The Jersey Life

FEBRUARY 2016 | www.life-mags.com

the Jerseylife | FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE 124 | THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Be my Valentine

By Juanita Shield-Laignel welcome to

Homeliving

www.life-mags.com

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016 The year of the monkey events | beauty | food and drink | home | the arts | fashion | travel | property | business | health | garden

EAT YOUR HEART OUT • PAINTING THE WAY • SEE THE LIGHT 5 TIPS FOR BUILDING AN EXTENSION 5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING NATURAL FLOORING TASTY TREATS TO BOOST BIRD NUMBERS

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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 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 Juanita Shield-Laignel Stephen Cohu Penny Downes Martin Flageul Rebecca Underwood Mark Shields Lorraine Pannetier

It’s that time of year when one just wants to snuggle up by the fire and shut out the world. Let us help you do that in style!

What better way than to slip off your shoes, sit back and relax and read through our first of the year, bumper Home Living Edition where our home improvements gurus share tips on natural flooring, building extensions, paint colour choices and so much more…. it’s the ideal time of year to start planning those renovations.

Not in the mood for ripping up floors and sanding down doors?

Well how about a dress down in the wardrobe department or a trip to Beaujolais with Wine Consultant Martin Flageul…..there’s lots to choose from.

Being February we just had to add a Valentine page or two - hope you like.

And of course we have all our other usual sections for your perusal; food and drink, travel, fashion, beauty, gardening and on it goes.

This month also sees the fourth article in the series of the life and times of local Historian and Author Michael Ginns MBE where he tells us about his experience of being shipped to Germany after two years of Occupation and how he and his fellow camp mates got through the hard times.

I also had the great pleasure of interviewing James Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Jersey Chamber of Commerce….read all about his interesting career path, on page 14.

That just leaves me to wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day and beyond…….

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

January edition’s crossword solutions: Across: 1 Risk; 3 Activate; 9 Draw out; 10 Paste; 11 Unfavourable; 13 Lordly; 15 Street; 17 Substantiate; 20 Agile; 21 Prolong; 22 Together; 23 Lash.

Down: 1 Redouble; 2 Staff; 4 Cut out; 5 Implantation; 6 Absolve; 7 Ever; 8 Convalescent; 12 Strength; 14 Rousing; 16 Sample; 18 Aroma; 19 Last.

HOLD THE LINE

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

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This summer the stripe wins hands down in the fashion print wars

Be my Valentine

BRING ON THE BLUES

BLUES ARE MAKING A SPLASH IN THE HOME THIS SEASON

By Juanita Shield-Laignel welcome to

Homeliving

‘Summer Symphonies’

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016 The year of the monkey

EAT YOUR HEART OUT • PAINTING THE WAY • SEE THE LIGHT 5 TIPS FOR BUILDING AN EXTENSION 5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING NATURAL FLOORING TASTY TREATS TO BOOST BIRD NUMBERS

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

To advertise in The Jersey Life please contact Juanita Shield-Laignel on: 01534 619882 or email: juanita@fishmedia.biz

with the Guernsey Symphony Orchestra

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

To advertise in The Guernsey Life please contact Juanita Shield-Laignel on: 01534 619882 or email: juanita@fishmedia.biz

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and The Jersey Life contact information

8 UP AND COMING Events and walks around Jersey

74 FEBRUARY IS...

Flavour of the month, cocktail and crossword

LOVE IS IN THE AIR 10 BE MY VALENTINE Juanita Shield-Laignel explores the notions of ‘self-love’

11 SPOTTED! Romantic gifts and ideas for Valentine’s Day

INTERVIEW 14 JAMES MORRIS Juanita Shield-Laignel catches up with the Chief Executive Officer at Jersey Chamber of Commerce

66 MICHEAL GINNS MBE The fourth in the series of his life stories

6 | www.life-mags.com

11

68 HOME LIVING 20 EAT YOUR HEART OUT Make the kitchen the centre of your home

24 PAINTING THE WAY Getting ready for Spring

26 SEE THE LIGHT Use lighting to create different atmospheres in your home

30 5 TIPS FOR BUILDING AN EXTENSION

By Julian Gray

32 5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING NATURAL FLOORING

By Julian Gray

40 TASTY TREATS TO BOOST BIRD NUMBERS

By Hannah Stephenson

ANTIQUES 62 ANTIQUES SHOWS

By Stephen Cohu

FOOD AND DRINK 68 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016 A selection of Asian-inspired dishes

70 BEAUJOLAIS

By Martin Flageul

26

HEALTH AND BEAUTY 59 A WINTER WINNER IN SKINCARE

By Penny Downes of Pennyfeathers

60 VALENTINES DAY Is it a day of love and materialistic objects? By Mark Shields

FASHION 54 GET A FEEL FOR FOLK

By Katie Wright

44

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TRAVEL 44 AN ALPINE ADVENTURE IN VADUZ

by Rebecca Underwood

MOTORING 71 ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPE The latest set of wheels taken for a spin FEBRUARY ISSUE | 7

what’s on...

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

Arts, Exhibitions, Theatre & Music Jimeoin Live –YEEHAA! Jimeoin is internationally acclaimed as one of live comedy’s masters. Now the Irishman from Australia and star of TV’s ‘Sunday Night at Palladium’, ‘Live at the Apollo’, ‘Royal Variety Performance’ musters his ever-evolving live show and the most famous eyebrows in comedy to Jersey Opera House to bring you an unforgettably hilarious evening of world-class standup. Mosey on down and lasso your tickets early!

Price: From £15.00 - £17.50 When: Friday 12/02/2016 Time: 20:00-00:00 Where: Jersey Opera House, Gloucester Street, St. Helier Contact: Box Office +44 (0) 1534 511115 boxoffice@jerseyoperahouse.co.uk www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk/show/jimeoin yeehaa Moscow State Circus An awe inspiring new show from the 'Worlds, most famous circus'. A place where dreams become reality.The Moscow State Circus returns to Jersey with its latest and greatest production to date. 'Zhelaniy' is based on the Russian folklore story of CvetikSemicvetik, or "the flower with seven colours", by Benjamin Losin, where each of the petals represent a wish and is the perfect back drop for what is undoubtedly the greatest and most famous circus on earth.

Price: From £10.00 - £25.00 When: 12/02/2016 - 14/02/2016 Where: Fort Regent, Mount Bingham, St. Helier Contact: Fort Regent Leisure Centre 01534 449827 Vintage Crafts Workshop: Making a Decorative Shell Box Children are invited to create a decorative shell box inspired by the shell-covered gifts that 19th-century traders used to bring back to their sweethearts at home. A wonderful opportunity for families to work together in the delightful setting of 16 New Street.

Price: £5.00 Trust Members; £10 Non-members to include materials and refreshments When: Tuesday 16th February Where: Meeting Point - 16 New Street Time- 10 am – 11.15 am 483193 – Booking essential Suitable for 6 - 12 year-olds

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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Food, Fairs & Festivals Detox Afternoon Tea at The Waterfront Give yourself a healthy treat after the indulgence of the festive season, with this healthy Detox Afternoon Tea. Includes the freshest ingredients with a selection of crudities & dips, special sandwich choices with healthy fillings and of course, the all-important sweet treats, this time with a healthy twist. £12.95 per person, inclusive of your choice of loose leave Ronnefeld Tea. Available every day in January & February in The Waterfront Bar, between 11am and 5pm. Group bookings welcome.

When: 02/01/2016 - 29/02/2016 Time: 11:00-17:00 Where: Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Rue de l'Etau, St. Helier Contact: Waterfront Bar team +44 (0) 1534 671100 waterfrontbar.jersey@radissonblu.com Website: www.radissonblu.com/offer

Out and About A Taste of St Helier Find out how a handful of fishermen’s huts grew into a major financial centre, along the way we’ll hear about our Honorary Police, our unusual relationship with the Monarchy and our first postmaster! We’ll visit the Town Hall, the Fish Market and the Victorian Central Market. Mix this with stories about our famous cows and potatoes, maybe a tasting of something local, and we’ll leave the covered market to go to the Royal Square to relive the last land battle fought in the British Isles.

Price: From £12.05 - £12.05 When: From 01/02/2016 to end of Feb (Weekly) Monday 10:30-13:00 Where: Liberation Square, St. Helier Contact: Arthur Lamy +44 (0) 1534 853525 arthur@arthurthebluebadgeguide.com Bus: 1, 1a, 2 Website: Arthur the Blue Badge Guide World Wetlands Day World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Since 1997, the Ramsar Secretariat provides outreach materials to help raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands.

This is a unique opportunity to hone your bird-watching skills with help and guidance from local bird-watching experts Mike Stentiford MBE, Bob Tompkins and Cristina Sellares who will be on-hand throughout the afternoon.

Fun crafts and games for children will be run by our Education Officer in the bunker classroom.

Guided walks will set off from the centre (weather permitting) giving an insight into the natural history of St Ouen’s Pond and surrounding meadows. Marvel at our resident population of Marsh Harriers and try to spot the rare and secretive Bittern.

Price: Entry and activities all free of charge but donations welcome.

When: Sunday 7th February, 13:00 – 16:00 Where: St Ouen’s Pond Contact: For further information email education@nationaltrust.je Website: www.nationaltrustjersey.je

A Taste of St Aubin Take a stroll around St Aubin, once the commercial heart of Jersey and its main port. Hear about merchants, benefactors, privateers and fishermen.

Find out how the village grew, the coming of Methodism, the Cod Triangle and the legend of Ghost Hill. See the old elementary school, the church of St Aubin on the Hill with its window created by Edward Burne-Jones, the PreRaphaelite artist; the pub where Karl Marx stayed and the ancient seat of the Seigneurs of Francfief.

Price: From £12.05 - £12.05 When: 03/02/2016 - 30/03/2016 (Weekly) Wednesday, 10:30-13:00 Where: St.Brelade's Parish Hall, St.Aubin Contact: Arthur Lamy - Blue Badge Guide 01534 853525 arthur@arthurthebluebadgeguide.com Bus: 12, 12a, 15 Website: Arthur the Blue Badge Guide A Taste of Gorey Come and explore Gorey, a cheerful village shaped by a history that stretches from the Neolithic to the present day. Hear about the oyster fishing boom, how the castle was captured by treachery, and how local boy, Harry Vardon, won six British Open Golf Tournaments.

Price: From £12.05 - £12.05 When: 05/02/2016 - 25/03/2016 (Weekly) Friday 10:30-13:00 Where: Gorey Pier Bus terminus, Gorey Contact: Arthur Lamy +44 (0) 1534 853525 arthur@arthurthebluebadgeguide.com Bus: 1, 1a or 2 The Oyster Trail A guided walk among the oyster and mussel beds in the Royal Bay of Grouville followed by the opportunity to sample fresh Jersey Oysters at Seymour Inn. Hear about the modern cultivation of shellfish in Jersey - the biggest oyster beds in the British Isles - and the fascinating history of the oyster fishery, which in the 19th century was a major industry.

Price Adults: £16.50. Children: £8.50 When: Sunday 14/02/2016 Time: 16:00-18:00 Where: Venue confirmed when booking. Advance booking essential as we walk in small groups.

Contact: Jersey Walk Adventures 07797 853033 info@jerseywalkadventures.co.uk Bus: Bus route 1 Special £1 Eco discount per adult, if you arrive by bus or bicycle. You must request this offer at time of booking.

Website: Jersey Walk Adventures Pruning and Grafting Apple Trees with Vincent Obbard Did you know that every full sized apple tree is made from two different trees? Enjoy a morning of practical information and hands-on learning about the art and science of grafting and pruning apple trees. Morning coffee on arrival at the Manor.

Price £15 Trust Members - £20 Non Members When: Saturday 20th and 27th February Time: 9.30 to 12.30 Where: Meeting point - Samares Manor Car Park 483193 – Booking essential You will receive a rootstock and a scion to graft and take home for planting (max 15 people per session)

‘Seedy Sunday Jersey’ Seedy Sunday Jersey is an annual community seed swap and gardening event. It’s the only one of its kind in the Channel Islands and is now in its second year. This year there will be more stalls and loads more seeds for swapping. Stalls include the National Vegetable Society, Ocean Harvest, and Heritage Jersey Apple Trees to name a few! There will be various talks throughout the day from allotment growing to beekeeping, along with refreshments and a Krafty Kiddie’s Korner.

Got a job that needs doing?

Follow us on Facebook or contact Fiona Murphy on 07797 859197 for more information.

When: 21/02/2016 Saturday 11:00-14:30 Where: Grainville School, Contact: Event Co-ordinator ~ Fiona Murphy

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BE MY VALENTINE

Be my Valentine...

Having started writing for The Jerseylife Magazine in June 2012, this is now my fourth piece for Valentine’s Day. I’ve covered the origins and history of St. Valentine, the varying nuances of romance from teenage angst to the more mature aspects of love and indeed the pink and fluffy commercialism that surrounds it all. This year I thought I’d take a look at an altogether different facet and explore the notions of ‘self-love’……..Juanita Shield-Laignel discusses Those of us of a certain age probably grew up believing we would marry young, immediately have children, the husband would be the breadwinner and head of the household and a wife’s sole objective in life should be to care for her children, her home and please her husband. How times have changed.

Whilst there is nothing wrong with these things per se; I am very glad to be able to care for my children, love home-making and respect my husband and all he does enormously…. it also behoves me to seek out personal objectives, which in the long run I believe make us so much better and more accomplished as rounded, rather than one dimensional individuals who can then choose to be together! Those old fashioned notions of a woman’s place is in front of the sink and a man’s place is to

take sole financial responsibility have long become part of a draconian past.

Luckily for me, my husband is also of the mind that seeking that which fulfils me makes me a better wife, mother and ultimately companion. Sadly though before reaching maturity I struggled with feelings of subjugation, lack of self-worth and was almost frightened of having an opinion of my own. It took a long time to find my voice and now it seems the flood gates have opened…

It wasn’t just girls in the bygone age that were put down; the ‘children should be seen and not heard’ brigade rampaging through our lives also rendered many boys fearful to speak up and speak out.

Perhaps now we have gone a little too much the other way but in time, balance will be found again I’m sure. Having your

own voice or confidence in our household was seen as being big headed and unbecoming of a young lady and yes, I agree, there is of course a fine line between confidence and less welcome characteristics such as arrogance, self-importance and puffed up pride.

Self-confidence in the here and now is about the more refined versions of confidence such as, self-esteem, self-assurance and personal clarity.

Surely the blanket disdain towards confidence I experienced as a child was most certainly damaging in the long run.

Many generations of women weren’t given the tools to be independent, autonomous or self-motivated and instead waited for a partner to make decisions, express opinions and almost give permission to live. Now we know that extreme repression often culminates in extreme rebellion and we see this so often when an individual breaks out of constraints; it requires an enormous amount of force and the ensuing explosion can leave devastation and damage in their wake but at least freedom has been obtained and a rebuilding, mending and repairing can begin.

Fortunately the young today are encouraged to be themselves, to develop the skills they enjoy and have a voice of their own. Thank goodness this is the case. Both my husband and I strive to tell our children every day we love them, are proud of them and that they can be anything and do anything they put their minds to and that whatever they choose to be we will support them - well within reason of course….I’m not sure we’d be happy if one of them decided they wanted to be a criminally minded despot or some such arbitrary being. continues overleaf...

10 | www.life-mags.com

. . . d e t t o p We’ve S Art Hearts, can be hung or stand using the ornamental key included price £11.00 These are new in and we have lots of different designs from Victoria Art Gallery, 3 Victoria Street, St Helier Tel: 01534 730279

Lavender Essential Oil - 10ml, £6.75 Available online at www.jerseylavender.co.uk

Valentine Special Moet & Chandon Rosé Imperial ‘Black Tie Unfurl Tin’ 75cl bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial presented in an elegant isothermal metal box which can keep the bottle chilled for up to 2 hours.

Special Offer £37.95 from Victor Hugo Wines, Longueville Road Tel: 764044.

Email: sales.outlet@victorhugo.je VictorHugo.je

Union Jack Lavender Heart, £3.80 Available online at www.jerseylavender.co.uk

Cubic Zurconia Heart Necklets from £17.50 Diamond and Ruby Pendants from £197.50 Diamond Heart Pendant £350.00 Available from Pearce Jewellers Ltd. 3 King Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4WF. Tel: 01534 722536 www.pearcejewellers.co.uk

Aromatherapy by Christine Westwood, £2.99 Available online at www.jerseylavender.co.uk

BE MY VALENTINE

I’m happy to say both my boys see their father cooking and washing dishes and doing the shopping as well as playing football and computer games with them and hopefully, sufficiently to compensate for the days when life isn’t ideal and work stress or practicalities get in the way. They also see their mother thanking their father for the little things and working to contribute to the family income and engaging in such pursuits that would have been designated as a man’s role way back when we conformed to being pigeonholed. You see my husband enjoys cooking and is rubbish at DIY. I on the other hand find cooking extremely stressful and enjoy painting bathrooms, so we just do the things we like regardless of who is traditionally supposed to do them and those things neither of us enjoy, we do our best to share them out equally.

It isn’t all pink unicorns and starlight though, all relationships have their ups and downs and stressful times and situations that bleed into family life and dealings with each other.

Fleur D’Amour Flowers and Gifts

Valentine's Day is all about love and romance and at Fleur D’Amour we have a wonderful selection of beautiful Valentine's Day flowers and gifts for your loved one.

4a La Colomberie, St Helier, JE2 4QB Tel: 01534 768196 www.fleurdamour.net

Our children do hear us cursing when we stub our toe or shouting at them when they are naughty, despite this we hope that by being as loving and kind as we can to each other when they are in earshot (and when they are not) that they will hopefully be ingrained with a respect, love and care for a partner when their time comes. I really do hope they are able to grow up in the ever-emerging brave new world that knows nothing of misogyny or mistrust of one’s partner but rather encourages young people to know who they are so they can unite in a truly fulfilling relationship.

As much as we have strived through history to be on an equal footing there seems to remain a smidgen of discontentment between men and women which when examined logically is totally nonsensical. This was brought home to me vividly several years ago when in exploring myself I tried Belly Dancing, which incidentally I really enjoyed. However, I only managed a few weeks because much of the time seemed to be spent by the entirely female attendees, bad mouthing their husbands. I’m sure we have all been guilty of this at some stage, but it really grated and made me examine my own speech and attitude, so now I make a conscious effort to focus on my husband’s positive attributes particularly when I’m sharing with girlfriends.

My husband isn’t perfect and neither am I but as he often says, we are perfect for each other. We both have our faults, foibles and eccentricities but hey, it makes for interesting living!

I’m not saying by the way that the endless facets of love and romance including the observation of Valentine’s Day are superfluous, for who doesn’t enjoy receiving a huge box of chocolates, two dozen red roses, a bottle of champagne and a diamond encrusted trinket or two, but perhaps the moral of this musing is this…maybe it’s less about ‘Be my Valentine’ or ‘Let me be your Valentine’ and more about ‘Be your own Valentine’.

Learn about yourself, your likes, your dislikes your uniqueness and Individuality. Constantly quest for self-improvement and more honesty in your internal dialogue and in your dealings with others, this will lead to liking yourself more which in turn will lead to loving yourself, in a healthy way, which again will lead to self-acceptance and greater warmth that can be taken out into the world and shared….this won’t be easy and is an on-going life long process.

Let’s face it, from the moment we are born to our very last breath we are all work in progress, so learn to ‘love thy self’ and make yourself your own prized project; the dividends will be worth it……

Love and hugs Juanita x

t: 01534 869300 e: enquiries@jerseyauctioneers.com w: www.jerseyauctioneers.com

INTERVIEW

Anyone and everyone in business in Jersey today will, at the very least, have heard of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce and will more than likely be one of the ever-growing throng of loyal members.

However, not everyone will know that our tiny, dot of an Island, lays claim to being the founder of the 250 year old Institution…. and so much more as Juanita Shield-Laignel recently discovered.

James Morris CEO Jersey Chamber of Commerce Working in the same building as The Jersey Chamber of Commerce, I nod a cursory ‘hello’ to the staff each morning as I pass by their glass walled office. So it was with great delight I recently welcomed consistently jovial James into my office for what turned out to be a very interesting morning.

Having already established that James is an honorary, rather than born and bred Islander, I asked him to tell me about his early life.

“I’m originally from Cheltenham in Gloucestershire where my Father was born in 1921. He started his working life in the Gas Industry with my Grandfather but then joined up in WWII and quickly worked his way through the ranks to Major. He met my Mother just before being deployed to Korea and was soon reported as having died. My Mother was both shocked and delighted to finally receive a letter from him, written on rice paper, saying he was actually in a Korean Prisoner of War Camp. On his return they married amidst much revelry as you can imagine.

Then my two brothers arrived and lastly myself. As a career soldier my Father was posted all over the world so my brothers and I grew up moving around the globe including places such as Berlin and Singapore.”

James then told me an amazing tale of just how important his Father’s Gloucestershire Regiment had been during the Korean 14 | www.life-mags.com

War and as the story unfolded it became evident this is a tale to tell in its entirety, on another occasion.

“Career wise, I’ve always liked people, so considered working in the Hotel Industry and then the Police Force but after long chats with our neighbour who was Chief Constable for Gloucestershire, it was evident I was aspiring to be a Community Police Officer, a role which was long since gone. The other option for youngsters in my area was working for Government Communications Headquarters but I didn’t much fancy the abject secrecy that goes along with that. So the next logical thing was banking.”

“I started with Williams and Glyn’s in Cheltenham and did a number of junior and back office jobs and gradually developed to become Bank Manager.

It was rather like being a GP who doesn’t specialise in any particular area but knows where to source what’s needed. I built up a broad spectrum of expertise to

INTERVIEW

another was easier than I anticipated.

Fundamentally I think, because although I had worked for a bank, I would say I’m not a banker, I manage people and strive to create an environment within which people and business can flourish.”

Little James with his two older brothers advise small businesses which I thoroughly enjoyed as it was fulfilling my desire to meet and help people. I met my wife, Cathy in the bank, and in those days, banks used to move their staff around from branch to branch fairly frequently, in order to gain experience, and we enjoyed a series of moves across the UK including Chichester, Richmond, Maidenhead and Exeter. Then I trumped them all and moved to Jersey.”

“I had been promoted to Regional Director for NatWest Private Banking for the South of England based in Bristol, and then, during 2004, I was posted to Jersey on a three-year secondment to work for RBS International. We had three children by then, one blue and two pink” James grinned, as only a Father can. “The girls who were five and seven went to Trinity school which we found to be fantastic.

My son was twelve when we left the UK and not happy to be leaving his pals behind, but after just a few weeks informed me when my secondment was over, he would be staying.”

“I worked across Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar and was also Chairman of the Isle Of Man Bank, which was very community based. Wherever we’ve gone I’ve always thrown myself into the local community and Jersey has been no different. I quickly got into supporting local sports, particularly football, rugby and cricket.”

“Then RBS encountered their well-known difficulties and wanted to repatriate me.

My children were at a crucial point in their education and Cathy had settled well, so we made the unanimous decision to stay and if I turn up my toes here, I’ll be happy.

I had to rethink my working strategy and applied for the role of Freight Director for Condor. With no prior knowledge of the freight industry I had to convince them of my other skills, namely project management, business development, managing teams of people and customer service. The transition from one industry to

“It was a very sad day when the owners of Condor announced they no longer wished to be in the logistic market and closure was inevitable. I had to oversee the hugely difficult task of telling both staff and customers alike. I was determined to undertake the task professionally and with dignity making sure everyone was looked after, the challenge being, could I get up in the morning and look at myself in the mirror and know I’d done the right thing.

The last person out of the door was me.

I hope I did a good job. Now when I walk through town people from Condor still say ‘morning boss’ so I must have done ok.”

“And that brings me to the Chamber of Commerce. I took on the role about a year ago and still think a lot of Islanders don’t really know what we do. To my mind it’s two things; a lobby group to represent the interests of the business community and a members’ club. During my working history I’ve noted that pretty much every town has a Chamber, some are active bodies and some are sleepy clubs. But amazingly the original, the very first Chamber of Commerce in the English speaking world, was right here in little old Jersey.

It’s coming up to our 250th anniversary; started in 1768 by sea going Merchants trading with Newfoundland, with the Island was punching above its weight as ever, it is documented that ‘Frustrated with the prevarication and dithering of the Politicians of the day’ the Merchants couldn’t wait any longer and got together and decided to build a better harbour.

Jersey Chamber of Commerce was born with the aim to increase trade and prosperity for the island which is still the underpinning mission today.”

“Our members are businesses and organisations not individual people but we represent an estimated twenty seven thousand workers. It’s a myth that it’s just to serve the Finance Industry and we fiercely try to ensure that all industry sectors are included. We have sole proprietors, plumbers, retailers, decorators, hoteliers and on it goes.

We have several committees reflecting the various sectors and meet regularly to put our thoughts together which I then collate

and write to the relevant politician raising our concerns about current issues. Pretty often we are consulted, this happened with the discrimination law so whilst we don’t make policy, we certainly help shape policy.”

“Our admin office is actually very modest with only three of us undertaking daily tasks, so it is only with the dedication of the one hundred or so active members that we are able to put on seminars and workshops to share our expertise to help small businesses; this is evident at the moment with our Digital Committee constantly developing and helping non digital businesses to enhance their digital footprint.”

“We also have a volunteer President who is elected every two years. Currently it’s Kristina Le Feuvre of The aMaizin!

Adventure Park. The President acts as the voice of Chamber with the C.E.O. being the eyes and ears. We hold extremely popular, regular lunches with a range of speakers from the political and business world. Recently our guest speaker was Harvey Biljon Head Coach of Jersey Rugby Club who spoke enthusiastically about building teams and how to raise morale when the odds are against you.

No matter who we bring they all seem to have an interesting tale to tell. Our lunches aren’t just an opportunity to hear high quality speakers, but are also the foremost networking events in the Island. A Chamber lunch sees the Island’s key decision makers in one room, for a couple of hours every month and I am so pleased to be instrumental in such an important undertaking. It is my intention to continue going forward with Chamber for as long as possible.”

With that James went on to tell me more of the amazing tale of how his Father became a local Gloucestershire hero and we both agreed it is a story that needs to be told – so who knows I may have the pleasure of spending time with James again in the not too distant future.

James with his two older brothers, Singapore in 1965

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 15

Local quotes made simple Whether you’re looking to start a renovation project or fix something that’s needed attention for a while, it’s only natural to shop around for a professional that’s good value. We’ve all said to ourselves I’m going to get at least three quotes; but by the time you call a few businesses and discover they are not necessarily available, you just accept the first person who says they can meet your timescales.

Now imagine this.

You spend a few minutes filling in an online form then sit back and relax, while only the local traders that are available to meet your requirements contact you by your choice of phone or email.

That’s exactly how JT Quote works. It’s the new, free online trade matching service from JT which is founded upon a comprehensive database of over 1,000 local businesses and tradespeople which users have access to via the website www.jtquote.com

Since it was launched in November 2015, over 4,000 ‘quote requests’ have been generated giving islanders a good deal for services ranging from home maintenance and improvements, to pet grooming and child care.

To start receiving quotations or pricing for the things you need, simply visit the website, complete a short form detailing the job, location, budget and timeframes. Your request is then automatically sent to the relevant businesses in the database, who have the option to offer a quote or advise on prices, and their availability.

JT Quote has worked for many islanders, here’s what some of them said: Don Crocker of St Peter was one of the first customers to be matched with a business by JT Quote. He said: “My son and I had only just been speaking about how Jersey needed something to take the hassle out of ringing round to get quotes for work, when he called me back to say he’d just found JT Quote. I needed to replace my boiler and via the site I was quickly matched with five different companies and was able to choose the one that offered me the best deal. Both my sons have now also used JT Quote with very positive results.”

Holly who lives in Grouville and was looking for a gardener to come to her house once a month said: “I found exactly what I was looking for in such a small amount of time. I will definitely use again.”

Eddie Burns Painters and Decorators Limited was one of the first businesses to be matched with a customer via JT Quote.

Eddie Burns said: “JT Quote sent me a request from a customer looking for painting and decorating to be done during a specific period of time. From my perspective it was a simple process and I was really pleased to fill a couple of extra days work for my team.”

16 | www.life-mags.com

The service allows you to control your request with the option to limit the number of responses you receive as well as keeping you informed about which businesses are showing an interest and likely to be in touch. You can even close your request at any time if say you find your chosen service provider straight away. www.jtquote.com

welcome to

Homeliving

EAT YOUR HEART OUT • PAINTING THE WAY • SEE THE LIGHT 5 TIPS FOR BUILDING AN EXTENSION 5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING NATURAL FLOORING TASTY TREATS TO BOOST BIRD NUMBERS

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EAT YOUR HEART OUT

By Gabrielle Fagan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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We provide a complete design and installation service, for kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, studies and fitted lounge furniture, from conception to completion, with over 30 years in the industry.

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

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

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

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

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22 | www.life-mags.com

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

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

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

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

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PAINTING THE WAY

By Gabrielle Fagan

Are you yearning to feel sun-bronzed in these chilly times, considering flirting with a little pink, or maybe dreaming of serene blue skies?

You may be surprised to learn that you're probably not simply longing for spring - you're succumbing to the power of paint.

The colour for 2016, according to Dulux, is Cherished Gold, while the paint wizards at Pantone have chosen blushing Rose Quartz and Serenity, a soft blue, and the trio are tipped to make their mark on our decor this year.

They've already strongly influenced the colour palette of the new home ranges, which means there's no problem picking up on whichever colour appeals. I'll guarantee it won't be long before you'll be thinking you can't live without one, or maybe two, of these fashionable shades.

So be inspired, and colour up with one, or play with all three...

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CHERISHED GOLD This rich, ochre gold shade moves away from the in-your-face 'bling' of metallics and instead has an earthy, burnished quality, which sits well in a period of contemporary setting.

"Gold and tones of gold are being used everywhere in the design world," says Rebecca Williamson, senior colour design and content manager at Dulux. "It's a recurring colour and it's featuring strongly in graphic design, as well as in architecture, fashion, beauty and interior decoration.

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"We feel Cherished Gold is extremely versatile and can act almost like a neutral, and works beautifully with many colours in the spectrum. It's naturally evolved from last year's colour of the year, Copper Blush, and is perfectly in tune for the continuing desire to use metallics to add glamour to our interiors."

DECOR TIP: Cherished Gold can be in unifying force in a room, rather than an overwhelming one, if used sparingly. Pair with cool neutrals, warm browns or even a gutsy chocolate and light wood, for a sophisticated, contemporary look. Alternatively, it will act as a grounding force with sharp citrus shades or chalky pastel hues, like duck egg.

ROSE QUARTZ This gentle rose tone is calming and easy to interpret. Go more candy and sugary sweet if you want girly decor, while pure pale pink will provide a classic backdrop.

"There's no easier way to add colour to your interiors than to inject it with comforting pastel tones, and Pantone's Colour of the Year, Rose Quartz, is a perfect example," says Samantha Parish, interior design manager at Hypnos Beds.

"This soothing shade adds a soft, feminine and welcoming touch to an interior scheme. While pastel-based shades are renowned for their mood-enhancing and lifting qualities, be careful not to pair them with too many colours in one room, as this can make a setting feel too busy and jumbled. Instead, pick it as a dominant colour and complement with smaller doses of a secondary, harmonising shade, to create a grown-up, sophisticated look."

DECOR TIP: Rose Quartz pairs well with rich browns, greens, purples, and yellows but for an on-trend interpretation, match it with a calming shade of light grey. Enhance with soft metallics, rose gold or copper, and wood accessories.

SERENITY Just looking up at an expanse of pale blue sky is uplifting, and Pantone's cool Serenity is a safe bet for those who want to create a fresh, airy, tranquil room.

"Serenity is an almost ethereal shade and it's calming influence is said to create feelings of 'respite and relaxation, even in turbulent times', so frankly, who could ask for more?" says Mike Stephen, director at Apollo Blinds.

"Whether utilised in stripes, a coastal scheme, floral patterns, or as a block of colour across home accessories, or even an entire room, this peaceful blue imparts a sense of order and peace.

Blue is still strongly featuring in interiors and this would work well contrasting with a deep indigo or a bright cerulean."

DECOR TIP: If you really want to show off your decor savvy credentials, pair Serenity with Rose Quartz and then indulge in metallics. Silver would work best for sparkle, or enliven with pops of yellow.

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 25

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SEE THE LIGHT Lighting can transform rooms, creating different atmospheres and even, by visual trickery, changing the dimensions of a space. Once you've learnt to play with the options, there's no limit to the effects you can enjoy, but with such a huge array of lighting on offer, the right choice for your home may not always be glaringly obvious.

Here, experts reveal their illuminating advice on 'seeing the light', and the top trends for 2016...

By Gabrielle Fagan BIG & BOLD Industrial style is vying with innovative lighting design for attention - and size does matter for today's lamps, says Mark Holloway, 44, owner of lighting and furniture specialists, Holloways of Ludlow.

"Lighting design is about to change dramatically. Rather than being the carrier of one or several large light bulbs, light fittings

will become the source of light in their own right. Organic shapes and new materials will combine with the myriad, hugely effective, LED light sources, to create stunning and dramatic lighting, while standard, domestic lighting will become more elegant, compact and efficient," he predicts.

"Almost daily, exciting and innovative lights are being launched, which showcase design talent, new materials and technology.

Interestingly though, one of the strongest trends for the past few years has been anything but high-tech; retro industrial lighting is still hugely in demand. Sun metal pendants, workshop adjustable wall lights and factory floor and table lamps are very on trend, and look particularly effective teamed with traditional style filament light bulbs."

SWITCH ON: To large lights - chandeliers, drum pendants and giant floor lamps - and materials such as wood veneers, concrete and hand-blown glass.

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LIGHTBULB MOMENT Decorative light bulbs, glass shades and cluster pendants are stars of this year's light range, says Kirstin White, 29, lighting buyer at Habitat.

"Decorative bulbs - with LED, filaments or appealing shapes - are really making an impact as they are an easy, inexpensive but extremely appealing way to freshen up a space," she says.

This works well with the bulb trend, as a glass shade can help soften the bulb while still showcasing its decorative effect, and the overall look is bright and interesting.

"Cluster pendants, also fashionable, are a striking alternative to a large statement pendant shade, and work well in smaller spaces."

SWITCH ON: To feature lighting oversized floor lamps through to decorative wall lights - as a form of functional art, which will make a statement in any room. continues overleaf...

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 27

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COLOUR & CALM More use of colour, and co-ordinating the style of a room's lights, are two strong features highlighted

by Nadia McCowan Hill, 32, style expert at online interiors company, Wayfair.

"People are much more ready to experiment with lighting these days and there's a huge choice available," she says.

"Chandeliers are no longer confined to living rooms; they're being used to add an instant glamour factor in kitchens, bedrooms and studies.

MAJOR IN METAL Metallics, especially copper's warm tones, combine with light to give a warm glow, and will take centre stage in this year's collections, says Victoria Atkin, 45, co-founder of Atkin And Thyme, specialists in hand-crafted and artisan homeware.

"Metallics are expected to gain momentum in 2016, and that's evident in lighting ranges. Bronze, brass, copper and chrome all provide a hint of vintage luxury, while their highly reflective surfaces dance a warm, sparkling glow around the room," says Atkin.

"Metallic accents are great because they can be adapted to suit all tastes, from clusters of distressed copper pendant lights for industrial style spaces, to glamorous mercury silver table lamps catering to the luxurious statement home."

SWITCH ON: To pieces made in a traditional way by skilled craftsmen, which bring authenticity to an interior, and embrace transparency with clear glass bases or shades.

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"Wall lights work wonderfully to draw attention to focal points for instance, a pair of lights flanking a console table or work of art. Increasingly, people are co-ordinating table and floor lamps and pendants, a sure sign that they are taking more care over lighting, which ideally should be planned before redecoration.

"For a more quirky effect, you can, however, opt for three mismatched pendant lights, hung above a table or kitchen island. It's all about using your imagination and indulging your own taste."

SWITCH ON: To tailoring lighting to make the most of a room's size and shape. Up-lighting makes a space feel larger, low-hung pendants give an impression of height and clusters of lights add cosiness.

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5 TOP HOME IMPROVEMENTS

By Julia Gray

1

Adding space is one of the best ways to improve your home and increase its value. If you've outgrown your home, but can make it bigger by building an extension or converting the loft, cellar or garage, doing the work is often more economical than moving to a larger property, and gives you a chance to create living space tailored to your needs.

However, be careful not to extend your home in the wrong way.

For example, if you're converting the loft to create an extra bedroom and there isn't enough living space downstairs for the

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total number of bedrooms, you'll be making the house too top heavy. If you're concerned about resale, ask a local estate agent whether the work you're considering is advisable.

2

Modernising a home stuck in a different decade is always going to add value, and make it more sellable and nicer to live in. Central heating is vital because most of us want it, but installing it is expensive and disruptive - it's something to do at an early stage of renovating. The same applies to rewiring - old

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wiring isn't always obvious, but can be dangerous. Having a property rewired is also expensive and disruptive and can create more work and expense because you often have to replaster afterwards.

3

It's said the rooms that sell homes most are the kitchen and bathroom. Again, this is because updating them is costly and it's not easy being without either while the work's being done. Day to day, replacing a dated kitchen or bathroom with a modern one will make a big difference to your life, and you can fit a new one inexpensively, although it's not hard to spend a lot. If you can create one, an open-plan kitchen-diner/family room is the most popular type of kitchen these days, as it's ideal for family life and entertaining.

En-suite bathrooms are another good way to add value and make your home life easier, especially if you have kids. You should have at least one bathroom for every three bedrooms, but when everyone's getting ready in the morning, there can be a lot of pressure on that one bathroom.

4

This is when another bathroom comes in very handy. It's also useful to have a bathroom on every floor where there are bedrooms, so, for example, loft-conversion bedrooms with a

bathroom are usually more valuable and useful than those without.

5

In areas where parking space is limited, off-street parking is a big plus, although it's most likely to add value in expensive urban areas.

You may need planning permission from your local council for both the off-street parking and a dropped kerb.

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T: 481990 enquiry@fluidarchitecture.co.uk www.fluidarchitecture.co.uk FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AND SITE VISIT FEBRUARY ISSUE | 31

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5 TIPS FOR: CHOOSING NATURAL FLOORING

By Julia Gray

1

Most natural flooring is made from plant fibres, which are easy to replenish and environmentally friendly, but the plants generally grow in Asia, South America and other far-flung places - which isn't quite so eco. Tips for maintaining natural flooring include using doormats by external doors, vacuuming regularly, putting something underneath chairs and sofas on castors, and immediately treating stains and spills. Some natural flooring has a latex backing, which helps to prevent dirt and dust building up underneath, and some can be treated with a stain inhibitor to keep it looking good for longer. Wool and cotton can be combined with other natural fibres to produce flooring offering the best of both worlds, but if you'd prefer to stick to one material, here are some of the most popular types of natural flooring.

2

Coir is generally good value and hardwearing.

Made from fibres taken from coconut husks, it's coarse and durable which makes it perfect for floors that get lots of use, such as halls and stairs.

Its highly textured finish and strong fibres stand up well to wear and tear, but water can mark coir, so it's not ideal for laying in kitchens and bathrooms.

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3

Jute is fine, soft and silky, making it suitable for rooms with light foot traffic, such as bedrooms.

It's not recommended for use in bathrooms and kitchens (it can shrink after absorbing water); on stairs (it can be slippery and isn't particularly hardwearing); and in areas of bright sunlight (it can fade too).

However, in its favour, Jute flooring comes in a wide range of natural shades.

4

Sisal is a strong, versatile, hardwearing and anti-static natural fibre and can be used in most rooms, although it's not suitable for ones prone to high-moisture levels. It can be woven into a huge range of patterns, weaves and colours and can be dyed, unlike most natural flooring, even in metallic hues: shimmering strips of sisal make a stair or hall carpet extra special.

5

Seagrass is not only hardwearing and strong, it's also naturally stain resistant. There are often inconsistencies in its colour and weave, so don't buy it if you want a perfectly uniform look. It has a heavy texture and is suitable for most rooms in the home, except high-moisture ones.

Established since 1979, Marett Flooring has been providing a range of high quality flooring through the decades and to satisfied customers all over the Island.

Based at Rue des Pres Trading Estate we have convenient parking and a comprehensive showroom with many samples of Amtico, Karndean, Brintons Carpets and of course stunning natural wood, to name a few. We are more than happy to provide samples at no additional cost; take them home to help you make that all important choice.

Our friendly team are on hand to provide you with all the practical and technical information you need to make a well-informed decision. We are proud to say that each of our highly efficient and experienced fitters has been with us, on average, for 10 years and we would be delighted to send them out to look after you.

We look forward to welcoming you in the near future.

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PROPERTIES WANTED ‘Big enough to cope yet small enough to care’

Belverdere Terrace Sea views 2 -3 generation Immaculately presented Balcony on every floor Garage and parking Rear garden

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La Forge St Mary 5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms Study, separate dining room Unique in every way, could be 2 generation Low maintenance garden for alfresco dining Close to all amenities in St Mary Plans passed for triple garage

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‘Big enough to cope yet small enough to care’

West park - a real contender

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Superb home for family or home with income. 4-5 beds, self contained one bedroom top floor. Large lounge with wood burner, dining room, eat in kitchen. All new study and shower room. Patio to rear, residence parking.

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Detached 5 bedrooms 5 bathrooms, large lounge large kitchen. Ready to go.

Granite 5 bedroom delight. Country setting. All refurbished to top spec.

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Scope to extend. Double garage could easily be 2 generation as plumbing in situ. Plenty parking.

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4 bedrooms, large lounge, eat in kitchen, conservatory, garage and plenty parking.

Unique garden with extra seating for alfresco late night dining.

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Perfect family home la Pouquelay

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Quiet location. 3 bedrooms, top of the range bathroom, eat in kitchen, snug, lounge, conservatory, sunny garden, garage and parking, ample scope to stamp your mark

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Just on the edge of St Helier with amazing sea views. 3 bedrooms, newly fitted bathroom, lounge, dining room newly fitted kitchen, front and rear garden. 3 storage sheds, parking close by

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CHECK OUT OUR CONFIDENTIAL FILE St Brelade 1.8M sea views Grouville 5 bed rural retreat 1.7M St Lawrence 750K East 2 Million and more...

St Lawrence Bed and Breakfast Time to start your own business.

Well established Guest House in the village of St Lawrence. 7 bedrooms en-suite with owners accommodation.

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Voisins presents its first resort collection, inspired by tropical climates and translated into vibrant tones, flowing fabrics and statement prints. Discover the ultimate in relaxed holiday glamour with pieces designed with stylish getaways in mind. Upstairs in VoisinsÂ’ contemporary womenswear department.

Michael Kors sleeveless top RRP ÂŁ90.00 Voisins ÂŁ76.50

Michael Kors check trousers RRP ÂŁ110.00 Voisins ÂŁ93.50

Lauren by Ralph Lauren forseti dress RRP ÂŁ155.00 Voisins ÂŁ132.00

Lauren by Ralph Lauren hunter pant RRP ÂŁ89.00 Voisins ÂŁ76.00

Michael Kors maxi dress RRP ÂŁ165.00 Voisins ÂŁ140.25

Michael Kors stripe zip dress RRP ÂŁ135.00 Voisins ÂŁ114.75

Pick up your free womenswear loyalty card and start collecting points. Complete your card to enjoy 15% off your next purchase.

Upstairs in VoisinsÂ’ contemporary womenswear department.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren bridney top RRP ÂŁ180.00 Voisins ÂŁ153.00

Armani Jeans floral trousers RRP ÂŁ181.50 Voisins ÂŁ154.25

GARDENING

Tasty Treats TO BOOST BIRD NUMBERS

By Hannah Stephenson

Have you noticed that your bird feeders are still full?

This may be because the mild winter has provided plenty of natural food for birds, who may be a bit later than usual in arriving in your garden in search of tasty morsels.

However, there's no time like the present to tempt in a greater variety of species, especially as we are approaching the annual Big Garden Birdwatch, in which the public is invited to count the birds in their garden or local park for an hour over the weekend and record the results online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

Thousands of children across the UK are also currently taking part in the world's biggest schools wildlife survey, the RSPB's Big Schools' Birdwatch, which helps to track numbers of birds in school grounds. The survey runs until February 12.

Last year's survey revealed a continuing decline in starlings and song thrushes, which have dropped by an alarming 80 and 79% respectively since the Birdwatch began in 1979. Both species are on the UK 'red list', as is the house sparrow, meaning they are of the highest conservation concern.

But refreshingly, sightings of every bird that featured in 2015's top 20 increased on the numbers recorded in 2014, apart from the three finches; chaffinch, goldfinch and greenfinch.

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So, what are we likely to see? Well, that depends on what we put in our feeders and the types of feeders we use.

Try hanging plastic feeders filled with sunflower hearts to attract finches, tits, sparrows, starlings, song thrush and robins, mesh feeders with peanuts for tits and hanging mesh feeders containing fat balls for tits and sparrows.

Niger seeds are a magnet for goldfinch and siskin, while fat balls are enjoyed by blackbirds, tits, collared dove, house sparrows and song thrushes. Ground feeders or bird tables with an oat/fruit/fatty nibbles mix are ideal for robins and blackbirds. If you don't have a suitable feeder, just put food out on an old wooden chopping board, the RSPB suggests.

Never put out any food in nylon mesh bags, which may trap birds' feet. Birds with a barbed tongue, such as woodpeckers, can become trapped by their beaks.

A bird's body clock works on daylight hours, so in the winter months you may see a feeding frenzy at first light. If you watch your garden birds regularly you'll notice that they'll come down to feed again in the late afternoon, before they go and find somewhere to roost overnight.

During cold weather birds can lose up to 40% of their weight overnight just trying to keep warm.

Food that's high in energy is vital for birds in winter - peanuts, fat or suet-based foods, seed mixes that contain sunflower seeds or hearts, mealworms and fruit will all go down well. You can also make your own fat balls and cake mix using lard and suet.

Place lard and suet at room temperature in a mixing bowl, add uncooked porridge oats, mild grated cheese, peanuts, sultanas, raisins and bird seed.

Mix it all together and roll into balls or use shallow dishes to create bird cake. Put them in the fridge to set, and when they are solid place them outside.

It is fine to feed all year-round just adjust the amount you put out. In summer, when many birds leave to breed in the countryside, they'll need less food. And there's a lot more food available naturally in autumn and even early winter, as flowers set seed and berries ripen.

Fatty foods can go off in summer, so remove any which are past their best.

Water is just as important for the birds, so make sure you keep a birdbath or two topped up to encourage them further.

IRRIGATION Complete Automatic Irrigation Systems specifically designed for your garden and installed by our experts.

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GARDENING

BEST OF THE BUNCH - Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera) This deliciously scented shrub is a must for the winter garden, particularly if it's planted near your patio or next to a pathway, where you can appreciate its fragrance as soon as you step outside. Clusters of white, tubular flowers with prominent yellow anthers cling to bare branches in the depths of winter, followed by red or black berries, but it is insignificant in the warmer months so plant it among shrubs which are more interesting in the summer months. The winter honeysuckle thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and welcomes a thick mulch of organic matter round the base each spring. Good varieties include L. fragrantissima, Purpusii 'Winter Beauty' and L. x standishii 'Budapest'.

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT - Radish These easy-to-grow fiery roots add peppery flavour to salads or relishes and mature in superquick 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'.

WINTER CLOTHING SALE

Up To 60% Off Selected High-Visability Jackets, Fleeces, Body Warmers

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FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES & QUOTES References available Les Charrieres Nicolle, Le Couvent, St Lawrence, JE3 2ET Tel: 862938 Fax: 860755 Email: rob@tractors.je Web: www.tractors.je.

To find us: Go up Queen’s Road, turn left opposite Home James, left at yellow line,then 1st right and we are 75 yards down on the left

42 | www.life-mags.com

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TRAVEL

An Alpine adventure in

VADUZ

by Rebecca Underwood

Vaduz Castle. Photo credit: Martin Walser For those seeking a short term distraction from the pressures of life in the fast lane, the Principality of Liechtenstein, located on the banks of the Rhine at the heart of the majestic Alps and nestled between Austria and Switzerland, is the ideal spot to unwind.

Vaduz. Photo credit: Martin Walser

Hofkellerei The Prince's Winery

Landesmuseum- National Museum

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Liechtenstein was so named after Prince Johann Adam Andreas purchased the Lordship of Schellenburg in 1699 and the County of Vaduz in 1712, leading to the unification of the regions after only five years, when Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia, commanded that the territory be named Liechtenstein and it became a sovereign member state of the Holy Roman Empire. As a result of Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of the Three Emperors at Austerlitz in 1805 and the abdication of Emperor Francis II, the feudal government ended and paved the way to Liechtenstein’s independence.

Today, Liechtenstein remains a constitutional monarchy and in 1989, on the death Prince Franz Joseph II, his son, Prince Hans Adam II assumed the regency.

At around 160 square kilometres, Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world and prospered greatly after WWII due to the introduction of a low corporation tax, attracting a large number of international companies. Liechtenstein now has more registered companies than citizens and has achieved the third highest GDP per person worldwide.

Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, offers visitors an intriguing glimpse of a colourful history and a fascinating culture. One of the most admired attractions is Vaduz Castle, an imposing palace and residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, which was constructed as a fortress in the 12th century and is located on a hill, 120 metres above the capital. Although the castle and its grounds are closed to visitors, a gentle trail, which meanders through the woods, leads to tranquil spots where walkers are richly rewarded with breathtaking views of the castle and the stunning surroundings.

For devoted fans of challenging outdoor sports, Liechtenstein offers 400 km of walking paths leading from the valley right up into the Alps. The Liechtenstein Panorama Trail is one of the most popular marked hiking trails, which covers a total distance of 48 kilometres and departs from the mountain village of Malbun, which is also the only skiing area and only 13 kilometres from Vaduz.

For nature lovers, the Falconry Galina Hotel in Malbun is where you can get up close and personal with birds of prey and admire the artistry of a professional falconer. The ‘birds of prey in flight’ performance, which features hawks, eagle owls, buzzards, falcons, common ravens and golden eagles, takes place from Wednesday to Sunday afternoons, subject to weather conditions. There is also the opportunity to go on an ‘eagle hike’, taking

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TRAVEL

Alpine hiking the chairlift from Malbun to Sareis, escorted by the falconer and a golden eagle. Once you reach the top you can witness the eagle’s expert flying skills, gliding through the air with ease, as you walk back down to the valley.

Liechtenstein is a well respected producer of wine and one of the most popular attractions in Vaduz is the Prince of Liechtenstein’s winery, home to the Herawingert vineyards, spread out over four hectares. Visitors are welcome to wander around the vineyards and sample the produce, which includes an excellent Pinot Noir. For a scrumptious luncheon, head for the Torkel Restaurant, also located in the royal vineyard. The medieval building, which dates back to 1712, now houses this impressive eatery, which features an enormous old wine press dating back to the 18th century. The menu offers a wide range of traditional fare and of course the food and the service are first rate.

For weary travellers seeking the highest level of comfort and service, the Park Hotel Sonnenhof, located on Mareestrasse, is just the ticket. Consider relaxing in a junior suite, measuring 40 to 45m², which is furnished to a very high standard and features an ultra comfortable bed swathed in crisp linens, a spacious seating area and a terrace with a view of the Rhine Valley and the Alps. Room amenities include free WI-FI, a Nespresso machine and a soft robe and slippers to ensure you feel at home. Hotel amenities include an excellent spa, a Finnish sauna and an indoor heated pool; perfect for a late afternoon dip.

For an excellent dining experience, the hotel’s Marée restaurant, recipient of a coveted Michelin star, provides outstanding service and an inspired menu.

Sample the delicious fillet of sea bass, served with lemon grass, tarragon spinach and mango Basmati rice. It simply melts in the mouth. And be prepared to take quite some time selecting one of the tempting treats on the dessert menu.

Be sure to take a leisurely stroll around the pedestrian only zone between the government district and the town hall and pause for a while to breathe in that Alpine air. Stop off at one of the local cafés; order a generous helping of käsknöpfle, a dish similar to pasta and oozing with melted cheese. Accompanied by a couple of local beers, this hearty dish will put a spring in your step.

Visit the Landesmuseum (the National Museum), which is housed in an impressive building dating back to 1438.

Wander around at leisure and view the 46 | www.life-mags.com

permanent exhibition, which presents an extensive collection of objects expertly displayed throughout 42 rooms providing a deep insight into the culture and history of this charming country. One of the main exhibits, which instantly catches the eye, is a glittering gold coin, minted in 1694 to celebrate the day when Prince Johann Adam Andreas I was admitted to the Order of the Golden Fleece.

The Liechtenstein Treasure Chamber, which opened last year, is sure to attract a large number of visitors. Exhibits, belonging to the Princes of Liechtenstein and other private collectors, include a selection of works of art made using precious materials. There are fascinating examples of historic weaponry and knives and a range of dazzling gifts, which were once owned by Prince Friedrich II and Emperor Kaiser Joseph II of Austria.

Eye popping trinkets include Karl Fabergé’s Apple Blossom Egg, an elaborately decorated gauntlet once worn by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II, and a replica of the ducal coronet worn by Prince Karl I of Liechtenstein (1569-1627).

There is also a fine collection of lunar rocks gathered by astronauts on board Apollo 11 and Apollo 17 missions.

Locals celebrating the national state holiday.

Photo Credit: Ernst Risch

Sonnenhof Hotel

For lovers of contemporary art, visit the Kuntsmuseum, also within the pedestrian zone. The painting and sculpture exhibition features exceptional works dating from the classical modernism era right up to the present time. Artists include Picasso, Gauguin, Hodler, Miró, Magritte, Kricke and Klein.

For an enchanting spring break consider an Alpine adventure in Vaduz, you won’t be disappointed.

Images courtesy of Liechtenstein Marketing (excluding Sonnehof Hotel) Tip. For more information on the Falconry Galina visit www.galina.li

Sonnenhof Hotel Junior Suite

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40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN ONE TIMEPIECE When the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity was launched at Baselworld 2014, it was the first timepiece to feature a fully silicium assortment, proving highly popular and quickly selling out.

Since 1975, Maurice Lacroix has been at the vanguard of horological creativity, embracing new technologies, depicting time using thought-provoking design and harnessing fine Swiss craftsmanship.

This year Maurice Lacroix combines many of its innovations in a limited edition of the Masterpiece Gravity featuring a stunning blue dial, produced to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary.

The Masterpiece Gravity 40th features many of the remarkable attributes synonymous with Maurice Lacroix including a manufacture movement, a silicium assortment, an off-centre hour and minutes display, striking use of colour, all stylishly presented in an eye-catching POWERLITE® case.

POWERLITE® is incredibly robust, durable and light. The anthracite colour of the case is created using an anodisation process. The benefits POWERLITE® offers made a compelling case for its selection by the design team at Maurice Lacroix and a worthy material for this important timepiece in the company’s history.

STUNNING AESTHETICS The Masterpiece Gravity 40th imparts the hour and minutes display on a blue lacquered, off-centre dial which is domed at its centre and secured with two mirror-polished screws. Diamond cut indexes and rhodium plated hands exhibit cool refinement. Encircling this dial is a rhodium plated minute track.

The vibrant use of colour is typical of Maurice Lacroix who has gained a reputation for selecting shades that deliver stunning aesthetics.

The sense of modernity is reinforced with the main bridges, positioned adjacent the hour and minutes display, that have received an eye-catching sandblasted finish. Moreover, these bridges feature polished bevelled edges accentuating their extremities to comely effect. In contrast, four additional bridges, presented dial-side of the watch are rhodium finished and brushed. The screw sinks on these four bridges are sandblasted, providing a cohesive link to the main bridges.

The classical execution includes an off-centre hour and minutes display featuring a pure white lacquered dial, retained with two mirror-polished screws. Hours are marked with black Roman numerals, hands are gold plated and the minute track consists of blue and black markings. Adjacent the hour and minutes display, the surrounding canvas is decorated with circular Côtes de Genève motif.

For those seeking a more avant-garde form of expression, the contemporary execution may be their preferred timepiece.

In this instance, the off-centre hour and minutes display features a captivating black lacquered dial. Hours are marked with diamond cut indexes which sparkle with a brilliant gleam and the hands are delivered in a matching rhodium finish. Framing the extremities of the dial is a flat rhodium plated minute rail, featuring red and white markings. Adjacent the hour and minutes display, vertical Côtes de Genève stripes, accentuated with black DLC treatment, provide a modern and highly attractive appearance.

The “glass-box” sapphire crystal is also domed and magnifies the oscillator and assortment, making them appear to sit high within the case and according a sublime three dimensional characteristic to the dial. A small seconds display, presented on a subdial partially projects over the disclosed balance assortment, masterfully exploiting depth and curving line.

Finally, the case back of the watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal, according a view of the automatic Calibre ML230.

For exclusive Maurice Lacroix and other exceptional times pieces contact: Gallichan Jewellers, 16 Royal Square, St Helier T: 01534 722915

GALLICHAN JEWELLERS 1845

Celebrating 170 years

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Jersey price: ÂŁ2,110.00.

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16 Royal Square. St Helier

01534 722915 ejgallichan@gmail.com

ADVERTORIAL

Warm, comfortable and affordable Though Jack Frost might have kept us waiting here in Jersey, there was no doubting his wintery arrival last month when plummeting temperatures had us turning up the thermostats or piling extra logs on the fire.

It is often only when winter really starts to bite that people turn their attention to their heating system: Is the boiler working properly? Should we get it serviced? Do the radiators need bleeding? Have we enough oil in the tank? And how much will it cost to keep warm? Which is more efficient and cost effective, oil, gas or electricity?

Most Island homes are heated by oil, electricity or by gas. Oil and gas have traditionally been subject to price volatility due to fluctuating supply and demand or political upheaval in producing nations. Research shows that Islanders value price stability as much as absolute cost. In other words, we like to know where we stand, now and in the future. So despite the recent oil price reductions, Jersey Electricity is still fuel switching hundreds of customers from fossil fuels, including oil, to electric heating.

Ian Wilson, Head of Energy Solutions at Jersey Electricity, says: ‘Regulations on oil storage tanks are very stringent and in addition, the application of the regulations surrounding oil boilers have meant that people looking to replace or upgrade their boilers have been faced with unexpected higher costs, inconvenience and upheaval, so they are turning to electric boilers or heat pumps. Not only do they free up garden space used by the tanks, electric boilers come in many different sizes and can be fitted almost anywhere in the home because they don’t require an outside wall for a flue or chimney. They will integrate with existing wet radiators and pipework so are relatively simple to fit.

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What’s more they are cleaner, easy to maintain and 100% efficient. In the case of heat pumps, they are around 200% 300% efficient because they deliver two to three times the amount of heat than would the units used to run them.’

have a central heating and can’t afford a whole new system, the latest electric Quantum storage heaters could be the ideal solution, especially as you can install them one room at a time to spread the cost.

Used in conjunction with one of Jersey Electricity’s low cost heating tariffs, electric heating is not only clean and efficient it is also economical to run.

Electricity is certainly the choice of developers who choose clean, low carbon electricity for heating in energy efficient building designs to meet increasingly stringent standards on energy use and emissions. Last year over 95% of new build in Jersey was fitted with all-electric heating and cooling systems.

Unlike older storage heaters, Quantum are super efficient and the revolutionary iQ controller enables the user to pre-set individual heaters to different required room temperatures over seven days.

It also automatically responds to changing climate conditions and adjusts its charging and heating patterns accordingly to take only the optimum amount of charge to deliver just the right amount of heat. Used in conjunction with Jersey Electricity’s Comfort Heat Tariff of just 7.95p a unit, Quantum storage heaters will help you stay warm and cosy this winter without breaking the bank.

But whatever the age and size of your home there’s an electric heating solution to suit you. If you don’t currently

Clear Clea ar investment. Pure energy.

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PER MONTH

Island Bedrooms 2015 was a great year for Island Bedrooms and 2016 looks even better. The fitted bedroom and home office company has gone from strength to strength offering a larger array of products than ever before. Not only are all their fitted bedrooms and home offices made to measure for each and every customer, they now offer around 70 finishes for hinged doors in every door style available. The sliding door range is even greater and better value than ever. As always the fully fitted installations are guaranteed for 10 years. "We now know we now have one if the largest ranges available in the UK and certainly the Channel Islands" says CAD designer and logistics man Paul Ezard. He continued "....we're not governed by limitations of large national companies and make every bedroom & home office to the customers own sizes" All the products are made in the UK to Island Bedrooms exacting specifications. "We leave nothing to chance to ensure the service and quality of the product is unrivalled." Says Alasdair Campbell resident fitter and surveyor. " In 30 years of carpentry this is the best and most complete range of products I have worked with."

The customers love the product and the service, "treat people how you want to be treated" is their mantra and it seems to work.

What's more there's no middlemen and the company being a family business always has direct points of contact. Put simply, Just ring Paul or Alasdair for anything you need in fitted furniture and they'll make it happen.

You can contact Paul on 01656 657626 or Alasdair on 07797 781139.

Give them a call and be impressed.

FREE HOME CONSULTATIONS 01656 657526 DESIGN • MANUFACTURE • INSTALL

E-mail: reservations@sablonneriesark.com Visit: www.sablonneriesark.com

Island Bedrooms www.islandbedrooms.com

Fully Approved States of Jersey Care Provider

Orchid Care Services Ltd Mobile Carers Caring for You

Comfort lift and recline armchairs FROM FROM £445

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a free assessment at home or we can visit you in Hospital or your Care Home to discuss your needs.

Community based home care services of the highest standard. Our close-knit team ensures continuity and that personal touch.

Mafalda Rodrigues & Emma Roche (RGN) www.orchidcareservices.co.uk E: info@orchidcareservices.co.uk T: 07797 853512

FASHION

GET A FEEL FOR

folk

By Katie Wright

It started on the catwalks last spring, when Valentino's floaty, fringe and feather print-filled autumn show caused fashion editors everywhere to swoon.

Now, the high street has latched onto folksy fashion in a big way, and the Valentino SS16 collection is another dreamy prairie girl parade, meaning this is a trend that's got legs.

So stock up on snuggly wraps, muted prints and textured knits and fight the cold snap in style...

FROCK FOUNDATION Make a long-sleeved dress the basis of your look. Think highnecked hippyish baby-doll or drop-waist frocks (they have more of a retro feel than cinched-in skater dresses) in dark, stylised florals, rather than chintzy prints.

Alternatively, a woollen tube skirt in an ethnic print makes for a warm but sleek silhouette, to which you can add chunky knits on your top half.

NATTY KNITS A cardigan or sweater is the next key piece you need, but not just any old fine knit.

The bigger the better, so look for shaggy yarns in open weave fabrics that won't weigh you down. continues overleaf...

54 | www.life-mags.com

FASHION

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 55

FASHION

If all-over texture feels too bulky, look for jumpers with a touch of fringing at the sleeve or hem - cream or ivory are ideal for breaking up a dark colour palette.

AMERICANA ACCESSORIES You don't need masses of accessories to complete your foray into folk, but a pair of sturdy brown boots anywhere from burgundy to tan is a must.

Bag-wise, you want an unfussy cross-body in a similar shade.

If you've invested in this season's saddle bag, you're all set, but for a flippy flourish, a feather-strewn, whipstitched duffle bag is bang on trend.

COSY COATS Your shortcut to the old school folk trend? That'll be a blanket coat in a dark hue and hefty fabric.

Buttonless and with a big shawl collar, this mid-length jacket eschews the need for a belt or scarf and is easy to throw on over jeans and a jumper on winter mornings, when it's too cold to contemplate lots of wardrobe options.

Just add a bobble beanie or widebrimmed felt hat and you're good to go.

56 | www.life-mags.com

New season swimwear upstairs in our award-winning lingerie department, upstairs in Voisins.

Telephone 837183.

Buy selected styles at www.voisins.com/seafolly/b103

Showcasing a year of Stylistics Hair Studio Happy ‘1st’ Birthday Stylistics

Call us today to book your appointment!

01534 726104

Sophie and Charlotte look forward to welcoming clients both old and new Shop 4, Bagatelle Parade, Bagatelle Road, Saint Saviour • Email: sophie@stylisticshairstudio.co.uk

Winter Winner in Skincare...

By Penny Downes from Pennyfeathers A Serum isn't that new to skin care however over the last year or two they have gained more prominence. Skincare savvy ladies have embraced this step and use them daily whilst others haven't as they aren't too sure why, how and when to use them. Let me educate you this winter for the need for a serum, just so you too can see the in change your skin in a matter if weeks...this is your self help product, one you'll love and cherish forever.

So What is a Serum I hear you call?

Serums are a highly concentration product full of active ingredients. They are lighter in texture than your moisturiser so penetrate down to the deeper layers of the skin. Feeding them with goodness and stimulating the skin cell nucleus with their small molecules of goodness. Perfect when the weather is harsh and your skin needs a little TLC. Some Skin saving ingredients found In retail serums can include hyaluronic acid, to plump the skin, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, vitamin C to stimulate the skin and brighten the complexion or Alpha Hydroxy Acids like glycolic to slough away dead skin to reveal brighter, tighter, younger skin.

So is a serum good for me and my skin and should I use it every day? Yes it's good for everyone, all skin types, ages and conditions. You'll feel immediate results just by the touch of your skin and over a matter of weeks see results that will prove why a serum is necessary to all skincare routines. Choose one that suits your needs. Whether it's to brighten, tighten or reduce breakouts and apply it post cleansing, morning and night. A little bit can go a long way so start with a Pearl size amount and add more if needed. Don't waste it by using too much. Finish with you moisturiser and sunscreen and there you have a winter skin savvy routine enviable of all your friends. www.penny-feathers.co.uk

We all know beauty isn't only skin deep, but sometimes we need a helping hand Give Julie Naidu or Elizabeth Butler a call on 888272 to book your consultation.

We are proud to introduce our signature skin care range "tlc" prescription strength anti-ageing products which will also compliment our medical skin peels and Hydrafacial treatments.

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

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Valentine’s Day:

A day when love fills the air as couples express their undying love for each other.

It is a day when heart shaped balloons, chocolate hearts, roses, stuffed cuddly toys and all sorts of materialistic objects become the profound expressions of love.

This Valentine’s Day some of us will have a wonderful romantic evening to look forward to or a special day to spend with our partner. Others will be alone wondering want went wrong, how they ended up here and are terrified at the prospect of playing the dating game again.

What will you be doing this Valentine’s Day? Mark Shields Investigates...

Whenever Valentine’s Day comes around it always reminds me of an interesting yet slightly disturbing conversation I overheard a number a year or two ago at this time of year.

I wasn’t earwigging but I couldn’t help overhear the conversation that was taking place between a group of middle aged mums that were stood just a few feet from me in the playground, as I waited to pick up my son Tommy from school.

It appeared over the previous weekend another marriage had broken down and these ladies were trying to offer some comfort to the poor Lady that seemed inconsolable and had to put a brave face on rather rapidly as her daughter was fast approaching from the classroom Not another one I thought as I drove Tommy back to the house.

That’s six from the same school in just a month. It wouldn’t be so bad but there were only 80 children that attended the school in total.

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As the monthly topic for this month’s BBC radio expert hour was relationships I approached my research with vigour and interest.

Upon studying the six couples in question they seemed to have a lot in common. They were all in their mid to late forties, had several children, all around 9 or ten.

As I continued with my research for the show it became apparent very quickly there seemed to be a profile for couples struggling in their marriage and the numbers supported my theory.

The average age for women getting divorced in 2012 was 44 and for men 45. Overall 1 in 3 marriage end in divorce with numbers set to rise.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

IS THERE LIFE AFTER DIVORCE? It must be unimaginable. being on your own again, back out there in the jungle of unknown predators, speed dating, and singles clubs.“ That will never happen to “me or so you thought. Yet here you are, back out there playing the game once again.

So your relationship is over and it feels like your world is coming to an end. What next. Its human nature to close the curtains, call in to work sick and throw your own pity party on the sofa often with several glasses of wine and no guests, often with “our tune “ belting out in the background.

Although it doesn’t feel like it right now you will get over it. Our brilliant minds have a wonderful way of protecting us and time really does heal if you allow it. Things will look very differently in just three months from now.

27% OF BREAK UPS IS DOWN TO AFFAIRS Its interesting to note that the most common reason for relationship breakdown is Extra-marital affairs coming in as number one on the break up scale at 27%.This is followed closely by mid life crisis coming in a close number two at 20%, with the average life of a marriage equalling just eleven years.

Yet you knew all this didn’t you .With such common heavily weighted causes it is likely you have been experiencing some strange behaviours by your partner for some time now.

Try to stick to the objective not subjective facts about what has happened and learn to accept where you are now to enable you to move on.

2. Acceptance.

Accept you are now on your own for a while. Learn to live without your partner and start rebuilding your life on your own.

The sooner you realise you only have control over your own emotions and you are clear about your own emotional boundaries the easier you will mentally move on, on your own.

3. Learn to Enjoy Yourself.

It may take a while to realise it but anything is now possible.

Although you may still be experiencing a level of anxiety about facing life alone, the better you get at allowing yourself to have some fun that anxiety will get more heavily weighted with excitement. The more you focus on new and exciting things the happier and more fulfilled you will become.

The further you leave behind your old life the less attractive your old life looks with your new life looking far more interesting and exciting.

So this year whether you’re enjoying a romantic for two, or your out with your friends on valentine day be thankful for what you have, enjoy yourself, never take anything for granted and work hard at all relationships.

Unexplained absences, unusual trips away from home, a new mobile phone, even sudden nights out with the pals which are becoming far too regular for comfort.

Happy Valentine’s Day 2016

What’s going on you wonder?

Mark Shields Author & Mentor, Coach, Speaker www.lifepractice.co.uk 01462 431112

Well now you know as you sit there opening your second bottle of wine at your own pity party. Still no guests and still “our tune” belting out on the record player.

Perhaps its time to put down the bottle before it becomes your third put a new tune on the stereo, and start moving on with your life.

In my time as a human potential coach I have come to believe anyone can bounce back from a broken relationship, no matter what the circumstances.

Your loss will seem insurmountable to begin with, but in time your brilliant mind will help you heal. Of course you have to help it along the way and not be deliberately obstructive, falling into a downward spiral of bitterness, blame and depression.

TOP 3 TIPS TO MEND YOUR BROKEN HEART Follow my three simple steps to getting over your broken heart and move on with your life.

1. Don’t play the blame game.

Continually blaming your partner will eventually annoy the people around you, even new potential partners, if they here you moan and whinge all the time about how badly you were treated and what a victim you are.

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 61

ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES SHOWS - THE BEDROCK OF BRITISH TV SCHEDULES! By Stephen Cohu It never ceases to amaze me how it is possible to continually bring out more and more shows on TV about buying and then selling antiques and collectables, hopefully but rarely for a profit and yet virtually no shows feature buying antiques for the pleasure of owning them!

Rather than being regarded as something to own, admire and love, antiques are shown merely as a commodity which the experts demonstrate regularly that they know nothing about, purely for the purposes of entertainment!

THE ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Truly a British institution that has been exported to just about every country in the world, the Antiques Roadshow is watched by millions of people every Sunday night. The viewer might be hoping to see something featured worth thousands that they have in their own cupboard. They love to see the reaction of the owner as they are told the silver teapot inherited from a distant Great Aunt is by Paul Storr and worth a small fortune. Of course, they would never sell it as it is far too precious an heirloom, at least for the next week anyway! I remember seeing a chap that had bought a Lenci figure from a charity shop. On the show he gleefully explained it was priced at £19.95, he gave them £20 and generously told them they could keep the change. He knew exactly what it was and it was valued at £3000.

“Was he going to go back and give them more money?” the expert asked. Silence, truly car crash viewing and people love those oops moments!

Items brought in on the day are filmed hours after they are first seen, particularly paintings, to allow the expert and his team to research the

biography of the artist and learn it for the filming so they appear instantly knowledgeable about the item, as if they have only just seen it. They often run through an item with the owner but only reveal the value at the end of filming. Depending on their reaction, the footage is either used or ends up on the cutting room floor. A friend of mine who regularly appears as an expert on the show told me of an example recently where a perceived worthless Chinese vase was valued at around £50,000. There was no banter during filming and the owner’s vacant expression did not change with the ‘reveal’! The footage could not be used and it was by far the best thing he had seen all day!

The experts sometimes give an auction value, never a value you could expect from a reputable dealer, or an insurance value which seems to bear no relation to the auction value!

BARGAIN HUNT Bargain Hunt is one of those ar*e about face shows where the contestants buy from the ‘end user’, i.e. a dealer at an antiques shop or fair and then sell through auction to antiques dealers who will then resell the item from an antiques shop or fair hopefully for a profit! It is never going to work but that is of course the beauty of the show.

They nearly always lose money and indeed the winner of the show is usually the one that makes the smallest loss. This show also makes no allowance for auction charges after which some of the teams would lose nearly everything. The experts advise purchasing an item for £30 that might make £30-40 at auction. Surely an expert can find something for £30 that might make £60 at auction but because the show is filmed effectively the wrong way round, this rarely happens.

Have you noticed how nearly all the experts are auctioneers and they nearly always lose money!

Many years ago I was on Bargain Hunt as the vendor of a clock at Newark Antiques Fair. I sold it for £80 and it made £140 in auction.

I was pleased to see the clock go as it was very heavy but it took hours to film a two minute slot on the show and it probably cost me many other sales as other buyers at the fair avoided my stand like the plague during filming!

SECRET DEALERS

This is the Lenci figure featured on the antiques roadshow

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This is a show I can see absolutely no point in. Three dealers go to a house and then secretly write down offers for a variety of items. The owner is then informed of the independent valuation and the dealers

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 then open and read out their offers on the item. Say for example it is a gold watch; one offers £80, one £150 and the last £250. They are then allowed to bid against each other, raising their offer until one of them buys it usually for a price leaving absolutely no profit! What was the point of writing down the secret offer in the first place! Surely the one that offered £80 should be made to sit on the naughty step and the one that offered £250 either buys it or is allowed to increase his offer to match the independent valuation. Stupid and pointless but I guess it is entertaining to watch fellow professionals squirm in front of the TV cameras!

DICKINSON’S REAL DEAL The venue for this show is open all day from 9am to 5pm during which they value hundreds of items but only show maybe ten items during the actual recorded show. Because the dealer is pitted against the independent valuation plus the chance of the item going to auction, when they do the bit at the end of the show detailing the dealers’ success with their purchases, they often either still have the item or managed to make £10 on something they bought for £320!

If an item is taken to auction after a dealer’s offer was not accepted, the auction price, after charges, is compared to the dealer offer to see where the ‘Real Deal’ was. People often get greedy and turn down a good offer only to see the item fail or make less at auction. People are often steered to auction by the mahogany veneered presenter after receiving a good offer from a dealer, only to see the item fail to sell or make less, especially after charges.

THE ANTIQUES ROAD TRIP/ PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS Two ‘experts’ are pitted against each other and start the week with £200. They have to buy from various outlets and then sell at auction.

As you will know, some of the experts regularly lose most of their money, Thomas Plant, Charles Hanson, Catherine Southon, but some like James Lewis usually do very well, particularly on very specialist areas such as tribal art. Charlie Ross made over £2000 on one item once and has never made a profit since!

slightly damaged oriental porcelain together. I said it would normally be £20 but under the circumstances his 34p would have to suffice.

Unfortunately the producer said this discount was rather unrealistic and the footage could not be used. James Braxton then had to include a chess set he had bought from the Antiques Fair at St Mary for £13. I still have the chess set, the china sold for £15, a loss after expenses.

James Braxton from Antiques Road Trip

Unfortunately the buying public see the massive discounts obtained by the experts on shows such as The Antiques Road Trip as being the norm. The actual reason for the discount is that selling something is effectively worth thousands of pounds in prime time advertising for perhaps knocking a £40 item down to a tenner. If they didn’t make the sale, they wouldn’t be in the show.

CASH IN THE ATTIC One of the longest running antiques shows on TV, an expert is invited to a house and tries to identify antiques and collectables to sell these treasured heirlooms to raise a sum of money for some usually rather trivial purpose. The selected items are sold in auction but as far as I am aware the accepted norm for an auction is to start at lot 1, then lot 2 and so on. To bring any kind of excitement to the show, the lots are not shown in the order they are sold. Jenny Bond solemnly asks “With just one lot left and needing £200 to reach our target, can we do it?” I should think so as this ‘last’ lot was actually lot 1 in the sale!

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH The latest and by far the worst show on TV, antiques or otherwise.

Overlong, overcomplicated, dull and if it comes back for a second series I’ll be amazed!

ARE ANTIQUES SHOWS RUINING THE ANTIQUES BUSINESS? I do not believe the shows on TV encourage interest in antiques as they concentrate purely on the financial aspect of antiques and collectables, usually how much money they can lose by buying them!

Few shows feature antiques as being something to own and love rather than “How much is it worth?” We need shows where people look for antiques to keep, to furnish, to decorate, and not to be treated purely for the purpose of light entertainment, perhaps a reality show following the life of a St Lawrence antiques dealer?!

Charlie Ross with the elephant bought for £8 and sold for £2700 In 2014 they filmed the show in Jersey and James Braxton was the expert who was due to visit my shop. Unfortunately he had not done terribly well before his visit to the island and came to me with a rather majestic 34p in his pocket! After having looked around the shop for a few minutes he sheepishly disclosed his rather limited budget. I said I was sure I could find him something and gathered a quantity of

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Awarded APPROVED PROVIDER for the States of Jersey

MICHAEL GINNS MBE

Occupation Liberation Extracts from the forthcoming biography of

Michael Ginns MBE You may not personally know locally acclaimed Historian and Author Michael Ginns, however, if you have ever frequented the War Tunnels, been a member of the Occupation Society or read local publications, his name and work will have brushed by you whether you are aware of it or not. In this, the next in a series of excerpts from his forthcoming biography, Michael talks about his arrival in the town of Bad Wurzach, Germany.…

by Juanita Shield-Laignel

n the 21st September 1942 and having been selected to be interned in Germany along with his family and little over two thousand other Islanders, Michael found himself on ‘La France’ one of three boats sailing from his beloved home to occupied France.

“We arrived in St. Malo at 7am on Saturday morning with the sun coming up over the French coast; it would have been a beautiful day, save for our predicament.

It turned out to be a stinking hot one and lots of kindly French ladies turned up with jugs of cold water for us to drink but having heard stories of French water being bad, we refused it; the poor French women were most put out. We were then put on a train in 2nd class carriages with

O

cushions. Cooks came round and gave us a sausage and some bread. We were then given a spoon and a bowl each and eventually some Hungarian goulash which was actually rather delicious turned up.

The train set off through Rene into Belgium and Luxemburg, nobody knew where we were going and we were worryingly travelling through bombed towns.

On Sunday morning we finally stopped in a town called Biberach near Stuttgart in Sothern Germany.

We walked up the long hill to the camp unsure what we would be greeted by.

As we were walking through the streets, German house wives were standing at their doors and seeing women and children under armed guard, were covering their faces in horror.

Michael Ginns MBE

This was rather disconcerting. On arrival at Lager (camp) Lindele we were searched and counted – the first of many roll calls.

Built in 1939 it had several prior uses one of them being a transit camp for Soviet prisoners. I have to say I’ve lived in worse dumps in England after the war. There was no hot running water for cooking and we used cold water from Alps but there was a coal stove in each room. The showers were hot though and had really good pressure too. It was run like a strict Military camp, we had to fold our blankets in a certain way and our rooms were checked for dust and there was a roll call three times a day. We were there from 23rd September through to the end of October and every Sunday afternoon kids in Hitler Youth uniform would throw apples over the fence for the children of the camp.

Then we were split up. Everybody with children went to Bad Wurzach and the remainder would stay in Biberach until the Guernsey contingent turned up from Dorsten where they had been all along.

On the train again, we arrived in the town that was to be our home for the remainder of the War. It was 31st October and a dull, drizzly day. After being in Biberach Army Barracks, here we were in the court yard facing this huge Schloss which had once been a very large stately home. Families with seven or more children went into their own room. Mothers with small babies also had their own rooms, but the rest of us were put into large dorm like rooms. It had previously been occupied by French prisoners of war who had been working on the surrounding farms so the hygiene left a

Wurzach Schloss after the War

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MICHAEL GINNS MBE

lot to be desired. The rooms were filthy, mattresses were damp, it took a bit of elbow grease to bring it up to a bearable state and even then it took a bit of getting used to.

We were hungry. We’d had two issues of Red Cross parcels from a British Officers camp several miles away. All tins were punctured to stop us stock piling so we had to eat certain foods quickly. You had black tea, no sugar no milk. We were under the auspices of the German military, but it seemed the German officers were getting fed up with having to provide nappies and so on; they did talk about trying to send back the women and children but that had its own set of challenges. Then suddenly the army went and were replaced by middle aged Policemen and Policewomen.

As a qualified Nurse my Mother slogged her guts out looking after the sick and all the mothers with children. To begin with she shared the load with Dr Oliver also interned from Jersey, but after a while he was re-located so we were allocated an American Doctor, but essentially she ran the in-house hospital. Not only was she caring for the camp occupants at large but also continued to care for my increasingly ill father. By now he had a bad heart and found it hard getting up and down the stairs. My Mother worked so hard, I remember thinking when I was awarded my MBE, it really should have been her that received it.

After a couple of months we had settled into daily routine but food was scarce and we were really at quite a low ebb and then on my 15th Birthday, 16th December 1942,

Mother's identity card

Internee sleeping quarters two south African army doctors turned up with a huge Red Cross consignment from Argentina. The parcels were full of Christmas puddings, tinned beef, corned beef, condensed milk and butter. While spirits were raised, (people were whistling) after eating nothing but red cabbage soup every day, a few of us ate too much and ended up with an upset stomach. After that we got Red Cross parcels regularly and used to trade tins of custard and what not with each other.

So with the food, medical facilities and cleanliness all being within tolerable limits we set to the very important business of making an effort to entertain ourselves, as outside the normal realms of daily chores such as peeling potatoes for 600 odd people, there was little else to do. So we decided to put on a play once a month and would do Noel Coward and lots of

variety shows; something different every month. It gave us a focus and was always enormous amounts of fun.

Books and plays had to be vetted by a camp guard we nicknamed Sauerkraut Annie. Her English was really good as she had worked in Surry before the war. My father used to write letters home, speaking his mind. She said to my Mother ‘I really can’t let these go through… would you ask your husband to moderate his language please’. All in all life wasn’t too bad and a few of us were even allowed to leave the camp each day to collect bread from the bakery in the village.”

Next time Michael tells us about their release and return to Jersey…..

Michael's Identity Card

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 67

RECIPE

Chinese New Year 2016 This year, Chinese New Year - The Year of the Monkey - begins on Monday 8th February.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in style with our selection of Asian-inspired dishes.

SESAME CHICKEN STIR FRY WITH WATERCRESS Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 You’ll need: 2x85g bags watercress 1 tbsp groundnut oil 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless cut into strips 2x275g packs ready-cooked basmati rice 2x100g sachets sweet and sour stir-fry sauce 1 large ripe mango, peeled and cut into small cubes 1 tbsp light soy sauce 1 tbsp medium sherry 300g pack bean sprouts, rinsed 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted What to do: Heat the oil in a wok, add the chicken strips and cook for 5 minutes stirring well, until browned and almost cooked through. Empty the rice into the wok and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until piping hot.

Meanwhile, in a medium pan, gently heat the sweet and sour sauce with the mango for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble.

Pour the soy sauce and sherry over the chicken and rice in the wok, tossing to ensure the rice is well coated. Remove the wok from the heat and add the bean sprouts and watercress, stirring well to allow the watercress to wilt.

To serve, divide the chicken and rice between four plates, spoon the mango and sauce over the chicken and rice and scatter with the toasted sesame seeds.

LOVE THE CRUNCH SPECIAL FRIED RICE This quick and easy special fried rice recipe is packed full of colour, flavour and crunch thanks to the radishes, spring onions, celery and Chinese leaf lettuce.

Perfect for a tasty mid-week supper.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 2 You’ll need: 1 tbsp sesame oil 250g pork strips 1 clove garlic, crushed 3cm ginger, grated 2 sticks of celery, sliced diagonally 4 radishes, sliced 1 pack wholemeal microwave rice ¼ Chinese leaf lettuce, shredded 2 spring onions, sliced 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp hot sauce 1 tbsp mirin 2 tsp sesame seed

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What to do: In a large wok, heat the oil until very hot and cook the pork strips, tossing and stirring throughout.

Add the garlic and ginger, stir and then add the celery and radish.

Continue to stir while adding the rice, Chinese leaf lettuce and spring onions. Add in the soy, hot sauce and mirin and stir while everything cooks.

The vegetables should keep a good crunch.

Serve sprinkled with sesame seeds.

www.lovethecrunch.com

RECIPE

ORIENTAL LAMB, SHALLOT AND CITRUS KEBABS WITH SOY AND HONEY DIPPING SAUCE You will need 8 large wooden kebab sticks soaked in hot water to prevent them from burning in the cooking process Serves 4 Preparation Time; 2 ½ hours Cooking Time; 16 minutes You’ll need: Lamb kebabs: 450g leg of lamb cut into 3cm dice 24 medium shallots peeled 8 bayleaves 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking Marinade: 2 large oranges, rind grated and then juiced 1 lime, rind grated and then juiced 2tbsp sweet chilli sauce 2tbsp dark soy sauce 3tbsp hoisin sauce 1tbsp vegetable oil 1tbsp tomato ketchup 8 whole star anise 2 garlic cloves peeled and crushed into a paste Freshly ground black pepper

TERIYAKI BEEF, MANGO AND SHALLOT STIR FRY Quicker than a take away, fresh and zingy on the taste buds, this delicious stir fry can be served warm or cold making an easy supper or tasty packed lunch or picnic.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes You’ll need: 8 shallots, peeled and quartered 1 tsp vegetable oil 400g sirloin or rump steak, cut into thin slices 4 tbsp Teriyaki sauce 1 mango, peeled and cut into slices handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped 100g medium egg noodles, cooked according to pack directions What to do: Heat a large wok or heavy based frying pan with a little vegetable oil, add the shallots and stir fry for a couple of minutes, add the beef and continue cooking for a further couple of minutes.

Dipping sauce to serve: 1 red chilli diced finely without the seeds A handful of coriander finely chopped 1 tbsp of runny honey 1tbsp of dark soy sauce 1tbsp of light soy sauce A dash of sesame seed oil The juice of two limes What to do: Mix together all the ingredients for the marinade stirring well.

Thread a bay leaf onto the first skewer and then alternate the shallots and the lamb onto the wooden skewer and repeat with all skewers. Lay the kebabs in a shallow dish and then pour over the marinade and leave to marinate for at least 2 hours, if possible overnight, in a fridge.

Heat a heavy based grill pan or a frying pan, drizzle with the oil, heat well then place the kebabs in the pan and fry on medium heat for 3 - 4 minutes on each side brushing the kebabs with remaining marinade throughout the cooking process. Take care not to have the heat too high or you will burn the marinade.

Meanwhile for the dipping sauce mix all the ingredients together.

Serve with a green salad, basmati rice and little pots of the dipping sauce.

Add the teriyaki sauce and stir until the beef and shallots are coated in the sauce.

Add the mango and fresh coriander, toss everything into the cooked noodles and serve sprinkled with a little more coriander.

Cook’s Tip: Place the beef in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes to firm so you can cut thin strips. Add a handful of long stem broccoli or sugar snap peas and sprinkle with chopped spring onions and fresh chopped chilli for an extra flavour bomb. www.ukshallot.com

FEBRUARY ISSUE | 69

WINE

Beaujolais If it’s Beaujolais it has to be Gamay but if it’s Gamay it is not necessarily Beaujolais but with 96% of the world’s Gamay vines planted in France, the vast majority in the Beaujolais region, the chances are that if you are drinking Gamay it will be Beaujolais! Other regions in France planted with Gamay include the Loire Valley, Macon and Jurancon but their volumes don’t come anywhere near the 130 million bottles of Beaujolais produced annually. If you want Gamay from somewhere other than France, the remaining 4% is produced mainly in Switzerland, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

by Martin Flageul AIWS, Wine Consultant

Not Wanted in Burgundy The wines of Beaujolais would never have been created if Philippe the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, hadn’t outlawed the cultivation of Gamay in Burgundy vineyards in 1365, calling it “a bad and disloyal plant”. Sixty years later Duke Philippe the Good upheld the ban allowing only the “noble” Pinot Noir to be planted in vineyards of Burgundy. These edicts meant that Gamay plantings were pushed southward where they thrived on the granite based soils of the Beaujolais region.

Thirteen – Unlucky For Some!

Beaujolais is sold under thirteen different names; Beaujolais Primeur (Nouveau), Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages plus10 Beaujolais Crus taking their names from seven actual villages, two vineyard areas and a windmill.

The popularity of Beaujolais Nouveau took off in the 1960’s and by 1985 an official release date of the third Thursday in November was established. At its peak in 1992 over half of all Beaujolais wine produced was sold as Nouveau.

Beaujolais Nouveau wines are meant to be drunk young and should be fresh, fruity and quaffable but the 2001 vintage considered such poor quality that sales plummeted and over one million cases had to be destroyed or sent for distillation.

A French wine critic, Francois Mauss, referred to Beaujolais Nouveau as “vin de merde” which caused uproar and lawsuits lasting until 2003 and costing thousands of Euros.

Two years later the huge Beaujolais company, Georges Duboeuf saw their production manager resign after the company was found guilty of mixing low quality wine with better vintages.

Whilst still quite popular in some markets it unlikely that Beaujolais Nouveau will ever reach the dizzy heights of the 1990’s again.

Ten Crus of Beaujolais Although the market for Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages is still good, it has been decreasing in sales in our market in favour of Crus Beaujolais over period of years.

Originally 9 Crus were established between 1936 and 1946 with the 10th Cru, Regnie, being added in 1988.

Travelling from north to south the ten Crus of Beaujolais are Saint Amour, Julienas, Chenas, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Regnie, Brouilly and Cote de Brouilly.

Each of the Beaujolais Cru has its own distinctive style and character and whilst some should be consumed within a couple of years, others can age extremely well, even up to twenty years.

The White Wines That Are Red American wine consultant, Karen Mac Neil once described Beaujolais as “the only white wine that happens to be red”.

Well, in Scandinavian countries chilled Beaujolais is often served with cod instead of white wine and certainly lighter styles of Beaujolais should always be served slightly chilled and are ideal with salads and light meat and many fish dishes.

Brouilly, Regnie and Chiroubles are the lightest of the Crus and usually the wines that do not benefit from ageing more than 3 – 4 years.

More concentrated medium-bodied wines are Cote de Brouilly, Fleurie and Saint Amour with both Fleurie and Saint Amour able to age for a number of years when produced in great vintages.

Needing five or more years to produce their best characteristics are Chenas, Julienas, Morgon and Moulin-a-Vent. Morgon can take on a Burgundian, earthy powerful style after 5 years and can age for much longer.

Moulin-a-Vent, like Chenas, can age extremely well and when wine producers use oak barrel ageing, Moulin-a-Vent can last up to 20 years.

There is so much more to the world of white wine than Sauvignon Blanc so it is well worth making a resolution to try something new in 2016!

With Valentine’s Day this month, why not search for a bottle of Saint Amour for your sweetheart – that’s what they do in France!

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MOTORING

ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPE By Matt Joy WHAT'S NEW?: If you're going to dream, you should dream big.

The first and last word in luxury has always been Rolls Royce and while they have an increasingly broad range of luxury cars, it is the range-crowning Phantom that's the ultimate luxury car.

And what better way to enjoy this luxury than in the Phantom Drophead Coupe? Don't let the Coupe tag fool you; Drophead in Rolls Royce speak means convertible, so it is a very different proposition from the Phantom saloon. This is a super-luxury car you drive yourself rather than letting James have all the fun.

LOOKS AND IMAGE: Whatever colour you choose for your Phantom Drophead, you're going to get noticed. It's over 5.6 metres in length - that's 18 feet 4 inches in old money - making it the longest car on sale in the UK that isn't another Rolls Royce.

Facts at a glance Model: Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Engine: 6.75-litre petrol unit producing 454bhp and 531lb.ft of torque Transmission: Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels Performance: Top speed 149mph, 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds Economy: 19.1mpg combined Emissions: 347g/km of CO2

It might sound hard to believe, but there is a grace to it despite its size. Its proportions and curves recall those of an elegant yacht, which isn't entirely accidental, and the detailing is inspired by such things; the teak rear decking could come straight from a Riva speedboat.

You might think something as potentially ostentatious as this could have a somewhat negative image, but the truth is far from it. During a weekend of gliding elegantly about the country it received nothing but keen interest, open-mouthed staring and endlessly enthusiastic enquiries. People love this car because it's like nothing else on earth.

Collision Repairs Vehicle Body Re-Finishing Mechanical Servicing Paintless Dent Removal Wheel Refurbishment Machine Polishing Paint Work Rectification Renovation Work

We do insurance repairs TEL: (01534) 484348 info@vehicleworkshop.je vehicleworkshop.je

MOTORING

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY: It might be 5.6 meters in length, but you can't use all of that for stuff or people, not with a 6.75-litre V12 engine up front. However, don't go thinking that the Phantom Drophead isn't spacious. Sitting up front is exactly like a luxurious drawing room, with a different design of seat (made to deal with the occasional rain shower). You sit high up with an imposing view of the road ahead. The back seats are a little smaller but still spacious and comfortable, while the boot is a modest 315 litres. But let's face it, your pile in the south of France will have a wardrobe of your clothes anyway.

BEHIND THE WHEEL: It's easy to be cynical about a car of this size and expense and dismiss it as mere transport, but just five minutes behind the wheel is all it takes to realise the Phantom Drophead offers a completely different experience altogether.

The engine starts without a murmur and it's only the needles flickering into life that indicates the silken V12 is running. Shift the delicate gearlever into D and as you release the brake the Phantom rolls forward, as if you're releasing momentum rather than merely accelerating. As you build speed the sensation continues, while the suspension makes road imperfections disappear. Everything about the Phantom is geared to shielding you from the petty faults of the world and transporting you to your destination as unflustered as possible.

The other magic trick that the Phantom Drophead performs is to dissuade and discourage you from being hurried or stressed.

Sure, you can hustle this 2.6 tonne beast if you like, but without even knowing it you find your arms sitting comfortably on the leathered rests, your hands slip down to the bottom third of the wheel and suddenly life isn't quite so demanding.

VALUE FOR MONEY: On paper it's not the easiest task to justify a list price, but let's remember who this car is aimed at; the lucky few who own several cars, probably several houses and

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possibly other modes of transport. What your third of a million buys you is an experience beyond compare. The craft and quality is exceptional, the driving experience is incomparable and the way it makes you and your passengers feel simply isn't available elsewhere. Qualities like these don't come cheap.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE?: Even so, this is clearly not a car for every person and every budget. If you're fortunate enough to be in the position to drop nearly ÂŁ400k on a car, then you probably don't need or want my input. But it's worth remembering that, despite German ownership, Rolls Royce has its heart and soul in the UK and several thousand talented employees based in Goodwood designed and built this magnificent machine, so even if there's no chance of us owning one, we should still be proud that the finest luxury car in the world is British.

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Exalted IF THIS CAR WAS A...: hotel room it would be the presidential suite.

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FEBRUARY IS...

February is...

Flavour of the month...

Grapefruit

Pink Lily Cocktail Recipe • 1½ cups white rum • 1 cup soda • splash grenadine

Ingredients • 2 cups grapefruit juice • 2 cups pineapple juice

Rozel by William Bond

Instructions Combine juices and rum. Cover and chill.

When ready to serve-top with soda and grenadine.

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Across 1. Cameraman (12)

Down 1. Essential (12)

7. Cleave (5)

2. Lubricate (3)

8. Goodbye (5)

3. Keep (6)

9. Look at (3)

4. Toy (9)

10. Futile (9)

5. Banish (5)

11. Referee (6)

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12. Acacia (6)

7. Precipitous (5)

15. Distress (9)

10. Keep on (9)

17. Speck (3)

13. Command (5)

18. Double (5)

14. Gap (6)

19. Drunkard (5)

16. Pretend (5)

21. Preposterous (12)

20. Write (3)

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

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