NOV 2009 PURE magazine

& distributed to 15,000 homes

NovemberDecember Issue

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CONTENTS

PURE MAGAZINE TEAM 10 Carlisle Road L’Derry BT48 6JN t/ 02871 3777 07

Shirley Bassey // pages 6-8 Womens Section // pages 9-12 The Shoot // pages 13-17 Music & Film // pages 18-19 Foyle Film Festival // pages 20 & 21 Men’s Pages // pages 22-25 Alesha Dixon // pages 29-31 Business Page // page 32 Local Talent // page 33 Come dine with me // page 35 What’s on Guide // pages 36 & 37 Christmas Interiors // pages 38 & 39 What’s hot // pages 40 Top 10 Gift Sets // pages 44 The Reviews // pages 48 & 49 Welcome to the November issue of PURE magazine. This is our fifth issue and we at PURE HQ have been loving the response we get from our readers and advertisers about how well our publication is received by our loyal fan base. We’ve had hundreds of competition entries and some great feedback from our readers survey. We’re currently analysing all the info we’ve received, so you’ll see some great changes to the magazine over the coming months As ever, we love to hear your feedback so drop us a line with your comments to directors@ pure-mag.co.uk.

The Richmond Centre is celebrating its 25th birthday this year, and as a big thank-you to all its loyal customers, Richmond is giving away a load of prizes, with the star giveaway being a whopping £1,000 gift card. It’s going to be a cracking Christmas for one lucky customer this year, who will get to splurge on a grand’s worth of stuff if their promotional code opens the special birthday safe. The prize gift card can be used in any of Richmond’s stores, and with over 40 shops to choose from the winner will have no trouble filling everyone’s stockings this Christmas!

You have to be in it to win it, though, so if you fancy a grand’s worth of goodies, just read the code printed on the special cards on the front of this issue of Pure magazine, go to the safe in the Richmond Centre and type in your unique number. If you crack the code, the

We’re delighted to be part of the fantastic 25th birthday celebrations at the Richmond Centre, so make sure you bring your card to the reception area in store and try your luck at cracking the safe.

Best of luck as someone has to win the £1000 prize gift card which will come in ever so handy over the Christmas months.

This month, we spoke with diva Shirley Bassey and the famous artists who collaborated with her - including Gary Barlow and the Manic Street Preachers, to name a few - about her new album and her career to date. Also, Alesha Dixon gives us

top prize is yours! You’ll also get a card every time you make a purchase at a Richmond Centre store, so get shopping and then go try your luck! And if you miss out on the big one, don’t worry - to celebrate 25 years on the go, Richmond is giving away a total of 25 prizes, so there’ll also be 24 gift cards worth £25 up for grabs.

Centre manager for Richmond, Fergal Rafferty, is overseeing the birthday celebrations, which were kicked off by Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan on November 14. He told us: “We’re very excited about this giveaway, and it will be very welcome news for the one lucky winner whose code opens the safe. We’re also giving away a further 24 bonus prizes as a gesture of goodwill to show our appreciation for the loyalty our customers have shown over the past 25 years.

“This is a landmark birthday for us, and there’s plenty

PUBLISHING, EDITORIAL & PR: David Kavanagh, DIRECTOR e/ david@pureinc.co.uk Sinead Melaugh, DIRECTOR e/ Sinead@pureinc.co.uk Mary-Anne Mc Nulty, editor e/ maryanne@pureinc.co.uk DESIGN TEAM: Noel Heaney e/noel@pureinc.co.uk Barry McGilloway e/barry@pureinc.co.uk AND NOW FOR THE LEGAL BIT The thoughts, views and opinions expressed within this publication are exclusively those of the author, and neither the publishers nor the editorial team accepts responsibility for them. Pure magazine is published

by PURE INC Ltd and all information held within this publication was current at time of going to press.

PURE INC Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors, spelling mistakes or amendments to be made.

For further information please contact directors@ pureinc.co.uk

the lowdown on her busy schedule and as ever we have some great competitions and reviews on the best restaurants in the area. This month, we also officially launch our new ‘Come Dine With Me’ feature for all you budding culinary maestros, so check page 35 for more information and get in touch if you feel up to the challenge.

Enjoy, readers x David & Sinead

to celebrate, as we’ve progressed so much since our doors were opened in 1984. We’ve introducted natural daylight features, a scenic lift and carried out several refurbishments, and have an array of shops that any shopping centre would be proud of, including a large volume of high street fashion shops.

“Richmond Centre continues to go from strength to strength, and I look forward to continued business and loyalty from our customers for many years to come.”

The entry deadline for the competition is December 20, so try your luck now!

INTERVIEW

Songstress supreme Dame Shirley Bassey has just released The Performance, her first full studio album in over 20 years.

During a career that has included 135 million record sales, Dame Shirl - as she’s affectionately known, - has had many highlights, including being the only artist to record three James Bond theme songs. For her latest album, the cream of pop music’s songwriting fraternity, including Gary Barlow and the Pet Shop Boys, have come together to pen songs for the magnificent Welsh warbler.

We caught up with Shirley for a chat on her return to the pop scene, what she thinks of the Manic Street Preachers, and how the Pet Shop Boys made her cry...

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1. Almost There (Tom Baxter) 2. Apartment (Rufus Wainwright) 3. This Time (Gary Barlow) 4. I Love You Now (Nick Hodgeson) 5. Our Time Is Now (John Barry/Don Black) 6. As God Is My Witness (David Arnold/David McAlmont) 7. No Good About Goodbye (David Arnold/Don Black) 8. The Girl From Tiger Bay (Manic Street Preachers) 9. Nice Men (KT Tunstall) 10. After The Rain (Richard Hawley) 11. The Performance Of My Life (Pet Shop Boys)

How are you feeling about the new album ‘The Performance’?

I’m ecstatic. I never thought it would turn out this way. It’s more than I ever dared hope it would be. Eleven fantastic songs written for me by 11 different writers. I don’t know, it’s a different voice, there’s parts of my voice I never used before, a ‘head’ voice, and this quiet calm. Because everybody associates me with belting ‘Goldfinger,’ and it’s more or less true.

But my vocal coach said I had this head voice and this lovely softness, but I never used it and she said I should.

On this album, it came out. I think people are going to be confused by it, they’ll say ‘Where did these notes come from?’ because they all associate me with the big voice, but there’s a control on this record that’s incredible.

It’s been more than 20 years since your last studio album of all-new songs. Had you felt that the material being presented to you wasn’t right?

Well, not only that. I’d really retired, to tell you the truth, and I was just coming out for special occasions. These writers have brought me back. Only that could have done it, and it was a challenge, because you wouldn’t have thought they were my songs. I took them on holiday with me, and I would say ‘I can’t do this, they’re too difficult.’

But I was listening to the way the writers were singing them, and trying to sing in their key, which never helps.

It wasn’t until I actually went into the studio, with a piano, and put my voice on, that I started to get excited. I could hear myself.

There are a lot of lyrics appropriate to your life on the album. One of the most personal is the Manic Street Preachers’ song ‘The Girl From Tiger Bay’. How did you feel when you heard that song and read the lyric for the first time?

Very emotional. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it, because I felt ‘it’s too personal.’ But then they’re all personal. But there’s something about Tiger Bay, naturally, because I’m from there, that is terribly personal. These writers have got inside my head to write these songs. At the end, I heard someone sobbing, and I didn’t realise it was me. I love this record.

How was David Arnold to work with?

He’s very gentle, he lets you find your own way. He’s very cool, very laid back, otherwise he would have made me very nervous, but he put me completely at ease. David was great to be with, and I love him for allowing my music director, Mike Dixon, to be there, to help me, because

Mike knows me.

You recorded the album at a lodge studio in Ireland, didn’t you?

In the country, yes. I thought ‘oh, it’s going to be lovely’ and it rained every day! But we stayed there, ate there, slept there and recorded there, and it was great fun, in spite of the rain.It was great fun to be all together. After the day’s work we were able to go to the dining room and have dinner and then play games together. Oh, and then there was the pub. I became a great barmaid.

Did you ever expect still to be an entertainer at this stage of your life?

I’ve been on this wave ever since I was discovered and I can’t get off. It was like I was meant to do it. Even when I had my first job in a factory, and I was wrapping up enamelware for export, I’d just sing, and people would stop working. The supervisor would say, ‘Bassey, what do you think you’re doing? All of you, get back to work.’ The whole factory would stop. I didn’t realise what I was doing.

How different is it for young pop stars emerging now, compared to when you were starting in the mid-1950s?

These days, if kids do get discovered, it’s sad, it’s not lasting, because they’re not taken care of. I was taken care of. They’re instant stars, they can’t handle it, and the inevitable happens, they turn to drugs and drink. My audience grew up with me, and introduced me to their children, and their children. So in the end I have a family audience.

How do you go about preparing your live set?

I get a great kick out of that. You have to have a beginning, middle and an end, then the other songs fall in between. I find that so exciting, to put an act together, to find songs. You lift them but you can’t keep doing that, or you break them. The next song, you must bring them down gently.

Is there one song on the record that you particularly love?

I love all of them. But the Pet Shop Boys’ song (“The Performance of My Life”) got right into my head, and made me sob, and not many songs do that. When I heard that, after doing all the other songs, it was just too much for me. I don’t need to write a book. The record is my autobiography.

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The Welsh wonders on the Welsh warbler

Q What’s the name of your track for Dame Shirley?

Nick: ‘The Girl From Tiger Bay’.

Q: Have you heard the final track?

Nick: Yeah, we have. I think she just glides. I’m slightly surprised how amazing her voice is. It’s so pure, it really is. It just controls the whole track like James tries to do with us live sometimes but we just run away and make a right old racket.

James: It’s got a touch of the mid-70s Las Vegas on it but in a really earthy in a good way, which is unique about Shirley. There is an undeniable glamour to her but also there’s an undeniable earthiness to her as well. I think that’s just rubbed off the track. It’s all those things at once.

It’s big, it’s glamorous but also it’s kind of real as well.

Q: Have you actually met her?

James: No. Nick: I’ve bumped into her at the Q Awards and stuff like that but in terms of meeting her, we didn’t really treat it as collaboration. I think a lot of the best things we’ve done, like when Jim did a track with Tom Jones, is a lot of literally old school song-writing like when people wrote songs for other people. I guess Shirley’s career will be based on that, on amazing songs being given to her, which she makes her own. What we did was very much a throw back. Collaboration can be overrated. It usually means you don’t like being in your own band anymore, which is not the case for us. I just think we felt we had it in us to write a really brilliant song and something, which, just lyrically, had a bit more weight than other people could give her.

Q: Have you got any plans to perform live with her?

Nick: I think James should play guitar on it, cause he wrote the tune, I can’t be bothered to learn the bass. It took an immense amount of emotion to wrote those words I don’t think I’ve got it in me to learn the track.

James: I think something might happen where we’ve got a series of concerts somewhere to tie into this record. It’d be an honour to get on stage a play guitar with her or something.

Nick: You’d just want to do a solo better than the record, wouldn’t you?

Let one rip.

James: Yeah, show ‘em what it really is.

We spoke to some of the stars who wrote a song for Shirley

Take That frontman and Ivor Novello-winning songwriter Gary Barlow tells us what it was like to write for the legendary Shirley Bassey...

Q: When you first set out to write this track for Shirley, what was in your head?

A: My first thought was that it would be too obvious to do a great big ballad. You know, that very orchestral, kind of retro sound like it could come from a big musical. And yet in the end that’s what I ended up doing.

It could be in Carousel really, and I did question myself and think ‘that’s too obvious’. I went back, I second-guessed myself, but in the end I thought, ‘no, that’s what I want to do. I want to write something like that for her’.

Q: So you wanted to write something classy. It wasn’t too radical. What’s the name of the track?

A: It’s called ‘This time’. Shirley’s a great singer so I think when you’re a writer, the thing you’re most nervous about is how someone else is going to perform your work. How are they going to get your lyrics across and will they deliver the emotion?

But I just listened to 30 seconds of her singing and was so excited to hear the finished result. Because, you know, your keyboard is three times the length it would normally be if you were writing for somebody – she’s got such a wide range and great power. You don’t hear singers like that anymore.

Q:Was it daunting working with such an icon?

You can’t help but be in awe of her, and at the point where I was starting to relax I’d remember ‘it’s Dame Shirley Bassey’ and I’d get back to work!

She’s a legend. In our lifetime, she’s a legend. I’m a big fan of music, young and old. Her career has spanned years and years. We’re all desperate to be around for years and years and she has done it.

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An ne outfi w r t fr an om ge at the e FC x UK clus ive .

WOMENS PAGES

Black Leather Clutch £60 Topshop Oliva’s actual shoes Amber Crepe Sole Platform Boot £85 Topshop Olivia’s actual jacket Trophy Jacket £200 Topshop

Splurge

Next Signature leather jacket £150

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Olivia’s actual Shorts Sequin Shorts £35 Topshop

Save

Wallis green sequin jacket £80

Olivia’s actual top.

Silk Panel Blouse £35 Topshop

Metal Chiffon Tube Necklace £15 Topshop

Steal

Primark military jacket £25

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer, £19 There’s a thousand reasons why Angelina Jolie lured Brad from Jennifer Aniston’s clutches, but top of the list has to be those juicy lips, and now you too can get the perfect pout with this fantastic lip plumper from Dior. Your natural colour is enhanced with just a touch of pink, the product merges well with lipstick, and, unlike other plumpers, this baby really works, so get yourself shiny and pumped up for the weekend!

Diorskin Nude Foundation, £28 and Diorskin Nude Powder, £28 This dynamic duo of base make-up from Dior’s Nude range is the perfect stockingfiller for the ladies this Christmas. The expertly-blended foundation creates a seamless, barely-there look, while the powder completes the look with a sheer, air-brushed finish. And if that wasn’t enough, the products are packed with mineralised water that condition the skin over time, so you’re getting a regular facial into the bargain.

Dior 5 Couleurs Designer Eye Make-Up Set, £ 37 Is your make-up bag full to bursting with an array of different eye shadows? Then maybe this tidy little palette is just the ticket. The set contains four shades plus a cream eyeliner, with each of the five components making up different textutes: light base, iridescent colour, satiny colour, pearlescent shine and matt cream liner. Available in a variety of shades, this set is ideal for women on the go.

Dior J’Adore Eau de Parfum, £77 A sophisticated scent for the sophisticated lady, J’Adore’s heady, floral fragrance is both intoxicating and alluring. Ideal for special occasions and swanky Saturday nights, this unmistakeably feminine scent lingers without overpowering.

recently women in Ireland’ at the VIP style awards, was in Derry Irish actress Leigh Arnold, voted ‘one of the most stylish .. paces. n fashio her gh throu her up with The Clinic star and put to launch the 22nd Foyle Film Festival. Pure caught High street or designer?

High street, definitely.

Favourite shop?

It’s actually an internet site called ASOS.com. Their clothes are really funky and I love the fact they do designer looks for a fraction of the price.

Most cherished item of clothing in your wardrobe?

An amazing vintage shawl I got in Jenny Vanders in Dublin, It’s Parisienne, dates back to the 1800s, and it’s just beautiful.

Which celebrity, past or present, do you consider the epitome of style?

I loved the elegance of Jackie Onassis and the sexiness of Grace Kelly. Women knew how to dress like women back then, and I think we have lost that elegance to a certain degree.

Most stylish city?

New York. Paris is completely chic, but New York is so individual. No one is afraid to express themselves there and I love they way they embrace eccentricity and individuality.

How high are you prepared to go with your heels?

Very - the higher the better! I’m only 5’3” so I need the heels to see people at eye level!

In these penny-pinching times, what would you reccommend as a good investment piece?

You can never go wrong with a black cocktail dress. It’s timeless, and can be worn so many different ways depending on how you accessorise.

If Hollywood beckons and you get a best actress nomination at the Oscars, which designer will you wear on the red carpet?

The wonderful Irish designer Helen Cody, who does amazing things with vintage lace and silks. I don’t know any designer who puts that 50s elegance and beauty together quite like Helen.

What style of jeans do you go for?

All types. Bootcut is great with a nice cowboy boot, and skinny jeans are great with a slim heel. People are afarid of skinny jeans, but they can look great on the curvier woman too if matched with the right top.

Most extravagent fashion purchase?

A pair of leopard print Christian Louboutin shoes. Let’s just sy they cost more than £500 and less than a grand! I normally get my shoes from the high street but these were beautiful and they’ll last forever - I’m considering it an investment piece!

Smashbox Baked Fusion Softlights, £19 Could this be one of the best bronzer/highlighter/blush combos ever? The five soft shades of cocoa, pink, peach, tan, and ivory can be swirled together for a radiant, silky finish that keeps skin luminous all day, no matter what your skintone is. Dust a little on the apples of your cheeks & the bridge of your nose, and use individual shades as neutral eye shadows for a glowingly gorgeous look.

Smashbox Blush Rush Radiance, £17 A beautiful rosy pink blusher that gives cheeks a healthy and radiant glow. This powder blusher is a must for beauty bags, apply daily for a youthful, fresh look.

Smashbox limitless long wear lip gloss, £18 Get a non-stop gorgeous colour and shine for up to six hours. The luxurious formula with vitamins A, C & E and sea kale revitalizes and nourishes lips for a silky-smooth texture that’s never tacky or dry.

Specially contoured velour wand gives you a precise and comfortable one-coat application.

Urban Decay Afterglow powder blush, £13 Delicate and fresh the appropriately named Afterglow is small enough to fit in your clutch, this blush can be worn alone to recreate summer’s glow. The powder compact is quite small so you will need a smaller blush brush to apply.

Urban Decay Baked Bronzer, £15 The matte bronzer blends into skin easily, delivering a natural, tan look that lasts all day.

The chocolate smell is reminiscent of baking brownies (yum). Undeniably cute, the product also performs well. The colour sits well on all skin tones as it has none of the orangey tones normally found in bronzers. This has fast become a firm favourite with Pure.

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Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara, £13 At last a mascara with a big brush. This brilliant mascara is silky and easy to apply; a proper mascara brush to boot is great for a daytime look with one coat. My advice is to do three coats for evening to achieve a thick full lash effect. All of this wrapped up in a funky psychedelic box; a great gift idea.

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DRESS BY YELLOW MOON HAIR DESIGN BY SUEDE

OUTFIT BY MISS MISS SELFRIDGES HAIR DESIGN BY SUEDE

OUTFIT BY YELLOW MOON HAIR DESIGN BY SUEDE

LOCAL FASHION

OUTFIT BY YELLOW MOON HAIR DESIGN BY VIXEN

OUTFIT BY INTERNACIONALE HAIR DESIGN BY VIXEN

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OUTFIT BY MISS YELLOW MOON HEADPIECE BY DOROTHY PERKINS HAIR DESIGN BY VIXEN

OUTFIT BY BURTON HAIR DESIGN BY VIXEN

OUTFIT BY YELLOW MOON HAIR DESIGN BY SUEDE

COAT BY DOROTHY PERKINS DRESS BY PINK BAG BY ACCESSORIO HAIR DESIGN BY VIXEN

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FILM REVIEWS

The consistently excellent Matt Damon gives another eyecatching performance in this offbeat satire from Traffic director Steven Soderbergh. Damon plays corporate whistle blower Mark Whitacre, an employee of agricultural giants ADM who goes to the FBI with information on a price-fixing scandal in the hope of being hailed as a hero to the man on the street.

Based on true events, Soderbergh could have gone down the straight thriller route of, say, Michael Mann’s The Insider, but opts instead for a quirky approach that rewards the viewer with both laughs and food for thought on the greed and hypocrisy that drives corporate America.

Damon’s turn as the unfathomable Whitacre hits just the right note, while Scott Bakula also impresses as FBI agent Shephard.

Released November 2 Acclaimed director Michael Mann gives his take on the life of notorious depression-era outlaw John Dillinger. Starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale.

From the director who gave us The Day After Tomorrow comes 2012, a big-budget apocalyptic disaster movie that is so magnificently OTT it’s actually quite good. Roland Emmerich has taken pretty much every concept, cliche and convention associated with the genre, gathered it all up into a big ball, and hurled it at the screen.

The result is a rip-roaring visual feast packed full of spectacular CGI effects with an outrageous plot that moves at breakneck speed. And if you like your action pics served with a helping of comedy on the side, fear not, as there are plenty of quips and some surprisingly sophisticated black humour at play here; the mother of all winter popcorn movies.

Released November 17 The Star Trek franchise boldy goes a step further in this thrilling and fastpaced feature from sci-fi diehard J.J. Abrams. The perfect popcorn accompaniment.

Released November 23 Christian Bale stars as techno-warrier John Connor in the latest installment of the Terminator saga, though as usual with films like this the real star is the special effects.

The second installment of the Twilight saga hits our screens with a bang as heartthrob du jour Robert Pattinson sets pulses racing once again as handsome vampire Edward Cullen.

Devastated by the abrupt departure of her lover Edward, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) seeks comfort in the friendship of werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).

But Edward is never far from her thoughts and she discovers that his image comes to her anytime she puts herself in dangerous situations.

Will tragedy strike before the lovers can be reunited? Get yourself along to this enjoyable sequel to find out.

Released November 30 A bumper month for special effects junkies as yet another sci-fi release hits the stands. Style over substance, certainly, but still a sensory delight.

MUSIC REVIEWS Fans of cult BBC show Flight of the Conchords will know what to expect from this collection of comedy songs from the side-splitting New Zealand duo. There are some hilarious pastiches on this, with Pet Shop Boys, David Bowie and hip hop all getting the Conchord treatment.

The result - as is often the case with comedy songs - is that while it may raise a chuckle first time round, only hardened aficionados of the show are likely to get any real enjoyment after repeated play.

That said, there’s some seriously funny stuff on here, in particular the David Bowie spoof ‘Bowie’ and the hip-hop-ridiculing ‘Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros’.

Though the Conchords are masters of wordplay, there’s also a rich vein of musical awareness on display here, which elevates it somewhat above your average comedy album. Definitely worth a listen, though not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea.

My, how the tables have turned for Robbie Williams. In the early oughties, he was enjoying stratospheric solo success while his fellow former Take That members were floundering in near obscurity.

Fast forward to 2009, however, and Robbie was holed up in L.A. licking his wounds following dud album Rudebox while a re-united Take That were riding the crest of a wave with a successful world tour and acclaimed album. Small wonder, then, that robbie’s recent performance on the X Factor was so nervy; so much hinges on his latest offering.

Thankfully, this luscious 13 track album is a welcome return to form. Though not without flaws, this is a predominantly strong piece of work, where Robbie’s trademark cockiness is nicely tempered by a subtle and introspective side to him that has all too often been hidden fron view.

The signature of veteran producer Trevor Horn is all over the album, most obviously in the gusto-filled ‘Bodies’ and string-swept beauty of ‘Morning Sun’. With so many of the tracks good enough to be considered for single release - ‘Last Days of Disco’ is a cracker it seems the ego may be taking off once more.

Released November 16 Bewitching warbler Leona returns with Echo, another smoothlyproduced affair that is bound to impress.

Released November 16 Jennifer Aniston’s on/off beau delights with Battle Studies, a melodious collection of California rock/pop.

Released November 23 The American pop diva serves up ten years’ worth of hits in this sparkling singles collection.

Released November 9 The latest album from the Scottish progressive indie rockers contains some great tracks.

Released November 16 Wales’ finest leather-clad band return with indie gem Keep Calm and Carry On.

COMING UP SOON, MARYAL IV ST FE LM FI E YL FO D WITH THE 22N S CELLULOID TO JOIN G IN TH L AL F O RS VE LO ANNE MCNULT Y URGES IN THE FUN...

H

urray, the Foyle film festival is almost here. This year’s theme is ‘Art and the Cinema’ - but before the philistines amongst you freak out and go scurrying off to the video shop for a copy of Dude, Where’s My Car?, let me try and convince you what you’ll be missing if you don’t go.

Now, the film festival is a very popular event in Derry, and they certainly don’t need me to be rounding up bums on seats for this year’s very exciting programme, but I’m guessing there are a few lapsed souls out there who have forgotten what it’s like to experience the joy of the cinema.

Who talk a good talk about this year’s festival, but who, in reality, will rave over the programme, hand pick the films they want to see...then decide it’s miserable out, Holby City’s about to start and there’s a half bottle of Oyster Bay sauvignon sitting in the fridge. I know this because I’ve been there myself.

That’s the snag about any experience that comes with even a whiff of the word ‘art‘; we wrongly assume it requires a big effort. That’s how I am about fine art. I’m the kind of person who, on a visit to the Uffizi museum in Florence, makes a beeline for Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’, pretends to ponder it for a few minutes, then sidles out the exit door before the tour guide ropes me into a two-hour slog through paintings I’m sure I can’t begin to understand or appreciate.

Moving pictures, on the other hand, are a different matter, though they too used to intimidate. As someone who considers St Elmo’s Fire one of the greatest films ever made, I used to think anything subtitled, or black and white, or in documentary style , required too much of an effort. But I’ve learned from experience that if a film is good, it’s accessible no matter what: it’s like being scared of doing Shakespeare at school only to realise it’s fine after the first few pages.

My epiphany was a film called The Battle of Algiers. I did

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my degree in film studies thinking it would be all Bonnie and Clyde and Chintatown, so when we were informed that that day’s screening would be a film that was subtitled, and black and white and shot in a documentary style, I almost ran for the door. I’m glad I stayed, though, as it was the most riveting two hours I’ve ever spent in a cinema. Except maybe for the time I took my granny to see Boogie Nights thinking it was a movie about disco dancing.

But really, whether the film is mainstream or art house, I just love the experience of going to the pictures. I love that buzz of anticipation you feel when the cinema goes pitch black and the opening credits roll. I even get a tiny thrill at the ‘cigarette burns’, those little white-edged holes that flash up periodically on the screen to let the projectionist know it’s time to change the reel.

But what I really love is the fact that, provided you don’t have an annoying teen texting noisily in the seat behind, nothing else can intrude on the relationship between you and the image on the screen.

That sort of intimacy can never be achieved watching a DVD in the house, and it’s that intimacy and sense of occasion that makes the difference. Films can be a thrilling, entertaining and sometimes, just sometimes, momentous experience, and when they are, you don’t want to miss that sublime shot, or piece of dialogue, or glance, because you were reaching down the back of the sofa for a stray Malteser at the time.

That’s why I’m such a fan of the film festival; for the possibilities it holds. The programme is devised with such a devoted nod to quality that the film you choose to see, whether it’s mainstream, independent or animated short, is bound to be entertaining. And maybe, just maybe, truly momentous.

Broken Embraces Saturday November 28, 7pm, Omniplex

Departures (closing night film) Saturday November 28, 9.30pm, Omniplex

Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s creative juices show few signs of drying up if this, his seventeenth film, is anything to go by. Though the crazy plot and melodramatic flourishes that define his previous work are very much here, there’s also a wonderfully tender complexity about Broken Embraces that film buffs in particular will adore.

Cinephile Almodovar pays homage to Hollywood greats such as Wilder and Hitchcock and this, added to the presence of the enchanting Penelope Cruz, makes for a captivating cinematic experience.

The festival bows out in style with classy Japanese film Departures, deserving winner of this year’s best foreign language Oscar. Daigo Kobayashi, a devoted cellist, finds himself out of work when his orchestra disbands, so returns to his home town to seek work with his wife.

He answers a classified ad from a business called ‘Departures’ - thinking they are involved with the travel industry - only to discover the journey they specialise in is the one from death into the next life. A profoundly moving film that handles its tricky subject matter with just the right balance of humour and sensitivity.

The Boys of St. Columb’s Monday November 23, 8.30pm, Nerve Centre

The September Issue Wednesday November 25, 6.30pm, Nerve Centre

This documentary tells the story of eight alumni of Derry’s St Columb’s College, all of whom will be instantly recognisable to local viewers. Growing up in the poverty-stricken and segregated milieu of post-war Derry, they looked to education as the one thing that would raise them out of their oppression and lead them to become some of the most important figures in Irish culture.

Featuring the stories of Eamonn McCann, Seamus Heaney, Seamus Deane, John Hume, Phil Coulter, Paul Brady, Bishop Edward Daly and Ambassador James Sharkey, this short but very sweet film is bound to generate a lot of interst, so get there early.

Things would be seriously amiss here at fashionconscious Pure if if we didn’t plug this cracking documentary chronicling Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour’s preparations for the 2008 fall fashion issue.

You’ve seen Meryl Streep’s pastiche of the notoriously aloof and acerbic Wintour in The Devil Wears Prada; now see her for real in this funny and engaging documentary that gets under the skin of the New York fashion scene, and proves that even supposed ice queens such as Wintour have a vulnerable side too.

Penelope Cruz in Broken Embraces The Red Shoes Sunday November 22, 2pm, Orchard Using mere words to describe The Red Shoes barely barely does it justice; the sheer beauty of this Powell and Pressburger classic has to be seen to be believed. As renowned critic Roger Ebert said of it, ‘you don’t watch it, you bathe in it’.

The film focuses on young ballerina Vicky Page (Moira Shearer) and the way her life becomes split between her simple human passion and artistic devotion to her profession. With masterful choreography, a wonderful score and sublime cintematography from the late, great Jack Cardiff, this stylistic masterpiece has rightly been acknowledged as one of the most innovative and visually beautiful works of cinema ever created.

OUR TOP FIVE

Pure recommends five films not be missed at this year’s festival

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Product reviews Funky gadgets Quirky gifts Boys’ toys

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Pure recommends three high-end facial scrubs for men Clinique, £14.50 We had high expectations for this one given Clinique’s top reputation in the field of skincare, and we weren’t disappointed. This scrub kills blackheads stone dead and gives the skin a really good clearout. The granules are quite big so you really feel the ‘scrubby’ effect.

Clarins, £17.50 This refreshing gel is the most expensive of the five, but we believe it’s money well spent. The major plus of this product is that it produces super fast results, so if you’re heading out in a hurry and need to spruce up your skin the evidence of improvement is instantaneous.

Shiseido, £16.66 This one is quite zesty, banished all the dead skin cells expertly and washed off cleanly with little or no residue. Again, it’s not cheap, but when the ingredients are of such a high quality and the effects are so successful it’s a sound investment and not an extravagance.

Davidoff Hot Water, £34.26 (60ml) Guys, you’ve known for years that Cool Water makes the ladies go weak at the knees, but what about the hot version? Well, we advise you to prepare yourselves for feminine swooning of epic proportions if you walk through a club wearing this.

As the name suggests, this is a fiery and spicy fragrance with hints of pimento and absinthe. It’s quite musky and humid, so is perfect for the winter season when lighter scents just won’t cut it.

Armani Code, £41.11 (50ml) This Armani fragrance definitely has the wow factor, but its lightness makes it more suitable for daytime use. While not as long-lasting as other aftershaves, its top notch scent means you’ll be happy to splash it on regularly. You may have to pay for quality in this case, but it’s undoubtedly money well spent.

Paul Smith Man, £34 (50ml) This is an unmistakeably male scent. Peppery, smoky overtones blend nicely with hints of dry wood and blackcurrant to give the wearer an overwhelming sense of maleness – ggrrr!The fragrance is a little similar to Fahrenheit, so if you’re a fan of that and you want to give your girlfriend a few more options this Christmas, stick this alternative on the list.

Dior Fahrenheit Intense, £37 (50ml) An oldie, but an absolute goldie, Dior’s infamous Fahrenheit has been a winner with the gents for ages. Now they’ve brought out the ‘Intense’ version, which draws from the original’s emblematic violet and leathery notes but also has a sensual dimension courtesy of rare African woods and resins.

Elegant and mysterious.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million, £31.31 (50ml) Great smell, long-lasting and sexy, this is the consummate evening fragrance for the discerning gent.

It’s a sophisticated blend of grapefruit, cinnamon, mint, rose, spices, light leather, white wood, patchouli and amber, while the classy bottle screams power, wealth and luxury.

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TomTom XL IQ potable GPS system

by David Kavanagh Gone are the days of wrong turns and oversized navigational maps; a few years ago we were blessed with the joys of satnav and our lives were never the same since, that was, until the latest TomTom gadget graced our shelves and things are due to get a hell of a lot easier: introducing the new TomTom XL IQ. The XL IQ has all the same features of its ancestor, but it’s also jampacked with lots of extra cool gismos and gadgets to help getting from A to B in half the time, with half the arguments. Not only is it much bigger than the current TomTom models, the size of the XL (4.3” wide screen) makes it much easier on the eye and easier to concentrate on the road ahead, plus the new user menu is much easier to use as the buttons are larger for quicker choices.

The big difference between this and previous models is down to two special additions which make this a musthave product for any male Christmas hamper. Firstly,, it will ill specify the

Honda unveiled their latest prototype last month at the Tokyo Motor show, the new CR-Z is the world’s first hybrid sports car and rumours are, it will be for sale on UK shores towards the end of 2010.

As the pictures suggest, this futuristic car looks like something right out of Tron yet it oozes style and is fitted out with the latest gadgets to go from 0-60 in around 8 seconds!

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exact arrival time per journey. It does this by monitoring real time speed on the road with any traffic zones. Therefore, you enter your destination and it will let you know your estimated time of arrival. There are options to specify arrival times and you can chose to avoid built up areas at peak times to shorten time spent on the roads.

Another funky gadget within the TomTom XL IQ is that of the safety alerts. It will let you know the speed limit of any road you drive on and can alert you when you go over this plus it will alert you before you come close to any speed cameras - pretty handy!

A new twist for this model is that it will advise on fuel prices of local petrol stations throughout your journey and will direct you to the nearest doctor, hotel or priest if found in need! This is a great gadget and an essential for any journey as it saves time, money and added safety.

SCORE ... 4/5 £179.99, available online or at any good retailers

They confounded expectations by not being booted out of the X Factor in the first week, yet you couldn’t put their success down to their singing. So what is it about the terrible teens that has captured the nation’s imagination?

Why, it’s their magnificent hair, of course! Pure has spotted loads of Jedward wannabes out and about the town lately, so we asked Derry hair stylist Barry Falconer for advice on how guys can get the perfect Jedward quiff for themselves.

quiff? What about fellas that have really mousey hair - are they doomed?

What is the best hair type for achieving the

BF: You’ll need all three of those bad boys!

BF: Actually, fine straight hair is probably best, but with plenty of product, a good hairdryer and a pair of GHD s it should be doable on any hair type - though it may require assistance from a professional!

How do you get a really high quiff - is hairspray, gel or mousse the best?

Gel and/or mousse when the hair’s wet then freeze it in place with LOADS of the strongest hairspray you can find!

The Jedward quiff is an extreme version of a very current trend. How long do you think before it goes completely out of fashion?

BF: Well, going by the popularity of last year’s ‘Quiggy’ (aka ‘the hedgehog’) I’d say about another fortnight or so. It depends on whether they stay in the limelight after the X Factor.

Get your revenge on grandma this Christmas for the oversized knitted jumper with these personalised golf balls for the putting range! £14.95 for a set of 3 from www.prezzybox.com

Get cosy this Christmas with a loved one ... the Slanket for two! £49.95 from www.prezzybox.com

Settle down to watch the footie with your own popcorn maker, certainly a hit with the lads! £34.95 from www.prezzybox.com

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Have you endured the departure delays and turbulence terrors of air travel one time too many? Pure’s David Kavanagh decided to ditch the skies and give life on the ocean wave a try...

As an ex-pat who lived in Manchester for eight years I was pretty used to the monotonous journey through the airport lounges come Christmas on a yearly basis, but I never thought of taking the boat across the Irish seas ... well, not until the lovely people at Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferry Services asked me to clamber aboard and enjoy a journey filled with many perks!

I’m not the easiest of airline passengers. I travelled with Ryanair many years ago and, though I’m pleased to say I lived to tell the tale, I endured so many turbulence-fuelled lurches that I vowed never to set foot on Ryanair again.

My experience with Norfolkline was a very different one – I loved every minute of it! I’m truly converted and my days of up, up and away are numbered. Why fly, when the boat makes the journey much more relaxed and enjoyable?

The main advantage of the ferry crossing is that you have more control over your onward journey because you have your own transport, plus you don’t have to adhere to baggage constraints and weight allocations. Basically, if you can fit it in your car and safely drive with it, then you can take it no more hand luggage baloney and emptying out the contents of your purse into see-through bags before security.

The whole process is pretty simple, pain-free and fast. We drove to the Belfast docks (without getting lost, miraculously), checked in with no problems, and a mere 20 minutes later we had driven onboard and left the car neatly parked on the top deck.

Once aboard we were given a key to our cabin and ushered to our room to store our baggage before dinner. The cabin was clean, compact and exactly what we needed to enjoy our night across the Irish Sea: we had two sets of bunk beds, an en suite toilet with shower and a rack to store our bags and luggage neatly out of sight.

While still in dock, dinner was served; we were treated to a three course meal with all the trimmings with a number of options to choose from.

Our hosts made sure we didn’t need to leave our seats and we sat back, enjoyed our meals and each other’s company, and before long the wine was produced and we didn’t even notice pulling out of dock bound for Liverpool.

After dinner and feeling overly satisfied with extra helpings of food we headed to the bar, relaxed and enjoyed the steadying pace across the sea.

There’s plenty to do on board: a cinema screening current movies, TVs by the bar, and a gift shop for all the last minute family souvenirs or forgotten toothbrushes.

After a few quiet drinks we headed to our cabin to catch some welcome ZZZs. I didn’t expect to feel so rested when I woke but I did, and I put that down to a cosy cabin, firm bed and a quiet room – and being woken with an Ulster Fry probably helped!

We docked by 7.30am and were shortly off board and onward to our destination, certainly a stress-free experience and one I wasn’t expecting.

The ferry isn’t necessarily for everyone. Turbulence and cramped seating may be two drawbacks to air travel, but it’s a price many people are willing to pay in order to get the shortest journey time possible. But if you’re the more leisurely type who considers the journey just as important as the destination, then a night on the Norfolkline may be just the ticket.

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Pure gets up close and personal with Alesha Dixon...

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INTERVIEW

solo ber of girl band Mis-Teeq, em m e im e-t on , on ix D a Alesh that Dancing and now judge on e m Co tly ric St of er nn wi artist, y. Currently on a UK tour tel la e be sy bu a en be s ha , same show ve Again’ which she coLo o ‘T gle sin w ne se ea rel and about to d energetic as well you an gly gig e’s sh w, rlo Ba ry wrote with Ga e crest of a wave. Pure th on gh hi is th g in rid re might be if you we r s Dixon for a chat about he M e bl ta lec de e th th wi up caught hectic lifestyle…

You seem to have a wise head on your shoulders. Would you say you were a wise girl?

I like to think so. I think I just deal with things as they come, you know, I just think that that is what life is about. The saying is it’s not the destination, it’s the journey. So I suppose I just try to embrace the good and the bad, and acknowledge that the bad stuff happens for a reason and you’ve got to learn from it and you’ve just got to move on from it.

Nothing’s guaranteed.

You’ve been writing with Gary Barlow!

I know! We were so excited because when we went on the radio tour we were listening to Radio 1 and Chris played the single in the morning and then Fearne played it, and we were getting quite a few plays out and about. And in all the time I’ve been in this industry, I’ve never had a song played on Magic!

Did you actually get to meet Gary Barlow and be in the same room with him?

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Yes, we wrote the song together, around Elton John’s piano. He’s absolutely brilliant. We did it in LA. It was myself, Gary and John Shanks who’s done a lot of the Take That records like ‘Rule The World’ and stuff with Miley Cyrus.

Even though I’m comfortable in Gary’s company, I was nervous when we approached the song. Obviously, the lyrics are quite genuine and heartfelt and it was just one of those moments. I was sitting there keeping a straight face but inside I was smiling because I was with Gary which was a really big deal for me.

I’ve been a fan of Gary’s since I was 14 years old.

There was a big gap between you

winning Strictly Come Dancing and putting the album out, wasn’t there?

I ended Strictly at Christmas and then I was working on the album pretty much most of the next year.

You must have been so shocked at how big it went after Strictly.

I wasn’t even thinking about that, that’s the interesting thing. I was just thinking about having a good time and I actually nearly said no when they asked me to be in it ‘cause I was so worried what people in the music industry would think.

It got you known with a whole group of people who weren’t into music…

I was getting letters from people in their eighties, nineties and four-year-olds, so it was like, this is scary.

And you are on tour at the moment?

Yes I love performing live and the tour, like my album, is called The Alesha Show. We have created a music performance and made it a proper show of music and dancing - Strictly has been an influence because as there are a lot of dance routines, there’s a real big band feel with samba and Charleston moves - I learned all those amazing dances on the show now it’s my chance to use them during my live music show.

Music is my first love and getting out there performing my single to the fans is still the best part of the job – that and working with Gary!

‘To Love Again’ is released through Asylum Records digitally on November 15 and ‘The Alesha Show – Encore’ is released on November 23.

are of She’s come in for her fair sh roversial criticism following her cont ips as a judge replacement of Arlene Phill ancing, not on BBC’s Strictly Come D ate life raked to mention having her priv a always up in the tabloids. But Alesh id Kavangh comes out smiling, and Dav esha’s explains why he admires Al fighting spirit so much...

Love her or loathe her, Alesha Dixon has had a fruitful career spanning almost ten years in the fickle world of celebrity stardom. Miss Dixon first graced the screens of televisions as a band member of the gansta-loving Mis-teeq, and her powerful vocals and cocky attitude ensured she soon took up the mantle of front girl of the band. Mis-teeq enjoyed eight top ten singles over their five short years together and broke the hearts of many teenagers across the country with the shock announcement of their demise in 2005.

At that point, you wouldn’t have been blamed for believing it was the end of the road for the girls in the band but, like a phoenix from the ashes, front girl Alesha shot back to fame again, first with her solo career as a music artist, then as a successful television personality as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, and now her latest role as a judge on that very same show. As if this wasn’t enough, Alesha’s television career continues to grow as the new presenter on this year’s Children In Need on the Beeb.

Over the years Alesha come in for a dose of public criticism - generated

mainly by the scandal-thirsty tabloids - that would be enough to make most grown women crawl behind her size nines and fade into obscurity. For Alesha, this came in the form of a public relationship breakdown with her then-boyfriend and rapper Harvey following his affair with the recording artist Javine. At the time, the story made front page news in almost every tabloid in the country and poor Alesha took a battering from every paper. Even the most dignified person would have cracked under the pressure and retaliated with underhand jibes and bitching, but surprisingly Miss Dixon kept her cool and maintained a dignified silence throughout the backlash. This sort of behaviour is rare within the celeb circuit and it only won points for team Dixon!

Alesha chose to get over the scandal and heartbreak with a personal challenge in 2007 and graced our screens as a contestant on Strictly . She danced her way through the series and won the hearts of the nation and the title of winner of the show along with dancing partner Matthew Cutler. Due to her massive success and popularity, Alesha was asked to return to the other side of the table and become a

judge . At first, this seemed like a match made in heaven, though she soon got it in the neck because she was ousting bitchy pensioner Arlene Phillips from the judging bench. Well, first of all she didn’t boot Arlene out of the show - the BBC did that.

And secondly, any scenario in which Phillips’ atrocious, scripted puns are replaced

by Alesha’s refreshing, spontaneous criticism is fine by me.

So, here’s Pure magazine’s take on Alesha Dixon... it takes a lot of guts to survive a showbiz career in today’s bitchy world of celebrity. Many have fallen by the wayside through the years of Big Brother and The X Factor and only the best ride the storm and maintain their career. Alesha has shown that she’s a flexible performer and has performed at the top of her game in television presenting, music recording and as a contestant on a dancing reality show . Compare her to many of the one-trick ponies we see nightly on our screens and it’s clear Alesha has likeability, stamina and The X Factor.

BUSINESS

Starting up a new business venture is precarious at the best of times, but in these recession-hit times some might call it absolute madness. Our very own David Kavanagh, who co-founded PUREinc just over a year ago, knows all about the stresses and strains involved. But though he has questioned his sanity on countless occasions in the last year, he ultimately believes taking that leap of faith was the right decision, and here he tells us why. ‘He who dares, Rodney, he who dares’...

Obviously being self-employed has its perks.

Working for yourself is much better than working for any dictator, as it’s on my terms and on my head be it. It does take a certain person, however, to run a business. You need to be self-motivated and ready for problems if you are to succeed.

In today’s uncertain economic climate, times are hard, but the business wheel keeps turning and deals are there for the taking. If the recession has shown us one thing, it’s that every business needs to evolve and develop to the needs of its customers. Many longestablished businesses have either sank or swam during the last 12 months, and any that

have survived the storm are better and much stronger as a result.

Support from the banks has almost vanished – if local opinion is anything to go by, it seems to be the case that it’s the stronger brands, not in need of support, that are the only firms actually receiving the most of the funding. In my opinion this is all back to front.

There are so many new businesses with great business models that will pave the way for future long-standing companies within our town, so don’t they need help to grow their company to this point also? So, with that in mind, when forming the business, it should be clearly cemented into your mind that there

should be only one reason for doing so – do it for yourself, and be prepared to do it yourself for as long as necessary in order to cement a fruitful future for yourself in the long run.

The benefits much outway the negatives in my experience. Running your own business is very rewarding but challenging and, after 14 long, hard, stressful months, I wouldn’t have it any other way! If you have a desire to create a business contact your local Go for it programme on 0800 027 0639 or your local Go for it advice centre in North West Marketing, email claire@north-westmarketing.com

By Alan Birdle

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The origins of the local dimension to the recession are located in extraordinary construction and property boom of ‘05-’07, when the rising tide of transactions lifted many boats, and it is to the housing economy that we should look for signs of recovery in the next 12 months.

We are now two years from the beginning of the rather steep correction in average house prices and as we move towards year-end we should anticipate more tangible evidence of stabilisation at around the £140,000 level. The price adjustment in new builds appears almost complete while there are encouraging signs of a pick-up in transaction volumes over the summer months. Confidence remains the key, particularly with potential first-time buyers.

In 2010, we may also begin to see a steady increase in the rate of private housebuilding again after a very fallow period. This partly reflected the previous spell of excess supply.

Larger construction firms will be hoping that

the Stormont Executive delivers on its capital investment commitments, despite the onset of a more austere public spending round.

For borrowers, official interest rates are likely to remain unchanged at the historically low levels for the remainder of 2009 although money market rates will continue at elevated levels in comparison as global credit conditions ease slowly and gradually. To state the obvious, we are now in an environment that rewards the old-fashioned virtues of thrift and saving and this may continue to act as a drag on those sectors, notably retailing, that depend on consumer spending. However, others may fare better with manufacturing likely to enjoy a mini-revival as global demand picks up and sterling remains at competitive levels, despite rebounding from its lows.

The near-term outlook for the labour market remains difficult - while the reported trend in the number of monthly claimants should begin

to decelerate, we are unlikely to see the jobless total peak below the 60,000 level. Youth, graduate and young adult unemployment is a particular concern. For these people, the recession could last longer than a year or two so policies to stimulate job creation must have priority in the next three years.

History teaches us that recessions do end when demand stabilises at lower levels and that periods of expansion usually last much longer. This has been quite a severe and unusual recession, pre-dated by a major banking crisis. The legacy of this may ensure that the period of economic recovery that follows may also be unusual and challenging. For Northern Ireland, a pertinent consideration is that as the private sector stumbles back to its feet, the challenges for the public sector may just be starting.

LOCAL TALENT

Derry’s Conor Mason has been building up a steady following in recent years as a talented singer/songwriter. A former member of promising Derry band Gentle Ben - now, sadly, defunct - the 28-year-old has, for the past few years, been honing his performance skills in Glasgow. He went over there to study for a music technology qualification, but the pull of the artist within proved strong and he ended up devoting his full-time attention to songwriting and performing.

Glasgow’s live music scene is a tough nut to crack, so the fact Conor became a regular fixture on the bill of venues as prestigious as King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut (the famous club where Oasis were spotted and instantly signed

by Scottish recording supremo Alan McGee) gives an indication of his talent.

It was while playing an intimiate acoustic gig in the back of Brel, a pub in the heart of

Glasgow’s trendy Ashton Lane famed for its live music, that he was discovered by a representative from respected independent recording label Anti-Matter. They put out his debut album When It’s Over, hailing his ‘stunning songwriting consistency and the sheer warmth of every performance’.

His song ‘Circles’ was voted one of the ten songs of the year in BBC’s Across the Line show in 2007, wihile growing interest in his output led to a slot at the Hydro Connect festival in Scotland last year, where he shared the bill with acts such as Elbow and Franz Ferdinand.

Hiniting at the influence of artists such as Elliott Smith, Evan Dando, Beck and Bright Eyes, Conor’s music is an invigorating mix of folk rock and avant garde. It’s quite a progression from the early years where, coming from a well-known musical family, he learned classical piano. But it wasn’t long before he

found his own genre, teaching himself to play drums and guitar and learning the techniques of computer sampling.

Conor is currently back in Derry, where he’s holed up at home working on his second album which, he tells us, is untitled at present: “It’s still a work in progress,” he says, “though I’ve got the bulk of it written. The last album started out as very acoustic, then I began to bring in some base and electric guitar and a few wee samples, and now this newer stuff is a pregression of that, with full-on band sounds.”

As part of this year’s Foyle Film Festival, Conor is playing a live gig at the Nerve Centre on Friday November 27. To find out more about the artist and to hear his music, do to www.myspace.com/conormason Pic by Gavin Inglis

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We’ve been astounded by the response we’ve had to our ‘staying in’ feature featured in last month’s issue. Dining in really is the new going out these days, as Elaine McVeigh showed us with her lavish dinner party for 18 guests.

From our next issue onwards, we’re opening the floor to you, our readers, to host your own Come Dine with Me-style dinner party at home. If you think you’re worthy of top culinary points from your guests, then let us know and we’ll come and cover your dining experience in the magazine and in the spirit of the Channel 4 series. Your guests will score your efforts and if you score high then you’ll win a prize.

It’s light-hearted, a bit of fun and a nice way to show off to your friends about your cooking and hosting skills. But remember, it’s not as easy as it may look; a good dinner host has to choose a selection of dishes for many tastes and choose wines or cocktails to go with.

All contestants must produce a menu consisting of three homemade, fresh dishes from scratch – if you think you’ve got what it takes, then get in touch! Ladies and gentlemen, get the forks on the ready.

For your chance to enter contact David Kavanagh, Director, on 02871 377707 or email david@pureinc.co.uk and we’ll be in touch. Meanwhile, here’s what we think are some sure fire, top tips on hosting the perfect dinner party - stick with these and you can’t go far wrong:

Choose you menu and know your guests Know your guests and pick ingredients that 1) they’ll enjoy, and 2) not have any allergic reactions to! Make sure your meal will be devoured; half empty dinner plates are not a sign of success.

Choose quality wines to accompany your dishes Remember red wine is perfect for beef or lamb while white wine suits some pasta and fish dishes. If you’re not a wine buff just take our word for it that discount booze labels or Lambrini is the lowest form of insult for your guests! Also, no sipping alcoholic drinks during cooking, guests will not think kindly of their host if they’re lying face down in the chocolate pudding!

Pick your meat and cook it well Two things to consider: cooking times and temperature, and also personal preference when serving steaks. If you’re like my mother you’ll think that nuking steaks is the only way to go but really, medium and rare is often the best option.

Don’t pile on the portions!

Let your guests enjoy their meal, but don’t limit it so much they have to ask for more. Everyone’s tastes are different so try and cater for everyone.

Remember that not everyone loves the mushrooms as much as you do.

Don’t become Cilla Black Matchmaking is all well and good but don’t try and play cupid on your guests – things could turn one way or another. Do you really want to watch the fireworks go off over your dinner table?

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WHATS ON

Watch out Derren Brown: mind reader David Meade has been wowing audiences everywhere with an impressive and hilarious one man show that definitely has the ‘how the hell did he do that?’ factor. Skillfully combining suggestion, psychology and masterful reading of body language, Meade can extract specific information from the minds of his unsuspecting subjects, accurately predict the most random choices and decisions, and spot a liar from a mile off.

Prepare to be astounded, entertained - and freaked out - in equal measure.

20th November

Phil Coulter, Millennium Forum, Derry The accolade ‘legendary’ is used practically indiscriminately these days, but the term is justified when it comes to Derry’s own musical Merlin, Phil Coulter. The prolific composer, producer, arranger and pianist has regaled audiences the world over for more than four decades with music that has become embedded in the fabric of popular culture, from the haunting strains that make up best-selling album Tranquility to pop classics such as ‘Puppet on a String’ and ‘Congratulations’.

Sadly, the maestro’s here for one night only; expect his homecoming to the town he loves so well to be both electrifying and emotional.

Once upon a time, you could nip down to the Delacroix in Derry and see the superlative Bill Bailey in action at their comedy night. Nowadays, a trip to Belfast is required, such has been the success of the bearded surrealist over the past ten years. It’s a trip well worth making, however, as few comics have the ability to hammer the funny bone with such precision.

Famed for his ability to merge comedy and music, Bailey this time comes with an orcherstra in tow. Those of you reduced to tears when he turned the News at Ten theme into a rave tune will have an idea of what this show’s all about, and with a live

2nd December

Paolo Nutini, Belfast Waterfront Since he burst onto the scene in 2006 with best-selling album These Streets, talented Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini has bewitched music fans with his beatifullycrafted songs and uniquely soulful voice. His latest release, Sunny Side Up, sees the increasingly confident Nutini deliver the songs in his broad Paisley accent, so expect his live show to be as raw and authentic as they come.

22nd November

Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra, Odyssey Arena, Belfast

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New York’s finest return to the Millennium for what promises to be an inspirational and uplifting night of song. Having performed for such as Nelson Mandela and the Pope, and with their number comprising the very best singers from Harlem’s church community, this ultra-professionial ensemble certainly know how to put on a show: once things get into full swing we defy anyone not to be moved.

29th November

Harlem Gospel Choir, Millennium Forum, Derry

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20th November

David Meade: Mindgames Live, the Playhouse, Derry

WHATS ON

An essential guide to the upcoming events not to be missed

Initially coming to prominence through her collaboration with Damien Rice on his critically acclaimed albums O and 9, Ireland’s Lisa Hannigan has since emerged as a fine singer/songwriter in her own right. The lyrically-driven, folk rock-tinged strains of debut album Sea Sew rightly earned her a nomination for this year’s prestigious Mercury Music Prize, while her reputation as a live performer grows greater by the day. A must-see gig.

12th December

Lisa Hannigan, Nerve Centre, Derry

5-15th December

Snow White Christmas Panto, Waterside Theatre, Derry Pantomime season is upon us once more - oh yes it is - and what better way to get the kids in the Christmas spirit than a trip to the Waterside Theatre for the Grove’s production of Snow White. Prepare to boo, hiss, sing and clap as various heroes and villains take to the stage for what promises to be a great couple of hours’ entertainment.

The 02 Dublin / 23rd November / Beyonce Knowles / Ulster Hall Belfast / 2nd December / Richard Hawley / The Nerve Centre / 8th December / That Petrol Emotion / Ulster Hall Belfast / 6th December / Florence and the Machine / The 02 Dublin / 26th November / Arctic Monkeys / Katie Daly’s Strabane / 27th November / Jordan X / Odyssey Arena Belfast / 21st November / UB40 / Odyssey Arena Belfast / 24th November / Beyonce / Odyssey Arena Belfast / 2nd December / Clubland Live 3 / Odyssey Arena Belfast / 12th December / Eddie Izzard / Speakeasy Belfast / 28th November / Little Boots

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By Mary-Anne McNulty

C

hristmas, as the saying goes, is a time for family, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the home of Cathie McMinn. Cathie, proprietor of Ness Nurseries along with husband Lawrence, cherishes the festive period as it gives her an opportunity to spend quality time with Lawrence, her children Lewis, Emily and Eden, and her extended family and friends.

She says: “Because Lawrence and I work in retail, we’re open 359 days a year, so we really look forward to the break. We have an open house policy all year round - we tend to socialise at home more often than we go out but this is especially the case at Christmas; it’s a time to really enjoy the company of family and friends.”

Every year, Cathie faithfully prepares the dinng room of her home in Killaloo for the family’s Christmas Day dinner, and it’s obviously a labour

of love. The dining table is laid out with flatware and cutlery that wouldn’t look out of place at a state banquet, while the eye-catching Christmas tree is adorned with intricate hand-blown glass ornaments and artisan pieces collected on holidays in Europe over the years. “I’ve added bits and pieces to the room over time,” says Cathie, “but in terms of the overall look I tend to be quite traditional, as that’s more in keeping with the style of the house.”

Cathie didn’t to have to look far for inspiration, since being the owner of Ness Nurseries she was able to choose products that are stocked in her own establishment, such as the tree and the striking arrangement of candle holders that sit at the window. The overall result, as our pictures demonstrate, is breathtaking, and proof that the true spirit of Christmas is very much alive.

Santa’s little helper

Cathie’s daughter Eden (4) points to her favourite decoration

Cool curtains

Cathie loved the floral fabric and took it to Sally and Claire Heaney at Grace Joseph Interiors, who modified it with silk to create the most wonderful drapes.

A little zest

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The unique little orange tree was created by Cathie’s sister-in-law Sharon Peaker, one of only two master florists in Northern Ireland. The kids are served drinks in cocktail glasses so they feel all grownup and sophisticated - they contain nothing stronger than ginger beer, of course!

in terms of the overall look I tend to be quite traditional, as that’s more in keeping with the style of the house

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WHAT’S HOT

Annie A bona fide star in her native Norway, innovative singer Annie is poised to break through to the mainstream with her unique brand of pop music. Annie’s astute choice of collaborators, such as Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos and UK production maestros Xenomania, on latest album Don’t Stop has resulted in a pop gem that has already had music critics frothing at the mouth.

Radio-friendly but with a definite edge, we predict a massive surge in interest over the next six months.

Hung

Sex and the City, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, True Blood. All top grade shows, all hailing from the stable of acclaimed production company HBO. No surprise, then, that their latest offering, comic drama Hung, is a must-see.

The plot focusses on hapless basketball coach Ray Drecker, who turns to male prostitution after falling on hard times, and his efforts to balance ‘work’ and family life.

Penned by Alexander Payne, who gave us the flawless Sideways, tune into More 4 on Thursdays at 10pm and enjoy the ride.

Ricky Whittle

Matt & Kim Hailed by popular music magazine Clash as ‘like MGMT’s hyperactive little cousin’, dynamic Brooklyn dance duo Matt & Kim have taken the States by storm and are exuberantly bashing on the door over here.

The energetic boy/girl combo’s latest single ‘Daylight’ is being featured on an upcoming Bacardi ad, and this added exposure will doubtless bring their unique musical style - a pleasing fusion of funk, pop, rock and dance - to an even bigger audience.

Ostensibly, the purpose of shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Skating On Ice is to provide wholesome family entertainment of a weekend. But, if we’re being honest, they also provide the invaluable auxillory service of showcasing young, toned Adonises to an appreciative female audience. Blame it on the spandex, but the shows have already unearthed hunks such asChris Fountain and Matt Di Angelo (not to mention dashing Mark Ramprakash for the more mature woman). This season’s ‘must-have’ hunk is bootylicious Ricky Whittle, whose solid six-pack and slick moves on the Strictly dancefloor have had the ladies voting in their droves.

Something for the Weekend

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If you can tear yourself away from the Hollyoaks omnibus on Channel 4, BBC 1’s Sunday morning mix of cookery, entertainment and lifestyle is perfect hangover TV. Hilarious host Tim Lovejoy wisecracks his way through 90 minutes of ultra-relaxed celebrity interviews, recipes and vintage TV clips, with the no-frills approach giving the show a comforting, ‘friends having the craic in the living room’ feel. Perfect for those fragile Sunday mornings.

Is winter making you SAD? MaryAnne McNulty explores the issue of seasonal affective disorder, while David Kavanagh tests the merits of a box kit specially produced to counteract the debilitating effects of sunlight starvation.

Twenty years ago, it was described as the winter blues, and the no-nonsense solution was to simply buck up and stop feeling sorry for yourself. In these more enlightened times, however, the overwhelming feeling of depression that descends upon many of us as the winter nights draw in has been given its official dues.

SAD - seasonal affective disorder - is thought to be caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain which controls daily rhythm and moods, and has been attributed to the shorter daylight hours and declining sunlight between the months of September and April.

Cynics may lump the SAD diagnosis in the same ‘fad ilnesses’ category as they would, say, gluten intolerance, but research suggests that an estimated half a million people in the UK could be suffering the disorder’s symptoms on a yearly basis.

I’ve always been more than a little dubious about the scientific authenticity of SAD myself, but having witnessed the Jekyll and Hyde transformation of two of my colleagues here in the Pure office last month (from wisecracking and upbeat to downright miserable - you know who you are, guys), I’m more open to the idea that the whole SAD phenomenon is kosher.

Especially if there’s the possibility of a cure and I can change the station on the office radio without getting my head chewed off.

The telltale signs include excessive fatigue, low mood, weight gain and lack of concentration, and though SAD can begin at any age, it is said to start most commonly between the ages of 18-30.

A popular treatment is bright light therapy, a box stored in the home that replicates sunlight. But at £200 a pop, these aren’t the cheapest option, so we decided to put a more affordable alternative to the test.

‘Sunshine in a box’, from herbal supplement speciallists Solgar, contains three bottles of different vegetable-based capsules, each of which is said to counteract specific symptoms: vitamin D3 for strengthening the immune system and brightening mood; 5-HTP to stabilise mood and control food cravings; and Rhodiola, a herbal remedy often compared to St John’s Wort, for increasing mental and physical energy.The box set also comes with a book, the Vitamin D Cure, by James E. Dowd MD, that offers advice on how to deal with the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

At £25 per set, it’s considerably cheaper than getting a light box - but does it work? Well, we didn’t have to look too far to find a guinea pig, as our very own David Kavanagh, Pure director (and, since September, resident grumpy chops) stepped forward to try it out. Here’s what he thought: Unfortunately I’m one of the unlucky ones who

gets the cold at least eight times throughout November and December, with some cold sores thrown in by mother nature for good measure.

I’m a firm believer in SAD, as I’’ve been a sufferer of the winter blues and general ‘run downness’ for years. I was eager, therefore, to give sunshine in a box a go. I started the course a month ago and I have to say, I feel great. I’m well stocked up on vitamin D and feel emotionally a lot better than previous winters – I am ready to take on the season, whatever the weather change, and so far I’ve had no colds or cold sores to mention!

If, like me, you’re a believer in herbal supplements, then you might like to try this product.

But I also think it’s important to remember that a good diet, regular exercise and a structured daily routine are all vital when it comes to maintaining good mental health. The supplements helped give me the kick start I needed, and I would definitely recommend them, but no treatment works in isolation - so keep close tabs on your diet and exercise regime to stay healthy this winter.

Solgar’s Sunshine in a box kit retails at £25 and is sold through independent health food stores. Visit www.solgar-vitamins.co.uk for your local health store details.

Want one? We’ve got three packs to give away, so go to the competitions page on p50

free and distributed to 15,000 homes advertise now: call 028 71 377707

CHRISTMAS

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More than 200 ladies attended the ‘Look Good Feel Great’ event at the Waterfoot Hotel on November 2. Pure was there to capture what was obviously a fun-filled and informative day...

The event was targeted at women who’ve had a recent change to their life, be it divorce, retirement, bereavement or even just reaching an important milestone. The idea was to give tips to the more mature lady on growing old gracefully and to learn how to make the most of themselves, no matter what their age!

The guests heard talks from a number of experts, including style advisors, doctors who perform cosmetic surgery, botox and more. Life coach Helen McDonnell went down a storm, while UTV anchorwoman Lynda Bryans’ frank talk on mental health and how to keep a healthy mind was both enlightening and moving.

We all know how the ladies love to be pampered, and there was quite a large queue for the hair and makeup experts who were on hand to do makeovers and dispense valuable advice and beauty tips.

Overall, the event was a great success, with a significant amount of moey being raised for two charities Aware and the Foyle Downs Syndrome Trust. Congrats to all involved!

Pictured left : UTV’S Lynda Bryan who delivered the keynote speech.

This Christmas’ Santra Trail at Ness Lifestyle and Garden Centre on the Glenshane Road promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

This year the production is Jack and the Beanstalk. It’s the only interactive pantomime within the region that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Take a magical tour through our forest trail, visit Jack and Santa at the Reindeer’s home, interact with our characters and have your picture taken with Santa, plus choose your own gift from the elves workshop.

Lawrence McMinn, proprietor of Ness, said: “For me Christmas is all about little children and the look on their faces when they experience something magical for the first time. We spend a lot of time and effort to create a magical experience that kids of all ages enjoy!

This year our pantomime is Jack and the Beanstalk where children and their families can interact with our characters whilst getting close to nature and Santa’s reindeer.”

The Santa trail is a great family experience and attracts visitors

from all over Northern Ireland. The children’s gifts are of great quality and homemade biscuits and hot drinks are included within the ticket price.

Children will begin the trail by meeting Jack at his home, watch him plant his magic beans and then travel to Cloudland before visiting Santa and Mrs Claus at their home for photographs. A unique quality of this Santa Trail is that children are taken to the ‘Elves’ Workshop’ where they can choose their own high quality gifts, ranging from building blocks to racing cars for the boys, and baby dolls to Barbie dolls for the girls.

The Santa Trail begins on November 27th until December 23rd.

Tickets are £12.50 for children and £5.50 for adults with refreshments provided, group bookings available.

Contact the booking line on 02871 301 285.

THE REVIEWS

Encore Brasserie

by Davina Roche

48

When my husband made a last-minute arrangement for us to dine out, I was very pleased indeed. However, securing a baby-sitter at short notice, jumping in the car and then having to unceremoniously put on my make-up meant I was in a bit of a flap by the time we were pulling up to the restaurant. As soon as we walked into Encore Brasserie, though, all stress just melted away as the ambience of the restaurant took over. With its stylish yet understated décor, soothing music and sultry aromas, I knew we were going to have a relaxing and enjoyable meal.

Cocooned within the Millennium Forum, right in the heart of the city, Encore offers a big city dining experience with a friendly, local face. I felt perfectly comfortable in my new surrounds, warmed by the soft candlelight. We were offered the choice of two menus – pre-theatre and a la carte.

The pre-theatre menu is designed for diners who are planning to catch a show. The menu is therefore selective and non-fussy, as customers need to order, eat and leave within a tight timeframe. We witnessed this first-hand, as theatre-goers filed out for their show at 7.30pm, having had a relaxing three course meal, effortlessly managed by the highly professional serving staff.

We chose to order from the more extensive a la carte menu, and were not disappointed.

For my starter I selected the smoked chicken caesar salad, and as Goldilocks would say, it

was just right – the perfect size for a starter and very appetizing. My husband ordered the salmon fishcakes. They were well-seasoned and nicely-presented, and prepared him nicely for the main event. For the main course, I had the braised lamb shank, which was presented on a bed of mash with a red wine jus. My husband ordered the 8oz sirloin steak which came with sauté onions, whipped mustard mash and a choice of sauce. You are also offered the choice of side dish with your meal, and we both ordered garlic potatoes.

Encore Brasserie prides itself on using the freshest, local ingredients, and it shows, as it was the best meal we have both had in a long while. Squeezing in a dessert, we ordered a banoffee pie to share. Now, banoffee is not a dessert I would order for myself, finding it all a bit too much. However, I did taste this one and it was lovely!

To round up, we will definitely be back and would recommend Encore Brasserie to friends.

To be honest I didn’t know it existed, and coming across it was like opening the door to the secret garden – a piece of serenity in the middle of the hectic, walled city. So next time you are planning to go out with friends, take them to Encore, where you will melt into a comfy booth, drink good wine and eat excellent food at a very reasonable price. /

SCORES

Millennium Theatre, Market St, Derry, Tel: 02871 372 492

THE REVIEWS

dananos

by Sinead Melaugh Friday night after work, hungry and craving a bit of life, we decided to take ourselves off to Dananos Italian restaurant on Lower Clarendon Street. Although slightly off the beaten track, Dananos is central enough to walk to any of the city centre watering holes. Situated close to the city’s waterfront with huge glass windows, it’s the perfect spot for the post-work bite; relaxed yet lively enough to feel you’re actually having a night out.

We were seated on the lower level at a table for two and although there are quite a few tables, there is enough space between them so that you don’t feel like you’re eavesdropping on fellow diners’ conversations. The first thing to strike me was the huge mosaic stone oven more akin to a piece of art than an oven - ithat acts as a fantastic centrepiece in this modern yet cosy restaurant. The dark wood furniture and rich coloured furnishings give the appearance of a very upmarket restaurant but without the budget busting prices.

The menu is extensive, offering a huge selection of starters, mains and desserts. The big selling point, in my eyes, is that you can bring your own wine so rather than spending a half hour trying to decide on a suitable bottle of plonk; you can bring your favourite tipple with you. Dananos offer a bottle of red or white with their meal for two offer, which includes any starter and any main from the menu plus the bottle of wine for £29. We opted for this option as we had forgotten to pick wine up on the way.

I decided on garlic mushrooms for starter and my colleague ordered the bruschetta. We were pleasantly surprised by the generosity of the portions. The mushrooms were beautifully crisp and the garlic mayo accompaniment was full of flavour, and we both felt slightly full before our mains even arrived. I had chosen the sea bass for main with a side of vegetables. Once again we weren’t disappointed by the portion sizes no pretentious nouveau cuisine portions here.

I had two large fillets on a bed of mash with a chorizo cream sauce. My fish was perfectly cooked and the sauce was delicious, though I was unable to finish it due to the sheer size of the dish.

My fellow diner settled on the calzone (folded pizza), and he was delighted with his choice.

Oozing with flavoursome filling, encased in a light crispy dough, his dish is definitely a choice for the hungry. My companion also struggled to finish his meal; the chefs here must be on a mission to ensure their diners don’t leave hungry!

Dananos is a lively, family-friendly restaurant with a great selection of dishes for every palate and a relaxed atmosphere for a nice night out.

SCORES

Dananos 2-4 Lower Clarendon Street, Derry, Tel: 02871 279034 Fax: 02871 372217

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FRAGRANCES We’re giving away one makeover package worth £150 courtesy of Suede hair and beauty salon. To enter, email your details to competitions@puremag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘Suede’.

Courtesy of Debenham’s, Foyleside, we have a bottle of each of the fragrances featured in our male and female product pages to give away. This month we’ve got Dior J’Adore parfum, Davidoff Hot Water, Armani Code, Paul Smith Man, Paco Rabanne 1 Million and Dior Fahrenheit Intense. To enter email your name and address to competitions@ pure-mag.co.uk.

Mark your entry ‘fragrance’ and state your preferred choice of scent.

suede cosmetics Feeling a bit down in the dumps? We’re giving away three ‘Sunshine in a Box’ kits, a herbal supplement pack specially designed to counteract the effects of sunlight deprivation. There’s a book with it as well! To enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘sunshine’.

We’re giving away one of each of all the cosmetic items reviewed in our women’s section. You’ve got Dior, Smashbox and Urban Decay to choose from, so to win email your name and address to competitions@pure-mag. co.uk. Mark your entry ‘cosmetics’ and tell us which item you want.

sunshine in a box glasses We’re giving away a goodie bag of True Blood merchandise containing the DVD, set of books, mug, cap, soundtrack and t-shirt. To enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘True Blood’.

We’re giving away a pair of Jimmy Choo designer sunglasses worth £225 courtesy of Curtis Opticians, Carlisle Road. To enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘sunglasses’.

Last Months winners Bare minerals sets Tara McKenna, Derry Keren Larkin, Newry Christine Doherty, Derry Make Believe sets Aising Friel, Derry Caroline Doherty-Clay, Derry Catherine O’Donnell, Lifford, Donegal Blankies John Cunningham, Derry Cathy Brown, Derry

Male and female fragrances Catherine Hasson, Derry Ann McKay, Derry Caroline McGoldrick, Derry Paul Whelan, Derry Carol Cunningham, Derry Maureen Neely, L’Derry John McLaughlin, Letterkenny, Donegal Slankets Viv Jenkins, London Aine Doherty, Derry Michael McLaughlin, Derry Francesa Cole, Derry Peter McCloskey, Strabane

true blood

Terms & conditions The entry deadline for all competitions is Monday December 7, 2009.

Winners are chosen at random and will be notified via email. Except where stated otherwise, all entrants must be aged 16 or over. The editor’s decision is final.

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COMPETITIONS PAGE

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