Urban Fox - June 2016 Issue

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June 2016

WIN

Designer Swimwear Joules Picnic Basket Film Festival Tickets

TRUE

Barely colours there Summer-ready Back to nature LEGS Let it all hang out

SS16 new wave nudes

Dare to bare

Swimwear with attitude

Coast to home Shore to thrill interiors

Clarendon Park Road, Clarendon Park

Price ÂŁ415,000

Exquisite, modernised Victorian villa in sought after location Located a short stroll from the fashionable Queens Road shopping parade, this five bedroom Victorian Villa has been tastefully modernised to a very high standard. Retaining a wealth of period features throughout with large, well lit, living room and dining room and a fabulous contemporary open plan family dining kitchen with French and bi-fold doors opening onto a landscaped patio and garden. Additional utility room and cloakroom make up the ground floor. To the first floor there are four bedrooms and a family bathroom and to the second floor a master bedroom offering bespoke built in eaves furniture and an ensuite shower room.

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

The Glen, Moira Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Guide Price ÂŁ575,000

Rare Grade II listed property with extensive development potential A unique opportunity to acquire a Grade II listed Georgian home in need of refurbishment within a remarkable plot on the edge of Shelbrook, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Enjoying open countryside to all sides, this private family home, with gated access drive, lies within a plot extending to approximately 1.4 acres.

Adjacent, under separate title, is a paddock with potential, subject to planning, for a new development.

The Glen offers four bedrooms and three reception rooms with substantial outbuildings including two storey hay barn and stores, with conversion potential to extend this remarkable property.

Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or living area we create interiors that capture your imagination.

Through clever design, we can transform every element of your space into something functional and interesting. With access to the most innovative product and design ideas from Europe’s leading brands there is no limit to what we can create for you. By listening to you and understanding your needs, we can translate your ideas into interesting interiors.

For further details call 0116 262 4440 or email info@pluginteriors.com Visit our stunning showroom 20 South Churchgate, St Margarets Way Leicester, LEI 3AE

www.pluginteriors.com

Hello

COVER SHOT:

LONG TALL SALLY Knitted Pocket Tunic, £48 & Lola Rosa Elena Necklace, £89

COVER SHOT: BODEN

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The sun started shining just in time to inspire our As the high street, Dare tonew Bareseason editionlooks whichhit likethe your beach baglocal is boutiquesfull and stores; no abetter crammed ofonline everything youthere’s need for stylish time to celebrate summer of R&R. all things fashion and style than in our Retail Therapy edition.

First up we add a little sunshine to your wardrobe We bring you the must-have items from the with this summer’s brightest trend.

But if you’re newmellow seasonfor collections, on key trends in too yellow, go updates nude in SS16’s new Join the Dotshues. and Pleats Please; plus spring’s wave of blush We’re also going Back to 10 best clutch bags in Clutch Control.

I also share Nature in jungle-print swimwear.

Whether you’re my favourite tries and buys feeling beach body ready or afor bitSS14 bikiniinshy, we’ve Wish List (p15). uncovered 11 pieces to fit and flatter every body. But if you don't feel prepared for anything shorter than a cropped trouser this summer, check outour Rebecca 6-week nutrition and As consumers we waste hundreds of pounds over lifetimeWatts’ buying the wrong fitness planfor and yourArtistic shorts in no time.at Toni & Guy comes to our rescue products ouryou’ll hair,be sorockin' Jon Levy, Director with 4 Steps to Perfect Hair. We also check out this season’s catwalk makeup trends, to Your legs aren’t all we’re exposing. From learning to cope with summer SAD, to revealing why help you transform your new season look. it’s important to show your True Colours at work, this month we urge you – psychologically If fashion your don’t out a onMum our interview with revolutionary designer at least – toislet it allpassion, hang out.

Andmiss if you’re that can’t handle the truth, don’t miss our Zandra who to usand about barriers and why the guide to Rhodes little white lies,talks tall tales fibs breaking in Would down I Lie todesign You? Confession is good for the government should show more support to theyour UK fashion industry. ever wondered soul they say, so join the conversation and share barefaced lies withAnd us on Facebook.

Go what takes you to become on, youit know want to!a personal stylist? Tina Lock reveals all in this month’s My Way. Finally bag yourself one of our exclusive readerat offers of Lands’ End, actress One woman who finds it impossible to be ‘herself’ workcourtesy is three time Oscar winner T.M. Lewin, Clarins and more. There’s never been a better excuse to shop, shop, shop!

Meryl Streep. From Emmeline Pankhurst and The Iron Lady to the terrifying Miranda Priestley in hit film Devil Wears Prada, Streep has a flair for playing powerful women. Here she Until nextThe time, opens up about her 40-year career and why ageing doesn’t faze her - “it's useless…it's stupid.

It's unartistic. And who cares?” We love a woman that says it how it is!

We’re also plain speaking on the home front, with SS16’s interiors probably best described as ‘barely there’. From the Scandinavian hinterland to something a little more Coast to Home, neutral palettes, natural materials and minimal fuss, make for a home style that is understated, timeless, yet bang on trend.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Finally on July 1st we'll be baring our soles for 24 hours in the Barefoot Challenge.

Created by theDES charity IGNGiving Africa, the challenge will raise funds for some of the poorest 16 children in the world. If you dare to bare register now at barefootchallenge.org.uk

Revolution approach to Famed for her wonderfully colourful Rhodes design, English queen of textiles Zandra discusses her involvement in the industry

MARTINA LENAGHAN Editor MARTINA LENAGHAN editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk STEVE LENAGHAN Head Sales & Marketing STEVEofLENAGHAN 07738 614245 Head of Sales & Marketing steve@theurban-fox.co.uk 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk LISA ROTH Head of New Business LISA ROTH Development Head of New Business 07843 851132 Development lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk 07843 851132 lisa@theurban-fox.co.uk LAURA WILLIAMS Designer PAUL BANKS laura@theurban-fox.co.uk Designer paul@theurban-fox.co.uk MAYA STIGNER Designer Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to maya@theurban-fox.co.uk

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.

Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material this publication, Copyright: All text, images and in design in this the editor can notoresponsibility for the publication areaccept subject copyright. Any veracity of claims made byiscontributors in either unauthorised duplication strictly prohibited. editorial or advertising All artwork is acceptedcontent. on the strict condition that permission has been given to use it this Copyright: All text, images and design ininthis publication.are subject to copyright. Any publication unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited.

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

W

hen asked to picture a figurehead of the British fashion design world, the vivacious fuchsia-haired Zandra Rhodes promptly comes to mind. So it’s a privilege to meet the ‘Princess of Punk’ in her bright, quirky and altogether penthouse. Awarded London fabulous a Commander of the British Empire for her efforts in the fashion industry, the designer has permanently printed of her mark on the international world textiles.

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her garments procured by buyers Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and Saks, Zandra has since become the enigmatic textile designer of her age.

At 73, Rhodes has never been one to shy away from bold prints and iconic patterns. Rewind half a century to the late 1960s and a youthful Zandra’s vibrant designs were considered a little left-field.

Unperturbed, the designer made dresses from her own fabrics, embedding printed textiles within her craft.

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easy That isn’t to say that fashion was an industry to crack. Did being a woman have anything to do with it?

“Oh yes. I think women have a harder go road all round, in whatever field they into. The only thing I would say is not to make it any harder for yourself by pointing it out.”

Introduced to the colourful world of at textiles by her mother, Zandra studied Medway College of Art in Kent, before securing a place at London’s The Royal College of Art.

“I do think that being in London at the time that I started, when everyone was But looking toward the UK, was helpful.

I don’t think that there’s such an equal that opportunity at present. I don’t think our current government spends enough on promoting fashion when compared to the French government, for example.

So therefore, unfortunately, you don’t necessarily reap the benefits.”

Peachy “One of my first struggles was the fact that I was a textile designer,” she explains if with a laugh. “People would say that you’re a textile designer then you can’t a make dresses. So I suppose that was revolution.”

an This revolution, in bringing together eye for both design and production, secured Rhodes’ assimilation into the fashion world. In 1967 she opened The Fulham Road Clothes Shop, in London.

Just two years on she’d taken her designs Vreeland Diana where to New York featured them in American Vogue. With

Rhodes shows no signs of slowing down. this The fashionista passed up her seat at of year’s London Fashion Week in favour advocating a women’s health awareness campaign in San Diego. Known for dividing her time between bases in

KEEN

“I think women have a harder road all round, in whatever field they go into.”

California and London, Rhodes has also spent time researching materials further large afield. The designer cites travel as a creative inspiration.

“When travelling you see things, one just thing leads to another thing and it’s fabulous.”

That isn’t to say that Zandra has forgone her design industry efforts closer to home. The London Fashion and Textile Museum holds testament to her commitment to British fashion.

We love a retro reviva so we’re peachy keen l, to see coral tones being paired with neutral greys to create a fresh contemporary vibe. a pop of copper to Add the look current. keep

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11 Image: Gene Nocon

museum has made.”

Founded by Rhodes in 2003 the museum of is dedicated to showcasing the work Having also expanded into designing fashion and textile designers from the sets and costumes for the San Diego 1950s onwards. Does she believe her on Opera, America has staked its claim fashion museum has made ripples in theMuuto Unfold Light Grey designer. She boasts not only English Pendant Light,the industry? £119, Rume to her flagship museum and her deeds penthouse home above it, but also the “I definitely think the Fashion and Textile transatlantic keys to the cities of Miami, to Museum has had an impact in regards Beverly Hills and New Orleans. making the textiles industry more visible,” Sir Normann curator museum “The Copenhag she deliberates. en Block Drinks But this veteran designer won’t Trolley, £180, Black recently opened one of

by Design Nicholas Serota be claimed from us so easily. With our exhibitions, and he’s been amazingly half a century of service to the UK the complimentary about the difference

fashion industry, her advice to up and coming British designers merges the entrepreneurial with the sage.

“Work as hard as you can. Because no hard work gets wasted. And have to work harder HOMES unfortunately you & GARDENS and harder to get there right at the beginning.”

Debuting years before the majority of were old enough to pronounce ‘haute couture’, it’s safe to say she’s arrived.

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us

URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 17

Vifa Copenhagen Wireless Speaker, £550, Amara

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15 Elo Two Tone Clock, £35, Oliver Bonas Hay Butter Candle Holder, £17, Amara

CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Cahill, John Cawrey, Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Julie Dinton Chairs (Set of £175, Marks & Spencer2),

Colourworks Silicone Whisk, £3.99, Kitchen Magic Craft

Howard, Ali Jahan, Allison Jones, James Lonergan, Lino Poli, Phillip Sharpe Sheelagh Powell Jon Levy Julie Langton Rhubarb Cupboard , £695, Loaf

Images: Marks and

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Spencer

Guiding you on cosmetic looks, trends and application

Bringing you the latest in hair style, colour and product trends 19

Bloomingville Cecile Mug Set, £18, Quince Living

Large Fika Bowl, £8.50, Oliver Bonas

URBAN FOX JUNE

2016 41

helping you make the most out of your money

URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 5

CONTRIBUTORS: Kirsty France, Gianni Greco, Elena Hulme, Rebecca Watts

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 5

June

HEALTH & WELLBEING

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21 Summer-ready legs Dare to bare 23 Cruel summer

Feeling SAD?

WINING & DINING 25 The sunshine plate

Salad just got interesting 29 Eating out

The diet-friendly BBQ

LIFE & WORK 31 Would I lie to you?

Our guide to little white lies

65 FASHION & BEAUTY 8 B arely there SS16 new wave nudes

33 True colours

Let it all hang out?

40 Peachy keen

SS16’s pastel revival 45 Coast to home Shore to thrill interiors

34 Winning streep

Meryl Streep interview

50 Let the sunshine in

Garden room living

HOMES & GARDENS

57 Au naturel

Back to basics with style

37 Pure and simple

Scandi style uncovered

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

11 Nautical but nice

Ship-shape stripes

59 What’s on

Entertaining the whole family

13 Back to nature

Swimwear with attitude

62 Reviews

June’s recommendations

15 Here comes the sun

Hello yellow!

PEOPLE & PLACES

17 The lazy girl guide…

…to stress-free hair

65 Call of the wild

Swimming al fresco brrrr!

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19 Bronzed beauty

No sun required

66 My way

Local spotlight on Kirsty France

WIN DESIGNER

WIN PICNIC

WIN FILM FESTIVAL

from Little Big Bra Shop

from Joules

at Burghley House

SWIMWEAR

14

BASKET

28

TICKETS

62

F ROM O F to the

a bit

D RIZZ L E H E AV IE S T

D OW N P O UR

WE’VE YOU

COVERED

D I S C OV E R a t

G OT

M O RE

J O UL E S. C O M

Rob Bag

Adidas Originals Superstar Trainers, £85, Harvey Nichols

Saint Laurent Studded LaserCut Belt, £350, Net-A-Porter

Palermo Trousers, £89, Coast

Alexander Wang

Floppy Brim Fedora, £150, Rag & Bone Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Nudité, £15, Estēe Lauder

Self-Portra Midi Dress,

Instant Light Base in Rose, £26.50, Clarins at John Lewis

KM Perforated Bucket, £99, Karen Millen

Manolo Blahnik Chaos Sandals, £480, Harvey Nichols

FASHION & BEAUTY

binson Adjustable Shoulder g, £380, Tory Burch

Oderna Shoulder Bow Top, £59, Coast Nessey Jewelled Stud Flat Sandal, £70, Dune

Barely

Madeleine Jacket, £189, Hobbs

There From laser cut lace to studs and shades, the new wave of blush-hued designs combine elegance and edge. To avoid going too girly, choose pieces that are feminine but not froufrou.

no John Gallia

Madeleine Skirt, £110, Hobbs

ait Azaelea Lace , £240, Matches

Michael Kors Rose Gold & Blush Ring, £71.20, Francis & Gaye Falabella Square Sunglasses, £250, Stella McCartney

Summer Edit

16 Mill Street • Oakham • Rutland • LE15 6EA • www.cavells.co.uk

Come and view

our new expansion with new designer brands for our customers American Vintage Charli Duffy Samsoe & Samsoe Religion Hoss Intropia Custommade Munthe Rosemunde Annie Haak 360 Cashmere Becksondergaard Post Card from Brighton Twisted Muse Marie & Sixtine many new brands available...

We’d love to see you in the store, if you are travelling through Leicester, just pop in!

21 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2BE 0116 270 4379 | www.abiti-ladies.co.uk

Nautical but

FASHION & BEAUTY

NICE From Breton stripes to sailor pants say “Ahoy” to this season’s nautical trend.

But don't go overboard, think chic not cliché.

Stripe & Colour Block Top, £55, Karen Millen

Ralph Lauren Flotsima Trousers, £135, House of Fraser

Textured Bardot Top, £22, Jane Norman

Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses, £205, Stella McCartney

Harpa Stripe Skirt, £175, L.K. Bennett

Max Mar a

Ralph Lauren

Viscose Jersey Princess Dress, £470, Max Mara

Castañer Carina Espadrille Wedges, £65, Matches

Carried Away Active Mesh Tote, £32, Seafolly

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 11

WIN!

DESIGNER SWIMWEAR

from The Little Big Bra Shop

Update your holiday wardrobe courtesy of The Little Big Bra Shop, with £100 of stylish swimwear! Choose from brands including Freya, Fantasie, Panche, Miraclesuit and more.

The Little Big Bra Shop is an independent lingerie, swimwear and nightwear boutique in Market Harborough. As well as their extensive designer range featuring Empreinte, Wacoal, Lepel and Chantelle, they also offer specialist bras and a personalised bra fitting service. Winners of the best ‘Personal Touch’ category in the Underlines Magazine Awards 2014, they provide a unique service to women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

To view their latest collections or for a personalised bra fitting service visit the boutique at 4 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7LT. For more information call 01858 431396 or buy online at thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk

Spirit of Summer

TO ENTER Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox. co.uk inserting ‘The Little Big Bra Shop’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Thursday 30 June 2015.

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 prize is for the sum of £100 and expires on 30 September 2015. The voucher is valid for swimwear purchases only and cannot be used against sale items.

4 Adam & Eve Street Market Harborough LE16 7LT Tel: 01858 465592 @Thelittlebigbra thelittlebigbrashop www.thelittlebigbrashop.co.uk

Best Personal Touch Independent Lingerie Shop in the UK

FASHION & BEAUTY

Back to

NATURE Show your adventurous side this summer in swimwear inspired by nature. Lavish leafy designs, earthy tones and exotic pops of colour #itsajungleoutthere.

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1 Llenya Leaf Bandeau Swimsuit & Kaftan, £39/£45, John Lewis 2 Fantasie Kuranda Bikini Top & Brief, £40/£28, House of Fraser 3 Editor’s pick: lose 10lbs in 10 seconds Miraclesuit Sanibel Swimsuit, from £120, Little Big Bra Shop, Mkt Harborough 4 Freya Rumble Bikini Top & Brief, £37/£23, Browns Lingerie, Stoneygate 5 Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Jungle Print Swimsuit, £42, Debenhams 6 Seafolly Jungle Out There Tankini & Brief, £85/£39, John Lewis 7 Green Palm Print Basket Bag, £200, Beach Flamingo 8 Palm Print Twisted Front Swimsuit, £35, Marks & Spencer

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Swimwear Lingerie Kaftans Beach Dresses Designer Brands 4 Churchgate Mews, Loughborough

Tel: 01509 212177

35 Francis St Stoneygate Leicester LE2 2BE

T: 0116 2707188 www.BrownsLingerie.com / brownslingerie

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Sun

e h t s e m Here co With designers opting for a little sunshine to brighten their spring/summer lineups, dare-to-wear yellow is guaranteed to transport you to a happier, sunnier place.

No packing required.

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Max Mara

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Editor’s Pick Perfect for the office or with jeans and tee for a casual lunch date

1 Glow Transparent Checks Top, £385, Stella McCartney 2 Sun Kassidy Trousers, £580, Stella McCartney 3 Weekend Morgan Raw Edge Leather Tote Bag, £69, John Lewis 4 Boutique Moschino Honeycomb Dress, £305, Harvey Nichols 5 Victoria Abi Woven Platform, £49, Cavells, Oakham 6 Christian Louboutin Nail Colour, £36, Selfridges 7 Jimmy Choo Ren Suede Sandal, £650, Net-A-Porter 8 Gant Pique Blazer, £249, Cavells, Oakham

stress-free hair

For frizz-free beach days and glossy sunny highlights sans effort, Gianni Greco of Moda Greco Hair Designers reveals his 9 best thirst-quenching hair tips.

1

The summer’s perfect for experimenting with new styles. For longer lengths a messy braid will keep hair under control and minimise sun exposure; while shorties should try the slicked back look using a UV protection gel. It looks amazing and will help avoid tan lines on your forehead.

2

Whether your hair is coloured or all natural, sunlight can bleach it. Use products formulated to shield your hair from the sun. I love the Kérastase Soleil range, it helps prevent chlorine and salt build-up, while your hair colour and fibres are protected from the sun’s damaging rays.

3

If you’re already very blonde, have only minimal highlights before you go away. Even taking the extra care I describe here, your colour is likely to lift

slightly and the last thing you want to do when you get back is pay for a full head of lowlights!

4

Wearing a hat is one of the best ways to protect your hair in the sun.

Choose something which matches your beach look. Scarves, floppy hats and trilbies are all in vogue this summer. Bear in mind that the sun can shine through some fabrics, so wear a protective product underneath.

5

Indulge your hair with a homemade hot-conditioning treatment. Simply apply a generous amount of conditioner, lounge by the pool and let the sun do the rest. Wash out before you hit the local night spots for hair with ultra-shine.

Try Kératase Soleil Masque UV Défense Active for soft, radiant hair.

6

Swap your sea salt styling products, for the real thing. After swimming in the sea, braid your hair and leave to dry.

For the evening, un-braid your hair, give it a quick shake and a spritz of spray and you will have perfect mermaid waves.

7

Your hair will be exposed to heat throughout the day so prevent it drying out further by minimising how often you blow-dry. If you can’t travel without a hairdryer, then try to air dry for a while before blow drying to reduce the impact.

8

Good news! You can still use your ghd styler just remember to apply a heat protection cream or spray first. And avoid overdoing it by opting for a style that can be recycled. Structured curls one day can be manipulated to create tousled beach waves the next.

9

Finally you could even consider a smoothing treatment before you go away. With the promise of frizz-free hair you can even leave the straighteners at home. Your hair will look great with the minimum amount of drying, curls will be more defined and less frizzy than before.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 17

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FASHION & BEAUTY

Bronzed

Beauty Whether you’re pale and interesting or blessed with natural golden skin, there’s a Bronzed Goddess in all of us. Get the perfect sun-kissed look with this season’s summer glow makeup.

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With apricot, copper, terracotta and golden tones for a natural, sun-kissed look

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5

Genny

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1 Summer Bronzer and Blush, £30, Clarins at John Lewis 2 Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow, £18, Clarins at John Lewis 3 Sunset Bronze Prismatic Bronzing Powder, £28, Elizabeth Arden 4 Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria, £23, Charlotte Tilbury 5 They're Real! Lengthening Mascara, £19.50, Benefit 6 Baroque Bronze Nail Lacquer, £21, Dolce & Gabbana 7 Smith & Cult Nail Varnish in Feathers & Flesh, £19, Selfridges 8 Tom Ford Nude Dip Eye Colour Quad, £64, House of Fraser 9 Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss, £21, Space.NK

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Summer-Ready

LEGS The sun is out, but your legs are not. If you don't feel ready for anything shorter than cropped trousers this summer, Rebecca Watts’ 6-week plan will have you rockin' your shorts in no time.

This 6-week summer legs workout will help shape and tone your legs.

The Workout

5 x Burpees 25 x Body Weight Squats 5 x Burpees 10 x Jump Squats 5 x Burpees 20 x Alternating Lunges (10 each leg) 5 x Burpees 20 x Calf Raises REPEAT x 3 - 4 times Follow this workout every other day for 6 weeks Week 3 progress by adding 5 reps of each Week 5 progress by adding another 5 reps of each Tip: Make sure that you are using the right technique. Look up on internet or YouTube if unsure.

Nutrition Tips

80% of results are from nutrition so to get the best from the summer leg workout follow these 9 simple nutrition rules to reduce both size and fat.

Boden

1

A void pre-prepared processed foods and takeaways.

2

eep starchy carbohydrates (rice, K pasta, potatoes etc.) to post workout.

3

Eat a fistful size of protein (meat, fish, eggs etc.) at each meal.

4

Double your intake of vegetables.

5

Eat no more than 2 pieces of fruit a day.

6

Avoid sugary drinks or foods.

7

Drink 3 litres of water per day.

8

Keep alcohol intake to a minimum.

9

Allow yourself one small treat per week (500 calories or less).

Finishing Touches

Now all the hard work’s done, a few finishing touches and Hey Presto! you have summer-ready legs.

Get scrubbing The first step to any kind of leg prep should be a good exfoliation. It removes dead skin, protects against ingrown hairs and will give your legs a natural radiant sheen.

Moisturise daily Ensure your legs are in the best condition possible with plenty of hydration. A lotion or milk is more lightweight and less sticky for summer. Apply every morning when you get out of the shower.

Hair today… …gone tomorrow. Yes the next step is to remove leg hair and stubble. If you don’t want to spend your summer shaving or waxing, consider a more permanent solution like laser treatment.

Faking it A decent fake tan is a great way to feel more confident about baring your legs.

Mix it with body lotion for a subtle glow, or wear alone for a just-back-fromholiday radiance.

Best foot forward Although you’ve been focussing on your legs don’t forget your feet. For cracked heels and dry skin visit a podiatrist, or for a quick pre-holiday pamper you can’t go wrong with a mini-pedi.

All that’s left to do is to get those pins out and #daretobare URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 21

Cruel

The sun is out, the sky is blue, there’s not a cloud to spoil the view, so why do some of us find summer so depressing?

OK, there’s keeping the kids entertained for six weeks or more, the spiralling cost of a family holiday, and the ever popular sport of beach body shaming.

But for some people, helpful lists of child-friendly activities, bagging a bargain last-minute break, even miraculous swimwear that banishes wobbly bits (see page 13) won’t come close to beating summertime blues.

For sufferers of “reverse SAD”, the perplexing cousin of Seasonal Affective Disorder more usually associated with dark winter days, summer is the worst season.

Psychologists believe that this form of depression might be caused by the seasonal change from spring to summer or sensitivity to the (usually feel-good) chemical serotonin which increases with exposure to sunlight. Symptoms which might signal you have summer SAD include inability to cope with heat, dislike

of bright sunlight, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest and social withdrawal.

Here’s some suggestions to help beat those summertime blues:

Keep Your Cool

There’s a reason we use the phrase “hot and bothered”! So at the first sign of overheating, open windows and drink plenty of water. If you’re not near a window at work, take a fan with you.

And, if light gets you down, it’s OK to make like a celeb and wear your sunnies indoors, tilt the blinds or draw the curtains.

Step It Up

Exercise produces endorphins which increase our general sense of well-being.

Start with our tips for summer-ready legs on page 21 and build regular exercise into your day. If it’s too warm outside, hit an air conditioned gym or take a dip at the local swimming pool.

Boden

Summer Be Mindful

With their emphasis on breathing, concentration and smooth movement, mind calming activities like yoga, pilates and tai chi can be effective in fighting depression. Try meditation or just focus on positive images to relieve anxiety at your desk.

Eat Happy

Boost your body’s production of moodenhancing neurotransmitters with foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins including poultry, meat, fish and milk.

Aspartame and other artificial sugars depress serotonin levels so get your sweet fix from something like figs instead.

Diarise It

Research shows that planning activities, including routine and pleasurable ones, raises your mood and can successfully ward off depression. So schedule regular time for activities you enjoy.

Seek Support

As understanding increases, so does the support available so, if you’re concerned about Summer SAD or any type of depression, talk to your GP or a counsellor.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 23

LUNCH 12PM – 2PM EVENINGS 6PM – 9PM CLOSED MONDAYS

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WINING & DINING

Sunshine The

PLATE We love our vegetables naked but who can resist a well-dressed salad when the sun finally shows its face? Get set for a healthy summer with these deliciously light recipes from Waitrose.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 25

GREEK SUMMER SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 aubergines, thickly sliced Extra virgin olive oil spray 400g can essential Waitrose Chick Peas, drained and rinsed 1 red onion, very thinly sliced

140g pack Waitrose Watercress, Rocket & Spinach 2 tsp Cypressa Tahini 1 tsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed Juice of ½ lemon 100g essential Waitrose Greek Light Salad Cheese, crumbled ½ x 25g pack fresh mint, roughly chopped 4 essential Waitrose Wholemeal Pittas, toasted, to serve

1

rrange the aubergines on a grill pan and A spray lightly with olive oil. Grill for 4–5 minutes on each side until tender and nicely browned.

Quarter each slice and transfer to a serving bowl.

2 3

dd the chick peas, red onion and salad leaves A and toss well.

4

catter the cheese and mint over the salad, S then drizzle with the sesame dressing. Serve with toasted pittas.

or the dressing, mix together the tahini, olive F oil, garlic and lemon juice with 1 tbsp water until well blended.

MIXED GRAIN SALAD WITH AVOCADO, MANGO & POMEGRANATE Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 2 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 250g pouch Tilda Brown Basmati & Quinoa 1 small ripe mango, diced 1 ripe baby avocado, diced 20g shelled pistachios 60g pomegranate seeds 4 salad onions, thinly sliced 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

1

eat the grain pouch in the microwave H in accordance with the cooking instructions.

2

ix the mango, avocado, pistachios, M pomegranate seeds and salad onions together and stir into the rice mix.

3

hisk together the oil and vinegar and W toss into the salad. Serve in a large bowl, with raita on the side, if you wish.

Cook’s tip

For a quick raita, stir together Waitrose Greek Natural Fat Free Yogurt, grated cucumber and torn mint.

WINING & DINING

AVOCADO & ARTICHOKE SALAD WITH CRUNCHY CROUTONS Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus cooling Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 Waitrose Half Ciabatta, torn into bitesize pieces 1 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp Cooks’ Ingredients Simple Sumac 1 pack 2 Perfectly Ripe Avocados, peeled, stoned and cubed 1 cucumber portion, diced 175g pack fresh Waitrose Chargrilled Artichokes 1 tbsp vinaigrette salad dressing 1 romaine lettuce, torn into pieces 100g bag watercress 2 tbsp Kalamata or other black olives

1

reheat the oven to 200˚C, gas P mark 6. Place the ciabatta in a large bowl, add the oil and sumac and toss well together. Spread out on a baking sheet in a single layer, then bake for 10 minutes until crunchy and golden. Leave to cool.

2

oss together the avocado, T cucumber, artichokes with the vinaigrette.

3

lace the lettuce and watercress P in a large salad bowl and spoon over the avocado and artichoke mixture. Scatter over the olives and croutons and serve swiftly.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 27

STEAK MONDAYS

Enjoy 30% off Steaks every Monday!

T&C’s apply: Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Subject to availability. Monday evenings from 18:00.

Offer commences 18th May 2016. Excludes bank holidays.

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N I W

PICNIC BASKET from Joules

For a day at the races, a lazy afternoon on the beach or a summer evening in a nearby field, you could be the winner of this fabulous wicker picnic basket from Joules (worth £89.95).

Lined in a beautiful grey floral print, the basket provides all the essentials you’ll need for dining outdoors with family and friends.

Accessories include: salt and pepper shakers, four clear plastic wineglasses, four stainless steel spoons, four stainless steel forks, four stainless steel knives, four 7” melamine plates, one stainless steel bottle opener, and four cotton napkins.

Joules picnic collection has all you need for outdoor dining. From picnic baskets and hampers, to blankets and picnic chairs in stunning Joules prints. All they can't give you is the sunshine! To view their complete garden and picnic collection visit joules.com

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Joules’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Thursday 30 June 2016.

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.

WINING & DINING

Eating

OUT

BBQ season is here but before you ditch your dreams of wearing a bikini this summer, Rebecca Watts shares her secrets on how to indulge without blowing the diet.

Don’t calorie count

Been invited to a BBQ but trying to lose weight? Don’t panic! Give yourself a meal off but make healthy choices. Summer is short and one meal is not going to totally blow your pre-holiday diet. Just make sure one meal doesn’t turn into two or three or…

Balance your plate

Eat grilled lean protein, fibre and good fats to keep your blood sugars balanced and avoid energy dips. Studies show that, gram for gram, lean proteins help you to feel fuller than carbohydrates or fats. So opt for chicken or fish and roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil.

Avoid processed food

Namely sausages and burgers. They’re higher in bad fats and salt and you’ll be more likely to be tempted to have a roll. If you can’t BBQ without them, make your own mini burgers – tuna and wasabi is a great taste combo - or pick up quality sausages from a local butchers instead.

Ditch the carbs

Do help yourself

Spare the sauce

Know your limit

Keep dressings light

The hidden calories

Eat your veggies

Burn it off

It’s better to cut out the bread roll completely but if you have to have one, swap the white burger bun for a wholewheat version and only have one! And swap the starchy potato and pasta salads for a garden or bean salad.

Save wasted calories by opting to marinate your meat rather than using lashings of sauce. Coriander, garlic, lime, paprika and olive oil rubbed onto chicken –remember to remove the skin first - is a simple but tasty way to spice up your BBQ. Ideally eat your salad without any dressing but if it’s something you can’t go without swap mayonnaise and Caesar dressings for homemade low-kcal options such as olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard.

Make vegetables two-thirds of your plate.

Avoid the coleslaw and instead griddle chopped veggies with garlic, herbs and oil wrapped in foil, or corn on the cob brushed with coconut oil is a delicious alternative butter. If you opt for crudités then steer clear of the calorie laden dips.

If you’re invited to a BBQ and asked to take something along, ensure yours is a healthy option. That way you can build your meal around it in case everything else is unhealthy. Good options include fish, prawns, chicken and vegetable skewers.

Alcohol and BBQs generally go hand-inhand but can easily top up the calories and tempt you to eat more food usually of the unhealthy variety. So limit yourself to just 2 alcoholic drinks and where possible stick with white spirits and low calorie mixers.

It’s easy to think you’re being virtuous by having soft drinks but you could be consuming more calories than you think.

Avoid fruity smoothies and mocktails and opt instead for sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Family BBQs are a great excuse to get the kids involved in a few team sports.

Cricket, rounders, touch rugby and football are all firm favourites. It’s fun, will burn off a few calories, keep the kids occupied and you away from the salsa and tortilla chips!

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 29

AFTER SUNSET Even if you’ve already retired, we could find ways to enhance your provision so you can enjoy more of the little luxuries you deserve in later life.

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For the life you want to live

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LIFE & WORK

Would I

lie to you?

Like most parents I am trying to teach my daughter that honesty is the best policy. But truthfully there are times when I'm such a liar that my pants are definitely on fire.

So when is it okay to tell a barefaced lie and when does the truth really matter?

Here’s my guide to little white lies, tall tales, fibs and more…

The white lie

Anyone who's ever hoped to get through the day without a tantrum – theirs not yours - understands why telling the truth can be overrated. Frequently used as a convenient way to get around saying “No” or to get your child to do what you want, the little white lie is perfect for avoiding a meltdown. Like my friend who tells her son that the ice cream van’s music means it’s ran out of ice cream or the Mum who tells her child that worms will grow in his mouth if he doesn’t clean his teeth or that the car will leave without them if they don’t get out of the house on time.

And how many of us have said we’re going to ‘work’ rather than fess up to a night out with the girls or even a 5-day jaunt to Vegas (you know who you are)?!

The list is endless.

Thankfully child experts believe that this ‘occasional’ bending of the truth is harmless. However do remember you are

allowed to put your foot down and say “No”. In the long run it’s the best strategy …well most of the time anyway!

The tall tale

One of the joys of being a Mum is getting to relive childhood memories and for many of us that means opening presents from Santa or finding money from the tooth-fairy under the pillow. And so we pass on these little traditions …sometimes with little embellishments of our own.

Like the Mum who told me recently that as far as her kids are concerned Santa only drinks champagne!

But good news, the experts tell us that as long as your child believes, just go with the flow. Usually by the time they do find out the truth, they're old enough to know the difference between lying and pretending.

But should you fess up when the questions start? It depends. Your child might just be looking for reassurance that it’s still okay to believe, but as they get older if they ask a specific question – “How can Father Christmas visit every

child in the world in one night?” – let your child take the lead. Ask them what they think, and if they say that they suspect you’re Santa’s little helper, it might be time to come clean.

The protective lie

Developmentally, young children find it difficult to understand complex or scary situations – death, divorce and serious illness - so don't feel guilty about promising that Mummy will always be with them, just ensure your honesty is fitting for the age of your child.

Following a recent family bereavement my 4-year old asked “What happens when you die?” I gave what I thought was an age appropriate response in which the words ‘heaven’, ‘God’, ‘angels’ etc. were definitely mentioned. Her reply “You’re kidding me right?” Epic fail!

Interestingly the experts advise us not to underestimate what children sense about complex life and family issues. In fact a study in which university students were asked to recount the most damaging lies they'd ever been told, many cited the ones meant to protect them as children from deaths in the family.

The bottom line is that lying is all about using your common sense. Are they going to care that you lied about their Frozen CD being broken? No. Just don’t lie about anything they’re going to care about 10 years from now.

Note: Many thanks to the pre-school mums for their contributions. Names have been removed to protect the guilty.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 31

Porsche recommends

Please leave the roundabout at the 37th exit.

The new 718 Cayman. For the sport of it.

Discover more: porsche.co.uk/718

Porsche Centre Leicester Fletton Close Thurmaston Lane Leicester LE4 9LP 0116 319 8715 info@porscheleicester.co.uk www.porscheleicester.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the 718 Cayman S in l/100km (mpg): Urban 10.7-9.5 (26.4-29.7); Extra Urban 6.5-6.0 (43.5-47.1); Combined 8.1-7.3 (34.9-38.7). CO2 emissions in g/km 184-167. The fuel economy and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

and

True

Colours How many times have you been told to just “be yourself”? On a first date, at an interview, on your first day on the job?

If like me there’s more than one of you – wife, mum, the you who still doesn't feel like an adult around your parents – it can be tricky to know which ‘you’ to bring to the workplace.

So how can you be your true-self at work without oversharing?

Be authentic

Most people are instinctive so it's really important that the way you feel on the inside is what you show on the outside.

If the two are at odds that's when your colleagues feel there's something about you that isn't authentic. Start slowly and use your workspace to display hints about yourself. Family photos, a mug or screen saver that reflects your humour, just small things that can start a real conversation. From here proper relationships can be formed, meaning you spend less time constructing an image of yourself to please others, and more time being productive.

Be honest

Often, people hide their true selves because they fear the truth will be detrimental to their careers. A working mum might be less inclined to say that she can't make a 6pm meeting because she has to collect her children, in case it affects her ability to get promoted.

But if you're working in an environment

where you can't be yourself, you're not only going to be unhappy but you’re less likely to succeed. The best places to work are where people can sustain their family lives and be who they are without fear of repercussion.

Be approachable

If you work in an external facing role you’ll also need to consider which ‘you’ to present to your clients. On a basic level, people do business with people they like and therefore clients who feel they can identify with you are more likely to do business with you. If you try to conceal who you are, customers may feel that you’re being disingenuous.

Instead show your true colours. People will either like you or they won't. And if they don’t, at least it won't be because you’re being someone you’re not.

Be discreet

Letting it all hang out at work can reveal far more than you intended, so do be cautious. Topics that are best avoided include 1) you hate your job 2) you think

Boden

your boss is incompetent 3) how much money you earn 4) you’re after someone-else’s job, plus a whole raft of personal subjects including politics, religion, your sex life, weird hobbies etc.

Pitch somewhere between suppressing the true you and flaunting your eccentricity. The result? You’ll end up with a single version of yourself, one that satisfies both your personal and work needs.

Be successful

We’re all created equal yet different.

Allowing those natural variances to show, and be celebrated, is what workplace diversity is all about. Well that’s the basic premise anyway. People who bring their true selves to work are not only happier, they're much more productive. You never know being you might just be what you need to shine in the workplace. And even if you don’t get that big promotion you’ve been hankering after, the upside is that you won’t be exhausted pretending to be what you think others expect.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 33

WINNING

STREEP

LIFE & WORK

She may be in her sixth decade but Meryl Streep is still going strong. In her latest role as a deluded opera star she offers one of her most heartfelt performances despite being a little off-key…

If there’s one thing we know about Hollywood legend Meryl Streep it’s that aside from her incredible acting talent, she can hold a tune. From belting out Abba hits in the film adaptation of Mamma Mia, to riffing on seventies classics as ageing rocker in Ricki and The Flash, Streep is never one to shy away from big characters - and even bigger vocals. However, in her latest role, she plays arguably the worst opera singer ever in Florence Foster Jenkins, and was required to sabotage her own musical prowess in the process.

“We need to make more films that present women's lives as authentically as possible and tell more women's stories.”

Based on a true story, the Stephen Frears-directed biopic stars Streep as a former child piano prodigy who embarked on a career as an opera singer – despite a staggering lack of talent after an arm injury ended her pianistic ambitions. After a resounding success with her first solo show (her husband St. Clair Bayfield played by Hugh Grant ensures an audience of sympathetic ‘real’ music fans) Florence sets her sights on an opera performance at no less than Carnegie Hall!

"It's a great story," says Streep. "It's about a real-life person who lived in the first

part of the 20th century in New York, a socialite who gave a lot of money away to the arts, but her dream was to be a singer. And with the love of her husband, she was able to believe that she was a singer. But she was a true amateur, she did what she did for the pure love of it...

What was sort of wonderful about her was how close she came to being good, and when it went (askew), that's when it got sort of glorious and funny. But it was the attempt, the sort of yearning for it to be good that is the part that's so joyous for me and was fun to do."

Despite her incredible career and icon status, Streep leads a relatively low-key life living with her sculptor husband Donald Gummer in the Tribeca area of New York. The couple have four children: Henry, 35, a musician, Mamie, 32, and Grace, 29, who are both actors, and another daughter, Louisa, 24, who works as a model. Unsurprisingly, her children have all inherited their mother’s great spirit and carved their own paths. Streep admits to feeling worried initially at her two daughters pursuing acting, but those fears have given way to enormous pride, especially as they “never allowed themselves to be intimidated by their mother’s reputation”.

In fact, when it was suggested that Mamie play Streep’s onscreen daughter in Ricki and The Flash, the actress was delighted.

“I wouldn't have done the film if I thought working together would have done anything to damage our relationship,” she says. “I'm extremely close to Mamie, as I am with my other children. I knew that she's a very strong young woman and that we would both know how to separate our own mother-daughter relationship from

that of our characters.”

Just like her character Ricky, Streep at 66 is as gutsy and bold as ever and never ceases to amaze audiences with the relentless energy and emotional depth she brings to every role. Her career has spanned 40 years and won her countless awards along the way, including three Oscar statuettes.

From her early, more serious roles in The Deer Hunter and Sophie’s Choice to the terrifying Miranda Priestley in hit film The Devil wears Prada, Streep has a flair for playing powerful women.

“I've been fortunate to have been at the right place at the right time. Early in my career I had the chance to play many pioneering women's roles at a moment in Hollywood when those films were very popular and I've been able to continue playing those kinds of parts more recently,” the Florence Foster Jenkins star humbly admits.

“I also feel very proud to have been able to work in films where the women I'm portraying are very central to the story.

We need to make more films that present women's lives as authentically as possible and tell more women's stories.”

In the past she has expressed amazement at still landing such incredible roles in her later years, and it is this attitude in the face of a youth obsessed culture that allows her to dig so deep and wow us time and time again. On the subject of ageing Streep is defiant: “You can't have a long career and play a lot of different characters, all at different ages, and maintain your magazine cover vanity, you just can't. And it's useless. And it's stupid. It's unartistic. And who cares?”

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 35

3

1

Bluesuntree

2 Loaf

Pure &

John Lewis

Simple

John Lewis

4

Renowned for their simplicity, utility, and beauty, Scandi interiors have a pure, pared-backed style. Here’s our tips and tricks on how to recreate the look in your home.

1 FURNITURE

4 FIRE

2 FLOORS

5 LIGHTS

In terms of furniture, clean lines are where it’s at. Sofas, tables, and chairs embrace mid-century modern trends with smooth rounded edges and natural hues. Ideal for those wishing to balance practicality and style in equal measure.

Wall-to-wall carpets are uncommon in Scandinavia. Flooring is typically hard-wood left in its natural colour or painted white to help create the illusion of light and space. The only exception are bathrooms which often have heated tiles for practicality during the cold winter.

3 WALLS

Scandi design uses wood not only for flooring but also for cladding walls and even ceilings to add both warmth and texture. If it’s all too much, then consider incorporating other natural materials such as stone in grey or neutral tones.

Scandinavian winters are harsh so most homes have a fire. However, unlike British fireplaces that are usually the focal point of the room, Scandi homes often have simple column burners, tucked away in the corner.

With as little as seven hours of daylight in winter, lighting is paramount. The style is typically modern with an industrial vibe.

Think metal Danish pendant lights and wall lamps. Candle light is also crucial, adding a touch of whimsicality to the space.

Out There Interiors

5

6 COLOUR

Scandi interiors favour a neutral palette, with whites, greys, blacks and browns intermingled to create a clean and calming look. But if you can’t live without colour, opt for accents in rich blues and greens for a Scandi meets Cornish coast feel.

Bluesuntree

6 URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 37

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Peachy

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Images: Marks and Spencer

HOMES & GARDENS

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URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 41

INTERIOR DESIGN

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is John Lew

1

Coast to

Home

2

Whether you’ve a hankering for Hove or Holkham, create your home by the sea with this simple palette and coastal inspired pieces to produce an effect which is understated, timeless yet bang on trend.

3

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6

8

7

9

1 Large Seaside Coffee Table with Storage, £290, The White Lighthouse 2 Pomax Yatch Wood Lantern, from £26, Amara 3 GreenGate Sally Vase, £10, Houseology 4 Nautical Glass Bottles (Set of 2), £30, The Contemporary Home 5 1958 Armchair, £585, Oliver Bonas 6 Tripod Table Lamp with White Shade, £28, The White Lighthouse 7 Sandpiper Wooden Bird, £39.95, Coastal Home 8 Clarissa Hulse Boston Ivy Throw, £150, John Lewis 9 Samaki Cushion Cover, £14, Andshine

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Let the

sunshine in If your dream of a bright, sun-drenched room is falling short, then a glass extension or structure might just be the answer. Here’s our top 15 tips on how to create the perfect space and bring the sunshine in.

1

Understand what it is you want.

The definition of a conservatory, garden room and orangery are often interchangeable. Generally speaking a structure that is entirely glazed is a conservatory while something which is partially glazed is a garden room or orangery.

Images: John Lewis

2

When choosing your preferred structured it’s worth remembering that rooms which are only partially glazed i.e. that have a wall, offer more available space when it comes to hanging mirrors, artwork etc. and can also make positioning furniture more straightforward.

3

In terms of the style stick to something that is in keeping with the architecture of your home, so

it looks like it has always been there. A decorative orangery for example is more suited to a Victorian house rather than a contemporary property.

4

Choose a structure that will create maximum light, after all you’re trying to bring the sunshine in.

Roof lanterns add light with the bonus of increasing space and height, while skylights offer a more discreet way to maximise light.

5

Plan any additional lighting requirements i.e. not provided by the structure itself, at the design stage. That way any unsightly wires can be hidden within the architectural framework. Dimmers can enhance the ambience of your room as the sun goes down.

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Avoid your garden room feeling like a separate appendage by creating ‘flow’ through the downstairs living area and into your outdoor space.

This can be achieved by using the same flooring or by following a colour scheme and/or design style throughout.

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Underfloor heating is a good option for conservatories, where you don’t have solid walls for radiators.

Choose hard-wearing flooring suitable for high traffic areas. Stone and ceramic are the perfect choice and will transfer underfloor heat efficiently.

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The most popular materials are uPVC, aluminium and timber.

What you choose will depend on the look you’re after. Timber for example has good eco-credentials and is more durable than ever before. Whatever your option find out the ongoing maintenance requirements.

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Single-story structures such as conservatories don’t usually need planning permission as they come under ‘permitted development’. However listed properties and those in conservation areas may require permission, so do consult your local planning authority first.

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If you do need to submit a planning application it’s always best to make a preliminary enquiry to your local authority to ask what you can and cannot do. Trust us it could save you valuable time and money further down the line if your initial plan is rejected.

When decorating your garden room, orangery or conservatory consider the impact that the sun will have on your furnishings. A special coating on the glass itself or fitting blinds to the roof (where applicable) and sides, can help to reduce the UV light coming through.

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For soft furnishings opt for neutral fabrics in materials blended with polyester, nylon and acrylic, as these are less prone to fading. If you want to go with bright colours then stick with small-ticket accessories which can be easily replaced if they fade in the sun.

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Wooden furniture is also susceptible to sun damage, so opt for lighter timbers or painted wood.

Reposition your furniture from time to time and rearrange ornaments and lamps on the surfaces, to avoid obvious colour variances in the wood.

9

If you opt for a heavily glassed structure, ensure you have a good U-value. This measures how effective a material is as an insulator. The lower the U-value, the better the material is as a heat insulator. This can be crucial on cool summer nights and in the winter months.

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Incoming heat is also important so check the glass’s SHGC rating which measures how quickly a room will heat up if not sufficiently ventilated.

Solar-control glazing can prevent garden rooms from overheating even when the sun is shining.

URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 51

0116 2741050 ambiencehardwoodflooring.co.uk mail@ambiencehardwoodflooring.com Unit 5, Euston Street, Freemens Common, Leicester LE2 7ST Visit our Showroom: Mon - Fri 8am - 5:30pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

Nationwide Delivery

Solid Wood Engineered Wood Laminate Vinyl We also stock adhesives, oils, lacquers, cleaning products & floor profiles

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | FASCIAS

Where do you plan to relax this summer?

Call us today on

0116 2710120 0116 271 0120

Showhome at 25 New Street, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5EB

And the next one and the next one and the one after that? Whether you prefer a contemporary indooroutdoor space or a classic conservatory with period features, one thing is certain, EAS can help make home your favourite destination.

EAS customers love coming home. Shouldn’t you?

www.easwindows.co.uk

Discover timelessly elegant products that will transform your home.

Specialists in bespoke windows, doors, orangeries, cutting edge glass, timber and hybrid products.

Factory & Showroom Pontefract, West Yorkshire t: 0333 323 9601

w: www.totali.uk.com

e: info@totali.uk.com

NEW PLOTS RELEASED FOR SALE! 13 NEW PLOTS TWO, THREE AND FOUR BEDROOM HOMES PRICES FROM £189,500.

Help to Buy available on all plots (*subject to terms and conditions*)

Sales office open daily 10-4.30pm (CLOSED Tuesday and Wednesday) SHOW HOME AND VIEW HOME AVAILABLE TO VIEW. • BESPOKE, KITCHENS • INTEGRATED SIEMENS APPLIANCES OVEN / INDUCTION HOB / CHIMNEY HOOD / DISHWASHER / FRIDGE-FREEZER • LAUFEN PRO-S SANITARYWARE •

PORCELANOSA CERAMIC TILING TO ALL WET AREAS AND KITCHEN AND UTILITY • LANDSCAPED GARDENS

* Images of the Strancliffe Gardens show home

For more information contact Sales Negotiator, Laura Woolley: SALES@STRANCLIFFEGARDENS.CO.UK

Ground Qube is a landscape and garden design studio based in Leicestershire.

Offering clients a complete landscaping service, Ground Qube can design, construct and maintain your outdoor space.

Ground Qube is a landscape and garden design studio based in Leicestershire.

Ground clients Qube isa acomplete landscape and garden designGround Qube can design, Offering landscaping service, studio based Leicestershire. construct and in maintain your outdoor space.

Offering clients a complete landscaping service, Ground Qube can design, construct and maintain your outdoor space.

M: 07969 180130 T: 01858 571047 E: info@gqgardens.com W: www.gqgardens.com A: Hemploe View, The Belt, South Kilworth, Leicestershire. LE17 6DX.

ground qube_hp_Oct15.indd 1

24/09/2015 16:02

Garden Trees & Shrubs | Pots & Planters | Specimen Plants

Mon – Fri 08.30–17.30, Sat – Sun 09.00–17.00 colesplantcentre.co.uk Uppingham Road, Thurnby, Leicester LE7 9QB T: 0116 241 8394 E: info@colesplantcentre.co.uk

And when the work is done fnd a quite spot … and relax

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2 3

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Au 5

Naturel 7

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From stone and wood to cotton and wool, get back to basics with these natural yet stylish gardening accessories.

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1 White Stone Plant Pots, from £5.95, MiaFleur 2 Croft Islay Rocking Chair, £399, John Lewis 3 Hand Trowel, £10, National Trust 4 Roots & Shoots Gardening Apron, £17, Amara 5 Crossover Stripe Throw, £85, National Trust 6 Butlers Tray Table, £64, MiaFleur 7 Bug and Bee House, £25, Laura Ashley 8 Green Fingers Mug, £10, Sophie Allport 9 Reclaimed Wood Garden Trug, £18.50, The Orchard 10 Twine in a Tin, £6.95, Burgon & Ball

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URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 57

BUR_FF16_URBANFOX_150x109_AMENDED_BUR_ff16_A5_advert_v2 18/05/2016 12:07 Page 1

27 – 31 July 2016 Daytime session 10.30am – 4.30pm

WEDS

27 JULY THURS

28 JULY FRI

29 JULY SAT

30 JULY SUN

31 JULY

Five days of fabulous films from Harry Potter to Star Wars...

Evening session 5.30pm – 11.00pm

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (PG) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (12A) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (12A)

101 Dalmatians (U) Puss in Boots (U)

Bridget Jones’s Diary (15) Notting Hill (15)

WALL-E (U) Inside Out (U)

Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation (12A) Spectre (12A)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (U) Pocahontas (U)

Hairspray (PG) Mamma Mia (PG)

Peter Pan (U) Ratatouille (U)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12A) The Dark Knight (12A)

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WHAT’S ON

The 39 Steps, 7–11 Jun, Curve

JUNE 2016

Riverside Festival Sat 4 – Sun 5 Jun Leicester riverside Free entry visitleicester.info

Leicester Riverside Festival is a lively weekend of activities for the whole family spread across Bede Park, Mile Straight, Western Boulevard and Castle Gardens.

Sponsored by local housing provider Riverside, this popular festival offers boat trips, live music, a variety of food stalls from around the world, displays and an exciting choice of activities for all ages, making it a fun packed weekend!

For more details download a flyer at visitleicester.info

Rutland County Show Sun 5 Jun Showground Way, Oakham Tickets £12.50 conc.apply rutlandcountyshow.com

The 184th Rutland County Show is sure to be the best yet with main ring attractions throughout the day, including a fast and furious scurry driving competition, sheep dog trials and a grand parade of livestock champions. Visit the rural exhibitions and demonstrations, browse over 100 unique trade stands and craft stalls and watch the chefs get creative in the Pavilion workshops. Feeling peckish then sample an array of delicious artisan food and drink in ‘The Larder’ food court. With the ever popular tractor pulling event,

pétanque coaching and vintage vehicle display there is something for everyone.

All this plus children under 14 go free!

Lloyd George Knew My Father Mon 6 – Sat 11 Jun Tickets £13-£14.50 thelittletheatre.net

First performed under the title 'Lady Boothroyd of the By-Pass', this play tells of a family weekend during which Lady Sheila Boothroyd challenges the planning authorities. When she hears that they are determined to keep to their decision to drive a road through her grounds, she announces her intent to kill herself the moment the bulldozers start their work. To their horror, the disbelieving family finally realise that this is no joke.

All means of persuasion fail. Monday morning, as the bulldozer’s roar is heard…

The 39 Steps Tue 7 – Sat 11 Jun Curve Theatre Tickets £13-£28 curveonline.co.uk

Jane Eyre,17–18 Jun, Curve

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly and hilariously recreated for the stage as the smash-hit, Olivier Award-winning Comedy is now on tour. Follow the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 59

Art House 2016

is expected! A fire eating display, jester in the grounds & story telling for children and adults are guaranteed to entertain.

Event tickets Adults £11, Children £6.50 & Family tickets (2+2) £28.50. Combined Event & Castle ticket £12/£9/£33.

Offering the opportunity to view ‘Extraordinary Art in Ordinary Houses’ Art House 2016 is spread over 12 venues within Stoneygate & Clarendon Park, showcasing the work of over 40 artists.

If you've never been before, you can expect to be amazed by the great variety of beautiful work being shown including textiles, jewellery, ceramics, glass, sculpture, fine art, print making and photography. Plus take the opportunity to chat to the artists about their work and buy something unique for your home. You can easily take a pleasant two-mile stroll around the venues but if your legs get weary catch the Art House hopper bus, or take a break for tea and cake at Tart House (71 Holmfield Road) a temporary cafe which enables Art House to support three local cancer charities and MIND. Established since 2008 this community event has people returning year after year.

Jane Eyre

Sat 11 – Mon 13 Stoneygate & Clarendon Park Free entry art-house.org.uk

Hamlet RSC Live, 8 Jun, Phoenix

gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, doublecrossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women. This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

Hamlet RSC Live Wed 8 Jun Phoenix Arts Tickets £13-£15 phoenix.org.uk

Jousting at the Castle Sun 12 Jun Rockingham Castle Tickets £11 conc. apply rockinghamcastle.com

The Knights of Nottingham & the Oxford Household make a thrilling return to Rockingham Castle. With baronial banners streaming, the glint of the sun on steel bladed swords and axes, the armoured knights will fight it out on horseback and on foot. Out in the arena there will be displays by armour clad warriors of sword and pike drill, skill-atarms and combat. Audience participation

Hamlet has the world at his feet. Young, wealthy and living a hedonistic life studying abroad. Then word reaches him that his father is dead.

Returning home he finds his world Kate Moore is utterly changed, his certainties smashed and his home a foreign land. Struggling to understand his place in a new world order he faces a stark choice. Submit, or rage against the injustice of his new reality. Simon Godwin directs Paapa Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare’s searing tragedy.

As relevant today as when it was written, Hamlet confronts each of us with the mirror of our own mortality in an imperfect world.

Fri 17 – Sat 18 Jun Curve Theatre Tickets £10-£35 curveonline.co.uk Join Northern Ballet, a company renowned for transforming well-known stories into brilliant dance theatre, as they return to Leicester with Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. The ultimate heroine, Jane Eyre’s journey to overcome the odds is one of literature’s finest love stories.

Coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Brontë’s birth, the ‘best dance actors in the world’ (Dance Europe) will bring to life the ultimate dramatic tale of romance, jealousy and dark secrets.

Uppingham Feast Day Sun 19 Jun Uppingham Free entry

Get the summer into full swing with the annual Uppingham Feast Day, on Sunday 19th June, a fabulous way to spend Father’s Day. The Market Square, Town Hall and High Street will be packed with entertainment for all ages, including street entertainers, live music, a craft fayre, plus children’s entertainment including storytelling & rhyme time.

Browse the street market and indulge in the delicious food and beverages the stalls, bars and cafes have to offer.

With this and more it promises to be fun packed day. Follow UppinghamFeastDay on Facebook for programme details on the lead up to the event.

Kathy Klein

Art House 2016, 11–13 Jun, Stoneygate & Clarendon Park

JOIN US FOR A WEEKEND OF LEICESTER’S FINEST MUSICAL TALENT AND MORE...

ASH MAMMAL • COURTNEY ASKEY • EAGA GOSPEL CHOIR • GOLDWATER • HOWARD ROSE • JAMES CHERRY • JERSEY BUDD JESS GREEN AND THE MISCHIEF THIEVES • LAST EDITION • MARTIN LUKE BROWN • OUT OF KARMA • ROGER WILSON & CHRIS PARKINSON THE BRANDY THIEVES • THE HARDY BAND • THE MARINUCCIS • THE MOONLIGHTS • THE MOST UGLY CHILD • THE STRANGLER FIGS

film REVIEW

le prestige picture s: A supremely enjoyab Florence Foster Jenkin

The Nice Guy (18)

1h 56m Opens nationwide Fri 3 June 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org.uk It's 1977 in downtown LA where struggling private investigator Holland March (Ryan Gosling) meets Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) a hired thug initially sent to retrieve money from Gosling. The two make a regular odd couple when Crowe turns to Gosling to help him search for a worried mother's (Kim Basinger) teenage daughter who goes missing under mysterious circumstances. Turns out they may have bitten off more than they can chew when they become tangled up in

criminal conspiracy and the seemingly unrelated death of a faded porn star.

Dapper suits and large moustaches coupled with crazy characters and ridiculous action makes for a light-hearted and welcome break from all the recent serious superhero showdowns. As far as buddy cop comedies go this is right up director Shane Black’s street, having written the legendary Lethal Weapon and the mega hit Iron Man 3, both of which

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display his sharp dialogue and penchant for over the top action.

Hijinks and mayhem are perfectly matched by the groovy 70's soundtrack.

The period pieces and costumes are a convincing time warp of garish psychedelic outfits but the real delight is found in Gosling and Crowe's on screen chemistry and how at ease they are with each other's characters. It genuinely feels like you're part of an inside joke - the result is the perfect summer comedy caper.

TICKETS TO BURGHLEY FILM FESTIVAL From spending a day with Harry Potter to a double bill of Star Wars and Batman, one of the UK’s top outdoor cinemas is back this summer for five days and nights of movie magic.

Burghley House Film Festival (27 – 31 July) once again sees the Lincolnshire historic home become the spectacular backdrop for an outdoor cinema in the picturesque South Gardens. Daytime and evening screenings feature everything from ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ to Disney classics, such as ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’, while the ‘Best of British’ BBQ also returns. Further details are available at www.burghley.co.uk or call 01780 752451.

To celebrate we’re giving away a family ticket (two adults and two children) for a daytime screening of your choice OR four adult tickets for one of the evening double bills.

TO ENTER:

Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Burghley House’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Thursday 30 June 2016.

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. Burghley House will provide the winner with a voucher to be redeemed against their chosen session. Please note the voucher is non-transferable, non-refundable and no cash alternative is available.

Production supported by

Production supported by

Enjoy a full days racing and live music.

Ladies, as always, wear your finest as a competition will be held for the best dressed lady.

This year’s live music includes performances from Billy Ocean, Mica Paris, Re-Take That and a celebrity DJ.

General admission

ÂŁ29

FREE entry for under 18s

Plus celebr ity DJ

CALL OF THE

WILD From rivers and lakes to ponds and lidos, wild swimming has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with summer finally here it’s a great way to cool off says Kirsty France.

If you’re feeling the call of the wild, here are my top 10 recommendations for an al fresco dip:

1 Jubilee Pool, Penzance

The dramatic Cornish coast can be dangerous for novice swimmers. The Jubilee Pool allows you to swim in safety and lounge around sunbathing once you’re out of the water.

2 Holkham Beach, Norfolk

This is my favourite beach and you can swim in the middle of a nature reserve.

It’s part of the Holkham Hall estate so there’s lots to do when you’re ready to move on.

3 River Thames, Lechlade

The Thames in Oxfordshire is much cleaner than in London and the countryside is glorious. You may see some teenagers jumping from the bridge at the Trout Inn; please don’t join in!

4 Hampstead Ponds

The Ponds are a real gem and a fantastic place to have a breather if you’re visiting London. There are changing rooms and a lifeguard so you’ll be well looked after.

Boden

PEOPLE & PLACES

7 Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe is voted the best beach in England year after year for good reason.

You can choose from the main beach or the more secluded coves up towards Mortehoe before heading into town for a cream tea to warm you up.

8 Fairy Pools, Skye

One for the adventurers! The pools are up in the stunning Black Cuillin Mountains but you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful swim in an otherworldly atmosphere.

9 Tooting Bec Lido

London’s most famous lido, with 91 metres of gorgeous blue water and multicoloured changing rooms only a short hop from the city.

10 Lymington Sea Water Baths

I love staying in the New Forest but you have to travel a bit to get to a beach so Lake Windermere the Sea Water Baths were a great find.

Windermere is England’s longest lake and There are a range of pools, changing an end to end swim often forms part of rooms and a sandpit so the kids can build a Channel swimmer’s training. The rest a castle when they’ve had enough of of us can go for a splash from Fell Foot swimming.

Park, a National Trust site with a café and play area.

Taking the plunge can be enormous fun, but do take care; the water is Ilkley Lido often colder than it looks and if you’re Yorkshire’s finest, you can swim here swimming somewhere remote don’t under the watchful eye of a lifeguard with go alone. For further safety advice the dramatic backdrop of Ilkley Moor visit outdoorswimmingsociety.com/ looming over you. swimming_outdoors

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URBAN FOX JUNE 2016 65

Nothing beats a curry with some friends after a Leicester Tigers match!

Fashion fix

Next

Best for beauty

Neal’s Yard honey & orange scrub Home style

Country casual - John Lewis Local haunt

45 West in Leicester Best with friends

MY WAY

Kirsty France

Curry after a Tigers match On my nightstand

P.D. James

Best for relaxation

“It’s possible to make the life you choose as long as you’re prepared to work for it”, says writer Kirsty France.

I was born in Leicester and grew up in Oadby. I was one of the last pupils at Sandhurst Street School and then went to Langmoor, Gartree and finally Beauchamp College where I took my A-levels.

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling. My Grandpa worked for Hodder and Stoughton publishers so the house was full of books. I didn’t see myself as an author until I was 14, when my English teacher Susan Gregory read one of my stories and said that she could “see me between hard covers one day”.

She was a published author herself so I sat up and took notice!

I continued to write and had some of my plays shortlisted in a competition for young radio playwrights, but realised that I needed life experience to give my stories depth.

I took some part-time courses and became fascinated with both psychology and law, mainly because there were some great stories. I had various secretarial jobs until a particularly miserable experience gave me the jolt I needed to go and study full time. I studied law and psychology at DMU and got my degree in 2001. I also met my husband Colin who was at Leicester University and we got married in 2002 following a particularly romantic proposal after an evening in the pub!

A long soak with a good book Most inspirational woma n

Paralympic & world record holder Hannah Cockroft

I qualified as a solicitor and went to work for a firm in Leicester where I stayed for 9 years. I hope that I helped some people through my work, but the experience also gave me great insight into human nature. My life changed enormously during that time as I travelled before finally getting around to having children. Dylan arrived in 2011 followed by Jimmy in 2014.

My desire to make a living from writing had never left me.

The legal profession has changed a lot and I realised that my priorities had too. I made the scary but liberating decision to leave the law and start working as a freelance writer. It’s been a massive learning curve and a bad week can make me feel as if the world is ending, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I work mainly for small businesses which means that I can be writing for anyone from a financial advisor to a caravan park and a fashion designer all in the space of a week! Best of all, I can work around my family and have more time to spend with my boys. I truly believe that it’s possible to make the life you choose as long as you’re prepared to work for it.

fostering &

adoption

FOSTERING Do you have happy memories of being a child?

Could you help a child to have great things to remember now?

Find out about fostering on June 14th, 7th July, 10th August, or 6th September. Drop in anytime between 5pm and 7pm at St Martins House, Peacock Lane, LE1 5PZ. Changing a child’s life is the most rewarding thing you will ever do.

0116 454 4500 or visit ww.leicester.gov.uk/fostering Find out more on

leicesterfostering

fostering.information@leicester.gov.uk

Bringing the right people and the right properties together.

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com