Urban Fox September Issue

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September issue

Martina Lenaghan Editor editor@theurban-fox.co.uk Steve Lenaghan Sales/Marketing Director 07738 614245 steve@theurban-fox.co.uk Hema Davda Sales/Marketing Executive 07950 523985 hema@theurban-fox.co.uk SALES TEAM sales@theurban-fox.co.uk DESIGN TEAM design@theurban-fox.co.uk ACCOUNTS accounts@theurban-fox.co.uk Printers: Spectrum Printing Services Design: The Urban Fox Media Group Distribution: Leicester Leaflets 08443 579302

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®

Hello and welcome back to The Urban Fox magazine.

W

e hope you enjoyed your summer break as much as we did? And what an action packed summer it was - The Queen’s Jubilee, Wimbledon and not least the London Olympics! Whilst we didn’t see much of the sun, we did see some amazing displays of courage, perseverance and good sportsmanship, which will hopefully keep the Olympic legacy burning long into the future.

Olympic Fever is not the only craze to have swept Britain this summer. Yet whilst the nation has been transfixed with 50 Shades of Grey, we at The Urban Fox are remaining strictly black and white with this season’s monochrome look to transform your home (p28) and wardrobe (p10). Looking for a little more colour in your life? Then check out our style guide for AW12 hottest fashion trend Purple Reigns.

For those of you who escaped the British summer for warmer climes, TV Makeover Queen, Nicky HambletonJones advises us on her tried and tested methods to Rejuvenate Sun Stressed Skin.

If you’ve yet to take a vacation, Tony Parsons new book Catching the Sun, described as a ‘love letter to Thailand’, may provide the perfect inspiration (p40). Or follow the lead of 1.7m Britons who took an ocean cruise last year. Not sure if a cruise is for you then turn to our travel feature on page 46

where we explore the 5 most common myths about cruise holidays. If you’re interested in finding out more, head to The Telegraph Cruise Show at the NEC, Birmingham on 20 & 21 October. We have 5 pairs of tickets to giveaway in our competition on page 47 and you could be setting sail for the Mediterranean in no time.

If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, we can offer you a taste of the Mediterranean closer to home in our food feature Love Italian, Love Yourself in which Firenze restaurateur Sarah Poli explains how the ‘Italian Way’ can improve both your health and happiness. Want to make the Italian way, your way? Courtesy of Firenze we are offering one lucky reader a meal for two, including wines. For full details of our Degustazione Competition turn to page 21.

Finally thanks to everyone that kept in touch over the summer via Twitter and Facebook and a huge welcome to all our new readers that join us this month.

Until next time

Martina Editor

Copy deadlines for next edition: 14th September design and 20th September final print ready artwork.

Contributors: Melanie Taylor, Nicky Hambleton-Jones, Priti Coles, Gillian Carter, Lucy Cufflin, Sarah Poli, Catherine Lowe, Mark Sandall, Samantha Kimber, Jake Harvey, Debbie James, Colin Bradley.

06 34

PURPLE REIGNS

issue 23

Contents Fashion, Beauty & Health 6 Purple Reigns 10 Fashion SOS 12 Rejuvenate Sun-Stressed Skin 14 Cranio-Sacral Therapy 16 It’s Good To Talk

Wining & Dining 18 Culinary Experi-Mint

36

40

20 Love Italian Love Yourself

Properties & Interiors 26 Creating the Perfect Space 28 Mono-Home 32 Get the Price You Want 34 Tips From The Potting Shed

Arts & Entertainment 36 What’s On 38 Reviews 40 Write Move

46

People & Places 46 Cruise Myths Busted

Business & Finance 48 MPC Consider Rate Cuts

READER COMPETITIONS

CRUISE SHOW P21 FIRENZE COMPETITION P47 COMPETITION Chance to win a spectacular 5 course tasting menu with accompanying wines

Win one of 5 pairs of tickets to The Telegraph CRUISE Show at NEC

previous Winners M&S Competition - Janice Armsden Phoenix Competition – Samantha Coleman Tigers Competition – Lyndsay Sherwin 5

Photo courtesy of VERY.CO.UK

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

Tipy, e l Styurple withbgrorewn

Pair pl, or dark g look came flatterin office for a n go from . a g that c to evenin

Photo courtesy of

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Purple Reigns

6

From Christopher Kane in London to Gucci in Milan, Purple ruled the autumn 2012 runway shows, encompassing a range of tones from violet and lavender to aubergine and magenta.

Embrace this season’s colour trend with The Urban Fox style guide.

EVENING

OFFICE

WEEKEND

Hybrid Dress, Lovarni.com, £85

Tinted Round Glasses, M&S, £9.50

Purple Pussybow Blouse, TU at Sainsbury’s, £18 Lavender Blouse, Plumo, £45 Royal Blue Skirt, Austin Reed, £135

Gold Bangle, Matalan, £8

Ash Trousers, Mango at John Lewis, £22.99

Aspinal Barbarella Handbag, John Lewis, £450

Animal Tote Bag, Laura Ashley, £45

Jazmin Sandal, Pied A Terre, £140

Grey Shoes Boots, La Redoute, £59 Agrippa Court Shoes, Pied A Terre, £140

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Choosing Your Diamond

When buying a diamond, you’ll probably be nervous about making the right choice. After all you’ll be holding onto your purchase for many years to come.

O

ur handy guide will help you find the look and price that not only suits your taste but also your budget.

There are four features of a diamond that determine the price colour, clarity, carat and cut.

1

Colour

In white diamonds this refers to how colourless the stone is. Diamonds that are colourless, or near colourless, are rarer and more desirable than those tinted yellow. The colour scale goes from a ‘D’ colourless through to ‘Z’ heavily tinted. White stones that you’ll generally see on the high-street will be ‘G-J’ in colour.

Clarity

2

Clarity is how easily you can see ‘inclusions’ in a diamond under 10X magnification. These are features that develop whilst a diamond is being formed. As each diamond’s inclusions are unique, they are like an individual fingerprint.

Stones graded FL (Flawless) to SI2 (Small Inclusions 2) are ‘eye clean’ and no inclusions can be seen with the naked eye while looking through the table facet (top) of the diamond. Stones graded I1-I3 have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye with an I3 diamond having inclusions that are very noticeable to the naked eye.

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3

Carat

Carat is a weight equivalent to 200milligrams. Each carat is divided into 100 points so a .50ct is half a carat, .25ct is a quarter of a carat, etc. All other characteristics being equal, the heavier the diamond the more drastically the price will increase. Large gem quality diamonds are extremely rare and consequently a 1ct diamond will cost significantly more than four .25ct (quarter carat) put together.

Cut

4

In simple terms it relates to the shape of the diamond – princess, oval, marquis etc.

By far the most popular shape is a modern round brilliant as it is the most ‘fiery’ of all the cuts.

How a diamond is cut directly affects its brilliance or sparkle. A diamond’s sparkle is affected by how light interacts with the stone. A well cut diamond with good proportions will have an intense sparkle as most of the light that enters through the table facet is thrown back up through the diamond, giving it life and fire. A well cut diamond will look whiter and is the element that affects the look the most.

Whilst a basic understanding of diamonds will set you in good stead, you can’t beat a specialist’s knowledge when it comes to making such a large purchase. At Francis & Gaye Jewellers, the region’s leading independent diamond experts, we will guide you through our amazing range of diamonds; to ensure you leave thrilled not only with your new diamond ring but also the price tag.

Your Diamond Specialist

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

Tel: 02476 520040

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

Fashion SOS Q A

Savida Pearl Dress, £38, Dunnes

I would love to do this autumn’s monochrome look, but I’ve heard that less than 30% of British women can wear black. Is this true?

It is! More than 70% of women who wear black age themselves, or worse, look ill. Pure white too can be very harsh if your colouring cannot take it.

To know if you can ‘do’ monochrome, you need to examine your skin tone.

The more yellow in it, the more likely you can do monochrome.

Lipsy Bow Stripe Sequin Top, £17.50, Lovarni.com

Loafer Court Shoes, £36, Next Trapeze Tote, £14, Matalan

Melanie Taylor House of Colour Image Constultant melanie.taylor@houseofcolour.co.uk www.houseofcolour.co.uk/ melanietaylor

Q A

On a low budget how can I make sure that I’m up with the new season’s trends?

Large Zip Top Shopper, £65, Fiorelli

Accessories are the key to this season’s trends.

Look for accessories that are either oversized, patterned, in textured luscious materials and/ or are in strong colour. Accessories are an excellent investment as you can spend what you can afford, they last, and change outfits and they still look good. Remember it’s not a matter of flinging on a necklace and voilà!

Consider your body shape and use accessories to draw the eye to your best bits.

Rainbow Yellow Sole Court, £34.99, Bon Prix

Glass Beaded Necklace, £4.99, British Heart Foundation

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FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

Rejuvenate sun-stressed skin As fun as it is, a holiday abroad can play havoc with our skin.

Sunshine, humidity and chlorine from the pool all contribute to pigmentation, dryness and premature ageing.

T

he summer months can clog pores, causing breakouts and rashes. I highly recommend a thorough, deep-pore cleansing to purify and revitalise skin. The revolutionary SQOOM device promises to brighten, tighten and minimise pores, and takes just 12 minutes effort each day. This hand-held marvel uses ultrasound and ‘ionisation’ to activate tissue and trigger regeneration. I like SQOOM because it’s easy and pleasant to use, my skin felt gorgeous and looked more radiant after just one treatment.

B5, this smart formulation stimulates DNA repair and delivers Niacin deep into the skin. I’ve been using it regularly on my hands and décolletage and have noticed an improvement to the overall colour and texture of my skin.

Alternatively, if you wish to combat age spots, pigmentation, sun damage, lines and wrinkles, then look no further than the cult non-invasive Fraxel re:store® Dual Wavelength treatment.

Offering superior results, the smart technology effectively targets the skin surface for smoother, fresher looking skin with less downtime than comparable ablative treatments.

Pigmentation Pigmentation is caused by both heat and UV exposure; it is imperative to protect your skin using sunscreen daily. However, for those of you who suffer with pigmentation, there are products and treatments available. Everyone was raving about the benefits of Niacinimide (a derivative of Vitamin B), and studies have reported it can even skin tone, brighten the complexion and diminish hyper pigmentation. I tried products designed for the décolletage and hands from the Nia 24 range.

Containing Mulberry, white tea, olive oils and Vitamin

12

NIA 24 Containing Mulberry, white tea, olive oils and Vitamin B5

Did you know that 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by sun exposure?

Parched Skin HydraFacial is a 50 minute procedure combining gentle but deep exfoliation with hydrating and antioxidant-rich serums that provide an immediate glow without reddening or down time.

The results are immediate and are deemed superior to more aggressive chemical peels and microdermabrasion, offering quick, relaxing and effective results.

The procedure involves the use of specially formulated

SQOOM

hand-held marvel uses ultrasound and ‘ionisation’ to activate tissue and trigger regeneration.

serums with a vacuumbased skin abrasion tip to remove dead skin cells and impurities whilst bathing the healthy underlying skin with deep cleansing, exfoliating and antioxidant serums. It really helped diminish any fine lines, my pores were no longer congested and my skin was truly renewed.

Signs of Ageing Did you know that 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by sun exposure?

Prevention is key in reducing the effects of damaging effects of the sun. Never leave the house without wearing a moisturiser that is at least SPF25, to ensure skin is protected around the clock. If you are a sun-worshipper and have spent your summer days catching a tan, you may be regretting this as your tan starts to fade, whilst your wrinkles remain.

Fortunately there are products and treatments available to you to help reduce the signs of ageing.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex is an incredible anti-wrinkle, moisturising and brightening serum formulated to reduce the appearance of past damage.

The unique blend of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and hydrators, work to reduce the effects of environmental

stresses - sun, pollution, smoking - and protect your complexion from future damage. I found this serum incredibly light, it didn’t clog my pores and felt like an invisible second skin. It’s packed with antiageing active ingredients, so I wake up looking significantly more radiant and hydrated.

For those of you who are after a quick fix, Pellevé is a radiofrequency system which is used to help treat wrinkles and firm the skin on the face and body.

Pellevé works by delivering constant, gradual energy to the skin, causing heat to build up in the collagenrich layers of the skin. The increasing heat modifies the collagen bundles deep inside the skin, causing them to contract and stimulating the growth of new collagen over time.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex

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This results in firmer, tighter skin, and improvement is instantly visible.

Pellevé differs from other radio frequency treatments in that it can be used on very delicate and intricate areas of the face to great effect. It’s perfect for an immediate boost postSummer because you can see results straight away! Further details on Hydrafacial and Pelleve treatments are available at www.drritarakus.com

Photos by Gianni Diliberto.

Practitioners are also now able to treat multiple body areas in one treatment and it is suitable for all skin types anywhere on the face and body.

For more information on anti-ageing tips

Nicky Hambleton-Jones The Makeover Queen www.themakeoverqueen.co.uk

13

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY

Cranio Sacral is an exceptionally gentle, non-invasive but extremely powerful therapy. It is a profound healing process that can release deeply held patterns of dysfunction that accumulate throughout life as a result of injury and illness.

What to Expect?

The practitioner uses a light gentle comforting touch to treat and diagnose.

Treatment takes place with the patient fully clothed lying on the treatment couch (or sitting if necessary) in a quiet peaceful environment. The patient usually experiences profound relaxation physically, mentally and emotionally,

It is suitable for every age, from newborn babies to the elderly, helping countless conditions

Priti Coles Cranial Therapist 07795361288 pritibodies1@gmail.com

T

hese patterns become embedded and held into the body tissues leading to later ill health. It works on a physical and psychological level because it deals with the whole person and facilitates the body’s natural power of self-healing, allowing the body to change and let go from the inside, rather than being forced from the outside (no bone crunching). Using a very light touch it is often referred to as silent psychotherapy.

It can be of benefit to most people and can help in most conditions.

The Science Bit

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Cranio Sacral therapy was recognized over 100 years ago through the research of an American osteopath—Dr. William Sutherland. He discovered that every cell in

the body expresses its own rhythmic motion, that the cranial (skull) bones have their own intrinsic movement and that the cerebral-spinal fluid that serves to cushion and support the brain and spine also has its own rhythmic motion. This is known as the Cranio-sacral motion and is expressed throughout the whole body.

Everyday physical knocks, bumps, trauma, shock and emotional stress, cause the body’s tissues to contract and tighten up, manifesting in further tensions and restrictions in the body.

These restrictions affect the flow and rhythmic motion of the bones and cells; with a gentle touch a trained practitioner can detect this motion and assess its strength and health. Cranio sacral rhythm is also known as “The Breath of Life”.

helping to release and off load previous emotions and traumas enabling them to live the life they want and choose.

Who Benefits?

It is suitable for every age, from newborn babies to the elderly, helping countless conditions such as: Headaches, arthritis, sciatica, RSI, digestive problems, menstrual disorders, anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression, birth trauma to mother and child, shock, trauma, lack of energy, colic, head injury, back and neck pain, joint disorders, sinusitis, cystitis, autism, dyslexia, cerebral palsy.

By listening to our bodies own intelligence we are able to function in a calm and balanced way of life.

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CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY

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FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

1 in 3 people experience mental health issues each year, often displaying symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Therapy is on the rise in the UK. Like our counterparts in the US, there is a growing realisation that “it’s good to talk”.

C Gillian Carter Service and Training Lead Apple Counselling 07551905559

admin@applecounselling.co.uk www.applecounselling.co.uk

16

ounselling is no longer seen as taboo and a growing number of us are accessing talking therapies to help work through difficult issues both past and present in order to better cope with life and to move forward in a more positive direction.

1 in 3 people experience mental health issues each year, often displaying symptoms of anxiety or depression. Counselling can often help to alleviate the distress caused.

There are many types of counselling which can help with a variety of presenting issues such as bereavement, depression, childhood issues, relationship difficulties, traumatic events, low self-esteem and abuse to name a few but whichever approach you choose, research has shown that it is the relationship between

therapist and client which is the single most important factor when it comes to achieving successful therapeutic outcomes.

Access to talking therapies has become easier with the government investing millions in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service to ensure mental health support is available through GP surgeries and local voluntary sector agencies.

However due to waiting lists and limited appointment

times, private counselling can be a preferable, more convenient option with average fees from £40 per hour.

When choosing a therapist it is important to ensure your counsellor is qualified at least to diploma level and it is worth asking if they are registered with a recognised body such as BACP, BABCP or UKCP. Counselling is a contractual and confidential relationship which can help to explore thoughts and feelings and using a variety of techniques, look at different perspectives and help to work through struggles to enable clients to move forward with understanding and confidence. Sessions last for 50 minutes and provide a forum whereby clients can examine issues in a safe environment.

Counselling has been proven to be highly effective (particularly in the treatment of low mood).

However, it is not a quick fix and can be challenging at times with clients often experiencing a myriad of emotions.

Perseverance is key when embarking on this journey and can often lead to positive change and a more fulfilling future.

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WINING & DINING

Sh with aLrue cy Join us o

/lucysf n facebook know w ood and let us hat you hav mint recipes e create d.

CULINARY EXPERI-MINT I Lucy Cufflin Lucy’s Food www.lucysfood.co.uk Please feel free to contact me at : lucy@lucysfood.co.uk

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t is the time of year where the mint in my garden is really out of control. I don’t want to hack it back and chuck it out so the question is how to preserve that vibrant summer flavour to enjoy later in the season?

I have made mint jelly in the past but I am bit impatient when it comes to straining through jelly bags, so if you are like me and want quick fixes that work, here are a few ideas...

Simply pick and wash the mint and chop it very finely. Immediately pack it into ice cube trays, fill up with water and freeze.

Once frozen you can remove them from the trays and store them in a plastic container. These are ideal for adding to drinks over the winter. Try this in a gin and tonic instead of lemon or what about a mojito just before Christmas dinner made with your own garden mint?

If you are a jam maker then try adding fresh chopped mint at the end of

cooking to strawberry or rhubarb jam. A delicious taste and makes your homemade jam much more interesting.

If you have a sweet tooth however, you cannot beat this recipe for what I think is the best homemade fudge ever! Easy to make, fun to give as presents and perfect for after dinner with coffee.

That’s if you can resist just eating the whole lot yourself as soon as it cools!

Fast White Chocolate and Mint Fudge

Ingredients: 350g caster sugar 30g butter Pinch salt 125ml evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 200g white chocolate 10-15 mint leaves, washed

Method: n Put the evaporated milk,

sugar, butter and salt into a saucepan and gently melt

together. n Once melted bring to the boil stirring all the time. It catches easily so use a thick bottomed saucepan and stir, stir, stir. n Boil for 5 minutes or until soft ball is reached on a confectionary thermometer (or you can drop ½ teaspoons of the mixture into cold water and if it turns into a little ball it is ready). n Remove from the heat and add the vanilla and chocolate and stir until the chocolate has melted.

Chop the mint finely and add immediately to the mixture. Stir well. n Turn into a 15cm square tin or dish lined with baking parchment and leave for a few hours to cool.

If you have a sweet tooth however, you cannot beat this recipe for what I think is the best homemade fudge ever!

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WINING & DINING

Love Italian, Love Yourself!

‘Health’ and ‘healthy diet’ is one of the fastest growing preoccupations of the great British public.

T

he topic adorns our newspapers, magazines, and endless TV programmes – think Supersize v Superskinny, The Men Who Made Us Fat and The Biggest Loser. Even the TV ‘Super Chefs’ can be found waxing lyrical about the health aspect of food. Hugh, Jamie, and even grumpy Gordon have all wised up to the TV ‘watchability’ factor that this subject incites.

We live in strange times.

We have easy access to knowledge, yet remain ignorant. Many dietary habits are absurd. Whilst we are much more aware of the need for healthy eating we are ready to sacrifice this for something

Sarah Poli Firenze Kibworth

www.firenze.co.uk

20

‘yummy’! Yet there are many delicious ingredients used in Italian cooking that naturally lend themselves to healthy eating, as well as teasing and tantalising our taste buds.

Historically the essence of the Mediterranean diet belonged to the peasants of the land, yet now it is acclaimed to be one of the richest in terms of health properties.

So what makes Italian food so healthy? n Tomatoes are natural in

antioxidants and high in vitamins. Italians consume more tomatoes than any other nationality; I think they’re onto something! n Olive oil contains omega-3 which is important in preventing cardiovascular disease. It also contains oleocanthal, which can provide antiinflammatory benefits to the skin, thus reducing the

signs of ageing.

n There is definitely an

emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients – vegetables, fruit, fish and lean meats. n In moderation and with the right sauce – think tomato/vegetable based rather than cream & butter - even pasta is a good component to a healthy diet. One cup of cooked spaghetti provides approximately 200 calories, 40 grams of carbohydrates, less than one gram of total fat and no cholesterol. n The Italian diet is high in fibre, which slows down digestion, preventing

wild swings in blood sugar, which can lead to unnecessary snacking.

But the most obvious characteristic of the Italian way of eating is simply ‘time’.

Time in itself is an important factor to healthy eating, giving our bodies time to fully absorb nutrients, and allowing for proper digestion.

Eating is one of the favourite Italian past times.

When we sit with our family and friends, the rest of the World is forgotten and we revel in the pleasure of spending time together, chewing the cud and heated debates, all held together by the ultimate pleasure of good food, lovingly prepared.

We are not in a hurry to gobble down our food and rush off to the next thing. We linger over lunch and even a coffee break is enjoyed with a ‘timeout’ attitude.

So let “The Italian Way” be “Your Way”, and watch the benefits unfold!

Healthy Eating

THE ITALIAN WAY Refreshingly simple, healthy food served in relaxed, friendly surroundings.

Very Italian.

WIN Dinner

for Two at Firenze

For your chance to win a spectacular 5 course tasting menu with accompanying wines for 2 people to the value of £120.00, enter our Firenze Degustazione Competition.

Entry Details: Simply email your name, address and telephone number to editor@theurban-fox. co.uk inserting ‘Firenze Competition’ in the subject bar. Alternatively postal entries should be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Entries must be received no later than 30 September 2012.

Terms & Conditions: The prize is non-transferable; no cash or alternatives are available. Not available on Saturday evening and not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or vouchers.

Please be sure to mention that you are intending to use the voucher when you book.

No 9 Station Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, LE8 0LN 0116 279 6260 firenze.co.uk Open Lunch and Dinner Mon to Sat

88 Main Street, Kibworth Harcourt, LE8 0NQ Lunch & Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 0116 279 3303 bobolirestaurant.co.uk Open Lunch Telephone 0116and 279Dinner 6260 Tues to Sat. Sun 12 until 4pm

firenze.co.uk

21

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

heart of the home

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Long gone are the days when someone would potter off into the little room to prepare the meals in secrecy and solitude. practical and come up with clever solutions for storage and aesthetics.

As designers of bespoke kitchens and furniture, it is our intention to create the room of your dreams.

Having been in The Lanes for nearly 15 years and having created countless beautiful transformations, we have the expertise and knowledge.

T

Hand Crafted

he era of the celebrity chef has changed the way we cook and live together and now we enjoy the sociable scene that is cooking and getting involved.

At Montagu’s in recent years, we have seen more and more projects following the same pattern, opening up a space to create a large living kitchen area. In addition to the practical side, people like to include all of the mod cons and living elements in their kitchen - televisions, stereos and seating area.

Having a truly bespoke kitchen designed especially for you, is the way to achieve a perfect look for your home.

There are no constraints, or set ranges. Every single facet is created for you, to your tastes. So whether you’re an amateur chef, or simply want to create a space for friends to relax, chat and share a glass of wine, we can help and advise on whether stone or wooden worktops are most

GEORGE

MONTAGU’S

INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED KITCHENS, BEDROOMS, STUDIES & FREESTANDING FURNITURE

22

Our commissions cover the whole spectrum of size and styles; from a sophisticated, classic-style refurbishment in a 1920’s semi, to a grand remodelling of a country residence.

Our furniture is hand-crafted from real wood, from real sustainable sources and is handfinished with care and pride to meet with the highest of standards.

We offer a full design

service that is both personal and professional. So please do not hesitate to get in touch or drop into our showroom on the corner of Loseby Lane near the High Cross Shopping Centre.

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

Individually Designed Kitchens, Bedrooms, Studies & Freestanding Furniture

<<

We offer a full design service that is both personal and professional.

<<

Our furniture is hand-crafted from real wood, from real sustainable sources.

23

Evans Fireplace Centre PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR NATURAL, HAND CARVED STONE FIREPLACES.

www.firecraft.co.uk ●

●

●

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.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

0116 2600772

(2010 Collection)

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

HOME OF CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

24

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Creating the Perfect Space Your home has a multitude of uses and it is very important that the space you have works for you in every way possible. A well planned interior can really make a home.

W

hen designing your interior layout, firstly consider what each room/ space will be used for and who by. Then make a list of all the pieces of furniture needed in each room to fulfil your requirements.

To plan a room successfully, start by measuring its perimeter taking into account the widths of doors and windows and noting whether they open into or out of the room. Don’t forget to note the ceiling height! Also mark on the radiator, light switch and electrical socket locations.

To begin draw the outline of your room, ideally at 1:25 scale showing the location of all fixtures and fittings - make sure all doors are shown in the open position.

Next mark the centre of

each wall and draw lines from one side to the other; draw the room diagonals to get the floor/ceiling centre. And add dotted lines from the edges of windows and doors as well as other areas of structural interest for example the chimney breast. These lines will form your grid and will make it much easier to place your furniture.

A well planned room will have three key pieces of furniture and one focal point. Decide on where the focal point in your room is; it could be your beautiful fireplace, the huge window overlooking your garden or your state of the art widescreen television.

Get the dimensions of the pieces of furniture you want to have in each room, draw these on a separate page as simple shapes (to scale) and

Interior Layout A well planned room will have three key pieces of furniture and one focal point. cut them out. Also cut out a 500mm diameter circle (again to scale) – this will represent you! As a rule of thumb you need 500mm between objects to allow for comfortable access.

Now you are ready to layout your room. Use the grid lines on the plan to centre items and prevent crossing sight lines, and

To plan a room successfully, start by measuring its perimeter taking into account the widths of doors and windows.

26

remember your focal point. The location of your switches and sockets is now important. Start placing your furniture beginning with the pieces that are the most essential (and usually the largest) like the sofa, desk or bed, and move onto the smaller items. Consider the height of objects to prevent blocking windows, and keep furniture about 300mm in front of radiators.

Use the 500mm circle to ‘walk through’ the space to check the circulation. When you like a layout, stick the furniture shapes with bluetack and photocopy; this will allow you to keep playing with options.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just can’t fit everything in. Decide where the problem lies – your sofa could be too deep, or your wardrobe too wide. Look at the options available to you.

ambience 191x65verticle 2011.pdf

1

30/03/20

Ambience

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Over 100 real wood floors on display in our showroom open to all e id nw ry tio live Na De

<<

Bespoke furniture is an investment; it is a one off work of art and therefore made to a much higher quality.

Speak to the manufacturer, they may offer a bespoke service and can make your piece to a specified size.

Alternatively approach things from a different angle: Does your piece of furniture have to be of conventional style, size and shape? If not then go bespoke! Bespoke furniture is an investment; it is a one off work of art and therefore made to a much higher quality. Many interior designers offer a specialist design service for on-of pieces and will usually

work closely with some of the top manufacturers to realise their client’s dreams. To ‘go bespoke’ does have an added cost, but ultimately you will get something that is special, unique and beautiful and that will complete your homes interior without compromise.

Catherine Lowe

Interior Designer Indigo Acre Interiors www.indigoacre.co.uk

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 27

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Baroque Metal Shelves, £40, www.foundhomestore.co.uk

Brooklyn Wall Art, £60, House of Fraser

Excelsior Black Primed Bath, £3108.00, www.bcdesigns.co.uk

Leopard Print Cushion, £8, Matalan

MONO-HOME

From the catwalk to interior design, Monochrome is back in a big way. We’ve picked our favourite bold pieces designed to give your home a cool, minimalist feel.

Illy Art Espresso Cups, £70 (for 2) www.espressocrazy.com Distortion Candlestick, £24 (each), www.rume.co.uk

Charlotte Velvet Love Seat, £295, www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk Seletti Trip Chest of Drawers, £835, www.touchesofclass.co.uk

28

The Light House IMPORTERS . INSTALLERS LIGHTING RETAILERS . WHOLESALERS LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

YOUR LOCAL LIGHTING SPECIALIST

WE ARE NOW OPERATING AS A SHOP AT HOME SERVICE.

HALF PRICE 107 A/B Hinckley Road // Leicester, LE3 OTD www.lighthouse-leicester.co.uk sales@lighthouse-leicester.co.uk 0116 233 0303 Mon - Sat 9 - 5 // Sun 11 - 4

CURTAIN MAKING

THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER ● ● ● ●

Nest is a gorgeous gift boutique in the leafy suburb of stoneygate

Nest stocks a wealth of treasures sourced from some of the best designer makers and small independent companies in Britain today plus some incredible international ranges such as ALESSI Come and have a peak and you will find all kind of wonderful gifts from gorgeous jewellery to beautiful handmade wooden bowls Discover us at 43 francis street, stoneygate, leicester. LE2 2BE Tel: 0116 2709290

find us on www.facebook.com/nestleicester find us on www.twitter.com/nestgifts join us on facebook and twitter to enter weekly competitions to win beautiful FREE products just for a click or a tweet!

●

Curtains Pelmets Blinds Valances Cushions

THE ONE STOP CURTAIN SHOP THAT COMES TO YOU

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.

Call now on

0116 255 9077

WWW.HATTONSCURTAINMAKERS.CO.UK

FREE HOME VISITS 29

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

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE THROUGH THE KBSA

AWARD WINNING

at our Leicester showroom,

Dewhirst Kitchens as a member of the KBSA, has a full Consumer care plus facility which protects consumers deposits, advance payments and work in progress.

KITCHENS IN LEICESTER

a truly inspirational collection of 24 displays over 3 floors with the very latest in traditional & contemporary designs.

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



     

Ringer’s Spinney, Oadby Price £599,500 An exclusive location for a well proportioned five bedroom detached family home Prestigious location Five bedrooms Three bathrooms Highly appointed Large driveway No upward chain Substantial plot and gardens

                   

The Cotton Mill, City Centre Price £189,999

 

Unique luxury mezzanine apartment blending contemporary finishes with character Stunning mezzanine apartment Large master bedroom Contemporary styling Character building conversion Allocated parking space City location

   

T: 0116 270 5900 F: 0116 274 5732

info@fothergillwyatt.com www.fothergillwyatt.com

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

GET THE PRICE YOU WANT Despite the economic situation, the good news for vendors is that people are still buying.

F

ollowing Halifax’s research that people in the East Midlands have the least positive approach to house prices in the UK, Mark Sandall of Andrew Granger & Co offers advice on how you can help push your sale for the price you want.

First impressions

Mark Sandall Partner Andrew Granger Estate Agents leicester@andrewgranger.co.uk 0116 2429922 www.andrewgranger.co.uk

selling a property you must remember that it becomes a show home and you should be trying to create a space that will appeal to as many buyers as possible.

You should also make sure your property is ready to move into, so small DIY jobs such as a loose light fitting, a correctly hung door or giving the banisters a lick of paint will go a long way towards making sure your property is ready for a sale.

A successful viewing

32

Once you get prospective buyers through the door you really need to go the extra mile. Be welcoming and remember to use their first names, as this will instantly put them at ease and make them feel welcome; after all you want them to feel like they

are walking into their new home. Plan your viewing so that you leave the best till last. As much as it is important to create a good first impression, you also want to leave a lasting impression. Give them something special to think about after they have left.

Thanks to the internet serious buyers will have done their research and have a fairly good idea about the area; however it won’t harm your case to tell them yourself. Tailor the information to the buyer. Ask them what they are looking for and let them know of the local amenities that match up.

What if you’re not selling?

Speak to your agent; potential buyers will be much more open to an agent about what

Thanks to the internet serious buyers will have done their research and have a fairly good idea about the area.

<<

First impressions really do count, so it is important that your property is ready for the viewing public. It may seem obvious but the starting point is to have a good clean. When you are

they liked and what they didn’t. This is not the time to take comments to heart, and if the problems are something that can be changed, then change it. Your job is to sell the property, so use these comments to your advantage.

This may all seem like common sense but the truth is it is much harder to sell a property now than it was this time last year.

In order to achieve a sale quickly and for a price you want, you need to be more hands on in your approach.

A little time and a few hundred pounds could be the best investment you ever make.

Passionate about property.

Whether looking to buy or rent, we have the right property for you.

See our full listing at www.andrewgranger.co.uk

OADBY

Powys Gardens

£555,000

A five bedroomed detached family residence on the fringes of Oadby.

Accommodation comprises ent porch • ent hall • cloaks/w.c. • lounge tudy • dining Kitchenroom opening into breakfast • Inner leading to conservatory • study • breakfast kitchenroom into sun hallway leading to substantial games/entertaining with with bi-fold con- • room and utility room.

First floor: Landing • masterroom bedroom en-suite certinabedroom doors onto rear gardens barbedrooms area • Ground floor • bathroom.

Study • guest withthe en-suite • three and further and family Kitchen opening into breakfast • Study • Kitchen opening Outside: Ample off-road parkingroom • double garage and mature private gardens.

ARNESBY

£1750pcm

St Peters Road Impressive Grade II listed Tudor Style Detached Property With A Wealth Of Period Features.

Comprising Reception Hall • Lounge • Family Room • Study • Dining Room • Cloakroom • Luxury Kitchen • Utility • Master Bedroom • Stunning En Suite Bathroom • Four Further Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Detached Double Garage • Mature Rear Garden. The Property Is Offered Unfurnished And Available Mid October 2012

KNIGHTON

KNIGHTON

£325,000

Southland Road

A unique elevated bungalow situated in a delightful position.

The accommodation briefly comprises: Entrance porch • entrance hall • two bedrooms • family bathroom • sitting room • further reception room currently used as a lounge and dining room with views over Knighton Park • kitchen • large loft with potential for conversion. Outside: ample off-road parking • triple garaging • extensive elevated patio area.

£950pcm

Brinsmead Road An Immaculately Presented Semi Detached Home Comprising Entrance Hall • Large Bay Fronted Living/Dining Area • Stunning Kitchen With Integrated Appliances • Master Bedroom With Impressive En Suite • Four Further Bedrooms • Contemporary Family Bathroom • Single Garage • Off Road Parking & Mature Easily Maintained Rear Garden. The Property Is Unfurnished And Available October 2012.

STONEYGATE

£450pcm

Francis Street A refurbished first floor flat situated in a highly desirable location with easy access to Leicester City centre • universities and Leicester Hospitals comprising spacious sitting room • double bedroom • kitchen • to include appliances • refitted bathroom with shower • sole use of maintained rear garden • unfurnished • available immediately.

If you’re buying or selling this autumn, Call Andrew Granger & Co., on 0116 242 9922 Andrew Granger & Co., 10-12 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RD www.andrewgranger.co.uk

33

PROPERTIES & INTERIORS

Tips from the Potting Shed Q A I’ve just bought a new build house and the garden is just a bare expanse of grass. What do I need to consider before I get started?

For the inexperienced gardener this can be quite a daunting sight - “Where do I start?” But I see it as a blank canvas with so many possibilities. However, before you go ahead and make those impulse purchases, take time to consider some basic things: n Look through gardening magazines and tear out things which you like - plants, hard landscaping and features. n Decide the look you want e.g. traditional, modern, cottage.

Samantha Kimber,

Garden Club Co-ordinator Coles Plant Centre

Please feel free to contact me on:, info@colesplantcentre.co.uk

34

n Take time to find out what

soil type you’ve got. Ph tests can be purchased for a couple of pounds from your local garden centre and will quickly and easily tell you what will grow and thrive in your new garden. They usually involve taking a small sample of soil and mixing with the contents of the test with water. The colour of the water can be checked against a chart to tell you if your soil is acid neutral or alkaline. Do a couple of different areas as in larger gardens there can be pockets of differing soil types.

Q A

Once y done th ou have is ready to you’re plannin start gy garden! our

I’ve read that autumn is the ideal time to plant bulbs for the spring. Can you give some planting advice to a gardening novice?

Good preparation now can make all the difference in early spring. Here are some golden rules when planting: n When buying bulbs choose carefully, only buy firm healthy ones and avoid any that have signs of mould. n Check the packet for correct planting depth. Plant bulbs too deep and they may very well come up blind. A rough guide is two to three times the height of the bulb.

n It sounds obvious I know

but make sure you are planting them the right way up! With most bulbs the top is slightly pointy. n Put a little gravel or horticultural grit in the bottom of the hole, this helps to prevent the bulb rotting in wet weather. n Most importantly label where you have put them to avoid them being dug up at a later date.

James Brewer Gardens

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35

Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

What’s on

SEPTEMBER 2012

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND Alcon 2012

Thu 6 – Sun 9 September De Montfort University £35 (4 days), £15 (1 day) www.alcon.org.uk Alcon is a fun and friendly 1,000-person anime convention. Events will run from 10am – 3am including, anime screenings, anime bar/ night-club, artist ally, roleplaying, card, video and retro gaming, a cosplay cafe, DDRing, J-Culture, Cosplay Hangout and much more.

Tigers in the Park

Sat 8 September Nelson Mandela Park, Leicester FREE Event www.leicestertigers.com

Tigers in the Park returns at Nelson Mandela Park, with live music, activities for kids, food and drink, shopping, players and more. Activities run from 11am until kick-off. For tickets to see Leicester’s first home game of the 2012-13 season against Worcester Warriors visit www. leicestertigers.com

Watercolour Workshop

Tue 11 September Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland £67 (including lunch) www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

‘Sunlit Garden’ – detailed demonstrations by Sandra Peck combined with a beautiful setting and a buffet lunch to make a most enjoyable day. Everyone welcome, from the more experienced artist to the absolute beginner.

Leicester International Music Festival Thu 13 - Sun 16 September New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester Tickets £19 (Eve), £9 (Day), 8-25 yr olds FREE www.musicfestival.co.uk

The Leicester International Music Festival celebrates the Art of Music and music Kate Rusby, Wed 19 September, De Montfort Hall, Leicester inspired by art. Featuring works by Haydn, Mozart 2008 and 2009 by the 220 Seaside Special and Beethoven, four Triathlon magazine, this is Steam Day contemporary composers a must for anyone who has Sun 9 September and a World Première ‘spectator blues’ following Abbey Pumping Station, by one of the brightest the Olympics.

Leicester up-and-coming stars on £8 (Family ticket) the German music scene.

Bandstand www.leicester.gov.uk/ Performers will include the Marathon museums Carducci Quartet, violinist The Vitruvian Sun 9 September Priya Mitchell, pianist Sat 8 September Enjoy the sun, sea and Abbey Park, Leicester Katya Apekisheva and Rutland Water sand.

Bring your swimsuit FREE Event many more.

FREE Spectator Event www.bandstandmarathon.org.uk for the museum’s beach www.pacesetterevents.com and relax whilst the One of the 500 events children build sandcastles. Rutland Food Established in 2003 taking place in bandstands, Traditional funfair, Festival this is an iconic race in parks and open spaces Sat 15 September donkey rides, boating picturesque surroundings.

Empingham, Rutland Water across the country as lake, Punch and Judy, An initial 1900 metre swim, part of the official closing FREE Event vintage vehicles and the followed by a 84km bike www.discover-rutland.co.uk celebrations of the London museums mighty steam ride, before finishing with 2012 Olympic and The Rutland food festival powered beam engines.

21km run. Voted the UK’s Paralympic Games. Event on the edge of Rutland Refreshments available. event of the year in 2007, runs from 1pm-5pm.

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The Rockingham Castle Country Fair Sat 22 – Sun 23 September Rockingham, Rutland £6 (Adults), £3 (Children) www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/ rockingham

Rutland Food Festival, Sat 15 September, Empingham, Rutland Water, FREE Event

Water will be celebrating the excellent food and drink the county has to offer. This great family day out will include cooking demonstrations from Rutland’s top chefs, local produce, live music, children’s activities and more. Parking fees may apply.

Community Choir Workshops & Concert Sat 15 September Peepul Centre, Leicester FREE Event www.daretodiva.com

Leicester International Music Festival

The powerful story of the Loneliness of the Long Distance Diva provides the basis for a series of free, diverse, community choral and music workshops.

The workshops, led by internationally acclaimed music artist Carol Leeming, with professional musicians from the Random Acts of Senseless Beauty Ensemble, will lead to an exciting concert performance for participants.

Writer Margaret Dickinson

Tue 18 September Oakham Library, Rutland FREE Event

Join bestselling author Margaret Dickinson for tea and cakes while she chats about her life as a writer and her popular sagas of Lincolnshire life including ‘Forgive and Forget’, ‘Sons and Daughters’ and her latest book, ‘Jenny’s War’.

Event to take place between 2.30pm & 3.30pm. Entry is free, with a small charge for refreshments.

Kate Rusby

Wed 19 September De Montfort Hall, Leicester Tickets £19 www.demontforthall.co.uk

The defining voice of contemporary English Folk Music, Kate Rusby’s exquisite interpretations of traditional songs and finely wrought self-penned tunes have won her an audience that reaches beyond the genre.

This year’s show is promising to be even better than ever – with the magnificent and increasingly rare Suffolk Punch Heavy Horses, Birds of Prey Flying Displays, Terrier Racing, Re-enactments, Miniature Ponies, Arts, Crafts, Gift, Food and Drink. Family ticket rate available and free for the under 5s.

Everybody’s Reading Festival

Mon 24 September Leicester Central Library Tickets £3 www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries

What does it take to write a Top 10 crime novel?

Top crime writers Mark Billingham and Martyn Waites will be talking about the business of crime writing. Mark has written for TV and film, as well as being the author of the ‘Tom Thorne’ crime novels. Martyn has been a professional actor appearing in series such as Inspector Morse and The Bill. He then turned to fictional crime and is now the author of nine novels including ‘Mary’s Prayer’, ‘Little Triggers’, ‘Candleland’, ‘White Riot’ and ‘Speak No Evil’. Event runs from 6.30pm-8.00pm.

37

Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

Film Review Anna Karenina

Director: Joe Wright Actors: Keira Knightley & Jude Law Showing: Fri 7th – Thu 20th September

L

eo Tolstoy’s novel (voted the best novel of all time in 2007 by Time Magazine) returns to the big screen in this sumptuous adaptation from Tom Stoppard, Academy Award winner for 1998’s Shakespeare in Love.

The film also marks the third collaboration between director Joe Wright and Keira Knightley following their past successes of Atonement and Pride & Prejudice. Knightley plays Anna; a Russian Noblewomen married to a respectable man 20 years her senior. When she meets the

“There are as many kinds of love as there are hearts”. dashing Count Vronsky she is torn between her sense of duty and a life of passion.

Despite the gorgeous period set-design and costume, Wright’s unique vision of this timeless story may alienate some

traditionalists. However when seen on the big screen it is impossible not to be swept up by the film’s power and passion. With early talk of Oscar glory next February, Anna Karenina certainly throws down

book Review

B Where’d You Go, Bernadette?

By Maria Semple is published in hardback and paperback

by Orion, £12.99.

38

ernadette Fox is notorious. To Elgie Branch, a Microsoft wunderkind, she’s his hilarious, volatile, talented, troubled wife. To fellow mothers at the school gate, she’s a menace.

To design experts, she’s a revolutionary architect.

And to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and quite simply, Mum. Then Bernadette disappears and Bee must take a trip to the end of the earth to find her.

If there was ever a page-

turner, this is it. The first part of the story is told through a series of letters, emails and notes, although their source and method of compilation is a puzzle in itself. Cameo roles are played by characters that cause you to laugh out loud to the point of tears.

Other characters undergo serious personality transformations and all of

the gauntlet to the upcoming adaptation of Les Misérables.

The Phoenix Cinema and Digital Arts Centre Box Office: 0116 242 2800 www.phoenix.org.uk

them get under your skin in a very immediate and compelling way.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette? is a compulsively readable and deeply touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter’s place in the world.

Available from The Bookshop Kibworth

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September is an exciting month at De Montfort Hall

with a range of comedy, contemporary music and classical events taking place.

R

ecognisable faces from the TV comedy circuit will be on stage as Jack Dee comes to the Hall on Thursday 20th September and Dara O Briain on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th. Comedian, novelist and broadcaster, Sandi Toksvig is also embarking on her first tour and will be visiting Leicester on Friday 14th September. The tour will be celebrating the release of her first novel Valentine Grey and her performance will be followed by a book signing.

On the music front the Hall will be welcoming the defining voice of

rm t w te nth n o me ne tru the r m Ins for £5 pe e Hir just m fro

Quality woodwind for all budgets Premium brands and direct imports at value for money prices

contemporary English folk music, Kate Rusby on Wednesday 19th September, along with a range of world and Asian music events. The king of romantic melodies, Mohit Chauhan is coming to rock Leicester on Friday 21st September! He’ll be supported by Sniti Mishra and both are set to deliver a mind-blowing performance.

ABC mh Music, 7 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough Tel: 01858 463144 www.mhmusic.co.uk

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Pianos & Keyboards Drum Kits Saxophones Flutes Violins Sheet Music Amps & PA Systems Instrument & Amp Repairs • On-site teaching

Tickets for all events are on sale now at www.demontforthall.co.uk or from 0116 233 3111.

39

Arts & ENTERTAINMENT

WRITE MOVE T ony Parsons a punk journalist for ‘NME’ who via the ‘Mirror’ and ‘The Telegraph’, ended up a best-selling author is supposed to be promoting his new book, ‘Catching the Sun’, but is more interested in putting the world to rights.

“Being a columnist is like being a football manager,” he says, “I’m like Sir Alex Ferguson. The moody old git no-one has fired for years.”

Parsons has earned a reputation of being a tad outspoken and today is no exception. When we ask about the economy Parsons quips, “Britain’s not broken, it’s just badly run.” And indeed his book, described as a “love letter to Thailand,” reads like a man out of love with Britain.

“I’ve been going to Thailand for over 20 years. I never really fell in love with it until I went to Phuket. I was amazed by how unspoilt it was. I’ve never seen somewhere so untouched by the modern world. It felt kind of unexplored. I felt

like there was a story to be told.”

Tom [the book’s protagonist] makes his great escape to Thailand after losing his business to the recession and his dignity to a moment of madness. But has Parsons himself ever been tempted by emigration?

“My father felt he could never give his family the life they deserved or wanted in this country, so we were going to go Australia,” he says. When Parsons was a kid, they got as far as Australia House, signed the forms and nearly became “10-pound Poms” before his mother had a change of heart,

Tom [the book’s protagonist] makes his great escape to Thailand after losing his business to the recession and his dignity to a moment of madness.

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“My father felt he could never give his family the life they deserved or wanted in this country, so we were going to go Australia.”

fearing she’d never see her own mum again.

“I was thinking about my dad when I wrote this book.

There are millions of people like this who think ‘I’ve done everything they’ve ask me to and I still can’t get the life that I deserve’”.

He grins too much to be a grumpy old git, as he puts it, but he faces a constant fight not to be caught up in nostalgia including the glory days of music journalism.

But he’s not a man stuck in the past. If anything, with ‘Catching the Sun’ flying off the shelves, he’s at his

peak. When asked about his next project - “I’d like to have a crack at a series, at a character that I can do again and again,” he says. “I think it’s almost impossible,” he muses. “But [Ian] Fleming only started writing the Bond books about 10 years before he died…”

“

I’d hang ’em all,” says Tony Parsons with a grin that belies the statement. He’s considering whether, perhaps, he’s a little reactionary to be writing a column in the left-leaning Daily Mirror. “They think I’m a little rightwing; but I think I’d be a little out of place everywhere, he says.

”

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 41

PEOPLE & PLACES

Cartwright King at the Races 2012

DAY AT THE RACES FOR LEICESTER LAW FIRM

S

taff at Leicester law firm Cartwright King were treated to a special day at the races as a thank you for all their hard work and commitment over the year.

Directors and staff from the firm’s offices in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham, Sheffield and

Newcastle came together to enjoy a day out at the races, giving everyone the opportunity to reinforce working relationships in a relaxed social environment.

One of the highlights of the day was the Cartwright King Stakes which was won by Goodwood

DMH & Looked After Children Partnership

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D

Starlight. The cup for the winning horse’s owner and the prize for the best turned out horse were presented

by Cartwright King staff members.

“It was a really good day which was helped by the fine weather and we all thoroughly enjoyed it,” said managing director Michael Thurston. “Our staff have been working very hard to build on the success that the firm has achieved over the last few years, so it was appropriate to celebrate this with such a great day out together.”

e Montfort Hall is pleased to announce their partnership with Leicester’s Looked after Children (LAC) service, to offer a number of tickets to children in care and enable them to see performances at the Hall.

Looked after children come from all walks of life, with different hopes and aspirations. Their common ground is that they often don’t live with their parents, as they’re unable to provide them with a safe and effective caring environment in the family home.

Children and their carers will be attending a range of shows over the coming

months at the Hall. Shows already attended include One Night of Queen and Cirque du Ciel, both of which were thoroughly enjoyed by attendees.

Councillor Vi Dempster stated, “The events on offer at De Montfort Hall appeal to such a wide audience and we want everybody to be able to experience the live entertainment on offer in the city. We, as a council, have a responsibility to these looked after children and by offering these tickets on particular shows we hope that the attending children will be able to enjoy cultural activities that they might otherwise miss out on”.

Enrol Today South Leicestershire College

South Leicestershire College (SLC) offers an exciting range of full and part-time courses starting from September 2012.

New for 2012

SLC is now offering HNCs and HNDs in a variety of subjects!

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Contact our Recruitment Advisers today on 0116 264 35 35 or info@slcollege.ac.uk slcollege.ac.uk

facebook.com/slcollege

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43

PEOPLE & PLACES

New Michael John Store Opens in Oadby

Old-world glamour that’s never old-hat!

T O

n Friday 3rd August, Leicester’s leading carpet and flooring specialist Michael John Flooring opened their new showroom in Oadby.

“We are delighted to be expanding our showrooms to the area of Oadby and South West Leicestershire” said MD Simon Manley, whose other stores are located on Narborough Road. “We have a large number of loyal and valued customers in and around the Oadby area and surrounding villages and we are delighted to be able to bring our services closer to them”.

The new showroom partnered with Maison Interiors also features

44

a complete interiors offering, including curtains, sofas, wall coverings and select furniture pieces.

Speaking after the event, Simon Manley was thrilled with the success of the launch “We’ve had a great day” he said, “And we’d like to thank customers old and new for their support.”

he UK’s largest vintage marketplace, Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair makes its Market Harborough debut on Sunday 9th September 2012, bringing a troupe of affordable vintage traders to the Three Swans Hotel.

Founded in 2005 by former celebrity stylist and Selfridges’ personal shopper Judy Berger, the formula for the fair is a simple one; provide eclectic, old-world wares without breaking the bank. And you’ll be in good company with the likes of Chloe Sevigny, Pixie Lott and Daisy Lowe all attending previous fairs.

Setting-up shop on the cusp of the new season and with London Fashion Week approaching, the fair will provide the perfect opportunity for shoppers to stock up on autumn/ winter trends.

With the 1940s, 1960s and 1990s set to be huge this season, the event will showcase an array of styles spotted on the catwalk-from lace to faux fur, to printed velvetall at a fraction of the designer price.

Featured in Elle, Stylist and Vogue, Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair has previously held events at Leicester De Montfort University and there’s even a special Fresher’s Event scheduled for September 28th for those unable to make the Market Harborough fair.

Hyundai Veloster from £199 per month* with an initial payment of £2,388 followed by 47 monthly payments of £199

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*Offer available to individuals for orders received between 1st July and 30th September 2012. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package over 48 months and 8,000 miles per year (max). An advance rental of £2,388 is payable, then 47 monthly rentals of £199. Rentals and excess charges are based on the current VAT rate. An excess charge of up to 7.15pence per mile will be applied for mileage in e xcess of 8,000 mile p.a..Excess charges also apply if the car is not serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and returned to Hyundai Contract Hire in a condition commensurate with the BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age and mileage. Package includes R.F.L. and Hyundai Contract Hire Assistance. Free metallic paint is only available in conjunction with Hyundai Contract Hire offer and app lies to selected models only. Offer subject to availability and status. UK supplied vehicles only. For full specification, details, terms and conditions contact your local retailer. Guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Applicants must be 18 or over. Details correct at time of publication and may vary, eg if list price changes. Personal contract hire by ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Hyundai Contract Hire,Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. If you choose this personal contract hire offer, you will not own the car.

Fuel consumption in MPG (l/100km) for Hyundai Veloster 1.6 GDi: Urban 34.9 (8.1), Extra Urban 53.3 (5.3), Combined 43.5 45 (6.5), CO2 Emissions 148 g/km.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Cruise Myths Busted The Telegraph CRUISE Show is taking place at Birmingham’s NEC on 20-21 October 2012.

W

hether you want to plan your first ever cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser looking for your next big adventure, The CRUISE Show gives you the chance to meet over 100 cruise lines and specialist operators all under one roof, and save thousands of pounds with the exclusive show only offers!

But for those of you that think cruises aren’t for you, this month we bust the top 5 cruise myths that will leave you eager for a holiday at sea.

MYTH 1#: Cruising is only for the newlyweds, the over-fed and the nearly dead.

small ships to tall ships and everything in between there really is a cruise style for all interests. Also, the new trend of short cruises (4-7 days) offers a great opportunity to sample what cruising is all about.

unusual activities including; outdoor cinemas, zip wires, rock climbing, ice skating, wine tasting, and art exhibitions. For those with itchy feet, there are shore excursions to choose from on days in port.

MYTH 3#: Cruising is boring; you’ll be stuck on a ship for days with nothing to do.

MYTH 4#: Cruising is expensive and only for the privileged.

FACT: Cruising puts entertainment at the forefront, with fine dining experiences, family fun, spas and relaxation to more

FACT: Cruise travel offers amazing value and you will be surprised what you can get for your money when you start comparing it to your usual land-based

So for a chance to discover why cruising has more than doubled in popularity over the FACT: More families last ten years, make a are now cruising with children due to the fantastic visit to the UK’s biggest cruise showcase on board facilities and activities. Plus a new wave of adventure style cruises and destinations is encouraging a younger audience, meaning the average age of a cruise passenger is now only 55.

MYTH 2#: Cruising is old fashioned, unpopular and not the holiday for me.

FACT: 1 in 8 package holidays booked in the UK is a cruise and Britons took a whopping 1.7m ocean cruises last year. From

46

holiday. More than 4 in 10 cruises last year were bought for less than £1,000 – Bargain!

MYTH 5#: You can only cruise in the Caribbean.

FACT: As lovely as the Caribbean is, Western Europe, Atlantic Islands, Norway and the Mediterranean were the big cruise destination winners in 2011.

Reader offer

The Telegraph CRUISE Show is offering Urban Fox readers reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £4 (£6 saving off the door price) quoting ‘URBANFOX’ when booking tickets online at www.cruisingshow.com or when calling 0871 620 4024.

(Note: Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

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Our team of specialist Family Solicitors are able to offer advice and assistance in all areas of family law.

The UK’s biggest event for discovering a world of voyages For your chance to win one of 5 pairs of tickets to The Telegraph CRUISE Show at NEC, Birmingham, on 20-21 October 2012 Email your name and address to editor@theurban-fox.co.uk inserting ‘Cruise Show’ in the subject box. Postal entries should be sent to 2 Princess House, 26 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GD. Closing date for entries: 1st October 2012.

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47

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Mpc CONSIDER RATE CUTS Whilst the eyes of the world were on the 2012 London Olympics, the stream of regular economic data continued to be analysed for future trends.

R

ecent data has not been positive and there are regular calls for a plan B to the policies being adopted by the Chancellor.

Despite improved employment data and a slight fall in the unemployment percentage, the reported Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figure for the 3 months to June was well below forecasts at minus 0.7%.

The double dip recession measured by consecutive quarters of negative growth has now stretched to 3 quarters.

This on-going weakness will be noted by the rating agencies but the UK continues to maintain the highest credit rating possible in the international markets, triple A, despite other countries, notably Germany being under threat of being Colin Bradley Deputy Chief Executive Loughborough Building Society

www.theloughborough.co.uk

Cutting base rate below 0.5% is an option open to the MPC.

downgraded.

To try to stimulate the economy the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England has increased the amount of quantitative easing, by pumping another ÂŁ75 billion into the economy.

Significantly the July minutes of the MPC meetings have confirmed that the committee has discussed the option of cutting base rates from their current figure of 0.5%.

Why might the bank base rate be reduced?

48

Clearly the actions taken to date, including an increase in additional money supply of over ÂŁ300 billion have failed to stimulate the economy.

The largest banks appear to have increased their cash balances, rather than

lending the funds out to small businesses and individuals.

Cutting base rate below 0.5% is an option open to the MPC. It would result in lower returns being paid to institutions and hopefully encourage them to lend their cash. However it is seen as a last resort to try to get the UK economy moving and reverse the trend of falling GDP.

What would be the impact on savers?

However the impact on savers, pensioners and those individuals relying on investment income would be significant as it would lead to lower rates being paid on investment and savings accounts. With savings rates already at historically low levels it would force savers to look

around for other options.

Investors should ensure they are taking advantage of the tax free ISA accounts and can also consider higher paying regular savings accounts.

They should always balance risk and reward and consider a range of factors including safety, service and accessibility when deciding where and how to invest.

There is no doubt that a further cut in base rates would be unpopular with many sectors of the population and the MPC would be seen as playing the card of last resort.

Hopefully the MPC will not pull the trigger on this option any time soon.

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Tel: 0116 212 1080 44 Long Street, Wigston

www.lawson-west.co.uk 49

Leicesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Law Firm Has Just Got A Whole Lot Bigger

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n September 2012, Harvey Ingram and Shakespeares merged their businesses creating the second largest law firm spanning the Midlands and Home Counties. With a combined turnover of approximately ÂŁ50m, the merged firm employs over 800 people.

The firm is now trading as Harvey Ingram Shakespeares in Leicester. The firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other offices in Nottingham, Birmingham, Solihull, Stratford upon Avon, the Cotswolds, Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell are trading as Shakespeares.

Harvey Ingramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former senior partner Stephen Woolfe and his Shakespeares' equivalent Mark English are now joint-senior partners of the merged firm. Simon Astill, formerly managing partner of Harvey Ingram, is the merged firm's director of risk and compliance.

Paul Wilson, chief executive at Shakespeares said, "This is

September will see the coming together of two great Midlands law firms Harvey Ingram and Shakespeares.

a highly significant deal for both firms and it positions us for growth in a shifting legal marketplace. I am delighted that I and Harvey Ingram's Simon Astill and Stephen Woolfe brought this deal to a successful completion.

This merger marks a new beginning for us all and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to guide the firm as it continues to grow and strengthen its bank of expertise."

Stephen Woolfe, jointsenior partner, who will continue to be based in Leicester, added "It is great to be part of this legal services growth story for the Midlands and I am looking forward to playing an active role in the on-going integration of the firms in order to realise the strength of our merged firm's services to our substantial base of business, public sector and high net worth private clients."

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just got a whole lot bigger!

On 1 September Harvey Ingram and Shakespeares merged their businesses to become Harvey Ingram Shakespeares in Leicester.

The result is a team of over 800 people based across the Midlands and Home Counties focussed on delivering solutions that meet your needs. Every time.

Our other offices across the Midlands and Home Counties are trading as Shakespeares. www.HI-Shakespeares.co.uk

Passionate about property.

We offer extensive estate agency coverage across the county through offices in Leicester, Loughborough and Market Harborough. Additionally our London Mayfair Office provides links with some 300 offices of independent estate agencies throughout the country, including London itself. Our properties are regularly featured in local press and can be found on our website, Rightmove, Globrix, FindaProperty.com, Vebra.com and Primelocation.com.

Also Andrew Granger & Co has been running a lettings department for the past 20 years, our lettings teams have an extensive knowledge of their localities and cover every aspect of the lettings process in-house. Andrew Granger & Co., have the right service for you.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying or selling this autumn, Call Andrew Granger & Co., on 0116 242 9922 Andrew Granger & Co., 10-12 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RD www.andrewgranger.co.uk