Urban Fox - April 2018 Issue

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April 2018

WIN

DENIM CUT OFF?

LK Bennett Handbag Roberts Revival Radio Anti-Ageing Goodies

Be bold, not old

Age of revolution Helen Mirren interview

Timeless design Fab not fad

MIRACLE WORKERS ON THE NIGHTSHIFT

THINK YOUNG

STAY YOUNG

It's mind over matter

Pendene Road, Stoneygate Guide Price: ÂŁ750,000

Stunning Modernised Victorian Family Home in Prime Location Five Bedrooms & Self Contained Annex Wealth of Period Features Fascinating Local Historical Connections Large Rear Garden & Double Garage Scope for Development of Master Suite & Basement Entertaining Space Close to Renowned Private & Public Schooling Good Access to City Centre & Train Station EPC rating D

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

Church Lane, Stoughton

Price: ÂŁ395,000

Spacious Contemporary Family Home in Charming Stoughton Village Three Double Bedrooms Two Bathrooms Extensively Modernised & Extended to High Standard Large Open Plan Living/Dining Room Breakfast Kitchen with Separate Utility Room Large Front & Rear Gardens Approved Planning for Driveway off Church Lane Easy Access to Countryside, City Centre & Popular Schools EPC rating C

Hello

Did you know that 40 is the new 30? Fantastic news for a woman like me that’s 40-ish! But for me, age has always been a mind-set rather than a number that defines me. I married late, had my daughter later and started a business later still! These days there are no hard-and-fast rules to what women should do, or be, in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond; so this month we say “Out with the Old” and in with our Ageless edition.

COVER SHOT: Kira Linen Blazer, £139 & Soleil Jersey Top, £24.95, Joules

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From all-weather leather to Military Chic, whatever your age, this season’s trends have a place in your wardrobe; it’s just a question of how you style it. Break a few of those deep-rooted boundaries – yes you can wear denim at any age - and discover a newfound confidence!

Although you can’t turn back the hands of time, you can hit the “snooze” button!

We expose the secrets to age defying hair; the best Miracle Workers to get a “lift” - without going under the knife - and what to eat, to achieve, a brighter, firmer and younger looking you!

Alarmed that getting older is more aches and pains, than gains? Good news. Age is just a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. Discover how with Sarah Mettrick in Think Young Say Young. Not convinced, check out if you’re old before your time in our fun quiz on page 33. Who wants to be 20 anyway?!

We’re also breaking the age barrier on the home front too. From Eclectic Elegance to period living the perfect interior cleverly combines styles from different eras to create a home where past meets present. And for those with one foot firmly in the past, Step Back in Time with Kirsty France. From Whitby to Whiskey, this month she reveals her pick of historical holidays.

We’d love to know how you’re making time work for you; so head over to Facebook and #JointheConversation.

MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk

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17 48-49

STEVE LENAGHAN Head of Sales & Marketing 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk

ECLECTIC

Elegance

HOMES & GARDE NS

Classic Scatter Cushion, £25, Loaf

Comb sumptuous fabric ine elegant furniture, s different eras to and quirky pieces from create a home that grabs your interest wher ever you look.

LISA ROTH Head of New Business Development 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk KATIE TURNBULL Designer katie@theurban-fox.co.uk

Jaipur Cushion, £30, Christy

Amber Clematis Bottle, £40, Dartington Crystal

Barbados Blue & Red Emulsion, from £12, Velvet B&Q LSA Amber Pleat Vase, £50, Black by Design

Montserrat Leaf Gold Table Lamp, £95, John Lewis

Deco Vase Brass Top, £25, John Lewis

Chantilly Bedside Table, £828, Oficina Inglesa

10 Boutique Hotel Velvet Throw, from £135, John Lewis

Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content.

Copyright: All text, images and design in this publication are subject to copyright. Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited.

All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it in this publication.

Duke Cocktail Chair, £349, Swoon Editions

Dimple Footstool , from £425, Loaf

John Lewis

URBAN FOX APRIL

2018 49

13 39

CONTRIBUTORS: Kirsty France, Alexis Gray, Jake Harvey, Zoe Hubbard, Sarah Mettrick, Nicol Nightingale.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 5

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Porsche Tequipment accessories such as bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars give you everything you need to get out and enjoy the new season.

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URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 7

April 10

HEALTH & WELLBEING 23 Just a number What’s your fitness age?

57

48

25 Think young stay young A case of mind over matter

WINING & DINING 27 Queen of puddings

Mad about meringues 31 Eating well

Recipe to ageless living

LIFE & WORK 33 How old are you?

You know you’re old when…

34 Age of revolution Helen Mirren interview 37 Time thieves

Make time work for you

FASHION & BEAUTY

HOMES & GARDENS

10 Military chic Passing muster

39 Shades of grey

You’ll want to show off

13 Totes classic

The weekend essential 15 Denim cut off?

Be bold, not old

31

43 Timeless design

Fab not fad 48 Eclectic elegance Breaking the age barrier 53 P eriod living Where past meets present 57 R ustic revival Horticultural inspired interiors

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 59 What’s on

Entertaining the whole family 63 Reviews

April's recommendations

17 Leader of the pack

Plucky in pink

PEOPLE & PLACES

19 Age-defying hair care

Drop a decade

65 Step back in time

From Whitby to Whiskey

21 Miracle workers

On the nightshift

66 My way

Local spotlight on Jasmine Powdrill

WIN AMELIA HANDBAG

WIN ANTI-AGEING GOODIES

WIN REVIVAL RADIO

16

20

40

by LK Bennett

from Dermacare

by Roberts

Khaki Tie Sleeve Jacket, £119, Mint Velvet

Maison Margiela High-Waisted Trousers, £225, Harvey Nichols

Penelope Off Shoulder Dress, £185, Whistles

Military CHIC ire Zadig & Volta

Balan Buckle Block Heel Mules, £125, Jigsaw

This season’s army-inspired look is both sleek and feminine.

Whether you hang loose in silk and jersey or go glam with glitter and diamante, you’re sure to pass muster.

Ruched Front Frill Tea Top, £28, Oasis

Finley Coarse Glitter Mini Bag, £475, Jimmy Choo

Drawstring Side V-Neck Jumper, £98, Jigsaw

Valentino Lock Shoulder Bag, £1,290, Harvey Nichols

Michael Kors Chain Tie Top, £150, House of Fraser Zadig & Voltaire

The First Lady of Nails Varnish, £12.95, OPI

Sisley Phyto-Khol Perfect, £37, John Lewis

Faith Connexion Silk Camouflage Skirt, £690, Farfetch

Roger Vivier Sneaky Viv Silk Trainers, £870, Selfridges Ombre Contraste Duo Khaki, £32, Chanel

WHEN I T COMES TO K E E P I NG YOU DRY AND S T YL I S H, NO ONE D OE S I T BE T T E R. Find y ou r n ea re st sto re a n d shop onl i ne a t ∆ oul e s . c om

FASHION & BEAUTY

With its classic shape and roomy interior, a tan tote is an essential item in any well-edited weekend wardrobe.

Totes

CLASSIC 1

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1 Thela Tote Bag, £495, Meli Melo 2 Soho Bag, £69, Fiorelli 3 Regent Tote, £325, Aspinal of London 4 Primrose Hill Toe Bag, £209, Radley 5 Pippa Classic, £249, Modalu 6 East West Tote Bag, £180, Karen Millen 7 Jet Set Tote Bag, £195, Michael Kors 8 Zipped Bayswater, £1,295, Mulberry 9 Regan Tote Bag, £265, L.K. Bennett URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 13

WOMENS | MENS | HOME PANTONE 446 U

16 Mill Street | Oakham | Rutland | LE15 6EA | 01572 770372 | cavells.co.uk

Clothes for the individual lady Handbags Accessories, Shoes, Handbags much more. more.

Lingerie, Dresses, and much friendly We offer individual style, in aa friendly environment and professional environment

Chapel Street, Street, 4-6 Chapel Leicester, LE2 LE2 5AD 5AD Oadby, Leicester, 0116 271 271 4430 4430 Tel: 0116 www.jeanneofoadby.com www.jeanneofoadby.com HOURS OF BUSINESS Monday - Friday: 9:30am to to 5:30pm 5:30pm Saturday: 9:30am to 4:00pm 4:00pm

OURRANGES RANGESINCLUDE INCLUDE OUR AnnBalon Balon Ann Anvrdie Anvrdie BettyBarclay Barclay Betty Bianca Bianca Capollini Capollini Condici Condici Dents Dents DorisStreich Streich Doris Dynasty Dynasty Emreco Emreco EugenKlein Klein Eugen Faber Faber FrankLyman Lyman Frank FrankWalder Walder Frank Georgede Georgede Godske Godske Gollehaug Gollehaug Habella Habella Just JustWhite White Lebek Lebek Maria MariaBellentani Bellentani Michaela MichaelaLouisa Louisa Naya Naya NYDJ NYDJJeans Jeans Olsen Olsen Passioni Passioni Rabe Rabe Sommermann Sommermann Turnover Turnover Van VanDal Dal

FASHION & BEAUTY Reene Denim Dress, £275, L.K. Bennett

Great Plains Darla Denim Top, £55, John Lewis

Reene Denim Jacket, £275, L.K. Bennett

Joie Prescotta Wide-Leg Chambray Trousers, £165, Harvey Nichols

Lockett Petite Shoulder Bag, £895, Jimmy Choo

Gigi Denim Sandals, £99, Carvela

CUT OFF? No longer just a young person’s game, denim is back, and it's gloriously grown-up!

Elizabeth & James Fletcher Belted Coat, £580, Net-A-Porter

Sibyl Denim Handbag, £99, Guess

Vanessa 65 Pointy Toe Pumps, £525, Jimmy Choo

Tibi

Denim

WIN!

A independent boutique in Market Harborough selling a stylish collection of womenswear. Established for 17 years, we have sought out the most exceptional international women’s clothing brands.

AMELIA SHOULDER BAG

by L.K. Bennett

PRIMROSE PARK I SAY PENNY BLACK CREENSTONE YERSE DES PETIT HAUTS BEATRICE B SAVE THE QUEEN JUMPER 1234 SANDWICH YAYA VILAGALLO COCOA CASHMERE MARELLA SHOES BY UNISA, ALPE, ELIA B & VIDORETTA & MANY MORE FABULOUS BRANDS FROM AROUND EUROPE!

One lucky reader could be the winner of this Amelia Raspberry Satin Shoulder Bag by L.K. Bennett, worth £275.

A contemporary take on the classic lady bag, Amelia is designed with occasions in mind. Crafted from sumptuous raspberry satin in a structured shape, this vintage-inspired evening bag has a fold over gold click lock front, zipped inside pocket and a detachable, adjustable length shoulder strap. Carry this bag with evening dresses or wear it over your shoulder for a more relaxed off-duty look.

A favourite with the Duchess of Cambridge, L.K. Bennett is a British accessible luxury brand and shoe specialist that reflects its unmistakable heritage; a modern blend of femininity, colour and style. Its collections of shoes, ready-to-wear, handbags and accessories, appeal to women who want a wardrobe perfect for any occasion.

To view their latest collection go to lkbennett.com, or visit your nearest franchise at John Lewis, Leicester.

OPENING HOURS

TO ENTER

Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5pm Saturday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday: Closed

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘LKB’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Monday 30 April 2018.

16 Church Street Market Harborough LE16 7AA T: 01858 431396 • www.jacksforwomen.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time prior to the closing date.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Hells Angels meet Pink Ladies. Loved for its timeless style and flattering fit, the biker gets a feminine spin for SS18.

LEADER OF

THE PACK

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Suede Balfern Biker Jacket, £318, All Saints 2 Bubble Gum Biker Jacket, £450, Comino Couture 3 Alexander McQueen Peplum Biker, £3,745, Harvey Nichols 4 Editor’s Pick: Made from the softest pale pink suede Agnes Suede Biker, £295, Whistles 5 Leather Biker Jacket, £299, Karen Millen 6 Sandy Leather Biker Jacket, £119.99, Mango 7 Marlowe Leather Biker Jacket, £395, Reiss 8 MbyM Nana Biker Jacket, £300, Debenhams 9 Faux Leather Lucy Biker, £55, Oasis URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 17

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FASHION & BEAUTY

Age-Defying HAIR CARE

1

Don’t wash your hair too often, this will help preserve the hair’s natural moisture. Use an intensive hydrating shampoo, always wash using warm water and don’t over massage.

2

The condition of your hair is important, so apply a treatment mask once a week. Use a product that will nourish and saturate the hair, as well as offer anti-drying protection.

3

The food you eat can have an effect on your hair’s health. So for healthy, shiny hair, eat plenty of good fats, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C.

4

Get a ‘better than botox’ fringe!

It’s a great way to disguise ageing frown lines and whether you opt for full, blunt or sweeping, a fringe is an affordable way to age proof your look.

5

As we age, hair's growth cycle shortens, so strands don't reach their full potential. To make them look thicker, opt for a volumising mousse or root lifter.

6

Despite the damaging effects of hot styling tools, swearing off them isn't realistic. To help hydrate your hair, use straighteners with vapour technology and apply a heat protection spray.

7

For a timeless, ageless lift go for an iconic pixie crop. Keep the sides shorter but go for texture and length through the top to give your hair versatility.

8

Whether you wear your hair short, long, up, or down, natural movement always looks more youthful than stiff straight styles, so use products that enhance volume and texture.

9

A sleek ponytail is not only youthful but it can also provide an instant brow lift. Apply a shine serum, straighten your hair, then brush back and secure at the back of your crown.

Want to know the secret to youthful looking hair?

Check out our top tips to achieve smooth, touchable and vibrant results, whatever your age.

10

Although some women can pull it off, grey hair can add years to your face.

Cover up greys fast with a temporary tint. It washes out and is much gentler than permanent dyes.

11

Between salon visits tackle those greys with a root cover up product. There’s a wide range of sprays and gels out there, but for a precise application, without any mess opt for powder.

12

Monochromatic colour ages you, so ask your colourist to weave through a few additional shades.

Skin-brightening caramel and honey tones, are especially flattering around the face.

13

Keep colour vibrant by using a leave-in treatment containing antioxidants and UV filters.

UV light weakens the hair's outer layer, causing colour to fade faster.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 19

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!

N I W

MEDIK8 FACIAL & PRODUCTS from Dermacare

Courtesy of Dermacare Salon in Oadby, one lucky reader will win a Medik8® Superfacial and take home products, worth £191.50. The Medik8® Superfacial offers a natural enzyme facial peel designed to instantly brighten dull complexions, reduce small blemishes and treat minor imperfections. It features a unique blend of eight active ingredients to help exfoliate the skins surface, stimulate the skins cell turnover, stimulate collagen synthesis, improve the skin’s elasticity, reduce dryness, improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, pigmentation and fine lines and deep cleanse pores to promote clearer skin.

After your facial you’ll be given a range of Medik8® to try at home, including a Gentle Cleanser, C-Tetra Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum, Hydra8 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser and Hydra8 Advanced Antioxidant Night Cream.

Conveniently located in the tranquil South Leicestershire countryside between Stoneygate, Oadby, Evington and Stoughton, Dermacare Advanced Skincare offers the latest non-invasive skincare treatments. Services include advanced facials, peels, Microblading, Genuine Dermaroller™ and advanced cosmetic treatments.

For further information or to book an appointment call 0116 271 1551 or visit www.dermacaresalon.co.uk

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Dermacare’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Monday 30 April 2018.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be chosen on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. Appointment is valid Tues-Fri, subject to availability. The prize must be taken before 31 July 2018. The competition can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Miracle

WORKERS

LANCÔME GÉNIFIQUE NIGHT CREAM, 50ML, £63 Wake up to refreshed, younger-looking skin. Targets the visible signs of fatigue to help restore skin's luminosity and youthful complexion while you sleep.

Your skin will be intensely moisturised, smooth and appear more radiant. Visible signs of ageing and wrinkles will appear reduced by morning.

Make the most of your beauty sleep with these nourishing overnighters. Designed to plump, soothe and hydrate your skin, while you catch some Zs.

CLINIQUE REPAIRWEAR SCULPTING NIGHT CREAM, 50ML, £58 A night time, de-aging cream that helps visibly sculpt the face and jawline, soften neck lines and smooth chest crepiness with a luxuriously hydrating gel-cream texture. Helps repair damage from daytime environmental assaults and helps maintain skin’s support structure.

PHILOSOPHY RENEWED HOPE IN A JAR NIGHT CREAM, 60ML, £38.50 Philosophy's deeply hydrating formula is designed to help boost skin's nightly cell-renewal and improve skin's ability to fight dehydration, dullness and rough texture. This revitalizing formula infuses skin with a boost of continuous moisture that lasts up to 24 hours.

ELEMIS TRI-ENZYME RESURFACING NIGHT CREAM, 50ML, £95 For skin that needs an extra boost of hydration, try the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream.

It stimulates the skin's natural cell renewal cycle as you sleep and leaves you with a soft and moisturised complexion with less fine lines.

LA PRAIRIE ANTI-AGING NIGHT CREAM, 50ML, £167 State-of-the-art age-intervention technology that helps prevent and helps to reduce skin damage at the cellular level. It rejuvenates the appearance of the skin by increasing smoothness and reducing wrinkles; and provides powerful anti-oxidant benefits.

SARAH CHAPMAN ICON NIGHT SMARTSOME™ NIGHT CREAM, 30ML, £98 This intelligent Smartsome™ Night Cream combines X503 drone delivery, Vitamin A3, retinoic acid and power peptide complex for intensive age defying results. Smooth over the face, neck and chest to target all signs of ageing and fatigue.

RÉVIVE INTENSITE CRÈME LUSTRE NIGHT, 50ML, £235 Wake up refreshed knowing beauty sleep is guaranteed with a product that replenishes and restores overnight. Incorporating RéVive’s celebrated Restorative Firming Complex, RéVive Intensité Crème Lustre Night is an apothecary product with a difference.

As fe our coamtupreetid in tion!

MEDIK8 HYDR8 NIGHT ADVANCED ANTIOXIDANT CREAM, 50ML, £37 A rich, yet fast-absorbing restorative nighttime moisturiser. Hydr8 Night is replete with superior anti-ageing actives and a selection of unique botanical antioxidants, to help reverse the signs of skin ageing and restore a healthy, radiant complexion overnight.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 21

JUST A

NUMBER? Everyone knows their chronological age, but do you know your biological age? Alexis Gray of USSC reveals how you can be 21 again, and again and again!

Unlike your chronological age your biological age is not fixed and can increase or decrease depending on your lifestyle. It can be affected by how active you are, stress levels, sleeping patterns, diet and many more lifestyle components. A significant part of how your mind and body operate as you get older are determined by your lifestyle habits you have adopted over the years.

So how do you find out if you are actually younger or older that the number of candles you blew out on your previous birthday cake? One method is calculating your fitness age, a factor that is part of what makes up your biological age.

The fitness age concept is based on your VO2 max, the maximum amount of oxygen you can take in while exercising. A persons VO2 max can be used as a measure of cardio

endurance and using a scale determine if you are below or above an average compared to people of a similar age. If you were to fall in the category below average for your age group it means your fitness age is actually greater than your chronological age. On the other side if your fitness age is above average your fitness age is younger!

"The great thing about your fitness age is that even if you get a high number you can do something about it" Many studies have been carried out into fitness ages and you often see and read articles where people run on treadmills while wearing Darth Vardar masks to establish readings, but what about those among us without the access to a state of the art science

centre? Your fitness age can easily be established by answering a few questions on things such as maximum and minimum heart rate, height, how often you exercise and at what intensity.

The questions are easy to answer and many fitness websites even have a calculator you can use to determine your fitness age. Why not see what yours is by looking for a fitness age calculator online?

The great thing about your fitness age is that even if you get a high number you can do something about it and improve that age by making some different lifestyle changes. Taking part in moderate to high intensity exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes or more can increase your VO2 max which in turn will decrease your fitness age making you healthier and fitter. This doesn’t have to be sprinting on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a gym every time, why not try a new exercise class such as a boot camp session or even the tailored HIIT sessions. Even something as simple as going for a 30 minute walk can help keep you active and aid in increasing that VO2 max. Your chronological age unfortunately cannot be changed but with your fitness age you could be 21 forever!

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 23

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Think Young STAY YOUNG

Thinking that you're younger than you actually are may help you feel and act more youthful, says Sarah Mettrick. After all ageing is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!

What lengths do you go to, to try and look younger? Most of us have shovelled on a pot or two of antiwrinkle cream and battered thighs raw in an attempt to banish cellulite.

We’ve endured facial paralysis while tightening face masks kick in and maybe thrown an extra green bean on our plates. All this while lunging to the fridge. Yes when it comes to our bodies we’re on it. But what about our minds, are they enjoying the same levels of attention and stimulation? Hmmm… maybe not.

Everyone wants to feel young don't they? Well the good news is we can.

We just have to think young. As we get older it’s easy to settle into a routine and stop doing certain things due to limiting beliefs about age.

Suddenly life gets too serious and it’s time to lighten up people. Get yourself around positive cheery folk and act how you want to feel. Laugh more and enjoy the simple things in life.

When I was younger I had the idea that I needed to make crazy memories.

I wanted to ensure I had a headful of ridiculous, fun and hilarious times to think about when I was old and decrepit. I called them my Rocking Chair memories. My friends used to dread it when I said I could feel a Rocking Chair moment coming on!

I’d get them running naked through fields or jumping off cliffs. Once after a mid-week evening exercise class I dragged my friend to Hunstanton.

We sat on the beach drinking cider inhaling the sea air still in our lycra, we just made it back in time for work the next morning!

The thing is we can still do these things, so why don’t we? Well for one my daughter would be mortified - but you know what I’m saying! So what can we do to keep our minds young without embarrassing ourselves or our off-spring? Well our brains thrive on change so break your daily routine and challenge it. We need to keep learning; book in for that Spanish class you fancy or take up those saxophone

lessons. Never say why, say why not!

Join a dance class, throw a party just for the hell of it. Did you know that social activity stimulates the brain in a similar way to reading or doing a crossword? Studies are showing that lonely people are twice as likely to develop dementia.

Get yourself around positive cheery folk and act how you want to feel. Laugh more and enjoy the simple things in life.

So to prevent a severe case of fuddy-duddy syndrome get yourself out there. Life is still waiting for you to play and have fun. There is nothing more exhilarating than being impulsive, get some sense of the ridiculous. You will soon feel young again. So to keep the grey matter in great shape take Omega 3, keep moving and eat well, keep learning new skills and keep socially busy. All good stuff but if I had to give just one piece of advice, it would be a no brainer, however old you are… go make yourself a Rocking Chair memory.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 25

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Food available throughout the day For more information please call us on:

01858 452286

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lighthousekibworth.co.uk Open for Dinner from 6pm Tuesday to Saturday

QUEEN OF

PUDDINGS

From Eton Mess and Baked Alaska, to Pavlova and Lemon Meringue Pie, these are desserts that always rise to the occasion. Timeless, easy to prepare and extremely versatile, we’re simply mad about meringue.

RASPBERRY MERINGUE CAKE Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes Serves: 8 Ingredients: 100g butter, at room temperature, plus extra for greasing 300g golden caster sugar 4 medium free range eggs, separated 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp milk 150g self-raising flour ½ tsp table salt 50g flaked almonds 300ml whipping cream 200g fresh raspberries Icing sugar, for dusting

1

2

Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Butter and base line 2 x 20-22cm non-stick, cake tins. Using an electric whisk, beat the butter and 100g of the sugar together in a bowl until pale and creamy, then whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla and milk. Sift over the flour and gently fold in. Divide equally between the prepared tins.

Using clean beaters, whisk the egg whites in a bowl until they form soft peaks. Gradually beat in the salt and remaining 200g sugar to make a glossy meringue. Spread

over the sponge mixture then scatter over the flaked almonds.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and set. Leave to cool in the tins.

3

When ready to assemble, remove the cakes from the tins. In a bowl, whisk the cream to form soft peaks.

Spoon over one of the cakes and scatter over the raspberries. Top with the second cake and dust lightly with icing sugar before slicing and serving.

Cook’s Tip: Using golden caster sugar creates a subtle caramel flavour

ITALIAN BAKED ALASKA BOMBE Preparation time: 20 minutes + freezing Cooking time: 5 minutes Serves: Ingredients: 475ml tub chocolate and hazelnut Italian gelato 475ml tub crème caramel Italian gelato 2 triple choc muffins 4 medium free range egg whites 160g caster sugar

1

Line a 900ml pudding basin or deep bowl with a double layer of cling film. Scoop the chocolate and hazelnut gelato into the bowl, patting it down well. Follow with the crème caramel gelato, press down firmly, cover with cling film and freeze for at least 2 hours or, better still, overnight.

2

Preheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6.

Line a baking sheet with baking parchment.

Slice the muffins horizontally and arrange on the parchment paper to make a round that is roughly the same size as the bowl.

3

Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then add the sugar, a quarter at a time, whisking until thick and glossy.

4

Lift the gelato out of the bowl and upturn onto the muffin layer. Spread the meringue evenly over the ice cream and muffin, making sure they are completely covered.

Bake for 4–5 minutes until golden brown then transfer to a serving platter, slice with a serrated knife and serve straight away.

Cook’s Tip: Adapt using different flavour gelatos and muffins Images and recipes: Waitrose

WINING & DINING

FRESH CHERRY PAVLOVA Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 90 minutes Serves: 10 Ingredients: 300ml merlot grape juice 50g caster sugar 1 lemongrass stalk, halved lengthways 300g cherries 300ml tub double cream 175g caster sugar 75g light brown muscovado sugar 5 medium free range egg whites 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp cornflour

1 2

Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6 and line a baking tray with parchment.

Combine the 2 sugars for the pavlova.

Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff, then add 1 tbsp of the sugars at a time whisking continuously, until smooth and glossy.

3

In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar, vanilla and cornflour then whisk this into the meringue. Spoon the mixture onto the parchment and spread out to make a circle roughly 22cm in diameter.

4

Place in the oven and reduce the heat to 150°C, gas mark 2. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes until golden, then turn off the oven, open the door and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely.

5

Place the juice and sugar in a saucepan and gently heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemongrass, turn up the heat for 10 minutes and reduce the juice by half. Set aside several cherries to decorate, then halve and stone those remaining. Add the halved cherries to the juice pan and simmer for 2 minutes then turn off the heat and leave to cool.

6

To serve, whip the double cream and spoon over the pavlova. Top with the cherry syrup and whole cherries.

Cook’s Tip: Add 1-2 tbsp of kirsch or rum to the cherries as they cool

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Recipes & Images: Waitrose

Eating WELL

It's true that no single food will erase laughter lines or really make you feel 25 again (if only), but this culinary combo thought to improve memory and brain function, reduce inflammation and look after the heart, is the perfect recipe for ageless living.

Salmon with Cauliflower & Celeriac Mash Serves: 2 Ingredients: ½ tbsp unsalted butter 1 echalion shallot, finely diced ½ small cauliflower (about 300g), in small florets 200g celeriac, peeled and diced 100ml semi-skimmed milk ½ lemon, zest and juice ½ tbsp olive oil 2 salmon fillets

Herb salsa: Handful each flat-leaf parsley, basil & mint leaves 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small garlic clove, crushed ½ tsp Dijon mustard ½ tbsp red wine vinegar ½ tsp capers Method: Heat the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the shallot, cauliflower, celeriac and a pinch of salt, cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes. Add the milk and simmer gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes until the veg are tender.

Whizz in a food processor until chunky; season with salt, pepper and the lemon juice, then tip back into the pan, cover and set aside.

Clean the food processor and add all the salsa ingredients. Pulse, season and set aside.

Preheat the grill to high. Brush the oil over the salmon, season and sprinkle with most of the lemon zest. Place, skin-side up, on a parchment-lined baking tray. Grill for 3 minutes, then turn flesh-side up and grill for another 2 minutes.

Pile the mash, salmon and salsa onto plates and sprinkle over the remaining zest.

Spiced Salmon with Celeriac Salad Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp dried oregano 2 x 240g lightly smoked salmon fillets Olive oil spray 250g 0% Greek yoghurt 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill 1 lemon 1 celeriac, about 600g 100g bag watercress Method: Preheat the oven to 220˚C, gas mark 7. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Rub the spices and oregano into the salmon and place on the baking tray.

Spritz lightly with oil and roast for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the yoghurt, mustard, dill and juice of ½ the lemon. Peel and shred or coarsely grate the celeriac, adding it to the dressing and turning to coat it as you go.

Cut the remaining lemon half into 4 small wedges. Divide the salmon, celeriac salad and watercress between 4 plates and top each with a lemon wedge.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 31

Open Morning

Friday 18th May | 9am - 11.30am

STONEYGATE SCHOOL

Stoneygate School is an independent, coeducational day school that offers high quality education from 4 to 16 years.

Located in beautiful countryside in Great Glen, small class sizes and large grounds provide the setting for our pupils to develop and grow as individuals. We believe in nurturing talent, and are proud that our students excel in all areas of academia, sport, music and art.

Visit us during our open morning, speak to our pupils, meet our teachers and take a look around the grounds.

‘Pupils demonstrate excellent achievement in art, music and physical education.’

Ofsted ‘The Head Teacher has established a culture of high expectations and success.’

Ofsted ‘The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.’ Ofsted We are now taking applications for Years 7 to 10. A limited number of bursaries are available for those applying for places in Year 7 upwards with a start date of September 2018.

For more information or to book a tour of the school contact Julia Whittle or Sarah Simpkin on 0116 259 2282.

6 London Road | Great Glen | Leicestershire LE8 9DJ

Caring | Creative | Curious | Committed

Joules

LIFE & WORK

How old

ARE YOU?

Discover if you’re old before your time with our light-hearted quiz.

How will you score?

You know you're getting old when you…

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Groan involuntarily when bending down

Hear yourself saying “It wasn’t like that when I was young” Don’t know any songs in the top ten Discover you have no idea what young people are talking about

Hate noisy pubs Choose clothes and shoes for comfort rather than style

Wouldn’t consider leaving home without a rain coat

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Think your child’s teacher looks too young Fall asleep in front of the TV Struggle to use technology

Switch from Radio 1 to Radio 2

Complain about the rubbish on television…

…but take a keen interest in The Antiques Road Show Talk to work colleagues who don’t know what an Opal Fruit or Marathon is

15 16 17

Get bed socks for your birthday and you’re grateful Can’t lose six pounds in two days any more

Find yourself gasping for a cup of tea, or take a flask on a day out

18 19 20

Start spending more money on anti-ageing products Drink sherry Feel you have the right to tell people exactly what you think even if it isn’t polite

How did you do?

0-2 3-9

You’re still young. The sherry incident was probably more to do with there being nothing else in the cupboard, rather than an acquired taste.

You're young at heart but secretly love doing crosswords and use anti-ageing products…just in case. Enjoy those noisy pubs while you still can.

10-15

You're on the slippery slope. You’ve started taking tea out in a flask and eating fish & chips in the car, while listening to Smooth Radio. There’s no way back.

time to accept you probably aren't 16-20 It's just getting old - you are old. Enjoy being wiser than everyone around you and don’t forget to tell them so.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 33

THE AGE OF

REVOLUTION There's no stopping Dame Helen Mirren. Smart, sexy, and outspoken, the actress is still revelling in the career renaissance that began at age 46 when she played Prime Suspect's DCI Jane Tennison. And as The Urban Fox discovers, far from taking iconic status in front of the camera, her work off-screen is becoming just as valued.

LIFE & WORK

Born Iliana Mironova, the granddaughter of a Russian Count who lost everything during the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, Helen Mirren has long been a feminist trailblazer who occupies iconic status today in the wake of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements.

Her acting performances have inspired generations of women - distinguished by a palpable intelligence and steely determination whether playing a military commander (Eye in the Sky), royalty (The Queen), or a Mossad agent (The Debt). If ever there was an archetype of an actress suited to playing strong women, it would be Helen Mirren.

And while strong doesn’t necessarily imply ageless, the 72-year-old seemingly has that in abundance too. Even in this year’s major project, The Leisure Seeker – set for release in early May and a film largely centred on foreboding death – she is resilient and alive. She plays Ella, the tenacious cancer-suffering wife of Donald Sutherland’s John, who himself is experiencing the symptoms of onset Alzheimer’s. All too aware of both their impending mortality, the couple embark on a journey to celebrate their lifetime together, where they encounter joy and heartache. It proved an emotional, artistic project that challenged Mirren to examine her own mortality… albeit in a typical flutter of casual, light-heartedness that we’d expect of her.

“To be honest, there is nothing that pleasant about growing old!” she begins. “You learn to accept your age and all the faults that come with it, and you console yourself by believing you are wiser.

When you're a teenager it seems impossible to think of becoming old. But then you learn to accept it and renounce many things that

were so important before, like plunging necklines and miniskirts!”

contribution has been one of the most profound.

Mirren – who, alongside director husband Taylor Hackford, splits her time between homes in LA, London and Italy – admits that what scares her most about getting older is losing her mental capabilities.

“The thing I wonder about most is why it has taken so long for this to come about,” she offers. “The only possible explanation that I see is that it takes a long time to change behaviour that have been ingrained in our culture for so many years. We've started to see how conditions for women have been improving even though there is still so much work left to be done.”

“I think it’s the thing we all fear, yet at the same time, you need to be brave and face your destiny.

From birth we know we have to die, and there are oriental cultures that accept and understand this process much better than is the case in Western societies. It’s a reality, but it’s a long way off, and there is something self-fulfilling about thinking about getting old, so I rather prefer to keep it to one side and pretend I’m a teenager again!”

“Of course, getting older does also offer a lot of clarity that people perhaps do not have at other points in their life,” she adds, positively.

“In this film, myself and Donald Sutherland were beautifully straight with each other, and it provided a wonderful way of thinking and working. Our relationship on the set was very clear - there was no bullshit and no secrets. We told each other everything about what we felt was working in our scenes together and what wasn't. We got married and separated within a few weeks of being on this movie together – it was most beautiful fake wedding I've ever had!”

Of course, Mirren’s place in the industry goes way beyond her performances in front of the camera.

It is a measure of the steely respect she carries that she is seen as a feminist standard bearer by actresses up to 50 years her junior. Certainly, in the current movement to fight sexual harassment and eliminate gender discrimination and the pay gap, her

getting older does also offer a lot of clarity that people perhaps do not have at other points in their life Mirren agrees the voice of women had been overly suppressed in the past, and to quote her own metaphor, what is being released now is a volcanic movement in the industry. “The best advice that I can give men is to get out of the way!” she laughs, before finishing with a slice of salient advice that goes somewhat against the forceful push for systematic change across the industry.

“The thing is, right now there is a lot of posturing and preening, and that’s fine, but we have to be careful about that. Certainly, telling someone where to go at the right moment is good – fully commit, grab every opportunity, stand up for yourself, but don’t be an arsehole! Take it too far and we are in danger of losing all our style and humility, and in the film industry – which is a business environment after all – that’s dangerous.”

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 35

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Boden

Are you constantly running late? Are there not enough hours in the day? Does your ‘to do’ list get longer not shorter? With stress related to a whole host of health problems including high blood pressure, obesity and depression, it’s time to stop trying to outrace the clock and make time work for you.

Check out these 9 time thieves and discover tactics to fight the factors that steal your work time, day after day.

Disorganisation

If you’re not organised, you’ll waste plenty of time deciding what to do next and how you’re going to do it.

Spend 30 minutes before leaving work each day to prioritise activities for the following day. Grouping similar tasks together and preparing an action plan will help save time in the long run.

Uncertainty

If you’re not clear about your objectives, you cannot effectively identify the work to be done. This can result in constant changes to priorities and conflicts. Define your objectives clearly and get a consensus from your manager in terms of which are urgent

TIME

Thieves and which are important but can wait.

Indecision

You’ve heard the saying “Any decision is better than no decision”. It’s true! All too often great ideas fall flat or lose momentum because the opportunities that were available, disappear during the protracted decision making process. So if it’s more efficient to make a decision now, just do it.

Affability

Accepting requests that don’t contribute anything or that don’t allow you to progress toward your own goals can waste time. While it might be in your nature to be agreeable, consider the implications before saying ‘yes’.

How long will it take? What projects are going to be sacrificed?

Interruptions

In addition to the interruption itself, it takes approximately 15 minutes to recover the lost concentration.

Postpone non urgent meetings, keep unnecessary calls short and switch off your phone and email alerts when you need complete concentration.

Meetings

Ah “meetings, the practical alternative to work”. A lot, and we mean a lot of time can be wasted in meetings.

Before you accept, ask yourself “Is

my attendance necessary?” If yes go, if not, politely make your excuses.

Request an outline of the meeting’s purpose and an agenda before you agree to attend.

People

We all have a colleague that constantly interrupts us, wanting us to give time to their latest project, urgent priority etc. but who never seems to offer their time and support in return. Stop giving these time wasters open access to you. You can still be available, but at a time to suit you.

Emails

Why is it that a simple question that could be answered over the phone in a matter of minutes, takes an inordinate amount of time if asked via email?

Ultimately emails are a necessary evil in the workplace, but you can still manage your time effectively. Allocate a fixed time for dealing with emails, file what you need to keep, and delete the rest.

Crisis

When the proverbial hits the fan, it’s usually because something has been done badly or not at all. And the time taken to deal with the fall out can be extensive. How to avoid a crisis? Simple, be organised, define your objectives, make decisions, say no, and avoid all unnecessary interruptions – in short, by not letting the thieves steal your time.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 37

HOMES & GARDENS

Shades of

GREY

A timeless mid-century look with a contemporary twist. These greys you won’t want to cover up!

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 Carter Armchair, £555, Bluesuntree, Leicester 2 NORR11 Mammoth Chair Fluffy Wool, from £1,639, Houseology 3 Trent Armchair, £299, Cult Furniture 4 Doshi Levien Mudra Low Back Armchair, £999, John Lewis 5 Hypercube Cashmere Chair, £450, Bluesuntree, Leicester 6 Molby Armchair, £449, Michael Murphy 7 Tivoli Armchair, £749, Swoon Editions 8 Bermuda Armchair, £649, Michael Murphy 9 Quentin Armchair, £399, Made.com URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 39

WIN! REVIVAL UNO RADIO

by Roberts

Step back in time with this retro ROBERTS Revival Uno DAB/DAB+/FM Digital Radio in Purple Haze, worth £159.99. to hear. Any particular favourites can be saved as pre-sets for instant tune-in next time round. Better still, a stereo line-in socket enables playback for your iPod or MP3. This means that the Uno can also double up as a speaker for your personal playlists too.

The ROBERTS Revival Uno is a smaller version of the brand’s classic retro-chic digital radio, with nostalgic 1950s styling. Complete with state-of-the-art DAB technology and the freedom which portability brings, you’ll be able to tune into your favourite radio stations at home or in the garden, while full alarm functionality helps keep you on schedule.

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Roberts’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Monday 30 April 2018.

With the auto tune feature, it’s a doddle to find a preferred station across the DAB or FM wavebands; simply use the rotary tuning to find just what you want

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time prior to the closing date.

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1

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Timeless

3

4

DESIGN

Want your home interiors to stand the test of time?

Zoe Hubbard at Maison Interiors, reveals her secrets to achieving a look that will never go out of style.

1 Colour Palette

Keep backgrounds neutral and unfussy. Emphasise clean lines and shapes, as well as your home’s natural architectural details. Add classic colours for accents such as dark green, navy and black as they complement neutrals perfectly.

2 Fab not Fad

Keep the design understated, simple and sophisticated. This style is highly functional, yet not bland and boring. It’s made to last.

Choose things you love and don’t try to stick to the hottest trends. If it’s something you like, you’re less likely to get bored of it and want to change down the line.

3 Period Fusion

Strike the perfect balance of old and new, luxurious and lived-in. You can place an antique piece of furniture against a neutral wall, under a large

piece of modern art and it will look fabulous. It’s simply about creating a sense of balance and order.

4 Scaled Back

This style is controlled and confident, and scale and proportion are essential to getting this look right. Ensure that your furniture fits the room perfectly. It should feel like it belongs, be neither too large as to overpower, nor too small as to seem unimportant.

5

5 Less is More

To create a room that is truly timeless, steer away from oversized, over pouffy sofas, as well as those which appear to be overly streamlined. Timeless design, avoids overly decorated and excessively busy patterns, shapes and spaces. Here, less is often more.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 43

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URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 47

ECLECTIC

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HOMES & GARDENS

Period

LIVING

The perfect home is a blend of many things and properties with period features sitting seamlessly alongside all the attributes of modern living are a key selling point, says Nicol Nightingale of Fothergill Wyatt.

FLOORING

WINDOWS

If your entrance hall has original Minton, decorative tiled or parquet flooring, ensure it’s well maintained and treated. As well as adding a splash of colour to often narrow, dark spaces, tiled floors are incredibly practical and hardwearing and give that great first impression.

Sash windows are characteristic of many period properties, although cost and upkeep is sometimes seen as an offputting factor. Good news! You can now add double glazed panes and repair the sash cords, providing better insulation and security whilst retaining the period look.

COVING

Coving, picture rail and ornate ceiling roses – if you’ve got them, flaunt them.

There are many ways to work these features into your design scheme. But whether you go all white, opt for contrast or stay dark, keep on top of the cleaning as they can be a magnet for cobwebs.

PANTRY

Pantries became popular in the Victorian era for storing foods such as milk, eggs and butter, in the days before refrigeration. But with cooking shows like The Great British Bake-Off reigniting the nation’s love of home baking, the pantry is back and house buyers are loving them!

WASHSTAND

Fashionable in the 18th century and early-19th century, the original washstand or basin stand disappeared with the advent of modern indoor plumbing. But for those wanting to combine period charm with modern practicalities, a honed marble basin offers the best of both worlds.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 51

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Neptune

HOMES & GARDENS 1 2

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Rustic REVIVAL

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Embrace the beauty of the great-outdoors with this rustic horticultural inspired garden room.

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Products available from thefarthing.co.uk

1 Industrial Spun Metal Pendant Lamp, £60 2 Distressed Aged Metal Cage Planters, £58.50 3 Wooden Framed Pressed Wild Flower Prints 4 Rustic Tall Wooden Spindle Lamp, £74 5 Elegant Three Tier Plant Stand, £114.50 6 Vintage Skeleton Wall Clock, £149 7 Rustic Zinc Topped Console Table, £300 8 Rattan Dining Chair, £169 9 3 Rustic Terracotta Pots in wire basket, £16.45 URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 57

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Easter Extravaganza at Uppingham

Art, creative writing and sports; lots of fun and activity for children at Uppingham this Easter 3 - 6 April 9 - 13 April 9 - 13 April 9 - 13 April

Cricket Coaching Art Week Write Away Tennis Coaching

Ages 8-14 Ages 10-15 Ages 9-12 Ages 8-14

£192 £280 £245 £240

For further information and to book:www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk summerschool@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820800

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Jason Bell

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

Giselle, 25 April, Phoenix Arts

APRIL 2018

Lancelot Ribeiro: A Voyage of Discovery

Frost / Nixon

This exhibition explores the legacy and art of the Indian Modernist painter Lancelot Ribeiro (1933-2010). Restless, prolific and experimental, he produced a unique body of work inspired by his Goan-Indian heritage - a unique fusion of Indian graphic art and Abstract Expressionism. In a career spanning over 50 years, Ribeiro produced a stunning array of canvases - abstracts, spiky townscapes, colourful surreal scenes, landscapes and playful sculptures. The New Walk Museum has developed this exhibition in partnership with Marsha Ribeiro, who has organised several initiatives on her father’s work, including a Heritage Lottery Funded ‘Retracing Ribeiro’ project which was held as part of the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture.

In 1977, a series of interviews between failing British talkshow host David Frost and disgraced American President Richard Nixon were televised. The resulting conversations were epic battles, witnessed by the largest ever television audience for a news interview. But the drama that unfolded on screen was only a hint of what was going on behind the scenes. This Tony Award nominated play, later adapted into an Academy Award nominated film, relays the scandal, struggle and triumph that defined this pivotal period of political history.

Sun 1 Apr – Sun 6 May New Walk Museum Free entry visitleicester.info

Mon 9 – Sat 14 Apr The Little Theatre Tickets from £13.50 thelittletheatre.net

Lancelot Ribeiro, 1 April - 6 May, New Walk Museum

Macbeth, 11 & 26 April, Phoenix Arts

RSC Macbeth Wed 11 & Thu 26 Apr Phoenix Arts Tickets from £14 phoenix.org.uk

‘Something wicked this way comes’.

Returning home from battle, the victorious Macbeth meets three witches on the heath. Driven by their disturbing prophecies, he sets out on the path to murder. This contemporary production of Shakespeare’s darkest psychological thriller marks both Christopher Eccleston’s RSC debut and the return of Niamh Cusack to the Company.

URBAN FOX APRIL 2018 59

What We Leave Behind, 26 April, Upstairs at the Western

Grumpy Old Women To The Rescue Tue 17 Apr De Montfort Hall Tickets £25 demontforthall.co.uk

Fed up with flogging their guts out and always having to be in charge, the Grumpy Old Women have put their knobbly old feet up in glorious retirement, free at last to practise their extreme colouring-in, ukulele orchestra and novelty fudge-making. But with the world in a bigger mess than ever before, is there anything that can tempt them off their backsides to unleash their superpowers and once more come to the rescue?! 90 minutes of brand new full-fat, batteries included comedy from the mistresses of grump.

Starring Jenny Eclair, Dillie Keane and Lizzie Roper.

The Ghost Train

Tue 17 - Sat 21 Apr Market Harborough Theatre harboroughtheatre.com

The Ghost Train is a classic thriller, set in 1925. At a remote railway station in Cornwall on a wild and stormy night, ten passengers are stranded following a mechanical failure. The station master tries to get them to leave – and tells a story of a ghost train that haunts the tracks on stormy nights. Without transport, the stranded passengers decide to spend the night in the waiting room – and then in the distance the sound of an approaching train is heard…

Jane Eyre: An Autobiography Fri 20 Apr Uppingham Theatre Tickets from £12 uppthearts.co.uk

Struggling to think, live and love beyond the stifling expectations of duty, class and convention, governess Jane Eyre and Master Edward Rochester take a dark journey towards sensual and intellectual liberation. Told through Jane’s eyes, English literature’s most celebrated autobiographical novel shocked the Victorians, and Charlotte Brontë’s gothic subversion of fairytale romance is now distilled for the stage by writer/director Elton Townend Jones. Rebecca Vaughan embodies everywoman Jane – and several other characters – in this intimate study of love’s realities. Presented by Dyad Productions, the creators of Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic, Dalloway, The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe, The Time Machine and Christmas Gothic.

definition on the big screen. One of the greatest romantic ballets, Giselle has been re-imagined by celebrated choreographer Akram Khan with Artistic Director and Lead Principal of English National Ballet, Tamara Rojo, dancing the role of Giselle, one of a community of migrant workers cast out of their jobs in a condemned garment factory. With staging and costumes by Academy Award-winning Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), the ballet has won an Olivier Award and the South Bank Sky Arts Award for English National Ballet.

What We Leave Behind

Thu 26 Apr Upstairs at the Western Tickets from £6 upstairsatthewestern.com How do we remember those who have died? Why are we so attached to their stuff? Have you ever pictured your own funeral? Erin Bolens has. She’s pictured yours too.

Not everyone will be in black and at least one person will just be there for the buffet. In her debut spoken word show, poet and performer Erin explores our relationship with legacy and loss using wit, warmth and funeral tunes. For ages 14+.

Giselle

Wed 25 Apr Phoenix Arts Tickets from £12 phoenix.org.uk Hailed as ‘a masterpiece of 21st century dance' from English National Ballet, Akram Khan’s Giselle comes to cinemas for the first time in 2018, giving ballet fans the opportunity to see this awardwinning production in glorious high

Jane Eyre, 20 April, Uppingham Theatre

Wednesday 4 & Thursday 5 April

PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE

THE SENSATIONAL 60s EXPERIENCE

VERDI LA TRAVIATA

PUCCINI MADAMA BUTTERFLY

PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING

Wednesday 11 April

Thursday 12 April

Friday 13 April

REMEMBERING FRED

PURPLE RAIN

Saturday 14 April

Friday 20 April

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

0116 233 3111

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THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Saturday 7 April

Friday 6 April

demontforthall.co.uk

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@demontforthall

Friday 27 April

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demontforthall

RAJNISH SHARMA FILMS AND WHATSERNAME PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

LEICESTER SHORT FILM GALA THE Y 1 4 T H T H E AT R E

JULY 2018

DOORS OPEN AT 6PM | SHOW START AT 7PM A CHARITY BLACK TIE EVENT SHOWCASING AN ASSORTMENT OF SHORT FILMS PRODUCED BY LEICESTER CREATIVES AND RAFFLE PRIZES TO BE WON TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH EVENTBRITE ALL COSTS DONATED TO THE YMCA

SEARCH ‘LEICESTER SHORT FILM GALA’ ON FACEBOOK

film REVIEW

Journeyman (15)

drama ly moving emotional A powerful and deep

1 hr 32 mins Opens nationwide Fri 30 Mar 0116 242 2800 Paddy Considine returns to the director’s chair for the second time after his acclaimed debut Tyrannosaur in 2011.

Boxer Matty Burton (Considine) has it all, at the top of his game and living in a beautiful house with his wife (Jodie Whittaker) and young baby daughter; but after a particularly brutal fight Matty collapses at home. Returning from hospital a different man due to brain damage, it is up to his wife to help him rebuild his life and reconnect with his past.

book REVIEW

Eat yourself young!

It’s been seven years since Considine’s first feature, the gruelling drama Tyrannosaur, a film that examined trauma at its most raw and unforgiving. Journeyman continues this theme with a hard hitting look at familial life thrown into discord. In the lead role of Matty, Paddy Considine is exceptional. Considine has always been a charismatic actor (his turns in A Room for Romeo Brass and Dead Man’s Shoes have forever endeared him to any fans of cinema searching for truth and commitment in performance) but in

Journeyman he is completely vulnerable.

Matty is lost without boxing, no longer able to throw a punch or remember his own family he struggles to maintain any sense of worth and it is a heart-breaking, at times almost unbearably sad journey to see Matty on. Hope comes in the form of his wife Emma (a superb Whittaker), she becomes Matty’s focus for getting better; if he can prove himself to her then maybe he has a reason to stick around. A powerful and deeply moving emotional drama that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Eat Better, Live Longer

by Dr Sarah Brewer & Juliette Kellow Future-proof your life with this superfood approach to discovering what is really happening to your body as you are aging. A four-week eating plan, with over 110 nutrient-packed recipes, helps you learn to make smarter choices about foods that can reduce your risk of certain diseases and lessen the effects of others. Use this new-found knowledge in tandem with details on how each part of your body changes as you age and which nutrients you need to support all-round health, helping you live a longer, happier life.

The Midlife Kitchen

by Mimi Spencer & Sam Rice Are you at a point in your life where health is becoming more of a priority?

Midlife is a glorious opportunity to wrestle back control of your eating in the interests of health, happiness and a long life. Busy lives require simple, sustaining recipes that incorporate health-giving ingredients without too much fanfare or fuss. This is what The Midlife Kitchen is all about: eating gorgeous ingredients in the most delicious combinations to give yourself the best possible odds for a healthy future. With these recipes, you can future-proof your life through your forties, fifties and well beyond.

Brain Food

by Lisa Mosconi Like our bodies, our brains have very specific food requirements. And in this eye-opening book from we learn what should be on our menu.

Including comprehensive lists of what to eat and what to avoid, a detailed quiz that will tell you where you are on the brain health spectrum, and 24 mouth-watering brain-boosting recipes, Brain Food gives us the ultimate plan for a healthy brain. Brain Food will appeal to anyone looking to improve memory, prevent cognitive decline, eliminate brain fog, lift depression, or just sharpen their edge.

RETREAT S INTRODUCING

RETREAT S

Laid-back luxury holiday retreats in Norfolk BAREFOOT RETREATS is passionate about marketing luxury holiday properties that are individual and unique, from cottage hideaways, to beautiful boltholes, coastal gems and rural retreats.

AS OUR GUESTS you will have the keys to some

of the most beautiful and individual homes in Norfolk; providing a distinct laid-back luxury holiday experience ensuring you feel at home from the moment you arrive, until you return the keys. You’ll have access to our exclusive concierge service, ideal if you’re organising a special celebration or want to experience something different on your holiday. And once you’ve chosen your property, you’ll receive a Barefoot guide ensuring you have all the information you could need to enjoy your precious time away.

Luxury properties

Amazing places

If you’re looking for a wonderful holiday experience or are considering marketing your home and are seeking a fresh and innovative approach, please call us on 01485 512245 or visit our website www.barefootretreats.co.uk.

Unique experiences Barefoot Norfolk Ltd T/A Barefoot Retreats, The Boardwalk, High Street, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LX 01485 512245 • enquiries@barefootretreats.co.uk • www.barefootretreats.co.uk

PEOPLE & PLACES

Step back

IN TIME If modern life feels a bit too hectic but you’re not quite ready to give up all of your mod cons, you can step off the world with a historical holiday, says Kirsty France.

I (very occasionally) fantasise about living in Regency England and spending my days sewing and drinking tea. Then I remember that female writers were sometimes sent to the lunatic asylum and I run screaming back to 2018. Life in the 21st century may be challenging sometimes but it has its advantages. Still, wouldn’t it be lovely to slip into a bygone era now and again? I looked for holiday inspiration and here’s what I found.

Be beside the seaside

The traditional British seaside holiday was born in the Victorian era. You might think that a trip to the seaside will be a bit tacky, but there are lots of gems. Whitby is a particular favourite of mine. Its Victorian inspired Goth weekend is a highlight but you can see the Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker to write ‘Dracula’, anytime. Then you can go and eat fish and chips and head to the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay.

Further south, Weymouth was one of George III’s favourite haunts and you can stay in some lovely Georgian terraces along the esplanade. There’s a sandcastle building competition every year, a Punch and Judy show and donkeys. What more could you ask for? You can even combine your trip with my next pick…

Discover the Jurassic coast

If you really want to head back in time, go to Dorset. The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage site covering 95 miles of glorious coastline. It’s rightly famous for its archaeology, which makes it a prime location for fossil hunting. Lyme Regis is the fossil capital but you might have more luck on some of the smaller, quieter beaches along the coast.

There is lots of guidance about being a responsible fossil hunter on the Jurassic Coast website or you could join a local tour.

Of course, you could just relax and admire the views. Durdle Door near Lulworth is one of Britain’s most photographed landmarks and it has a stunning beach too. If you usually head to the beach in flip flops, take some proper shoes too. It’s a fair walk from the car park and a steep path down to the sea.

Live like a laird

I confess, I’m excited about this one because I’ve already booked mine!

I’m going to be heading off on the Caledonian Sleeper to spend half term at Castle of Park. The castle was built in Aberdeenshire in the 16th century when Scotland and England spent large amounts of time at war. I might leave the historical re-enactments to my sons and just stick to the whisky!

You might think that it would be difficult to find your own castle to stay in, but there is loads of choice. You can find a 15th century stronghold or a Victorian country estate. There are castles that have been turned into hotels or the Landmark Trust offers self-catering properties, including 4 Scottish castles!

Are you going to join me on a historical holiday this year? Let me know your plans!

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Best for beauty

Origins – it’s good enough to eat Home style

Lived in comfort Favourite kitchen gadget

My food processor a very serious investment

MY WAY

Last book read

Jasmine Powdrill “I love the freedom to work without constraints and enjoy finding new solutions”, says Jasmine Powdrill, Design Director at Kitchen & Home Design I was born in Leicester and have lived in Oadby since I was 2 years old. I’m the second eldest of 5 children and although I remember lots of fun times with my siblings, I also spent a lot of time hiding from them with my head in a book. We were and still are a very close family, my Dad cooks every Monday evening, so we spend lots of quality time together.

Family is very important to us all.

I bucked the trend and left school at 17 after my first year of A’ levels. I had no idea what I wanted to do in terms of a degree or eventual career so I decided to take a study break to gain some work and life experience. Over the next couple of years I juggled 3 jobs - in a bakery, restaurant and bistro - before accepting a bar manager role in the city.

But after having my daughter in my 20’s, I decided that I wanted to be an architect. I completed 3 A’ levels in a year and was accepted at Leicester University to undertake my degree. It was a 7 year course and I had my daughter to consider, so I decided to take some time out to save much needed funds, and inevitably life took over.

Initially I began working at an internet development company, I taught myself HTML and was responsible for developing and managing websites for some major clients. But I knew that this wasn’t what I saw myself doing for the rest of my life.

Later I worked for a CAD software company, and it was here that I was introduced to the kitchen industry. I was always interested in architecture, design and interiors and spending time in kitchen studios and meeting designers inspired me to teach myself how to design. It wasn’t long before I was offered a position in a local kitchen showroom.

I loved working with customers on their kitchen projects and learnt so much both practically and creatively.

In 2009 I joined a multi-national kitchen business. My role was very diverse and included everything from property negotiation, project management, recruitment for new channels and business and people management. It was here that I really developed and honed my skills.

Then in 2017 I decided that the time was right to go it alone and ‘Kitchen & Home Design’ was born. I wanted to stay local and when I saw the property at Stoughton Grange I immediately knew it was the right place to set up the studio.

I love working in the barn and it’s great having a community of small business owners that support each other.

The Alchemist. I’ve read it a few times now Favourite place in the world

Cornwall – it’s beautiful & my daughter lives there Favourite food

I’m truly devoted to vegetables When not working we’d find you…

At home with my cat or in a field with my dog (the two don’t mix)!

Advice to younger self

Be more fearless

The concept behind my business is simple - great design, great products and exceptional service, personally delivered! Though kitchens are the heart of our business, we also offer bedrooms, bathrooms and bespoke furniture designs too. I enjoy listening to clients and understanding how they live; realising their expectations and making a room work for them, so it’s functional and beautiful, but also affordable.

We’ve done some great designs. I’m currently working on a “Drunken Pantry”, a nickname for a specific part of the design that together with the client are creating something truly individual. I love the freedom to work without constraints and like finding new solutions and working with local craftspeople to fulfil clients’ aspirations. We have also started some larger projects for developers who are looking for something different.

On the home front my daughter is now at University and tells me she doesn’t know what she wants to do next. Hmmmm sounds familiar!

Making your property our priority • Estate agency • Residential lettings and management • Investment and development • Survey and valuation

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com