THE JERSEY LIFE

JANUARY 2019 | www.life-mags.com

Happy New Year...

Happy New You!

home | beauty | food and drink | motoring | the arts | fashion | travel | property | business | health | garden | antiques

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

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.

Well here we are again; at the beginning of a New Year not knowing what will be, but living in hope that our loved ones will be well and cared for throughout. 2019 is set to be a year of change and of course change can be uncomfortable in the first instance, it’s only in looking back, we oft realise it was all for the best…

So with ‘new beginnings’ in mind we have several health and resolution articles for your enjoyment. Interview is with Sue Fernandes, Senior Youth Worker at The Yes Project, The link, Colomberie. Her life has been through many changes to bring her to where she is today; helping young people achieve their goals.

This month also seemed most appropriate to share with you the Grand Finale in our case study series about young Adam who has benefited greatly from the work of Claire de Gruchy at The Shalbeck Life Centre.

Read this amazing and heart-warming story on page 22.

Mark Shields is talking about business in 2019 and our fashion feature bigs-up the ‘cape’ trend this winter, fitting in very nicely with our Ski Feature from page 35 onwards.

December edition’s crossword solutions: Across: 1 Page; 3 Departed; 9 Affront; 10 Joint; 11 Freestanding; 13 Record; 15 Accrue; 17 Recalcitrant; 20 Ennui; 21 Drought; 22 Pretence; 23 Fell.

Down: 1 Platform; 2 Gaffe; 4 Entrap; 5 Adjudication; 6 Thinner; 7 Duty; 8 Conservative; 12 Teetotal; 14 Cleanse; 16 Acidic; 18 Argue; 19 Weep.

Road test takes us through what to look for when buying your first supercar and gardening looks at the top 10 gardening trends for 2019.

So like you I will be riding the waves of change this year, with all the inevitable crests and troughs, but I’m sure once we touch down on the other side, we will look back and see that all was good!

As they say in Jèrriais;

‘Bouonne Année’

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.

January 2019 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 26 SAY YES TO VOLUNTEERING An interview with Sue Fernandes

NEW YEAR! NEW YOU! 10 STAVE OFF WINTER TIREDNESS Tips on beating seasonal fatigue

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12 HOME LIFE RESOLUTIONS FOR A CALMER 2019 NEW YEAR goals must start at home

14 BUSINESS SUCCESS IN 2019

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Commitment, competence and staff confidence

by Mark Shields

18 BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR FAMILIES

By Brighter Futures Jersey

20 ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS, LIVE THE LIFE WE DREAM OF

By Lorraine Pannetier 4 | www.life-mags.com

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DEALERS IN FINE ANTIQUES, WORKS OF ART, JEWELLERY AND OBJECTS

We are the Channel Islands’ leading purchaser of antiques, jewellery and effects.

This, together with my extensive experience and knowledge enable us to offer the most comprehensive service in the Islands, whether buying or selling.

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

La Grande Route De St Laurent • Jersey • JE3 1NJ Tel: 01534 485177 • www.stephencohuantiques.com Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm. Anytime by appointment. Resident on premises.

NEW YEAR! NEW YOU! 22 CLAIRE DE GRUCHY Case study VI – The Grand Finale

HEALTH AND BEAUTY 32 ADVANCED ANTIAGEING

By Penny Downes of Pennyfeathers

34 FEELING BETTER ABOUT MY BODY AFTER CHILD BIRTH

By Lisa Salmon

FAMILY 28 THE RIGHTS TO A CHILD

By Advocate Barbara Corbett

SKI FEATURE 36 THINKING OF HITTING THE SLOPES Seven reasons skiing is good for your body

38 CHILLED OUT WINTER STAYS Five of the best igloo hotels

40 SLOPING OFF TO CATALONI

By Beth Littler

42 OUR TOP FIVE SKI RESORTS Skiing for all abilities

46 PINTS ON THE FRENCH PISTE

By Nicholas McAvaney

HOME AND GARDEN

36

48 HOW TO LIVE LARGE: Space-saving hacks for homes with limited room

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52 PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR:

By Sam Wylie-Harris

58 EAT YOUR HEART OUT

By Gabrielle Fagan

62 TOP GARDEN TRENDS 2019

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By Hannah Stephenson

FASHION 30 THE ONLY OUTWEAR YOU’LL NEED THIS SEASON It’s all about the cape by Katie Wright

TRAVEL 66 TOUCH DOWN ON THE SPACE COAST

By Rebecca Underwood

MOTORING 68 MERIDIEN MODENA Ferrari Dealer of the year 2018

70 BUYING YOUR FIRST SUPERCAR This is what you need to know 6 | www.life-mags.com

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GALLICHAN JEWELLERS 1845

Celebrating 174 years For the one you love on

16 Royal Square. St Helier

01534 722915 ejgallichan@gmail.com

what’s on...

Our selection of events to enjoy in Jersey this month

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

Arts & Culture Jersey Writers Social Group The Jersey Writer's Social Group was formed during October 2017 by local author James Sillwood. The group has gone from strength to strength since its first meeting and provides an easy-going, friendly and supportive environment for anyone interested in writing.

Members of any age and with any level of experience are welcome, whether they be published authors, or someone who simply enjoys writing as a hobby. Come along and see for yourself!

Every Tuesday: 11am – 12:30pm Jersey Library contact James at jerseywritersgroup@gmail.com Free admission: no booking necessary

The Sleeping Beauty A traditional pantomime containing all the elements of this much-loved fairy tale, with some novel additions and a little bit of magic.

Will the three Fairy Godmothers foil the evil plans of the wicked Olga Pong and her son Gormless? Will Prince Handsome help to save the day? With lots of foot-tapping music, the usual pantomime gags, and plenty of opportunities to boo the baddies and cheer the goodies, this is a fun-packed show for all the family.

9th to 20th January 2019 19:30 to 22:00 Contact: + 44 (0) 1534 700400 The Arts Centre, St Helier enquiries@artscentre.je + 44 (0) 1534 700400 www.artscentre.je

MET OPERA: Adriana Lecouvreur For the first time at the Met, soprano Anna Netrebko sings the role of Adriana Lecouvreur, the eighteenth-century actress whose real-life intrigues inspired Cilea’s tragic opera. Adriana is adored by many but loves only Maurizio, sung by tenor Piotr Beczała, who adores her in return. Maurizio desperately tries to extricate himself from his previous lover, the Princess of Bouillon— mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili. You’ll find us in Gloucester Street in St Helier, opposite the General Hospital. We’re a 5 minute walk from the main town shopping area and the bus terminus, Liberation Station.

Jersey Opera House Gloucester Street 13 January 2019 ~ 18:00 to 22:00 Contact: + 44 (0) 1534 511115 boxoffice@jerseyoperahouse.co.uk www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk

EVENTS

Arts & Culture Food and Art - January Talk At Arts Society Jersey Sugar sculpture and 3D dessert printing feature in the ‘Food and Art through the Ages’ talk to be given by Tasha Marks at the Arts Society Jersey meeting at the Royal Yacht Hotel, St Helier. The UK food historian and artist will be discussing the relationship of food to art beginning with the 16th century and continuing to the future of food. Open to all members. Others who wish to attend should contact carolyn@theartssocietyjersey.org. The Arts Society Jersey is part of a worldwide network of 90,000 people who share an interest in the arts.

Tuesday 15 January Doors open at 6.00 for 6.45 Royal Yacht Hotel, St Helier Contact: carolyn@theartssocietyjersey.org National Theatre Live: The Tragedy of King Richard the Second Simon Russell Beale plays William Shakespeare’s Richard II, broadcast live from the stage of the Almeida Theatre in London to cinemas. This visceral new production about the limits of power will be directed

by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre.

Jersey Opera House Gloucester Street 15th January 2019 ~ 19:00 to 22:00 Contact: +44 (0) 1534 511115 boxoffice@jerseyoperahouse.co.uk www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk André Rieu 2019 New Year Concert from Sydney One of Event Cinema’s biggest names, André Rieu, returns with a major new production this New Year’s 2019! The King of Waltz André Rieu will bring to millions of fans across the world, his New Year’s concert recorded live in Sydney, Australia. The first full production from leading Event Cinema distributor Piece of Magic Entertainment, André Rieu will present a festive concert like never before, recorded live in Sydney’s iconic Town Hall.

27 January 2019 15:00 to 19:00 Jersey Opera House Gloucester Street, St. Helier Contact: +44 (0) 1534 511115 boxoffice@jerseyoperahouse.co.uk www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk Flo and Joan: Alive on Stage Following a sell-out run of their critically acclaimed 2017 show The Kindness of Stranglers, musical comedy duo and sisters Flo & Joan are travelling the country with a new hour of their dark and witty songs.

30th January 2019 20:00 to 22:00 The Jersey Arts Centre Phillips Street, St. Helier Contact: + 44 (0) 1534 700444 enquiries@artscentre.je www.artscentre.je

Sports & Out and About Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association A friendly welcome to all visitors for Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Dancing on selected Saturday evenings.

Please bring your own refreshments. St. Lawrence Parish Hall is located in the middle of the island, past the turning for Hamptonne Country Life Museum.

Route 7: Liberation Station - St Johns Church 12th & 26th January 2019 ~ 20:00 to 23:00 9th February 2019 ~ 20:00 to 23:00 St. Lawrence Parish Hall La Grande Route de St. Laurent Contact: +44 (0) 1534 736688 stlawrence@posl.gov.je www.parish.gov.je/StLawrence/Pages/events.aspx

World Wetlands Day with The National Trust for Jersey Come along to the Wetland Centre in St. Ouen’s Bay, to enjoy activities to mark World Wetlands Day. With guided walks around the island, talks and guidance from bird-watching experts as well as crafts and games for children in the classroom, there will be something for everyone! Route 22: Liberation Station - L'Etacq 02 February 2019 ~ 09:00 to 18:00 The Jersey Wetland Centre Grande Route des Mielles Contact: + 44 (0) 1534 483193 enquiries@nationaltrust.je

Jersey Reds Games Rugby has been played in Jersey since 1879; the club acquired their home near Jersey Airport in 1961 and opened a new clubhouse in 1994. The Reds were promoted five times between 2005-2012 and now play in the Greene King IPA Championship, the second tier of English Rugby. Come and watch the Jersey Reds and enjoy the family atmosphere at St. Peter, which has seen significant ground improvements in recent seasons. Couple minutes walk from the Airport and St. Peter's Garden Centre. Located right by the Jersey Bowling Alley. There is free car parking available.

Route 9: Liberation Station - Greve de LecqRoute 15: Liberation Station - Airport 12 January 2019 15:00 to 18:00 19 January 2019 15:00 to 18:00 09 February 2019 14:00 to 17:00 Jersey Rugby Club Rue des Landes, St. Peter Contact: +44 (0) 1534 499929 enquiries@jerseyreds.je Sea Foraging & Oyster Trail In the past, Jersey folk called it low water fishing.

Today it's called foraging. Whatever the name, join us on a marine wild food foray as we stroll down to the largest oyster beds in the British Isles. We'll reveal what you can forage from the sea and share stories of the 19th century Oyster fishing, Jersey's gold rush.

Finish the walk with a taste of the sea, sample six natural or grilled Jersey Oysters and a glass of wine or beer at Seymour Inn. Book online via our website.

Meeting Point: advised when you book, Jersey east coast. Bus 1. Grade: 2.5 hours (1 mile/1.6 km).

Easy terrain with frequent stops to explore. Wellington boots supplied. Booking office. The meeting point is confirmed when you book.

20 January 2019 11:15 to 13:45 27 January 2019 16:30 to 19:00 10 February 2019 15:00 to 17:30 Contact: +44 (0) 7797 853033 info@jerseywalkadventures.co.uk

JANUARY ISSUE | 9

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

HOW TO STAVE OFF WINTER TIREDNESS Liz Connor provides top tips for beating seasonal fatigue...

It might be tempting to hibernate when it's cold and dark outside, but try to get into some healthy bedtime habits.

Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day, and aim for eight, undisturbed hours of sleep per night.

To improve your chances of getting a good night's kip, make your bedroom an inviting place to sleep, avoid screens an hour before slumber and cut down on caffeine in the evenings.

Hands up if you struggle to get out of bed, feel like you're constantly yawning and rely on several pints of coffee to power you through the average working day?

As the days get shorter, we all know how difficult it can be to feel energised in the morning - particularly when you crack open the curtains and see that it's still dark outside.

Tiredness is one of the UK's top health complaints - figures from Healthspan (healthspan.co.uk) show that a worrying 97% of us claim we feel tired most of the time, and doctors' records reveal that 10% of people who book an appointment are looking for a cure for their unexplained tiredness.

If you're currently battling with the winter wipe out, we've put together some tips for boosting your energy levels during the big chill.

1. GET OUT INTO THE SUNSHINE Losing out on sunlight in the winter can disrupt the delicate balance of your circadian rhythm, aka your sleep and waking cycles. This is because when it's dark outside, the body produces more of the hormone melatonin, which makes sleep feel inviting.

Open your blinds during the daytime and try to get out and about into natural light as much as possible. Even just taking a brisk lunchtime walk can boost energy, reduce blood pressure and lift mood.

2. PRACTICE CLEAN SLEEPING We all know that sleeping too little can make you feel wiped out the next day, but oversleeping during winter can also make you feel sluggish in the mornings.

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3. HIT THE GYM When you're running on low energy, the last thing you probably want to do is throw yourself onto a spin bike, but a healthy dose of morning exercise can release a welcome burst of feel-good endorphins.

If you struggle not to fall asleep on the sofa as soon as you get home, exercise in the late afternoon may also help to reduce early-evening fatigue, and can also improve your sleep.

If it's too cold outside, or you don't fancy running in the dark, try to migrate your workouts indoors at a local gym or sports centre, and aim for the NHS guidelines of at least 150 minutes of exercise a week.

4. EAT FOR THE WEATHER Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee, try to naturally boost your energy with nutritious foods. Avoid gorging on sugary treats for a pick-me-up too; you'll feel great initially, but they'll give you a short-lived high that ends in a crash.

Eating oats in the morning will top up your B vitamins, which help convert your food into energy, and will provide a source of slow-release carbs, so you'll feel fuller for longer.

A portion of lunchtime salmon can provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 to keep the brain alert, and snacking on goji berries (which provide a number of nutrients to help support energy processes) can help you through the afternoon slump.

The NHS says that while many people feel tired and sluggish in the winter, it's usually not a sign of anything serious.

However, some medical conditions can cause tiredness, like Seasonal Affective Disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome and anaemia.

If your tiredness is affecting your daily life, or persists for an extended period of time, you should talk to your GP.

RBS International 2019 graduate programme At RBS International we aspire to be a great place to work, and this starts with having outstanding people who want to make a real contribution to the bank we are becoming.

RBS International can offer exceptional career opportunities for motivated and passionate colleagues.

•

• •

• •

Do you have an inquisitive and independent mind-set, with the desire to bring new ideas?

Can you demonstrate strong analytical and problem solving skills?

Are you able to build great working relationships and give professional challenge?

Have you got a meticulous eye for detail and a good sense of judgement?

Does learning quickly and adapting to new challenges motivate you?

If so then please follow the link below to our application page to find out more:

jobs.rbs.com/pages/rbs-international-graduate-programmes

Your passion. Your potential.

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited (RBS International). Registered Office: Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PJ. Tel. 01534 285200. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

5 HOME LIFE RESOLUTIONS FOR A CALMER 2019 Our houses are our sanctuaries - so any New Year goals must surely start there, says Abi Jackson

There's no point setting yourself up for needless guilt and self-worth bashing by subscribing to cliched New Year resolutions. But if a bit of healthy goal-setting as January rolls in is your bag, how about starting with some simple measures at home?

Your nest is the foundation of so much else in your life, after all.

Get this right, and those positive vibes can flow through into other aspects of your day-to-day, plus there are so many home goals we can set that are relatively realistic and achievable, but still add up to a big difference.

Ready to set those New Year resolutions? Start at home with these five suggestions...

1. HAVE A 'ONE IN, ONE OUT' RULE No, we're not suggesting turning your lounge into a nightclub or opening a glitzy speakeasy in the basement (although that would be cool). This is about getting ruthless with how much 'stuff' you let into your home. There's nothing wrong with enjoying lovely things - but if you are dedicated to the idea of living in a less wasteful world and clutter drives you crazy, it helps to have some strategies in place.

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Rather than mindlessly buying new things, take time to regularly assess what's already in your wardrobe/stuffed in drawers and cabinets/on your shelves. Could adopting a 'one in, one out' rule encourage you to think about new purchases a little more, and make for a calmer, more orderly space? We're less likely to make unnecessary impulse buys that way, plus we can keep in the habit of passing on things we no longer want or use, to somebody who will appreciate them. Good karma and less mess - double win!

2. PRIORITISE GOOD VENTILATION Mould and damp and 'Toxic Home Syndrome' are genuine health concerns that can sometimes be very serious, ranging from niggling coughs and headaches, to conditions like asthma and lung diseases. It's basically about the air quality inside the homes and buildings we live in, and while sometimes there are bigger issues involved (such as factors involving the structure and building materials), ventilation plays a key part too.

It's surprisingly easy to go weeks or even months without opening windows, especially during the colder months - but stagnant indoor air, especially if you're drying laundry indoors and using chemical-laden household products, isn't ideal. So give the health of your home and your body a boost by pledging to prioritise a good, regular airing.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

when they land. Keep a log of that week's tasks on a to-do list or planner (also kept in this 'life admin area'), and then commit to, say, 45 minutes a week when you'll sit down and tick off that week's tasks.

3. RESURRECT THOSE BATH-TIME RITUALS Bath vs shower water waste stats are often bandied around.

Some of the most commonly cited figures are that the average bath uses 80-litres of hot water, while the average shower uses 62-litres - implying showers are far better for the planet and our energy bills. It's not as black and white as that, though. Firstly, the 62-litres applies to an eight-minute shower. So if you're shaving your legs in there, deep-conditioning your hair or simply like a longer soak, then you could easily be using way more water by showering. Plus, if your home has a power shower, water output increases rapidly. We're not advocating recklessly wasting water, but enjoying a bath really shouldn't be seen as a guilty indulgence.

It sounds so simple and obvious but, honestly, how many of us actually stick to such sensible sounding ideas? If you're anything like us, it's far more likely that you've mastered the art of avoiding life admin until the very last minute - by which point you need to spend half a day hunting down that hastily stashed-away paperwork, before you can even get going with the task in hand.

We're suckers for repeating the same punishing patterns over and over again - but think of the stress and time we could save by making life admin a regular job, like running the vacuum over the carpets.

For many of us, it's an easy way to weave some meaningful selfcare and calm into our busy, over-stimulated lives and reconnect with a very basic but important human need: That our homes are our safe havens.

These little practices can have a big impact on our overall wellbeing and mindset - so add 'weekly bath' to your home life to-do list and soak in bliss!

4. CREATE A LIFE ADMIN REGIME A home office might be a bit of a stretch for many of us, but a 'life admin area' could be a realistic addition to our homes that might help transform us into super-organised goddesses of serene efficiency in 2019 (well, you've got to at least start optimistically).

All it requires is some sort of storage (a drawer, box, folder whatever fits your needs) and a dedicated place for it - this is where you'll file all those letters/statements/receipts, etc, as and

5. SLASH PACKAGING WASTE We've all seen images of those terrifying 'trash islands' floating on our oceans. Recycling, reusing and reducing waste is vital, and can also can start at home. It might be buying your fruit and veg loose and taking it home in paper bags to skip the plastic; doing lunch boxes for work; batch-cooking dinners so you can plot your food shopping more carefully (meaning less packaging and food waste).

Some days, convenience takes priority and we can't all afford the organic market. That's OK - just do what you can, when you can it all adds up.

JANUARY ISSUE | 13

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Business success in 2019 will rely heavily on the commitment, competence and confidence of staff Mark Shields takes a closer look... heavier workloads, increasing demands, and the list goes on.

This coupled with outside pressures such as debt, relationship problems, bereavement, illness and so forth means that life generally can be tough for many.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of knowhow many Managers do not know where to start when dealing with such problems and often fail to spot early signs of stress.

Such signs can include minor behavioural changes in staff, mood swings, staff external appearance and presentation (unshaven, personal hygiene) and spasmodic absence.

With Mental Health problems in the workplace costing the UK and economy a record £26 Billion a year what can be done to help Channel Islands companies support employee wellbeing at work during 2019?

The facts are frightening. 70 million lost work days from sickness throughout the UK workforce each year equates to a cost equal to 4% of GDP, a staggering £26 billion a year. Whilst these figures are representative of the UK this does not mean that Channel Island companies are immune.

Their close organisational links within the financial industry means they are also likely to have 1 in 6 of their staff suffering with mental health challenges caused by work related stress.

As one of the largest financial centres in Europe the impact of this is enormous.

Paul Farmer the CEO of MIND, one of the largest charities supporting Wellbeing at work believes much can be done to improve the situation by promoting openness, trust and honesty in the workplace, helping combat the stigma associated with mental health issues.

THE CHALLENGES EMPLOYEES FACE As we spend most of our lives at work it is not surprising to learn work is deemed the biggest stressor we all face in our lives.

A recent survey confirmed due to the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues many employees confirmed they could not talk about taking a day off due to stress and preferred to hide it from their line manager and colleagues.

The culture of silence surrounding mental health in the work place although improving has a long way to go and there is so much more that can be done by line managers and senior leaders.

The pressures are well known and well documented and I am sure will sound familiar as you read this article. Continual change,

2019 EVIDENCES THE MOST QUALIFIED WORK FORCE YET Another important fact to take into consideration is this generation of workers is the most highly educated generation to date with more qualifications and higher work expectations than any generation that has gone before them. This being said they are still subject to being given jobs with little autonomy, and even less responsibility or purposeful engagement.

SO HOW DOES A COMPANY START TO INTRODUCE HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROMOTION? You need to start at the top and work down. A supportive corporate culture includes not only a commitment to the wellness program from senior management, but also extends to the mid-level and front line managers best positioned to affect program success due to their day-to-day contact with employees.

It is, thus, important to align their management and performance goals with the health and wellbeing of the people who report to them.

It is also important for Managers to recognise the environmental context which includes influences external to the workplace, such as the home setting, friends and social networks, and the policies and resources of the local and national community. Although workers spend a significant amount of their time in the employment setting, these other factors can also affect their need for and success in a wellness program.

THE IMPACT OF A GOOD MANAGER As a senior manager in a previous life I know how important it is to have the necessary purpose, challenge, control, security and sense of achievement to help create the right environment for your staff to feel empowered, motivated and inspired to deliver great results. This coupled with an open and honest management style, flexibility and taking a genuine interest in your staff’s personal development and wellbeing, is paramount to the success of any team or individual.

continues overleaf...

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Jersey Swimming Club is based at Langford Pool, which is nestled between a number of Jersey schools, making it an extremely convenient location for the after school ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, Dolphin, and Squad sessions. Whilst Aquasplash, on Fridays, provides a more 'family' session, the Club is delighted to have use of the wonderfully warm Cheshire Homes Pool on Saturday mornings - first choice for Parents & Baby/Toddler ‘First Splash’ sessions.

JSC focus strongly on technique from the outset, encouraging good style whilst allowing swimmers to progress in their own time. Those who are competitive by nature are nurtured through Dolphins to Squads, whilst swimmers who seek less commitment progress to our Fitness Sessions. A clear pathway is available to all swimmers and to help the whole family fit swimming in to their busy lives, JSC offer a variety of times for all levels and ages.

JSC continuously listens to members views and feedback in order to provide a fully comprehensive Jersey Swimming Family. This year focus will be placed on the range of Adult sessions available. Well-attended Masters sessions are already established across the week - supported by one nonswimmer session and some technique sessions. It is hoped to grow the number of supporting sessions to match the success of the Masters.

Many adults are looking at tri-athlon but lack the technique needed for the swim element - JSC have teachers who can not only help athletes improve their technique but have first hand knowledge and experience of the other elements of this event.

Keeping up with trends is a never ending task, as lifestyles change daily, but one that keeps JSC at the forefront of swimming in Jersey.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

HOW TO CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR STAFF: • Ensure that staff have secure and interesting jobs that they find both fulfilling and developmental • The ethos and style of management is based upon high levels of trust and fairness • There is choice, flexibility, and appropriate control over working hours • There is an equitable balance between effort and reward • Staff feel they have autonomy and some control over their workplace and environment • There is a voice for employees in any critical employer decision making arena Line managers have a duty of care and due diligence to employees and need to understand the warning signs of mental health issues as they develop. They can then make the necessary and appropriate workplace adjustments to help and support their member of staff.

Simple common sense steps such as taking an interest in your staff, being approachable and empathetic and managing staff as individuals will help build the trust and openness you need when dealing with workplace stress.

This is also a time when managers can utilise resources that are available both internal and external to support their employee, such as, Employee Assistant Programs (EAP) and Occupational Health.

ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGY TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEE WELLBEING When an organisation wants to tackle problems created by mental health the Line Managers are key in ensuring there is a comprehensive wellbeing strategy in place supported and endorsed by the senior leadership team.

This strategy should adopt a three pronged approach: 1) Promote Wellbeing at work 2) Tackle work related causes of mental health problems 3) Have a program of support available for employees suffering with mental health problems Top Tips for Managers • Talk about wellbeing regularly at staff one to one and monthly team meetings • Encourage open and honest dialogue around outside stressors • Ensure staff take a lunch break, it is a day of two halves • Support flexible working hours • Promote open dialogue and feedback • Involve staff in decision making • Ensure good clear communication • Ensure staff understand how they fit into the organisation and they have a voice • Promote physical, social and team building activities • Promote Wellness action plans to ensure the right resource is in place offering the required support • Ensure staff are aware of what’s inside and outside of your remit of control as the manager

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HOW DOES A COMPANY MOTIVATE THEIR STAFF TO CHANGE? Once again when influencing and promoting change in a work place it needs to start from the top down so firstly, Senior Executives could implement initiatives or form a working party within their organisation to investigate what their employees would like to see or what challenges they face.

Whilst keeping within HR regulations, a Health related questionnaire could be developed for all employees to complete which would give the company insight into their variety of needs and therefore support to be offered. Here are some other examples for introducing wellness into an organisation: • By delegating and giving more autonomy to staff, chosen staff members could set up a health and wellness in the workplace committee and have them take responsibility for implementing the selected ideas for health promotion activities • Designate a wellness coordinator for implementing action plans • Allocate a budget for health and wellness in the workplace activities • Develop good employment practice and policies, eg, communication systems; training and personal development; supervision, appraisal and mentoring; attendance / absence management; equal opportunities; return to work/rehabilitation for people with illnesses or disabilities; time off for career responsibilities (children, other dependents); job sharing; flexi-time and flexible hours / days; dealing with harassment and bullying; grievance procedure; disciplinary procedure • Include health and wellness in the workplace activities in manager’s objectives There are many ways in which companies have incorporated Wellness into their organisations which come with relatively little cost. Here are a few ideas: • Cross-department teams could earn points over a 12-week period by doing healthy things like drinking a certain amount of water or going for a walk on their lunch breaks.

• Subsidising healthy options in vending machines with junk food options. For instance, charge more for a cupcake and less for an apple.

• Set up a walking club before or after work.

• Conduct meetings whilst walking.

• Encourage employees to take the stairs.

Once you have management fully on board, it’s time to market the program to employees. Posters, emails and newsletters can spread the word. Even inject a little fun into the project and utilise photos of executives displaying bad posture or holding up an apple to advertise wellness events. Prize incentives can also be offered when running a challenge.

Written by: Mark Shields Author, Advisor, Educator, Coach www.nlpcourseschannelislands.com 01462 431112 Direct Line

COMMUNITY

Building Brighter Futures for Families in Jersey BRIGHTER FUTURES IS A JERSEY CHARITY that supports families with parenting and life challenges by working alongside the main carer to enable child development, parent/child relationships and wellbeing.

Our vision is for every family to have a brighter future by supporting families when they need us. Parents/carers are referred to Brighter Futures either by a professional such as GPs, health visitors, midwives or schools but clients can also self-refer.

Each parent/Carer is supported on a one-to-one basis by their own identified keyworker. They access their programmes of choice, which focus on personal development, educational and second chance learning programmes/group sessions. The aim of which is to support families to be more resilient, confident and healthy.

Brighter Futures supports parents/carers to recognise and value their role as their child’s first and most important educator; we empower and enable them to take ownership of their personal and educational development whilst encouraging them to achieve wellbeing and healthy relationships.

10am – 12 noon for children between the ages of 0-8 years. Dad’s club is available to any dad across the island because we recognise the important role that dads play in their children’s development. This club is open to all dads as a universal service and is a chance for dads to meet other dads with their children.

We offer a broad range of parent/carer and child together groups that focus on the importance of creating and building positive, healthy relationships, social and emotional development, social communication and language development and physical development.

The Dad’s club is generally run at the Bridge (at the bottom of St Saviour’s hill) providing lots of activities in a safe environment, but we have also organised trips and activities out and about such as rock and pool rambles, a farm adventure, and a woodland wonder to mention just a few.

Our wellbeing programmes offer parents/carers strategies to support their mental and physical health and wellbeing to be better able to cope with everyday stresses and struggles.

Our personal development programmes are broad and varied and include aspects of child development, relationships and parenting. We support parents/carers to put theory in to practice using video to capture learning and reflection. We also offer opportunities for parents/carers to improve their functional skills to support them to progress and succeed in education, work, parenting skills and life.

As pictured we have a Dad’s club every second Sunday of the month from

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For lots more information about what we offer and the details about our programmes and courses please contact us though our website on: www.brighterfutures.org.je Please check out our Facebook page @BrighterFuturesJersey @BrighterFuturesDadsClub

HEALTH AND WELL BEING

New Year, New You With the New Year upon us, it’s the perfect moment to stop and consider how we might make changes to our health and lifestyle in 2019 to achieve our goals and live the life we dream of.

But before you dive in and create a list of resolutions, I invite you to take some time to think about what you really want and how committed you are to making those things happen.

First, it’s useful to think back over 2018 and write down all the experiences that made you feel happy and content. Were they big events or small but significant? Which would you like to take with you into the new year?

It’s useful to let things go at this time; the failed resolutions of the past. Were you ever really going to go running every day?

Or learn a new language? Or stop eating your favourite treat for a whole year?

We’re conditioned to following the crowd and setting the same resolutions as everyone else when instead we should tune into what we really desire and then take action. If you’ve consistently made a resolution and broken it many times over, then it’s time to let that one go. I promise you’ll feel so much lighter afterwards!

Here are my top tips to starting the New Year in the best way possible: • Make self-care a priority. Looking after your own mental and physical health has to be the most important goal in your life.

• Practice gratitude. Start small. Write down three things you’re grateful for every day. Gradually you’ll notice a shift away from the ’big’ things, like your home, a car, heat and food, and towards the smaller things like noticing the blossom on the trees in spring or how your child made you feel when he gave you a scribbled drawing created at school.

• Surround yourself with things (and people) who make you happy. In 2019 it’s time to switch things up and follow your heart. Hang out with people who light you up and work for a company who truly values who you are and what you can offer.

• Be proactive not reactive. It’s easy to get caught up in the habit of only fixing things when they’re broken, but taking a proactive approach will make life feel calmer with less stress and anxiety. Set yourself one goal a week to take care of something before it needs sorting out.

• Get creative. What could you create for the sheer joy of creating? Did you once enjoy painting, knitting or growing vegetables? Perhaps you loved singing, writing poetry or woodwork? Bring those passions back to life or follow your heart in finding something new. Either way, get creative!

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Of course, this wouldn’t be a New Year article without the mention of weight loss!

If you’re setting the intention to lose weight and get fit in 2019, you might like these tips from local nutritionist, weight loss specialist and Functional Medicine practitioner, Pippa Campbell.

Pippa gave me a sneak preview of her fabulous new 7 Day Weight Loss Plan running throughout January and shared with me her top tips to kick-starting your body into fat-burning mode: • Drink plenty of water. Aim for around 2 litres every day.

• Avoid sitting down for long periods and take regular, moderate exercise.

• Eat a little protein with every meal.

• Ditch the refined carbs. Cut out ‘white’ foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes and swap them for sweet potato, brown rice, oats or starchy vegetables.

• Watch your portion sizes. At least half your plate should be fresh salad or vegetables. Avoid adding excess calories in the form of sauces, oils and dressings.

• Try oil-free cooking. It’s not as difficult as it sounds, we’ve just become accustomed to roasting and frying in oil. Steam your veggies, or steam fry them in a little water. Create casseroles and soups using water-based sauces or stock. Eat avocado, chia seeds, oily fish, nuts and seeds for essential fats instead.

Lorraine Pannetier Copywriter and content creator for heart-centred entrepreneurs

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CLAIRE DE GRUCHY

Claire de Gruchy NDP (LINPP) JIAS Provider Health Kinesiology Adv Dip

Neuro-Developmental Therapy Case Study VI - The Grand Finale It was in December of 2015 when I first came into contact with Claire de Gruchy; I had called, offering space within the pages of our January 2016, New Year New You edition. With my extensive background in complementary and holistic therapy, we instantly found we had much to talk about. I was fascinated to hear about Claire’s work with child development and we ended our conversation planning to meet at a later date….

by Juanita Shield-Laignel MFHT & featuring Claire de Gruchy MFHT And meet early in 2016 we did. Although at the time practising from New Vision Therapy, Greve D’Azette, Claire invited me to her home and two hours later, I left having learnt that Claire back then worked predominantly with children and some adults, who for some reason may be struggling to live a fulfilled academic, emotional or physical life. A highly qualified and the only Channel Island NeuroDevelopmental Therapist, Johansen Individualised Auditory Stimulation (JIAS) Provider and most experienced Health Kinesiologist locally, Claire has helped hundreds of Channel Island children to reach their potential. Claire, by qualifying further in techniques to address anxiety, fears, allergies, physical and emotional trauma and more, now helps as many adults as children.

So enthusiastic about Claire’s incredible work was I, I asked her if she would be interested in sharing her life path with the Jerseylife readership and she agreed I could interview her for our March 2016 issue. We learnt that during 2002 Claire had become interested in helping children with developmental difficulties because her own son, struggling in certain aspects of his schooling, had benefited in 2000 from the Neuro-Developmental Programme. There had been no local practitioners at that time and instead Claire had to take her son to the U.K. every six to eight weeks over a 12 month period. Finding the programme extremely beneficial and wanting to bring it to the Channel Islands, Claire trained extensively, qualifying as a Neuro-Developmental Therapist (NDT) in 2005. Since that time and after obtaining further qualifications, Claire has been at the forefront of helping many people here in Jersey and through her monthly clinic in Guernsey.

Although setting out to initially help children, Claire soon discovered her work can help a range of problems across the board, for instance: travel sickness, food intolerances, allergies, sound sensitivities, addressing physical and emotional trauma, balance and coordination issues, concentration, reading, writing, learning difficulties and so much more. My interview with Claire led me to want to go deeper into what she does and thus Claire, with the full permission of the family,

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invited me to observe her work and share a case study in the pages of the Jerseylife. We began this work in the June 2016 issue.

The family were happy to share their experience but wanted to remain anonymous for the protection of their son so we agreed to call him Adam for the purposes of reporting. Adam presented with several late development difficulties at the age of seven years and 10 months, including; continued lack of night time bladder control, being unable to peddle forwards (so couldn’t ride a bike) and lack of focus in the classroom environment. There had been some suggestion that Adam may be on the Spectrum but he had not been diagnosed.

Claire worked extensively with Adam and I was able to observe and report on his progress. After just 6 weeks of working with Claire, Adam obtained full bladder control, by the third article Adam’s class teacher had reported vast improvements in his attention span and by the fourth article he had been observed peddling forwards on a go-cart. Adam had also had difficulties with food and environmental intolerance and Claire had also identified and remedied these, using Health Kinesiology (HK). (HK uses Muscle Response Testing (MRT) plus acupressure – Research: Assessing the Validity of Muscle Response Testing (MRT) : A series of diagnostic test accuracy studies

by Dr. Anne M. Jensen, Richard Stevens and Amanda Burls, recently done at Oxford University, has shown significant validity).

During this time Claire managed to secure a larger and more central room from which to practise and The Shalbeck Life Centre, situated at Chamber House, Pier Road, was born. Given my background in therapy work Claire invited me to work on several projects with her and we also had the pleasure of studying together, obtaining our qualifications in The Raindrop Technique in February 2017.

(A Statistical Validation of Raindrop Technique, by David Stewart, PhD, explains the scientific basis of how it can help healing.) Naturally with all this shared work and study we also became firm friends finding we have much in common.

Claire worked with Adam over many months and recently I was able to observe Adam’s final assessment. I was astounded by the

CLAIRE DE GRUCHY

Last Audio Assessment

1st Audio Assessment improvements Adam had made both in terms of his physical ability and emotional development but the most profound improvement for me as an observer was the changes in Adam’s hearing ability.

Claire had explained early on that Johansen Individualised Auditory Stimulation isn’t just about the ability to hear in terms of volume, but about auditory processing skills and efficiency, important for learning, understanding and communication. Claire said “When the processing of information is improved, reading, writing, concentration and memory are also greatly enhanced. JIAS can benefit children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of speech or language difficulties including dyslexia and dyspraxia as well as ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. JIAS can reduce sound sensitivities and also improve balance and coordination; as the auditory nerve is part vestibular (balance), as JIAS stimulates the hearing system, there is the added advantage of stimulating and improving connections to balance and coordination and improving these functions.”

I think the JIAS work had been the most profound as Claire plots the progress on a graph so it can be seen in black and white or in actual fact, red and blue. Claire uses a red pen to plot the progress of the right ear and blue for the left. Claire had shown me at the beginning that we (in the English language (yes each language has its own graphic line and shape – remarkably)) have an optimum

hearing/listening curve and that in plotting Adam’s ‘curve’ when he first presented, showed, whilst he could hear, his hearing capabilities were ‘spikey’ rather than a smooth curve, with his right ear being mainly above the optimum curve and his left below. In real terms, Claire explained this meant Adam would be more sensitive to external or multiple noises than his peers making concentration on his Teacher’s words much more difficult. Adam would therefore be easily distracted by passing cars, or dogs barking etc.

Physically being able to see the red and blue plotted lines gradually move closer to the optimum curve over a period of time, was astonishing and coincided with Adam’s reported improvements in attention and therefore behaviour from his Teacher. And to see the overall general improvement this made to the entire family was extremely heart-warming.

Adam’s mother said “The difference Claire’s work has made to, not just Adam but to us as a whole family has been amazing. Adam’s quality of life has improved so much. Before we met Claire, life had become very difficult. Adam was wetting every night and we had tried all the recommended strategies to try and help him but without success. Some nights it would be two or three times which was difficult for all of us but for Adam in terms of his self-esteem it was very tough. I knew it wasn’t his fault so never shouted at him, but it was really hard when we were all being disturbed at night so it felt like a miracle when after only just one session Adam gained bladder control and has been fine ever since. I think I said at the time, if Claire’s work had done nothing else, this in itself was a huge step forward for all of us.

However, Claire reassured us there was much more she could do to help Adam and we trusted her. Adam had spent much of his early learning life being ‘told off’ on the naughty chair at nursery, on the naughty step with his Nanny and outside the Head Teacher’s office in his early years at school. I found this very hard, as on a one to one with me, he was a delight; entertaining, funny, eager to learn, loved to draw and paint and enjoyed being outdoors, swimming, climbing and running. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t functioning well in group situations. Then his Year 1 Teacher took my husband and I aside and asked if we’d noticed any strange behavioural patterns in Adam.

I replied that there had been some but that we just put it down to him spending a lot of time with me and not so much with peers.

His Teacher asked us if we minded him being assessed by the Educational Psychologist as she recognised some patterns she knew to be associated with Aspergers.

Claire and Juanita

continues overleaf...

JANUARY ISSUE | 23

CLAIRE DE GRUCHY This was very hard to take. We all want our children to be the best possible version of themselves they can be and Adam had shown some amazing potential but in that moment we also had to acknowledge that he was actually also experiencing some difficulties which would hinder him long term. We agreed he could be assessed.

Initial assessment was inconclusive and we were told we would have to have it re-addressed around the age of nine, so were left floundering; knowing something was not quite right but not knowing exactly what or what to do. The positive side to this was school then acknowledged that Adam wasn’t just being a ‘naughty’ boy and that in actuality he was struggling with certain aspects of school and began to engage with him differently. Meanwhile I had become aware of Claire and we decided to consult with her to see if she could help even though we had no diagnosis or no notion of what the exact problem was.

Claire re-assured us that diagnosis wasn’t necessary as she makes her own thorough assessment and works with where the child is in their own individual development. From school’s point of view, Adam quickly began to settle in the classroom environment and his reports began to show improvements. He even began to fit in better socially and eventually found his place amongst his peers. We are so happy with what Claire has done to help Adam, I can’t thank her enough for the difference it has made. Eventually Adam was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism but with Claire’s help, we have every faith he will do well in life moving forward.”

I invited Claire to share with us in this Grand Finale “The Developmental Programmes I provide for children, allowing their central nervous systems to fully mature, enhancing their ability to learn – sometimes just by an immature spinal reflex switching off so they are able to sit still, concentrate and listen or write and read with ease, thereby achieving higher grades – are tailor made for each individual. The majority of individuals I’ve worked with have needed 12-18 months with me; it has become apparent a small handful have needed a little extra time as has been the case with Adam.

The movement part of his Home Programme, based on movements made within the womb, has allowed his physical self to become stronger, enabling him to sit still and process lessons and benefit more from what the teachers are teaching. His light sensitivities have reduced significantly so that he no longer closes his eyes and the Johansen IAS Sound Therapy has addressed his sound sensitivities so that he can join in when the class cheers – and not put his hands over his ears! It also means he receives letters of a word in the right order, retain in his memory and spell brilliantly!

When the family went through a stressful period last year I used Health Kinesiology and Harmony Therapy to release emotional trauma from within Adam. However, I still felt there was something else to explain how Adam sees the world. I am so pleased that he has, at long last, been diagnosed with High Functioning Autism to support him through his life. It has been a privilege to work with Adam and his family, and I appreciate their trust in me and will continue to help in any way I can. No matter how many hundreds of children I have worked with, each child is a new child with which I look forward to discovering and releasing their full complement of talents and amazing abilities to the world – just like I know Adam will do!”

Thank you to Adam and his family for sharing their journey with us and also to Claire for the amazing work she has been doing over the last 16 years. We wish her well in her new clinic and continued success in helping children and adults alike grow, develop and thrive.

To find out more about Developmental Education Programmes, Johansen IAS Sound Therapy, Harmony Therapy (a form of Mindfulness) Raindrop & Vita Flex Massage and Health Kinesiology, please contact Claire at: The Shalbeck Life Centre, Chamber House, 25 Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4XW Tel: +441534 485158 Mob: +447797 714758 E-mail: claire@shalbeckcentre.com or visit www.shalbecklifecentre.com Claire also conducts a clinic monthly in Guernsey at Avenue Clinic, St. Peter Port and in 2019 Claire plans to hold clinics in Sark.

Shalbeck Life Centre

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FULLY APPROVED PROVIDER States of Jersey

Clients and their care teams are fully supported by Registered Nurses and our Care Manager, Clare Burchell (RGN, BSc (hons), QN).

Tel: 01534 733 479 Mobile: 07797 755 873 Email: clare@psncs.co.uk Web: www.psncs.co.uk Palm Springs Nursing & Care Services Trinity Hill, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4NJ

INTERVIEW

Say ‘Yes’ to Volunteering…

My husband and I met whilst engaged in charity work, so it came as no surprise when talking to Sue Fernandes of The YES Project, she shared with me, how volunteering changed the course of her life on more than one occasion…interview by Juanita Shield-Laignel I met Sue during October 2018 when working on a special feature for the November issue of the Jerseylife, I popped into The YES Project in Colomberie. I immediately knew she would be interesting to interview so we met in early December and this is her story…

“I was born in Somerset, the middle one of three girls. My parents moved to Wiltshire when I was seven where I was schooled and worked until the age of 24. I was brought up with a good work ethic and took a Saturday job in a local, family run chip shop from the age of 13. We travelled and holidayed quite a bit, so maybe I caught the travel bug, but I always knew I wanted to do something other than spend my life in Devizes in Wiltshire.

I did grow up wanting to work with children and was all set to go to college and go into childcare, when all of a sudden I announced I didn’t want to go to college at all. To this day I have no idea where that notion came from and my shocked father eventually conceded but insisted I get a job immediately to pay my way. I kept my chip-shop job on as a second job and found work in another family run business, a local stationers but doing mostly admin in the back office.”

Sue on the right with her sisters 26 | www.life-mags.com

“I worked hard and liked my jobs and the families were lovely but I kept having this feeling I was supposed to be elsewhere. When I was about 24 a friend suggested we come to Jersey for a long weekend.

Whilst enjoying a night out we met a group of girls also from the UK, who were working here in the hotel industry and they simply said ‘why don’t you do the same?’ It was enough for me and by the time I left on the Sunday evening I’d secured a job in a Portuguese Restaurant, funnily enough in Colomberie. Monday morning came and I had to announce to my boss I was leaving the following day to start my new job in Jersey on the Wednesday. He wasn’t best pleased but at the same time I don’t think he was shocked as I had attempted to leave some months before to go and work at Pontins, I even had my uniform all sorted out but he convinced me to stay with a pay rise.

He wasn’t so successful this time and we were on a plane bound for Jersey on the Tuesday night.”

“My Mum was a little put out, but both my sisters have stayed near to her at home so it hasn’t turned out all bad for her. She knew I was always the adventurous one.”

“So we landed in Jersey and I began my job, front of house at the restaurant ‘Revivals’ the next day. We served lots of espetadas and so on but in the afternoons teas and coffees to cater for the tourists that walked passed every day. Somehow I had again found myself working for a tight-knit family business and felt very much at home, so much so that I ended up marrying the Chef.”

INTERVIEW “I gave up my work at the restaurant when my children were born as I wanted to spend as much time as I could with them, but as they grew I began to feel I wanted to do something. By this time my sons had started swimming with the Tigers Swim Club and I found myself helping out. Before long I was doing my life guard qualifications and helping pool side then became Assistant Teacher and then eventually qualified as a Teacher and doing lane coaching. I travelled with them on trips to the UK and Europe.

As with many organisations, admin help was thin on the ground so I volunteered to help out in the office too. With my background in admin I really enjoyed this and decided to take what was then called a ‘word processing’ course. Soon I was doing more and more work for them, so when the permanent lady decided to leave, I was a natural fit and was offered her job of 25 hours a week, plus my ongoing pool side, it was practically a full time job.”

“My children were all doing well in swimming and one of my sons was excelling, culminating in him competing in the Island Games when he was 17. Shortly after that he announced he wanted to step back from swimming as he was finding other things in life that he enjoyed and he would rather pursue.”

“I continued to work in the office at Fort Regent, much of the time on my own, which was ok, but I started to get itchy feet again so decided to do some volunteering elsewhere to broaden my horizons. I went on to the Jersey Association of Charities website and found the Jersey Youth Service. As I had been working with children and young people between the ages of 5 and 21, I thought this would be a good fit so put myself forward to help.”

“The YES Project was just opening at La Motte Street. The project is supported by the charity ‘The Jersey Youth Trust’ and I firstly became a Volunteer and then a Sessional Youth Worker. I actually got my inspiration to go further, from a young person who came in and said he wanted to do some youth work training and he showed me a brochure including some of the courses and work that can be done via distance learning. I was advised by my manager to go ahead and do the course as it was then a Diploma but was soon to be changed to a BA (Hons). I did the Diploma but then realised that everyone else coming behind me would have a degree and decided to do it anyway even though not required at that stage. So I continued for the 4 years and completed my BA (Hons) degree.”

“My end goal was to work for The YES Project but I recognised I needed to do a variety of work to gain experience so worked for a while with The Prince’s Trust, la Pouquelaye Youth Project and various others, which was invaluable. Then in Sept 2015 I was seconded to The YES Project on a temporary basis as Senior Youth Worker.

Then 3 years ago I applied for the post of permanent Senior Youth Worker…and here I am today.”

My oldest son is a welder and fabricator and is now engaged to be married, so all of them are settled, happy with good jobs and I couldn’t be more proud of them. I am certain that the routines and discipline of swimming in their early years made them who they are today.”

“My life as also moved on as I have a lovely caring partner and a gorgeous Cockapoo that the family adore and we take on holiday when we can.”

I asked Sue to tell me what the YES Project does in practical terms to help young people. “We offer a one-stop-shop where young people can come for absolutely anything and if we can’t help them we can sign post them. Recently I helped a young person fill in a DBS check form...so it literally can be any help or support a young person needs.

We offer emotional support with our counselling service, we work closely with The Prince’s Trust and young people can apply for funding through us. Anything that is a barrier to learning or working we can help with funding, so for instance, a young person may be training to become a chef and needs a set of whites and equipment or help with their course fees, and maybe they haven’t got the funds or family support; we can help. We open ours doors to anyone aged between 14 and 25 that need our support. We have a lot of knowledge and contacts, and work regularly with multi agencies so any individual that comes in, we can support and signpost them.

This is why we named our drop-in at Eagle House ‘The Link’ as we realise the important role we play in working with other projects and organisations to meet the needs of young people.”

I asked Sue what the future holds for her. “I just want to make a difference to young people, offer a safe place to come. I work for The Jersey Youth Service so could get moved tomorrow, so who knows where I will be in a few years’ time, but I don’t worry about things like that. I do gym classes and I ran a half marathon in Liverpool last year. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I enjoyed challenging myself and although I vowed I’d never do it again, I am actually toying with the idea of doing another one.”

“So life is good. My children are all happy and living fulfilled lives, I am happy in my work and home life. Yes there are challenges; we sometimes have to help young people through really difficult times, but I am really happy to be here and hopefully make a difference. I am so pleased I put my hand up to volunteer at Tigers Swimming Club all those years ago, it gave me the foundation I needed for working with young people and then volunteering again for the Youth Service put me in the right place at the right time.

It’s funny where life takes you…”

“My marriage eventually came to an end, however, I have three wonderful children who have all grown up now and are well adjusted amazing people. My daughter has gone into admin and book keeping which she loves and has a lovely boyfriend. My son who was an Island swimmer is now 27 and a qualified plumber. He and his lovely girlfriend travelled through New Zealand and Australia for a while but are now home and planning on buying their first home together.

JANUARY ISSUE | 27

The rights to a child are not straight forward

By Advocate Barbara Corbett Luckily, in modern times there are many different ways in which families can be created. Couples who struggle to conceive naturally, especially same sex couples, can be helped through assisted reproduction, surrogacy or adoption. The law surrounding assisted reproduction can be confusing however, and it is important for anyone considering such an avenue that they are fully aware of what legal protections are in place, or not, as the case may be.

The law in Jersey In Jersey there is currently no law in respect of assisted reproduction, which means that any treatment undertaken in Jersey is not covered by any legislation at all. No party to any treatment, potential mothers, fathers or donors of eggs or sperm, nor the medical practitioners who treat them are subject to any statutory guidance, restriction or protection. Effectively, what is not specified to be against the law is legal.

Having said that, medical practitioners in Jersey are subject to the rules and regulations of professional bodies, which for the most part are based in England and Wales. Indirectly this ensures that medical practitioners in Jersey work to the standards and procedures considered best practice in England and Wales.

There have been several babies born to surrogates in Jersey (some to Jersey intended parents and some to UK based intended parents). It certainly is a growing phenomenon, which the law needs to recognise.

The main difficulty is that the legal status of any child born through surrogacy is problematic. Under Jersey customary law, a

“Under Jersey customary law, a baby born to a woman is legally the child of that woman and her husband, if she is married, regardless of the child's genetic make-up.”

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baby born to a woman is legally the child of that woman and her husband, if she is married, regardless of the child’s genetic make-up.

Where the child is conceived using the sperm of one of the intended parents then that man can be named on the birth certificate as the baby’s father and a Parental Responsibility Agreement can be entered into (or a Parental Responsibility Order applied for), which will enable at least one intended parent to become a ‘legal parent’ to the child.

Under Jersey law, however, for both intended parents to become ‘legal parents’ of such a child, and the legal connection with the surrogate to be severed, an Adoption Order is necessary. This involves a long and arduous procedure, inappropriate in the context of a biological child of the intended parents.

Where neither parent is genetically related to the child, the only way in England and Wales as well as Jersey is to apply for an Adoption Order.

The English legal framework In England and Wales, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology legislation provides, like the Jersey customary law, that the woman who gives birth and her spouse are the legal parents of a child, excluding the status of intended parents. What it provides in addition however, is the opportunity for intended parents to apply for a Parental Order after their child is born to make them the legal parents if: • The child is carried by someone else following artificial insemination or embryo transfer and at least one of the applicants is the biological parent;

• The applicants are married, civil partners or living as partners in an enduring family relationship; • The application is made within six months of the birth; • The child’s home is with the applicants and one or both of the applicants is domiciled in a part of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man; • The surrogate (and her spouse) unconditionally consent to the order freely and with full understanding, not before the child is six weeks old, and • The court is either satisfied that no more than reasonable expenses have been paid, or agrees to authorise payment retrospectively.

Parental Orders give the intended parents full parental responsibility as if they were the birth parents and extinguishes the parental rights of the surrogate. The statute extends jurisdiction to make Parental Orders to intended parents living in the Channel Islands, which means that despite a lack of Jersey law in respect of surrogacy, it is possible for Jersey intended parents to obtain a Parental Order under English law. Most importantly though, this process is a more straight forward procedure than adoption.

The adoption route subjects potential adopters to a much more intrusive process than that outlined above, involving reports by the Children’s Service which will recommend, or not, whether an Adoption Order should be made followed by a court hearing.

“The fact is that surrogacy is here to stay. In order to properly safeguard children, intended parents and surrogates, legislation is needed.”

Although in practice adoption procedures can be avoided via the English courts, there is at present a disparity in the Jersey law, or lack of law, which needs to be rectified. At Corbett Le Quesne we are supporting the Jersey Law Commission in their work to create Jersey legislation in this area.

The fact is that surrogacy is here to stay. In order to properly safeguard children, intended parents and surrogates, legislation is needed. In the meantime, if you are considering assisted reproduction or surrogacy, it is important that you do know what protections you do and don’t have.

Corbett Le Quesne is a specialist family law firm and provides advice on all aspects of family law including the law relating to assisted reproduction, surrogacy and same sex parenting.

JANUARY ISSUE | 29

FASHION

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THIS IS THE ONE TYPE OF COAT YOU SHOULD SNAP UP IN THE JAN SALES The only outerwear you need this season - it's all about the cape right now, says Katie Wright...

When delving into the January sales, sometimes it pays to buy 'out of season', grabbing bargainous bright party dresses or end-of-line swimwear to stash away until your next summer hols.

But when it comes to this year's outerwear offerings, there's a certain type of coat that you should be making a beeline for and it's not actually a coat at all.

Capes were big news on the autumn/winter catwalks but we've yet to reach Peak Cape on the high street (the puffer has dominated thus far). So if you snap one up now in the sales, you'll be both on trend and ahead of the curve - what's not to love?

According to designers, there are two ways to be a caped crusader.

Another advantage? With many capes (particularly buttonless wraps) coming in just one size, it's easier to find one you like in the sales, because you don't have to worry about having to hunt for your exact size.

And as it happens, lots of our high-street favourites are now heavily discounted.

There's the structured, formal style, as seen at Erdem (brocade capes), Loewe (trench capes) and Saint Laurent (thick black wool capes). If you tend to favour tailored coats, dresses and heels, this kind of cape will slot right into your winter wardrobe.

Then there's the softly-softly approach: The snuggly blanket wraps seen at Roksanda, Gucci and McQueen.

In check or block prints and with fringed or faux fur trims, these capes can be dressed up for evening, or thrown over jeans and boots on a chilly day.

One thing's for certain - capes and backpacks do not mix, so athleisure lovers need not apply.

A cross-body or top handle handbag works best - and don't forget your gloves.

ENGAGEMENT RINGS • WEDDING BANDS FINE VINTAGE PIECES • JERSEY SILVER PEARLS & RESTRINGING SPECIALIST HAND ENGRAVING SERVICE GROOMSMEN’S GIFTS & ACCESSORIES

Advanced AntiAgeing

By Penny Downes from Pennyfeathers, St Clements With Christmas behind us our skin can be one of the first things we look at when winter hits us hard. With the plan of new year, new you a simple skincare add on can revive even the most sallow of skins.

Evidence of sun damage, fine lines, and dehydration can make us look dull, older and in need of some TLC. So what's the best way of getting rid of the damaged skin and reveal younger, healthier brighter skin. The answers are here as I examine 3 techniques to suit all budgets to refresh, revive and restore our skin.

fine lines, lighten pigmentation and smooth the skin. These peels use measured and controlled Alpha Hydroxy Acids like Glycolic, Salicylic, Bromelian and Papaine. All are naturally found enzymes from fruit which melt the glue that holds cells together. Some peels turn the clock back 5 years in just 6 weeks! You see results instantly and have little to no recovery time. Mineral Make Up can be applied immediately after treatment. Many salons offer peels as part of a Bespoke Facial so do ask your Skin Care Therapist for advice.

For everyday basic skin renewal at a lower cost I recommend a twice weekly exfoliation routine. Whether you do it in the morning or evening it doesn't matter. Just a two minute step will slough off dead skin cells gently. Choose a perfume free, round grained exfoliant to immediately reveal new skin cells, smooth the skin and make your complexion glow. Lots now contain Latic acid , AHAs or fruit enzymes to give an extra boost professional salon like boost.

Always Use these with water to stop redness and sensitivity.

Whatever your skin type this step will benefit you. Everyday life can carry on straight after this skin treat with no recovery time.

The most costly method of advanced skin renewal is a Medically Applied skin peels. A popular deep peel uses Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA). Sourced from vinegar the acid it is normally used in 10 to 35% concentrations. This can be a painful peel as the the skin is blanched so a topical anasethic is applied. The trauma to the skin makes it peel heavily to reveal a new skin which is younger, smoother and refreshed. It can take over a week to recover from a TCA peel and you must always wear a high sunscreen to protect the new 'baby' skin. Cost of this style treatment starts a ÂŁ300. You will leave with a protective jelly on the skin and will be red for many days before peeling. No make up can be worn for 5-7 days. These peels would be a lot better after the summer as sun bathing isn't recommended as it can harm the skin post peel.

For a slightly more pricey skin revival treatment choose an in salon peel. Offered by many professional salon Prices can start at ÂŁ50 for one treatment and it is recommended to have a minimum of 6 in weekly succession. Highly qualified skincare therapists will apply a fruit enzyme peel, gel or lotion to dissolve and digest dead skin cells. Giving an epidermal skin peel helps to deep cleanse, smooth

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www.penny-feathers.co.uk

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Luscious Lips in your Lunch break….

The Laser Centre 2019 & beyond Conveniently situated within The Island Medical Centre, Gloucester Street, The Laser Centre has been established since 1997 and flourishing under the Directorship of Julie Naidu, offers many of the island’s cosmetic needs...

Julie says “I’ve been heading up the Laser Centre for over 21 years now and with my background in Nursing, am satisfied we offer the best possible service; cutting edge, innovative, non-surgical treatments, including injectables such as wrinkle relaxing injections and fillers. Very experienced, my staff and I are constantly updating, remaining current and moving with the times.”

The Laser Centre have a reputation for providing beautiful lips in a convenient short session and being situated so close to the Finance sector, clients can pop by in their lunch break and take advantage of The Laser Centre’s reputation for being punctual.

Current legislation dictates that initial consultation must be with a prescribing Doctor, as Botox is a toxin, therefore, Julie and her team have thought of everything and offer an extensive consultation with a suitably qualified local Doctor, on the premises, prior to the first treatment.

for the temporary correction of frown lines and crows feet around the eye area and other areas of the upper and lower face, last from 12 to 18 months but lips only last six months as they are more vascular and of course we move them all the time.”

Although used predominantly for cosmetic purposes, Botox also successfully halts excessive sweating when injected into the underarms. Julie is delighted she will be able to offer this treatment from March onwards.

Julie concludes “We give a good service, running on time and confidentiality is of paramount importance. We offer a wide range of bespoke treatments including fillers and a wide range of other treatments such as a variety of laser treatments and skin peels.”

So whether you are a novice and considering an aesthetic treatment or an experienced cosmetic non-surgical consumer, you can be sure you are in expert hands at The Laser Centre.

Julie says “Botox has been around since the late 80s and there was a ten year period or so when people were nervous about it, but now it’s mainstream. We have two dedicated lip fillers and use smaller amounts for beginners but regular clients can have a slightly larger syringe. Swelling is minimal, if at all and we use a numbing cream beforehand. We do also offer natural dermal fillers particularly useful for anyone unsure about having a toxin injected, however, the introduction of a consultation with a Prescribing Doctor has reduced any risks.

One can never predict bruising. Some clients don’t bruise at all while others may bruise a little, however, we do have concealers for this rare event. Fillers injected into the face,

(Est. in Jersey since 1997)

TREATMENTS RANGING FROM DERMAL FILLERS, LIP ENHANCEMENT, WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS AND A VARIETY OF LASER TREATMENTS FOR TATTOO REMOVAL, RED VEIN, SUN/AGE SPOT, HAIR REMOVAL AND MANY OTHER NON SURGICAL PROCEDURES.

Give Julie Naidu or Kathrin Baumert a call on 888272 to book your consultation.

The Laser Centre. Island Medical Centre, 14 Gloucester Street, St Helier. E: enquiries@thelasercentrejersey.co.uk www.thelasercentrejersey.co.uk

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

ASK AN EXPERT:

What will help me feel better about my body after giving birth?

This is not the time for fad diets and punishing regimes - a dietitian shares some little steps to help restore confidence and energy. By Lisa Salmon I'm struggling with my body confidence after giving birth.

Are there any quick and easy changes I can make to my diet and physical activity levels to make me feel better inside and out?

Laura Coster, a dietitian for XLS Nutrition (xlsmedical.co.uk), says: "The first thing to note is that feeling unsure about your post-pregnancy body is completely normal! You've gone through incredible changes to produce something truly amazing, and this is certainly not the time to be considering fad diets.

"These three key tips should help you to feel stronger and more confident during this equally exciting and exhausting time.

"Eating protein has a positive effect on the hormones responsible for regulating appetite. The brain relies on hormonal signals to determine when and how much to eat and a higher protein intake actually increases levels of the satiety (appetite-reducing) hormones.

"Ensuring you eat enough foods rich in iron, zinc, iodine and selenium each day can also help to keep your metabolism healthy. These minerals are required to support the proper function of the thyroid gland, which has a key role in regulating metabolism. Good sources include meat, seafood, legumes, nuts (especially Brazil nuts) and seeds.

"Finally, exercising before breakfast may mean you're using your glycogen stores (glucose/carbohydrate storage) and then can start burning some of your body fat. Furthermore, the energy boost and impact on your metabolism has been shown to last up to 24 hours in some people - something that definitely won't go amiss at this time."

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welcome to the

Ski Feature INSIDE: 7 REASONS WHY SKIING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY CHILLED OUT WINTER STAYS: 5 OF THE BEST IGLOO HOTELS SLOPING OFF TO CATALONI OUR TOP FIVE SKI RESORTS PINTS ON THE FRENCH PISTE?

SKI FEATURE

Thinking of hitting the slopes?

7 REASONS WHY SKIING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY

From strong abdominal muscles to leaner lower body, here's why a holiday on the snow could benefit your waistline, says Liz Connor Ski season is about to begin, which means it's time to dust off your padded pants and perfect your snow plough.

If you've already booked your next getaway somewhere snowy, you're probably looking forward to topping up your tan and enjoying the apres ski vibes with a glass of Gluhwein.

But aside from being a chance to switch off your emails and unwind, a ski holiday can provide plenty of brilliant benefits for the body too.

Whether you're heading to fashionable Lech, party-loving Verbier or low-key Monterosa, we've found some pretty convincing reasons to get on board with a high altitude workout this winter.

1. IT IMPROVES CORE STRENGTH As well as requiring a good deal of courage, getting your balance on the snow is essential for skiing. Engaging the core muscles, including the back and abdominal muscles, is crucial for helping you to stay upright during a downhill session, as well as protecting the spine from injury.

From navigating rapid slalom turns to skidding to a stop, skiing involves lots of different highly coordinated movements with intense bursts of tough muscle work. That's why Olympic skiers

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have incredibly lean but muscular physiques, with incredible amounts of core strength to keep their body perfectly aligned on the snow.

2. IT CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT It might not feel like it at the time, but skiing is also a very effective form of interval training, involving high-intensity effort with periods of recovery. All that stopping and starting is not only a great cardiovascular workout for your heart, it can also help to shed any unwanted winter weight.

This is because, during a high-intensity phase, the body burns off carbs for an instant hit of energy. During the recovery meanwhile, the body burns fat to help replenish itself after a hard effort.

Researchers have found this process can continue for hours after training, helping you to continue to lose weight long after you've retired your skis for the afternoon.

3. IT BOOSTS YOUR MOOD Breathing in lungfuls of fresh mountain air, feeling the rush of it against your cheeks and taking in the postcard panoramas there's a reason why so many hit the slopes, year after year.

As well as being good for your waistline, skiing is a great activity for boosting your mental health. Studies have shown that being immersed in nature can lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which calms the body's fight-or-flight response. Getting on a sunny slope can also give you a healthy

SKI FEATURE

dose of mood-boosting vitamin D, which can help combat issues like seasonal affective disorder.

muscle is engaged to help you turn, bend, jump or simply stabilise your ski pose.

4. IT CAN IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY If you haven't got the patience for yoga, a ski holiday is ideal for improving your flexibility. From hamstrings to hips, skiing is a total-body workout that helps loosen up any neglected muscles.

As well as helping to reduce aches and pains the day after exercising, increasing your mobility in general can help reduce the chance of injury, too.

Because your body is constantly in a crouching position, you'll feel the burn in your legs, as you work your inner and outer thighs, hamstrings, quads and glutes. It's a much more entertaining way of training your lower body than hours squatting in the gym - and you'll reap the same leg toning benefits.

5. IT PROMOTES DEEPER SLEEP There's no two ways about it: Skiing is seriously exhausting business. From being on your feet all day to side stepping your way along a mountain, the sheer amount of effort required to get from A to B on skis is guaranteed to tire out even the most unsettled of sleepers.

Having an active lifestyle can help you naturally feel sleepy at the end of the day, and research has also found that regular exercise, such as the day-in-day-out routine of a ski holiday, can help boost sleep duration, as well as quality.

6. IT'S A COMPLETE LOWER-BODY WORKOUT Skiing is one of the few activities which will give your lower body a blistering workout. As you slide around the slopes, nearly every

7. IT CAN KEEP YOUR TICKER IN GOOD NICK As it's a muscle, just like any other, your heart needs to be worked to stay strong, otherwise you could be putting yourself at risk of a whole host of negative health issues - and research has found that an hour of downhill skiing can be just as effective as cycling or rowing.

By getting the heart pumping at a faster rate on a regular basis through cardiovascular exercise, you can keep arteries clear by raising "good" cholesterol and lowering "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood.

Of course, fondue and boozy apres ski traditions aren't the most heart-healthy of rituals, but when it comes to holidays - much like skiing - finding the right balance is key.

JANUARY ISSUE | 37

TRAVEL

CHILLED OUT WINTER STAYS: 5 OF THE BEST IGLOO HOTELS Embrace the deep freeze by sleeping in structures made of or made to look like - ice. Sarah Marshall reveals five favourites When snow starts to fall, it's tempting to stoke up a fire - but for a true winter experience, sometimes there's nothing better than embracing the cold. For centuries, Inuit communities lived in houses built of snow, which - surprisingly - kept them warm.

Reviving the romance of sleeping in structures made of ice, several hotels now offer guests an opportunity to book into igloos for the night.

Whether you want the authentic experience or a modern-day glass interpretation, these are the coolest ones to choose...

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1. LEVIN IGLUT IGLOOS, FINLAND If the idea of ice gives you the chills, these glass-roofed igloos are are the next best thing. Even better, they provide a 360-degree window to the night sky, making them perfect for viewing Northern Lights.

Although only a 15-minute drive from Kittila Airport, the 24 domes feel thrillingly remote, with unobstructed views of a fir-trimmed valley.

Electronically heated, they also feature bathrooms, a kitchen, Wi-Fi connection and motorised beds, which can be adjusted for the best position to gaze at stars.

How: A Superior Igloo, sleeping two adults and two children, costs ÂŁ528 with breakfast. Visit leviniglut.net/igloos.

On December 16, Finnair will launch direct seasonal flights from London Gatwick to Kittila with fares starting from ÂŁ169 in economy. Visit finnair.com.

TRAVEL

2. ICE VILLAGE TOMAMU, JAPAN An increasing number of winter sports fans are visiting Japan's number one ski resort Hokkaido, and now top hotel resort Hoshino Tomamu is giving them even more reason to go.

From December 10 to March 14, when temperatures dip to 30ºC, an Ice Village will open, with igloo accommodation and ice skating rinks. Sleep in an ice dome, bathe in a hot tub made of ice, and warm up in an after-bath Ice Lounge.

How: One night with breakfast from 23,000Yen (£160).

Visit snowtomamu.jp.

3. IGLU LODGE, GREENLAND Featuring five igloos, sleeping up to two people each, the Iglu Lodge in Ilulissat is new for this winter season. Replicating a sleeping environment traditionally enjoyed by Inuits, igloos hover at a 0ºC temperature even when it's much colder outside.

Reindeer skins and sleeping bags provide enough warmth for the night, with bathroom and restaurant facilities located in a separate block.

How: A 4-night Ilulissat Igloo Experience costs from £999pp, including three nights at Hotel Arctic and one night in an igloo.

Transfers and activities included. Flights extra.

Visit offthemap.travel.

Heathrow, Manchester, Dublin and Edinburgh to Rovaniemi, via Helsinki, with fares from £219 return in economy.

Visit finnair.com.

5. IGLOO VILLAGE, LA PLAGNE, FRANCE Set 2,118 metres above sea level, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, La Plagne's Igloo Village offers visitors a chance to sleep between snow-built walls. After check-in is completed around a fire, which doubles as a reception desk, head off for a meal in the Igloo restaurant decked out with reindeer skins. Wake up to superb scenery and the smell of a cooked breakfast - the ideal tonic to a night in the ice. Igloos are available from December 15 to April 10, 2019.

How: Igloos from from £97 per adult and £88 per child.

Visit winter.la-plagne.com. Fly from London Gatwick to Geneva with easyJet from £59pp return. Visit easyjet.com.

4. ARCTIC FOX IGLOO, FINLAND There's no risk of frostbite in these cosy glass igloos, recently opened on the scenic shores of Lake Ranuanjarvi. Heated panels keep guests cosy and prevent frost from obscuring the walls, keeping them clear for overhead views of the Northern Lights.

In the back, there's a bathroom and sauna, along with a kitchenette and a table set for two. During the day, extra activities can also be booked: Go on a snowmobile safari, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or see polar bears at Ranua Wildlife Park.

How: Igloos from £451 per night for two people including breakfast. Visit arcticfoxigloos.com. Finnair flies from London

JANUARY ISSUE | 39

SKI FEATURE

SLOPING OFF TO CATALONI

By Beth Littler I've been to Barcelona on several occasions, but spent most of my time sitting on the beach rather than seeking snow. So I'm surprised to learn that just a four-hour drive away in the centre of the Pyrenees is the little-known ski resort of Val d'Aran.

Promising a peaceful and slightly more luxurious skiing or snowboarding experience than nearby Andorra, the resort has been attracting Spanish visitors for many years. As far as the British market is concerned though, this is virgin snow.

After flying into Barcelona with Monarch, we pick up a hire car and drive the four-hour journey through the beautiful and sleepy villages of Sopeira and Montanuy.

Finally, we wind our way up through the mountain tunnels and hairpin bends to the ancient town of Vielha, and a little further on to the resort of Val d'Aran.

Our base, the five-star Hotel Le Pleta, is popular with the Spanish royal family, and as we walk through the huge doors into a lobby filled with burning candles and roaring fires, I can see why.

The hotel itself is quite large - boasting 67 luxury suites - but still retains the feel of a cosy country ski lodge with wood-panelled ceilings and lovely stone and slate floors.

The rooms provide everything you would expect from a five-star resort - duck-down pillows, enormous queen beds, a fullystocked mini bar, and all the mod-cons you could wish for.

But best of all is the spectacular view of the Pyrenees.

After a heavenly night's sleep, we head out to the piste, just a short walk from the hotel. The resort is made up of three areas Beret, Baqueira and Bonaigua - with an intricate system of chair lifts and cable cars to bring you to the top of your chosen run.

In total there are 170km of skiable slopes - making it deceptively bigger than the intimate resort actually feels.

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SKI FEATURE

There's no queue at the bottom of the lifts, and as we rise higher into the Pyrenees, it's surprising to see such vast and open slopes. There's very little ski traffic, and no caterpillars of children wearing coloured bibs in ski school - just the quiet serenity of the mountains.

Bonaigua is for the more experienced extreme snow sports enthusiast and is made up of terrifyingly steep black runs, as well as a number of cross skiing routes and some pretty spectacular walking paths.

Beret and Baqueira offer easier runs as well as a great supply of cafes, but there are also plenty of black and red runs too.

After a fun day on the slopes, the mountain air and exercise leave us feeling shattered. The sun is setting, the last few adrenaline seekers are departing the beautifully manicured pistes and it's time to return to the hotel. Thankfully, it's not a horrible walk, lugging heavy skis and snowboards. A mini bus takes us right to the doorstep of Hotel la Pleta where a porter awaits to take our equipment and store it until the next day.

Walking through reception, we're drawn to the swimming pool on the floor below. Lovely smelling salts, high ceilings and a multitude of flickering candles help to ease the day's knocks and many falls.

Afterwards, we venture out to Vielha for a bit of apres ski.

The town dates back to Roman times and is filled with historical mansions, mountain houses and 12th century churches.

There are also some cosy bars dotted along the river, perfect for a few drinks before dinner.

We dine at the Corner Eth restaurant in the old part of the town and sample local beer and French-influenced cuisine.

Baqueira Beret is considered to be the best ski resort in Spain, but there are also a number of different winter activities on offer, such as snowshoe excursions, dog sledding and motor sledding.

We opt to go dog sledding with D'Aran Mushing. They may look ferocious, but believe me, these dogs are all really cute puppies at heart. After settling into the comfy sledge chairs and covering ourselves with blankets, we are soon flying over the mountains with just the noise of the dogs whistling in our ears.

On saying goodbye to the pups, we take a snowmobile to the abandoned village of Montgarri, which is right on the French border. The village was deserted about 60-years ago, but just outside is the beautiful and rustic Refugi Montgarri, where we find a much-needed roaring fire to warm our chilly toes.

The building was derelict for many years but now offers dormitory-style rooms for walkers not looking to splash out on five-star luxury. Dinners of locally-sourced ingredients are served up for the guests, all at a reasonable price.

With so much to offer for those on different budgets, I'm amazed so few people know about Val d'Aran. This is one secret the Spaniards should definitely be sharing with the Brits.

Travel facts Beth Littler was a guest of the Catalonia tourist board.

Visit www.catalunya.com Neilson (www.neilson.co.uk; 0845 070 3460) offers a seven-night break to the region, including half-board accommodation at a three-star hotel, flights from Gatwick, transfers and the services of a resort representative.

Rooms at The Westin Monache Resort (www.westinmammoth.com) Ritz-Carlton at Northstar (www.ritzcarlton.com) PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn (www.plumpjacksquawvalleyinn.com).

Rooms at Hotel La Pleta (www.lapleta.com) For more information on Refugi Montgarri, visit www.montgarri.com

JANUARY ISSUE | 41

SKI FEATURE

our top five SKI RESORTS RESORT: BANFF Expert Advice: “Banff is a winter wonderland with wildlife and is a fabulous place to explore” Three superb ski areas in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, each set in stunning scenery and linked by an efficient ski bus system. Banff is a winter wonderland with wildlife and is a fabulous place to explore.

Sunshine is the main ski area with many of its slopes above tree line - 25 minutes by bus, Norquay is 15 minutes ride away, it is much smaller with wooded slopes, while Lake Louise is a 45 minute drive and has long trails and spectacular high mountain scenery. Beginners learn quickly with excellent tuition while intermediates and advanced enjoy the sheer variety of piste and deep powder bowls.

In the picturesque and lively town of Banff you’re quite likely to see an Elk out window shopping as it wanders down the main high street. All accommodation is linked to the resort by the regular bus system. With lots to do in the area, much based around the wildlife to be seen in Banff National Park, non skiers will be just as entertained here as those taking to the slopes.

RESORT: COURCHEVEL Expert Advice: “With a fantastic snow record and over 600km of pistes to conquer, this resort is definitely worth a visit at least once in your skiing career” Quite simply this is the crème de la crème of The Three Valleys resorts. 1850 in particular has become an infamous retreat for the Paris jet set and international stars who come back year after year to promenade, eat fabulous food in wonderful restaurants, and explore this 600km paradise. It is the northern gateway to The Three Valleys offering the most varied terrain from long gentle blues to steep couloirs, and superb skiing both above and below the tree line.

Courchevel is split into four village areas, the accommodation we offer is in either smart, shop and bar filled 1850 or calmer 1650.

A regular ski bus service links up the villages well into the night so it’s easy to sample the après-ski available in each. With a fantastic snow record and over 600km of pistes to conquer, this resort is definitely worth a visit at least once in your skiing career.

There are four very different villages that go to make up Courchevel. Each is named according to its altitude. Hence 1850 is the highest, while ‘Le Praz’ lies on the valley floor at 1300m, with 1650 and 1550 somewhere in between. So why choose 1850? Well, not only is it widely recognised as one of the world’s top ski resorts because of its clientele as much as its on and off piste skiing, shopping and dining opportunities, it is also the main hub for the lift system with quick and easy access into the neighbouring resort of Méribel - just a short hop over the mountain. The main terrain parks are also closest to 1850. It may be the more expensive of the Courchevel resorts, but you can find cheaper options when eating out, and if you want to do it properly, with the nightlife too, then this is the place to stay.

Courchevel 1650 is a little off the beaten track compared to its higher altitude neighbour, and less busy for it. There is a charming village centre here, although surrounded by some newer, less attractive additions, but it has more of a genuine ‘village’ demeanour and is distinctly calmer, especially at night.

The beginner slopes here are right next to the village, as are some of the best intermediate runs, so it’s a good choice for those who want to improve their skiing with the option of travelling further afield later in the week.

OUR RATING Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude Resort Altitude

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OUR RATING Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good Excellent 2730m High 1630m Low 1380m

•••• •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• ••••

Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude Resort Altitude

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Good Excellent 3230m High 1260m Low 1650m

•••• •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• ••••

SKI FEATURE

RESORT: FLAINE Expert Advice: “Literally a resort right in the thick of things, designed with convenience for all” Situated in the centre of a massive bowl, the pistes and lifts radiate out from the resort of Flaine like a giant snowy octopus.

Literally a resort in the thick of things, designed with convenience for all in mind. Free lifts access nearby nursery slopes, a gondola speeds directly across a rock face to the highest peak and an extensive bus system picks up the stragglers from nearby villages who missed the last lift home. This is a great resort for beginners, intermediates and especially families.

OUR RATING

The village itself is split into three areas. The original, ‘Flaine Forum’ is made up of blocks lacking in character but not practicality, its centre offers a few shops, bars and restaurants.

The ‘Hameau’ area is prettier with chalet style buildings and is located 1km from the resort centre. The ‘Foret’ area benefits from a 24 hour lift linking it to the main resort - so après-ski activities can, and do continue well into the night!

Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude

If you’re looking for more thrilling activities off the slopes, you can test your driving skills on the ice circuit or paraglide with the professionals!!

Resort Altitude

Excellent Excellent Very Good Very Good Fair Very Good Good 2480m High 1600m Low 1600m

•••• •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• ••••

JANUARY ISSUE | 43

SKI FEATURE

RESORT: ST ANTON Expert Advice: “superbly prepared slopes for all ability levels” The St Anton region has more than 100 years of skiing tradition and is considered by many to be one of the best ski areas in the world, encompassing not only St Anton but also St Christoph, Lech, Zurs and Stuben. With over 260km of pisted runs and challenging off-piste opportunities, the Arlberg area has something to keep even the most advanced skiers and boarders entertained.

St Anton has developed into the area’s most famous centre.

Although large and spread-out, it has heaps of charm and character. Here you’ll find some of the liveliest nightlife in Austria with things warming up from mid-afternoon in the many slopeside bars.

St Christoph is the lesser known but perfectly formed neighbour of St Anton. Located 8km up the road from St Anton at 1800m, it offers a quiet, friendly atmosphere and quick access via a high speed chairlift to the massive St Anton ski area.

This bijou resort is made up of a handful of colourful buildings; high standard hotels, a few restaurants and bars, all conveniently situated at the foot of the local slopes. At 1800m, St Christoph enjoys excellent snow all season. The renowned Arlberg Ski School has a team of instructors based here and also offers a dedicated children’s ski school.

This is a fantastic base for families or anyone wanting the convenience of doorstep skiing in the Arlberg region. Don’t expect the nightlife that St Anton offers, evenings here are generally spent enjoying delicious meals or relaxing in the hotel bar with a few drinks.

RESORT: SESTRIÉRE Expert Advice: “Sat on a high, sunny col, Sestrière is a place you can ski until you legs give out” Famously founded as a mountain retreat for employees of Fiat, Sestrière, at 2035m is one of the highest resorts in Italy. Situated just above the treeline this snowy, purpose built resort has an understated feel to it, with an après-ski agenda more relaxed than its’ livelier neighbour Sauze d’Oulx, and offers the complete range of skiing experiences in its 400km of piste, from an excellent, gentle nursery area to the steep downhill runs, made famous by the 2006 Olympics.

This is another resort benefitting immensely from the games with a new gondola lift improving connections to the other ‘Vialattea’ resorts of Sansicario, Sauze d’Oulx and Claviere, as well as some of the best snowmaking in the area allowing you to maximise your time on the mountain. Sat on a high, sunny col, Sestrière is a place you can ski until your legs give out, and then indulge in the Italian love of sunbathing on a truly relaxing holiday.

OUR RATING Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude Resort Altitude

44 | www.life-mags.com

OUR RATING Fair Excellent Excellent Excellent Good Good Excellent 2811m High 1304m Low 1304m

•••• •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• ••••

Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude Resort Altitude

Very Good Excellent Very Good Good Good Good Good 2825m High 1390m Low 2035m

•••• •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• ••••

PERFECTLY LOCATED, SKI-IN/SKI-OUT 2 BEDROOM, 3 BATHROOM, DUPLEX APARTMENT. SLEEPS 7. ARC 1950 REFUGE DU MONTAGNARD. EXCELLENT SNOW RECORD The refurbished apartment consists of an open plan kitchen, dining, living room with a balcony overlooking the Village and the home runs back to the resort. The kitchen area itself offers a fridge with small freezer, a dishwasher, ceramic hob, microwave oven, kettle, Nespresso coffee machine (capsules are provided) and a toaster.

The kitchen is fully stocked with all the utensils you will need.

The dining area comfortably seats six people. The living room contains a double sofa bed, two armchairs and a log fire. Cable TV (with terrestrial English Channels), BlueRay DVD, IPOD/MP3 music system and free WIFI are all included.

The bedrooms are located upstairs and comprise and double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower attachment and a twin bedroom (with a third trundle bed if required). Upstairs there is also a separate shower room and WC. There is also ample cupboard space and a safe in the main bedroom.

The apartment will be made up for your arrival. Linen and towels are provided. The apartment will be cleaned at the end of the week (included in your rate) albeit a mid-week clean can be arranged at an additional cost.

Availability from â‚Ź1500 per week. December 2018 - April 2019 dates available. 10 hours drive from St Malo.

Contact: 07700 310786 Email: jm_heaney@hotmail.com

SKI FEATURE

46 | www.life-mags.com

SKI FEATURE

PINTS ON THE FRENCH PISTE?

By Nicholas McAvaney All my troubles are blown away as I speed down a seemingly endless red run towards the valley between two peaks in the Galibier Thabor ski area, which also encompasses the village of Valmeinier.

teddy bears tucked into every nook and cranny. I wolf down a pizza and hot chocolate, as our guide reveals that she's postponed her honeymoon just to spend the ski season here.

Zig-zagging down the Selles piste, my friends and I follow our guide, a French former national skier. Suddenly, she comes to a skidding halt and points sternly across the valley.

"I love to ski," she explains. "I've skied all my life. I do this during the winter and then move back to La Rochelle for work in the summer.

"Look, chamois," she exclaims, drawing our attention to three little deer-like creatures traversing the side of the mountain. Their small hoofed feet provide the necessary grip in the deep snow to prevent them from tumbling down the mountainside. We pause for a few minutes to watch the delightful animals bound around the snow foraging for food, before continuing on our serene trip across some of the 150km of slopes in the area.

BELOW, VALLOIRE Congestion on the mountains in Western Europe is a growing concern for skiers and resort managers alike, but Galibier Thabor benefits from wide runs and an abundance of less demanding pistes closer to the villages, drawing the school groups and families away from the peak.

So our skiing is unimpeded during our three-hour ski excursion.

In need of fuel, we stop at the delightful Les Meregers restaurant, part way down Le Crey Du Quart. It's as cliched an alpine restaurant as you could imagine, with

"I can honeymoon any time, but the snow is perfect right now, I couldn't resist."

VALLOIRE They produce three award-winning brews in the tiny factory, and as the owner puts it: "Galibier is educating locals in the proper taste of beer."

We spend an hour discussing malts, hops and yeast, and the benefit of conditioning the beers in brown glass bottles, before testing their produce. It's the Alpine brew that I find most satisfying, while there is much support for Matchut amongst my friends.

The brewery is on the banks of the river that carves through Valloire conditioning the beers in brown glass bottles, before testing their produce. It's the Alpine brew that I find most satisfying, while there is much support for Matchut amongst my friends.

Embarrassing exposure avoided, we head to Chez Fred for a traditional fondue dinner and a chance to discuss the day's skiing. But I find our conversation is

dominated by the enormous, creatively lit sculptures along the road outside that form the entries in this year's international Snow Sculpture Contest. Fifty sculptors from around the world have been carefully carving the compacted snow throughout the day and night with chisels, saws and their hands.

Their sculptures range from a giant bust of Serge Gainsbourg to the Tower of Babel, and even a merry-go-round.

As the various winners are awarded, a loud crack precedes an explosion of colour with a brilliant fireworks display.

I gaze upward at the dancing lights and smile at how magical and vibrant the small village appears, a world away from the tranquility at the top of the mountain before us.

TRAVEL FACTS Nicholas McAvaney travelled to Valloire in the French Alps as a guest of Valloire Tourisme (www.valloire.net).

Packages are all bookable via the website and start from 113 euros per person, for three nights self-catered accommodation and a three-day lift pass.

Fly to Geneva, Lyon or Chambery with a choice of airlines, or takethe Eurostar direct to Lyon.

JANUARY ISSUE | 47

HOME LIVING

HOW TO LIVE LARGE: SPACE-SAVING HACKS FOR HOMES WITH LIMITED ROOM There is a line between cosy and cluttered, and these tips and tricks will help you not to cross it, by Luke Rix-Standing...

In the heart of the urban jungle, space is a fiercely contested commodity. In England and Wales the average square metre of property costs £2,395, but that rises to more than £3,000 in Bristol, almost £4,000 in Winchester, and nearly £5,000 in Brighton. In Kensington, London, one square metre of floor space sets you back an average of £19,439. Small wonder many of the nation's city-dwellers must squeeze every drop of use out of nook, corner and cranny.

So, if you're struggling with a shoe-box apartment, fit more for hobbit than human, here are a few hacks to help make your paltry pad feel positively palatial...

THINK VERTICALLY Just as blocks of flats economise by stretching skywards, so too can almost any aspect of your interior.

Bunks are a good bedroom option: Not the sort with your sibling sleeping below, but a single raised bunk that leaves space

beneath for a sofa or work station. Consider a drying rack elevated above the sink, rather than using up valuable space next to it, or a set of bathroom shelves that prop neatly atop the cistern.

If you're not averse to more major adjustments, install a slim slide-out storage tower by your cupboard or refrigerator. A sort of vertical draw with up to five levels, these beauties are perfect for cans, jars or cereal boxes, and can easily contain the contents of a small pantry.

Use your walls wisely: Mounted TVs are nothing new, but cups, racks, hooks and boxes can be fixed to almost any surface cheaply and without professional help. For those in the advanced class, check out MADE's fold-out, wall-mounted desk (£199, made.com) - a retractable table that flips up into the wall, cunningly masquerading as a small cupboard.

FURNITURE EFFICIENCY However many ornaments you erect, and whatever colour your wallpaper, it is still the furniture - the big, bulky must-haves like beds and tables - that will define how a room's space operates.

Consider two main tactics: Reducing the size of a piece of furniture, and making one piece of furniture perform multiple and different tasks.

The sofa-bed is a space-saving staple, but sleek modern models are taking its transformative powers to new heights.

continues overleaf...

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The Utaker Stackable Bed (£150, ikea.com) consists of two separate mattresses, fusing to form a single bed, double bed, twin beds, a single sofa, or a long reclining couch.

Coffee tables, counters, and cupboards can all come complete with extra pullouts, and for next-level extendability check out Ikea's Granboda table set (£50, ikea.com). The Russian doll of Swedish furniture, moving the top table reveals a second surface slotted underneath, and a third beneath that.

But the most extendable extendable of all is surely Marmell Furniture's multi-functional dining table (£420, marmell.co.uk). In its trimmest form it measures a mere 20cm in length, but three large inserts more than quadruple this to 240cm.

CORNERS ARE YOUR FRIENDS Corners are notoriously tricky, and, assuming you're not living in a lighthouse, each room probably has three or four of them.

The good news is that, naughty children aside, no-one is going to want to stand in the corner, so it's effectively free space.

Though angular and faintly awkward to install, you can cover your corners with specially designed wraparound corner shelves (again, Ikea is a good bet). Conventionally visual items like televisions and floor lamps can fit well, or try out a so-called 'corner-armchair' or right-angle settee.

STORE SMART Under-the-bed storage is a time honoured space-saver, and with good reason. Pull-out draws allow you to stow items still in daily use, while rubber 'bed risers' will hoist your mattress further from the ground, making room for another seven inches of stuff.

Fill these with Argos' vacuum storage bags (£9.99, argos.co.uk), making your space-saving strategy almost literally airtight.

It s all in the detail

Your aim should be to maximise what is already there. Instead of a traditional coffee table, could you instead put your drinks down on an elegant, varnished oak storage chest, or use the edge of your desk as a makeshift bedside table? It may seem luddite, but small spaces seem larger if there's less in them, and if all else fails, you can conduct a controlled purge.

Adopting an 'if in doubt, chuck it out' approach for even one short tidy-up will massively reduce clutter, even if it does mean parting with that four-sizes-too-large, bright turquoise t-shirt you occasionally wear as a pyjama top.

Whether you're looking to hold a wedding for 80 or 280 guests Vibert Marquees is second to none.

We stock a variety of beautifully crafted, high quality marquees and are here to advise you every step of the way, nothing is too much trouble for our professional and experienced team.

Let us create your perfect wedding day. Get in touch today on 482970 or visit our website vibertmarquees.com

WEDDINGS CORPORATE EVENTS

THE SPACIOUS AESTHETIC Now that your home is feeling little more spacious, you can set about making it look even more so.

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50 | www.life-mags.com

A light, textured colour scheme lends any room an airy, open feel (just think how claustrophobic black paint feels), while mirrors help build the illusion of depth. Stripes can elongate a room the same way they do a person (we recommend a rug; wallpaper might be overkill), and opt for a clear shower curtain to avoid visual foreshortening. Canny decorators follow the apocryphal-sounding but actually-very-accurate 'cantaloupe rule': When sprucing up a small space, use only ornaments larger than a cantaloupe melon, to sidestep the clutter that can so easily ruin a tiny room.

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PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR: ADD A SPLASH OF CORAL AT HOME... with LIVING CORAL set to make make waves across decor trends throughout 2019, Sam Wylie-Harris reveals the sunny-hued finds to shop now...

If you're hankering after some winter sun and desperate to get your glow on without having to leave home, Pantone's new Colour of the Year - Living Coral - could be the next best thing to basking in some natural warmth.

A gorgeously rich coral hue with a golden undertone, we can't think of a better way to welcome in 2019 than by brightening up the home with this happy, sunny shade.

Every year, design company Pantone look at the latest trends influencing our lives, before revealing the shade taking top spot.

The colour experts cite Living Coral as a release from digital technology and social media, and a nod of recognition towards our increasing concern over environmental issues, the energising aspects of colour found in nature, and our desire for playful expression. All sounds good to us.

To celebrate everything coral without having to be 'sur la plage', we've rounded up the latest must-have decos and homewares inspired by 2019's hottest shade...

MW BY MATTHEW WILLIAMSON MONKEY RESIN TABLE LIGHT, £85, DEBENHAMS (available late February) Attention-seeking and showy, if you can't resist a little bit of monkey business and thoughts of far-flung places, this designer lampshade will steal the spotlight very nicely.

EMBROIDERED VELVET PALM TREE CUSHION, £46, AUDENZA To evoke memories of tropical holidays and palm-fringed beaches, this luxe velvet cushion with its gold palm tree motif has a timeless allure.

UNITY CANE WALL MIRROR, CURRENTLY REDUCED TO £95 FROM £145, OLIVER BONAS To mirror our fascination with tribal art, this brass frame has been wrapped in woven red raffia inspired

by West African celebratory masks.

To make a real statement, hang one either side of a dresser or wide chest of drawers.

CRUMBLE MEDIUM 2 SEATER SOFA BY LOAF AT JOHN LEWIS - CLEVER LINEN RED CORAL, £1,999 Nothing says up-to-the-minute treat like a brand new sofa.

Especially when it's in statement 'look at me, don't dare spill anything on me' resplendent red coral.

Instagram-worthy for sure, especially with Valentine's Day winking at us from around the corner.

continues overleaf...

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We offer free estimates and advice on all aspects of the flooring trade, carpets and timber floors

All work carried out by our team of fully qualified installers to the highest standards

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DEBENHAMS COSMO PAINTERLY BUD VASE, £15, DEBENHAMS (available late February) This bowl-shaped vase adds a fresh dimension to the colour by picking up the golden accents and adding interest with some conch pearly pink and a wash of pebble stone grey.

CORAL BEADED TEALIGHT HOLDERS, CURRENTLY REDUCED TO £12.71 EACH FROM £16.95, GRAHAM & GREEN With a flicker of candlelight to enhance the tiny brilliant beads inspired by underwater plant life and colourful coral reefs, these quirky tealight holders are worth a closer look.

CLARISSA HULSE FILIX BED LINEN - CORAL OMBRE, FROM £19-£125, LAMBSWOOL THROW - CORAL OMBRE, £150, CLARISSA HULSE Rise and shine... Nothing spells sassy like a burst of burnt orange, dazzling coral and a splash of lemony yellow in a bright sunrise, ombre effect. Enriched with fabulous feather fern motifs and styled with a luxurious, fringed throw, these sateen sheets are a wake-up call to wonderfulness.

OIVA TOIKKA BIRD BY TOIKKA RED CARDINAL, £282 (130 X 200MM), IITTALA A flight of fancy - but if you don't have to penny-pinch, this striking songbird makes a lasting impression. According to mythology, cardinals are spiritual messengers and a sighting brings good fortune, making this a deco 'defo' worth the outlay.

BITOSSI HOURGLASS SAND TIMER - 60 MINUTES - RED, £25, AMARA And if you want to steel an extra hour in bed, this curved hourglass timer should bring you that much closer to feeling (and dreaming) about the sand between your toes.

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COLE & SON SEAFERN WALLPAPER - CORAL 107/2011, £85 PER ROLL, JOHN LEWIS Or for something closer to the real deal, this classic design inspired by botanical prints from the late 1700s delves beneath the sea to illustrate living species of coral (although more allusive), such as Staghorn and Ivory Tree.

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EAT YOUR HEART OUT

By Gabrielle Fagan

There's no doubt kitchens are the centre of our homes, but although they're the area we choose to spend the most time, either eating or socialising, it seems all too few of us have our 'dream' space.

Around 65% of Brits feel their current kitchen is far from ideal with its inadequacies most exposed during the pressure-cooker stress of Christmas - and around a quarter struggle with a cramped or awkward shaped room, while 25% bemoan a lack of work surfaces, according recent research by Wickes.

Aside from the benefits of enjoying this space more - and potentially being able to cook up a storm - it could be worth reconsidering a refit on financial grounds alone, as it's the most popular way to add value to a property, estimated by experts at around 15%.

"It's easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose a kitchen," says Daniele Brutto of Hub Kitchens, specialists in Italian-inspired design.

"There are so many materials, colours and finishes in the market at the moment, but what's important is focusing on what will work for you and your space. Pick something you like, which could be a particular wall colour, a floor tile or work surface texture and work outwards from there. Keeping one element at the heart of your design will make the whole process much more straightforward."

Take comfort from the fact that size isn't everything, according to Brutto, who says small spaces can still look stylish if a scheme is kept simple and every inch of space is exploited. "Custom-made cabinets can conceal day-to-day appliances when they're not in use, while it's also possible to maximise preparation areas by using worktops which cover sinks or extend.

"It's all about marrying imagination with innovative design and creating a calm, relaxed environment, where it's a pleasure to work and play."

See what's on the menu for kitchens this year, and choose your own individual style recipe... continues overleaf...

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Available exclusively at:

Bauformat Burrard Street St Helier JE2 4WS Tel: 869111 info@bauformat.co.je

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"We'll see an even greater emphasis on the use of natural timbers, and there are some amazing timber veneers coming onto the market, which give cabinetry a rich, warm feel. The trend for mixing and matching veneers with harsher surrounds, such as concrete, steel and iron, will also feature strongly this year."

DECOR TIP: A recent survey by property agents Strutt & Parker revealed that nearly 16% of people place an island kitchen, or one with a peninsula, at the top of their wish-list when seeking a new home. As a guide, designers recommend a walkway of at least one metre on all sides of an island, and often more for ease-of-use.

MODERN MENU Shades of grey or cool blue will give a kitchen an ultra-modern look and can be enlivened with either a colourful splashback, or add a warming glow with copper metallic accessories.

"The general trend still continues for the kitchen to literally be the heart of the home, and grey is still a massive colour trend, whether it's used for unit fronts or even grey grouting in between tiles," says Wickes design consultant, Simon Burton.

"A kitchen has to be a practical, user-friendly space, but is also regarded as an area to socialise, so open-plan designs, incorporating a kitchen and dining/living area, are still a top choice. One great way to enhance a social feel is to have built-in music speakers."

DECOR TIP: Lighting plinths and under cabinets, as well as zoning islands and peninsulas with pendants, easily allows a mood to adapt from cooking to entertaining or relaxing.

A PERFECT BALANCE Mixing modern and old-style materials, and using accents of black and charcoal to add definition, achieves a chic look which suits a country 'kick off your wellies' setting, just as much as an edgy industrial-style urban loft.

"We believe a successful kitchen should feel like an organic part of a home, not a bolt-on or trend-conscious space. Instead, it should be a zone in harmony with our style and taste, and designed to totally suit our lifestyle. Contrast in colour or texture is particularly effective, for instance, rough brick set against a plaster wall, or a tiled effect below an open raftered ceiling," says John Sims-Hilditch, managing director at Neptune.

"This timeless look has enduring appeal, never goes out of fashion and looks better as it ages. Breaking up a run of wall cupboards with open shelving or glass-fronted upper cabinets is a useful design option, creating fluidity and an impression of more space."

WALK IN THE WOODS Natural materials rule in decor, and showcasing rich wood grain and stunning stone worktops - marble through to slate - brings personality and ultimate luxury to a room.

"The real trend at the moment for finishes is subtle, textural differences to give real depth, which will break up the monotone nature of surfaces. We're going to see more use of natural exotic stones such as marble, slate and granite," says Brutto.

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DECOR TIP: Door and drawer fronts will make or break a room.

The three main factors to consider are style, colour and handles but don't overlook practicality in your desire for a particular look.

For instance, for high wall cupboards, mechanical flip-up doors might be more suitable and larger handles are easier to grasp.

And bear in mind that high-gloss finishes may show marks and fingerprints, plus matt finishes are a trend-savvy choice this year.

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BROOKFIELD & LE CLOS DU CANNE LA RUE D'EMPIERRE TRINITY JE3 5FQ

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FERNLANDS LA RUE A LA DAME ST. SAVIOUR JE2 7NQ

FEATURES 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom main house with 1 bedroom annex Additional 3 bedroom bungalow Extensive gardens mainly laid to lawn Tree lined private driveway Equine fields, outhouses & garages Outline planning approved for 7,800 sq

LA RUETTE D'AVRANCHES ST. LAWRENCE

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FEATURES Stunning Family Residence Gated driveway 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms Detached triple garage 2 generation opportunity Beautiful landscaped gardens Close to all major schools Plentiful parking Great location

Contact Us GAUDIN & CO Unity Chambers 28 Halkett Street St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4WJ Tel: 01534 730341 Email: enquiries@gaudin.je www.gaudin.je

FEATURES 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms Separate 2 bedroom staff / guest cottage Private gated entrance Beautiful gardens Tranquil and peaceful location Fabulous reception / entertaining space Indoor heated swimming pool Circa 8,500 sq ft of accommodation Joint Sole Agent

GARDENING

10 Top Garden 9 1 0 2 r o f s d n e Tr

As we ring in the New Year, Hannah Stephenson asks the experts to predict what's going to be 'growing' in popularity over the next 12 months...

Self-watering containers and window boxes will continue to gain popularity in 2019, particularly for gardeners with little time, and if we continue to have hot, dry summers, she predicts.

We've had a year of greening up the urban landscape, cacti craziness and working out how to reduce plastics in gardening in 2018 - but what's going to be trending for the New Year?

1. GO TROPICAL Louise Golden, head of garden at Dobbies Garden Centres, predicts the 'Afrique' tropical look is going to be big next year.

"People are going for a big, lush feel to their gardens, depending on where they are living. If they're further south, they can do that in their gardens, while in the north, they can plant in pots and pull them into sheltered places.

"Big, dramatic plants - such as cordylines, canna lilies and hardy palms - are going to be on-trend, and richly-coloured foliage bedding plants, such as coleus with amazing leaf patterns, will give gardens that wow factor.

"People are wanting to experiment with something new, and the younger generation is interested in the challenge of growing something regarded as a bit more tropical."

2. BOOST URBAN SPACES Living walls are still popular for those who have little space and need to grow plants vertically, says Golden.

"They're really easy to install and you can buy self-watering units," she says. "You can use them outside on balconies or to green garage walls." Put outside lights above them to add emphasis, and grow herbs in them, which you can add to barbecued foods and salads in summer.

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3. SET THE MOOD WITH SMART LIGHTING Use carefully-positioned lighting to pull your focus on to a specific area within your garden, turning a tree into a prominent feature, suggest landscape designers the Rich brothers, Harry and Dave, who work on BBC One's Garden Rescue and have now teamed up with Signify lighting (signify.com/en-gb).

Use colour to transform the ambience of your outdoor space for any occasion, whether it's a warm white light for a cosy evening, or some bright tones to accentuate a feature, they suggest. continues overleaf...

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GARDENING

4. KEEP UPCYCLING "One trend that we saw last year was upcycling - people taking an item such as a chest of drawers that they'd painted, and then opening the drawers at various levels and planting it up. That's set to continue," says Golden.

"I've also seen a trend with upcycled enamelled containers used for planting things like chillis."

8. MAKE WAVES WITH THE COASTAL LOOK "This is going to continue to be popular, because of everybody's love for succulents. Grasses, succulents and eucalyptus will be the on-point plants for a coastal look," says Golden.

5. ZONE IN WITH LOW WALLING Creating 'rooms' or divisions within an outdoor space has become a trend in its own right, adding structure and a sense of complexity to any garden, the Rich brothers observe.

The brothers often match the same texture and tone of a low wall to the house, using the same or similar stone.

Low walls can define and act as boundaries to certain spaces, or they can double up as seating. They provide structure and height, zoning different sections for various uses, and if they're subtly lit, can show off form and structure, they say.

6. CREATE NORDIC CALM "This is where the garden is a lot more calming," says Golden.

"It's green, with glossy foliage and is mainly evergreens, so it's quite tidy with clean lines. It works really well for people who don't have much time, as it's low-maintenance," she adds. White hydrangeas could be added for cool colour.

"Large-leafed plants such as Fatsia japonica and lush green ferns work really well in these schemes," Golden continues. "You can bring the look indoors too, with ferns and white orchids, which create a calming space and a feeling of wellbeing."

7. ACCESSORISE WITH SHRUBS Shrubs are so versatile, providing subtle layering, screening and colour. The Rich brothers note: "Cornus (dogwood) is a great species for 2019, which naturally adds character and a splash of a winter palette through their stem colour. Philadelphus (mock orange) is a great choice for fragrance, while Daphne 'Darjeeling' is a great choice for the winter season.

Gardeners should be lighting up shrubs to add a different dimension, showing off-stem details, but also helping to illuminate the surrounding perennials that are positioned under the skirting of the shrub, the brothers suggest.

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"Those glaucous blue shades look great for these schemes, and there's a great new shrub called Senecio 'Angel Wings' which is silvery, with very large leaves - it looks great with the blue of eucalyptus and cortaderias pampas grass, to form the coastal look."

9. TAKE CACTI OUTDOORS So, while the majority of cacti will remain indoors, Dobbies Garden Centres is introducing some hardy prickly pears (opuntias) which you can grow outdoors.

10. MAKE SPACE FOR AN ADULT HIDEAWAY The Rich brothers' favourite trend is towards creating an outdoor hideaway to inspire you to spend more time in your garden, whatever the weather or time of day.

"Think of this outdoor structure in the same way you would consider styling your living room or kitchen; this could be carrying on a theme from the interior of your home," they suggest.

"Add some personality with a touch of colour," they add. Leaving the structure untouched, of course, provides a more rustic and natural feeling, whereas painting the wood in a more calming colour will create a cool, understated look.

TRAVEL

Touch Down On The Space Coast!

by Rebecca Underwood

Space Coast Surfer!

Astronaut Hall of Fame- Kennedy Space Centre

Cape Winds Resort

A Space Walk!

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Florida’s Space Coast, which includes Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Indialantic, Palm Bay, Viera and Titusville, offers 72 miles of pristine, glorious beaches, the world’s largest 24 - hour surf shop, and the robust waves ensure that this is America’s East Coast surfing capital. The Space Coast is the ideal destination for a family holiday and for those of us who are fascinated by the stars; it’s the gateway to the Kennedy Space Centre Complex.

Firing Room Theatre to relive the launch of the first crewed NASA mission, which orbited the moon in 1968. The theatre audience faces the actual consoles used during the Apollo launches and leading up to the countdown the excitement is palpable. The viewer experiences the incredible noise as the rocket lifts off from the launch pad and as it blasted into space I wondered how those brave astronauts could withstand the fear of the then unknown.

Built in 1967 and home to NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Programme, which is pivotal to the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station, the Kennedy Space Centre attracts more than 1.5 million visitors every year. Up with the larks and keen as mustard, I set off to explore the centre and to focus on the future of travel – ‘Space, the final frontier!’

Hopping back on the bus to Mission Zone: Shuttle: A Ship, Like No Other, I viewed the incredible Space Shuttle Atlantis®, which transferred astronauts from Earth to space and back for thirty years and covered a distance of 126 million miles. Scorched and battered, it is an amazing sight, a vehicle that launches like a rocket and then lands like a glider. The Shuttle Launch Experience® was my next venture and I strapped myself to a seat to be subjected to the force of a simulated take off. The module rotates to a vertical position and each ‘passenger’ experiences the force of acceleration and vibration as the shuttle launches and soars into orbit, and it was simply unforgettable.

The Kennedy Space Centre’s narrated bus tours transport passengers to NASA’s restricted areas, passing by working facilities including the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Complex 39. Arriving at Mission Zone: Race to the Moon, located at the Apollo/Saturn V Centre, I was absolutely mesmerised by the exhibits, including the powerful Saturn V Rocket, which has transported every astronaut who has stepped onto the moon’s surface. I then headed for the

Another local attraction of note, which is only a ten minute car ride away from the Kennedy Space Centre, is the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum, located

TRAVEL

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Encore Resort at Reunion on Horizon Drive in Titusville. Founded in 1960, this building is the nation’s first national law enforcement museum dedicated to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Exhibits include an impressive collection of police cars, including one, which featured in the film Blade Runner, a rather disturbing replica of a prison cell, a guillotine, which displays a sign warning the viewer not to touch the blade or put their neck under it! There is also a rope, which was once used for hanging and a wide range of decommissioned fire arms and tools used by law enforcement officers. Additional exhibits include a collection of photographs and artefacts related to notorious criminals such as Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, Al Capone, Legs Diamond and Baby Face Nelson. Feeling rather unsettled, I headed for the shooting range!

The on-site shooting centre is a regional training resource for law enforcement, and visitors are welcome to take the opportunity to harness their skills. As an absolute novice and extremely nervous, the Range Safety Officer assured me that I was not the first and swiftly presented me with my Ruger SR22 -22LR semi auto pistol, 50 rounds of ‘live’ ammo, and a target poster depicting an unsuspecting assailant! After a short lesson on safety, loading the magazine and aiming the weapon I was instructed to ‘fire!’ and to my amazement I have been deemed ‘a natural’ as my first volley of shots hit the assailant’s neck, head and heart.

business, is located on South Miramar Avenue, Melbourne.

The spacious and comfortable one bedroom suites with open plan lounges and kitchenettes are ideal for couples. Resort facilities include an outside heated swimming pool, private beach access, on-site laundry with a washer and dryer, complimentary WiFi and a parking space. My suite, located on the ground floor, was adjacent to a beach access point and lounging outside on a beach chair and sipping on my cool drink I watched the surfer ‘dudes’ coming and going and then riding the waves with abandon.

Feeling relieved, and in need of a breather, I hailed a cab and headed for the Cocoa Beach Pier, and on arrival I was fortunate to arrive in time to join the crowd of spectators waiting for the Space X Falcon 9 ‘live’ rocket launch, which successfully lifted off launch pad 39a at the nearby Kennedy Space Centre. The crowd reacted with spontaneous whoops of joy and rounds of applause and I was absolutely ecstatic. To celebrate, I made my way to Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar, located on Glen Cheek Drive, and sampled the Cuban sandwich, served on authentic Cuban bread, with marinated pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and a dash of mayonnaise and mustard. Accompanied by a Strawberry Mojito, mixed with Bacardi Dragonberry rum, it was delicious.

‘Top tip’ Stop-over in Orlando’ The Encore Resort at Reunion, located on Fairfax Drive, Orlando, is minutes away from Disney’s theme parks. Choose from a selection of private, detached, luxurious home rentals with 3 to 13 bedrooms and all with private outdoor swimming pools. Beautifully furnished, tastefully decorated, spacious and comfortable, each property offers the ideal solution for those seeking the utmost comfort and privacy.

Resort facilities include a 10 acre water park, an enormous swimming pool, covered cabanas, an air conditioned arcade, a Kid’s Club, an activities programme for families, a gymnasium, an outdoor lounge, 2 restaurants and 2 full bars. Complimentary transportation to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld is provided.

A little light-headed, I headed back to Cape Canaveral and the comfort of the Cape Winds on Ridgewood Avenue, adjacent to the gorgeous beach. The resort’s facilities include an outside heated pool, sauna and hot tub, and for those with energy to spare there are flood-lit tennis and basketball courts. My spacious apartment featured two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a utility room with a washer and dryer, an open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area with a wrap around balcony furnished with high chairs and a sun lounger facing the ocean; the perfect spot for an afternoon snooze.

For more information visit encorereunion.com or email: encorereunion.net or call 001 407 635 8525.

Florida’s Space Coast offers all this, and more.

‘Top tip’ Space Coast accommodation: For more information on the Cape Winds resort visit stayincocoabeach.com and for the Tuckaway Shores visit tuckawayshores.com 'Top tip' Ground transfers from Orlando airport, Disney, Universal, and International Drive areas to the Space Coast, including Kennedy Space Centre and the American Police Museum in Titusville. Cocoa Beach Shuttle has been providing transport services for over 20 years. Vans, mini buses, motor coaches and door-to-door airport shuttle services with helpful, reliable and punctual drivers. For more information call +01 321 6314144 or visit cbshuttle.com

Relaxing on the Space Coast

Or, for those seeking a smaller property, and one with a real taste of Floridian charm, the Tuckaway Shores Resort, a family run

Astronaut images courtesy of space coast office of tourism.

MERIDIEN MODENA Ferrari Dealer of the Year 2018 MERIDIEN MODENA, THE OFFICIAL FERRARI DEALERSHIP BASED IN LYNDHURST ON THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND, HAS BEEN AWARDED THE TITLE OF “FERRARI DEALER OF THE YEAR 2018” This is the highest accolade an official Ferrari dealership can receive from the factory in Maranello, recognising outstanding performance across all areas of the business, including Sales, Aftersales, Marketing, Events and, most importantly, Customer Service and Satisfaction.

To recognise the contribution Meridien Modena has made to the reputation and service provided by the Ferrari dealer network, Ferrari SpA presented the dealership with an original Scuderia Ferrari F1 car which was driven by 7-times World Champion, Michael Schumacher, during the 2002 season. This F1-2002 is now proudly on display at the Meridien Modena showroom in Lyndhurst, Hampshire.

Glenn Butt, Director, commented: “All of our customers are the driving force behind this achievement, and we would like to thank them for

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their continued support. We are privileged to have the support of a long standing family of staff members and must also thank them for this incredible honour. Thank you to everyone! Being recognised as Ferrari’s Dealer of the Year 2018 means so much to a family owned business like ours.” Meridien Modena has also previously won awards from Ferrari for “Showroom of the Year” in 2014, and “Aftersales Dealer of the Year” in 2017 – for which the dealership received display engines from the Ferrari FF and the Portofino, respectively. This means the family-owned dealership in Lyndhurst is the only Ferrari dealer worldwide to have ever received all 3 awards.

OFFICIAL FERRARI DEALER

Meridien Modena SEVEN YEARS OF CARE FOR YOUR FERRARI WITH GENUINE MAINTENANCE Ferrari Genuine Maintenance is a complimentary scheduled maintenance programme that will accompany all new cars for their first seven years.

This will make it even easier to maintain the vehicle’s distinctive characteristics, without sacrificing sporting spirit and safety.

The Official Network is on hand to explain the programme’s advantages, which include: • Rigorous checks and routine maintenance work carried out by expert technicians trained at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello; • Exclusive use of Ferrari Genuine spare parts and oil changes, as recommended by the manufacturer; • Use of the most up-to-date diagnostic tools; • A test drive at the end of each check to ensure your vehicle is optimally tuned; • Availability of the programme worldwide at all Official Network service centres; • Coverage of the individual vehicle and thus extended to any eventual subsequent owner within the seven years.

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MOTORING

BUYING YOUR FIRST SUPERCAR? THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...

Lucky enough to be in the market for some seriously exotic machinery? Here's where to start, says Ryan Hirons.

Almost all drivers dream of owning a supercar - but it's a reality that only a lucky few will ever get to experience.

If you're finally in a position to make this dream come true for you however, there are a few important things you'll need to keep in mind.

While buying a regular car brings its own set of challenges, a supercar is a whole other ball game. There's a lot to consider some are hard to find, insurance could be an issue, and then there's finding a place nearby with the know-how for its servicing, which on this level of car is more crucial than most.

Here's our guide to help get you on the path of supercar ownership...

I WANT A SUPERCAR! WHERE DO I START? Just like any car-shopping, you need to know exactly what you're after, whether that's something to show off with in summer, tuck away in the garage as an investment, or hound around the Nurburgring.

It's also worth considering your budget, of course. If you're buying new, prices can be difficult to source once you reach a certain part of the market - so don't expect to be able to just find out how much that McLaren 600LT you crave will be on finance, without jumping through some hoops.

Start by heading online to use configurators (just about every firm has one), and creating your perfect spec. That can then be sent off to your nearest dealer, who can discuss prices with you there.

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The used market is a whole different ball game. Supercars on the lower end of the scale tend to depreciate a fair bit, so be prepared - just as with any car - to research things to look out for.

Issues can be common on this kind of machinery, simply due to how complicated and fragile components can be, and of course you'll need to ensure the car has been well-kept. Sometimes, a cheap deal isn't the best deal.

TIME TO SHOP AROUND AND TEST DRIVE! DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY? Just like any car, once you're in the classifieds, it's best to shop around and take a look at a number of examples of cars you're looking at. For pre-registered cars, that might be finding the right spec, while used brings condition and history to the table.

Take your time to research, and don't just settle on the first thing you come across.

As for test drives, these are also the same - albeit potentially harder to book, as a seller or dealership won't want just any regular punter to turn up asking for a spin in their exotic machinery. Research issues and things to look for in a particular supercar - which are often well-documented online by owners and use the test drive as an opportunity to sniff them out.

It's very easy to get excited by the prospect of driving what could be your very first supercar - but don't let that cloud your judgement on a test drive. After all, once you have the right machine, you'll have time to enjoy it.

MOTORING

I'M READY TO BUY! WHAT NEXT? You've found the right car, and everything is in place for you to make the purchase. First, decide how you're paying - if you're buying it outright, lucky you! Otherwise, search around for the best deals on finance or a loan. It's also worth remembering that despite these exotic machines costing huge sums of money, there's still room to haggle - unless you're at the ultra-desirable end of the scale.

Payment plan secured, it's time to look at insurance. Believe it or not, most regular insurance companies will be able to offer an insurance quote on your new supercar just like a regular family hatchback - albeit premiums will likely be higher. There's also the option of specialist insurers which focus exclusively on high-end machinery, and may be able to offer a cheaper quote as a result.

It's also worth keeping in mind general maintenance and running costs are going to be higher before fully committing. With fragile components prominent in many supercars, they require more

care and attention than most daily runabouts will - so be prepared to spend a good amount on servicing and repairs if needed.

I HAVE THE KEYS! ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW? Well done, you've entered the elite world of supercar ownership.

Go show it off to the world! Or stick it in the garage for investment, that's your call now.

If it's the former, be prepared to be asked questions about it frequently from admirers and those envious alike. Oh, and the occasional social media appearance of course.

We should also hit home the point on being sensible with the performance. Supercars tend to have bags of power, which is fine on a racetrack, but do avoid the temptation to hit the boot on every straight, clear road you see. Even more so if this is your first time driving a car of this type, as the performance could prove overwhelming.

Stay safe and have fun!

JANUARY ISSUE | 71

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Reviews & Clues!

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BOOK of the month...

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'STARCHILD' by Fiona Joyce Across

Down

7. Resolve (13)

1. Dainty (8)

8. Interval (8)

2. Spirit (6)

9. Skilful (4)

3. Portent (4)

10. Obvious (6)

4. Subordinate (8)

12. Verily (6)

5. Filament (6)

14. Disfigure (6)

6. Idiot (4)

16. Tell (6)

11. Alluring (8)

18. Stylish (4)

13. Outer (8)

20. Touts (8)

15. Fill (6)

22. Vertical (13)

17. Acidity indicator (6) 19. Attention (4) 21. Strait-laced (4)

Answers can be found in next month’s edition of the Jerseylife.

‘Starchild – Song of the Heart’ introduces the concept of energy healing, (Reiki) in the form of an adventure novel for ages 12 - 18. The ‘Sword of Wisdom’ represents the ascending energies of the Chakras and must be united with the ‘Shield of Compassion,’ (the Heart) in order for the Children of Earth to harness the Powers of the Universe and go on to create a New World.

During a successful career as a songwriter, recording artist and music teacher in Ireland, Jersey born Fiona Joyce became increasingly aware of the healing Power of Sound.

After training with Jonathan Goldman in Colorado, she trained as a Reiki Master Teacher with William Rand and is a member of the Complementary Therapy Association in the UK and Ireland.

Fiona is currently developing the system of ‘STARCHILD’ Reiki, based on the concept in the ‘Starchild’ book. This will add the Power of Sound to the Reiki healing system and is especially geared towards both children (and adults) who may find the traditional Japanese symbols and terms confusing.

At the level of the heart, both Reiki and Sound offer simple and effective methods for deep relaxation and healing of body, mind and spirit.

Fiona’s debut novel ‘STARCHILD – SONG OF THE HEART’ describes the journey through increasing frequencies of Light and Sound, as the Children of Earth defeat the Dark Force and remember who they really are – Children of the Stars.

Available from Amazon (paperback ) and other online retailers or from "Starchild Productions Limited", 17A York St, St Helier, JE2 3RQ.

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KNOW YOU CAN. THE NEW BMW X5.

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