talk of the town, style of the city
SOUTHERN REGION
issue #06
succeed against the odds
glory
days
bright and
beautiful www.town-city.co.uk
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editor
a word from the
Welcome to Town & City Magazine, and what a fantastic start to the year! Wet, windy, cold and dare I mention snow? Somehow the spring flowers have already started to open so there is light at the end of this wintery tunnel. There is so much to look forward to and we’re here with our pick of things to see and do over the coming months. Don’t forget to tell us all about your business, events and products and you could be featured in this years issues. Let’s kick off with Valentines Day on February 14th. Check out our selection of seductive sexy lingerie. Why not treat yourself or your loved one to something special for the big night? We look at the different characteristics our kids portray and how your parenting style can influence their outlook on life. With half-term in the wings, plan something wild for when the sun starts shining and the little ones need to get outside. Go to page 10 for a few suggestions on where to take them. It’s a great time to give your home a refreshing lick of paint ahead of the changing season. Think about storage and how you can make your living space clean and clutter-free. See our minimalist makeover on page 36. holiday ideas, beauty secrets and how to keep stress at bay, we’ve got it covered – with so much more what are you waiting for? Open the curtains, let the longer days begin to pour in and enjoy our beautful surroundings with friends and family.
If you have a business, event or service that you’d like Town & City readers to know about, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you. town-city.co.uk
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what’s inside… 08 holiday with airbnb
26 sleep style
10 go wild this half-term
28 paradise
12 frame your face
36 minimalist makeover
14 glory days
38 stay connected on the move
16 character in our kids
40 are you angry enough?
18 lingerie at boux avenue
42 destress with a difference
20 refresh your palette
44 macbeth from the other side
24 overnight sensations
46 succeed against the odds
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Winter/Spring 2016
editor-in-chief Daniel tidbury assistant editor Felicity tidbury advertising sales Jo turner contributing Writers hannah birkbeck, Sophie Curr, Laura Ward, Sara niven distribution Distribution experts Published by tidbury Media
Town & City is a free lifestyle magazine dedicated to keeping you up to date with the latest on home, leisure and business in the south. Grab your copy from the countless distribution points scattered across the region. contact us 023 9229 4408 daniel@town-city.co.uk © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.
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your business, event or service could be featured within town & city. email: daniel@town-city.co.uk
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FOr COMPetItIVe rAteS On ADVertISInG, CALL OUr teAM tODAY
Back in 2008, two american guys were struggling to pay their monthly rent, at which point they had a lightbulb moment. They put up a couple of airbeds in their loft and rented them out to guests. eight years later airbnb has taken the world by storm.
airbnb
is changing holidays What’s it all about? The concept is simple, if you have a room going spare or an even an entire house, these can be rented out at a cost you decide on. As a host you register your accommodation free of charge and add information and images to entice potential travellers. When travellers enquire, hosts sometimes like to know a bit more about who they’re renting their property out to. It gives both sides a chance to get to know each other in an informal way. Many hosts require a deposit to secure the room or property and the final amount is then paid upon arrival. Airbnb make their money by charging both the host and guest.
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Winter/Spring 2016
WrItten bY HannaH BirkBeck
How has it changed holiday bookings?
Is it just rooms and houses on offer?
According to Wikipedia, ‘Airbnb operates in 190 countries with 1,500,00 listings in 34,000 cities.’ It’s become an internet sensation that has changed and challenged the traditional way consumers book holidays.
If you’ve dreamt of sleeping in a treehouse or glamping in a yurt, Airbnb has rentals for every type of accommodation, from quirky to quaint. Sleep on the top deck of a double decker bus, be the queen of your very own castle, spot the clogs in a windmill or contain your joy in an actual container! This puts Airbnb in a distinct class, which your traditional hotel or bed and breakfast have to compete with. They’ve pushed the boundaries and given hosts the chance to create an accommodating experience at an affordable price that travellers will remember.
You don’t have to be a hotelier or sit an exam to be an Airbnb host. If you’re in need of some extra cash or just like the idea of hosting, then this site gives you the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner entertainer. Airbnb has also created a free app available on phone and tablet devices, meaning you’re seconds away to swiping and securing your ideal retreat from wherever you are.
To find your next getaway visit www.airbnb.co.uk.
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gothiswild half-term with the national trust!
Half-term is fast approaching and there are lots of activities to get kids outdoors and having fun with the National Trust. 10
Winter/Spring 2016
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If you’ve been stuck indoors this winter, then February half-term is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some time together exploring our beautiful landscapes as they gradually reveal signs of spring colour and wildlife after the colder winter months. Take a walk on the wild side, enjoy fun craft sessions, or try exciting challenges and quiz packed trails indoors and out. Along the way you’ll be able to tick off a few of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ challenges, from mud pie-making and kite flying to den-building and tree climbing. Take your pick from our top family places for a wild day out in Hampshire. Half term runs from: Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st February
Mottisfont Ponies and Places exhibition, until 10th April, Plus Giddy Gallops activity trail, 13th–21st February. Families can have lots of fun indoors and out at Mottisfont this half-term. In the gallery you’ll find a colourful exhibition of hilarious norman Thelwell illustrations. Thelwell’s famous pony cartoons often featured the endearing characters Penelope and her mischievous (and very rotund) pony Kipper, who mowed a path of destruction through pony club shows and country fairs. There’s also a free Thelwell-themed ‘spot the detail’ trail in the gallery. From 13th–21st February, children can set out on their own pony adventure around the grounds, with Mottisfont’s ‘Giddy Gallops’ activity-packed trail. Suggested donation £1.
The Vyne February half-term family fun, 13th–19th February. enjoy a packed programme of February half-term entertainment at The Vyne. There’s springthemed trails to follow, crafts to get stuck into, and loads of ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to tick off, so get cracking on your outdoors adventures!
to celebrate the return of The Vyne’s famous tudor stained glass chapel windows, younger visitors can seek out the dragons, winged goats and other mythical animals that appear in the glass, on an I-Spy spotter trail.
Winchester City Mill Seasonal baking demonstration days at the Mill, 14th and 20th February. Winchester City Mill is well known for its fun baking demonstration days, and in February the Mill’s friendly baking volunteers are hosting special themed events for both Valentine’s Day and February half-term. These are great opportunities to find out how to make a variety of seasonal sweet and savoury treats. take home recipe cards (small donation) and try some baking at home, using the Mill’s very own flour from the shop. Winchester City Mill is a rare example of a working watermill, and one of the most visited mills in britain. At weekends you can watch the millers grind corn into wholemeal flour, and view the fast-flowing river Itchen as it roars beneath the Mill, powering the huge waterwheel – an experience known as ‘the thrill of the Mill’! There are all sorts of hands-on activities for younger visitors, including audio-visual displays and a chance to watch the latest CCtV footage of the mill’s resident otters.
Winter/Spring 2016
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With such a variety of shapes and styles, choosing the right pair of spectacles can sometimes be a difficult job.
frame your face WRITTEN BY soPHie curr
The first thing is to determine your face shape; oval, heart, square, round or triangle. to do this, simply take a photo of yourself, facing the camera directly, then with some tracing paper draw the outline of your face. If you’re without either of these tools, stand at a mirror and use some lipstick or a board marker to follow the outline of your face. now you know your face shape, we’re here with a handy guide to selecting the best style to suit your shape.
Square Frames that suit a square face will be narrow or oval which soften the forehead and jaw line. Avoid coloured or thick frames, as this will accentuate your shape.
Oval An oval face is almost balanced in features, with high cheek bones but a slightly wider forehead. Due to its symmetric top and bottom half, there is no real limit on frames to pick from. Oval shapes are complemented by frames slightly broader than the widest part of their face.
Heart A heart face is self explanatory, with wide cheek bones and a narrow to small chin. Go for bottom heavy frames, lighter in colour or even rimless frames. Th is will add weight to the bottom of your face and balance out your features. Stay away from top heavy, or bold frames as this will draw attention to the widest part of your face, your eye line.
Round
Whether they’re just for some light reading or a firm fitting for every day life, it’s important you’re equipped with the right pair of glasses.
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Winter/Spring 2016
If you have a round face, rectangular frames with colour or decoration along the temple will suit creating balance to your fuller cheeks. Avoid both small and oversized frames as these will make your face look rounder.
Triangle Similar to the heart, the triangle has a narrow chin but a slightly wider forehead. Frames that suit triangle shaped face will be bottom heavy. Stick to one colour, preferably a lighter tone and steer clear of top heavy frames, or ombre shades with a dark upper/lighter lower frame, as these will emphasise your wider forehead.
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making the most of your day off
glory
days
Do you ever find yourself unable to enjoy a day off because it feels like you’re still working? Do you long to tell tales of the amazing experiences you have on your days off, instead of the latest TV series? WrItten bY laura Ward Most of us get two days off in the week, usually Saturday and Sunday. For many a day off means running errands, food shopping and cleaning. but time away from work should be filled with friends, family and fun. So what could we be doing? Town & City reveals all…
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Get out of town
Family & friends
Attend a class
Me time
Days out are a great way to re-energise yourself while reconnecting with yourself and the people you love. A single day is hardly enough time to travel the world but it can still offer new experiences, new sights, smells and sounds.
enjoying time with family and friends is the perfect way to release your mind and create new memories. It can be difficult to plan regular gatherings so when you do get together make sure it’s fun and memorable.
Whether it’s cooking, knitting, pottery or kickboxing, emersing yourself in something different to your regular activity is full of benefi ts. Gain new skills, knowledge and make friends while doing something you enjoy.
Pampering, sleeping, walking, exercise or retail therapy, whatever it is you love to do, take enough time to feel human again. While life keeps you busy it’s easy to lose track of time, so make sure keep in touch with yourself.
Winter/Spring 2016
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character
in our kids
no two kids are the same – we all have different personalities, but there are three personality categories our children are likely to fall into. Serious, boisterous or sensitive. It’s possible for your children to have traits from all three, so understanding the differences could influence your parenting style.
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Sensitive children
Boisterous Children
Serious Children
Sensitive children need to feel connected and that their needs are being heard. They’re thoughtful, tender and emotional but if judged harshly sensitive children can suffer and become introvert, shy and afraid of critique. Provide reassurance and plenty of down time where they can relax and destress.
boisterous children are naturally bursting with energy and need regular physical activity to let off steam. Often extroverted these children can’t sit still. Provide strong guidance and allow them to explore and have adventures. Without an outlet boisterous children can become challenging and prone to misbehaviour.
Serious children require lots of mental stimulation. Given support and guidance serious children can become brilliant intellectuals but if mocked or judged these children can quickly feel misunderstood. Chaos can be stressful so give them plenty of structure and time to reflect and focus.
Winter/Spring 2016
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R U O Y K O BO
Y A D H T BQUOITRE ‘TOWN & CITY’ AND gET
F F O % 10
For bookings and information
FIND US ONLINE!
023 9289 3338
laserquest@actionstations.org
www.actionstations.org
Laser Quest @ Action Stations 19 College Road, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ
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sexy
style
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Winter/Spring 2016
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Winter/Spring 2016
19
ButtercuP yelloW
This sunny flush of colour will be a cheerful addition to any wardrobe. If you have an olive skin complexion and brunette to dark hair you will certainly be able to pull off this striking colour. For the spring, a simple boxy top with some pale jeans, or a sundress for the hot summer months.
refresh
WrItten bY soPHie curr
your palette this season
With spring around the corner there’s no time like the present to update your wardrobe and invite some new tones in. The upcoming season of spring/summer 2016 is set to be full of both vibrant bursts of blue, red and yellow, as well as hushed pastels. here at Town & City we’ve stripped back the new trends and highlighted the key new colours to grace the spring palette.
fiesta red
A passionate and lustrous colour, fiesta red will be hot this spring and summer. Powerful and dominant, any item of clothing in this colour will definitely cast a shadow over other pieces so keep it simple. Red can be worn by both the pale English Rose and the fiery Spanish Senorita. Designers such as Micahael Kors and Peter Copping are big fans of this new spring colour. 20
Winter/Spring 2016
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rose QuartZ
A soft blush of pastel pink, rose quartz offers to be the innocent and gentle colour for your new wardrobe this season. This colour can be both a bold piece or a subtle hint, and has been worn by Sofia Vergara in Marchesa. It can be worn by both brunette and blonde haired ladies, with all sorts of skin tones.
iced coffee
A tone adored by socialite and fashion fanatic herself, Kim Kardashain, iced coffee is definitely one to watch out for. Both a cosy colour that can be layered for the chillier days of the season, and a simpler statement to be laid bare with a summer glow, this tone can win them all.
Winter/Spring 2016
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lilac grey
A pale and pastel colour, lilac grey will be the colour for those pale skinned petite ballerinas this season. This colour will be perfect for an elegant ball gown, or a light blouse. The soft purples in the lilac prove this shade to be soft and neutral, but the darker tones bring a certain aspect of edginess to this new colour trend.
green flasH
Not a colour that can be successfully worn by many, however, if you have tanned skin and dark hair, a ash of green in your wardrobe can be just what you need. Worn by Solange Knowles in Rosie Assoulin, this prominent colour is going to be one to watch.
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Winter/Spring 2016
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PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD
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Trafalgar Night - Fri 21st Oct | £80 Sea Shanty Night - Fri 2nd Dec | £65 Winter wonderland - Sat 10th Dec | £65 Victorian Christmas - Fri 16th Dec | £70 Burns Night - Sat 21st Jan 2017 | £70 Ticket inclusive of dinner, wine & themed entertainment
Proceeds directly support the Warrior Preservation Trust, an independent charity, not supported by any government department or grants, whose aim is to preserve the ship for the benefit of this and future generations. Registered Charity Number: 256756 For full details call the Special Events Team 023 92 778604 | 778610 | specialevents@hmswarrior.org www.hmswarrior.org
overnight WrItten bY sara niVen
sensations Wake up to more glowing, radiant skin whatever your budget, with our pick of overnight nourishments. For any night-cream or serum to have the best chance of making a difference, your skin needs to be scrupulously clean before applying and regular exfoliation helps products penetrate too. With intensive formulations a little should go a long way and you don’t want to overload your skin so a pricey pot will hopefully last months as
B. radiant oVernigHt Mask
urBan Veda’s sootHing nigHt creaM
An anti-ageing face mask and night treatment in one aimed at those in their late thirties and over – this promises to transform dry, dull skin and would be a handy option for those who never have the time for face masks generally. £11.99 SUPerDrUG.
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opposed to weeks – using a clean spatula to dip into pots of cream rather than fingers is a good idea. Finally, don’t expect complete absolute miracles however much you spend. Great looking skin is a combination of a range of factors including genetics, diet, sleep and sun protection as well as a skincare regime.
With flower extracts and key essential oils to help soothe and hydrate sensitive skin, this is from the new Urban Veda range which features several other night creams all designed for different skin types.
JoJoBa intense oVernigHt reneWal creaM
cliniQue’s suPerdefense nigHt recoVery MoisturiZer
This natural formulation is free from parabens and includes Antioxidants along with Vitamin A and E to protect skin from the environment while helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles and plumping skin.
Designed to help reduce visible signs of aging and support the skin’s natural cellular recovery at night, this new product is available in two different formulations for dry and oily/combination skins.
£19.99 UrbAnVeDA.CO.UK Or bUY At hOLLAnD AnD bArrett StOreS.
£34.99 OneWAY2nAtUrALheALth.COM Or bUY At hOLLAnD AnD bArrett StOreS.
£42 CLInIQUe.CO.UK
Winter/Spring 2016
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PRINTING LITHO & DIGITAL Print
clarins Multi-actiVe nigHt creaM
Described as eight hours of sleep in a jar (we can’t claim it makes you feel that way if you haven’t but our tester certainly felt that her skin looked better than would ordinarily be the case after less!). This moisture rich, anti-stress cream contains Californian Poppy extract for its ability to help the skin regenerate even when sleep is interrupted - new parents take note! £44 CLArInS.CO.UK.
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Design
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Menus Price Lists Pads Labels Forms Booklets Newsletters Programmes Raffle Tickets Trade Printing
Fssboe!Kfswjt!Mjnjufe Tel: 023 9281 1118
info@errandjervis.co.uk www.errandjervis.co.uk Fax: Office 023 9273 8338 ~ Shop 023 9287 1001 63-65 Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hants. PO5 2RY
anannÉ cura notis nigHt creaM
crÈMe de la Mer reneWal oil
From Swiss made, natural skincare range ananné, this range boasts super natural credentials and is certified as vegan. Available in three versions to suit normal, dry and sensitive skin, the night cream contains a combination of pure oils including evening primrose, sea buckthorn and cape chestnut along with moss extracts and algae to promote a glowing complexion, as you'd hope for the price.
Devotees of Crème de la Mer products now have a new option with the launch of what is described as a potent elixir containing the famous ‘miracle broth’ in a dual phase oil. Also suitable for the body and hair (but you may prefer to use every drop more sparingly!) this promises to deliver cell renewing energy to the face, softening lines and wrinkles and leaving it more radiant and resilient.
£100 AnAnne.CO.UK.
£155 CreMeDeLAMer.CO.UK
Maggie Ambler - Open Studio Saturday, 30th April 2016 Sunday, 1st May 2016 Monday, 2nd May 2016
11.00am – 5.30pm 11.00am – 4.00pm 11.00am – 4.00pm
sleep style How do you sleep with your partner? Studies have revealed that the positions we sleep in can say a lot about the way we feel and the state of our relationships.
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If your other half always sleeps with their back to you, although it may seem cold and lacking in love, it’s a good sign. In fact, couples who sleep back to back, it’s revealed, feel both connected and independent.
Spooning
In time we fall into sleeping habits, more often than not striking the same pose every night. Interestingly, if you’ve noticed your partner’s sleeping position changing, it may indicate a change in their feelings toward you.
Face to face
t&C is here with a few typical sleeping styles and the meaning behind them.
Couples sleeping with their legs intertwined fear separation, but couples sleeping with their legs
Winter/Spring 2016
he is the ‘big spoon’ and she’s the ‘little spoon’ means he is protective and takes the lead. When she becomes the big spoon, she can be possessive of her partner. The intimacy of a face to face position represents desire. People that sleep facing one another love sharing intimate conversation and will often fall asleep talking.
Intertwined
intertwined for a few minutes before breaking away signifies loving independence and intimacy.
Starfish Those starfished across the bed leaving little room for their partner are demonstrating dominance and getting their own way.
Romance new or rekindled love is represented in her resting her head on his chest. Like a scene from a movie; it’s a rare sleeping position with only one percent of couples drifting to dreamland in this way.
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bacon bring home the
Owton’s Butchers in Southampton is the 2015 Butchers Q Guild Smithfield Awards supreme champion. It’s the highest honour a Q butcher can achieve. rob and Gill Owton clinched the supreme accolade with its Mrs Owton’s Dry Cured Green Streaky bacon which had already picked up a coveted diamond award. It scored 100% and was selected as the best english bacon product.
of Kimbridge, near romsey, followed by a third and fourth outlet. These comprise of a butchery and delicatessen with more than 70 varieties of cheese at Garsons Garden Centre in titchfield and Country Market in bordon.
The Owton family have been farming on the 225-acre Chalcroft Farm for over 600 years, first establishing a wholesale butchery business in 1976, before launching their farm shop and traditional family butchers in the 80s.
Owton’s won four golds in total – awarding its Pork & Leek Sausage, Dry Cured Green back bacon and black Pudding. The pork and leek sausages are a long standing favourite at Owton’s and are made in the dedicated sausage room using local pork when possible.
In April 2011, Owton’s opened a second retail outlet in the picturesque setting
Owton’s black Puddings came about when they were asked to develop a
recipe by a national pub chain. The black Pudding was perfected on the third attempt and has grown in popularity over the past three years. Owton’s have just been awarded Champion black Pudding for the third year running at the hampshire Fare Sausage & Pie competition.
The Smithfield Awards, in it’s 29th year, were open to all Q Guild members UK-wide and recently attracted a record entry of 472 individual products across nine categories from 56 Q butchers. OWtOn’S bUtCherS, SOUthAMPtOn – JOhn hArDInG, 02380 600969, JOhnhArDInG@OWtOnS.COM
y! n’s d th wto an al m O site w!! He fro web s No et es ur ur G recip on o et Yo w le . G Ne ilab ore a t av in-s
Traditional Family Butchers
Owton’s Chalcroft Farm Burnetts Lane, West End, Southampton. SO30 2HU TEL: 023 8060 1154 shop@owtons.com
#OwtonsButchers
Q Guild Smithfield Supreme Champions 2015
Get fresh and healthy with Owton’s in 2016 With Christmas and New Year celebrations over for another year thoughts turn to getting back in shape and burning off those calories. Owton’s have the perfect recipe with a wonderful range of prepared fresh meat, locally sourced fruit and vegetables. Our warm, friendly team of butchers offer expert knowledge and cooking advice.
www.owtons.com
Owton’s at Kimbridge Kimbridge Farm Shop Near Romsey. SO51 OLE TEL: 01794 341681 kimbridge@owtons.com Owton’s at Garsons Fontley Road, Titchfield. PO15 6QX TEL: 01329 854895 garsons@owtons.com Owton’s at Country Market Kingsley, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0QP Tel: 01420 550902 countrymarket@owtons.com
paradise
for any pace and personality
Puerto Vallarta-riViera nayarit: Mexico Few places can claim to have it all, but at two neighbouring destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, there really is something for everyone. From artisan markets and adventure style activities, to board walking and bird watching, to rich culture, delicious cuisine and everything in between. Travellers of every pace and personality will find what they are looking for at Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. But with so much on offer, how does one decide what to see and do in the area? Here are just a few suggestions to get started:
Sun seekers Whether you enjoy a relaxing day on a tranquil beach or livelier shores, Puerto Vallarta and riviera nayarit’s wide selection of beaches, stretching over 200 miles of stunning Pacific Coastline, is sure to fit any style. In riviera nayarit, the rippling waves found at the traditional fishing village Sayulita are renowned by surfers around the world. 28
Winter/Spring 2016
At the ultra-luxurious resort nuevo Vallarta, beachgoers can enjoy pristine waters and golden sands within walking distance of high-end hotels and restaurants. between the Pacific Ocean and Sierra Madre Mountains, the small-town vibe of San Pancho is an idyllic getaway for those in search of peace and quiet. In southeast Puerto Vallarta, boca de tomatlan offers a tranquil beach away from the crowds and several open-sided, thatched roof restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal and pleasant view. For a more popular shoreline, Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta’s romantic Zone, is an ideal choice for people watching. to the south at Conchas Chinas, the gentle tidal pools, rock shells and rich sea life appeal to children of all ages.
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Culture and cuisine bring your camera and walking shoes to The Malecón, a promenade located at the heart of Puerto Vallarta that showcases 870 metres of Mexican sights, sounds and seashore all in one place. With picturesque views of the beachfront, sand sculptures and stone arches, along with a wide array of local restaurants, boutique shops and galleries, it’s a must visit for anyone in the area whether alone or in a group. Also be sure to visit Puerto Vallarta Mercado Municipal, a two-storey market located in the town’s historic centre, where visitors can find a vast assortment of local goods, souvenirs and artisan crafts. On the second floor of the market, flavours and aromas of authentic Mexican cuisine such as comida corrida, a traditional lunch, are sure to satisfy any appetite. Just a few minutes away in riviera nayarit, the Altavista Petroglyph Complex showcases one of the largest known concentrations of ancient stone engravings in the region. Or take a trip back in time at San blas, considered to be the birthplace of the Aztec civilization.
Bird lovers As a natural sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds, Puerto Vallarta and riviera nayarit are a bird lover’s paradise. There are plenty of fully guided bird watching tours to choose from, and visitors have the chance to glimpse at such rare species as the Colima Pygmy-Owl and the Citreoline trogon, two birds among many that are endemic to Mexico. In fact, the largest number of bird species ever counted (309) was reached this year by the Audobon Society at the San blas Christmas bird Count, a popular event amongst birdwatchers worldwide. Likewise, the Festival of Migratory birds, a popular event held every year in San blas during the last week of January, is a one of a kind experience for any bird watching enthusiast.
Active adventurers From off-road safaris in the Sierra Madre Mountains to whale watching and scuba diving in the bay, Puerto Vallarta and riviera nayarit offer fun activities fit for any adventurer. During the winter, various species of whales migrate to the warm waters of
banderas bay for feeding and mating, providing a great opportunity to participate in whale watching tours. For more intimate encounters with marine life, you can go swimming with sealions and dolphins or scuba diving to get up close and personal with turtles, manta rays and tropical fish.
If you would rather stay dry, safari tours throughout Puerto Vallarta let you drive your own off-road vehicle through the lush jungles of the Sierra Madre. Or for gravity defying thrills, Vallarta Adventures operates the longest zip line in Mexico at over 1,200 metres and reaches speeds up to 100 kph.
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Golfers Passionate golfers of any skill level will find that the resorts of Puerto Vallarta and riviera nayarit, with spectacular greens and fairways, make for some of the top golf courses in the world to aim for a hole in one. In Puerto Vallarta, the Marina Vallarta Club de Golf features an 18-hole course designed by famous Austrian-born architect Joe Finger. Close by, the Vista Vallarta Club de Golf was recently ranked among the top 10 resort Golf Courses in Mexico by the ‘best Golf Guide to the Mexican riviera’ magazine. In Punta Mita, a breathtaking mini-peninsula in southwest riviera nayarit, the Pacifico Golf Course features the ‘tail of the Whale’, an optional, gorgeous par-three hole that is a natural island green. 30
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For a bigger challenge, el tigre Golf Course in riviera nayarit has been testing the skill of even professional golfers since 2002.
Everyone If you enjoy adventure, beautiful ocean views, bird watching or board walking, crafts, cuisine and culture, golf and much more, there’s plenty to see and do for any pace and personality in Puerto Vallarta and riviera nayarit.
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minimalist
makeover a guide to clutter-free living
With busy lifestyles being more organised in the home will inevitably be on your list. We’d all love to step into a sleek, spacious home that looks like a makeover set but in the real world minimalist living is easier said than done. If left unmanaged, everyday clutter can quickly fill valuable space. So if your kitchen looks like a stock room, we’re here with five creative ways to make your home tidier.
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Cook up some extra kitchen storage
Tie up the loose ends
If there’s one room in the house that needs smart storage, it’s the kitchen. From pots and pans, to crockery, cutlery and food, your kitchen is home to hundreds of different items. So it pays to be organised. If you’re on a budget old desk tidies or even jars are a great way to keep odds and ends in one place. And with a little tLC, an old slatted wardrobe door can become an eye-catching way to hang cooking utensils. Why not drape a shoe organiser inside a tall cupboard door too and stop cleaning products from hogging the space under your sink?
From laptops and iPads to mobile phone chargers and broadband hubs, our living spaces are crammed with gadgets and technology. And that means mountains of cables. Wires not only look messy, but can quickly become tangled. So why not tame the electrics under the tV with a few cable ties. A simple wire basket attached under your worktops or desk is also a neat way to keep adaptors and sockets off the floor and keep your rooms cable free.
If you have the luxury of redesigning your layout, consider custom cabinets that slide out over your worktop to store pasta, rice and flour. Or hidden storage that makes use of ‘forgotten’ spaces – like the kick-panels under your cabinets. Add some fold-away stools under a worktop and create a pop-out breakfast bar. Or ask your joiner to add a clever cut-out in your worktop, so you can effortlessly sweep peelings straight into the bin. If after all that, you’re still struggling to hide everything away, why hide it all? Just invest in a portable folding partition to screen off the messiest areas when they’re not in use.
Clean up your bathroom cabinets In a perfect world your bathroom should be a haven of peace and calm, with a place for everything. And just like in the kitchen, the key to creating a modern minimal look in here is to reduce the number of items on display. You can do this by improving your bathroom storage, removing the things you don’t need, and by being smarter with wall and floor spaces. hanging wicker baskets from your towel rails is an easy way to store towels and toiletries, and if you don’t want toothbrushes on display, just add a few notches inside your bathroom cabinet. Still short on room? Why not add a shelf above your door frame and keep delicate items out of reach? Or add a strip of magnet tape inside the bathroom cabinet to hold everything from hairpins to clippers and tweezers.
Get creative with clutter While you can buy ready-made boxes and containers to keep odds and ends out of sight, there’s nothing to stop you getting creative when it comes to storage. box off the narrow area behind your doorframes with a tall piece of wood or an old draining rack, to create space for wrapping paper, ironing boards, or vacuum attachments. Or cut an old shampoo bottle in half to create a handy phone holder that keeps your mobile off the ground when it’s charging. Once you start thinking, there’s no end to the ways you can create your own storage. And by using stuff that would normally end up in landfill, you’ll be saving the planet and your hard earned money too.
Send big stuff packing If you’ve de-cluttered and re-organised every room and you’re still not living in a minimalist paradise, have a think about sending the things you don’t use to a storage company like Safestore. A self storage unit is ideal for clearing out rooms or storing larger items like furniture that take up valuable space. And once that sideboard is out of the picture, you might find that you don’t need it after all. however large your home may be, there’s always room for a little extra storage. So why let clutter rule your world? Underneath that messy room is minimalist modern interior just waiting to get out! And all it takes to turn a no-go zone into a show home are a few clever ideas and a few hours of hard work. FOr MOre CreAtIVe IDeAS tO LIVe better VISIt WWW.safestore.co.uk/Blog/category/liVe-Better
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stay
connected on the move
An internet connection is now just as important as heat and light to many homeowners, according to property portal www.newhomefinder.co.uk Digital connectivity has become the fourth utility. It’s just as important as gas, electricity and water to most people. A few years ago if we lost our internet connection it was upsetting, but now it’s a disaster! When you think about it, it’s understandable. We’re reliant on it. We use it for emails, for work, for watching tV, listening to music, social media, gaming, shopping, ordering takeaways and finding vital information. Most young people now use it for chatting with friends. Instead of using their mobile phone to make calls, and many now use apps like Periscope. According to the latest data from the Office for national Statistics, 84% of all households in britain had internet access in 2014, up from 57% in 2006. Three quarters of adults accessed the internet every day and the figures are expected to rise. 38
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even though many of us now feel lost without digital connectivity, we often forget about it when we move house. Finding the right property in the right location is uppermost in a buyer’s mind and but we often forget to check the strength of the mobile phone signal and the broadband speeds. even more common is not organising a connection before we move in. You walk into your new house and you can switch a light on, turn on the oven and get water from the tap. but a broadband connection won’t be there unless you have organised it beforehand. If you don’t book in advance you could be waiting weeks for an engineer to come out. It’s important to pre-book a slot.
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adVice for neW Buyers: • When buying a house, check the strength of the mobile phone signal and the broadband speeds in the area. This is especially important in rural areas. Speed is essential if you want quick download times and if your children like online gaming. You can check mobile coverage at www.ofcom.org.uk/mobile-coverage and broadband speeds can be checked via www.broadband.co.uk • Not all properties have cable or fibre optic broadband, so you need to check what service is available in the area that you are moving to. To check broadband provision and various deals on offer, visit | www.broadband.co.uk or www.uswitch.com • Making sure you have organised a broadband connection for when you move into a property is essential, especially when it is a newly-built home. Most developments won’t have cable or fibre optic provision. Check with the builder what infrastructure is in the property and if there is wiring for a landline, which will enable you to get access to an ADSL connection without too much extra expense. Also check mobile phone signals. If they are weak, ask your phone provider to come up with a free signal boosting solution.
angryenough? are you
WrItten bY BalancedWellness.co.uk
Anger management courses are on the increase and a recent Mental Health Foundation survey revealed that 28% of adults worry about how angry they feel. Anger is a very natural reaction to being offended, threatened, wronged or denied. It’s human instinct, proof that we’re still animals. Anger is immediate. It’s like a fire, it ignites, it rages and it burns out. Watch a child having a full-on tantrum, so alive in the moment and with no regard of what others think. They just let rip. It usually lasts no more than ten minutes and then it’s gone. It’s a very natural and important emotion. Do you remember not getting your own way or being denied something as a child? Do you remember your reaction? And more importantly do you remember your parents reaction to you? here lies the difficulty with anger. We’re taught from a very young age that tantrums are not acceptable behaviour and are punishable. On the fl ip side tears and upset are often rewarded with cuddles and soothing. We’re taught anger is rejected and tears are accepted. have you ever been so cross that you’ve burst into tears? It’s common for the two emotions become confused. 40
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Different emotions create different chemical reactions in the body. When we’re happy our body floods with serotonin which makes us feel good. Anger creates a stress response in the body – heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenaline levels increase. because of this some health practitioners believe that anger should be overcome – all emotions are a choice and therefore can be selected.. Anger that isn’t allowed to express itself turns into resentment which often becomes disease within the body. Conditions such as high blood pressure, insomnia, back pain, digestive problems, skin conditions, endometriosis and migraines are common symptoms of repressed anger. So if you’re really hacked off. What do you do? Start verbally or physically attacking people or destroying their property? Maybe not. however having a good old fashioned childhood tantrum can be really beneficial. An empty room at home – just you, a defenceless pillow and your raw, unadulterated anger. Afterwards you’ll feel lighter, freer and calmer. Once the fire has burnt out, rational thought kicks in and the situation that troubled you in the first place can be addressed with a clear and calm head.
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destress
with a difference Busy lifestyles and our 24/7 culture is enough to make everyday tasks and our working lives stressful. So how do you relieve your tension? We’re here with a few tried and tested methods, but see what works for you.
Orange juice
Ear massage
Take a breath
Stress toys
research suggests vitamin C in orange juice can help reduce stress, as well as boost your immune system. try drinking a glass with your breakfast – be mindful though, orange juice also contains high levels of natural sugar and your dentist may say otherwise.
Give your ear lobes a little squeeze between your fingers if you’re feeling like steam might blow out of them. This strange technique is a form of auricular acupuncture, similar to reflexology, and it works by activating cells in your ear that help simulate the feeling of relaxation.
research suggests one breath is all it takes to feel more relaxed and confident. Stick a little dot on your phone as a reminder to take a deep breath before picking it up.
toys provide a welcome distraction and allow you to release tension through your hands. Keep a few small toys or a stress ball on your desk, but don’t throw them at your colleagues.
Clear the clutter Step back from your activity for a moment and clear the clutter. take fi ve minutes to reorganise your space and mind. 42
Laugh it off
The act of laughing helps relieve physical tension and reduces stress. It can last for up to 45 minutes, Shake it out so even if there’s little Jump up and shake your amusement nearby, give whole body from top to toe. Shake your fingers to relieve yourself a chuckle and the tension in your shoulders, you’ll be surprised how it can make you feel. forearms, hands and wrists.
Winter/Spring 2016
Do a runner Grab your trainers and go for a sprint. run as fast as you can, then slow down, catch your breath and do it again. half an hour of intense exercise can help reduce stress levels more so than longer moderate activity.
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the
PHoto By leo Woolcock
devil speaks true GOAt AnD MOnKeY PreSentS:
From a bloody battlefield to a spectral banquet table, audiences take on the role of Banquo to experience Macbeth from the other side (in more ways than one…)
DIreCteD bY JOeL SCOtt. UK tOUr rUnS 17 Feb–19 MAr PLAYInG neW theAtre rOYAL, POrtSMOUth 9th MAr, 7PM
With wireless headphones, video projections and a solo dancer, Goat and Monkey recreate the last hours of banquo’s life in a pervasive first person adventure. The audience are placed behind banquo’s eyes using the original text of Shakespeare’s Macbeth recorded as binaural sound (recordings that create a 3D effect) positioning them in the action. This sensory production, much of which takes place in partial or pitch darkness, starts on a battlefield smelling of rain and fir trees, and ends at the spectral banquet table. The script will be intertwined with recordings of interviews with ex-servicemen, giving context to banquo’s behaviour through the lens of
WHat is goat and Monkey?
Goat and Monkey was founded in 2003 by Joel and Sally Scott and Ian Summers, working in immersive and site-specific theatre to push the boundaries of audience interaction in woodlands, disused industrial spaces, museums, railway carriages, online and in schools; ‘The Devil Speaks True’ will be their first touring production. Past productions include ‘The Perils of Poisonous Plants’ (Kew Gardens) ‘The Knucker’, ‘Spy School’, and ‘The Seed’, which received an Inspire Mark logo as part of the Cultural Olympiad for its integrated outreach work with young people. They’re currently working on an intergenerational piece about dementia and an immersive musical with university students on Worthing pier. 44
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PtSD), a condition not widely recognised until the 19th century when it was known as “shell-shock” or “battle fatigue”. by casting banquo as a battle-weary soldier returning home, Goat and Monkey create a sense of the surreal as banquo’s disorientated mind tries to make sense of the world he’s returning to, and shed light on the faith he places in his brother-in-arms Macbeth. Director Joel Scott said, “We’re stripping the story down and making an intimate experience for our audience. Sitting in the pitch-black, our aim is to disorientate the audiences’ senses; calm moments of introspection will be split apart with vivid moments of intense theatrical experience. We have intertwined our exploration of Banquo with incredible interviews that we’ve conducted with British war veterans. Their experiences of living with the psychological effects of combat have illuminated Banquo’s story to us with chilling clarity.” @GAnDMtheAtre #DeVILSPeAKStrUe WWW.goatandMonkey.co.uk
Binaural recording… is a method of sound recording which uses two microphones placed on either side of a dummy’s head. The sound is picked up by the microphones at slightly different times, as it does when reaching human ears, and creates the 3D effect of the listener being able to place where the performer or instrument were in the room.
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Titchfield Festival Theatre
Titchfield Festival Theatre invites you to our new heated theatre in the heart of Titchfield to join us for this fantastic programme of plays for our Spring 2016 season!
Our Country’s Good
THE WORLD’S BEST NEW ADVENTURE FILMS
February 10th -20th 2016
CITY HALL, SALISBURY
4 MAR & 14 APR 2016, 7:30PM BOX OFFICE - 01722 434434 FOR MORE DETAILS:
Salisbury.indd 1
Moonfleet 2,4 & 5th March 2016
WWW.BANFF-UK.COM
Oxford
Philharmonic
Orchestra
Wednesday 20 April 2016
O2 Guildhall Southampton, 7.30pm
Tel: 023 8063 2601
Ask Me Another
March 9th-19th 2016 13th - 23rd April 2016 Titchfield Festival Theatre Supporting Green Sustainable Arts
01329 556156
www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.org
73 ST MARGARETS LANE, TITCHFIELD PO14 4BG
20/01/2016 11:16:13
succeed against the odds Boy to Bowman is the debut book by hampshire based author Karen Preston. her studies in social anthropology and english and her experiences of working as a primary school teacher have helped her learn about her target readers. Besides being a tale of magic and fantastical creatures the story is just as its title suggests – it’s the tale of an ordinary boy coming of age in an extraordinary way. He stands up to more than his bullies and triumphs. If there is an importance in the story then this is it – we’re all able to triumph and succeed even against the odds. BOY TO BOWMAN ISbn 9781785542985 (PAPerbACK, £6.99) bY KAren PreStOn IS AVAILAbLe FrOM AMAZOn AnD ALL GOOD bOOK StOreS
At the heart of the story and what puts it squarely in the context of teen literature and fantasy fiction is the power of the story as it takes us to the world of fantasy to answer the questions of today's teens in a world of danger and possibility.
Who am I? What is important and how do I achieve it? What can I make of myself? All real questions asked of Ewan, in the book, in the world of Tremalor but just as important and real in the world our teenagers are living in today. I believe our reluctant hero offers us the opportunity to ask these questions and explore their importance in a delightful and fascinating way. Author Karen says that her book “champions the underdog, and hopes that it shows young people that it is possible to do something with your life, even if you have humble beginnings.”
Tell us a little about ‘Boy to Bowman.’ What inspired you to write Boy to Bowman was originally a bedtime your first book? story for my daughter. The main protagonist, ewan bowman, started life as timothy Archer who escapes to a magical world of fanciful characters. The story starts with the unassuming 15-year-old boy ewan, being bullied by a group of classmates at school and by his mother at home; modest beginnings for any story but sometimes the best stories have the most unassuming of beginnings. besides being a tale of magic and fantastical creatures the story is just as its title suggests - it’s the tale of an ordinary boys coming of age in an extraordinary way. 46
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My daughter who demanded an original story rather than reading from books was the inspiration for ewan. he was born some twenty-fi ve years ago and has grown inside my head ever since. his transformation from ‘put upon’ teen into a hero demanded that his story be told. So, during a period of my life not taken up with work I finally sat down with him to write his story, he has very much been the driving force to get into print. I would like to think that he can inspire teens who read about him. I read my first ‘fantasy novel,’ The Hobbit at eight. The following summer
I read the Lord of the Rings trilogy and have read it every summer holiday since, I believe it’s from here that I have taken the inspiration for an episodic tale of a reluctant hero.
How long did it take to write? One answer is twenty-fi ve years. but truthfully I wrote the book in approximately four months, I started in the summer when the days were long and finished it in the short days of October in 2014.
How did you go about getting your book published? Once I had completed the manuscript I approached a number of publishers with a synopsis and, like all first time
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writers, sat back and hoped. I received a number of rejections, which only served to motivate me to try harder. I sent the synopsis to more publishers and was approached by Austin Macauley who asked initially for the first three chapters and then the complete manuscript, the rest is history. Austin Macauley agreed to represent me so finally ewan can tell his story to others.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background? I’m a 55 year old ex-primary school teacher and contact centre team leader. I trained as a teacher, following a degree in Sociology and Philosophy. With the introduction of the national Curriculum it became necessary to have a degree in a national Curriculum subject so I returned to college and topped up my original bA with english which included a creative writing element, and went on to get a Post Graduate Certificate in education. I’ve always had a love for the written word, as a vociferous and precocious reader and I always knew that one day I would write a book. At the moment I’m not working, as I don’t consider telling stories work, so I’m at last able to tell the story of tremalor. besides writing Boy to Bowman and its prequel/sequel I have spent some time getting to know myself by completing a home study course in psychology and psychotherapy. When I do work it is behind a camera as a photographer at weddings and other celebrations.
What were you like at school? Were you good at English? I was very much a ‘swat’ at school. I loved it from my very first day to my last. I am very lucky to be a good learner and was successful without really having to try very hard, something I only saw as fortunate in my adult years. I loved english, as it was a good excuse to read and write stories and I was lucky to be good at it.
When did you decide to become a writer? I probably decided to be a writer when I was about fifteen but for some reason it took me forty years to get around to it.
Who inspires you to write? Anybody who has taken the time to write a story. I’m very fortunate to have a very good friend who successfully published her first novel some three years ago following a past life regression; she also worked as my proof reader. She has known I have a story in me for ever and her success in publishing finally spurred me on to stop talking about it and get on with it.
Where do your ideas come from? My ideas come from my muse who sits with me every day at my keyboard. When I initially sit to write I have a vague idea of where the story is headed but my muse fills in the detail and provides me with the characters.
What are your ambitions as a writer? truthfully, I would like to be able to make a living as a storyteller. I have completed drafts of two further tales in the series and would love to see them published. I believe the land of tremalor is a place that all children should be aware of so I would love to introduce as many children and adults as possible to it.
Do you have a special time or place to write? I write at my mac in my conservatory, my desk in front of the window. Many a time I have found myself looking out upon our fish pond only to find when I look back at my screen that I have somehow written a thousand words since I last looked.
seventh and his grandfather Leofric was the sixth, both play part in the shaping of ewan in Boy to Bowman. Alys is portrayed in Boy to Bowman as a very sad and depressed character, often giving ewan a hard time. In “Paying dearly” we learn why Alys is as she is; her story and experiences in tremalor are considerably darker than ewan’s. I have also completed the third in the series, where ewan’s grandfather Leo is the sixth bowman. I have a sketchy beginning of the fifth bowman, Ahlmer, ewan’s great grandfather being the fifth bowman.
Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors. I read all the time, and have done since I was a very young child. I love a good Ken Follett, Pillars of the Earth a firm favourite. James Patterson and of course tolkien, still my summer holiday read.
What is your favourite book? Although Lord of the Rings is a firm favourite, my ultimate favourite has to be Mila 18 by Leon Uris. I first read this harrowing story of the Warsaw Ghetto when I was at secondary school and have read it a good few times since. I believe the portrayal of the characters in Mila 18 are some of the most realistic ever written, I have come to love and believe in them as each attempts to overcome their place in adversity. I constantly get something new from each reading.
What is your favourite quote? “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” edmund burke.
What are you working on now? Since having my manuscript accepted by Austin Macauley I’ve written two more tales of tremalor. Boy to Bowman was the first tale, about ewan who was the eighth bowman of tremalor there are therefore seven more. ewan’s mother, Alys, was the
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