Urban Fox - November 2015 Issue

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November 2015

WIN

Day at Ragdale Hall Luxury White Co Candle

Take some me-time out

Say

spaaaah You’re totally worth it!

Guilty

PLEASURE Toni Collette exclusive

Scents &

SENSIBILITY Create a scent-sational home

Duvet DAYS

Shrug off chilly mornings

DREAM COATS Wrap yourself in decadence

Bringing the right people and the right properties together.

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

Achieving the best result is about bringing the right people and right property together.

Fothergill Wyatt achieve this by talking to our clients, gaining a detailed knowledge of their properties, and taking time to understand the needs of those looking to buy or let.

We have access to the most active buyers and tenants in the market, and we ensure they are the first to see the best properties available, whether on the open market or through discrete marketing.

Put simply, the service we deliver to sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants is the difference between “I like it” and “I’ll take it”.

To experience the difference, and to arrange a free market appraisal, call us on 0116 2705 900

Hello

When London Evening Standard research last As the newrevealed season looks hit theroll high street,... local Christmas that, drum please boutiques and online there’s no better twice as many womenstores; as men feel the pressure time to celebrate things fashion and style of gift-buying andallpreparing for the seasonal than in ourno Retail festivities, one Therapy at Urbanedition.

Fox HQ fainted in shock.

We bring you the must-have items from the

COVER SHOT:

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

COVER SHOT:

Cable Hem Knit, £89 & Pebble Tassel Scarf, £49, Mint Velvet

Interact with us Interact with us

Download the free layar app to buy featured products, watch videos and more theurbanfoxmediagroup through your smartphone Like us for regular features, or tablet! competitions and more great stuff about Leicestershire theurbanfoxmediagroup Like usnow foronregular features, Order urbanfoxmag competitions and more great Follow our boards for what’s ® stuff about Leicestershire influencing the creation of our magazine each month urbanfoxmag Follow our boards for what’s @TheUrban_Fox influencing the creation of our magazine each month Advertisers: be first to hear about forward features and promotional opportunities @TheUrban_Fox Advertisers: be first to hear about forward features and promotional opportunities

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URBANFOX URBANFOX 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 SHAUN TAYLOR Designer Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to creative@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.

newprobably season collections, updates You didn’t either.

Afteron all,key we trends are in Join the Dots and Pleats Please; plus spring’s those women. We already know. So before it’s10 best clutch bags Clutch Control.

I also share time to break outinthe tinsel, why not pause to my favourite tries and buys for SS14 in indulge yourself with a little of the magic and Wish List (p15). sparkle we’ve conjured up to help charge your batteries this month ready for when the countdown begins.

As consumers we waste hundreds of pounds over our lifetime buying the wrong products for our hair, so Jon Levy, Artistic Director at Toni & Guy comes to our rescue If getting out of bed is already becoming a challenge, cocoon yourself in the season’s with 4 Steps to Perfect Hair. We also check out this season’s catwalk makeup trends, to luxe fabrics your to take your Duvet Day with you if you really must get up. Then help quilted you transform new season look. ditch last year’s utility parka and wrap yourself in a decadent Dream Coat. Real or If fashion is outerwear your passion, don’t miss out interview with revolutionary designer faux, this is that demands to on be our stroked.

Zandra Rhodes who talks to us about breaking down design barriers and why the Remember switching between aridto central the cold, outdoors governmentthat should show more support the UKheating fashionand industry.

Anddamp ever wondered can havoc so big-up your beauty regime to cope.

First some tricks and whatwreak it takes to become a personal stylist?

Tina Lock reveals allinvest in thisin month’s My Way. treatments to Winter-Proof Your Hair then choose from our crop of the best hydrating Finally bag yourself one of our exclusive reader offers courtesy of Lands’ End, face creams for under £100.

T.M. Lewin, Clarins and more. There’s never been a better excuse to shop, shop, shop!

Turn dial a little higher and Say Spaaaah with a luxury facial, massage Until the nextindulgence time, or body treatment. Or dial it up to max and let gran treat the kids while you spoil yourself with a grown-up luxury hotel hideaway or secluded romantic retreat.

Planning a child-free weekend away at this time of year might be a big ask, so for bite size pleasures you can enjoy everyday, check out a few of our favourite things.

Dessert for dinner was particularly popular with the Urban Fox team and inspired our Winter Warmer recipes, the culinary equivalent of a cashmere cardigan.

FASHION & BEAUTY

If your idea of indulgence is more haute than hot, our Fine Dining feature brings old-school glamour to your table in an opulent feast for the eyes that should get you DESIGN feeling festive.

Revolution

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

All set? If you’ve got any top tips for Christmas coping strategies, share them think join the conversation.

“Iand at FB/theurbanfoxmediagroup W women her garments procured by buyers Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and Saks, Zandra has since become the enigmatic textile designer of her age.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.”

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.”

have a harder road all round, in whatever 27 they field go into.”

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

DINING WINING & Image: Gene Nocon

Founded by Rhodes in 2003 the museum of is dedicated to showcasing the work fashion and textile designers from the 1950s onwards. Does she believe her museum has made ripples in the fashion

WINTER creative inspiration.

Warmers

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

“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.

13

45

museum has made.”

Having also expanded into designing sets and costumes for the San Diego on Opera, America has staked its claim only the English designer. She boasts not deeds to her flagship museum and her penthouse home above it, but also the transatlantic keys to the cities of Miami, Beverly Hills and New Orleans.

industry?

“I definitely think the Fashion and Textile to Museum has had an impact in regards making the textiles industry more visible,” Sir she deliberates. “The museum curator of Nicholas Serota recently opened one our exhibitions, and he’s been amazingly the complimentary about the difference

e, nothing e hot than haut y winter fort food. Mor er on a chill Mmmm com are the homemade supp beats a hearty seasonal Waitrose warmers igan. se mere card evening. The t of a cosy cash valen equi en kitch

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YLE TUSCAN-ST G WINTER VE SOUP

But this veteran designer won’t be claimed from us so easily. With half a century of service to the UK

time: Preparation 15 minutes

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 unfortunately you have to work harder 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.

us

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URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 17

Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: Olive oil spray ly chopped 1 onion, rough , diced 1 large carrot ly crushed seeds, rough with garlic 1 tsp fennel ed tomatoes 400g can chopp stock able ed 750ml veget rosemary, chopp ded 3 sprigs fresh shred ge, halved & d & rinsed 1 savoy cabba ti beans, draine 400g can borlot sliced bloomer se 4 slices Waitro a large, of m Spritz the botto with olive d pan heavy-base the onion and oil spray. Add over a medium cook g carrot and minutes, stirrin heat for 8–10 ed. y, until soften occasionall cook l seeds and Add the fenne r minute. for a furthe stock tomatoes and in Pour in the Stir er. simm a and bring to and cabbage, the rosemary er for 15 cover and simm beans and the minutes. Add minutes. a further 5 simmer for griddle , preheat a Meanwhile Lay the slices pan until hot. for it and cook of bread on on each side, 1–2 minutes Ladle the soup until charred. serve with the and into bowls . griddled bread

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CONTRIBUTORS: Jeremy Cahill, John Cawrey, Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Julie

Howard, Ali Jahan, Allison Jones, James Lonergan, Lino Poli, Phillip Sharpe Sheelagh Powell Jon Levy Julie Langton 2015 NOVEMBER URBAN FOX

Guiding you on cosmetic looks, trends and application 17

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

71

helping you make the most out of your money

21 URBAN FOX APRIL 2014 5

CONTRIBUTORS: Kayley Brant, Mark Goddard, Jake Harvey, Frances James, Helen Johnson URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 5

November HEALTH & WELLBEING

13

27

23 S ay spaaaah You’re totally worth it!

25 Sugar love

Too much of the sweet stuff?

WINING & DINING 27 Winter warmers

Hearty homemade suppers 31 Fast feast

Shop and swap to a lighter lunch

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 33 Reviews

November’s recommendations

FASHION & BEAUTY

34 Guilty pleasure

Toni Collette exclusive

8 R ipping yarns Winter’s woolly fashion story

37 What’s on

Entertaining the whole family

11 Velvet revolution

Daywear goes deluxe 13 Dream coats

Wrap yourself in decadence 15 More is more

No such thing as too much bling

45 Scents & sensibility

Create a scent-sational home 51 The sensual kitchen Indulge all your senses 55 On the up

Beat the winter rate rise

HOMES & GARDENS

59 Tips from the potting shed A little gardening know-how

41 Fine dining

First feast your eyes

LIFE & WORK

41

17 Duvet days

Shrug off chilly mornings

61 A few of my favourite things

Take some me-time out 63 One for the road

Don’t go breaking the law

PEOPLE & PLACES

19 Winter-proof your hair Tips to beat the big frizz

65 Winter wonderland

Charming child-free interludes

21 Cream of the crop Treat your face for under £100

66 My Way

Local spotlight on Dawn Gregory

WIN CHILL OUT

OFFER MINI FACIAL

DAY

& TOUCH OF COLOUR

at Ragdale Hall

at Clarins

20

22 WIN LUXURY

CANDLE

from The White Co

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LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING THERE’S NO NEED TO RUSH Over 100 shops, 40 restaurants and cafés, and a 12-screen Cinema de Lux If you’re going to be spoilt this Christmas, be spoilt for choice Extended opening hours begin 27th November

Coira Moss-Stitch Sweater, £69, Hobbs Fair Isle Jumper, £99, Boden

Patti Cable Knit Jumper, £49, Aftershock London

Yerse

Oversized Merino Jumper, £99, East

Linea Merino Sweater, £55, House of Fraser

L £

Oceano Ombre Jumper, £160, MaxMara

Fifer Roll Neck Jumper, £120, Reiss

Tu £

Orle

Boss

Stand Up Collar Jumper, £85, Karen Millen

Paloma Floral Print Jumper, £74.95, Joules

Ripping

Leopard Intarsia Knit, £295, Cavells, Oakham

YARNS

Alpaca Mix Stitch Knit, £79, Mint Velvet

The season’s biggest fashion story comes stitched up in a cosy sweater.

Have fun with intarsia, go big and rugged, try a ladylike crew or be embellished. Knit one? All done.

Tuck Stitch Jumper, £99, Nougat London

ey

Persona Embellished Jumper, £135, House of Fraser Cat Silhouette Jumper, £52, Tulchan

grandcentralbirmingham.com

AT GRAND CENTRAL We’ll meet Where mirrored Walls surround Birmingham’s neW heart. Where rails of steel lead to racks of style. Where We can eat on the go or spend nights on the toWn. Where We Walk Beneath a canopy of glass. Where the next discovery Begins.

premium shops, eclectic restaurants & one of the biggest John lewis department stores in the uK

FASHION & BEAUTY

Velvet Revolution

Blame our renewed fascination with the Bloomsbury set but designer daywear has gone deluxe. Indulge yourself now or take some tactile inspiration from these precious pieces while you wait for the high street to catch up.

Splendid Panelled Sweatshirt, £125, Net-A-Porter

Christopher Kane Contrast Trim Coat, £1,295, Matches

Joshua Sanders Velvet Trainers, £230, Avenue 32 Anya Hindmarch Crisp Packet Clutch, £1,100, Selfridges

Balmain Velvet & Denim Skinny Jeans, £940, MyTheresa

Vivienne Westwood

Anglomania Alcoholic Skirt, £220, Vivienne Westwood

Patchwork Denim Jacket, £825, Junya Watanabe

Anouk Velvet Pointy Toe Pumps, £375, Jimmy Choo

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 11

RED Armani Maxmara Weekend Joseph Ribkoff Didier Parakian Bitte Kia Rand Sarah Pacini Love From Australia A Post Card From Brighton Capri Eva Tralala Cocoa Cashmere Jocasi Charli Cashmere 7 Jeans Rino & Pelle 360 Cashmere Twisted Muse Onelife Alpha Nu

A independent boutique in Market Harborough selling a stylish collection of womenswear. Established for 15 years, we have sought out the most exceptional international women’s clothing brands.

NEW WINTER COLLECTIONS NOW IN STORE PASSPORT MAXMARA STUDIO SAVE THE QUEEN PENNY BLACK CREA TAHARI CREENSTONE ELISA CAVALETTI SANDWICH YAYA SECOND FEMALE GARDEUR SHOES BY UNISA & ALPE & MANY MORE FABULOUS BRANDS FROM AROUND EUROPE!

OPENING HOURS

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

Styling & Personal Service always available

16 Church Street Market Harborough LE16 7AA

4 Churchgate Mews, Loughborough

www.jacksforwomen.co.uk T: 01858 431396

Tel: 01509 212177 Red - Nov2015.indd 1

Jacks Womens FP Nov15 NEW.indd 1 23/10/2015 09:55

23/10/2015 10:41

Coats DREAM

From bonkers abominable snow coat to face-framing collar on a classic wool trench, fur has been recast as your winter wardrobe essential. Whether you keep it real or go faux, AW15 demands to be stroked.

1 2

3 4

PICK OR’S EDIT tage

nel vin Chan with this luxe de coat, ue real s shaggy with a ur trim faux f

5

1 Planet Faux Fur Collar Coat, £249, John Lewis

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2 Stardust Wrapover Coat, £250, French Connection 3 Twiggy Coat, £99, Marks and Spencer 4 Henna Mongolian Suede Coat, £399, Monsoon 5 Murren Shearling Coat, £1,500, L.K. Bennett 6 Valentia Faux Fur Coat, £199, Hobbs 7 Ceri Faux Fur Jacket, £140, Phase Eight

7

8 Shaggy Faux Fur Coat, £89, Topshop

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 13

Jellyrolls Luxury Ladieswear New Winter collections now arriving at our luxury boutique on Loseby Lane, Leicester. Come and see our new jewellery and a unique collection of handbags Jellyrolls Luxury Ladieswear 29 Loseby Lane, Leicester LE1 5DE Tel: 0116 3194747

More

You know the old adage about removing one accessory before you leave home? Forget it.

There’s really no such thing as too much bling this season. Pile on some of these.

MORE IS

SURREAL THING

Holly Fulton

COSTUME DRAMA

Inspired by the lights, reflective surfaces and signage that you find on the motorway, Anya Hindmarch went graphic with a humorous yet luxurious take on totes and evening clutches.

Anya Hindmarch

The blinger the better.

AW15 catwalks were a treasure trove of chandelier earrings, crystal neck candy and heirloom brooches.

The perfect partner for eveningwear, just throw it all on and shine.

TIE BREAK

Jimmy Choo

Vivienne Westwood

Ladylike pussy-bows and knotted neck ties are an instant game changer, transforming everything else you’re wearing to look ultra-glam.

lland House of Ho

JW Anderson

IN THE RED

This season’s standout colour was red. Don’t be scared of it, there’s a shade to suit everyone.

Take your look from day to night, with statement handbag, killer heels or even a red pout.

Images: Shaun Cox, British Fashion Council

TOUGH LUXE

Add to your fashion armoury with industrial chains, studded collars and hard-hitting ear adornments.

It’s all in the detail!

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 15

Be good to Treat yourself or someone special this Christmas

Be good to yourself

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

Best Personal Touch INDEPENDENT LINGERIE SHOP IN THE UK

Little Big Bra Shop - Nov2015.indd 1

22/10/2015 17:38

Stylish individual items

from Europe’s top designers on your doorstep American Vintage Charli Second Female Ya Ya Yerse Isle Jacobsen Annie Haak 360 Cashmere Maison Scotch 2nd Day Birger Becksondergaard Post Card from Brighton Ochre Twisted Muse Marie & Sixtine And many more...

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 Abiti_HP_Landscape_Nov15.indd 1

21/10/2015 15:02

FASHION & BEAUTY

Duvet DAYS

Who says you can’t work a catwalk look IRL? AW15 saw models cocooned in cosy neutrals and these simple quilted shapes with a luxe finish will definitely make chilly mornings feel less challenging.

See by Chloe Quilted Tweed Coat, £605, Selfridges

Faux Suede Quilted Ankle Boots, £39.50, M&S

Grand Quilted Strap Metro, £179, Kate Spade

DKNY Gansevoort Quilted Tote, £122, Harvey Nichols

Lanvin Quilted Shift Dress, £1,045, FarFetch

Diorskin Glow Powder, £38, John Lewis a Maxmar

Carnival Logo Belt, £55, Guess

Filling Pieces Quilted Trainers, £170, Harvey Nichols

Fernanda Yamamoto Quilted Blouse, £95.56, FarFetch

3-5 Gallowtree Gate | Leicester | LE1 5AD www.modagreco.co.uk | 0116 2629201 Scan for Offers!

f o o r P r e Wint

Boden

Your

Cold, damp weather plus arid central heating doesn’t have to equal bad hair day. Try our tips for a kinder regime, combining in-salon treatments with at-home rituals, to beat the big frizz this winter.

1

Book a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair in tip top condition and reduce the risk of the split ends.

2

Limit home-washing to 3 times a week tops and restrict intense conditioning treatments, which can leave hair heavy and lifeless, to just once a week.

3

Avoid sodium-packed products, which can be very drying, and switch to a sulphate-free regime like Kérastase Bain Fluidealiste.

4

Invest in a moisturising everyday conditioner. The weightless formula of Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner detangles, conditions and fights frizz.

5

8

Drop the temperature on your dryer to medium or ...

9

... ditch the hairdryer altogether and embrace the season’s air-dried waves and kinks.

10

Swap aerosol products which contain drying alcohol for pump action alternatives and be kinder to the environment too. Aveda Witch Hazel Light Hold Hair Spray eliminates static and smooths flyaway hair.

11

Counter central heating desiccation with a humidifier.

12

Ask your colourist about natural glossing to repair, condition and deliver ultimate softness in a shiny new shade. For an on-trend sheen, brunettes should opt for a rich honey or espresso brown and redheads a deep copper or auburn.

Combat static with a spritz of shine spray or Moroccanoil Frizz Control for glossy, manageable locks.

6

Step away from the straighteners or curlers at least twice a week.

7

Reduce the salt content of softened water by boiling it before you wash your hair (but do let it cool a bit first - ouch).

13

Forget hat hair, a hot-this-season pompom affair will fend off the elements when you’re out and about. And if all else fails, you could always wear it indoors too!

Frizz-Fighting Rituals Add one of these fab repair masks to your weekly routine and get a head start this winter.

Nutritive Masquintense Treatment (200ml), £28.50, Kérastase Restore & Shine Hair Masque (200ml), £28.50, Ogario London Ultimate Remedy Restoration Treatment (200ml), £39.50, Shu Uemura

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 19

READER OFFER

CLARINS CHRISTMAS WISHES

I Segreti

PRITI BODIES health and beauty

Speciality Waxing by a True Professional Priti Coles is possibly the UK’s top hair removal expert leaving you with beautiful healthy skin without redness, soreness, stinging or ingrowing hairs.

Brazilian, playboy and hollywood waxing without embarrassment.

Does your partner need a little nudge towards the gifts you’d really love this Christmas? Well, our clever friends at Clarins have found a way to make your wishes come true. Simply book a complimentary top-to-toe consultation, mini facial and touch of colour at John Lewis, Highcross. During your consultation, choose the personal must-haves you’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas morning. Once you’ve created your Clarins Christmas Wish List, tell your loved ones about it and let them choose which of your wishes to fulfil.

Get smooth for Santa Read health educator and journalist George Dryden's article on the new intimate 4 wax at www.pritibodies.co.uk

Tel: 0116 2841944 / 07795 361 288

To make your appointment and create your Wish List, call 0116 2427146 or visit the Clarins beauty counter, John Lewis, Highcross and quote ‘Urban Fox Wish List’.

to book an appointment

Email: pritibodies1@gmail.com www.pritibodies.co.uk

CHRISTMAS OFFER!

10% DISCOUNT WELLBEING AT WORK

PERSONAL TRAINING

Bespoke evidence-based Leaders and Employee programmes

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ON ALL PERSONAL TRAINING PACKAGES BOOKED BEFORE 31.01.16

Train in a location convenient to you Be encouraged, motivated & supported

BOOT CAMP

Train alone or with a friend and share the cost

Loughborough, Cossington, Rothley, Bradgate Park (Cropston) Fun, varied and effective Great group dynamic to support and encourage Families welcome at Bradgate Park Bootcamp – get fit and have fun with the kids from 11 years

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Tel: 07894 659675 E-mail: Elain@train4lifept.co.uk Web: www.train4lifept.co.uk

22/10/2015 16:46

FASHION & BEAUTY

Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream, 50ml, £99, The Retreat, Oadby Estée Lauder Enlighten Correcting Crème, 50ml, £47

FER ER OF D A E R m m fro

a ay Cre d Buy D Retreat an t The free Nigh e ile receiv 50ml) wh ( Cream ocks last st

Cream CROP

Lancôme Génifique Nutrics Nourishing Cream, 50ml, £49

OF THE

Clinque Moisture Surge Intense Skin, 50ml, £34

You know a good moisturiser is a beauty essential but nothing feels as indulgent as splashing out on a luxury upgrade. We love that these hydrating face creams promise transformation for under £100.

Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Comfort Cream, 50ml, £45

Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream, 50ml, £69

Origins Make A Difference™ Plus+, 50ml, £35

This one’s on y Wish List, Editom r

Best for environment as wel as your face

retreat urbanfox ad-quarter 10.15.pdf

WIN! CHILL OUT DAY at Ragdale Hall

1

"It’s no trick just 3 treats*" Choose any 3 £75! the

retreat relax revive restore

What says indulgence more than a day being pampered at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa in Leicestershire?

One Urban Fox reader will be the winner of a “Chill Out Day” (worth £175, valid Mon - Fri) to include:

• • •

Blissful Back & Face Therapy (50 minutes) Or Soothing Back Massage & Fresh Feet Treatment (both 25 minutes) Plus a Classic Manicure

You’ll also have access to all of Ragdale’s facilities including the multi-million pound Thermal Spa featuring candle pool, indoor/outdoor waterfall and a series of heat experiences, two further pools, including whirlpool bath and cascade, gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities and a three course healthy buffet lunch.

Whether you are looking for me-time, a romantic getaway, day out with girlfriends or to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Ragdale Hall is the perfect choice.

If you are not the lucky winner, then maybe a Ragdale Hall gift voucher would be the perfect Christmas present. Available in monetary amounts from £25 or for days or overnight breaks, they are the ideal Christmas gift. For further information contact Voucher Sales on 01664 433030 or visit ragdalehall.co.uk.

TO ENTER Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Ragdale Hall’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 27 November 2015.

Terms & Conditions: You must be age 16 years or older to enter. The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and correspondence will not be entered into. The prize is non-transferrable and no cash alternative is available. Travel to and from Ragdale Hall is not included. The prize is valid for six months from date of winner’s letter and may be taken Mon-Fri only, subject to availability. The competition may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

54 London Rd, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5DH T: 0116 271 7183 theretreatbeautysalon.com

*back massage ,Hopi ears, warm candle back, Aromabsolu facial, Guinot Hydraclean, Elemis exotic facial, indian head, pedicure, Hot stone back or manicure. T&C’s apply

PRITI COLES RCST

I Segreti Do you feel stressed, tense, overwhelmed, anxious, rundown, unable to cope with life's demands?

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Tel: 0116 2841944 / 07795 361 288 to book an appointment

www.priticoles.co.uk | Email: pritibodies1@gmail.com

27/10/2

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Say

Spaaaah

Nevermind running to the shelter of a mother’s little helper. If you’re feeling the strain or just a bit under the weather, time out at a deluxe day spa will work wonders.

Go with the girls and catch-up between treatments or escape on your own because you’re totally worth it. Choose from our pick of Leicestershire’s finest ... and relax.

BEST FOR DETOXIFYING Elemis AromaSpa Ocean Wrap 85 minutes, £86 A detoxifying blend to decongest and stimulate the system. Cocooned in a comforting foil wrap you’ll be treated to a soothing facial massage and de-stress scalp treatment. Combining the richness of sea plants and marine algae, this therapy can be targeted to help refine the appearance of cellulite and relieve the discomfort of fluid retention, or ease aching, tense muscles. Whichever you choose, your body will feel re-energised and your skin silky soft and smooth.

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro & Thermal Spa, Ragdale, Nr. Melton Mowbray, LE14 3PB, 01664 434831

marble and slate stones. The experience is intensified by a melting honey massage gel, rich in relaxing aromatic essential oils.

Clarins Skin Spa, 2 Bath House Lane, Leicester, LE1 4SA, 01162427167

BEST FOR ANTI-AGEING Decléor Collagen Plump & Lift Facial 85 minutes, £59 A luxurious highly targeted treatment that includes Decléor’s unique expert lifting massage to effectively recharge skin tissue.

The youth activating formula infuses skin with energising ingredients to help kickstart the natural renewal process, while an indulgent and collagen-rich mask ensures skin feels plumped and tightened. Ideal for 40+ skin.

BEST FOR RELAXATION

The Retreat, 54 London Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DH, 0116 271 7183

Clarins Melting Honey Hot Stones Massage 65 minutes, £62

BEST FOR HYDRATION

A deeply relaxing and uniquely personalised hot stone massage that gently releases tension, soothes aching muscles, eliminates toxins and calms mind and body. The secret is in the intuitive way the therapist uses their hands in harmony with 9 smooth, individually shaped, heat-releasing

Sundãri Supplifying Body Ritual 110 minutes, £90 Indulge in the ultimate ritual to soothe the mind and nourish the skin. Enjoy a full body massage with omega3 baume, an extremely rich hydrating formula that helps nourish and condition even the driest skin. This is followed by an

exfoliation of sugars and molasses, and a babassu body mask is applied.

Your skin is then treated to a cocooning layer of loquat body milk to complete this hydrating experience.

Stapleford Park Country Hotel Spa, Stapleford, Nr. Melton Mowbray, LE14 2EF, 01572 787057

BEST FOR REJUVENATION Mediterranean Bliss Floatation 55 minutes, £59 Let your mind and body drift away with the warmth and relaxation of a floatation bed. Combining ingredients of olive leaf, fig milk and green tomato, the deeply moisturising body hydrator will leave your skin lightly fragranced, soft and soothed, with an aroma reminiscent of a Mediterranean getaway. The experience concludes with an application of shimmering body oil so you emerge feeling soft, conditioned and rejuvenated.

Champneys Springs Health Resort, Gallows Lane, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1TG, 0843 316 2222

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23 Fosse Road Central, Leicester LE3 5PU E: reception@oakdaledental.co.uk W: www.oakdaledental.co.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Sugar According to the NHS we Brits eat too much sugar. 700g of the sweet stuff a week in fact. That’s an average of 140 teaspoons per person. We know! So we’ve been investigating the hidden sugars in food and ways to help end our bitter sweet addiction.

First off, it’s worth remembering that not all sugar is bad. Despite the fashionable war on carbs, we don’t need to worry too much about unrefined sugars naturally present in fruit, brown rice and whole wheat pasta. So dig in.

The sugars we need to avoid have usually been refined in some way and are known as ‘free’ sugars.

They include sugars added to food or drinks, as well as sugars found naturally in unsweetened fruit juices, syrup and even honey, which is refined by bees (could they be plotting against us?)

Current government guidelines recommend that free sugars shouldn’t make up more than 5% of our daily calories. That’s a maximum of 30g or just seven sugar cubes a day for adults and just 19g for children.

Experts say that as well as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity, eating less of these sugars will decrease tooth decay and delay the signs of ageing. We’re in!

Food For Thought

The food traffic light system has not yet been universally adopted, so get to know your food labels.

If a product’s total sugar content is less than 5g per 100g it’s virtuously low in sugar, more than 22.5g per 100g, it’s high and to be treated with caution. Some offenders are more obvious than others: A daily bowl of breakfast cereal can add up to 70g of sugar a week.

150g of readymade pasta sauce can contain as much as 3 tsps of sugar.

Dried fruit is high in sugar and sticks to your teeth which can cause decay.

A 500ml bottle of cola contains the equivalent of 17 cubes of sugar.

Hidden Sugars

You already know that many foods and drinks with added sugar are high in calories but contain relatively few nutrients. So cutting down on chocolate, sweets, biscuits, cakes and sugar in hot drinks is a good place to start.

But as our Food For Thought panel shows, much of the sugar we consume is hidden. And you won’t always see sugar listed in a product’s ingredients. Look out for other chemical words for sugar including sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, maltose, in fact almost any ingredient ending in ose, as well as the yummy sounding hydrolysed starch.

Simple Swaps

Reducing sugar in your diet needn’t be drastic. Here are some ideas to get you started: S Switch sugary breakfast cereals for plain porridge, Weetabix or Shredded Wheat.

W

Make your own soups and sauces or choose low sugar, readymade alternatives.

E Replace sugary snacks with fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, rice cakes, oatcakes or plain popcorn.

E Try soda water with a splash of fruit juice or sugar-free squash for a fizzy treat.

T Swap your glass of wine or sugary cocktail for vodka or gin with diet tonic.

Try them and see just how sweet life can be without sugar.

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 25

CHRISTMAS IN THE

KIBWORTHS Thoughtfully created menus, Beautifully cooked & Exquisitely presented just for you Thomas specialises in bespoke catering in your home or venue of choice, perfect for making those special celebrations extra special – Milestone Birthdays - Christenings - Family Celebrations - Weddings

Call Thomas to discuss making your special event one to remember 01163 260529 www.thomasthecaterer.co.uk

If you’re looking for somewhere relaxed, stylish and sparkling this Christmas then the Kibworths is the place for you.

The Lighthouse and Boboli will both be in full festive swing, so get together with family, friends and colleagues and celebrate Christmas in style.

WE LOVE HOSTING PARTIES TOO, SO DO GET IN TOUCH SOON

Tel 0116 279 6260 lighthousekibworth.co.uk

Tel 0116 279 3303 bobolirestaurant.co.uk

WINING & DINING

WINTER

Warmers Mmmm comfort food. More hot than haute, nothing beats a hearty homemade supper on a chilly winter evening. These seasonal Waitrose warmers are the kitchen equivalent of a cosy cashmere cardigan.

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 27

SPICED BLACK FOREST CRUMBLES Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25-30 minutes Serves: 4-6 Ingredients: 450g bag essential Waitrose frozen black

forest fruits, defrosted Grated zest & juice of 1 orange 1 tsp clear honey 1 tsp ground cinnamon 50g low-fat spread 125g spelt flour 40g caster sugar 40g LOVE Life fruit, seed & nut muesli

1

reheat the oven to 190˚C, gas mark 5. Tip the P fruit with any juices into individual pudding bowls or a 1-litre baking dish. Whisk the orange zest and juice, honey and cinnamon together and pour over the fruit.

2

I n a bowl, rub the low-fat spread into the spelt flour to form fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and muesli and scatter the mixture over the fruit to cover it. Add some extra crunch to the crumble topping with a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.

CLASSIC CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM PIE Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 25-30 minutes Serves: 4-6 Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 4 rashers smoked streaky bacon, roughly chopped 1 x 6 pack chicken thigh

fillets, cubed 2 sprigs rosemary 2 tbsp plain flour 100ml white wine 300ml chicken stock 1 tbsp Cooks’ Ingredients dried porcini mushrooms 250g chestnut mushrooms, quartered 2 tbsp crème fraîche 320g pack Jus-Rol shortcrust pastry sheet 2 tbsp milk

1

eat the oil in a large saucepan and cook H the onion, bacon, chicken and rosemary over a high heat for 5 minutes until golden.

Stir in the flour and cook for a minute more, then pour in the wine and bubble vigorously for 2 minutes.

2

dd the chicken stock and both varieties A of mushroom. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with no pink meat and the sauce has thickened.

3

reheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6. Stir P in the crème fraîche then spoon the mix into a heatproof pie dish, discarding the rosemary stalks.

4

pen out the pastry sheet and lay it over the O filling, tucking in the edges. Brush the top of the pie with milk and sit the dish on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and cooked through. Delicious served with mash and steamed greens.

WINING & DINING

TUSCAN STYLE WINTER VEG SOUP Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: Olive oil spray 1 onion, roughly chopped 1 large carrot, diced 1 tsp fennel seeds, roughly crushed 400g can chopped tomatoes with garlic 750ml vegetable stock 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped 1 savoy cabbage, halved & shredded 400g can borlotti beans, drained & rinsed 4 slices Waitrose sliced bloomer

1

pritz the bottom of a large, S heavy-based pan with olive oil spray. Add the onion and carrot and cook over a medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Add the fennel seeds and cook for a further minute.

2

our in the tomatoes and stock P and bring to a simmer. Stir in the rosemary and cabbage, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the beans and simmer for a further 5 minutes.

3

eanwhile, preheat a griddle M pan until hot. Lay the slices of bread on it and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, until charred. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with the griddled bread.

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 29

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NANDOS

A WAGAMAM

Swap

Swap

Chickens Thighs 561 kcals

Pork Ribs 702 kcals

Served with 2 sides:

Teriyaki Chicken Donburi 910 kcals

Chips 556 kcals

Chocolate Fudge Cake 664 kcals

Coleslaw 264 kcals

for

for

Pulled Pork Steamed Gyoza 206 kcals

¼ Chicken Leg 314 kcals

Chicken Ramen 510 kcals

Served with 2 sides: Spicy Rice 227 kcals

Black Rice Pudding 68 kcals

Corn of the Cob 144 kcals

COSTA Swap

Moroccan Meatball Wrap 525 kcals Caffé Latte Full Fat Milk 128 kcals Layered Carrot Cake 593 kcals

for Coronation Chicken Gluten Free Wrap 375 kcals Caffé Latte Skimmed Milk 70 kcals

Fast

Brambly Apple Crumble Slice 385 kcals

FEAST

PIZZA EXPRESS Swap

Hunger is not the friend of a savvy shopper who wants to fit into her festive frock. If you’re hitting Highcross for the day you’ll need to refuel, so we’ve tracked down the comparative calorie counts of popular choices from some of our favourite chains. Check for special offers before you set-off too, then choose between indulgent treats or a lighter lunch.

Dough Balls Formaggi 419 kcals Calabrese Pizza 1165 kcals Pollo Pesto 1163 kcals

for Garlic Bread 239 kcals Leggera American Hot 396 kcals Leggera Pollo Arrabbiata 483 kcals

YO SUSHI!

Swap

for

Salmon Sashimi 140 kcals

Tuna Sashimi 65 kcals

Californian Hand Roll 179 kcals Crispy Salmon Skin Hand Roll 99 kcals Tamago Nigiri 262 kcals

Albacore Tuna & Truffle Nigiri 91 kcals URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 31

STEWART FRANCIS PUN GENT TOUR

Friday 13 November

BIZET

CARMEN Friday 20 November

MILTON JONES

AND THE TEMPLE OF DAFT Tuesday 24 November

SNOW WHITE Saturday 12 December - Monday 4 January

REBECCA FERGUSON Sunday 24 January

ANTON & ERIN

JUST GOTTA DANCE Tuesday 26 January

film REVIEW

The Lady in the Van (12A)

Wonderfully witty The Lady in the Van:

1hr 44mins Opens nationwide Fri 13 Nov 0116 242 2800 | phoenix.org.uk

Adapted by Alan Bennett from his own Olivier award nominated play of the same name and inspired by his reallife relationship with a local homeless woman, The Lady in the Van stars Maggie Smith and is directed by former Artistic Director of the National Theatre Nicholas Hynter. Upon meeting the eccentric Miss Shepherd (Smith), playwright Bennett grudgingly invites her to temporarily park

book REVIEW

From delicious desserts to cosy knits, indulge your senses with this month’s fav reads

the camper van in which she lives on the drive of his London home. She stays for 15 years!

Returning to the role she played in the original stage production at the Queen’s Theatre in 1999, Maggie Smith is perfectly cast as the spiky Miss Shepherd. A past master in the art of the withering look and acerbic putdown as she demonstrates

weekly on Downton Abbey, Smith will surely be in the mix come awards season.

Elsewhere Bennett’s dialogue still has a relevant zing, and the supporting cast is a treasure trove of home-grown talent including Frances De La Tour, Jim Broadbent, Roger Allam and Alex Jennings. Although Bennett has never been to everyone’s taste, for fans of the writer this wonderfully witty film will feel like Christmas come early.

Indulge: 100 Perfect Desserts

by Claire Clark

In her stunningly beautiful debut book Claire Clark takes the reader on a mouthwatering journey through her repertoire of some of the most delectable desserts, cakes and puddings from around the world. From classic homely baking to gorgeous patisserie, voluptuous ice creams and delicate petit fours, Jean Cazal’s exquisite photography acts as the perfect showcase for Clark’s inimitable recipes.

Savvy Chic: The Art of More for Less

by Anna Johnson

From Anna Johnson, the author of Three Black Skirts and Handbags comes an invaluable manual for how to live well and elegantly on a budget. The perfect book for our more frugal times, Savvy Chic celebrates “the Art of More for Less,” illuminating the path to smarter, more creative spending for every woman trying to cut corners and save money, but who still wants to live and look fabulous. Savvy Chic belongs on every woman’s bookshelf, right next to The Modern Girls Guide to Life.

Knits for You and Your Home

by Debbie Bliss

Knits for You and Your Home is a fabulous collection of 30 designs divided into four evocative sections - Indulge, Cocoon, Pamper and Detox. Each chapter contains ideas for both homewares and wearables, offering an enticing range of garments, accessories and items to make for the home. Why not try making a delightful keepsake photo frame, a sensual lavender pillow, practical storage box or even a luxurious dressing gown and cabled socks.

Ple

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Guilty

leasure From Abba-obsessed dreamer in 90s hit Muriel’s Wedding to cancer-stricken Milly in Miss You Already, Toni Collette has cemented her wonderfully weird place in cinema history.

Toni Collette is an odd one; on one hand she is a phenomenal actress who has starred in a huge array of television and cinema, and on the other she is so low-key that one barely thinks of her as a Hollywood superstar.

She was only 21 after all when she starred as hopeless romantic Muriel in Muriel’s Wedding, a low budget Australian film that went on to become a cult indie hit and launched Collette, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance, onto the global scene.

“Fame came very quickly, which was fun but also scary,” says the Australian actress.

“I enjoyed some of it and I had to put the brakes on other parts of it. Ultimately you can’t shut the door once it’s been flung open. I still don’t understand how people see me and that’s a good thing.”

While Collette may be an off-screen enigma, she brings such warmth and depth to the women (and in one case, a man) she plays that you can’t help but feel close to each and every one of them.

She inspires pathos, but also laughter and compassion – further proof comes in her latest role as a brave and joyous portrayal of a woman struggling with breast cancer in Miss You Already.

“I have always been an actor,” Collette smiles. “When I was 11 I acted as if I had appendicitis. They actually took my appendix out but there was nothing wrong with it. It was mortifying for my parents!

“I was experimenting to see whether I could pull it off. I was seeing if I could get away with it, seeing how far it could go – it’s always good to keep that in mind in acting or in life.”

It is Collette’s ability to push her skills to the limit that has led her to some interesting places. For example, there’s her turn on The United States of Tara in which she plays a seemingly ordinary wife and mother who, suffering from dissociative personality disorder, also hosts several other personalities including Buck, a beer-swilling Vietnam vet and Chicken, an infantile representation of a young Tara.

Most importantly though, each of Tara’s personalities are fully formed characters, all entirely believable in their own right.

Unsurprisingly she won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role.

When asked to shave her head for Miss You Already, Collette didn’t bat an eyelid.

the misfit. She says she has a “natural inclination for transformation” and enjoys the “extreme altitude”, getting deep into the mind set of whomever she is playing.

In her real life, the actress has another alter ego as a musician and performer, going under the stage name Toni Collette and The Finish. She recorded her first album, Beautiful Awkward Pictures, in 2006, and occasionally plays live with her professional musician husband Dave Galafassi.

After years of travelling around, she has decided to settle in LA for a while with her husband and two children, Sage Florence and Arlo Robert. “Whenever I pack my suitcase my son gets into it as well, so that’s why I wanted to stop being a gypsy for a while and live in one place,” she says. Motherhood has been the most transformative experience of them all for Collette and also the most valuable. “You can’t imagine life without them once you have them and you cannot believe the amount of love you continue to feel. All of a sudden there is an external priority and responsibility. Life becomes much bigger than little old you.”

It’s interesting that most of her roles in the last decade have been as a mother: The Sixth Sense, Little Miss Sunshine and The Way Way Back to name but a few.

The former stereotypically lost outsider Collette has become the beacon of hope guiding a new generation of outcasts.

Time has served her well and turning 43 this year she is glowing and confident.

she grins. “The crew gave me a bottle of vodka. I think it was more dramatic for them. I didn’t drink the vodka!”

She also has a wonderful energy and appetite for life as illustrated by her own description of a recent night at her LA home: “Last Saturday we were going to have a housewarming party and on Friday we found out that we were being evicted from the house,” she smiles wistfully. “The party had such a freedom to it. It ended up being one of the best nights. I laughed so hard and my feet hurt from dancing.

Everything got turned upside down and I loved it!”

Her breakout role in Muriel’s Wedding also required transformation with Collette having to gain around 30 pounds to play

Twenty-one years later, it seems our favourite dancing queen has still got all the right moves!

“This was the fifth time I’ve shaved my head for a movie and I would do anything to make this movie as good as it could be, so I was not going to pussy out of it on a trim”

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 35

Fine Art & Antiques

Georg Jensen sterling silver necklace Realised £1,495 (inc. premium)

including Fine Jewellery

24th September 2015

Market Harborough Salerooms Tuesday 24th November 2015 contact Mark Gilding or denise cowling 01858 410414 | sales@gildings.co.uk

A diamond set dress ring Realised £9,200 (inc. premium)

A diamond solitaire ring Realised £12,075 (inc. premium)

24th September 2015

24th September 2015

gildings auctioneers

MARKET HARBOROUGH SALEROOM THE MiLL GREAT BOwdEn ROAd LE16 7dE

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T: 01858 410414 SALES@GiLdinGS.cO.UK

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Half page advert_Oct 20 2015.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2015 12:59 Page 1

Uppingham Theatre Bringing Rutland to Life with Arts and Entertainment Friday 6 November at 7.30pm

It’s a Wonderful Life The iconic story of idealist George Bailey, whose dreams look set to be dashed by small-town scandal and big business. Alone on a bridge, he decides that everyone would be better off without him...or would they? It falls to hapless guardian angel, Clarence, to try and save him. This iconic film is retold as a radio play, complete with sound effects created live on stage. .................................................................................................................................................................................. ...

Monday 9 November at 7.30pm

Barry Cryer Twitter Titters

In yet another farewell tour Baz returns! Having been charged with persistent joking, Baz asks if another 20 shows (at least) can be taken into consideration before sentencing.You are the Judge and Jury – Be merciful to the aged accused – He merely seeks to bring a ray of sunshine amid the dark clouds of life. He’ll be enjoying himself – Do join him. .................................................................................................................................................................................. ...

Thursday 10 December at 7.30pm

Frank Sinatra – The Movie Years

Award-winning singer Robert Habermann tells the story of Frank Sinatra’s film career with lots of stories and anecdotes, singing Ol’ Blue Eyes’ greatest movie songs. Songs Include: ‘The Lady is a Tramp’, ‘The Tender Trap’, ‘High Hope’, ‘Ol’ Man River’, ‘You’re Sensational’, ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ the Oscar Winner ‘All the Way’ and many more.

...............................................................................................................................................................................................

Box Office: 01572 820820 Online: www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk Or Uppingham Sports & Books to buy tickets in person

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON

Oliver! 27 Nov - 16 Jan, Curve

NOVEMBER 2015

It’s A Wonderful Life Fri 6 Nov Upp the Arts Tickets £13 uppthearts.co.uk

The iconic story of idealist George Bailey, whose dreams look set to be dashed by small town scandal and big business. Alone on a bridge, he decides that everyone would be better off without him... or would they? It falls to hapless guardian angel, Clarence, to try and save him.

In a new production that premiered to excellent reviews

in London last year, the magical story of Frank Capra’s iconic film is retold as a radio play, complete with sound effects created live on stage.

This loving tribute to the golden era of the wireless is a fresh take on a heart-warming and timely classic.

Women in Magazines

Sat 7 Nov - Sun 21 Feb Newarke Houses Museum Free entry visitleicester.info Women’s magazines flourished in Britain in the

early twentieth century.

New magazines appeared to reflect the evolving roles opening up for women inside and outside the home at this time. This exhibition Everyday Desires: Women in Magazines, 1900-1950 looks at the range of interests, opportunities and desires depicted for women in magazines of the era. It explores images of fashion, family, work, leisure, women in wartime and contemporary advertising.

Diwali Indian Vibes Sat 7 Nov New Walk Museum Tickets £8 visitleicester.info

Experience a special evening of the finest Indian classical music as Jasdeep Singh Degun brings his own blend of passion and dedication in traditional sitar music, to the rich surroundings of the Victorian Art Gallery.

His previous performances include the United Nations

The Winter’s Tale, 26 Nov, Phoenix

opening of the Amphitheatre in Doha, in 2012; a production lead by the film composer Vangelis and the 2014 BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, showcasing his own original compositions. Attend the recital only, tickets: £8 (under 16’s free) or stay for the after show reception with a chance to meet Jasdeep Singh Degun in person and enjoy a special Diwali buffet meal. Reception tickets: £5 (pre-book only, under 12’s free). Call 0116 225 4900 for booking details.

Strictly Balti, 12 – 14 Nov, Curve

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 37

for anyone who ever had to grow up, a show about being a second generation immigrant in the UK but feeling like an Englishman abroad.

On Sat 14 Nov Curve will also be hosting their Diwali themed Family Day including Hindu folk tales, shadow puppet workshops and a dressing up corner. You can also enjoy Nupur Arts Bollywood dance classes and a display on the foyer stage plus live sitar music in the cafe.

Bizet Carmen Fri 20 Nov De Montfort Hall Tickets £19-£36 demontforthall.co.uk

It’s A Wonderful Life, 6 Nov, Upp the Arts

The Ladykillers Mon 9 - Sat 14 Nov The Little Theatre Tickets £14.50 thelittletheatre.net

Criminal mastermind Professor Marcus, together with his motley crew of misfit villains, pose as a classical string quintet when they rent a rehearsal room from sweetly eccentric Mrs. Wilberforce in her rickety old house, so conveniently situated next to the railway station they plan to rob. But they have reckoned without their landlady, the redoubtable Mrs. Wilberforce, and her parrot General Gordon, for she is not as gullible as they at first imagine. With his plan rumbled, the professor decides that it is Mrs. W who must face the music. This stage adaptation of the much-loved Ealing Comedy is ingenious, irresistible and riotously funny.

One of the most famous and seductive operas of all time, Bizet’s irresistibly emotional Carmen guarantees an evening of passion and romance. With international soloists, highly praised chorus and full orchestra, this dazzling Ellen Kent production features Bizet’s unforgettable melodies including the best known baritone aria of all, The Toreador’s Song. Sung in French with English surtitles, Carmen includes a replica of Seville’s main square with fountains, flowers and orange trees, plus an impressive horse show featuring Caspian - a majestic white Andalucian stallion.

The Winter’s Tale Thu 26 Nov Phoenix Arts Tickets £15 phoenix.org.uk

Strictly Balti Thu 12 – Sat 14 Nov Curve Theatre Tickets £10 curveonline.co.uk

Join Saikat Ahamed as he dances precariously through his dual-identity childhood, torn between the familiar sights of Birmingham and the mysteries of Bangladesh. Meet werewolves in the playground, nuns in the corridors and tangerines in the dancehall. This is a show

Bizet Carmen, 20 Nov, De Montfort Hall

The first season of the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company Live promises an exceptional series of plays broadcast to cinemas from London’s Garrick Theatre.

The season begins with The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare’s timeless tragicomedy of obsession and redemption. King Leontes appears to have everything: power, wealth, a loving family and friends. But sexual jealousy sets in motion a chain of events with tragic consequences. The Winter’s Tale will star a remarkable group of actors, featuring Judi Dench as Paulina, alongside Tom Bateman (Florizel), Jessie Buckley (Perdita), Hadley Fraser (Polixenes), Miranda Raison (Hermione) and Kenneth Branagh as Leontes.

Oliver!

Fri 27 Nov - Sat 16 Jan Curve Theatre Tickets £18.50-£42 curveonline.co.uk Be transported to Victorian London this Christmas for this timeless tale about the boy who asked for more. After escaping the workhouse, young orphan boy Oliver quickly finds himself alone on the bleak streets of London. When he befriends the mischievous Artful Dodger, Oliver is introduced to the art of pickpocketing, but could his new lifestyle lead him to discovering his mysterious past? Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver! is one of the most successful musicals of all time and has a sensational score that includes such classics as Food Glorious Food, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, Where Is Love? and I’d Do Anything.

3 – 12 MAR Colin Ingram and Peter Kane present a Curve Leicester Production

Photograph by Uli Weber.

ETS K C I T LING SELAST! F

Directed by Nikolai

Foster

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Step in from the cold, with this Winter Indulgence Candle from The White Company. This impressive 4-wick scented candle with its spicy warm blend of sweet cinnamon, clove and fresh orange, is the largest in the collection (H17.5cm x D16) making it the ultimate candle lover’s dream. It burns for a whopping 230 hours, offering the equivalent of nearly ten days’ luxurious candlelight. Poured and hand finished in the UK, the glass-encased candle is presented in a beautiful white gift box with a lid.

The White Company has been making impeccably stylish, beautifully designed products, for over 20 years. Think style not fashion, quality not quantity and an attention to detail that extends through everything they do. To view the latest collections visit www.thewhitecompany.com

TO ENTER Simply email your name, address and contact telephone number to competitions@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘White Company’ in the subject bar. Closing date for entries is Friday 27 November 2015.

Terms & Conditions: You must be age 16 years or older to enter. The winner will be drawn on or after the closing date. The Editor’s decision is final and correspondence will not be entered into. The prize is non-transferrable and no cash alternative is available. The competition may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

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HOMES & GARDENS

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HOMES & GARDENS

The architectural and social heart of a home, your kitchen is no longer just a place to cook but to dine and relax too. Increasingly subject to the same trends that influence the catwalk, keeping your kitchen au courant can be more challenging than adding a couple of velvet cushions.

Frances James, Designer at Plug Interiors shares some on-trend tricks to indulge all of your senses.

Sight

Consider what will create the visual wow factor in your kitchen. The first thing you’ll notice and will make you smile even if you’re just making the kids’ supper.

Consider a burst of bright and cheerful colour. An eye popping splash back can create dramatic focus in a minimalist kitchen.

Alternatively, richly coloured door and drawer handles with a coordinating feature wall, occasional lighting, and counter top appliances in varying tones of the same colour will be simpler and less expensive to replace when trends move on.

Sound

The hustle and bustle of family life provides a lively kitchen symphony but the last thing you want is to have to shout over the din of an extractor fan or a cacophony of beeps and buzzes as various programmes come to an end

Sensual KITCHEN The

during dinner. It might help to purchase all appliances from the same manufacturer in the hope that the beeps are at least in harmony. Or look for appliances with adjustable volume.

you didn’t intend. And touch screen technology means many appliances can now be programmed at the tip of the finger, making light work of domestic drudgery.

Smell

The aroma of good home cooking draws everyone to the kitchen.

However you don’t want it to hang around all night or even worse, the morning after. The key to the latest re-circulating fans is to turn them on when prepping and run on a low setting until you’ve finished your meal, to completely recycle the air without drowning out good conversation.

Taste

Touch

Texture adds warmth, character and interest to your kitchen. Matt varnish, grey oil or sandblasting can transform traditional wood and give existing cabinets a new lease of life. Shiny or satin glass and mirror finishes have reached the kitchen too, though do consider whether sticky little fingers might add a pattern

As appliances make cooking evereasier, they’re fast becoming excellent tools to help us branch out and explore new tastes. Pre-programmed recipes mean even the most amateur chef can be adventurous while more accomplished cooks can experiment with techniques including sous vides.

But never forget, nothing will ever taste as good as the way Mum used to make it.

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 51

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MOVING ON UP? MOVING ON OUT? Finding the best mortgage deal to suit your circumstances can be a complicated process.

As fully independent mortgage specialists, Furnley House mortgage advisors review the whole of the market, including exclusive deals not found on the high street or comparison websites, to find the best solution for you.

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HOMES & GARDENS

Up

ON THE

Mortgage rates look set to be a hot topic of conversation over the coming months and, perhaps for some, a source of anxiety. Kayley Brant, Independent Mortgage and Protection Adviser at Furnley House, shares an expert’s guide to beating the winter rate rise.

The possibility that the Bank of England base rate is set to rise probably hasn’t escaped your notice. For the past 6 years the base rate has remained static, yet factors such as competition in the market, increased demand in properties, and confidence in the economy, means that by and large mortgage rates have continued to fall.

But then in July this year, two of Britain’s biggest lenders announced increases, thought in part to be as a consequence of the rising cost of lending. At the same time Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England said that while base rate rises would be gradual, they were likely to start at the “turn of the year”. Experts subsequently warned of a “domino effect” predicting rival banks would pull their most attractive offers to avoid being deluged with applications for fixed rate deals.

To fix or not to fix?

If you can’t afford to gamble on rate rises and increased monthly payments, this could be an appropriate time to consider the benefits of re-mortgaging to a fixed rate. While the main advantage has always been to lock in and avoid the effects of any base rate rise, there are also real opportunities to save money.

If, during the fixed period, you decide to repay or remortgage your loan, you may have to pay an Early Repayment Charge.

Example

If you own a property worth £400,000, with a current mortgage of £200,000 on a standard variable rate of 4.74 % with a remaining term of 20 years, the monthly payment is £1291. If you re-mortgage to a 2 year fixed rate at 1.59% (and assuming no changes to the standard variable rate), the total savings over the period, including fees, could be as much as £5,378, rising to £9,248 if you were to extend the fixed rate period to 5 years at 2.29%. You could take an extra family holiday, put down a deposit on a new car or tick something off your home improvement wish list.

Deal or no deal?

The Mortgage Market Review introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority in April 2014 has put the onus on affordability to the lender. This has now made the lending criteria even more stringent than before and the mortgage process slightly more complex. Speaking with a financial adviser who will have a clear understanding of the criteria and be able to support you through the process can help to remove the hassle factor. Additionally independent financial advisers have access to the whole of market including exclusive rates which cannot be seen on a price comparison website, and access to lenders who cannot accept applications directly from consumers.

So whether you’re looking to fix your interest rate now - while rates are comparatively low - or choosing one of the many other mortgage deals available make sure your next move is the right one for you.

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 55

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HOMES & GARDENS

Tips from the

POTTING SHED Your summer holiday might be a distant memory but you don’t need a villa in Tuscany or a gîte in Provence to enjoy the benefits of a Mediterranean garden. They can be just as effective in Britain says Mark Goddard of Coles Plant Centre. Here’s how. beauty of pots is that they’re portable, so move them around until you’re happy with their position within your garden design.

Tamarisk Recreating a Mediterranean garden needn’t be difficult given a sheltered, sunny spot with reasonably well-drained soil. If you happen to have a courtyard garden then lucky you, you’re already half way there.

Mediterranean gardens tend to centre on stones, gravel and paving - rather than grass - with plenty of plants in pots, so start by choosing your preferred ground cover, before moving onto selecting the hardware.

For an authentic look, opt for terracotta clay pots of various sizes, clustered to give maximum impact. Cretan style pots with their warm colours and superb shapes, give a truly exotic appearance. The

When choosing plants, start large and work down to the smaller ones. Larger specimen plants include Trachycarpus fortunei (Windmill Palm), an impressive and hardy upright palm with its striking large leaves and hairy trunk, or the Chamaerops humilis (Fan Palm), which as the name suggests has huge pointed fan shaped leaves. Olea europa (Olive) is another plant to consider, and which with age, should bear edible fruit.

The better known Yucca with their fleshy leaves and large upright flower spikes is a firm favourite, as is the Tamarisk with its pink summer flowers and a beautiful feathery foliage.

Climbers are the must-have backdrop to any Mediterranean garden. Train up a wall, fence or over a rustic pergola. Consider growing Campsis (trumpet vine), which produces splendid trumpet shape flowers, or the clustered pale yellow Rosa banksiae “lutea”. For fruit lovers a grapevine in this setting would not look out

of place, and may even produce enough fruit to make your own wine!

While larger pots offer a less cluttered appearance and are easier to look after, add a few smaller pots and window boxes for variation.

Pelargoniums and Osteospermums are staple choices for this type of garden, as are fragrant herbs such as Lavender, Rosemary and Bay. Other plants to consider – though you may need to bring them inside in the colder weather - include Oranges, Lemons and Limes (Citrus), Oleanders and the striking Bougainvillia, with its pink papery flowers. These in turn will double up as colourful conservatory plants during the long winter months.

Campsis

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 59

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favourite A few of my

Duvet day

You don’t have to call in sick to spend a day in your pyjamas with a box set and bowl of popcorn. Just give yourself permission to take a day off and don’t feel guilty. Think of it as recharging your batteries ready for the month to come.

Love Your Loyalty

Before you hand over your cash or card, check whether you’ve saved enough points to pay for your coffee, lipstick or stationery. Suddenly an everyday purchase could be a free treat to perk up your day.

City Break

Go Coastal

Llandudno for lunch or Wells-Next-TheSea for afternoon tea. Paddle with your partner, play crazy golf, eat chips on the pier. Forget everything except enjoying the invigorating ozone then sing along to your favourite CD all the way home.

Country Life

Fill your flask with hot chocolate and stuff a really good book, cosy rug and hot water bottle into your rucksack. Hunt out your hiking boots and head up to Bradgate Park. Once you’ve put some colour in your cheeks with a brisk walk, settle down for some literary escapism.

Massage

Cancel your plans for the evening and book the last appointment at the spa for a circulation-boosting massage. If you’re anything like us, you’ll feel fab but you’ll be fit for nothing afterwards so skip straight to our dinner suggestion.

Dessert For Dinner

Landsend

The Arts

If you’re feeling culture-starved, a wander round New Walk Museum is something none of us do often enough. You could catch one of Leicester International Music Festival’s lunchtime concerts there too.

Social Network

Instead of the odd status update and like here and there, take your laptop to your local cafe and take the time to get in touch with old friends you don’t speak to often enough.

Delight the kids, ditch the healthy eating plan, forget the main course and jump straight to something sweet for supper.

Apple pie and ice-cream contains fruit and dairy but honestly, would sherry trifle be such a disaster, just this once?

Change Your Sheets

OK so it’s a chore but with a treat at the end. Who doesn’t feel pampered in freshly laundered sheets? And if your linen is looking at little tired, invest in a new set in preparation for that duvet day.

Twinkle Toes

You’ve probably not had a pedicure since the summer but as the party season approaches, pampering your feet now will pay off when it’s time to don your dancing shoes.

Pimp Your Caffeine

Festive menus will be hitting your favourite coffee shop soon so try a gingerbread latte or praline cappuccino to sweeten the commute.

Boden

Forget trains, plains and automobiles.

Be a doorstep tourist. Visit the Richard III Centre, queue for public dress rehearsal tickets at Curve, join the Diwali celebrations and discover the authentic Indian restaurants, sari shops and jewellers of Leicester’s Golden Mile.

Boden

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens are all very well but sometimes we need more tangible pleasures. We’re not talking an annual Parks and Recreation style Treat Yo Self. Just a little bit of everyday extravagance. From a full day to just five minutes, can you create some time for yourself this month too?

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Expert legal support when you need us most

22/10/2015 23:09

LIFE & WORK

Road?

One for the

Criminal lawyers are for other people aren’t they?

Definitely not lovely, law-abiding Urban Fox readers.

So when we spoke to leading criminal solicitor Helen Johnson, founder of Emery Johnson Astills, we were shocked to realise that the everyday situations she described could apply to any of us.

For instance, you’d never drink drive would you? But since 1964, when a quaint public information film advised women “Don’t ask a man to drink and drive”, women’s convictions for drink driving have been steadily increasing.

Despite increasingly hard-hitting public information campaigns and the social shame of drink driving, women now account for almost one in five convictions, with women aged 40-44 disproportionately represented. What’s going on?

Well, aside from equality and perhaps taking ladette attitudes into adult life,

perhaps it’s the pressure to meet all of our work and family commitments, especially as the festive season approaches.

According to a report by Direct Line Insurance, 17% of female motorists believe they may have driven while over the legal alcohol limit in the past year. Some choose to drive rather than risk late night public transport or a taxi, while others, like the mum described right, simply don’t realise how easy it is to find themselves over the legal limit.

Helen changed names and details as she described momentary lapses of judgement, which felt all too familiar. And now we know just how easily we could find ourselves on the wrong side of the law, regardless of whether we’ve been drinking, we’ll be even more careful not to let our good intentions get in the way of good judgement this Christmas.

Cautionary Tales After a frantic drive thr ough rush hour traffic to catch her son’s first nativity play, Emma was relieved she’d arrived in time for the start of the show. Relaxing with other parents, she underes timated the alcohol content of the mulled wine offered with the mince pies. She was breathalysed as she drove her son home.

Rushing to her partn er’s office party, Sunita decided not to brake in the frosty condition s when the green light she was ap proaching turned to amber. She was caught on camera running the red light.

Long supermarket qu eues meant that her elderly mum’s festive grocery shopping too k longer than Jane expected. Stayin g sensibly within the speed lim it, she was caught on camera tex ting her anxious mum to say she’d be a little late.

After a day Christma s shopping, Laura’s tired and hung ry children were bickering on the back seat of the family car on the journey home. As their quarr el became physical, she turned to intervene just as the traffic ahe ad of her stopped suddenly. Sh e ran into the back of a small hatchb ack, causing significant damage and injuries to the driver.

Please drive carefully.

URBAN FOX NOVEMBER 2015 63

RET REAT S INTRODUCING

RET REAT S

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PEOPLE & PLACES

WINTER

Wonderland

THE BRIMSTONE HOTEL

If the at-home festivities are looking a little frantic, head for a luxury hotel hideaway or secluded romantic retreat for a child-free interlude to prepare yourself for the fray or even avoid it altogether.

THE BRIMSTONE HOTEL

Langdale, Ambleside Discover a hotel, within a hotel, where influences from the Lake District landscape collide with luxury and indulgence like you have never seen before. Wood burning stoves are in most rooms and each room and suite has a bathing experience – double showers, spa and slipper baths - to spark your passion and excite your senses. Located just a short stroll from Brimstone, guests are able to enjoy an extensive range of luxury spa treatments and dining options at the Langdale Hotel. And if you’d like to explore the beautiful surrounds, but haven’t brought the right gear, guests have access to the boot room for complimentary use of a range of the latest Berghaus equipment including waterproof jackets, trousers, boots and rucksacks. For further information including prices and availability visit brimstonehotel.co.uk

HIDEAWAY BARN

Thornham, Norfolk A contemporary, stylish Norfolk holiday cottage, Hideaway Barn is well-located in the pretty village of Thornham with its pretty harbour and beach. This beautiful conversion of an old barn retains all its original characteristics, including exposed beams, quirky features and vaulted ceilings and staircase. Boasting luxury furnishings and linens and three stylish bedrooms all with bathrooms – ideal for a break with friends – it’s the perfect Norfolk hideaway.

Enjoy some welcome time out and relax inside with a good book and glass of wine or take advantage of the semi-rural location for long bracing countryside or coastal walks before returning for a hearty supper! Can’t cook, won’t cook. With a delicatessen, café, farmers shop and three fabulous pubs within the village you certainly won’t go hungry! For details on Hideaway Barn and other luxurious Norfolk retreats, visit barefootretreats.co.uk

DORMY HOUSE

DORMY HOUSE

HIDEAWAY BARN

Broadway, The Cotswolds Perched high above the village of Broadway, with fabulous views across the Cotswolds, Dormy House is the perfect rural retreat. Think cosy corners, log fires and sumptuous interiors. A bit like home, but better. Originally a 17th century farmhouse, Dormy House is a lesson in fine design.

It’s only when you step inside that you begin to understand what the Dormy is really about. Contemporary design meets Cotswold chic. It’s a relaxing place where you’re encouraged to kick off your shoes and put your feet up. Dormy House has long been at the centre of the Cotswold’s gastronomic map. Prepared with passion and served with flair, The Garden Room restaurant proves that fine dining doesn’t have to be fussy while next door The Potting Shed is all about great local grub. Check out their winter warmer and twixmas offers at dormyhouse.co.uk

Nothing beats a cup of tea and a piece of cake!

MY WAY

Most inspirational woma n

Dawn Gregory “I’m a high achiever and love stepping out of my comfort zone to take on new challenges” says award winning salon owner Dawn Gregory.

I was born in Derby but when my parents separated a few years later, I spent my childhood living between Devon and Wells-next-the-sea, two of the most beautiful parts of the country to grow up in. After attending local primary schools, I boarded at Wymondham College in Norfolk before deciding to study hair and beauty at college.

After graduating I became a beauty therapist at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and gained invaluable experience performing treatments, providing customer care and working as part of a team. Armed with my new found skills, two years later I headed to London to work at Decléor’s flagship salon in Knightsbridge. I had the most diverse clientele - the rich, the famous and even a woman (who will remain nameless) whose dog ran around the room the whole time I was massaging her.

It was an amazing experience but a couple of years later I found myself back at Ragdale Hall with a different type of challenge. This time around, my role was physically less handson, looking instead at how the client experience could be improved, launching new treatments, recruiting staff, as well as managing a team of therapists. From Ragdale I became an area account manager for Phytomer, Ionithermie and Gatineau before joining Livingwell as a sensory manager. I thrived in this role and was responsible for transforming a failing salon into one of the most profitable in the group.

But during this period I had become a mother and after an anxious start - Morgan was born at 27 weeks – I decided that although I loved my job, I wanted to do something which involved less travel. I’d always planned to open my own salon and there seemed like no better time. The Retreat opened its doors in 2002 with a vision of performing outstanding treatments and delivering world class service within beautiful local surroundings.

Alex Polizzi

Local haunt

The Sycamores, Burbage Favourite food

A great cuppa & a fab piece of cak e Personal style

Zara or All Saints

Over the last 14 Best for beauty years I have put Elemis Cleansing Balm my heart and soul Favourite destination spa into developing Ragdale Hall the business while having huge Biggest indulgence amounts of fun Mulberry anything! along the way.

Although Morgan Happiness is … will always be my Dog walking on the east coast greatest success, it’s fair to say I was pretty pleased to achieve Decléor Aroma Gold for 3 years running, and be awarded Decléor regional salon of the year 2014 and 2015. I have also recently launched the UK no1 spa brand Elemis into the salon.

My biggest challenge however was in 2013 when my partner Jason and I were involved in a devastating car accident while on holiday in Ibiza. In one way I was lucky to escape – the car blew up seconds after we got out – with just a broken hand but the impact on my ability to work was huge. Thankfully Faye, my right-hand (ironically the one I broke) woman, stepped up and rallied round, pulling in favours from friends to keep the salon going. I am eternally thankful for both her loyalty and professionalism.

Now recovered, I’m onto the next challenge. My vision is to launch a new range of treatments suitable for cancer patients; offering a new lease of independence, relaxation, reassurance and comfort at undoubtedly the most traumatic time in their lives. I’ll also be looking to take a little time out for myself and my family this year and maybe find that life-work balance that’s been eluding me until now!

It’s beginning to look a lot like

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