recognise issue 3 online by zuki turner

a socially aware lifestyle magazine FOR MEN AND WOMEN

THE SPORT & MUSIC ISSUE

Backstage with

Kasabian World Cup South Africa:

Jenson Button

Was it really worth winning the bid?

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

LOOK GOOD TOPLESS THE NEW LOTUS ELISE

JULY/AUGUST 2010 £3.50 www.recognisemagazine.com

DO YOU WANT THE TRUTH?

Paloma Faith FASHION

CELEBRITIES

BEAUTY

GADGETS

MOTORING

FOOD

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MEN OF THE MATCH 2

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In honour of this summer’s World Cup, RECOGNISE have put together their ultimate dream team. These players aren’t just top of their game on the pitch but they also top our league for their charitable and environmental work as well. KITTED OUT IN: NIKE FOOTBALL KITS Nike went the extra mile with the launch of their 2010 World Cup kits which they claim are “the most environmentally friendly and technologically advanced kits in football’s history”. Each shirt is made up of up to eight recycled plastic bottles, and the whole launch is likely to use up nearly 13 million bottles in total.

1. OLIVIER KAPO – Ex Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic When Birmingham City reserve James McPike asked Kapo for a souvenir after cleaning the former Juventus’ striker’s boots for a year, he was in for a surprise. Expecting to receive a signed shirt or something similar, the 20-year-old was astonished when the Frenchman gave him his S320 Mercedes and even paid for his insurance!

2. CRAIG BELLAMY – Manchester City Despite having a reputation as a bit of a loose cannon on the pitch, Bellamy has also shown himself to have a more responsible side. He invested £650,000 of his own money in a football foundation in Sierra Leone – a country which currently sits at the bottom of the United Nations’ Human Development Index. He also created a youth league, trains coaches and funded classes in HIV/AIDS awareness.

3. DIDIER DROGBA – Chelsea Prominent Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has occasionally caused trouble on the pitch, but he is also going the extra mile off it to support those less fortunate than himself. He recently pledged £3m to build a hospital in his native Ivory Coast as part of his own foundation – a figure rumoured to have been matched by billionaire club owner Roman Abramovich. He was motivated to launch the foundation after a personal friend died of leukaemia, with the aim of giving people better healthcare in his homeland.

Foundation which aims to help Malawi improve their long term food security. James is also keenly involved in environmental issues; he drives a Chrysler that runs on rape seed oil and is keen to encourage his fellow footballers to help make the eco-friendly motor an aspirational purchase.

6. NWANKWO KANU – Portsmouth Nigerian International and English Premier League footballer Nwankwo Kanu is not just a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. In 2000 he founded the Kanu Heart Foundation which aims to provide assistance to under privileged young adults and children living with heart ailments in Nigeria and other African countries, helping them obtain important cardiac surgery.

7. DIMITAR BERBATOV – Manchester United Berbatov knows what a tough life is like. Before becoming a professional footballer, he spent time in gangs, and was once kidnapped by the Mafia in this native Bulgaria. But this clearly hasn’t dampened his sense of charity or compassion. He currently gives money to five children’s care homes, has his own football foundation, and in 2001 paid for a Bulgarian girl’s life-saving liver transplant.

8. ROBERT GREEN – West Ham United He’s not, as his name might suggest, a big environmentalist, but West Ham and England goalkeeper Robert Green does a lot for charity. Most of his work is for the charity AMREF, which helps provide health care in Africa, and has included climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hosting a charity round of golf and supporting a charity football tournament at West Ham’s Boleyn ground.

9. PETER CROUCH – Tottenham Hotspur The lanky football star has shown his support for charity on more than one occasion. He has donated match fees and time to support free sports training projects such as the Limehouse Youth Centre. He has also openly supported the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by attending events and donating money.

10. WAYNE ROONEY – Manchester United A whizz on the pitch, Rooney is equally well known for his lavish lifestyle off it. However, he and his wife Coleen told guests at their wedding to donate to Claire House Children’s Hospice and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, instead of buying them presents, proving an altruistic heart beats underneath his red shirt.

4. RIO FERDINAND – Manchester United

11. JULIAN BENNETT – Nottingham Forest

As well as accompanying David James to Malawi, Rio Ferdinand has played an active role in charity work for a number of years. His own Live the Dream Foundation was started with the initiative to give underprivileged young people a chance to break into areas of sport, media, business and the arts. He also holds an annual celebrity auction for the foundation whose guests last year included David Haye, James Corden and Lemar. Up for grabs were Rio’s own Porsche Spyder and tea with Elton John.

The Nottingham Forest defender has gone the extra distance to show his support for charity. Bennett joined students from South Nottingham College on a charity mission to South Africa as part of the college’s Balls to Poverty campaign. The scheme brought sports equipment to children in deprived towns and gave the students valuable life skills.

5. DAVID JAMES – Portsmouth James, 39, is one of the most active footballers, both in his commitment to the sport and his charitable and environmental campaigning. After visiting Malawi in 2005 with Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, and witnessing the poverty there, he was inspired to set up the David James

12. GARY NEVILLE – Manchester United Despite being mocked for creating a ‘Teletubby’ home, Manchester United captain Gary Neville is ploughing ahead with plans for an £8m eco-home in Lancashire. A devoted environmentalist, Neville’s new home will blend seamlessly into the surrounding moorland, using the latest renewable energies and keeping long term sustainability in mind. Neville, 34, is also looking into green energy sources for the Old Trafford grounds.

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WE ASKED SPITALFIELDS MARKET...

DO YOU THINK CELEBRITIES SHOULD SHOUT ABOUT THEIR CHARITABLE GIVINGS? by: LOUI BOWES and TUI MCLEAN photography: NEIL RAJA

LINA HURTIG, 30, PERSONAL ASSISTANT

LUIS BARKA, 25, EVERYTHING & NOTHING “Yes absolutely, and at every opportunity they get.”

SEOG HEE KIM, 30, FASHION DESIGNER “Yes, but the reasons for donating should be genuine, they should be involved in the charity and have personal links.”

“It’s great publicity for the charity if they’ve got a high profile celebrity supporting them. I think that people in general don’t like having how much money celebrities have thrown in their faces, but if they give to a good cause then what’s the problem?”

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BETH RAWSTRON, 21, PR

KERVIN MARC, 30, DESIGNER

CATHY GEORGE, 26, MODEL

“Yes, if the reason behind why the celebrity is giving to the charity is genuine.”

“If it publicises the charity then definitely.”

“No, well I personally don’t mind it, but they don’t need to shout about it, they can do it quietly.”

JASON LARKIN, 30, PHOTOGRAPHER

ANDREA LAUSHEVIC, 18, MODEL

“Only if it can actually help the charity they are working with, rather than their own career. However if it’s just a donation, no.”

“Yes, simply for the awareness it brings to the charity, but also no, because I think giving to charity should be a private thing.”

DUSHAN CURKOVIC, 22, FASHION ASSISTANT, “Yes they should, because it really does benefit the charity, especially smaller charities who need more public awareness.”

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A Kick in the Right Direction Three of the greatest footballers of all time are portrayed by the lens of Annie Leibovitz for the latest visual in Louis Vuitton’s Core Values new campaign.

Pelé of Brazil, Diego Maradona of Argentina and France’s Zinedine Zidane all won football’s ultimate prize, and all wore the emblematic number 10 shirt. For Louis Vuitton, they met up in the Café Maravillas, a typical bar in Madrid, and were tempted into a game of table football. By the bar, a Louis Vuitton Pégase cabin case in Mon Monogram is personalised with the initials of Zinedine Zidane, while a Keepall rests on a stool nearby. The tagline reads: “Three great journeys, one historic game”. There will be dedicated website, louisvuittonjourneys.com, is set to feature a conversation between the three players, in which they discuss their careers, recall the great matches they played in, and exchange views on the world’s favourite game. To finish, Pelé and Zidane challenge each other to a match of table football. In the context of its on-going commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development, Louis Vuitton is making a donation to The Climate Project, spearheaded by Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore, on behalf of Pelé, Maradona and Zidane. For more info visit www.louisvuittonjourneys.com/legends

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It’s In The Bag

words: LAURA LOUISE HALL

Sportswear giant Puma has unveiled plans to completely change the way its shoes are sold, with the departure of the classic shoe box and the arrival of Puma’s ‘Clever little bag.’ The result of collaboration with industrial designer Yves Behar, he and Puma’s creative team committed themselves to thinking of a more ethically aware way of packaging and selling millions of pairs of shoes. The ‘Clever Little Bag’ was the result and it is exactly what it says it is; a wise innovation which is set to reduce paper consumption by 65% and carbon emissions by ten tons each year. Puma are unveiling other initiatives alongside the new packaging, ensuring they fulfil their pledge to become the most desirable and sustainable sports lifestyle company in the world, by distilling their vision of a better world in to three separate areas of concentration: safety, peace and creativity. These three areas will drive the company in to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future. Alongside the ingenious development by Behar, Puma have taken numerous other steps to maintain their sustainable ethos. Half of Puma’s international apparel collections will be produced using ethical materials such as organic cotton, the brand also sets to make a 25% reduction of CO2, energy, water and waste in all Puma spaces and have made a bold move in ensuring their offices and stores all have a paperless policy. Puma is definitely leading the way to a leaner, meaner and greener future. It’s time other brands thought about giving old-fashioned practices the boot and recognising there is a greener future awaiting them too.

For more info visit www.vision.puma.com

dress: Obakki

yours faithfully RECOGNISE meets multi-talented retro pop princess Paloma Faith to talk Hollywood pin-ups, posing in shop windows and being a pop star with a conscience interview and words: CLEO DAVIS photography: LEO CACKETT

ou either know of Paloma Faith or… well actually, you should really know her by now. Her debut album, 2009’s Do You Want The Truth, Or Do You Want Something Beautiful? hit No.9 in the UK charts, and was recently certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry. An impressive four singles, meanwhile, have made their mark on the UK charts, effortless pop gems like Stone Cold Sober and Upside Down. It wasn’t an easy task to pin down Paloma. Her demanding schedule is packed with fashion campaigns, recording sessions (for a new charity single), and of course, shopping. But here I am with Miss Faith, in a North London studio changing room, preparing for the RECOGNISE cover shoot. Paloma is a rising star among the swarm of samey female artists currently dominating the charts. I spent just a day with the 24-year-old East London lady, but it’s got me believing just how cover-worthy she really is, and how clearly deserving she is of all the recognition. A self-starting solo artist, a carer – looking after her mother – and an all-round inspiration to women young and old. In short, a role model in the making. Paloma Faith Blomfield stepped out onto London’s underground art scene long before we heard her crooning the likes of New York or Stone Cold Sober.

Describing herself as a “jack of all trades”, this multi-talented performer has not just released a hit pop record, but chalked up an impressive list of acting roles, including a part in 2007’s The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus, where she shared a scene with the late Heath Ledger (she describes his death as “a very unfortunate mistake”). Trained in ballet as a child, and with a fitting figure for fishnets and bodysuits, she’s also walked the stage as a burlesque and cabaret singer – which is how she got spotted by the record companies in the first place. All that, and she worked as a magician’s assistant, which involved getting sawn in half on a regular basis. All of these part time jobs helped fund her bachelor’s degree in theatre directing at London’s Central Saint Martins College. A route to potential stardom arose when she was offered an opportunity to join Amy Winehouse’s band, but turned it down to write and perform her own songs. This decision to blaze her own path solo is rooted within her independent spirit and go-getter nature. Studying, she says, was not an easy ride. She claims gaining her degree in dance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance was “the worst experience of her life.” Before that she schooled at Islington Green Comprehensive, which she describes as “very, very rough… the police were there every day, there was

Recognise

the French booed us...

TOM AND SERGIO

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Good Old Lunatic

He dreams of a duet with Susan Boyle, is tucked up in bed by eight on a Saturday night and has a serious geek collection of movie memorabilia, including the original ET bike. Cleo Davis spoke to Tom Meighan, lead singer of Kasabian to get the lowdown on life as frontman of the band hailed ‘Best Group’ at the Brits.

hey were the first to sport the 2010/12 England Away football shirts, before any footballer wore it to parade the pitch or pose for a glossy photo shoot. Acclaimed as one of Britain’s best live bands, Kasabian — those sharp-tongued lads from Leicester – wore the strip at a live gig to show their support for the England squad set to play in this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. Not at a show on home turf, though – in true rock’n’roll style, Kasbian took to a stage in France, Paris. Oh yes, they got booed - but “no”, says lead singer Tom Meighan, they didn’t care. “I was honoured to wear it,” he says. “Umbro said they wanted to take it away from the footballers for once, and do something up to date. They wanted to combine it with a bit of rock’n’roll.”

Congratulations on winning Best British Group at the Brit Awards. Describe how you felt. It made us feel great obviously. It was just a nice feeling after being together for so many years… we’ve been together since 1998. It must’ve been amazing playing at Wembley alongside Oasis. Do you see yourselves becoming as iconic as the brothers? We’re a different kind of rock and roll band from Oasis. But we used to share the same beliefs as Oasis, they’re iconic in their own way. I’m thinking maybe in 10 years, if me and Serge are iconic, that will be incredible, it will be brilliant. We’ve got those characteristics about our band now. Its something I’ve never really thought about, but its probably already heading that way, you know. What was your reaction when Oasis split? I don’t really know, it was really sad, but they weren’t getting on together. Yeah it was sad because they were an amazing rock’n’roll band - they were my heroes, my Elvis Presley. Do you ever argue with Serge? Sometimes he can get really arsey, and so can I. We have our differences, like everyone. If he were my blood brother, it would be a bit different. What’s the significance of the album title? Have you ever been in a lunatic asylum? I guess it is a form of escapism, and bit of a theme, taking it away from being Kasabian - we’re a band of lunar boys. It was just an idea, something really captivating. A lot of bands used to do it in the ‘60s. Asylums are scary places - a bit like that film that Scorsese directed with [Leonardo] DiCaprio, Shutter Island. That’s an awesome film. The album cover is great. Do you think it’s slightly new romantic to dress up in Napoleonic war costumes? Yeah, well that was the whole idea - so people can laugh at it. If people can laugh at it, then that’s even better. It was about having fun - doing it seriously but not taking it too seriously. We walked into this big warehouse of clothes and picked out our own outfits. It was cool. What was it like performing with The Who recently? Wonderful, really great. I had a brilliant time performing with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend. My friend Zack Starkey of The Who is such a wonderful drummer. I was so nervous as well, because I was outside Kasabian for once, I was on my own.

This fearless attitude gets you everywhere in the land of music. After 11 years of performing, Kasabian scooped a gong for Best Group at last year’s Brit Awards, putting them in the company of Coldplay, Oasis and The Beatles, who have also picked up the prestigious prize in previous years. Indeed, lately, they’ve not been shy of a few awards, bagging Best Album and Best Album Artwork – for their third studio album, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum - at the NME Awards this year and Best Album at the Q Awards last year. And as this article went to print, the boys were up for three titles at the annual Mojo Awards ceremony - Best Live Act, Best Album, and Song of the Year, for West Ryder’s lead-off single, Fire.

Are you going to any festivals that you’re not playing at? No, I don’t do that.

So it’s pretty much established now that our new favourite Brit band is well on their way to Oasis stardom. The quartet have a summer on the stage ahead of them, with a big headline gig at V Festival alongside Kings of Leon. Luckily, Tom managed to fit a friendly chat with RECOGNISE into his busy schedule…

If you had to choose one: release albums OR perform live, which would it be? That’s hard, that’s a horrible question. Performing live is the best thing in the world. I can’t answer that, that’s like asking ‘Do you ever want sex again?’

You’re headlining at this year’s V Festival alongside Kings of Leon. How does that make you feel? What can fans expect? I know one thing’s for sure, they’ll have one hell of a f**king night. Well, we’re at that stage where we are headlining so it’s a different thing now. It’s going to be a magnificent night, one hell of a great rock’n’roll show.

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KEEP YOUR VICKERS ON... T

words and interview: Gwyneth Harrison photography: CATHERINE HARBOUR he life of an X Factor runner up is rarely easy; traditionally it’s only She is happy to talk about her X Factor experience but there is a guardedness been the winner who has had any shot of long-term success and there that suggests some media training and doesn’t correlate with the even that’s not guaranteed — for every Leona Lewis there’s a bubbly, excitable girl we saw each week on our TV screens. When pressed on Steve Brookstein. Last year’s contestants seem to be bucking the whether Simon Cowell’s scathing on-screen persona is just a front she replies trend, however, not least for Diana Vickers... We caught up with diplomatically that she couldn’t say but that he’s “charming” in person. On her to talk about her new life as a pop star. Cheryl she confesses that whilst she hasn’t seen her former mentor recently she sent her a card congratulating her on her chart success and that she always In the two years since coming 4th in the X Factor life has certainly changed for “sends a message” to let her know that she is keeping up to date on how Diana Miss Vickers; she’s currently on tour around the UK and pinning her down for is doing and to praise her record. this interview involved a lot of frenzied co-ordination and last minute changes to find a window in her hectic schedule. And when I did finally get hold of her In fact, it isn’t until we start talking about how she felt when her single and then she sounded a little croaky and readily admitted she was “tired”, unsurprising album got to number one that I get a glimpse of the excitable 19 year old who when you consider she is in the middle of her first UK tour, along with promoting is seeing her wildest dreams come true. Her comment that “people like the her current record. Diana is now at the top of the pop scene, joining the likes of Beatles have had number ones” betrays the starry eyed wonder with which she Pixie Lott and Ellie Goulding in the new wave of pop princesses; however, the views her current success and she is, quite naturally, amazed and delighted. path to chart success is littered with those who burnt out too young, unable to cope with the rigours of life as a pop star. When questioned though about Having opened up about this, Diana definitely loosens up and is happy to talk how she is coping with her schedule, her answer belies maturity beyond her about politics, charity work, the environment and being a positive role model. years; amazingly, for someone so young she claims she has no problem saying Despite confessing she didn’t vote in the election, citing her hectic touring “enough” when she’s close to breaking point and will retreat back home to schedule as an excuse, she is full of good intentions to do so in the next one spend time with her family. and believes that its important for people of her generation to take an interest and be involved politically, noting that it would be “amazing” if as many people It’s perhaps this maturity that has helped Diana to distance herself from the X who vote on the X Factor every week could vote in the election. Factor and establish herself as a credible artist. After completing the requisite X Factor tour, Diana signed with RCA records (not Cowell’s Syco label) and When questioned about how important environmental issues are to her, she focused on recording an album that suited her unique voice; a voice that the becomes impassioned about litter, telling me she ”hates it” and has been known prime-time commercial behemoth of the X Factor seemed ill equipped to to go up to people and tell them off for littering. She’s less fired up about ways nurture. Time away from the spotlight has also helped her to move on from the she can reduce her carbon footprint from touring, telling me whilst she’d love media scrutiny surrounding her supposed relationship with fellow contestant to walk to her gigs she’d be “pretty late” if she did! Hopefully, as her career Eoghan Quigg, despite having a boyfriend back home. The Diana of today, continues to rise she will become more attuned to the ways in which she can politely informs me that she is no longer in contact with Eoghan and that she is minimise her carbon footprint without keeping her fans waiting! also determinedly single; claiming the need to “concentrate on my career” for the time being. She certainly shows a desire to use her newfound fame to do good, breathlessly telling me about how watching a documentary on the ‘human mermaid’ Shiloh It would seem that Miss Vickers is keen to garner headlines for her career rather Pepin, has inspired her to try and do something to help children with disabilities. than her personal life and her stint as the lead in the West End production of Shiloh visited a summer camp specifically for disabled children and Diana is Little Voice in late 2009 certainly helped to establish her as a serious talent; currently investigating ways in which she could help similar ventures in this picking up not just rave reviews but also the Theatregoers Choice Award for country. She’s determined to only get involved with causes she “really cares London Newcomer of the Year. Whilst she denies that this was a conscious about” and will continue to do as many charity gigs as she can, like the one she move to distance herself from the TV show that brought her to the public’s did for the Teenage Cancer Trust in February. attention there is no doubt that it certainly helped to do that and has paved the way for the focus to be on her musical talent. Its when we move on to topics that an average 19 year old girl would care about that Diana becomes really animated; chatting openly and honestly about issues

She’s the blonde teenager from Blackburn, Diana Vickers, who’s riding high after both her debut single and album charted at number one, proving all those who thought she was just another X Factor has-been. to do with weight, her appearance and a good night out. She readily admits that she’s had enough of the size zero craze, citing celebs like Gemma Arterton and Beyonce as examples of healthy women with curves. Diana herself is pretty slim but as she celebrated her single going to number one with Krispy Kreme doughnuts and an Italian meal accompanied with some red wine, so she must be one of those annoying naturally slim girls…. She’s also open about feeling pressure to look good now that she’s in the public eye, noting that popping to the shops in her pyjamas with no make-up on is suddenly a different prospect now that the paparazzi may be out. However, we’d advise that she worry more about those stumbling out of clubs looking worse for wear shots that seem to have been cropping up of her lately! Like most 19 year old girls it would seem that our Diana likes a good night out and she’s refreshingly honest about her drunken escapades, so much so that it almost feels like I’m talking to a girlfriend not a fledgling popstar. Totally unabashed about her love of a Kir Royale, vodka and a fun night out, she goes on to share stories with me about her worst hangovers, where she felt like she was “actually going to die”. At times sounding like your average teenager and at others like a polished pop professional it is clear that Diana is negotiating her way through her rapid ascent from Blackburn lass to charttopper with an hiatus as an X factor loser, and attempting to align her natural exuberance with her new position in the public eye. She certainly seems to be passionate about her music and the opportunities her newly acquired position gives her to be a force for good; we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Miss Vickers!

interview: GWYNETH HARRISON

he’s the Leeds lass whose spellbinding voice and compelling songs have made her a global superstar. Corinne Bailey Rae first came to our attention in 2005 with the catchy ‘Like a Star’ from her chart-topping eponymous album. Life hasn’t been easy for Rae in the years since then – her husband passed away in 2008 – so it is perhaps unsurprising that her latest release ‘The Sea’ showcases a more mature sound. When we caught up with Rae on the American leg of her latest tour, we discovered that behind the music and the headlines she is an intelligent, focused and articulate young woman, who is not just passionate about her music but also in helping those less fortunate than herself.

RECOGNISE: You are involved with numerous charities, most recently co-signing ActionAid UK’s call to the government to end violence towards women. How important is it to you to promote women’s rights and do you see yourself as an example of an empowered woman? CORINNE: Yeah, it’s really important to me to promote women’s rights, as it seems that all too often it’s women who suffer the most. For example, in areas where water is scarce it’s the women who have to sacrifice their education to go and travel to get water. It’s the women who are often the victims in these situations. I’ve always considered myself to be an empowered woman; I grew up with a strong example of one in the shape of my mother, which really helped. My first band was an all-female one and I don’t see that as an artist I need to be in competition with other female vocalists. Often, people like to pit women against each other but I don’t think it needs to be that way. As an artist I just do my thing and everyone else is doing their thing, there doesn’t need to be this sense of competition. You’ve also been vocal in your support for Amnesty International, even lending your vocals at one point, is the sense of fairness for all that Amnesty promotes something that underpins your charitable work? Yeah, I think in my life as well. There is so much unfairness in the world; so many people are living without things that we take for granted, such as clean water and food and you can’t help but feel the unfairness in that. I’ve been involved with a charity called Pump Aid since 2007 who work towards developing ways of sanitising water in Africa. Tell us a bit more about your involvement with them? Well, I’ve been out to Malawi to see some of the work they have done out there. They have come up with this ingenious device called the Elephant Pump, which is a really cheap way of cleaning their water. The difference it makes to people’s lives is amazing and something I’m really passionate about supporting. Do you try and get involved at a grass roots level, by going to see the work these charities do first hand? Yeah, ideally. There are so many causes out there that need support to help and I think it’s really important to choose causes that you are passionate about. And if you’re passionate about them, then of course you want to see the work being done on a personal level. There is always a danger with being a celebrity that you’re seen to be talking about your charity work and

promoting your latest project; it’s working out how to promote the causes you’re involved with, without promoting yourself. You’ve famously remained living in your hometown of Leeds; what charity work do you do locally and do you think it’s important for charity to begin at home? Absolutely, I’ve recently started a relationship with Joanna House, a women’s hostel in Leeds and next time I am back in the city I will definitely be going to see what they’re doing and am keen to find ways in which I can help them. As much as there are a lot of people suffering abroad it is important not to forget those who need our help at home. You’ve spoken before about experiencing racism growing up in Leeds, do you think Britain is a less racist society now? I’m not sure whether it’s less racist, maybe more that who suffers from it has changed. So now it’s Muslims who experience it more than when I was growing up, it’s changed to be more of a religious thing now. Even the BNP seem to have changed who they think doesn’t belong in this country; they’ve moved their focus away from black people towards Muslims. The Church played a big part in your upbringing; do you feel young people today are lacking a sense of spirituality and faith? I think young people today are really spiritual. Faith and spirituality are really important to me and I think you can see evidence all around you of how people are engaging with the spiritual. Take festivals — I don’t mean the corporate ones, but say Glastonbury, where people go to Greenfields and really get in touch with nature and the spiritual. Do you see yourself as a role model to your fans and would you hope your example encourages them to get involved in charity work? I’m wary of putting myself out there as a role model and I certainly wouldn’t want to seem preachy. I just did a concert for the RED charity, where a portion of the ticket price goes to the charity. RED works to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa and I think their model is really great, as it takes things that people would have been going to buy anyway, like a concert ticket or a T-shirt from Gap and says, well, buy this RED one and you will be helping people as well. That’s our ethos, to encourage people to make small changes to help. It often seems easy for celebrities to make a difference; would you still be involved in charities if you weren’t a successful artist? Absolutely, in fact I’ve been involved in charity work since I was a kid. I actually set up my own charity when I was a teenager, working with St George’s crypt in Leeds, a charity that helps homeless people in the city. Some friends and I helped out with providing soup and blankets etc. The church I belonged to was very much based on looking around, seeing who and what needed helping and then getting out there and doing it. So I would absolutely be involved in charity work, no matter how my career was doing. And with that Corinne Bailey Rae is off to play another sell-out concert to her adoring fans — and after discovering her devotion to her charity work we adore her too.

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ON THE BUTTON interview: REBECCA BANKS

As part of Recogniseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer of sport and music issue celebrating the best of British, we spoke to F1 World Champ Jenson Button about racing, Rage Against the Machine and his work for charity.

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enson Button has had a very good 12 months indeed. The boy from Somerset celebrated his 30th birthday in January as the reigning Formula 1 World Champion and, when Recognise speaks to him four races into the new season, he’s already won two races with his new team McLaren and is once again leading the World Championship. He’s a fierce competitor, with his eye firmly on the prize of becoming the first Briton to win back-to-back F1 titles, but he’s also a thoroughly nice guy who is setting up the Jenson Button Charitable Trust to benefit several charities close to his heart. So does he still have to pinch himself when he hears the phrase ‘Jenson Button: World Champion’? “It still makes me smile a hell of a lot! It wasn’t a walk in the park though. It took a lot of hard work throughout my career to get to the point of being in a car that was good enough to fight for the world championship. When you’re focusing on a new season like I am now, you put to one side what you’ve achieved. But when people mention it, it makes me smile and I love that.” It could all have looked so very different for Jenson. Just 18 months ago, he had been in Formula 1 for nine seasons with just one race win, Hungary 2006, to his name. In December 2008, at the height of the global economic crisis, his Honda team decided to pull the plug on its F1 activities, leaving him without a drive for the following season. Jenson said of finding out the news: “It was shattering news, so unexpected. I had that tingly feeling you get all over when you’re trying to absorb the implications of something horrendous.”

people is a tremendous honour for me.” He was also hotly tipped to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year but we can only assume there was a horrible voting miscount as he finished runner-up to Ryan Giggs. At least the Manchester United stalwart had the grace to look embarrassed. Just weeks after his championship win, Jenson made the decision to fulfil a lifelong ambition and move to the McLaren team, pairing up with Lewis Hamilton and giving fans the prospect of a mouth-watering British dream team. Many were quick to predict pre-season that Hamilton would have the edge over Button but, when we talk to Jenson, he has picked up two wins and is leading the 2010 championship, with Lewis yet to take the top step of the podium this year. Jenson told us: “It’s been a dream start and Lewis and the team have made me feel really at home. To be leading the championship and to have won two races means I’m in a great position and I’m very happy because I know there’s still more to come from me and the car. All my wins are special but for different reasons these wins at McLaren are very special. I’ve won races with three different teams now and there’s only 12 people in the world that have ever done that so it’s a really nice feeling.”

I had that tingly feeling you get all over when you’re trying to absorb the implications of something horrendous

It’s not just on the track that Jenson has been busy though. He is an avid triathlete, and last year competed in the London Triathlon in aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation – a charity that grants wishes to children aged between three and 17 with life-threatening illnesses. He completed the 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run in a personal best time of two hours and seven minutes, in the process raising £17,500 for Make-A-Wish.

But he quickly pledged his loyalty to the worried staff at the team’s HQ in Northamptonshire and was rewarded when Ross Brawn, new Honda Team Principle and the former Ferrari technical genius who had led Michael Schumacher to all of his world titles, announced he had pulled together a deal. In March 2009, the team renamed as Brawn GP — and in the meantime, Brawn had led his engineering team to designing and building a pretty nifty racing car.

Jenson explained: “I got into triathlons about three years ago when things were a bit dire at the circuit. I needed a way of releasing the energy and knowing that whatever happened was down to me. If I trained I got a good result and it meant so much. I love knowing that I can get the maximum out of myself physically. I’m a very competitive person and I love all three aspects of a triathlon so it’s a fun race for me. I respect everyone that takes part because it’s a big shock for a lot of people, especially jumping in the Thames!”

You could say the rest is history. Or you could say it was the stuff of fairytales. At the first race of the year in Melbourne, Jenson drove to a terrific victory, the second of his F1 career. A week later, he passed the finish line in Malaysia first again, and repeated the feat in Bahrain, Barcelona, Monaco and Turkey. The ecstatic Brit won the championship at the penultimate race in Brazil, just eight months after it looked like he was out of a job.

“I’ve been working with Make-A-Wish for the last few years. I try to do as much as I can for them and the triathlon is a great way to raise some money. I first gave my support because it’s a very worthwhile cause and I’m in a position to try to make the kids’ dreams come true. It gives me a big satisfaction seeing smiles on their faces, it’s a special feeling that you can’t forget.”

The highs did not stop in Brazil as Jenson received accolade after accolade. He collected his championship trophy in December at the prestigious FIA Awards in Monaco, won the Laureus Sports Awards World Breakthrough of the Year, was handed the Freedom of the Town in his birthplace of Frome and was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours for his services to motorsport. “It’s really the crowning glory to what was the most incredible year of my life. To be recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and the British

As well as the triathlon, Jenson also runs a helmet design competition at each British Grand Prix, which is auctioned off following the race, with the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish. He also hosts children at the races. He was also able to raise substantial funds through a programme for guests at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year, when in celebration of his World Championship he hosted the Jenson Button Suite within Formula 1’s prestigious Paddock Club hospitality centre, where he raised over $25,000 for Make-A-Wish through an auction.

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World

Cup 2010: South Africa’s

Cure… Or Curse?

It was May 2004 in Zurich and FIFA’s Sepp Blatter announced to the world that “the 2010 World Cup will be organised by… South Africa. We can all applaud Africa. The victor is football. The victor is Africa.” words: NICK DINES Former President Nelson Mandela triumphantly held aloft the hefty World Cup trophy in celebration of the bid’s success, as this was to be the first to be played on the African continent. South Africa had lost out on hosting football’s prestigious competition four years earlier, pipped by eventual hosts Germany by one vote. This time, however, a trio of North African bids from Egypt, Morocco and Libya fell by the wayside. At the time, the then President Thabo Mbeki resolutely declared “we want, on behalf of our continent, to stage an event that will send ripples of confidence from the Cape to Cairo – an event that will create social and economic opportunities throughout Africa. We want to show that Africa’s time has come.” But in doing so, has the rainbow nation lived up to its promise of an eco-friendly World Cup model?

Ever since that exciting announcement six years ago, scaremongering has been prevalent, constantly proving the scourge of the successful bid. As with anything new and untested, unfortunately the urge to criticise remains. Rarely a week goes by without negative reporting hindering the positive vibes, which naturally exude when speaking with proud South Africans. It would appear however that there is substance behind the doubts. The rather lengthy report ‘Feasibility Study for a Carbon Neutral 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa’ warned that the estimated carbon footprint of the 2010 World Cup is a frightening 896,661 tonnes of carbon dioxide, one of the biggest in sporting history. At five times the size of the UK, the geography of South Africa is against them environmentally. With 64 games to be played, spread across nine cities, fans from the USA, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina; all corners of the globe will congregate for the month-long celebration of the beautiful game. Yet with the stadiums hundreds of miles apart, flying exceptional distances is most fans’ most viable option. With the stadiums expected to be 95% full for most games, early estimations already predict that over 450,000 international fans will take in the African experience, and contribute to the carbon footprint. The strain on the environment is evident and as Percy Heywood, Managing Director of thriving Cape Town tour firm Percy Tours concurs, the main culprit is the extortionate transport emissions. “There’s obviously going to be more airlines flying into the country, as well as internal flights shuttling fans between the match cities. You’ve also got the impact of more buses, minibuses, transfer and tour companies moving fans about on the ground inbetween the matches. This will ultimately produce further emissions,” he added. The South African press have remained one of the event’s major critics and environmentalists have joined the bandwagon, scolding the government for their lethargic attitude and lack of urgency in instigating carbon offset projects. The media’s concerns aren’t just restricted to the African shores. The Telegraph earlier this year raised doubts over the likelihood of a green competition, highlighting the rather frightening statistic that “the carbon footprint is estimated at the equivalent of 2.75 million tonnes of carbon

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the carbon footprint is estimated at the equivalent of 2.75 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, nine times higher than the World Cup in Germany

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dioxide, nine times higher than the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and more than twice as high as the Beijing Olympics.” From whichever way you look at it, it doesn’t make pleasant reading. Despite the inevitable damaging impact of long haul flights, tour guide Percy revealed that the World Cup has proved the environmental wake-up call the nation needed. “Energy efficiency is something that has really taken off over here, big style. Being the richest African country, it must set an example to the whole continent.” Despite constant criticism, the much-maligned South African government have had the World Cup legacy at the forefront of their mind, introducing greening methods in an effort to rectify these damaging emissions. However, with carbon offset programmes creating a huge bill of between £3.3 and £5.4 million, it’s a headache. Which raises the question, was it really worth winning the bid? Germany’s Green Goal 2006 was the first attempt to make football’s greatest competition a more carbon neutral event, and it was only natural that South Africa would adopt the scheme. Made up of around 43 initiatives, Green Goal 2010 has been the nation’s counter attack in their battle to reduce the total carbon footprint of this summer’s World Cup. A shortlist of goals including waste reduction, recycling, carbon offsetting, energy efficiency and sustainable tourism all sound very saintly and politicianlike. However, having had six years to implement such schemes, has South Africa delivered or has it scored an own goal? At the launch of the ‘Greening 2010’ framework initiative, Dr Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee stated, “our focus for this World Cup is that it must raise awareness and substantially change matters

relating to the environment. If the World Cup can strengthen our ability to deal with this challenge, it will be a move forward.” The environmentally friendly projects appear impressive in text, helping mitigate the environmental impact that comes with hosting a global competition. Among the nine host cities, Pretoria and Durban will use biogas from landfill sites and Cape Town will utilise ‘green electricity’ by purchasing wind energy from the turbines housed at Darling Wind Farm, to illuminate its stunning backdrops,such as Table Mountain. Having hosted the host nation’s World Cup litmus test, the Confederation Cup, last summer Green Goal feedback proved positive. Bio-fuelled public transport was well received, as was recycling management schemes such as waste separation and usage of biodegradable food containers at both stadiums and fan zones. Such positive results have resulted in over 1,200 football-themed rubbish bins installed within the country’s airports, with the

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With an ever-growing population of around 50 million and clearly still a huge divide between rich and poor, South Africa will ultimately self-harm in the process for a brighter future

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ultimate aim of eventually distributing 100,000 throughout the country over the next two years. Like many of the official World Cup sponsors, Coca-Cola has got fully behind the environmental drive by offering up to 20,000 match tickets to schools across the country, in return for collecting bottles and cans for recycling. Environmental education schemes such as this proved a real success in Rustenburg during the Confederations Cup, and have since been extended to a national scale, demonstrating just what can be achieved. This was all valuable groundwork for the organisers before this summer’s extravaganza begins. However the Confederations Cup consists of eight teams and is more like a humble kick in the park compared to a World Cup containing 32 nations and the razzmatazz that comes with it. There’s a strong hope that the World Cup can be the catalyst behind an ecological legacy, introducing a new thought process among the South African people. Whilst the campaign has been extensive, putting methods into practice has been the difficulty. Larger projects will always take time to implement, however the organisers greatest goal is to engage the locals with this epic sporting event on their doorstep. Raising public awareness and educating South Africans to become climate conscious has become a must. For the fans, this summer is guaranteed to provide all the excitement that a football spectator could ever dream of. You may not know what a vuvuzela is at the moment, but one thing is for sure, come the final in Johannesburg, you’ll know all about these iconic horns and their instantly recognisable reverberating sound. As part of the Green Goal campaign, Cape Town has adopted this much loved typically South African instrument to produce environmentally friendly horns made from dried washed-up kelp, collected from local beaches, resulting in unique, colourful works of art. The projects don’t stop there either, as two years ago South Africa found an unlikely ally in Norway. The Scandinavian nation donated money towards carbon-offset tree planting projects, helping make the eagerly anticipated event one of the greenest possible. Cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban have since planted thousands of trees in the continuous battle to capture the troublesome carbon dioxide. However, it’s believed that it will take around two and a half years to offset the emissions contributed from hosting the festival of football. The stadiums have sucessfully been built to green specifications, proving an ideal

eco model for future builds. Take Johannesburg’s impressive 94,000 seater Soccer City stadium, which was assembled using rubble from the previous FNB stadium; specific measures implemented include natural ventilation, rain water capture and irrigation systems using non-drinkable water. All stadiums and popular fan parks have introduced dry and wet waste separation systems, the latter being used for compost whilst the dry waste will be recycled. As with most positive development successes in Africa, there’s always the flipside. The construction of such stadiums like the Green Point stadium in Cape Town has allegedly led to much-criticised alternative relocation schemes. It appears as if the homeless have been dusted under the carpet and dumped in desolate temporary shacks that lack even the most basic facilities and have already been labelled ‘concentration camps.’ The ‘everything is rosy in the garden’ appearance is unfortunately an all too familiar tale when it comes to major international events. However the organising committee have fervently denied such treatment, and will no doubt use the hugely successful Rugby and Cricket World Cups in recent years as examples of how they’ve previously hosted major sporting events while displaying the country in all her glory. Attracting a television audience in the billions, the eyes of the world will now focus on Carlos Alberto Parriera’s brave Bafana Bafana warriors and the stunning setting that is South Africa. From the very moment Aaron Mokoena leads his Bafana Bafana side out for the tournament opener in Johannesburg’s impressive Soccer City Stadium, the South African captain has a nation’s hopes on his shoulders. It’s evident that there’s none more prouder than the bullish defender, a man who can only see positives from hosting the competition. “I’m sure it’s going to give Africa an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the continent and provide the opportunity for people to invest in Africa, most of all South Africa. It’s an opportunity to showcase the warmth and diversity of our nation.” Come final whistle on Sunday 11 July, the Jules Rimet trophy will have been lifted. Ronaldo, Drogba, Rooney, Messi and their fanatical followers will have returned home, along with the media and the world’s attention. But life still goes on. With an ever-growing population of around 50 million and clearly still a huge divide between rich and poor, South Africa will ultimately self-harm in the process for a brighter future. It remains to be seen whether the FIFA World Cup will be a curse or a cure.

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Festival Fashion Essentials

PENFIELD lockwood wax jacket £100 www.penfieldusa.com

e may love the festival season, but we definitely don’t dig the unpredictable British weather. Come rain or shine, here are our top wardrobe picks to bringing a ray of sunshine to your festival days - even if they do end up being a mud-fest.

PENFIELD brown oxon bag £70 www.penfieldusa.com

URBAN OUTFITTERS grey Annie Hollywood tee £32 www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

PALLADIUM baggy canvas boots £70 www.palladiumboots.com

ASOS preppy jeans £35 www.asos.com

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SQUID LONDON splash print umbrella £30 www.squidlondon.com

MINNA tabitha dress £300 www.minna.co.uk

H&M fashion against aids multi-colour scarf £7.99 www.hm.com H&M fashion against aids leather jacket £39.99 www.hm.com ACCESSORIZE multi aloha embellished bangle £12 www.monsoon.co.uk HUNTER festival tall wellington boots £145 www.hunterboots.com

MATT&NAT matt&nat studded bag £150 www.asos.com

restyle her him: T shirt: urban outfitters, £32 jeans: topman, £40 belt: MODEL’S OWN leather scarf: Aminaka wilmot (MADE TO ORDER) her: printed vest: idol london, £26 jacket: BEYOND RETRO, £20 flower ring: jacey withers, £150 leaf bangle: jacey WITHERS, £300 necklace worn as bracelet: ERICKSON BEAMON, £950 shoes: ASOS, £50

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Down to Earth photography: CAMILLE SANSON styling: SHYLA HASSAN

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get hedonistic for the festival season. Leave your understated accessories at home and opt for one-off vintage pieces, a statement jacket and lots of layering.

dress: ZOE TEE’S, £165 boots: RHS HUNTER BOOTS, £65 bikini: HILDA MAHA, £246 necklace: ERICKSON BEAMON, £405 fringed gilet: ASOS, £15 lace gloves: Cornelia James, £35 ring: JACEY WITHERS, £150

checked top: DR NOKI, £250 grey jeans: TOPMAN, £36 boots: TOPMAN, £75

sleeveless denim jacket: TOPMAN, £30 jeans: TOPMAN, £38 boots: TERRA PLANA, £165 tiger print T: DR NOKI, £80

top: Ivana BasilotTA, £165 headband: CUSTOMISED BY STYLIST necklace: jacey withers, £246

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FESTIVAL

QUICK-FIX

Festivals, holidays and a summer full of sporting events – make sure you are prepared and looking your best with our top beauty and grooming essentials... words: KRISTINA THEODORIS

1 Clean your hands without an hour queue for the loo with this pocket Sanitizing Spray by EO. Simply spray direct to your hands without using water or a towel to dry – it evaporates as your rub it in. An easy solution to rid nasty germs. Great for flights, festival season and stuffy tubes… never leave the house without it! EO Sanitizing spray (20ml) £3 available from www.forever.natural.co.uk Make sure you pack Essential Care’s organic First Aid 2 Lotion. It includes healing herbs like aloe vera with antibacterial and antifungal functions. First aid lotion has also shown results in treating spots and acne. Essential Care Organic First Aid Lotion travel size (30ml) £6 from www.essential-care.co.uk

3 Great for feet that spend a lot of time in wellies is Weleda’s Foot Balm. Also great for fitness fanatics or the running enthusiast, the myrrh extracts provide additional antifungal actions to help keep feet healthy. Weleda’s award-winning cream will also help ease discomfort of tired or puffy feet from long hours standing, dancing or shopping. Free from synthetic ingredients, Foot Balm is naturally fragranced with therapeutic oils. Try it at bedtime or when flying to refresh and improve circulation. Weleda Foot Balm (75ml) £7.50 from www.weleda.co.uk 4 The ultimate multi-tasking eco festival accessory is Dr. Bronner’s travel size Castile Liquid Soap. Wholly organic, it cleans clothes, hair, body and face, can treat cuts and grazes (the Eucalyptus and Tee tree gets our vote) also handy for shaving and even toothpaste! We recommend peppermint and almond as best the smelling products. Priced £2.99, available nationwide including Liberty, select American Apparel stores, select Waitrose stores and leading health shops including Fresh& Wild, Planet Organic and Whole Foods. 5 The invention of dry shampoo is a godsend over the festival period, and to top it off, Batiste brings us an eco friendly version. Batiste Nude is perfect for sensitive types with an effective but gentle, hypoallergenic 100% natural formulation, all fragrance free. Like a quick trip to the salon, Bastiste eliminates

excess oil instantly and leave hair clean and full of body, ready to rock away. Batiste Nude £3.40 available at Boots and Superdrug.

6 Develop your post-holiday tan the safe way with Pat & Rub self tanning body balm, which contains only plant-based ingredients. Moisturise and nurture your skin, leaving it evenly tanned after a couple of applications. This product is 100% plant-based and hypoallergenic. Self Tanning Body Balm (200ml) £29.50 from www.patandrub.co.uk 7 Transform your hotel room into your own secret space. NEOM organic candles are made only from vegetable wax and the finest blend of essential oils. All Neom products contain no nasty chemicals whatsoever. Each mini candle burns for 20 hours and are available from www.neomorganics.com for £12 8 DuWop’s famous Lip Venom has gone green. Pure Venom is completely natural and 100% eco friendly. The packaging has turned recyclable with embossed logo too, so goodbye to excess labelling. Soothing and plumping, celeb fans include Jennifer Aniston and Pixie Lott. DuWop Pure Venom (2.49ml) £20 and is available from ASOS, Beauty Bay, Look Fantastic and www.simplebeauty.co.uk 9 The dinky Denman key ring brush is a travel must-have. Link it to the end of your lanyard for easy access. £1.99, available from independent chemists and good salons nationwide or www.denmanbrush.com 10 The summer brings your skin all sorts of treats—itchiness, burns, dryness flakiness, irritation from sand or chlorine in pools. We recommend the natural Oat Soak, an oat formula that goes straight onto your skin. Oats are a known natural source for soothing skin, calming down inflammation and restoring smoothness and elasticity to skin. Oat Soaks cost £1.99 per sachet or £9.99 for a pack of ten from www.skinshop.co.uk

photography: NATALIE J WATTS photography assistant: Ireneo Frizzarin retoucher: Danni Henderson

Ingredients Uncovered

revive

The secret properties of herbs and oils

DE BACH Gorse’s qualities bring about the will to try and find a solution in testing situations. With this vital ingredient, De Bach perfume will guide you in finding your inner peace - the perfect choice for the stressful build-up to World Cup matches. £44.50 for 50ml www.fortnumandmason.com

WICKLE FIG AND MACE Sandalwood is thought to have aphrodisiac properties. One squirt of Wickle perfume will enhance your senses and send your sex drive crazy - the perfect organic accompaniment to a happy camper’s festival kit. £25 for 50ml www.thenaturalstore.co.uk

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MOLTON BROWN FRESH BUSHUKAN Believed to bestow good fortune, the fragrant citrus scent turns bathrooms into sanctuaries of uplifting and happy karma. Use when the not-so-great British weather stops play at centre court. £35 for 50ml

MOLTON BROWN BRACING SILVERBIRCH EAU DE TOILETTE Cedarwood oil has been used for its calming and purifying properties for thousands of years. It both relieves anxiety and promotes spirituality. Recommended for rejuvenating your senses after long, champagne-fuelled days at the races. £35 for 50ml www.moltonbrown.co.uk

WILLOW ORGANIC Gentle on sensitive skin and a natural support for your nervous system, Jasmine helps maintain a healthy body and soul. If you’re in a band, build your confidence before stepping out on stage. £30 for 50ml www.willowbeutyproducts.co.uk

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DRINK RESPONSIBLY

RECOGNISE guides you to your local watering hole, serving up just the right amount of World Cup coverage, organic ales and locally sourced pub grub... The World Cup might aim to be ‘carbon neutral’, but the 2010 Cup is set to have the largest carbon footprint of any major entertainment event. According to a feasibility study on the competition, the overall figure will be a massive eight times more than the 2006 World Cup held in Germany. And nearly 70% of this figure will be thanks to the huge surge in international and domestic travel to South Africa. So what can you do to help? Well, rather than flying to South Africa, you can enjoy all the games from the comfort of your own country. This issue, we bring you a guide to the best ethical drinking establishments around. So check out our guide and head to a pub near you to watch all the sporting action unfold – and toast to England’s successes in true Recognise style.

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SCOTLAND

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STANDING ORDER 62-66 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR +44 (0)1312 254460 The Standing Order might be a Wetherspoons, but it has charisma regardless. Housed in an old banking hall, it serves a selection of organic beers at cheap prices and large screens will ensure you never miss a goal.

SOUTH

THE DEW DROP INN 258 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DX +44 (0)1865 559 372 With outdoor seating and TV screens in every corner, the Dew Drop Inn will make for a great sports spot this summer. A large selection of beers and wines are available. Big on British produce, they specialise in English cider and ethical English mineral water.

THE CHAMPION 1 Wellington Terrace, Notting Hill, W2 4LW +44 (0)20 7792 4527 In the heart of London’s eclectic Notting Hill, the Champion will make for a great world cup viewing post. The area is known for championing eco-cool and this pub is no exception, with a whole host of organic specialities on offer, whatever your poison.

THE ANGEL IN THE FIELD 37 Thayer Street, London, W1U 2QY +44 (0)20 7486 7763 A buzzy, friendly spot in central London, The Angel in the Field offers a variety of Samuel Smith brewery drinks, all vegan and organic, ranging from beer to cider to wine. If you’re feeling peckish during the game, there’s also a wide variety of food available and an extensive vegetarian menu.

THE ROEBUCK 50a Great Dover street. Borough, SE1 4YG +44 (0)20 7357 7324 With a wide range of organic ales, lagers and wines, a Victorian interior and sports on the TV, the Roebuck ticks all the boxes and makes for a great London drinking den. With regular events including poetry and comedy, this may be one to return to after the sporting summer is over.

NORTH

FONT Unit 3 Arrad Street, Liverpool, L7 7JE +44 (0)151 708 6870 This friendly student hotspot is located in the heart of Liverpool city centre, and is one of the first venues to serve beer on cask from the new Liverpool Organic Brewery. It’s open seven days a week and offers food, including a changing weekly homemade menu. THE GOLDEN LION Kelsall Road, Ashton Hayes, Chester, CH3 8BH +44 (0)1829 759085 The village of Ashton Hayes, tucked away in Cheshire, is making history with the aim of becoming the first carbon neutral village in Britain, with the Golden Lion hoping to take the crown for the first carbon neutral pub. And with the Golden Lion showing all the World Cup action, there’s never been a better reason to go to the pub.

MIDLANDS

THE GREEN HOUSE 82 King Street, Belper, Derby, DE56 1QA +44 (0)1773 821 001 The Green House promises a big screen view from anywhere in the venue. With a large screen, six plasmas and split sound capabilities, they are likely to deliver. And with dedicated recycling facilities and a locally sourced menu, the Green House is aptly named too.

CAPE 23 Victoria Street, Nottingham, NG1 2EW +44 (0)115 9413522 The namesake of the World Cup hot spot this summer, Cape is, unsurprisingly, South African themed, in decor and hospitality. Classier than your average sports bar and with South African and organic beers to boot, you’ll be getting a taste of the real experience.

WEST

INN ON THE GREEN 2 Filton Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0PA

+44 (0)117 952 1391 Hailed as one of Bristol’s finest drinking establishments, their huge range of beers and ales is frequently changing, with several pumps specifically reserved for the locally brewed. A big screen provides all the sporting action and fresh, local ingredients will ensure you never go hungry.

AND THE ALTERNATIVE WAGGON & HORSES The Turnpike, Halam, Nottingham, NG22 8AE +44 (0)1636 813109 For those of you that are dreading the nation’s pubs being invaded by patriotic football fans and fancy a quieter summer, the Waggon & Horses is a World Cup free zone where you can get your eco fix. It’s also one of the UK’s certified carbon neutral pubs.

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BRYN

ALFIE

Read what happened when we locked away the Holloways boys in a basement Bloomsbury hotel room for an afternoon of non-stop drinking.They may not be the next Oz Clarkes, but are certainly experienced in the land of cold beers gone warm. The British indie band gave us a rundown of festival-friendly wines, beers and ciders selected by Recognise from nationwide supermarkets and organic beverage traders. photography: CAMILLE SANSON styling: STEPHEN MAHONEY thanks to myhotel Bloomsbury www.myhotels.com

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THE CONTENDERS AND VITAL STATS... 1

RED WINE

THE ‘REVIEWS’...

1. FAIRHILLS SHIRAZ/MERLOT 14% | 75cl | £5.99 | Stockist: Morrisons 2. SO ORGANIC FAIR TRADE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 14% | 75cl | £4.99 | Stockist: Sainsbury’s 3. VINTAGE ROOTS NOVAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 14.5% | 75cl | £7.50 | Stockist: Vintage Roots

WHITE WINE 1. SO ORGANIC FAIR TRADE PINOT GRIGIO 12% | 75cl | £6.59 | Stockist: Sainsbury’s 2. FAIRHILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 14% | 75cl | £5.99 | Stockist: Morrisons 3. TOUCHSTONE CHARDONNAY 14% | 75cl | £6.99 | Stockist: Vintage Roots

BEER 1

1. ORGANIC ENGLISH BEER 4.6% | 500ml | £1.85 | Stockist: Vintage Roots 2. DAAS BLOND 6.5% | 330ml | £2.49 | Stockists: Abel and Cole, Ocado 3. BRAKSPEAR GOLD BEER 4.6% | 500ml | £1.99 | Stockist: Waitrose, Unwins, Abel and Cole

CIDER 1. ASPALL ORGANIC CIDER 7% | 500ml | £2.25 | Stockists: Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ethical Super Store 2. PREMIUM ORGANIC WESTONS CIDER 6.3% | 500ml | £1.25 | Stockists: Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s, Ocado 3. BLACK FOX CIDER 7% | 500ml | £1.99 | Stockists: Vintage Roots, Waitrose, Booths

AND WE THREW THESE IN FOR FUN... MONGOZO COCONUT FAIR TRADE BEER 3.5% | 330ml | £2.19 MONGOZO BANANA FAIR TRADE BEER 4.8% | 330ml | £2.19 Stockist: Ethical Super Store

MONGOZO COCONUT FAIR TRADE BEER, ETHICAL SUPER STORE, 3.5% 330ML £2.19 BRYN: Very fizzy. It’s fizzed over, probably not appropriate for carrying into a festival... look how fizzy that is, Jesus Christ. ED: It tastes like coconut! It’s good. ALFIE: That’s amazing… couldn’t drink too many of those though. B: That’s really good, I like it, very sickly, but lovely, a good starter for the day. A: Yeah, I don’t know how many of them you could drink. B: It tastes like a Bounty in liquid form. A: I like Bounty’s. What’s that coconut drink that Daisy Lowe and all that are drinking? It’s all the rage, the new drink of choice. NOVAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON VINTAGE ROOTS, VINTAGE ROOTS, 14.5%, 75CL, £7.50 A: Very nice, I particularly like the description on the back about it has been named after the birth of a new star. I found it soft and full and the after taste a little sharp. B: How would you say for the festival-goer? A good all-day drink, a morning, afternoon drink or possibly a food accompaniment? A: I think it would be pretty good with food; it’s not too intrusive when you first sip it. The after taste will soon be banished with your next mouthful of food, so yeah, good with food, I’d say a four o’clock with a burger. E: If anyone’s curious about what the manufacturers has to say: “Novas, meaning new in Latin. This wine takes the name that ancient astronomers use to denote the birth of a new star.” I don’t think it compares to the birth of a new star but it is a nice wine, very refreshing. ASPALL CLASSIC ORGANIC CIDER, ETHICAL SUPER STORE, 7%, 500ML, £2.25 E: The first cider that I was lucky enough to try was Aspall Classic Organic. Thank you Suffolk, a great area of the country for making cider. I had it at room temperature, which is accurate to a festival scenario, and it was very nice too. It’s probably more suited to the slightly more up-market festival-goer as I think it sets you back a bit more than a Strongbow or a Blackthorn would, but yeah, we like this. And at 7% it’ll be efficient at achieving your goal at a festival. PETER SCHOLEY ORGANIC ENGLISH BEER, VINTAGE ROOTS, 4.6%, 500ML, £1.85 B: This is a bitter, not a lager and I’ll tell you what, this suits a festival because bitter is supposed to be at room temperature, even warm. It actually pours out really well, it still gets a bit of fizz and it’s a good colour. It looks like a man’s drink, I wouldn’t recommend this for girls really. I feel a bit like my dad, but it’s good, it’s light, it’s drinkable. At 4.1% it’s not too strong but it’s strong enough. I would say at a festival it’s good for drinking into the night. It’s good! Excellent. SAINSBURY’S SO ORGANIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SAINSBURY’S, 14%, 75CL, £4.99 B: Alfie’s opening the next bottle of wine in possibly the campest way you could! A: Ooh, I’m not sure about the smell…? This is the Cabernet Sauvignon, South African and organic of course. It smells rather sickly to be honest, it’s alright but doesn’t have a good smell on the approach though. Not much body, quite thin and tangy, bit vinegary, not a patch on the Novas, which is also a Cabernet Sauvignon. This would be an end-of-the-night drink when there’s nothing left I’m afraid! MONGOZO BANANA FAIR TRADE BEER, ETHICAL SUPER STORE, 4.8%, 330ML, £2.19 B: Opening the banana beer, given that the coconut beer was extremely fizzy I’m opening this away from myself. More success on the opening, you don’t lose half of it and it pours well. I would like to add that all these drinks have been left at room temperature and then outside in a park for a bit, so we are genuinely testing them true to a festival climate. It’s a really light beer. It smells like those foam banana sweets, it smells exactly like those! Ahhh gorgeous! A: Let’s have a go…yeah that’s a great smell. B: That’s good! If you don’t like banana then you’re obviously not going to like it. But I do like bananas, well I like the taste of bananas…and it’s good.

you’ve got to sea it to believe it

Forget the Costas, the plages and the expensive Eurozone beaches this summer – instead, stick with the in crowd by heading to some of Britain’s coolest beach hot spots, where you will find more than enough to keep you entertained words: AMY HARKER throughout the season.

FISTRAL BEACH AND WATERGATE BAY, NEWQUAY Why go? Newquay is blessed with some of the UK’s best coastline and an array of stunning beaches, some great for walking, some for surfing, and others for the Great British tradition of building fine sandcastles! Perhaps the most iconic of the beaches is Fistral Bay, synonymous with a youthful vibe and some of the best surfing in Europe. Meanwhile, Watergate Bay offers two miles of stunning golden sands, offering surfing activities for all ages and abilities. It’s a tad more family friendly than Fistral Beach, with less of the partying and large groups of school leavers out on the razz day and night! The beach is home to the Extreme Academy, an outdoor sports training centre offering lessons, demonstrations, events and festivals in a variety of sand, sea and air sports. Importantly, Newquay’s surfing fraternity are big on keeping the beach in perfect condition and there is a strong contingency of Surfers Against Sewage in the community. You can learn more by visiting www.sas.org.uk. Where to sleep and eat: For some fine dining and the chance to be a part of a bigger picture, head to Fifteen Cornwall in Watergate Bay, part of the global social enterprise founded by Jamie Oliver and owned by the registered charity the Cornwall Foundation of Promise. The concept is simple - all chefs have been trained with the idea of empowering young people who are in need of a second chance. The menu changes with the seasons, offering innovative dishes created from seasonal and local produce, which you can enjoy with an incredible view over a beautiful two-mile beach. What’s more, right from inception the restaurant has been committed to protecting the environment and every aspect of the build and design had minimal impact in mind. (www.fifteencornwall.co.uk.) When it comes to sleeping Newquay has an abundance of campsites, offering pre-erected tents, caravans and spots to set up your own canvas shelters.

Watergate Bay Touring Park has a strong environmental policy in place to protect the local area from dramatic change and the impact of tourism. Over the years they have seen how the growth of tourism has affected the area and as such they currently source as many of their supplies of food, drink, building materials and office resources as locally as possible to feed back into the local economy. They also have water-reducing systems in their shower and toilet blocks as well as reusing systems in their pools. They are looking into wind turbines in the hope to develop their own power system. What’s more they run an education programme for their guests where you can learn more about the local environment, nature and eco systems. (www.watergatebaytouringpark.co.uk) When to go: Newquay is indeed the UK’s original surfing town and as such there is no better place to enjoy a break that mixes surf with partying and music. With that in mind, the time to go is the 4 – 8 of August, for the Relentless Boardmasters Festival - Europe’s ultimate action sport and music festival. Set across two locations, Fistral Beach hosts the sports competitions and retail village, while Watergate Bay entertains the masses with three music stages filled with some of the most happening musicians from around the globe. This year the line up includes chilled out vibes from the likes of Newton Faulkner along with more pumping action from acts such as Leftfield whilst sporting action comes in the shape of surf, skating and BMX adrenaline. (www.relentlessboardmaster.com) Find out more: www.visitnewquay.org, www.fistralbeach.co.uk

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SOUTHWOLD, SUFFOLK Why go? Southwold is known to many as the “seaside town that time forgot”. It is famous for its colourful beach huts that line the sandy shoreline and has a delightful, multi-award winning pier, perfectly designed with simple pleasures in mind, including old-fashioned arcades and dining where all the food is sourced locally. No doubt you will wash down your meal with a tipple from the local brewer and wine merchant, Adnams, who have won numerous awards for their environmentally friendly brewing activities. The beach is pristine, with little litter and significant care taken to maintain the quaintness of the peaceful village, which has only one road in and out, giving it something of an island feel. Just inland of the beach along the River Blythe is the pretty village harbour, dotted with fishing boats and traditional huts where you may stumble across your most stereotypical looking long bearded fisherman, seeming more from “back in the good old days” than 2010! The harbour is still a bustling yet relaxing place so take a leisurely walk along its shores and stop along the way to pick up some freshly caught local fish. Southwold is the beach resort of choice when looking for a seaside getaway that is all about peace and quiet and enjoying the best of traditional Britishness. That said, when the Latitude festival visits every July, the whole feel of the village changes wildly! Where to sleep and eaT: The family-owned Sutherland House is a gem of a place to bed down for the night. Steeped in history and dating back to the mid-5th century, it now seamlessly and sensitively blends the old with the new and, remarkably, was the first hotel in the UK to publish food miles on its menu. Throughout the ages, the decor has been made up of wonderfully recycled items such as the crossbeam running the width of the ceiling, (at one point a ship’s mast) or the grandiose fireplace with a cart wheel for its base. There are only three delightful bedrooms in the property – the John Sutherland Suite

NO NEED FOR A POOP-A-SCOOP WITH THIS PLASTIC PET

being the most opulent. The restaurant, open to non-residents as well, serves up delicious treats such as slow-braised belly of Blythburgh pork (sourced from just a few miles away) and fine fish caught along the Suffolk coast. Vegetables and soft fruits travel the least distance, coming from the hotel’s own allotment. (www.sutherlandhouse.co.uk) When to go: If the idea of mixing a seaside break with some of the best music around appeals, you simply must visit Southwold during the annual Latitude Festival, now in its fourth year. Taking place just outside of the village in the environmentally aware, Henman Park, this three-day event, running from the 15 – 18 of July draws huge crowds for some of the biggest names around. This year, headline acts include Florence and The Machine, Vampire Weekend and Belle and Sebastian plus other huge names such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Empire Of The Sun and Mumford and Sons. (www.latitudefestival.co.uk ) Find out more: www.southwold.info

Planes, Trains Andâ&#x20AC;Ś BullockCart Rides?

The best way to experience the distinct way of life and unique charm of South India is by making use of the array of diverse transport modes. RECOGNISE gives you the run down of the Top 10 ways to tour the region, visit the most stylish resorts and sample all the area has to offer. words: ZUKI TURNER

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SPICE COAST CRUISE THROUGH THE BACKWATERS

1. Plane sailing

3. Floating Home

It’s India so we don’t expect you to get there by any other method than flying. This option will give you stunning natural views that you won’t find anywhere else, and you can offset the guilt of high carbon emissions by selecting an airline that supports ecotourism. Jet Airways is India’s second largest airline, and promotes EcoAdventure holidays, trips specifically crafted by local experts who aim to showcase the best natural and cultural heritage of the region in a responsible manner. Visit www.jet4eco.com for more info.

Spice Coast Cruises are run by CGH Earth, taking original local rice boats called Kettuvallum and recycling them into luxurious personal crafts which allow tourists to absorb the culture of the region while effortlessly getting from one destination to another. The boats are constructed from locally sourced materials such as bamboo, coir (coconut fibre) and areca nut palm bark. Each vessel boasts at least two comfortable sleeping cabins and private bathrooms, which are designed to dispose of any waste at the end of your journey rather than directly into the backwaters, and therefore maintaining the health of the local eco-system.

2. Five minute ferry ride In order to reach some of the region’s more remote resorts and to experience the ultimate in escapism, visitors are required to take more unusual modes of transport. Coconut Lagoon is one such destination. It is only accessible by water, as no roads lead to the tiny Keralan canal village. Instead, guests are taxied to reception onboard a wooden boat. This has an inboard motor, cleverly designed so as not to disturb the local wildlife. Coconut Lagoon is for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, with their ever-honking horns. You can experience a variety of the region’s dishes and shower under the stars in your own open-roofed bathroom. Peace and quiet is assured while you kick back by the pool, as noisy machinery is scarce – no lawnmowers here, just cows. After your stay, it is highly recommended to continue your journey onboard a traditional Keralan houseboat.

Joining you on board each cruise is an expert and friendly crew of three – a captain, chef and mechanic. Each are brimming with local knowledge, and constantly bring out delicious meals and snacks, which are all prepared on board. They’ll also guide you through the secrets of the waters, informing you of juicy details, such as tales of Heather Mills and Paul McCartney honeymooning on their very boat! You will also be joined by a variety of floating merchants who offer feasts of backwater fish, prawns and organic Kerala rice from the surrounding paddy fields. As you lounge on the plush sundeck or antique furnishings, expect to see many friendly waves from local villagers, rice farmers and fishermen.

Plug in and power up RECOGNISE rallies up the latest roadsters... photography: NEIL RAJA

o-one likes the daily commute; driving is expensive and can see you spending your precious time in traffic, not to mention the cost to the planet. Public transport is crowded, unreliable and often not cheap either, meaning that most of us are already stressed out before we even step through the office door. Well despair no more, we’ve been road testing some commuting alternatives that should have you springing out of the door when Monday morning rolls round again! We gave our car mad Editor-in-Chief Dereck Fearon the road-worthy Venom quad bike to test drive on his commute from his house to our Camden office, although he didn’t quite stick to that journey… “Having been told by my significant other that I can’t have a motorbike to get to work on because they’re too dangerous, my prayers have been answered in the form of the Venom. A sassy 250cc quad bought to you from the fellas at Quad Bike UK. Having seen images of the Venom on the net, I was immediately excited at the prospect of having a go on one. Admittedly, when I saw it in the flesh it seemed a little smaller than expected but still very sexy, a bit like meeting Kylie Minogue I imagine… It was a nice sunny day, perfect for a ride around Camden without a helmet on to see how it rode and just how much attention it attracted, and boy did it get some! Legally you don’t have to wear a helmet on a quad bike, but we suggest you do when on the open roads for obvious safety reasons. The gears were easy to master and even someone who has not ridden a motorbike would be able to get to grips with it after half an hour or so. After driving around the West End and turning heads in Mayfair, it was time to bring it back to the office for the real fun. Lets just say new tyres are needed….. Like most guys we want a little more power between our legs and with only 250cc and a top speed of around 65 miles an hour, its not for the horsepower junkies. But this quad is not about that, sufficient enough for driving around town and a great commuting alternative giving you 60 miles to the gallon, whilst still looking good. For those who are looking for a more environmental way of getting to work and are reluctant to use public transport, here it is. We were so impressed we bought four of them, so keep your eyes peeled for the guys and gals at Recognise using them. In short, the Venom is sexy, fun and very cheap to run.” The Venom from £3,245. Call +44 (0)1733 230 774 www.road-legal-quad-bike.co.uk

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We were also given a Zero DS motorbike and the Solstis PDT Sprint electric scooter from the nice people at Solstis bikes, a London based electric “motorcraft” mecca. Some benefits to these electric bad-boys that may be of interest to commuters is the fact that once you’ve forked out for one the costs of running it are negligible. That’s right, there’s no road tax to pay, insurance and servicing is cheaper, free parking in many London boroughs and it’s less than a penny a mile to run. All sounds pretty good to us but if they’re not a good ride then we’re not interested, so we got one of our advertising guys Atlas to test them out. “I’ve been a bike enthusiast since I was 16yrs old, so I’m used to popping wheelies on every straight and going 180mph to get to my destination. I believe a bike is there to ride not potter around the streets with. So when I

“When I heard we were getting an electric scooter to test out I was skeptical; as a self-confessed motorbike junkie I’ve always found scooters to be way too slow, so an electric scooter would get me nowhere fast. When the Solstis PDT Sprint turned up at the office, I thought the look was cool, but it being an electric scooter I was expecting something that looked like it was from 2040! But what really matters is how it rides, so I put my helmet on and jumped on, started it and pulled away. I was immediately shocked at the way it catapulted me down the road, I

saw a picture of the Zero DS that was coming in, I thought it looked cool and up to date and I couldn’t wait to test it. When it came in I was even more impressed; all that was left was to take this electric bike and really see what it had to offer. It was weird starting the Zero to hear no roar of the engine, so as soon as I hit the road I banged the throttle back to see what it could do. It had a slow take off but after 1520mph it really started to move which I have to admit, surprised me and I found myself giggling like a little kid, and just like that the Zero won me over. For those who want a more ecofriendly way to get to work that also makes you look cool, you should give the Zero Ds a closer look. In short its fun, sleek and heads turn when they see this thing zipping down the road, silent as a mouse.”

couldn’t believe an electric scooter could move like that. So there I am zipping through Camden like a kid with a new toy completely amazed at this scooter and what it’s doing. If you’re looking for something eco-friendly to get to work on or just for your day-today routine this is it without a doubt. It’s enjoyable, good looking and surprisingly fast.” Both the Zero DS and Solstis PDT Sprint are available from Solstis Bikes www.solstisbikes.com The Zero DS from £7990; Solstis PDT Sprint from £4490

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LOTUS HAVE A GO…

words: ASHLEY AMAKOH

t’s back. Better, smoother, and greener than before. That’s right, Lotus has reinvented the 14 year old Lotus Elise and look to have maintained the natural fun it was renowned for – just in time for the summer, to get you to the BBQs in good time.

With a choice of either a 1.6 or 1.8 litre 6 speed supercharged engine, the 2011 Elise’s vital stats are impressive. The supercharged version can hit 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds and can reach a dizzy 145mph. Changes to the engine of the entry level model and the results these have on the carbon footprint of this car are superb. With new aerodynamics and its revolutionary VVT-I engine, it has reduced its CO2 emissions by more than 16%. “Lotus has become greener, giving drivers access to class leading performance with less guilt,” says CEO Dany Bahar – a sentiment we can all get behind. Lotus definitely gets the Recognise seal of approval, by raising $1.4million with our fave Brit supermodel Naomi Campbell at this year’s ‘Fashion for Relief’ event. Price start from £27,450 www.grouplotus.com

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A Car-ing

Attitude interview: TUI MCLEAN

Gocarshare is more than just a company — it’s a movement. Set up by Drummond Gilbert, this London-based company aims to create a more eco-friendly travel option.

rom an idea that came to Drummond in an ‘eureka moment’ as he was walking down the street, it has now erupted into a full-blown business. With a website set to launch in June, Gocarshare.com has already gathered a large amount of interest and support from festivals throughout the country. In a world where the average car commuter drives 12 miles a day, Gocarshare has arrived at the right time. If car sharing can cut that figure by half it would save approximately 400kg of CO2 over one year, or about 170 litres of petrol. Not to mention, it’s the perfect way of saving pennies on transport.

any interest in the environment whatsoever and global warming wasn’t really a major concern of mine – I think a lot of us thought people who were passionately ‘green’ were a bit strange at the time. In my final year at university I wrote my dissertation on congestion charging and it really made me question my beliefs. I now have LED light bulbs at home – they are expensive but they‘ll last about 50 years and save a lot of money and carbon in their lifetime. Last year I brought a red Brompton bicycle and I cycle around London virtually all the time. I also recently started keeping chickens on my roof in London! Are there any risks involved? Gocarshare provides various features that help reduce any risks involved. Facebook integration allows users to see if they are connected to the person they are sharing with by any friends. User feedback helps with getting an understanding of who is reliable and who isn’t and will work in the same way as eBay. Users will be encouraged to speak to each other before travelling and drivers and passengers will be advised to show drivers licenses to each other or suitable approved ID before they travel to confirm their identity. How does the festival season affect Gocarshare? The festival season represents a massive opportunity. Festivals are keen to reduce their carbon footprint and reduce congestion at the event. Car sharing is a very convenient solution to these problems due to the number of people converging in such a small space. It also appeals to festival goers as well, as it brings a road trip feel to the journey and obviously saves everyone a fair bit of money.

So tell us about gocarshare, what is the concept behind the company? The whole idea behind Gocarshare is that you are not sharing with a complete stranger, the website allows you to find out where people from your network are traveling to, i.e. your friends, your friends’ friends or your work mates and contact them so that you can share lifts. If you are directly connected to them then you can look at their Facebook profile and even if you aren’t you can see their feedback and then Skype them to get a better feeling of what they are like.

Gocarshare has the potential to dramatically change the way we travel. With the festival season here, and the increase in travel figures over the summer period, it is worth considering how your travel is affecting the environment and considering what you can do to help. Recognise applauds Gocarshare for taking positive steps towards encouraging people to travel more ethically. However we’re not sure how keen we’d be to share a long journey with a total stranger!

Have you always been actively ‘green’? or are you a convert? No, unfortunately not — when I was at university most of my friends didn’t have

For more information visit Gocarshare.com

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As the festival season reaches the centre of the musical stage over the summer, Recognise takes a sneak peek backstage to see what our favourite party planners are doing to encourage a reduction in waste, carbon words: TUI MCLEAN footprint and water usage. We reveal our top five green festivals.

Here’s our exclusive lowdown on the bands and events that’ll make this festival season one to remember so you can plan your partying all summer long. We are especially excited about the prospect of Thai massages at The Big Chill and everything from paint-wars to butler services at The Secret Garden Party, but there’s much more besides…

LATITUDE : 15-18 July, Henham Park, Southwold, 25,000 visitors, www.latitudefestival.co.uk PLAYING : Florence & the Machine, Belle and Sebastian, Vampire Weekend, Temper Trap, Corinne Bailey Rae

Latitude is fresh on the festival scene, running since July 2006. Considered by festival-goers to be slightly less ‘hardcore’, it is a three day event set in Suffolk’s rolling countryside. An impressive line-up of musicians, bands and artists runs across four stages, but in addition, the festival is famed for its emphasis on literature, theatre, art, comedy, poetry, politics, and dance. Oh yes, and spraypainted sheep. Of course. Combining all the aspects of a bohemian music festival, but requiring notably less of the hard physical endurance, Latitude is perfect for all ages. It’s not hard to get carried away with the spirit of Latitude,

and you can often see crowds decked out in colourful costumes. GOING GREEN The real question should be: what doesn’t Latitude do to be green? Recycling and composting is a large part of the festival’s ethos, and all food sold through traders at the festival comes in biodegradable packaging, including plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. They separate waste into recyclables, compostables and general waste, and Green Messengers are posted by the bins to help visitors separate their waste. Visitors are also supplied with Campers’ Waste Kits so that they can separate the waste at their tents throughout the festival, and then bring it to the Litter Points at the end. No toilet at a festival is going to be five star quality, but Latitude do their best, providing waterless and odourless compost toilets on site. WE LOVE The emphasis isn’t just on music - Latitude is much more of a culture-fest. And, for apparently no reason at all, multi-coloured spray-painted sheep roam freely throughout the festival grounds, seemingly oblivious to their ‘punk’ look.

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SECRET GARDEN PARTY : 22-25 July, Site TBC, East Anglia,15,000 visitors, www.secretgardenparty.com/2010 Playing : Gorillaz Sound System, Mercury Rev, Marina & The Diamonds, Eliza Doolittle

The Secret Garden Party is essentially a fancy dress wonderland for grown-ups. They have absolutely nailed the art of small boutique festivals. On entering the festival, you are welcomed into an enchanted paradise: installations, art work, sculptures, lanterns, secret walkways and bridges make for a plethora of colour and a feast for the eyes. Describing itself as ‘a temporary community that is free, irreverent, friendly and engaging’, it’s less about the music and more about the ambience of the festival itself. To top it off you can get involved in paintwars (exactly as it sounds), screenings, and poetry. A personal favourite is the hanging bands tree, where a stage has been erected on the bows of an Oak tree. ‘The only stage in the UK where the bands swing in the midday sun as their audience dance below them,’ say the organisers. We love it more still because it is a famously hassle-free festival – parking, getting in and getting around is all reflected in the relaxed ambience. And there are plenty of activities for children as well as adults, so no need to leave the kids with a babysitter. GOING GREEN Secret Garden Party’s motto is ‘Respect-Reduce-Restore-Recycle - the future of the Garden lies with you’. They aim to respect the garden, reduce the amount of waste, restore the garden after the festival and recycle rubbish. Two of the stages run off solar power, as well as the showers, and there are kinetic installations celebrating renewable energy. Guaranteed to give you a shock are the Giant Robot spectacles dotted around the site, made entirely from reclaimed wood and furniture. There are specific recycling bins all over the site and all the pint glasses are biodegradable, so you can kick back and relax in the sun with a guilt-free pint. The festival have also transformed 200 acres of fertilised farmland into grassland, and devised a programme for tree planting. WE LOVE The festival offers everything from yoga classes to Reiki, crystal healing, holistic facials, and much more. There is also The Soulfire Restaurant, a restaurant housed in Mongolian Yurts, which serves up an indulgent menu. To experience the garden in style, there is also boutique camping. You can reach the festival by your own private road with your own private entrance to the Secret Garden Party, receive private facials and pampering, and there are even bellboys to help with your luggage and butlers at your service from 12pm to 12am each day. Heaven! *WIN TICKETS TO THE SECRET GARDEN PARTY! Turn to page 116 for details.

GLASTONBURY : 23–27 June, Worthy Farm, Pilton, 177,500 visitors, www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk Playing: Paloma Faith, Dizzee Rascal, Gorillaz, Stevie Wonder, Scissor Sisters, Muse, Shakira, The XX

Glastonbury is synonymous with muddy wellingtons and serious good fun, and as the most prominent festival on the British shores, it has set the bar high. The festival is mainly known for the historically iconic artists who have performed there, from David Bowie to Pink Floyd. Even today, it still maintains an exciting contemporary music line-up. As if there weren’t already enough reasons to go, comedy, dance, and circus acts are on offer too. Glastonbury attracts people from far and wide, and for good reason. If you have not been to Glastonbury then you have not truly experienced a festival atmosphere - it is so esteemed it is almost considered the holy grail of festivals. It features hundreds of artists across so many different stages, so there is always something for everyone. True to form it continues to round up the best artists from across the world, and this year is no exception. GOING GREEN With an enormous amount of Glasto-goers, the festival generates a vast amount of rubbish and waste. To counter-balance the negative effects on the environment, Glastonbury has its very own ‘Green Police’, which is organised by the Save the World Club Charity. These Green Police patrol the Glastonbury site, keeping it as clean and green as possible. Colour-coded bins are dotted around to help visitors recycle rubbish. Glastonbury is famed for its charitable attitude, and a percentage of proceeds are donated to various charities and good causes, including Greenpeace, Oxfam and WaterAid.

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What inspired you to create famous faces out of old cassette tapes? It was the European urban art scene that got me going. It was so unlike anything I had ever seen growing up in Orlando, so I wanted to take that “anything goes” attitude and make my own statement. I didn’t have any money at the time so I started practicing with whatever I could find around the house... that’s how I stumbled on the cassettes. Is the Bob Dylan piece made from a Bob Dylan cassette tape? Many of the portraits are made with the cassette of the artist depicted, but many are not. Almost all of my materials are donated, and I would rather use what would otherwise end up in a landfill. But if a client wants the original cassette for the artwork, I am happy to do that. Most of the time, people will supply me with the exact cassette they want me to use. Sometimes it’s the actual tape they’ve held onto all these years. Is your work for sale? If so, who buys it? My work is for sale and I ship to clients all over the world. I’m happy to sell to anyone who wants to buy it! Most of my work is commissionbased, but I charge from £1000 to about £4000 for original canvases; I don’t sell prints, just the original artwork. Paul Griffiths contacted me and really liked the artwork I made for the cover of TICK Magazine. I have got to meet some amazing musicians through the gallery shows and other events. How long does each portrait take you roughly? Some portraits take five or six days, some take a month or more. It really depends on the level of detail, especially with the 3D effects.

BOB DYLAN

TAPE

MODERN Wondering what happened to your old Chumbawumba cassette? Well, now you know. Bringing back the B-sides, American artist Erika Simmons transforms our old ‘80s tunes into iconic musical and sporty themed portraits.

Any tape tangling incidents we should know about? Well, I have had to contend with some cats that were convinced the ribbon was a toy…with devastating consequences. I’ve also managed to superglue my hands to all sorts of things, including my cell phone. It can get very messy. Also, the cassette tape is very delicate and can get stuck on any pieces of loose Sellotape etc. I’ve learned to be very careful... since I do mostly portraits, its very difficult to capture the exact likenesses of people, for instance I tried to make a John Lennon last year and my dad thought it was Ozzy Osbourne. Hilarious. What’s next for you? I am currently working on an exhibition in Hong Kong via ECOLS, and preparing to show some work at Bumbershoot in Seattle this summer. Help Erika and she will reward you! I always accept donations. If you have some old cassette tapes or film reels, please feel free to send them my way... once I receive a donation, I will send you a small thank-you gift for your kindness! See more of Erika’s work at www.iri5.com

replay

BIG JIMI

Y R O T C E DIR

Abel and Cole www.abelandcole.co.uk

Hilda Maha www.hildamaha.com

Red Bull www.redbull.co.uk

Accesorize www.monsoon.co.uk

H&M www.hm.com

Reem www.reemclothing.com

American Apparel www.americanapparel.net

Hunter www.hunterboots.com

RHS Hunter Boots www.wellie-boots.com

Aminaka Wilmot www.net-a-porter.com

Idol London www.idollondon.com

River Island www.riverisland.com

Article 23 www.article-23.com

Ivana Basilotto www.ivanabasilotto.co.uk

Sainsbury’s www.sainsburys.co.uk

ASOS www.asos.com

Jacey Withers www.jaceywithers.com

Sass and Bide www.sassandbide.com

Aspall www.ethicalsuperstore.com

Kuyichi www.kuyichi.com

Science in Sport www.scienceinsport.com

Aveda www.aveda.co.uk

Look Fantastic www.lookfantastic.com

Simple Beauty www.simplebeauty.co.uk

Bach www.bachshop.co.uk

Lotus www.grouplotus.com

SiS www.scienceinsport.com

Batiste www.batistedryshampoo.co.uk

Lovea Organic www.mypure.co.uk

Skin Shop www.skinshop.co.uk

Beatrix Ong www.beatrixong.com

Lucas’ Paw Paw Ointment www.pawpawstore.co.uk

So Organic www.sainsburys.co.uk

Beet It www.jameswhite.co.uk

Lush www.lush.co.uk

S0ccket http://www.soccket.com

Beyond Retro www.beyondretro.com

Mac www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Solar Shower (Oxfam) www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/ethical-

Black Fox www.booths-supermarkets.co.uk

Marisol www.justtrade.co.uk

collection-festivals/HN288640

Booths www.booths-supermarkets.co.uk

Mayfair Gym Equipment www.prophireanddeliver.co.uk

Solar Sound Bluetooth Speakers (cute bitz) www.

Bordello www.eveningbody.co.uk

Michelle Lowe-Holder www.lowe-holder.com

cutebitz.com/solar_sound_bluetooth_speaker.htm

Brackspear Gold Beer www.waitrose.com

Minna www.minna.co.uk

Speedo www.speedo.com

Braintree www.braintreehemp.co.uk

Mint Vintage www.mintvintage.co.uk

Squid London www.squidlondon.com

Charlie Calder-Potts www.charlie-calderpotts.com

Molton Brown www.moltonbrown.co.uk

Superdrug www.superdrug.com

Cornelia James www.corneliajames.com

Mongozo Beer www.ethicalsuperstore.com

Swarovski www.swarovski.com

Creme de la Mer www.cremedelamer.co.uk

Morrisons www.morrisons.co.uk

Terra Plana www.terraplana.com

Daas Blond www.ocado.com

Mulberry www.mulberry.com

Tesco www.tesco.com

Denman www.denmanbrush.com

Mule Bar www.mulebar.com

The Organic Spirits Company www.junipergreen.org

Dr Bronner’s www.liberty.co.uk

Neom Organic Candles www.neomorganics.com

Tisserand www.boots.com

Dr Hauschka www.drhauschka.co.uk

Nigel’s eco store www.nigelsecostore.com

Topman www.topman.com

Dr Noki NHS outlet 123 Bethnal Green Road

Oak Soak www.skinshop.com

Topshop www.topshop.com

Duwop’s www.Beautybay.com

Obakki www.obakki.com

Touchstone www.vintageroots.co.uk

Edun www.edunonline.com

Ocado www.ocado.com

Ubuntu Cola www.ubuntu-trading.com

EO www.forever.natural.co.uk

Organic English Beer www.vintageroots.co.uk

Unwins www.unwins.co.uk

Erickson Beamon www.ericksonbeamon.com

Organic Pharmacy www.theorganicpharmacy.com

Urban Outfitters www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Erika Simmons www.iri5.com

Organic Surge www.organisurge.com

Vintage Roots www.vintageroots.co.uk

Essential Care www.essential-care.co.uk

Palladium www.palladiumboots.com

Vita Coco www.vitacoco.com

Ethical Superstore www.ethicalsuperstore.com

Pat and Rub www.patandrub.co.uk

Waitrose www.waitrose.com

Fairhills www.morrisons.co.uk

Penfield www.penfieldusa.com

Weleda www.weleda.co.uk

Fez www.myspace.com/wearefez

Perricone MD www.perriconemd.co.uk

Weston’s Cider www.westons-cider.co.uk

For Goodness Shakes www.forgoodnessshakes.com

Philip Kingsley www.philipkingsley.co.uk

Whole Foods www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Fresh & Wild +44 (0)20 7434 3179

Piers Atkinson www.piersatkinson.com

Wickle Fig and Mace www.wickle.co.uk

Goodone www.goodone.co.uk

Planet organic www.planetorganic.com

Willow www.willowbeautyproducts.co.uk

Green People www.greenpeople.co.uk

Porcelain Films www.porcelainfilm.com

Yaoh Hemp www.yaoh.co.uk

Gstar www.republic.co.uk

Powerball www.powerballs.com

Zoe Tee’s www.asos.com

Harrods www.harrods.com

Puma www.puma.com

Recognise