The Jersey Life - April issue by The Jersey Life

APRIL 2018 | www.life-mags.com

FOLLOWING THE THREADS OF LIFE An interview with Rosemary Crill

welcome to

Home Living... home loving

9 WAYS TO BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY AT HOME • 7 TOP TIPS FOR CREATING THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE • SPRING CLEAN YOUR HOME 8 CHEAP AND EASY WAYS TO REVAMP YOUR KITCHEN HOW TO STYLE A DREAMY VINTAGE-INSPIRED BEDROOM TURNING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO A HONEYBEE HEAVEN

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Publisher Fish Media Ltd Head Office 20 Hill Street, St Helier, JE2 4UA Telephone: 01534 619882 Email: thejerseylife@fishmedia.biz Website: www.life-mags.com Editor Juanita Shield-Laignel Art Director Alexis Smith Travel Writer Rebecca Underwood underwoodrebecca@hotmail.com Photography Simon Finch simon@fishmedia.biz Production Sarah le Marquand Sales Executive Juanita Shield-Laignel juanita@fishmedia.biz Accounts and Administration Sarah Donati-Ford accounts@fishmedia.biz Directors Jamie Fisher Peter Smith Contributors Stephen Cohu Penny Downes Martin Flageul Rebecca Underwood Mark Shields Lorraine Pannetier Alistair Shield-Laignel Paul Darroch

Follow us on Twitter: @TheJerseyLife1 Like us on Facebook: The Jersey Life © All rights reserved. The Jersey Life is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in this publication and any loss arising there from. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to The Jersey Life the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Fish Media reserves the right to reject of accept any advertisement, article or material supplied for publication or edit such material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.

In trying to think of suitable opening witty repartee or romantic verse for this Spring Home Living edition of The Jerseylife, all that continued to surface from the depths of my over-stretched grey matter was ‘Drip, drip, drop little April showers.’ If song lyrics from a Disney movie, sweet though it may be, are all I can come up with, I can only think it’s a premonition and we are in for a fairly soggy month. The good news is, if a bee on a Periwinkle in my garden isn’t testament enough to warmer weather, then we just have to look to the skies for longer, light-filled days to know summer is definitely on its way. Meanwhile, I for one, am happy to put my feet up (on the rare occasion I have time) and enjoy this month’s Jerseylife magazine. Travel takes us to Delightful Doha, Qatar and with a quick journey across the Persian Gulf, we find ourselves in India with Rosemary Crill. I had the great honour of spending a morning listening to Rosemary’s stories of the East and how she came to spend her working life in the Indian Department at the Victoria and Albert Museum; a fascinating read. Next month is of course Liberation and Jazz at Hamptonne, being ever popular, is featured on page 16. Not straying too far from arts and culture…allow me to introduce a new writer to our happy Jerseylife throng….Paul Darroch, Author of Jersey, The Hidden Histories, will be writing for us every other month and for April has focused on Prince’s Tower, now known as La Hougue Bie and one of my favourite Heritage sites.

March edition’s crossword solutions: Across: 1 Idle; 3 Property; 8 Cage; 9 Aversion; 11 Estrangement; 13 Strike; 14 Stable; 17 Indifference; 20 Regained; 21 Taxi; 22 Mitigate; 23 Rely. Down: 1 Increase; 2 Lighter; 4 Ravage; 5 Peremptory; 6 Reign; 7 Yank; 10 Backbiting; 12 Severity; 15 Bandage; 16 Effect; 18 Night; 19 Cram.

April is our Spring Home Living, Home Loving issue and as such full of the most gorgeous home articles and advice for the avid home improver…in particular look out for Vintage Bedrooms. Mark Shields is addressing the, oh so common affliction of Insomnia…suffered by many and avoided entirely, by none…at least at some point in our lives, we are led to believe. Wine buying tips from Martin Flageul, Wine Consultant, takes us into the world of screw caps and pricing and Jamie Fisher is road testing the Mitsubishi, Eclipse Cross on page 68. Penny Downes of PennyFeathers talks about Retinol, the latest buzz word in beauty and I just couldn’t resist tying this into our garden feature; Honeybee Heaven. Enjoy April. Until next month…

Juanita Shield-Laignel If you have an interesting story to share or would like your business reviewed, please feel free to call me on 619882. I’d love to hear from you.

April 2018 3 WELCOME and The Jersey Life contact information

8 UP AND COMING Events and walks around Jersey

74 REVIEWS AND CLUES Book of the month plus the crossword

INTERVIEW 10 ROSEMARY CRILL By Juanita Shield-Laignel

ARTS, CULTURE AND MUSIC 14 LIBERATION INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL By James Mews

16 JAZZ RETURNS TO HAMPTONNE

By Music in Action

46 PRINCE’S TOWER Jersey’s lost landmark by Paul Darroch

FOOD AND DRINK 70 LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH Slow cooked shoulder of lamb with rosemary scented shallots

72 WINE BUYING TIPS By Martin Flageul DipWSET

36 4 | www.life-mags.com

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HOME LIVING 20 HOW TO BE MORE ECO FRIENDLY AT HOME By Abi Jackson

22 TIPS FOR CREATING THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE By Gabrielle Fagan

25 A SYMPATHETIC RESTORATION By the National Trust for Jersey

28 SPRING CLEAN YOUR HOME Quickly, Cheaply and Naturally

34 REVAMP YOUR KITCHEN By Lydia Tsiouva

36 A DREAMY VINTAGE-INSPIRED BEDROOM By Gabrielle Fagan

40 HONEYBEE HEAVEN Advice on the best plants and planting for the job

FASHION

52 5 DENIM UPDATES YOUR WARDROBE NEEDS THIS SEASON By Katie Wright

HEALTH AND BEAUTY 54 RETINOL FOR ALL By Penny Downes of Pennyfeathers

56 8 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING YOUR FIRST SPIN CLASS By Liz Connor

58 INSOMNIA Mark Shields takes a closer look

62 TURMERIC 5 reasons why it is good for you

64 TRANSCEDENTAL MEDITATION Liz Connor speaks to guru Bob Roth

ANTIQUES 44 THE SHED By Stephen Cohu

TRAVEL 48 DELIGHTFUL DOHA By Rebecca Underwood

MOTORING 68 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS The latest set of wheels taken for a spin

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The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited trading as NatWest International (NatWest International ). Registered Office: Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PJ. Tel. 01534 282850. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. NatWest International is a participant in the Jersey Banking Depositor Compensation Scheme. The Scheme offers protection for eligible deposits of up to £50,000. The maximum total amount of compensation is capped at £100,000,000 in any 5 year period. Full details of the Scheme and banking groups covered are available on the States of Jersey website www.gov.je/dcs or on request. Under the scheme(s) customers are entitled to make only one claim per licensed entity regardless of the number of brands or trading names contained within that licensed entity and customers are entitled to make one claim only per licensed entity in the jurisdiction where the deposits are held. Therefore as NatWest International brand is operated by RBS International it is not licensed in its own right. A person with a deposit in NatWest International and a deposit in RBS International would thus only be entitled to make one claim. NatWest International is a member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc - Registered in Scotland No 90312. Registered office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The latest report and accounts are available at www.investors.rbs.com. NatWest International places funds with other parts of its Group and thus its financial standing is linked to the Group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of NatWest International and the Group based on publicly available information. The latest report and accounts are available at www.natwestinternational.com/financial-results. Calls may be recorded.

what’s on...

Our selection of events to enjoy in Jersey this month sponsored by JT

Arts & Culture Exhibition: Jools Holt, Jersey Icons The work of Jools Holt focuses on the sites, buildings and structures treasured by islanders and appreciated by visitors alike. She attended art college at the North East Wales Institute - Glyndwr University during the punk era inspired by the creativity in the music, clothes, attitude and images of the time. Using 'Artography' a combination of photography and mixed media to create her art, her pieces emanate an authentic hand created feel with a professional finish. The Library is a 10 minute walk from the central bus station, just north of the central markets. 21st March to 26th April 2018 - 09:00 to 17:30 Jersey Library Halkett Place JE2 4WH Contact: +44 (0) 1534 448700 je.library@gov.je Peaceful Living Workshops Claire de Gruchy, Founder of The Shalbeck Life is excited to launch The Peaceful Living Workshops. Claire says “There is a place within us that is always calm, no matter what is happening around us. Come re-connect with your calm, release stress or find clarity with paint, pen, paper, collage, meditation, colour, crystals, essential oils - whatever is right for you. No previous experience needed…just Time for You and your Self.” Research shows (Moran et al.) that ‘During quiet times your brain can integrate your internal and external world, allowing cells to grow, neurons to function and help you think about profound things in an imaginative way.’ April 2018 Intro Workshops and/or 4 week programmes Contact: 07797 714758 Claire@shalbeckcentre.com www.shalbecklifecentre.com

Let us know the month before your event is due to take place, and we shall do our best to include it in our listings. Contact: thejerseylife@fishmedia.biz

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PERSO PERSONAL ONAL TRAIN NERS TRAINERS

Arts & Culture Talisk Nominees for the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Horizon Award, and winners of the 2015 Young Folk Award, Talisk are one of the fastest rising bands on the UK folk scene in recent years. Mohsen Amini (concertina), Hayley Keenan (fiddle) and Graeme Armstrong (guitar) create a captivating, energetic and dynamic sound that, in just a couple of years, has earned them multiple award wins, unwavering nationwide media praise, and standing ovations far and wide. Jersey Arts Centre is located in St. Helier, just a short walk from the central bus station. 11 April 2018 - 20:00 to 21:30 Jersey Arts Centre Phillips Street, St. Helier JE2 4SW Contact: +44 (0) 1534 700444 nicole@artscentre.je The Arts Society Jersey - talk ‘LAWRENCE OF ARABIA’S WAR’ PATRON LADY DALTON Dr Neil Faulkner Educated at King's College Cambridge and Institute of Archaeology UCL. Works as lecturer, writer, archaeologist and occasional broadcaster. Research Fellow, University of Bristol. Editor, Military History Monthly. Director, Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project. Director, Great Arab Revolt Project. Author of The Decline and Fall of Roman Britain, Apocalypse, Hidden Treasure, Rome: Empire of the Eagles, and The Ancient Greek Olympics: a visitor's guide. Author of forthcoming Lawrence of Arabia's War. Major TV appearances include Channel 4's Time Team, BBC2's Timewatch, Channel Five's Boudica Revealed and Sky Atlantic's The British. Tuesday 17TH April 2018 Doors Open: 6.00pm Talk Commences: 6.45pm ROYAL YACHT, ST HELIER. TO RESERVE TICKETS FOR NON MEMBERS (£12.50) AND FOR THE BUFFET (£19.50) CONTACT jeanette@theartssocietyjersey.org OR Call June on TEL 511801

Food, Fairs & Festivals forward to warmer weather together. All funds raised go to protecting Jersey's Heritage. Free for Jersey Heritage members. La Hougue Bie is located in heart of the countryside in the north east of the island. 14 April 2018 - 14:00 to 21:00 15 April 2018 - 10:00 to 16:00 La Hougue Bie La Route de la Hougue Bie Bus Route 13: Liberation Station - Jersey Zoo Contact: +44 (0) 1534 853823 info@jerseyheritage.org www.jerseyheritage.org/places-to-visit/lahougue-bie-museum Gin Glorious Gin – A Talk and Tasting Session for Gin Lovers Join local historian Peter Le Rossignol for a vibrant cultural history of Britain’s most iconic drink, beginning in the underbelly of Georgian England, detouring through the Empire (with a G&T in hand) and finishing in the modern day. During the course of the evening, gin lovers will find out how ‘mother’s ruin’ evolved into the superior drink it is today and also taste several different styles of gin courtesy of Love Wine. 16 New Street is located in the centre of St Helier next door to De Gruchy's Brasserie and Next. 03 May 2018 18:30 to 20:00 16 New Street, JE2 3RA Contact: +44 (0) 1534 483193 catherine@nationaltrust.je www.nationaltrust.je

Sports & Out and About

Tavaziva Dance: Izindava Bawren Tavaziva’s new work is a bold and universal message about human fragility within our changing world. Extraordinary sculptural costumes extend and abstract Bawren’s choreography with astonishing results. “It is not about fear, it is about strength and humanity”. 18 April 2018 20:00 to 21:30 Jersey Arts Centre, Phillips Street St. Helier, JE2 4SW Contact: +44 (0) 1534 700444 nicole@artscentre.je www.artscentre.je/event

Easter Kid's Adventure Club Our Adventure Clubs are the perfect way to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays. Whether you book for the whole week, or a single day, your kids will be guaranteed a fun filled time, where they can make new friends, learn new skills and grow in confidence. Activities include Aerial Trekking, Powerfan Drop Zip Wire, King Swing, Climbing, Archery, Water Sports, Laser Combat, Bushcraft, Swimming, Splatmaster, Team Challenges and loads more. Weekdays only. Set in a secluded and stunning natural valley in St. Brelade, Valley Adventure Centre offers a fantastic range of adventure activities for families, individuals, corporate events, kids parties, youth groups & charities - all year round. Bus route No. 15 03 to 06 April 2018 08:30 to 17:30 09 to 13 April 2018 08:30 to 17:30 Valley Adventure Centre La Mont a la Brune, JE3 8FL Contact: +44 (0) 1534 638888 info@valleyadventure.je

La Fete du R'nouve Join us at La Hougue Bie to welcome in the season of renewal. Get involved in our uplifting mini festival and celebrate the start of Spring with music, food, artists, creative activities and an unrivalled community atmosphere. Join us under a canopy of trees, bring a rug, hang out and look

Shinrin-Yoku - Forest bathing Weekly gentle walks under a forest canopy, or other wild area. My approach to Shinrin-Yoku incorporates activities to develop greater mindfulness and presence while moving through a forest or other wild landscape. A foraged wild tea ceremony will conclude the EarthWalk.

'The Forgotten Forest', within the Val de la Mare Arboretum, in St. Peter is just one of the locations that we'll explore. 8th, 10th, 12th, and so on throughout April 2018 10:00 to 12:30 'The Forgotten Forest' La Grande Route de St. Pierre JE3 7AX Contact: +44 (0) 7797825107 cyrakinti@me.com JAYF Open Garden - Domaine des Vaux Explore extensive beautiful gardens and woodland set around a traditional farmhouse. Open by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Binney. All proceeds to the Jersey Association of Youth and Friendship. Delicious Jersey cream teas available. 29 April 2018 14:00 to 17:00 Domaine des Vaux La Rue de Bas, JE3 1JG Contact: +44 (0) 7797718592 westlynnjersey@gmail.com www.facebook.com/JAYFgardens Fashion Show in aid of - Santander International Channel Swim for Autism ‘I’m just an ordinary middle-aged menopausal single mum who likes to swim!’ Says Karen Gallichan… but her colleagues beg to differ. Karen is a manager at the Autism Jersey Boutique, she has a son who has autism and this September she is swimming the English Channel to celebrate turning 50. Karen has taken on the challenge of the Channel Swim to raise £10,000 for an Autism Jersey bursary, specifically to fund qualifications or opportunities that will improve quality of life or enhance employment prospects for adults on the autism spectrum. A Fashion Show, in aid of Karen Gallichan’s Santander International Channel Swim for an Autism Jersey Bursary, will be held at the Grand Hotel on Friday 4 May. Tickets, priced at £20 to include bubbles and canapes, available from the Autism Jersey Boutique, Bath Street. Friday 4th May - 7pm Grand Hotel, St Helier For more information go to www.autismjersey.org/events. Barclays Jersey Boat Show 2018 The Barclays Jersey Boat Show is the largest free-entry event in the Channel Islands and gets the boating season off to a great start. The 3-day show takes place in and around St. Helier Marina and adjacent Weighbridge Place. Featuring power and sail, side by side, it also offers a variety of Jersey lifestyle features as well as activities both on and off the water, food, entertainment on the main stage, free access to the pontoons and visiting Royal Navy vessels. Free entry. The boat show takes over St. Helier Marina oposite Liberation Square. 5th to 7th May 2018 ~ 10:00 to 17:00 St. Helier Marina, New North Quay Contact: +44 (0) 1534 505926 info@jerseyboatshow.com www.jerseyboatshow.com

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INTERVIEW

Tie-dyed textiles on sale in Bhuj, Gujarat, 2018. Photo:R.Crill

Rosemary giving a lecture at Maiwa, Vancouver in 2016. Photo courtesy Tim Mcloughlin.

Following the Threads of Life… An interview with Rosemary Crill

I have always loved fabric; like to sew (when I have the time) and particularly enjoyed creating and making some of my own clothes as a teenager, I also love Indian art, fabrics, colours and am fascinated by the many and various belief systems scattered across the South Asian continent. I was therefore thrilled, towards the end of 2017, to be invited by June Ash, founder of The Arts Society Jersey to attend an evening talk given by Rosemary Crill previously of the Victoria & Albert India department, specialising in textiles. Naturally I went along to the talk held at the CCA Gallery with a view to an interview…. by Juanita Shield-Laignel So here we are…some months later, Christmas and now even Easter out of the way. I invited Rosemary to join me in my office where I could listen to the enthralling stories of her life. I was particularly interested to learn how a young lady from Jersey had come by such a fascinating working life. Rosemary began…. “Like most things, by accident in a way. I went to school here at JCG and what I liked best was languages. I did French and Spanish A Level and decided I would like to study languages at University but not another European one. I explored the ideas of Chinese or Arabic…then lit upon Turkish when I realised, that hundreds of years ago, the Turks had come from this fascinating part of Central Asia, nothing to do with what is now Turkey and with a completely different language. So I studied Turkish at the School of Oriental and African

10 | www.life-mags.com

The entrance of the Fabric of India exhibition at the V&A, 2015. Photo courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

INTERVIEW Studies in London. It was a four year course and for three of the four, I was the only student so there was nowhere to hide. I also did Persian language as a subsidiary because there is a lot of Persian in Turkish and of course everything before 1927 was in the Arabic script, which is also used for Urdu. I also studied Islamic Art and Architecture as a subsidiary subject.”

to the South Kensington Museum, which later became the V&A… so all the Indian material was kept together as a multimedia collection. Working in the Indian Department, you get to work with textiles, metal work, sculpture, painting and everything across the board about India, so it gives you a huge overview and experience of the whole culture.”

“I went to Turkey for three months between my first and second year at SOAS and it was in Turkey that I became involved in art and textiles. At one point, I stayed in a small village and would go out and visit nomadic people living in tents up in the pastures where they were weaving kilims and beautiful woven sacks in which to keep their grain. This got me into weaving, but it was still all about Turkey.”

“Textiles attracted me on lots of levels, how things were used, made, and the life of an object. The V&A India dept. hasn’t only collected great imperial royal pieces but collected those in everyday use in towns and rural areas. Those items collected in the 19th century are often the only evidence of that item having being woven in that place and they have their own beauty… simple, unadorned weaving.”

“I finished my degree during the mid-seventies and one was a lot more relaxed about thinking about a career in those days, so I didn’t rush. A job came up at SOAS library, cataloguing the Turkish and Central Asian books which was great and then in 1978, I saw an advertisement for a job at the National Art Library, which is housed in the V& A Museum. I already had a strong interest in museum work as when I was at school, I volunteered to work with the curator Dr Renouf at the Museum here, doing displays on things like ploughs and fishing boats, making labels, arranging things and telling people about it in a visual way. Then the National Art Library wanted someone with knowledge of Islamic art. It was a very lowly role, I had to sit at the front desk and issue books and help people with their queries, but it was a great way of learning and getting to know everyone in the V&A because of course they all used the library, and it also gave me unlimited access to reference books. Many curators started off in the library…it was a known path.”

The curator looking after textiles at the time was moving to retirement and was delighted someone was interested so we worked on a couple of books together. Most people had one or two areas of specialism, and mine were textiles and Rajasthani painting, and other non-Islamic Indian painting. In 1985-6, I spent six months in Jodhpur in Rajasthan where they had already set up a museum but wanted to make it a bit more professional. I set up a new textile and dress gallery there and started to study their wonderful paintings collection, which were mainly paintings of the local rulers and illustrations of Hindu stories. I learned the Devanagari script which is used for Sanskrit and Hindi. It was an amazing immersion in Indian culture and I was very fortunate to be there.”

“Before long, two V&A curator vacancies came up, one in the Ceramics department and one in the Indian department. As I was already interested in Islamic ceramics, I thought the Ceramics department would suit me, but learnt they had just appointed someone at a higher level who was a specialist in Islamic ceramics, so I missed out on that one. I remember thinking ‘oh well I’ll give the Indian department a go’ and although I didn’t know anything about India, of course the Moguls who ruled India for so long were originally Central Asian Turks. They spoke a form of Turkish at the beginning of their history and there were still quite a lot of Turkish words in the 17th century texts; also I could read Persian script so that was very useful. So the Keeper of the India department said he’d take me on and I started in 1980 at the most junior level of curator.” “All the other departments at the V&A are based on specific media, so you had the Textiles department, Metalwork department, Furniture department and so on, but the Indian department pre-dates the V&A’s history because it’s based on the East India Company’s museum which was founded in the 18th century. When it closed in 1857, the collections were dispersed and all the decorative arts went

An appliqué wall hanging from Gujarat in the Fabric of India exhibition at the V&A, 2015. Photo courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

“When I got back from Jodhpur I wrote a book on Marwar painting (the art of the Jodhpur area), which was the first book on that subject. I’ve written books about Indian painting, Indian embroidery and Indian ikat textiles, and I have collaborated with other people on several other books. My last big project at the V&A was putting on the Fabric of India exhibition in 2015, and writing much of the book that went with it. This was the first time the V&A had done an exhibition focussing on Indian textiles, so it was a wonderful way to bring together all I had learned over the 30-odd years I had been working in the field.” “Travelling has been a big part of my job, as the V&A is constantly lending objects to other museums for exhibitions, and curators (or conservators) accompany these pieces to install them. This has been a great way not just to visit places I might not otherwise have been too – Sydney and Kyoto, for example - but also means you can get to see the exhibitions the V&A’s pieces are being shown in. International conferences are also a great reason to travel and meet foreign colleagues, and this has taken me to places as different as Washington, Warsaw and Borneo, as well as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.” Rosemary retired from the V&A in 2016, but she is still very busy… I asked her to tell me what she is doing with her ‘free’ time?

The 'Splendid' section of the Fabric of India exhibition at the V&A, 2015. Photo courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

APRIL ISSUE | 11

INTERVIEW

Rosemary leading a textile study session at Lahore Museum, 2016. Photo: Sandra Kemp.

“Now I do what I like; lecture at the V&A, in April am going to give 2 talks in Seattle and I am working on a book for the City Palace Museum in Udaipur in Rajasthan. It’s great, I don't have to do all the boring stuff anymore - going to meetings and writing reports. In February, I was in India taking two textiles groups around, showing them textiles and textile makers and explaining what they are seeing and that is great fun. My Turkish is very rusty and I should be able to speak Hindi better but it is incredibly useful to be able to read Hindi and Urdu when I’m in India and Pakistan.”

I was interested to know, as Rosemary’s passions have also become her life’s work, if she has time for any hobbies? “I always liked music and played the violin at school but wasn’t very good. A few years ago a friend urged me to have a go at the viola da gamba, as it's got frets so is a bit easier to play…most of the music written for it is 17th century, early English music such as Dowland and Byrd…all of which I love. I joined a group at Morley College which was lovely but for various reasons I had to give it up. I have vague ideas of re-joining so music has always been an interest of mine. I also like going for walks and being outside in nature and now I’m retired I have volunteered to help out at a nature park in London, not far from Kings Cross, just one day a week; keeping back the bushes, tidying up generally… it’s delightful. I also come back regularly to Jersey - my mother lives here as well as one of my brothers and his family, and it is a wonderful place to come back to.” I wondered if looking back, there was anything Rosemary had wished she had done? “No, but I sometimes wonder what my life would have been if I’d gone into the Ceramics department. I think I’ve been unbelievably fortunate and the fact I can still carry on and do what I like, leaving the nurturing cocoon of the V&A, although I still work there one day a week. There are still hundreds if not thousands of textiles with not enough information, particularly on the museum’s website, so we take photos, measure, decide where it’s made and catalogue it. The V&A Indian department houses over seventy thousand objects, including ten thousand textiles - and at least four thousand of them still don’t have enough cataloguing information, so I could be doing this for some time.”

end of this year and more planned for next year…I’m going to carry on with that until I can’t, I have talks, lectures, travel, writing and staying at home and doing lots of reading. I now have time to actually read a newspaper properly from cover to cover, which is wonderful.” And finally I had to ask Rosemary if she could identify a favourite piece of cloth from her time working with Indian textiles? “I just can’t do it. There are just so many different kinds… I love dyed, weaves, ikat, tie dye, I love embroidery...It’s impossible I’m afraid. One of my next projects involves an exhibition in Toronto on chintz, the handdrawn and dyed cotton fabric exported to Europe in the 18th century. They have a great collection and that has become a favourite as they are exquisite, but I love folky things too…. rural embroidered pieces can be so amazing. When I started working with the Indian textiles at the V&A I remember having to sit down because I was so overwhelmed. I remember the exact piece that had that effect on me; it was a silk tie-dyed head cover from Gujarat…..I still love those things and it was really that kind of stuff that had that emotional attachment. You can still see similar pieces being made and used in Gujarat and in Orissa in eastern India. I first went to Orissa in the 1990s when hand weaving traditions were more widespread. Making beautiful things is becoming a thing of the past. Sadly local people are moving away from natural materials and hand-woven fabrics to polyester, although recently I saw a law had been passed in a small local community in Orissa that all school uniforms have to be hand woven. There are still small-scale pockets of nurturing like that, and hand-woven saris being kept going, partly because foreigners are interested in hand-weaving and also because upscale Indian buyers want hand-woven saris and hand-painted wall hangings, even if the local market has dwindled. So there is still hope for hand-made textiles. Given the move towards more contemporary fabrics, I am so pleased to have been part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Indian department and all it entails.” I had certainly learnt a lot just listening to Rosemary, both during our interview and in the audience at the CCA gallery. As a parting offer, Rosemary asked me if I would like to join her on one of her textiles group trips to India. I answered that yes I most definitely would… but perhaps when my children are a little older. Given Rosemary’s commitment to carry on until she no longer can, I took comfort in the realisation she will probably still be taking groups to India, when I am ready….

It stood to reason to ask Rosemary if she likes to sew? “I’m a terrible sewer. A school report of mine once said of my sewing “Rosemary’s work is a disgrace.” I never forget that and it makes me smile because here I am and I survived without being able to sew. Of course the odd button or hem occasionally demands my attention.” And what about cooking…does she like to cook? “No, is the simple answer. Fortunately, my partner Steven works from home and is a dab-hand in the kitchen so I’ve never had to worry about that.” So what does the future hold for Rosemary Crill? “I’m writing another book at the moment, the photography is about to start, so that is taking up some time. I have more travel groups to take to India at the

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A village woman in Kutch, Gujarat, 2018. Photo: R.Crill.

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Liberation International Music Festival returns

perform for us in this unique concert. It is likely to be the only time in history that these international soloists come together in this combination for a unique evening. Mendelsohn’s Octet and Brahms’ Sextet in Bb major are two landmark pieces filled with stunning and beautiful tunes and ending with the joyful and exuberant music of the Octet. Written when Mendelssohn was only 14 it is a tour de force of writing for eight soloists and is sure to bring a smile to your face.

2018 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Annual Liberation International Music Festival. Tickets are now on sale for this popular event extending across two weeks from 9th to 19th May 2018. The island will be filled with musical experiences from concerts in bunkers, live world premieres at the Opera House to Jazz in the gardens of Heritage site Hamptonne. The Festival commences on Liberation Day, 9th May, with a Musical Walk around the stunning coastline and fortifications at La Corbiere. A rather special concert will be performed that same evening, in the M19 Mortar Bunker at Corbiere, open to music lovers who appreciate the unique acoustics of one of the Occupation’s well-preserved structures. Solo cellist Dora Kokas will perform Bach’s famous cello suite in G in the depths of the bunker which will provide the perfect backdrop to these emotionally stirring pieces. Liberation Celebration On Saturday 12th May 2018, a major highlight will take place in the Opera House - the setting for a Liberation Celebration Concert with an evening of exquisite classical music pieces from Brahms & Mendelssohn performed by no less than eight international soloists. Supported by UBS Wealth Management, this will be a night of sublime music interspersed with short personal tales of Islander’s experiences during the Occupation years. Alexander Sitkovetsky leads this poignant and moving musical experience with his friends and fellow players who are visiting Jersey to exclusively

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The leading soloist Alexander Sitkovetsky’s career was launched at the tender age of 10 years old. As a protégé of Lord Yehudi Menuhin they performed together in concerts and for dignitaries. Alexander is joined by such luminaries as Boris Brovstyn a global star who came to the Festival two years ago. On viola there will be arguable the two greatest viola players in the world - Lawrence Power who is feted globally for his ability to make music sing, and Jennifer Stumm who is another major US viola star winning the William Primrose international competition recently. Other events Other events in the festival include one of Britain’s lead vocalists, Joanna L’Estrange and her Jazz Quintet are performing in this year’s Jazz Festival at Hamptonne on 13th May. Film returns with a screening of the 5 Oscars and 7 Baftas winning film “The Artist”. One of the films of the decade, a charming romantic comedy drama will be screened at the Opera House on Thursday 17th May at 7:45pm with a talk and music starting from 7pm. The Festival’s events concludes with the Liberation Gala Concert on Saturday 19th May at the Jersey Opera House. This finale of music is a celebratory toast to the 10th Anniversary of the Liberation Festival and includes a brand-new concerto commissioned from the legendary composer Errollyn Wallen MBE. Advanced booking is recommended for any of the Festival events and tickets can be purchased at the Jersey Opera House box office on 511115 or for the Jazz at Hamptonne from Eventbrite online. For more information about the Festival see www.liberationjersey.com

STEPHEN COHU

A large selection of decorative garden furnishings now on display at The Hidden Garden Company, St Lawrence

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Music in Action

Jazz returns to Hamptonne

As the sun starts to shine in Jersey we know it’s time to think about summer sounds and what better than to look forward to Jazz at Hamptonne.

the reason for doing this. Local artists are invited to come forwards and the final acts will be chosen in mid-April and announced to the expectant public.

This year the Liberation International Music Festival is delighted to welcome, one of Britain’s lead vocalists, Joanna L’Estrange and her Jazz Quintet to perform in this year’s Jazz Festival at Hamptonne on 13th May 2018.

The gardens, courtyards and lawns will be packed with people, fine food and family fun provided by Jersey’s own Royston South and his balloon magic. Royston will be supplemented by another children’s entertainer and a treasure hunt will also see children exploring the orchard and the grounds. For the older and more nostalgic at heart there will be the chance to enjoy the classic car display in the courtyard with the likes of classic jaguars, ferraris and other great cars.

Joanna L’Estrange is a soprano and jazz vocalist. She was the Musical Director of the five-time Grammy Award winning The Swingle Singers. Renowned for her exceptional stylistic versatility, extensive vocal range and flawless musicianship she has a background of musical experts in her family. Joanna has recorded numerous soundtracks for Hollywood blockbuster movies (over 160 to date) and sung duets with the likes of Katherine Jenkins and Sir Paul McCartney, along with producing her own discography of both choral and jazz CDs. Music fans can look forward to a variety of popular jazz classics arrangements sung by this much-loved vocal jazz ensemble. There will also be some great jazz music played by local band “Brian White & his Quartet” This band will perform a selection of Jazz, Standards from the American songbook, Rat Pack favourites, Bebop, original jazz compositions, Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova and Romantic Ballads. The venue, Hamptonne Country Life Museum, is an exceptional historic site that lends itself perfectly as the ideal backdrop for an enjoyable day of live music for the whole family. As in previous years, options include bringing along a blanket to sit on the lawn with a picnic lunch or taking advantage of a delicious 3-course lunch served in the marquee facing the main stage. As well as the main stage organisers are delighted to announce the birth of the second stage. A chance for local talent to shine is

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But as ever the most important for all is great scenery, fabulous music and some stars bringing down the house. Whatever you wish for then you are sure to find it for the Jazz festival at Hamptonne. Advanced booking is recommended for any of the Festival events and tickets can be purchased at the Jersey Opera House box office on 511115 or for the Jazz at Hamptonne from Eventbrite online. For more information about the Festival see www.liberationjersey.com

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JERSEY BOAT SHOW

THE BARCLAYS JERSEY BOAT SHOW will take place from SATURDAY 5TH MAY TO MONDAY 7TH MAY 2018 Ports of Jersey with the operational support of local specialists, 3D Events, look forward to welcoming you to the 2018 Barclays Jersey Boat Show Referred to as the ‘largest free-entry event in the Channel Islands’, the 11th annual Barclays Jersey Boat Show will take place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend of Saturday 5th to Monday 7th May 2018. The three-day show will take place in and around St Helier Marinas, Weighbridge Place and marina Gardens. First staged in 2008 as an opportunity to showcase Jersey’s marine leisure industry to a wider audience, the event continues to grow in terms of size and reputation, consistently attracting in excess of 30,000+ visitors over the three days. The future of the boat show is guaranteed until at least 2019 with the announcement that title sponsors, Barclays has entered into a further commercial arrangement with Ports of Jersey. St Helier Marina will be awash with vessels on display, ranging from super yachts to more practical water craft,

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which will be open to the public to step aboard and view. Local and visiting marine traders from the UK and other Channel Islands representing some of the world’s leading brands, including Sunseeker, Fairline, Princess, Jenneau and Beneteau are expected to attend in 2018. The ‘Outdoor & Active Zone’ on the Albert Pier, will once again play host to a busy programme of water demonstrations and displays both on and off the water as well as a dedicated area for local leisure operators offering a number of leisure pursuit products and services, including kayaking, rowing and stand-up paddle boarding. Local talent will once again be showcased on the Main Stage throughout the weekend with performances from many of the Island’s leading musicians.

INFORMATION: Free access to the pontoons is from the New North Quay. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and no animals are permitted. Access to the vessels on display will be subject to the usual entry conditions of the owner/ appointed agent and for safety reasons numbers may be limited at times. Once again at the 2018 Barclays Jersey Boat Show with an abundance of catering & refreshments concessionaires around the arena to tempt you. There’s also plenty of seating areas in which to relax, catch up with friends or simply watch the world go by.

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9 WAYS TO BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY AT HOME By Abi Jackson

From 'big jobs' like solar panelling, to easy-peasy steps like switching appliances off at the plug, there's lots we can do to be a little more green at home, says Abi Jackson. Want to live a more eco-conscious life but not sure where to start, or whether your efforts will even make a difference? Going green can sometimes seem overwhelming, and it's easy to think that unless you're going full-scale zero-waste-producing eco-warrior, there's no point really bothering. Think about it this way, though: If we all started taking more small steps, between us, that would make a difference - and like most things, it starts at home. So aside from recycling, what else can you do to make your home a little greener?

DON'T LEAVE EVERYTHING ON STANDBY MODE It can seem like a nuisance when somebody keeps turning everything off at the plug, but did you know that appliances can still be draining energy even when they're not in use if they're left plugged into a live socket? So do the environment a favour and break the habit of leaving everything on standby. (The Solar Centre says the average household could save ÂŁ30 a year doing this too.)

LIMIT YOUR LAUNDRY OK, no one's suggesting you let your hygiene slip, but unless a longer hot wash is absolutely necessary, use your

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washing machine's cool option on a short cycle when doing your laundry, and only put clothes through the wash if they absolutely need it. Small marks can sometimes be sponged off, and things like woollens and jeans really don't need washing very often - try airing your clothes to freshen them up between washes.

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE BUYING Could you be more mindful with your purchases perhaps buying new things less often, enabling you to spend a little more on sustainably-produced goods that are made to last? "Sustainability starts with not consuming. Ask yourself if you really need what you think you need," says TV interior designer Naomi Cleaver, who's teamed up with Moda (modaliving.com) on projects to help revolutionise city centre living across the UK. "Look on websites like Freecycle and eBay (plus charity shops) before you buy anything. There are lots of sharing websites and apps popping up enabling you to hire household equipment, such as occasionally-used tools, so you don't have to buy them. Only buy things for your home that, to paraphrase William Morris, you love and will endure years of use, as well as passing trends."

GET CRAFTY And on that note, getting in touch with your crafty, creative side could help you buy less too (and discover a stress-busting pastime in the process). "Learn how to make things, like cushion covers and draft excluders - which will cut your heating bills too out of no longer worn clothes," suggests Cleaver.

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DON'T JUST CHUCK THINGS OUT Tend to automatically chuck things away if they stop working or break, and get an upgrade? It's always worth considering whether it's fixable first. "Learn how to repair things. Take courses in DIY if you need some skills, or to brush up existing ones. People too often throw items out when a simple fix is all that's needed," says Cleaver. (And if you're not up to the job, there'll probably be a local handy-person who is.)

GROW YOUR OWN HERBS Grow-your-own is a great way to reduce some of the packaging waste those grocery shops produce - and a few herbs is a great place to start. Why? Because all you'll need are a few pots and a suitable windowsill, and once you see how rewarding that feels, you never know, it might inspire a whole veg box or patch in the garden!

BE AN INSULATION PRO Look for any opportunity to keep warm without having to resort to cranking up the central heating or chucking coal on the fire. As well as the 'big jobs', like double glazing and ensuring your walls and loft are well insulated, consider whether heat's being lost up unused chimneys (you can get them blocked), draughty doors and 'cold' decor - if you've got exposed flooring, laying some rugs, and having snuggly throws and cushions on your sofas and chairs will help you keep cosy.

INVEST IN SOLAR Getting solar panels can be good news for the planet, by helping significantly reduce carbon emissions, and your household energy bills. As The Solar Centre highlights: 'While there's a huge initial cost to install solar panels, you can save about £800 a year once installation's been completed'.

UPGRADE TO MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES Are your energy bills sky-high? And your fridge-freezer/tumbledryer/boiler a little archaic? Then that'll probably be why. Modern appliance ranges include far more energy-efficient designs, so it's worthwhile considering whether a more planet-friendly (and purse-friendly in the longer term) upgrade is due.

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WELLBEING GURU LIZ EARLE REVEALS HER

7 Top Tips for creating e perfect Home O ice

By Gabrielle Fagan

Millions of us now spending some, if not all, of our time working from home. And one of the joys of working in your own space is that you're the boss when it comes to design and ambience - so you can escape dull desks and bland decor and kit out your own personalised sanctuary to suit your taste. Entrepreneur and beauty and wellbeing expert, Liz Earle, has teamed up with blinds and curtain specialist Hillarys (hillarys.co.uk), to reveal her own home office and simple but effective tips to help you conjure a stylish work area of your own, where you can be happy as well as productive. "It's a quick and easy strategy for creating the perfect space, or could be used for an existing office makeover, which could be just what you need to reinvigorate your home-working life,"

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enthuses mother-of-five Earle, 54, who lives on a farm in the West Country. "There's undoubtedly a whole host of benefits to homeworking, particularly from a health and wellbeing perspective, whether that's because you're escaping the daily commute or because you're able to spend more time with the family." Read on to discover Earle's approach for creating a calm and stylish home office... 1. WORK WITH THE LIGHT "Put your desk in front of a window; plenty of natural light is the holy grail, as it's known to significantly help increase energy, creativity and productivity," advises Earle. "Wood or faux wood Venetian blinds are perfect for home office windows as they filter light, which will minimise glare on a computer screen and the slats can be adjusted to control light levels when the sun moves round during the day. Go for function but don't forget about style. Roman blinds soften the look, and a pretty botanical fabric brings a lovely feel of nature into the room." 2. MAKE AN ECO DESK CHOICE "Make your office more eco-friendly with a desk made from reclaimed scaffolding boards and simple trestle legs," Earle suggests. "Scaffolding boards can be picked up cheaply from a salvage yard, and the beauty of doing this is that you can design your desk according to your space and needs. Make sure there's room for a task light and desk accessories." 3. INVEST IN A GREAT CHAIR "As tempting as it sounds, dragging a chair from the dining room or a stool from the kitchen is a false economy," Earle warns. "An ergonomically designed chair may not give you the designer feel you had in mind - but your back will thank you for it! You can always pretty it up with a cosy sheepskin or throw. "Don't hunch over a laptop - set up a computer monitor at eye level and use a separate keyboard, ergonomic mouse or track pad. Rest forearms on the desk while typing and invest in a simple foot rest to ensure you sit with legs at a comfortable 90-degree angle to the floor." TIP: Try to do simple stretches and strength moves regularly throughout the day. You don't necessarily need equipment - try out chair yoga which can be done while seated.

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4. GET CRAFTY WITH ACCESSORIES "It needn't cost the earth to decorate your office. Charity shops and car-boot sales are perfect hunting grounds for quirky, vintage pieces, or you could indulge in some DIY creativity," says Earle. "Cover plain cardboard box files with wallpaper or fabric for a fabulous bespoke look. A pin-board, made from a wooden picture frame, foam and fabric, is a great way to display photos, to-do lists or other information you want to see at a glance." TIP: Schedule things in your diary that make you happy, not just work tasks. 5. BRING NATURE INTO YOUR SPACE "It's been proven that plants in the workplace can reduce stress levels and increase productivity," Earle points out. "Aside from these health benefits, plants are a cheap and cheerful way to add decoration and bring the outdoors in. I opt for green, leafy plants like ferns or ivy, avoiding cacti whose spikes can create the opposite of a relaxed feeling, or flowers with a strong scent, which can be distracting or irritating." And if caring for real plants doesn't quite work out for you, there are great faux options available these days, so you can still get that calming, leafy look. 6. CONCEAL THE CLUTTER "But remember, the more stuff you add to your desk, the more your brain has to keep track of," adds Earle. "Working in a crowded space can be mentally exhausting and distracting, even if you don't realise it. Get creative with storage. I've used soft, floaty voile curtains to disguise a shelving unit."

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7. CREATE AN UPLIFTING DISPLAY Finally, treasured photos that spark joy, and meaningful sayings to keep motivation levels up, make an ideal finishing touch. "Pictures and photographs can be a great way to inspire creativity and a feeling of wellness," says Earle. "Pick out three or four that are significant to you and make sure those are in your view."

ADVERTORIAL

A sympathetic restoration

by the National Trust for Jersey

Jersey was exporting in the region of 150,000 gallons of cider by the mid 19th century so it is little surprise that most farms at that time had a pressoir. Les Côtils Farm on the northern outskirts of St Helier was no exception. With its extensive apple orchard, it produced a considerable volume of cider from its modest pressoir. Today, Les Côtils Farm pressoir has been converted into a charming, characterful, two-bedroom cosy home thanks to a sympathetic restoration by the National Trust for Jersey, which was bequeathed the entire farm in 2002 by Mr Donald Le Brun. Having replaced the roof and rebuilt the whole south wall in its original pattern of Flemish bond brickwork, Planning Permissions were sought and granted to convert the interior of the pressoir into a two/three bedroom cottage as unfortunately no original workings remained in situ. Main contractor N Masefield Ltd. began work last October. Wherever possible original features were retained and all new joinery designed in a sympathetic style to suit the building. But when it comes to

heating, the Trust turned to Jersey Electricity to design and fit the most modern and ultra-efficient system using a Mitsubishi air source heat pump. Heat pumps work drawing in outside air which warms an evaporator containing a refrigerant. A compressor then raises the pressure and as a direct result, the temperature of the refrigerant. This is then used to raise the temperature of the heating system water which is then pumped through pipes to the heating system and hot water cylinder. In the case of the pressoir, the heat pump supports an underfloor heating system to all the ground floor areas consisting of open plan kitchen, dining and sitting area, cloak/shower room, utility room and study/third bedroom all of which can be controlled via separate individual room thermostats. The heat pump also supports radiators and towel rails on the upper floor and all the home’s hot water needs.

pumps are perfectly suited to underfloor heating systems due to the lower but more constant ambient temperatures required. We have also fitted monitoring equipment to accurately collect data on the efficiency of the system. Though heat pumps generally are 300% efficient, meaning you get £3 of heat for every £1 you spend on running them.’ And to complete the low carbon, sustainable credentials of the pressoir, JE has also fitted a complimentary charging point for electric vehicles. Trust tenants are expected to be able to move into the pressoir this month.

JE Energy Solutions Manager Ian Wilson said: ‘A heat pump is the ideal choice for a conversion such as the pressoir due to the high level of thermal insulation the Trust has fitted plus, heat APRIL ISSUE | 25

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Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to...

Spring Clean Your Home QUICKLY, CHEAPLY AND NATURALLY by Gabrielle Fagan It's time to tackle that annual ritual. Luckily, Gabrielle Fagan has sorted the kit, green cleaning solutions and shorts cuts to make it easy. Shake a duster, power along with a broom or a mop, and scrub energetically - so that dust, cobwebs and winter grime are all banished and you're ready for a new season. Spring cleaning is a timeless annual ritual to spritz up your home ready, but these days, it needn't be a chore. Follow these tips to make cleaning in the old fashioned way truly enjoyable...

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STOCK UP ON SOME TRADITIONAL TOOLS Spring cleaning used to be a traditional task that had weeks devoted to it, and no nook or cranny was overlooked. You may be more time poor now, but you can equip yourself with cleaning tools inspired by retro-style, whose design has stood the test of time, just visit RE for the home. USE THE POWER OF HERBS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING If you wouldn't give house room to chemicals and toxins, white vinegar is a fantastic kitchen cleaner, says green living blogger, Wendy Graham, author of Fresh Clean Home (ÂŁ8.99, Amazon), which is full of recipes for natural cleaning products. "Vinegar's cheap, cuts through grease like nothing else, deodorises and some people even swear by its use as a disinfectant," she points out. "If you don't like the smell, you can use fruit peelings and whatever herbs you have to hand." One of her favourite combinations is Lemon, Lavender & Thyme Concentrate which can be used as whenever any cleaning recipe calls for vinegar. Alternatively, use it as an all-purpose kitchen-cleaning spray. Half-fill a spray bottle with the scented vinegar mixture and top up the other half with cooled boiled water (for a 50/50 dilution). Diluting is important because the concentrated citrus oils, undiluted,could stain lighter surfaces. Warning: Do not use on marble, granite or other natural stone surfaces.

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BRING THE SCENT OF THE FOREST TO YOUR ROOMS

How to make Lemon, Lavender & Thyme Concentrate:

"I used to use bleach to clean my solid floors (such as linoleum, vinyl and tiles)," says Graham. "It did a fine-enough job, but the smell! My house ended up smelling like a swimming pool, and made me feel nauseous.

(Makes 500 ml of concentrate)

The result was that I avoided cleaning the floors as much as possible.

Shelf life: Indefinite when concentrated, or about eight weeks once diluted Ingredients: Use approximately 500ml/17fl oz white vinegar; peel of approximately 8-10 lemons; generous handful of thyme sprigs; and a generous handful of lavender sprigs. You'll also need a 1l/35fl oz lidded glass jar. Method: Add the lemon peel and herbs to your jar. If you're using frozen lemon peel, there's no need to defrost. Add the vinegar, covering the lemon peel and herbs. Give contents a stir, then put on the lid and seal tight. Leave jar in a cool, dark place for about 14 days, or longer if you want a stronger scent. Then strain the liquid through a sieve, pressing down on the lemon peel and herbs to squeeze as much liquid out as possible. Pour the strained liquid back into the jar, and pop the peel and herbs in your compost bin. If mixing up your own cleaning potion doesn't appeal, RE for the home has a Heart Of The Home Eco Cleaner that's 100% natural, vegan, biodegradable and hypo-allergenic. It's available in three essential oil fragrances - Spearmint Rosemary and Peppermint; Lavender, Sage and Rose Geranium; Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Marjoram.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;These days, I've opted for a natural solution that leaves my home smelling like a forest instead of a municipal pool."

How to make Forest Fresh Solid-Floor Cleaner: (Makes about 4 litres/7 pints, for single use) Shelf life: Use immediately Ingredients: 150ml/5fl oz witch hazel; 1 tbsp borax substitute; 40 drops pine essential oil; 3-4l/5-7 pints very warm water Method: Add the witch hazel, borax substitute and essential oil to the warm water and stir well, ensuring the borax substitute dissolves fully. To use: Dip your mop into the mixture, wring out as much liquid as possible, then wipe over your floor as normal.

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All you need for your perfect home... Visitors to town will have driven or walked by the sumptuous Direct Furniture Supplies showroom on the corner of Burrard Street where the road meets Don Street and noticed the wonderful displays inviting the customer in; but passers-by can expect changes during 2018. I visited the team to find out more…. by Juanita Shield-Laignel Sitting with Mike and Lucy drinking coffee and listening to their new and exciting plans, to not only update the showroom but offer new products and services, I couldn't help but think my bedroom could do with some of their sleek built-in wardrobes... We’ve never been afraid to push the design parameters," began Director Mike, "and as a result have had really good feedback from clients with projects we’ve done over the years. We are always open to doing something a little bit different. We work with our clients as a design and sales team and as such, have influence on the overall project, so there’s always a good balance between creativity, functionality and formality.’ Mike continued. We’ve done so well with our new Pronorm kitchen displays and we are really pleased to be working on several other new displays to showcase our most sought-after lines." Lucy added "We are really fortunate to work with some really excellent trade guys, with Lee, our chief installer, a key member of our team.’ ‘Since I joined the business in 2009," said Mike, "our market has shifted and we are delighted that customers come back time and again; as fashions grow and develop our clients grow and develop with us. Lucy has developed her various skills within the business and with the Articad design software, clients are able to see how their finished product will look. Articad is a brilliant design tool but as with a pen and paper, it is only as good as the person using it and we are really fortunate to have Lucy’s talents in our company I was interested to know where and how Mike finds inspiration. I try and get away, when time allows, to National and International

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trade shows. I read a lot, and of course do a lot of on-line research. Inspiration can come from many areas. The market is moving all the time and we owe it to our clients to keep up with the trends. Going off-island keeps our ideas fresh and invigorated. It is always good to innovate and try something different, and that is reflected in everything we do. We thrive on large projects but can equally look after smaller installations. It’s all about the client and fulfilling their needs and dreams. Lucy added ‘Mike is our Director here and he leads the way but we are all made to feel like valuable members of the team and we are always aiming to work to the same standards, with the same drive and ethos; it’s a really exciting time for us now. I enjoy coming to work and helping people realise their dreams. Our homes are so important and to have the perfect kitchen, bedroom or bathroom makes life easier and more enjoyable.’ Mike concluded. ‘When you know your team are all working to the same goals clients buy into that too, it makes for a relaxed, comfortable working environment and that becomes infectious. We all love our work. We love being able to bring something unique and different to our completed projects, whether it be a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room or, study, .modern or traditional, we know we have something for everyone.’ I left Direct Furniture Supplies coveting several of their new product ranges and will be back over the year to see the new displays as they go in.

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.dfsinteriors.com

Direct Furniture Supplies is a local company, trading for over 30 years. We undertake full kitchen projects, including various trades and additional services to complete a project from start to finish. We can also supply complete bedroom and bathroom installations too. Please feel free to give us a ring, or call into the showroom to meet the team to discuss your requirements.

Direct Furniture Supplies | 17/19 Burrard Street | St. Helier | Jersey C.I. | JE2 4WS Tel: 01534 732314 E: showroom@dfsinteriors.com www.dfsinteriors.com

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8 CHEAP AND EASY WAYS TO REVAMP YOUR KITCHEN By Lydia Tsiouva

Is a complete kitchen makeover out of the question? Lydia Tsiouva reveals some simple ways to spruce up the space Those wine-fuelled, candlelit tapas nights with your girlfriends, the smell of a roasting chicken on a Sunday afternoon, sunlight streaming in through the window as you're washing up... No matter how big or small your kitchen is, it's the little details and moments like these that make it your own. Admittedly, many of us have encountered a lifeless kitchen that seems beyond saving - and it's tempting to pick up the phone and ask the professionals in for a complete makeover (until you realise, that's really only realistic if you have thousands to spare). The good news is, it can actually be relatively easy to transform a tired kitchen - with minimal budget and effort required - and the kitchen cupboards are usually a good place to start. Want to breathe new life into your kitchen? Here are some ideas... 1. PAINT YOUR CUPBOARDS - Giving your cabinets a new splash of colour can be a cheap and effective way of refreshing your kitchen. A simple lick of paint in an eye-catching colour instantly transforms an old-fashioned layout into a contemporary and catalogue-worthy space. This is also great for small kitchens; painting over dark mahogany cupboards will make the room appear brighter, bigger and more open. 2. REMOVE CUPBOARD DOORS - Another great way to lighten up your kitchen, and make it feel less bulky and more modern, is to remove some of the cabinet doors and turn those spaces into into open shelves instead. Displaying your crockery not only adds personality, but it also makes them easily accessible and quicker to organise. 3. ADD GLASS PANELS - If you like the light and open look, but feel removing cupboard doors entirely might not provide enough security (or keep clutter sufficiently hidden), consider replacing the door panels with glass instead. 34 | www.life-mags.com

4. OR CHICKEN WIRE INSERTS - This look might not be for everyone, but it adds a cute, farmhouse feel - and it's a super-simple option. Using garden pliers, cut your chicken wire to the size you need and lay out on the back of the cupboard frame. Staple the edges of the wire to the frame all the way round and you're good to go! 5. CHANGE THE CUPBOARD KNOBS - Though it may seem like a small detail, changing the door knobs on your kitchen cupboards can add accents of colour and personality. Small and patterned designs stand out beautifully on plain white cupboards. If you're finding it hard to match colours, why not opt for jewel knobs? This is a simple way to add a touch of elegance. 6. INSERT SOME SHELVES - Is there any space space among your kitchen cabinets? Why not utilise it and install a few shelves. This is a great way to free up your worktops, providing somewhere neat and tidy to store utensils and other items - while giving you more room to prepare meals. The shelves could become a style feature in themselves - think about displaying a few carefully chosen plates or a cherished teapot, or a stack of favourite cookbooks. 7. LIVEN UP OPEN CUPBOARDS WITH LINERS - If you are opening up a few of the cupboards, how about going a step further and lining the backs with sheets of patterned wallpaper? So easy, and low-cost, but it could be a really effective way of transforming the space and adding personality. 8. MAKE A DIY PLATE RACK - Want a better way to store your plates? Building in your own plate rack could make the storing task simpler and less stressful - and help revamp the look of the room. You'll need some suitably sized poplar dowels. Once you've measured the dimensions, drill small holes, spaced evenly, where you'll slot the dowels in to create the rack.

DESIGN DIMENSIONS has been established for over 30 years with a passion for designing and creating bespoke furniture including office, retail and bar refurbishments. We are also Jerseys leading fabricator of solid surface materials including Corian, HiMac, Avonite, Staron and many others. With exceptional standards of Craftsmanship we always achieve superior results. Nurturing and maintaining a balance of sensible design, style, and comfort is perpetual - So is our desire to help you realise your dream.

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PEARL AND DAISY LOWE REVEAL...

How to style a Dreamy Vintage-inspired Bedroom The mum and daughter duo have teamed up with Hillarys to share their decor secrets. Gabrielle Fagan sneaks a preview... They're known for their similar funky vintage fashion, but Pearl and Daisy Lowe reveal this shared sense of style goes further than that - they also rock the same decor vibe. Interiors and fashion designer Pearl, 47, and her daughter Daisy, 29, a model, have opened the doors to their bedrooms to show off their remarkably similar taste as part of the Hillarys Mother's Day Design Challenge, to design the perfect boudoir. Daisy's happy to acknowledge that 'Mum knows best' when it comes to decor. "My mum's an amazing designer," she says. "She's certainly passed her sense of style onto me. We're very much on the same wavelength. She has impeccable taste and

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By Gabrielle Fagan

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her home is like taking a walk through a golden age of interior design. Art Deco, Victoriana and Boho vie for attention in every room. She has this unique ability to create a look that's rooted in the past but still feels contemporary and fresh." Pearl's just as much a fan of her daughter's decor look. "Daisy has a wonderfully eclectic style in her fashion and brings this into interiors," she enthuses. "We love going to antique fairs together to source furniture for our respective homes. It's exciting, you never know what treasures you're going to find. It's lovely swapping ideas and being inspired by each other." Wondering how to channel this dreamy look in your own home? Read on to discover the mother-daughter duo's style secrets... PRESENT IT LIKE PEARL Pearl's home is a glorious, sprawling 11-bedroom Georgian country house in Somerset. She describes its decor as 'a bit Miss Havisham' - but with a nod to the glamorous Twenties mixed with a Seventies vibe. "I've always had a similar style," says Pearl. "But living in Somerset has given me access to many more antique dealers and flea markets, so I can find considerably more variety, and the painted Rococo furniture that I'm so fond of." "I love being surrounded by pieces that tell a story," adds Pearl. "We live in such a throwaway world, it's comforting to surround yourself with furniture and objects that have a history."

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As for Pearl's favourite trends for 2018, she says: "Glittery golds, saturated hues, super-bold colour pops, fringing details on everything from cushions to throws, and gelato pastels are all strong themes. Small-scale prints are a key design trend, and as I'm completely obsessed with ditsy floral and pastel paisley printed wallpaper, this makes me very happy."

DO IT LIKE DAISY Daisy's home is a three-bedroom Victorian terrace in London, and she describes the decor as having a more pared-back feel than her previous abodes, because she wanted to conjure a "calm, relaxing setting, made interesting with textures and a few antique pieces". She explains: "I like traditional pieces, although as I'm getting older, I'm more about blending both modern and vintage decor, for a clean, relaxed and neutral aesthetic." "My colour scheme is sky blue, ivory and classic French navy, with metallic touches to bring a warm, luxe feel. I wanted it to be chic but sophisticated with a pastoral country feel," says Daisy.

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"I've gone for lots of different cosy textures - sheepskin, quilted items, linen - so it's all very tactile. For the windows, I've chosen to mix a couple of prints together. I love the surprising combination of the ticking fabric with the toile." "My taste is very much based around vintage, antique and old things - I love key antique pieces. They make me happy when I look at them. I have an original 18th Century chest of drawers," adds Daisy. "I love combining colour, pattern and texture and, for me, layering - with lush fabrics and lots of cushions - is essential to make an inviting space."

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TURNING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO A

Honeybee Heaven by Hannah Stephenson

Bee keeper Sarah Wyndham Lewis tells Hannah Stephenson the best plants and planting patterns for the job. It's ironic that a woman who has spent many years living in close quarters to beehives, and championing a better future for our apian friends, should be allergic to insect stings. Yet Sarah Wyndham Lewis has run the sustainable beekeeping business, Bermondsey Street Bees (bermondseystreetbees.co.uk) with her husband Dale Gibson for the last decade, and has also transformed a small, neglected patch in Suffolk into a test bed for bee plantings. The story began with just a few window boxes on their roof terrace in London, but as their interest in bee-keeping progressed, they found a profound problem in the wellbeing and ultimate survival of honeybees. Now, Wyndham Lewis has written a book, Planting For Honeybees, showing people which plants can be of most benefit to bees. Fancy creating a honeybee buzz in your garden or outdoor space? Here are Wyndham Lewis' top tips...

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INSTALL NOW READY FOR SUMMER HOW DO YOU TELL A HONEYBEE FROM A BUMBLEBEE? "Bumblebees have a really thick and lovely fur coat, tend to be bigger and have a slightly slumberous gait in the air. They are like teddy bears on wings. Honeybees are smaller. Close-up they are furry, but to the naked eye they look fundamentally quite smooth," says Wyndham Lewis.

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"There are a lot of black and yellow bees out there which aren't honeybees, but which are foraging. If you're planting for honeybees, you are going to be feeding everything." HONEYBEES HAVE SHORTER TONGUES "Honeybees have a very short tongue so you need to plant for them specifically," she explains. "They can't access a lot of forage that bumblebees, butterflies and other pollinators, like hoverflies, can.

They just can't get their tongues into the flowers. But if you plant for honeybees, everything else can access it." HONEYBEES ARE TREE-DWELLERS "People often don't realise that the bee is a tree-dwelling creature, often nesting about 2m high. Most of the forage they get comes from trees and bushes, rather than wildflowers. A single lime (linden) tree in flower is worth 300 square-metres of wildflower meadow. There are so many flowering trees - and that's where honeybee health lies," she adds. Even if you only have room for one tree, make it one rich in blossom, such as the linden or apple or rowan.

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HONEYBEES LIKE CLUMPS Honeybees will only forage on one species of flower at a time, so you need to plant clumps of the same plant. Everything is directed at saving the bee energy - and by transporting pollen from one specific flower to the next, they'll be cross-fertilising the same species in the process. So if you have a small plot, don't plant lots of different plants, Wyndham Lewis advises. And if you've only got a windowbox, you can stuff it full of the same species, such as snowdrops. WHAT ARE THEIR FAVOURITES? Honeybees love sage and oregano, although lavender is better for bumblebees, Wyndham Lewis notes. Spring bulbs, such as crocuses, are also a magnet for honeybees. Small-scale, you could go for scabious, wallflowers and sea-pink, as well as asters in the summer. For honeybees, avoid cottage garden favourites such as foxgloves, which they can't easily access. She also avoids hybrid roses with complex, blousy petals. Wild dog roses are much more beneficial to honeybees, she says. THEY'LL SNIFF OUT YOUR FLOWERS Honeybees can pick up a scent from over a kilometre away, so they should be able to sniff out your plants. If your garden is always in shade, they may choose to forage elsewhere, as plants need warmth for nectar release. LET YOUR HERBS RUN TO SEED "You have to let the herbs bolt. Don't pinch out the tops to stop them flowering, or they will be no good for the bees. I plant half for me for the kitchen, and half for the bees." CHOOSE OPEN FLOWERS "You want flowers that are open. Every time you add another layer of decorative petals, you are stealing from the food resources. A lot of very showy garden plants are not honeybee-friendly any more." The flowers she recommends include allium, cranesbill geraniums, asters, coneflowers and rudbeckias, thistles and

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helenium, while good climbers for honeybees include climbing hydrangea, Clematis armandii and wisteria. "You have to go back to the older, simpler varieties, which have a big, generous landing place for bees with yellow pollen and a ring of petals. That takes you to daisies a lot of the time." Some spring bulbs also prove more fruitful to the honeybee than others, including grape hyacinths and crocuses - but not daffodils. PLUS LARGER, LOW-MAINTENANCE PLANTS Hebes, rosemary and male holly will provide the necessary flowers. "If you have space, put a native fruiting hedge in such as dog rose, blackthorn and blackberry, because you are feeding many species from it including other insects, and making nesting space for the birds. Cherry trees, hawthorn, willow and field maple will all attract honeybees, while the best shrubs include ceanothus, buddleia, viburnum and wild rose. "If you have flowers which honeybees can easily access, then other pollinating insects will follow," Wyndham Lewis concludes. Planting For Honeybees by Sarah Wyndham Lewis is published by Quadrill, priced ÂŁ12. Available now.

ANTIQUES

THE SHED

By Stephen Cohu

The shed is a bit like the Spanish Inquisition, nobody expects it! (This is actually not true about the Inquisition as they gave two weeks’ notice before they visited!). We have now been in possession of our new shed for just over a year and we have already managed to entirely fill it from the back to the front with paintings, furniture, books and objets d’art of all descriptions.

THE OLD SHEDS Until February last year we had a collection of small sheds and large garages that housed our vast stock in an almost impossible to see way. Anybody having been treated to a look in the old sheds will remember the gymnastic ability that was required to view their contents. People coming to the shop would ask whether we had any large pine kitchen tables for sale. It would be rare for us to say “Sorry, we don’t at the minute” but a yes answer would result in a visit to one of our five sheds. On entry, the customer would be warned of trip hazards, dangers above and below and the risk of injury from collapsing stacks of chairs, tables, boxes etc….! It was an experience that few people would forget, particularly the requirement to use one’s full imagination as the only bit of the pine kitchen table that could be seen would be the bottom half of one leg in the completely inaccessible distance! THE HUNT FOR A SHED Enough was enough and the hunt for a new shed began. The total floor area of my five sheds totalled about 3500 square feet so we thought one large shed of about three to four thousand

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square feet would be perfect, allowing us to store our increasing stock in a way visible to the buying public. We missed a few sheds that were taken as soon as they became available and dismissed a few as the owners seemed to think they were worth the same rent as a prime retail outlet in King Street! Access was also an important requirement as we had previously learned from trying to squeeze Victorian wind out dining tables through cow stable doors. SALVATION! At the end of December 2016 we got wind of a very large shed that was going to be available at the bottom of Rue de Bas. We contacted the agent and arranged a viewing with the two existing tenants still in residence. It turned out that it was literally three quarters of a mile to the south of the shop and I had driven past it most days for many years. It was far too big for our requirements being over 7000 square feet! The price was right however so we immediately agreed to take it as soon as vacant possession was available. We had found out by accident that the shed was available via my colleague Sarah’s daughter’s friend who was the daughter of one of the tenants.

ANTIQUES

Although we agreed to take on the shed, we were concerned that we would never be able to fill it and that renting empty space is not good business sense. We needn’t have worried and the rest as they say is history! We took possession of the shed in February 2017 which turned out to be perfect timing as it was at this time that we purchased the entire stock of Brown’s Antiques who had decided to retire in health grounds (and no it wasn’t him in the dearly departed column in the JEP the other week but I did telephone him to check!). We have photographs of the shed when it was completely empty and it the size of an aircraft hangar. It was actually an old packing shed for tomatoes, last used about 40 years ago for that purpose. Since then it has been used for various different businesses including a carpet warehouse. We affectionately call it the shed firstly because it is actually called “The Shed” which is its official postal address name and secondly because it conjures up an image of a small garden shed and how could you fit much in that! ONE YEAR LATER One year later and you guessed it the shed is completely full from the back wall to the front roller doors. We never believed we could fill it but we have with extraordinary ease. Despite the vast space available we soon lost control of the organisation of the stock therein. Anyone that knows me well will be aware that I am an obsessively tidy individual with a place for everything and everything in its place, not! As soon as the shed started to fill, the system of neat rows soon began to become less neat, pictures were stacked against furniture, cardboard boxes of packed china and glass covered every surface! Once the access to the back of the shed became more restricted then a certain degree of chaos ensued with one firm of removers subsequently declining to deliver any further items to the building on health and safety grounds. Rather than being put neatly on display everything was just thrown in, piles of inaccessible treasure mixed with junk and rubbish lead to whole areas of the shed becoming no go areas as every access way became blocked. We had swapped four smaller totally untidy inaccessible sheds for one enormous one with exactly the same issues but on a way larger scale. We had tried so hard to keep things under control but we buy so much stuff it became impossible. Something had to be done so we have spent the last couple of months trying to get things back on track with a modest degree of success. Hundreds of boxes of china, glass and other objects have been unpacked onto shelves. Some of the dozens of boxes of randomly packed books have now found their way into the “book room” and been partially sorted. We have a nine year lease on the shed and we reckon by the middle of 2026 we might just about have it sorted! A VISIT TO THE SHED Customers come to shop and are often surprised by the size of the premises once they enter. From the road it looks like it is only the front part on the roadside but it actually consists of several showrooms totalling about 1500 square feet. People often describe the shop as being like the TARDIS but nothing can

prepare them for their first visit to the shed. As they enter, their jaws often drop in total amazement and disbelief as to the amount of stock we have in there. We make the bold claim that we have something for everyone and once they see inside few people will deny it! If you are used to buying from catalogues or online then a visit to the shed will be a whole new experience and one that you won’t forget in a hurry! The shed is not a shop, it is dry storage so don’t expect any frills, a little imagination may be required but it will be a worthwhile visit. No money or goods change hands in the shed, any business to be done is concluded back at the shop. THE FUTURE The shed is full, we have a house clearance next week and another to complete the week after. Where it is all going we don’t have a clue but buying something every day is necessary to feed our obsession, be it just a bit of scrap gold or a house full of traditional brown furniture. We rarely say no to anything and a visit to the shed will be all the confirmation you require. The shed is not open as such and to view will require a visit to the shop during normal opening hours. We look forward to giving you an eye opening experience and will almost certainly be able to supply whatever you require!

APRIL ISSUE | 45

HISTORY

Prince’s Tower:

Jersey’s Lost Landmark By Paul Darroch Strange to say, one of the most iconic monuments in Jersey’s history no longer exists. Prince’s Tower was once a spectacular landmark, a fairytale Gothic castle as flamboyant as that in any modern theme park. It stood boldly atop the ancient burial mound of La Hougue Bie in Grouville, soaring high above the medieval chapels that formed its foundation. The view from its turrets was reputedly stunning, with breath-taking panoramic views of the whole Island and the French coast beyond. Throngs of visitors paid sixpence each to climb to the very top of the tower, and Victorian guidebooks advised that it was worth every penny. In the nineteenth century, crowds sipped champagne in the pleasure gardens below, or visited the bowling-alley, or admired the peacocks that strolled in the grounds. Yet the story of how this strange Jersey folly came to be built is a curious one indeed. Philippe d’Auvergne, the Prince behind the Tower, was a mercurial, eccentric Jerseyman, born with adventure in his blood. By a curious series of events, he managed to talk his way into an astonishing inheritance. He somehow convinced the ageing Duc de Bouillon, whose rich ancestral enclave nestled by the French border, to anoint him as son and heir. La Hougue Bie had long been a place of legend and mystery; some said a dragon still slumbered there, buried deep within the mound. What better spot for a wouldbe Prince to build his castle? It certainly embodied both his dreams of greatness, and the popular Gothic fashion of the time. As a British spymaster during the French wars of revolution, Philippe manipulated a web of intrigue from his eccentric folly. Flags atop the tower secretly signaled to agents on the Normandy coast.

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Yet Philippe would never be crowned; his dreams were denied by the shifting sands of European politics. This would-be Prince died alone and bereft in a London hotel. After his death, the Tower soon became a tourist attraction. Gothic arches beckoned visitors into the chapel, whose floor was patterned with black and white tiles, like some cosmic chessboard. Further inside, a brace of leather-bound tomes graced a library, and pig-skin chairs stood in a regal dining room. The intended impression was of no mere folly, or leaky summer-house, but a baron’s stronghold, a mighty fortress of old. We can imagine the view that must have greeted a curious visitor in Queen Victoria’s day. Jersey stretches around us like a carpet at our feet. We can see almost the entire Island, and feel as if we are floating high above the sea, tethered to a tiny green pleasure-garden. We drink in a seagull’s-eye view, stretching across the parishes to the heights of St Peter’s Plain in the west. Thick cider orchards cloak every hill and valley. Beneath lie the meadows and mills of Queen’s Valley, and the brute hulk of Mont Orgueil. We watch the steam-trains of the new Jersey Eastern Railway snaking up the coast from Snow Hill. Beyond, the French coastline shimmers, and the spires of Coutances cathedral glisten like needles on the horizon. The view is sublime. So, what became of the Prince’s gorgeous, madcap fantasia? Rainfall wore down the lime mortar, and parts of its lead roof sheared off. Fashions changed, and as the Victorian era passed, so did its passion for the flamboyant and the Gothic. The building had become a sad embarrassment for the learned antiquarians of the Société Jersiaise, who longed to restore the chapels to their original form. False reports were spread

that the structure was in danger of imminent collapse. Eventually, one of the most precious and unique monuments in Jersey was demolished, cast down without pity. Jersey lost one of its irreplaceable jewels. Only its name still lingers on, captured only in a road name, in antique paintings and in the folk memory of our Island. Prince’s Tower has passed now beyond living memory, deep into the realm of history. In the words of Shelley, “Nothing beside remains”. Paul Darroch tells the story of Philippe d’Auvergne in Jersey: The Hidden Histories, which charts a panoramic journey through the turbulent life and times of our beautiful Island. The book is available throughout Jersey and on Amazon.

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L o b s t e r Ta i l

TRAVEL

delightful

Doha

by Rebecca Underwood

Falconry - a popular Qatari sport

Doha's skyline

Souq Waqif

Soaring above the azure Arabian sky bound for Doha, the capital of Qatar, we relaxed in style on board our Qatar Airways flight and gazed in wonder at the sight of the city, spread out below and crammed with ultra chic sky scrapers with each one demanding our undivided attention.

and oil reserves, often ranking as the world’s wealthiest nation in terms of GDP per capita. Rapid development abounds ahead of the emir’s successful application to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar is preparing to take centre position on the world’s sporting stage.

Qatar, located on the Arabian Gulf shoreline, features pristine beaches, mighty dunes and arid desert and Doha offers visitors an intriguing insight into a fascinating culture with the warmth of Qatari hospitality at its heart, and a tantalising glimpse of a rich and colourful history.

On our first day in Doha we took a leisurely stroll along the 7 kilometre Corniche and paused awhile to admire the glorious views across the glittering waters of Doha Bay and the colourful traditional wooden dhows bobbing on the surface with their sails billowing gently in the breeze. We then made our way to the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art, a striking building designed by the Chinese-American IM Pei, admired for his talents on a variety of projects featuring modernist architecture and focusing on open space and natural components. The museum, which opened in 2008, is located next to Doha’s port on an artificial peninsular, surrounded by a beautiful crescent shaped park. We gazed upon the most beautiful treasures, which form the world’s largest collection of Islamic art. Exhibits include enamel, wood and metal works, glass, ceramics, textiles and jewellery, originating from countries including Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Spain.

Leading up to the demise of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, Qatar became a British protectorate in 1916 and Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani was duly recognised as the ruler. In 1939 oil reserves were discovered approximately 60 kilometres outside Doha but due to the outbreak of WWII, exploration was postponed. In the 1950’s oil revenue soon surpassed the returns from fishing and pearling and Qatar’s economy flourished.

Qatari desert 48 | www.life-mags.com

Independence was declared in 1971 and following the accession of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in 1995, Qatar continues to thrive. This small peninsular covers only 11,500 sq kilometres, has a population of 2.55 million, and now holds the world’s third largest natural gas

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TRAVEL To learn more of Qatari history visit the abandoned settlement of Al Zubarah, a UNESCO World Heritage site located approximately 100 kilometres from Doha. This walled coastal town prospered greatly as a pearling and trading centre during the late 18th and early 19th centuries and links were forged with traders from Western Asia, the Indian Ocean and Arabia. Destroyed in 1811 and deserted in the early 1900’s the site, which features palaces, courtyard houses, mosques, fishermen’s huts, a harbour with double defensive walls, a canal and cemeteries, has been naturally preserved by the shifting desert sands. Al Zubarah’s success as a trading centre supported the major coastal towns throughout the region and this led to the development of small independent states that remained beyond foreign control which later resulted in the emergence of the Gulf States.

Qatari children on the beach

The most popular attraction for visitors, and the perfect spot to soak up the Qatari experience, is the Souq Waqif, located adjacent to Doha’s Corniche. The original traditional market, which stood on the same spot, dates back to the 1940’s, and has been extensively renovated, but parts of the original walls and some elaborately decorated doors remain intact. The narrow meandering alleyways, where seafaring traders once plied their wares, are crammed with small shops displaying all manner of trinkets, textiles and gold jewellery, high mounds of nuts and succulent dates and the intoxicating aromas of rich spices, wooden scented fragrant oils, incense, and Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom, hang in the air. We practiced our bartering skills with much success and then made our way to the falcon market, where the highest degree of bartering takes place and generous amounts of Qatari Riyals change hands. The ancient sport of falconry is practiced throughout Qatar and the prey of choice is the houbara bustard, which migrates south for the winter months. For those with a penchant for a high end shopping experience, the Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island off the West Bay coast, presents luxury boutiques and gorgeous Mediterranean-style marinas with sleek lined yachts jostling for position in front of waterfront restaurants. Known as the ‘Arabian Riviera’, this is an ideal spot to ‘chill’ and to recover from a credit card overload.

beach with breath-taking views across the Arabian Gulf and three outdoor swimming pools, and for those keen on outdoor activities there’s kayaking and paddle-boarding, banana boat rides, jet skis, jet boats and pedal boats. All accommodations feature a spacious balcony and are beautifully furnished with comfortable beds swathed in crisp, white linens. Bathrooms are very spacious with oversized tubs, walk-in showers and every amenity is provided. The service throughout the property is impeccable, and there is a wide choice of dining options including Rocca, a first class pool side Italian restaurant, which features an open kitchen and a wood fired stove. I sampled the succulent Penne Arrabiata, and accompanied by a cool glass of the 2013 Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay, it proved to be an outstanding dining experience. And as we admired the views of the tall palm trees we could hear their fronds rustling in the breeze and we raised our glasses in honour of the delights of Doha. 'Top tip' international flights Qatar Airways, the world's fastest growing airline and recipient of 2017 Skytrax Awards for the 'Airline of the Year' and 'Best Airline in the Middle East' and 'World's Best Business Class' offers direct flights from Heathrow to Doha. Opt for business class and take advantage of an unparalleled level of on-board comfort and service and adapt your space to suit your personal needs. For more information visit qatarairways.com ‘Top tip’ hotels

Fraser Suites West Bay For more information on the Fraser Suites West Bay visit https://westbay-doha.frasershospitality.com/en call +974 4495 5000 or email reservations.westbay-doha@frasershospitality.com. And for the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas visit https://doha.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html call +974 4448 1234 or email doha.grand@hyatt.com

Doha offers an extensive choice of glamorous hotels including the excellent Fraser Suites West Bay, located in the upmarket Diplomatic Area. This property provides the highest levels of comfort and service and features luxury accommodations including spacious deluxe rooms and one, two and three bedroom apartments, which are serviced daily and include fully equipped kitchens with washer/dryers. Facilities include WIFI and access to the gymnasium and there’s a gorgeous covered swimming pool, an adjacent open air area and a selection of very comfortable sun loungers. For visitors keen to take advantage of the freedom that apartment-style accommodation offers, this is the ideal place. The City Centre shopping mall is within walking distance there’s an enormous Carrefore supermarket. If you prefer not to prepare your own breakfast, head for the sumptuous buffet, served in hotel’s restaurant, The Social, and there’s an outdoor terrace, which is the perfect spot for ‘al fresco’ dining.

‘Top tip’ – LHR and Doha airport transfers Book a private transfer with Blacklane, partners of Qatar Airways. Take advantage of a reliable and punctual, first class service. Prices are all-inclusive and guaranteed in advance, so you can sit back and relax upon arrival. Visit blacklane.com for more information.

Should you prefer the splendour of traditional Arabic architecture, head for the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas, located in the desirable West Bay Lagoon area. The property, surrounded by beautiful, verdant landscaped gardens, offers a spectacular 400 metre private

‘Top tips’ – info, tours and activities For more information visit the Qatar Tourism Authority at www.visitqatar.qa and for tours and activities visit Qatar International Adventures at www.qia-qatar.com

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Grand Hyatt Hotel

Occupation Reconciliation The Life and Times of Michael Ginns MBE

...tells the life story of local Historian and Author, Michael Ginns MBE, whose life’s work (Occupation) was spent tirelessly in the pursuit of conciliation, reparation, continued freedom and liberty (Reconciliation).

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FASHION

DENIM UPDATES YOUR WARDROBE NEEDS THIS SEASON

From skirts to shoes, Katie Wright threads up spring's key denim trends. Denim never really goes out of style, but if Irish girl band B*Witched taught us anything with their late-Nineties music videos, the way you wear it certainly can. That's why it's vitally important that anyone worth their fashion salt stays bang up to date with the denim trends of today. For spring, that means much more than just jeans - and actually there is (whisper it) more than a hint of Nineties styling around. Here are the denim cuts, colours, washes - and even shoes - you need to know about this season...

THE JEANS Move over, mom jeans. The skinny is back (as if it ever really went away), with super-highwaisted styles big news for spring. Think you've got to be straight up and down to pour yourself into these tight trousers? Think again. The form-fitting cut accentuates your waist (and your curves) and some of the most flattering jeans on the high street this season are actually from plus-size brands.

THE SKIRT This is where the Noughties come in - spring's coolest denim skirts are darkest indigo denim with contrast stitching. A high-waisted A-line mini makes a great weekend staple, or you could tap into the pencil skirt trend with a knee-length denim number.

THE JACKET Last summer was all about distressed, borrowed-from-your-boyfriend acid wash denim jackets, and while fashion still favours a vintage vibe, now it's about cropped styles - all the better for teaming with your high-waisted jeans for a double denim delight.

For something slightly more dressy, a neat collarless denim jacket with pocket detailing is the casual equivalent of a boucle blazer and is the ideal cover-up for a floaty boho maxi.

THE DRESS Like the perfect pair of jeans, a great denim dress works for day or night, depending on how you accessorise it. For day, a simple shirt dress is a handy transitional piece (wear it with Western boots now and suede sandals later), while you can zhuzh up a statement denim dress with pointed-toe ankle boots for a fab Eighties feel.

5 52 | www.life-mags.com

THE SHOES What's the only thing better than double denim? That's right, TRIPLE denim. Throw the rule book out the window and add a pair of jeanlettos (yes, we did just make that word up) to your denim duo for the ultimate head-to-toe homage.

FASHION HOME LIVING

APRIL ISSUE | 53

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Retinol for All By Penny Downes of PENNYFEATHERS Beauty, St Clements As many of you have noticed that retinol has burst into our beauty cabinets and is the new buzz word for skincare. It's found in an increasing number of products and even been featured on the TV. In salon we are questioned about it and its benefits daily so here's the low down on one of the most potent anti ageing ingredients you can use each night to turn back the clock. Retinol is an over the counter mild version of tretinoin, a prescription vitamin A derivative that is highly effective in reversing sun damage and signs of aging. Regular use decreases fine lines, evens skin color, improves texture, tightens pores, and stimulates blood flow to help more collagen to be produced. The encouragement of cellular turnover means the new skin is delicate and should not be exposed to the sun so a high sunscreen should be used daily and the Retinol based products used at night. The Vitamin A derivative is rapidly broken down when exposed to the sun and air and will also be packaged in pumps or tubes with tight-fitting caps. Once opened, these products do not keep well and should be used within a couple of months. Beauty therapists and dermatologists strongly believe this simple ingredient can be used at any age and each decade of use can benefit us 54 | www.life-mags.com

in different ways. Using it in your twenties helps to defend skin In the fight against ageing, in your thirties its prevents ageing, when used in your fourties it protects the skin, when the menopause kicks in Retinol then targets and corrects damage caused by environmental and hormonal damage. Research by Dr Howard Murad shows four weeks of using a good Retinol serum each night can reduce skin damage considerably and 93% of candidates saw a difference in this short time. One issue I cant stress enough is that using daytime products containing retinol will have the opposite effect of AntiAgeing and actually make skin age faster because it is more susceptible to the sun, no matter the amount of SPF protection promised on your foundation or sunscreen. Retinolcontaining cleansers are simply a waste of money, because the retinol is washed down the drain and is not on the skin long enough to work. I wouldn't recommend the ingredient for anyone who is pregnant or breast feeding. Over all Retinol is good for us all, include it in your night routine and see your skin reveal its true youth and beauty. www.penny-feathers.co.uk

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE

Taking your first spin class

It'll super-charge your fitness regime, but braving that first class can feel intimidating. Liz Connor asks instructor Dan Little for his top tips for beginners Forget boxing or weights, anyone who's ever sweated their way through a spin class will know they're one of the most exhilarating and endorphin-pumping experiences you can have at the gym. This challenging workout format, which originated in New York and first became popular in the Nineties, uses a stationery bike with various resistance levels to challenge the rider's speed and endurance - often accompanied by pumping music, flashing lights and an enthusiastic instructor setting the pace! As well as building muscle and increasing cardio capacity, spin is a great way to shed fat; you can burn anywhere from 400-600 plus calories depending on the intensity and length of a class. But if you're new to the spin world, it can seem a little intimidating at first. But you really don't have to be a pro-cyclist to give it a go and reap the benefits. Here, Dan Little, head of fitness at

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boutique spinning studio Digme, shares his top tips for surviving and nailing - your first spin class... 1. GET YOUR BIKE SET UP CORRECTLY Turning up to the spin class can feel like the first day of secondary school; you'll probably spot a couple of regulars who know exactly what they're doing, while you're scratching your head at the back. It's worth arriving 10 minutes early so you can get your bike set up correctly, to make sure you're comfortable in the saddle and that you're not going to be pedalling towards injuries. If you're not sure, just ask the instructor to help. Little says: "Modern spin bikes are very easy to adjust, and the most important bit to get right is the height of the saddle. Stand next to the bike and feel on one side of your body for the top of your hip bone - the saddle should be about level with it.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

When you sit on the saddle, it should feel comfortable and your legs should have a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If you have to lock out your knees, the seat is probably a bit too high." Once the seat's in place, adjust the handlebars, ensuring they're not too close that your knees are rotating into them, and not so far away that you're over-reaching. 2. GET TO GRIPS WITH CYCLING SHOES A lot of spin studios provide clip-in cleats; shoes with protrusions on the sole that attach to the pedals (but check beforehand whether this is the case - and it's usually totally fine to wear regular trainers). These may seem scary if you haven't used them before, but they are very simple to use. The trick is to slot in the front part of the cleat, then push down hard until you hear a pronounced click. To un-clip, simply push your heels out firmly to the side. As you are on a static bike, there's also no danger of you getting stuck and falling off, as you might do on a road bike. Little says: "Being clipped in means you have a more efficient pedal stroke as you can pull up as well as push down. Your hamstrings and glutes therefore work harder than if you were cycling in trainers - trust me, this is a good thing!"

6. INVEST IN SOME PADDED SHORTS Specialist cycling shorts are not essential, but a little bit of light padding on the bum area won't go amiss, especially if you're not used to sitting on a saddle. You don't need to spend a fortune, but if you would prefer to wait until you have completed a session or two, you will be completely fine to take a class in a normal pair of leggings or shorts.

7. DON'T BLOW OUT IN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES

Little advises making sure you take a bottle of water to the class with you. Even with air-con and fans, a spin class gets very sweaty, so you'll definitely want to have a drink handy.

As with any cardiovascular exercise, it's important to learn to pace yourself so you can endure a 45-minute class. Little says: "It's really important to ease into the session with a warm-up of about five minutes, which prepares you for the session ahead. Don't be tempted to go off like a rocket - you will probably regret it and it will make the experience a lot less enjoyable if you are hanging on for the last 20 minutes."

4. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

8. ENJOY IT!

Use the instructor's guidance on gear range and speed as rough idea of how you should be performing. If you can't keep up, don't get disheartened. "Everyone is a beginner at some point, and there's no shame in not being able to match people in the room who are experienced riders," says Little. "Instructors are generally trained to give a wide range to cater for different levels of fitness, but even if that's too much, you can ease off a bit. If you need a break, take one. The beauty of spinning is that you're in complete control of how hard you work."

Spin classes are designed to be fun and exhilarating, so smile, enjoy the music, and get ready for the endorphin rush when you reach the finish line.

3. HYDRATE PROPERLY

5. DON'T DEATH-GRIP THE HANDLEBARS It's natural to feel like you need to hold on tightly when you're going hell for leather, but this could lead to painful injuries. Keep your shoulders relaxed and focus on transferring power from your legs to the pedals to maximise your ride, says Little, and keep your grip loose so you can take the pressure off your wrists and elbows.

APRIL ISSUE | 57

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

INSOMNIA With 70-80% of us struggling to sleep at any one time how do we win against this silent yet serious threat to our health?

Mark Shields takes a closer look... Tossing and turning, for no apparent reason, worrying about everything yet nothing, watching the clock as the hours tick away.

of transient insomnia are understandably sleepiness and impaired psychomotor performance which affect concentration.

Another sleepless night how will I be able to cope tomorrow?

2. Acute insomnia (Medium Term) This is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of three weeks to six months.

This is the question many of us find we ask ourselves after yet another terrible night’s sleep. It is known as insomnia however statistics suggest that you are not alone in the middle of the night even though you think you are. WHAT IS IT? A staggering 70-80% of the general population is affected by insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia, a much longer term and serious disorder. If you are female you surprisingly have 40% more chance of suffering with some type of insomnia than men are. This may be largely due to hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, and post natal issues and body changes. DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF INSOMNIA 1. Transient insomnia (Short Term) Whereby insomnia is intermittent due perhaps changes in your sleep environment, the timing of your sleep or is caused by stress and anxiety. It can last from a matter of days to weeks. The effects

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3. Chronic insomnia (Long Term) This can last from months to years. This can be affected by other disorders or can be the primary cause. WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES? The No 1 Cause for Insomnia in 2018 is Stress.Stress. As we progress into this millennium the stresses and strains of everyday life are most definitely taking their toll on us. Mental health issues caused by demanding pressures of work and home lives have a massive impact on our ability to relax and ultimately sleep. Many sufferers complain about lying awake at night for hours worrying about what’s happened during the day, or what they have to accomplish the following day. Others awake very early in the morning unable to return to sleep however hard they try. COMMON CAUSES OF INSOMNIA: • Hormonal Changes • Natural aging

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

• • • • • • • • •

Stress and Environment Parenthood Relationship Problems Work pressures Work/Home Life balance Anxiety and Depression Life changes Illness Pain

WHAT’S THE ANSWER? Make an Appointment with your GP. Many times people mistake other common sleep disorders for insomnia. This is one reason it is important you visit your GP for a full physical if you have trouble sleeping. Identify the Cause Firstly, list the reasons why you think you may be suffering from any type of sleep disorder. The GP will be able to carry out some simple tests and can work with you to help identify insomnia symptoms and the causes for your inability to sleep or stay asleep. THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS How are circadian rhythms related to sleep? Circadian rhythms help determine our sleep patterns. The body’s master clock, or SCN, controls the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. It receives information about incoming light from the optic nerves, which relay information from the eyes to the brain. When there is less light - like at night - the SCN tells the brain to make more melatonin so you get drowsy. Researchers are studying how shift work as well as exposure to light from mobile devices during the night may alter circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. Do circadian rhythms affect body function and health? Yes. Circadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature, and other important bodily functions. Biological clocks that run fast or slow can result in disrupted or abnormal circadian rhythms. Irregular rhythms have been linked to various chronic health conditions, such as sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. MARKS TOP TEN INSOMNIA BUSTING TIPS IN 2018 1. Exercise One of the greatest ways to overcome insomnia is to ensure you take regular exercise. The brain is therefore regularly releasing endorphins the body’s natural opiates, and reduces stress and anxiety. In addition we are burning energy and fat which results in natural tiredness setting in. 2. Relaxing Techniques Many people use relaxing CDS or read a book prior to bedtime. This is known as a distraction technique and focuses your mind away from any worries of the day. You can buy relaxation and hypnotherapy CDS which are excellent and have helped many of my clients. Deep Sleep by Glen Harold is in my opinion the best option out there.

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3. Bedtime routine It is very important to establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. Many people start their routine with a warm night time drink and relaxing bath. They may read for a while before turning off the light at the same time every night. 4. Bedroom Environment Make sure that you bedroom is well ventilated so that there is plenty of fresh air circulating in the room. Also, peaceful colour schemes can aid relaxation so if you do suffer with sleeping disorders try decorating your room in calming colours. Spray a mist of fabric freshner on the pillow before you get in bed or you can purchase room or pillow sprays from many high street chemists. 5. Caffeine Caffeine can stay present in the body for up to forty hours after intake, therefore, a cup of coffee drank at lunchtime can potentially impact the next 2 nights sleep. My advice to anyone suffering with insomnia is to give up caffeine altogether and switch to alternatives such as herbal teas which are caffeine free. 6. Food Ensure you don’t eat anything within four hours of going to bed. Food is the body’s fuel and you don’t want to be ready for take off just before bedtime. 7. Cigarettes & Alcohol Avoid both of these completely before bedtime. They are both stimulants and trigger the body’s defence systems that release adrenaline into the body. Nothing could be worse just before bed. In addition the liver will have finished processing the alcohol some hours later which results in early morning waking .4.00AM and an inability to get back to sleep is almost guaranteed. 8. Make a note Be prepared for any night time worries and have a notepad by the bed so you can right any worries or to dos for the following day. Close the book and forget about them till the morning. 9. Accept you are not alone Take some comfort and accept you are not alone. Whilst you are lying there out of both your neighbours odds are one of them is also suffering in exactly the same way. It is common. The more you fight it and the harder you try the more difficult it becomes. Reverse your thinking try to stay awake and see how long you can before you drop off. 10. Sleeping Tablets Herbal and over the counter tablets such as Nightol can help for short term sleep disruption. They can be purchased in chemists and do help to restore people to normal sleeping patterns. Your GP may prescribe sleeping medication on prescription. They are very effective and simply work by slowing the communication vehicles in the brain down therefore reducing stress and anxiety. The downside is people can become dependent on them and they can have side effects such as headaches and morning drowsiness. Written by Mark Shields - Life & Business Coach www.lifepractice.co.uk 01462 431112

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When Rev. Richard alights our shores

MARCH 2018 | www.life-mags.com

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An interview with Richard Coles

A recipe for love

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Reasons why Turmeric is scientifically good for you Spicy, golden and warm in flavour, turmeric's therapeutic properties can ward of flu and boost your mood, says Liz Connor

Like avocados, kale and chia seeds before it, turmeric is one of those cure-all ingredients that seems to have blown up out of nowhere. Scroll through any millennial's Instagram feed and you'll likely spot a few riffs on the golden wonder spice; turmeric lattes, spicy rice, aromatic golden soup. According to a recent report by Waitrose, it's even overtaken cinnamon as the most popular spice in our kitchen cupboards, while Google searches for it are up 75% in the last five years. This potent plant of the ginger family grows wild in the forests of Southeast Asia, and has long been a staple in Pakistani, Indian, Persian and Thai diets. But is it just a fad or are there actual benefits to the wonder spice? Here, we've found some science-backed reasons why you should tap into its healing potential.

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1. It decreases inflammation We're all probably a little too familiar with joint pain, with arthritis affecting about 10 million people in the UK. Researchers have found that curcumin, the bright yellow chemical produced by turmeric, is capable of interacting with a variety of molecules involved in inflammation, easing swelling, aches and pains in the joints and muscles. In fact, a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that cucurmin may be just as effective as aspirin and ibuprofen at suppressing the body's inflammatory response. 2. It has antioxidant effects Antioxidants are pretty important substances; they protect your cells against the effects of free radicals - unpaired electrons that scavenge the body to seek out other electrons so they can become a pair. The damage caused by free radicals has been linked to premature ageing, a host of neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

As well as bolstering the body's natural antioxidant function by increasing glutathione levels, studies have found curcumin's molecular structure can even neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, lessening the chances of disease. 3. It can keep the heart healthy Heart and circulatory disease causes more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK; that's nearly 160,000 deaths each year at an average of one death every three minutes. Multiple studies have found that the yellow pigment in turmeric root can help to maintain the function of the interior lining of your blood vessels. One study published in the Nutrition Research journal in 2012 even found that curcumin may be as effective in improving vascular function in post-menopausal women as a moderate exercise routine. 4. It reduces the symptoms of depression As well as being good for your heart and your joints, turmeric could also help to improve your mood. Research has shown that curcumin has a similar effect as antidepressants on patients suffering from depression, mood swings and anxiety, and studies on mice found that daily doses of turmeric can even increase the amount of happy hormones (serotonin and dopamine) in the brain.

5. It boosts immunity Thanks to its lipopolysaccharide content, turmeric can help stimulate the body's immune system, helping you to avoid cold, flu and coughs. Its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agents also help to bolster immunity during the winter months. With winter clinging on a little longer than usual this year, try switching your morning coffee for a turmeric tea, to help give your immune system an extra boost.

APRIL ISSUE | 63

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

COULD TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION BE THE KEY TO

Beating Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stress Epidemic Liz Connor speaks to guru Bob Roth about the mental health benefits of silent mantra meditation We're all pretty familiar with the concept of meditation, but have you heard of 'transcendental meditation'? Well, it's having a moment as the current stress-busting buzzword of choice (and with four out of five of us feeling stressed during a typical week, and some 12.5 million working days lost to work-related stress last year, it might be worth tuning it). Billed as a simple and effortless technique - that can diffuse negative thoughts and promote a state of relaxed awareness it's become a go-to solution for more than six million people worldwide, with everyone from business leaders and scientists, to students and politicians giving it a go.

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Bob Roth, one of Hollywood's most sought-after meditation experts, has just written a book on the practice, called Strength In Stillness: The Power Of Transcendental Meditation (ÂŁ12.99, Simon and Schuster). He trained with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, counts Ellen DeGeneres, Katy Perry and Russell Brand as fans, and he even taught Jerry Seinfeld to meditate ("Jerry told me that if he'd been meditating twice a day when he was writing Seinfeld, it would still be on the air"). Roth wrote the book - a no-nonsense guide to the technique and how it works - to illustrate that you don't need to be a 'spiritual person' to tap into the stress-relieving benefits of meditation.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

"Stress is a very real deadly epidemic. You can't just blow it off by saying, 'I'm just going to muscle through', because it's killing us. We mask it with coffee and alcohol, and we self-medicate, but there's no pill that will magically get rid of it," he says. According to Roth, the health benefits of building a daily practice of transcendental meditation are bountiful. Research funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests the technique could be the most effective mind-body practice for reducing stress and its related disorders, including hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and atherosclerosis. "It's been shown by research to reduce high blood pressure, risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorders - basically any disorder that caused or exacerbated by stress," says Roth. "And on the positive side? You can experience more creativity, more energy and more focus." This growing field of scientific research, Roth says, is the reason why 'TM' (as it's known) is now being offered in some schools, military bases and companies - the US defence department has reportedly just invested 2.4million US dollars into a study on the effects of TM on PTSD in soldiers. If you've tried the popular Headspace app and mindfulness meditation before but didn't get on especially well with it, don't write off TM too soon. It differs completely from other forms of meditation, as it does not involve concentrating, or trying to empty the mind, or be really 'in the present'.

Roth says it's best to seek out a course with a certified teacher, who will guide you through personalised instruction and present you with a mantra to concentrate on (a meaning-free one, or two-syllable word that comes from the Vedic traditions of India). The TM technique involves repeating this mantra over and over, until all meaning melts away and the mind stills into a state of inner silence. Once you've mastered this, anyone can adopt the practice at home, ideally meditating for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night. Aside from his celebrity following, Roth is passionate about teaching at-risk groups, like survivors of domestic abuse, inmates and inner-city students, the life-long skill. "That's one of the beautiful things about meditation," he says, "because anyone, whether they're a celebrity or kid living in New York, can pick it up like that." Roth is chief executive of the David Lynch Foundation (davidlynchfoundation.org), a charity set up by the celebrated film director, who has been practising TM for over 40 years. The non-profit organisation works with children and adults in the US, particularly those who are disadvantaged and at greater risk, to manage stress-related disorders that can fuel violence, crime and ill health, and compromise the effectiveness of education, healthcare and rehabilitation. Now the foundation is launching a pilot in the UK with two schools in London, to illustrate the benefits of meditation on young minds.

APRIL ISSUE | 65

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Researchers will measure the students for changes to attention span, stress levels and academic performance. Roth's hope is that he can successfully roll out the practice to more schools across the country. "If adults are swimming in an ocean of stress, our children are drowning in it," says Roth. "The child's brain is sculpting the adult brain, so if they're anxious and not sleeping well, it can become a bigger problem later in life. It's just like we teach physical education; I think within two to three years, this is going to be part of school education." Roth doesn't exactly look like a typical meditation guru. When we meet, he's dressed in a suit, with a smart, business-like haircut he wouldn't look out of place on a commuter train. It turns out, people are often a little surprised when they meet him. "I got a call that Tom Hanks wanted to learn to meditate," says Roth. "I met him at his house and he was was visibly shocked at my appearance. When I asked why, he said, 'I thought you were going to be wearing yoga pants and have a man bun'. "I'm a very sceptical person," he says, adding: "I'm not into 'woo woo' stuff, but the great thing about transcendental meditation is that you can be thoroughly sceptical and the technique will still be fully effective, kind of like how you can be sceptical about gravity but we are still sitting here." So how does a 67-year-old sceptic feel after practising meditation, every day, for 45 years? "Resilient is a good word,"

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says Roth. "I feel good; I have more energy now at 67, I sleep better, I'm more focused now then I would have been 30 years ago. "The benefits keep growing. I don't sleep that many hours at night - it's not because of insomnia, but all these years of meditating, my body is just more resilient. "I am just more me and I enjoy life more. I wake up excited for the next day"

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MOTORING

THE ALL NEW MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS By Jamie Fisher Another impressive SUV to join the Mitsubishi stable, The Eclipse Cross sits perfectly between the ASX and Outlander. With its stunning looks and superb performance the Eclipse Cross not only drives and handles well, has a great fuel economy and a very affordable price tag. It has four wheel drive, stylish looks and a well designed cockpit. This is a very practical vehicle for island driving, not too big for the Parish lanes with a great deal of visibility.

Facts at a glance Model as tested: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ‘4’ Engine: 1.5 litre four-cylinder turbo petrol Power: 161 bhp Torque: 250 Nm Max Speed: 124 mph 0-60 mph: 9.6 seconds Economy: 40.4 mpg Emissions: 159 g/km

68 | www.life-mags.com

MOTORING

WHAT'S NEW? The Eclipse Cross sits on the same platform as the Outlander, a great deal of alterations have been made and Mitsubishi claim that they share very few components. The front of the Eclipse carries the same bold looks as others in the stable while boasting an all new engine and gearbox. It is the first Mitsubishi to be created by Tsunehiro Kinimoto, the company’s current design boss. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The Eclipse has a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine which produces 161 bhp and has a superb all round fuel economy of 40.4 mpg. Mitsubishi say that Hybrid models are on the way. There is the option of a manual or automatic gearbox, the vehicle that I test drove had an automatic gearbox which had a very smooth transition through the gears and delivered a pleasant fuel economy whilst driving around our warren of island lanes.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The Eclipse Cross is a very well equipped car at entry level. The ‘2’ cars have an infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, cruise and climate control and a rear view camera. ‘3’ trim comes with 18’ alloy wheels, a head up display, heated front seats and keyless go, the top specification ‘4’ gains leather upholstery, panoramic roof, LED headlamps, all-round cameras, adaptive cruise control and lane-change assist. VERDICT The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a very well thought out vehicle, superb level of trim, powerful engine, good fuel economy, spacious and eye catching. All this at an affordable price.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The seating position is nice and high in the Eclipse Cross and excellent all round vision ads to a great view while having to navigate granite walls in the country parishes. A dynamic car to drive, which is exactly what Mitsubishi have concentrated on. HOW DOES IT LOOK? The Split rear window complemented by the panoramic glass roof (which was on the car that we test drove) make this a very striking vehicle. Mitsubishi have also combined the very stylish front of the Eclipse, in keeping with the rest of stable. WHAT IS IT LIKE INSIDE? Very easy on the eye with soft touch plastics and an infotainment system that is very easy to navigate with the mouse like touch pad, don’t do what I did and try going around in circles like a traditional keypad mouse… You can only go up or down and side to side, again makes the whole system very easy to navigate, a definite winner. There is a great deal of legroom both front and rear with the rear seat being able to slide as well as recline, which helps balance luggage. There is a good size boot too, which is perfect for a number of holdalls as well as carrying the family dog! APRIL ISSUE | 69

RECIPE

h c n u L y a d n u S La zy

Get together with friends and family for a lazy Sunday lunch and share delicious Slow Cooked Shoulder of Lamb with Rosemary Scented Shallots – A great traditional family favourite.

SLOW COOKED SHOULDER OF LAMB WITH ROSEMARY SCENTED SHALLOTS Serves: 6 Prep time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 4 - 5 hours You’ll need: 1 boneless shoulder of lamb 1 head of garlic ½ bunch of rosemary 2 peeled carrots 50ml olive oil Salt and pepper 400g whole round peeled shallots 20g tomato puree Pinch of flour 1 litre of chicken stock Ask your butcher to take out the bone of the shoulder but give it to you to use in the pan when roasting the shoulder to help make the gravy.

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What to do: Go over the joint and remove any large fat deposits or unsightly skin. Stab the joint several times over with the tip of a small sharp knife and insert one ½ clove of garlic per incision. Also stick in a little sprig of rosemary per incision to enhance the flavour. Place the shoulder on the lamb bones with the 2 carrots cut just in half, drizzle over the olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper. Place in the oven at 160c for 4-5 hours, covering with a sheet of foil for the first 3 hours. With one hour to go, throw in the peeled shallots and remove the foil. When the lamb is cooked and the shallots are also cooked, remove everything from the tray and allow to rest somewhere warm. Add the tomato puree and flour to the cooking tray and place back on the stove to cook slightly. Then add the stock and bring to the boil. Strain through a very fine sieve into a clean pan and bring back to the boil, season if required. Carve the lamb onto a warm serving dish, place the shallots around and put the gravy in to a sauce boat.

www.UKshallot.com

RECIPE

ROASTED BRITISH ASPARAGUS WITH CHILLI AND LIME BUTTER A zesty butter with a spicy kick, so simple to make, chill in the fridge until needed, then mop up the melted butter with the asparagus spears for a light accompaniment. Cooking time: 8 minutes Preparation time: 5 minutes Serves: 4 You’ll need: 100g butter 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely diced 2 tbs fresh coriander, finely chopped ½ tsp cumin seeds, roughly ground juice ½ lime 2 bundles British asparagus Salt and pepper for seasoning 1 lime for garnish What to do: Bring the butter to room temperature then mix in the chilli, coriander, ground cumin and lime juice, add a good twist of black pepper then place onto a sheet of clingfilm. Roll into a sausage shape then chill in the fridge. Trim the ends of the asparagus and place on a roasting tray, drizzle with some oil, season and roast in an oven set at 200°c / 180°c fan for 6-8 minutes. Place the asparagus spears onto serving plates and top with a slice of the butter, serve with a wedge of lime. www.british-aspargus.co.uk

ROAST POTATOES, PARSNIPS AND SHALLOTS WITH PANCETTA AND BAY LEAVES Preparation Time; 10 minutes Cooking Time; 1 ½ hours Serves : 6 You’ll need: 1.5kg Potatoes, medium sized, peeled 900g parsnips, medium sized, peeled 2 tbsp plain flour 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped, plus a few sprigs 6-8 tbsp rapeseed oil 12 shallots, peeled 200g pancetta, roughly chopped 6 whole bay leaves Sea salt and black pepper What to do: Preheat oven to 200°C/Gas 6 Cut any large potatoes in half and all of the parsnips in half lengthways, cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 8 minutes or until par-boiled. Meanwhile cook the parsnips in the same way in another pan for 4 minutes. Drain the potatoes well then return to the pan and cover, shake the pan to roughen the edges of the potatoes. Drain the parsnips and toss them in the flour, chopped thyme and seasoning. Pour the rapeseed oil into a large roasting tin and heat in the oven; you need around 1cm of oil in the tin. Add the potatoes and turn them over in the oil using a slotted spoon. Roast uncovered for 15-20 minutes, remove the tin from the oven and turn the potatoes, add the parsnips and shallots and turn them in the oil too. Roast for a further 35-40 minutes then turn all of the vegetables again, add the pancetta. Increase the heat to 220°C/Gas 7 for a further 15-20 minutes, adding the thyme sprigs and bay leaves for the final 10 minutes. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and black pepper and serve immediately www.UKshallot.com

APRIL ISSUE | 71

WINE

Wine buying tips by Martin Flageul DipWSET, Wine Consultant

Maybe you are new to wine shopping but even if you have been buying wine for ages, here are few tips that might help to improve your selection and enjoyment of wine. Speak to the Staff Most people working in a wine shop are excited and enthusiastic about the wines that they sell and very often will have had the opportunity to taste many of them, therefore offer sound advice. Never be afraid to ask questions as more than likely your salesperson will have an in-depth knowledge of the store’s range and be able to point you in the right direction of a wine or wines that you will enjoy. Price Often Does Have a Bearing on Quality There can be some bargain bottles of wine found at around £5.00 - £6.00 per bottle but these are few and far between so if you really want something delicious you can expect to pay at least £8.00 - £9.00 per bottle and upwards. Once again, people who work in the wine store will be able to advise you on any special offers or bargain bottles so don’t be embarrassed to ask. You should also ask if they have any up and coming deals and also if they have a mailing list that could keep you updated. Screwcaps Screwcaps certainly do not mean inferior quality wine, in fact many wine makers prefer to bottle their wines under screwcap because it protects from cork taint. Whilst cork closures continue to be used for sealing of most top quality fine wines, particularly in Europe – seventy per cent of all New Zealand wines are now sealed with screwcap closures. Aromatic wines such as Sauvignon Blanc are often considered to keep fresher and more vibrant by the use of Stelvin. Returning a Bad Bottle We all have experienced it – opening a bottle of wine to discover that something is not right. Do not pour the wine away but replace the cork or use a seal to stop any further contact with air and return it to the wine store at your earliest opportunity. Any decent shop that cares about its customers will take the offending bottle back and either replace or offer a credit. Adventurous Don’t ‘play it safe’ by sticking to the same wine over and over again, otherwise your knowledge and experience will never improve. Wine should be an adventure and by trying new wines you will find that you’ll be glad that you did – you wouldn’t eat fish and chips every night, would you? Why not try wines from Greece, Romania, China or Russia; these countries and many more are producing some very good quality wines.

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Take Your Time and Always Ask Browsing wine shops can be very rewarding, especially if you have time to discuss your like and dislikes with a member of staff. Whilst labels and bottle presentations can catch your eye, there are some wines that remain dressed in their traditional and sometimes more mundane packaging but nevertheless these wines can very often be excellent. Try not to make snap decisions when purchasing wine and your time taken is more likely to rewarded when you open your bottle. It is not usual to get discount if you only buy one or two bottles but many merchants do offer discounts on full cases of either six or twelve bottles, so always ask. The discount is always a bonus but by having a case or two of wine at home means that you do not need to make hurried decision when you next have guests. Wine buying and browsing a good wine store can be almost as enjoyable as pulling the cork – almost!

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BOOK of the month... MANDALAS FOR THE SOUL A new book by Jersey author LUCY HODGES - she previews her book here By now, many people are familiar with Mandalas. Colouring them in has become an extremely popular pastime for many people, who have discovered how satisfying and calming it can be to disconnect from the daily thrum and anxiety of life and immerse themselves in this seemingly childlike activity. But what if our interaction with Mandalas could do more for us? This is exactly what I set out to achieve in this book, I aim to take them to a new level. Each Mandala has been lovingly researched to create alchemy in our souls, to help release the trauma and sadness of the past or just every day tensions and anxieties. Someone recently pointed out, they are like icons. They work deep into our psyches way beyond our linear understanding. *Come along to my Book Launch at Waterstones, Wednesday 18 April, 6pm. There will be free wine and canapĂŠs! www.lucyhodgescoaching.com www.phytob.com lucy@lucyhodgescoaching.com

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Eclipse Cross range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 34.4 – 35.3 (8.2 – 8.0), Extra Urban 45.6 – 49.6 (6.2 – 5.7), Combined 40.4 – 42.8 (7.0 – 6.6), CO2 emissions 159 - 151 g/km.