MOISTURISING FACIAL RESCUE - help regenerate, plump, reduce wrinkles, revitalise and lift. £55.00 from www.rhodestoheaven.com

Two Birds Spirits - A classic London Dry Gin, bursting full of juniper & citrus notes & to finish, the tightly-guarded secret ingredient which creates its unique flavour. From £28 for 70cl bottle www.twobirdsspirits.co.uk

ElectrIQ Frozen Fruit Healthy Ice Cream Maker - Create guilt free mouth-watering desserts made from 100% fruit that are fat-free and dairy-free. £29.98 from www.appliancesdirect.co.uk

Mini Hot Water bottles 500ml

Coole Swan - a carefully crafted blend of Single Malt Irish Whiskey; White Belgian Chocolate and Fresh Dairy Cream.

Available at John Lewis stores nationwide, RRP £22 for a 750 ml bottle. Take Lunch on the Wild

The Thule RideAlong child bike seat is the most innovative child bike seat on the market.

It’s easy to use for the parent, and safe and comfortable for the child. £120 available from all leading car accessory and leisure outlets, including Halfords

Between You & I’s new Forever Note - a one of a kind wallet card insert that carries a personalised engraving so you can take even the most sentimental words and pictures with you wherever you go. £9.00 from www.betweenyouandi.co.uk

Refreshingly Breakfast PHOM Loose Leaf Tea - Blac tea, made only with the fullest leaves. £4.95 (50g) www.phom.co.uk

Covered in gorgeously soft and cosy hand woven alpaca. £15 from www.mandoux.co.uk

NICHE 57

1.

3.

Summer has hardly left us and the nights just beginning to draw in and already our thoughts are turning to - dare I say it? - Christmas!

2.

The festive season is just around the corner and with a little forward planning you can turn your home into a luxurious cosy retreat from the frosty winds outside. Think soft, snugly fabrics like chenille, velvet or a rich faux fur, sheepskin rugs underfoot, squishy cushions and sofas to sink into, feathery duvets and downy pillows for a top class night’s sleep, cosy candlelight shimmering in silvery mirrors and golden ornaments.. . need I go on?

4.

All of the above can be combined to create to ultimate festive hideaway, without having to resort to feeling like you’re living in Santa’s Grotto for a month! If your home is a safe space in a season of hectic gift buying and endless parties and playdates, then you will afford yourself a slice of peace in the season of

5.

goodwill.

Check out my product picks for some ideas on how to achieve a cosy Christmas refuge in your home and remember to above all, try to relax when possible and enjoy yourself for after all, it

1. Graham & Green - Angel Wing Trays, From £18 (3 sizes) www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks “These would be perfect for serving your Christmas nibbles on for an oh-so-sophisticated festive party.”

2. Headboards By Design - Inoa Headboard, From £245 (standard double size) www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks “There is no better way to get that boutique hotel vibe in your own home than by installing an oversize headboard. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in your own boutique retreat. Heaven!”

only comes but once a year.

3. John Lewis - New England Patchwork Bedspread - £150 www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks “Craftwork and homemade items are very popular so this festive and cheery patchwork throw really hits the spot. Perfect for snuggling under on the sofa with your loved ones to watch a Christmas movie with a mince pie or two.”

Merry Christmas one and all!

4. Cox & Cox - Supersoft Polar Bear Bean Bag, From £295 www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks “Great for lounging, especially for kids both big and small, these, extra large and super soft faux fur bean bags are luxurious and comfortable, the ideal spot for flaking out on after a hard day of unwrapping presents!

Samantha x 58

5. Not On The High Street - Snowy Trees Self Adhesive Wallpaper Mural, £43 www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com/hotpicks “Bring the outdoors in with this gorgeous wintery snowscape. It is easily applied, quickly removed and simply reused each year making this the ultimate decoration!”

Join us for a country Christmas!

Here in Leicestershire and indeed the midlands we have some beautiful countryside that even in the coldest of months provides stunning scenery and opportunities for brisk country walks. This Christmas we have decided to embrace our countryside more than ever and are venturing into the towns and villages of Leicestershire to seek out a more countrified Christmas. We are thinking independent shops, Christmas craft fairs and country finds that help to create a cosy traditional Christmas.

We kicked our country Christmas off with a visit to the brilliant, annual, Burghley Horse Trials brought to us by Land Rover. Not just a horse trial event the day provides a whole host of country shopping opportunities with hundreds of stalls where you can purchase unique Christmas gifts…. we were in our element! There was everything from rugs to kitchen ware, chocolates and everything in between! Whilst some people may feel that September is a little early to get into the Christmas shopping we were thrilled to get started and get so many ticked off our list already! Look out for the ticket release for next year’s event to take place on the 3-6th September 2015. www.burghley-horse.co.uk Our country Christmas will also include country décor, we are thinking simple designs using holly, ivy and mistletoe with handmade décor finds at local Christmas fairs, something more rustic and pared back this year which also allows us to support our local retailers and makers. Then there is the all-important country Christmas feast! With so many great local farms and farmers markets in the county we can’t wait to seek out the very best in meat, vegetables, cheeses and chutneys that can be found in the amazing farm shops we have throughout the area! Plus, if you are after some local Christmas tipple to celebrate this year seek out the local brewers we have selling local real ale, not only does it taste good but it makes for a fab Christmas gift for the men on your list too!

So, this Christmas why not join us in our country Christmas mission and seek out local gifts and local food to not only support your local community but also offer up something a little realer this Christmas too!

NICHE 59

Itch Gallery for unique gifts this Christmas Discovering unique, well crafted, individual gifts for those you love this Christmas just got a whole lot easier…

www.lsinteriorsstore.co.uk lsinteriors@live.co.uk 07447 628186

Itch Gallery, an independently run treasure trove full of wonderful hand-made things for you and your friends is based in the heart of Rutland, Oakham. Owner and ceramicist Jenny Creasey took over the gallery in 2012, with a desire to bring you eclectic ranges of affordable contemporary art, craft and design from the most talented British artists and makers.

The collections are ever evolving with something for everyone.

There is an emphasis on being a change from the mass production of the high street with a warm welcome, personal touch and a smile to your shopping experience; “We are an enthusiastic bunch and love when we get to see so many regular and new customers enjoy the work of our talented artists and makers. I love the fact that we get to help on two levels; one that we get to showcase some of the UK’s most exciting work and two that customers get so much joy from purchasing it!” Jenny told us.

Jenny was born and raised in Rutland and studied Design Craft at De Montfort University, graduating in 2009 and remaining their artist in resident until 2010. The gallery is somewhat of a dream come true for Jenny and is the culmination of a lot of hard yet rewarding work; “The gallery is open to all, whether you want to browse and take in some lovely designs or tick off the whole of your Christmas shopping list, pop in and see us!”

Jenny enthused.

Though the gallery sells lots of original art and prints, you can also find lots of adorable and affordable gifts including cards, jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles and so much more with something for every taste.

www.itchgallery.co.uk Handmade & unique products, each offering something a little bit special that you won’t find anywhere else.

www.tiffanyjayne.co.uk 01692538104

60

tiffy@tiffanyjayne.co.uk

ITCH GALLERY 17A MILL STREET OAKHAM RUTLAND LE15 6EA TEL: 01572 755333

Original Paintings - Sculpture - Hand Made Jewellery - Ceramics & Glass - Textiles - Cards & Gifts

Itch Gallery is a vibrant little gallery in the heart of Rutland, run by award winning business woman and ceramicist, Jenny Creasey. Itch Gallery brings you the very best in contemporary British art and craft - expect a refreshing change from the mass production of the high street and personal service with a smile to match.

Visit our online shop: itchgallery.co.uk

www.itchgallery.co.uk info@itchgallery.co.uk 01572 755333

OPEN: mon - SAT 10AM-5PM

17a Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6EA NICHE 61

Christmas

gifts for him & her

These gorgeous bed socks have loose tops and are equally at home ensuring cosy feet in bed or for slopping around the house.

Go on, give your feet a treat. £13.00 per pair from www.charltonalpacas.com

This Christmas Fonseca Guimaraens is offering a 1998 Vintage Port in a bespoke wooden box in Waitrose at just £27.99

Stay Cool with the world’s only shaver featuring Active Cooling Technology is £199.99 available at boots.com

The Tanqueray Collection offers gin enthusiasts a range of flavours in a handy gin & tonic tasting kit. £110.00 www.alexanderandjames.com

The Contented Chocoholic’s Hamper £15 from www.whittard.co.uk

Stylish Water-Resistant Tweed for Autumn from Craghoppers. the men’s Bowshaw offer country tweed styling coupled with essential water-resistant and windproof protection to battle the elements this autumn. Available in sizes S-XXL in Black. £100

Green & Black’s Connoisseur Collection provides a selection of our favourite chocolate bars alongside tasting notes, outlining which dessert wine, port, sherry or spirit compliments each bar. £17.99 from stores nationwide.

The new and award-winning allin-one home security, monitoring and automation device enables you to stay connected to your home when you’re away. £119 www.getpiper.com

Taylor Striped Tie £12 www.mykindoftie.com

Alvin Blue Striped & Antoine Blue Check Bow ties. £12 from www.mykindoftie.com

Minimum hat £25 www.minimum.dk.

Botanical Print Pendant - Pretty duck egg blue and white heart pendant with botanical print detail. £22.50 including gift box. www.itchgallery.co.uk

Minimum Scarf £55 www.minimum.dk.

The T-shirt is £30 and available on www.minimum.dk.

Paperblanks dayplanners are available in either week-at-a-time or day-at-a-time format.

From £11.99 from www.paperblanks.com

Ladies Edingale jackets - Stylish Water-Resistant Tweed for Autumn from Craghoppers. With a longer feminine cut available in sizes 8-20 in Dark Mushroom and Charcoal. £100

The Tasting Collection presented with a series of delicious, inspirational recipe cards this is the perfect gift for any chocolate fan. £10.99 from stores nationwide or www. greenandblacksdirect.com

Dead Sea body scrub with Frankincense oil. Rub a dub with Malki Dead Sea body scrub and say goodbye to dull dry skin. £6.85 from Boots

Bring a burst of paradise to your shower this Christmas with Radox Fresh & Fruity Shower Duo Gift Pack. Available from Asda, Ocado, Wilkinson, Tesco, Superdrug & more. RRP £6.00

Indulge this Christmas with Radox Relaxation Therapy Gift Pack. Available from Asda, Ocado, Wilkinson, Tesco, Superdrug & more. RRP £7.50

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Pampered pets When it comes to our pets it’s safe to say that they get a fair amount of pampering, so make sure your pet doesn’t feel left out this Christmas with our top gifts!

The unique Igloo 2-in-1 cat loo and carrier.

Including five specially moulded eco-friendly disposable liners to contain your cat’s preferred choice of litter.

Beano Dog Ball Bag or Dog Treat Bag Brilliantly designed to hold and carry wet and messy things you’d rather not handle yourself!

Pretty Pet Bling House - The dome shape is lined with foam which is soft and lightweight yet strong enough to keep its shape.

£15 from www.poppyandrufus.co.uk

£75.99 from www.anypaw.com

£38 from www.igloopets.com

Igloo Pets are suppliers of unique pet products and accessories. The clever and attractive Igloo is a combined litter tray and carrier which will look great in any home but is also useful as a carrier for trips to the vet by simply removing the privacy plate and locking down the door, as cats are used to using the litter tray they are happy to travel in it as a carrier.

Try the new Ice fresh Deodoriser! It rapidly neutralizes or eliminates malodours but using friendly microbes and biological stimulants. No masking agents or hazardous chemical oxidizers are used, and it’s suitable for bedding, carpets, fabrics and hard surfaces! Brilliant!

www.igloopets.com 02392 474 676 enquiries@igloopets.com

NICHE 63

1467 taupe Parakeet This universal shopper bag will make a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe all year round. It features a bright coloured interior with internal zipped pocket and mobile phone pouch. Available in taupe, black, red, blue and ochre, £75.

1514 silver Evening Bag With plenty of large crystals, this sparkly silver clutch is perfect for the festive season, weddings and celebrations. It’s roomy enough for your essentials and fastens with a chunky silver bar fitting. £49.

1490 green Warbler 1495 brown Wren A true design classic, the Wren tote is made of high quality faux leather with a stylish mock croc pattern, gold coloured buckles and studs, and a handy removable strap.

Available in brown, black and ochre, £79.

The Warbler grab bag, complete with carry strap, takes its fashion style stakes straight from the Autumn/Winter catwalk with its beautiful stitched detailing and zip flourishes.

Available in green, taupe and black, £69.

www.cellinileicester.co.uk

esign t Brit a re

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ed in ain

The Winter Chill is upon us and the countdown to Christmas has begun. It is now time to celebrate the Festive season with the fantastic range of knitted novel British made Christmas jumpers available from www.BritishChristmasJumpers.com

Christmas is just around the corner If you are stuck for what to give this year, let your fingers take you to www.ever-so-sexy.com for quality and luxury lingerie.

Shop early for the made to order and made to measure styles from top designers such as Sonata Rapalyte, Jane Woolrich, Diane Rubach & Liliana Casanova. Or browse the late gifts section if you have left shopping to the last minute.

Shopping from home cuts the hassle out of buying lingerie. You have a world of choice at your fingertips. Shop at the time you choose and sit back for the delivery.

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15% off for all NICHE readers using code : NICHE15 www.britishchristmasjumpers.com Email : xmas@britishchristmasjumpers.com Telephone: 0845 299 6501

Afternoon Tea

&

Luxury Handbags;

A Match Made In Heaven

A chance to network over either afternoon tea or early evening canapés is usually of interest but

add in an exclusive sneak peak and introduction to what is one of the most exclusive up-and-coming handbag brands in the UK today and Leicestershire’s ladies turned out in force.

Caroline Jackson of Liz Cox and Sally Longden of Stick & Ribbon boutique, the only stockists

of Liz Cox handbags in the Midlands, came over to Leicestershire to show a capsule collection of handbags and Autumn / Winter clothing, whilst introducing the brand and the boutique.

Caroline Jackson commented on the event saying, “It’s always good to introduce the brand to a new audience and working with and supporting Sally is an absolute pleasure. We made some

good sales today too which is always nice! We are both really grateful to Rachel of RDZ PR who organised the entire event. She’s a good chum of mine and is a big supporter of what we are doing.”

Liz Cox is a truly British Collection, made in Bath and unique among luxury fashion labels for being 100% Made in England.

Adds Sally Longden, “At Stick & Ribbon we have one simple aim in life and that is for our

customers to love the clothes they wear, feel confident in them and look attractive and stylish. It

sounds simple but so many people tell us that they find it increasingly difficult to find clothes that

do just that. So, we have done the hard work for them and pulled together a range that is flexible,

fun and stylish. When we heard about Liz Cox and saw their quality and designs I knew we had to

stock them. Working with Caroline has just been the added bonus because what she doesn’t know about business, retail and fashion really isn’t worth knowing.”

Further events are planned for 2015. To register your interest in attending please contact Rachel. hargrave@rdz-pr.co.uk

Evoke boutique inspires women

to feel confident in what they wear, they should feel classy, feminine and elegant and we at evoke boutique hand pick our range to ensure we offer the latest trends and upcoming looks.

We class ourselves as a boutique as we are a small on-line outlet specialising in creating unique dresses for every occasion like you can browse on our online shop Maxi dresses, party dresses, Evening dresses, Day dresses, Patterned tights, Womens Skirts and Ladies Leggings.

HANDMADE IN THE SHETLAND ISLANDS

www.evokeboutique.co.uk

shetlandfudge.co.uk

01162 612670

HANDMADE IN THE SHETLAND ISLANDS Visit the new organics range at the etsy shop:

loveshetlandteddybears.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShetlandTeddyBearCo NICHE 65

Christmas for the boys….

It’s notoriously difficult to get a gift for the man in your life, whether you are looking for a gift for their birthday, Christmas, valentines or simply to show you care. Trying to think of something that bit different that they don’t already have to unwrap this Christmas is no easy task! Looking for a piece of clothing or accessory that they will actually wear and love all proves pretty tricky and sometimes we are left opting for the fail safe socks, pants, or funny anecdote book! But, this year we don’t just want to tick it off the list and forget about it, we want to treat the men in our lives to something we know they will love! For this to happen we have decided to ask them early what they want this year to avoid that last minute dash and resort. Listen out for the hints and tips that you can pick up along the way, also, crucially ban them from buying anything for themselves over the coming weeks in case they buy the very thing for themselves that you had in mind. We bet he has a hobby?

Whether its football, fishing, cycling or bowling there has to be something he fills his free time with?

A gift associated with these might be a good idea, that is only of course if you are happy to indulge him in his hobby rather than phase the thing out! If you really can’t dream up a gift, why not opt for something they can do? An experience or meal out, cinema or footie tickets are usually good options for the man that claims he doesn’t want anything!

With this all-too-common dilemma in mind we have picked out a few fail safe options for you with our Men’s gift guide so that you need not worry and ponder any longer over what to get the man in your life. These companies and gift saviours mean that shopping for the man in your life needn’t be the chore it once was….

Learn a Language Together This Christmas season Rosetta Stone wants you to experience the joy of a new language with your loved one.

The unique platform and technology offers a different way to study languages making it fun for children, parents or couples to learn together.

Forget the tedious grammar drills and endless translation exercises, the online courses are designed to make you think in the new language from the very beginning. Its pioneering use of interactive software accelerates learning, so that you can take part in conversations in your new language after only 6 months.

There are online courses in more than 24 languages, from the most commonly spoken (such as English, Spanish and Mandarin) to the less prominent (including Irish, Swedish and Tagalog), offering you the opportunity to learn on-the-go across all of your devices and syncing your progress along the way. Rosetta Stone makes learning fun with interactive games and live online tutoring, bringing a new experience of language learning at every level.

A six-month online subscription for Rosetta Stone is £150 and includes live sessions with native speaking tutors, access to an exclusive online language-learning community as well as mobile apps for tablet and smartphone. To give the gift of a language this Christmas, visit: http://www.rosettastone.co.uk/.

Alpaca Socks Give warmth with love this Christmas Luxurious home grown alpaca socks in an exciting range of colours. Contrast, stripy and boot socks, walking, shooting and cosy bed socks, all made in Britain incorporating the finest fleeces from our herd of beautiful alpacas. Manufactured exclusively for Charlton Alpacas by J Alex Swift Ltd of Hathern. Prices from £12.00 per pair. www.charltonalpacas.com

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Bluebeards launch the world’s most luxurious double edge razor Slice through stubble the Bluebeards way with the truly stunning, precision engineered ‘Scimitar’ double edge safety razor.

The Bluebeards Revenge ‘Scimitar’ is a prime example of the brand’s modern and whimsical designs. Immediately noticeable is the skull and crossbones Bluebeards Revenge logo laser etched onto the top plate of the cutting head. This ups the "cool factor" because it is masculine and unconventional, but presented in an upscale way.

Unlike many of the double edge razors on the market that are very utilitarian in appearance with coarse knurling patterned handles, the ‘Scimitar’ features smoother lines and a classy overall appearance. The handle texture has evenly spaced horizontal lines that provide a bit of texture to the grip surface, but maintains a smooth feel and gives the razor and attractive appearance.

AVAILABLE IN TWO SHADES OF GREY

justsloggi.co.uk or call 01332 811 732

SWIMWEAR CLEARENCE Less than cost

The chrome plating is evenly applied and smooth with no areas of unevenness or imperfections to be found anywhere.

The Bluebeards Revenge ‘Scimitar’, which weighs 67g and has a total length of 9.5cm, comes with a price tag of £34.99.

Save money by changing your shaving habits. Even though the upfront costs of a traditional safety razor are higher than its plastic counterpart, the savings come with the blade refills, which can cost less than 25p a pop. Replacement double edge blades are available to buy at the majority of high street supermarkets and pharmacies.

men

www.shaving-shack.com

Triumph_Sloggi_Shades of Grey_Holiday BodyAd.indd 1

09/05/2014 17:0

FASHION IS TEMPORARY POWER DRESSING IS PERMANENT

julien trivedi 38A Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6QJ 0116 255 0997

jt@julientrivedi.com

www.julientrivedi.com NICHE 67

Christmas

gifts for kids

A fusion of badminton and street football, UKick is an active, interactive game which improves your hand-eye coordination.

Available from Toys ‘R’ Us, Amazon, Harrods, Hamleys, Debenhams and Cotswolds Outdoor. RRP £7.99

Magnetic Songwriters Kit are a slightly different take on fridge magnet word tiles. Containing 320 magnetic word tiles, these kits are available in six popular genres!

RRP £6.99 www.thatcompanycalledif.com

Children’s Spring Flower Printed Tights. Available in sizes 6-8 or 9-11 years. £5.99 from www.pamelamann.co.uk

Wrap up to Music this winter with KitSound’s new Audio Earmuffs!

RRP: £19.99 KitSound products are available in most high street and online retailers, like Amazon.

Wrap up warm for winter with KitSound’s new Audio Beanies!

A stylish, warm beanie with headphones that connect to your iPod or smartphone. RRP: £19.99 - £24.99 and available in most high street and online retailers, like Amazon.

Bogs Kids Solids Classic are the ideal Winter option, and are the perfect boot to brighten up any dreary day. The Solids Classic is available in sizes EU 23-39 in Red and Indigo. SRP £45 www.anatom.co.uk

Tiny Tatty Teddy Countdown to Christmas Plaque - the perfect Countdown for someone special £6.00 from Amazon

Tiny Tatty Teddy Christmas Blanket - The super soft fleece makes a comfortable and warm cover and would make the perfect gift for newborn boys or girls. Measuring 94x70cm. £10 from Amazon

There are hours of fun and learning to be had with this Pretty Palace Pets Magic Screen Tablet £19.99 at Tesco.com, 24Studio. co.uk. Suitable for 2years+.

Learning in the Night Garden Fun & Learn Projector - £14.99 at 24Studio.com, John Lewis, Debenhams, Amazon.co.uk, Tesco. com. Suitable for Suitable for 2+ years

Children’s White Polka Dot A Printed Tights. Available in sizes 6-8 or 9-11 years. £5.99 from www.pamelamann.co.uk

Playmobil Football Carry Case £9.99 and can be purchased on www.playmobil.co.uk.

Sweetpea Pantry has created a unique range of baking kits for children that make the perfect stocking filler! RRP: £5.95 from Ocado, Cotswold Fayre & www.sweetpeapantry.co.uk

Disney Doc McStuffins 4 in 1 Shaped Bath Puzzle RRP: £8.99 Stockists: Tesco, Argos and Amazon

Storytime magazine champions reading for fun! £3.99 stocked in all ma jor retailers including WH Smiths, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons, and Waitrose

Tornado and Hurricanes (RRP £26.99) Suitable for 8+ This amazing kit, created in conjunction with the Science Museum, helps children learn about the incredible force of nature. Stocked in Toys R Us, Smyths and Argos.

The Skip Hop Giraffe Safari Parrot Chime Ball is a huggable creature that will help develop baby’s important motor skills.

RRP: £10.50 Age: 0+ www.poppyandzach.com

Festive family favourites The Snowman & The Snowdog Magnetic Bookmarks . RRP £1.99 www.thatcompanycalledif.com

The new ISI Mini Mini Vehicle Night Lights come in Ambulance, Fire Engine and Cement Mixer designs. RRP £6.00 Age 3 Yrs+ Stockist: www.blue-daisy.com

Bobux soft sole, chocolate reindeer, RRP £20, available from www.bobux.co.uk

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Leicester’s Themed Portrait Specialists Themed portrait experiences make perfect gifts this Christmas!

From Fairies, to Pirates and now a new Disney Frozen inspired “Ice Princess” Experience! www.walkerimages.co.uk 0116 278 9042

Unit 13, Cornwall Business Centre, Cornwall Rd, South Wigston, Leicester, LE18 4XH

Autumn/ Winter n Collectio !

In Now

7% Discount on all orders Use code NX7P

The home for great ideas for Parents, Babies & Young Children

We aim to make it easy for parents shopping online to find the right products for them. We offer products that we believe to be the best in their category based on quality, value for money and ease of use! Gift wrapping also available and we can ship to Europe. For the UK we offer standard as well as express and guaranteed next day delivery.

07928 464020 yoyochildrenswear@hotmail.co.uk

www.yoyochildrenswear.com

01977 663306

www.babe-equip.co.uk NICHE 69

A new series of books to educate children on the world of work! £7.99 from www. kidseducationalbooks.com

Nail Art - Paint your nails with a coloured nail varnish then add gems, glitter nail varnish or holographic strips. With tattoos for your hands and fingers. £4.99 from www.galttoys.com

Are you ready for ‘Boris and the Dumb Skulls’?! A Classic, fantasy adventure story aimed at 7+. £7.99 from Amazon.

Ambi Ted Triple Teether - A friendly bear to rattle, suck, chew and feel. Each part is a different shape and colour and is made of a different material to give a completely different feel. £4.99 from www.galttoys.com

First Farmyard Puzzle - A wooden tray peg puzzle with 6 lift-out animals. The chunky pegs are ideal for a young child to hold as they match the animal to the space in the tray. £9.99 from www.galttoys.com

First Rattle Set - A set of 4 colourful rattles for a baby’s wrists and feet. Babies are encouraged to shake their arms and kick their legs as the animals rattle with every movement. £10.99 www.galttoys.com

Snuggle Pals Bird - A range of 4 comforters - a bird, cow, croc and dog. Soft and tactile, made from velour with ribbon tags to engage a young baby. Ideal first friends! £7.99 from www.galttoys.com

Stretchkins - An exciting new way to stretch their imaginations!

These cute life-sized plush characters feature super stretchy limbs. Their hands and feet are easy to attach to children’s own hands and feet to enable them to play, dance and exercise together.

SRP £19.99 from Argos and Smyths

Air Storm Zano Bow- Air Storm introduces the first mini bow designed to be suitable for indoor use. This mini bow can launch X-wing darts up to 10 metres and it’s furniture friendly too! 8 years+ SRP £9.99 from Argos, Smyths, Toys ‘R’ Us, Tesco

Magic Choc Chocolate Picture Maker - Creativity has certainly never tasted so good. With his kit make a stunning bar if chocolate using one of the included templates or your own design. 4 years+ £4.99 from Toys ‘R’ Us, Argos and Smyths

Razor E90 Electric Scooter Electrify their ride this Christmas with the newest electric scooter on the block. Cool and nippy with the push of a button, it features a rechargable battery and foot brake. 8 years + SRP £149.99 from Argos, Toys ‘R’ Us, Smyths

Razor S Sport Scooter The Razor S Sport Scooter is fun ride for kids that encourages them to keep active. Anodised in bright colours, it’s T-Tube and deck fold into a compact size and can fit in a bag for portability.

Suitable from 6 years+ SRP £34.99. Stockists include Argos, Toys ‘R’ Us, Smyths

GAMES - TOYS - DECORATION - OUTDOOR www.janod.com 70

Choosing your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car seat There is a lot of confusion about rules for children travelling in cars, but some facts are clear:

In 2010, 14 children aged 0â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11 were killed and 206 seriously injured in cars

So, what does the law say?

By law, you must wear a seat belt in cars and goods vehicles where one is fitted. Children must use a child seat or booster. The driver can be fined if a child under 14 years does not wear a seat belt or child restraint as required. Anyone 14 and over not wearing a seat belt, must pay the fine themselves.

Children (up to 12 years of age) up to 135cms tall must use the appropriate child restraint for their weight (not age) when travelling in the front or back seat of any car, van or goods vehicle. 'Child restraint' means any of baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion.

A child can use an adult belt when they reach 135cm or their 12th birthday, whichever comes first.

Why are child restraints important?

Even in a minor crash, an unrestrained child would be thrown about inside the vehicle, injuring themselves and others. They could be thrown from the car through one of the windows. To find out what type of child restraint your child needs visit www.childcarseats.org.uk Advice on child car seats 1.

Always try a child restraint in your car before you buy it to make sure that it is suitable for

your child and that it fits in your car.

2.

Ask for a demonstration of how to fit it in the car and how to fasten and unfasten any

integral belts or harnesses.

3.

Always follow the instructions carefully when fitting a child restraint, allowing plenty of

time to do it.

4.

If you need help, try the restraint manufacturer's helpline for advice or speak to your local

Road Safety Officer 5.

Set a good example by wearing a seat belt yourself even for very short trips 6.

Let your child choose the colour and pattern once you have found a restraint that fits him

or her and the car www.think.direct.gov.uk

The Varioguard with Isofixbase for children from 0 months to 18 kg of weight.

The Varioguard is an amazingly flexible car seat with Isofixbase which can be used for many years. It provides you and your child with the latest technology and the highest level of safety. This car seat is ECE 44/04 approved (current car seat standard) and meets all the requirements to transport your baby safe and secure.

phone: 01978 664 362

mail: info@hauckuk.com

web: www.hauckuk.com

NICHE 71

fabulous food This issue has been a hard one for us; we have had to visit some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best and finest restaurants in order to bring our readers our verdicts. Tough huh?! We bring you some of our picks this issue which will get your taste buds going, all are different and offer different atmospheres and cuisines but they are all better than good!

BBC Good Food Show Winter

Comfort food at its best…

When the weather turns colder all we want to do in our spare time is cosy up and relax devouring delicious comfort food, and we don’t think we are alone. There is something about going for a bracing big walk at the weekend and then settling down in a nice traditional country pub for some home cooked pub food or opting for a traditional pub setting for a romantic evening meal out isn’t there? Well, The Cow and Plough at Stoughton Grange, Leicester is one of our favourite locations for this and Niche’s very own Leanne Baker and Husband Geoff went just recently one evening to bring you our latest verdict on the place…

“The pub itself is wonderfully traditional with a warm, inviting feel, which actually is quite often lost in today’s pub scene! The menu is mouth-wateringly good reading, full of traditional English pub favourites as well as a few carefully chose world cuisines ones too it was quite hard to settle on a choice! In the end I went for Lamb’s Liver which was served with perfectly crispy bacon, wholegrain mash and greens with a light peppercorn sauce whilst Geoff chose Moroccan Lamb Tagine served with Harissa couscous. We were both more than impressed and you could tell that the chef’s really cared about the food they were delivering to their awaiting diners. Great portion sizes and amazing flavours with ingredients that tasted fresh too! Perfect. The desserts were equally as mouth-watering and featured classics such as chocolate brownies, crumble, cheesecakes and plenty more besides! We will definitely be back for more… great food, great atmosphere and the ideal venue for a cosy lunch or evening meal this winter, what’s not to love?” www.steamin-billy.co.uk/ourpubs/cowandplough The Cow & Plough, Stoughton Park, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 2FB T: 0116 272 0852

Cielo remains a firm Niche favourite…

Here at Niche we are thankfully no stranger to the delights of Cielo Restaurant in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace and our director’s recent visit was as delightful as it always has been. The contemporary Italian restaurant has built up an impeccable reputation in the midlands and is a must visit for anyone in the city. Promising to deliver exquisite, soul-stirring cuisine cooked with passion and served with pride in warm, sumptuous surroundings, Cielo doesn’t disappoint.

“I have been lucky enough to visit Cielo a number of times before, as a romantic evening with my husband and as part of a group of friends and each and every time I am more impressed than the last. The atmosphere is always great and perfect for any celebration or relaxing evening’s dining.

The warm yet decadent surroundings really help to make your visit something special and the service is always impeccable, friendly, and full of passion for the dishes they serve and a desire to delight. This time I visited with a friend who was more than impressed by my already hyped up description of Cielo! For starters we went light and opted for some Bruschetta and Olives and for our mains we could then go all out! I had Cornish lamb cutlets with cannon of lamb, honey glazed baby carrots, creamy mash, shallot purée, served in a Barolo wine jus and my friend had Linguine pasta, smoked salmon, baby spinach, and English mustard, cream and white wine sauce. Both of which were incredible and bursting with flair and freshness! The menu is full of Mediterranean delights and you can always tell that only the finest ingredients are used. For dessert we both decided on Tiramisu, I go for this every time, it’s incredible! Yet again Cielo delivered on every level…until next time Cielo – Thank you!” Jenny Cross, Cross Productions Director. www.cielobirmingham.com

One of Leicestershire’s Top Restaurants!

34W is the restaurant destination that we have been desperate to visit for some time now, we have heard so much about its buzz on the grapevine that we were thrilled when we got invited along to try it out for ourselves just recently! Emma Cross, Niche’s Account Manager went along with her Mother in law so that she could share her thoughts with our readers…tough job, but someone had to do it!

“Located in the beautiful village of Burbage, Leicestershire, as soon as we stepped into the fresh, stylish building I knew we were in for a treat. Owner Zeffy Thompson has created an environment which is both modern and inviting all at once and there has been a great deal of attention given to the environment for its diners. It’s warm and intimate whilst having a contemporary buzz to it too with a touch of glamour! The carefully devised menu offers the very best in creative modern British Food with every dish enjoying a touch of flair and 34W magic. Gorgeous homemade bread followed our tough decision making process and we both decided upon Duck Liver Parfait with peach marmalade and gingerbread to start, which was amazing. I opted for the Flat Iron Steak with triple chips, pepper sauce for my main course and it was cooked to absolute perfection!

My mother in law went for Rump of Beef with Oxtail and crème fraîche potato and we were both really impressed with both dishes as they were so full of flavour. I was particularly thrilled with my dessert choice of Chocolate Delice and my mother in law was equally thrilled with her Blackberry and Lemon Crumble! You can tell that a lot of thought, care and fresh ingredients go into every dish on offer at 34W with each mouthful. The staff were really attentive and so friendly too. I really can’t recommend the place enough!” www.34windsorst.com

NICHE 73

Christmas

Food & Drink

Caralicious is a blend of natural caramel and finest vodka, and although originally designed to be an after dinner liqueur, it has proven to be extremely versatile. £20.00 www.fabulousvodka.co.uk

PERK!ER Tiffin for great family sharing chocolate pots that are also gluten free. See their range at: www.perkier.co.uk.

RRP £2 available in all ma jor supermarkets.

The Contented Chocoholic’s Hamper £15 from www.whittard.co.uk

Large Chocolate Snowman 16cm high. Choose from dark, milk or white chocolate. £8.50 www.specialeditionchocolate. co.uk

It’s now even easier to enjoy the unique Terry’s chocolate orange taste with this shareable bag of delicious Exploding Popping Candy Minis. £2.13 from all ma jor retailers.

La Maison Maille Presents a Taste of the French Royal Court Available exclusively at the Maille Boutique, Piccadilly Arcade and at maille.co.uk. £25 for collection of three mustards.

The Classic Collection from Green & Black’s. For lovers of both milk and dark chocolate, offering twelve miniature bars to help see them through the festive period.

RRP £5.49 from stores nationwide.

PERK!ER Rocky Road for great family sharing chocolate pots that are also gluten free. See their range at: www.perkier.co.uk.

RRP £2 available in all ma jor supermarkets.

The Gosset Grande Réserve is a powerful biscuity champagne with 43% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier. Available from Selfridges, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and other fine wine shops. RRP £45-50

Turn up the heat this Christmas with a Wasabi Plant Gift Box. Priced at £7.50 plus P&P. Order Online at www.thewasabicompany.co.uk

Mini Artisan Sausage Rolls Flavoursome Sausage meat encased in fluffy puff pastry. Ideal for Christmas dinner parties! £4.75 from donaldrussell.com

Canape Quiches Light little cups of crisp buttery pastry containing a delicious selection of soufflé-like fillings. Perfect to hand round at parties. 1x tray of 25 canapé quiches £12.50 from donaldrussell.com

The Coffee Connoisseur’s Hamper £35 from www.whittard.co.uk

Tyrrells alternatives - Thai Chilli Roce Crackers, Spicy Coated Peanuts & Habas Fritas have an RRP of £1.29 and are available in Waitrose, Sainsbury, Tesco and quality independents nationwide.

Toblerone - a present to share with the whole family, and why not opt for a festive twist to an old favourite. RRP £4.99 available from all ma jor retailers

The dry, fruity taste of cranberry with refreshing hibiscus, Hedgerow-inspired traditional cordials. 6 x 33cl £19.95 from www.jameswhite.co.uk

Great Uncle Cornelius’ FInest Spiced Ginger - A delicious smooth and rich non-alcoholic aperitif, which can be savoured on its own or with a generous splash of whisky. 12 x 75cl £19.95 from www.jameswhite.co.uk

Roast Beef and Horseradish crisps and are available in Waitrose, Sainsbury and quality independents nationwide, £2.19.

The Swanky Veg crisps are available in Waitrose, Tesco £2.99

Teatulia Organic Single Garden Teas in five refreshing flavours to choose from: Lemongrass, Tulsi, Earl of Bengal, Green Tea and Black Tea. Boxes of 20 individually wrapped sachets, retail at £3.40 each and are available from Holland & Barrett & Harrods

Goody Good Stuff new Christmas tubs feature classic inspired ‘Sugar Plums’ bursting with juicy flavour, and ‘Christmas Trees and Baubles.’ Priced at £3.99 and so are perfect for Secret Santa gifts and stocking fillers!

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Winter Tanqueray Collins Ingredients:

50ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin 15ml Sugar Syrup Fever Tree Soda Water Whole Fresh Lemon Whole Fresh Pear Method: Fill a hi-ball glass with ice cubes. Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a shaker, add half a pear and muddle in the shaker. Pour in the Tanqueray and syrup and shake hard to break up the pear. Strain into the glass and top up with newly opened bottle of soda, decorate with a lemon wedge and slice of pear, then enjoy.

Whitey’s Gourmet Popcorn ‘Whiteys Original' Gourmet Popcorn. The perfect blend of ‘Not too sweet and not too salty. Also available are four other fabulous flavours. Maplecorn (Made with real maple syrup), Cinnamon Sweet, Cocoa Original and Sweet Chilli.

Available in 100g and 30 bags. sales@whiteys.co.uk www.whiteys.co.uk 01606 783885

NICHE 75

Newmans Passion is the most important ingredient

Newman’s: One of Leicester’s Success Stories…

Win tickets to the BBC

Good Food Show Winter!

The BBC Good Food Show Winter is running from 27-30 November 2014 at The NEC, Birmingham. To celebrate we have teamed up with the organisers to offer 2 pairs of general admission tickets as a fantastic prize!

The flagship BBC Good Food Show is bigger and better than ever before with the introduction of the BBC Good Food Bakes & Cakes Village and Stage, EatWell zone, Regional Food pavilion and the return of the Ludlow Producer Market. As well as a wide range of producers showcasing their products, the 3,000-seat Supertheatre will play host to an array of stars including The Hairy Bikers and Tom Kerridge with many other stages around the show including the Saturday Kitchen Stage sponsored by Lakeland and the Belling Live Cook Stage. With all of this and over 500 exhibitors, The BBC Good Food Show Winter is a food lovers’ heaven.

There’s something about discovering a restaurant that enjoys a great successful heritage in your very own city, particularly if it’s an independent one. In a market dominated by chain restaurants and cafes for an independent city centre restaurant to not only survive but become a city firm favourite is no easy feat!

Newman’s of Market Street, Leicester is one such success story who has managed it for years and just keeps on getting better.

Serving simple, home cooked delicious food to Leicester’s finest, Newman’s provides the kind of Breakfasts, Lunches, snacks and Dinners that you want at prices you want too. A friendly welcome, efficient and professional staff complete this restaurants dream combo that has enabled it to go from strength to strength over the years…it really is a must visit!

Never faltering from what it knows its customers want, its honest food in its most scrumptious form with guests often remarking on its ability to provide good food and good prices quickly, freshly and with friendly staff too. Particular menu highlights are the full English breakfast (widely regarded as one of the best in town!) and the chicken and chips, whilst the classic Apple Pie seems to be widely talked about too…yummy.

Not a winner? To book tickets and for more information on the BBC Good Food Show Winter please visit bbcgoodfoodshowwinter.com or call 0844 581 1360.

“We love Newman’s, it’s our favourite place to visit for good food in the city centre, in a city where there seems to be so much choice Newman’s is always our classic choice and one which we are always glad when we have made it! It’s so good it’s one of those places that you aren’t sure if you want to share with others, just in case we can’t get a table there next time!” Cross Productions Director Jenny Cross comments.

To enter:

So, to discover one of Leicester’s firm favourites in the city be sure to pop into Newman’s on your next city centre jaunt.

Please send your name and contact details to competitions@crossproductions.co.uk with the subject ‘Good Food’ before the closing date 12th November 2014.

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33 Market Street LEICESTER LE1 6DN Phone: 0116 2542090

During the past 25 years, I have learnt a lot about what motivates people in our industry, why do we work so hard and push ourselves so relentlessly? I have been lucky enough to work in some amazing kitchens, met countless individuals, dedicated to excellence, passionate beyond belief, and all in the name of food, it is after all the one thing we all have in common. Globally our palettes and attitudes towards what is right and wrong may differ, one mans food can be another mans poison, but it’s a common bond that has the ability to bring us all together, somehow it’s a passion we can all share, relate to and understand.

In the late 80’s I remember working in a large hotel in Nottingham, 2 Irish chefs shared the pastry section, one a protestant the other a catholic, the shared passion to work as a team was greater then any religious differences.

Later in my career I worked for a small group of restaurants, without even thinking, I put a kosovian and an Albanian in the same kitchen, and again, a passion for food (and probably a steady pay packet each week) was enough to keep the peace.

The freedom of creativity we have as chefs and restaurarateurs allows us to push boundries, question convention and create new temples to what in essence is the fuel we all need to survive, as the french say “we live to eat, not eat to live.”

With this in mind, when I get a new apprentice in one of my kitchens, the first lesson I want to get across, is we must never stop listening to what our guests are telling us, if a new dish on a menu is not selling, they are basically telling us “we don’t want that.” Something is not right, it could be the price, the way it is worded on the menu, it could even be the weather might not be suitable for such a dish. They might order it and tell us straight “its not good” or they may chose to use one of the many review websites to tell us, what ever method they chose, we have to use the feed back as a tool to help us improve.

So, what fires passion? It’s quite simple really, I have the best job in the world, I make people happy for a living & when I get it right, I’ve made my guests day just that little bit better, when I see my guests leave happy, you just want to keep going, keep working, and if you get it wrong, ask the question why, learn by your mistakes, but keep on trying. www.hammerandpincers.co.uk

Food Glorious Food!

We sample some of the Midland’s finest food offerings…

We love our good food here at Niche and love nothing more than venturing out to sample some of the best restaurants we can find here in the Midlands and this month we really have given some of our finest restaurants a visit! This issue we have been to The Cow & Plough and enjoyed their traditional yet tantalising food fare, Cielo for some classic, contemporary Italian Cuisine, 34 Windsor to experience their classic dishes with a twist and lovely views, Newman’s for our busy city homely lunch menu, Hammer and Pincer for their delicious menu made from local ingredients, The White Peacock for luxuriously modern cuisine in the heart of the city, Efes Mangal for gorgeous Turkish food and Stanton Lakes for traditional home cooked food and lake views! Phew! We have been enjoying our food….

Take a look over some of our latest reviews from the area as we take a seat in some of the nicest restaurants we could find. We have been all over the world with our taste buds this issue and couldn’t possibly pick our favourite so you will just have to work your way through them all for yourselves! We have some amazing restaurants that are just waiting for you to enjoy their food and encourage you to get out and about in your local area to support and sample the delights on offer!

“We are so lucky to have so many lovely restaurants right on our doorstep. Whatever your taste or fancy that evening there is something for everyone with cuisines from all over the world! We love to support our local businesses by visiting them to sample their menus and atmospheres, especially as the months get a little colder…we love to cosy up, get social with friends or romantic over a meal with our partners. Leicestershire in particular is really on the food map these days and with so many great places to visit there really is no need to cook at home!” Jenny Cross, Cross Productions Director comments.

So, what are you waiting for? Get booking those tables and enjoy the very best in dining that the Midlands has to offer!

The White Peacock Independently owned and passionately operated, The White Peacock offers an affordable luxury of modern British fine dining from Chef Patron Phillip Sharpe with bespoke service to compliment. Located in a charming Grade 2 listed building on the historic New Walk in the heart of Leicester, we are combining unique food and drink, great location with expressive décor and local artistry and aim to deliver consistent high levels of exceptional guest service to accompany all occasions.

OPENING MONDAYS SOON...

LUNCH AT THE WHITE PEACOCK

The White Peacock restaurant is open for lunch from 12 noon till 3pm Tuesday to Saturday offering affordable lunch luxury, whether it be a catch up with the girls or business lunch with clients. From only £14.95 for 2 courses you can enjoy a relaxed lunch what ever the occasion. In a rush? We also offer a light bite menu in the bar till 4pm.

END OF THE MONTH BRUNCH

Opening the last Sunday of each month from 11am, The White Peacock is offering a Gourmet 2 course Brunch. Chef Patron Phillip Sharpes Brunch menu is inspired by his love of Lazy Sunday afternoons of great food, cocktails, bubbles and sharing it with friends old & new and not having to get up early. So invite your friends and family and join us for a leisurely two course brunch of locally sourced ingredients and a Bloody Mary to suit, making Sundays your favourite day of the week. Also

t: 0116 254 7663 e: enquiries@the-white-peacock.co.uk 14-16 King Street, Leicester LE1 6RJ

NICHE 77

Stanton Lakes Restaurant & Bar A food lover's paradise...to give, to keep and to share in

Open from 11am Tuesday to Sunday Lunch Served: 12-2.30pm Tuesday-Friday 12-4pm Saturday 12.30-5pm Sunday

the heart of the English Lake District.

Dinner Served: 6pm to 9pm Tuesday - Saturday

Stylish, Contemporary, Relaxed Lakeside Terrace Excellent Lunch & Evening Menu Dishes produced from fresh ingredients Weddings, Parties & Celebrations Meeting Room Available

Tel: 01455 283043

A fabulous combination of Cafe & Restaurant, Outside Catering and Cookery School (www.lucycooks.co.uk) in the Lakes.

You will discover we have something special to offer everyone and look forward to welcoming you to share the experience...

015394 32288

enquiries@stantonlakes.co.uk www.stantonlakes.co.uk Stanton Lakes, Broughton Road, Stoney Stanton Leicestershire LE9 4JA

www.lucysofambleside.co.uk

Bookings are now being taken for Christmas!

Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Of Ambleside, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0BU

choose your

weapon Cocktails Saturday breakfast Afternoon tea Lunch Dinner Sunday lunch A taste of weekends to come at

BURBAGE

HINCKLE Y

01455 234 342

78

LEIC

LE10 2EF

34windsorst.com

Grazing Menu: £45 for 8 courses, £65 with matched wines

EFES MANGAL is a family run Turkish Cuisine restaurant.

We are a fully licensed restaurant with a variety of wines and other beverages to choose from. Experience the taste of our delicious meat, chicken, fish and vegetables in our new barbeque restaurant. Our meals are prepared freshly using the finest quality ingredients. All our dishes are prepared daily from authentic fresh ingredients.

Reserve your table online at www.efesmangal.co.uk or telephone 0116 2559993.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE THIS CHRISTMAS WITH CHAMPAGNE GOSSET

End 2014 in style with a bottle of Grande Reserve NV, a superb blend of three grape varieties and three vintages as the perfect celebratory toast!

Gosset Grande Reserve is a powerful, biscuity champagne (43% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier). It is bottled in the distinctive ‘Bouteille Ancienne’ so characteristic of the Champagne Gosset range and has deep red labelling (perfect for the Christmas table!). Delicious as an aperitif or with food – particularly flavoursome dishes with strong sauces - it has won many awards. These include a Coup de Coeur and the ‘Grappe d’Or’ (Best Wine of the Year) by the 2010 Guide Hachette (from a selection of over 36,000 wines, including 2,000 champagnes!)

Champagne Gosset Grande Reserve retails for around £45-50 a bottle – representing excellent value for such a quality wine. It is available from Selfridges, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and other fine wine shops nationally as well as numerous online retailers.

Welcome to the Fabulous Vodka Company At The Fabulous Vodka Company we have a mission, which is to develop and produce the finest alcoholic drinks. We only use the purest spirits blended or distilled with the finest natural ingredients to produce the smoothest most delicious drinks suitable for drinking neat, over ice, in a cocktail, or as an ingredient in delicious food dishes.

All of The Fabulous Vodka company’s drinks are made without compromise, using the finest ingredients and the best methods and practises. www.fabulousvodka.co.uk Tel: 07902 209532

NICHE 79

Christmas

pick of the pumps

eat, drink and

be merry Christmas parties Festive afternoon tea Christmas day Boxing day Miracle on 34th St New year’s eve

Our pick of the pumps It’s the season for lovely British cosy pubs isn’t it? Serving the best in local ale, the best in winter comfort food and hopefully a log fire to snuggle up to in the mix also, the British Pub comes into its own in winter, here at Niche we love nothing more than cosying up with the family for a Sunday roast in some of Leicestershire’s finest public houses. Family friendly pubs are big news at the weekend, with many providing meal options for the youngsters to enjoy too. These changes to the British pub culture aren’t anything new but they are vital changes that mean their doors are open to a wider audience and therefore so many more of us get to enjoy the many wonderful traditional and contemporary pubs that the Midlands have to offer. This issue we have visited a few local ones (tough job isn’t it?!) to bring you some of the best the region has to offer, we encourage you to visit a few yourself over the next few weeks as you spend time together as a family or celebrate the festive season. Of course, it goes without saying almost to say that you ought to drink responsibly.

You cannot beat Christmas in a traditional pub environment such as the Queen of Bradgate, especially one that serves wonderful freshly prepared food at such good prices. Our Christmas menu has something for every taste, is available at both lunchtime and evening and is the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations. And if you want the complete package, we have teamed up with CandyStripe nightclub to offer you an all inclusive 2 venue party special.

Call 0116 2623990 for all enquiries.

Opening Times: Sunday – Thursday 11-11 ~ Friday – Saturday 10-12

www.queenofbradgate.co.uk Queen of Bradgate, 97 High Street, Leicester, LE1 4JB

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BURBAGE

HINCKL E Y

01455 234 342

L EIC

L E1 0 2 EF

34windsorst.com

Introducing the Spanish Golden Temptation... Licor 43 Licor 43, the smooth golden Spanish liqueur, is officially launching in the UK, offering consumers the chance to enjoy the iconic taste from their holidays at home. Served cold over ice or with your preferred mixer, the liquid’s vanilla and caramel flavours make it the perfect pre or post dinner drink.

Available in selected Asda stores nationwide and from www.drinksupermarket.com with a RRP of £17.50-£17.99.

Homemade fresh food and a great atmosphere for a night out at your local family pub

Karaoke night

Carvery

Live Acts

Enjoy your favorite tunes with our lively karaoke nights every Friday & Sunday night

From 5pm-8pm Mon-Weds & 12pm-4pm Sun we serve our famous Carvery. Book now!

Come down and join us on selected Saturday nights for live bands, singers and comedians?

263-265 Abbey Lane, LEICESTER, LE4 5QH

www.broadwayleicester.co.uk 0116 2253794 NICHE 81

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move Improve The cost of moving is high, both financially and for your stress levels so over the next few pages we share with you some advice on staying put in your property but improving it too. Whether thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by changing the dĂŠcor or adding value with renovations and extensions, we have got the recommended companies to get you on the right track for either!

Chrysalis Interior Design

david.goadby@goadby.co.uk www.save-earnmoney.co.uk

Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Colour Home Phone

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A31

by Annie & Felix Sloan Following more than 20 best selling books on decorative painting, Annie Sloan has written her first book about interior design. Coauthored by Annie’s son Felix - a designer who is Brand Director at Annie Sloan Interiors - this comprehensive book examines nine popular styles including: Bohemian, Neoclassical, Vintage Floral, French Elegance, Traditional Swedish, Coastal, Rustic Country, Modern Retro and Warehouse. Featuring hundreds of gorgeous images showing the homes of selected interiors enthusiasts and designers throughout Europe, the background of each of the nine styles is explained. As you would expect from the ‘Queen of Paint’, there are ‘Paint Your Own’ ideas and sketches, plus moodboards and a host of practical tips on how to achieve the looks in your own home.

‘Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Colour’ is out in November, priced at £25, available from www.cicobooks.co.uk, www.anniesloan.com, bookshops and Annie Sloan stockists throughout the UK. Annie Sloan says: “I chose interior design as the subject for my latest book because we frequently hear that people just can’t get things to look right in their own interiors. I believe this is because they need to really think about what their own personal style is, rather than be swayed by the latest trend. This style can range from anything from Bohemian to Modern Retro, but importantly, realise that most tastes are a fusion of many styles.”

Annie Sloan continues: “Secondly, it is important understand the style of the property you are working with, an extensive Swedish style renovation might not work in a Victorian house, for example, but taking elements of Swedish style might, if that is your preference. It has been wonderful to work with my son on this book. We have similar tastes, but my approach from a Fine Art background obviously differs from Felix’s background in Graphic Design and this, combined with the synthesis of both our generations, means that we are always learning from one another and inspiring each other.”

Felix Sloan says: “What we have set out to achieve is not to produce a definitive rule book on a number of styles, but to explain a little bit about each of the popular ones and show how it is possible to work with a number of those successfully, without slavishly keeping to just one. We are all eclectic and have various bits of furniture that we need to incorporate in our homes. We very much believe in avoiding style clichés, Coastal style doesn’t need to be all about seashells for example! If you love Neoclassical you might think it is not possible to replicate this look in your home and you would probably be right, but we show you how to incorporate elements of that, and many other, styles.”

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NICHE 83

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DIY…or don’t!

There is a huge rise the popularity of DIY these days, we all think we can do it, whether you have moved house and are doing a complete renovation or are doing the odd job here and there, many of us reckon we can have a go at it and whilst some of us are pretty successful and do a great job…others aren’t so successful!

We are going to be bold with this and are calling for you to claim back your weekends from queuing in popular DIY stores (we can’t say which, but you get the idea!), living under rubble and seeking out guides for tiling on the internet- call in the experts!

Here are our reasons as to why you should get help….

The most obvious – they do a better job!

Say you are renovating your home and it needs everything doing, the kitchen, bathroom, and electrics – the lot! Say, you decide that tiling will be your new forte, you get the kit, watch the videos and then get cracking….three days later you have a tiled kitchen, but you used your holiday from work to do it, had to do the windowsill three times and live with the fact forever more that it’s not as good as it could have looked if the experts did it! Sound familiar?

Save you money in long run We are not saying you will definitely bodge up that plastering, but if you do, the costs to fix it will far outweigh the costs it would have been to have got the plasterer to do it in the first place! Plus, think of all the materials you will have wasted? They cost too! Support your local tradesman, ply them with tea and the result will look a whole lot better and cost you less too.

It’s not safe!

Aside from the way things look and your bank balance, a lot of DIY jobs you attempt may be unsafe; in fact they probably are unsafe for you to be doing! Seek out the plumbers for the gas and heating, electricians for the re-wiring, safer and you will get the legally required certification for the work.

So, whilst we love the odd renovation bit, if the DIY job seems a little overwhelming then it probably is…leave it to the experts!

C lassic Radiators UK Ltd

www.classicradiators.co.uk Tel: 01706 627062

For more than 10 years Classic Radiators has built a high reputation in the industry as a specialist supplier of quality Cast Iron Radiators, Designer Radiators, Trench Heating, Bench Radiators, Stylish Heated Towel Rails and Radiators and Finned Tubed Radiators.

Create a curtain of warmth with our finned tube radiators. We manufacture this product ourselves and we offer a bespoke madeto-measure service. Ideal for apartments and loft conversions and, being floor mounted, the finned tube radiator can be easily adapted to suit any situation. We can supply these finned tube radiators in a wide range of colours to ensure they compliment any room.

www.classicradiators.co.uk 01706 627062

Great Value, Great Service Over 28 Years Experience

- Old carpets disposed of - Wide choice & genuine advice

- Expert fitting guaranteed

- Axminsters - Carpet Tiles - Laminates - Solid Woods - Vinyls - Sisals Shop online at www.astleycarpets.co.uk astleycarpets@yahoo.co.uk

01455 285214

75 Main St, Broughton Astley LE9 6RE (free parking)

86

Beautiful, unique finds at Oakham Oriental Rugs Ltd

Large Range of Solid oak & pine furniture on display in store & on our website

Summer Sale now on in store Free Leicester delivery to room with assembly Like us on Facebook for competitions and freebies Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Reclaimed Pine tables made to order

7 3 S t Jo h n s , E n d e r b y, L e i c e s t e r , L E 1 9 2 B S 01162751586

www.charliespineandoak.co.uk

The right rug can make or break the décor in a room, well, in our opinion at least. So when we discovered Oakham Oriental Rugs Ltd we knew we had to bring them to our stylish Niche reader’s attention!

Based in Oakham, since 1993, with their showroom easily accessible from Rutland, Leicester, Nottingham, Grantham, Stamford, and Peterborough, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome when you stop by. This renowned rug specialist is a family run business and takes the extra time to look after its customers. Christian and Fiona are known to be particularly knowledgeable about their products. They also offer a professional cleaning and repair service. Oriental Rugs including Afghan Sultanabad rugs, and all qualities of Persian rugs from small tribal Qashgai to fine room sized Tabriz and Kashan are available from this Aladdin’s Cave! In fact, all types of Oriental Rugs and Contemporary styles are available from Oakham Oriental Rugs. Just look at their website and you will discover so many amazing rugs that you will love, you will be trying to locate areas of the home to house them!

With an ever growing selection of affordable new and antique rugs there is something for everyone, whatever your taste or budget and you will be delighted with the free delivery service, money back guarantee, expert advice and products on offer.

www.oakhamorientalrugs.co.uk Call: 01572 724441

OAKHAM ORIENTAL RUGS LTD 6 & 7 THE MALTINGS, OAKHAM, RUTLAND, LE15 6EA

The Light Light House House The TheLight LightHouse House The

IMPORTERS . INSTALLERS . INSTALLERS . WHOLESALERS IMPORTERS LIGHTING RETAILERS .

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NICHE 87

Enlist the experts

Moving house is no walk in the park, from the estate agent trials and tribulations to cleaning it every

to make your home a

finding your new home and everything else in between, its stressful to say the least, and don’t even

dream one…

and calling upon the services of local businesses to help transform aspects of your home to help

time someone is booked to review (and then not turning up! grrrr) through to the paperwork of sale, start with the costs involved! With this in mind we want to show you the advantages of staying put make it a dream one.

Give it a makeover. This is pretty obvious, however well worth a mention. Whether you want to go for a complete home revamp or simply add a few pieces and a lick of paint, freshening up a room or two could be exactly what you needed to start loving home again. Think carefully about your choices, go for pieces of furniture that are timeless like those from Charlie’s Pine & Oak (www.charliespineandoak.co.uk), a family run business since 1995 they know their furniture and provide classic pine, oak and reclaimed wooden pieces to give your home the comfortable homely edge for years to come that will never date.

See if you can extend or renovate your property, if you are considering moving due to lack of space this is a good one as you will only add money to the value of your property by extending well.

Maybe transform that loft space into a new bedroom, add a conservatory for a better family area or convert a tiny room into an en-suite bathroom, there are loads of possibilities! Of course it will cost but could be a worthwhile investment for your property in the long run. What is key here is how you choose your reputable building company to get this work done. If you are extending your property its likely you will still be living in it so you want a reputable company who will stick to timescales, budgets and your renovation plans drawn up by an architect so that its goes as easy as possible.

So stay put, decorate and renovate to give your home the new lease of life it deserves.

Your Roof Repair & New Roof Specialists

Creations leicester ltd

Home Extensions and Alterations Work Undertaken includes: kitchen bathrooms bedrooms Loft Conversions With a large team of highly experienced expert tradesmen on hand with over 180 years of combined experience we can confidently say we are the Leicestershire’s leading roofing specialists.

Garage Conversions Flat Roofs/ Re-Roofing

We offer roof repairs, replacements, installations, from a pitched roof or a flat roof, facias or soffits, gutters or chimneys.

All Internal Joinery

Call for a free no obligation chat or quotation and let us help you to find the right solution for your needs.

Call Nick for a free quote

0116 267 7177

88

info@monoroofing.co.uk

Mobile: 07977 267008

www.monoroofing.co.uk

Tel: 0116 287 7911

Meadow Lane | Birstall | LE4 4EU

Email: nick@creationsbuilders.co.uk

Winter proof your home with Oadby Building Products

With the winter fast approaching, DIY work on your home has never been so critical. The colder months have a tendency in recent years of damaging and weathering away the exterior components of your home. The staff at Oadby Building Products have made it as their mission to help you safe guard against this. It is important to address any potential problems before the damage and costs escalate. Draft proofing, high quality windows and doors, functioning roofline and guttering will not only improve the looks of your house but save you money on your energy bills.

Oadby Building Products provide not only excellent service at very competitive prices but invaluable advice tailored for your individual requirements. With their ever expanding range of high quality products from guttering to cladding and plaster to render, you can be sure that there will be a solution for all your building requirements. These changes to your property will all help to ‘winter proof’ your home ensuring a warm and cosy result.

The team at Oadby Building Products expert advice and dedication in customer satisfaction is really what makes them stand out from the rest, the no obligation quotations and advice is what they pride themselves on. Each member

“Sometimes undertaking work yourself can be daunting but it really needn’t be, not with the right gear and advice!” over the many years in the industry has built up their own area of expertise which ensures that the right advice is given every time. Oadby Building Products have a training program which allows all their staff to be fully conversed with new products and regulation. You can be sure that there will be no sales tactics or jargon, “Sometimes undertaking work yourself can be daunting but it really needn’t be, not with the right gear and advice!” Director Dean Marquis told us.

Oadby Building Products not only cater for trade and commercial clients, they also take pride in offering the same service to their very important DIY clients who may need the more direction at times. With free delivery within the Leicestershire postcodes for orders over £50, who needs to worry about how you’re going to get the goods home. Let us take that stress away.

Being an Independently owned local business it allows Oadby Building Products to offer much more than a large high street DIY store and

pride themselves on providing great products at great prices with plenty of impartial advice to go with it…what more could you ask for?

With regular special offers and with their low prices, it’s just one way of saying thank you to all their clients who have supported this local business over the last 7 years. Expect to find leading brands such as DeWalt, Velux and Stanley as well as much more besides.

Prepare for the winter and Visit Oadby Building Products at their large show room on Kenilworth Drive, Oadby Industrial Estate and discover all the top brands for affordable prices. You can be assured of the close knit team’s desire to provide you the customer with great value for money. www.oadbybuildingplastics.co.uk 0116 2719092

NICHE 89

property

Stick to your home’s era…

If you are fortunate enough to live in a stunning period property it’s only natural to want to dress it with furniture and décor that pays homage to its era, that recognises its original features and works seamlessly together to create the ideal home. There are lots of ways that you can do this but a good starting block is to find out all you can about the property itself, when it was built and what original features are still there – peel back the carpet and knock on that chimney breast, you never know there could be original wooden flooring under there or a beautiful fireplace encased in all that plaster! Then, make those original features a focal point.

Keep other areas of the décor lower key and draw the attention to that gorgeous fireplace or stunning floor.

Then, when it comes to the furniture seek out pieces that were of the era in which the house is built. Scour the local antiques stores, the internet and specialist shops for pieces that will suit and don’t be afraid to ask local dealers in those shops to look out for pieces that would work well in your home – more often than not they will love to help!

So, honour our period property in the way it deserves! Seek out ways to flatter and highlight its beauty in its most original form and you will have a lovely home.

Unique vintage hand-painted furniture & a passion for period style Annie Sloan Stockists & Trainers Decorative • Furniture • Gifts • Kitchen & Dining • Lighting Mirrors • Room Scents • Soft Furnishings • Tableware Client Commissions • Workshops Sourcing & Soft Furnishing Make-Up Services

10 Loseby Lane Leicester LE1 5DR 0116 2620573

www.pomponette.co.uk 90

Making gardens better since 1932 Having the right garden building can add a new dimension to your home. Whether it’s a shed for those garden tools, a summer house to relax in or a playhouse for the children to enjoy for years, they can add a great deal and make use of that garden space you have in a positive way. However not just any old shed will do, it’s certainly worth investing in a garden building that is of high quality and built to last, assembled by an expert team who will ensure it gives you the years of use that you need. Bentley Garden Buildings are a Leicester based firm who offer the largest selection of quality sheds, fencing, out buildings and decking in the area. Not only that but they also offer unrivalled professional and friendly service as they always have done since they started trading in the garden business as a family back in 1932. From your initial consultation and purchase right through to your building’s installation and follow up care the dedicated and professional team always live up to their renowned reputation for offering exceptional customer service.

The products themselves have also earn them a strong reputation in the area with over 100 high quality buildings to view and choose from at their one acre site. A member of their sales staff will gladly visit your site and discuss your requirements, the location and provide an honest answer as to the best solution they have available. Bentley’s only work with manufacturers that they trust and have worked with for years ensuring their products stand the test of time and bring you the added value to your outdoor space.

If you would like more information on their garden products as well as installation and repairs services, visit www.bentleysgardenbuildings.co.uk or call 0116 267 5117.

Showroom: Loughborough Road, Wanlip, Leicester, LE7 4PN.

For people who want something different...

Come and visit this great little shop...full of imaginative ideas - we are stockists for Neptune, Voyage and Crucial Trading floorcoverings.

We also make our own furniture to order, any size, any colour.

- Kitchens,tables, chairs, wardrobes, bookcases, chest of drawers.....

- Gifts and great ideas - Cheerful and helpful staff

Tim and Lorraine Richardson at Michaelmas House 4, Main Street, Market Bosworth. CV130JW

Tel: 01455 291303

www.michaelmashouse.co.uk email : info@michaelmashouse.co.uk

SHOP ONLINE OR VISIT US IN-STORE TODAY!

NICHE 91

Care & charity spotlight Finding the right care home or services is never easy, with so much choice out there and such a varied level of service too it can be hard to know where to look first. Over the next few pages we take a look at some high quality care options within the region. Plus, with charity never far from our minds we also take a look at some of the charities and their events we hold dear.

Sass & Belle

Lester Hall

Apartments

Where excellence in service is STANDARD Lester Hall provides a professional solution in the Care Management of each individual person by offering a Personal Central programme of care and support. Providing residents with their own space with their own lounge for entertaining family and friends, the ethos of Lester Hall Apartments and Suites is to get away from an institutional feel and promote independence and a feeling of wellbeing with safety. There is a Residents Charter in evidence which gives the residents opportunity and scope to develop and decide their own ideas for their own Home and residents meetings and discussions all have different agendas, personalities and priorities.

Lester Hall Apartments is headed by Marina Lester who has been registered since 1984 and a varied background in nursing. Lester Hall contracts with the NHS and Councils and Registered to Care for various conditions of care need and support under and over pensionable age. People with Alzheimer’s, dementia, addictions, some with diverse and challenging needs. The Hall works in partnership with all other outside agencies to compose a Broad and Comprehensive Care Plan, identifying the Service required for each service user.

Your future… with independence and comfort When you consider the type of life you want to lead as you become elderly, what is it you picture? It’s likely you will want to live independently in a homely welcoming environment that you can call your own? It’s also likely that you will want to feel secure in the knowledge that help is at hand should you need it and lead an active social life as part of the scene. Autumn Assisted Living want all these things for you too and offer it all and more from within their supported living apartments. Enjoy your own beautifully decorated and furnished private accommodation whilst also receiving support that you need from on site carers. The communal lounge and dining area provides the opportunity for companionship and social interaction with professional and highly trained care staff available to you 24 hours a day via a call system in your apartment. This may involve as little as comfort visits to maintain feelings of security and companionship, to full personal care for the more disabled. The home has received many accolades over the years to reflect the standard of care they provide.

Lester Hall is adamant of maintaining independence so input by the resident is Located at the lovely Grade II Listed Manor paramount if able and willing. The resident will have access and input into all Care programmes House in the village of Middleton, Market Harborough, you will find; that are appertaining to them giving positive partnerships with tangible outcomes for all.

- eight self-contained apartments for individuals or couples The Combination of fully proven motivational techniques with total Care Templates and excellent comprehensive diet with food choices, promoting therapeutic exercise and introducing College Courses for the younger in the setting together with a dedicated highly skilled team headed by a Manager and Deputy with a five star calibre only marks Lester Hall a positive choice for you or your loved one. www.lesterhallapartments.co.uk 15 Elms Road, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 3JD Tel: 0116 2745400 A further expansion to the Apartments is proposed and expects to be completed in the next few weeks. Extra spacious Apartments have been added, with further facilities to enhance the environment for our Residents.

Every Care, every attention - One Lester Hall Apartments.

- provision of daily meals and catering as required - personal care assistance for bathing, dressing and medication supervision as required - cleaning, linen and personal laundry services - 24-hour onsite staff for planned care and emergency cover - an independent, fulfilling lifestyle combined with companionship and social interaction - activities and transport for outings and visits Autumn Assisted Living provide you with all the care you could ever need yet help you to remain independent allowing you to live your life to the full in your golden years.

www.autumn-care.co.uk Call: 01536 771 722

Solutions for Care Homes Whether you are looking to make some small improvements to your care setting, give your care home a complete overhaul or just want to keep up to date with changes within the industry, Care Roadshows could be just what you are looking for.

Care Roadshow Bristol is coming to Ashton Gate Stadium on 21st October where care professionals can discover a range of products and services to help their business develop and grow. For those wishing to refresh their interiors Edmund Bell Fabrics will be on hand to show you their range of furnishings especially for healthcare locations.

If finding specialist equipment such as assisted bathing and showering devices is on your agenda, Reval will be able to discuss the different options available to suit your location. For laundry solutions meet Electrolux Professional and Girbau UK on their stands to guide you through their specialist machines designed for efficiency and ease.

Diet and nutrition are important to us all and getting this right in your care home can often be a big challenge. Come and talk to apetito to see how making the right meal choices can help enhance the quality of life for your residents.

As with any business, making your care home work can often come down to budgets. Cost reductions specialists Sharecare will be on their stand to talk you though purchasing resolutions for your business. You can also discover a variety of cost saving solutions at the show including innovative technology from Advanced Health & Care and find out how you can make savings on everyday consumables from Pattersons and Care Shop.

For more information about Care Roadshows and to register for the free events, please visit www.careroadshows.co.uk or call 01425 838393.

NICHE 93

Signs of a good care system…

All care homes and assisted living quarters vary in their quality and it can be hard to know what qualities to look for when choosing a home. A good care home, a residential home and assisted living quarters ought to do the following: • Offer new residents and their families or carers a guide (in a variety of accessible

formats) that describes what they can expect while they’re living there. Ideally, residents

of the home would have helped to produce the guide.

•

Have a majority of staff who've worked there for a long time. They know the residents well, and are friendly, supportive and respectful.

•

Involve residents, carers and their families in decision making, perhaps through regular meetings with staff.

• Support residents in doing things for themselves and maximising their independence,

including keeping contact with the outside community.

• Offer a choice of tasty and nutritious food, which residents may have helped to prepare.

Proof 2014

Take into account the needs and wishes of all residents, and provide a variety of leisure and social activities.

•

Be in a clean, bright and hygienic environment that's been adapted appropriately for residents, with single bedrooms available. A good environment encourages residents to personalise their room.

•

Be staffed by well-trained people, for example, nurses trained in dementia care.

•

Respect residents’ modesty and make sure that they look respectable, while recognising residents’ choice about what they wear.

•

Be accredited under the Gold Standards Framework for end of life care.

Please return this proof sheet with any Have staff who respect residents’ privacy and knock before they enter someone’s room. amendments• or your approval by

APPROVED Advice from www.nhs.uk

Autumn Assisted Living A fresh alt ernative to a care home...

A GOLD STANDARD CARE AGENCY Small bespoke family run agency.

es or low.

an ire

•

www.autumn-care.co.uk Move into one of our new, modern apartments, enabling you to live your own life and retain your independence in a quaint village setting.

There are a choice of suites with care and security on hand 24 hours a day. Enjoy fresh home cooked cuisine made to your taste and never worry about the laundry or cleaning.

Couples can continue living together at no extra cost and spend quality time together taking part in activities or simply relaxing and enjoying each other’s company in our beautiful grounds.

lify ir

All of this for £495 per apartment per week inclusive of all costs.

Call 01536 771722 for a free trial or email kiran@autu mn-care.co.uk

2953. Registered Office: Manor House, 58-60 Main Street, Middleton, Market Harborough, Leics LE16 8YU

94

We specialise in 24 hour live in care.

Long and short term placements.

All levels of care.

Phone Heather to discuss our friendly personal service

01572 869138

9 High Street, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6AH www.alwaystakecare.com

A person centred approach from Salus Dementia Care When it comes to Dementia Care for yourself or a loved one you need to feel above everything that the care provided is not only of a very high quality but that it considers a tailored approach to the care they give, meaning that any care received is the very best care for the Individuals needs and concerns. This is a commitment to care that Salus Dementia Care have set out to provide in the very first instance and is one that they endeavour to honour in everything that they do.

Directors Sam Clements and Olga Frolova both have foundation degrees in dementia care but also between them have over 15 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of experience in carer settings and set out with Salus to realise their dream to help those with Dementia and provide exceptionally levels of care to the service users in the community. Providing care which is tailored to each and every individual they have adopted a person centred approach and give care in such a way that strives to maintain a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chosen lifestyle, that treats a person as an individual, and ensures that personal dignity and privacy are respected. As a Salus care receiver you will remain in your own home, comfortable in your own familiar surroundings and routines with Salus providing your unique care as and when you require it. The range of services includes housekeeping services, personal care services, meeting your social or occupational needs and respite care. Whatever the care required you can be assured that the high levels of training that goes into each and every carer means that you or your loved one will receive not only the highest quality of care but also the most meaningful. A Salus carer, put simply, truly cares.

Whilst it is most important that the individual is cared for in the best possible way Salus also recognises that the family and friends of an individual need to be supported and involved too and so Salus organise regular family meetings to ensure they feel that the needs of a service user are being met, to share with them a support plan and to fundamentally keep communication lines open and honest in order to provide a supportive environment for all.

Call: 01455 843433 Mob: 07889370604 Mob: 07947819389

www.salusdementiacare.co.uk

The values and aspirations of Salus Dementia Care are unique and inspirational, with their approach to care in the community from a person centred approach means you or your loved one receives the best possible care for them and their lives.

Lester Hall

Apartments Lester Hall Care Apartments Where Excellence in Service is Standard We provide a professional solution to the Care Management of each individual Resident in accordance to their tailored Care Programme and a frame work to drive forward continuing care.

Providing strong motivation to build staff morale with various training to achieve a dedicated Staff Team to do the job.

Lester Hall Apartments offers your own space some apartments with your own lounge for entertaining family and friends. The ethos of Lester Hall Apartments and Suites was to get away from an institutional feel and promote independence with safety.

To maintain independence, an Occupational & Therapeutic Programme planned and agreed to devise a strategy to develop their self care skills and to maximise their level of functioning to realize their recreational activities and give a feeling of self worth and contentment with independence.

To arrange a viewing or for more information visit www.lesterhallapartments. co.uk or call 0116 2745400/800.

15 E lms Road , L e ic e s t e rs h ire , L E 2 3 J D www.lesterhallapartments.co.uk

Tel: 0116 2745400/800

Email: marinalester@btconnect.com NICHE 95

Charity spotlight

Volunteers improve fate of older people going home from hospital Volunteers across Leicestershire are leading the way with a pioneering scheme that's helping older people to recuperate better following discharge from hospital.

Providing basic assistance, such as a lift home and practical help to settle-in, has been shown to dramatically improve patients’ well-being and is also helping to contribute to a much lower rate of re-admissions, along with a much smoother and more efficient discharge from wards.

Nationally re-admission to hospital rates among older people show 15 per cent of patients aged 75+ are re-admitted within 28 days, compared to Leicestershire’s re-admission figure of 7.5% within 60 days of discharge.

The scheme is now attracting government interest as a potential blueprint to be emulated around the country and Leicester has recently won funding to grow the service.

Royal Voluntary Service volunteers work with the discharge nurses on the wards to identify older people who would benefit from the service. The volunteers help with everyday tasks – such as collecting prescriptions and light shopping - and provide reassuring companionship. This simple support builds confidence, helps recovery and encourages the older person to get back to their everyday routine.

Almost 1,000 elderly people across the county have already received assistance, with the charity determined to create more social networks to ensure vulnerable residents are safe, warm and well, and less likely to be re-admitted to hospital as a result.

Royal Voluntary Service has now launched an appeal for more compassionate people to enrol and help it deliver simple assistance, including: befriending; assisted shopping, transportation to medical appointments; lifts to visit a family member or friend, on-ward helpers and volunteers to help with administrative tasks at its local office.

Established in 1986, Soft Touch Arts supports over 1,000 disadvantaged children and young people across Leicestershire each year. We use arts, media and music activities as a tool to develop creative, social and employability skills so that young people enjoy healthier and happier lives. We are looking for businesses and individuals to join our 'Creating Opportunity' campaign.

Are you a business person or do you work for a local company? Why not consider nominating Soft Touch as your Charity of the Year for 2015?

If you are keen to make a difference, you could become one of our Soft Touch Champions.

Get involved by raising money taking on any challenge that floats your boat - from jumping out of a plane to pouring a bucket of icy water over your head! We also need sponsors for creative projects which offer the chance to support a particular area of work such as our street outreach programme.

As a Soft Touch supporter, you'll receive an Action Pack with all the guidance you need to run your own fundraising events throughout Jenifer Ainsworth, Royal Voluntary Service Area Manager for Leicestershire, said: “These are really the year. You'll have the chance to be part of something bigger by taking part in two major vital services which allow older people in Leicestershire to stay happy, healthy and independent.

We know the support provided by our volunteers makes a massive difference. And without this kind fundraising challenges. We run regular events for of help older people, particularly those who live alone, linger on wards too long and find they cannot our supporters, as well as a package of benefits for businesses alongside opportunities to be cope well with daily life on their return home. involved in high-profile events and exhibitions.

“Our volunteers are fantastic and they really enjoy what they do; they get as much out of volunteering as they put in. We are hoping people from across the diverse range of communities here will recognise how easily they can lend a practical hand and get in touch with us to volunteer, particularly if they have multilingual skills so that we can help as many older people as possible,” she adds.

Volunteers can choose to dedicate as much or as little time to helping as they like, but a couple of hours per week is particularly useful. To find out more visit http://www.royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk/service/1235-leicestershire-rutland or via www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or contact Shilpa Arya on 0116 266 7706.

To help us continue changing young people's lives, Soft Touch Arts needs your help. Join our campaign today and make a real difference to local communities and the next generation. For more information please contact the Business Director, Christina Wigmore, on 0116 2702706 or chris@soft-touch.org.uk www.soft-touch.org.uk/creatingopportunity FB: softtoucharts Twitter: softtoucharts

96

World Aids Day 1 December 2014 World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

Around 100,000 are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 34 million people have HIV. More than 35 million people have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. f you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness and support.

Where can I test in Leicestershire?

To find more information, or see how you can get

LASS (Community based) – www.lass.org.uk

involved visit www.worldaidsday.org

Trade (MSM Community) – www.tradesexualhealth.com Sexual Health Services & GP (various clinical settings)

NICHE 97

Founded in 2007, TwentyTwenty is local charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged, disengaged, and extremely hard-to-reach young people (aged 11-24) to succeed in education, thrive in their personal lives, and achieve long term employment. With the strong belief that each and every young person has incredible potential and deserves the best, TwentyTwenty find ways to unlock that potential, and break down any barriers that might be getting in the way of their progress.

Operating out of their Lifeskill Centres in Leicester and Loughborough, each year dedicated staff work with over 400 local young people to help them gain qualifications in maths, English, IT and media studies. Each student is also offered a volunteer mentor to further support and encourage them , and counselling is available to young people who are finding life especially challenging.

The results speak for themselves – over 90% of this challenging group succeed in overcoming their difficulties to achieve a brighter, more fulfilling life.

www.twentytwenty.org.uk

Get Involved!

There are five ways you can support us in the goal of helping young people to achieve all they can.

Donate – money, equipment or other resources Volunteer – mentor a young person, support our staff, join our advisory trustee board, or share your expertise with young people Do a fundraiser - either one you’ve cooked up or one we’ve planned - see www.twentytwenty. org.uk/events/. Whether its jumping out of a plane, setting up team building fun events, baking cakes or doing something completely different, we can support you to raise funds Offer work experience for a young person Become a Business Partner and get benefits for your company in return.

brightfuture@twentytwenty.org.uk

0300 111 2020

Registered Charity: 1120694

Creating Opportunity Make us your Charity of the Year in 2015 Sponsor a project Become a fundraising champion Soft Touch Arts is an award-winning local charity. We have been changing the lives of vulnerable children and young people for 28 years by delivering enjoyable and challenging arts, media and music programmes. Each year we work with over 1,000 young people.

We need your help to help us change more young lives. We are inviting local businesses, their staff and individuals to join our ‘Creating Opportunity’ campaign to help us raise much needed funds to run our creative programmes in 2015 and beyond. Help us continue making

a difference to local communities.

For more information on our CREATING OPPORTUNITY campaign visit www.soft-touch.org.uk or contact Christina Wigmore - chris@soft-touch.org.uk Soft Touch Arts Ltd, 120a Hartopp Rd, Leicester LE2 1WF 0116 2702706 Registered Charity No. 114731 Facebook: SoftTouch Arts Twitter @softtoucharts

98

Emily Daredevil Davison takes to the skies…

Our very own Emily Davison is quite the office daredevil and when she recently announced that she was going to do a skydive for charity we were thrilled for her (whilst also pondering on how on earth she had the guts!) . She announced it was for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and we were doubly thrilled….knowing she was umping for such a fantastic charity which relies solely on fundraisers to earn its cash we were jumping for joy!

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is the only UK charity solely dedicated to research into blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Your contribution really will make a difference to the lives of the 30,000 people diagnosed every year with a blood cancer. With over 50 years of experience we have built unparalleled expertise in the field of blood cancers here in Britain.

As an experienced blood cancer research charity, they only invest in the best research that brings the most benefit to patients. Using their centres of excellence they hope to improve patient diagnosis, develop new treatments and personalise treatments for all blood cancer patients. By doing this they hope to find a way to beat blood cancer altogether as quickly and effectively as possible.

Kerry, Gayle-Caroline and Emily took to the skies on Sunday 14th September, flying up to approximately 13,000 feet before jumping out and free-falling at around 120mph ....before releasing the parachute at around 5,000 feet for a soft landing. They raised a whopping £1817 in total for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research ....the only UK charity dedicated to research into improving the lives of patients with all types of blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

The dive was made by the girls in memory of Kerry & Gayle-Caroline’s father Bill Jackson, who fought Acute Myeloid Leukaemia for 5 months before sadly passing in April 2014.

Emily Davison said of the dive; “The skydive was amazing, best experience of my life. I was really nervous but the brief was thorough and put my mind completely at ease to really enjoy and get the most out of it, I can’t believe I actually did it! It was exhilarating I think I would even do it again! I just want to thank everyone who donated! THANK YOU!” For this life-saving work to continue, the charity need to raise over £20 million every year. www.beatingbloodcancers.org.uk Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Registered charity number 216032

NICHE 99

Niche Supports..

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research UK Blood Cancer doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t affect certain ages more, and it doesn’t affect males more than females or the other way

around. Each year around 38,000 people are diagnosed in the UK alone with blood cancers every year. With the research entirely

funded without government grants in order to help these 38,000

people every year we need the passion and dedication to the

cause of the people at Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, without

them there would be no support,

no research and frankly, no hope.

Since the 1960s they have been researching

the usual branch activities of jumble sales and

blood cancers and using this research to

coffee mornings grew from strength to strength

improve the lives of those affected by blood

to include a shop.

cancers. Back then if you were diagnosed as a child with a blood cancer your chances of

There are only two charity shops raising funds

survival were very slim and now, thanks to their

for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research in the

research, the survival is 9 out of 10. Their ethos

world and both shops are in Lutterworth, In

is simple: To ensure people of all ages are

its infancy the shop was leased on a six week

given the best possible chance of survival and

basis and 15 years later, with a move to larger

of living a normal healthy life after treatment for

premises, it’s stronger than ever yet still relies

blood cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma

on a great support network of friends, family and

and myeloma. As a result of this drive they are

local people keen to volunteer and donate.

stopping more and more people dying of blood cancer with research and looking at ways on how to stop us getting blood cancer in the first place. The mission is also simple: To improve the lives of those affected and to find ways in which to beat it in the first place.

Without government funding the charity relies solely on Branches, individuals fundraising and monies donated. The Lutterworth & District Branch started 45 years ago with a local family who had a child diagnosed with childhood leukaemia at two years old. Thankfully this was not a sad ending and the branch flourished over the following years. What started out as

www.leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk 96

“

We encourage you to pop along, get some

”

shopping done and soak up the festive spirit all whilst supporting our important cause!

Today the charity shops are home to a huge

shopping done and soak up the festive spirit all

You can send one off donations to the charity

variety of clothing, haberdashery, household

whilst supporting our important cause!” Chris

online at www.leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.

goods and with a separate shop just over the

enthused.

uk or the shop by contacting the shop directly

road dedicated to books and furniture too it’s a mecca for those that love a bargain for them, for

on: Telephone: 01455 556649

There are so many perks to charity shopping

gifts and for the home. With all the merits of retail and for us here at Niche this charity shop

Visit the shop at: Lutterworth Shop Station Road Lutterworth Leicestershire LE17 4AP

charity shopping it’s a place for you to visit and

tops them all, with a wide selection of ever

enjoy time and time again as new stock and new

changing stock all organised for a pleasant

gems pass through the doors. The staff are a

shopping experience it’s a treasure trove of

friendly crew who are always working on ways to

wonderful things. Add to this experience the

make you feel welcome and with a dedication to

idea that you will be helping to raise money for

making your shopping experience a fruitful one.

a cause that really needs the public support

Shops open Monday - Saturday

They ensure its organised and set out just so that to survive and you are onto the perfect retail

9am - 5pm

it means you can discover high quality pieces

shopping experience! There are other ways in

which will help you express your individual style

which you can support both the shop and the

and do your bit for an extremely good cause in

cause however, they are always keen for good

the process. “The community aspects that we

quality clothing and household goods and both

achieve through our volunteers and customers

the shop and the charity in general of course

are one of the most rewarding parts of the shop;

welcome your fundraising efforts and money

people enjoy shopping with us because of

donations.

Upcoming Dates for your Diary!

Beetle drive 14th November

Coffee Morning 20th November

the welcoming atmosphere we have created.

That and our great selection of great quality goods of course!” Chris Ingham M B E, Branch Chairperson told us.

Christmas at the shop is set to be a real welcoming affair, with the Christmas lights switch on happening on Friday November 28th open until 9pm. With the longer opening hours so you can get your shopping done with ease or discover the perfect festive season outfit!

“We have so many fun things coming up over the next few months and the Christmas season is a real highlight in the year for us. We dress the shop all festive and the community aspects really shine through in particular at this time.

So, we encourage you to pop along, get some

020 7504 2200

info@beatingbloodcancers.org.uk

beatbloodcancers@gmail.com NICHE 97

Paradise Pillows

BIRMINGHAM BUSINESSES SHOW SUPPORT FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

An Inspirational Story…

Linda Simcox of Paradise Pillows is a real inspiration, after having being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, like her sister a few years previous, Linda has created a way to help offer some support for others going through the same thing; “My sister in Australia had a mastectomy a few years previous to my operation and used a shaped pillow under her arm when she slept. She sent me one as we couldn’t find anything even remotely similar in the UK, I found it so very useful and soon set about creating my own version!” Linda told us.

And so, Paradise Pillows was born.

A host of Birmingham businesses – including Birmingham City Council, Bullring, Simpsons, Carters of Moseley and Harrison Clark Rickerbys inc K&M Family Law – have teamed up with a local charity to support and promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October, businesses will help raise money for Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer’s #1millionappeal for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

From Wednesday 1 October, restaurants across the region will take part in the charity’s Restaurant Giving initiative. Taking place for the first time, this will see restaurants including Simpsons, Carters of Moseley, The Plough Harborne, Henry Wong Harborne, The Talbot Belbroughton, The Old Crown Digbeth and Yum Yums offer customers the chance to add £1 to their bill, which will go direct to the charity. As well as donations, restaurants will raise awareness of the disease and provide leaflets showing their customers how to self examine. Additional restaurants supporting the charity include The New Inn Harborne, Le Monde, Jimmy Spices and The Lovely Pubs Group.

The charity is also giving people the chance to do their own fundraising by hosting 2 Cups, a cup of tea and cupcake morning. Businesses will be signing up to put on their own 2 Cups events during October.

Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer will use Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote the cause across the region. Another initiative being launched by the charity on Wednesday will be the #pinkpout, a viral campaign encouraging men and women to post pictures of their brightest pink lips, along with a screen shot of a donation to the charity’s Text Appeal. It is hoped that this will have similar success to the likes of the ‘No Make Up Selfie’, which raised over £8 million for Cancer Research UK and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised over $100 Million worldwide for Motor Neurone Disease.

To find out more about the charity and activity taking place across Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.lfbc.org.uk.

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Shaped in just the right way using lovely soft silky materials, the Paradise Pillow is affordable and comes in a wide range of colours and designs. The shape and materials provide optimum comfort and they can be hand washed to ensure you keep it at its best. The pillow provides relief post op for some time; with Linda often receiving comments from customers saying that they are using it and finding comfort in it even years after their operations. It’s this support for others which is so inspirational, using something that helped her during a very difficult time to now offer the same comfort to others.

After diagnosis and treatment of something like Breast Cancer it can be very difficult for that person to move on, to find a way to use their experiences but live a life that is free from them at the same time, this is Linda’s way.

The pillow is widely approved by hospitals and nurses in her local area and word of mouth is spreading, yet Linda is still keen to continue making them herself; “I get a great sense of achievement and purpose by making them myself I love it!”

To purchase a pillow at just £14.95 with 50p of each sale going to Linda’s local hospice visit www.paradisepillows.co.uk or call 01492 582819

Paradise Pillows Introducing specially designed post op breast comfort, the Paradise Pillow.

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The Paradise Pillow has been designed and especially shaped to relieve pressure on the under arm and breast region following surgery.

Paradise Pillow is moon shaped to fit snugly under the arm and has ribbon ties to make the size adjustable and to keep it in place.

Each Paradise Pillow is made from a satin material to eliminate friction, pillows can be produced in a variety of colours.

Paradise Pillows are filled with the softest of stuffing to reduce pressure on the wound.

For further information please contact Linda on 01492 582819

www.paradisepillows.co.uk Anita Care Tonya Bra – Raising money for MacMillan

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During the month of October 2014 Anita Care and Eloise.co.uk will be donating 10% of profits on the Tonya special bra to MacMillan Cancer Support.

Tonya is a best-selling soft cup bra that is practically invisible under clothes, especially tight-fitting garments such as T-shirts, a fact which is enhanced by the nude colour-way.

The Tonya is pocketed on both sides and the pockets are made of delicate breathable tulle. Flat edging bands around the neckline and arms ensure it remains extremely soft on the skin.

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NICHE 103

education highlights Choosing the right school for your child is a tough one and with so many of us parents deciding to venture further afield than our catchment areas the choice has never felt so wide. So where do you start Ofsted? Recommended by friends? Location in relation to your work? Class sizes?! Arggh! So much to considerâ&#x20AC;Ś

Our Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Convent School

The nostalgia of school days…

Ahhhh the school days…what do they conjure up for you? Fun and laughter, friends and sports days or tedious and never-ending? We think a healthy mix of all is probably the mix in most common responses to that question! Whatever your age a funny mix of something like nostalgia with happy memories will likely be your thoughts as you look back over your schooling years. There are things that as a parent though I know I will say that my parents said to me, amongst them; ‘Do your best’ ‘Tuck your shirt in’ ‘Have you got your kit?’ and the truly classic ‘Your school years are the best years, you have got it easy kid!’ and how many times as a parent do you smile when you ask your child what they did that day, only to get the response ‘stuff!’ as you recall that is your response you gave your folks to the question too! Whilst schools and education changes continuously some things never do, one of them being these parental questions.

With the new school term in full swing, it’s likely that your household has restored some of that lovely reassuring routine that makes life that little bit easier for us parents and although they may not always like to admit it makes for happier children too. They need the stimulation that school brings and if it’s a good school, the right school for your child, they will thrive.

Of course, there are many ways to ‘re-live’ your happy school days, take a look over your old text books, dig out those cringy school photos and experience that heady mix of feeling glad and sad all at once. The bad and the good all simply part of growing up and coming out of the other side!

This issue we have visited some wonderful schools in the Midland’s area that will help make your child’s school days the best of their life, take a look at what we have picked as the best that the area has to offer.

NICHE 105

LEICESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL & LEICESTER GRAMMAR JUNIOR SCHOOL

OPEN MORNING 9.30AM TO 1.30PM SATURDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2014

• Co-educational Independent Day Schools • Pupils aged 3-18 London Road, Great Glen LE8 9FL • www.leicestergrammar.org.uk

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Brand new school in Lutterworth Opens its Doors!

The Sir Frank Whittle Studio School opened its doors to students on September 1st 2014 marking the beginning of a new concept in education for South Leicestershire. The Studio School takes a pioneering approach to education with a focus on narrowing the gap between traditional academic curriculum and the skills young people need to succeed in the world of work.

Paul Hostead, Head of Sir Frank Whittle Studio School commented “The last few weeks have seen our vision for the new school become reality as we opened our doors to students for the first time on 1st September. I have been so impressed with the enthusiasm from our new students and their attitude to what is a new and inspirational way of learning” The school focus is very much on small school, high support, with every student assigned a personal coach to help support their academic and personal development. Each student has an opportunity to study a specialist work related subject in Business (including Retail, Logistics, Travel & Tourism) or Engineering for all students alongside a traditional GCSEs including English Literature, English Language, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for students in years 10 & 11. The world of work is brought to life in the curriculum with world class partnerships with local businesses where all students experience work placements/internships every week.

Open Evening on Thursday 9th October, 6pm-8pm

Paul Hostead, Head teacher said “We encourage anyone interested in finding out more to come along! Our new students and expert staff team can’t wait to show off our new school!”

Anyone interested in contacting the Sir Frank Whittle Studio School can do so on 01455 205112 or email s.hutchinson@lc.eics.sch.uk and more information can be found on website www.sirfrankwhittlestudioschool.com

NOW RECRUITING FOR SEPTEMBER 2015 For more information contact s.hutchinson@lc.leics.sch.uk

NICHE 107

A school in which its individuals flourish….

Our Lady’s Convent School (OLCS) is one of the most prestigious Independent schools in the region, with a deep emphasis on person centred education and a commitment to encouraging students to thrive in all areas wherever their talent lies. It’s more than a place to learn; it’s a place for students to develop and embrace their full potential.

Steeped in history, the school was founded in 1841 by Blessed Antonio Rosmini whose belief in strong Catholic values still echoes throughout the school to this day. Welcoming girls and boys from Nursery (age 3) to Year six (age 11), girls progress to the single sex Senior school and Sixth Form. Whilst its foundations are Catholic and its values Christian, the school welcomes all students irrespective of their faith, to learn, grow, discover and shape their talents and personalities.

The school has a long tradition of providing an

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holistic approach to education where a child will be encouraged and challenged to perform to his or her best abilities; the school’s strong academic results reflect how well students of all ages respond to this approach. Your son or daughter will be challenged and encouraged in equal measure as they progress through the Curriculum. Students are happy and stimulated and flourish in this cheerful, family environment where small class sizes ensure each child receives the very best in high quality education.

The synergy of old and new is evident within the school, beautiful old buildings combine with modern technology to offer the best possible learning environment.

Your son or daughter will have access to so many facilities all surrounded within a wonderfully leafy walled area in the heart of Loughborough. The buildings offer light, bright, open classrooms and students can have full access to the beautiful Chapel and old Convent House, which until recently was the residence of the Order of the Sisters of Providence. The school is divided into areas of educational interest, with a purpose built

science block complete with five laboratories, a dedicated P.E. hall and classroom, a music and performing arts studio and a large art and design department in which you will find countless award winning, breath-taking student art pieces adorning the walls.

The well-equipped classrooms complete with interactive white boards, data projectors and computers allow students to access all they need to get the very best from their educational experience. The key aspect of educational life at Our Lady’s Convent School is the philosophy that no one area of the curriculum is more important than another; the school simply offers exceptional facilities in all educational areas enabling students to excel and develop as wellbalanced individuals.

Pastoral care at the school is outstanding and in addition to a sound educational foundation it offers a social and supportive school life.

During these important formative years the school provides facilities and staff which allow for a sympathetic ear for students. Pupils are encouraged to look after and help one another

as evidenced by the ‘Sixth Form Mums’ scheme which pairs older students with Year 7s to offer them help, support and guidance as they settle into the Senior school. The Chaplaincy team provides a spiritual focus for students to allow for personal growth and support irrespective of a student’s faith. The Chapel is used regularly for services, celebrations and as a place of quiet reflection. The school’s motto of ‘Legis Plenitudo Caritas’ meaning Charity Fulfils the Law can be found throughout the whole school with students encouraged to embrace this ethos in all that they do; whether in their relationships with each other, staff or through charity work for Rainbows, Macmillan and many more.

Parents and grandparents are also a valuable asset to the school, with both encouraged to get involved! Whether through social or charity events such as Achievement Assemblies, Sports days, productions, performances, sporting competitions, fairs or as part of the school’s active Parents’ Association who regularly organise social events such as quiz nights, fashion shows and grand balls!

As part of their holistic approach the school promotes a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, available throughout the day. By accessing this varied timetable students can explore different options and pathways to expand their horizons, ignite a passion or help increase their employability after school life.

Activities such as Latin Club, Needlework, Gardening, Street Dance and Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Karting, Ballet and even Yoga are all part and parcel of the exciting opportunities at Our Lady’s Convent School. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and all that it encompasses as well as the hugely popular Young Enterprise Scheme is also available for the older years.

Whatever their likes and dislikes there is something for everyone here!

A visit to the school allows you to see just a snippet of what makes the school truly special, a sense of calm contentment in a supportive learning environment, a sense of students being given the respect and space to become who they really are and the tools and facilities to help them achieve whatever they set their mind to.

An Our Lady’s Convent School student leaves

the school not only equipped with important academic achievements, but with a thirst to continue learning, a confidence to embrace their career path and make a difference in the world, no matter what size that difference is, and a world full of opportunity that is theirs for the taking. The school’s head teacher, Mrs Patricia Hawley, holds close the holistic and spiritual values on which the school has always been built upon and finds this poem a wonderful summation of what a student’s time at the school should embody; Poem by William Crocker.

If this is not a place where tears are understood, Where do I go to cry?

If this is not a place where my spirits can take wing, Where do I go to fly?

If this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Where do I go to seek?

If this is not a place where my feelings are heard, Where do I go to speak?

If this is not a place where you’ll accept me as I am, Where can I go to be?

If this is not a place where I can try to learn and grow, Where can I just be me?

To find out more visit www.olcs.leics.sch.uk Telephone: 01509 263901 Fax: 01509 236193 E-mail address: office@olcs.leics.sch.uk Gray Street Loughborough Leics.

LE11 2DZ

NICHE 109

The right education for all…

When it comes to educational facilities for those on the autistic spectrum Anna Kennedy OBE doesn’t do things by halves. In 1999, after Anna was turned away from 26 special needs schools for her two sons on the spectrum and discovering that mainstream schools just weren’t suitable, she decided enough was enough and something had to be done. From here on out Anna made it her goal to provide an educational setting that was not only good enough for her sons but that could do the same for so many other families in a similar position.

After re-mortgaging her home to finance her own school (we told you she doesn’t do things by halves!) and built her own school. Yes, you read that right, she built her own school!

She transformed a derelict council building in Middlesex, West London into Hillingdon Manor School. An astounding success and the answer for so many other parents and families in the area word spread and soon supply couldn’t reach the demand. A further school was needed and Baston House was born. Then further down the line she opened West London Community College, thus creating the perfect, supportive educational environment for her sons and hundreds of others too from the age of three and a half to 19 and beyond.

The success of each school is of course down to Anna’s initial drive and passion to create an environment in which individuals, no matter their age or background, could enjoy education delivered in a way that not only provided a happy environment but a productive one too.

These schools deliver for so many individuals and in turn their families, changing their lives for the better. To highlight these positive results we take a look at a couple of case studies from children attending Baston House.

CASE STUDY: Jasper Aged 11 Mary McInerney lives in Lewisham with her two children. Jasper, 11, has been attending Baston House School for 18 months.

Desperate for an alternative Mary says: “My son Jasper was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. Unfortunately, he was unable to manage mainstream school and by the time he was nine he was extremely distressed and his attendance very poor. The school did not understand Jasper’s needs while the work and the environment were becoming impossible for him to manage. He was continually physically refusing to go to school and trying to hurt himself to avoid having to go. His self-esteem was on the floor and the school responded by taking me to court for his poor attendance, thereby blaming me and ignoring Jasper’s needs. We had hit rock bottom and there was no choice but to take Jasper out of this inappropriate setting which was unable to address his needs.”

A positive response It took many months, a great deal of effort and a significant amount of money before Jasper was allocated funding for a place at Baston House but, Mary says, she does not begrudge any of it. “At long last, having struggled so hard for so long in the wrong setting for a child like him, he is able to engage effectively with his education, in a setting he can understand, and where he is understood.

His confidence and self-esteem have soared and he is learning much more than he ever has before; because his needs are being addressed so well he is responding very positively and his teachers have high expectations of his academic achievement, as well as his overall well-being.”

Understanding the child One thing which Mary especially appreciates about Baston House is the way that the children are treated as individuals with their own particular needs addressed according to their capabilities and interests. “Just because all the pupils are on the autistic spectrum, it does not follow that they should all be treated the same. In Jasper’s case, amongst other things he struggled with concentrating for long periods and has certain sensory issues, so he is allowed to take short breaks from his work, his assignments are broken into smaller ‘bite-sized’ sections, and even the classroom lighting was changed as the fluorescent strip lights were upsetting to him. This proves to me that Baston fully understands not just my son’s condition, but my son himself, and is prepared to respond in the way which will best serve his needs.”

Overcoming hurdles Mary has been greatly relieved to find a school which suits Jasper so well and means he will not have to endure the problems a mainstream secondary setting would most likely have caused him. Nevertheless, she knows that there are more hurdles to overcome. “Like many eleven year old boys, quite often Jasper would prefer not to have to go to school at all and he still sometimes decides he’ll try and get out of it,” she says, “but because he can see that his teachers and I are on his side, working together and committed to him, he accepts the situation and mostly he enjoys being at school - or at least puts up with it! And that is a milestone in itself.”

Forward to the future Although Mary does not expect miracles, she is quietly optimistic about what the future might hold for Jasper. “His teachers are very pleased with his progress, and they are excellent at keeping me in touch with everything so that I know what has been going on each day. I genuinely believe that Baston House is helping him to move forward rather than stigmatising him and holding him back because he has autism. I have high hopes that he will be able to live with a measure of independence because of the remarkable support he is receiving from a remarkable school.”

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CASE STUDY 2 Raeshaun Aged 12

Rachelle lives in Lewisham with her three children, the eldest of whom, Raeshaun, is twelve years old.

Sink or swim?

When choosing a school for a child there are many things to take into account, but for a parents with a child on the autistic spectrum the decisions can be much more difficult. Whilst some children with the condition may flourish in a mainstream setting, others will struggle and some may fall between the two categories.

This was the situation in which Rachelle found herself with her son, Raeshaun. “We decided to send Raeshaun to a mainstream primary school and for the first few years we had no major problems,” she says. “Although he had some speech delay and a short attention span, the small and fairly informal environment suited him

well and we were happy with the decision.”

Rachelle lives in Lewisham with her three children, the eldest of whom, Raeshaun, is twelve years old. Rachelle despaired of finding the right school for her son until she discovered Baston House “It was only as he got older that things started to get more difficult as the school was not used to handling autistic children and they suggested we look for a place elsewhere.

However, we persevered and he was able to stay there until the end.”

Grey cloud of despair It was a secondary level that Rachelle began to realise that something would have to change. “I was still convinced that Raeshaun would be fine in the mainstream as long as he had appropriate one-to-one support like any child with learning difficulties, but school after school turned us down. I did hours of research trying to find an answer, but had no help from anywhere and it was like a big grey cloud was hanging over me.”

of another child that I discovered he was being bullied. That was enough for me.”

Fitting in at last Rachelle approached Baston House which agreed to offer Raeshaun a place. “We went to visit and loved the warm welcome and the fact that they understood exactly what we needed.”

Having completed a three-day trial period at Baston, Raeshaun pleaded to be allowed to go there. “He liked it straightaway and felt that he fitted in,” says Rachelle. “The school was brilliant and managed the transfer very quickly so there was minimal disruption, and for the first time in many months I felt able to relax.”

Small steps, big progress Although Raeshaun has only been at Baston for a few weeks, family and friends have noted a marked difference in him. “There has been a dramatic change,” explains Rachelle. “He used to go to school because he had to, now he actively enjoys it. He understands his lessons whereas before he often shut himself off and he Enough is enough is taking a real interest in what he is learning. At Eventually, Rachelle found a school which would home he is much happier, sleeps better and is accept Raeshaun and was assured that his more affectionate, so the move to Baston has needs would be fully met in terms of extra help had a very positive effect on us all.” and support. “I was told that he would have a dedicated TA at all times but it soon became clear that this wasn’t happening,” she says.

“When I was allowed to meet her I could see that www.hillcrestcare.co.uk she didn’t have the specialist knowledge to deal www.bastonhouse.org.uk with Raeshaun and he obviously wasn’t coping well. Then he started taking time off school, www.annakennedyonline.com through illness or just because he didn’t want to go and it was only when I spoke to the parents

NICHE 87

Anna Kennedy OBE HQ becomes fashionistas delight!

After the astounding success of Wear It for Autism in 2013 Anna Kennedy and her team knew moments after the curtains closed on stage that there would be a Wear it for Autism 2014 that would be even bigger and better than its predecessor; and that it was!

Monday 6th October was the date and we were there to soak it all up! But first, a bit of background to set the scene. The concept behind Wear It for Autism is a fun night to pamper Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Young Adults and Carers – who either have autism themselves or care for those living with the condition all whilst raising awareness of the spectrum. Chosen winners were plucked from a host of nominees and were placed centre stage after a full makeover at the prestigious London’s Millennium Hotel, 17 Sloane Street; Knightsbridge in London.

Sponsored by Living Autism, Miglio Jewellery, Models of Diversity, Bon Prix, Shine like a Celeb, Avalanche Studios, Immortal Couture, Damsel in a Dress and many more the event was also supported by Models of Diversity and their good friends at Pineapple Performing Arts. Find out more about their amazing work on www.modelsofdiversity.org and www.pineapplearts.com.

Celebrity presenters this year included Arlene Phillips CBE, Mitch Winehouse (who won Tea at the Ritz with Anna in the auction!), Dr Pam Spurr, Amy Willerton, Steve King and many more. Fashion Stylist Lewis Duncan Weedon styled the winners.

The winners were: Mums : Ann Wright, Sharon King, Maimuna Mutaasa and Lisa Embery-Donaghy Dads : Craig Binns and Lee Cook Grandparent : Sandra Trotter Family : Anne & Steven Rann Adult with Autism : Dani Bowman Child with Autism : Sophie Jayne Garner Young Carers : Demi Stamp and Emma Bell We went along for the star studded event and were thrilled to be part of such a special evening!

“This event was spectacular! It felt so very special and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the evening. The stage show was immense with the catwalk brimming with smiling faces and the audience delighting in the glamour of it all! These kind of awareness events are really what sets Anna and her team apart from the rest, it was a night for awareness of autism but also a night of recognition, fun and entertainment. Scott James and Ryan Wiggins from Autisms got Talent sang and they were fabulous, the entertainment didn’t stop there with auctions and dancing all part of the evenings fun. Well done Anna Kennedy Online, another successful event we say!” Sally Smith, Cross Productions Editor comments.

Anna Kennedy OBE said: “The idea behind Wear It for Autism was to spoil those who usually never get a chance to treat – or even think – of themselves. Living with autism can be challenging and extremely demanding so we wanted to create a special event that would be fun for all involved and I am so happy to report that Wear it for Autism 2014 was a huge success! Judges Steven Smith, Angel Sinclair, Dr Pam Spurr and Maggie Paterson, Sam Tomlin, Fiona Shepherd emotionally picked out their winners from each category and were so supportive of the event from the start so I would like to thank them! In fact, I would like to thank everyone involved this year, it was a real team effort and we couldn’t have done it without such support! We also announced our new patron for the charity last night, Steven Smith, so I would like to welcome him to our team once again! Steven is an author and does a lot of work for charity but has never been moved to become a patron of a charity until now, he said he loved our passion and found it catching so we are incredibly honoured to have caught him!” Anna comments. www.annakennedyonline.com

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Anna Kennedy and Samantha Tomlin, an of the Ambassadors of Models of Diversity who is supporting Wear It For Autism, and also a mum of young boy on the spectrum.

Huge funds raised at star-studded Tony Jacklin CBE Wentworth Charity Invitational

Welcoming a host of celebrities and professional Champion, Damon Hill OBE; actor, Jimmy

illnesses specialist hospice facilities at their base

golfers, the inaugural Tony Jacklin CBE

Nesbitt; Rugby World Cup winner, Mike Tindall;

in Loughborough and money raised ensures that

Wentworth Charity Invitational was a fantastic

MasterChef presenter, Gregg Wallace; Football

they can continue their important work.

success that helped to raise vital funds for

Focus presenter, Dan Walker and Ashes-winning

charity Rainbows Hospice for Children and

cricketer, Matthew Hoggard MBE.

Young people.

After the golf, guests enjoyed a delicious Hosted by two-time Major winner Tony Jacklin,

three-course meal back at the Clubhouse.

the event took place at Wentworth, one of the

Entertainment was provided by comedian and

world’s most exclusive courses and home to

entertainer Kev Orkin, as well as musical legend

the BMW PGA Championship. Some of the

Merrill Osmond and Boyzone singer Keith Duffy

other professionals competing on the famous

who sung a duet of ‘Love Me For A Reason’

West Course included former Ryder Cup Vice-

much to the delight of the audience!

Captain, Peter Baker; fellow Ryder cup stars

Jacklin was overjoyed with the event, he said: “This is the first year of many I hope for the event, I would like to say a big thank you to all the professionals, celebrities, sponsors and Wentworth for helping us to put together a truly special day for all who came. Most importantly we managed to raise a fantastic amount for Rainbows which I am delighted about!”.

Guests enjoyed accommodation at the beautiful

David Gilford and Phillip Price, European Senior

Organised by brand agency Champions

Pennyhill Park, situated in nearby Bagshot. Lyle

Tour star, Gary Wolstenholme MBE; and multiple

(UK) plc, the event also presented a fantastic

and Scott generously donated all the players’

European Tour winner, Paul Broadhurst. The

opportunity to raise significant funds for

shirts for the day and there was also an exclusive

course is particularly special to Jacklin as it is

Midlands-based Children’s Hospice, Rainbows,

whisky tasting on the first tee kindly provided by

the scene where he twice won the British PGA

through a number of activities including a charity luxury Scottish whisky brand, Glenmorangie. The

Championship in 1972 and 1982.

auction conducted by TV auctioneer, Charlie

event was generously supported by sponsors:

Ross. Prizes included a round of golf with Tony

Farmfoods, William Hill, Glenmorangie, Lyle and

The all-star cast of celebrities in attendance

Jacklin CBE at Lytham St Annes and a one

Scott, Pennyhill Park and the Barbados Tourist

included: legendary cricketing all-rounder,

week stay at Royal Westmoreland Golf Resort in

Board.

Sir Garfield Sobers; five-time Olympic Gold

Barbados. The charity offers children and young

medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave; World F1

people with life threatening and life limiting

www.rainbows.co.uk

talk business Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk business. Leicestershire is fast becoming one the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier locations for conferences, its great middle of the country location, conferencing venues and its thriving business support community make Leicester a rising star in the business world. Take a peek at some of our latest business networking events and learn about support networks that will help you and your business thrive in the area.

www.collegecourt.co.uk

St Martins House - Cathedral Gardens

Tips and Tricks of Social Media from an Expert…

Deciding whether to use Social Media channels is not an option these days, as any prospective

clients will expect you to have a presence on at

least two of the biggest platforms. So let’s look at

the big three: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, and give you a couple of really good ideas for getting some great results back from using them.

Let’s start with LinkedIn and the biggest ‘turn off’ for people deciding whether to

contact you or not is actually your little tiny picture! You don’t need to spend a fortune

on it, but you do need to look professional. Solicitors should look like Solicitors, and so make sure you are smartly dressed and wearing a shirt or blouse with a jacket and if you are a man – a tie. A solicitor without a tie just isn’t taken seriously. Whatever you

profession, get rid of all the ‘on the beach’ shots, all the ‘wedding dress’ pictures, all the evening ‘décolletage’ snaps and all the ‘beer in hand’ selfies.

If you can integrate some scenery that shows your profession – that’s perfect. So a Builder in front of a brick wall, an Architect in front of a house plan and a Florist surrounded by flowers... you get the idea.

A fatal Twitter Turn off is not having a location on your profile wording. It should

include your phone number, website, and LOCATION. If someone wants a builder, let

them decide if Ashby is too far or not. Leaving out a major town is critical, if people have no idea where you are, they won’t bother to contact you at all.

Make it easy for people to contact you straightway. No phone number means they

would need to click on your website, click on your contact us page and then try and find it… Far too much trouble! So make it easy to know where you are, and easy to lift that

Tina Gayle

phone.

www.whizzywords.com

Facebook: Don’t just post a link and expect that everyone will rush to click it. They

Making Your Words Speak Louder!

won’t. Always say what they will find on the link, it might be just what they need. My last tip is, ask for something! Ask them to share, click, like, or comment. Otherwise viewers will just move on to the next post and you’ve lost them.

Getting these basics right will give you a professional ‘Front of House’ image to the world.

NICHE 115

What can be learned from spending time with the most accomplished leaders in the Midlands?

The Midlands Leadership Experience Where talented, successful and ambitious leaders gather to inspire and be inspired, learn and connect.

A recent statistic doing the rounds on the internet suggested that globally over 20,000 books are written on the subject of leadership and management each year.

Having read many it is clear there is a considerable variance of opinion about what makes a great leader.

“If you ask the leaders themselves why they are successful they will struggle to tell you… …high performance organisations require effective leadership” Professor Peter Jackson – University of Leicester speaking at the first Midlands Leadership Convention It doesn’t take long to think about the great leaders of this time and throughout history in politics, business, sport, exploration, entertainment, public service, entrepreneurs, military, faith and the third sector. No doubt you’ll have leaders in mind you admire and maybe you have been lucky enough to work for or with them.

When you consider these people you will agree that there are three characteristics they all share; they know what they want, they work hard to get things done and deliver results, and this gives them the credibility to influence and persuade others.

After that it all gets a little blurred and the opinions begin to differ in terms of relevance and priority of personal qualities.

What we wanted to know from personal experience was what they actually do and how they think. In 2010 we set out to interview accomplished Midlands based business and public sector leaders and invited them to share their stories at our regular Midlands Leadership Experience (MLE) events. So far

we’ve interviewed over 40 accomplished men and women including Brian Stein – former CEO @ Samworth Brothers; Chris Corbin – CEO @ Ashfield in2 Focus; Robert Louden – Director General of the Camping and Caravanning Club and Doug Crawford CEO of the rapidly growing MyHomeMove.

From these interviews we distilled ‘20 characteristics of accomplished leaders’. Along with each characteristic are a host of stories and case studies which illustrate this in practice.

Go to www.midlandsconvention.com to download the 20 characteristics.

One of the most successful and fastest growing businesses in the Midlands is Mattioli Woods plc. They have been sponsors and supporters of the MLE since it launched in 2010. Bob Woods, the Executive Chairman, and his business partner, Ian Mattioli, started the business back in 1991 from Ian’s garage.

Today, it is one of the fastest growing AIM-listed wealth management and employee benefits companies in the UK. The company’s HR strategy has been widely praised and Bob and his executive team are relentless in promoting their core values; being passionate, innovative, professional, caring and acting with integrity at all times. The results speak for themselves; the company now employs over 400 people, advises over 6,000 clients and holds assets under management, administration and advice in excess of £4.6 billion.

So how do you develop the ability to lead? It is a question regularly asked in boardrooms and offices across the world. Executives, leadership development experts and HR professionals from colossal corporations to micro businesses are always looking to find the tools and personal development mechanisms which compel their people to lead.

At the MLE we have a simple view; we believe that the best way to learn leadership is to spend time in the company of accomplished professionals who have already been where you

aspire to go. Since everyone is unique we also believe it is right to offer people the opportunity to choose what is appropriate for them. This is why at the Convention you will listen to many different views, stories and principles which guide these exceptional people. Naturally some of their opinions and their ideas will resonate with you and some won’t; it’s your choice. All we know is that you’ll enjoy being inspired by, learning from and connecting with talented, ambitious and successful people.

On March 14th 2014 we held the first oneday Midlands Leadership Convention. The participants enjoyed a fabulous day listening to pearls of wisdom from the likes of Gerard Nieuwenhuys - Group MD @ Sytner; Martin Dalby CEO Center Parcs; Daniel Priestley Author -‘Key Person of Influence’, John Forkin MD @ Marketing Derby and Stephen Gould – MD of Everards and winner of the Leicestershire Director of the year award 2013, Rosemary Conley – health and fitness legend and national treasure.

On 27th November Derby University are hosting the next one-day Midlands Leadership Convention with a host of senior executives, leadership subject-matter experts and professionals charged with transforming top class professionals into accomplished leaders in their organisations. One of the major themes will be how leaders bring people together who share forthright, (often) well intentioned yet disparate views. Collaboration is the watchword for the 21st century leader.

To find out more, see the line-up of speakers, find out who is attending and watch a 3-minute showreel video. w : www.midlandsconvention.com e : enq@midlandsleadershipexperience.co.uk t : 0845 2507322 Linked In / Facebook - Midlands Leadership Experience Twitter : @midleaders

Growth Accelerator Government backed support for Small to Medium Enterprises employing less than 249 people.

Do you represent a business on the cusp of high growth? Would you like to understand some of the key factors that propel many of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses? Would you like to learn from their successes so that you can adopt similar strategies to accelerate the growth of your own business?

Since the government backed scheme to support high potential businesses was introduced in May 2012, the combined growth of client businesses across the UK stands at £1.5 billion: creating 36,752 new jobs in the process. On average, businesses working with GrowthAccelerator generated a 32% increase in growth and increased jobs by 36% in the past year – over six times the nationwide SME average.

Edward Leake is a digital marketing genius leading Melton Mowbray based Midas Media. In February 2014 he engaged with the GrowthAccelerator programme. His first meeting with his Growth Accelerator coach was on his dining table/office. Within 3 months he’d moved in plush new office premises employing 5 staff.

Ed is now on course to double his turnover inside 12 months.

GrowthAccelerator Support comes in 4 forms; business growth coaching, management and leadership development, support for innovation and access to finance.

To find out more contact Simon Bozeat e : simon@bozeatconsulting.co.uk t : 01530 271272 m : 07989 673095 w : www.growthaccelerator.com

Business Law Cash Flow Feature

A family law firm with heart….

Family Law requires a specific kind of solicitor, it requires a someone with a humane touch, a person or team who understands people with values based on providing the information you need in a professional yet personable way, after all if you are approaching a family law firm it’s likely that whatever you need from them you will also require a healthy dose of understanding too.

A very highly regarded family law firm of this kind is right here in the Midlands. Glynis Wright Solicitors are based in the city centre of Leicester and are renowned specialists in family law and family mediation. Since Glynis Wright set up the practice in April 2011 as a sole practitioner, her practice has grown rapidly as a small and trusted team who work together in providing advice and assistance at what can often be a very difficult time for a client; “I believe that the success of our practice is due to the strong reputation that we have built up and that we are very approachable and sensitive to the needs of our clients who are going through what is potentially one of the most difficult times of their lives. We have different team members who each bring something different to the practice yet as a whole we all acknowledge the same values; it’s our core values and approach to each individual client with empathy that our reputation has grown upon.” Glynis told us.

If you have any enquiries about any family law issues such as divorce, cohabitation breakups, disputes over children or family mediation, you can contact Glynis and the team at Glynis Wright Solicitors on enquiries@glyniswright. co.uk or call on 0844 225 2790. They will welcome the opportunity of speaking with you personally. You can also visit the website of Glynis Wright Solicitors at www.glyniswright. co.uk or the mediation website at www.familymediationleicester.co.uk

Don’t catch their cold: when customers or suppliers let you down

By Robin Johnston, Commercial Law Solicitor at Bray & Bray

It is good news that the economy seems to be improving for businesses in the East Midlands.

Despite this improvement, there are still businesses that are vulnerable to over-trading, cash-flow difficulties and related financial pressures. Recently I have been advising clients whose customers or suppliers have experienced financial distress and, as a result, left our clients in the lurch – either bad debts or the prospect of interrupted or discontinued supply. When faced with bad debts or the notice of another business’ insolvency, it is difficult to know what to do for the best. Is it worth doing anything at all, or are you simply sending good money after bad?

The truth is that by acting early through seeking our advice, you may be able to both deal with the problem and concentrate on steering your own business successfully through the issues.

At Bray & Bray we are able to look into the causes of the problem and advise you on your options for maximising recovery or securing supply. If you suspect foul play we can even investigate to see whether or not your suspicions are founded.

Speak with an expert commercial law solicitor today if you need advice on cash-flow, insolvency or any other business related issues, including: mergers and acquisitions; employment law; commercial litigation; business crime and regulation or property related issues such as landlord and tenant disputes. Alternatively, email me directly on: rajohnston@braybray.co.uk Get in Touch: Leicester: 0116 254 8871 Hinckley: 01455 639900 Market Harborough: 01858 467181 www.braybray.co.uk

NICHE 117

I want to be self employed

LUGGAGE & LEATHER FROM CELLINI

Suffer in silence no more….

I usually keep quiet about being an accountant when I’m out and about, but every now and then people find out. Usually I get asked a barrage of tax questions, but more recently people have started to ask ‘’I want to be self-employed, but I’m not sure what business to set up?’’

For stylish branded handbags and the largest selection of suitcases available in Leicester, Cellini is the one-stop shop for all your luggage and leather needs.

Many of us try to live with our aches and pains and certainly as we get older wonder if we will ever live without them ! But do we really know what is causing the pain and how to treat it without just drugs.

If it’s luggage you’re after, Cellini has a wide range of hard and soft-sided suitcases. Hardsided cases offer great protection, but choose one with break-in resistance and an integrated lock. A soft-sided case or holdall can be lighter in weight, but for better security, look for metal chain zips with interlocking teeth, and steer clear of polyester as it damages easily.

The Ashleigh Clinic in Stoneygate Leicester is an independent Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic which has been established for 28 years and looks after everyone from International Athletes to the elderly.

I think I’ve got the answer down to a tee…

1. Write down everything you do at work currently, activity by activity, then everything you’ve studied and then any skills you’ve perfected over the years. These are your attributes.

2. Ask yourself why you want to be selfemployed, people have many different reasons but I’ve noted down three of the most common.

Flexible hours, money and to help others.

3. Look at your list of attributes and circle them in the following way.

If you’re looking for: Flexible hours: Look for attributes which are highly specialised. Attributes that not many people have or skills that are hard to learn, these will be the most valuable to others. Plus, because they are highly specialised they won’t be in high demand, which will keep your working hours low while bringing in a good income as and when you do have to work.

Money: Look for attributes which you can teach others, or which others can help you to deliver.

You’re looking to build your sales and each sale takes time, so you’ll need help. If you can divide your sales process into various tasks then you can delegate those tasks out.

To help others: This isn’t always charity work, you may just want to improve other people’s lives but while making money. You’re looking for an attribute which has saved you time/ money or has improved your life. Use your knowledge to develop a product which copies your process or which teaches people your skill.

There’s more to consider before you make your final decision, but hopefully by doing this exercise you can start to narrow down what currently seems like a sea of possibilities.

Feel free to call our office and ask further questions. 0116 288 9999 Dominic Payne, is director and founder of Whitehall Accountants based near Jct 21.

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Handbag preferences are a much more personal choice however. A classic medium-sized bag is essential – opt for a neutral colour like taupe over black or beige, as it’s more forgiving for everyday use and will match all outfits. Totes and laptop bags are ideal for work as they’re much more rigid; messenger bags and small backpacks are practical for busy days out; while clutches and small cross-body bags carry the bare evening essentials.

So whichever style of luggage and leather is yours, there’s something for everyone in Cellini’s extensive range. You’ll find well-known brands, such as Samsonite, Eastpak, Fiorelli, Jane Shilton, Radley, Fossil and many more. So pop in to see the friendly staff who can offer plenty of help and advice when picking the perfect bag, suitcase or gift.

Cellini Luggage & Leather 6 Hotel Street Market Place Corner Leicester LE1 5AW www.celliniluggageandleather.co.uk 0116 251 8612

Craig Mortimer who is the Director and Consultant Physiotherapist uses his experience after qualifying as a Physiotherapist in the Army. “In the Army you are exposed to some horrendous injuries, however the results you achieve are challenging and life changing.

“Rehabilitation is for everyone regardless of age. We all have our own personal goals. Our aim is to diagnose your problem and use our experience, expertise, facilities and equipment from all around the world to help resolve your pain.” Craig says “Communication is key, people need to understand their problem.”

On your initial assessment your condition is explained and how we intend to treat it........... we also explain what you can do yourself to help.

The Clinic has invested over £200,000 in State of the art equipment to help resolve your pain.

“We just decide what we think will suit you.” We see different people every day with chronic pain which they have had for years and they don’t know how to resolve it or think they ever will. It is very rewarding when patients walk out of the door feeling better and knowing they can do something about their condition.

With further investment planned for Rehabilitation facilities, Craig hopes to add even more to your rehabilitation experience.

Craig says “Our aim is to inform and provide our patients with an answer to their problem............. and provide a better quality of life.”

Contact 0116 270 7948 to change your life for the better. Today. www.ashleighclinic.co.uk

Newby Castleman welcomes new recruits Newby Castleman Chartered Accountants has demonstrated its commitment to investing in local talent by appointing two new trainees.

Parina Tailor (21) and Oliver Ratcliffe (18) have joined the firm’s Leicester head office on Regent Road, after previously completing work experience, and will now train as a Chartered Accountant and an Accounting Technician respectively.

Up, up and away?

Over 350 individuals applied for the positions offered through the firm’s trainee programme, which provides an opportunity for school leavers and graduates to break into the accountancy profession.

Parina Tailor, of Leicester, joins Newby Castleman after graduating from Manchester University with First Class BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and will now study for her Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW) examinations.

Oliver, from Narborough, has joined the firm instead of pursuing higher education after recently completing A Levels in maths, chemistry and biology at Beauchamp College in Oadby.

Chris Castleman, Managing Partner at Newby Castleman, comments: “We are committed to training the accountants of the future and place great importance on providing local young people with an opportunity to enter the profession. Parina and Oliver have already demonstrated that they are ambitious, hard working individuals, so we are delighted to welcome them to Newby Castleman, and are confident they will have successful careers ahead of them.”

www.newbycastleman.co.uk

As your business grows our accountancy knowledge means that we can maximise your profits and minimise your tax liabilities to ensure that you rise to the highest level.

To have a chat about how we can help you and your business give us a call on our free advice line.

FREE ADVICE LINE:

0800 652 1614

info@torrwaterfield.co.uk www.torrwaterfield.co.uk Park House 37 Clarence Street Leicester LE1 3RW

NICHE 119

Hi 2 Events: Making your event a success!

Whilst you are taking care of your business in

face to face follows; “It’s important to us to

added incentive for your team of a trip abroad to

everyday life there leaves little time for you to

make sure we know your business well and

discuss business and training! Currently we can

be focusing on any events such as conferences

what it is you want from an event that we are

assist with conferences in Portugal and Italy as

or incentives, especially when you want those

planning for you. Often, this knowledge at the

these are where we have most of our contacts

events to be of high value and successful.

start allows us to simple make the event exactly

and events have been very successful here so

This is where the dynamic Hi 2 Events team

how you want it without the need for your input

far, so, let us know if this might be for you and

comes in, not only have they been curating and

throughout, we appreciate our client’s lead

we can make it happen!” Elaine enthused.

managing events of a wide variety for many

busy lives and usually want someone to take

years, including the successful Leicestershire

the reins and make it work!” Elaine, Company

Keen to always be striving for new challenges

Business Event (LBE) exhibition and conference

Director explains. Elaine goes on to say; “The

and opening up options for her clients Director

for the last 8 years which attracts 110+ exhibitors contacts with venues and

“It’s important to us to make sure

and 850+ visitors, so they certainly know how

suppliers that we have

to make your event work, but their experience

built up over the years

we know your business well and

in ensuring everyone and everything is taken

mean we can work with

care of allows you and your company to relax

a wide range of budgets

what it is you want from an event

in the knowledge that your business event will

and company profile

be planned to a meticulous degree. From the

needs; so we encourage

right venue, to the right catering and travel

you to contact us to see what we can do

that we are planning for you.”

Elaine also provides toured 3 day breaks in Italy in the Lake Garda area on a social level. With a great deal of knowledge

of the area Elaine is the perfect guide and

arrangements in between, you can be assured of for you.”

provides luxurious travel, accommodation and

a conference that suits you, your company and

experiences allowing you to fully appreciate this

your budget entirely.

The scope for your event with Hi 2 Events is

beautiful area.

very wide, in fact, it’s international! With a great For Hi 2 Events communication is key to

deal of contacts in Portugal, the team can make

So, for the kind of event planners that get to

understanding you, your business and its

your conference happen on sunnier shores

know your business, your event needs and takes

brand and what you need from an event. An

too; “Many people are amazed that holding a

care of the rest for you leaving you stress free

initial chat over the phone is typically where the

conference abroad can often be a more cost

relationship will start and then ideally meeting

effective option for businesses. Also, there is the

call Hi 2 Events on 0116 240 2330 today and make your event the success it needs to be! www.hi2events.co.uk

Family Law Hot Tips Glynis Wright Solicitors are based in the city centre of Leicester and are renowned specialists in family law and family

mediation, we took a few moments to consult with them on three questions that we felt would be most vital to our readers…

If you are thinking about getting married, Why is a Living Together Agreement a is it really worth getting a pre-nup? good thing for unmarried couples?

Is family mediation worth doing if your marriage or relationship is breaking up?

Glynis Wright, Head of Practice of specialist family law firm Glynis Wright & Co says:

Gayle Rowley, Family Solicitor at Glynis Wright & Co states:

Sushma Kotecha, Associate Family Solicitor at Glynis Wright & Co states:

“A pre-nuptial is an agreement made by a couple before they marry concerning the ownership of their assets and how they should be distributed if the marriage fails. A post-nuptial agreement is exactly the same except that a post-nuptial agreement is made by a couple after they have married.

“The number of couples who live together and choose not to marry has dramatically increased in the past two decades. Contrary to popular belief, no-one can acquire legal rights as common-law husbands or wives in relation to finance or property. Same sex couples who cohabit are similarly vulnerable in the event of relationship breakdown.

“Family break up is probably one of the most traumatic things a couple will ever experience.

It is a ‘living bereavement.” Family mediation can help separating couples work out their own solutions to the problems they are facing in a supported environment. It is a smarter, more intelligent way to resolve differences. It is also a cheaper and less time consuming process compared to Solicitor led negotiations and/or Court proceedings.

The Law Commission’s latest report recommends and promotes the concept of the “QNup” (Qualifying Nuptial Agreement). This is a pre or post nuptial agreement that enables couples to ring- fence their separate wealth ensuring it never falls into the marital pot for sharing provided that neither party, nor any child of the marriage, is left in hardship as a result of the provisions of the agreement.

Proper legal advice should be sought if a couple are thinking about entering into a nuptial agreement to ensure that the agreement gives effect to their wishes and is likely to be upheld by a court at a later stage if the marriage breaks down and the nuptial agreement is challenged by one of the parties to the agreement.

Nuptial agreements can be particularly relevant where couples have been married before and want to do all that they can to ensure that they protect the assets they salvaged from their previous divorce. For those who may already have received family wealth as a gift or legacy prior to the marriage, or indeed after the marriage, a nuptial agreement may be highly desirable as a means of declaring the gift or legacy as property that is entirely separate from the matrimonial pot – again to ensure that such funds never fall to be considered within a divorce settlement.

At Glynis Wright & Co, any of our specialist family solicitors are able to give advice and guidance to you if you are considering the need for a pre or post nuptial agreement.”

When married couples divorce, the Court has a wide discretion to divide the matrimonial assets.

Cohabiting couples have no legal right to claim spousal maintenance, are unable to claim a share of the assets or obtain pension sharing orders, and have no automatic claim to the family home. Additionally, they will not automatically inherit their partner’s estate in the event of their partner’s death. A claim may be brought for financial provision for a child but such claims must be based on the needs of the child only and are again complex. Most main carers of children will find they are limited to bringing claims for Child Maintenance only through the CSA. They have no other protection.

Living Together Agreements (sometimes termed Cohabitation Agreements or “no-nup” Agreements) are the only way to provide legal protection for unmarried heterosexual couples in the event of relationship breakdown. Terms can be included to ensure there is financial provision for children, who should pay household bills and the division of assets and property.

Glynis Wright & Co are specialists in family mediation. Glynis and I are both experienced mediators who will do all that we can to help couples facing breakup to reach agreement and to communicate better with each other in a process that could be described as “assisted negotiation”.

Couples may need to reach agreement about finances on separation or divorce such as whether or how income should be shared, how to split capital, whether the family home should be sold, whether sharing pensions is appropriate, how to deal with a family business. The list is very broad. If there are children, mediation can focus on the need to reach agreements about their future care arrangements or any problems that may be arising with co-parenting since separation. Sometimes, the issues that need to be resolved only take one session.

More commonly, it will involve between three and five sessions depending on the number Before entering into a Living Together and complexity of issues and the nature of the Agreement we would recommend that you agree dispute. with your partner, as far as possible, what you would want from the Agreement. We can then Mediation is a confidential process, allowing review that with you and give advice as to other couples to have open and frank discussions with areas to be included in the agreement. each other. Although we are not able to give To ensure a legally binding agreement is drawn legal advice when we are acting as mediators, up that suits your circumstances, it is essential we can offer effective signposting and will to obtain sound legal advice from a specialist indicate when it is important for you to seek family law firm such as Glynis Wright & Co.” advice from a Solicitor to help to progress the mediation and to give legal effect to agreements reached in mediation.”

If you have any enquiries about any family law issues such as divorce, cohabitation breakups, disputes over children or family mediation, you can contact the team at Glynis Wright Solicitors on enquiries@glyniswright.co.uk or call on 0116 238 5680. You can also visit the website of Glynis Wright Solicitors at www.glyniswright.co.uk or the mediation website at www.familymediationleicester.co.uk

NICHE 121

Leicester for Business… there for you The difficulties in starting or running your own business are often documented but how much support is there for you if you are starting out in business or indeed if you are new and are feeling a little lost? Well, if you live in Leicestershire the answer is…there is and it comes in the form of one lovely organisation in particular! Leicester for Business is a solution focused business support organisation offering a wealth of support for businesses in the area.

They are there to help you get the right business support services you need to turn your business idea into reality. Leicester for Business offers high quality business ideas generation, start up support and ongoing help and assistance.

Moreover, their business support services are free at the point of delivery. A consortium of seven different agencies that work as a single team, Leicester for Business provide essential business support in Leicester by sharing a wealth of skills and experience that benefit all their clients!

They offer a broad range of seminars and conferences to help you get your business off the ground. Leicester for Business can help you with predominantly the following three areas, but do contact them for further information on whether they can help you if you feel you don’t quite fit in these categories!

Ideas generation For this LFB use what they call the Shield innovation programme comprising of highly interactive workshops which enable individuals to identify their key business skills, spot marketing opportunities and generate new ideas for satisfying market needs.

Support for start-up businesses – ‘Start Up Now’ Pre Start support to individuals thinking of becoming self-employed or starting a limited company.

‘Start Up Now’ consists of workshops, business seminars, one-to-one coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities.

Workshops – six sessions covering the broad essentials of business development: business planning, ideas development, resources, legal, budgets and finance.

Seminars - stand alone events covering business relevant subjects, including confidence and motivation, search engine optimization (SEO), social media, raising finance, marketing and raising finance.

One to one support – facilitated by qualified, experienced business coaches and mentors.

Networking – clients are invited to participate in their bi monthly ‘Meet & Mingle’ networking events.

Support for businesses that have been trading for up to three years – ‘Small Business Workout’

The ‘Small Business Workout’ programme will help existing business owners overcome problems early in the life of the business and will focus them towards sustainability and growth. To aid business survival, once a business has been established they will be matched with a Business Coach, to ensure that they receive the support required and achieve the objectives set out in their business plan.

Visit www.leicesterforbusiness.org.uk for further information.

Bringing Leicestershire to Life - #leicsismore!

Leicestershire is soon to have the most innovative online local TV service in the UK. A new campaign site has just been launched to let people know how they can get involved and present the exciting opportunities coming up.

Leics.tv will inspire, inform, entertain and connect people. The team behind the venture has been driving niche web TV projects in the US and UK for the last six years. As CEO of Channel 2020 and founder of Leicestershire TV Ltd, Rob Potter explains: “Although we are now based in London and New York, we started in Leicester and still like to call it our home. We’ve been studying the best way a new style of local web TV could work for many years. It will be wonderful to pioneer this in Leicestershire”.

No one denies the scale of the challenge in driving support for this in a county not normally known for its media credentials. But Rob Potter is up for the challenge: “There’s a real sense of optimism running through peoples’ veins about what is going on here. Almost every other week, the local area has got something amazing to celebrate. Putting five goals past Man Utd is just another tick in the evolving success story. We believe leics.tv will not only present but also help fuel a brighter future for Leicestershire.”

The aim is to make Leicestershire the most video connected county in Britain. leics.tv will provide an opportunity for local people, groups and organisations to upload videos and even create their own niche channels. A new generation of video innovation trendsetters (VITS) are using video to express their interests, ideas, skills, stories or fun moments. Rob Potter has no doubt that this kind of bite-sized TV viewing will have a major influence on our lives.

There is no “big-bang” launch expected. leics.tv will grow organically through a series of campaigns to engage local people. The starting point will be to showcase the range of talent and rising stars across arts, entertainment, sport and business. Not surprisingly, the first target group will be up and coming or existing film and video makers. Many of these could become leics.tv’s new ‘media makers’. This will be followed by a search to find the best local musicians & bands around. All details can be seen on the new leics.tv campaign site.

Visit: www.leics.tv Email: contact@leics.tv

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Leicester’s Premier Conferencing Location Leicester is a city which is on the up as a prime conferencing location in the UK and is creating quite a buzz with the business sector. With it’s positioning in the country, its excellent transport links and high quality conferencing venues it’s not hard to see why. St Martins House provides one of the city’s most exciting and accommodating conferencing venues attracting businesses from all over the country for their conferences and meetings whatever their size or requirements.

A venue suitable for a wide range of guests and event types St Martins has the right room to suit you. The Grand Hall, which is fittingly very grand with its 12 ft. ceiling and impressive feel, is perfect for larger conferences boasting the latest audio-visual equipment and a bright, open space. Apart from the Grand Hall you will find a number of comfortable rooms allocated for your various conferencing needs; all providing top of the range equipment, access to tea and coffee making facilities and bright, inviting spaces.

The team of experienced co-ordinators work with you to ensure your catering needs are met

96

and the attitude to your event is one of friendly professionalism.

Its city centre location and great transport links make it a great choice for both local and further afield businesses with St Martins able to accommodate small meetings of a few delegates to up to 200 delegate parties. Your delegates can experience a discounted Holiday Inn car parking rate which is just a just a short walk away. Due to its inspiring location in the heart of the city’s historical quarter, your delegates can enjoy the outside space that the newly appointed Cathedral Gardens bring.

However this isn’t where St Martins hosting skills come to an end; the building also provides a base for important charity work in the city.

A keen investor in various young people and homeless charities, the building provides a newly refurbished space which is free of charge as part of the building’s outreach programme. This personal and moral investment in local charity work really seals their commitment to creating an environment at St Martins that is truly accessible

and to be enjoyed by all.

All events and visitors to St Martins are handled with the utmost of care with the co-ordinators keen to help you, your event and guests make the most of this exceptional building.

Upon enquiring or visiting the centre you will immediately be struck by the feeling that it’s a venue for all to enjoy, whatever your event right in the heart of Leicester. St Martins House is one of Leicester’s premier conferencing venues in the city and continue to provide exceptional facilities for some of the UK’s biggest companies.

Pay St Martin’s a visit and see for yourself how this location is fast becoming one of the most popular our vibrant city has to offer and how they can help you make your conference a success. www.stmartinshouse.com CALL: 0116 261 5223 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester. LE1 5PZ

NICHE 107 109

Grant for Energy Efficiency

Carbon Management for Leicester SMEs is offering local SMEs* in Leicester City a grant of up to £1000** for energy efficiency improvements.

Increasing the energy efficiency of your business can have several benefits including saving money on utility bills, increased productivity, increasing the longevity of machinery and creating new opportunities for business. The grant can be used towards a number of energy efficiency improvements, for example:

ject the pro Follow ter at: on twit gSME onMan @Carb

• Energy efficient heating: condensing or combi boiler, efficient electric radiators, renewable heating systems • Energy efficient lighting and lighting controls • Insulation: roof, loft, solid and cavity wall • Thermal imaging survey • 2 days free specialist consultancy A free environmental survey is also available to all organisations in Leicester which will highlight the ‘no and low cost’ measures to increase energy efficiency.

* Must be trading business-to-business. ** A 40% SME contribution is required.

If you would like to book a site visit or for further information, visit leicester.gov.uk/energygrant, email: energygrant@leicester.gov.uk or call 0116 454 2232.

Calling Leicester’s SME Businesses…

Leicester City Council are calling on SME business to business companies to see if they are eligible for a £1,000 grant to assist with energy saving improvements. If you are such a business you could very well benefit from a grant which will not only save you money but will help you and your business do your bit in contributing to a greener City. After an initial assessment, where your business site will be visited, you can expect a survey which will detail ways in which you could improve your businesses energy efficiency. During this assessment the council will look at ways in which your business could become more efficient and ways in which a grant could help, this could

To find out more and to see if your business could be eligible for this fantastic grant, visit leicester.gov.uk/energygrant, email: energygrant@leicester.gov.uk

be by helping with provisions you know you may already need such as a new boiler, new lighting,

Or call 0116 454 2232 and book a free

solar panels, training, heating systems or insulation. The grant will be awarded in many cases for

site visit.

these things and it’s important that you find out if you could be getting help with costs! What’s more, even if your assessment states that you aren’t eligible for a grant you will still receive your report which will detail ways in which you can improve your companies’ efficiency and save money.

It goes without saying almost that the financial benefits will be great for you, not only in the short term but also the long term as your business becomes more energy efficient and money saving!

You could see your utility bills drop, discover an increase in productivity and longevity of your machinery all whilst knowing that as a business you are doing your bit for a greener, more efficient city. The free report will help you to make changes which could be free or very low cost. The Carbon Management for Leicester SMEs grant, which is funded through the European Regional Development Fund, is a great asset to the city and all part of a long term goal of reducing our city’s carbon footprint.

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We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT).

Executive Trade Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP WITH THIS ADVERT AND RECEIVE A

FREE GIFT! COSTCO LEICESTER ONLY. VALID UNTIL 31/12/14.

The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT).

Executive Individual Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express

Costco Leicester Westmoreland Ave, Thurmaston Leicester Leicestershire LE4 8PH

T: 0116 269 0730

E: marketing123@costco.co.uk www.costco.co.uk

Food Court | Fresh Bakery | Groceries | Gifts | Electronics | Fine Jewellery | Designer Apparel | Opticians | Fine Wines | Butchers and more!

NICHE 125

Social Media Mismanagement Having grown our previous Search Agency to a UK top three supplier in our industry, we have learnt the hard way which are the best methods to help SME business owners maximise their online investment.

Mixed in these methods is Social Media Marketing – whether you are old or young, a geek or a luddite, have a B2B or B2C business, there is some sort of social platform for you out there.

Google is taking a view that social media is very important for your online presence and therefore they feature social presence in the automated algorithms which ultimately influence rankings – so it’s generally a bad call to ignore social completely, especially when it’s easy to get started!

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram….you name it, they keep on coming!

Each channel works in a different way, has different user benefits and hence is each suited to a different aspect of promoting a business. Some will be relevant to your business, others not at all.

We build unique social and content based strategies per client, per industry – so no two clients get the same approach, and neither should they.

If you are completely new to social media and are not sure what it involves, here at Seriously Helpful, we can educate you in what will work best for your business and audience.

As we like to be as helpful as possible, we are happy to just provide advice and consultancy on social media or take the reins fully and run campaigns on your behalf – whether these are set up already or we need to create them. And it generally works out cheaper to outsource these things

A bit like Marmite, you either love or hate social media! But also like Marmite, it isn’t going anywhere soon! Social media has a huge impact in Google’s eyes, so should be included into your marketing strategy. Here at Seriously Helpful, we can help as much or as little as you need..so which of the following groups do you fall into?

LOVE it! We have social accounts and platforms for the business, but we are always looking for ways to grow and expand!

That’s great that you are embracing social media! Let’s work together to see what other avenues there are for you to explode.

that let all your staff waste time having a dabble…..in essence it’s all about quality and managing the right things rather than unnecessarily mismanaging a bigger quantity of the wrong things.

We take time to understand your business and like to feel that we work with you, not for you.

Social media is not going away, if anything, it is growing stronger – your customers are out there.

Let us help you to find them!

I love it! I use it in my personal life, but I’m not sure, can it benefit my business?

No, problem, Seriously Helpful are here to help!

Let us analyse your market and business and create a tailored social approach.

I dislike social media, but understand that it is needed for my website and business. But I need help to avoid wasting money and effort.

We can help ensure your staff put resource in the right places, and don’t waste time. And we may even help you to love social ;)

I detest social media with a passion! I don’t believe it can possible benefit my business.

Sounds like we need to have a cup of tea and discuss how Social strategies can be a Trojan Horse to influence Google prominence - we will even provide the biscuits!

Whichever you fit into, we take time to understand your business and like to feel that we work with you, not for you.

Social media is not going away, if anything, it is growing stronger – your customers are out there. Let us help you to find them!

www.seriouslyhelpful.co.uk 01604 647769

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Recruitment: Get the right help Finding the right person for the job is no easy task. Not only is it time consuming and often costly but it can also feel pretty fruitless. You will naturally want the right person for the role

whatever the size of your business and hiring for that role can

feel like a lot of pressure, the success rides on both sides with

the candidate making the workplace happy and vice versa for a

match to last and be successful for the long term. So, for such a big task we recommend you enlist the help of the experts to get the job done (no pun intended!).

By using a reputable recruitment agency you will save a heck of

a lot of time, money and efforts, these companies know what they

Our Director’s luggage pick…

are doing, they have the resources, the lists of candidates ready

“Put simply Antler make the very best in suitcases. I am often away for business with overnight trips and business meetings across the UK and the Antler Juno Cabin Case is the perfect, professional looking baggage that I need. The case is stylish, slick, sturdy, lightweight and easy to handle, plus it fits really easily into any overhead storage space!”

Jenny Cross, Cross Productions Director.

position for the long term. They should be strong communicators

and waiting and the ability to seek out the very best ones to fulfil a and provide a supportive ongoing relationship with you and your company so that in the future you know you can rely on them,

they will know how to effectively advertise the role too all of which

You can purchase The Antler for yourself in three colours; white, black and yellow in three sizes; small, medium or large at Leicester’s premier luggage and leather store, Cellini. Prices start from £120.

allows you to get on with your business of running your business

6 Hotel Street, Market Place Corner, Leicester, LE1 5AW

our recommended ones out for size, you won’t be disappointed!

knowing the job search is in safe, reliable and capable hands.

These companies exist, sure, some are better than others but try

www.celliniluggageandleather.co.uk/leicester

Birthday celebrations just around the corner Market Harborough based Vanilla Recruitment is soon to reach a landmark birthday. Started in January 2005 by Director Eloise Shelton, the company now has a team of 12, recruiting across the East Midlands and spanning 7 key areas: Office, Sales, Marketing, Accountancy & Finance, Legal, HR and Executive Search.

As they approach a decade in business, we hear from Eloise ahead of their celebrations.

“10 years in business in a real milestone for any SME and I am so proud of what we’ve achieved during that time. A recruitment agency is a real barometer for how businesses in general are doing. When we’re busy, it means businesses are growing and thriving and when we’re quiet, it usually means there’s economic trouble. With this in mind, I am even prouder of our achievements as we have built the company we are today through a massive recession.”

“Every year I’ve been able to take on more people and build our team and our capabilities. We now have specialist consultants supported by experienced resourcers. And the whole recruitment arm is backed up by a fantastic support team, made up of finance, admin, marketing and sales experts.”

“I really want to mark our tenth year and thank everyone who has been a part of it; our team, our clients, our candidates and our excellent temps. Everyone who has touched Vanilla, has helped to get it where it is today and I am very grateful for that. We have got some exciting plans in place to celebrate our decade in business, so watch this space!”

If you’d like to find out more about Vanilla and their tenth birthday plans, you can keep an eye on them via their website: www.vanillarecruitment.co.uk, or on their social media: facebook. com/vanillarecuitment, twitter.com/Vanilla_Recruit, linkedin.com/ company/vanilla-recruitment-uk-ltd

NICHE 127

The recruitment company which stands out from the crowdâ&#x20AC;Ś As a business what is it you want from your

or seek one within the time frame that you need.

recruitment company? Of course you want them

meticulous attention to detail so that when it comes to finding the right candidate for you

to get you members of staff that are more than

The dynamic and experienced team, headed

the resulting match is always a successful

suitable for the role but more than that you want

by directors Darren Leppard and Sarah Baillie,

and happy one for the long term for everyone

a company to get you someone for the role that

all have the same shared ethos for the company

involved.

will last, where the working relationship will be

which they have had from the start; to provide

a successful one for your company. Not only

top levels of personalised service to people with

that but you want them to find out exactly what

the view to enjoy long term working relationships

you need and to make every effort to deliver it

and becoming THE recruitment firm to turn to for

without any stresses placed on you and your

so many businesses here in the Midlands and

company.

beyond. There are many ways that they achieve this goal, first and foremost they are experts in

Complete Recruit are THE company to do just

communication, finding out what you need and

that, whatever your deadline and whatever the

delivering. Secondly they ensure that long term

requirements the dedicated team work tirelessly

relationships are formed and maintained with

to ensure you have the team you need. After an

regular face to face meetings and familiarity

initial chat with you they will decipher what it is

with staff they communicate with at Complete

that you are looking for and then match you with

Recruit. Thirdly all candidates are met face to

a candidate that may already be on their books

face when possible and are interviewed with

To find out more about this dynamic and

fresh recruitment agency who can help get

you the team you need to be successful right here in Leicester visit:

www.completerecruit.co.uk.

Tel: 0116 208 1255

Email: leicester@completerecruit.co.uk Complete Recruit 5 Museum Square Leicester LE1 6UF

Complete Recruit

Your recruitment specialist in the Midlands.

Complete Recruit are a recruitment specialist based in the Midlands, with offices in Leicester. We provide candidates with quality permanent and temporary career and job opportunities right across the Midlands and beyond.

The team has over 40 years recruitment experience between them. This enables us to be able to understand the needs of both client and candidate alike. We have a wealth of industry contacts which enables us to match the right candidates with the right opportunities.

www.completerecruit.co.uk 128

0116 208 1255 / 02476 214590

Personal Injury claims…who to choose?

It can be easy to dismiss the claims from companies saying they will get you the money you are owed if you have suffered from a personal injury; it can all seem a little too good to be true can't

A Fresh Approach

Personal injury specialists with your

health and financial interests at heart.

it? Well, in some cases it is and your case may not be fruitful but in others it can really get you the funds that you are owed and

go a long way in making up for any work time lost for injury. The

trick is to go with a reputable company for your claim, a company you communicates with you through every step of the way, and a company whose success rate is high, who don’t promise too much early on and who put you at ease in general about the whole thing.

Then of course there is the all-important reputation, make sure

to seek out reviews on their services, ask around on the net and ask questions to the company about their results and outcomes for recent clients, but most importantly, whoever you choose to

help make your claim make sure you get the right ‘feeling’ when discussing your case with them and trust your instincts on a company that is right for you and your case.

Get in touch Call us

0845 630 8850

or Email us

01789 416 470 enquiries@limepersonalinjury.co.uk

It’s party time!

Ahhh the work’s Christmas Party, it’s a pretty big deal! The whole of the workplace starts to buzz with ideas about what this year’s do will incorporate, are you going for the same place as last

year that went down a storm or are you looking for something

different?! Fancy a more action packed team bonding style of

party? Want a classic gathering, eating, dancing and a few tipples style? There is so much to consider and with so many people to make happy it can be tricky for the boss or the organising committee to get right!

Consider asking the team well in advance, of course it’s likely

you will get a mixed response on what they want to do but it’s

important that they feel they were consulted, after all the party is

With a wide variety of Grand Prix or Team Endurance formats available, and a fully licensed bar and catering available, Stretton Circuit is a great choice for all your Christmas events, to boost staff productivity and team spirit!

over the year! Maybe you could do a combination, have an action

For group bookings over 12 people quote “Niche” and receive a free organiser place.

Whatever you choose get booking early as the last thing you want

Booking and General Enquiries call 0116 2592900 Email info@strettoncircuit.co.uk

for them and a celebration of the work they have put in for you packed day followed by a meal and dancing in the evening?

is to discover your team are all dressed up with nowhere to go!

www.strettoncircuit.co.uk

Stretton Circuit, Gartree Road, Great Stretton, Leicester LE2 2FG

NICHE 129

Finally, tickets now on-sale for the “Working Women’s Oscars”

Tickets on sale now http://birmingham.venusawards.co.uk RECOGNISING

/VenusAwards @womenawards company/venus-awards-ltd

www.venusawards.co.uk

LOCAL

BUSINESS

WOMEN

IC DN C ESD 2 6 NO TH AY VEM 201 BER 4 WE

Hurrah for Mothers who manage it all!

Being a mother with a business is no easy

them along the way in any way that we can.”

career path. With their businesses often born

Laura told us.

from a desire to achieve and gain success and income from their own business, one that

After their first event, they realised that the

they can fit around the task of being a mother,

women they were targeting needed the

takes a lot of commitment, a lot of sacrifice

support and resources they provided on

and a lot of willpower. However, you mothers

an annual basis more readily available and

need not go it alone as there is one vital

set about creating Mumpreneur UK. The

company and resource who recognise this

Mumpreneur Conference & Awards are a

tricky yet rewarding path greatly: Mumpreneur

way to bring together those parents who are

UK. Known as the leading support network

building businesses together to celebrate their

for mums in business, they provide online

achievements and the successes of others. The

resources and support as well as an annual

Mumpreneur Awards 2014 in association with

conference and awards ceremony all in the

Amazon are the UK’s first national business

effort to encourage and support mums doin’

awards dedicated solely to parents in business.

business for themselves (so tempting to put

Now in its sixth year, the awards have been a

sisters there!!) Mumpreneur UK was started

platform for many mumpreneurs to enhance

by two women who both fall under the category

their business, and continue to grow even

of “Mumpreneur” Amanda Farren and Laura

through this uncertain economic climate.

Rigney have 7 children between them, and have previously run their own individual award

Here at Niche we have been delighted with

winning businesses alongside Mumpreneur UK

the support that Mumpreneur UK have offered

so know what it is to be a working mum with a

us. With our own Company Director being a

business to nurture too.

mother of three from Oadby, Leicester, Jenny knows how tough being a mum and owning

“We have a genuine passion to support and celebrate others who are taking on the important role of

Amanda and Laura came together to organise

your own business can be! Cross Productions

the very first Mumpreneur Conference in 2009,

Ltd, an exciting magazine publishing company

after finding other mainstream business events

was launched in 2013 and currently publishes

did not cater for the needs of mums running

two ground-breaking magazines, Niche and

their own business. “We have a genuine

Achieve. “I am truly honoured to have been

help support one another. It’s priceless really!”

passion to support and celebrate others who

part of the awards this year. To be amongst

Jenny comments.

are taking on the important role of juggling

so many inspiring mum’s in one room is very

family life with starting up and running a

special to me and it’s so wonderful to find that

Visit www.mumpreneuruk.com to

business and revel in the opportunity to help

there is support out there for us; that we can all

discover more.

100

juggling family life”

Building your brand with Chrysalis Interiors Image is everything when it comes to your

winning one, with high profile companies and

to understand the business, either from the

business, from your advertising, to the way

home owners knocking at her door for her

perspective of where they are with things

you are dressed when you do business to

designs and assistance. In the corporate

currently or where they want to go with their

the way your business premises reflects your

world Samantha is discovering how important

image. It’s my job to then go away to formulate

image its vital you get it exactly right to ensure

her services are in a world where image is so

some ideas and mood boards and come

your business has every chance of success.

important; “I have found that recently more and

back to the client with my findings.” Samantha

Samantha Mansell of Chrysalis Interior Design

more businesses are realising the importance

enthuses.

knows how important the interior of your

of their image in their working environment.

business is, and perhaps most importantly she

In some cases these are environments where

From this the story really starts to take place, as

knows how to reflect your image and branding

the public don’t even go, in this incidence it’s

the client informs of their tastes and likes and

through your working environment to ensure

really about employees and directors immersing

dislikes Samantha then draws from the budget

your clients know your brand instantly.

themselves every day in the ethos of their

in place and her contacts to put the wheels in

brand.” Samantha told us.

motion; “Over the years I have built up some

A highly experienced and passionate Interior

great relationships with suppliers and can help

Designer, Samantha not only knows how to

The process for you, the client, couldn’t be

you achieve the desired look for your working

make a home more appealing, but how to make

easier. A simple meeting with Samantha

environment at affordable prices to work with

your business premises more appealing too

is enough to get things moving and after

your budget. The healthy trade discounts I get

- whether it’s with just a few small alterations

discussing your business and the image you

are always passed onto my clients and I can

or a complete interior re-design. Her design

want to portray Samantha gets going; “The

vary how I work with a client so I can simply

company Chrysalis Interior Design is an award

initial meeting is great and vital way for me

consult on a project on an hourly basis, leaving

132

“I have built up some great relationships with suppliers and can help you achieve the desired look for your working environment.”

“When we get started there can be things that a client feels won’t work or that don’t come to life in the way they imagined, this is where my flexibility comes into play! I understand the importance of getting things right and if at any point the progression of a project needs to take another direction it’s completely understandable and we can try something else.

At the end of the day what matters to me is that each and every client is 100% happy with their interior!” Samantha explained.

And happy her clients are! It can be so hard to see from an insider’s perspective of where you need to take your image as a company, and indeed how to reflect that in the interiors of your building, this is where Samantha can really help and in the long run help to make your the client to implement my advice themselves and I can just come in near the end of the project again to help finish it off, or what’s preferable especially when working with a brand’s image I can remain your designer from start to finish, overseeing every stage so you can get on with the business of running your business.”

Hiring Chrysalis for the project is a great way to ensure a cost effective investment, you may not have the time, knowledge or contacts to ensure these kind of important changes to your business can be implemented in a cost effective way. Samantha has. It really is as

business the success you want it to be; “The image of a business is vital. Whether it’s for the benefit of the people working in the building or clients visiting it the impression of a business is everything and the overall feel is what clients will take away.” Helping you with that difficult ‘where to start’ scenario with transforming a space as the project unfolds whilst remaining loyal to the vision of your branding from the start, Chrysalis are the safe, reliable pair of hands that you can be assured of success with.

The Chrysalis effect will keep giving you the dividends your business deserves; clients will comment on the great interiors and employees will feel motivated to be part of a brand that is

simple as that! You know your business and Samantha knows interiors and is highly skilled at knowing how to interpret your image and make it a reality in your working environment, so whilst there will be an initial outlay in cost for her services it really is an investment that will keep on paying you back for years to come.

The project that you set out to start with is of course an evolving one and as things take shape there may be things you want to change;

So, to give your business the Chrysalis effect contact: Web: www.chrysalisinteriordesign.com and www.chrysalishomestaging.com Tel: 0121 6476709

f: Facebook.com/ChrysalisInteriorDesign t: @ChrysalisID

NICHE 133

SLM Builders: Professional, Friendly and Reliable

Experienced and family-run building contractors with over 25 years experience.

Stress free service new builds, extensions & refurbishments including commercial & industrial construction works.

37 Melrose Street, Leicester LE4 6FD T: 0116 276 5333

F: 0116 261 1919

E: info@slmbuilders.co.uk 76

SLM Builders: the name in commercial builds…

What do you look for from your building contractor for your commercial build? Quite a lot we would imagine and so you should! More often than not for a commercial build project you are looking for a building firm that will respect the importance of the project to you from start to finish. If you are the director of your business you will want a build to reflect the brand and image of your company, to adhere to tight deadlines that you may have and also to communicate with you honestly and openly about the project throughout.

service and with all building work undertaken they are your ideal team for the job, whether for your residential or commercial job. Specialising in new builds, extensions, conservatory construction, conversions and large scale builds they will work closely with you and your architects to bring a project to life. With their high levels of workmanship, their can-do attitude, their open and honest communication and, perhaps most importantly, their reliability it’s easy to see why they are renowned across the Midlands as one of the best.

So, how do you choose the right contractor for you? Well, reputation is a good place to start closely followed by experience. SLM Builders of Leicester have a strong, honest reputation and valuable experience which have continued to grow since they started back in 2003. Starting out with a focus on residential work they soon won contracts for larger commercial builds and since then their reputation has helped them to achieve many, many commercial contracts since. Their honesty and open level of communication and high quality of work carried out has meant that over the years they have gained a significant amount of work through reputation alone.

From the initial enquiry and quote through to the project’s completion you, your architect and your project manager will be advised on what’s next every step of the way. You will be sold on their abilities from the start with the team eager to deliver you with the build and finish you imagined from the start. With vast levels of experience the team know every aspect of your build and work very hard to use only the best materials and skills they can. “Of course we offer the very best for our customers, whether residential or larger scale commercial but, above that we offer a level of client service in which the client feels at ease with us and the work we are doing within their home or business. We always appreciate the often very busy nature of our customer’s lives and with this in mind approach each job with the aim of

SLM Builders are renowned for their above and beyond commitment to excellent customer

causing as little of a disruption to their lives as possible!” Mark Daniels, Director.

Further highlighting the company’s superior reputation they are accredited with Construction line and Gold Standard with Exor Management Services, and are also on the Approved Supplier List for Local Government Contracts. SLM pride themselves on not only their commitment to customer service but of their skills and competence in building work; on both domestic and commercial properties. This reliable firm take all the worry out of any job and leave you the client with peace of mind and a job very well done!

www.slmbuilders.co.uk Tel: 0116 276 5333

NICHE 135

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on The next few months are notoriously social ones and there is loads going on across the midlands in the run up to Christmas! Take the kids to see Disney on Ice in Birmingham in October as they celebrate 100 years, or seek out local events for Bonfire night and Christmas cheer! We have picked out a few of our favourite goings on coming up soon.

The London Eye

London Day Out

The Best View in Town…

A decade after it opened, the London Eye is as iconic a London landmark as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Eros and the Tower of London. It has been used as a backdrop in countless films and for innumerable TV programmes. A source of pride for the whole country as well as the capital, the London Eye is the most distinctive addition this century to the world’s greatest city, loved by Britons and tourists alike. In fact, in its short life, it has become the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction, visited by an average of 10,000 people a day. A breath-taking feat of design and engineering, guests in the London Eye’s fully enclosed glass capsules can see up to 40 kilometres in all directions, in complete comfort and safety.

With all this in mind we felt it was high time (excuse the pun!) to sample this slice of London’s pride for ourselves; “I took the whole family just recently to the London Eye and I have to say it was amazing! Everyone loved it and it was so great to be able to see so much of the city like that in one go! Incredible. You can see for miles and it was so much fun working out what was what with the children from such a height. I would recommend it to everyone, it’s certainly something that as a nation we should be proud of and should visit at least once in our lifetime!” Leanne Baker, Head of Operations at Cross Productions comments.

Available as part of your day trip, an exclusive private capsule and even through a range of special packages anyone can enjoy this amazing feat of engineering.

To find out more visit www.londoneye.com

Take Lunch on the Wild Side….

The next time you pay a visit to London town why not make it a wild one for the whole family? The Rainforest Café provides all the fun of an attraction for the kids (and adults!) to enjoy but also gives you a tasty dining experience. With its vast greenery and huge moving animal features, waterfalls, tropical fish tanks and forest soundtrack it’s a meal out the family won’t forget in a hurry.

The diverse and exciting menu allows for a nutritious lunch or dinner for all giving the whole family the refuel that’s needed to enjoy their day in the bustling capital! Located in Piccadilly Circus, Rainforest Cafe is a unique and vibrant restaurant and club bringing together the sights and sounds of the jungle.

“I and the whole family really enjoyed the café! There is such a great atmosphere and the kids couldn’t believe we were eating in a rainforest! The menu is great with something for a huge range of tastes and the service was really good, especially when you consider that we were in the heart of the city in one of the busiest times of day! I really recommend the café; it’s a must when visiting the capital!” Leanne Baker, Head of Operations at Cross Productions.

Choose from a delightful set of menus which includes kid’s menus, party menus and even a Christmas one! Salads, sandwiches, hot house specials, pasta dishes and much more besides are all available at the café and cooked by an enthusiastic team of committed chefs who are always working hard to create a menu that everyone can enjoy.

Rainforest Cafe is located at the Piccadilly Circus end of Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of London's West End. The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus which has services from both the Piccadilly Line and the Bakerloo Line.

Call: 020 7434 3111

Get star struck at Madame Tussauds Where can you find Justin Timberlake, Adele, One Direction, Usain Bolt and The Queen all under one roof? No, it’s not some Oscars/Olympics/Brit Award mix up its Madame Tussauds of course!

The biggest showbiz gathering that you, yes you, are invited to!

Okay okay, so we will admit that we get star struck ourselves every once in a while and yet we simply love the opportunity to rub shoulders with the celebrity elite, so when we got the invite from Madame Tussauds we jumped at the chance to have our photograph with some of the world’s most infamous celebrities, what’s more, we didn’t even have to act cool, worry about losing the power of speech as we met the stars or even move from the very same building to discover celebs from all over the world.

“We loved our trip to Madame Tussauds, having our photographs taken next to the biggest stars in the world was quite a rush! Taking in the huge collection of models from the world of music, cinema and politics was amazing, I really felt we learnt so much. The likeness of each and every works is incredible and it’s such a fun day out for the whole family. I loved the ‘Journey through London’s History’ in particular, whilst the kids loved the music stars.” Cross Productions Head of Operations Leanne Baker comments.

With One Direction, Adele, The Duke and Duchess and Whitney Huston having just recently joined the Madam Tussauds elite now is the perfect time to visit!

Find out more at www.madametussauds.com

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WIN! WIN! WIN! Tickets to the ultimate fashion & beauty experience for the perfect day out!

Clothes Show Live, in association with ALCATEL ONETOUCH, will return to NEC Birmingham once again this December to offer a unique fashion experience. With non-stop catwalk shows, make-overs, manicures, beauty demonstrations and style advice, the shopping haven makes for the perfect day out.

Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe, fuel inspiration for a career in fashion, or meet your favourite celebrities and industry icons, prepare to immerse yourself in the ultimate fashion festival.

Open from 5 – 9 December, Clothes Show Live is sure to provide something for everyone as it plays home designer and boutique collections, emerging designers, next generation talent, vintage finds and affordable fashion. With an endless Beauty Hall filled with gift bags and goodies, you can enjoy the ultimate shopping spree to tick off that Christmas list.

Each year the show welcomes a host of leading names in fashion, and this year’s fashion experts are made up of Hilary Alexander OBE, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Henry Holland, and the Clothes Show’s original presenter Caryn Franklin MBE. They will feature across the show including the Fashion Theatre, designer catwalk and educational seminars.

Your favourite celebs including stars from the world of music and reality TV will be returning to the show. Don’t miss the likes of Ryk Edwards and Neon Jungle as well as your favourites from the cast of TOWIE, Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs, along with the Made in Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Millie Mackintosh ...and many more!

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Take time to relax between shopping and pamper yourself at one of the many hair and beauty stations around the show. With tutorials and make-over transformations, it could be time to discover a whole new you! Join the front row of the catwalk stages to get the latest tips, tricks and inside knowledge from industry experts.

The event’s highlight is the award-winning ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre, which this year plays homage to the Fashion Capital of 2013, New York! Every ticket includes a dedicated seat to be mesmerised by the high octane explosion of models and dancer, bringing the vibes of the Big Apple to Birmingham for the world’s largest catwalk performance. Expect some familiar faces to join the action as a sprinkling of celebrity guests and top music acts join the inspiring cast of international models and dancers for the 45 minute extravaganza.

This girls’ day out is not to be missed, and here’s how to get your hands on some tickets…

Niche Magazine has teamed up with Clothes Show Live to offer lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious fashion event, absolutely free!

To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, email competitions@crossproductions.co.uk with your name, address and preferred date of attendance - if you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? Send your entry today!

(NOTE: All ticket comps exclude Saturdays. Closing date 19th November 2014)

Or to guarantee your place at this must-visit event you can buy tickets to the show by visiting the website clothesshowlive.com. For the best seats in the house, book early and upgrade to platinum to be closer to the catwalk action.

Winter Wonderland Open until 24th December 2014, 1/4 million pound Christmas Experience and Grotto (Included in full admission price*). Stop for a while and take in this truly breath taking experience. The trees glisten as your lead through a winters woodland trail. Watch the squirrels play in the trees before listening to Mr Badger tales of festive times. Brrr there is a chill in the air as you jump aboard and take a ride on the polar express through the North Pole. Watch the Eskimos work whilst the penguins enjoy fun and games in the snow. The elves songs of joy and laughter can be heard as you pull up at Santa’s Workshop where you will soon to meeting Mr Claus himself. For every good boy and girl will receive a Golden Ticket to exchange in The Crooked Elf’s Workshop (located in the gift Shop) for an extra special gift.

Discover a truly incredible experience as Twinlakes Family Theme Park is magically transformed into an enchanted Winter Wonderland…!

Dreams are discovered at the 70 Acre all-weather Park, as its transformed into a stunning illuminated whiteout with thousands of stunning lights and twinkling snow scenes for a truly magical family experience.

Twinlakes Winter Wonderland Park, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, offers the perfect day out for the whole family this winter. There’s something for everyone! The Running Bear Summit Plummet sledging attraction- a 25ft high toboggan run for those that dare! And Squaw Valley- join us on the magnificent NEW magical Winter Wonderland Express Train ride, over 2.2km of welcoming fun for all ages. The Winter Mirror Maze, filled with enchantment and magic wishes! Plus Candy Cane Maze, venture through this magical Maze and keep your eyes peeled for Santa’s naughty elf.

Now open on Christmas Eve! Join Santa, Mrs Claus and the mischievous elves for even more family fun this Christmas. Park open 10am – 4pm. Join the Twinlakes team at 4pm to wave Santa on his way as he heads off the spread festive joy to children all over the world. Standard Day Admission starts from £8.49 and includes FREE Parking, Reindeer Dust, Entrance to £250,000 Grotto and gift Book now and save online at www.twinlakespark.co.uk

£5 1 Game s £9 2 Game s £12 3 Game s £15 4 Game

s r Group Ideal fo l s - Socia ie rt a P Events

0116 2531153 bookings@megazoneleicester.co.uk www.facebook.com/megazoneleicester

www.megazoneleicester.co.uk Megazone Leicester, 23 Gower Street, Leicester, LE1 3LH NICHE 139

Niche’s Afternoon Tea with Leicester’s Leading Business Women Niche Magazine hosted afternoon tea for an exclusive selection of Leicester’s most successful business women. The event was hosted by Niche Magazine’s Managing Director Jenny Cross on the 12th of September at St Martins House, Leicester.

The afternoon saw an elite selection of Leicester’s most recognised ladies from a variety of different fields of expertise, come together for sandwiches and a glass of fizz. It was a great opportunity for power networking with like minded, driven, ambitious local business women from across the City. As part of this event there was a donation of £42.50 made from ticket sales to Local Charity Soft Touch Arts.

Amounst the attendees were Julie Langton - True Potential, Christina Wigmore - Soft Touch Arts, Glynis Wright - Glynis Wright Solicitors, Sue Witts - Ask Sue Witts, Lynden Ingham - CPS Recruitment, Lynn Pallett - Lutterworth Collage, Hannah Ingham - Hind Digital, Elaine Vandeli - Hi 2 Event, Eileen Larder - The Cambridge Weight Plan, Sarah Baillie - Complete Recruit, Leanne Bonner-Cooke - Evolve Consultants, Alexandra Kowalczuk - Small Man and Son, Tracey Daniels - SLM Builders, Charlotte Miles - The White Peacock, Zeenat Sabur - Media TwentyFour, Natalia Maxwell - Natalia Hair Design & Nicola Holt - Leicester City Council.

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Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital and Alliance Medical launch advanced scanning facility (Above) From left to right: Mike Chevins - Unit Manager, Claire Watkiss - Senior Operations Manager, Matthew Cook - Hospital Director, Matty James, Leicester City Midfielder, Mike Fox-Davies - Director of Operations - Statics

Leicester City midfielder Matty James was the special guest at a ceremony on Wednesday evening to unveil a new a state-of-the-art MRI scanning facility at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital.

Matty was on hand to cut the ribbon on the new GE Optima MRI scanner, part of a ÂŁ1.1 million refurbishment project being undertaken by the hospital in partnership with Alliance Medical.

The new static MRI scanner replaces a mobile unit which previously served the hospital.

The new scanner provides clinicians with highdefinition, three-dimensional pictures of organs and tissues that will enable them to make more accurate diagnoses. The equipmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increased functionality allows clinicians to receive the results of scans more quickly, reducing the time patients wait for diagnosis. The size and design of the new MRI scanner will improve patient comfort, reduce claustrophobia and accommodate a large variety of body shapes, sizes and clinical conditions. This is because the shorter bore length and wider bore diameter will provide more head, leg and elbow room for patients. In addition, the high field strength means an increased range of clinical capabilities supporting a wide range of services across the hospital.

www.nuffieldhealth.com

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By signing up to be a sober-hero, you are doing something amazing for people with cancer. All the money raised by those Going Sober this October will help make sure that Macmillan can be there for people facing cancer when they need us most.

It will mean that we can be there right from the moment of diagnosis, through their treatment and beyond.

It will mean we can be there to help give them the energy and support to take back control of their life.

Taking a month off the booze can have many potential benefits. Just imagine what you could achieve without a hangover! By having 31 gloriously hangover-free days you’ll not only be raising lots of money to help people with cancer, you’ll also be doing oodles of good for your own health. Together with a few small improvements to your diet and exercise routine you could expect to experience increased energy levels, sleeping better, clearer skin, a healthier bank balance and much more!

Go to gosober.org.uk where you can Sign Up, make and receive donations, run your own profile page, create a team, go ‘Head-to–Head’ with a mate or colleague and so much more!

So thank you for taking part in Go Sober, raising a glass (of water) and standing proudly beside people facing cancer. Your support will mean Macmillan can be there so that even more people don’t have to face cancer alone.

So here at Niche our very own Director Jenny Cross and her trusty comrade Niche’s Media Account Manager Emily Davison are taking part!

Your support will mean Jenny and Emily can raise vital funds to support Macmillan ensuring that they can be there so that even more people don’t have to face cancer alone.

“I’m going Sober this October to make a massive difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. It’s an amazing opportunity to highlight the amazing work that Macmillan do and it is a charity that we care a great deal about here at the magazine. Any donations, big or small, are greatly appreciated as it all adds up!” Jenny comments.

To donate through Jenny and Emily’s Team Niche Magazine go to:

gosober.org.uk/profile/jennycross

Did you enjoy a nice bit of homemade cake and a lovely brew for Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event, their Coffee mornings? We did! We take a look a some of the local events that took place on 26th September 2014! Congratualtions and well done to everyone who took part! coffee.macmillan.org.uk

Leah Rice

Julie Langton

Amrit Sura-Roberts

Many local Leicester residents got involved and hosted their very own cake and coffee mornings. Leah Rice from Wigston, Leicester raised a staggering £343.47 with friends and family popping in throughout the day.

Julie Langton, good friend of Niche Magazine, hosted one at her business premises with friends and business colleges popping in throughout the day and raised £125.50! www.julielangton.tpllp.co.uk

Surasam Consultants Limited raised a massive £511.00 at her Curry & Cake Event.

Tickled Pink Nails in October for Breast Cancer Awareness: Express manicure & express pedicure £20 each, or £30 together.

Contact 07540115162

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Christmas Friday 28th november 5.30pm - 8.30pm Costa Coffee, The Parade, Oadby Niche Magazine in partnership with Claes Retail are hosting an Exclusive Ladies Late Night Christmas Shopping Event.

With everything from Handmade gifts to a range of beauty treatments available on the night. What better way than to start your Christmas shopping here!

Tickets ÂŁ2.50 including festive goody bag. Buy your ticket in advance and receive a mouth watering festive treat.

Charity raffle on the night with amazing prizes in support of Lutterworth Leukaemia and Lymphoma.

To book tickets please call 07734406362 or email nicola@claesretail.com

NICHE 143

a slice of paradise Sometimes a few nights away from the stresses and strains of everyday life is all we need to feel revitalised and refreshed! You needn’t venture far to recoup the benefits of some time with your family or partner, a night in a fancy hotel, a weekend with no one else living nearby and plenty of fresh air can sometime be all you need to feel as good as new once again!

The Malmaison

Contemporary city chic stay at The Malmaison Every once in a while we get invited along to try out a local Hotel or Restaurant in order to bring a verdict to our readers (tough job eh?!) and this issue we were invited to Birmingham’s prestigious Malmaison Hotel, well, this writer and her husband jumped at the chance for a night away and promptly packed the toddler off to her grandmas!

The Malmaison group is well regarded by guests looking for a relaxing break or a business overnight stop as a selection of luxury hotels across the country, with many guests marvelling at their contemporary feel and friendly staff. The Malmaison Birmingham is located in a perfect city centre location, in the shopping mecca that is The Mailbox and provides excellent facilities including a relaxing spa offering world class treatments, a bustling impressive bar and a restaurant that serves stunning food throughout the day and evening.

Our greeting at reception was a warm one complete with candlelight and smiles from the staff, as for our room we were immediately impressed with the modern and fresh feel to the place and knew we were staying somewhere pretty special as soon as we set our bags down. The comfortable bed, the modern bathroom complete with posh toiletries and deep bath, the complimentary tea’s, coffees and biscuits all contributed to a relaxing break away and after settling in we went downstairs to the restaurant to devour a three course meal. Our window seats gave us a great view of the bustling streets below and we promptly ordered from the great three course summer menu.

Our food was delicious, really fresh tasting and full of flavour and despite being full from the salad starter and infamous Mal burger I couldn’t resist the sticky toffee pudding too…amazing!

Breakfast was equally delicious with an exceptional level of choice, a mix of continental and cooked breakfast was devoured before we set off for a day of taking in the great shops at The Mailbox. Our verdict: the Malmaison is the perfect city pit stop providing luxurious surroundings in the heart of the city’s action! www.malmaison.com

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A Relax in blissful solitude at Appin House The privately own Appin House in the Scottish West Highlands invites you and your family to its stunning accommodation for your holiday or break away in 2015. Owned by David and Denys Mathieson, the self-catering house boasts breath-taking views over Loch Linnhe and the hills of Mull. Accommodation currently consists of one large self-catering house which has been created with a warm welcome in mind when it was built in 2007. The four star self-catering accommodation is a real breath of fresh air. You can expect breath-taking views over Loch Linnhe and the hills of Mull and it’s the ideal location to get outdoors and explore or the perfect spot to simply relax, unwind and get away from it all. The luxurious property can sleep up to 8 people and boasts all the comforts you could hope for. With Its Large open plan living/dining room downstairs, featuring Travertine flooring, Digital Freeview TV, DVD player as well as the ideal Multifuel stove in fireplace to cosy up to in the winter months, it’s the perfect home from home retreat. You can expect all you would need to ensure you are comfortable, with all amenities close to hand.

You will be surrounded by the location’s 3 acres of land where you can stroll at your leisure through the beautifully kept gardens whilst locally there is an abundance of activities to keep you out in the fresh air and entertained. At only 40 minutes from Oban and Fort William, Appin House provides the perfect place from which to explore, particularly if you love to get outdoors. Within a 20 mile radius of the accommodations you can find Pony trekking, boating, fishing, cycling, golf, castles and plenty of historic sights. For the nature lover the area will be bliss as locally you will find see seals, sea eagles, otter, deer, many varieties of butterflies, birds and flowers. There are also numerous seafood restaurants of acclaim in area as well as a host of several local pubs, with restaurants and the Relais-Chateau Hotel with excellent dining room that’s just 5 miles away.

To find out more and to book online at Appin House visit www.appinhouse.co.uk or call Tel: 01631 - 730207 Dave and Denys Mathieson, Appin House, Appin, Argyll, Scotland PA38 4BN

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Martin Dalby ...The UK’s most prolific composer

Music for so many of us isn’t merely a hobby, whether we listen to it or play it the pleasure it brings to our lives is indisputable. One music genre in particular that can’t fail to move us is classical music. It is often found as the soundtrack to TV and Film, part of our lives through attending breath-taking classical concerts or simply a pastime at home as we relax and unwind. Behind the music so much is going on, from geniuses that compose it through to the musicians who play it; without their dedication to the art form we simply wouldn’t have the opportunity for it to be such a part of our lives.

Martin Dalby is one such important figure in the world of classical music. As one of the UK’s most prolific composers, having been dedicated to music for many years he has achieved huge levels of success both within the musical world as a composer, music producer and orchestral player too, he is a talent that here at Niche we just had to share with our readers. Born a Scotsman in 1942, Martin had expressed a love for music from a young age and in 1960 gained a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London where he studied composition with the renowned Herbert Howells and viola with Frederick Riddle. After gaining significant progress during this time, it was even clearer to Martin that a life dedicated to composition was for him. However, he was to gain hands on experience in Italy when the Octavia Prize and a Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship enables him to spend two years there composing and playing the viola with an Italian Chamber Orchestra. This wonderful opportunity allowed him to tour all over Europe and North Africa taking his music to a wide, appreciative international audience.

It was after these travels that Martin became a music producer to the BBC’s popular Music Programme (which later was known as Radio 3) in 1965. Increasingly recognised in Scotland as one of their most important composers Martin became the Cramb Research Fellow in Composition at the University of Glasgow in 1971 and returned to the BBC is 1972 in the hugely influential role as Head of Music, Scotland. It

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was in this position which he began to develop the public profile of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on an international level. However, despite the success in this role Martin craved a more creative role and in 1991 he stayed within BBC Scotland but produced, amongst other things, of BBC Scotland’s radio entitled Scotland’s Music, which won him a Sony Gold Award. In 1993 Martin retired from the BBC and now composes full time.

Over his career so far Martin has written a huge amount of music for orchestra, chorus, brass and wind bands for a wide number of outlets, including the Church, media such as film, radio and television all aiding in making him one of the most important composers of our time.

He has also composed a great deal of songs and song cycles as well as chamber music such as duos, trios and octets and nonets. “I consider myself very privileged to have been given the opportunity to have most of my work commissioned from many festivals including Edinburgh, Cheltenham, Cardiff, Orkney and Peterborough to name a few! I really enjoy being supportive of fellow musicians too and have composed many pieces specifically for orchestras and ensembles.” Martin told us.

Dalby’s work has been performed on an international level including prolific events such as the Warsaw Autumn and the Henry Wood Proms in London. For the Henry Wood Prom he wrote The Mary Bean piece for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. After this very important performance his home city drew him back and he composed The White Maa for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra as well as music to mark and celebrate 200 years of Union Street in Aberdeen. Always returning to his roots he recently composed a string quartet piece to celebrate 500 years of Aberdeen University!

Despite being a pioneer himself, Martin is also influenced by musicians he greatly respects and in 1998 he composed his third Piano Sonata for Peter Seivewright and a year later, at this particular time he also composed a short piece for the National Youth String Orchestra of Scotland, encouraging new and talented musicians in the process. He also marked a key moment in history with his composition work when he created a piece entitled The First Thursday in May, welcoming the return of a Government in Scotland. Another notable influence at this time was his fascination with the music of the great Scots fiddler and composer, J. Scott Skinner, from which he created his own five movement orchestral suite A Wheen in Doric from it. The act of “rebuilding” Skinner’s tender

and characteristically Scottish music is born of devotion not of destruction and Martin sees it as an interpretation of his work; “I found this work in particular greatly rewarding, with the respect that I have for Skinner’s work I could never claim to be rebuilding his work, more so that I was interpreting my love for it, rather like when an observer writes on a piece of artwork.” Martin explains.

Dalby has always concerned himself with the interests of his fellow composers, working with them, for them and influenced by them and has helped in forming and running several chamber groups in Scotland. In recent years this has become a huge focus in his diverse career; he was Chairman of the Composers’ Guild of Great Britain from 1995 to 1998 and was a founding director of both the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters and British Music Rights. His membership of the BAC&S Concert Executive Committee continued from its start until 2009. He was also Warden of the Incorporated Society of Musicians’ Performers and Composers Section in 2001 and 2002. He retains his interest in the ISM as Convener of its South-West Scotland Centre and believes strongly in being involved in organisations which promote and support musicians and composers.

Never one to stay within the boundaries of any given role or project and as a keen animal lover Martin has recently turned his attention to writing vocal music both for children and adults in memory of his family dogs and is currently completing a set of songs for voice and piano in memory of one of his Labradors, A Little Songbook for Tessa. Sunbeam for Sheba (2002) is likewise a song in memory of a Labrador — Tessa’s mother. “Writing this work was a natural way for me to honour the animals that

have meant so much to me in my life. It’s a real expression of myself in that way.” Martin told us.

Despite all of his international work and success he has always had a profound interest in Scotland, he along with fellow composer John Purser created a hugely popular series for BBC Radio Scotland called Scotland’s Music, for which they won a Sony Award. He, with his colleagues, won a Gramophone award for their production of the CD of James MacMillan’s The Confession of Isobel Gowdie. However is award success doesn’t stop there with his composing peers awarding him a “Gold Badge” in 199; for which he accepted with a speech about sheep and the level of humor that so many have come to appreciate about him.

Yet, whilst dedicating so much of his time, passions and energies into music he has still found the moments here and there to persue his other interests and gain inspiration from these life events and hobbies which help to continue his work with music; keeping it fresh and inspired.

A hill walker, avid railway, bird watching and literature enthusiast Martin certainly doesn’t look set to slow down, oh and if you can’t find him on land its likely he’s above the clouds…he has a pilot’s license too!

Martin continues to compose and is very interested in composing for you too; contact him to discuss your requirements and you too can enjoy your very own slice of music history with a Martin Dalby composition. www.impulse-music.co.uk/dalby Call: 01360 660427

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