The Urban Fox May 2012

THE

URBAN FOX WWW.THEURBAN-FOX.CO.UK

COMPLIMENTARY COPY ISSUE 20

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE

THE PERFECT PAIR

YOUR DENIM DILEMMAS SOLvED

1950S INSPIRED INTERIORS

WIN AN IPAD

GOING FOR GOLD

REBECCA ADLINGTON’S HOPES & FEARS FOOD

HOMES

FASHION

HEALTH

BEAUTY

TRAVEL

your local estate agent T 0116 270 5900 F 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

One point of contact Bespoke marketing strategy Expert local knowledge Service tailored to you

Hand Crafted

GEORGE

MONTAGU’S

INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED KITCHENS, BEDROOMS, STUDIES & FREESTANDING FURNITURE

Our Showroom

The Lanes, 31 Loseby lane, Leicester, LE1 5DR

Contact us: 0116 253 9004

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

May

INSIDE YOuR

MEEt tHE tEAM Martina Lenaghan editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Matt Lloyd Creative director 07732 286080 matt@theurban-fox.co.uk Steve Lenaghan Sales/Marketing director 07738 614245 sales@theurban-fox.co.uk Karen Moore Freelance Sales Consultant 07795 806615 karen@theurban-fox.co.uk Harry padmore Print Solutions Consultant 07808 608335 harry@theurban-fox.co.uk Simon Moore Print Solutions Consultant 07796 945405 simon@theurban-fox.co.uk Emma Lloyd accounts Manager accounts@theurban-fox.co.uk pRINtERS: Spectrum Printing Services FRONt cOVER IMAGE: Courtesy of next Plc

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.

4

heLLo and WeLCoMe BaCk to the urBan Fox MagaZine.

With Leicestershire’s dress rehearsal for the olympic torch relay now complete, London 2012 is truly just around the corner. So in this month’s Urban Fox we ready ourselves for this summer’s sporting extravaganza with an array of olympic features. Read our interview with local girl and gold medal hopeful Rebecca Adlington, as she reveals her gruelling training schedule ahead of the games.

If you didn’t manage to secure tickets earlier this year, don’t worry as our guide to AV equipment ‘Let the games Begin’, will

enable you to install all the necessary upgrades in time to enjoy the olympics at the touch of a remote control. And for our fashionistas, we have tips on how to embrace the sportswear craze taking hold this season.

For those seeking a more glamorous look; our ‘Sundae girl’ feature combines two of SS12’s hottest trends – lace and shades of neon sherbet. team any of our featured dresses with a structured box clutch, or dainty heels to achieve a touch of 1950s appeal.

If you’re enticed by mid-century style, then our ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ article written by the new Urban Fox interior design writer, Jo Westwood should provide plenty of inspiration for all you Mad Men fans. other new writers joining the editorial team this month include image consultants Jen nixon & Sadie tomlinson, garden designer James Brewer and wine merchant Duncan Murray. All are on hand to help you with life’s dilemmas – How to buy the perfect pair of jeans;

cOpY DEADLINES FOR NEXt EDItION: 18th May design and 22nd May final print ready artwork. cONtRIButORS: Jen nixon, Sadie tomlinson, Duncan Murray, Lucy Cufflin, Frances James, Jo Westwood, James Brewer, Chris Sturgess, Mike Swan, Mat Mabe, Jake Harvey, Debbie James.

ISSuE

how to create a garden from nothing and which wine to choose for your next dinner party? For an opportunity to comment on these and any of our other fabulous features go to our website www.theurban-fox.co.uk or leave a post on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ theurbanfoxmediagroup Finally don’t forget to check out this month’s competitions on page 5, as well as our selection of reader offers throughout the magazine. From fashion consultation and beauty treatments to dining and weight loss we’ve got it covered. For more exclusive offers, follow us on twitter @TheUrban_Fox Join us next month for our homage to summer festivals including music calendar highlights, fashion vibes, and the ultimate guide to ‘glamping’ in the UK. Until next time

Martina Editor

issue 20

Contents Fashion, Beauty & Health 6 Do You Have The Perfect Pair?

8 Sundae Girl 10 HD Brows

Wining & Dining

34

14 Much More Than Mateus...

18 Kitchen Masterclass: Oil

GOING FOR GOLD

Properties & Interiors 20 Live Your Home

26

6

26 Thoroughly Modern Millie 30 Grand Designs

Motoring & Sport 32 This Bear is a Necessity 34 Going For Gold 36 Olympic Fashion Fever 38 Let The Games Begin

Arts & Entertainment

40

32

40 What’s On 42 Reviews

People & Places 44 Holiday At Home

Business & Finance 48 Networking in the Modern World

COMPETITIONS

Win P15 STONEYGATE COMPETITION P25 An Ipad Win a £50 Stoneygate Shopping Voucher & discover one of Leicester’s best kept secrets.

Chance to Win an ipad with Michael John Flooring.

Previous Winners FB JOHN LEWIS Vouchers - David Oliver FB MAGAZINE Advert – Viva La Fiesta Christopher Wright STYLE BAR – Katherine Towers, Gillian Patterson, Rosalind Astles

5

Jen nixon & Sadie tomlinson

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

Do YoU HAVE tHE PERFECt PAIR?

Stick & Ribbon Image Consulta nts jenandsadie@stickandribbon.co m www.stickandribbon.com

Finding the right StyLe oF JeanS haS BeCoMe a CoMPLex BuSineSS. With So Many VariationS (THE FIT... LEG STYLE...

WASH... WAIST TYPE... POCKETS... THE dENIM... AARRGGHH!!)

WouLdn’t it Be great to get it right FirSt tiMe, eVery tiMe?

tYpE ONE:

tYpE tWO:

if your hips are wider than your shoulders, try to create the illusion of wider shoulders to balance your hips.

For those of you with narrow/boyish hips,try to add some shape and contours.

LOOK FOR...

Dark washes & colours. outer seams brought further to the front, as this gives the illusion of thinner thighs.

BEWARE OF…

Small pockets, pockets placed wide apart or detail at hip level.

Capri pants, as they will shorten the legs and emphasise the hips.

LOOK FOR...

Patch pockets to add depth to your bottom.

Side pockets, as they create a fuller thigh.

Jeans with a yoke in the back, which can make your bottom look fuller.

BEWARE OF…

Standard, straight legged jeans.

Darker washes.

Style Tip:

outer SeaMS Brought Further to the Front giVeS the iLLuSion oF thinner thighS

Style Tip:

PatCh PoCketS add dePth to narroW/BoyiSh hiPS

OuR StYLE ADVIcE

As image consultants, one thing we believe can help is knowing your body proportions. This includes analysis to ascertain the following: n The length of your legs in proportion to the top half of your body n The width of your shoulders in relation to your hips n Whether you are long or short waisted

6

knoWing theSe tHREE BODY pROpORtIONS iS a great Starting Point to heLP you Find the PerFeCt Pair oF JeanS.

Style Tip:

OuR tOp StYLE tIpS ARE:

BaLanCed hiPS/ShouLderS With exaggerated WaiSt BeneFit FroM a good LyCra Content to Work With your CurVeS.

n Boot Cut jeans give a long & lean look and are flattering for most women. n Pockets that sit higher on your bottom, lengthen the legs.

tYpE tHREE: For those lucky ladies with balanced hips & shoulders and an exaggerated waist.

n Jeans with a good lycra content will give a more comfortable fit.

LOOK FOR...

Higher waisted jeans, as standard jeans can often gape around the waist.

A good lycra content, to work with your curves.

WItH tHE EXcEptION OF SKINNY StYLES, JEANS SHOuLd COME HALF WAY dOWN THE HEEL OF YOuR SHOE ANd BREAK (CREASE) ONCE BEFORE THEY HIT THE TOP OF THE SHOE.

BEWARE OF…

Baggy jeans, as they hide your shape.

Super skinny jeans, which will emphasise your bottom!

tYpE FOuR: For ladies with a short waist, large bust & heavy hips, try to remove focus from hips/bottom and add length.

LOOK FOR...

Boot cut jeans in darker wash denims.

Wider waistbands, which hold back tummies.

Mid-rise jeans.

BEWARE OF…

image Credit images to hudson Jeans

Emphasising your hips with skinny or straight leg jeans.

Finally if you need more advice or want to grab yourself a Pair oF Leg Lengthening and BottoM LiFting hudSon JeanS – favoured by the Middleton sisters and featured in this article - find your perfect pair at our JeanS day on Saturday 26 May 2012, from 11am to 3pm, at 8 Knighton Church Rd, South Knighton, Leicester, LE2 3Jg. There’s no need to book and we’re offering a 10% diSCount to readers with this month’s issue of The Urban Fox.

READER OFFER

if you’d like to learn more about your body proportions & also which colours will work best for you,

we are offering readers a 3 hour consultation at a discounted price of £225 (normally £325).

Style Tip: BootCut JeanS in darker deniMS add Length.

7

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

SUNDAe gIRL Seen on runways from Chanel to Louis Vuitton and Valentino, pops of neon sherbet tones pull this spring’s lace trend into the twenty-first century.

Aqua Lace Prom dress, Littlewoods.com, £56

Yellow Lace dress, Marks & Spencer, £39.50

Lime Lace Shift dress, ISME, £69

Coral Lace dress,

Far Fetch.com, £186

8

Aldara Candy Pink Lace dress, Missguided.co.uk, £24.99

F&GUFOXMAY2012:Layout 1 26/04/2012 10:18 Page 1

Browns

Lingerie &

Beachwear

Francis & Gaye Jewellers Your Wedding Ring Specialist Providing Leicestershire & Rutland with a stunning array of beautiful wedding and diamond rings.

With over 50 years experience, you can be guaranteed that Francis & Gaye Jewellers has the knowledge and expertise to suit all tastes, requirements and budgets.

Our on-site workshop is also able to design and make a piece of jewellery unique to you.

Don’t just take our word for it, come and see our range of wedding rings for yourself.

Lower Mall, Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester. Tel: 0116 253 8726 Ground & First Floors, West Orchards Shopping Centre, Coventry.

Tel: 02476 520040/ 630327

Tankinis Holiday Cover-ups Swimwear B-H in Sizes 8-20

Tel : 0116 2707188

BrownsLingerie.com 35 Francis Street Stoneygate LE2 2BE 9

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

HD BRoWS

hd BroWS are a groWing trend Within the Beauty induStry and endorSed By Many CeLeBritieS SuCh aS katie PriCe, the SaturdayS and aLeSha dixon. finalists (men and women) each year. You can see them undergo their makeover from the audition stage to the live shows with the help of HD Brow founder nilam Patel, who is present every week before the show to tame the contestant’s brows.

Cher LLoyd and niLaM PateL

T

he eyebrows are an area, lots of women neglect to take care of or sometimes over pluck; leaving them with an uneven frame to their face. Even normal threading or wax tidy-ups do not create the same effect as HD Brows.

Many clients are amazed at the transformation and can’t believe the difference

HD Brows make to their face. others however may need two or three more visits and some help growing in their brows before they can see the transformation start to take shape.

The HD Brow look can be seen on many famous faces and probably most noticeably on the X Factor

thiS treatMent iS BeCoMing readiLy aVaiLaBLe on the high Street too, With niLaM training Many Beauty theraPiStS throughout the Country.

Browns in Loughborough specialises in HD Brows, and has even had stars from The only Way Is Essex visit them for their expertise. For more information visit www. browns-loughborough.co.uk or www.hd-brows.co.uk

READER OFFER

BROWNS HD BROW tREAtMENt rrP £25

SAVE £5 OFF

the rrP With thiS Month’S CoPy oF

tHE uRBAN FOX tERMS AppLY: neW CLientS onLy cLOSING DAtE: 31St May 2012

1-2 Swan Street, Loughborough tel: 01509 261 958 info@browns-loughborough.co.uk

THE TREATMENT PROCESS

The overall effect can last 3-4 weeks depending on how quickly your hairs grow etc.

StEp ONE - pREpARAtION & ASSESSMENt

during the initial consultation your hd stylist analyses your face shape and eyebrow requirements and together you decide which brow shape will best suit your personality, your style and your facial features.

StEp tWO - tINtING

a high definition tint is used to even out or darken your eyebrow colour accordingly.

10

BEFORE

AFTER

StEp tHREE - WAXING

a specially blended hd wax is used to painlessly and precisely remove unwanted hair from the brow area.

of hair removal, involves using a special thread to blend hairs into the brow area, precisely removing unwanted hairs from the brow, creating a streamlined look.

StEp FOuR - tRIMMING

StEp SIX - tWEEZING

StEp FIVE - tHREADING

the treated skin is wiped down with a soothing lotion, hair

Specialised hd scissors are used to trim back long, wiry and unruly hairs to create a neat and tidy brow line. threading, the ancient eastern art

any stray leftover hairs are tweezed out to perfect your hd brow.

StEp SEVEN - FINISH

follicles are closed using a skin calming tonic, and special mineral powders are applied to the area to calm and camouflage any redness. the hd Brow Beater wand then sets the hairs into place for an immaculate finish. your stylist then either uses a hd Brow pencil or hd eyebrow palette to fill in any gaps in the brows. Finally, your hd stylist will give you individual advice on after care at home.

I Segreti

PRITI BODIES health and beauty

Speciality Waxing by a True Professional

Priti Coles is possibly the UK’s top hair removal technician with over 18 years experience and a very happy and loyal client base. Priti provides virtually pain-free hair removal leaving you with beautiful healthy skin without redness, soreness, stinging or ingrowing hairs.

Brazilian, playboy and hollywood waxing with no embarrassment.

Discreet and confidential.

Creative nail acrylic extensions

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Waxing for the soul not just the body

Together we can reach your GOALS Get in shape for summer Jamie Duggan Personal Trainer & Weightloss Coach

Tel: 07800 518930 E: jjdnutrition@gmail.com W: www.jdpt.co.uk W: nutrition4sport.co.uk

We offer one to one personal training and wellness evaluations in our specialised studio.

9 Bodicoat Close, Whetstone, Leicester, LE8 6ZN

Tel: 0116 2841944 / 07795 361 288 to book an appointment Email: pritibodies1@gmail.com www.pritibodies.co.uk

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Valid until 30/06/12. Class Fee £5.95. Bring voucher to claim offer.

Viva La Fiesta

Here at Viva La Fiesta, we wanted to create a range of t-shirts adorning photographic images that we feel epitomize all the things to love and celebrate about being young.

PRICE TAG £15.00

MONDAY The KingsCentre Bull Head Street, Wigston, LE18 1PA 09:30 - 11:00 am (Slim & Aerobics)

THURSDAY The Shakespeare Pub Braunstone Lane, Leicester, LE3 3AS 10:00 - 11:00 am (Slim & Go) Only £3.50

Blaby Stokes Primary School Queens Road, Blaby, LE8 4EG 7:30 - 9:00 pm (Slim & Aerobics)

Bushloe High School Station Road, Wigston, LE18 2DT 6:00 - 7:30 pm

WEDNESDAY St Peters Church Rooms Wigston Road, Oadby, LE2 5QE 5:45 - 7:15 pm (Slim & Aerobics)

Call Ann-Marie on 01162 877784

email: ann-marie.rennie@rosemaryconley.com

Serenity Holistics Fully qualified holistic Bu pri y one fu therapist offering and cgee treatmellnt ta Reflexology half pr2nd for ice (lowes tp Aromatherapy for the Feet will be rice treatme nt half pr ice) Indian Head Massage Swedish Massage Natural Lift Facial Rejuvenation Massage Hopi Ear Candles

ONLINE ON

LY

10% of the company’s profits go to the Make A Wish campaign.

Angela Linnett, GTR,MAR,MBRCP Tel: 0116 2101293 / 07778 581 389 www.vlfclothing.co.uk email enquiries@vlfclothing.co.uk

12

E: angela@serenityleicester.co.uk W: www. serenityleicester.co.uk *Offer ends 31st May 2012

om pe tit ion Re ad er C

WIN a £50 Stoneygate Shopping Voucher.

To be in with a chance to win, please email editor@theurban-fox.co.uk with ‘Stoneygate Competition’ as the subject and include your name, address and your favourite Stoneygate shop. Postal entries should be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Closing Date 27th May 2012

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13

WINING & DINING

MUCH MORE THAN MATEUS…

It’s Saturday and you’re having guests for dinner.

You’ve put a lot of thought into the menu, so you don’t want to slip up on the wine. So what do you do?

S

tick to a classic and go with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, or something from Rioja or Chianti maybe? They’re a safe bet - recognisable and popular. However, if you’re willing to try something different, Portuguese wines are well worth a whirl.

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

14

By venturing into the world of Portuguese wine, you’ll discover a wealth of foodfriendly wines that represent great value for money.

What’s more, you’ll encounter a staggering number of grape varieties that are completely unique to Portugal – around 400 at the last count. All in all, Portugal has a huge amount to offer and in the UK we’re only just scratching the surface. Portuguese wine accounts for just around 1% of what we consume, and of that only a third is from small producers - we’re not talking Mateus here.

So if you’d like to enjoy one of Europe’s well-kept

Douro valley - Portugal

secrets, Portuguese wine is definitely worth exploring.

Portugal has a great diversity of wine growing regions for what is a relatively small country.

In the north you have the Minho, home of Vinho Verde, the ‘green wine’. With its relatively cool climate, it produces fabulously zesty, dry whites and is ideal for serving with seafood or spicy sausage.

Moving south, you reach the spectacular Douro valley - famous for Port, but gaining a reputation for table wine.

The wine styles vary enormously in this region – from elegant and light to seriously full-bodied.

Head south west of the Douro and you come to the granite plateau of the Dao region with its fruity yet structured reds and fragrant whites and then hop due west to Bairrada.

We’re in suckling pig territory here and the Baga grape variety rules.

Baga has had

a reputation for producing tough, acidic wines, but maverick wine maker Luis Pato is putting serious effort into improving its image and there are now excellent Bairrada wines that provide a worthy accompaniment to the famous local dish.

After Bairrada, point your compass south again to hit the wide plains of the Alentejo.

This is pioneer country – there are state-of-the-art wineries producing reds and whites of Portuguese character and international quality – the best of all worlds.

Australian winemaker David Baverstock has been instrumental in putting the Alentejo on the world wine map. He also has a love of lamb chops and his ripe red wines go perfectly with the slow-cooked roast meat dishes so beloved of Portuguese diners.

David is sold on Portugal and so are we… to the extent that we won the Portuguese Wine Awards UK Independent Wine Merchant of the Year in 2010.

Hopefully I’ve provided a little food for thought and if you want to try something different, Portugal is seriously worth a look.

Saude!

DMWUFOXMAY2012:Layout 1 26/04/2012 14:58 Page 1

Duncan Murray recommends

Red and White wines from Portugal Monte Velho 2010 – Alentejo, Portugal £8.99 Dry, yet soft and refreshing citrus and tropical fruit flavours (think apricot and pear); made from exotic varieties, Roupeiro, Antao Vaz & Perrum, this is an extremely more-ish mouthful which works wonders with chicken and fish.

Terra d’Alter Arinto 2011 – Alentejo, Portugal £10.99 This fills the mouth with zingy lime and lemon flavours and zesty sherbet from southern Portugal; Arinto is the grape and it’s crying out to be served with fish and seafood

Alvarinho Soalheiro 2011 – Vinho Verde £17.99 In our opinion this is the finest Alvarinho in the world; beautifully refreshing with vibrant citrussy flavours. This is divine with fish but don’t just take our word for it; U2 drink this when dining in Oporto!

Boas Vinhas Tinto 2009 – Dao, Central Portugal £8.99 A cheeky little number made from Touriga Nacional, Alfocheiro & Tinta Roriz; this is a delicious mouthful with plenty of juicy black fruits and spice that will partner sausages with aplomb

Niepoort Redoma Tinto 2008 –Douro, N. Portugal £34.99 This is as classy as fine Bordeaux and Burgundy yet pound for pound way better value! Redoma is a great ambassador for the wines of the Douro and being made from some of the grape varieties that go into Port is full bodied yet complex, elegant and has bags of personality.

Try it with spicy food.

Casa de Mouraz 2009 – Dao, Central Portugal £11.99 From a small organic estate this is a full bodied beauty with juicy plum and blackberry fruit, hints of dried fruit and black pepper made from the same varieties as Boas Vinhas and great with lamb.

The award-winning wine merchant on your doorstep

An extensive, often exclusive, selection of fantasticallyflavoursome yet affordable wines and expert advice - come and see for yourself.

• Free Saturday tastings from 12-3pm • Bespoke wine tastings available • Wines from small producers • Sale or return and glass hire for special events • Local and nationwide delivery

10 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7LT Tel: 01858 464935 www.duncanmurraywines.co.uk

Portugal has a great diversity of wine growing regions for what is a relatively small country.

Wines, beers and spirits with personality 15

SPRING MADNESS - ENJOY A THREE COURSE MEAL FOR JUST £14.97

M AY 2 0 1 2

40p

Announcing: Head Chef Tom Carter’S Comfort Food Revolution

CONTINUES At City Centre Restaurant – The Boot Room

POSH FISH & CHIPS – ENJOY A THREE COURSE MEAL FOR JUST £14.97 – SPRING MADNESS Best of British Fish & Chips at The Boot Room, Millstone Lane (near Highcross) Not just any old cod – but the very best cod Yes it’s that unbeatable British classic of fish, chips and peas cooked in traditional style but with a real twist – it’s cooked by high class chefs in a high class restaurant, as part of a three course dinner, with lots of menu choices for an unbeatable £14.97 all-in.

But hurry – this limited offer is only available for just six Wednesday nights starting on Wednesday 2nd May and finishing on Wednesday 30th of May, The Boot Room’s head chef dreamed up this offer because he feels this good old fashioned British comfort food doesn’t get the great press it deserves – try Tom’s delicious fish cooked in the lightest of beer batters and you’ll see what he means.

What a catch – what a great choice of fish!

Whether you love the great British favourites like cod or hake, or go for something more exotic like John Dory, megrim sole or catfish, they’re all cooked using the same method in our special batter, so whichever fish you choose, we’re sure you’ll love it.

Not just any old cod – but the very best cod

Yes all our cod is from sustainablesources, but it’s

CATCH OF THE DAY: Just one of our spectacular fish and chip meals

the size of the cod fillet we buy that’s important – we only buy fish that weigh in at between 2–4 lb, meaning your 6–8 oz fillet will be deliciously firm with much larger flakes than your typical fish & chip shop cod. So you’ll actually be enjoying a great quality piece of fish (… and that’s why it’s so pricy at the fishmongers).

for this classic English dish there is simply no better way.

The fish cooks by steaming inside the batter, so it isn’t actually fried. That’s why fish in batter tastes so good… it doesn’t take on the flavour of the oil it’s cooked in, it just tastes of fish. So it’s so important to start off with good quality fresh fish like we do.

How we cook the very best fish in batter

The best fish deserves the very best chips

We cook our fish just like they do in your favourite fish and chip shop, because

Chips to die for… freshly home cut and cooked, from proper potatoes – not

reconstituted. At this time of year we choose Marquis potatoes because we believe their floury texture simply makes for a better quality of chip. And we cook ours twice, not three times like Heston Blumenthal, because we find twice-cooked gives a perfect texture – crisp on the outside, nice and soft on the inside.

How do you like yours?

Really chunky and crispy with lots of flavour, or skinny like real French fries? We can do them either way – the choice is yours.

Every Wednesday from 2nd of May to 30th of May

W on 0116 262 2555 to book CALL US NoW pLEASE MENtION tHE uRBAN FOX WHEN BOOKING

www.thebootroomeaterie.co.uk

STONEYGATE

F OD &

DR NK FESTIVAL IN HONOUR OF THE

DIAMOND JUBILEE! BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER THE STONEYGATE SHOPS ALLANDALE ROAD / FRANCIS STREET, LEICESTER, LE2 2DA

Parking available all around the area but please be courteous to residents

VENDOR ENQUIRIES EMAIL FOODANDDRINKFESTIVAL@HOTMAIL.CO.UK OR CALL ZOE BRADY ON 07780 705226

SUNDAY 10AM - 5PM 3RD JUNE 2012 FREE ENTRY

EVERYBODY WELCOME! THIS SPRING FAIR WILL BE A UNIQUE EVENT WHERE YOU WILL FIND FRESH AND QUALITY PRODUCE BY LOCAL PEOPLE AND PRODUCERS TO TASTE AND BUY! www.facebook.com/pages/ Food-Drink-Festival/272835116127035

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

KItCHEn MAStERCLASS: oIL

T

he array of oil for sale in our shops seems to grow every week and I am often asked by customers for advice on which oil to use, when and why? So in this month’s Urban Fox, here is my quick guide to cooking oil.

Smoke Point: High Mineral: Vitamin E, omega 6 & 9 Use: For shallow or deep frying and salad dressings Avoid: no need as it’s a good all round oil

COrN Or CaNOLa

virgiN OLivE OiL

Smoke Point *: Very High Mineral **: omega 3 Use: For deep frying Avoid: Using for dressings as course flavoured

Enjoy our brand new

SPRINGTIME PREZZO FISSO Fixed Price Menu

SUNFLOWEr Or vEgEtaBLE

Avoid: Using for frying or cooking at high temperatures

Smoke Point: Low Mineral: omega 3 & 6, Vitamin A, B, C & D Use: on salads, for dressings and dipping bread

WITH A FREE B O T T L E O F S PA R K L I N G ROSE Order our Fixed Price menu for 2 or more, and we’ll bring you a chilled bottle of sparkling Rosé, on us.

£32.50 FOR 3 COURSES Open for Lunch & Dinner Tuesday to Saturday Telephone 0116 279 6260 firenze.co.uk

18

i aM oFten aSked By CuStoMerS For adViCe on WhiCh oiL to uSe

Extra Light Olive Oil Smoke Point: Medium Mineral: Processed so reduced levels of all those found in virgin olive oil Use: For shallow frying and as a base for a flavoured dressing Avoid: Using for deep frying

Sesame Oil Smoke Point: Medium Mineral: Omega 6, Vitamin B & E, Use: Add a few drops when frying for big flavour Avoid: Using too much at once as it is a dominant flavour

Avocado Oil Smoke Point: High Mineral: Omega 3 & 6, Potassium, Vitamins A, B & D Use: For frying and salad dressings.

Avoid: Using on its own as it’s viscous. When cooking mix with sunflower oil

Rapeseed Oil Smoke Point: High Mineral: Omega 3, 6 & 9, Vitamin D&E Use: For frying, salads and as a dipping oil. Has a very dominant nutty flavour Avoid: Using too much at once as it is a dominant flavour. Mix with a little sunflower oil.

TIPS n Light will breakdown the nutrients in oil over time, so keep it in a cupboard not out on the kitchen side n Try dipping or spreading bread with rapeseed or olive oil instead of using butter. It’s lovely and much better for you n Rapeseed is the new olive oil! Try Welland Valley oil grown locally and bottled in Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire n I have lots of rapeseed ideas and recipes at www.lucysfood. co.uk

NOTES *Smoke Points Oils have different ‘smoke points’. This is the temperature when the fat begins to literally smoke. Ever had chips in Greece? Ideally we don’t want to reach the smoke point because the oil degenerates often losing any health benefits. ** May contains others but at lower levels

Fabulous food at The Belmont

THE

belmont HOTEL

Special offer for Urban Fox readers Come and try our lovely casual dining options at Jamie’s Bar at The Belmont on Monday-Friday evenings 6pm-9pm between now and 30th June and you can claim our special offer of two for the price of one on main courses.❉ Simply bring a copy of this ad to claim your offer, we’ll do the rest!

0116 254 4773

info@belmonthotel.co.uk www.belmonthotel.co.uk @JamiesBarLE1

2for1 offer ❉

Offer applies to two course meals only, offer ends 30.6.2012

19

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Live Your Home

For years and years architects and designers have felt the need to divide homes into little pockets of space that all have their own individual function, from the kitchen, the living room and the dining room to the more formal rooms that would very rarely be used. <<

Frances James Designer

Plug in Design Please feel free to contact me at:

frances@plug-indesign.com

20

H

owever, over the past few years we seem to have adopted a much more ‘open plan’ living concept, moving effortlessly from one space to another without the interruption of walls and doors. This has not only had a huge impact on design but also on the way we live and socialise within the home.

We now live in a time where our home fits around us, we make it cater to our needs, and with entertaining in the home more popular than ever, open plan living has enabled us to do so.

Advancements in technology and media have

also impacted on the way we live. With items getting much smaller and easier to conceal, it has opened up the possibilities for spatial design and layouts.

No longer do we become tangled in a spaghetti junction of cables, but instead we can enjoy a seamless, wireless, floating ARRANGEMENT of furniture and media.

In period homes it was often the norm to centre our living space on an architectural feature, such

in a modern society the TV has now become the centre point.

as the fireplace, but in a modern society the TV has now become the centre point. However, with furniture now becoming much more modular and flexible, we can incorporate all this technology into a scheme without it being the focus. Combining all the media necessities with decorative storage in a ‘lego style system’ can create endless options for living spaces. Concealing the cables and showcasing ones personality through furniture has become much more achievable.

Creating a feature in a room is still very important in order to create depth and balance, especially within

Ambience

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Over 100 real wood floors on display in our showroom open to all

<<

open plan living concepts.

We are now able to move away from the typical feature wall and think outside the box when it comes to adding colour and texture.

Lighting is one of the most underestimated aspects in designing a space, the functionality of light is key, daylight is essential in working zones, whereas artificial light can be used in areas where mood and atmosphere are needed. With open plan ‘loft style’ living becoming more popular, so is the

e id nw ry tio live Na De

<< Creating a Feature in a rooM iS StiLL Very iMPortant in order to Create dePth and BaLanCe, eSPeCiaLLy Within oPen PLan LiVing ConCePtS.

ability to create zones and areas through lighting effects.

uLtiMateLy, LiVing SPaCeS noW haVe to adaPt to the indiViduaL and the Way We LiVe, and BY cONSuLtING A DESIGN pROFESSIONAL, your eVeryday needS Can Be tranSForMed into a SiMPLe, yet SoPhiStiCated haVen. Lighting iS one oF the MoSt undereStiMated aSPeCtS in deSigning a SPaCe

CALL 0116 274 1050 or visit our Showroom at: 114 Kitchener Rd, Leicester LE5 4AT

UNICLIC EU Patent 0843 763 B1 - U.S. Patent nr. 6,006,486

<<

Adhesives, oils, lacquers, cleaning products, skirting and door trims etc available from stock.

www.ambiencehardwoodflooring.com 21

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Just 2 homes left in sought after area

There are just 2 homes left at Davidsons ‘The Firs’, in Evington Village. There are only five properties in total on this small exclusive development in a picturesque leafy location with one 5 bedroom home and one 4 bedroom home remaining. Both properties are complete and open for viewing. The 5 bedroom home is the Belvoir design, with a detached double garage, two bathrooms, a den and a light and airy sitting room. The home also features a large kitchen/ dining/family area - and is priced £425,995.

The 4 bedroom home is an original property, which was retained alongside the new homes, and has been refurbished including a completely new kitchen and

bathroom. This detached home has a double garage and gardens on three sides – it’s priced at £329,995.

Part Exchange with a Difference

Stephanie King, Head of Sales at Davidsons, said

“This really is an exceptional development with just a handful of delightful homes.

All of the homes have beautiful kitchens fitted with a range of Neff appliances and the bathrooms feature stylish Roca sanitary ware.”

Part Exchange is available on both properties subject to terms and conditions.

ONLY 2 HOMES REMAIN AT THE FIRS IN EVINGTON Part Exchange to a Davidsons home with a difference this weekend.

Choose from our Belvoir 5 bedroom home for £425,995 or our 4 bedroom refurbished home for £329,995.

THE FIRS, Evington, Leicester 1 remaining 4 bedroom home £329,995 1 remaining 5 bedroom home £425,995 Viewhome open Sat - Mon 10am - 4pm

CALL US FOR FURTHER INFO ON 01529 488 683 OR DISCOVER MORE AT davidsonsgroup.co.uk

For more details visit: www.davidsonsgroup.co.uk or call 0778 9537 077 Saturday, Sunday or Monday 10.00am to 4.00pm.

22

Every home has our signature because it’s a masterpiece

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | FASCIAS

Quick, make the most of the sunshine!

On a glorious day, it’s lovely to simply throw open the doors and let the sun in. It’s even better when you know that, should it turn chilly out, those doors will help keep you warm inside.

EAS customers love fickle English weather.

Why don’t you join them this summer?

Call us today on

0116 2710120

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

www.easwindows.co.uk

BE DIFFERENT. No two kitchens are the same. Yours will be unique. A one off that we create for you.

Simple forms, new materials, new designs to accommodate your living style, whilst still providing uncompromising quality, precision manufacture with outstanding craftsmenship and design.

OVER 50 YEARS OF

VISIT US

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deposits, advance payments and work in progress.

KITCHENS IN LEICESTER

Consumer care plus facility which protects consumers It also extends the warranty period for up to 6 years.

ASK IN-STORE FOR DETAILS.

0116 255 5745 WWW.DEWHIRSTKITCHENS.CO.UK OUR LEICESTER SHOWROOM IS LOCATED AT 98 GRANBY STREET, LEICESTER LE1 1DU

Registered through: KBSA

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Fancy going whole hog with the trend?

image courtesy of WWW.ARTISANTI.COM

<<

As a style, ‘mid-century modern’ has been steadily creeping into our design consciousness for a couple of years, with many of the large high street stores now running with the look in their ranges, and big name brands such as Sanderson reviving the prints and patterns of the 1951 Festival of Britain.

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

www.coalandwright.co.uk

26

T

he style has been cemented as one to be reckoned with by the popularity of the hugely successful TV show, Mad Men. With the show’s meticulous attention to detail in creating the authentic interior sets, it’s become less a case of the Don Draper effect, and more about Don’s drapes.

There are even two annual retail shows in London dedicated to the style and a plethora of website peddling vintage ‘modern’ pieces.

Mid-century modern is an enduring trend,

with clean lines, a bright, contrasting palette, classic warm woods and free standing furniture. It has a stylised, self-conscious aesthetic that says, “We have a vision of the future and modernity, and this is what it looks like”.

To get the look in your own home, focus on good quality crafted furniture in teak, walnut and rosewood.

As with most trends, achieving the look is really

down to the finer details: Chair legs should be visible, as opposed to the sleek, ‘hovering half an inch above the floor’ look of contemporary leather sofas, and conical shaped.

Couches and day beds often come spindle backed, cocooning a deep seat pad, upholstered in a bright textured woven, or for a bolder statement a signature print, such as Lucienne Day’s infamous Calyx. Look to Ercol for inspiration and if on a budget Ikea has some great design classics that mimic the style perfectly, thanks to native Scandi design blending seamlessly with the modern look.

The beauty of free standing furniture and accessories, such as statement floor lamps and nesting tables is that you can ‘curate’ your own space, creating a visually exciting composition with chairs, rugs, artworks, side tables and the like.

Don’t be afraid to draw the eye to a cameo to really show off your design prowess! And if you’re a fan of Mad Men, you’ll also know that the modern aesthetic is very much about lifestyle – so it’s time to invest in a slinky low level drinks cabinet and start your own cocktail hour!

Fancy going whole hog with the trend? Then contrasting paint colours can be a great way to show your inner interior daring.

Finn Juhl Poet Sofa, Bluesuntree, Leicester, £549

Chiselwood Paint Collection, www.littlegreene.com, £30.50 for 2.5L

Sanderson dandelion Clocks Wallpaper, John Lewis, £39

Coloured drawer tV Cabinet, www.artisanti.com, £542

Hot acid colours such as lime green and bright pink add a modern twist and can be mixed beautifully with more neutral shades of olive and taupe for a look that really pops. Sunny colours work beautifully in the kitchen and for that

Mid Century Floral Settee Chair, £795 www.outthereinteriors.com

true vintage feel nothing beats the look and texture of a Formica breakfast table.

Follow these few tips and you’ll be looking, and feeling thoroughly modern in no time!

27

WE ARE NOW OPERATING AS A SHOP AT HOME SERVICE.

VAT

NO ● ● ●

Curtains Pelmets Blinds Valances Cushions

LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

YOUR LOCAL LIGHTING SPECIALIST

107 A/B Hinckley Road // Leicester, LE3 OTD www.lighthouse-leicester.co.uk sales@litehouse.co.uk

THROUGHOUT MAY

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NO MORE CARRYING AROUND CARPETS AND SOFA CUSHIONS, SEE THE FABRICS IN YOUR OWN LIGHTING AND SURROUNDINGS AT A TIME TO SUIT YOU. Large range of fabrics to choose from, Over 50 years experience, Competitive prices, Quality advice and service.

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Visit our showroom

FREE HOME VISITS

Broughtons of Leicester Ltd The Old Cinema, 69 Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7BP Tel. 0116 234 1888 Web: www.broughtons.com

28

Evans Fireplace Centre PleASe viSit our webSite to see our natural, hand carved stone fireplaces.

www.firecraft.co.uk l

l

l

Showing our range of Natural Stone Fireplaces, Wood Surrounds, Marble, Casts and Tiles.

Gas, Electric & Solid Fuel Fires and Stoves. All Fireside Accessories.

Survey & Fitting Service Available

Evans Fireplace Centre

1159 Melton Road, Syston, Leicester, LE7 2JS www.evansfireplaces.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

0116 2600772

The Middleton (2010 collection)

Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday 11.00am - 2.00pm Bank Holidays 10.00am - 4.00pm

29

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

GRAND DESIgnS

ANYONE cAN DESIGN A GARDEN, a garden deSigner WiLL add More indiViduaL FLare and deSign SkiLL But it’S an aBiLity We aLL haVe to one extent or another and the onLy LiMit iS your iMagination.

A

s children we draw and imagine with no limits, then as we get older practical restraints and modern living stems this creativity.

Become that child again and I guarantee you will design a fantastic garden full of interest, intrigue and imagination! Here are some basic guidelines to get you started.

First decide what style of garden you’d like - modern, traditional, family etc. - then I liken the whole process to baking a cake. The style of the cake is how you’d like it to look once finished; the ingredients are specific elements the garden needs to include. The ingredients you use and how you mix them is up to you. get the

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

www.jamesbrewergardens.co.uk

30

right mix and you’ll have a fantastic garden. now get some large sheets of paper and draw an outline overview of your home and garden. This needn’t be to scale. once you have the outline, all that’s needed is to add the ingredients. For example: n A family garden needs

a good size lawn for the children to play on. n A terrace for entertaining needs to be large enough to seat friends and family. n Add a herb garden near the terrace, so when cooking on the barbeque or outdoor oven they are close to hand. n Consider a smaller terrace ideally positioned for soaking up a tranquil 10 minutes of early morning sun with the newspaper and a fresh coffee.

Planning ensures that you get the garden you want, so use the paper and wear out that pencil!

Another valuable tip is to design using third ratios. Simply image your garden divided into 3 equal segments. The first element should be all hardlandscaping surfaces such as terraces and pathways; the second element should be lawns, and the final part planting. This ensures that no one aspect of the design is over dominating the balance of the garden.

Use circles too. Whilst contemporary gardens look great using straight lines

and geometric shapes, more relaxed informal country style gardens or family gardens work well using curves. Remember nature doesn’t use straight lines!

So there you have it, some basics tips for designing your own garden.

Finally if you get stuck for inspiration, use the internet. try to imagine a garden where there are no limits in what you can design and then scale back from those initial ideas to something that’s more practical or feasible. As with all grand designs, the only limit is your creative imagination.

BeFore

aFter

try to iMagine a garden Where there are no LiMitS in What you Can deSign

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 neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Professional tree surgery and stumP removal

WOODBURNER

WORKSHOP We offer a polite and efficient service covering all aspects of tree works, for more info visit www.dalbytreecare.co.uk for a free quotation please call

m: 07977477009 t: 01664563982

we sell...

CLEARVIEW NORDPEIS FRANCO BELGE AARROW WESTFIRE

visit us and see them on display in our showroom at Leicester Road, Lutterworth

www.woodburnerworkshop.co.uk TEL 01455 552 552

31

MOTORING & SPORT

tHIS BEAR IS A nECESSItY! road teSt: FIAt pANDA LOuNGE tWINAIR

S

ome time ago I wrote following a road test of the Fiat 500 twinair, about the twin cylinder, 0.9 litre engine and just how good it is. Having seen the sales success of that particular model and listened to owners and car industry experts, it is great to report

Chris Sturgess Sturgess group

FOR MORE INFORMAtION: www.sturgessgroup.co.uk

32

that this dynamic little engine has now found its way into the very latest Fiat Panda.

The 3rd generation Panda is a funkier version of the previous model with more rounded corners, smoother lines and a generally more refined and grown-up style. However, it is the interior that really moves the car on. The dashboard has a large, distinctive appearance with plenty of storage area, well laid out driver controls and the overriding theme is ‘cubes’.

The switches are grouped into cubes and there’s even a cube shaped gear shift.

Familiar as we are with round gear shifts, this high mounted lever is nice to use, smooth in shift and easy on your hand. The cube theme continues with the instrumentation, the audio system speakers and most interesting of all,

the steering wheel! Fiat has cleverly made a round wheel appear cubed. The seat cover design is also heavily inlaid with ‘cubism’. other neat design features include a large, slab shaped handbrake lever, flexible load carrying ability and a very novel appearance to the dashboard and door panels.

Rather than using the industry accepted leather grained pattern, Fiat have incorporated the letters P A n D A to make a very unusual texture to those surfaces.

driVing the Car iS aS entertaining aS you WouLd exPeCt FroM a Car So FuLL oF DELIGHtFuL tOucHES. The twinair engine is slightly more subdued than in the 500 but is no less entertaining. The

ECo button helps keep performance respectable and with an eye on economy, but when it is switched off, you have a car that just wants to show off!

It is easy to see who will ultimately buy this car, so broad is its appeal. It makes a fantastic city runabout with its very compact size and manoeuvrability, but is well able to take 4 grown people. It will appeal on the school run with a feeling of solidity and flexibility; is a safe and stylish first car for those starting out their motoring lives and will also score highly with those looking to downsize, as the Panda comes with a healthy level of standard equipment and a huge variety of options and accessories.

to SuM uP, the neW Panda CoMBineS Fun With StyLe and VerSatiLity and SeeS Fiat at the toP oF itS gaMe, Making FaBuLouS SMaLL CarS.

£89.

Your monthly out and about goings.

For people who want the open road without the open wallet surgery, new Panda comes at a purse-pleasing £89 per month*, after an initial rental payment with Personal Contract Hire.

Chock-full of nooks, crannies, and covered in gorgeous curves, it’s the Panda with nifty features, and thrifty drivers.

for

people

AY L E S T O N E R O A D, L E I C E S T E R , L E I C E S T E R S H I R E L E 2 7 Q N .

T E L : 0 1 1 6 3 6 6 0 2 3 8 W W W. S T U R G E S S G R O U P. C O M Fiat. The car brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe†. Fuel consumption figures for the Fiat Panda 1.2 Pop in mpg (l/100km): Urban 42.2 (6.7); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3); Combined 54.3 (5.2). CO2 emissions 120 g/km.*Cost detailed refers to the monthly rental cost only. Model shown is Panda

1.2 Pop at an initial rental of £2,225 followed by 47 monthly rentals of £89 on Personal Contract Hire. All rentals exclude maintenance and insurance. Based on 6,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. Offer based on standard vehicle without extra cost options. Offer subject to status, a guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time without prior notification. FGA Contracts, 240 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 4DX. April - June 2012 offer. †Source: JATO Dynamics. Based on volume-weighted average CO2 emissions (g/km) of the best selling brands in Europe, full year 2011.

Motoring & Sport

34

GOING FOR GOLD With only a few months until Danny Boyle’s lavish opening ceremony kicks off London 2012, the pressure being mounted on our young sportsmen and women to deliver the medals has reached epic proportions, not least for Beijing poolside champ and local girl Rebecca Adlington.

T

he Nottinghamshire native was the sleeper champ of the 2008 Games, claiming two gold medals and becoming the first British swimmer to win more than one gold medal at a single Olympics since Henry Taylor clinched three way back in 1908.

And now, all eyes are focused on the aquatic superstar to deliver and develop on her Olympian progress.

Two medals simply won’t do for the British press and at the last check they were demanding a clean sweep!

Only last month did the 23-year-old actually qualify for the Games, yet such is the belief in Adlington’s ability, people assume she already has one fingertip outstretched on the finishing stroke. Adlington however, is far more pragmatic in her approach.

“People come up to me all the time to wish me luck.

It’s lovely to have so much support behind me, but it’s really only recently that my place at the Olympics was secured. It’s that kind of expectation that can be difficult to comprehend, at times but I must say I’m quietly confident. My training has been going fantastically well, but again, you never know. It’s every

athlete’s attitude to take one goal at a time.”

Adlington - who grew up in Mansfield – is now into the final push of her preparations. And while 5am starts may sound like hell on earth for the average person, it’s all part and parcel of the Olympian’s schedule, one that requires up to four hours a day in the pool, 90-minute gym sessions and regular long distance runs. The swimmer also has to eat every two hours - lean meat, healthy carbs, fruit and vegetables - just to keep going.

“My preparations are really hotting up and I’m very busy,” she says. “I have 10 sessions in the pool as well as all the gym work. I know the amount of work I do sounds like a real drag, and no-one can figure out why I want to be up before 5am every morning, but I love it.”

Can she ever let her hair down and indulge? “Of course, I treat myself, especially around Christmas. That would be pretty depressing otherwise.

But that could be one day out of a whole month, and when it’s getting this close to the important races, I can’t slip up. It could be the difference between winning and losing.”

Given that she has followed such a strict fitness regime and diet, Rebecca’s earned an amazing lean,

toned body that most would kill for. It’s surprising to learn then that body hangups still plague her mind.

“I find it hard enough to keep my weight down anyway. I’m a big girl, so I worry about it. I can’t eat too much or it shows straight away. I’m a size 12 and have big shoulders and huge calves. How many people that size would be seen in front of millions in a swimming costume?”

press coverage. The bottom line is that everyone, be it fans or journalists, want to see me do well. People have just said, ‘Well done or good luck’ and no one’s ever commented on my weight.

That’s my personal issue, like so many others.”

With qualification for the Games now secured, Adlington is composed and relaxed? “Oh believe me, I’m a ball of stress in the inside but I seem to hide it well. I’m starting to feel very excited.

The countdown to London is going to go so fast and it will be just amazing competing at an Olympics in front of a home crowd. I hope I can give them what they’ve all come to see.”

Between the pressures to maintain a toned physique strengthened by the nation’s vaulted expectations - does it sometimes all get too much?

“No, not really, I know how to relax and switch off. And the attention is something you get used to,” she explains. “I felt very daunted by the interest in me before, especially in things like talking to the media. Over time though, you realise the interest is a good thing – people have always been supportive of me so far and I actually have had nothing but good

We for one, wish Rebecca the very best of British!

35

MOTORING & SPORT

olyMPIc FASHION FEVER

Style Tip:

Freya Active is Official Sports Bra Supplier to the England Netball Squad

WOMENs

BrAs

Max Sports Bra, Simply yours, £30

TOPs

sWiMWEAr

Jubilee Zip Front Sports Bra, M&S, £19.50

Freya active Sports Bra, Browns, Stoneygate, Leicester, £29

Wyomi Swimsuit, Simply Be, £40

Zoggs Belted Swimsuit, John Lewis, £35

team gB Swimsuit, next, £32

gBr tee, Crew Clothing, £30

Performance Vest, M&S, £15

Pique Polo Shirt, La redoute, £19

36

As the London Olympics approach, it’s no surprise the fashion world has embraced the sportswear trend. This summer, show your support for Team GB and look super stylish in patriotic shades of red, white and blue.

TRAINERS

ZIPPERS

T- shirts

MENS Team GB Stripe Polo Shirt, John Lewis, £38

Team GB Stripe Polo Shirt, Next, £35

GBR Rugby Shirt, Crew Clothing, £45

Team GB Hooded Jacket, Next, £68

Team GB Zip Hoodie, Adidas, £54

Team GB Zip Jumper, Marks & Spencer, £45

Vivo Barefoot Running Shoes, John Lewis, £60

Canvas Trainers, Jacamo, £20

Response Cushion 20 Running Shoes, Adidas, £75

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

LEt tHE GAMeS BEgIn

one ring on the doorBeLL MeanS FriendS CaLLing But 5 ringS on the tV Can Mean onLy one thing. tHE OLYMpIcS HAVE ARRIVED!

movies and music from one sound bar type speaker and one wireless sub. It can go anywhere in the room and just needs mains.

RECoRDIng

T

his much heralded event has been coming towards us for a couple of years now, but some people have still not sorted out their tV and sound systems to get the best overall experience.

Mike Swan Around Sound Please feel free to contact me at:

olympics@around-sound.co.uk

there are eSSentiaLLy tHREE SIMpLE tHINGS to ConSider:

1 2 3

are you watching the best possible picture? do you have the best possible sound?

Can you record events and watch them at your leisure?

PICtURE

38

All of the olympics will be broadcast in HD and some will be broadcast in 3D, including the opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Most new televisions should be able to offer both High Definition pictures and 3D but remember you will need to wear glasses to watch 3D.

Through the ‘red button’ feature, you’ll be presented with the opportunity to watch sports other than the main events being broadcast on the main BBC1 channel.

Almost all sports will be covered on the red button.

SoUnD The HD broadcasts will have super surround sound available if you have the right equipment to reproduce it. Don’t think that this means you need a lot of equipment, as surround systems can now be virtually invisible. treat yourself to some extra speakers. Sound bars are very popular at the moment so you can have an almost surround experience from only one speaker and a hideaway subwoofer.

For example our most popular product is the Bose 1SR (as seen on tV). This gives amazing sound for tV,

For recording, most Freeview +, Freesat +, Sky + or Virgin + boxes make easy work of recording so you don’t have to worry about missing your favourite event. A good recording box costs from around £250 and is much easier to use than some DVD recorders you may have experienced.

I have focused a lot on small and simple solutions but if you really want to ‘go large’ a projector and screen coupled with a good surround system is the ultimate in Home Entertainment. Higher specification projectors work without the need for full blackout and brands such as Epson carry a full 3 year on-site warranty and unlimited bulb replacement.

But aS With aLL ProduCtS, there iS quite a ChoiCe out there. i reCoMMend you ViSit your LoCaL indePendent SPeCiaLiSt and haVe a ProPer deMonStration.

Ultimately do not let price be your main driver for buying. Instead buy the system that looks and sounds best and that fits your lifestyle.

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

around sound home entertainment consultants

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

Centre Of Excellence

Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

What’s on

MAY 2012

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND The Forsyte Saga

Mon 14 – Sat 19 May The Little Theatre, Leicester £12/£10.50 www.thelittletheatre.net Dramatised from the novels by John Galsworthy and directed by Nadine Beasley, this play focuses on Soames and Irene’s difficult relationship and the destructive stifling power of the Forsyte family.

Liam Mullone & Guests

Come Dine With Us

Tue 15 May Highfields Library, Leicester Free Event www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries Part of Adult Learners Week 2012 (12-18 May) join them in cooking authentic Caribbean and Indian dishes. They will be creating recipes from their cookery book collection; explaining the use of the different spices and ingredients used to prepare the dishes.

Booking recommended.

Ticket 2 Bollywood

Thu 17 – Fri 18 May LCB Depot & Phoenix Square, Leicester Tickets £10/£8 www.ldif.co.uk Part of the Lets Dance International Festival, Ticket 2 Bollywood is a whistle stop tour of the largest film industry in the world through a site-specific explosion of expressional dance and foot-tapping music. The production is a series of artist interventions that respond to our love for Bollywood and each performance installation has the classic ingredients of a masala fillum! The kitsch and colourful world of Hindi musicals opens at LCB Depot, with a finale at Phoenix Square.

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Rutland is such a beautifully rural county to visit, especially if you appreciate walks with stunning views and an interesting history. This is what Rutland Walking Festival wants to embrace. During the first week there will be 3 walks of different lengths – 2, 5.5 & 9 miles. The second week consists of Walking the Rutland Round in 7 days - a fantastic 64 mile route around the county borders.

Oadby Society of Artists Annual Exhibition

An Evening with Richard Felix

Fri 18 May Rutland County Museum, Oakham Tickets £10/£8 www.rutland.gov.uk/livethe_ museum Go and see the museum like never before with Richard Felix, Britain’s leading paranormal historian who has been featured on Living TV’s ‘Most Haunted’.

Richard will be exploring Oakham and Rutland’s rich history of crime, punishment and retribution, discovering the objects in the Rutland County Museum that hold on to their grisly past, and perhaps the odd soul or two!

A Celebration of Outdoor Adventure

Sat 19 – Sun 20 May Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre Entrance fee £1 (refundable on completion of a questionnaire) www.lopc.co.uk LOPC is proud to be hosting an open weekend to celebrate adventurous outdoor activities.

During the celebration there will be FREE activities for everyone to enjoy from bushcraft and canoeing, to the City Skylines Aerial Challenge. You can also get involved with the London 2012 Games by taking part in Olympic sports including archery and fencing. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day and have fun!

Sat 26 May Rutland County Museum, Oakham Tickets £9.50/£8.50 www.rutland.gov.uk/livethe_ museum Former obiturist at The Times Newspaper, award-winning Mullone is an exceptional genius with unmissable talent that makes him “brilliant, a tour de force” (John Pidgeon, BBC Head of Radio Entertainment).

After appearing on the New Comedy Awards, being a finalist on FHM’s Stand Up Hero, a twice-finalist on the BBC Comedy Awards, and now writing for Russell Howard’s Good News, Mullone’s intellectual satire is an “overlap between Eddie Izzard and Dylan Moran” (Steve Bennett, Chortle), and certainly one to watch!

StopGAP Dance Company

Sat 26 May Richard Attenborough Centre, Leicester Tickets £10/£8 www.ldif.co.uk

SPUN Productions is a vibrant piece of dance theatre drawing on the popularity of interactive Rutland TV programmes. Set in the Walking imaginary world of an audience Festival voting show, “So You’re Not Sun 20 May – Sun 2 June Ketton Sports Association, Ketton Sure If This Is Dance” the Free event (refreshment charges ten-strong performers with and without disabilities parody the where applicable) corporate star-making machine www.discover-rutland.co.uk/ and the erratic nature of walking-festival entertainment TV.

The Rutland Show is an all-round county show and welcomes visitors from all over the local area and further afield.

Stoneygate Food & Drink Festival

Sun 3 June Allandale Rd/Francis Street, Leicester Free Event In honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Stoneygate Spring Fair is sure to be an amazing event, with fresh quality produce by local people and producers available to taste and buy. One of the oldest shopping areas in the city, Stoneygate offers a range of independent and exclusive retailers, free parking and a friendly and personal service.

Rutland County Show

Rutland County Show Sun 3 June Leicester’s historic market.

From spicy curries from the city’s best Indian restaurants to local farm produce, there really Sun 27 May is something for everyone. As Market Harborough Theatre well as the individual stalls, Workshop £8, Recital £8/£6.50 there will be an array of www.gbrecitaltrust.co.uk entertainment and cookery demonstrations taking place in Australian born guitarist Craig The Corn Exchange Square.

Ogden is one of the world’s finest classical guitarists, with a laid back, effortless, naturally Oadby Society brilliant approach to playing of Artists guitar. He has had an amazing Annual year so far, scoring a number Exhibition one album with his album, ‘The Thu 31 May – Mon 4 June Guitarist’. He regularly appears Brocks Hill Visitor Centre, as soloist and chamber musician Oadby at the major London venues and Free Event has performed concertos with www.oadbysocietyofartists.co.uk all of the main UK orchestras.

Oadby Artists celebrate the Booking essential.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with Summer Food & their ‘all new and something for everyone’ art exhibition.

Drink Festival Over the Bank Holiday Sun 27 May weekend, unique work by local Leicester Market artists will be on display, and Free Event for sale at affordable prices. www.leicestermarket.co.uk Opening times are Thursday Sample food and drink from 31st May 2.00 – 5.00p.m., across our region with over then daily 10.00 – 4.00 until 200 stalls, all jam-packed into Monday.

Craig Ogden: Music Recital & Workshop

Knighton Community Diamond Jubilee Fete

Sat 2 June Knighton Hall, Knighton Rd, Leicester £1 Entrance Fee, Children FREE Community fair organised by local churches to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Pop along between 11.00am4.00pm and enjoy craft stalls, live music, children’s activities and refreshments. Design, make and wear a crown and bring it along to the fete.

There’s a prize for the best crown, judged by Rosemary Conley. Proceeds from the event go to Vista, Hope against Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign.

enjoy craft stalls, live music, children’s activities and refreshments.

Sun 3 June Wilderness Rd, Burley, Oakham Tickets £8/£6 www.rutlandcountyshow.co.uk The Rutland Show is an all-round county show and welcomes visitors from all over the local area and further afield. With classes for sheep, cattle, goats and horses together with produce, displays, vintage vehicles/ tractors plus attractions in the Main Ring there is something for everybody.

Music In The Park

Sat 9 June Wistow Hall, Wistow Tickets £12.50/£5 www.wistow.com This ‘Diamond Jubilee’ charity concert is held in the beautiful grounds of Wistow Hall. Bring your own picnic and enjoy a wonderful evening listening to music, followed by a fabulous firework display. The concert is supporting LOROS (Hospice Care for Leicestershire & Rutland), Warning Zone (Leicestershire & Rutland Crimebeat Ltd), and the Breast Cancer Campaign (which funds research into breast cancer).

Last year the concert raised £12,000 for charity and they hope to make even more this year.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FILM ReVIeW SALMON FISHING IN tHE YEMEN Fri 11th – thu 24th May

S

o you’re a Sheikh with a booming oil business and more money than you could ever hope to spend in your lifetime. What’s the one thing you desire? Salmon fishing in the desert obviously!

This new film from Lasse Hallström (Chocolat & The Cider House Rules) stars Ewan Mcgreggor as British fisheries expert Dr. Alfred Jones, recruited

by Sheikh Muhammed to aid him in his haphazard vision for Western Asian fly fishing - a dream not shared by Albert. However when a British government press officer , (Kristen Scott Thomas) senses that this could be the perfect

photo op for AngloArab relations, Albert is forced to work (and exchange flirty glances with) beautiful and sparky project-head Harriet talbot to “trap 10,000 salmon and get them to the Yemen alive!”

With superb performances from Mcgreggor, Emily Blunt and Amr Waked, this is a charming film. It perhaps struggles upstream a bit in the stereotype department, but Salmon Fishing in the Yemen remains a heart warming and humorous departure from our own British brooks.

With SuPerB PerForManCeS FroM MCgreggor, eMiLy BLunt and aMr Waked, thiS iS a CharMing FiLM.

BooK ReVIeWS tHE pRAGuE cEMEtERY BY uMBERTO ECO IS PuBLISHEd IN HARdBACK BY VINTAGE, £20

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ineteenth-century Europe - from turin to Prague to Paris - abounds with the ghastly and the mysterious.

Conspiracies rule history; Jesuits plot against Freemasons; Italian republicans strangle priests with their own intestines! French criminals plan bombings by day and celebrate black masses at night. Every nation has its own secret service, perpetrating forgeries, plots, and massacres. But what if, behind all of these conspiracies both real and imagined, lay one lone man? And what if that evil genius created the most infamous document of all? Eco takes his readers on an unforgettable journey through the underbelly of world-shattering events. This book is simply remarkable, unlike anything you’ll have read for a long while.

A StREEt cAt NAMED BOB

BY JAMES BOWEN IS PuBLISHEd IN HARdBACK BY HOddER & STOuGHTON LTd, £14.99.

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hen James Bowen found an injured, ginger street cat curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation, he had no idea just how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet. Yet James couldn’t resist helping the strikingly intelligent tom cat, whom he quickly christened Bob. He slowly nursed Bob back to health and then sent the cat on his way, imagining he would never see him again. But Bob had other ideas. Soon the two were inseparable and their diverse, comic and occasionally dangerous adventures would transform both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other’s troubled pasts. A Street Cat named Bob is a moving and uplifting story that will touch the heart of anyone who reads it.

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PEOPLE & PLACES

WIN THE HISTORY OF THE BANDS TICKETS

For your chance to win one of two sets of tickets to THE HISTORY OF THE BANDS at De Montfort Hall, on 21ST JUNE 2012

New Contemporary Crafts, Art and Design Gallery In the year she turns 40, Kate Foster from Kibworth is realising her long-held dream of opening a contemporary crafts and art gallery at Wistow Rural Centre in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.

Wistow Gallery, housed in a new 400 square foot unit, celebrated its opening on the evening of Thursday 29 March. Around 100 artists and makers, friends, customers and local media attended, all enjoying delicious prosecco and canapés provided by Sarah Poli of Firenze in Kibworth.

Kate Foster said: “The launch night was fantastic – I’m so grateful to everyone who came to support the gallery. We’ve had a great first couple of weeks and people seem to love that all the work is sourced locally – there’s so much talent in Leicestershire and I’m discovering more every day!”

Kate aims to offer an exciting, changing and affordable range of ceramics, glass, wood, jewellery, textiles, prints, paintings, photographs and more. Later in the year she will be introducing a series of ‘featured artists’ to showcase some of the best talent from the county and allow visitors to meet the artists and find out more about art and craft techniques.

To join the mailing list for latest news and events, email your name and contact details to Kate at info@ wistowgallery.com.

Further details can be found at www. wistowgallery.com

Arriving at De Montfort Hall, Leicester on 21st June, The History of the Big Bands is a fantastic theatre tour that sees the incredible vocal talent of Andy Abraham transport the audience back to the music of the Big Band era, swooning and crooning to the irresistible sound of swing! Legendary standards from the world’s greatest Big Band leaders are included in the show, with influences including: Harry James, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Woody Herman and Buddy Rich, to name a few.

Please email your name and contact details to: editor@theurban-fox.co.uk by 25TH MAY 2012 and insert ‘Andy Abraham Competition’ in the subject box. Postal entries should be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD.

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PEOPLE & PLACES

HoLIDAY At HoMe W

ith the games only a couple of months away, come July us Brits will be heading to the country’s airports in our droves to escape what can only be described as ‘olympic Fever’. Anticipating this impending exodus Visit England has recently flooded our tV screens with images of England at its very best, using celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Julie Walters and Harry Potter’s Rupert grint to encourage us to stay put and ‘Holiday at Home’.

For many of us this conjures up memories of our childhood holidays on wind swept beaches,

huddled under an umbrella in the rain, eating fish and chips until it was time to go back to the dingy B&B. But it’s the twenty-first century and whilst we still can’t guarantee the weather, like most things the B&B industry has moved on.

These days B&Bs are as individual as the guests who stay in them. A personalised service, hearty breakfast and warm family atmosphere are just a few reasons why more and more people are choosing this type of accommodation.

The accommodation itself can be diverse, ranging from a seafront

georgian townhouse, rural converted barn, country inn or even a coastal lighthouse. You might even be able to book the whole property, making it an ideal option for groups of friends or families holidaying together.

So for those of you tempted to stay in Blighty this year, here are some of our favourite B&Bs.

DRIFtWOOD SpARS, St agneS, CornWaLL

Accommodation: Located a stone’s throw from trevaunance Cove, with its sandy beach, good surfing and safe swimming.

This seventeenth century

inn captures the sea-faring Cornish life of bygone eras, perfectly blended with contemporary nautical themed bedrooms; many of which have wonderful sea views.

Food: The Atlantic Bar for light snacks and good value mains or The Spindrift Restaurant for a more ambitious menu of seasonal fish and shell fish dishes.

Local Attractions: gweek Seal Sanctuary, national Maritime Museum, Perranporth Beach are all worth a visit, or simply enjoy a walk along the coastal footpath.

a PerSonaLiSed SerViCe, hearty BreakFaSt and WarM FaMiLy atMoSPhere are JuSt a FeW reaSonS Why MORE AND MORE pEOpLE ARE cHOOSING tHIS tYpE OF AccOMMODAtION.

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BurnhaM Market, the hoSte arMS, norFoLk

Blenheim Palace

for relaxing after a day exploring the salt marshes and sand dunes.

Food: An eclectic mix of Asia, European and modern British dishes, created using local ingredients. There is a pretty walled garden tucked behind the stylish terrace where guests can enjoy alfresco dining in the summer months.

The Crazy Bear,

The Hoste Arms,

Accommodation: A celebrity favourite, this sixteenth century coaching inn succeeds in weaving its ancient features into a modern, eccentric look.

Arranged higgledy-piggledy throughout the inn and garden, every bedroom is different in style and décor – art deco, cottage etc.

Located approximately 10 miles from Oxford, this is an ideal location for those wanting to explore the city, whilst enjoying a quiet but quirky idyll.

Accommodation: Overlooking the green in the upmarket Georgian village of Burnham Market, The Hoste Arms is enjoyed by locals, city weekenders and the odd celebrity. The rooms split between the main accommodation and converted buildings, reflect the designer’s South African heritage strong colours and bold fabrics. The bathrooms are luxurious, perfect

Stadhampton, Oxfordshire

Burnham Market, Norfolk

Local Attractions: Interested in English heritage, then head to Blickling Hall or Sandringham. For golf lovers, the Royal West Norfolk Golf Course - one of the top courses in the UK - is a great way to spend your day.

The Punch Bowl, Crosthwaite, Cumbria

Accommodation: This beautifully renovated stone building overlooks the stunningly lush Lyth Valley. This part of the Lake District is gentle and rolling and the tranquil vibe is continued inside.

The nine bedrooms are

individually designed but all are equipped with rich fabrics and furnishings and soothing colours. The Noble suite features twin roll top baths enjoying wonderful views down the valley.

Food: Choose between the cosy bar and the slightly more formal dining room with its eighteenth-century stone fireplace. The menu reveals a passion for local ingredients and has a feelgood quality.

Local Attractions: A great location for those wishing to indulge in outdoor activities including off-road driving, pony trekking and sailing.

Alternatively, hire a yacht with crew and sip champagne whilst exploring the lakes at a somewhat more relaxed pace.

For more ideas on where to stay and what to do in England this summer, go to

www.enjoyengland.com

Food: The restaurant serves posh all-day breakfast options and classic English dishes; whilst the authentic Thai brassiere offers a vast array of oriental dishes, including a tasting menu for those who just can’t choose!

Local Attractions: Visit Oxford with its stunning architecture, colleges and museums or venture to Blenheim Palace, Waterperry Gardens or Bicester Shopping Village for the ultimate experience in designer shopping.

St Agnes, Cornwall

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PEOPLE & PLACES

Appassionata Launch Partnership with Adventure Ashram Appassionata, a Leicestershire based business which specialises in the restoration and development of fractional ownership properties in the Italian region of Le Marche has launched a partnership with Adventure Ashram the adventurer’s charity.

Adventure Ashram is a charity founded and supported by adventurers. The charity stems from the shared vision of a group of well-respected conservation, health and educational professionals in India and UK based social enterprise Global Enduro. It was while taking part in Global Enduro India 2011 Motorcycle Rally that Appassionata owner Michael Hobbs became involved with the charity, raising over £8000 in the process.

Adventure Ashram’s mission is to help the poorest people on or around the routes Global Enduro adventurers travel through, by supporting local health and education projects. The charity is currently supporting five health and education projects in South and North India which aim to relocate, educate, rescue, rehabilitate, feed and vaccinate children to give them a better start in life. Since 2007, adventurers have been giving back to the communities that live in the places they explore helping to raise in excess of £500,000.

Appassionata have chosen to support Odanadi, a charity based in Mysore, Karnataka that rescues and rehabilitates those affected by human trafficking.

Adventure Ashram will be donating a total of £68,000 to Odanadi in order to complete a building project that will, when complete, house 18 boys who have been rescued from the hands of brothel owners and sex traffickers, others from abusive homes, child marriages, slavery or domestic abuse.

For more information visit www.adventureashram. org or www.appassionata.com

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Off The Fence Theatre Co. Showcases Local Writers Have you seen a performance in a car park or drama in a marketplace?

Granted they’re not the most usual venues to watch a play, yet newly formed Off the Fence Theatre Company, like to venture into less conventional spaces - all in the name of entertainment.

December 2011 saw the company’s first performance of four new plays inspired by and performed in Leicester’s well-loved and historic Market. Staged on a Sunday the event was a great success, attracting a large crowd in what would otherwise have been a deserted market.

March saw four new short plays performed in the NCP Car Park on Halford Street as part of the Unearth Leicester festival.

As well as productions in unusual but accessible locations, Off the Fence is staging a season of Without Decor plays at Leicester’s Y Theatre (Without Decor refers to minimal use of props and technical requirements).

Off the Fence is based mainly but not exclusively in Leicester and is dedicated to producing new plays showcasing the work of Midlands-based writers.

To be kept informed of Off the Fence’s latest productions, get involved on or back stage, visit their website www.off-the-fence.com. You can also ‘Like’ them on Facebook at Off the Fence Theatre Company or follow them on Twitter @OfftheFenceTC.

aLiSon SeViour

tHE oRCHARD: InDEPEnDEnt REtAILER oF tHE YEAR FInALISt LeiCeSterShire BaSed retaiLer the orChard hoMe & giFtS haS Been ChoSen aS A FINALISt IN tHE INDEpENDENt REtAILER OF tHE YEAR cAtEGORY at thiS year’S PreStigiouS giFt retaiLer aWardS to Be heLd at the royaL LanCaSter hoteL, London.

“The greats” as the awards are affectionately named, are awarded by Progressive gifts & Home, and celebrate the top independent and multiple gift retailers regionally and nationally. opened in Stoughton grange Farm, near oadby in 2009 by Leicestershire local Laura Marlowe, and co-owner Mathew Brown, The orchard is one of Leicester’s hidden retail treasures. Well known in the local area and also nationally through their website www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com The orchard is the kind of store you instantly feel at home in. Converted from old farm buildings and stables, owners Mat & Laura have worked hard over the years to create a welcoming environment and a unique collection of goods for their customers.

Laura says: “It’s so great to be recognized as one of the best independent retailers in the country.

We love what we do, what we sell and the area in which we sell from and we really hope that shows through” Mat adds: “We are extremely lucky to have some really loyal customers who help us to thrive and evolve and it is fantastic that people continue to appreciate and support local, independent businesses.”

Amongst the broad range of products on offer you will find a handful of items from local manufacturers, alongside others from Fair trade producers.

The Urban Fox wishes them well at the award ceremony later this month.

SuZanne harry

yVonne ryLatt

RUtLAnD ARtIStS oPEn StUDIoS 2012 up tO 70 ARtIStS WILL BE EXHIBItING RIGHt AcROSS RutLAND aS Part oF rutLand oPen StudioS (roS) next Month.

Rutland is home to an amazing variety of artists, many of whom are at the top of their chosen field, be that painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and more.

The artists will open the door to their own private studios or share public spaces in group shows, inviting the public to view their work. There is free entry to all exhibitions and opportunities to buy something beautiful and original that will last a lifetime, and perhaps even gain in value.

The open Studios will take place on the weekends 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24 June, as well as some exhibitions on week days. The event will culminate in a group show at oakham Festival from the 22-24 June. Artists from across all media will exhibit at oakham Castle as part of this exciting Funky tents Festival Celebration weekend. Also look out for special surprise RoS artists’ “pop-up” events throughout the Jubilee weekend itself on 2-3 June.

This year will be the 6th annual Rutland open Studios, which has now become a highlight in Rutland’s rich cultural calendar. RoS was started in 2007 and its reputation has grown to such a point that artists from neighbouring counties such as northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire have joined in on the action, drawing crowds from all over the country. For more details visit www. rutlandopenstudios.co.uk or call 01572 747 639 for a brochure.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

NeTWoRKING In tHE MoDERn WoRLD

netWorking, in the BuSineSS SenSe, rather than the teChy SenSe, ConJureS uP iMageS oF PeoPLe in grey SuitS, hoLding CuPS oF grey tea, taLking aBout grey SuBJeCtS to PeoPLe they WiLL ProBaBLy neVer Meet again… untiL the next grey netWorking SeSSion. But DON’t WORRY, IN tHE MODERN WORLD, It’S MucH MORE VIBRANt!

N

ow, not everyone is a networking natural, so here is The Urban Fox’s guide for effective networking in the modern world:

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!

If you’ve got a product to sell or a service to provide, then you need to find the people who are in a position to buy.

The good news is that the internet exists and makes this simple! LinkedIn will even tell you who you know; who knows those people and depending upon the person, their profile might even do the hard work for you. Don’t forget to make sure that your profiles are up to date too.

Mat Mabe Operations Director Bulb studios Digital Design Agency New Walk, Leicester www.bulbstudios.com

once you’ve found the people you need, be interested in them. Read what they say about their life and work on twitter, see what they’re into on Facebook, see where they’ve been on holiday recently on Instagram & Flickr, check their business websites, read about their passions in their Blogs.

IN SHORt, DO YOuR HOMEWORK…But don’t Be a StaLker – don’t FoLLoW, Friend requeSt or LeaVe CoMMentS untiL you’Ve Made an initiaL ContaCt and ConFirMed a Link.

COMPETITION

The internet is great for researching your competition too. Look upon them as ‘co-existors‘.

You may be surprised by the mutually fruitful relationships you can build up with people ook in the Faceb

same line of business.

TAKE NOTES

Assuming this goes well (it will), when you get to meet the people you need to speak to (not just at organised breakfast seminars, at childrens’ parties, at weddings, online, in the car park after an organised networking session) listen hard and really learn about them.

I’m not advocating taking your notepad to social occasions, but remember those interesting facts and find links. The chances are, you’ll genuinely find some common ground. Who knows, you might even hit it off.

ONGOING COMMuNICATION

So, once you’ve won the business and the first piece is complete, KEEP

In toUCH. Send them articles related to those interesting facts you learned, drop them the odd email, #ff them on twitter, generally check-in. Whatever you do though, don’t BCC them into blanket email with untargeted mass mailouts – it will get you noticed for all of the wrong reasons.

BROAdCAST

Write, speak, present, blog about what you do and what you know. People will read your work and associate you with your craft. The more you’re known, the more trusted you will become.

Do you think I’m doing this for the fun alone?!

So iF you’re not the MoSt ConneCted BuSineSS PerSon in toWn, get netWorking the neW Way.

Blogs

Flickr

Websites

twitter Instagram

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