The Urban Fox July Issue

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INSIDE YOUR

CONTACTS MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk STEVE LENAGHAN Sales/Marketing Director 07738 614245 sales@theurban-fox.co.uk SALES TEAM sales@theurban-fox.co.uk DESIGN TEAM design@theurban-fox.co.uk ACCOUNTS accounts@theurban-fox.co.uk PRINTERS: Spectrum Printing Services DESIGN: The Urban Fox Media Group

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.

COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of River Island

HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE SUMMER EDITION OF THE URBAN FOX MAGAZINE. This month we focus on summer fashion with advice on adapting the ‘metallic’ catwalk trend to your beach wardrobe; as well as how to choose a stylish handbag that will last a lifetime rather than a season.

We also explore the successful SS12 collaborations between high-end designers and high-street brands including Orla Kiely for People Tree and Preen for Debenhams. Finally we celebrate M&S Fosse Park’s store makeover with an opportunity to win a stylish new summer wardrobe worth £500!

The Urban Fox is also supporting the M&S Shwopping initiative which asks shoppers to donate an unwanted piece of clothing to Oxfam every time they buy a new one. All clothes donated are resold, reused or recycled and the money raised goes to help people living in poverty. For more information on how to ‘Join the Shwopping Revolution’ turn to pages 10-11.

With your holiday wardrobe organised, take some time to consider your ‘Summer Skin’ with Claire Wilson’s natural beauty product recommendations that capture the essence of summer…even if the sun is not yet shining!

And before jetting off, check out our summer Reviews (p44) for the best reads and music downloads to keep you entertained by the pool.

For those looking for adventure our travel feature ‘Surf ’s Up’ a holiday experience to remember.

If you’re in Watergate Bay during July, look out for me in my wetsuit!

This month also sees the return of our popular Motoring and Sports section with a candid

COPY DEADLINES FOR NEXT EDITION: 17th August design and 23rd August final print ready artwork.

CONTRIBUTORS: Maz Alwarith, Claire Wilson, Duncan Murray, Lucy Cufflin, James Brewer, Hayley Tarrington, Jo Westwood, Chris Sturgess, Dominic Fitzpatrick, Nichola Lund-Yates, Jake Harvey, Jack Richardson, Debbie James.

4

ISSUE

review on the Volvo S60 1.6 DRIVe R-Design; tips from Golf Pro Dominic Fitzpatrick on how to improve your ‘putting’ game, as well as a round up on another successful season for the Leicester Tigers.

If that wasn’t enough, we have a complimentary family pass to be won for the opening fixture of the season (p38), courtesy of Tigers; as well as a hilarious interview with Top Gear co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May on Clarkson, cars, scandal and hating each other!

The Urban Fox team is taking a well-deserved break and will be back in September with new features, reader offers and competitions. Need an Urban Fox fix? Then you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook via our links on www.theurban-fox. co.uk.

Happy holidays!

Martina Editor

34

BOY RACERS

ISSUE 22

CONTENTS Fashion, Beauty & Health 6

Bags of Style

8

All that Glitters...

10 Join the Shwopping Revolution 12 What’s in a Name?

14 Summer Sun 18 Understanding Oral Cancer

Wining & Dining 20 Languedoc: The World’s Largest Vineyard 22 Instant Gratification

10

Properties & Interiors

20

24 Hard Landscaping 26 Small Bathrooms 28 Commonwealth Chic

Motoring & Sport 32 Life Begins at 60 34 Boy Racers 36 Putting it Right 38 Tiger’s Review

32

38

People & Places 39 Surf’s Up

Arts & Entertainment 42 What’s On 44 Reviews

Business & Finance 48 Time For Change

COMPETITIONS

TIGER’S PHOENIX P11 M&S COMPETITION P38 COMPETITION P46 COMPETITION Chance to win £500 Gift Voucher in this month’s magazine.

Win a Tiger’s Family Pass to be part of the action in the opening fixture of the season

Film & Dine Experience for 2 at Phoenix Square Film & Digital Media

5

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

BAGS OF STYLE

YOU SHOULD NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF A BAG. WHETHER YOU SHOP IN PRIMARK OR HARRODS, FINDING THE RIGHT STYLE IS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE YOUR BAG SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT YOU.

F

rom my experience I’m predicting that we’re entering an era where ‘bling’ is coming to an end, with a shift towards products of real quality.

You don’t need to be seen with an evidently expensive product, just something that is beautiful.

THE BEAUTY WILL BE SHOWN IN ITS DESIGN, ITS CRAFTSMANSHIP AND THE MATERIALS USED. IT’LL JUST SPEAK FOR ITSELF. “Simple yet effective” as I like to say.

I don’t like the word ‘trend’, however I’m in the Fashion game and so if it means I can help someone

Maz Alwarith La Maison De Sacs Please feel free to contact me: Francis Street, Leicester,

maz.alwarith@googlemail.com

figure out or inspire them in what to do or wear by telegraphing ideas, then I’m happy to help. I mean 8 years ago most women wore an all over heavily logo print designer bag, nowadays they don’t as much. So you could say that was a ‘trend’.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Here are my

you follow trends, you run the risk of allowing your clothes etc. to define you.

Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashion fades; style is eternal”. This couldn’t be truer! In fashion there are no absolutes, and rules are meant to be broken. If you have style, you can wear anything you want. Style is

essential style tips on what to consider when buying a new bag:

DON’T BE A SHEEP Some women buy into the latest ‘trends’ and want to keep up by any means necessary. When

6

TAMARA FOGLE £400

“FASHION FADES; STYLE IS ETERNAL”. an expression of who you really are and your style usually gives others a feel of your personality based on the way that you are dressed and how you carry yourself.

ALLY CAPELLINO £245

ORLA KIELY £95

MIX MATERIALS The idea of mixing materials - old and new, tweed and gortex, canvas or leather - works well together and won’t be going away anytime soon.

BRANDS LIKE ALLY CAPELLINO WHO USE BRITISH WAXED COTTON WITH LEATHER IN PARTS OF THEIR COLLECTION OR BRITISH DESIGNER TAMARA FOGLE who uses Antique Flour Sacs from the 19th Century with leather, do a great job of mixing materials.

that touch more expensive, but it’s an investment piece that will last a lifetime! I am a firm believer in the saying “You get what you pay for” and that’s no different when applied to bags. Most of the time you’re better off spending that little bit more on something that will last, both in style and wear.

Finally if you’d rather have a bag more for function than fashion, or fashion than function that’s cool and don’t be afraid to mix the old with the new, the high street with luxury, or even take a current ‘trend’ and put your own spin on it!

MICHAEL KORS £220

PRINTS They’re pretty much everywhere. Ladies should look out for jazzy prints to brighten up and compliment a dark winter wardrobe. The guys should look out for camouflage, which is supposed to keep you ‘invisible’; but camouflage prints can be pretty bold, so the paradox is pretty cool too.

LEATHER You can’t go wrong with a good quality leather bag.

Go for something a little bit conservative, it may be

FOR THAT BAG THAT’S THAT LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT

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FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH Metallic Swimsuit, ISME, £27

Tote Bag, F&F at Tesco, £12.50

Print Kaftan, TU at Sainsbury’s, £16

Style Tip

Tone down look by tea the m metallics w ing ith neutrals.

ALL THAT GLITTERS… Many designers dipped into gold and silver for their SS12 collections, adding rich texture to classic designs. Make the most of metallics this season, by adapting this trend for the beach.

Cryptic Sandal, Office, £35

8

Metallic Liner Glide, New Look, £3.99

Gold Aviator Glasses, La Redoute, £15

Goldrush Satin Eyeshadow, M&S, £4

Leather Cuff, accessoriesdirect.com, £55

Jo Jo Sandal, Dune, £60

Autograph Gold Bikini, M&S, £50

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FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

JOIN THE SHWOPPING REVOLUTION! CELEBRATE M&S FOSSE PARK’S STORE MAKEOVER WITH A STYLISH NEW SUMMER WARDROBE

T

he holiday season has officially arrived and all of the latest looks and styles for your sunshine getaway can be found at your new look M&S at Fosse

A NEW SEASON IS THE PERFECT TIME TO STREAMLINE YOUR WARDROBE

10

Shopping Park in Leicester.

Your M&S Fosse Park makeover is almost complete and, designed with customers in mind, the changes in store have been planned to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable.

POPULAR FASHION RANGES INCLUDING LIMITED COLLECTION, AUTOGRAPH AND PER UNA OFFER MORE CHOICE THAN EVER BEFORE AND EACH COLLECTION IS DISPLAYED IN ITS OWN BRANDED AREA IN STORE, MAKING IT EASY TO BROWSE AND FIND THE PERFECT LOOK FOR ANY OCCASION THIS SUMMER. This season M&S has introduced key styles for your summer 2012 wardrobe with a vibrant and diverse mix of trends across Womenswear and Menswear available in store now.

From fun retro inspired 50’s fashions, sporty athletic chic or decedent 1920’s style embellishment, M&S Fosse Park has this season’s hottest styles covered for Womenswear.

Dynamic prints add drama to classic shapes and a bold colour palette makes the new collections both exciting and eye-catching for shoppers looking for a unique new look.

In Menswear, simple stripes and block colour are perfect for on-trend casual wear, and smarter sartorial styles will see you through when you need to stay sharp and stylish in the heat.

DON’T DITCH IT SHWOP IT

A new season is the perfect time to streamline your wardrobe and now M&S Fosse Park offers you the chance to update your style and put your old clothes to good use with Marks & Spencer’s new initiative – Shwopping.

CHAMPIONED

BY M&S’ PLAN A AMBASSADOR, JOANNA LUMLEY, SHOPPERS IN STORE ARE BEING ASKED TO ‘SHWOP’ BY DONATING AN UNWANTED PIECE OF CLOTHING EVERY TIME THEY BUY A NEW ONE. It’s a new, free service for customers aimed at creating a new ‘buy one, give one’ culture on the UK high street.

Through Oxfam, the clothes will be resold, reused or recycled and the money raised will go to help people living in poverty. Not a single item will go to

landfill and the ultimate aim for M&S is to recycle as many clothes as it sells – 350 million items a year.

Mark Fruin, store manager of Marks & Spencer Fosse Park, said:

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A NEW SUMMER WARDROBE ENTER OUR COMPETITION

“WE’RE LEADING A CHANGE IN THE WAY WE ALL SHOP FOR CLOTHING FOREVER AND WE HOPE THAT OUR LOCAL SHOPPERS WILL HELP US RECYCLE OR RE-USE AS MANY UNWANTED ITEMS OF CLOTHING AS POSSIBLE. The Shwopping concept is an essential part of our new store makeover and you’ll see our Shwop Drops at the entrance.

We’ve put a lot of work into making the in store experience as enjoyable as possible for shoppers, offering the very best of M&S fashion, and hope that Leicester can lead the way in making Shwopping an everyday part of our customers’ lives.”

WIN A

£500 M&S GIFT CARD

TO SPEND IN THE M&S FOSSE PARK STORE. ENTRY DETAILS:

Simply email your name, address and contact details to editor@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting M&S Competition in the subject bar. Alternatively postal entries should be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD

CLOSING DATE:

5th August 2012. The prize is non-transferable; no cash or other alternatives are available.

YOUR M&S FOSSE PARK MAKEOVER IS ALMOST COMPLETE AND, DESIGNED WITH CUSTOMERS IN MIND, THE CHANGES IN STORE HAVE BEEN PLANNED TO MAKE YOUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE EVEN MORE ENJOYABLE. 11

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

WHAT’S IN A NAME? COLLABORATIONS BETWEEN HIGH-END DESIGNERS AND HIGH-STREET BRANDS ARE NOTHING NEW.

Vanessa Bruno for La Redoute Shirtdress, £89

Preen for Debenhams Dress, £65

Colour blocking has been the daddy of all trends for several seasons now and SS12 is no different to the others. This colour block dress, the lovechild of partnership between Debenhams and London label Preen is a sure-fire hit.

One of the more low-key collaborations, yet with perhaps more longevity and less need for PR hullabaloo, Preen’s EDITION range for the high-street giant, focuses on Preen’s strength namely well-cut pieces that make women feel fantastic - coupled with the reliability and value for money prices Debenhams offer. The entire collection makes a sound investment.

Celebrity collaborations are often even more anticipated than the high-end designers. Who could forget Kate Moss for Topshop? And this season the Geri Halliwell collection by Next provides well thought-out, structured pieces in solid colours and girlie floral print, to produce a mix of grown-up chic and fun.

Geri Halliwell for Next Playsuit, £40

Orla Kiely for People Tree Blouse, £48

People Tree, the Fair Trade fashion pioneer, has teamed up with both Zakee Shariff and Orla Kiely this season. Both offerings are characterised by each designers’ signature prints.

Zakee Shariff ’s designs feature delicate, illustrative prints with a smattering of paisley, whilst Orla Kiely’s feature bolder designs.

FINALLY THE LIMITED EDITION NATURE OF THESE COLLABORATIONS MEANS THAT UNFORTUNATELY IT CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO GET HOLD OF EVEN THE LESS POPULAR ITEMS, LET ALONE THE KEY PIECES. But if you do manage to track them down, knowing you’ve paid a fraction of the usual price for your favourite designer is every shopaholic’s dream.

When it comes to paying a premium price for what is essentially a high-street manufactured piece, versatility is key. Vanessa Bruno’s for La Redoute shirtdress has it all; a flattering fit and the perfect mix of laidback cool and sexy, due to the slouchy shape and sheer chiffon fabric. Wedges, lipstick and a leather jacket would transform it from a daytime dress to a vamped-up party outfit in one fell swoop.

12

Photo Credit: All photography courtesy of PRshots

I

n fact, we barely even bat an eyelid anymore at the throngs of fans camping outside stores at 5am to be the first to see the new collections. Versace for H & M was perhaps the most hyped collection yet, but we have to ask ourselves, do they live up to the media attention they receive?

Luckily for you, we have done all the legwork to find the best pieces from the cream of the collaboration crop this year. Form an orderly queue, ladies.

! " # $ % % & ' #

( ) * *

13

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

SUMMER SUN

THIS MONTH IN THE URBAN FOX DISCOVER SOME NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF SUMMER.

R

ain or shine the British Summer is upon us, and what better way to reveal our inner glow than to invest in some beauty products that will make us look and feel like a sunny day in the Cote d’Azur.

PERFECT SKIN Lemon is a ‘Summer Wonder’ and investment in a good quality lemon bath & body oil has enormous benefits. Lemon bath is not only the perfect morning pick-me-up but also helps to firm & tone cellulite by

strengthening connective tissues. Follow your Lemon bath by applying Dr. Hauschka Lemon & Lemongrass Body Oil, in upwards strokes over the whole body. I personally cannot live without this ‘sunshine in a bottle’ and when applied to damp skin, it seals in moisture creating the most wonderfully healthy glow to your skin.

With the added benefit of smelling divine to everyone except bugs & mosquitoes it really is a 5-in-1 wonder for any holiday wash bag.

SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR £33

GET GLOWING We all have the potential to glow if we feel good about ourselves. Make-up is a perfect tool to enhance that inner glow or draw it out and there are some clever products available that ‘get you glowing’ even on a bad day! I adore BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in ‘Moonstone’. This broad spectrum SPF +20 moisturiser is luminous and water-light. Natural light reflecting particles veil skin in a soft pearlised glow that subtly highlights the face & body, illuminates dark patches, leaving the skin looking fresh, young and healthy.

LEMON LEMONGRASS BODY OIL £17.95

Claire Wilson Linden Aromatics Stoneygate Please feel free to contact me at : cwilson@lindenaromatics.co.uk

14

PREPARE TO BARE Miracle. Like a pair of glossy Bare legs through the tights in a bottle, it gives you summer months can be an understated honey-kissed a real challenge especially look with the added bonus if you have imperfections of reducing and preventing like scars, bruises and age spots & pigmentation discolouration that come through its from living life to the powerful full. Instant tanning vitamin packed products are a safe and serum. effective way to not only give your legs summer appeal but also hide those imperfections.

PERFECT LEGS SKIN If your legs MIRACLE £36 are looking a COEUR DE FLEUR bit pale, you’ll £62/£90 love thisworks™ Perfect Legs Skin

SUMMER SCENTS

Crisp citrus layers capture summer fantastically well, lifting the mood whilst refreshing you on warmer days. A vibrant spritz of Sicilian Lemon, Spanish Orange or Jamaican Lime provides a lasting background to summer, at home or abroad. To create a note of romance during sultry evenings try intense and exotic Tuberose or Summer Fruits & Flowers found in the ethereally feminine Coeur de Fleur

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FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

UNDERSTANDING ORAL CANCER CANCER IS AN EMOTIVE WORD AND A TRICKY SUBJECT TO TACKLE HOWEVER IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE DO.

O

ral cancer is a largely forgotten problem and yet it kills over 6,200 people every year. If we consider breast cancer kills just over 12,000 every year and there are important screening programmes in place to help catch problems early - estimated to save around 1,400 lives every year - we must do the same with oral cancer.

At every dental check-up appointment your dentist has the ideal opportunity to incorporate this simple screening process into your visit. If caught early the survival rates are excellent however they are very poor if caught late and the fiveyear survival rates have

remained at 50% for the last twenty-five years.

SOME EARLY SYMPTOMS ARE: ■ Ulcers that do not heal ■ ■

■ ■

■

■

after three weeks A lump or bump anywhere in the mouth Unexplained red or white patches in the mouth Problems with swallowing Any altered sensation or numbness like having a dental anaesthetic Any swelling that starts to become persistent or uncomfortable Loosening teeth

■ Persistent earache

There are other symptoms, which your dentist can help you with or you can look these up on www.rdoc.org.uk or www.info.cancerresearch. uk.org There are several large risk factors, which we can look to reduce these are: ■ Not smoking or chewing

tobacco ■ Reducing alcohol consumption ■ Following a low fat, low red meat diet

It is important to understand that there are many reasons for the symptoms we have detailed,

so it is important not to panic. Simply go and get someone to take a look.

This will ideally be your dentist, however your GP will also be able to help and if further reassurance is necessary you may be referred to a specialist known as an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon.

THIS SPECIALIST GROUP OF SURGEONS ARE GENERALLY DUAL QUALIFIED, THAT IS TO SAY THEY HAVE BOTH MEDICAL AND DENTAL DEGREES AND SPECIALISE IN PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD AND NECK. They would carry out further investigations to rule out any sinister causes of symptoms.

Remember as with almost every problem, it is better to get it checked out early and help is available, so if you are worried go and see someone soon.

Portman Healthcare Dental Clinics

For your nearest practice visit www.portmanhealthcare.co.uk or call 0116 255 1882

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19

WINING & DINING

LANGUEDOC:

THE WORLD’S LARGEST VINEYARD <<

W Duncan Murray Duncan Murray Wines Please feel free to contact me at: 10 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough

Tel: 01858 464935 www.duncanmurraywines.co.uk

20

LANGUEDOC IS STILL TRYING TO SHAKE OFF ITS ‘CHEAP AND CHEERFUL’ REPUTATION, THESE WINES REPRESENT GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY.

here in the world is the largest wine region? Well, on a map locate Montpellier in the south of France and then run your finger along as far as Nimes to the east and Carcassonne to the west.

The Languedoc hugs the western Mediterranean coast and constitutes an area of over 700,000 acres of vines.

Impressive on paper, but you really have to visit to get a sense of just how much wine production dominates in this area; vineyards just seem to carpet this beautiful region.

Languedoc was the first region to be introduced to wine production by the Romans around 2000 years ago. However, from prestigious beginnings, its reputation started to take a tumble once the railways were introduced in the 19th century. Northern France was rapidly industrialising and its thirst was literally quenched by wine from the south transported up via the new railroads.

To meet demand, the

Languedoc was planted with huge swathes of vines that produced light, low quality wines; indeed, so weak were the wines that they were blended with more robust wine from Algeria and latterly Spain and Italy.

Whilst demand was high (Languedoc wine was given to French soldiers during World War II), this type of wine sufficed, but when demand fell during the second half of the 20th century, the Languedoc was left with a surplus of poor quality vines and wine.

As the world market started to lose its appetite for Languedoc ‘plonk’ in the 1980s, it was clear that something needed to be done.

The French government had already intervened in the 1970s to encourage production of higher quality wines, but it became more and more evident that the area needed a radical overhaul. Fewer vines and investment in wine-making skills and equipment were top of the list.

Following government intervention, not all were able to respond to the challenge.

Individual winemakers and cooperatives incapable of change have since fallen by the wayside. There’s still a way to go, but there are increasing numbers of very skilled people making excellent wines. What’s more, because the Languedoc is still trying to shake off its ‘cheap and cheerful’ reputation, these wines represent great value for money. You can pay a fraction of the price you would for a Bordeaux wine of similar quality.

If that wasn’t persuasive enough, the Languedoc has something for all palates.

It’s fantastic for red wine drinkers, but there’s also a wide variety of white, rose, sparkling and sweet wine from zesty, fish-friendly white ‘Picpoul de Pinet’ to unctuous Muscats from Lunel and Frontignan.

Even if it’s raining at home, the ripe fruit and sun-baked aromas of the Mediterranean take me back to warmer days under clear blue skies. So try a taste of the Languedoc – sunshine in a glass!

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WINING & DINING

INSTANT GRATIFICATION

R

Lucy Cufflin Lucy’s Food Shop Stoneygate Please feel free to contact me at : lucy@lucysfood.co.uk

adishes are instant gratification for gardeners – only 3 weeks from seed to plate – honestly! You can grow them in a very small space, get a few seeds in alongside your plants or even grow them in a little pot, so wherever you live, garden or not these bright little peppery red spheres are a great way to start ‘growing your own’. Children love to see them growing and they can be planted anytime, so plant some now!

Once grown, don’t limit yourself to slicing them onto a salad. Until recently I didn’t know that you can even cook them!

HERE ARE 4 QUICK FIXES WITH RADISH THAT YOU WILL LOVE:

RADISH TZATZIKI Grate a handful of radishes coarsely and add to 2-3 tablespoons of thick Greek yoghurt, 1 clove of garlic (finely grated), salt & pepper

22

and a dash of olive oil.

Season to taste. Eat as a little nibble with a glass of wine, perfect for a summer evening.

RADISH CURRY Quarter 250g of radishes & finely chop ½ an onion.

Fry in vegetable oil for a few minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of your favourite curry paste or powder, 1 clove of garlic (finely grated), 1 teaspoon of malt vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar, a little extra chilli if you wish and 50ml of water. Boil it all away in a deep frying pan until it is sticky, spicy and still a little crunchy. Stir in a little freshly chopped coriander and a handful of fresh spinach leaves. Season to taste. This is a great side dish to any curry.

5 MINUTE RADISH CHUTNEY Dice 200g of radishes & finely chop 2 spring onions.

Put them into a saucepan

Sh with aLrue cy Join us o

/lucysf n facebook us knowood and let w recipes hat radish you created. have

with 1 tablespoon of malt vinegar and 2 tablespoon of brown sugar, plus 100ml water. Add salt and pepper and garden herbs – sage, rosemary, chives – whatever you have. Boil the chutney away until it is sticky and syrupy. Allow to go cold and adjust seasoning. Simply lovely with cheese and bread for a picnic

RADISH SANDWICH This is actually my favourite!

It needs good bread, fabulous butter (lots of it) and salt. I remember my father eating these on the beach in the summer and although I had not really tried them myself until a few years ago, they are a must for any summer picnic!

CHILDREN LOVE TO SEE THEM GROWING AND THEY CAN BE PLANTED ANYTIME, SO PLANT SOME NOW!

An Italian

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23

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

HARD LANDSCAPING LAST TIME IN THE URBAN FOX, I WROTE ABOUT GARDEN DESIGN. DESIGNING A GARDEN REQUIRES VARIOUS ELEMENTS INCLUDING HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING, FURNITURE AND DECORATION.

O

ver the coming months I shall be honing in on some of these elements, starting in this edition with ‘hard’ landscaping.

Hard landscaping is… well, hard! Both in its nature – think wooden pergolas or structures, terraces, walling – and the physical effort required to install it.

STONE Regardless of your chosen style of garden, – contemporary, traditional, family etc. - they all require different materials to accentuate the mood or atmosphere. I prefer natural materials such as natural stone for terraces and walling. It weathers better, is

James Brewer James Brewer Gardens Please feel free to contact me on: 07775 614676,

www.jamesbrewergardens.co.uk

I USE A LOT OF RECLAIMED LIMESTONE AND IRONSTONE, WHICH IS AMAZING TO WORK WITH. more aesthetically pleasing and can be bought for less than concrete slabs!

Other natural materials include walling stone. I use a lot of reclaimed limestone and ironstone, which is amazing to work with. I especially like reclaimed stone i.e. stone recycled from another wall or building. Not only is it preaged in colour but there’s something extraordinary about working with materials that a stone mason may have handled over a hundred years ago and yet will continue to exist long into the future.

TIMBER 24

In terms of timber, I try not to use ‘soft’ wood unless

it’s a short-term feature in a house. If you do use it, make sure it’s pre-treated or ‘tanalised’, which means it’s been pressure dipped in a specific preserver to hold off rot; which is the biggest problem with soft wood.

THE KING OF WOOD FOR YOUR GARDEN IS OAK. IT’S GENERALLY TWICE THE PRICE OF SOFT WOOD BUT WILL LAST FOUR TIMES LONGER, SO REPRESENTS GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY. Green Oak is a variety I use most. ‘Green’ refers to it recently being felled & sawn and therefore it has a higher water content. Oak ages with a dignity soft wood

just can’t emulate. The Oak itself moves as it dries so as it matures each piece is totally unique. Avoid using nails when working with oak, as it has a habit of shearing them in two as it dries. It’s far better to use oak dowels and traditional joints, as these move with the beams as they expand and contract.

OAK AGES WITH A DIGNITY SOFT WOOD JUST CAN’T EMULATE. THE OAK ITSELF MOVES AS IT DRIES SO AS IT MATURES EACH PIECE IS TOTALLY UNIQUE.

DESIGN

Once you’ve chosen the materials you want to work with, consider the elements of design you want to incorporate. Here are just a few key tips:

1 2

For a contemporary garden, incorporate geometric shapes and symmetry into a patio design. The opposite would apply to a country garden.

To avoid overpowering your garden with hard landscaping ensure you use the following ratios - 1/3 hard landscaping,1/3 soft landscaping and 1/3 lawns (or alternative mass covering surface).

I PREFER NATURAL MATERIALS SUCH AS NATURAL STONE FOR TERRACES AND WALLING.

<<

3

Nature doesn’t work in straight lines so steer well away from them unless it’s a contemporary garden. We have boundaries and lines dictated to us daily; our work spaces, offices, walls within the house and of course the garden’s boundary, so use the opposite. Long flowing curves work really well.

4

Accentuate the design of your garden by adding lighting. A subtly lit natural stone wall looks amazing by night, and the best part, it radiates its light regardless of the time of year so it will look just as inviting in the depths of winter as it will on a warm summer’s evening.

5

Consider incorporating permanent and temporary features into your design. A recessed hidden fire pit is perfect for lengthening those summer evenings; or a hammock which can be put up or down depending on the weather.

THE SUMMER’S HOPEFULLY HERE AGAIN SOON, SO HEAD INTO THE GARDEN AND LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN FREE WITH INSPIRATIONAL SHAPES, IDEAS AND DESIGNS.

James Brewer Gardens

Your garden is there to be enjoyed, sit in, entertain in, play, relax and use as another room of your home. Designing your garden to best suit your requirements needn’t be a daunting task.

I have over 17 years experience in designing contemporary and traditional gardens to suit all budgets. All my projects receive the same passion, professionalism and attention to detail no matter what the size.

4 Haddonian Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9GD Tel: 01858 464194 Mob: 07775 614676 Web: www.jamesbrewergardens.co.uk

25

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

SMALL BATHROOMS GOOD DESIGN IS IMPORTANT IN EVERY AREA OF THE HOME, BUT WHERE I THINK IT CAN MAKE OR BREAK A ROOM IS IN SMALL BATHROOMS.

that will give a soft and spalike feel. Dimmable and coloured chromotherapy lighting is also a great luxurious addition, and is ideal for setting the mood to suit the time of day.

I think it’s the little touches that can really make a bathroom stand out. You may not be able to see it, but underfloor heating will give your bathroom a real decadent feel. Equally, picking the right accessories can give the bathroom that effortless understated style, so I

<<

26

At Plug in Design, we try to limit the amount of colours and finishes in small bathrooms, so we often use the same tiles on the wall and floor.

Although it can seem a little intimidating, dark colours can work wonders in small bathrooms. The decadent colours really produce drama, and as long as it’s lit properly, it will give a sense of luxury.

Lighting is crucial in small bathrooms and so often it’s unfairly overlooked. You need

like to help my clients get even these details right.

Whether it’s a large bespoke mirror that will flood the bathroom with light and drama, or dispensers in a metallic finish, getting the finishing touches right is the icing on the cake.

PICKING THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES CAN GIVE THE BATHROOM THAT EFFORTLESS UNDERSTATED STYLE

<<

Please feel free to contact me at : hayley@plug-indesign.com

A ROOM MAY BE SMALL, BUT YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED JUST WHAT YOU CAN FIT IF YOU WANT TO INTO IT. MANY OF THE INCLUDE A SHOWER, GO FOR FOR A PROJECTS THAT WE TAKE FRAMELESS VERSION ON INCLUDE STEAM AS IT WON’T SECTION SHOWERS WITHIN OFF A PART OF THE ROOM. MODEST ENSUITE SPACES, SO DON’T general overall lighting, LET YOUR IDEAS BE but it’s also important to HEMMED IN. include ambient lighting

<<

Hayley Tarrington, Creative Director Plug in Design

These simple tricks will create an optical illusion that the room is larger than it actually is.

Consider the proportions of every piece that you look at and you will see that the measurements vary greatly.

As a guide, typical wall hung WC’s project 550mm, whereas slim models project as little as 450mm.

That’s a real space saver without any compromise on design.

<<

F

rom all my years as a designer working with every kind of space imaginable, I’ve brought together a few of my top tips to help you make the most of your bathroom.

It’s essential to maintain clear sight lines throughout the space, so if you want to include a shower, go for for a frameless version as it won’t section off a part of the room. Keep the floor of your bathroom as clear as possible so that you can clearly see the full width and length of the room.

The easiest way to do this is to opt for wall hung furniture and sanitaryware (that’s your basin and WC).

27

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

COMMONWEALTH CHIC WHEN IT WAS OPENED ON APRIL 18TH 1931, THE DORCHESTER HOTEL IN PARK LANE, MAYFAIR WAS THE MOST LUXURIOUS HOTEL THAT LONDON HAD EVER SEEN.

A

few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to a special Jubilee afternoon tea at The Dorchester and got to experience firsthand, the stunning eclectic interiors that retain their fabulous vintage glamour from 80 years ago.

The Dorchester opened its doors in the same year that the Commonwealth was created, on the back of an ever-fragmenting Empire and to me, the connection is clear. The Dorchester is often described generically as having an art deco style, which is technically true.

However it also epitomises something very English; the bringing together of many different elements and influences from wildly varying cultures and curating them into one beautifully eclectic style.

Upon entering The

Jo Westwood Coal & Wright Textiles England 21 Leicester Street Melton Mowbray

www.coalandwright.co.uk

masterpiece - under your feet and delicate golden birds fluttering into every detail.

UNFORTUNATELY WE DON’T ALL HAVE THE BUDGET OF THE DORCHESTER, BUT IT’S CERTAINLY POSSIBLE TO GET THIS LOOK AT HOME.

EXPERIENCE FIRST-HAND, THE STUNNING ECLECTIC INTERIORS THAT RETAIN THEIR FABULOUS VINTAGE GLAMOUR. Dorchester you are greeted by the deceptively spacious Promenade. Named after the great British pastime, this long slender room is separated into three aisles of tables and chairs, with two walkways, to literally promenade along!

MAJESTIC OVERSIZED FURNITURE WITH ROLLING MAHOGANY LEGS, SUMPTUOUS SAGE GREEN SATIN UPHOLSTERY AND GIANT BOLSTER CUSHIONS PERCH ON ELABORATE RUGS. PERFECTLY POLISHED MARBLE FLOORS LAY BENEATH. Tables are finished with pristine starched tablecloths, with something of the stuff upper lip about them.

The next thing to catch

28

your eye, are the clutches of palms and extravagant floral displays, mixing the tropical with the domestic. At the time of my visit, statuesque flared urns held great sprays of red white and blue arrangements standing twice my height, in a celebratory display of patriotism.

Towering burnt orange marble pillars, topped with glittering gilding, line the Promenade and finish off the whole feel of slightly eccentric grandeur that only an island nation can achieve.

After tea we took a sneak peek into the residential areas of the hotel and discovered the most opulent elevator foyer areas. Each floor individually decorated and heavily influenced by the orient, with shimmering wallpapers, bespoke hand knotted carpets - akin to a

Andrew Martin is great for wallpapers and if you don’t fancy investing in a set of marble pillars for your living room, muralswallpaper. co.uk has a fab range of photographic wall coverings.

For soft furnishings, China Seas has extensive Commonwealth inspired fabrics; whilst imitation marble flooring is widely available.

Of course your décor wouldn’t be complete without a vintage map as proof of your overseas explorations!

Try oldmapsonline.org or even Ebay.

Finally keep in mind the sense of adventure that exotic travel to China, India and the West Indies conjured…

ANDREW MARTIN IS GREAT FOR WALLPAPERS

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MOTORING & SPORT

LIFE BEGINS AT 60 VOLVO S60 1.6 DRIVE R-DESIGN

T

here are things that some car makers will always be renowned for and Volvo will be forever linked with driver safety. They have been instrumental in bringing a number of features which are now permanent fittings on all cars and the pace of invention does not stop. The Volvo S60 is fitted with one

Chris Sturgess Sturgess Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.sturgessgroup.co.uk

32

feature called City Safety which detects cars in front and applies the brakes at whatever necessary pressure in order to prevent any impact. However, we cannot ignore some other things that current day Volvos are earning a reputation for.

This particular car was the S60 DRIVe which uses a frugal 1.6 litre diesel engine, driving through a 6 speed manual gearbox.

The gearbox itself is light to use with a nice, accurate shift coupled with a lightly weighted clutch. In sixth gear, the engine is turning at just over 2000 RPM at the legal speed limit, so this has an obvious effect on reducing fuel consumption and CO2 output.

Another long standing Volvo feature is comfortable seats. I never have any hesitation in recommending a Volvo to anyone who is intolerant of poor car seating or covers a large annual mileage. The seats in the R-Design specification

cars are grippy in all the right places and also have a good looking colour contrast scheme, in this case a light grey banding on a black seat.

A by product of a comfortable seat is a relaxed and convenient driving position. The signature Volvo “floating” centre console is slightly angled towards the driver, meaning that switch controls are within easy reach and behind the console is a neat storage area where items can be stowed but are out of vision.

Other nice features are the audio and vehicle information system which can be configured by the driver so if you want to change some of the car’s advanced systems, such as the audio system’s graphic equaliser or the level of security used by the car’s

alarm system, you can do so by using the easily understood menus.

Outside, the car has a pleasing shape to look at.

The haunched shoulders at the rear, the deep and distinctive radiator grille and the overall appearance of solidity make the S60 a car that will look good in all situations and acquit itself well in more image conscious environments like the company car park.

The S60 also comes as an estate, the V60 which incorporates all of the features of the S60, but offers estate car load capacity, all wrapped in a style that looks as though this was designed to be an estate car and not a saloon with a bit added on.

A large, convenient boot is also a fundamental part of what makes the S60 a great all round package.

So to summarise, if you are looking at an economical car with lots of style, the S60 has got to be it.

If you are looking for a car with high levels of comfort, try the S60. If safety and technology is your thing, again it’s the S60.

THE OVERALL APPEARANCE OF SOLIDITY MAKE THE S60 A CAR THAT WILL LOOK GOOD IN ALL SITUATIONS

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MOTORING & SPORT

BOY RACERS

ON PAPER, IT FOLLOWS TO ASSUME THAT JEREMY CLARKSON SITS ATOP THE TOP GEAR HIERARCHY. HE’S THE OLDEST, THE TALLEST, THE MOST EGOCENTRIC AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE LONGEST-SERVING MEMBER OF THE SERIES, HAVING JOINED AS A REPORTER DURING THE DAYS OF ANGELA RIPPON AND NOEL EDMONDS.

C

o-presenters Richard Hammond and James May have different ideas though.

Hammond says: “If you were asking Jeremy if he was the biggest name on the show, the answer would be a definite ‘yes’. But the reality is a fat ‘no’. It’s really me and May who are running the show - we just let Jeremy go off on his tangents.

Ultimately, if it keeps him happy, we’re happy.”

“We’re really a freethinking triumvirate of individuals allowed to express ourselves as we can”

34

May offers. “Jeremy is the biggest and the loudest, but he is also a coward. The arguments are really, really interesting. Naturally, we’re mates which means we both hate and enjoy each others’ company.”

True to form, Clarkson’s vociferous manner is perpetually landing the show in the headlines, most recently when the Reverend Graeme

TRUE TO FORM, CLARKSON’S VOCIFEROUS MANNER IS PERPETUALLY LANDING THE SHOW IN THE HEADLINES

Anderson said Jeremy had “trivialised and cheapened” Christianity with outbursts of “God Almighty” and “Jesus wept” on the show.

The Beeb laughed off the claims – after all, they’re a drop in the ocean compared to what Clarkson has put them through in the past, only just last year generating thousands of complaints over a quip that striking public sector workers should be “executed in front of their families”.

So when asked if he is sometimes embarrassed

by Clarkson’s frequent politically incorrect comments, James May gives a signature deadpan response.

“I am permanently embarrassed by Jeremy,”

IT’S REALLY ME AND MAY WHO ARE RUNNING THE SHOW - WE JUST LET JEREMY GO OFF ON HIS TANGENTS. he laughs. “He is, simply, a social and intellectual liability. Jeremy is Jeremy!

It wouldn’t make sense if he was glibly avoiding every socially correct pothole that comes his way. I find his talk rather entertaining... but yes, extremely embarrassing too!”

“It’s just funny,” Hammond adds. “I mean, who else can get away with some of the stuff he’s said over the years? He’s like some drunken grandad at a wedding who’s always given the benefit of the doubt.”

The latest series has proved that the show’s popularity shows little sign of waning, with fans particularly enjoying the overseas specials. So where would the pair like the show to move onto next for another travel special?

“I really liked Vietnam,” May says, “so perhaps The Philippines or Borneo. I’d like somewhere again in South East Asia.”

“PERSONALLY, I’D GO SOUTH AMERICA - MAYBE DO A TOUR FROM ARGENTINA RIGHT UP TO VENEZUELA,” SAYS HAMMOND.

“TO BE FAIR, THAT COULD TAKE WEEKS, BUT IF WE SET ASIDE ENOUGH TIME, IT COULD WORK. AND IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE AND CULTURES JEREMY COULD INSULT ALONG THE WAY.” How much longer do May or Hammond see themselves with the Beeb flagship series? “Until Clarkson has us fired,” May quips.

“To be fair, that sounds about right,” Hammond adds. “We’re like the two bold schoolboys always being told off and scolded but, to be fair, he’d miss us terribly. I’d like to stay with the show for as long as it’ll have me. I’m having too much fun. It’s what we base our year around.”

“THAT’S TRUE,” MAY ADDS. “WE ALL GO OFF AND DO OUR INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS AND COME BACK TOGETHER FOR TOP GEAR. I THINK IT’D BE SOMETHING I’D RATHER MISS A LOT.”

HOW MUCH LONGER DO MAY OR HAMMOND SEE THEMSELVES WITH THE BEEB FLAGSHIP SERIES? 35

MOTORING & SPORT

PUTTING IT RIGHT

FOR THIS ARTICLE THE FOCUS TURNS TO THE ART OF ‘PUTTING’. OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE EASIEST AREA OF THE GAME, THIS IS IN TRUTH WHERE MOST GAMES ARE WON OR LOST.

H

ow could rolling a ball into a hole on a finely prepared area with a flat fronted implement be so difficult? Well, add some slopes, different speed of greens and perhaps some pressure into the equation and some of the shortest putts can seem daunting.

Grip Reverse-overlap with both thumbs straight down the flat fronted handle.

OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE SEEN A VARIETY OF METHODS AND TECHNIQUES WITH THE ‘SHORT STICK’ OR PERHAPS NOT SO SHORT AS IN THE CASE OF BELLY OR LONG PUTTERS.

Aim

Should always be to the intended target line.

putter was 35 inches. Only recently has this changed to 34 and please bear in mind that people are now taller than ever!

So now we are in the ideal position we can now produce a pendulum type motion that gives us a smooth equidistant stroke.

Some seem to be short term remedies and work for a while, but ultimately solid putting is only borne from good technique using a correctly fitted putter.

As with all other areas of the game the set-up is key:

Dominic Fitzpatrick PGA Qualified Golf Professional Please contact me on

dfitzpgapro@gmail.com

HINTS AND TIPS AIM

Should always be to the intended target line.

GRIP

Reverse-overlap with both thumbs straight down the flat fronted handle.

comfortable STANCE Feet width apart.

36

BALL

Positioned in the front half of the stance to encourage a slightly upward strike to get the ball rolling.

BODY

Aligned squarely with posture to allow eye-line directly over the ball.

To achieve this position you must be using a putter that is the correct length.

Most golfers are using a putter that is too long in length. Placing the putter head flush to the ground and the players eye-line directly over the ball, often shows an excess of an inch or two that usually ends up getting snagged in sweaters or waterproofs. Needless to say after most putting lessons my recommendation is for the pupil to have their putter shortened to a more suitable length. For years the industry standard of a gents

THE BACKSTROKE AND THROUGH-STROKE SHOULD BE THE SAME DISTANCE AND SPEED. THE BIGGER THE STROKE THE FURTHER THE BALL WILL TRAVEL. Through practicing, a better feel will be achieved but don’t forget to keep your head still until you have completed your stroke and listen for that ball dropping into the cup!

NEEDLESS TO SAY AFTER MOST PUTTING LESSONS MY RECOMMENDATION IS FOR THE PUPIL TO HAVE THEIR PUTTER SHORTENED TO A MORE SUITABLE LENGTH.

GOLF TUITION

BY APPOINTMENT

LEICESTERSHIRE CCC STAR BOOK SIGNING EVENTS

QUALITY RE-GRIPPING AND REPAIRS SERVICE

LEICESTERSHIRE CCC LEGEND PAUL NIXON WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE AT WATERSTONES STORES IN MARKET STREET & HIGHCROSS AND AT THE FRIENDS LIFE T20 MATCH AGAINST DURHAM ON FRIDAY 6 JULY FOR A SERIES OF BOOK LAUNCH EVENTS, OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

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Dominic Fitzpatrick, Glen Gorse Pro Shop, Glen Road, Oadby, Leicester. LE2 4RF. Tel.0116 2713748

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ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST BUYING GROUP FOR GOLF PROS

Keeping Quiet is an honest and frank account of a long and successful career, laying bare a unique personality from Paul Nixon’s days playing for Leicestershire, Kent and England.

Known as cricket’s most prolific ‘sledger’, Paul Nixon has amassed more than 20 years of stories from his career at the heart of the game, the majority of which have never seen the light of day.

For the first time he now reveals them in typically outspoken style, delving into his own personal experiences of his cricketing career.

A popular figure at Grace Road in a career that spanned four decades, Nixon’s stories about his time at Leicestershire are sure to fascinate members and supporters.

From Gower to Flintoff to Pietersen, Nixon has shared a dressing room with some of the biggest names in both international and domestic cricket.

For your chance to meet Paul and have your personal copy of Keeping Quiet signed, head to Waterstones Market St, Leicester at 11.15am or Waterstones Highcross, between midday and 2pm on 6 July. Alternatively he’ll be signing books later that day between 4pm and 5pm at Grace Rd and from 8.30pm after the Leicestershire vs Durham match.

FROM GOWER TO FLINTOFF TO PIETERSEN, NIXON HAS SHARED A DRESSING ROOM WITH SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC CRICKET. Tickets available from Club Manager (0116 2714159) & can be purchased by Credit Card (50p surcharge) or Debit Card.

Tickets posted (postage applies) or by collection from Club Managers Office.

Tickets also available from bar staff during opening hours.

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MOTORING & SPORT

TIGER’S REVIEW WIN

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op try-scorers in the Aviva Premiership, appearances in the final of both league and cup, and just two defeats by English opposition between mid-October and the end of May were the headline stories of the Leicester Tigers’ season in 2011/12.

The squad recovered from a tough start to the season in the absence of more than a dozen senior players due to World Cup calls and injuries, with a scintillating run of form in the second half of the year.

Playing enterprising rugby, Tigers notched a record six successive bonus-point victories in the league – scoring four tries or more – to book a place in the Premiership Final for an incredible eighth year in a row.

Although unable to lift a tenth league title after defeat by Harlequins at Twickenham, the squad had already collected some silverware with victory in

the Anglo-Welsh LV= Cup tournament, beating neighbours Northampton in the final.

CROWDS AVERAGED MORE THAN 20,000 AGAIN AT WELFORD ROAD AND BY THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN, LOYAL SUPPORTERS HAD ALREADY SNAPPED UP MORE THAN 12,500 SEASON TICKETS FOR 2012/13.

Matchday at Welford Road is an unbeatable experience and there has been significant growth in the number of junior season ticket holders and family groups sharing the occasion. Young supporters enjoy their own activities, as well as the exclusive Crusha milkshake bar, in The Final Whistle before every game.

Nearly 10,000 young fans are now members of the Junior Tigers Club.

Planning for the new season started immediately after Final day in May with boss Richard Cockerill looking to take the team to even more success in 2012/13.

A TIGERS FAMILY PASS

( 2 ADULTS AND 2 CHILDREN ) TO BE PART OF THE ACTION IN THE OPENING FIXTURE OF THE SEASON AT THE START OF SEPTEMBER. INCLUDED IN THE MATCH TICKET WILL BE OUR SUMMERTIME SPECTACULAR TIGERS IN THE PARK, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE GAME.

To be in with a chance to win simply email your name, address and contact details to: editor@theurban-fox.co.uk, with ‘Leicester Tigers’ in the subject box. Alternatively postal entries should be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD Terms & Conditions: Prize is for 2 adult and 2 child tickets only.

All tickets issued are subject to the ticketing terms & conditions.

Tickets cannot be sold or auctioned above the face value of a ticket.

Closing date: 26th July 2012

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PEOPLE & PLACES

SURF’S UP

WE ALL REMEMBER THAT SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT THE FIRST TIME WE RODE OUR BIKES WITHOUT STABILISERS; THE THRILL OF KEEPING YOUR BALANCE AND EACH YARD FEELING LIKE A MILE.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE THRILLS OF BOOGIE BOARDING, SURF-SKIING OR WINDSURFING. and kite-surfing.

After a day at the beach, The Beach Hut one of Cornwall’s best beachside hang-outs, as well as Jamie Oliver’s inspired Fifteen restaurant are close at hand.

WALES

LLANGENNITH, GOWER Llangennith has a stunning three mile stretch of sandy beach right in the heart of the Gower.

WITH A FRIENDLY CROWD AND CHILLED OUT VIBE, IT’S NOT HARD TO SEE WHY IT’S SUCH A SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION.

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If it’s been some time since you’ve experienced that level of exhilaration, then a surf holiday might be just what you’re looking for this summer.

This month in The Urban Fox, we uncover three of the best beaches in the UK offering expert tuition, laidback attitude and great surf. What’s more they’re ideal for absolute beginners. So come on what are you waiting for?!

ENGLAND (NORTH) SALTBURN, CLEVELAND

Saltburn is perhaps not the first place you’d expect to find an excellent surfing beach but it’s one of the original centres of the north-east surf scene.

Saltburn is great for

beginner waves, which can be found either side of the pier.

The Surf Shop can provide everything from lessons, equipment hire, advice on new boards, as well as the opportunity to experience the thrills of boogie boarding, surfskiing or windsurfing.

Looking to relax and warm up after your exertions, head to Camfield’s Juice Bar, or The Ship Inn, both right above the beach.

ENGLAND (SOUTH) WATERGATE BAY, CORNWALL

This is where some of Cornwall’s most eyecatching coastline meshes with its recent reinvention as the home of adrenalin

sports and fantastic food.

Watergate Bay has two miles of beach at low tide, so is a great alternative to neighbouring Newquay.

The surf is usually good for beginners but the waves can be powerful and even give the occasional barrel!

The Extreme Academy offers tuition and equipment hire to help you get the most from the sea, plus a range of activities including stand-up paddlesurf, hand planing

Llangennith is the most consistent surf spot on the Gower. Surfable on all tides and good for all levels of surfer, especially beginners.

The Llangennith surf school offers extended 2.5hr lessons, and PJ’s surf shop is the place for equipment hire, surf reports, as well as local information on where to stay and what to do.

After hours, try The Kings Head for a relaxed location, traditional pub grub, real ales and a fabulous warm welcome.

GOT THE SURF BUG? Then check out other great beginner surf beaches including Bournemouth in Dorset, Bigbury in South Devon and Pease Bay in Scotland. So from all of us here at The Urban Fox “Have a totally cool summer dudes!”

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PEOPLE & PLACES

INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS WEEK SATURDAY 30TH JUNE – SATURDAY 7TH JULY 2012 The award-winning book shop in Kibworth has plenty lined up for Independent Booksellers Week (IBW) this year. The main event will take place in the shop on Wednesday 4th July when they’ll host an evening with the author Graham Joyce, celebrating the launch of his new book “Some Kind of Fairy Tale”. Graham’s previous novel, “The Silent Land” has been bought by Hollywood for film adaptation and many of his other titles have won prestigious industry awards. Tickets are £3 which is redeemable against a limited edition copy of “Some Kind of Fairy Tale”.

EACH DAY DURING IBW THERE WILL BE 10% OFF A DIFFERENT CATEGORY OF BOOKS: MONDAY IS GARDENING, TUESDAY COOKERY, WEDNESDAY ART & DESIGN, THURSDAY CLASSICS, FRIDAY LOCAL HISTORY AND ON EACH SATURDAY BOOK-RELATED GIFTS SUCH AS STATIONERY AND PENGUIN MUGS WILL BE ON OFFER. Other attractions during IBW include give-aways such as World Book Day books with the purchase of any children’s book, real leather Bookshop Kibworth bookmarks and chocolate, this last being an essential accompaniment to curling up with a cup of tea and a good book!

To book event tickets and for more information on IBW or anything bookrelated, please telephone Debbie at The Bookshop on 0116 2791121.

GRAHAM JOYCE, CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF HIS NEW BOOK “SOME KIND OF FAIRY TALE”.

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CHRISTIAN WEIKERT-PICKER (LOROS) & DENISE BRADSHAW (HINCKLEY BRANCH MANAGER)

THOUSANDS FOR LOROS THANKS TO HINCKLEY & RUGBY SAVERS MORE THAN £2,330 IS GOING TO THE LEICESTERSHIRE HOSPICE LOROS THANKS TO SAVERS CHOOSING A SPECIAL AFFINITY ACCOUNT AT HINCKLEY & RUGBY BUILDING SOCIETY. Three Leicestershire and Warwickshire hospices are sharing a £7,000 windfall generated by the account, which sees one per cent of its average balances donated by the Society to the charities each year.

More than £2,330 each is going to: LOROS, which cares for people from Leicestershire and Rutland; The Myton Hospices, covering Coventry and Warwickshire; and Mary Ann Evans Hospice, based in Nuneaton and covering North Warwickshire.

The three hospices have now shared an impressive £25,000 from the account since its launch in 2008.

The account also pays interest to the account’s savers, giving them a useful return on their money and the knowledge they are helping provide care and support to the terminally ill and their relatives.

Denise Bradshaw, Hinckley & Rugby branch manager for Hinckley, said: “Thanks to our customers choosing the Hospice Affinity Savings Account, the Society is able to support LOROS and the other hospices. Most people in the communities we serve will have been touched by the work of these hospices at some point.”

Christian Weikert-Picker, fundraiser at LOROS, said: “It is wonderful that such commitment has been shown to this account by Hinckley & Rugby and its savers. Such long-term help for hospices is key to us being able to deliver the free care to our patients and their families.”

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM BIOENERGY AND BREWING SCIENCE BUILDING.

TOP AWARD FOR EAST MIDLANDS ARCHITECTS TWO MAJOR YET RADICALLY DIFFERENT PROJECTS IN THE EAST MIDLANDS SCOOPED A HAT TRICK OF PRIZES FOR ARCHITECTS MABER AT THE REGIONAL BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS. New research facilities at the University of Nottingham and a development of 146 eco council homes in Leicester both impressed the judges.

Maber - based in Nottingham, Leicester and Derby - lifted two prizes for the Leicester project, Best Social Housing Development and the prestigious Chairman’s Award, while the university work was named Best Education Development.

Managing director Mark Hobson said: “We are thrilled to have had such a successful night, especially to win the Chairman’s Award, which is the highest accolade of these awards. These two projects are so different and yet both have been recognised as outstanding, which is testament to our team’s design quality and their versatility.”

The Maber-designed council homes in Leicester were completed in partnership with Leicester City Council under the Local Authority New Build programme.

They are the first council homes to be built in Leicester to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4. To meet the demanding standard, Maber designed nine house types with timber frame structures, PV and solar hot water panels, tight air permeability and a heat recovery system.

For the University of Nottingham, Maber has designed a multi-functional BioEnergy and Brewing Science Building. The 3,400-square-meter complex provides space for teaching facilities in bio energy and food technology, and external brewing company SAB Miller.

STONEYGATE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Sunday 3rd June saw the first Stoneygate Food & Drink Festival on Allandale Road and Francis Street in Leicester.

The festival was officially opened at 10am by the Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, who described the Stoneygate shopping district as “the gem in Leicester’s Crown”.

Despite the incessant rain, the attendance was fantastic and the festive mood and sense of community was more than sufficient to compensate for the poor weather. Circa thirty stalls were erected, and the variety of food and drink included cooked paella, farm-shop pies, burgers, bacon cobs, Goan cuisine, English sparkling wine, Leicestershire beers and ales, oysters and more.

An array of bands and musicians played over the course of the day, with children’s entertainment provided in the form of a treasure hunt, bee-keeping demonstrations and food education games by Eco Kids, a local charity dedicated to educating children on the providence of food.

The organisers, Zoë and Nigel Brady of Brady’s Fish & Seafood Market would like to thank Leicester City Council for part-funding the event; all the musicians who volunteered their services, everybody who helped and all those who braved the weather to attend the festival.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

JULY & AUGUST 2012

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND CONNECT EXHIBITION

LEICESTER BELGRAVE MELA

RHYS DARBY: THIS WAY TO SPACESHIP

Tue 17 July De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets £20 www.demontforthall.co.uk

LVT SUMMER SCHOOL 2012 Oliver - Tue 31 July - Sun12 Aug, Curve Theatre

the superpowers each have a spaceship ready to launch on the eve of Armageddon.

The trick is… to get on board! Rhys takes us on an autobiographical journey from meek geek to king of cool. This show is a handy guide to living your life like you’re the champion no one’s heard of. In the end, you might just find you’ve been invited to recolonize another planet!

entertainment each evening and on Saturday afternoon, this is one not to be missed.

Admission is free all day Thursday and before 6pm on Friday and Saturday. Entry after 6pm on Friday and Saturday is £3 or £1 for card carrying CAMRA members.

RUTLAND CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL

A Lost Weekend is a new music festival held on the banks of Rutland Water.

There will be two stages, one featuring national and international artists, and the other showcasing unsigned acts. Campsite facilities will be available from 20-23 July. Family and day tickets available.

Thu 19 - Sat 21 July Rutland County Museum Free Admission (terms apply) www.rutlandcamra.org.uk

Head to Oakham for the 2nd official CAMRA beer Some say the world could festival. Sample over 40 end in 2012 but Rhys Darby real ales along with real has a plan. He’s fairly sure Ciders and Perries. With

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Sun 22 July, 1.30pm Caldecott Playing Field, Rutland £2 per class entered

The village of Caldecott in Rutland is hosting a fun family dog show in aid of Help for Heroes. There will be 9 classes, with prizes up to 3rd Place, from which winners such as ‘Prettiest Eyes’ to ‘Most Disobedient’ will then compete for the grand prize for Best in Show: a hamper of goodies and a bespoke pastel portrait of the winning dog by Sarah Watson of Wonky Dogs Pet Portraits, worth £120. For further information, contact Anna Griffiths on 07976 939343.

Mon 9 - Fri 27 July Embrace Arts, Leicester Free Event www.embracearts.co.uk An opportunity to enjoy many of the works created by people who have taken part in the creative learning programme at Embrace Arts since last September.

Paintings, drawings, mixed media work, sculptures, jewellery, textiles, the written word and videos will all be on display.

Sun 15 July, 11am City Centre Free Event www.leicester-mela.co.uk The famous South Asian arts and Indian cultural festival is back with a glittering mix of live entertainment, celebrity guests, community performances and a fantastic music and dance programme. The event boasts free arts activities for families and the magical Mela Bazaar, featuring mouth-watering Indian food, clothing, jewellery, Asian arts stands and more.

CALDECOTT NOVELTY DOG SHOW

A LOST WEEKEND Sykes Lane, Rutland Water 21-22 July 2-day tickets £75 www.alostweekend.co.uk

Mon 23 July – Fri 3 Aug Leicester Vocal Tech, Swan Street Fees apply www.leicestervocaltech.co.uk

A one or two week intensive performing arts summer school in singing, dance and drama! Open for ages 3 to 16 years. If you love to sing, dance or act, then this is for you!

SCI-FI FEST

Sat 28 July Phoenix Square, Leicester £25 (£6 individual films) www.phoenix.org.uk

Following the success of last year, StarBase Leicester and Phoenix have teamed up once again to bring you Sci-Fi Fest 2012!

They have a selection of classic sci-fi movies plus the winner of the public film vote. There will also be stalls, merchandise

The festival finale will be the traditional family day at Castle Gardens, featuring historical re-enactments and walkabout ‘royal’ characters, live music, arts, crafts and food stalls, theatre activities and much more.

THE VIKINGS OF MIDDLE ENGLAND

Sun 26 – Mon 27 August Rockingham Castle £9 (£5 children) www.rockinghamcastle.com

The Vikings return! Be prepared for battles, horses, pageantry, a living history camp and much more. The Leicester Caribbean Carnival, Sat 4 August, Victoria Park, Leicester Vikings of Middle England and memorabilia sellers Now in its 27th year, site being transformed into are most famous for their realistic, exciting and alongside console gaming Leicester Caribbean a wild landscape. The entertaining battle displays. and a mass Magic the Carnival is a celebration of line-up includes the usual Off the battlefield life in the Gathering tournament in Caribbean cultural identity, eclectic mix from Death tented encampment goes on their training suites! social cohesion and creative in Vegas and Adam Ant to with tradesmen displaying partnership. The carnival is Katy B and Beth Rowley. their skills, making OLIVER also a platform for Caribbean Concessionary rates and Tue 31 July - Sun12 Aug weapons, coins and woodpeople to display their true day tickets available.

Curve Theatre turning. Family tickets and talents through costume, From £8.50 food, music and dance.

CASTLE PARK OLD combined event www.curveonline.co.uk and castle TOWN FESTIVAL tickets Mon 18 Mon 27 August 2012 SARI WORKSHOP Following the sell-out available.

City Centre, Various Venues & TALK success of last summer’s Free Event Sun 12 August, 12-2pm Curve Community www.leicester.gov.uk/ New Walk Museum Production, West Side castleparkfestival Free Event Story, the production team www.leicester.gov.uk/ at Curve will once again In celebration of the suitsandsaris join a hugely talented cast Diamond Jubilee, this An explanation of the of local individuals to year’s festival theme history of the sari, its present one of the most is Kings & Queens development up to present of England. The successful musicals of all day and the different time Oliver! This new theme will be styles of wrapping. Enjoy amateur version will bring highlighted a chance to try on a sari the lively Victorian streets throughout the with lessons on wrapping of London to Leicester festival with walking techniques. and promises to leave you tours, lectures and asking for more. exhibitions and the SUMMER SUNDAE popular ‘Hidden Gems’ Weekender tours of significant LEICESTER Fri 17 – Sun 19 August buildings. Leicester CARIBBEAN De Montfort Hall, Leicester Cathedral will host its CARNIVAL 3-day ticket £105 second Food Fair and Sat 4 August www.summersundae.com will also be the setting Victoria Park, Leicester This year’s festival theme for the festival’s Free Event The Vikings of Middle England is safari with the festival headline concert. www.leicester.gov.uk/parks

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BOOK REVIEW

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THE BOOK OF SUMMERS

BY EMYLIA HALL IS PUBLISHED IN PAPERBACK

BY HEADLINE, £7.99.

eth Lowe has been sent a parcel. Inside is a scrapbook Beth has never seen before and a letter informing her that her long-estranged mother has died. Entitled ‘The Book of Summers’, it’s stuffed with photographs and mementos compiled by her mother to record the seven glorious childhood summers Beth spent in rural Hungary.

It was a time when she trod the tightrope between separated parents

SUMMER TUNES

HOT CHIP IN OUR HEADS

KEANE STRANGELAND

Back to their discoinspired ways, In Our Heads showcases Hot Chip’s exultant side once more. Incessant Pop one moment (Night & Day); seven-minute experimentalism the next (Flutes), the album incorporates a wide array of upbeat songs perfect for summer daytimes or joyous evenings.

Whilst tarnished by its formulaic nature, Strangeland brings a certain charm. Though “safe” in its aesthetic, the songs are catchy and it’s difficult to avoid reminiscent thoughts of summer times past. As in Sovereign Light Café “Let’s go on the rides on East Parade, by the lights of the Palace Arcade”.

JACK RICHARDSON THE MONOGRAPH MUSIC MAGAZINE WWW.THEMONOGRAPH.CO.UK

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and two very different countries: her bewitching but imperfect Hungarian mother and her gentle, reticent English father; the dazzling house of a Hungarian artist and an empty-feeling cottage in deepest Devon.

It was a time that came to the most brutal of ends the year Beth turned sixteen. Since then, Beth hasn’t allowed herself to think about those years of her childhood.

However the arrival of

‘The Book of Summers’ brings the past tumbling back into the present: as vivid, painful and vital as ever. The writing in Emylia Hall’s debut book is alive and fluid, the beautiful prose communicating thoughts and feelings which we have all experienced but can seldom put into words. It is THE summer-read this year.

Do not leave for your holiday without it.

AVAILABLE FROM THE BOOKSHOP KIBWORTH

| 0116 2791121 | INFO@THEBOOKSHOPKIBWORTH.COM

MUSIC REVIEWS

PAUL SIMON GRACELAND: 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Retaining its beautiful fusion of concise songwriting and South African mbaqange music, Graceland holds a special, relaxed energy suiting the speeds of summer.

With the bubbling bass, echoic guitar, and instantly recognisable hits, the entire album is well-formed and diverse.

Its classic 80’s sound still sounds great today.

KAISER CHIEFS SOUVENIR: THE SINGLES 2004-2012

Containing only the hooks, Souvenir curtails the monotony of the filler infecting their albums to reveal the band at their prime.

Whilst the strength of the 2005 Indie wave has subsided, it’s still possible to reminisce with the bands’ better hits. Whilst only a compilation, it’s worth delving into.

   

   

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 

 

   

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  

 

 

   



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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FILM REVIEW THE ANGELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SHARE RUNNING TIME - 1HR 41MINS RATING - 15 DATE - FRI 6TH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THU 19TH JULY

WIN FILM & DINE (FOR 2) TICKETS FOR ANY FILM, ANY TIME. CHOICE OF A MAIN MEAL, BURGER OR CLUB SANDWICH. TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN SIMPLY EMAIL YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND CONTACT DETAILS TO: EDITOR@THEURBAN-FOX.CO.UK, WITH â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;PHOENIXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; IN THE SUBJECT BOX. ALTERNATIVELY POSTAL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO 2 PRINCESS HOUSE, 26 DE MONTFORT STREET, LEICESTER, LE1 7GD TERMS: PRIZE EXCLUDES FESTIVALS AND NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE AND MUST BE TAKEN WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE COMPETITION CLOSING DATE. 31 JULY 2012

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obbie (Paul Brannigan) is a young, violent Glasgow criminal with his first child on the way.

Having already done jail time he must now serve out 300 hours of community service as recompense for his latest brush with the law.

HE JOINS A GROUP OF FELLOW MISCREANTS IN PAINTING A COMMUNITY CENTRE WHERE THEIR SUPERVISOR (THE EVER RELIABLE JOHN HENSHAW) INTRODUCES THEM TO HIS PASSION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A WHISKEY DISTILLERY. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here that Robbie discovers his natural

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;noseâ&#x20AC;? for identifying whiskeys, and upon learning that it can sell for thousands of pounds he plots to steal a lot more than a wee dram! Loachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift for social-realism shines through once again in his trademark mix of humour and pathos. With fabulous performances all round, especially from newcomer Brannigan, this is a working class caper with real emotional clout.

THE PHOENIX CINEMA AND DIGITAL ARTS CENTRE Box Office: 0116 242 2800 www.phoenix.org.uk

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Small Simple and Sounds Superb

Ask Around Sound to create a home entertainment system which you will be able to operate.

Bose V series Lifestyle are our Best Selling home cinema product. They may seem a little expensive at first glance, but they are so clever, you will love using it and never regret the investment. Probably the closest to future proof anyone could offer you.

To book an appointment to discuss your system Call 0116 270 6168

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17 Francis Street, Leicester, LE2 2BE www.around-sound.co.uk/Testimonials.html

Centre Of Excellence

BUSINESS & FINANCE

TIME FOR CHANGE YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED RECENTLY A FEW CHANGES TO THE LAYOUT AND APPEARANCE OF FACEBOOK? THIS IS DUE TO THE NEW ‘TIMELINE’ DESIGN THAT FACEBOOK HAS INTRODUCED.

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his was originally optional for personal profiles, but soon all brand pages were automatically updated to have this new layout as well as several other changes that are equally as advantageous for your existing page. So what are they, and how are they beneficial to you?

ALL IN ALL, THESE NEW CHANGES CAN BE USED TO CREATE AN EXCITING AND INTERACTIVE PAGE FOR YOUR VISITORS

COVER PHOTO The most noticeable change to the appearance is the cover photo. You can now display a giant banner (851x315 pixels) across the top of your page. Choosing a good picture of your ‘product’ is therefore key. Perhaps use an image showing someone using your product or your logo. This immediately makes your page more

Nichola Lund-Yates Social Media Manager, Status Boost, 01455 554 772, www.facebook.com/ statusboost

personalised and graphic.

Take a look at The Urban Fox Media Group Facebook page!

APPLICATIONS Another change is the page apps are now located under your cover photo instead of on the left navigation sidebar. Again, this helps with the overall design of your business’ Facebook page as you can edit the thumbnail shown for each app, and choose the order in which they are shown.

MESSAGES Page timelines now allow users to send direct, private messages to your page. This creates a new customer service channel where you can address users’ concerns without having to discuss issues

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publicly on your Page’s wall / timeline. Note that pages cannot proactively send messages and you can only respond to users that have already contacted you.

PIN POSTS Another key feature to the Timeline is being able to pin posts. You can select to pin one of your best new, or old, posts to the top left spot of the Timeline feed for seven days at a time.

Pinning can be used to direct users to an important promotional app, show off a special photo, or display a timely status update. This feature gives you significant control over what visitors to your page will see first. Be sure to keep a link to your website pinned at all times, and rotate it with links to your apps and whatever else you want to direct visitors towards.

ADMIN Finally, rather than sending admins to a separate interface, the new Admin Panel drops down and appears overlaid over Timeline when clicked. It displays notifications of recent activity such as posts to your timeline by fans, a list of your most recent page ‘Messages’, ‘New Likes’, and a snapshot of your ‘Insights’ data including the volume of your own posts, total reach, and the number of “people talking about this”. Each section can be drilled into for a more detailed look, making your page easier to manage.

All in all, these new changes can be used to create an exciting and interactive page for your visitors, allowing you to keep up to date with fresh content, as well as managing old content effectively.

ADD £££’S TO O YOUR OUR PROFITS BY USING SING SOCIAL MEDIA ✱ ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS ✱ INTERACTIVE, FRIENDLY & RELAXED WORKSHOPS ✱ MONTHLY SUPPORT

CONTACT NICHOLA ON EMAIL: STATUSBOOST@GMAIL.COM TEL: 07546974445 HELPING TO MAXIMISE AND MANAGE YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION

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),(+3)#*/ WIN free advertising for &..0#. your business.

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY SEE WEBSITE: WWW.THEURBAN-FOX.CO.UK CLOSING DATE 13TH AUGUST 2012

www.facebook.com/theurbanfoxmediagroup

BUSINESS OFFER

WIN a free quarter page advert in the Urban Fox September issue.

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Hand Crafted

GEORGE

MONTAGU’S

INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED KITCHENS, BEDROOMS, STUDIES & FREESTANDING FURNITURE

PLEASE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM ON LOSEBY LANE IN THE CENTRE OF LEICESTER OPPOSITE HIGHCROSS Our Showroom

The Lanes, 31 Loseby lane, Leicester, LEI 5DR

Contact us: 0116 253 9004

Web: www.georgemontagus.co.uk Email: enquiries@georgemontagus.co.uk