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JANUARY 2020 | www.life-mags.com
New Year... Be You! home | beauty | food and drink | motoring | the arts | fashion | travel | property | business | health | garden | antiques
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I N T E R I O R S Professional service and expert advice C a r r e f o u r S e l o u s , S t L a w r e n c e | Te l e p h o n e 8 6 5 9 6 5 E m a i l : s a l e s @ d a v i d h i c k . c o | Vi s i t : w w w. d a v i d h i c k . c o O p e n Tu e s t o S a t 9 . 3 0 a m - 5 . 0 0 p m , l a t e n i g h t T h u r s u n t i l 6 . 3 0 p m .
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Publisher Fish Media Ltd Head Office 20 Hill Street, St Helier, JE2 4UA Telephone: 01534 619882 Email: thejerseylife@fishmedia.biz Website: www.life-mags.com Editor Juanita Shield-Laignel Art Director Alexis Smith Travel Writer Rebecca Underwood underwoodrebecca@hotmail.com Photography Simon Finch simon@fishmedia.biz Production Sarah Le Marquand Sales Executive Juanita Shield-Laignel juanita@fishmedia.biz Accounts and Administration Sarah Donati-Ford accounts@fishmedia.biz Directors Jamie Fisher Peter Smith Contributors Stephen Cohu Penny Downes Martin Flageul Rebecca Underwood Mark Shields Lorraine Pannetier Alistair Shield-Laignel Paul Darroch
Follow us on Twitter: @TheJerseyLife1 Like us on Facebook: The Jersey Life © All rights reserved. The Jersey Life is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in this publication and any loss arising there from. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to The Jersey Life the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Fish Media reserves the right to reject of accept any advertisement, article or material supplied for publication or edit such material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.
Well here we are again – another year! I always feel like it’s a miracle I’ve made it through another year relatively unscathed and ready to face and fight the next one – life can be a battle at the best of times and I don’t even want to think about the worst of times. We all know the come-down after Christmas and New Year can leave some feeling bereft in January and February so we have lots to brighten your day… Interview is with the fabulous Suzanne Le Marquand who has questioned all we are talking about above and more – Suzanne’s journey into helping people suffering mental health issues is a truly heart-warming story – enjoy on page 10. Continuing with the New Year; Be You! theme, I review the amazing Neil Dorgan’s Thai Massage – bent beyond all reasonable positions – I lived to tell the tale! Both BOM Edibles and Green Machine talk about the work being done with CBD in the island – some truly remarkable results are coming out of the woodwork and Fiona Joyce explains Reiki. We haven’t forgotten new beginnings in our Home Section: New Year Tidy Up, Take What You Like and Dare to be You and Re-design Your Garden are just some of the titles you can expect to find and enjoy. Business Success for 2020 is the subject of Mark Shield’s January offering – very helpful for anyone running their own business or even those planning to start.
December edition’s crossword solutions: Across: 3 Propagate; 8 Loud; 9 Barefaced; 10 Stolid; 11 Admit; 14 Heart; 15 Seer; 16 House; 18 Maim; 20 Adapt; 21 Curve; 24 Relish; 25 Communion; 26 Pull; 27 Extremity. Down: 1 Blasphemy; 2 Automatic; 4 Read; 5 Plead; 6 Gratis; 7 Tier; 9 Birth; 11 Amuse; 12 Tenacious; 13 Erstwhile; 17 Eaten; 19 Murmur; 22 Venom; 23 Coax; 24 Root.
And of course to do anything with success, being fit and healthy is paramount so Joining the Gym and Healthy New Year Recipe are also featured. Travel takes us to Madrid, our Ski Feature takes us to the resort of Courcheval and others (page 58) and Motoring takes us on a ride with Super Cars… Now I need a rest – or maybe another invigorating Thai Massage! Enjoy January
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.
CONTENTS JAN 2020:Layout 1 06/01/2020 16:31 Page 1
January 2020 3 WELCOME and The Jersey Life contact information
10
8 UP AND COMING Events and walks around Jersey
74 REVIEWS AND CLUES Book of the month plus the crossword
INTERVIEW 10 CHANGING FOR THE GOOD Juanita Shield-Laignel catches up with Suzanne Le Marquand
NEW YEAR! NEW YOU! 14 NEIL DORGAN THAI MASSAGE A review by Juanita Shield-Laignel
16 THREE TIPS FROM BOMEDIBLES By Sophie Anderson
14 BUSINESS SUCCESS IN 2020 Commitment, competence and staff confidence by Mark Shields
24 REIKI – THE POWER OF LOVE By Fiona Joyce
26 DETOX YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS Not just your food by Chantal Le Moel
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NEW YEAR! NEW YOU! 28 JOINING THE GYM THIS JANUARY Three machines you really should know how to use by Liz Connor
68 WRITING YOUR BOOK IN 2020 By Paul Durroch
SKI FEATURE 52 WHY SKIING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY Strong abdominals to a leaner lower body by Liz Connor
54 REVOLUTIONISE YOUR EUROPEAN SKI HOLIDAY By Sarah Marshall
56 ESSENTIAL COLD WEATHER CLOTHING Kit up appropriately for your snow-themed holiday
58 OUR TOP FIVE SKI RESORTS Skiing for all abilities
HOME AND GARDEN 30 NEW YEAR TIDY UP Declutter in style by Sam Wylie-Harris
34 TAKE WHAT YOU LIKE AND DARE TO BE YOU By Katya Pastorini of Painted Beautiful
52
38 MAKE THE MOST OF A SPARE ROOM
30
From gyms and games rooms to a home cinema
42 GIVE YOUR HOME A LUXE LOOK FOR LESS By Luke Rix-Standing
48 REDESIGN YOUR GARDEN FOR 2020 Here’s how to give it a go yourself
22
FOOD AND DRINK 22 HEALTHY RECIPES FOR JANUARY A collection to try after indulging over the festive season
72 A NEW YEAR AND A NEW START By Martin Flageul DippWSET
TRAVEL 62 MADRID By Rebecca Underwood
MOTORING 70 THE BEST TRACK ONLY SUPERCARS EVER MADE By Jack Evans 6 | www.life-mags.com
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what’s on...
Our selection of events to enjoy in Jersey this month
Let us know the month before your event is due to take place, and we shall do our best to include it in our listings. Contact: thejerseylife@fishmedia.biz
Art, Crafts & Culture Nicole Farhi: Life and Limb An exhibition of sculpture by Nicole Farhi, legendary designer and artist. Nicole has made studies of the body, focussing on the hands in movement such as dancing and playing a musical instrument, as well as observing the details and folds of the body. All work is for sale. The exhibition has been generously sponsored by UBS. The Gallery is located on Hill Street at the back of the Royal Square and just past the Town Church coming from the Weighbridge area. 28 November 2019 10:00 to 17:00 To 31 January 2020 CCA Galleries International 10, Hill Street, Jersey Contact: +44 (0) 1534 739900 enquiries@ccagalleriesinternational.com www.ccagalleriesinternational.com
André Rieu – 70 Years Young All Shows Encore Screening 70 Years Young is André Rieu’s ultimate concert featuring musical highlights chosen by the maestro himself from his illustrious career so far. This unique commemorative celebration will take you on an unbelievable journey around the world to André Rieu’s most amazing concert locations, including Schönbrunn Vienna, Radio City Music Hall New York and the Coronation Concert in Amsterdam. 05 January 2020 16:00 to 18:30 10 January 2020 19:30 to 22:00 Jersey Opera House Gloucester Street St. Helier, JE2 3QR Contact: +44 (0) 1534 511115 boxoffice@jerseyoperahouse.co.uk www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk
Beauty and the Beast A wittingly written pantomime by Ben Crocker that has received critical acclaim in the British press. Follow Beauty, her brother Jacques, her mum Ma, and Felix on their adventures. Meet the Beast and his servants as he welcomes Beauty to his castle. Watch the wicked Malabelle creating mischief. Will true love shine through to save the day? This wholesome, traditional show will have something for everyone – it is touching, scary, funny, engaging and an awful lot of fun. 08 to 19 January 2020 19:30 to 21:30 Check online for Matinée information The Jersey Arts Centre Phillips Street, St. Helier, JE2 4SW Contact: +44 (0) 1534 700444 enquiries@artscentre.je www.artscentre.je
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EVENTS
Art, Crafts & Culture The Outside Track The Outside Track return to Jersey Arts Centre with their stunning synthesis of virtuosity and energy. Their marriage of Canadian, Scottish and Irish music and song has been rapturously received around the world. Hailing from Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton and Vancouver, its five members are united by a love of traditional music and a commitment to creating new music on its foundation. Using fiddle, accordian, harp, guitar, flute, step-dance and vocals these five virtuosos blend boundless energy with unmistakable joie de vivre. 25 January 2020 20:00 to 22:00 The Jersey Arts Centre Phillips Street, St. Helier, JE2 4SW Contact: +44 (0) 1534 700444 enquiries@artscentre.je www.artscentre.je Limited Edition Prints by Eminent British Artists Limited edition prints by eminent British artists, including Sir Peter Blake, Bruce McLean, Damien Hirst and Dame Elisabeth Frink. ‘Godfather of British Pop Art’, Sir Peter Blake exhibits his album covers for the Beatles and Ian Dury, as well as portraits and collage. 03 -28 February 2020 10:00 to 17:00 CCA Galleries International 10, Hill Street, JE2 4UA Contact: +44 (0) 1534 739900 enquiries@ccagalleriesinternational.com www.ccagalleriesinternational.com
Food, Fairs & Festivals Wassailing at The Elms Wassailing is said to awaken the cider apple trees and scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest! Come along to the Elms, enjoy the Helier Morris Men as they sing and dance, bring ‘noise makers’ (or make something really noisy with our Education Officer!) to use as we process to the orchard, and watch the trees being
‘toasted’ with tots of Sloe gin! 11 January 2020 14:00 to 16:00 The Elms, La Chève Rue, JE3 3EN Contact: +44 (0)1534 483193 enquiries@nationaltrust.je www.nationaltrust.je Wassailing at Hamptonne This winter-warming community event celebrates the orchard of Hamptonne with a Wassail, encouraging a good crop of apples in the Autumn ready for the Cider festival. Crown the King and Queen of the Wassail, dance with the Jersey Lilies and enjoy bread, cheese and a glass of warm cider together. If you would like to join the merriment, please contact us direct to book your place. 12 January 2020 13:00 to 15:00 Hamptonne Country Life Museum La Rue de la Patente, JE3 1HS Contact: +44 (0) 1534 863955 info@jerseyheritage.org www.jerseyheritage.org
Sports & Out and About Depression Recovery Programme Registration is now open for our new Depression Recovery Programme. This is a 12 week programme starting in January and is run in small therapeutic groups, with a men’s group and a women’s group. Beginning in January 2020 For more info or to register please email info@arunatherapy.com or tel 07797 766264 Jersey Bulls v Westside We are English football's newest and most southerly club. The club is entering a Senior team into the English Football League System for the 2019/2020 season. With the fantastic success the Jersey Island men’s team has achieved in recent history – such as winning the Gold Medal in the Aland Island Games, winning numerous Muratti fixtures against Guernsey – we
believe that the time is now right to offer our senior Island players the opportunity to progress further by playing week in / week out in an English league of an appropriate standard. 11 January 2020 15:00 to 17:30 Springfield Stadium, St. Helier, JE2 4LF Contact: +44 (0) 1534 449615 info@bulls.je www.bulls.je Wildlife & Wellness Walk Winter at St. Catherine's Join Neil and Alli for a gentle stroll around the North East corner of Jersey. Meet at St Catherine's Breakwater (opposite the cafe). Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather and good walking shoes. 17 January 2020 10:15 to 11:45 St. Catherine's Breakwater St. Martin, JE3 6DD Contact: +44 (0) 7797 748653 neil@birdingjersey.co.uk www.birdingjersey.co.uk Birding Tours Jersey: Wildlife & Wellness Walk for World Wetlands Day Join Neil and Alli for a celebration of the worlds wonderful wetlands (World Wetlands Day is on 02 Feb). 31 January 2020 10:15 to 12:15 Queen's Valley (lower car park) Grouville, JE3 6ER Contact: +44 (0) 7797 748653 neil@birdingjersey.co.uk www.birdingjersey.co.uk Le Hocq Tower - Open for World Wetlands Day The fortified Jersey tower will tell the story of Le Hocq and the defence of the island. There will also be information about the geology of the area, the prehistoric landscape, RAMSAR site and wetlands birds. 02 February 2020 10:00 to 16:00 La Grande Route de la Cote, JE2 6LF Contact: +44 (0) 1534 633300 info@jerseyheritage.org www.jerseyheritage.org
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INTERVIEW
Suzanne Le Marquand… …CHANGING FOR THE GOOD! During summer 2019, in an attempt to ‘give back’, I contacted the L.I.N.C. Community Social Group and offered my therapy services. I rocked up to Trinity parish hall one Wednesday, spoke about the uplifting benefits of essential oils and gave mini-Indian Head Massage to anyone wanting to participate. I met some lovely people and the whole process was most enjoyable and heart-warming. Suzanne Le Marquand, one of the facilitators, immediately struck me as a person of interest for the Jerseylife - so here we are several months later… interview by Juanita Shield-Laignel MFHT tying a piece of string to my handle bars on my bike and pretending it was a pony! Horses gave me a focus as being what I thought of as shy, I only had a few select friends. I always felt that I should be something else…I felt inadequate and lacking in some way. I think back to all the challenges I didn't take up or even have aspirations for not wanting to fail, or thought it wasn’t for me as people like me didn't do ‘that kind of thing’. If only I’d realised then – ‘you can change yourself – you don’t have to be like this’ I could have achieved so much more.” “Because of lack of confidence and high anxiety, I struggled through 'O' Levels to the point my GP prescribed Valium for me – sounds rather drastic now and seems strange I would have ever been medicated like that, but that is what happened. I have never had anything like that since so it really doesn’t make sense! I scraped through and managed to achieve an A in English language but didn’t do well in much else. I did go to night school as a young adult and achieved an A in Literature too which went to show that I could succeed but now I question why I didn’t strive to achieve more.”
Singing
Suzanne and colleague Jo Thorpe, facilitate a weekly, drop-in social group for people either suffering, or who have suffered, mental health illness of any type. This offering is just a year old but is already showing great success in helping potentially vulnerable people in a very practical and valuable way. I was really fascinated to know what had brought Suzanne to this position in her life and asked her to go back to the beginning; “I was born in Rustington, West Sussex. My father owned a printing firm in Littlehampton and then when I was 4 years old we moved to Felpham, Bognor Regis where I mostly grew up. I wasn’t overly successful at school as I was very quiet and shy but now know in fact I was lacking in self-worth, confidence, self-esteem and suffered with anxiety. I used to write pony stories and go riding which I absolutely loved, to the point I remember 10 | www.life-mags.com
“With my love of horses, I had aspirations of being a Mounted Police Woman and I also considered being a Physiotherapist, but wasn’t sure I was capable of either so followed my cousin into banking. I worked hard from the bottom up, but felt like a failure in that too as people were coming in at grade 3 above me because they had a degree! I felt it was unfair that it didn’t seem to matter their degree was in History and I had a better understanding of the job and was training them. I never got the recognition I felt I deserved in the bank despite my knowledge, working hard and doing a good job.” “The upside of working as a cashier in Chichester was I met my husband. Originally from Jersey, Paul had finished Polytechnic in Leicester and was working for West Sussex County Council. He was a regular customer and would make a bee-line for my till eventually plucking up the courage to ask me out. We were married in 1987.” Me husband Paul and daughter Emma
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INTERVIEW
Me and son Matt
Me and my Dad Michael
“Then Paul was offered a job in London and after a few years of commuting we wanted to cut that time down so moved a bit closer and found a home in Godalming. I started working in Guilford for Yves St Laurent at Debenhams but being shy and working on a commission basis, I quickly discovered it wasn’t for me. The hours were also anti-social and I was hardly seeing anything of Paul who was by then working for BAA. I left Debenhams and began working for a building and design firm.” “The first cake I baked and decorated properly was a mother’s day cake, I never had any training - it was just a natural thing in me. I began to take on a few commissions while in Godalming and thoroughly enjoyed it. My dad paints beautifully and my mum was an amazing baker and also knitted the most beautiful dresses, but I never valued my own creativity. I liked to draw as a child but remember an art teacher in secondary school criticising my work so strongly, I was devastated and have never forgotten it. I now know that we all learn differently, I’m more visual. I think the arts are hugely under-valued in the education system - it still seems to concentrate more on academia meaning anyone wanting to pursue a career in creative arts has to work that much harder…of course I didn’t realise any of this as a young person.” “Life then took a bit of a turn as our son Matthew arrived, shortly followed by his baby sister, Emma. Once Emma was 4 and a half and starting school I began working at her primary school in Tilford, working as a Teaching Assistant. I loved helping the children read and encouraging them in their learning; it was a nice village school and I found my niche.” My 50th
3 generations – me, my mum and daughter Emma
“All the while, Paul was looking to change jobs and keeping an open mind about moving back home to Jersey. Unfortunately, for me, this was never an option whilst my mum was still alive – I was just so close to her. She died after a short battle with cancer when I was 34 and although I knew I would miss my Dad terribly, I hoped my relationship with him would stand the test. He remarried which made it a little easier for us to make the move and he also discovered a new-found love of baking and homemaking himself – Mum had always done everything for him but her death weirdly helped him to grow and develop as a person so I was confident that he didn’t need as much support from me.” “My son was 10 when we came to Jersey and it was a huge change for all of us. I fitted in really well considering how shy I was - you meet other mums of course. I started off working at St Martins School as a Receptionist filling in when needed and then became a fill-in TA, eventually securing a permanent position in Year 2. Paul was working for Mourants as a Chartered Surveyor and slowly gaining his feet back in his childhood home. Then a friend of the family was getting married and asked me to make their 4 tier cake. I hadn’t done any cake decorating for ten years but slotted right back in with ease. I made hundreds of sugar sweet peas trailing down the cake and it kick started my cake business again. Since then I’ve made hundreds of bespoke cakes and even though I don’t value my creativity as much as my academic achievements, I am rightly proud of my success – I came across my old cake albums recently and was amazed at some of my creations - I did one as a monopoly board changing some of the board components to signify the person’s life. Making bespoke cakes around people’s lives was an incredible experience and one I should have valued more. Not going to University has always been a shadow for me - I felt so inadequate, but despite all my personal misgivings…my cake business was remarkably successful.” “After a while I started to develop problems with my fingers – I have arthritis and dupuytrens which is a hereditary condition where the tendons become shortened so I can’t straighten some of my fingers – I can still bake but not so well and only do it for our L.I.N.C. sessions now really. So I had to give up my business but then things have moved on for me and it has all worked out for the best.” “Not working, I started doing a bit of volunteering for the Recovery College. By now Matt was working seasons away from Jersey as a ski instructor in winter and teaching canoeing and windsurfing in Greece in summer – we followed him around from resort to resort like groupies so volunteering when I could, made sense. continues overleaf... JANUARY ISSUE | 11
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INTERVIEW A wedding, birthday and masked ball cake I made
Acrylic paintings I’ve done – mussel shells and pebbles
Devastatingly a peer of Matt’s took his own life. This young man had appeared to have it all – he came across as super confident, he was bright and handsome, popular and nobody, not even his family had realised there was a problem. Around the same time a friend of my daughter’s, mother took her own life and then someone in my choir – they all came at once and it really struck a deep cord within me. Three people around us had taken their lives. I couldn’t possibly imagine the devastation it had caused to their families who were largely unaware just how serious this trauma was. I became more aware of these issues and how especially for men and boys there is still a stigma around sharing their feelings and troubles. I started reading up on mental health and getting more involved at the College.” “I didn’t believe I’d had any lived experience of mental health issues but now I realise with my anxiety, lack of self–worth and lack of confidence experienced as a young person, I have more to share than I thought. I met Jo Thorpe at the College – she was one of the trainers there. We talked about offering something social to people with depression and came up with the idea of singing. I’ve been leading the Hospice Choir for about 3 years so had a little experience of this. We put on a weekly singing session for a 6 week period. The first week was quite tricky – although people turned up there wasn’t much interaction. It’s a struggle for many walking into a room with lots of others, more so with mentally unwell people – It’s very very hard, so we decided to include tea and cake and people stayed and chatted – it was a lightbulb moment for us. The participants were happier being together and then the singing got better. This opened our mind to the idea of a support group.” “We couldn’t do it under the auspices of The Recovery College as they are educational rather than social – so we approached Lucy the manger from LINC Mental Health and Wellbeing and spoke to her about our idea. She loved it and bravely gave us the go ahead so we are under their policies and procedures. It’s been a bit trial and error but we’ve have had something like 110 people through the doors in the last year and we continually assess and ask for feedback to ensure we are providing what individuals want. We meet every Wednesday from 11:30 till 2pm at Trinity Parish Hall. As time has moved on we are seeing more men which is fabulous. Clientele change depending on who’s going through what and we are finding men want to share just as much, if not more than, the women. We have a Facebook page called Les Copains which is Jerriais for ‘buddies’ and also a LINC facebook page which keeps everyone up to date . We engage in various activities and have done Tai Chi, Aromatherapy oils and massage with you, painting, keep fit, journaling, art, meditation, a curry night, yoga, swimming and so much more. It is amazing to
hear some say they live for Wednesdays. One person was feeling suicidal and is now much happier – coming to the group – sharing his story and feeling able to keep going with more of a purpose.” “I am also doing level 3 of a counselling course at Highlands at the moment. I was always so frightened by what other people thought of me, by their judgement and I’m finding self-reflection very empowering, learning that you can change. This is helping me with having taken on being a Peer Worker at the recently opened Listening Lounge at Charles House. I really want to help people - we just need to have a kinder world. It was a big step for me, supporting and being open with others but it is enlightening and makes you think about yourself too; helping people to see themselves for what they can achieve in spite of their difficulties. Both with the counselling and I trained to be a Samaritan, you learn you can’t solve everything or make everyone better – but you can help them to help themselves with support and encouragement…you can help to facilitate change for the better both for the person you are helping and for yourself.” Our time coming to an end I asked Suzanne what the future holds for her? “Life in general is good for us as a family. Emma is at Highlands doing a degree in Child Care Management. Matt is now training to be a Paramedic and Paul is working from home and finding time to enjoy his golf – so it is all coming together. I’m looking forward to more of the same for me - more enlightenment, thinking more deeply about what I’d like to achieve and going after it. In our little group we have achieved so much. I am very proud of that. It’s all connected; all the building blocks in your life. How your life can be changed by one negative comment, you can be damaged – equally one comment of support can change a life too…change for the good and it is my aim to make as much positive change as I can and help others to do the same.” It seems Suzanne is leading a very worthwhile life and I am looking forward to keeping up to date with her future successes.
Me sea swimming 12 | www.life-mags.com
FULL PAGE ADVERT DECEMBER :Layout 1 02/12/2019 10:30 Page 1
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Direct Furniture Supplies | 17/19 Burrard Street | St. Helier | Jersey C.I. | JE2 4WS Tel: 01534 732314 E: showroom@dfsinteriors.com www.dfsinteriors.com
NEIL DORGAN:Layout 1 04/01/2020 13:54 Page 1
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Neil DorgaN Thai Massage Being a long-term holistic therapist myself and qualified in various body treatments including massage, I enjoy a good deep tissue massage and have been disappointed by many treatments over the years. I was definitely not disappointed by Neil Dorgan’s Thai Massage… a review by Juanita Shield-Laignel MFHT Neil began. He started on the back of my legs, contorting them into positions I no longer knew I could achieve and just as with Yoga – he asked me to breathe into them to get even more of a stretch – I was amazed at what we managed to achieve. Using his body weight but in a very controlled manner – he stretched and pulled me this way and that. Were I allowed to – I would simply write WOW! on this page and leave it that…knowing this exclamation imparts so much to the reader in such a tiny space – however, for the purposes of this article and professionalism I owe both Neil and you a much fuller explanation… It wasn’t without some nervousness I approached Neil’s home in St Brelade on a recent dark Monday afternoon. I had received Thai massage once, many years ago in The Maldives and recalled a young lady actually climbing on the massage table and practically walking up and down my back – knowing Neil to be fitness trainer for some years, I was not looking forward to the weight of his muscles bearing down on my somewhat delicate spine. But I needn’t have feared. The room was warm and bright, relaxing meditational type music was softly playing in the background. Neil asked me to change into Thai trousers; soft cotton, very baggy with a tied belt coming around to the front. I changed and lay face down on the prepared Thai massage mat on the floor – this was very comfortable and had an electric blanket underneath for extra warmth and comfort… this in itself felt yummy and I could have nodded off.
Feeling very warm and tingly (my circulation was on double time) Neil then moved to use deep tissue massage and hot oils of bergamot, lemon and frankincense on my back. It’s only when someone starts rooting around that you realise just how knotted your muscles are – mine were no exception, particularly on the top of my shoulders where I hold a lot of tension. Neil very traditionally used his hands and thumbs for quite a lot of the back work but then I became aware he had moved and suddenly his very cold foot was on my low back; this sounds as if it might have been ‘shocking’ but the cold contrast was actually very welcome after hot oil and the tissue manipulation was of course different and therefore beneficial – a few carefully placed toes in certain muscle groups caused me to use a few choice expletives – I apologised and Neil laughed and said he’s heard it all during treatments and not to worry!
go and extruding yet more expletives! Legs totally like jelly, Neil then worked on my arms and pulled my torso sideways quickly and in a way I did not expect causing me to laugh in a mixture of shock and delight. Righted again he then began slightly more gentle work on my arms, then head and even a little of the face and ears. Thoroughly ‘done’ Neil finished by using a few relaxing Reflexology techniques on my feet. I could have fallen asleep. Leaving the room for me to dress, Neil laughed that he would wake me in the morning. I felt totally invigorated. Neil warned me I may feel a little sore the next day – hand on heart I can say I awoke feeling a little sore but nothing untoward and after a hot shower even that abated, but the positive effects stayed with me for some days afterwards. So impressed was I by Neil’s Thai massage, I purchased a gift voucher for a friend and I fully intend to return for another session not too far into the New Year.
Neil then covered me in a thick warm blanket and asked me turn over so he could work on the front of my body. Again he started on the legs and achieved placements and positions that would not normally be possible for me – stretching me beyond where I thought I could
Neil DorgaN Thai Massage This traditional Thai massage uses deep pressure massage techniques and yoga stretching
RELIEF FROM: • pain • sTress • muscle pressure 14 | www.life-mags.com
INCREASED: • ranGe oF moTion • mobiliTy • boDy enerGy
To book simply call: 07700 327572 Flat 3, The Block 1, The Palms, Rue Voisin, Portlet, St Brelade, Jersey, JE3 8PB
FULL PAGE ADVERT:Layout 1 04/01/2020 13:55 Page 1
(Est. in Jersey since 1997)
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! Conveniently situated within The Island Medical Centre, Gloucester Street, The Laser Centre has been established since 1997 and flourishing under the Directorship of Julie Naidu, offers many of the island’s cosmetic needs...
TREATMENTS RANGING FROM • DERMAL FILLERS • LIP ENHANCEMENT • WRINKLE RELAXING INJECTIONS A VARIETY OF LASER TREATMENTS FOR • TATTOO REMOVAL • RED VEIN • SUN/AGE SPOT • HAIR REMOVAL PLUS MANY OTHER NON SURGICAL PROCEDURES • INCLUDING THE NEW PLASMA PEN • HYDRAFACIAL
Give Julie Naidu or Kathrin Baumert a call on 888272 to book your consultation.
The Laser Centre. Island Medical Centre, 14 Gloucester Street, St Helier. E: info@thelasercentrejersey.co.uk www.thelasercentrejersey.co.uk
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
At BOM we have a lot of experience in seed to consumer development of high quality hemp products... This relatively new industry can be quite daunting to some and navigating it at the moment is not only confusing but fairly unregulated. After sampling and seeing so many products explode on to the market it’s apparent that not all of them are prioritising or implementing the right things. Things to consider with CBD are quality, testing, growing region and where it is being sold (i.e. local corner stores, vape shops and petrol stations might not be the best place to buy quality CBD products!). Do your research on the brands you purchase from and try to dig a little deeper, unfortunately not everyone has the consumers’ best interests at heart and so you could end up ingesting something that is essentially damaging your health. This is why at BOM we create products that we are happy to consume ourselves and that we believe in. We try to keep up to date on the latest studies and science surrounding all aspects of this industry. Sophie & Michael are both CBD advocates after devoting a number of years in the US & Canada to learning hands on what it takes to grow a healthy plant, various methods of clean extraction and how it is being used medically. Our edibles are made with natural and mostly organic ingredients, healthy fat sources, no processed sugar and with ingredients that when coupled with the CBD, enhance bio-availability. So far we have sleep, energy, digestion and stress but will be releasing our topical range of BOM balms in the coming months. We will also be formulating a pet range as we understand how beneficial it can be for animals too.
Here are 3 of BOM’s wellbeing tips to go into January (aside from daily CBD intake)! 1. Don’t over commit yourself to something that feels unsustainable from the get go. It happens every January and then people beat themselves up for ‘falling off the wagon’. This is damaging to your mental wellbeing as it can make you think you are undisciplined and possibly encourage you to take care of yourself less! Pick a goal that you feel you can track and stay on top of fairly easily, and that you can increase steadily. 2. Eat more plant fibre. We can’t say it enough. There are so many positive reactions that happen in your body when consuming this type of food, and not the type that’s in grains; we are talking fruit and vegetables. We know it’s hardly the most exciting thing to commit to but it really is one you should be monitoring on a daily basis. Whether it’s getting your veggies in a hearty soup, a low sugar fibre filled smoothie, colourful crunchy salad, artichokes on a healthy pizza or a stir fry with bok choy there are so many ways to ingest pre-biotics. And, if you’re wanting to make sure, then try taking a clean fibre supplement of some sort from 100% Health! 3. Get out in nature! Our beautiful island has a variety of places to go, coast to woodland to beaches there is no excuse not to get out and feel the sun on your face and breathe in that clean air. It may be winter but we still need to making sure (if not more) that we are getting direct light on our skin and moving our bodies to increase mood and encourage better sleep. Have fun with it, it will lower your stress levels and it’s a great way to socialise too!
We sell fridge packs of 12 of the After 8 peppermint cups, Lavender gems and discount the protein bars and brownies when you buy 4 or more. They are great to have in the fridge at home for the family as a healthy treat and also at work to encourage corporate wellness! (Keep your fellow employees calm and happy ;)
+44 (0)7700 332 544 • HELLO@BOMEDIBLES.CO.UK • BOMEDIBLES.CO.UK
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Project12:Layout 1 06/01/2020 16:36 Page 1
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concert hall hall or or at at home. home. It It draws draws upon upon m ultiple features ffeeatures blending blending concert multiple them to to p recisely match match yyour our sound sound environment. environment. them precisely Without having having tto o adjust adjust yyour our hearing hearing aids aids manually, manually, you you Without can enjoy enjjoy eexcellent xcellent hearing hearing performance performance a nd sound sound q uality... can and quality... wherever llife ife takes takes you. you. wherever
Call 8664 77 866477 The Hearing Healt thcare Centre Healthcare Little Grove Clinic c, La Rue de Haut Clinic, St Lawrence www .hearinghealtthcare.je www.hearinghealthcare.je
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MARK SHEILDS:Layout 1 04/01/2020 13:05 Page 1
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Business success in 2020 will rely heavily on the commitment, competence and confidence of staff Mark Shields takes a closer look... heavier workloads, increasing demands, and the list goes on. This coupled with outside pressures such as debt, relationship problems, bereavement, illness and so forth means that life generally can be tough for many. Unfortunately, due to a lack of knowhow many Managers do not know where to start when dealing with such problems and often fail to spot early signs of stress. Such signs can include minor behavioural changes in staff, mood swings, staff external appearance and presentation (unshaven, personal hygiene) and spasmodic absence.
With Mental Health problems in the workplace costing the UK and economy a record £26 Billion a year what can be done to help Channel Islands companies support employee wellbeing at work during 2020? The facts are frightening. 70 million lost work days from sickness throughout the UK workforce each year equates to a cost equal to 4% of GDP, a staggering £26 billion a year. Whilst these figures are representative of the UK this does not mean that Channel Island companies are immune. Their close organisational links within the financial industry means they are also likely to have 1 in 6 of their staff suffering with mental health challenges caused by work related stress. As one of the largest financial centres in Europe the impact of this is enormous. Paul Farmer the CEO of MIND, one of the largest charities supporting Wellbeing at work believes much can be done to improve the situation by promoting openness, trust and honesty in the workplace, helping combat the stigma associated with mental health issues. THE CHALLENGES EMPLOYEES FACE As we spend most of our lives at work it is not surprising to learn work is deemed the biggest stressor we all face in our lives. A recent survey confirmed due to the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues many employees confirmed they could not talk about taking a day off due to stress and preferred to hide it from their line manager and colleagues. The culture of silence surrounding mental health in the work place although improving has a long way to go and there is so much more that can be done by line managers and senior leaders. The pressures are well known and well documented and I am sure will sound familiar as you read this article. Continual change,
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2020 EVIDENCES THE MOST QUALIFIED WORK FORCE YET Another important fact to take into consideration is this generation of workers is the most highly educated generation to date with more qualifications and higher work expectations than any generation that has gone before them. This being said they are still subject to being given jobs with little autonomy, and even less responsibility or purposeful engagement. SO HOW DOES A COMPANY START TO INTRODUCE HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROMOTION? You need to start at the top and work down. A supportive corporate culture includes not only a commitment to the wellness program from senior management, but also extends to the mid-level and front line managers best positioned to affect program success due to their day-to-day contact with employees. It is, thus, important to align their management and performance goals with the health and wellbeing of the people who report to them. It is also important for Managers to recognise the environmental context which includes influences external to the workplace, such as the home setting, friends and social networks, and the policies and resources of the local and national community. Although workers spend a significant amount of their time in the employment setting, these other factors can also affect their need for and success in a wellness program. THE IMPACT OF A GOOD MANAGER As a senior manager in a previous life I know how important it is to have the necessary purpose, challenge, control, security and sense of achievement to help create the right environment for your staff to feel empowered, motivated and inspired to deliver great results. This coupled with an open and honest management style, flexibility and taking a genuine interest in your staff’s personal development and wellbeing, is paramount to the success of any team or individual.
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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
HOW TO CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR STAFF: • Ensure that staff have secure and interesting jobs that they find both fulfilling and developmental • The ethos and style of management is based upon high levels of trust and fairness • There is choice, flexibility, and appropriate control over working hours • There is an equitable balance between effort and reward • Staff feel they have autonomy and some control over their workplace and environment • There is a voice for employees in any critical employer decision making arena Line managers have a duty of care and due diligence to employees and need to understand the warning signs of mental health issues as they develop. They can then make the necessary and appropriate workplace adjustments to help and support their member of staff. Simple common sense steps such as taking an interest in your staff, being approachable and empathetic and managing staff as individuals will help build the trust and openness you need when dealing with workplace stress. This is also a time when managers can utilise resources that are available both internal and external to support their employee, such as, Employee Assistant Programs (EAP) and Occupational Health. ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGY TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEE WELLBEING When an organisation wants to tackle problems created by mental health the Line Managers are key in ensuring there is a comprehensive wellbeing strategy in place supported and endorsed by the senior leadership team. This strategy should adopt a three pronged approach: 1) Promote Wellbeing at work 2) Tackle work related causes of mental health problems 3) Have a program of support available for employees suffering with mental health problems Top Tips for Managers • Talk about wellbeing regularly at staff one to one and monthly team meetings • Encourage open and honest dialogue around outside stressors • Ensure staff take a lunch break, it is a day of two halves • Support flexible working hours • Promote open dialogue and feedback • Involve staff in decision making • Ensure good clear communication • Ensure staff understand how they fit into the organisation and they have a voice • Promote physical, social and team building activities • Promote Wellness action plans to ensure the right resource is in place offering the required support • Ensure staff are aware of what’s inside and outside of your remit of control as the manager
HOW DOES A COMPANY MOTIVATE THEIR STAFF TO CHANGE? Once again when influencing and promoting change in a work place it needs to start from the top down so firstly, Senior Executives could implement initiatives or form a working party within their organisation to investigate what their employees would like to see or what challenges they face. Whilst keeping within HR regulations, a Health related questionnaire could be developed for all employees to complete which would give the company insight into their variety of needs and therefore support to be offered. Here are some other examples for introducing wellness into an organisation: • By delegating and giving more autonomy to staff, chosen staff members could set up a health and wellness in the workplace committee and have them take responsibility for implementing the selected ideas for health promotion activities • Designate a wellness coordinator for implementing action plans • Allocate a budget for health and wellness in the workplace activities • Develop good employment practice and policies, eg, communication systems; training and personal development; supervision, appraisal and mentoring; attendance / absence management; equal opportunities; return to work/rehabilitation for people with illnesses or disabilities; time off for career responsibilities (children, other dependents); job sharing; flexi-time and flexible hours / days; dealing with harassment and bullying; grievance procedure; disciplinary procedure • Include health and wellness in the workplace activities in manager’s objectives There are many ways in which companies have incorporated Wellness into their organisations which come with relatively little cost. Here are a few ideas: • Cross-department teams could earn points over a 12-week period by doing healthy things like drinking a certain amount of water or going for a walk on their lunch breaks. • Subsidising healthy options in vending machines with junk food options. For instance, charge more for a cupcake and less for an apple. • Set up a walking club before or after work. • Conduct meetings whilst walking. • Encourage employees to take the stairs. Once you have management fully on board, it’s time to market the program to employees. Posters, emails and newsletters can spread the word. Even inject a little fun into the project and utilise photos of executives displaying bad posture or holding up an apple to advertise wellness events. Prize incentives can also be offered when running a challenge. Written by: Mark Shields Author, Advisor, Educator, Coach www.nlpcourseschannelislands.com 01462 431112 Direct Line
JANUARY ISSUE | 19
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Jersey Swimming Club is based at Langford Pool, which is nestled between a number of Jersey schools, making it an extremely convenient location for the after school ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, Dolphin, and Squad sessions. Whilst Aquasplash, on Fridays, provides a more 'family' session, the Club is delighted to have use of the wonderfully warm Cheshire Homes Pool on Saturday mornings - first choice for Parents & Baby/Toddler ‘First Splash’ sessions. JSC focus strongly on technique from the outset, encouraging good style whilst allowing swimmers to progress in their own time. Those who are competitive by nature are nurtured through Dolphins to Squads, whilst swimmers who seek less commitment progress to our Fitness Sessions. A clear pathway is available to all swimmers and to help the whole family fit swimming in to their busy lives, JSC offer a variety of times for all levels and ages. JSC continuously listens to members views and feedback in order to provide a fully comprehensive Jersey Swimming Family. This year focus will be placed on the range of Adult sessions available. Well-attended Masters sessions are already established across the week - supported by one nonswimmer session and some technique sessions. It is hoped to grow the number of supporting sessions to match the success of the Masters. Many adults are looking at tri-athlon but lack the technique needed for the swim element - JSC have teachers who can not only help athletes improve their technique but have first hand knowledge and experience of the other elements of this event. Keeping up with trends is a never ending task, as lifestyles change daily, but one that keeps JSC at the forefront of swimming in Jersey.
‘Give Yourself the Gift of CBD in 2020!’… We offer a huge selection of the best CBD products including CBD Coffee, CBD edibles, CBD Oils and a whole host of products that suit all walks of life and are adding to our stocked items all the time including looking this year, at products for pets, tea and protein. CBD has some potentially huge benefits and we’re hearing all sorts of incredible stories from our customers who report it is helping them sleep better, feel less anxious, helping them reduce stress and improving some really chronic pain conditions. It stands to reason that as we are not medically trained we are unable to state that our products ‘cure’ or treat certain conditions, however, the general public are already so knowledgeable about CBD products; they know what they want and it has become obvious since we opened the store in Jersey, this is just what people have been looking for locally. We have had so many people contact us to say they are incredibly happy there is now a specialist outlet in the island, providing top quality CBD for general consumption. Many customers report having difficulty accessing good
CBD products and are thrilled they can get their CBD in such a variety of shapes, sizes and formats, making CBD an easy product to fit into their particular lifestyle. CBD has incredible potential to help people and we want to give our customers the ability to explore that potential and in the knowledge that their safety and wellbeing comes first. TESTIMONIAL: “I love the way the Green Machine Jersey is decorated; clean, bright and with a relaxed atmosphere. I was able to sit and drink a CBD coffee in peace, then seek advice from Megan and Katie, who are so knowledgeable and helped me to choose the correct CBD product for my personal needs. I have only been taking CBD for a few weeks but have already noticed a difference. I have high hopes for the future.” Mrs L – St Saviour
GREEN MACHINE CBD JERSEY 5 Market Street, St Helier, JE2 4WL Telephone: 07700 700765 Open: Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm greenmachinecbdjersey
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Visit our NEW ONLINE SHOP: www.lucasbrosjersey.com • • • • • • • •
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ISLAND WIDE
DELIVERY on all orders over £30
La Haule Farm, Le Mont Au Roux, St Brelade, JE3 8BD Holme Grown, La Rue au Long, Fauvic, JE3 9SH Tel: 01534 732037 www.carolsfloristjersey.co.uk
Telephone orders: 745199
Email: order@lucasbrosjersey.com
A wide variety of CBD products, including; CBD COFFEE • CBD EDIBLES • CBD OILS
Some of the recorded Health Benefits; BETTER SLEEP • PAIN IMPROVEMENT REDUCTION IN STRESS & ANXIETY WHY NOT POP IN AND GET YOUR FLU VACCINATION
GREEN MACHINE CBD JERSEY 5 Market Street, St Helier, JE2 4WL Telephone: 07700 700765 Open: Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm greenmachinecbdjersey
Come and visit the team at your local friendly Pharmacy for help and advice on all Winter cold and flu remedies.
12 CLEVELAND ROAD, ST. HELIER, JE1 4HD Telephone: 01534 733123 • Fax: 01534 733555 E-mail: admin@clevelandpharmacy.co.uk www.clevelandpharmacy.co.uk
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RECIPE
y r a u n a J r o f s e ip c e R y Health After indulging over the festive season, everyone’s thinking about their New Year’s resolution to eat better. With this collection of recipes that focus on healthy ingredients you’ll be spoilt for choice with tasty inspiration. OH MY GOODNESS PRAWN & RASPBERRY SALAD
What to do:
This protein-packed salad takes mere moments to throw together and packs a host of flavours as well as some unusual textural surprises.
Finely chop the chilli, and remove the seeds. Add to a large bowl with the crushed garlic, chopped coriander, lime, soy sauce and sesame oil. Put 20% of the sauce on the side to use as dressing. Add the prawns to the remaining mixture and let them marinate in the fridge for circa 1 hour.
Serves: 1 Prep time: 5 mins You’ll need: For the salad 200g prawns 50g of BerryWorld raspberries 150g washed spinach 25g alfalfa sprouts 1/2 avocado sliced 1/2 red onion sliced For the dressing 1 finely chopped garlic clove 1 grated zest and juice of 1 lime 1 fresh chili 1 tbsp sesame oil A handful of fresh coriander 1 tbsp soy sauce
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Put the prawns on skewers and lightly grill the prawns for a few seconds on each side. Once grilled drizzle some extra dressing on the prawns. Toss the fresh spinach in a large bowl with the last of the dressing and mix until coated; then add to a plate. Add the raspberries, slice an avocado, red onion and add some alfalfa sprouts. Alternate: This also tastes beautiful in a tortilla wrap. Grill the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side, pop the ingredients in and devour! Credit: berryworld.com
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RECIPE
100g mange tout, sliced 10 radishes, quartered a large handful of Fresh & Naked rocket small bunch of parsley What to do: In a small frying pan toast the pumpkin seeds until they start to pop, tip into a small bowl and add the lime and tangerine juice, oil, peppercorns, shallots and a pinch of salt. In the same pan dry fry the rye bread until toasted on all sides. Toss the rocket in a little dressing and lay on the plate. Put the rest of the ingredients on top of the rocket, drizzle over the pumpkin seed dressing and finish with rye croutons. Credit: freshandnaked.co.uk
GREEN SMOOTHIE WITH GINGER AND KIWIFRUIT Why not try this smoothie packed with nutrients that will help you lead a healthy lifestyle? This ginger and kiwifruit smoothie contains fibre, vitamin C and potassium - nutrients that help boost vitality. Recipe rich in fibre with high vitamin C content. Good source of potassium and natural source of folate. Serves: 2 people Prep time: 5 minutes Recipe suitable for: coeliacs, flexitarians and vegetarians You’ll need: 1 cup Greek yoghurt 1 cup baby spinach 1 cup oat milk (or other plant-based milk) 2 frozen bananas ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger 2 kiwifruit 2 pitted dates What to do: Put all the ingredients into the blender. Blend for two minutes, until smooth. Pour into two glasses and serve. Credit: Zespri Kiwi - www.zespri.eu
FRESH & NAKED RAINBOW SALAD Different colours in fruit and veg signify different nutrients, so ‘eat the rainbow’ with this fresh, colourful salad for a healthy boost to your daily nutrient intake. Full of flavour thanks to the beetroot and with added crunch from the peppery radishes and peppers and mange tout. Serves: 2 Preparation time: 15 minutes You’ll need: For the dressing: 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds 1 lime, juice only 1 tangerine, juice only 1 tbsp olive oil ½ shallot, finely sliced 1tsp pink peppercorns, roughly crushed For the salad: 1 slice rye bread, sliced into cubes 6 cooked Beetroot, cut into wedges 1 yellow pepper, sliced 1 carrot, grated
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Reiki – The Power of Love By Fiona Joyce, L.T.C.L., A.L.C.M., M.C.Th.A. Reiki Master Teacher and Holistic Therapist
What is Reiki? The word “Reiki” is actually made up of two words ‘Rei’ meaning highest and ‘Ki’ meaning energy. ‘Reiki’ therefore means the highest form of energy, or vibrational frequency, in the universe. It is the same universal energy which makes the grass grow, the flowers bloom, and creates all the wonders of the natural world. Reiki has become a popular holistic healing method in the West, since being re-discovered by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist monk, in 1922. It was subsequently brought to Hawaii in 1940 by his student, Mrs Takeda who taught others and helped this gentle healing method to spread rapidly through the Western World. During a Reiki session, or treatment, the recipient remains fully clothed and the Reiki healing energy is transmitted via the practitioner either by laying hands gently on the body, or ‘beaming’ the energy into the client’s aura, or energy field. Distant healing is also possible if the practitioner has completed the second level of training, which allows Reiki to be sent to anyone, anywhere, at any time. As we now know from quantum physics, the entire universe is made from energy, and underlying our perceived reality is the fact that everything is connected. As Nicolai Tesla said, “If you want to understand the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”
How does Reiki heal? A Reiki session induces a state of deep relaxation, which facilitates healing of body, mind and spirit. It is not so much that Reiki heals us, but that it induces a state whereby our natural healing abilities can be awakened. The sensation is often one of deep peace and tranquillity. For this reason Reiki is particularly effective for releasing stress.
How does Reiki differ from other forms of ‘hands on healing?’ Unlike other methods, the practitioner does not transfer their own energy to the client, instead Reiki energy flows through the hands of the practitioner, who acts as a conduit, or channel for the energy.
Can anyone learn Reiki? Yes – Reiki is very easy to learn and even young children are receptive to the idea of helping others, animals and the planet with this beautiful, loving energy.
Is Reiki a religion? No - there is no religion, politics or required belief system in Reiki. It is an energetic healing method to help us be whole and is widely used by people of all faiths (or none) around the world.
What are the levels of Reiki training? There are three levels of Reiki training. Level one, (usually a one day workshop) connects the student to the Source of Reiki energy, which they can then use on family and friends. 24 | www.life-mags.com
Animals love it too! Level Two is the Practitioner level, where the student learns the traditional Japanese symbols. These help to focus the healing energy in a more specific way and also facilitate sending healing from a distance. Level Three is the ‘Master Level’ and includes advanced Reiki techniques (Master Practitioner) along with the ability to teach others (Master Teacher.) No previous knowledge of energy healing is necessary and Reiki requires nothing of the student except an open heart and the desire to help others. If you are interested in learning to practice Reiki yourself it can be helpful to experience a session first with a suitably qualified Reiki Practitioner. Online resources can also be helpful, such as the website of the International Center for Reiki Training www.Reiki.org.
Does Reiki conflict with standard medical treatment? No. In fact hospitals worldwide (over 800 in the USA alone) are now incorporating Reiki therapy. It has a proven ability to reduce pain and relieve stress, which facilitates healing. Many doctors and nurses are now training as Reiki Practitioners themselves. The renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr Oz has been promoting Reiki energy healing on his TV show which
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
reaches over four million people. Occasionally he even invites Reiki Masters into his operating room, allowing them to tend to patients undergoing precarious surgeries like heart transplants. Hartford Hospital in Connecticut reported that patients who received Reiki, experienced pain reduction by seventy eight percent and patient sleep was improved by eighty six percent. In an interview with ‘O’ the Oprah Winfrey Magazine, Dr Erin Olivo, the former director of the Integrative Medicine Program at Columbia University, notes that Reiki may be helpful for heart conditions, stress-related symptoms, and more.
Can Reiki ever do harm? No. The Source of Reiki is pure love which is at the core of all creation. Whatever a person calls that Source is fine – it can be called God, pure Consciousness, Spirit, All-that–is, etc. It is the ultimate Power of Love to transform, heal and make us whole.
When we are surrounded by the worries of the world today, with concerns about the environment and the future of life on Earth, connecting with the energy of Reiki can help us to find a sense of peace and calmness amongst the chaos. From here, we can make positive, life affirming decisions about the best way forward for ourselves and the planet as a whole. The energy of Reiki can help us to transform not only our individual lives, but also bring the light of healing to the darkness which sometimes threatens to overwhelm us all. Reiki truly is the Power of Love. Fiona can be contacted at Simply Holistic Therapies Phone 01534 866819 Or send an e-mail to fiona_ joyce@yahoo.com
Can Reiki be used alongside other Complementary Therapies ? Yes – Reiki can be very successfully combined with other holistic therapies such as massage, reflexology, colour therapies, and sound healing. The high vibrational frequency of Reiki can help to clear blocked energies in the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies and is highly effective when used in conjunction with chakra–balancing techniques.
The Power of Love Reiki is a wonderful gift to the planet at this particular time. It enables us to find balance and healing is our own lives, as well as helping others.
Simply Holistic... Fiona Joyce is a holistic therapist and teacher, and is a full member of the Complementary Therapists Association (UK and IRL.) Based in St. Helier, she offers workshops and training for Reiki, Chakra balancing and Voicework. All levels of REIKI TRAINING are available – whether to practice on yourself, family and friends, or become a Certified Professional Practitioner. REIKI is a non-invasive complementary therapy which enhances the flow of natural energy for health and wellbeing. It strengthens the immune system and balances energy throughout the body, giving a feeling of peace and deep relaxation. It is suitable for all ages, and animals love it too. BEING - IN - TUNE workshops incorporate the use of sound to help in balancing the chakras, or energy centres of the body. Inside you is a boundless source of creative energy which you can use in every area of your life. When this energy flows freely you are ‘in tune’ with yourself and your surroundings. Healing is facilitated on all levels – physical, emotional and spiritual. VOICEWORK - Discover the use of deep breathing and gentle vocal exercises to free up your true voice – the Sound of your Soul. All workshops are available on an individual basis or in small groups.
JANUARY ISSUE | 25
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU... As we leave 2019 behind and embrace 2020, many of us will have made our New Year’s Resolutions - with most being about making better choices around living a happier, healthier and more empowered life. I myself have resolved to make healthier life choices by giving up alcohol, eating more unprocessed homemade meals and moving more – so much more that I have joined Jersey Girls Run and registered to run the Cardiff Half Marathon in October 2020. Yikes!! The New Year is a time to reflect on the year behind us and to set our goals for the upcoming year, but while 45% of us make a resolution only 8% actually follow them through. Detoxes top the New Year’s Resolution Charts, which is hardly surprising given the indulgences most of us succumb to over the Christmas period. But whilst most people will think of a detox as being about what we put in our bodies, it is equally important to think about what we put on our bodies too. “Cosmetics and personal care items women use every day are packed with a constellation of chemicals that health advocates say could be connected to a host of health problems.” ~ The Guardian, 23 May 2019 “…women use an average of 12 products a day – nearly 200 chemicals…” ~ Environmental Working Group (EWG), 2004 “Cancer is on the rise, infertility is on the rise, allergies in children are on the rise, and people can’t figure out why… The increases are not just due to genetics and new diagnostic techniques.” ~ Nneka Leiba, Director, EWG With the beauty industry being largely self-regulated and products containing a mystifying array of multi-syllabic chemicals
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that I can barely pronounce, let alone understand what they are and how they affect me, I was grateful as a mother and user of cosmetics and body care products to have found a company producing natural alternatives with an ingredients list written in plain English. At first, I was sceptical about using products that I could only obtain through Ambassadors/Reps of a social selling company. Past experiences at parties had put me off. However, when a trusted friend loaned me a ‘borrow bag’ and I tried them for myself, I was sold. Everything I read about the ethos of the Company and its founder made me want to try everything – and sign up! So I did. My skin cleared up and looked more youthful within a few weeks. Foundation looked natural on me for the first time. Eye makeup no longer had me looking like I had been crying for hours on end and the body care products had me feeling and smelling great. The most notable benefit came though when I switched to using their body soap, washes and creams on my daughter, Aimée-Faye. Historically I had only used prescription washes and moisturiser with her, because anything else would cause her eczema to flare up. But not with these. I had finally found something toxic
chemical free, safe to use with her and that she enjoyed using at bath time. She was happier. I knew the ingredients were healthier. And I felt empowered as a mother, being able to give her something she wanted that I knew was good for her too. So if you are looking to detox this New Year, consider detoxifying your beauty products as well as your meals. Your body will thank you for it. Chantal Le Moël Blue Dragon Therapies chantal@bluedragontherapies.je 07700 714321
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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
JOINING THE GYM THIS JANUARY? 3 MACHINES YOU REALLY SHOULD KNOW HOW TO USE Make the most out of any machine workout with this handy guide, says Liz Connor...
posture (try not to lean back when you're using this machine as this can put pressure on your lower back).
The start of a new year inevitably brings fresh resolutions to live a healthier and more active lifestyle, which might mean you're thinking about joining the gym.
Pull the bar down to your upper chest, pause for a beat while squeezing your lats, then take the bar back up with a slow, controlled movement and repeat.
Despite the fact that group exercises classes and free weights are conquering the fitness scene right now, personal trainers agree: exercise machines can be really effective for first timers who want to take on short-duration workouts at their own pace. The problem is that these towering metal structures - with their knobs, handles, pulleys and cables - can be pretty intimidating to approach if you don't know what you're doing, especially when everyone else at the gym makes it look so effortless. For this reason, it's always a good idea to have an induction at your gym before trying anything new; a trainer can walk you through machine safety and check you aren't putting yourself at risk of injury. That being said, here are a few common machines to get to know, and how they can assist your 2020 fitness goals. 1. CHEST PRESS If you're looking to build some definition to your pectoral muscles, shoulders and biceps, the chest press is a great way to work on your upper-body strength. Sitting upright, the machine places the arms under a weight-bearing load, mimicking the effort of a press-up. How to use it: Choose a weight that's heavy enough to fatigue your muscles after 15 reps, but isn't so heavy that you can't complete the range of motion correctly. Sat in a upright position with the seat back supporting you and your head facing forwards, grip the handles near to your chest, exhale and push them forwards until your arms are fully extended, but not locked. As you inhale, gently bring the handles back towards your chest and repeat.
3. SEATED LEG PRESS Working the quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves, this lowerbody machine is great for toning and growing the legs. This seated leg press can be a safe way to add volume to your workouts without relying on barbells. Thanks to its size and the 45-degree seated position, it can look incredibly intimidating at first, but it's actually really easy to use once you get the hang of it. How to use it: Add the right weight; 25 pound plates per side is a good starting point for beginners. Sit on the seat and plant your feet hip-width apart on the foot plate. Once you feel comfortable, firmly press the footplate with both feet while releasing the safety latches on the side of the seat with your hands. With your feet still firmly in place, bend your knees, letting the weight of the footplate guide your feet towards your body. Once your knees are at a 90-degree angle, press the footplate away from the body and straighten your legs, without locking your knees. Repeat for 10 to 15 reps and engage the safety latches before jumping off the machine.
2. LAT PULL-DOWN If your goal is to be able to successfully perform a pull-up, this machine can help to get you there. Specifically targeting the large flat muscles on the back, the lat pull-down machine is a weightadjusted cable exercise that replicates the same vertical pullingdown motion. Unlike a body weight pull-up though, you can control how much weight you lift, allowing you slowly increase the intensity over time. How to use it: Before getting started, add weight to the machine it's best to begin with a light weight while you familiarise yourself with the technique. The machine has a padded cylinder that should sit snugly over your thighs to reduce any movement. Grab hold of the overhead cable bar with a wide grip and look forwards with an upright
JANUARY ISSUE | 29
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HOME LIVING
New Year Tidy Up DECLUTTER IN STYLE Yearning for a good clear-out? Sam Wylie-Harris has stylish storage sorted...
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HOME LIVING
As much as we love to hold on to those joyous holiday moments, one of the joys of the post-festive season is packing away all those things we spent hours putting up. Having created an Insta-worthy winter wonderland ahead of Christmas, no sooner has the last mince pie been scoffed and tired bottle of plonk laid to rest, we can't wait to press the refresh button, edit out the old and fashion in the new. So let's call time on clutter, clear the decks, and get sorted for the new year ahead. These stylish solutions will help... WHITE WOVEN LACY STORAGE BASKET, MELODY MAISON If you're not sure where to start and need a little bit of motivation, these pretty storage baskets sing springtime and a romantic escape. Especially if you style them with a lacy cotton kaftan and a glossy travel mag. After all, new years are all about our hopes and dreams. GOLD SHADOW BOX, NEXT Definitely on our gold list, this three-dimensional wall shelving will suit any room, and the three surfaces are generous enough to accommodate various shaped knick-knacks. You can add height with a vase of flowers, or elegant bird sculpture as shown here.
COOK HOUSE GLASS HOLDER SHELF NATURAL OAK, NEST Skip the expense of a cocktail trolley, when you can save on precious floor space and mount your favourite spirits and stemware (takes up to six glasses) on this drinks shelf instead. WILKO MULTI PURPOSE STORAGE STAND, WILKO After all that festive entertaining, chances are it will be a relief to pack away those pots and pans and reap the rewards of a microwave. This simple stand is just the trick.
(OPPOSITE) ARGOS HOME LOFT LIVING 2 X 5 STORAGE UNIT, LOFT LIVING SET OF 2 METAL SURROUND SHELVES Five shelves, five ways to style them. Functional and versatile, this storage and display unit can be shaped to suit your space and used as a building block if you want to add more squares from the range. As well as having the option to hide bits and bobs you don't want to be displayed, the unit can be teamed with a matching set of hanging wall shelves - for a contemporary take, a string of succulents makes a fresh centrepiece. LOFT MILA OTTOMAN BOX, MARKS & SPENCER Did someone say blanket box? We think this ottoman looks so swish, it wouldn't look out of place in the living room, with its smart, woven linen look and oak effect legs. Genius for holding bulky items that can't be folded away.
WADE RETRO ONE DOOR CABINET - NATURAL RATTAN - BLACK, CULT A little cupboard love goes a long way, especially if you can stretch to two of these dinky units, which can double up as a side unit either side of the bed. Place table lamps on top and beauty kit underneath.
continues overleaf...
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HOME LIVING
COTTON LARGE STORAGE BAG AND UNDER BED STORAGE BAG, THE WHITE COMPANY If you're lucky enough to live a cashmere lifestyle, then you know how important it is to care for precious wools. And if you prefer to zip blankets and linen sets tidily away under the bed, these storage bags are a sure-fire solution to keeping everything moth free.
SET OF 2 CURVED VELOUR STORAGE BOXES, NEXT Top of the colour charts, Classic Blue is Pantone's colour of the year for 2020. You can channel this "universal favourite" shade and put the lid on clutter with these chic-looking storage boxes.
TRUNK SET OF 3 PINK/GREY/BLUE COLOURED METAL STORAGE TRUNKS, HABITAT With a timeless vintage look, is it any wonder storage trunks never go out of fashion? We love this pastelhued metal trio, with their smart brass locks and clean lines.
AVERY WALL MOUNTED COAT RACK WITH MIRROR - BRASS, CULT FURNITURE The stylist's answer to a cramped coat cupboard, we can't think of a better way to glam up a hallway than with this statement coat rack. With sturdy hooks, generous sized rack for hats or handbags, plus a mirror for lastminute touch-ups, it can be dressed with confidence.
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MEL OWERS Painters & Decorators Limited
Interior and Exterior Decorating Covering all aspects of the trade including Specialist Paint Effects and High Quality Wall Coverings
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Email: melowers@hotmail.co.uk Kroonstad, Clairvale Road, St Helier
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HOME LIVING
New Year; Take What You Like and Dare To Be You WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY KATYA PASTORINI, PAINTED BEAUTIFUL
At what is an introspective time, as we settle into a new year and indeed, decade, we have been invigorated by this and are looking to use it in a healthily, positive and productive way. Inline with this, and given the transition into a new decade, we have looked at some of the headline themes of the 2010s. Reviewing history in any circumstance is such a powerful tool, its influence allows us to understand, improve, invent, reinvent, reproduce and so forth; we can take forward what works and discard the rest! The last decade was heavily influenced by the credit crunch of the late 2000s. It created many challenges and saw high levels of value engineering but modern design ultimately become more
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conscious, engaged, exciting and individualistic. The early 2010s saw the mainstream playing safe with colours, shapes and fabrics and with the rise of ‘Hygge’, Scandinavian design and Minimalism flooded the market. Design softened mid way through the decade and mid century modernism hit the mass market brands. Other key themes were Modern Farmhouse as well as what has been dubbed ‘Airspace’ (reclaimed wood, metal accessories, Edison bulbs, plants and subway tiles). The decade has ended with a resurgence of bold colours, alternative metallics to chrome and nickel, pattern and materials
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HOME LIVING
became more tactile; and our favourite concept, Eclecticism! Part of this is about people expressing personalities, we want soul and warmth and we love the fact that influencers have been redefining modern to being about mix! We believe the beauty of design is the collaboration in the scheme and whether it is a reflection of oneself, not whether it fulfills the on-trend brief. A nod to social media and particularly Instagram and Pinterest should also me made; they have been huge influencers and have empowered people to incorporate design into their lives. Naturally, we are not suggesting that trend be ignored, it’s difficult not to be influenced but, unlike clothing fashion, it’s prohibitively expensive to be frequently changing your home design. We feel that a healthier approach can be achieved; but you can still have fun with trends, they help you to understand and develop your personal style. We would recommend choosing furniture and fitted finishes that last and have a few key quality, well designed pieces that you love, such as vintage, handcrafted or bespoke pieces, as it is more likely that you will feel connected to these items and want to keep them for many years. Design choices need to work for the home, your personalities and how you live; the decisions you make are best made on this basis rather than trend and are made after careful reflection and analysis as to who you are and the life you wish to lead. They may ultimately align with trends but are best not chosen based on trend alone. The test should be, when it is no longer in trend would you be able to live with it? Making the home a true reflection of self can be easily achieved, just dare to be you: Upcycling, what better way than by sourcing a item that you can upcycle by adding design and value, whether it is financial, visual or emotional; often we fall in love with these pieces, so create an emotional attachment for longevity. Turn Clutter into collections, it is a lovely way to proudly display those items that you have dedicated time and effort curating. Travel accessories are a fine example. If you can see that the items can be organised into a form of décor, show off your treasures. Go dramatic with your lighting; Interior Designer Abigail Ahearn was quoted as saying that a small sized living room should have 8 lamps! It is, or course, a fundamental element for the curation of atmosphere, ambience and design, coupled with the fact that it is a complimentary feature for other items within each room examples are lighting of art work and creating a snug reading area. Colour, choose based on how you would like to feel in the particular room but try to keep it to no more than four colours. Be brave and take some risks, again upcycling is a great way to fulfill this. Adding a touch of glamour or uniqueness with effects such as metallics or ombré, or use of accessories such as an oversized mirror on a smaller wall, to create friction in the setting, try not to make the placing of accessories easy on the eye, otherwise the space can become boring! Redesigning our homes on a budget sparks creativity; an excellent way to ensure that our homes are reflective of ourselves.
For further information on any of the above pop into Painted Beautiful in the Central Market or contact Carrie or Katya on e-mail: paintedbeautifuljersey@gmail.com www.paintedbeautiful.com Facebook: Painted Beautiful Phone: 07797 816443
JANUARY ISSUE | 35
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HOME LIVING
Make the most of a Spare Room From gyms and games rooms to a home cinema, the possibilities are endless. By Luke Rix-Standing... We wish we had the problem of what to do with a spare room. With property prices as they are, and homes becoming ever more compact, having an extra room in the house is a bit of a luxury. But what to do with it? Here's a few ideas...
If there is one item not to skimp on, it's your chair. Posture and comfort are paramount, and when hunched over a laptop all day, lack of back support bites hard. GAMES ROOM A teenage dream it's never too late to fulfil, a well-stocked games room will ensure your misspent youth continues long into adulthood. The main thing to be conscious of is space. Pool tables are not only large, they need a perimeter of about 5ft for comfortable cuing, while ping pong tables need double their 9ft length for adequate movement at each end.
HOME OFFICE As laptops and Skype calls become the main tools of business, and more and more people are working from home, the home office has become less luxury more necessity. Besides the obvious desk and chair, you might wish to invest in a filing system, and ensure access to an ample supply of sockets. Office wellbeing matters wherever you're working, so pick up some pot plants and take the time to decorate. continues overleaf... 38 | www.life-mags.com
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HOME LIVING
Table football is a little more compact, though be aware that vigorous play could send said football flying into any nearby screens. HOME GYM Manna from heaven for fitness freaks, and a perfect way to remove excuses during slovenly moments, home gyms consist of anything from kettlebells and yoga mats, to elaborate cardio and weights machines. The most important thing is to get the flooring right, and we recommend a commercial-grade foam surface to maximise shock absorption and minimise sound. Never compromise on safety either. As for accoutrements, full-length mirrors seem be nearmandatory, we strongly suggest a speaker system, and next-level gym bunnies could even pick up a water cooler.
MAKESHIFT BAR A popular option for garages and shed conversions, there's no reason why your personal speakeasy - for responsible drinking only - shouldn't have a fully fledged spot inside the house. The ingredients are fairly straightforward - a tabletop (perhaps professionally installed), a plug-in mini-fridge on one side, and a set of bar stools on the other. Everyone knows what really makes a bar is row upon row of bottles obscuring the back wall, easily constructed with some IKEA shelving units and a trip to your local offie. Ideally, make sure you're more than one wall away from any family bedrooms, or expect late night rabble-rousing to be extremely poorly received.
WALK-IN WARDROBE You'll have to work with what you've got, but the best walk-in wardrobes are longer than they are wide, with clothes hung down each side, and a mirror at the end like a private miniature catwalk.
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HOME LIVING
Make sure to build the room around your existing clothing - slide racks if mostly shirts, shoe draws if overflowing with footwear and shove on a glass sliding door if you're willing to do a little extra work. Bear in mind that a walk-in wardrobe will not add value to your home compared to, for example, an extra bedroom or bathroom. It should be a passion project in a home you're likely to stay in.
sleepovers, and line the walls with low-lying storage units for easy reach. The best thing about the self-built playroom is that it requires no structural changes, so in a few years you might even get the room back.
HOME CINEMA There are definitely two tiers of home cinema. Tier one is little more than a wall-mounted widescreen TV, with large, reclining seats, and soft furnishings to soak up sound. This you can do on your own. Tier two involves a high-quality projector and projection screen, a surround sound setup (five speakers minimum), ambient dimmer-switch lighting, and preferably sound insulation in the walls. This will require professional installation. If you want rows of tilting seats, slushie machines, and groups of infuriatingly loud teenagers, you're entering tier three... READING ROOM There's something about throwing away books that feels strangely immoral, as though you're throwing away not just the pages but the knowledge they contain. A reading room is all about aesthetic - armchairs, over-theshoulder reading lamps, the sort of coffee table you'd find in a dentist's waiting room covered with copies of Time Magazine. A thick carpet keeps things cosy as well as quiet, while bookcases should be floor-to-ceiling, and ideally rammed. For the full Dickensian feel, you'd want ornate Victorian panelling and the bust of a Greek philosopher too, but we can't have everything.
PLAYROOM A boon for new and expectant parents that don't want to deal with the scatter of toddler toys in the lounge, playrooms are simple to construct, if rather less simple to keep clean. Consider playhouses, bean bags, vibrant splashes of colour. Pick up a thick, furry rug to provide cushioning for top-heavy toddlers, throw in a cheap sofa bed for comfort and/or
GUEST BEDROOM We know, hardly the most original option, but there's a reason that spare sleeping quarters are a go-to for otherwise unattached rooms. Sociability aside, 'number of bedrooms' is a major determinate factor in the valuation of a house, so a conversion can be financially savvy even if it's never used. It's also one of the most straightforward - bed, carpet, closet, curtains, and you're open for business.
Buying a new home and looking for a lawyer? For your free consultation and quote, get in touch with our professional and approachable property team.
Traditional values. Modern approach.
www.lgl.je | 760760 | enquiries@lgl.je JANUARY ISSUE | 41
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HOME LIVING
Budget Style... GIVE YOUR HOME A LUXE LOOK FOR LESS Some clever styling and attention to detail doesn't have to break the bank. By Luke Rix-Standing... Cost and quality are often related - but not all of the time. You can spend millions on renovations and be left ruing poor design choices, for example. Or you can be spend savvy and create the illusion of luxury for less. Like the sound of that? Here's how to have your home looking lavishly luxuriant, whatever your budget...
while too much clutter can look old-fashioned and lived-in in all the wrong ways. It's a basic design rule that sometimes less is more, and there's no greater luxury than good taste and styling. Giving your space the Marie Kondo treatment costs nothing, but could instantly make a space feel more curated (and calm!).
A DASH OF PAINT Your paintwork provides the backdrop against which your whole interior is judged, so it's hard to overestimate the invigorating effects of a new layer. You may want to debut a bold new colour, or - if you're feeling very brave - try out a pattern, but even a simple re-application will work wonders. All paintwork starts to chip, flake and fade eventually, and most paint jobs look their age, so this can be a sure-fire route to major makeover. EMBRACE MINIMALISM uxury does not have to mean crystal chandeliers and lashings of gold leaf. In fact, it can be quite the reverse - a pared back, white-washed aesthetic can look modern in all the right ways, continues overleaf...
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HOME LIVING
BET ON GREEN Excluding bulbous cacti and foul-smelling corpse lilies, vegetation lends a feeling of freshness and elegance to any room. It is almost impossible to feel stuffy when surrounded by living leaves, and a few well-placed plants can give your home the same restorative feeling you get when you step outside into nature. From simple rubber plants to elaborate orchids, study after study has linked green exposure to feelings of calm and contentment indoors and outdoors alike.
USE LAYERED LIGHTING A room illuminated by a single diffuse light source will look monochrome bland, so create contrast by texturing your rooms with multiple light sources, trained on focal points like tables or beds. Householders never have enough mood lighting. Drop by your local megastore, pick out some lovely-looking but budget-friendly lamps, and distribute them evenly around you home. You could even invest in a dimmer switch - a status symbol as well as a practical gadget.
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CUSHIONS AND CURTAINS Fabrics are your best friend when trying to look lavish, and long, floor-length curtains lend a room a soft, well-furnished feel. Flashy finery and throw pillows are synonymous with indulgence, and are comfy to the skin and the eyes. They can be expensive but they don't need to be - choose wisely and bog-standard cushion covers and high-street drapes will serve your living room just fine. LOW COLOUR, HIGH TEXTURE Using a coherent colour palette looks elegant, tasteful and thought-through, so add contrast and interest by mixing materials instead. Try laying a fluffy woollen rug over a hardwood floor, beneath the metal legs of a plywood table, stocked with ceramic pots or ornaments. Luxurious spaces do not happen by accident, so the more co-ordinated a space seems, the more upmarket it will feel. continues overleaf...
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HOME LIVING
MIRROR, MIRROR Mirrors have been a longtime go-to for designers looking to create a sense of space, and a large unit can add a tremendous sense of depth to even the pokiest shoe-box. Hanging a mirror opposite an entrance can make a room appear almost literally twice the size, while mounting one opposite a window will send natural light bouncing around the space. If a room looks luxurious, so too will its reflection. CREATE VIGNETTES A single matchbox on a coffee table is clutter; a curated arrangement of matchboxes is a vignette. Organised tablescapes can consist of almost anything - seashells, pine cones, bowls of baubles and bric-a-brac - and lend an air of elegance to even the most ordinary living room. They're luxurious because they're so unnecessary, and a well-placed vignette is a sure-fire conversation starter.
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MOUNT YOUR TELEVISION It looks satisfyingly hi-tech, removes an electronic eyesore by banishing tangled wires, and echoes the aesthetic of a high-quality hotel. We advise professional installation for all but the most sure-handed DIY-ers, but the bracket itself needn't cost more than ÂŁ20-ÂŁ30. INVEST IN A PARTY PIECE It can be literally anything - an ornate work of art, a statement chandelier, an heirloom or antique - just one extra item of interest to add that most coveted luxury: individuality. It's not about cost, it's about standing out from the domestic crowd.
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Extra Mile Interview with Dr Helen Miles
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GARDENING JANUARY:Layout 1 05/01/2020 13:40 Page 1
GARDENING
Want to Redesign your Garden for 2020 HERE'S HOW TO GIVE IT A GO YOURSELF Fancy a new patio, bed or border, or maybe it's time to make that veg plot a reality? Hannah Stephenson offers design ideas to help get you started... The New Year is a great time for turning over a new leaf and planning a new look for your garden. You can sit inside in the warm, sketch possible shapes and sizes of lawns, beds and borders, and maybe even contemplate a new patio. Here's some inspiration for getting started... TACKLING STEEP GARDENS My own garden needs some careful thought as it's on a steep hill - but I haven't got round to terracing it into sections, as that would require major digging work and all the expense that goes with it. The trouble with steep gardens is that if you want level planting areas, you can create terraces but you are likely to need a specialist to build the necessary retaining walls. However, if you
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decide to go ahead, it can mean endless possibilities, as such walls can include steps, water features and split-level flowerbeds. DEALING WITH DIFFICULT SHAPES Use trellis and climbing plants to separate different areas of the garden. You, too, may have a difficult garden which doesn't have a uniform, rectangular shape, but while you are planning, bear in mind these basic guidelines. The key to an interesting garden is to be able to move through it, and everything should not be visible at a single glance. It's great to provide surprises by creating trellises or other borders, which will divide a garden into individual areas. SOFTENING BORDERS If you have a square plot, this may seem almost impossible, but you can soften boundaries with climbing plants. It is also a good idea to base the whole garden on a circular pattern, whether it be with a circular lawn or paved area, with soft curved borders providing eye-catching colour and detail. If you have a town garden with an unsightly view of, say, an industrial building, or you are overlooked by neighbours, you could think about planting a tree or a climbing plant on trellis in a strategic position, to enhance privacy and create a pleasing sight for the eye. TACKLING NARROW AND WIDE GARDENS People with wide gardens which are not very long should never place a focal point on the opposite boundary, as this will only emphasise the garden's shortness. continues overleaf...
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GARDENING
Instead, place eye-catching points from corner to corner, arranging a viewing point in one corner and planting the borders, so the eye automatically goes to the other corner.
scale it down to suit the size of your paper and draw in your house first, making sure it is at the correct angle in relation to the garden.
Long, narrow gardens can also cause headaches, but such a plot can be divided effectively by creating a meandering path in an S shape, using plantings so that each curve you take brings you to another surprise.
Pick up ideas for new garden design by visiting public gardens, or flick through magazines and books to find pictures which may well correspond to the shape and size of your garden.
MAKE A PLAN There are a number of garden apps which will help you do this, including a great way to visualise how your garden could look. The app lets you take a photo of your garden, render it into 3D, then drag and drop features onto it, including plants, trees, ponds and ground cover such as grass and gravel. Whatever online help you're offered, make a list of what you want in your garden - will you be growing vegetables, making your own compost, investing in a greenhouse, or would you rather it consisted mainly of pretty pots and borders of colour? If you are short of space, you may have to compromise on your initial wish list, rather than trying to cram everything in and not being able to move. Also consider how much time you are going to have to spend maintaining your garden. If you have a full-time job, it may not be wise to have masses of beds and borders and a huge lawn, which will need high-maintenance upkeep. SKETCH IT OUT Always design a new garden on paper first, as though you are looking down on the garden. Measure the shape and dimensions,
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welcome to the
Ski Feature INSIDE: 7 REASONS WHY SKIING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY 3 WAYS TO REVOLUTIONISE YOUR EUROPEAN SKI HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL COLD WEATHER CLOTHING FOR ACTIVE WINTER BREAKS OUR TOP FIVE SKI RESORTS
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Thinking of hitting the slopes?
7 REASONS WHY SKIING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY
From strong abdominal muscles to leaner lower body, here's why a holiday on the snow could benefit your waistline, says Liz Connor Ski season is about to begin, which means it's time to dust off your padded pants and perfect your snow plough. If you've already booked your next getaway somewhere snowy, you're probably looking forward to topping up your tan and enjoying the apres ski vibes with a glass of Gluhwein. But aside from being a chance to switch off your emails and unwind, a ski holiday can provide plenty of brilliant benefits for the body too. Whether you're heading to fashionable Lech, party-loving Verbier or low-key Monterosa, we've found some pretty convincing reasons to get on board with a high altitude workout this winter. 1. IT IMPROVES CORE STRENGTH As well as requiring a good deal of courage, getting your balance on the snow is essential for skiing. Engaging the core muscles, including the back and abdominal muscles, is crucial for helping you to stay upright during a downhill session, as well as protecting the spine from injury. From navigating rapid slalom turns to skidding to a stop, skiing involves lots of different highly coordinated movements with intense bursts of tough muscle work. That's why Olympic skiers
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have incredibly lean but muscular physiques, with incredible amounts of core strength to keep their body perfectly aligned on the snow. 2. IT CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT It might not feel like it at the time, but skiing is also a very effective form of interval training, involving high-intensity effort with periods of recovery. All that stopping and starting is not only a great cardiovascular workout for your heart, it can also help to shed any unwanted winter weight. This is because, during a high-intensity phase, the body burns off carbs for an instant hit of energy. During the recovery meanwhile, the body burns fat to help replenish itself after a hard effort. Researchers have found this process can continue for hours after training, helping you to continue to lose weight long after you've retired your skis for the afternoon. 3. IT BOOSTS YOUR MOOD Breathing in lungfuls of fresh mountain air, feeling the rush of it against your cheeks and taking in the postcard panoramas there's a reason why so many hit the slopes, year after year. As well as being good for your waistline, skiing is a great activity for boosting your mental health. Studies have shown that being immersed in nature can lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which calms the body's fight-or-flight response. Getting on a sunny slope can also give you a healthy
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dose of mood-boosting vitamin D, which can help combat issues like seasonal affective disorder.
muscle is engaged to help you turn, bend, jump or simply stabilise your ski pose.
4. IT CAN IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY If you haven't got the patience for yoga, a ski holiday is ideal for improving your flexibility. From hamstrings to hips, skiing is a total-body workout that helps loosen up any neglected muscles. As well as helping to reduce aches and pains the day after exercising, increasing your mobility in general can help reduce the chance of injury, too.
Because your body is constantly in a crouching position, you'll feel the burn in your legs, as you work your inner and outer thighs, hamstrings, quads and glutes. It's a much more entertaining way of training your lower body than hours squatting in the gym - and you'll reap the same leg toning benefits.
5. IT PROMOTES DEEPER SLEEP There's no two ways about it: Skiing is seriously exhausting business. From being on your feet all day to side stepping your way along a mountain, the sheer amount of effort required to get from A to B on skis is guaranteed to tire out even the most unsettled of sleepers. Having an active lifestyle can help you naturally feel sleepy at the end of the day, and research has also found that regular exercise, such as the day-in-day-out routine of a ski holiday, can help boost sleep duration, as well as quality. 6. IT'S A COMPLETE LOWER-BODY WORKOUT Skiing is one of the few activities which will give your lower body a blistering workout. As you slide around the slopes, nearly every
7. IT CAN KEEP YOUR TICKER IN GOOD NICK As it's a muscle, just like any other, your heart needs to be worked to stay strong, otherwise you could be putting yourself at risk of a whole host of negative health issues - and research has found that an hour of downhill skiing can be just as effective as cycling or rowing. By getting the heart pumping at a faster rate on a regular basis through cardiovascular exercise, you can keep arteries clear by raising "good" cholesterol and lowering "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood. Of course, fondue and boozy apres ski traditions aren't the most heart-healthy of rituals, but when it comes to holidays - much like skiing - finding the right balance is key.
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3 WAYS TO REVOLUTIONISE YOUR EUROPEAN SKI HOLIDAY Invigorate your winter sports break with one of these great ideas, says Sarah Marshall... Waving goodbye to the summer is always done with a degree of sorrow, but a dip in temperatures does mean there's one great pleasure on the horizon: the European ski season will soon be in full swing. Old favourites and flashy new resorts are set to woo winter sports fanatics, along with a raft of innovative new tours and training aids. From forging better connections on the slopes, to arriving at your destination in good time - here are three of the most fun developments in store.
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1. CONNECTING WITH NATURE ON THE SLOPES Proof skiing doesn't always have to be an adrenaline-fuelled activity, a new course at French ski resort La Plagne aims to introduce some mindfulness to the slopes through sophrology (a relaxation technique). Ski instructor and sophrologist Karine will lead a 1.5 hour course in Montchavin Les Coches, encouraging skiers to appreciate nature and their own wellbeing. Students will leave with greater self-confidence, refined mental focus and improved physical strength. Afterwards, everyone will enjoy a Serenity Afternoon Tea in an altitude restaurant. Visit montchavin.evolution2.com.
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2. A GREEN ROUTE TO THE WHITE STUFF Snow sports enthusiasts with a focus on efficiency should consider a trip to Austria this season, where a new Alpen Express sleeper ski train is set to slash journey times and carbon footprints. Operating from the Netherlands and Cologne, the direct overnight train serves almost 100 ski resorts in Austria, including St. Anton, Alpbach, Kitzbuhel, Soll, Mayrhofen, Ischgl, Solden, Westendorf, Kirchberg in Tirol, and new Zell am See-Kaprun. Friendlier to the environment, the trip also produces 80% less carbon emissions. According to to Best Foot Forward, part of the Anthesis consulting group, a one-way journey by plane from London to Zell am See-Kaprun generates 111kg of CO2 per passenger and a one-way road journey 256kg per car. Rail journeys meanwhile generate just 23kg of CO2 per person. Visit alpen.express/en/. 3. THE PERFECT DIGITAL COACH Imagine having your own ski instructor permanently by your side? Launched two years ago, the Carv app fulfils that role - and a new 3.0 version promises to be even better. Using two thin footbeds packed with sensors, which are worn in ski boots, the technology is able to accurately assess a user's ski skills. Information is transmitted to a ski tracker and then sent to smartphone via Bluetooth, with real-time audio feedback communicated through headphones. Competitive types can also monitor their performance compared to other users. Visit getcarv.com.
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Essential cold weather clothing for
ACTIVE WINTER BREAKS Kit up appropriately for your snow-themed holidays with these items, by Sarah Marshall...
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There was a time when winter holidays either involved long-haul searches for sunshine or high-octane slaloms on the slopes. Now the choice of cold weather activities is much broader, and more people are choosing to book snow-themed short breaks. But whether you plan to go aurora hunting, husky mushing or hiking in the mountains, having the appropriate clothing is essential. It's very tempting to buy the biggest, bulkiest outerwear available, but unless you plan to stay still for hours, sweattrapping down jackets can make things worse. Look for items that are both insulated and breathable, allowing you to stay warm while on the move. Here are eight worthwhile investments for starters... BODY SAVIOUR Helly Hansen Spitfire Lifaloft Jacket Promising winter warmth without too much bulk, this insulated jacket is a great all-rounder. It'll keep you cosy for long periods spent outside - such as stints spent hunting northern lights and it's also waterproof and windproof. Articulated arms and elbows allow for freedom of movement, making it suitable for more active pursuits. GRIPPING GLOVES GORE M Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Gloves Wearing gloves is a necessity in cold climates - but heavy handwear does make it difficult to perform any practical functions. Photographers will appreciate these 3D moulded gloves, which aim to give the perfect fit with plenty of room for movement. They are also water resistant. HAPPY HEAD GEAR Musto Thermal Hat A decent hat is probably the most important piece of cold weather kit - and it doesn't need to cost a fortune. Stay warm without getting too hot headed in this fast-wicking acrylic-wool mix beanie. Ideal for sport, it balances breathability with heat retention. BRILLIANT BASE LAYERS Smalls Men's Everlong Merino Tee and Trousers They might be expensive, but merino wool base layers will keep you warm, dry and fresh. Keeping you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cold, this awardwinning set is perfect for layering up, or staying cosy once you're home.
COMFY WARM BOOTS Quechua Women's Snow and Hiking Boots Well-priced, massively comfy and totally waterproof, these snow boots are great for snow shoeing through mountainous terrain.
TROUSERS THAT AREN'T TOO THICK Gravity Men's Ski Pants You need trousers that block out the cold, but are thin enough to be active in. These are breathable and waterproof, and have been tested in -20 degree temperatures. THE SNUGGEST OF JUMPERS Kirtipur Cable-Knit Sweater in Darjeeling Mist Handcrafted by women in Nepal and an award winner, this cosy knit will certainly keep you warm. Made from 100% lambswool and Primaloft(R) Black Insulation Eco lining that's waterrepellent and compressible. A HOODIE FOR HUDDLING UP IN Women's Juniper Hoodie Not only is this hoodie made of super-soft organic cotton, but for every one sold, 10 trees are planted. That's guilt-free shopping right there.
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our top five SKI RESORTS RESORT: BANFF Expert Advice: “Banff is a winter wonderland with wildlife and is a fabulous place to explore” Three superb ski areas in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, each set in stunning scenery and linked by an efficient ski bus system. Banff is a winter wonderland with wildlife and is a fabulous place to explore. Sunshine is the main ski area with many of its slopes above tree line - 25 minutes by bus, Norquay is 15 minutes ride away, it is much smaller with wooded slopes, while Lake Louise is a 45 minute drive and has long trails and spectacular high mountain scenery. Beginners learn quickly with excellent tuition while intermediates and advanced enjoy the sheer variety of piste and deep powder bowls. In the picturesque and lively town of Banff you’re quite likely to see an Elk out window shopping as it wanders down the main high street. All accommodation is linked to the resort by the regular bus system. With lots to do in the area, much based around the wildlife to be seen in Banff National Park, non skiers will be just as entertained here as those taking to the slopes.
RESORT: COURCHEVEL Expert Advice: “With a fantastic snow record and over 600km of pistes to conquer, this resort is definitely worth a visit at least once in your skiing career” Quite simply this is the crème de la crème of The Three Valleys resorts. 1850 in particular has become an infamous retreat for the Paris jet set and international stars who come back year after year to promenade, eat fabulous food in wonderful restaurants, and explore this 600km paradise. It is the northern gateway to The Three Valleys offering the most varied terrain from long gentle blues to steep couloirs, and superb skiing both above and below the tree line. Courchevel is split into four village areas, the accommodation we offer is in either smart, shop and bar filled 1850 or calmer 1650. A regular ski bus service links up the villages well into the night so it’s easy to sample the après-ski available in each. With a fantastic snow record and over 600km of pistes to conquer, this resort is definitely worth a visit at least once in your skiing career. There are four very different villages that go to make up Courchevel. Each is named according to its altitude. Hence 1850 is the highest, while ‘Le Praz’ lies on the valley floor at 1300m, with 1650 and 1550 somewhere in between. So why choose 1850? Well, not only is it widely recognised as one of the world’s top ski resorts because of its clientele as much as its on and off piste skiing, shopping and dining opportunities, it is also the main hub for the lift system with quick and easy access into the neighbouring resort of Méribel - just a short hop over the mountain. The main terrain parks are also closest to 1850. It may be the more expensive of the Courchevel resorts, but you can find cheaper options when eating out, and if you want to do it properly, with the nightlife too, then this is the place to stay. Courchevel 1650 is a little off the beaten track compared to its higher altitude neighbour, and less busy for it. There is a charming village centre here, although surrounded by some newer, less attractive additions, but it has more of a genuine ‘village’ demeanour and is distinctly calmer, especially at night. The beginner slopes here are right next to the village, as are some of the best intermediate runs, so it’s a good choice for those who want to improve their skiing with the option of travelling further afield later in the week.
OUR RATING Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude Resort Altitude
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OUR RATING Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good Excellent 2730m High 1630m Low 1380m
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Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude Resort Altitude
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Good Excellent 3230m High 1260m Low 1650m
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RESORT: FLAINE Expert Advice: “Literally a resort right in the thick of things, designed with convenience for all” Situated in the centre of a massive bowl, the pistes and lifts radiate out from the resort of Flaine like a giant snowy octopus. Literally a resort in the thick of things, designed with convenience for all in mind. Free lifts access nearby nursery slopes, a gondola speeds directly across a rock face to the highest peak and an extensive bus system picks up the stragglers from nearby villages who missed the last lift home. This is a great resort for beginners, intermediates and especially families.
OUR RATING
The village itself is split into three areas. The original, ‘Flaine Forum’ is made up of blocks lacking in character but not practicality, its centre offers a few shops, bars and restaurants. The ‘Hameau’ area is prettier with chalet style buildings and is located 1km from the resort centre. The ‘Foret’ area benefits from a 24 hour lift linking it to the main resort - so après-ski activities can, and do continue well into the night!
Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude
If you’re looking for more thrilling activities off the slopes, you can test your driving skills on the ice circuit or paraglide with the professionals!!
Resort Altitude
Excellent Excellent Very Good Very Good Fair Very Good Good 2480m High 1600m Low 1600m
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RESORT: ST ANTON Expert Advice: “superbly prepared slopes for all ability levels” The St Anton region has more than 100 years of skiing tradition and is considered by many to be one of the best ski areas in the world, encompassing not only St Anton but also St Christoph, Lech, Zurs and Stuben. With over 260km of pisted runs and challenging off-piste opportunities, the Arlberg area has something to keep even the most advanced skiers and boarders entertained. St Anton has developed into the area’s most famous centre. Although large and spread-out, it has heaps of charm and character. Here you’ll find some of the liveliest nightlife in Austria with things warming up from mid-afternoon in the many slopeside bars. St Christoph is the lesser known but perfectly formed neighbour of St Anton. Located 8km up the road from St Anton at 1800m, it offers a quiet, friendly atmosphere and quick access via a high speed chairlift to the massive St Anton ski area. This bijou resort is made up of a handful of colourful buildings; high standard hotels, a few restaurants and bars, all conveniently situated at the foot of the local slopes. At 1800m, St Christoph enjoys excellent snow all season. The renowned Arlberg Ski School has a team of instructors based here and also offers a dedicated children’s ski school. This is a fantastic base for families or anyone wanting the convenience of doorstep skiing in the Arlberg region. Don’t expect the nightlife that St Anton offers, evenings here are generally spent enjoying delicious meals or relaxing in the hotel bar with a few drinks.
RESORT: SESTRIÉRE Expert Advice: “Sat on a high, sunny col, Sestrière is a place you can ski until you legs give out” Famously founded as a mountain retreat for employees of Fiat, Sestrière, at 2035m is one of the highest resorts in Italy. Situated just above the treeline this snowy, purpose built resort has an understated feel to it, with an après-ski agenda more relaxed than its’ livelier neighbour Sauze d’Oulx, and offers the complete range of skiing experiences in its 400km of piste, from an excellent, gentle nursery area to the steep downhill runs, made famous by the 2006 Olympics. This is another resort benefitting immensely from the games with a new gondola lift improving connections to the other ‘Vialattea’ resorts of Sansicario, Sauze d’Oulx and Claviere, as well as some of the best snowmaking in the area allowing you to maximise your time on the mountain. Sat on a high, sunny col, Sestrière is a place you can ski until your legs give out, and then indulge in the Italian love of sunbathing on a truly relaxing holiday.
OUR RATING Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude Resort Altitude
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OUR RATING Fair Excellent Excellent Excellent Good Good Excellent 2811m High 1304m Low 1304m
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Beginners Skiing Intermediate Skiing Advanced Skiing Off-Piste Non Skiers Families Nightlife Skiing Altitude Resort Altitude
Very Good Excellent Very Good Good Good Good Good 2825m High 1390m Low 2035m
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TRAVEL
Madrid
For a mesmerising city-break by Rebecca Underwood
Cibeles Fountain Madrid Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain attracts more than 10 million visitors annually and offers an intriguing glimpse into a colourful tapestry of history and culture through its magnificent museums located in the area known as the ‘golden triangle of art’. Art lovers gather at the Prado Museum, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum gazing upon their glorious treasures including masterpieces by the supremely talented Valázquez.
Cathedral Almudena
A gorgeous resident of Madrid Zoo
Judith at the Banquet of Holofernes, Rembrandt 62 | www.life-mags.com
Diego Valázquez was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV and one of the most influential painters of the Spanish Golden Age. Born in Seville in 1599 Valázquez died in Madrid in 1660 and to view examples of his work I headed for the Museo del Prado, which dates back to 1785. At King Charles III’s command the striking building was designed by Juan de Villanueva to house the natural history collection and later, Ferdinand VII, the king’s grandson, decreed that the Spanish crown’s collection would be housed there and the museum duly opened to the public in 1819. The Prado’s exhibits include paintings from the 12th to the early 20th centuries in addition to an extensive collection of classical sculptures, decorative arts, prints, drawings and photographs and the number of works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian and Rubens ensures that this museum remains one of Madrid’s most popular attractions. European masterpieces include The Descent from the Cross by Rogier van der Weyden, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Jheronimus Bosch, The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest by El Greco, and The Second of May 1808 and its companion The Third of May 1808 by Goya, which focus on Spanish rebellion against French occupation. And of course, the highlight of my visit was the time I spent appreciating Las Meninas by Velázquez, which is quite simply intoxicating.
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which opened in 1990, is only a short stroll away and presents contemporary collections on an international scale including excellent works by Spain’s greatest masters Picasso and Dali. Another exhibition includes ‘Is the War Over? Art in a Divided World’, which covers the period from 1945 to 1968 and focuses on the artistic transformations during the development of tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States. It is a fascinating collection and I was particularly drawn to the pieces displayed in room 425 under the title ‘Spain is Different – Tourism and aperture in the 1960s’, which capture the re establishment of relations between Spain and the United States following the alliance in 1953 and the rapid development of tourism, which remains Spain’s most lucrative industry. More artistic masterpieces are on view at the ThyssenBornemisza Museum and include works by Carravaggio, Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Mondrian and Carpaccio. I was most fortunate to spot the Portrait of Henry VIII of England by Hans Holbein the Younger. Painted in 1537, it is an absolutely magnificent work of art and reflects the king’s regal pose and bearing with expertise. A trifle weary after my explorations I hopped on a local bus for the short journey to the Aloft Madrid Gran Via, located in a vibrant part of the city and steps away from all the hustle and bustle of the Plaza del Callao. Accommodations are spacious and feature contemporary furnishings including comfortable platform beds swathed in crisp, white linens ensuring a deep slumber. I opted for a loft terrace king room, which affords an wonderful view overlooking the city and a spacious private terrace with sun loungers. After relaxing awhile I headed for the splash pool on the top floor of the property and following a refreshing dip I ordered an iced orange juice from the
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TRAVEL
Aloft Madrid accommodation
adjacent WXYZ Bar and reclined on a sun bed. I had every intention of studying my diary and promptly succumbed to an afternoon siesta. Later, whilst surveying the meandering narrow streets off the Gran Via, I noted the abundance of little boutiques, thriving coffee shops and tapas bars and as I wandered along Calle del Pez I came upon the Teatro Flamenco Madrid, the only theatre of its kind in the world. ‘Emociones’; the twice daily flamenco performances, attract locals and tourists alike and I was instantly captivated. The interior of the theatre resembles an intimate lounge with little tables scattered around and adorned with flickering candles and whilst the audience sipped on their drinks and nibbled on snacks the heavy curtains parted and the stunning performance began. The male and female flamenco dancers, accompanied by excellent singers and an acoustic guitarist, were all spellbinding. The female dancers, dressed in elaborate colourful costumes, and the male dancer resplendent in a pristine suit, were passionate, exuberant, inspiring and overflowing with energy. This is a real cultural experience and when the show ended the audience were instantly on their feet demanding encores. Up with the larks the following morning and after a tasty breakfast I hopped on the Metro and made my way to Casa de Campo, the location of the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium, which covers 20 hectares and dates back to 1770. Home to more than 6,000 animals, the zoo has embarked on several conservation programmes including successful breeding initiatives for giant pandas. In 1978 China presented Spain with two giant pandas and their cub, born in 1982, was the first panda born in captivity in Europe through the use of artificial insemination. I was enthralled as I watched the adorable pandas consuming what seemed like a never ending supply of bamboo and I then went in search of the western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills, orang-utans, elephants, rhinos and more. It is clear that each species is afforded space and opportunities for privacy and the overall experience was delightful. In the late afternoon I headed for the Salamanca area, the most affluent part of the city, and for those seeking a spot of high end retail therapy there are designer shops galore including Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Resisting the urge to exceed my credit card limit I retreated to the Hard Rock Café located on Paseo de la Castellana. I wandered around admiring the rock memorabilia, which includes a serviette signed by Elvis, a glittering jacket, once worn by Little Richard, a Roy Orbison guitar and a letter of complaint related to the photograph used on the record cover for Dream no. 9. The letter, dated 1975, is from ‘disgusted of Bournemouth’ and is signed by the late, great, John Lennon. Tearing myself away I was then escorted to my table and opted for the succulent 340g New York Strip Steak topped with herb butter and accompanied by the 2017 Prios Maximus, Ribera Del Duero, Crianza, it was perfect. With so much more to see and do I decided to extend my stay in Madrid and strolled along to the newly opened Room Mate Alba Hotel located on Calle de Huertas. Reflecting a contemporary theme with a traditional Spanish flair and only a short walk away from the ‘golden triangle of art’, the property is surrounded by narrow streets crammed with independent boutiques, small shops, bars and restaurants. I opted for a gorgeous deluxe suite, which measures 44 sq metres with plush furnishings, soft
Room Mate Alba Madrid
carpeting and an ultra comfortable bed. The level of comfort and service is exceptional and I was delighted to discover that the breakfast buffet is served from 07.00 to Noon. After a long luxurious lie-in and a late indulgent breakfast I hopped on a local bus and made my way to the Retiro Park, which was owned by the Spanish Crown until it opened to the public in 1767. Covering 350 glorious acres this open air art museum features countless sculptures and beautiful fountains including the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, created by Ricardo Bellver who was born in Madrid in 1845. Bellver’s statue at the apex of the fountain, was inspired by John Milton’s Paradise Lost and depicts Satan’s fall from Heaven. I took a leisurely stroll along the Paseo de la Argentina, also known as ‘statue walk’, and stopped to appreciate the many statues, which represent generations of the Spanish Royal family. I paused awhile beside a beautiful lake, admiring the towering trees and enjoying the heady fragrances emanating from the rose garden, which was designed to reflect the beauty of the Bagatelle in the Bois de Boulogne. The Retiro’s elaborate buildings include a glass conservatory, which is next to the lake. Designed by the Spanish architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco and built in 1887 the building was inspired by London’s Crystal Palace and is now used for art exhibitions. With my time in Madrid was coming to an end I headed back to my hotel on Calle de Huertas and spotted Casa Alberto, a traditional Spanish restaurant, which is family owned and run and was founded in 1827. I joined the locals, some of whom were sipping on drinks at the bar and waiting patiently for a table. I was soon engaged in conversation and learnt that the restaurant was frequented by the American movie star Ava Gardner and Vincente del Bosque González, the Real Madrid Coach and the manager of the Spanish national football team; recipients of the 2010 FIFA Cup. I ordered the succulent Iberian pork; marinated in mustard, and accompanied by the 2017 Emilio Moro it was an outstanding dining experience. I held my glass high in honour of Madrid and reflected on the words of Pablo Picasso ‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life’. ‘Top tip’ – Accommodation For more information on the Aloft Gran Via visit Marriott.com and for the Room Mate Alba go to room-matehotels.com ‘Top tip’ – Airport transfers and local transportation Book private airport transfers for London Heathrow and Madrid. Take advantage of a reliable and punctual first class service. Prices are all inclusive and guaranteed in advance, so you can sit back and relax upon arrival. Visit blacklane.com 'Top tip'- Attractions For more information on Madrid Zoo and Aquarium visit zoomadrid.com and for Emociones visit teatroflamencomadrid.com 'Top tip'- Travel Accessories For a wide range of products including laptop and toiletry bags, travel pillows, beauty cases, umbrellas and wallets visit Samsonite.co.uk Images (excluding accommodation, Madrid Zoo and the Prado Museum) © Madrid Destino Cultura Turismo y Negocio, 2013 and Paolo Giocoso.
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EVENTS
The 2020 Alderney Literary Festival ANOTHER REASON TO VISIT ALDERNEY... Alderney is a very special little island. At only 1.5 miles long and 3.5 miles long with around 2000 residents, Alderney offers rich pickings. The island boasts gorgeous beaches, cobbled streets, fascinating history, great walking, spectacular views, and wonderful wildlife. Then, when you are tired from the great outdoors and in need of creature comforts, the Island offers lively pubs, many restaurants and cafés offering great food, and a variety of accommodation ranging from 4-star hotels through to B&B, self-catering and camping. While there are no direct commercial flights from Jersey to Alderney, connections can be made via Guernsey or, of course, our small airport actively welcomes Private Aviators. Perhaps something less well known about Alderney is we have a Literary Festival! The Alderney Literary Festival, now in its sixth year, celebrates all aspects of historical writing. It is a bit like the island itself, offering something for everyone. The Festival takes place over a long weekend in March, attracting visitors from the UK, other Channel Islands, and Alderney itself. Last year – and the year before and the year before that – was a complete sell out! Here are some of the things that Festivalgoers tell us they really enjoy about the Alderney Literary Festival: • Boutique size – all based in the historic Island Hall, Alderney‘s seat of Government;
We would absolutely love to welcome Jersey residents to the 2020 Literary Festival, which takes place on Friday 20th March, Saturday 21st March, and Sunday 22nd March. Led by Roman military novelist and Festival Chairman Anthony Riches, this year’s exciting programme includes Andrew Lownie on his explosive biography of The Mountbattens; Rory Clements with his forthcoming World War II thriller Hitler’s Secrets; and Sunday Times bestselling/Richard & Judy Book Club pick Stacey Halls with her soon-to-be published The Foundling. Jonathan F Putnam delves into Abraham Lincoln’s unsolved cases, Helen Castor explores the real Joan of Arc, and Ned Palmer traces the history of the British Isles through, of all things, its cheeses! Antonia Senior will bring 13th century Scotland to life, Roger Moorhouse analyses the German invasion of Poland, and Miguel Angel Lopez de la Asuncion looks at the very last days of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines through the lens of the year-long Siege of Baler. Finally, but by no means least, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, the Historical Writer’s Association Debut Novelist of 2019, takes a long hard look at Britain’s 18th century association with slavery and the sugar trade with her outstanding debut novel, Blood & Sugar. Individual talks cost £10 each. But you can get 1 ticket to each of the 12 weekend talks for only £95! Rover Tickets can be shared between family and friends and represents a great saving on individual tickets. We also like to encourage youngsters along, so under-18s go free (subject to availability)!
• World class authors - history and historical fiction • A diverse programme of events which includes speakers and panel discussions, and free fringe events; • Range of genres - biographies, thrillers, crime, adventure, romance, warfare, and political analysis • Proximity to authors – our size and informal friendly culture means you meet and mingle with the Authors all weekend.
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We would love to hear from Jersey residents and welcome you to join us at this year’s Festival. Do please access our website www.alderneyliterarytrust.com and subscribe to our Newsletter. This will give you all our Festival news together with a full description of books and authors, and the opportunity to buy tickets online one week before they go on public sale.
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JAMES MEWS JANUARY:Layout 1 06/01/2020 11:58 Page 1
EVENTS
If music be the food of love… Planning education projects and programmes for concerts is a lot more fun that people realise! There’s so much good music out there to explore that it creates a really exciting challenge! There’s a special element added to the Jersey Chamber Orchestra concerts on 25th January this time, as the proceeds will be going to the Oscar Maclean Foundation, who do amazing work and make a real difference. The lunchtime Family Concert is linked to the orchestra’s evening programme about Love Stories, so a small ensemble of players will be joined by two choirs for an hour-long concert that has a few tenuous links to the theme, but will be great fun! We’re grateful to UBS and Mulberry Property Management, who loved the programmes so much that they kindly agreed to support the concerts. St Michael’s Chamber Choir, conducted by JCO flute player Tara Copus, will perform a number from Grease as well as Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love – both soundtracks to romantic encounters for some of the older members of the audience! The Gouray Young Voices, conducted by Music in Action’s Chair, James Mews, have a different angle on things with a short set including two songs focussing on God’s love, as well as musing on a love of life in What a Wonderful World. Jersey’s own Derek Lawrence has created cracking arrangements of these for string quartet, which will be a treat for all concerned. Soloists from both choirs will come to the front of the stage to explore a love of snow and friends (who doesn’t smile when they hear Walking in the Air?), and the love of freedom – a recurring theme in this of all years – in Somewhere Over the Rainbow. At the other end of the musical spectrum, there’s an excerpt from a string quartet by one of the 20th century’s most influential musicians, Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich. Shostakovich
had a complicated relationship with the Soviet authorities – alternatively in trouble and then ‘rehabilitated’ on several occasions – as his musical language was sometimes considered to be too modernist and experimental. His 7th Quartet was dedicated to his first wife (with whom he also had a complicated relationship!), and his 9th to his third wife! Shostakovich’s music has also inspired many film soundtracks – my personal favourite being the score to the iconically bad football/War escape classic Escape to Victory which has a more than passing resemblance to his 5th and 7th Symphonies – so it might have a familiar sound. No nation does romance quite like France, so excerpts from the soundtracks of Amélie and the 1991 black comedy Delicatessen, will make an appearance. Delicatessen tells the slightly surreal tale of an out-of-work clown in post-apocalyptic Paris, where meat is a sought after commodity and militant vegetarianism is on the rise…but it does include one of the most fun love duets in cinematic history, featuring an unexpected instrument that produces sounds of such beauty that you’ll wonder why you’ve never heard it before! The great poets of the past had a lot to say on the subject of love, with Edward Lear’s The Owl and the Pussycat being a perennial favourite. Composer Lenny Sayers (whose sister-in-law lives on Jersey) wrote a beautiful setting for 5 players a few years ago, and has recently arranged it for chamber orchestra as well, so you’ll have the chance to hear both versions over the two concerts. It has a beautiful melody, which you’ll be whistling all weekend. As a Scot, I’m used to any wedding finishing with a ceilidh and a chorus of Auld Lang Syne. The Bard was known as a man who knew a thing or two about love, so since it’s Burns Night on the 25th that seems like the perfect way to round off the programme! Then there’s time for a quick lunch and a cup of coffee, before we head to the rehearsal for the evening concert, which is also full of amazing music. The programme for that is built around Anna Fedorova as the piano soloist, playing Rachmaninov’s ever-popular Piano Concerto No 2 (think Brief Encounter or The Seven Year Itch) – it’s a day of unmissable music making at the Jersey Opera House!
Image credit: Laura MacDougall 66 | www.life-mags.com
To buy tickets to the family concert on Saturday 25th January at 12pm or to the evening programme of Love Stories at 8pm) priced from £15 - £27.50 go to the Jersey Opera House Box Office or call 01534 511 115. For more information about charity Music in Action see www.musicjersey.com
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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
WRITING YOUR BOOK IN 2020 BY PAUL DARROCH As the New Year unfolds, many of us turn our thoughts to realising long-held ambitions. Writing a book may be one of those. Paul Darroch is a local author whose second book, Jersey: Secrets of the Sea, was recently published to warm reviews. Here he offers some advice on how you can start your own writing journey in 2020... 1. TELL AN ORIGINAL STORY According to Amazon, there are over six million volumes in their UK store. The shelves of Waterstones are heaving with more books than we could digest in a lifetime. What will make yours unique? If you are searching for inspiration, for a story arc, even for a plot device, then history is the best teacher. I have always found true stories to be far more compelling than fiction. In Jersey Library, you will find the germs of new ideas, scattered all around. A Victorian newspaper article; the biography of a half-forgotten figure from a bygone age; the secret diaries of a long-dead observer: each one of these can be a gateway into another world. 2. COMMIT TO WRITING DAILY The fantasy of an author conjuring up imaginary worlds with effortless ease is sadly just that: a chimera. Writing is a discipline like any other, and the process of turning a blank page into a 60,000-word book can be arduous. One of the most effective techniques I’ve used to maintain motivation is called “don’t break the chain”. This approach was employed by the comedian Jerry Seinfeld when he was an unknown comic honing his craft. Every day, even if just for a few minutes, he would force himself to write new material, and he recorded his achievement with a bright red “X” on his desktop calendar. Daily persistence eventually yielded rich dividends. 3. BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE, WITH WHAT YOU HAVE Many would-be authors dream of securing a dramatic breakthrough on their first attempt and are discouraged when this does not materialise. The reality is that most authors are on a 20 or 30-year journey to perfect their craft and gradually build their profile. I did not approach major houses but was delighted to secure a publishing contract with a small independent publisher who truly understood my creative ambitions. 4. CROWDSOURCE THE COVER The tired old cliché “don’t judge a book by its cover” only exists because we are all prone to do so. One of the best aspects of working with Seaflower Books is that I have creative influence over the cover. I market tested four alternative covers with over 50 colleagues and friends. The overwhelming favourite was the striking Ouless painting of the ‘SS Amazon on Fire in the Bay of Biscay’. The intensity of the image and the vivid orange glow grabbed readers and made the book stand out on the shelf.
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(You can discover the true historical drama behind this painting on page 53 of Jersey: Secrets of the Sea). 5. EMBRACE MODERN MARKETING. The hard work truly begins when the book is on the shelf. Unless you have signed to a major publishing house, any marketing budget will be minimal; authors need to promote themselves. The best way to market your first book is of course to write the next one. A series of books is a powerful and engaging means of connecting with your readership. Although it can be time-consuming, don’t shy away from social media. I post and tweet regularly at @HistoryIslands and in the past year I have also dipped my toe into Instagram. These platforms are an ideal means to publicise your work and receive feedback. You may even be building up a community of readers who can enjoy your writing for years to come.
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JANUARY MOTORING:Layout 1 05/01/2020 15:25 Page 1
MOTORING
TRACK-ONLY SUPERCARS EVER MADE THE BEST
Jack Evans takes a look at some of the best track-only monsters ever made... All good supercars must-have performance credentials, and so it's hardly surprising that manufacturers have long had the bright idea to produce examples focused solely on eye-watering speed and spine-warping handling, with no compromises for the sake of an MOT. Not only are these cars not able to go to the shops, but for the most part, they can't race either as they are built beyond the realms of any rule book. These are the best track-day indulgences for the world's elite speed freaks...
McLaren-Mercedes SLR 722 GT The SLR was closer to a grand tourer than a supercar at first, but the hardcore 722 version helped the car on its way to the apex of performance. Then came the GT, a track day car with an exclusive race series for its owners. The project was ultimately quite a short-lived endeavour, arriving just as the late-2000s financial crisis hit everyone's pockets. However, the car - a 670bhp, 1,390kg brute - made a lasting impact on its drivers, even if it didn't stay in the spotlight for long.
It will hit 60mph from a standstill in two and a half seconds, and go on to trouble the 220mph barrier. However, this car is not a drag racer by any means; it was built for the challenges of worldclass racing circuits, and that is where the 40 ultra-rich owners get to access the cars through Ferrari's special XX track day programme.
Pagani Zonda R Not so long ago, a six-minute 47-second lap time at the Nurburgring was unattainable for any car accessible to the public, regardless of their wealth. It was that very lap time that was a key selling point for Pagani's Zonda R in 2009, however. The Zonda R shared very little with the car it took its name from; it was a pure-bred track weapon and something of a test bed for the Huayra that came in 2011. Just 15 examples of this track-day special made it off the production line.
Ferrari FXX K The FXX K, otherwise known as the 'oh bother', is the melting pot between Ferrari's storied past and the changes it will make in the future. The legendary Ferrari V12 is combined with an F1-style electric motor system for a grand total of 1,036bhp.
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MOTORING
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento The Sesto Elemento - or 'sixth element' in English - is essentially a Gallardo on a diet that picked up a seriously bad attitude somewhere around the 100th salad. Debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, this car isn't as racinginspired as its other track-only counterparts, from a visual perspective. However, with a 562bhp engine borrowed from the Gallardo Superleggera, and a curb weight of 999kg, it's certainly no slouch. It's rare, too; just 20 were built, and you can be sure they're worth a pretty penny today.
Aston Martin Vulcan
As such, it was great to see that the Vulcan was unapologetic about being a proper Aston; big V12 out front, luscious coupe body surrounding it. Pukka. And, with 820bhp on tap, the Vulcan is almost certainly the most extreme Aston Martin there has ever been.
McLaren P1 GTR If you've ever seen McLaren's base in Woking, you'll know exactly what to expect from a track car project where its engineers have been able to let their hair down. In short, it's clinical. McLaren's signature 3.8-litre engine and carbon tub are exploited to their fullest in the P1 GTR, with a power figure pushing 1,000bhp and race car levels of downforce.
By the time the Vulcan arrived in 2015, the track-only hypercar scene was dominated by mid-engined rocketships, with the 722 GT on this page being one of very few front-engined rebels.
JANUARY ISSUE | 71
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WINE
A New Year & A New Start by Martin Flageul DipWSET, Wine Consultant
With a New Year upon us and also a new decade, we might have decided to make some resolutions or even make a start on a brand-new venture. Last year Concha y Toro, the largest wine producer in Latin America, whose headquarters are in Santiago in Chile, made a huge decision regarding its most iconic wine, Don Melchor.
DON MELCHOR Created in 1987 by the Guilisasti family, Don Melchor was one of Chile’s first ‘icon’ wines. The company Concha y Toro produced Don Melchor in its own winery but from now on this superb cabernet-sauvignon will have its own winery and production team based in Puente Alto in the upper Maipo Valley. Enrique Tirado, Don Melchor’s winemaker since 1995 and now general manager of Viña Don Melchor sees the new winery as a logical step in terms of independent distribution to focus on markets with the greatest growth potential. CABERNET-SAUVIGNON The unique climatic conditions and rocky soils created by the Andes mountains and the river Maipo are considered by Enrique Tirado to be at their pinnacle in the Puente Alta vineyard and he also believes that there is no better place in the world to grow cabernet-sauvignon. Tirado is convinced that in their vineyard, cabernet-sauvignon reaches an outstanding level of refinement and shows the fresh expression of red fruits mixed with mineral notes and graphite in a complex expression of its aromas, not found anywhere else. The palate shows great concentration and a balance between refined tannins and freshness. THE VINEYARD After joining the winery, twenty-five years ago this year, Enrique Tirado set out to map the Puente Alta vineyard and made studies of each section before dividing it into seven distinct parcels. By studying each section, he then subdivided them further so that each row is tended slightly differently. Soil samples were taken from different parts of the vineyard and studied to determine what characteristics each of the various soil types would offer. Each of the seven parcels of the Puente Alta vineyard offer very detailed expressions, with each one giving unique aromas and tastes to the cabernetsauvignon. Winemaker Enrique Tirado made the following observations; Parcel 1: elegant soft sweetness; Parcel 2: spice and structure; Parcel 3: power and firmness with great concentration, strength, tannins; Parcel 4: delicacy and balance; Parcel 5: freshness and acidity; Parcel 6: sweet freshness and firmness; Parcel 7: intense, red and vibrant. SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS Once the harvest is completed, which is all done by hand, with each individual section picked separately, the fermentation takes place in individual batches. Scientific analysis and taste then determine how the wine is processed. Once fermentation is complete, winemaker Enrique Tirado travels to Bordeaux to decide on the final blend. Each year he meets with Eric Boissenot, the Bordeaux wine consultant and son of the late legendary Jacques Boissenot, to taste over one hundred micro-vinifications and to decide how much of each vinification belongs in the final blend of Don Melchor. Once the blend has been determined, the wine is then vinified and aged in French oak barrels from the forests of Allier, Tronçais and Nevers for sixteen months. Two thirds of the barrels are new and one third of them has been used once. In addition to the cabernet-sauvignon, up to nine per cent of Don Melchor can be cabernet-franc and petit verdot grown on the estate. Winemaker Enrique Tirado can afford to be a proud man as Don Melchor is the most awarded wine in Chile and has placed in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” wines nine times; three times in the top ten If you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a really special bottle of cabernet-sauvignon in 2020, Don Melchor is priced at around £75.00 per bottle depending on vintage.
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JANUARY CLASSIFIED PAGE 2020:Layout 1 06/01/2020 11:35 Page 1
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JAN 2020 NEWS, REVIEWS AND CLUES:Layout 1 05/01/2020 15:52 Page 1
Reviews & Clues! QUICK CROSSWORD 1
2
3
4
6
5
7 8
9
10 11 12
13
14 15 16 17
18
19 20
21
22
Across
Down
6. Warrior (7)
1. Pattern (5)
7. Disprove (5)
2. Uneven (3)
9. Allow (3)
3. Genuine (4)
10. Uncomfortable (3,2,4)
4. Pierce (9)
12. Embody (11)
5. Throb (7)
15. Thoughtful (11)
8. Impede (6)
17. Trick (9)
11. Strangely (9)
19. Anger (3)
13. Severe trial (6)
21. Fish with rod and line (5)
14. Chance (7)
22. Mislead (7)
16. Serious (5) 18. Always (4) 20. Not many (3)
Answers can be found in next month’s edition of the Jerseylife.
BOOK of the month... ALL THE RAGE BY CARA HUNTER All The Rage is the fourth novel featuring DI Adam Fawley from award-winning crime author Cara Hunter. The team at St Aldgate's police station in Oxford are back; this time investigating two attacks on young girls - both reminiscent of the Roadside Rapist, Gavin Parry, who was convicted in the Nineties and is now up for parole. Hunter has a very easy style, blending first and third person narratives with court transcripts, tweets, voicemails, vlogs and interviews. The police procedure lends a realistic element to Hunter's novels, and there are plenty of shocking twists and turns intertwining the human side of both the victims and the police. All The Rage expertly tackles timely issues such as transgender hate crime, malicious online forums and the prevalence of social media, with Hunter weaving a gripping story throughout it all. You'll be deceived by a red herring once or twice, but it's the stunning ending that sets All The Rage apart in the crowded crime fiction genre. All The Rage by Cara Hunter is published in paperback by Penguin, priced £7.99 (ebook £2.99). Available now Review by Rebecca Wilcock
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JANUARY
the Jerseylife | JANUARY 2020
ISSUE 171 | THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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