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APRIL 2016 | www.life-mags.com
the Jerseylife | APRIL 2016
Royal Ballet Stars ISSUE 126 | THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
COME TO FORT REGENT
Spring is in the air Time to clear your clutter
welcome to
Homeliving
www.life-mags.com
BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE • 5 TIPS FOR ECO FLOORING • AND SO TO BED 6 SIMPLE SPRING SOLUTIONS • 5 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RENOVATION THE LOWDOWN ON LAWNMOWERS
events | beauty | food and drink | home | the arts | fashion | travel | property | business | health | garden
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Vibert Marquees have over 30 years experience in the industry We stock a whole host of marquees to suit any occasion along with over 12 colour accessories for full interior lining. We provide a range of sites from all over the island each with something special to offer. We are available for equipment and furniture hire all through the year. Nothing is a hassle and we are here to help and offer advice every step of the way. We look forward to working with you.
VIBERT MARQUEES Tel: (01534) 482970 E-mail: vibmarq@localdial.com Website: www.vibertmarquees.com
Publisher Fish Media Ltd Head Office Chamber House, 25 Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 4HF. 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 Follow us on Twitter: @TheJerseyLife1 Like us on Facebook: The Jersey Life
A very warm and sunny welcome to our April ‘Spring Home Living’ issue of the Jerseylife. Today, as I write, the sun is streaming through my office window with a promise of warmer days to come.
congratulations to the very talented and immensely dedicated, Sarah Le Marquand who has now been working alongside us in Production for ten busy years…. Here’s to the next ten!
To celebrate this unbridled beauteous time of year we are pulling out all the stops to help you get your home tip-top before summer starts proper in our ‘Home Living, Home Loving’ section. There is nothing worse than having a lingering list of household jobs when the garden and the great outdoors beckon.
Until next month when we will be truly talking about all things Alfresco......
Perfectly timely, we are looking at lawns and mowers in our gardening section; ensuring a perfect green patch in time for summer parties! Alfresco dining will soon be part of the daily routine and stocking up on good wine just has to be a priority, so Wine consultant Martin Flageul delights us with tales of his more than thirty year association with Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme.
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.
Perhaps you’d rather leave the garden to its own devices and instead be thinking about a Spring break away. This month Rebecca Underwood travels to Bern in Switzerland; truly inspiring. However some of us would rather stay in the comfort our own home so interior style gurus Julia Gray and Gabrielle Fagan are focusing on plush sofas and eco flooring to name but a few of our home and lifestyle feature articles. With so much to be positive about at this time of year it’s hard to think about the more difficult aspects of life but as Mark Shields explains there is no time for complacency in the work place. Well that’s it for yet another month of 2016. I can’t believe it’s a year now since I’ve been a permanent member of the Jerseylife team! And whilst I’m mentioning anniversaries,
March edition’s crossword solutions: Across: 1 Grammatical; 9 Overall; 10 Ditto; 11 Speed; 12 Maximum; 13 Quarry; 15 Hiatus; 18 Enlarge; 20 Cower; 22 Cured; 23 Aliment; 24 Undoubtedly Down: 2 Reeve; 3 Meander; 4 Aplomb; 5 Index; 6 Attempt; 7 Consequence; 8 Commiserate; 14 Aileron; 16 Incline; 17 Bedaub; 19 Radio; 21 Wheel.
APRIL ISSUE | 3
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3 WELCOME
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and The Jersey Life contact information
8 UP AND COMING Events and walks around Jersey
74 APRIL IS... Flavour of the month, cocktail and crossword
ARTS, CULTURE AND MUSIC 12 ROYAL BALLET STARS COME TO FORT REGENT By James Mews
14 CARMEN AND THE REVOLUTIONARY MASTERPIECES At Jersey Opera House
16 THE LILLA AKADEMIEN STRING ORCHESTRA Presented by Christopher George
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HOME LIVING 10 SPRING IS IN THE AIR By Juanita Shield-Laignel
20 BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE by Gabrielle Fagan
24 FIVE TIPS FOR ECO FLOORING By Julia Gray
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15TH & 1 16 6TH JJULY ULY 20 2016 16
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26 AND SO TO BED… Creating the perfect environment for a good night ‘s sleep
30 SIMPLE SPRING SOLUTIONS Tips to brighten your homes by Gabrielle Fagan
34 FIVE TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL RENOVATION By Julia Gray
40 THE LOWDOWN ON LAWNMOWERS By Hannah Stephenson
44 DOG DAYS National Pet Month
FOOD AND DRINK 46 WHAT’S COOKING IN APRIL Delicious mouth watering recipes
72 CHATEAU CARONNE STE GEMME By Martin Flageul
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TRAVEL 48 BERN – SWITZERLAND’S CAPTIVATING CAPITAL By Rebecca Underwood
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ANTIQUES 56 FINE JERSEY FURNITURE By Stephen Cohu
HEALTH AND BEAUTY 59 SPRING IS IN THE HAIR By Sophie Walton
60 BRING YOU’RE A GAME Vitamin A, the anti-ageing cosmetic ingredient
62 TIPS FOR BETTER MENO-SNOOZE
48
Menopause isn’t one size fits all by Abi Jackson
64 WORLDS WEIRDEST BEAUTY TREATMENTS By Penny Downes of Pennyfeathers
64 CUSTOMER SERVICE AS IMPORTANT AS EVER By Mark Shields
MOTORING 70 ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN The latest set of wheels taken for a spin 6 | www.life-mags.com
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what’s on...
Our selection of events to enjoy in Jersey this month sponsored by JT
Theatre, Art & Exhibitions Waste Not, Want Not Juniors – Easter Bonanza Come and see us at Fort Regent were we will be making everything to do with Easter and spring time. Using recycled materials. From egg painting to chicks and lambs. Price: £5 per child per hour. Price Children: £5.00 When: 01/04/2016 - 11/04/2016 Time: 10:00-16:00 Where: Fort Regent, Mount Bingham, St. Helier, JE2 4UX Contact: Waste Not Want Not +44 (0) 07797779254 ali@wastenotwantnotje.co.uk Website: www.wastenotwantnotje.co.uk Dawn 'til Dusk Exhibition Part of the C I Heritage Festival - Visit this mixed Exhibition of paintings, photography, 3D work, jewellery, textiles, ceramics from Jersey's leading Artists. Portraying the Jersey coastlines, sea, the flora and fauna, and showing the changes that take place in the colours and moods between the hours of Dawn 'til Dusk. Price: Free of charge When: 14/04/2016 - 10/05/2016 Time: 10:00-17:30 Where: The Harbour Gallery & Creative Design Studios, Le Boulevard, St Aubin Contact: Christine Witham +44 (0) 1534 482328 christinewitham14@gmail.com Website: www.theharbourgalleryjersey.com 'That Woman, The Duchess’ - with Anne Sebba Anne Sebba, author and historian presents a forthright talk on Wallis Simpson the second lecture title in the JEDFAS series. JEDFAS is a new society in Jersey set up by June Ash. It comes under the umbrella of NADFAS (National Association Of Decorative & Fine Arts) and is open to all who have the shared interest of exploring the diverse world of the Arts. There will be 9 talks annually on a wide range of subjects, all to take place at The Royal Yacht Hotel. Kindly Sponsored by NADFAS. £ 16 Supper Option Price: £12.50 When: Tuesday 19th April Time: 6pm for 6:45 start Where: The Royal Hotel Contact: email carolyn@jedfas.org or call (01534) 601195
Let us know the month before your event is due to take place, and we shall do our best to include it in our listings. Contact: thejerseylife@fishmedia.biz
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Theatre, Art & Exhibitions Jersey Heritage Blampied Exhibition Talk Part of the C I Heritage Festival - Join Louise Downey, Community Learning Director at Jersey Heritage, to learn all about Jersey’s quintessential artist Edmund Blampied. He is probably the artist whose work has most influenced the idea of what Jersey is about. When: Tuesday 26/04/2016 Time: 14:00-15:00 Where: Jersey Museum, The Weighbridge, Contact: Jersey Heritage 01534 633300 info@jerseyheritage.org Website: www.jerseyheritage.org The Circus Of Horrors The show that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent & now a West End smash is back to mark its 21st Anniversary in spectacular style. The Circus of Horrors completely WOWED the audience’ The Daily Mail. Price: From £15.00 - £27.05 When: 29/04/2016 - 30/04/2016 Times: 17:00 and 20:00 Where: Jersey Opera House, St. Helier Contact: Jersey Opera House Tel: 01534 511115 boxoffice@jerseyoperahouse.co.uk www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk
Fayres, Food & Festivals JAYF Open Garden Season - Le Coin St Brelade Part of the C I Heritage Festival - The gardens of Le Coin, St. Brelade will be open in aid of Jersey Association for Youth and Friendship by kind permission of Lady Cook. Genuine Jersey Cream teas will be served on the lawn during the afternoon with free refills of tea and a raffle. Children under 12 are free. No dogs allowed. Sign posted on the day. Price Adults: £3.00 When: Sunday 10/04/2016 Time: 14:00-17:00 Where: Le Coin, Le Mont du Coin, St. Brelade, Contact: JAYF +44 (0) 07797718592 westlynnjersey@gmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/JAYFgardens Footsteps of Victor Hugo Part of the C I Heritage Festival - Victor Hugo, author of ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Toilers of the Sea’, is also the subject of a recent book researched by Pete Webb, who’s tour will reveal the life and times of the famous author during his exile here in Jersey. No booking required. Price Adults: £10.00 When: Sundays ~ 14:15-15:45 10th, 17th, 24th/04/2016 Where: Havre des Pas Swimming Pool jetty entrance, St. Helier Contact: Pete Webb - Blue Badge Guide petewebb@localdial.com Bus: 1 Through the Looking Glass – a Kayak Exploration of Jersey's Marine Jungle Part of the C I Heritage Festival - Explore one of Europe's most diverse marine ecosystems without having to wear scuba gear. Observe marine and bird life as you paddle our user friendly sit-on-top sea kayaks. Novices are welcome. All kit supplied. Price adults: £40.00, Children: £27.00 When: Mondays 11/04/2016 Time: 14:00-16:30 18/04/2016 Time: 10:00-12:30 25/04/2016 Time: 14:00-16:30 Where: Venue confirmed when booking. Advance booking essential as we kayak in small groups. Contact: Jersey Kayak Adventures Ltd T: 853138
info@jerseykayakadventures.co.uk Bus: Special £2 Eco discount per adult, if you arrive by bus or bicycle. You must request this offer at time of booking. Website: Jersey Kayak Adventures Abseiling at Mont Orgueil Castle with Jersey Adventures Part of the C I Heritage Festival -Abseiling from one of Jersey’s iconic landmarks has to be the ultimate adrenaline rush. Take your courage in your hands, lean back and trust the rope (and your instructor!) and head for terra firma. The perfect introduction to adventure sports! Price Adults: £17.50 When: Tuesdays Time: 10:00-12:00 12th, 19th, 26th/04/2016 Where: Mont Orgueil Castle, Gorey, JE3 6ET Contact: John Fox T: +44 (0) 07797727503 john@jerseyadventures.com Bus: 1 Website: www.jerseyadventures.com In the Tracks of Steam Part of the C I Heritage Festival - This cycle tour takes place on an almost entirely traffic-free cycle track, and which has no hills along the route! Learn about places of interest en route, Elizabeth Castle, the Glass Church, St Aubin’s Harbour and La Corbière, where you can reward yourself with a delicious Jersey ice cream, before returning back to St Helier. DON'T FORGET YOUR BIKE! Price Adults: £15.00 When: Tuesdays Time: 10:00-13:30 12th, 19th, 26th/04/2016 Where: Given at the time of booking - Island Wide Contact: Arthur Lamy - Blue Badge Guide 01534 853525 arthur@arthurthebluebadgeguide.com Website: www.arthurthebluebadgeguide.com Spring Lifestyle Show 2016 The Lifestyle Show returns in Spring 2016 with all your favourites and some exciting new additions! We will be featuring: The Pentagon Stage Kitchen, Animal Farm, Boys n Toys Zone, Garden Zone, Girls n Glitz Zone. Free entry, free parking. Full details to follow. Price: Free of charge When: Friday 15/04/2016 Time: 12:00-19:00 Saturday 16/04/2016 Time: 10:00-19:00 Sunday 17/04/2016 Time: 10:00-18:00 Where: RJA & HS Royal Jersey Showground, Contact: Admin EC Events 01534 484234 admin@ec-jersey.com Bus: 4 Website:www.ec-jersey.com St Aubin Vintage Fair 2016 YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND!! A huge selection of vintage and antique items. Price: Free of charge When: Saturday 23/04/2016 Time: 09:00-17:00 Where: St Aubin Harbour-Side, St. Brelade Contact: Sue Falla +44 (0) 07797744848 arthur_falla@hotmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/vintagefairjersey CI Occupation Society Tour - German Strongpoint Plemont Matthew Costard will take you on a tour of the German fortifications of Strongpoint Plemont. The clearance of the former holiday camp has uncovered several Occupation structures that were previously inaccessible, and the walk, which will be fully interpreted with photographic archive material, will provide a fascinating insight into their design and function. Price Adults: £5.00 - Members Free When: Saturday 23/04/2016 Time: 14:30-16:30 Where: Given at the time of booking, Island Wide Contact: Donna Le Marrec Tel: 01534 483193 enquiries@nationaltrust.je
Sports & Out and About St Ouen’s Manor grounds and St Ouen’s Church tour Ned’s family “de Carteret” have lived in historic St Ouen’s Manor for over 800 years. Dating from 15th century this beautiful Jersey granite manor house is one of the jewels in Jersey’s crown. You will learn about its history and family tales. You will also have the chance to visit the Parish church of St Ouen. Distance: 2 ½ miles. Difficulty: Easy Price Adults: £12.00 When: Mondays ~ 11th 18th 25th /04/2016 Time: 10:30-12:30 Where: St Ouens Manor, La Grande Route de St.Ouen, St. Ouen Contact: Ned Malet de Carteret, nedmalet1@gmail.com Wild-flowers & Fern Valley Explore the Wild flowers & Fern Valley with Blue Badge Guide Sue Hardy. Starting at St Andrew’s Church. On the outskirts of St Helier, prehistoric structures lay buried until the late 19th century, and can now be seen in St Andrew’s Park. Narrow lanes lead to the hidden Fern Valley, with wild flowers in abundance. The route will take you back towards the town with splendid views from the heights of Westmount, ending at West Park on the outskirts of the town. About 3 miles, with hills and stepped paths. Moderate difficulty. 10% discount to NT members. Price Adults: £10.00 When: Tuesday 26/04/2016 Time: 14:00-16:30 Where: St Andrew's Church, First Tower, St Aubin's Road Contact: Sue Hardy Tel: 863676 or 07797814694 hardysue@hotmail.co.uk Barclays Jersey Boat Show 2016 The three-day show will once again take place in and around St Helier Marina and nearby Weighbridge Place. The programme of activities is still at the planning stages but will once again include opportunities for the public to step aboard a number of yachts and watercraft berthed in St Helier Marina. Please put the dates in your diary's! Price: Free of charge When: Saturday 30/04/2016, Sunday 01/05/2016, Monday 02/05/2016 Where: St Helier Marina, St. Helier Contact: 3D Events (01534) 505926 info@jersey-triathlon.com Website: www.jerseyboatshow.com Diabetes Jersey North to South Walk Join us on a charity walk to help raise money for Diabetes Jersey's campaign to encourage people at risk of contracting diabetes to have their blood sugar levels tested. It starts on the north coast and snakes about 8 miles,mostly through Green Lanes and public footpaths through beautiful Jersey countryside, off the beaten track, from the Car Park at Les Platons to Gorey Coast Road Car Park. There will be refreshments at the end of the route and also free coaches to and from the start and finish. When: Sunday 01/05/2016 Time: From 08:30 Where: Car Park Les Platons, Grouville Contact: Diabetes Jersey n2swalk@gmail.com Website: www.diabetesjersey.com
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SPRING IS IN THE AIR
Spring is in the Air... As I write the sun is streaming through my window lulling me into a false sense of what the weather is truly like on the other side; I know my morning walk will be met with the cold chill often present in spring air! The birds and bees on the other hand, don’t seem to care….they are busy in my garden, making noise and nests, far more industrious than I have been so far… by Juanita Shield-Laignel With the sap rising hibernation is over so home-building , egg laying and all manner of new life is popping up all over the place. Snow drops are being taken over by delicate yellow primroses, trees are budding and we can’t help but walk around the garden with genuine joy as we notice hellebores in their varying hues of mauve and white just beginning to go over, myriads of crocuses seemingly having sprung up out of nowhere overnight, outdoor hyacinth poking their heads above the rim of terracotta pots and distinctive tulip leaves standing proud in the boarders. It’s all waking up and coming alive for another glorious show. However, it’s at this time of year that fairweather gardeners start to notice the patio needs scrubbing, the boarders weeding and the gravel raking and the list of jobs don’t end there, oh no – on and on they go.
Good intentions to keep the home and garden spruced up during the winter months often fall by the wayside but come spring the almost pathological urge to ‘spring clean’ kicks in. We find ourselves raking leaves, trimming hedges, weeding, turning over soil and planting spring bulbs without giving it much thought. Even the jobs we’ve been putting off because they really are dreadfully tedious suddenly seem easier to tackle when the sun shines. The power of the sun seems to put a spring in our step and bring a renewed humour to everyday tasks. Even fellow shoppers are less agitated, drivers are more convivial and smiles start to emerge everywhere we look and those postponed chores start to look more attractive. Before long we’ve cleared the gutters, power-washed the decking, rid the bird bath of algae, planted up garden pots with an array of plants, washed the windows and net curtains, given the utility room a fresh coat of paint and sorted out a box of bric-a-brac for the charity shop. Spring is traditionally a time for new beginnings, many households find clearing out the attic and cleaning and decorating has a rather more permanent intention as they start to sort possessions preparing for a sale of their house. The warmer
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SPRING IS IN THE AIR
weather is renowned for stimulating a need to move-on or embark on a large home improvement such as building a conservatory, replacing the kitchen or extending that awkward outbuilding or garage to make it into a useful living space. To facilitate all this industriousness, it helps that at this time of year, the hours of the day and night are equal but quickly day starts to eat into night as if the summer months are extending a hand of hope pulling us forward to where the days are long. Stretching in both directions; pulling the mornings back and pushing the evenings further on into the night so at last, it is light on waking and still light when returning home after work. And of course the promise of long summer evenings puts us in mind of outside dining so neglected garden furniture gets a good scrubbing down. Garden sheds are overhauled looking for dusty parasols, barbeques are revived and any tired equipment is soon replaced after a trip to the local garden centre where we always buy far more than we’d intended. The result is an outdoor space to be proud of when we invite our friends around for a chilled white and a selection of luscious summer salads. We also start to think about eating alfresco at our favourite restaurants and our Jersey spring sun is such that we can start sitting out now, even though the air is still a little brusque, a woolly pully or two will soon put pay to any draughtiness. This year Easter fell early, so although there were plenty of Easter bunnies around depositing hundreds of chocolate eggs under broad leaves and behind clusters of rocks for pyjama clad, gleeful children to find, previously charmed Easter weather wasn’t
guaranteed. With this in mind, spring can be a great time for an off Island trip to exotic places where our de-fluffed and buffed, pale winter skin can be revived. Early holidays give us ladies an excuse to pamper ourselves so feet rubbed and scrubbed, psychedelic toenails on display and framed by pretty sandals are the antithesis of thick socks and boots and a real sign of the summer to come. I’ve always thought that we humans despite our opposing thumbs, large brains and sophisticated accomplishments should emulate the wisdom of nature and hibernate, or at the very least rise and sleep with the sun, take it easy over the winter months and literally spring into action when the warmer weather finally finds us. It seems though that our modern, fast pace of life precludes this so perhaps we should just mark the change in season by throwing off our coats and scarves with abandon, donning designer shades and enjoying the smell of blossom in the air.
Enjoy Spring this year with the whole family, or getaway for a romantic break and enjoy one of the finest eateries in the Channel Islands. If you are looking for a special present a gift voucher from La Sablonnerie can be purchased in any monetary value. Choose anything from a delicious luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, an overnight stay or a champagne celebration with canapés.
La Sablonnerie +44 (0) 1481 832061
Please call Elizabeth Perrée on or E-mail: reservations@sablonneriesark.com www.sablonneriesark.com La Sablonnerie Hotel and Restaurant, Sark, Channel Islands, GY10 1SD.
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LIBERATION FESTIVAL
Royal Ballet Stars come to Fort Regent The Telegraph says “the new Darcy Bussell” and rebirth is a key theme as we approach celebrating Liberation. Jersey Life looks at preparations for the Royal Ballet stars Lauren Cuthbertson and Eric Underwood coming to Fort Regent for the Liberation Festival. Stars from the Royal Ballet, Lauren Cutherbertson and Eric Underwood alongside future stars from the Royal Ballet will be coming to Fort Regent to entertain with many of your favourite ballet solos and duets in an evening of famous ballet dance and music. These include scenes from the Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake – some of the famous Russian ballets that dazzle with the beauty of the dancing as well as the emotional pull of the extraordinary music.
The show is directed by local dance star and coach Christophe Chateau with performances as well by international soloists Harriet Mackenzie and Milos Milijocevic playing and accompanying the stars. As well as the main stars there will be dances provided by some of Jersey's own dance students in the corps de ballet. All in all there will be over 100 performers in the show in the ballet and the orchestra and so this evening is set to dazzle and amaze ballet fans. But Jersey Life gets behind the scenes and looks at what needs to happen to put on a performance of such a magnitude. Director Christophe Chateau said that there’s a lot of work to put on such a large show. We need to work on the programme to work out the right balance of works for a top Ballet Gala night. Incredible dancers who are globally renowned are taking part including current stars American dancer Eric Underwood and English dancer Lauren Cuthbertson. Both perform in principal roles at The Royal Ballet which is arguably the greatest ballet company in the world. Lauren Cuthbertson has been heralded many times as the new Darcy Bussell as she is a great British born dancer having trained at The Royal Ballet Lower and Upper Schools, joining The Royal Ballet in 2002, and in 2008, she became the youngest female Principal dancer in the company. When she joined the Royal Ballet school aged just 10 years old she naively believing she would be a principle dancer by the age of 15. After performing as a Little Swan in Swan Lake with the Royal Ballet, she realised just how unrealistic this was and how hard she would have to work if she ever wanted to become a principle. She became self-disciplined, driven and 100% focused on her goal. She won plaudits through her training years after commencing dancing at the age of just 3 and won Young British Dancer of the Year and the Silver medal at the Adeline Genee Awards – the highest medal awarded in that year. Her young Juliet was described as “her leaps were as airy as billowing parachutes and her back bends full of rapture her characterization profoundly moving with the potential to be one of the greats in the role.” In 2004 she was awarded the Critics Circle National Dance Award for outstanding Female Performance and in 2007 Arts and Culture Women of the Future Awards. Since then she has performed all the great roles at Covent Garden despite 3 potentially career destroying injuries. She has danced all the leading roles with the Royal Ballet including Juliet, Manon, Aurora (The Sleeping Beauty) Giselle and Odette/Odile (Swan Lake) and many roles created for her by Christopher Wheeldon and others because of her unique abilities.
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LIBERATION FESTIVAL
Her co-star at the Ballet Gala at Fort Regent on 7th May is Eric Underwood. Eric is 6ft 2in and 178lbs of lean, genetically gifted dancing machine; as primed and taut as a racehorse. He is a man born for ballet, honed to a perfect physical specimen: serpent-lithe and rugby-prop strong.
prototype for a new, cool school of ballet dancer. Ballet, he says, should be ‘fresh and exciting’. It’s no surprise the fashion industry has adopted him. He has modelled for London Collections: Men, choreographed a film for Vivienne Westwood. In fashion week he sat front row at the Julien Macdonald show, and attended the Louis Vuitton Series 3 Exhibition. He toured with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the American Ballet Theatre, before joining the Royal Ballet School in London seven years ago. He has danced leads in the likes of Swan Lake, Sylvia and Manon, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This autumn he returns in Wayne McGregor’s Raven Girl and will take on the role of Tybalt in Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House.
For Underwood is not only seen on stage as a soloist of The Royal Ballet, but also, often on a Friday night, at raunchy cabaret joint The Box. It was not until he was 14 that he "accidentally ended up in a dance class" Eric said, “Well, I was actually an American football player before I even thought about being a ballet dancer.” Eric had to pick an extra after-school class and decided to venture into acting. So he went to an audition and afterwards I saw a group of girls stretching for a ballet audition and thought: ‘I could do that’ and that was the beginning of my ballet journey” His outré presence seems literally to explode out of the po-faced world of ballet. He is not so much breaking out of the classical dance mould as stretching it to fit himself; becoming a self-styled
Eric Underwood seems born to break down barriers in the world of ballet and one of the most exciting dancers alive. Together with Lauren Cuthbertson they will be the centerpiece of a unique one off show in Jersey which will never be repeated. The Ballet Gala with stars from the Royal Ballet is in Jersey at Fort Regent starting at 7.30pm on Saturday 7th May and is part of the Liberation International Music festival – 3rd to 15th May. To buy tickets call 449827 or go to liberationjersey.com
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LIBERATION FESTIVAL
Carmen comes to Jersey Enjoy a sublime evening of sensuality and passion with some of the finest musicians in the world as Carmen and other revolutionary masterpieces comes to Jersey Opera House on 8th May 2016. Enjoy some of the greatest masterpieces directed by Daniel Cohen, the ringmaster of the Deutsche Opera, Berlin and seen as one of the most exciting young conductors in the world. The concert features the Jersey Chamber Orchestra and is an opportunity to listen to Carmen’s Suite No 1, Saint-Saens magnificent violin concerto performed by Russian superstar Boris Brovtsyn and ends with Beethoven’s great revolutionary symphony Eroica. A full symphonic orchestra – with a Jersey Chamber Orchestra added to by the best of Premier Brass will perform a blockbuster evening of your favourite scores. But tantalizingly the concert opens with Carmen. When the curtain came down after the opening night of Georges Bizet’s Carmen on March 3, 1875, nobody in the theater guessed that they had witnessed what would come to be admired as one of opera’s finest masterpieces. Although he was only thirty-six years old, Carmen was the thirtieth of his operas, if one tallies complete, incomplete, and projected works. The love triangle of Carmen balancing the corporal Don José and the bullfighter Escamillo (whom they promoted from picador to matador) was hot and spicy, but Don José is also in the center of
his own love triangle, torn between the temptress Carmen (a Gypsy cigarette-maker) and Micaëla, a sweet-as-pie girl from back home who, to make her even more wholesome, pops up as an emissary from Don José’s saintly mother. Some of the novella’s more evocative sites beckoned to serve as settings the plaza outside the cigar factory in Seville, a tavern frequented by shady characters, a deserted smugglers’ camp, the exterior of the bullring—and the librettists provided extended scenes to ramp up the exoticism with street urchins, fortune-tellers, and Gypsy dancers. Within three years, Carmen became embraced internationally as a masterpiece, and as it grew in popularity orchestras began presenting suites drawn from the score, particularly the two official Carmen Suites. We will hear such pieces as Les Toréadors, which depicts a festive parade of bullfighters and incorporates the famous “Toreador Song,” to the strains of which we meet the strutting toreador Escamillo. We then proceed to The Seguedilla is an orchestral transcription of Carmen’s Act I aria “Près des remparts de Séville” in which she seduces Don José. In the opera, the vivacious Aragonaise serves as the flamenco-tinged Prelude to Act IV. The island is fortunate that one of the greatest young violinists in the world Boris Brovtsyn Elschenbroich is coming to perform the Saint Saens Violin Concerto No 3. Boris has been feted for his skills and Jannine Jansens the legendary violinist prefers to play second violin to him when they perform chamber music. He has performed with the great orchestras of the world from London to New York to great acclaim. The evening will be completed by the symphony inspired by revolutionary ideas – Eroica by Beethoven. To listen to a marvellous concert with the Jersey Chamber Orchestra on Sunday 8th May, the day before Liberation celebrations supported by Henley and Partners, book tickets from the Opera House by calling 511115 or online at www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk Tickets cost from £5 from children and £10 for adults. The concert starts at 8pm with a pre-concert talk at 7pm.
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LOCAL TALENT
The Jersey Academy of Music introduces Professor Mark Tatlow, Artistic Director and Conductor and The Lilla Akademien String Orchestra From April 11th-16th this year the Lilla Akademien String Orchestra, numbering twenty five young string players aged eleven to fifteen and led by eminent UK conductor Mark Tatlow, will be resident at the local academy for a whole week of activity and concerts in partnership with Victoria College. They will perform several concerts playing to over five hundred Key Stage Two and Three children during their stay on the island. They will also be joined by young musicians from Victoria College and Victoria College Preparatory School to rehearse towards a spectacular concert in aid of Cancer Research UK and to bring the tour to a rousing finale. This concert, taking place at 7pm at St Helier Methodist Centre on Friday 15th April, will feature the combined orchestra of Swedish and Jersey children performing with the VCP Chamber Choir and VCJ Cambiata Choir, providing a vibrant end to an exciting musical week. The concert will feature works including Mozart's Laudate Dominum, Douglas Coombe's We Are The Future (which is actually arranged specially for this project by local young composer Ruben Maric) and all will join together for a fun rendition of Coldplay's Paradise for a grand finale. The Lilla Akademien String Orchestra will also perform a variety of Swedish works and Holst's ever-popular St Paul's Suite.
Entry to the concert is free of charge with a fundraising retiring collection. The academy is looking forward to the return leg of the exchange, in which Jersey young musicians will travel to Stockholm in 2017. The Lilla Akademien's link with the Jersey Academy of Music was formed through the 2014 Jersey International Masterclasses (the summer course set up by the academy in partnership with Royal College of Music, attracting music college instrumentalists from all over the world - www.jerseymasterclasses.com), in which a group of eight young violinists attended with their teachers Nina Balabina and Hugo Ticciati. During this event, they were joined by twenty local young violinists for a series of improvisation workshops, and the link with our island was cemented. In February last year, the Jersey academy's Chris George and Emmanuelle Dumas spent a few days in Stockholm to meet with the Lilla Akademien to begin planning this current event, which they hope will be the start of a yearly exchange programme to operate in both directions. Chris George, Director Jersey Academy of Music says 'these sort of exchange programs we are establishing are absolutely vital to enable local young musicians to have the opportunity to experience the wider musical activity taking place beyond our shores, and have always been a fantastic source of inspiration for all concerned.' This year, English born Mark Tatlow has been invited as guest Conductor of the String Orchestra and he shares with us how he came to be involved with Lilla Akademien in Stockholm. “In 1994 I was living with my family in Stockholm and looking for a violin teacher for my older daughter Louisa, an enthusiastic 4 year-old would-be musician. We were introduced to Nina Balabina by a mutual acquaintance, and immediately realised that we had met a quite extraordinary musician and teacher. Nina was in the process of starting a music school, which became the Lilla Akademien (the Junior Academy) of today. So I have been involved with the school since its very beginning, although in 1996 we moved back to London,
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and I have only been working at the school regularly since 2003 when we returned to Stockholm”. Mark continued to tell us how much he enjoys working with the young musicians. “My main responsibility is for the School's Sixth form Chamber and Symphony Orchestras. I love working with young musicians of whatever age because it gives me an opportunity to be involved in the building up of a new generation of musical talent. My professional work as a conductor, artistic director and researcher has made me aware of the need to educate ‘musicians of the future’ who are not only highly skilled practitioners, but also utterly flexible stylistically, and possess a clear vision of what music can be in the world today. In other words music is more than entertainment; it can point the way towards a peaceful and harmonious society”. “We are presenting what I think is a really exciting programme” Mark continued, as he talked about his trip to Jersey. “and we know it will put joy and hope in the hearts of all who come to the concert. We will introduce the audience to the music of Sweden with a short movement by Johan Helmich Roman, the so-called ‘father of Swedish music’ and three wonderful arrangements of Swedish folk music. We will also be playing Holst's famous St Paul's Suite, which is based on old English folk tunes, including Greensleeves. It was written for the pupils of St Paul's Girls' School in London and I used to be Director of Music at St Paul's Boys' School - so it is doubly appropriate. We will also be playing some Bach and Handel; a movement from the Bach double violin concerto with two younger soloists and a big Handel concerto that ends with a rollicking Hornpipe! And we will also have the pleasure of joining forces with some of Jersey's young singers and musicians in vocal works by Mozart, Douglas Coombes and Coldplay... It's going to be great fun!” Being asked if he had visited Jersey previously and how he thought a trip to Jersey for his Swedish young musicians might be useful, Mark replied “I came to Jersey on holiday with my parents as a child of about 2, but I'm afraid I do not remember anything at all about that trip...! Our young musicians however will definitely remember their first trip to Jersey; touring is a precious privilege in the life of a musician and it also contributes to the building of international co-operation and understanding. To travel from a large cosmopolitan city in the North to a small island off the coast of France will certainly involve an element of culture shock, but meeting boys and girls from a completely different background will be enormously enriching. The generous hospitality of our hosts at the Jersey Academy of Music and elsewhere will create a memorable experience for the orchestra and we’d like to thank Christopher George of the Jersey Academy of Music for being instrumental in kicking off this programme of exchange, a project we hope continues to grow and develop over the course of many years to come”. The Lilla Akademien (Junior Academy of Stockholm) is one of Sweden's leading specialist music school for under-18s (further info can be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilla_Akademien) For more information on Mark Tatlow, visit: http://www.dtm.se/eng/eprogram/mark-tatlow Information for the Jersey Academy of Music: http://www.jerseyacademyofmusic.co.uk
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welcome to
Homeliving
BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE • 5 TIPS FOR ECO FLOORING • AND SO TO BED 6 SIMPLE SPRING SOLUTIONS • 5 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RENOVATION THE LOWDOWN ON LAWNMOWERS
HOME LIVING
in the house Sofas are one of the hearts of the home - where we slouch, lounge, surf and even snooze and choosing the right one is all-important...by Gabrielle Fagan There's little point having a slimline model if, in reality, its high-end design will disappear under a pile of cushions, kids and pets, while deep, squashy high-backed sofas probably suit informal rural or period settings, rather than streamlined urban lofts. "It's a good idea to spend time deciding what you really want. A rushed decision could mean you'll end up with that little something missing, which keeps your sofa from being the safe, warm and cosy centre of your living room that it can and should be," says Rebecca Snowden, interior style advisor at Furniture Choice. "When it comes to picking the perfect sofa, think of all its many functions - something you can curl up on at the end of a long day, or sprawl out on for a lazy weekend. Ask yourself whether you want it to blend in seamlessly, or stand out and be a centrepiece. " Comfort, of course, is also key. According to research by sofa specialists Sofology, the average Brit spends three to four hours a day on their sofa (though for some, this figure is much higher!), while one-in-five also use the settee as a setting to do work from. continues overleaf...
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SIZE MATTERS Matching a sofa to a room can be as tricky as choosing a new partner - and it's crucial to get it right, as you'll have to live with your choice (or mismatch) for years. "If you're trying to style a small space, don't chose an oversized sofa, no matter how comfortable it looks," advises Rick Petini, creative director at Delcor.
SOFA SMART: Always order a fabric swatch and 'live' with it for a few days before confirming your choice, so you can view it in different lights and also, if it has a pile, check its look after you've sat on it. If you're looking for a hard-wearing fabric to withstand the punishment of a family, polyester Accor fabric is particularly durable.
"Slim, high legs and plenty of space between the floor and sofa base will allow light to flow around the room, and give the illusion of more space. If you have a larger space, opt for a medium or three-seater rather than a smaller sofa which may be dwarfed by the room's dimensions."
BUTTONS AND BLOOMS
SOFA SMART: Consider how a sofa will be used and pick upholstery accordingly - is it a sanctuary space for adults, or will it have to cope with sticky hands and muddy paw prints? Leather's easier to clean, but fabric adds depth and texture to a room.
Catwalk trends impact on decor and seating too, and it's important to avoid choosing a sofa that will date quickly. "Botanicals - floral patterns - continue to dominate and are in tune with our desire to 'bring the outside in'. We're also seeing interiors take a darker turn, with inky blue set to be one of this year's most popular colours, with blushing pink for those who want a more feminine look," says Philip Watkin, director at DFS. "Classic designs are set to make a comeback and the most coveted pieces are embracing button detail, which we've interpreted in Chesterfield-inspired silhouettes with a modern twist.
MIX & MATCH
"Velvet, a classic material, is still riding high in the style stakes, and to update your look, be bold with vibrant colour-blocking hues, or introduce linear panels in plush velvet or high-definition devore."
Sofas come in an array of shapes, from curvy to boxy - and even ones that can change their form. "For me, modular sofas are probably the best of all worlds, as they're good for any size of home and any room within it," says Arianne Keeler, upholstery buyer at Habitat. "They're an excellent option for those starting small, who want a sofa which can change and grow as their home or family expands. "For a bit of fun, you can mix up modules in different colour options to create an edgy, individual look, or go for a unified colour option but use different module styles to create a truly bespoke feature."
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SOFA SMART: Make sure your sofa will fit into your home by measuring every access point - doorway, stairwell and lift that it has to pass. A template made from newspaper, or masking tape on the floor marking out the amount of space it requires, will give you a good idea of how a sofa will fit a particular room. View our collection of beautiful sofas at www.simmonsandco.com
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5 TIPS FOR ECO FLOORING The most eco option when it comes to flooring is using the flooring you already have. Do you have original floorboards or parquet flooring that can be sanded and varnished, stained or painted? In old houses, there are sometimes hidden gems like original stone or tiled floors that have been covered up for years. They may need a little TLC, but they make a great feature.
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By Julia Gray
If you don't have flooring you can restore, the next best thing is buying reclaimed flooring. Putting period features back into an old property is a good way to add value and increase its appeal when you come to sell, but reclaimed flooring tends to be expensive. A more affordable option is new wooden flooring, either solid wood, or engineered wood (with a real wood top layer). Bamboo is an eco choice, despite being mainly grown in Asia, because the plants take around three to five years to reach maturity, which is a lot less than a typical tree. When shopping for new wooden flooring, look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) logo. This shows that the wood has been sustainably sourced.
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One of the most environmentally friendly types of flooring (and the cosiest) is wool carpet. Making a wool carpet uses only about 10% of the energy used to produce a nylon one and wool is, of course, sustainable because sheep re-grow their fleeces after being shorn. While there are plenty of great British wool carpets (70% of British wool goes into carpet), New Zealand wool carpets also have eco credentials. New Zealand may be on the other side of the world, but every kilogram of wool produced there is said to equate to less CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas than driving an average-sized petrol car for a mile. Most of the
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HOME LIVING
impact of getting wool to market is from land and water use, and Wools of New Zealand (a premium brand of carpets and rugs manufactured to quality standards) works with its producers to minimise that impact. What's more, a single fleece from a New Zealand sheep will make about 4sqm of carpet, which is double the amount from wool than from many other places. For an eco carpet underlay, try Crumbwool. A collaboration between Wools of New Zealand and Anglo Recycling, this underlay is made from 100% recycled carpet fibres and 100% recycled rubber. Crumbwool uses carpet offcuts, which would normally go to landfill, from British carpet manufacturers, and recycled rubber tyres for the backing.
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Wool (and cotton) can be combined with other natural fibres in flooring, but you can also get natural flooring that's purely sisal, coir, seagrass or jute, etc. This is similar to carpet but tends to have a more pronounced texture. Natural flooring is sustainable and renewable because it's made from plants that grow relatively quickly, but to temper that, they are usually grown in Asia and other far-flung places.
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WHEN it comes to creating the perfect environment for a good night's sleep, your style is as important as the bed you choose. Along with the right mattress, your bedstead or divan is the perfect platform to express your personality. And with March marking National Bed Month, there couldn't be a better time to drift into comfortable slumber and design the bed (room) of your dreams. We spend a third of our lives in bed, so having fun with fabrics and bedlinen will not only enhance your sleep experience, but help you unwind and relax in style - with the help of ornate headboards, luxurious thread counts, cosy throws or contemporary furnishings.
And so to bed .... MODERN "A busy life doesn't equal busy bedroom decor," says Samantha Parish, interior design account manager at Hypnos beds. "If you're someone that has a hectic work schedule or social life, then your bedroom space should be a sanctuary of clean lines, light colours and soft shades, and completely free from clutter. This bedroom style will help a busy mind to relax, and begin to calmly process the day's thoughts before it's time to sleep." Parish suggests a mattress with intuitive pocket springs that offer maximum support and helps to relieve pressure in the spine and muscles, allowing your body to fully relax and your mind to unwind. Contemporary, clean lines complete the look and neutral tones will add a designer hotel bedroom vibe.
CLASSIC "A timeless, classic style has a regal feel and is subtle, formal and elegant," says Parish. "It's suited to the sleeper who likes to drift off to sleep in a calming environment without any form of chaos. "Incorporate curved, French furnishings and soft feminine touches into the bedroom for a space that is both soothing and beautiful." Although more expensive than cotton, linen and velvets are on-trend - and a sumptuous satin throw, ornate chandelier and a boudoir cushion will create a feeling of timeless elegance. A grand, curved or winged headboard always looks lavish, or you can recline in comfort against a headboard dressed in silk satin with gorgeous button details.
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"For more traditional bedrooms, look towards more ornate headboards with an interesting shape or luxurious detailing such as stud work," says Adam Black, co-founder Button & Sprung. "Divans work well in these environments and offer the luxury of extra storage." Try opting for a handmade, bespoke mattress, filled with organic cotton, British wool and silk, and tailored with genuine hand side stitching for additional edge-to-edge support.
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HOME LIVING
COUNTRY Taking inspiration from her Scottish heritage, Lorraine Kelly has launched a Coast to Glen bedroom collection which features an array of checked fabrics alongside a grey, taupe and plum colour palette influenced by the rugged Highlands and Celtic shores. Knitted throws and cushions are easily layered to team with the cool natural textures, such as stone and cottons found on lighting, bedding and soft furnishings. "These are all pieces I would have in my own home and a lot of the collection is very much a reflection of the beautiful landscape, colours and atmosphere of the Outer Hebrides, which is a place I love," says Kelly. "I wanted bring elements of the Scottish outdoors into the home." Hypnos advises using a storage divan for this type of look, as it provides space to stash away Wellington boots, travel cases and woolly throws before spring. "For the type of sleeper who likes to have all the comforts of home, but is a fan of the great outdoors, then a rustic country style can work well, says Parish. "Its rich, warm textured fabrics and eclectic collections of furniture, nick-nacks and accessories that hold special memories, mean the bedroom becomes a personal haven from the outside world."
BOTANICAL Textile designer Clarissa Hulse has launched a Boston Ivy range for the spring which combines ditsy vine and flowing tendril prints inspired by nature, with throws and cushions to complement the bed linen in Sulphur - a cheerful yellow that pairs well with leaf motifs and trailing plants to bring the outdoors into your bedroom. "By opening the doors to all the lush greens of the English garden and the beautiful burnt oranges of the sunset, try using bold, natural prints with a heavy focus on leaves, which will act as a canopy to surround the bed and create the perfect tranquil environment for a day dreamer," suggests Parish. "If you're after a bed for lounging on in the day, while offering the perfect conditions for sleep at night, then opt for a mattress with naturally soft and breathable layers of organic wool and camel hair, which help to regulate body temperature and ensure a fresh and hygienic night's sleep," says Parish. "Finish it off with an upholstered fabric headboard, which you can sit and read against in the day."
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HOME LIVING
SIMPLE SPRING SOLUTIONS By Gabrielle Fagan
Just as we shake up our wardrobe at this time of year, following the same approach indoors can brighten our homes for spring. It's not difficult to shake off winter chills, and add instant cheer to rooms so they're smart for spring: simply follow our six-step plan...
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VASE VISION
"Clusters of accessories, such as vases, add instant colour and interest to a space and can be an effective way to revamp a tired sideboard, bookshelf or dining table, as the eye will instantly be drawn to the new colour and pattern," says Eiry Rock, assistant buyer accessories at Habitat. "Currently we're seeing a big trend for more unusually-shaped vases, especially hand-crafted shapes, which work without flowers as a stand-alone decorative object."
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HOME LIVING
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ALL WHITE Maximise the light in a room by painting everything white, which will make a space feel fresh and airy.
"Fresh and zesty fragrances are perfect for this time of the year; think Egyptian Cotton or Persian Lime, or if you want to really warm the atmosphere after the chill of winter, choose a tropical scent such as Amber and Rose."
"White's often the backbone of a new decorating scheme and although whites can be equal in impact, they're definitely not all the same. Choosing the right shade for your home depends on a few factors, including light quality, the colour of major items in the room and the style of the interior," says Marianne Shillingford, Dulux creative director. "If you have great natural light or well-layered artificial light, cooler whites and off-white shades, such as Moon Shimmer and Rock Salt, work well. For spaces which tend to be dark, or have a colder north-facing light, warmer shades like Jasmine White or Timeless, are better. "For a safe-as-houses shade, consider White Cotton, which suits period or contemporary settings, and bear in mind large items in a room will reflect their colour onto the wall. A blue carpet, for example, will make a white wall look very cold, so you'd be well advised to opt for a warm white."
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SOMETHING IN THE AIR Outdoors, the sweet scents of grass, blossom and earthy pungency signal spring's arrival, and floral fragrances can have a similar effect indoors, too.
"With nature's colours popping up all around us and nights getting lighter, our attention turns to freshening up our homes, and welcoming scents play a big part in that," says Rosey Barnet, creative director at Shearer Candles.
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HOME LIVING
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WING IT Even if your garden isn't yet bursting with blooms to attract butterflies, there's no reason you can't welcome them into rooms.
"People have long taken inspiration from nature," says Nichola McFall, brand manager at window blinds specialist, The Fabric Box. "It's all about bringing the outside in, and we've shared our homes with all manner of flora and fauna for some time now. Our new Aporia range, featuring roses and butterflies, follows the trend."
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BLOOMING EASY
Filling a house with flowers may seem like an indulgence reserved for celebrities, but displaying faux blooms and plants can be an affordable way to celebrate the season of new life.
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CLEVER COLOUR Pops of colour in unexpected places are a surprising and playful touch, which could revitalise an interior.
"Everyone gets very serious about interior design and worries about getting it 'right'. Of course, that's important if you're spending lots of money, but decor should also be fun," says interiors writer Kate Watson-Smyth (madaboutthehouse.com). "Always have at least a couple of things in your house which make your heart sing when you see them. For me, it's my spotty stair carpet, and I've also painted the edges of my doors in contrasting colours to the interior decor for a couple of rooms. This simple-to-do effect isn't visible when the doors are shut, but has real impact when they're open."
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"We saw the 'age of faux' emerge strongly last year, with the demand for everlasting flowers and plants for indoors and out taking off," says Kay Hutcheson, head of buying at House of Bath. "Potted daffodils are a traditional way to welcome spring, and if they're faux, they work in areas where lack of light or draughts make them unsuitable for real arrangements."
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HOME LIVING
5 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RENOVATION By Julia Gray
Ensure you do the basics first. With any renovation project, it pays to start with the essentials, such as rewiring, replacing the central heating system, repairing the roof and addressing any damp and structural problems. Doing things in the wrong order, or trying to cut corners, can soon cost you time and money, especially if you have to redo what you've already done. If you replaster the walls without solving a damp problem, for example, the damp will simply come through the new plaster. This will then have to be hacked off so a waterproof render can be applied before replastering again.
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Start at the top and work down, both with the house in general and each room in particular. Ideally, a loft conversion (which can greatly increase your home's value) should be done before renovating the rooms below, as it's much less painful to have a leak (from water getting in when the roof's off) or a hole in a ceiling (from a builder slipping in the loft) in rooms that aren't finished. If you're redecorating a room, start by painting the ceiling because the paint can splatter the walls and floor below, and work down from there, with the floor last.
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HOME LIVING
Consider extending into the side return. Lots of properties, usually Victorian and Edwardian ones, have a side return - a narrow strip of garden that usually runs alongside the kitchen. This isn't much use as garden, because it's often too narrow to sit out in, but can make a big difference to the space indoors. By extending into the side return, you can turn a narrow kitchen into a good-sized kitchen-diner, which is a valuable addition to any home. For houses without a side return, a rear extension can turn a small kitchen into a big open-plan kitchen-diner/family room (see below) that's a pleasure to use day-to-day and will be a hit with buyers when you come to sell. This is especially the case with 1920s and 1930s houses, which often have kitchens so small they're impractical for modern family life.
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especially expensive urban ones, turning a one-bedroom property into a two-bedroom one can propel it into a different price bracket when you come to sell. Adding a bedroom may involve extending, or converting the loft, cellar or garage, but it can also be done without spending a lot. Changing the layout may enable you to divide one room into two (some main bedrooms span the entire front of the house, for example) or if you have a large living room, you could put the kitchen in there and use the former kitchen as a bedroom.
Create open-plan living space, as this is high on the must-have list of many buyers, particularly families and people who like to entertain.
Extending into the side return, building a rear extension and/or knocking two rooms into one, typically a separate kitchen and dining room, is a good way to create the open-plan kitchen-diner/family room so many of us love. Turn a one-bedroom property into a two bed. If you can add bedrooms, you can usually add value, although it can be a mistake to make the property top heavy, with too many bedrooms for the amount of living space downstairs, or to have too many bedrooms for the number of bathrooms. In some locations,
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Fluid Architecture is passionate about design that is appropriate, sustainable and in harmony with the beauty of our Island. From inception of design to completion of construction, Fluid Architecture’s personal service and professional expertise will take care of you and look after the environment. Whether you desire a home extension or new build, in a traditional or contemporary style, we will visualise your dream design and place it in context with its surroundings. We will guide you through the Planning and Building application process, organise construction tenders and ensure your project is completed successfully.
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Interior and Exterior Decorating Covering all aspects of the trade including Specialist Paint Effects and High Quality Wall Coverings
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CP BLINDS DPS:Layout 1 01/04/2016 05:49 Page 1
HOME LIVING
Have a south facing bedroom with a stunning view? Fancy being gently woken by the morning light? Or touch the morning ‘scene’ after the alarm to open all the curtains but not the voiles, switch on the dressing room and bathroom lights, and pipe calming music through your speakers whilst the morning news banners run silently on a breakfast room TV.
MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL AND WORK FOR YOU... Life is busy and your time is precious. Downtime is treasured and you want to be able to just put your feet up, relax and enjoy your home at the end of a long day. Imagine arriving each evening to everything ready for you, exactly as you want it, welcoming you home. One touch on your phone and the gates and garage are open, the drive is lit, the temperature inside the house is perfect, with lights and music waiting for you. That’s quite a few things less to have to think about each and every day.
Your home is probably your biggest investment. You create a beautiful environment, engage with incredibly skilled craftsmen and designers, take time over every finish, colour and material, but is your home is really working for you and your lifestyle? It has to function in different ways at different times, and this is where integrated solutions can help. Not only can they save your valuable time but they can also save you money by being environmentally friendly. Count your light switches and curtains, how much time do you spend each morning and night switching them on and off, manually opening and closing curtains? Are there blinds you don’t bother dropping, as it’s not worth it, so you never enjoy the beautiful fabric or finish you chose? It’s not about technology. A properly integrated home is so simple that you will forget about technology, it becomes as invisible as it is useful. That south facing blind will always be in the right place, taking into account what time it is, where you are in the world, what time of year it is and the exact elevation of the sun in the sky, so you can enjoy watching television or working in your home office without glare. We create an environment that is right, controlling the natural and ambient light to set the perfect scene, whatever the season.
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Entertain guests with the touch of button everything perfect? Love the ambiance? Mood lighting and music spot on? Save the scene for recall the next weekend. The gates are automatically opening and you aren’t having to open your door to all arriving guests. Alfresco? Then the awnings can come out, the lamps and landscape lighting switch on, the fountain starts running and the fire pit focuses attention on a beautiful landscape – now you only have to be concerned with pouring the wine and enjoying the atmosphere yourself! Thoughtful integration can also protect your investments. If you have quality fabrics and exquisite artwork, you want to never have to think twice about them being vulnerable to the sun’s harsh rays. If you are not at home or no-one is in a room, your blinds and air-con can be aligned to what’s required in your absence. You are not wasting energy or time, and the second you walk in to the room it evolves to your preference. CP Interiors, formerly CP Sunblinds, and Zero1 are working together to make this happen for many valued clients. Tell us how you want your home to look and work for you and we will make it happen. And, once we are engaged, you can trust us to deliver your vision without being constantly bothered about the detail. This isn’t the house of the future, this is the house of today.
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APRIL GARDENING:Layout 1 01/04/2016 05:55 Page 1
GARDENING
THE LOWDOWN ON
LAWNMOWERS By Hannah Stephenson There are so many lawnmowers on the market these days - rotary and cylinder, corded electric, cordless petrol, battery-powered and state-of-the-art robotic types. But which one is right for your budget, and right for your lawn? Lawnmower prices range from under ÂŁ100 to thousands for elaborate sit-on types, but expect to pay at least a few hundred if you have a fair sized lawn and want something that will last. Petrol, corded electric or battery are the main options and each has its own pros and cons. In our environmentally-conscious world, batterypowered options - once dismissed by lawn lovers because of the batteries' dubious staying power and need to replace them after a winter in storage - have become more sophisticated as Lithium-Ion batteries don't lose power like the old ones. In the last 12 months, sales of cordless electric lawn mowers at Homebase have increased by more than 700% compared with the previous year. Bosch stopped manufacturing petrol mowers in 2010 to go eco-friendly and has long been extolling the virtues of Lithium-ion batteries which, it claims, perform as petrol equivalents but with low noise, low vibrations and savings on running costs. Battery-operated mowers are generally lighter machines, don't pump out carbon monoxide and are much quieter than their petrol counterparts. You don't have to worry about a cable or expend energy pulling a cord to start them either, as they start at the touch of a button. Other than following battery care instructions and annually sharpening the blades, cordless mowers need no other kind of maintenance. continues overleaf...
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GARDENING
Ultimately, your choice should depend on your lawn type and size. If you have a small or medium-sized lawn, a batteryoperated mower or light electric type should be fine for your needs. For example, the Bosch 32R Corded Lawnmower is lightweight and perfect for smaller lawns. CYLINDER OR ROTARY? So, cylinder or rotary? Cylinder mowers are for the lawn perfectionist who wants a finer cut and bowling green finish. They are ideal for flat lawns and short grass, but struggle with long or wet grass. If you want the exercise, opt for a push variety. If you don't, self-propelled is the way to go.
BATTERY POWER Indeed, the Bosch Rotak 43 LI Ergoflex cordless lawnmower can give an excellent cut for a good 40 minutes on one charge, although reviewers have found that the rear roller doesn't noticeably stripe the lawn. It has a charge time of 140 minutes. The new EGO Power+ lawnmower whispers in at 83 decibels, quieter than a food blender. On an average lawn on flat ground, the battery would last around 45 minutes and can recharge in 30. The disadvantages of battery mowers are that you have to remember to recharge the batteries and they won't stripe your lawn as effectively as a heavier machine. PETROL POWER Petrol-driven motors may be better for bigger lawns and where you need plenty of power on slopes or uneven surfaces. There are push and self-propelled varieties, having throttle control which eases the pushing ability of the user. Petrol mowers give a good striped effect as they are heavier and, although they need servicing, it could be argued that a wellmaintained, good quality petrol mower will outlast most electric ones. The Mountfield SP454 self-propelled petrol lawnmower is a great option for lawns up to 1500m squared. Users also won't encounter the cumbersome cables of electric models and the need for safety cut-out plugs. ELECTRIC POWER A corded electric mower is fine for a smaller suburban garden, if you're not bothered about keeping the cable out of the way of the blades. Electric 'hover' mowers are the cheapest, but can produce a disappointing finish, often require a spanner to adjust the mowing height and don't always collect grass efficiently.
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Rotary mowers are better all-rounders, cut better in wet or long grass and cope well with uneven, bumpy surfaces. Their blades can be easily changed to boot. Try the Mac Allister 1300W Rotary Lawnmower a great all-rounder for gardens of a good size. NEW ALTERNATIVES Lazy gardeners might prefer to sink a gin and tonic on the patio while watching the lawn being mown by a robotic device such as Robomow, available from selected dealers nationwide. But real gardeners may relish the exercise that goes with a mower they can push, and the pleasure of seeing the well-groomed green carpet they've created at the end of their workout.
GARDENING
BEST OF THE BUNCH - Euphorbia (spurge) The zingy acid yellow bracts of euphorbias contrast brilliantly with other plants to ensure an eye-catching display from spring onwards. The bracts also come in warm shades of red, purple, orange and brown. Most herbaceous euphorbias like well-drained, light soils in full sun, or moist, micro-organism-rich soils in light, dappled shade. It's an incredibly varied group which includes annuals, biennials and semi-evergreen perennials, so there's plenty of choice. Good varieties include the perennial E. polychrome, a sun-loving yellow type which flowers from mid-spring, and E. griffithii 'Fireglow', which is ideal for moist, light shade. Wear gloves when handling the plants because all euphorbias exude a milky sap which irritates the skin.
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT - Growing Chillies These easy-to-grow fiery roots add peppery flavour to salads or relishes and mature in super-quick time, around a month to six weeks from sowing to harvesting, before they start to become woody. Sow them fortnightly, from January until September, for a continuous crop. Sow very thinly in trenches 1cm deep and rows 20cm across, covering those sown in January or February under cloches. They are great fill-in crops because they mature so quickly, so put them between rows of peas or carrots or mix them with slow-germinating seeds like parsnips and onions. They like fertile, well-drained soil which is relatively stone-free. Sow seeds in a sunny spot in spring or between other vegetables in summer. Good varieties include 'Cherry Belle' and 'Long White Icicle'.
• Plant herbaceous perennials, including geranium, astrantia and Oriental poppies
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK • Plant container-grown outdoor grape vines • Divide hostas before they come into leaf
• Sow sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, celery, salads and globe artichokes in a frost-free greenhouse
• When space becomes available in the greenhouse, pot up cuttings of tender perennials taken last summer and at the beginning of this year
• Remove any reverted green shoots on hardy variegated evergreens to prevent reversion taking over
• Plant roses in heavy soils or in cold areas • Protect new growth on lilies, delphiniums and any other plants affected by slugs and snails • Remove dead leaves from around the basal rosettes of alpine plants to prevent rotting
• Cut out the top rosette of leaves from leggy stems of Mahonia x media cultivars to encourage branching
rnie Le Feuvre Ltd EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE NEW MOWERS IN STOCK Ernie Le Feuvre Ltd, Cranwell, Rue De Bechet, eclefeuvre.jd-dealer.co.uk
Tel: 482776 OCTOBER ISSUE | 41
PETS
DOG DAYS As a nation of pet lovers, we shouldn't need an excuse to shower love and attention on our furry friends - but just in case you do, National Pet Month, which runs until May 4, is the perfect opportunity to spruce up your pooch's pad or your cat's crib. Almost half of UK households has a pet, with dogs and cats our most popular four-legged friends - in fact, it's estimated that around 8.5 million canines share our homes, along with a similar number of felines. If you're not a pet owner, however, you can still wag - sorry, bag - yourself some creature comforts, as there's a whole zoo's worth of homeware featuring dog and cat-themed prints and details. Not only are pets proven to have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing, it seems they offer a wealth of inspiration for decor and design, too. It's not unusual for some designers to create a tableware range that's inspired by their very own new pooch. Cath Kidston has devoted a new china range to her much-loved white Scottie, Billie, who obviously loves teatime and appears on biscuit jars that could double up as doggie treat containers. As for little Rover or Kitty, furnishing them these days doesn't have to be all about practicality. If your pooch is your prince then a grand Louis XV1 Style Dog Bed, complete with a velvet surface that's been treated with a water and dirt-resistant layer, would certainly impress posh paws and top cats. According to a survey by Astar Pets, one in six people admit to spending more on
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presents for their pet than for their partner, with 66% buying their animal birthday gifts. "Our dog is very much part of the family, and happily rests her gorgeous head on a Louis XVI bed which she was given for her birthday last month," says interiors designer Joanna Wood. " This elegant bed, featuring a carved solid oak frame and luxurious navy velvet, is incredibly chic and fit for the most royalist of dogs!" Wayne Clarke, creative director at And So To Bed, agrees: "Our beautiful Nautilus pet bed oozes style and elegance, a miniature take on our classic sleigh bed inspired by the classic shape of the nautilus shell, featuring carvings of fish scales, shells and scrolls. "Crafted from solid timber and finished in a luxurious silver leaf, this is the ultimate pet bed to keep your four-legged prince or princess content." Of course, your pet might reign supreme at home, but that doesn't mean you'll necessarily have a budget to match. That needn't breed resentment, however, as there are plenty of smaller, less expensive items, such as brightly coloured bowls and ornamental bird cages (with or without a feathered friend), that will still please those animal instincts. So don't paws for thought; groom your home with these paw-fect finds...
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RECIPE
What’s cooking in April RUSTIC BRITISH ASPARAGUS TARTLETS WITH GOATS’ CHEESE, SUN DRIED TOMATOES AND ROCKET These work well as a healthy lunch, and the goats’ cheese can be substituted with a good Montgomery cheddar or some rich blue cheese such as Roquefort. Its hugely versatile any topping can be added to it and the oven/grill can be used as a vehicle to make it wonderfully gooey/crispy Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes You’ll need: 375g ready rolled puff pastry 1 tbsp flour half a bundle (approx. 125g) British asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces 3 tbsp (approx. 75g) sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped, plus 1 tbsp oil from the jar 125g goats’ cheese, crumbled 2 handfuls of rocket balsamic vinegar, to drizzle What to do: Preheat the oven to 230°C. Cut the pastry into 4 rectangles and place onto a floured baking tray. Score the edge of each rectangle with a sharp knife. Mix the asparagus with the sun dried tomatoes and a little of their oil. Divide the asparagus and tomatoes between the 4 pastry rectangles and top each with goat’s cheese. Place in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Remove from the oven. Toss the rocket in a little balsamic vinegar and place on top of the tartlets. www.british-asparagus.co.uk
SWEETHEART SOUP WITH CELERY, SHALLOTS, BACON AND SAGE This is a wonderful soup to make with a wide range of year round vegetables, and is perfect for lunch, served piping hot with garlic bread or cheesy croutons. As a dinner party starter you could add some rice to the soup as it boils, and serve it in small cups with breadsticks and pass round a bowl with freshly grated Parmiggiano Reggiano. Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes You’ll need: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped 1 carrot, trimmed and finely chopped 1 stick of celery, trimmed and finely chopped 1 clove of garlic, peeled and finely chopped 3 slices of streaky bacon or pancetta, sliced into small cubes sea salt and pepper
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1 Sweetheart cabbage, trimmed and finely chopped (approx. 900g) 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, finely chopped 1 litre of vegetable stock fresh shavings of Parmiggiano Reggiano What to do: Heat some olive oil in a heavy soup pot, and add the finely chopped shallots, carrot, celery, garlic and bacon. Mix the vegetables well, and season with salt and pepper. Sweat the vegetables until soft, adding a little water to steam them slightly. Make sure the vegetables do not crisp and burn by adding a little additional water if necessary, and stirring. When the vegetables are soft, add the cabbage slices and the sage. Mix well. Add the stock, bring the soup to the boil and then lower the heat. After five minutes the soup will be ready. Pour the soup into warm serving bowls and then sprinkle fresh Parmiggiano reggiano shavings on top
www.lovethecrunch.com
RECIPE
ROASTED LEG OF LAMB WITH A SHALLOT AND CHORIZO STUFFING SERVED WITH A SPICED SHALLOT AND CHERRY TOMATO SAUCE Serves: 6 Preparation time: 40 minutes (plus overnight marinade) Cooking time: 1 hour 40 minutes You’ll need: For the leg of Lamb: 1.13 kg boneless leg of lamb, butterflied 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp rosemary leaves 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley leaves, chopped 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp small mint leaves (or torn larger leaves) 2 tbsp rapeseed oil ½ lemon, juiced Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the chorizo stuffing: 150g breadcrumbs 4 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 sprig rosemary 1/2 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 8 shallots, peeled and diced 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped 1 tsp thyme leaves Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 150g fresh Mexican chorizo, skinned and chopped into small chunks 2 tbsp mint, chopped 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, chopped For the spiced shallot and cherry tomato sauce: 2 tbsp rapeseed oil 4 shallots, peeled and chopped
1 clove of garlic, peeled and chopped 400g of cherry tomatoes, halved Pinch of cayenne pepper 1 tbsp mint, chopped 2 tbsp fresh chives Sea salt and ground black pepper What to do: To prepare the lamb: Place the lamb in a baking dish and coat it well on all sides with the smashed garlic, rosemary, chopped parsley, mint, oil, lemon and cracked black pepper. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Take the lamb out of the refrigerator for 30 minutes before stuffing it, to bring it to room temperature. To make the stuffing: Toss the breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp rapeseed oil. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast for 6-8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they are golden brown. Heat a medium pot over high heat for 1 minute. Add the remaining rapeseed oil, the rosemary and the chilli; let them sizzle in the oil about 1 minute. Stir in the shallots, garlic and thyme and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Turn the heat down to medium and cook about 10 minutes, until the shallots are translucent. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and discard the rosemary. While the shallots are cooking, heat a medium sauté pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Crumble the chorizo into the pan, and sauté about 8 minutes, until the sausage is crisp and cooked through. Drain the chorizo of excess oil and add it to the bowl with the onions. Stir in the breadcrumbs, mint and parsley and combine well. Taste for seasoning.
To cook the lamb: Preheat the oven to 175°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3. Season the lamb on both sides with sea salt and a little freshly ground black pepper. Lay the meat on a cutting board, fat side down and open like a book. Spoon as much of the chorizo stuffing as you can (about half or a little more) on the right side of the lamb. Fold the left side over the stuffing, as if you’re closing a book. If some of the stuffing falls out, stuff what you can back in. Tie the lamb with butcher’s string at 2-inch intervals to hold it together while roasting. Carefully place the lamb on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan. Put the remaining chorizo stuffing into a small dish and set aside. Roast the lamb for 1 hour and 20 minutes, rest for 20 minutes. While lamb is resting put the rest of the stuffing in the oven and cook for 15 minutes. To make the spiced shallot and cherry tomato sauce: Heat the oil in the pan and gently fry the shallots for 2-3 minutes, add the garlic, tomatoes, cayenne pepper and cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce has reduced slightly. Stir in the herbs and season to taste. To serve, slice the lamb and serve with the tomato sauce. NB You can ask your butcher to bone and butterfly a leg of lamb for you.
APRIL ISSUE | 47
TRAVEL
Switzerland’s captivating capital
BERN Bern's clock tower Bern's Muenster
Swiss temptations 48 | www.life-mags.com
Bern, Switzerland’s captivating capital, is built around a curvature in the River Aare and is among the world’s top ten cities for the quality of life enjoyed by its fortunate citizens. Records indicate that Bern was founded in 1191 by Berthold V, Duke of Zahringen, and it is said that he named the city after the first animal he came across during a hunt, which was a black bear that it is also prominently featured on the city’s coat of arms. In 1218, following his early death and with no heir, Bern was declared a free imperial city by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. Today, Bern attracts hordes of visitors keen to appreciate the city’s beautiful surroundings and to experience an intriguing glimpse of Swiss history and culture. Altstadt, Bern’s charming old town, is the main attraction, as it features outstanding examples of medieval architecture and was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Visitors flock to admire Federal Square and the imposing Federal Parliament Building, the medieval Clock Tower, which features a number of moving puppets, and the magnificent Bern Muenster; a Swiss Reformed Cathedral built in 1421, which is
by Rebecca Underwood
a fine example of Gothic architecture with dazzling stained glass windows and a soaring tower reaching 330 feet into the Alpine sky. For brave hearts who love to have their heads in the clouds, the mighty Eiger, the Mnch and the Jungfrau are all but a short distance away, but if you prefer to remain on terra firma, head for the Swiss Alpine Museum located on Helvetiaplatz. The main exhibition; ‘The Enlargement of the Pupils on Reaching the High Mountains’, runs until 07 August. A collage of films and cartoons, made over the last hundred years, focuses on a gruelling mountaineering expedition. However, this is not a cinematic experience, but the opportunity to be one of a group of 20, which is made up of random visitors. Each group spends an hour together, following the trail through a series of ten rooms and sharing the ordeal of the ‘expedition’ as if all roped together and reliant on the skills of fellow climbers. Join in the role play as you ascend the treacherous mountain face, doing your utmost to cope with limited visibility and physical and mental exhaustion whilst avoiding avalanches and other imminent dangers. This is a unique
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TRAVEL
experience, an opportunity to face your fears and to find out if you have the makings of a champion mountaineer. To clear your head and settle your nerves after such an arduous adventure, make your way to Bern’s Rose Garden, where you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the Old Town and the banks of the Aare River. The aroma of 220 different varieties of roses, 200 types of iris and 28 varieties of rhododendron is sure to have a calming effect. After that, you can admire some expert climbers at the nearby Bärengraben, which is an open air bear enclosure. Bern has a long history of keeping bears, with records dating back to 1513 when the victorious Bernese forces returned home with a live bear after the Battle of Novara. Today Bärengraben houses a family of resident bears who have unrestricted access to the entire enclosure and it certainly delights the crowds. There is also an area, which is sectioned off, allowing them to fish and frolic in the River Aare and there’s a tunnel, which leads to a private area where the bears can rest, undisturbed. Another popular attraction is Albert Einstein’s House and Museum, located on Kramgrasse. Einstein’s apartment on the second floor of the property offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the world’s greatest physicists and humanists. Einstein resided at the property from 1903 until 1905 when he was only 26 years of age and that was when he was at his most creative, presenting 32 scientific publications. At that time, his theories were received with much scepticism and his work on Special and General Theories of Relativity, which would later become an essential part of physics, began. After all those excursions you’ll be in need of some first class pampering. The ideal place to stay is the luxurious Schweizerhof Hotel, which was founded in 1857 and is centrally located on Bahnhofplatz. This property has attracted some of the world’s most glamorous celebrities including Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor and the glittering chandeliers and sumptuous furnishings reflect the sophisticated surroundings. Rooms are spacious with first class amenities and of course the service is outstanding. The hotel spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments and provides a tranquil haven 50 | www.life-mags.com
for weary explorers or you may prefer to ‘chill out’ on the sky terrace, sip on a cool cocktail and admire the views across the rooftops. For an outstanding luncheon visit the hotel’s eatery, Jack’s Brasserie, which presents French cuisine with aplomb. Sample the roasted fillet of salmon with ginger-mustard glaze, champagne foam, and a Bouillabaisse-dumpling and celery. The dish is absolutely delicious and accompanied by a chilled glass of Ruinart blanc de blancs, it is simply unforgettable. To go further afield for your dining experience, consider the Kornhauskeller, located on Kornhausplatz. This restaurant is housed in a former granary and serves a wide variety of Mediterranean cuisine along with classic Swiss dishes and local specialities. Consider the succulent mixed fish and sea food platter, served with basil rice and vegetables and accompanied by a glass of Château Mont – Pérat blanc it’s perfect. If you fancy a post dining stroll and a spot of retail therapy, Bern offers 6 kilometres of covered shopping arcades, crammed with bijoux boutiques, trinket shops featuring every kind of souvenir and glitzy jewellery shops with lavish displays of Swiss watches, enticing you to part with more than a few Swiss francs. Ardent chocoholics should head for Läderach, a leading Swiss chocolatier, located on Spitalgasse. The company dates back to 1962 and offers visitors the opportunity to view the talents of a master chocolatier making the most delicious confectionary.
The temptations include chocolate chilli lime, cranberry, Florentine milk or dark, Cabruca walnut or Brazil and the absolutely mouth-watering pink pepper and strawberry. And as the succulent flavours explode onto your taste buds imagine that you will return to Bern again and again. In the words of Albert Einstein ‘Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions’. Tip: Fans of the Tour de France, the biggest cycle in the world, will gather in Bern on 18 July to view the arrival of the competitors and again on 20 July, when the 17th stage begins and leads into the Valais and climbs to the Lac d’Émosson reservoir at a height of almost 2000 metres. Tip: The Bern Grand-Prix takes place on 14 May and attracts tens of thousands of competitors and ardent fans from across the world. The crowds gather in the streets to celebrate the biggest event in Switzerland.
Schweizerhof Hotel Suite All images provided courtesy of Bern Tourism.
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PROPERTIES WANTED ‘Big enough to cope yet small enough to care’
St John A one off luxury 8000 sq ft home Mont Mado granite was quarried historically. The largest quarry is now that of Ronez on the north coast. The Old Quarry has now become the most exceptional home offering 8000 sq ft which includes the double garage. From the ground up to create a home of style comfort warmth. Situated on a very quiet lane and approached through electric gates with rear courtyard with new tarmac that drains away hence having no build of rain or excess water. Pictures do not do this superb house justice as only with internal viewing can you appreciate the attention to finer details. The theme throughout the house is a touch of Gothic which has been delicately introduced in various places. Bespoke Stoneham Kitchen has been installed and really has the wow factor. Aga, steam oven, microwave, coffee maker, special manufactured Miele large fridge granite work tops and vaulted ceiling add to the overall attraction that cannot be missed. Although this home is 8000 sq ft there is nothing overwhelming about the size as it works so beautifully to cater for all the family. And for the big boys the cinema room is where you will probably find them most nights watching rugby or golf on the large screen with surround sound system while mum takes a leisurely swim in the indoor heated pool, or working out in the Gym. The swimming pool has an array of different colour lights to suit the mood. Solar panels provide energy heat to pool and hot water. Every eventuality has been considered during the building and planning of this home and all will be pointed out through internal viewing. New Cat 5 wiring system, imported tiling, and fireplace, bespoke stair case that has been French polished, external rails with powder coating for low maintenance. The list is endless. This home is for people who will appreciate style and finer detail down to the door handles It’s all about low maintenance and easy living without any compromise. £3,650,000
‘Big enough to cope yet small enough to care’
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St Ouens
St Clements
St Clements
5 bedroom family home in quiet location. Immaculately presented throughout. Overlooking field, sunny garden and garden chalet. Conservatory, dining area, kitchen and utility. Double garage and parking for 4-5 cars
First time on the market for 35 years. Detached 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large lounge diner, eat in kitchen, cloakroom, garage and sunny garden. In quiet part of close.
Stunning 3 bedroom home totally refurbished throughout. Sea views from lounge and bedroom, large garden to front. Rear garden with decking and 3 work sheds or storage parking close by.
£669,000
£425,000
St Peters new instruction Sole Agents
St Mary A home for all seasons
St Helier outskirts granite delight, Sole Agents
First time on the market for over 35 years a truly lovely family home. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge diner with functional fire. Newly fitted kitchen in cream, separate utility garage and parking 3 cars great SWF garden safe secure for children and pets, chain complete.
A rare find in this superb granite house that looks like a modest cottage from the exterior but nothing could be further from the truth, could be a 2 gen. 5 beds, 4 baths, eat in kitchen, dining room, magnificent lounge with wood burner and mistral gallery.
Modern granite house on the outskirts of town, off Queens Road still within walking distance to work. 4 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms master is exceptionally large, with en-suite. Kitchen, separate utility, garage and parking for 4 cars.
£895,000
£675,000
CONFIDENTIAL FILE SOLE AGENTS FANTASTIC 5 BEDROOM COD HOUSE IN ELEVATED LOCATION WITH GREAT VIEWS HIDDEN AWAY FROM MAIN STREAM DINING ROOM, LOUNGE, SITTING ROOM, EAT IN KITCHEN COMPUTER ROOM, STUDY, CONSERVATORY, ONE BEDROOM SELF CONTAINED UNIT, GARAGE AND PLENTY PARKING
CONFIDENTIAL FILE SOLE AGENTS ST OUEN OUT OF THIS WORLD BUNGALOW IN SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION JUST MINUTES TO BEACH 5 BEDROOMS, STUNNING GARDEN A CHILD PARADISE AND SURFERS DREAM HOME
£835,000
£515,000
St Brelade Bungalow In quiet location sought after parish, 5 beds 2 baths lovely, fantastic swf garden garage and plenty parking.
£1,450,000
£2,400,000
£1,500,000
Register today on www.lyonsestates.co.uk for all properties held on Confidential File
ADVERTORIAL
Building Strong Foundations RBS International helped over 1,300 of their customers get a mortgage during 2015. The bank, with presence in Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar lent in excess of £300 million for new mortgages. Steve Camm, Managing Director, RBS International said: “We understand that buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime. It is really important to us that we are there for our customers when they need us the most and are delighted that we were able to support so many of them during 2015.” RBS International, who also operate under the NatWest and Isle of Man Bank brands completely overhauled their mortgage proposition during 2015 and are now focussing their efforts on how to ensure the process is as easy as possible for their customers. This includes work to refresh websites with added support and help guides, as well as four new employees to give customers more flexibility in speaking to a personal mortgage advisor. Throughout the year, NatWest became the number one mortgage provider in Guernsey after already having led in Gibraltar. In Jersey alone, during 2015 NatWest approved over 200 mortgages. The bank is continuing its efforts to support their local customers with 56 mortgages drawn in 2016 before the end of March, with a value in excess of £12 million. Steve added: “We are working hard to become the number one bank for customer service, trust and advocacy by 2020 and are continually looking at ways to adapt and improve the service for our customers. We hope introducing more advisors and enhancing our websites demonstrates our commitment to this.” NatWest is currently offering a range of mortgage products from two to five year fixed rate, First time Buyer and 90% loan to value options. For more information on their mortgages, simply visit www.natwestinternational.com/mortgages or pop into one of their branches to speak to an advisor.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited (RBS International). Registered Office: P.O. Box 64, Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PJ. Tel. 01534 285200. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.
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Monthly spending going up and up? Bills and mortgage payments soon add up. Keep your repayments down by fixing your mortgage for the next 2 years.
1.49% 4.0% fixed until 31.05.2018
variable after that
3.7%
APR is the overall cost for comparison
2 year fixed rate. Up to 60% LTV. Product fee of £999. Other fees may be payable. Early repayment charge applies until 31.05.18. Other products are available.
Visit your local branch natwestinternational.com/mortgages
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
Call us today 01534 282828 Like NatWest CI on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @NatWestJsy The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited trading as NatWest (NatWest). Registered Office: P.O. Box 64, Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PJ. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and is an interest rate which takes account of the full amount of interest on any money borrowed plus the timing of repayments and any other charges that you have to pay. It may not take into account any reduction in interest rate following the maturity of the initial product. The frequency of the interest payments, for example monthly or quarterly, affects the calculation. Rates correct as at (01.03.2016). Subject to availability. Over 18’s only. Security required. Calls may be recorded.
ANTIQUES
Fine Jersey Furniture By Stephen Cohu The trade triangle as discussed in last month’s article, allowed Jersey cabinet makers access to the finest mahogany timber from the mid-18th century to the mid- 19th century. They used this timber to create some of the highest quality furniture of the period, many pieces rivalling London makers in their construction but at the same time developing their own very distinctive styles.
Before the arrival of mahogany There is no documentary Jersey made furniture that survives from before the beginning of the 18th century. Undoubtedly, furniture was made in the Island before this time but because of the reasons detailed last month, nothing of any note has survived. 17th century dated domed top leather covered trunks with brass stud decoration are found, often in rather shabby condition. These are usually considered to be marriage chests, properly called “bahut” and although they occur here frequently were unlikely to have been made here. There is an example at Hamptonne Museum. Towards the end of the 17th century the fashion for the bahut together with the use of the name declined to be replaced by the sturdier coffer. Examples are known that can be said were definitely made in jersey. The Jersey coffer has a very distinctive design, the panelled front with geometric mouldings and often with applied wooden roundels as spandrels in the corners. These made an appearance in the early 1700s and remained popular throughout the 18th century. The surviving examples are usually constructed of oak which is relatively resistant to woodworm and rot. Oak would have been available locally as would fruitwood, beech, elm and chestnut but the latter are very susceptible to worm and rot and rarely survive. Walnut was the wood of choice for the wealthy in the 17th and early 18th century but this would have been imported from Europe and would have been rarely used due to its highly expensive nature. Walnut is also prone to woodworm and in other than dry conditions does not last. At the same time the oak butter cupboard appeared, basically a double cupboard, the top and bottom sections separated by two or three horizontal drawers. They split for ease of transport. The form is French but proportions were generally smaller, sharing the design of the front with the coffer. I have also seen several early 18th century oak chests on chests with unusual fielded panel sides and stile feet also certainly made locally. Up until the middle of the 18th century the economy of the island was based on agriculture and the majority of the population would have had few possessions. Even in the feudal manor houses there is little evidence of any quantity of locally made furniture. We can only
A mid 18th century Jersey coffer languishing in a shed. 56 | www.life-mags.com
A typical Jersey ring and post handle on a mahogany bow fronted chest
A typical tall Jersey linen press of around 1850
A Jersey knock down six panel press of around 1820
assume that with the change in the Island’s fortunes towards the middle and end of the 18th century the older oak and country pieces would have been discarded in favour of more fashionable new mahogany furniture. Early Jersey Mahogany Furniture The earliest Jersey made mahogany pieces were very plain and simple. Four drawer chests of drawers of diminutive proportions almost always standing on ogee shaped bracket feet and often with re-entrant corners on the front edges of the top appeared in the 1760s. They are always in solid very dense mahogany, never veneered and the drawer linings are in pine or more typically chestnut. Chestnut is an almost certain indication of local manufacture when used as drawer linings or wardrobe backs. The lighter part of chestnut is the sap wood and is particularly prone to woodworm, unlike the incredibly dense mahogany. To match the chests the early cabinet makers constructed what we call knock-down wardrobes. These are made on the same lines as the French armoire and are unique in their ability to be totally flatpacked to allow them to be taken up narrow staircases and constructed in-situ. Many heads have been scratched years later when people try and work out how on earth such a large piece of furniture was carried up such a small staircase. They are unaware of the flat-pack capabilities of splitting down into its constituent parts. The doors each contain three fielded panels usually in fairly straight grained timber so they are known as six panelled presses. They are fitted with trays or shelves to hold linen or clothes but most in recent times have lost their trays to be converted into wardrobes for hanging.
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STEPHEN COHU
DEALERS IN FINE ANTIQUES, WORKS OF ART, JEWELLERY AND OBJECTS We are one of the Channel Islands’ leading purchasers of antiques, jewellery and effects. We purchase entire estates or single items and also undertake expert probate valuations and property clearance.
ANTIQUES
study of the development of Jersey furniture. More often they are of drop leaf form, known as a plough table, with swing legs to support the leaves.
A fine Jersey oval panelled linen press of Ivory detail on the apron of a fine Jersey around 1830 chest of drawers Four-poster beds were popular with posts turned from solid dense mahogany. The concave sections between the turnings were often blacked in or ebonised, a very distinctive Jersey feature. The same feature appears on the columns of Jersey occasional tables and tea and card tables and the turned feet of chests. When these beds became unfashionable many of the columns were turned into torcheres with the addition of flat tops and short cabriole legs. The Early 19th Century By the early 19th century the number of merchants that could afford a large “cod” house had increased dramatically and with that grew the demand for larger and more flamboyant furniture. During what was the Regency period in England the fashion demanded exotic inlays and cross banding and the same applied to the island but on a more restrained level. Jersey mahogany furniture often features line inlay in boxwood and ebony, sometimes with kingwood or satinwood cross banding with ivory embellishment to drawer and door fronts and the aprons of chests, presses and tallboys. Knock-down presses became taller and often featured a broken swan-neck pediment. Linen presses appeared and the panels in the doors were typically oval and in highly figured flame mahogany. By this period, advances in technology meant that veneers could be cut by machine rather than sawn by hand but in Jersey, due to the availability of timber, solid wood was still used.
A superb Jersey chest of drawers dated 1832 underneath
Carved paw foot on a fine Jersey chest
The handles on the drawers of chests, presses, tallboys and sideboards also took on a very distinctive form, a post through the drawer suspending a ring with a rosette back. This feature does not seem to appear on English furniture where an oval solid back plate was preferred. Many very beautiful bow-fronted chests were made, the most desirable being of small proportions. They are always deep front to back and therefore quite practical. Extending dining tables appeared, some in the form of the “Wilkinson” patent concertina action, where the whole table with the leaves removed forms a side table with a fold over top that can be pushed against the wall. Many years ago I acquired a Wilkinson type table where the frame was stamped “Richard le Gallais, Broad Street, Jersey”. These documentary signed pieces are very important in the
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During the second quarter of the 19th century Jersey cabinet making reached its zenith and these pieces are very distinctive and are recognisable wherever they turn up in the world. Designs were sometimes rather fussy and quirky and not to everyone’s taste today. Dining chairs in particular have rather peculiar carved bar backs often with fluted legs with inverted tulip carving. The earlier designs carried on in production long after they became unfashionable in England and I have seen oval panel presses bearing dates from the 1850s. These are said in the antiques business to be “out of period”. The Victorian Era For the first 30 years of the reign of Queen Victoria, Jersey made furniture was of a continued high quality, still often made from solid rather than veneered wood. Turned wood handles replaced the gilt metal handles and earlier pieces were often updated by changing the handles. Furniture that retains its original handles today is worth a premium on items where handles have been changed many times resulting in different filled in holes in drawer fronts. Linen presses became very large and grand, sometimes over 8 feet tall. Oval panels were replaced with rectangular panels with arched tops and the top drawer became shaped with an ogee form with no handles, the drawer being opened from underneath. Knock down wardrobes had doors with a single large flame mahogany panel and due to their size are frequently bowed today. Complete bedroom suites were made with monumental triple wardrobes, chests, Duchess dressing tables, presses and half tester beds, all matching. By this time St Helier had grown into a large prosperous town with many large imposing terraces of multi generation houses all needing equally large furniture. Houses had high ceilings and 12 pane sash windows with opulent décor and the new gas lighting replacing candlelight. Luce’s cabinet makers at this time employed over 100 skilled workers. The Decline In the last quarter of the 19th century everything changed. The lucrative trade with Canada went into decline with the end of the cod fishing monopoly. The countries previously served by Jersey trading vessels were rapidly developing and this small island was no longer able to dominate sea trade. The plentiful supply of timber as a byproduct of the trade triangle dried up. The result was that cabinet making in Jersey just about disappeared. Cheap veneers from England were imported and solid wood construction vanished. Only Voisins continued with a large workshop with nearly all other furniture being imported. Thin veneers on thin pine carcasses did not last and at the end of the 19th century the heavy Victorian styles were no longer wanted. Fine Jersey Furniture in the 21st Century Early or Georgian mahogany goes perfectly well in a modern environment and sits comfortably with current tastes in design and décor. The larger later items represent incredible value for money and if you have the space are well worth looking for. The fancier Victorian pieces are out of fashion and can be bought very reasonably. The finest items remain keenly sought and rightly so and prices have remained strong but nowhere near the levels of the early 2000s. By buying fine Jersey pieces you are acquiring part of the Island’s rich history as an important trading nation as well as buying beautiful timeless pieces that will last for generations to come.
Spring is in the Hair! By Sophie Walton of Stylistics Hair Studio With the awful weather over the past month it’s hard to believe that it isn’t winter anymore. I feel like spring is in the air anyway. The shops have no winter clothing left, they're all geared up for spring sales. All the fashion designers are doing spring shows, so it's time to get your hair into the spring mode. Getting the chop Have you neglected your hair over the winter? Now's the time to get those wispy ends trimmed off. Consider one of the shorter hairstyles this spring. There's a lot of versatility in short cuts by using products and styling the cut different ways. Consider maybe a choppy version of a bob and play around with styling to give it a fresh look. If you don't want to go short, think about having some longer layers put into your hair to give it different look and feel. A New Look Without Cutting Colouring is always a good way to get a new look without cutting a lot of length.
If your cut shows off your cheekbones, blush is a must. If the line of the cut falls at your mouth, play up your lips. Shiny lips are big this spring. Outline your lips with a brush, fill them in with colour and put shine over the top. Luscious! As always, big or ornate earrings are synonymous with short hair. Treatments for Hair & Skin You'll want to do a deep moisturizing treatment for your hair and your skin - to get out the dryness from the winter. After the winter, dead skin cells may leave your face looking dull. Use a peeling or sloughing mask to bring back the glow. Try a steam treatment or a nice facial. Healthy, glowing skin is the ticket for spring. Our beautician Katie is now in salon from Tuesday to Saturday to cater to all your beauty needs. Stylistics, your one stop shop for all your hair and beauty needs! Please call 726104 to book.
Try adding a few lighter highlights around your face to brighten it up for spring. You can also use a temporary colour to liven it up - how about a red? Compliment New Colour with New Makeup When you get a new colour, you'll want to change your makeup to compliment it. When your hair goes short, that is a good time to change as well. Short hair brings more attention to your eyes, so play those babies up!
SPIRIT STUDIOS JERSEY
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
BRING YOUR A GAME In the multi-billion pound beauty industry, hundreds of products claim to be all-powerful youth elixirs, but according to Dr Des Fernandes, vitamin A remains "the only effective anti-ageing cosmetic ingredient we have". And he should know. The plastic surgeon has been studying the substance for more than 35 years, and believes "everyone in the world needs to use it". And you can do that in the form of retinol skincare. By Katie Wright
Retinol, put simply, is the base form of vitamin A, a substance that is metabolised into retinoic acid within the skin, and has "tremendous benefits" in terms of skin ageing. "Studies on the effects of retinoic acid on the skin show that you'll see a dramatic change from wrinkled skin to smoother skin, and pigmented skin becomes much less pigmented," Dr Ferandes explains. "It makes more collagen and more elastin [which give skin its firmness], and results in thicker skin." So why aren't we all slathering on this miracle-worker on the daily? Sadly, there is one drawback to retinol - but it's easily overcome, if you know how. Here, Dr Fernandes explains the key points for reaping retinol rewards... 1. PATIENCE IS KEY "The problem with retinol is that it's an irritant. Most people will react to it, think they're allergic and throw it away, that's why we need to introduce it very carefully," Dr Fernandes says. "It varies from person to person, depending on their metabolism."
3. SAVE THE DATE Retinol is a notoriously unstable substance, with a shelf life of around six months, so pay attention to the date indicator on the box, otherwise you'll continue to use an ineffective product. 4. NOCTURNAL ACTIVITY Retinol should be applied every night after cleansing. Avoid the delicate skin around the eye area, allow it a few minutes to absorb, then follow with your usual night cream. 5. USE PROTECTION "Retinol is photosensitising [meaning skin becomes more sensitive to the sun]," Dr Fernandes says, "so it's always a good idea to use an SPF." You want at least factor 15, applied every morning.
THE A TEAM From sensitive to oily, these are the best retinol-infused pieces for your skin type, plus an SPF day cream to match.
2. SLOW AND LOW "Start with very low doses and slowly let the skin adapt, before using more concentrated doses until eventually you're using the ideal amount," advises Dr Fernandes, to avoid redness and flaky patches. Some products come with a barrier cream that you mix the retinol into a little at a time, or you can mix it with your usual moisturiser to temper the strength. Others come in varying concentrations, from mild to strong. It could take weeks or even months for your skin to acclimatise, but the results will be worth it.
Best for dry skin: Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair Best for dry skin: Nurture Replenish Day Cream SPF15
'We all know beauty isn't only skin deep... but sometimes we need a helping hand' We are proud to introduce our signature skin care range 'tlc' prescription strength anti-ageing products which perfectly compliment our medical skin peels and Hydrafacial treatments. Call Julie Naidu or Elizabeth Butler now on 888272 to book your consultation. The Laser Centre. Island Medical Centre, 14 Gloucester Street, St Helier, Jersey Email: enquiries@thelasercentrejersey.co.uk www.thelasercentrejersey.co.uk
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Best for sensitive skin: Avene PhysioLift Smoothing Regenerating
Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense UV Light
Best for normal skin: Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Skin Resurfacer Best for normal skin: This Works In Transit Skin Defence SPF30
Best for oily skin: Vichy LiftActiv Advanced Filler
Best for combination skin: Environ Alpha Day Lotion SPF15
Best for combination skin: Environ Intensive Retinol 1
Best for oily skin: Kiehls Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF50
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
TOP TIPS FOR
BETTER MENO-SNOOZE By Abi Jackson
Menopause isn't one-size-fits-all; while some women seem to sail through this life stage seemingly unaffected, for many, it brings with it a host of unwelcome symptoms and side-effects which can include disrupted sleep. Of course, countless things can cause sleep difficulties - many of them external, such as an uncomfortable mattress, noisy environment and even the temperature of the room - and sometimes medical conditions like sleep apnoea (where breathing is interrupted during sleep) might be involved, so it's important to discuss sleep problems with your GP.
For women, hormonal fluctuations linked with menopause can impact sleep in a number of ways. "The menopause causes changes to our nervous system, and because of this imbalance, women experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, which can impact the quality of our sleep," says Silentnight's sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, who has more than 25 years experience working with sleep, energy and health issues. The good news is, there's a lot we can do to help improve our sleep. "My advice - as someone who also falls into this age category and has in the last few years gone through at least three stressful life events - is to start placing value on your sleep," says Dr Ramlakhan. "This means prioritise your sleep, and protect its quality." Here are Dr Ramlakhan's eight top tips for prioritising and protecting sleep during menopause... 1. MINDFULNESS "My belief is that menopause is just another stage of life - like being a toddler or teenager - it comes with its trials and tribulations and we need to be mindful of the changes in our body, mind and spirit. This mindfulness will enable us to navigate the changes more gently so that we lessen the symptoms, particularly in relation to sleep. Complimentary therapies, like yoga, acupuncture and reflexology, can help with keeping the nervous system in balance, therefore easing some of the symptoms women experience."
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
2. TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE "Chinese herbs have been used to treat menopausal symptoms in Asian countries for centuries. Herbal medicines approach the root causes of the symptoms, rather than masking them, which makes for an easier transition for women going through the menopause."
5. LEARN HOW TO POWER NAP "Allow yourself a quick power nap at some point between 2pm and 4pm - a short sleep lasting five to 15 minutes, when you will approach a near sleep state without actually falling asleep. You don't have to get into bed; even spending a few minutes sitting quietly with eyes closed can increase mental energy and focus and help to de-excite the nervous system, which will help you sleep better later at night." 6. GET ACTIVE "Keep active during the day - it doesn't have to be intense. Fast walking is a great form of exercise, especially if done in nature. Conversely, don't over-exercise. There is a current trend towards older people competing in extreme sports such as marathons and triathlons - this can place huge stresses on the body, particularly if you're not getting enough sleep."
3. CLEAN LIVING "Clean living and eating become even more important as you age. Minimising caffeine, alcohol and refined sugar intake is key. These foods are classed as 'heating foods' and contribute to the hot flushes you may experience when you reach 'that age' which can have a negative affect on sleep. It can take your body up to 10 hours to remove all traces of caffeine, even after just one cup of tea or coffee. If you're having problems sleeping, increase fluid intake by drinking more water, herbal teas and diluted fruit juices. Alcohol's the most commonly used sleep and relaxing aid in the world, as it initially has a sedative effect. However, alcohol stops you getting good, deep sleep, so the next day you feel not only physically tired but also mentally fuzzy. If you are regularly drinking alcohol to help you sleep, ask your doctor to help you find an alternative."
7. PRACTICE GRATITUDE "Practice gratitude, kindness and forgiveness regularly. Studies show people who do this tend to have more robust immune systems, healthier hearts and they sleep better. These are skills we especially need to practice in our later years, when life can sometimes feel messy and overwhelming. You can also take time to cultivate your inner life this could be journaling, meditation, tai chi, yoga, gardening or even fishing - something that enables you to bring stillness and calm, particularly if there's a lot of stress going on." 8. GENTLE SELF-CARE "All of this adds up to being more gentle with ourselves when we go through this stage of life. Take time to nurture yourself - it can be hard when there are conflicting responsibilities of children growing up and elderly parents - but make small changes that enable you to get rest and nourish your body in the way it needs."
Health Point Clinic are Expanding
Visit us at our New and Improved Suite 2.4 Lido Wellness Centre, St. Saviours Road, St. Helier. Tel: 859348
Lorna Jackson BSc (Hons), MBAcC, AFN Specialising in accupuncture, Qi Gong, Tui na (Chinese massage), Swedish massage, Reflexology & Chinese cupping therapy
Greencliff
Olivia Jackson
Chiropractic Clinic
Samuel Jackson
DC, B.C.A, G.C.C DC, B.C.A, G.C.C Specialising in diversified chiropractic techniques and in E.M.G. diagnosis.
4. PREPARE YOUR BODY FOR GOOD SLEEP "Prepare yourself biochemically for good sleep, by eating breakfast within 30 minutes of rising - this creates the ideal internal chemistry for optimal sleep."
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
World Weirdest Beauty Treatments By Penny Downes from Pennyfeathers We all love a little pamper now and again however some new and weird beauty treatments have just launched that take looking after your skin to a new extreme. I thought this month I would introduce you to a handful of them too you. Gone are the days of the fish pedicures after this run down they will seem the norm. The latest in skin care comes from Sheep Placenta. This natural protein has been included into a treatment perfect for the hand and décolleté (chest area). Straight from LA and a fav with Victoria Beckham and the Kardashians this super plumping, skin firming, cell stimulating treatment uses stem cells from New Zealand sheep placenta to give you a baaa-rmy beautiful glow. A sheep Placenta cream can also be purchased for home use to increase cell regeneration and stimulate immunity. Keeping with an animal theme next up for a perfect complexion is the Japanese Geisha facial masque. This unique treatment is derived from UV dried bird droppings mixed with rice bran and water then used as a masque to soothe and smooth to give a flawless complexion. Think Geisha beauty. A second anti ageing Botox style masque new to market is the Bee Venom Masque. The natural and organic alternative to Botox, a favourite of the Duchess of Cornwall, promises an instant face lift working on the skin and muscles.
A Chilean discovery for the beauty industry is the serum Helix Aspersa Muller Glycoconjugates, simply Easy to say in an every day discussion, better known as Snail Serum. This slimy organic ingredient is used to relive acne, brighten a complex and decrease lines. A facial has been known to be given in New York by letting snails move over the face to increased the serum intake and reveal a healthy looking skin. As we keep with slimy sisters Leech Therapy is becoming more and more popular for detoxification. Centuries old and loved by Demi Moore. Specialist clinics use Leeches to purify the blood for 2 hours leaving skin clearer and brighter. So that's the latest in weird and wonderful beauty on offer today in so specialised clinics all over the world. For me I'll stick to my usual skincare routine and lots of water. www.penny-feathers.co.uk
Customer Service as important as ever in 2016 Competition for the client is greater than ever before on the Channel Islands so customer relationships are key. With Jersey and Guernsey being a worldwide financial hub and host to many Financial sector companies, it is imperative that these companies offer customer service which is second to none.
How can NLP help you build and maintain meaningful client relationships? Mark Shields Explains... There are a number of interpersonal skills that will be fundamental to your success when dealing with clients at all levels and I begin today by introducing you to in my opinion the most important of all of these skills. Just to remind you recent research suggests that “people buy people” and the basic dynamics of a normal business relationship has not changed. What has changed and is constantly flagged up is the lack of customer service we receive as customers these days. Such simple aspects of running a successful business to maintain yet so many companies miss. What happened with that old saying the customer is always right? I think that disappeared ten years ago and sadly no one cares very much for the customer any more if at all.
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Having said that I am a huge believer when all is failing around you somehow, somewhere, there is an opportunity waiting to be uncovered. A new idea to be developed? In my opinion, as a Business Coach, it would have to start with an unprecedented customer care policy never before seen on the Channel Islands. Just think how many new clients you would potentially attract. Scary isn’t it. This drives the need for real and meaningful training when it comes to interpersonal skills if you want to get one step ahead of the competition. These skills have a proven track record in helping manager’s and staff not only dramatically improve the performance of their business but also assist with their own levels of confidence and motivation as well.
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Using some of the guiding principles of NLP, this is how a company could improve their customer service:
matching - two concepts that originated in NLP. Mirroring and matching are essentially the ability to pay close attention to someone's language, beliefs, values and physiology and copy them either overtly or covertly, consciously or unconsciously.
The Art of Building Rapport
7% of communication is transmitted through the words themselves 38% via how the words are said (tone of voice) 55% through non verbal communication (body physiology)
Rapport is the ability to join someone at their 'reality' or 'map of the world’ and to make them feel comfortable, that you have a strong common bond and that you understand them. These are the things that put people at ease, make them more responsive to you, let down their guard and trust, like and befriend you. Essentially rapport is the most important skill that you can develop as a client facing member of staff and for that matter in your everyday life. Rapport is the ability to communicate successfully. Rapport is the ability make someone understand that you can fulfill their needs as well as allowing you to get the insights that you need from them to fulfill your own. The saying goes 'people like people who are like themselves'. The old cliché' of 'opposites attract' is actually just a misunderstanding of the depth and subtlety that rapport goes to. When 'opposites attract' it must be that the so called opposites both have the commonality of being excited by the new and different, the sense of specialness and uniqueness of being 'opposites', in fact you will inevitably see in so called 'opposites' that the underlying similarities, value systems etc will be very alike. Like - Know – Trust – Buy A recent statistic shared on one of the UK’S leading sales and service courses equated building great rapport to the customers’ ability to get to know you, like you, trust you and ultimately buy from you How is rapport created? First and foremost by finding things in common. The most effective ways of doing this are by mirroring and
What is Mirroring & Matching Mirroring is essentially copying without causing offense and without being obvious, essentially reflecting back the physical patterns of behavior. Matching is almost identical as a concept but normally includes the person’s personal perception, language, beliefs etc as well as the physical mannerisms. Matching enables a high degree of control and influence over the individual that you are matching, In that it can make them feel totally at ease and fully responsive to what you have to say. This happens every day in our lives anyway. Pacing and Leading Once rapport is created we then use it to ‘pace and lead' the client in the direction that we want (what is most beneficial to them). It is also a barometer to let us know when rapport has been broken. Pacing and leading is the process in which we pace (continually match) the client and lead them to more resourceful, constructive and beneficial states, behaviors and beliefs etc. Summary By building effective and meaningful rapport with your customer’s is the most important skill you can master as a service provider. It will help you in all areas of your business. NLP skills are excellent for learning how to improve client relationships through building better rapport and developing stronger and more meaningful client relationships.
By Mark Shields Managing Director Life Practice Group Author & Coach www.lifepractice.co.uk Tel: 01462 431112
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Aston Martin DB11 A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11. The first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition. The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history. As such, it is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003. The DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be. A brand new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading infotainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin’s second century plan. Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey. DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is equally dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic. Innovative aerodynamics play their part in this aesthetic revolution with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the DB11’s uncluttered surfaces. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like Curlicue which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the redesigned side-strake. Meanwhile, rear-end lift is reduced by the Aston Martin AeroBladeTM; a virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar. Air is ducted through the bodywork, before venting as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear decklid.
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Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 608PS1 (600BHP1) and 700Nm1 of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it’s the most dynamic and most accelerative too, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec. Thanks to intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology that potency is matched by greatly improved efficiency. As a true 21st century Aston Martin the DB11 combines the very latest technology developed in conjunction with technical partner, Daimler AG, with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. Using a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the new satellite navigation and audio system have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate. A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe maneuvering at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system. With wider door apertures, significantly increased occupant space - especially head and legroom in the rear - fully integrated rear ISOFIX mounting points for a pair of child seats plus a luggage compartment large enough to accommodate two large holdalls plus carry-on baggage, the DB11 is a genuine Grand Tourer. Thanks to an inspiring palette of colours and a vast array of detailing options, its interior can be perfectly in-tune with your unique personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, your choices are virtually limitless. This is not only the most important car that Aston Martin has launched in recent history, but also in its 103-year existence. The DB11 rightfully places Aston Martin once again as a leading brand in the luxury automotive market”.
BRED ON THE TRACK, BUILT FOR THE ROAD THE NEW 2016
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MOTORING
ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN By Matt Joy WHAT'S NEW?: Before the arrival of the Dawn, the Phantom Drophead Coupe was the only convertible model in the Rolls-Royce line up, and tremendous though that car is, there was clearly a need for a slightly more manageable version with a lower price tag and broader appeal. With the smaller Ghost II saloon and Wraith proving there's a market for cars beneath the Phantom range, the Dawn is designed to meet those desires. Speak to Rolls-Royce about the Dawn and they explain how it's designed to bring more sex appeal to the brand and attract younger customers - in fact, they go as far as describing it as "the sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built". That's for you to judge, but the Dawn gets a unique exterior, folding fabric roof and four-seater cabin, as well as the brand's superlative standards of refinement and build quality.
LOOKS AND IMAGE: Choice is something of a misnomer when it comes to specifying your Dawn because you can have any colour you like, but it's more crucial than ever to pick right when it comes to this particular car. More sober hues lend an air of discretion, but go for a lighter paint shade and a contrast roof and you can really see the modern influences. The Dawn has an almost California look to it, thanks to the wheelarches stretched tightly over the wheels and the slimmed down glass area.
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Facts at a glance Model: Rolls-Royce Dawn Engine: 6.6-litre petrol unit producing 563bhp and 575lb/t of torque Transmission: Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels Performance: Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds Economy: 19.9 mpg combined CO2 Rating: 330g/km of CO2
MOTORING
It's not so extreme as to frighten off older buyers, but at the same time, if you start seeing Dawns cropping up in LA-set music videos, don't be surprised. This really is a Royce for the YouTube generation.
SPACE AND PRACTICALITY: Rolls-Royce isn't big on compromise either, so although the Dawn is billed as a 2+2, it's a bit more generous than that. Up front of course there's plenty of space, roof up or down, and although the wide centre console keeps you enclosed, it is in a comfortable manner. The rear space however makes the Dawn a genuine four-seater. The seats themselves are supremely comfortable, and even sat behind a six-footer there's good legroom available. The boot is more than sufficient to handle big luggage too, with up to 295 litres with the roof up and 244 with it down.
WHO WOULD BUY ONE?: More so than the rest of the Rolls-Royce range, the Dawn does have a little more to offer the younger - and admittedly affluent - buyer. It's still relatively ostentatious, but has grace and style even beyond its price tag. Regardless of their demographic, buyers are attracted to quality of design and thoughtfulness of execution, which the Dawn is a perfect example of. Rolls-Royce remains the world's finest builder of motor cars for good reason. THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Magnificent IF THIS CAR WAS A...: royal it would probably be the Duke of Cambridge. Dignified, but still young at heart.
BEHIND THE WHEEL: The roof is the key element to the Dawn driving experience. With it raised, the cabin is cocooned and remarkably quiet, due in part to the effort Rolls-Royce put in with the six layers of fabric and 'French seam' stitching. It lowers in 22 seconds and in beautifully-engineered silence, and you can lower it driving at up to 31mph. However you have the roof, the Dawn delivers a sumptuous driving experience you simply can't find elsewhere. While the physical differences between it and the Phantom are relatively small, the Dawn is more engaging to drive and happy to be hurried briskly along country roads, but still, it always demands very little of you; the steering is accurate and the retuned suspension keeps it level and controlled without harming the magical ride quality. The 6.6-litre V12 barely emits a murmur, but is always ready to provide rapid and effort-free acceleration. You can reach 62mph in just 4.9 seconds if required, however, it is the way the Dawn flows along with the road, gaining speed as easily as it sheds it and remaining unperturbed by the outside world, that makes it so special.
VALUE FOR MONEY: There's not much in the way of competition for the Dawn with the more crucial factor being that it feels sufficiently special and luxurious. It's spectacular to look out from the outside with a flawless finish, while inside, there is a delightful mix of wood, leather and metal trim. Only the occasional sliver of plastic puts some distance between it and the peerless Phantom. More than anything though, the Dawn provides an experience that makes even an ordinary journey feel extraordinary.
WINE
Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme
by Martin Flageul AIWS, Wine Consultant
Winemakers around the world often consider red Bordeaux as the benchmark of quality wine and certainly the great First Growths of Bordeaux are unsurpassed for sophistication, elegance and structure. Unfortunately these most famous chateaux are now beyond the reach of many aficionados – Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2009 will set you back around £850 per bottle! You can however still enjoy the intensity of flavour with good balance of acidity and fruit from realistically priced wines from the region. Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme offers a variety of vintages, each showing their own style and character, all at a fraction of the price of many classified growths. History of Caronne Sainte Gemme The vineyard was first recognised in 1648 with its name Caronne derived from “corona” a local spring water source. The title Sainte-Gemme has evolved from “Sainte-Jaime” or Saint James whereby pilgrims would rest close to the spring before continuing their journey on their way to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. It was not long after the French Revolution in the 18th century that wine production was officially recorded at Caronne for the first time. Since 1900 the ownership of Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme has been in the Borie family with Eugene and Emile sharing ownership of the property. Eugene Borie’s sons transferred their shares to their uncle to enable them to purchase Chateau Batailley and later Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou. Today Emile Borie’s descendants remain the sole owners of Caronne Ste Gemme with Jean Borie, Emile’s grandson and Francois Nony, his nephew now managing the property. Winemaking Recent investments at the chateau include the building of a new winemaking unit, refurbishment of the barrel cellars and the creation of a temperature controlled storage cellar. Whilst these investments are important the principles followed over decades are similar to those of “Grands Crus” chateaux. Grapes are harvested 70% by hand and then carefully sorted before destalking. After being gently crushed the grapes are transferred to either stainless steel or traditional lined cement vats for fermentation. Fermentation is controlled at temperatures of 28/30º Celsius and maceration will take up to three weeks. The wine is then aged in 225 litre French oak barrels for 12 months with 25% of the barrels being replaced each year. Classification and Situation Chateau Caronne Sainte Gemme is situated on a gravel plateau that includes iron rich sandstone and clay that impart their own characteristics to the vineyard fruit and the final wine produced. Neighbours of the chateau, which is situated in Saint Laurent, Haut-Medoc adjoining the commune of Saint Julien, include Chateau Gruaud-Larose, Chateau Lagrange and Chateau Belgrave. 72 | www.life-mags.com
The 45 hectare vineyards are planted with 60% CabernetSauvignon, 37% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot and the vines have an average age of over 25 years. Depending on climatic conditions, each vintage will dictate the proportion of grape varieties used for the blend but Caronne’s most usual varietal mix will be 60% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The chateau is classified as Cru Bourgeois Superieur, which is a classification that only about 85 Bordeaux chateaux can now boast. My dear friend Francois Nony was recently in Jersey to host a wine dinner at the Royal Yacht Hotel organised by Claudio Abreu and Francois and I realised that I first started importing Caronne Ste Gemme over 30 years ago. Francois also mentioned the availability of larger sizes and older vintages either locally or on request. Visits to Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme can be arranged by appointment: Telephone +33 (0) 5 57 56 81
CLASSIFIED COLLECTION
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APRIL IS...
April is... Flavour of the month...
Rhubarb
Rosemary and Rhubarb Cocktail Recipe Ingredients • 1.5 oz Vodka • .75 oz Rhubarb syrup (one part rhubarb juice, four parts simple syrup) • .75 oz Fresh lemon juice • 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
A Jersey Farm House by William Bond
Instructions Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake, and double strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an apple fan on a cocktail pick.
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Answers can be found in next month’s edition of the Jerseylife.
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