Dluxe Leicestershire Issue 18 Autumn

AUTUMN 2014

INSIDE: AUTUMN WINTER TRENDS RETURN OF THE BMW M SERIES ALL HALLOW’S EVE TRAVEL: QUEBEC AND MONTREAL ANTHONY HEAD

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CRUISE www.cruisefashion.com

AW14 COLLECTIONS NOW AVAILABLE AT

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CONTENTS. 06 WISH LIST

What’s on the top of our shopping lists and ringed in our diaries this season.

16 SPOTLIGHT

We chat to the quintissentially english actor Anthony Head

18 FOR HER

There’s something so lovely about the change in seasons... oh yes all of those new clothes!

22 FOR HIM

Real men cleanse, and they moisturise you know. We’ve also got the inside track on the trends.

26 FAMILY

All things Halloween as well as a special focus on getting the very best out of your children’s education.

34 TRAVEL

A little bit of Europe and so much more, Oh Canada you’ve taken our heart.

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36 MOTORS

The iconic BMW M3 has been reinterpreted and spawned a sporty twin...

42 HOME

The heating may be back on but there’s more ways to warm up your interior; we look at what’s happening indoors.

50 DINING 36 34

Soup eating, christmas planning, restaurant opening; it’s been busy in the kitchen.

56 DIARY

Who wore what where and what should be in your diaries this summer.

66 PEOPLE

You’re not losing weight because you don’t want to. We talk to the woman offering a life chnaging approach to weight loss.

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22 16 SIGN UP TO THE DLUXE MAILING LIST TO BE THE FIRST TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE NEWS, COMPETITIONS, OFFERS AND THE LATEST ON WHAT IS HAPPENING AT DLUXE HQ.

info@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk / www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk @dluxemag

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MANAGING DIRECTOR Kevin Urquhart Kevin@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk GROUP EDITOR IN CHIEF Jonathan Fraser Jon@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk MARKETING Caroline Spence Caroline@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk ADVERTISING SALES Lilith Hunt-Sheppard Lilith@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk

HEAD OF FLUFFINESS Teddy Teddy@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk GENERAL DOGSBODY Rupert Rupert@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk

ISSUE 18

AUTUMN 2014 dluxe LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND

AUTUMN 2014

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Letter Editor Autumn ‘14

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from the

It’s an odd feeling, witnessing history being made. It’s a sensation though that I was fortunate to feel this Autumn when, miracle upon miracles, I was one of the lucky few to get tickets to see Kate Bush perform live and on opening night too.

Much has been made by the press of Bush as a reclusive artist; weird yet wonderfully talented, isolated but infinitely inventive. After witnessing her live creation I have to admit that some of this is indeed true. Inventive, definitely. Wonderfully talented? For sure. An isolated recluse? Well the person I saw dancing joyfully on stage, engaging with an adoring audience and evidently loving every second was as far removed from a recluse as you could get! But why has one of the most inspiring UK artists been so misunderstood?

In a world where marketing men rule rather than musicians, Bush has never played the celebrity game, never chased the headline or compromised her artistry purely for commercial gain. It’s a standpoint seldom understood in a ruthless world; to innovate, challenge and create for the sake of creation itself.

It’s a philosophy we have always tried to follow with our magazine.

Everything we recommend we try, everything we feature we choose because we think it’s actually of interest to our readers. Obviously we have commercial considerations but we’re choosy and only support those that we feel deserve our endorsement.

Just as Bush’s desire to offer her vision of what a concert could be has now redefined the genre, our commitment to quality, relevance and honesty will hopefully go towards redefining the expectations of a free, regional magazine.

This issue we are pleased to bring you a focus on trends for Autumn, both for him and for her as well for the home. We fall in love with the quirkiness of Quebec, tear around in the new BMW M3 and look at how you can get the very best out your children’s education.

AUTUMN 2014 ISSUE 18

So pop the kettle on, turn up the thermostat, sit back in your chair and relax with a good read. Alternatively you could try for some last minute concert tickets… you never know your luck!

Until Winter

INSIDE: AUTUMN WINTER TRENDS RETURN OF THE BMW M SERIES ALL HALLOW’S EVE COMPLIMENTARY

Jonathan Fraser Group Editor In Chief

TRAVEL: QUEBEC AND MONTREAL ANTHONY HEAD

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Cover Image courtesy of GANT

Disclaimer: Copyright 69 & dluxe LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements. The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. © 69 Magazine Ltd 2014

FOR EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CONTACT: DLUXE LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND LCB DEPOT 31 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RE TEL: 0116 262 0728 www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

info@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk / www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk @dluxemag

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WISHLIST curve Announce Season with added bite Curve confirmed its reputation for presenting ground-breaking and award winning dance with the announcement of Mark Bruce Company’s critically acclaimed, award winning production of Dracula from 21-22 October.

Bram Stoker’s haunting, erotic tale is brought to life in this heart wrenching and magical piece of dance theatre, starring Jonathan Goddard as the infamous Vampire Count whose sinister and ruthless ambitions challenge the very fabric of Victorian society. Dracula won the prestigious South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance in 2014 and features an eclectic mix of music from Bach and Mozart to Ligetti and Fred Frith.

Curve Theatre, 60 Rutland St, Leicester Tel. 0116 242 3560 www.curveonline.co.uk

WIN!

We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away for this fantastic show.

For your chance to win visit www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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A U T U M N ES S ENTI AL

and anti-bacterial fabric is essential for enthusiastic cyclists.

Ideal for commuting or socialising, cycling brand Vélobici’s stylish new Lombardy High Buttoned Cardigan is a wardrobe essential for autumn winter. A classic, retro style, the cardigan is knitted in one piece in England from Superfine Merino wool. The classic creation is free of internal seams providing exceptional efficiency in tackling unnecessary chaffing or discomfort.

It’s also fully breathable, insulating

The timeless cut also features Vélobici logo buttons, reinforced thumbhole sleeve cuffs and a modern rear buttoned Union Flag pocket.

Priced at £135.00, the Vélobici Lombardy High Buttoned Cardigan is available from Velobici, 19 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2BE.

REMEMBER YOUR PETS ON THE 5th NOVEMBER Fireworks commonly cause stress and worry to pets, as well as to their owners trying to ensure the well being of them. So here’s our guide to help you and your furry friends prepare for firework festivities. Your pet is likely to feel safer if you’re around so don’t leave them alone.

• It’s important to keep pets inside once the fireworks start, so plan ahead and make sure any exercise and toileting is out of the way in good time.

• Allow enough time for natural products available from your vets such as DAP sprays, diffusers and collars, or medicines, to take effect (you may need to plan for this weeks in advance).

• Keep your garden gate and doors shut, and make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing their collar and tag just in case they bolt in fear and escape.

• Don’t over fuss, this may indicate to them that there is indeed something to be frightened of.

• Some pets find the gentle pressure from specially designed products such as Thunder shirts, coats or jumpers has a calming effect.

• Close the curtains and turn up the TV or radio nice and loud.

• Make sure there’s a cosy place where your pet can hide and feel secure. Often dogs will appreciate a den created under the kitchen table, a blanket on the floor behind the sofa or if they were crate trained, their crate.

• Distract pets with their favourite game, toy or a treat just before and during fireworks • It’s important not to punish any signs of stress or fear and remember to stay calm yourself.

Unfortunately firework parties are not confined to one evening and depending on your location it can be an ongoing problem at this time of year.

If you would like any advice, then contact Best Friends Vets, 29 Glenfield Road East, Leicester. LE3 5QW Tel. 0116 251 7677

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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Dynasty Death and Discovery Using great storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology, Leicester’s brand new King Richard III Visitor Centre tells the fascinating and moving story of the king’s life and death, and reveals one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told.

This unique story is told in three parts: ‘Dynasty’ tells the much debated story of the king’s life and times in a medieval England, racked by decades of fighting in the Wars Of The Roses. Visitors will be able to discover the story behind Richard’s rise to power as the last king from the great house of Plantagenet and the reforms he made during his short reign.

‘Death’ gives visitors the chance to learn about the Battle of Bosworth and how betrayal led to the king being cut down in the thick of battle while defending his crown and his return to Leicester.

‘Discovery’ unearths the astonishing story of the archaeology, science and analysis carried out to discover and identify the long-lost remains of the king.

Visitors will be able to see both a partial and the full facial reconstruction and there is also a replica of Richard’s skeleton, printed using 3D technology. The skeleton clearly shows his curved spine, as well as his battle injuries, including the fatal blow.

Visitors return to the ground floor to complete their experience with a visit to the site of King Richard’s burial, preserved in a quiet, respectful setting and with a contemplative atmosphere, fitting for the last resting place of a slain warrior and anointed monarch.

For more information visit: www.kriii.com

BARBOUR TIME Barbour, the iconic British brand, launches their first watch collection this autumn with prices starting at just £175.

Find out more at www.WatchShop.com.

CARVEN L’EAU DE TOILETTE BODY LINE Inspired by the simplicity, freshness and captivating charm, Carven L’Eau de Toilette is the newest fragrance from the luxury Parisian fashion house.

A combination of fresh yet musky floral notes, the scent is available in an elegant complimentary range, boxed in the spirit of the fragrance, and featuring a Light Body Cream, Deodorant or Bath and Shower Gel. Musky notes have been interlaced with Freesia and elegant citrus notes of Italian Lemon and Orange. These set the tone for the delicious fragrance before yielding to a charming duet of Sweet Pea and Peony.

The range starts at just £20 for the Light Bath and Shower Gel and is available at House of Fraser. www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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& Fashion THE WORLD’S LARGEST

BEAUTY

The Ultimate Fashion Experience

Discover independent labels, hair & beauty demonstrations, catwalk shows, celebrities and next generation talent.

#clothesshowlive www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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Bose Quality at an Affordable Price?

Look no further!

We all know you get what you pay for but sometimes people would love to buy a high end sound product but just cannot stretch to the budget. Good news for music and TV fans, now Bose® has introduced a soundbar that almost anyone can afford.

The new product is a Bose® Cinemate® 15 system and at £549.95 it really is a great investment and gives value for money.

Based on the previous hugely popular Bose® Cinemate® GS this product features a single compact sound bar centre speaker and a powerful hideaway Acoustimass®bass unit (sub-woofer). This product will suit people with a TV on a cabinet as the Bose® soundbar locates in front of the TV and the bass unit sits alongside.

PropAganda Swing.

Set up is very simple. One cable runs from the TV to the Bose® Cinemate® 15 system for sound while a second links the bar to the bass. A simple remote control adjusts the volume and all of a sudden your TV sounds thrilling with crystal clear dialogue and deep rich bass. The Bose remote will also control your TV and Set Top box (eg Sky Box).

Belgrade Theatre’s Artistic Director Hamish Glen directs a brand new co-production of Peter Arnott’s gripping WWII drama Propaganda Swing running at the Belgrade Theatre from Sat 13 – Sat 27 September 2014. This brand new co-production with Nottingham Playhouse throws a spotlight on the gripping true story of how some of the greatest German jazz musicians of the day entered into a Faustian pact with the Fascists in order to continue playing their beloved music, even if it meant seeing it corrupted for evil.

For more information visit Around Sound in Francis Street, Stoneygate Shops, Leicester LE2 2BE.

GREAT INTRODUCTORY OFFER! Free Apple music player for first 5 customers who purchase a Bose® Cinemate® 15 system and mention Dluxe magazine.

Find out more at www.belgrade.co.uk

ONE TO WATCH

Autumn Winter brings with it an excuse to layer and dress up so we are very excited to see Leicestershire based womenswear designer, Helen Howe Atelier, launch her range of luxury tweed coats and capes alongside dresses and accessories. They’re all handmade in England using a range of ethical, organic, British, sustainable and vintage fabrics with coats and capes cut in the finest Scottish tweed and lined in beautiful Liberty and William Morris prints.

All garments are available to custom order and are lovingly finished to the highest couture standard with delicate handstitching and French seaming. Coat shown -Josie coat £395 to order, Cape shown - Jesse Cape £275 to order.

Available to order direct from www.helenhoweatelier.co and www.brilliantlybritish.com www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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CASUAL DINING and DRINKING OPENING FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER 62-68 Highcross Street, Leicester Sun - Weds: 9am - 11.30pm Thurs - Sat: 9am - 1am Food served from 9am - 10pm

leicester @cosyclub.co.uk www.cosyclub.co.uk www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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BARRIE STEPHEN; THE MAN BEHIND THE BRAND With the ethos of ‘making you, and your hair, look fabulous’, Barrie Stephen has transformed a former butcher’s shop in Anstey into an empire in 18 short years.

Now, with four salons across Leicestershire and a reputation for offering outstanding levels of customer service and superior style, his commitment to creativity, class and ‘never compromising on standards’ has never faltered. It is no surprise that his talents are constantly being recognised, not only by his customers who look and feel amazing, but by industry professionals who continuously nominate the salons for numerous awards. Dluxe catches up with him to uncover the secret behind his long standing success and how he manages to stay on top in such a competitive market.

Barrie’s success story began with his grandmother and a Saturday job at the age of fifteen. ‘I took my earnings to my lovely nan who kept them safe for me in a money tin so that one day I could open my own business. I used to dream about it! I used to experiment on her hair because she was the only one who loved me enough to let me practice!’ Thanks to her and his own perseverance, he saved enough to open his own salon.

Before long, his skills were so highly in demand that the small salon just wasn’t cutting it, and this saw the first expansion of the Barrie Stephen salons.

‘We’re never complacent! You just can’t be in this industry’

In such a competitive market, Barrie has succeeded in making a brand that is synonymous with excellence and quality and his salons have the reputation of being a cut above the rest. They have in fact just undergone a £300,000 refurbishment, ‘We’re never complacent! You just can’t be in this industry. We’re always improving our services and making sure we offer the best hairdressing in the most beautiful salons in Leicestershire. Training is key in creating a culture of excellence where everyone is producing quality hairdressing. I live and breathe the brand’. This culture and passion is not only evident from the way he speaks about his business, but by his team of over fifty talented, loyal and dedicated staff. ‘The most important factor is investment in my team and their education programme; this ensures their technical skills and inspiration is continuously increasing’. This investment has ensured the same high standard is present in all his salons, even when he cannot be. ‘I can be in London for an awards ceremony one day, the next day visiting salons to check in or taking the pop up salon to an event’. His well-deserved recognition has shown to many how rewarding and exciting a career in hairdressing can be.

In his partner, Joachim Zilliken, Barrie has found the perfect balance of creativity, talent and business savvy. This, along with their commitment to the community (Barrie has recently been appointed as an ambassador for the RSPCA, a position he has risen to with fervour by organising fundraising events) means they are a force to be reckoned with. Despite having a number of national award nominations under his belt, Barrie credits his proudest moment as being honoured by his local community by winning the Leicestershire Entrepreneur of the Year award.

With all these achievements and having already taken Leicestershire by storm, what’s next for the brand? ‘This year has been about moving the salons to another level by investing over a quarter of a million pounds and the next 12 months will see the birth and grand launch of Barrie Stephen Hair number five.’ With this next expansion, it is clear that the Barrie Stephen experience will be the best that Leicestershire hairdressing has to offer.

Barrie Stephen Hair has four salons across Leicestershire. Tel. 0844 445 2888 for an appointment or visit www.barriestephenhair.co.uk www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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King Richard III Visitor Centre Book your tickets online now

www.kriii.com 4a St Martins, Leicester LE1 5BD /KRIIICentre

@KRIIICentre

DESIGNER FOOTWEAR COMES TO STONEYGATE with kiki & fleur

Kiki & Fleur is the latest independent addition to become part of the Stoneygate shopping experience. Hema Patel-Bounds and Michelle Taylor opened up the new store in order to provide Leicestershire with quality footwear and accessories that perfectly complements the quality clothing and fashion that is already being sold in this area.

‘We really hope that there will be styles that women will not have had the opportunity to try and compare elsewhere” says Michelle who many will know as the owner of Abiti, the designer ladies wear specialists on Francis Street.“We are of the firm belief that you don’t know how it looks, and if it suits, unless you have the opportunity to try it on!” adds Hema.

Both Hema and Michelle have always been involved in fashion and are passionate about offering high quality footwear without the designer prices so that every customer who walks through their door can walk away in style. It’s about discovering something new in a warm, bright, relaxed environment, that’s why when selecting ranges for the new store it was quality and originality that was at the forefront of the duo’s minds with footwear that’s distinctive enough to ensure you can’t wait to try it on! “I love to try on everything” laughs Hema, “We really wanted people to be able to discover something exciting on their doorstep” adds Michelle and with ranges from the likes of Sam Edelman, Ash, Elia B, Vic Matie, Toni Pons, Ilse Jacobsen, Alpe & Emu alongside special edition and limited pieces, shoppers are sure to find their sole mate here....

Kiki & Fleur is located at 13 Francis Street, Leicester. Tel. 0116 270 5260 www.kikiandfleur.co.uk www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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Smooth

Mover

If Summer left your ‘do’ dry and the high winds of autumn have whipped your crowning glory into a frizzy flop then the Color Wow One Minute Transformation (120ml, £16.50) should be the at the top of your haircare shopping list.

Wax and silicon free, this product contains a lightweight blend of humectants that penetrates frizzy, brittle hair to replace natural oils lost during chemical treatments, blow-drying and daily stress. Simply apply to dry hair to transform damaged-looking, distressed hair into liquidysmooth, silky hair with healthy-looking shine.

Color Wow is available at Space NK, 12 Pelham Street, Nottingham, NG1 2EG. Tel 0115 950 6715

CLOTHES SHOW LIVE LAUNCHES PLATINUM PACKAGE TICKETS It’s the hottest ticket in the fashion calendar, Clothes Show Live in association with ALCATEL ONETOUCH returns to the NEC Birmingham from 5-9 December! With over 500 leading fashion and beauty brands, non-stop catwalk shows, makeovers, manicures, beauty demonstrations and style advice, it’s the ultimate girls day out. On top of all this, Clothes Show Live are offering visitors new and exclusive features as part of their Platinum Package this year…try these benefits on for size…

SAKS PLATINUM PAMPER LOUNGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH COSMOPOLITAN Book Platinum tickets and you can get exclusive access to the Saks Platinum Pamper Lounge, in association with Cosmopolitan. Treat yourself to a mini manicure or add some volume to your locks with a luxury blow dry from a top salon stylist.

DESIGNER OUTLET Exclusive to Platinum Ticket holders, the Designer Outlet will allow you to shop from the most sought-after labels in fashion at discounted

prices. Among the brands, My-Wardrobe will also be bringing their finest designer collections. So, whether you’re looking for those investment pieces or your wardrobe staples, this area will have it all, and it is certainly an opportunity not to be missed!

On top of all of these fabulous new features, Platinum Ticket holders will also receive the best seats in the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre for a 45 minute explosive performance of models and dancers, all set to the backdrop of the ‘Big Apple’. The show will be hosted by TV favourites and rounded off with this year’s top music acts!

Plus, you’ll also enjoy Fast-track entry into the Fashion Theatre, Show guide, Souvenir show bag plus Show band with exclusive at-show discounts. What are you waiting for?

If you have already purchased a standard ticket then don’t panic, you can upgrade by calling 0844 581 1256.

For more information or to book your tickets go to www.clothesshowlive.com

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Was yours a holiday romance or Heartbreak Hotel?

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that January is the busiest month for divorce applications. After all, Christmas can strain the happiest of marriages. But did you know that annual holidays can be just as bad?

Marriages can linger on because you manage to lead separate lives the rest of the year, but the enforced proximity of two weeks together, 24 hours a day, can signal the demise of an ailing relationship.

Heading our family team is Emma Mitchell, Leicestershire’s Lawyer of the Year 2014 and our professional experience shows that the best outcome is often achieved through negotiation.

Many couples hold things together over the school holidays for the sake of the children but decide to divorce when they go back to school.

That’s why Emery Johnson Astills provides specialist family lawyers trained in Collaborative Law to help reach a sensible and practical solution that you both agree is ‘fair’.

ow the second September is n s rce application o iv d r fo th n o busiest m

So, if you spent your holiday counting the days until you came home, avoiding intimacy, rowing, ignoring eachother or worse, it might be time to take positive steps to a happier future.

To help you explore your options Emery Johnson Astills offer simple, straightforward advice in a friendly, supportive environment.

As experts in this field, we know only too well that not all ex-partners will be reasonable. So, if the going gets tough, we can provide powerful advocacy to fight your corner.

And we don’t just provide legal representation…

We take a holistic approach to divorce because we can understand how a relationship breakdown can impact unexpected areas of your life, including self-confidence.

Take your first step to a happy ending and call 0116 255 48 55

So if this holiday was the last straw, contact us for some informal, confidential advice and genuine personal support.

Emery Johnson Astills

Solicitors and Specialist in Family Law

Take your first step to a happy ending and call

0116 255 48 55

www.johnsonastills.com 3-5 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 7AD and Woodgate Chambers, 70 Woodgate, Loughborough, LE11 2TZ

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dluxe spotlight

AHEAD OF THE GAME With his designer stubble, razor-sharp style and pearly-white grin, Anthony Head’s outward appearance belies his 60 years, but as far as new projects go, this is an actor who feels as youthful as ever.

First impressions of Anthony Head are that of the quintessential English gent, not far removed from Head’s fictional – and much lauded role as tea quaffing librarian Giles, in cult TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Head and his partner Sarah bought a farm near Bath six years ago with some money left to them by “a dear friend of Sarah’s.” They now have twelve horses, a few donkeys and Sarah teaches, rides and sees clients at the farm.

Behind the scenes, Head’s Englishness spills over into his undying passion for bucolic Somerset, a place he calls “one of the most beautiful counties in England.”

“On the way back from the airport, the driver said very sweetly ‘Well, Mr. Head, are you going to spend a couple of days putting your feet up and getting over the jetlag?’ I went and did quite the opposite! That afternoon I was down the stables mucking out the donkeys, because actors do need to be grounded.

We need to shift the odd pile of poo just to remember who we are.”

“When I used to come back from LA, we’d be driving somewhere along the A46 and there’d be a point when I’d just wind down my window and breathe in the Somerset air,” he gushes. “It just loves all weathers and there’s something about the Mendips – the rolling Mendips – that is so stunning. There’s a real peace.” www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Anthony mucks in too though. In fact, on returning home from San Diego’s Comic-Con just last month - which he quips was “insane” - the first thing he did was to tend to the donkeys’ needs.

Born in Camden Town in 1954, Anthony Stewart Head was educated at Sunbury Grammar School and London Academy

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of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), before earning his first acting role in the musical Godspell. He carved out his early notoriety from appearing in a series of twelve Nescafe commercials, before treading the boards in various stage shows and finally landing his famed role as Giles in Buffy back in 1997.

An industrious actor who clearly lacks the propensity to sit still, Head’s career is glittered with myriad small screen and big screen gigs, from playing Geoffrey Howe in 2011’s Margaret Thatcher biopic Iron Lady, to Will’s dad in The Inbetweeners, King Uther Pendragon in Merlin and the PM in Little Britain.

As a multi-faceted actor, he is forever turning his hand to new roles but for this latest one took on CGI, providing the voice for avaricious, egomaniacal footballer Flash in Juan Jose Campanella’s family football parable The Unbeatables. These days, his roles seem to be taking a darker turn…

“I seem to be playing a few baddies at the moment!” he laughs. “What I normally try and do to enrich the role is think about why he’s bad, what makes him bad, what drives him. Because no one really gets out of bed and thinks ‘I’m going to be bad today’, it’s something that people become and there’s a reason they become that way; nothing is that two-dimensional or that black and white.

“You sort of look at people in middle age and think ‘what on earth got you to this point? How did you become, so angry, or so embittered?” www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Quite often it’s something very small, right at an early age, that just pushed them. It may have started off as a little acorn but it’s grown into this massive oak tree. So that’s me playing bad people. And I enjoy it, because I like the challenge of making them interesting.”

So would he ever give it all up for a life toiling the land?

“The thing about acting is that I’m extremely fortunate to do what I do but I do it because I’m passionate about it,” says Head, with a glint in his eye.

“I just think that if it was missing from my life, I might get a little boring…”

The Unbeatables is in cinemas now.f

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1.Range from House of Fraser 2. Victoria Beckham Bright Blue Leather Clutch £495 3. Diana Von Furstenberg Blue Ombré Leather Tote £329, 4. Ted Baker Madigan Draped Front Coat, £249 John Lewis, 5. Principles trouser by Ben De Lisi £42 Debenhams, 6. Eddie Borgo Rose Gold Tone Drop Earrings £185, 7. Mary Portas Digital Print Trousers £59, Debenhams, 8. COLLECTION by John Lewis Wrap Front Blouse £45, 9. Biba Navy ‘Austin’ Frame Bag £129.

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Winter blues

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Deep electric, royal and navy make a statement when worn with a monochrome palette. Mix it up with oversized accessories or go for bold with a blue accessory.

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POST-SUMMER RESCUE

Once the tan fades it’s time to call in the hardest working beauty products to restore, refresh and rejuvenate. We asked beauty expert HELEN GOUGH, to reveal this season's big hitting beauty must-haves.

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Your summer holiday may well have left you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, but chances are that gorgeous summer glow hides a multitude of sins. Too much sun, sea and soaring temperartures can have quite a drying effect on our skin and hair. So once the colour starts to fade, it’s time to pull out beauty’s big guns to tackle those post-holiday issues from top to toe. Here’s my pick of the best lotions and potions for the perfect post-holiday pamper.

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1: Benefit Dr Feelgood complexion balm, £23.50.2: Benefit Instant Comeback serum, £36. 3: Bliss Daily Detox Facial Toner, £21. 4: Dr Pawpaw original balm, £6.95. 5: Electric Hairdressing Intensive Rescue Kit, £60. 6: Elemis Advanced Brightening serum, £59. 7: Elemis Cellutox Active Body Oil, £33. 8: Ole Henriksen Ultimate Eye gel, £39. 9: Elemis Soothing Eye Rescue, £15. 10: Eve Lom Rescue Mask, £55. 11: Santaverde Xingu high antioxidant cream, £78. 12: SHOW Beauty thermal protect, £35.

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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JELLYROLLS

blouse, £82 Jellyrolls

LUXURY LADIESWEAR

The children’s designerwear favourite in Leicester City Centre has opened up all new ladieswear store in the heart of the city’s lanes, Loseby Lane.

Owner Hayley has handpicked some amazing new collections for the boutique; many of which are exclusive to Jellyrolls in Leicester. There is also a gorgeous selection of accesories to choose from, perfect for a gift for a friend or one for yourself - after all you’re worth it!

Jellyrolls Ladieswear is at 29 Loseby Lane, Leicester.

Tel 0116 319 4747

VISIT OUR NEW LUXURY LADIES BOUTIQUE ON LOSEBY LANE. A HAND PICKED COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING JEWELLERY, HANDBAGS AND DISTINCTIVE CLOTHING COLLECTIONS AWAIT YOU.

29 LOSEBY LANE, LEICESTER. 0116 3194747

STYLE ADVICE: Finding Your Perfect Winter Coat As we reluctantly bid farewell to the summer and the winter chill creeps in, many of us are realising that one staple in our wardrobe is in desperate need of a revamp: the winter coat. With so many different styles and the pressure of being seen in it every cold morning, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Carol Askew, owner of Labels Designer Dress agency, does the hard work for us and gives us her tips for finding your perfect outerwear partner.

Labels stocks pre-worn clothing from designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Nicole Farhi, Joseph and Christian Louboutin, so customers can purchase clothing from brands you could only dream of without compromising on quality. This is extremely important when looking for a coat, Carol explains. “As you’ll be wearing it day in, day out, you want it to be warm and durable enough to last all season, as well as being stylish. Try to pick out wool, cashmere and if you’re looking to be a bit daring, leather”. Petites should be careful when choosing longer length jackets: duster coats might be in style but are rarely flattering on those of you with smaller frames. When it comes to colour, opt for classic colours such as black, navy and grey, and for a bit more colour but still keeping it classic, mulberry is massive this season.

You would be wise to follow her advice: successfully dressing the fashion-forward women of Leicestershire for eight years, Carol clearly knows a thing or two about how to dress impeccably. Labels stocks the very best in women’s coats, clothing, shoes and accessories, and Carol can be found giving a personal shopping experience to every customer in the store based on Clarendon Park Road.

Labels Designer Dress Agency is @ 157 Clarendon Park Road, Leicester, LE2 3AJ. Tel 0116 270 1627 www.labelsda.com or look up Labels Designer Dress Agency on Facebook.

Keen Shearling Coat £180

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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JellyRolls opens on Loseby lane

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MAN THE TREND EDIT Time for a new winter wardrobe? Make sure you fill your shelves with the key looks for autumn winter 2014.

Image: F&F

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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Check Mate

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Oversized or dogtooth, checks are everywhere this autumn.

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AT T E N T I O N !

Embrace your inner cadet this season with khaki, camel tones and signature leather boots.

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12 1. Orange striped baseball cardigan £157, Checked shirt £93, Merino wool poloneck £109 Edenpark, 2. Newlook Grey tartan T shirt £12.99, 3. Tartan gloves £59 Barbour, 4. Blue Harbour checked coat £159 Marks and Spencer, 5. Blue check scarf £50 Gant, 6. Tartan silk and wool jumper £295 Equipment Roland, 7. Custom Fit Long Sleeve Check Shirt £44.99 Ralph Lauren , 8. Camo print shirt £105 Michael Kors, 9. Timber Converse £69.99, 10. PRPS Rambler green straight mid-rise straight leg jeans £670, 11. On duty military shirt £54.99 Superdry, 12. Tidy Black Leather boots £95 Frank Wright, 13. Olive Quilted gillet £85 Howick @ House of Fraser, 14. Olive waxed holdall £220 Barbour. www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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Mono

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Everything isn’t always black and whiteapart from this season! From wool cardigans to graphic print tops, you can add a splash of colour with an accessory or two.

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GROOMING: A FRESH START

Over the summer your face accumulates a build-up of grime from suntan oil and sweat, so investing in a great cleanser is must. JOHN PAUL MCGUIRK, gets deep down and dirty to reveal his essentials for squeaky clean skin.

1: Elemis deep cleanse facial wash, £19.50: This fast-

acting gel contains spearmint, peppermint and oak bark to remove grime and leave your skin feeling fully refreshed and cleansed.

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2: Foreo LUNA

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Premium for men, £219: Love your gadgets? Then this beauty’s for you! This high-tech device drives out daily dirt and instantly refreshes the look and feel of the skin. The reverse side channels lower-frequency pulsations that reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. Win win!

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3: Ole Henriksen grease relief face tonic, £23.50: Prevent breakouts and refine pores with this extra strength toner.

Its active ingredients help to disinfect and renew the skin, while calming and balancing it.

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1. Black and white tie £9 ASOS, 2. G-Shock Solar powered watch £130, 3. Puffa baseball jacket £120 Converse, 4. A Question of Dogs Us Tee £45 Cruise Fashion, 5. White and navy striped beanie £4.99 New Look, 6. Rave Print Bomber £110 Farah Vintage at House of Fraser, 7. Boss Green Akeen Contrast Panel Trainers £129 Cruise Fashion, 8. Black and white checked shirt £45 French Connection, 9. Vivienne Westwood Man Button Polo Shirt £110 Cruise Fashion

4: The Gentle-Man pomegranate face wash, £15: Using naturally-derived foaming agents, the pomegranate extract cleanses, add moisture and unclogs the pores. It’s suitable for all skin types, especially those with dry skin.

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE HELP MAKE LEICESTER MORE BEAUTIFUL

Use this attractive finance The Range Rover Evoque is the lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever. Its Terrain Response® gives you confidence in demanding driving conditions.

Adaptive Dynamics and MagneRide™ deliver a more dynamic ride. And with its striking body, you’re bound to be turning heads.

From only £399 a month plus deposit and final payment – please see details below.

Evoque 2.2 SD4 Dynamic 5dr Auto Representative example On the Road Price Finance Deposit Allowance

Call us today to book a test drive.

Customer Deposit Total Amount of Credit Purchase Fee (included in final payments)

Sturgess Land Rover 445 Narborough Road, Leicester LE3 2RE 0116 416 1437

36 Monthly Payments

£41,105.00 £1,500.00 £8,665.00 £30,940.00 £10.00 £399.00

Final Payment

£22,098.00

Total Amount Payable

£46,627.00

Duration of Agreement

37 months

Representative APR Interest Rate (Fixed) %

6.9% APR 6.72%

sturgess.leicester.landrover.co.uk Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Range Rover Evoque range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 27.4 (10.3) – 47.9 (5.9) Extra Urban 44.1 (6.4) – 62.8 (4.5) Combined 36.2 (7.8) – 57.6 (4.9) CO2 Emissions 181 – 129 g/km.

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only. Representative 6.9% APR available on new Land Rover Evoque models registered between 1st July and 30th September 2014 at participating dealers only. Finance Deposit Allowance only available on Prestige, Dynamic, Autobiography and SE models. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to Land Rover Financial Services. With Land Rover Freedom Personal Contract Purchase you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) return the vehicle and not pay the Final Payment. If the vehicle is in good condition and has not exceeded the allowed mileage you will have nothing further to pay . If the vehicle has exceeded the allowed mileage a charge for excess mileage will apply - in this example 14p per mile for any excess mileage up to 4,999 miles and 28p per mile for any excess mileage exceeding 4,999 miles. (2) pay the Final Payment to own the vehicle or (3) part exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status. Representative example is based upon an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Finance is subject to status and only available to applicants aged 18 and over resident in Mainland UK and N.Ireland. Indemnities may be required. Finance is provided by Black Horse Limited trading as Land Rover Financial Services, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH.

Hap

FAMILY The one time of the year you actually want to look like an old witch, the Halloween traditions of pumpkin carving, costumes and candy have a much more sinister origin. Rae Stephenson unearths some haunting truths about Halloween and offers some advice on creating a spooktacular night!

Starting out as a Celtic Pagan Festival originally named ‘All Hallows Evening’ Halloween signified the end of harvest for the celtic people and the official start of winter.

Not too scary you may say. Well the spooky part of the actually comes from the belief that on this day, the boundaries between the living world and the afterlife crossed, meaning the dead were free to wander the earth!

In order to soothe these souls, people wore masks and disguises, and so the tradition of wearing costumes began. The tradition for ‘Trick or Treating’ came some years later from the rather morbid practice of ‘souling’. In the 1800s children and the poor would go door to door offering to pray for the dead in exchange for food or money and thus began the tradition. It’s unlikely they received Haribos though.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! PA R T Y T I M E !

Whether you’re throwing a fangtastic family party, or just looking for activities to keep the kids entertained this Halloween, it pays to be prepared.

With the high street seemingly falling into a fright night frenzy each October, the thought of trawling through the shops for the best Halloween treats and tricks is enough to make anyone scream…

Luckily, dluxe is here with our very own treat for you: our selection of terrible treats for a scarily good Halloween.

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1. dotcomgiftshop Vintage Party Toffee Apple Set £5.95, 2. Witches Outfit from a range at Sainsburys, 3. Marks & SpencerLarge Chalkboard Sign £6.00, 4. sainsburyshome Happy Halloween Felt Garland £3, 5. Hand Candle £5 Wilko, 6. Tableware from a selection at Poundland, 7 Jester Outfit from a range at Sainsburys, 8. hotelchocolat Yumpkin £5, 9. Pumpkin tinsel £1, Wilko.

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Friday Night Special Join Leicester’s most haunted building, The Guildhall, for a special and spine-tingling overnight vigil and paranormal investigation. A building that has a widespread reputation of ghostly goings on- it’s your turn to see if the spooky rumours are true, after all.

Tickets are £49, and available to purchase via Paypal at www.ashpsychicparanormal.co.uk

Halloween Ghost Hunt This frightly night will take place at a top-secret location, nestled in the Charnwood district of North Leicestershire. As a building that has never before been publicly investigated, attendees are in for a real trick or treat.

Tickets are £30, and the mystery manor location will be revealed closer to the event. Pay online at www.hauntedevenings.co.uk

Spooky Science The National Space Centre is fully embracing the spirit of Halloween. Between October 18- November 2, and 10am-5pm, kids can discover powerful potions, create their own ghoulish green slime and even learn about the frightening side to space in a one of a kind ‘Planescarium Show.’

Advanced tickets (£3) are required for certain events.

Visit www.spacecentre.co.uk for a full list of activities.

Steam and Scream Don your best costume and hop on board the ghost train from Loughborough or Rothley for a bone-rattling, familyfriendly journey. Whilst in motion, creepy characters will be lurking about in all sorts of corners and plenty of thrilling activities will be available- including games in the witch’s grotto, freaky face painting and more.

Trains leave every hour from 5-8pm at Loughborough, and 5.22-8:22pm at Rothley. Ticket prices are to be confirmed.

Visit www.gcrailway.co.uk to find out more.

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GHOSTLY GOINGS ON & HAUNTED HAPPENINGS

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dluxe Magazine Education Special

WHY MAKING THE GRADE IS

NO LONGER CHILD’S PLAY With more young people competing for fewer university places, and with the average university student paying up to £9,000 a year in tuition fees, Steve Spriggs, Managing Director of William Clarence Education elite tutors looks at why making the grade has become a serious business.

So how do you give your child the opportunities to make the most of their education and achieve their dreams, whilst still providing them with a balanced and healthy upbringing? The first task is to have a plan – it is no longer enough to wait until young people develop or make up their minds, education choices are too time sensitive and need preparation in order for them to succeed. So treat educating your child as you would any other task – have a plan that you can follow through. Remember, you can always change it as circumstances alter.

As a minimum, know what sort of schools you will be looking at (public or state, co-ed or single sex), where they are, how much they cost, day or boarder. Then ascertain what you need to do in order to get in.

your child’s aptitudes, personality and natural abilities – for example, why send a sporty child to a school for academics, choose one with a record of athletic achievement.

For a growing number of families, homeschooling is the solution of choice, especially for those who are based in a number of countries or who have relocated for work. This is where one or a team of tutors is placed into the home for a set timeframe to mirror the academic process. Choosing homeschooling as an option for a month to a year can provide a child with the 1-2-1 attention they need to adapt to a new place, culture and language. Pressures on these children can be different from those based permanently in one home – they can often need to socialise and interact in adult circles much younger than their peers. A homeschooling programme can reflect this with time factored in for etiquette and social experiences such as visiting art galleries, sports competitions and fine restaurants. This can provide young people with a mix of skills and experiences that can accelerate their education attainment.

HOW DO YOU GIVE YOUR CHILD THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR EDUCATION AND ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS, WHILST STILL PROVIDING THEM William Clarence Education, we feel that the key WITH A BALANCED AND HEALTHY At to your child achieving their academic potential is matching the student with a suitable tutor – we UPBRINGING?

This is where consulting a professional tuition organisation can help - whether you are looking at Common Entrance, 11+, accessing a chosen school or even university – talking to educational experts who have experience in those areas can massively increase your child’s chances of achieving their goals. With coaching for entrance exams, guidance for completing forms (including UCAS) and targeted tuition to ensure exam success, working alongside a tuition company can work wonders. Not only that, organisations like William Clarence Education can provide advice on how to choose a school based on

have over 60 tutors nationwide who are placed according to skill set, whether that be a need to speak Russian or a specialism in Mathematics. All rigorously tested and recruited individually, our tutors provide the best possible service regardless of educational stage or subject.

For more information visit www.williamclarence.com, email info@williamclarence.com or call 0207 412 8988

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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Students from Our Lady’s Convent School, Loughborough, were joined by parents and staff in celebrating another year of excellent A level results. Mrs Hawley, Headteacher, said: “I am so proud of all our students, they have been dedicated to their studies and their results speak for themselves; they achieved a 100% pass rate with 89% achieving A* to C. Congratulations to them all.”

Students leave the School at the end of Year 13 as well educated and well balanced young ladies, ready for the challenges of the next stage of their education and we wish them all well. The School’s holistic approach to educating the whole person enables each student to move forward in confidence, to shine and take their place in society.

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A Level Exam Result Excitement

Our Lady’s Convent School

Open Evening

Student Lucy Bedford was delighted with her results (A*/ A/B) and is now looking forward to studying Fashion Management at Nottingham Trent University. Her mother said, “We are really pleased and so proud of the results Lucy has achieved, it brings a tear to the eye!”

Tuesday 30th September, 6pm to 8pm

To understand what makes this School special drop in to their next open evening on 30th September, 6pm to 8pm or open morning on 11th November, 9.30am to 12 noon, and meet students, staff and the Headteacher. Alternatively you can arrange a tour at a time to suit you, ring now to book. For more information please ring the Admissions team on 01509 638280 or visit our website www.olcs.leics.sch.uk.

A5 Quarterly01509 263901 Quarter PageWeb: www.OLCS.leics.sch.uk Education and Fulfilment March – June – Sept – Dec 2014 through Challenge and Support Member of ISA

Nearly half of working mums would consider sharing parental leave

• Independent Day School • Co-educational Nursery and Primary School (3–11) • Girls only Senior and Sixth Form (11-18) • Catholic School welcoming all denominations • Talk to our Headteacher, staff and students • Personalised guided tours, no appointment necessary • See at first hand the enriched curriculum we offer • Central Loughborough location (off Park Road)

For more information or to request a prospectus please contact Our Lady’s Convent School, Gray Street, Loughborough LE11 2DZ

dluxe Magazine Tel:

Best Friends Vets 29 Glenfield Rd East, Leicester, LE3 5QW

T: 0116 251 7677 E: leicester@bestfriendsgroup.com Open: 9am – 7pm Weekdays Some 44% of working mums would consider sharing their maternity leave with their partner, according to Workingmums.co.uk annual survey.

9am – 3pm Saturdays

The number of women who would consider sharing their leave when the new shared parenting legislation comes in next year has risen since last year and may in part be due to a rising number of women who are the main breadwinners in their families.

The survey of over 2,390 working parents covers a wide variety of issues, from childcare and flexible working to finances, discrimination and self employment.

Many women said the economic situation was affecting how long they took for maternity leave. Some 46% had returned to work early due to the recession or cost of living. The majority, however, took between seven and 12 months. Although 70% said they went back to work because they needed the money, 60% said they would work even if money was not an issue.

Cat Vaccine Booster £19.99* Cat Vaccine Course £34.99* Cat Neutering from £34.99 Dog Vaccine Booster £23.99 Dog Vaccine Course £39.99 Dog Neutering from £79.99

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* from price dependant on vaccines selected

YOUNG TREND

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The Autumn Winter season does not just herald the fashion changes for Mum and Dad; style focused little ones are not to be left out of the fashion fun!

Boyswear from Timberland available at Jellyrolls, High Street, Leicester.

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1. Billyblush coat £78 2 M & S Check Skirt £14 3. Next Black Lace Up Boot £18 4. Orange Hugo Boss coat £138 5. M & S Fairisle Cardigan £18 6. John Lewis Children’s Heart Ski Trapper £12 7. Mothercare Little Bird by Jools Ragan Top £10 8. John Lewis Children’s Fairisle Top Flip Gloves £8 9. Burberry purple quilted jacket £136 10. BHS Brown Brogue Chelsea Boot £18 11. Next Cat Print Padded Jacket £20 12. John Lewis Animal Boys’ Wheelblast Knitted Zip Hoodie £45-50 13. Mothercare Little Bird by Jools Dessert Boots £16

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BABY STEPS 31

SHE IS ALSO A FIRST TIME MUM TO BABY DAUGHTER LOLA, BORN IN JANUARY 2014. HERE SHE CHATS TO DLUXE ABOUT KEEPING FIT THROUGH PREGNANCY AND THE PRESSURES ON PREGNANT WOMEN TO STAY IN SHAPE.

There is quite a lot of pressure put on pregnant women surrounding keeping yourself fit and healthy: As a pregnant woman, you are constantly bombarded with the rights and wrongs, what to do and what not to do while carrying your child. Exercise is just one area that is often up for discussion; whether you are not active enough or you are being criticised for putting your baby at risk by overexerting yourself.

For me personally, I feel that the pressure put on active pregnant women is the fear that other people have for you. My health professionals were very supportive and agreed that I should continue with my daily workouts - as long as you and the professionals are happy, then no one else matters.

It can be hard for any pregnant woman to feel like doing any exercise: At the beginning you may be suffering from severe fatigue and at the end you feel like you are carrying a whale around! I think the important thing is to listen to your body and know what feels right for you.

“LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND KNOW WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU”

Finding time as a new mum to be active is always going to be a struggle.

When Lola was born I started taking her out on a walk every day, this is especially easy when your new-born is sleeping for hours. I carried Lola in the Papoose whilst walking so the combination of walking and carrying helped my general fitness no end.

Adding work back into the equation does ultimately add another hurdle to your fitness routine: I’m lucky as my job is obviously very physical but if you are sitting at a desk all day before going home to look after your baby it can be a struggle finding time to work out.

Why not make the most of your lunch hour and take a 30 minute walk? Or rather than give into the temptation to slump on the sofa once your baby is in bed, why not plan in an evening’s exercise? Fitness networks, DVDs and online classes can all be done in your own home, at a time to suit you.

TOP TIPS FOR GETTING FIT Ultimately you know what feels right for you but if you would like to add in some gentle exercises then here are a few of my favourites.

WALKING – whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a power walk, walking is something we all have access to. Pre-baby: it’s the perfect opportunity for some ‘me’ time. Post–pregnancy: getting out and about with your baby has so many benefits for the both of you.

SWIMMING – it goes without saying that swimming is a fantastic activity through pregnancy and with baby. It’s low impact, so perfect to ease those pregnancy aches and strains and, after your baby is six weeks old, it is something you can enjoy together.

CARRYING – don’t under estimate how much benefit there is in carrying your baby around all day. It is a great way to burn calories and you’ll be bonding with your baby too.

STRETCHING – Tummy time is a perfect time to do your stretches.

Encourage her/him to look up and play as you stretch out on the floor. The Plank is perfect for this!

www.jellyrollskidswear.com

27 HIGH STREET, LEICESTER, LE1 4FP

Don’t miss Claire’s fitness blog at www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

0116 251 9500

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CLAIRE BENSON IS A PROFESSIONAL DANCER AT INTERNATIONAL TOURING DANCE THEATRE COMPANY, MOTIONHOUSE AND THE LEAD ARTIST FOR THEIR CREATIVE PROJECTS AND PARTICIPATION, TEACHING WEEKLY CLASSES TO A VARIETY OF AGE GROUPS FROM 8 YEAR OLD YOUNGSTERS RIGHT THROUGH TO ADULTS.

HEALTH

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IN A WORLD PILED HIGH WITH APPS AND GIZMOS, IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY STARTED INTEGRATING THEMSELVES INTO OUR FITNESS REGIMES. WITH A PLETHORA OF COMPACT, SIMPLE, HIGH-TECH, AND SOME RATHER BEAUTIFUL, DEVICES DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE OUR HEALTH AND MINIMIZE THE HASSLE, INDIANA SMITH LOOKS AT SOME OF THE BEST!

MISFIT SHINE PERSONAL ACTIVITY MONITOR This smooth little pebble shaped gizmo connects directly to your phone allowing you to personalise your fitness structure by setting targets and personal goals specific to your workout. Once calibrated, the little disk can be slipped into a pocket, clicked into a wristband, or worn around the neck as you go about your workout where it records every step, stroke and pedal before crunching the data in a quick and manageable fashion that lets you see if you’re staying on track.

When you’re finished, simply place the coin onto the front of your phone, and, in true sci-fi fashion a breakdown of your workout is downloaded to your phone!

Find out more at www.misfitwearables.com

SKULPT AIM FAT BODY ANALYSER For the hard-core fitness enthusiast, the Skulpt Aim Fat Body Analyser represents a master stoke in precision muscle building and fat loss. When applied to the body, the device sends a small electronic current through the muscle – giving a reading of how much muscle, in relation to fat, and other bodily components, there actually is in that area! Slap it onto your biceps to accurately identify how much muscle you’ve got, or, use in conjunction with your various workouts to measure which one improves muscle mass the most! www.skulpt.me

WITHINGS’ SMART BODY ANALYSER The trusty bathroom scales have even undergone a makeover, and all in the name of healthcare! This suave looking device is at the cutting edge of weight checking technology as the Smart Body Analyser by Withings measures weight, BMI, heart rate, and even air quality to ensure your fitness and wellbeing is perfectly recorded for more effective training!

By far the cleverest function of the Smart Body Analyser is the air quality sensor which when placed, for example, in your bedroom, senses the surrounding CO2. When levels become unhealthy the system prompts you to clear the air to reduce the build up of harmful gas that can impact upon your sleep! Clever!

Find out more at www.withings.com www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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There’s no need to wait for hospital treatment. And you don’t need private medical insurance either. You can pay for yourself at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, with just one affordable all inclusive payment that opens the door to expert treatment and compassionate care. With our exclusive Promise we will meet any comparable price and all the continuing follow-up care you need is included in the price you pay, for as long as you need it.* An invitation to meet one of our Consultants: Let’s talk Hip & Knee Pain with Mr Ashwin Kulkarni, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Thursday 30th October 2014‚ 6pm Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, Scraptoft Lane, Leicester LE5 1HY Don’t wait. Get in touch now.

For more information and to book your place at our open event: 0116 298 9373 nuffieldhealth.com/leicesterpay8

*Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. ”Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

dluxe travel

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OH CANADA! For a long time now, Canada has been on my list of places to visit yet, for reasons I’m not 100% sure of, when the lonely planet guides work their way out of the bookcase and the laptop’s search engine goes into holiday hyperdrive, my plans to explore the land of Maple Syrup have always been outshined by the idea of bustling metropolises, rural retreats, elegant European architecture, action and adventure. Who knew that I would find all of that and more within the Quebec Province of Canada writes Jon Fraser.

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etting to Quebec is easy. There really is no longer the need to drive halfway across the country to find a direct flight when nearby airports such as East Midlands and Birmingham International operate such frequent shuttle flights to Amsterdam Schipol and Paris Charles De Galle. In under an hour, and for less than a train fare, travel to anywhere in the world is truly at your fingertips. What’s more, checking in your luggage at your local airport means you don’t need to worry about lugging your cases around your route all you need do is enjoy the journey, something I found incredibly easy en route my Air France flight to Montreal.

With a flight time from Paris of under 8 hours, the journey to Montreal is nowhere near as daunting as many other destinations. The daily Air France flight is a busy one meaning a larger plane is generally used so even if you don’t turn left when you enter cabin, there’s plenty of room to spread out and relax. I opted to travel Premium Economy which gave me a wider seat with more legroom and the ability to recline to an almost flat bed level of comfort and enabled me to take advantage of the excellent personal entertainment system in front of me. A great touch was the personal power outlet for keeping my tablet computer charged – I’d been making full use of the complimentary Wi-Fi in the Air France lounge before my departure doing some research into the part of Canada my travels were taking me to; the Province of Quebec.

Founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, the City of Quebec became an important trading post and port along the route from France to China. Years of colonial struggle, unrest and war between the French, British and North Americans followed before the Quebec Act of 1774 which paved the way for official recognition of the French culture and language which is still used today within the province.

American past is in full evidence whether it be in the Victorian houses that line the streets of Quebec City or in the Art Deco skyscrapers of downtown Montreal. The province of Quebec undoubtedly has a dash of the European about it whilst maintaining a character that is all of its own.

In between these two big cities however lies mile upon mile of prairie and parkland meaning that wherever you are in the province, the great outdoors is not far away. La Mauricie National Park is made up of almost fifteen thousand square miles of forest, lakes, hills, valleys and everything else that makes up a beautiful and unspoilt countryside.

HOW TO GET THERE Air France has three daily flights to Montreal from £494 and KLM flies daily to Montreal and Vancouver from £494 and £623 respectively. Air France and KLM fly to the world from 18 departure points in the UK and Ireland via their Paris and Amsterdam hubs. www.airfrance.co.uk www.klm.co.uk Flights from Birmingham International Airport to both Paris and Amsterdam are available throughout the day. To find out more visit www.birminghamairport.co.uk

Along with its French culture however, the echoes of a British and www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

MONTREAL You really must stay at….

The Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Located directly above the train station in the centre of Montreal’s cultural and commercial district, the Queen Elizabeth is the perfect base from which to explore the city- the amazing buffet breakfast is sure to set you up perfectly for the day too! Make sure you ask to see the John and Yoko room – the couple occupied the hotel during their infamous bed protest and the original version of ‘Give Peace a Chance’ was recorded right here in the hotel!

You really must stay at…

MAURICIE REGION You really must stay at….

Sacacomie Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the forest and overlooking the majestic Sacacomie Lake, this stunning log cabin hotel and geospa offers guests the perfect blend of comfort, rustic charm, relaxation and activity. Go Bear and Beaver tracking with one of the hotel’s experienced guides or spend the day fishing on one of the idyllic lakes. www.sacacomie.com

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. A Fairy tale Castle that overlooks the beautiful city of Quebec, a place itself which looks like it has stepped out of the pages of Cinderella.

Reputed to be the most photographed hotel in the world, Le Château Frontenac has just recently been refubished to luxury standards and offers guests a truly magical experience. www.fairmont.com You really must eat at…

Toast, 17, Sault-au-Matelot, Quebec City. www.restauranttoast.com

www.fairmont.com You really must eat at…

Boris Bistro, 465 McGill borisbistro.com

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Amidst the concrete skyscrapers and cobblestone streets of Montréal’s historic district rests a delightful bistro offering contemporary cuisine in a relaxed yet stylish environment.

You can’t visit without seeing…

You really must eat at…

The Hotel. Due to its location there are not really that many alternate choices but that has not stopped the Sacacombie kitchen spoiling its guests with a fantastic selection of dishes with inspiration from all around the world.

You can’t visit without seeing…

In the heart of the Old Port of Quebec, Toast features a menu inspired by the flavors and fragrances from around the world along with a fabulous wine list.

You can’t visit without seeing…

The streets and stairways around the Royal Square. Historically the slum of the city, where visiting Sailors would carouse away their time in the city, the Royal Square has been renovated to a become the jewel of this beautiful city. Make sure you take the charming funicular back up the hill though!

All of Montreal! Just wandering the streets is a joy thanks to the city’s public art policy; a percentage of the budget of every new building has to be spent on public art making the city a vast open air gallery. The NotreDame Basilica, with its brightly painted and highly detailed interior, is absolutely stunning whilst the streets around the Quartier des spectacles feature a diverse array of cultural activities as well as bustling bars and restaurants.

Whilst in Quebec take a trip to the stunning Montmorency Falls- a natural waterfall that is actually bigger than Niagra Falls at 275 ft high and 50 ft wide.

www.tourisme-montreal.org

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Sacacombie offers so many different experiences so you really must spend enough time here to experience it fully- who knew I was so good at archery! Other places to visit in the Mauricie Region include horseriding at the beautiful Baluchon Inn and the sugary sweet madness that is Chez Dany’s Sugar Shack – perhaps the most bizarre and enjoyable dining experience you will ever have- you’ve got to try the snow frozen maple taffy!

www.tourismemauricie.com

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RETURN OF THE M The launch of the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé heralds the arrival of the fifthgeneration of the iconic highperformance sports car from BMW M and for the first time the Coupé and Saloon models receive individual model names, M3 and M4, in deference to the different model series that provide their basis.

Another first is the adoption of a turbocharged engine for this BMW M model: the highrevving, 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology has been specifically developed for this purpose,

and produces a maximum output of 431hp.

Its peak torque exceeds the figure recorded by the outgoing BMW M3 by roughly 40 per cent. In spite of this, the new engine also achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25 per cent.

To maximise dynamic ability and ensure excellent efficiency, a weight loss of over 80kgs has been achieved compared to a comparably equipped predecessor model.

Specific weight-saving measures include the increased use of lightweight materials: both models now feature a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof.

BMW M engineers have paid particular attention to the car’s aerodynamic performance, and incorporated the latest www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Active M Differential amongst numerous other technical highlights. During the development process the engineers worked closely with BMW Motorsport’s professional racing drivers to achieve a balanced, overall concept: high power, low weight, driving pleasure.

Both the M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe feature aerodynamics to optimally channel the air around the car in the quest for ultimate performance, while also ensuring the engine, powertrain and brakes receive the requisite cooling, even when operating under heavy loads on the racing circuit. The aggressively styled front apron, smooth under-body and the clearly defined lip spoiler at the rear of the M3 saloon reduce lift by an equal amount at the front and rear axle, for superior handling. Meanwhile the Aero Curtain and

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M side gills, the latter with integrated Air Breathers minimise turbulence in the front wheel arches. These elements, together with the aerodynamically optimised side mirrors in familiar M twin-stalk style, are not only distinctive design features; they also help to reduce drag.

The new six-cylinder in-line engine: highrevving, turbocharged engine sees a slight power upgrade over the previous V8 to 431hp, now delivered between 5,500 and 7,300rpm, with maximum revolutions set at an unusually high figure for a turbocharged engine: 7,600rpm. The standard sprint from 0-62mph takes both cars just 4.3 seconds with manual transmission, or just 4.1 seconds with the optional M DCT, while the top speed is 155mph (electronically limited).

The new powerplant also boasts excellent fuel economy: the combined consumption in the EU cycle is as high as 34mpg and CO2 emissions are as low as 194g/km, an improvement of more than 25 per cent over the previous model’s figures.

The Ultimate driving machine? Available to order now at £56,175 OTR for the M3 Saloon and £56,635 OTR for the M4 Coupé, with more power, better handling and superior economy the case is a strong one, the only way to find out is to try one for yourself.

Click on www.bmw.co.uk to find out more or visit Sytner BMW Meridian Park, Leicester. Tel. 0116 282 7700

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PAPERWORK

by Rae Stephenson

ISA changes mean more flexible tax-free saving Government changes to Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) have made tax-free saving even more appealing, as the recently introduced New ISA (NISA) offers an increased annual allowance.

18-years-old. They can also hold a Junior ISA, providing they do not have a Child Trust Fund, which offers an allowance of £4,000, but cannot be accessed until the child turns 18.

Newby Castleman (Financial Services) Limited is encouraging savers to open a NISA as soon as possible as they can now save up to £15,000 a year taxfree, compared to the previous allowance of just £11,880.

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Can I combine my Cash and Stocks and Shares investments into a single NISA? Some providers will allow you to hold cash and stocks and shares within a single NISA. However, many savers choose to separate their Cash NISA and Stocks and Shares NISA between different providers. The NISA also allows for the movement of savings between Cash and Stocks and Shares NISAs at any point.

John Freeman, of Newby Castleman (Financial Services) Limited, comments: “This is great news, because the NISA will allow savers an increase in the amount they can save tax-free each year and crucially more flexibility as to how they choose to do it.

Currently not enough people are taking advantage of this tax-free saving opportunity, which effectively shelters savings from income and capital gains tax.

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I reached the saving limit on my Cash ISA before 1st July 2014. My provider won’t allow me to make any additional savings. Is there anything I can do?

I’ve been asked many questions on NISAs since they came into effect on 1st July, so I’ve compiled a handy guide based on the most popular questions I get asked, with an aim to help people better understand how they work and the benefits they offer.”

You could make additional savings by opening a Stocks and Shares NISA, as you can hold one Cash ISA and one Stocks and Shares ISA in a single tax year, providing the combined total contribution does not exceed £15,000.

Alternatively, you could consider transferring an existing Cash ISA to a provider that allows for additional savings to be made.

1. Should I choose a Cash NISA or a Stocks and Shares NISA for my savings?

If you want to gain easy access to your savings, a Cash NISA may be the most suitable. Alternatively, if you do not need to access your savings for three to five years then a Stocks and Shares NISA may be more suitable, although savers need to be aware that their investment can potentially go down as well as up.

5. Can I transfer my savings between Cash and Stocks and Shares?

Yes, it is possible to transfer between Cash and Stocks and Shares NISAs as many times as you choose.

2. Is the Cash NISA limit different for savers under the age of 18?

Savers aged between 16 and 18 can pay up to £15,000 into a Cash NISA for the tax year 2014-15, which ends on 5th April 2015, but cannot open a Stocks and Shares NISA until they are

If you require independent financial advice please contact John Freeman, Financial Advisor at Newby Castleman (Financial Services) Ltd, on 0116 254 9262 or email jdf@ newbyc.co.uk.

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EU LEGISLATION ON AIR CONDITIONING COULD GIVE BUSINESS OWNERS A NASTY SHOCK

BUSINESS RUNS AHEAD FOR CHARITY Leicester based transport management company 3T have this month announced that they will be entering a series of half marathons, relays and 10ks to raise money for the Cransley hospice and the Rainbows Children’s hospice.

Four members of 3T will be taking part in the Cransley Half Marathon and the Cransley 10k, before a further three members join them in taking on the Leicester Half Marathon whilst two teams of four take on the Cummins Corporate Leicester Relay on 26th October. Members of 3T will also be entering the 10k Major Series on 27th September, running through the muddiest and murkiest water, up and down the steepest hills and over some of the very best obstacles.

Managing Director Tim Fawkes will be participating, as well as Operations Director Andy Taylor and Office Manager Anna Kinsella, and several other 3T employees. Many of the team members have never run competitively before, and so the team will be stepping up their training efforts in the coming months.

This latest event follows previous fundraising efforts for the Rainbows Children’s hospice, including a 400 mile Peak District hike, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge and the 18 mile Lakeland Challenge, which raised over £7,300 for the hospice.

Anyone who is interested in supporting 3T’s fundraising efforts for Rainbows Children’s Hospice and can donate by visiting their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/ teams/3TGroup.

(FINANCIAL SERVICES) LIMITED

From January, a refrigerant, commonly known as R22, will become illegal as part of environmental regulations handed down by the European Commission. R22 is part of the CFC family of chemicals, many of which were outlawed in the 1990s.

But the ban has far reaching implications for business owners who air condition their premises. It means that from January it is illegal to refill, stockpile R22 or repair equipment that uses the refrigerant.

Darren Webb, from Glenfield Group who specialise in maintaining and installing air conditioning for commercial and domestic use, commented “I think many businesses will be caught out by the legislation. Anyone who has older air conditioning systems or units will be faced with a big bill when their equipment inevitable breaks down or needs refilling, which normally happens during the hottest part of the year. At that point, it will be illegal to repair or top-up systems, and any companies that are reliant on refrigeration to operate will have no choice but to buy a whole new system or potentially lose thousands in operating costs. ”

In October 2012, new legislation was introduced that means all employers with at least one worker in the UK will need to automatically enrol certain members of their workforce into a qualifying pension scheme. Enrolment stages depends on the number of employees you have in your largest PAYE scheme as at 1st April 2012.

At Newby Castleman we are holding a series of Auto-Enrolment seminars offering advice to employers on workplace pension schemes and what their new legal duties and responsibilities will be.

Price is just £50 + VAT or FREE to existing clients.

To book your place, or for more information about our seminars, please email auto-enrol@newbyc.co.uk.

Alternatively, please contact our in-house expert John Freeman on 0116 254 9262 or email him at jdf@newbyc.co.uk

Darren advises business owners to have a consultation before it is too late “Many people won’t even know how old their air con units are and will be unaware of the legislation. So we would recommend having a consultation now so that any necessary spend can be built into next year’s budget.”

Glenfield Group provide air conditioning to both commercial and domestic premises, with an emphasis on stylish/ invisible systems.

Refcom accredited, Glenfield Group can provide an official R22 Phase Out consultation.

For more information visit www.glenfieldgroup.com or call 0800 011 2923.

PLACES ARE LIMITED!

BOOK NOW

www.newbycastleman.co.uk

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D E A D L I N E EXTENDS DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND

The Leicester Asian Business Association (LABA) is extending the deadline to enter its annual Women’s Awards for 2014. With an extra week to take into account the Hindu celebration of Navratri on 25th September. The awards are open for nominations for women from all walks of life and across community boundaries until 30th September.

Rani Mahal, Vice Chair of LABA , said “We’ve been delighted with the response, with over 50 entries coming from women all over the Leicestershire and Rutland. As a result from community feedback, we’ve extended the deadline until the end of September.”

The awards, which returns after a successful event in 2013, aims to recognise women of all ages, from all communities , who have achieved something extraordinary in their lives, whether in business, academia, family, community or charity.

LOCAL COMPETITION WINNER DRIVES AWAY A BRAND NEW RANGE ROVER FROM HALFORDS A lucky local motorist has driven away his dream car after entering a Halfords competition to win one of five Range Rover Evoques worth nearly £50,000.

Graham Hinchliffe from Leicester entered the competition after buying some oil from the Halfords store on St Margaret’s Way and could scarcely believe his good fortune when he was invited to Halfords UK headquarters to collect his prize.

“I’m amazed really”, said Graham on receiving his keys, “things like this just don’t happen to ordinary people. Our friends and family thought there must be some sort of catch when I told them that we’d won a brand new Range Rover but there wasn’t and I now can’t wait to get behind the wheel.”

The competition was created by Halfords to help raise awareness among customers that modern engine oil is now specific to individual vehicles and Graham was given also given a bottle of the correct oil for his Evoque as well as a goody bag of Halfords products including car wax and a weatherproof cover to help keep it in tip-top condition.

The awards will be presented at a glamorous ceremony on the 31st October at the Bentley Showroom, with guest speaker Secretary of State for Education, Minister for Women and Equalities and Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan.

Louise Robinson, car maintenance category manager at Halfords, added: “It was an absolute pleasure to present Graham with his prize. He and his wife were clearly both delighted with the car and we wish them many miles of happy motoring.”

This year an all-female judging panel will sift through the entries and select the winners.

Featuring past winners such as Dorothy Francis, CEO of the Co-operative and Social Enterprise Development Agency and entrepreneur Sindy Modha LLB, the panel represents women from all walks of life with a variety of life experience.

AGE UK ANNOUNCE Home Energy Check Programme.

To ensure you choose the right oil for your car use Halfords’ handy car registration look-up tool at www.halfords.com

AGE UK Leicestershire & Rutland secured grant funding to deliver the EON Home Energy Check Programme to help many older people to keep warm and well this winter.

Sponsored by George at Asda, Cofresh, Selfridges amongst others, the awards aim to recognise women across the county for their achievements.

The winners will receive a trophy and a relevant prize to help them further their aims.

The grant will enable the charities Handyperson service to carry out an ‘energy fit’ check which assesses the energy efficiency of a person’s home, offer advice on how to save energy and, where appropriate, install simple and practical energy efficiency measures.

The equipment that can be provided includes low energy bulbs, draught excluders and cold alarms that sound an alert in the event a room’s temperature drops below a certain temperature.

To enter, nominate or to find out more information, please visit www.labauk.org/ womens-awards-nomination-form.

Entry forms are available online through the link or by email or hard copy, contact 0116 319 7413 or at info@labauk.org .

For tickets to the award ceremony of commercial sponsorship opportunities, contact Robert Watson robert@laba.org.uk.

In order to qualify for a free energy efficiency check, you need to be over 55 years of age, why not apply for an elderly relative or neighbour? For more information about AGE UK’s free energy efficiency checks, call 0116 2992254

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Christmas Celebrations The perfect place to celebrate in style!

Christmas Party nights £35 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th December

Private Parties £30 Any date to suit you

New Years Eve Ball £99 with accommodation, £75 ticket only Bed & Breakfast also available from £25pp For more information, special offers, menus or to check availability please call our Sales Team on 0116 244 9669 or email info@collegecourt.co.uk.

See our website www.collegecourt.co.uk for our downloadable Christmas brochure. *Prices are per person and include VAT. Deposit of £10.00 is required per person to confirm your booking. Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable and are subject to availability.

HOME

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Autumn Winter Trends

Wall: Grey Teal 226, Panelled wall and skirting: Wood Ash 229, Stripe on wall: Marigold 209, from ÂŁ18.00 for 1L Absolute Matt Emulsion, www.littlegreene.com For stockists call 020 7935 8844 Props: Parrot vase, ÂŁ54, Rockett St George. Saarinen Table: find similar at Knoll.com. Swivel chair: find similar at Twenty Twenty One.

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grey days Amongst all of this season’s rich shades, a light, sparsley used grey seems to be the colour that brings it all together this season.

Perfect for complimenting rather than distracting, grey is the perfect choice for a chic, considered look.

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1.Bathroom accessories from a range atBHS, 2.Celina Display unit £1099 Marks and Spencer, 3.Betty Jackson Black cushion £32 Debenhams, 4.Thrift Dinner set: Dinner plate £8.00 Side plate, bowl & mug £6.00 each House of Fraser, 5.Madison Grey clock BHS£100, 6. Garden Trading bread bin £28 Occa Home, 7.Ridley Accent Chair £649 Furniture Village, 8. There’s No Place Like Home Rug £57 Amara.com, 9 Silver Velour footstall £399 Next

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BLUE IS THE COLOUR Just as blue had made an impact on the catwalks, this on trend colour has also invaded our homes. Be bold; a light shade of this season’s blue would make a room look like a child’s play pen, a deeper shade makes for a mature, sophisticated environment.

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1. Blue Stag Head £50 www.arthouse.com, 2. Bluebellgray Prussian Cushion £70 www.occa-home.co.uk, 3. Modern Living geo cushion £19.50 Marks and Spencer, 4.Blue velvet footstall £700 Debenhams, 5.Heritage heart shape photo frame £6.95 www. dotcomgiftshop.co.uk, 6.William Yeoward 13oz Crystal Fanny Goblet £49 www.amara.com, 7.Blue Devon desk lamp £25 www. tescodirect.co.uk, 8.A4 Blue framed print £12 www.pierrotetcoco.com, 9.Ben de Lisi lamp £63 Debenhams, 10.Bloomingville Coffee Table (Set of Two) £219 www.amara.com

MIDLANDS’ HOME OWNERS MOST DESIGN CONSCIOUS Three quarters (74 percent)of UK homeowners are proud of their homes, but just one percent feel they have achieved the vision for their home, according to the inaugural Big UK Houzz Report, for which nearly 8,000 Houzz users in the UK were surveyed. Houzz, a leading platform for home renovation and design, found that over a third of homeowners in the Midlands decorate their homes at least once a year (35 percent) with 18% of people changing their homes specifically to keep up with the trends – the highest percentage in the UK! Dispelling the myth that UK homeowners improve their homes just to add value, the majority of respondents are renovating and designing their homes to make them better fit their needs. Improving the look and feel (78 percent) and improving functionality (55 percent) top the list of motivations. Just one third of UK homeowners are renovating with a goal of adding value to their home (34 percent).

To find out more visit www.houzz.co.uk.

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The radiogram redefined

Inspired by 60s contemporary design, the R7 is our most iconic piece to date. With stunning looks and amazing audio quality, it‘s a revolutionary music centre in the true spirit of the classic radiogram, which we guarantee will reignite your passion for music and sound.

With DAB/FM and internet tuners, R7 is capable of receiving radio stations globally and the stylish slot loading CD player, plays both normal and MP3 style disks. For customers wishing to stream wirelessly, R7 also features Bluetooth and DLNA Wi-Fi for streaming from smartphones, tablets, computers and music servers.

As an option we have also developed an AV Mount which transforms R7 from a classic Radiogram into a complete home entertainment solution. Designed exclusively for R7, the AV Mount allows flat screen TVs up to 50” and associated equipment to be seamlessly integrated, keeping R7s elegant lines intact.

To create R7’s magnificent sound we’ve used the lessons learned from our ‘High-End’ audio heritage. The fine furniture cabinet has been painstakingly engineered and tuned to provide a solid housing for our loudspeaker units and electronics and for optimal stereo performance we’ve developed new dual concentric drivers. This configuration with our bespoke crossovers allows for a natural frequency response across all types of music. The end result is a home entertainment system that defies expectation and like radiograms of old we believe that the R7 is a product which you and your family will love and enjoy for many years to come.

Available at: Around Sound, 17 Francis Street, LeicesterLE2 2BE T: 0116 270 6168 E: r7@around-sound.co.uk

Other models also available:

R1 DAB/FM radio

R2 tabletop stereo

R4i integrated music system

MR1 Bluetooth speaker system

To learn more about us or to request a brochure, please visit our website or call us on 01702 601410

Designed and engineered in the UK.

www.ruarkaudio.com

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DIGITAL LOVE Perfect for those looking for a contemporary scheme and well suited to modern living, the mural is back.

This trend sees reality distorted and manipulated and, thanks to digital print solutions, the options for personalisation are endless.

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1. Orla Kiely Stem Jacquard Towel Collection - Clementine £5 www.occa-home.co.uk, 2. Orla Kiely Multi Stem Rug £1296 amara.com, 3. Robots Wallpaper £139 pierrotetcoco.com, 4. M&S Conran Modern Pop Colour Rug from £129 marksandspencer.com, 5. Monochrome Geometric Cushion £30 Zedheaddesigns.com, 6. Rubik’s Bean Bag by Woouf £127 cuckooland.com, 7. Living

by Christiane Lemieux - chevron canvas boxes £40 House of Fraser, 8. M&S Portia Chair in Opus Multi £699 Marks and Spencer, 9.Ben de Lisi Tealight holders £15 Debenhams

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STYLISH

SOFAS

COSY

CUSHIONS

RETRO

RADIOS

PLUSH POUFFES

Transform your space and complete the look with inspirational ideas for every room in your home.

Leekes Bilston, Great Bridge Road, W. Mids. WV14 8LB Leekes Coventry, Junction 3, M6. CV6 6PA Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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ARTISAN Handmade, hand me down and hands off.

Age and craft is key to this look, vintage lace layered over polished oak and chipped chalk paint looks back to an age of faded grandeur.

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1. Ashley Thomas Duvet set £55 Debenhams, 2. Love Birds Cushion £20 BHS, 3. Bird Print Jewellery Box £25 BHS, 4. Botanic Butterfly Table Lamp £149 Furniture Village, 5.

Blue Distressed Clock £14.99 homesense.com, 6.Magpie - Wildlife - set of 4 side plates £20 magpieline.com, 7.Per Una Gabriella Candle £12.50 Marks and Spencer, 8.Retro Telephone 746 in Blue, Red and Cream £39.95 cuckooland.com, 9.Arts & Crafts Folding Campaign Chair £495 theuniqueseatcompany.co.uk

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Whether you’re looking to move or are just a bit nosey, dluxe LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND saves you the trouble of trawling the property market by bringing the county’s most luxurious homes together in one place.

5 Bedroom Detached, Lutterworth Road, Leicester £365,000 Ideally located near the M1, Aylestone and Blaby town centre, this grand, period property is definitely not short of any character or charm. A private, hedged driveway leads you into the spacious 5-bed property, which features various rooms, including a lounge, office, second reception room, kitchen, utility room and two bathrooms, with a separate WC. Crammed full with original features and with a one-bedroom annex also on tow, the property is perfect for anyone seeking a charismatic abode, with the added benefit of residential accommodation for that fortunate family member or friend.

Spencers Estate Agency, Leicester, 26 - 30 Halford Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1JB

5 Bed Barn Conversion, Old Charity Farm, Stoughton, Leicestershire, £650,000 A modern and tastefully furnished, hi-tech barn, as well as a true masterpiece of architectural heritage- this home is one of the finest conversions within Leicester. The property is fitted with contemporary, electrical innovations, including a media hub, mood lighting and audio and visual communications, and also boasts enclosed gardens, with a large raised decked entertaining area and timber covered hot tub.

Original beam features add to the character and charm of Old Charity Farm, whilst the bespoke breakfast kitchen, indoor heated swimming pool and personal gym offer that extra dose of opulence.

James Sellicks Estate Agents, Leicester, 56 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 1DH

8 Bedroom Detached Cloughmore House, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire £995,000

4 Bedroom Detached Hastings Road, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester £850,000

This stone built family home, constructed only of the finest materials, is a wonderfully rare property to grace the housing market.

Offering over 5,700 square feet of accommodation, no expense has been spared with this gorgeous, yet generous family residence. Vast chandeliers dominate the ceilings and a self-contained leisure area, fit with hot tub, infrared sauna, built-in benches/tables and a kitchen with changing, toilet and shower facilities, adds an extra special touch to the already faultless dwelling. Key features include eight double bedrooms, dressing room, two en-suites, family bathroom and three reception rooms- many of which have a state of the art media distribution system.

A prestigious property, equipped with an impressive hall and landing, over 4,950 square feet of lavish accommodation as well as a superb, bespoke oak kitchenthis 4 bed house, which offers the space of a 6 or 7 bedroom property, is a place where dreams really do come true.

Each vast bedroom has its own fully equipped en suite shower room, whilst downstairs, an indoor swimming pool and changing room occupy the rear of the property. It really is no wonder this house is situated on one of Kirby Muxloe’s most esteemed, tree lined addresses.

Fine & Country, 14 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray.

47 Nottingham Street Melton Mowbray Leicestershire,

Bentons Your Property Experts, Melton Mowbray

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CHANGING TRACKS Until October @

The project presents a series of unique public artworks that explore the changing use of disused railway lines and reveal the hidden heritage, industry and local stories associated with the former railway lines.

A Call To ArmsRutland in the First World War Until January 2015 @ Rutland Museum

A RoYAL VIST TO RUTLAND

Three artists have created separate temporary artworks adjacent to disused railway lines which are now used as walking or cycle path and include stop motion video projections, sculptural installations with new media content and multimedia installations featuring audience interaction and light. www.changingtracks.eu

In honour and memory of local men who fought in the First World War, the ‘A Call To Arms’ exhibition at the Rutland Museum features authentic artefacts and documents to expose what really took place on the front line and the devastating impact these events had upon it’s soldiers. Focusing on the individual stories of Rutland’s soldiers, this exhibition is the first in a series of exhibitions designed to commemorate the First World War. w w w. r u t l a n d . g o v. u k /

From the 12th Floor Until 3rd Oct @ LCB Depot, Leicester.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall met staff and volunteers at Rutland Water Nature Reserve where they found out about plans for important new facilities on the 1,000 acre site.

The LCB Depot hosts an intriguing art exhibition that explores the changing Leicester skyline in light of the scheduled demolition of the City Council Building. These unique and hand-drawn landscapes portray Leicester’s diverse industrial cityscape, showcasing a diverse mix of architecture and style that reflects the developing city below. www.lcbdepot.co.uk

The Volunteer Training Centre Project will see an essential new building constructed at the reserve to provide much-needed facilities and training spaces for more than 350 volunteers. As one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in the UK, the reserve relies on volunteers to maintain and protect its habitats, helping to secure the future of thousands of species of plants and animals.

After observing wildlife on the reserve, the royal couple attended a reception with volunteers, who explained some of the important work carried out. Staff from the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust then showed Their Royal Highnesses the plans for the new Volunteer Training Centre.

More than 80,000 people visit the nature reserve and after securing generous funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Anglian Water, the Trust has launched the Wild Lives at Rutland Water Appeal to raise the final £170,000 needed to complete the Volunteer Training Centre.

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BLACKSMITH’S ARMS BIRTHDAY

Expressionism: The Total Artwork Ongoing @ New Walk Museum & Art Gallery

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery are proud to host the largest collection of German Expressionist artwork in the UK, and with support from Arts Council England have re-displayed the collection.

The new gallery uses cutting edge museum design to uncover the remarkable story behind our collection. Exploring how and why German and other Expressionist artists revealed their innermost emotions through art, dance, music and drama.

The gallery is accompanied by a new website presenting our collection online for the first time and an exciting events programme and performance space to evoke the ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ (the total artwork).

A Taste of Honey Oct 4th @ The Little Theatre, Leicester

listen to its children. This stage adaptation delivers gritty 60s styling and comedy with real emotion - making a thoughtful transition from film to stage. w w w. t h e l i t t l e t h e a t r e . n e t

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS’ 6 – 11 OCT 2014 @ Curve, Leicester

Following their last sell-out visit, The National Theatre’s awardwinning comedy One Man, Two Guvnors’ returns and embarks on its biggest ever tour. With a cast including Gavin Spokes (One Man Two Guvnors’, London) in the lead role as Francis, Norman Pace (of comedy duo Hale and Pace) and Emma Barton (EastEnders) this acclaimed smash hit is a glorious celebration of British comedy – unique laugh-outloud mix of satire,songs,slapstick and glittering one-liners.

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe. But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother – who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers – but to prevent discovery, he must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.

ONE MAN LORD OF THE RINGS 6 OCT 2014 @ Curve

Leicester

The Blacksmith’s Arms celebrated a year of success at a summer party for customers and friends. The evening, hosted by owners Mark and Jill and held at the stylish restaurant in Barrow upon Soar, featured live music, exotic dancers and of course lots of bubbles and fabulous food!

The Blacksmith’s Arms is at 2-4 Church Lane, Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire LE12 8PP. Tel. 01509 413100 www.blacksmiths1753.co.uk

This well received stage adaptation of classic 1960s British film takes to the stage after a successful London reception. A Taste of Honey explores unstable teenage rebellion, questioning sexuality, class, race, and loneliness throughout a time in British history that didn’t understand or

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One Man to do it all. One Man to rule them all!

Be prepared to journey through the trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and Return of the King in 3600 seconds of unbelievable kinetic entertainment.

Talented actor, Charles Ross will recreate the enchanting world of Middle earth with nothing more than elbow pads and his outrageous imagination. With booming special effects, riveting stage fights and harrowing rescues, Ross does it all in this engaging, epic one man show.

THE BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE PRODUCTION OF

12 – 16 NOV

The stage show based upon the book

by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates MUSIC AND LYRICS BY HOWARD BLAKE © Snowman Enterprises ltd 1982, 2004

A CURVE PRODUCTION

28 NOV – 17 JAN

DIRECTED BY PAUL KERRYSON MUSIC BY RICHARD RODGERS LYRICS BY OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II BOOK BY HOWARD LINDSAY AND RUSSEL CROUSE Suggested by ‘The Trapp Family Singers’ By Maria Augusta Trapp

10 DEC – 3 JAN

A NEW VERSION BY MICHAEL ROSEN

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An Audience With Tim BrookeTayloR

7th October @ Loughborough Town Hall Best known as one third of TV comedy trio The Goodies, Tim has been delighting audiences with his gentle, zany humour ever since joining the famous Cambridge Footlights back in the early 1960s.

His TV credits include On The Braden Beat, The Frost Programme (as editor), At Last the 1948 Show, Me and My Girl and, of course, The Goodies.

Tim is now a regular panellist on the ever-popular radio show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

He has also enjoyed considerable success on the stage and has written several books. Tim was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2011 birthday honours list.

He

is

in

conversation

with

broadcaster Chris Serle best known for his work as a reporter on That’s Life with Esther Rantzen

HAIL BRITANNIA 10- 11 OCT 2014 @ Curve, Leicester Murley Dance presents ‘Hail Britannia‘, four original pieces that fuse theatricality with classical technique in a thoughtprovoking programme featuring differing aspects of British culture.

The world première of these newly commissioned pieces range from the typical English country garden to quirky place names, from the complex relationship between a King and his priest to the global influences that define multicultural Britain today.

The centrepiece of the programme will be ‘Highgrove Suite’, choreographed by David Murley and with music by leading British composer, Patrick Hawes.

This new ballet is inspired by the gardens at Highgrove, HRH The Prince of Wales’s country home.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD 13 – 18 OCT 2014 @ Curve, Leicester Set in the Deep South, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel sees racial injustice envelop a small-town community.

Through courage and compassion, lawyer Atticus Finch seeks the truth, and his feisty daughter, Scout – a young girl on the cusp of adulthood – brings new hope to a neighbourhood in turmoil. This utterly enchanting and enthralling production from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre captures

the warmth and poignancy of this best-loved classic with genuine heart and emotional depth.

A story as moving and magical as you could ever hope to find.

Acorn Antiques

14th October to 18th October @ Loughborough Town Hall Victoria Wood’s hilarious musical, based on her 80s spoof sketch, comes to Loughborough Town Hall. Based in the busy antiques shop in Manchesterford it is presided over by Miss Babs the voluptuous and lovelorn owner of Acorn Antiques. The town of Manchesterford is alarmed when the Countess sells the high street to property developers. Soon coffee shops, credit stores, and the Hong Kong Thong and Panty Hut want to move in and evict the locals!

This musical extravaganza complete with “Mrs Overall” in full tap dancing splendour is a laugh out loud musical comedy that will have everyone on their feet.

So join Miss Babs, Miss Berta, Clifford and the one and only Mrs Overall for an evening of Macaroons, the Tip Top Tap and the Manchestorford Amateur Operatic Society’s tribute to ‘A Chorus Line’.

Dancing in the Streets - 15 October @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester

WOMEN’S AWARDS APPEALS FOR COMMUNITY HEROES

The Leicester Asian Business Association (LABA) launched its annual Women’s Awards for 2014 with an appeal for nominations for women from all walks of life and across community boundaries.

The awards, which returns after a successful event in 2013, aims to recognise women of all ages, from all communities , who have achieved something extraordinary in their lives, whether in business, academia, family, community or charity.

Launched at an official event at Memsaab in Highcross Leicester, the award scheme is free to enter, and nominations can be made on behalf of or by entrants themselves.

The awards will be presented at a glamorous ceremony on the 31st October at the Bentley Showroom, with guest speaker Secretary of State for Education, Minister for Women and Equalities and Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan.

To enter, nominate or to find out more information, please visit www. labauk.org/womens-awards-nomination-form.

Entry forms are available online through the link or by email or hard copy, contact 0116 319 7413 or at info@labauk.org . For tickets to the award ceremony of commercial sponsorship opportunities, contact Uday Dholakia at uday@laba.org.uk. www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

2014 @ The Y Theatre ‘5 Minutes in Leicester’ is an exciting new show that will present stories using dance, theatre, digital performance and spoken word.

Stories about how the city can change within a 5 minute walk.

Stories about the people that live in this city. Stories about how lives can change in 5 minutes.

Following on from previous shows The Shire and 5x5, KLiC has again produced a collaborative show with the community of artists in Leicester to showcase local talent.

Supremes and Smokey Robinson, this energetic musical will have you wiggling in your seat. w w w. d e m o n t f o r t h a l l . c o . u k

the grown-ups’ night which really spirals out of control? With little help from long-suffering husband Laurence, Beverly desperately attempts to hold the evening together, but as her guise as the perfect hostess starts to slip and tempers begin to flare, the evening descends into chaos with hilarious and tragic consequences.

Curve’s first show to be staged in the round, this new production of Mike Leigh’s comedy will bring audiences intimately close to the action live on stage. Abigail’s Party is directed by Curve Associate Director Suba Das, who recently curated Curve’s Inside Out Festival and has previously directed for the National Theatre Studio, Theatre Royal Stratford East and The Young Vic.

ABIGAIL’S PARTY 17 OCT – 8 NOV 2014 @ Curve, Leicester

It’s 1977 and Beverly is throwing a little party for her neighbours: newlyweds Tony and Angela, and divorcee Sue. 5 Minutes in Down the road, Sue’s teenage Leicester daughter GE Advert_Layout 1 19/09/2014 14:03 Page 1Abigail is throwing a Thursday, 16th October, party of her own, but could it be

20 Oct - 25 Oct 2014, 7:30pm @ The Little Theatre Following the death of their father, his daughters Marion and Isobel must settle his Estate and safeguard the future of his younger wife, their stepmother Katherine. While Isobel, a partner in a design firm, takes pains to plan a fair and agreeable resolution, Marion, a determined and ambitious Junior Minister, views the situation quite differently. However, Katherine comes up with a far more radical proposal. The resulting power-play and undermining gamesmanship affects them all and those closest to them, with devastating consequences.

Brilliantly and intelligently written, this is a witty, acerbic and intense examination of family relationships, human frailties and the unaccountable hand of fate.

A Doll’s House 21 October @ Loughborough Town Hall, Lougborough

THE SECRET RAPTURE

She has a loving husband, three beautiful children and the financial future is looking very secure for her and her family- so what else could

EXPRESSIONISM

TOTAL ARTWORK

NEW WALK MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

New gallery, website and events programme celebrating the largest collection of German Expressionist artwork in the UK germanexpressionismleicester.org

Ernst Neuschul, Die Schminkende, oil on canvas 1931. Gifted 2014

After a three-year spell at the West End, Award Winning director, Kevin Strachan’s production of Dancing in the Streets celebrates all aspects of Motown which make it one of the most influential genres of music of all time. A charming combination of emotion and power, alongside plenty of Motown classics from musical talents such as Marvin Gaye, The

62 Nora ask for? Provoking great controversy at the time of it’s original publication, this new English translation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, A Doll’s House, explores Nora’s struggle to keep her secret concealed from her family, and the guest which arrives on Christmas Eve does not help matters. w w w . loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

ANTIDOTE ART

Blood Brothers Monday 27 October to Saturday 1 November @ De Montfort Hall Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multiaward winning Blood Brothers.

Bill Kenwright’s production recently surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

Alien encounter 31st Oct/1st Nov @ National Space Centre, Leicester Halloween hits the National Space Centre in a terrifying frenzy of classic science fiction this year as they host a dramatic 18+ live action experience that has its visitors hunted by the highly evolved killer, The Alien.

As you undergo an evening of pyrotechnics, strobe lighting, and very real fear, visitors experience pursuit by a life-sized alien prop in a bid to survive. The National Space Centre’s Halloween event hosts an impressive array of science-fiction movie props, films, and activities that makes this event a sci-fi fan must!

w w w. s p a c e c e n t r e . c o . u k

CIRCA: WUNDERKAMMER 5 – 8 NOV 2014 @Curve, Leicester In this exquisite cabaret of the senses, a diva melts into a rope, balloons and bubble wrap. Discover their artistic souls while bodies twist and fly.

Bridget Christie: A Bic For Her 31 October @ The Y, Leicester

Antidote Art’s Summer Party was the perfect place to eat, drink and browse through the fantastic collections on display at its Lutterworth-based gallery. Over 50 people attended the champagne barbecue on 16th August, accompanied by live music, to see the exhibition by Sherree Valentine Daines, the darling of Modern British Impressionism.

Antidote exhibits some of the art world’s most exciting and emerging names at their Lutterworth gallery- look out for their exclusive from the infamous enfant-terrible of the artworld, Lincoln Townley on the 24th October. definitely one not to be missed!

Winning the 2013 Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award and rising interest across the country, Bridget Christie has become one of Britain’s favourite female comedians. Not afraid of honesty, Christies stand up show, Bic for Her, intends to address the f word many people fear to discuss: feminism. Her comedic approach to discussing such a debate worthy topic is powerful, frank, elegant and of course, hilarious. w w w. l e i c e s t e r y m c a . c o . u k

For more information, contact Antidote Art on art@antidoteart.com, 01455 556951, 31 High St, Lutterworth, www.antidoteart.com.

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Seven performers of unbelievable ability bend the very fabric of reality. Sexy, funny and explosive, Circa’s Wunderkammer is a breathless cocktail of new circus, cabaret and vaudeville.

Control and abandon, skill and humour, lyricism and anarchy all meld into a sinuous fugue of profound beauty.

Circa is world-renowned for creating startling new ways to experience circus.

Combining seemingly impossible physical feats with a poetic sensibility, its creations move, amaze and astonish.

UK Young Artist Leicester Festival 2014 7th November @ The Y Theatre This open showcase at venues across the city presenting the best of the UK’s young creative talent. Expect music, theatre, art, photography, sculpture, ceramics and film.

De Montfort Hall Leicester’s leading live entertainment venue

THE FULL MONTY Monday 2 to Saturday 7 March // £10 - £32 GROUPS OF 10+ £3 OFF // GROUPS OF 20+ £4 OFF NOT AVAILABLE ON RESTRICTED VIEW SEATS OR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENING PERFORMANCES

£3 transaction fee payable per booking // Box Office 0116 233 3111 Web demontforthall.co.uk // Twitter @demontforthall

www.visitleicester.info

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80 YEARS OF THE BELMONT

Needless Alley - In Embryo Like a moody rock band-style performance company, Needless Alley present In Embryo, a new and multidisciplinary performance integrating the talents of seven artists.

Working with poetry, movement, music, dance and visual art, together they will question and reflect on social structures, cultural misconceptions and the dangers of totalitarianism.

JOURNEY’S END 10 Nov - 15 Nov 2014, 7:30pm @ The Little Theatre

Leicester’s Belmont Hotel in De Montfort Street celebrated 80 years of independent ownership by the Bowie family with a special anniversary dinner in aid of local charity Twenty Twenty.

Built in 1861, The Belmont started its life as an infant school and became a Young Women’s Christian Association House and a government office during the first world war. In 1934 Mrs Rachel Bowie from Edinburgh bought the property and started a commercial 12 bedroom hotel offering bed and breakfast for six shillings or high tea, bed and breakfast for eight and six! When Rachel’s son James became engaged to Olive Elcock a few years later, she returned to Scotland leaving James and Olive to run the hotel.

Over the course of many years, they invested and developed the business, buying houses next to the Belmont along the leafy New Walk, so increasing capacity. Their eldest son James took over the running of the hotel in 1970 and remains its Managing Director today. In 2014, The Belmont Hotel boasts 75 bedrooms, eight conference rooms, regularly hosts international business leaders and celebrities and is known as the place to stay in Leicester.

In its 80th year, The Belmont Hotel is supporting local charity TwentyTwenty whose inspirational work with disadvantaged young people in the Leicestershire area helps them to fulfil their potential and find a bright future for themselves. Over the course of the year, the hotel is working alongside TwentyTwenty to mentor some of their young people who are interested in the hospitality industry and is giving them a chance to gain experience within the hotel.

The Belmont Hotel, De Montfort St, Leicester, LE1 7GR. Tel 0116 254 4773

Staged as part of the World War One (1914-18) Centenary commemorations.

“It was late in the evening when we came at last to our journey’s end.”

First staged in 1928 with a young Laurence Olivier, this intensely affecting play is an uncompromising, clear-eyed view of war, showing with remarkable insight and humour how British Army officers faced life in the trenches towards the end of WW1. The entire story plays out in the officers’ dugout over four days from 18 March 1918 to 21 March 1918, during the run-up to the reallife events of Operation Michael.

Howard Blake’s classic song Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world.

Boogie Nights 18th November to 22nd November @ Loughborough Town Hall

Boogie Nights The Musical tells the hilarious and heart-warming tale of Roddy, a jack-the-lad, whose life of birds, booze and boogie is about to be turned upside down.

It’s the night that the King, Elvis Presley, died and Roddy O’Neill is busy dreaming of life as a rock star! Debs, his girlfriend, has other thoughts…basically that Roddy is a selfish, arrogant, unfeeling, heartless pig! But the truth is that Roddy is in love with Debs, and Debs is in love with Roddy, but Debs knows that her Roddy has more than a roving eye! Through all their tears and laughter – can they both find what they are truly searching for?

Packed with all the greatest Disco classics, Boogie Nights The Musical will have the audience up on its feet doing The Bump and The Hustle, and funking away to the grooviest chart topping hits like “You Sexy Thing”, “Y.M.C.A.”, “I Will Survive”, “In The Navy”, “Celebration”, “I Love To Love”, “Boogie Wonderland” and many, many more.

THE SNOWMAN 12 – 16 NOV 2014 @ Curve, Leicester

When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a nighttime quest for adventure.

They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning?

Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring

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Leicester Gets Cosy Leicester hasn’t always been the goto city for a cosy dine, casual lounge and cheeky tipple. But thanks to two local lads, Alex Reilley and Jake Bishop, that’s all about to change as behind the scenes of a rustic, aged factory lies a quirky new bar and restaurant concept, just waiting to be revealed - and we think you’re going to love it, as it looks set to define a new social circuit in the city, says April Pickersgill.

Born and bred in Leicester, Alex and Jake’s independent brand, Loungers - of which The Cosy Club is one brand in their portflio - already successfully operates 51 venues in and around the UK and the Leicester branch will not only be the eighth addition to the Cosy Club portfolio, but the very first time the duo have brought their concept into their hometown of Leicester – something they’re immensely excited about.

The former Veejay Knitwear Factory on Highcross Street (off High Street) has been sensitively redeveloped: think exposed brickwork, sleek 1930s sofas and mis-matched furniture and you’ve got the eccentric, yet stylish, homely venue down to a tea (pun intended), which, once opened, will offer customers an all-day experience. “Whether you opt for coffee and cake, a stop-off on your shopping spree, a threecourse meal, or a full-blown night out, there’s something for everyone”, they enthuse. It is this very multi-purposeness – and the fact that the venue is open seven days a week - that makes for an eclectic mix of customers from all walks of life, as can be seen in the Stamford branch. In their own words, it is their hope to “offer the people of Leicester a completely fresh drink and dining experience”.

Like all Cosy Clubs, co-owners Jake Bishop and Alex Reilley (who met at Leicester’s New Parks Community College and have been firm friends ever since) have put a lot of thought, time, effort and investment into the home of their new venue. In fact, the pair first started looking at the former factory back in 2011. Being their home-turf, it’s their intention to make this venture their best yet. “The timing could not be any more right to open up a venue in Leicester…it’s a city that has previously under exploited its assets and we’re really excited and are getting more and more confident about the idea of changing that view”.

As youngsters, Jake and Alex may have been the relaxed, carefree type, who hiked across Canada and fumbled through their a-levels… twice, yet through their time as waiters, barmen and pot wash in some of the city’s top food and drink establishments, you could say their fate had been decided for them. “We’ve always loved the food and drink industry, it gives us a real buzz. So, after just five weeks at Northampton College University, we decided to quit - with aspirations to open up our very own surburban restaurant and do something more relevant to us.” It just so happened that Bristol was to be their location of choice and it was from this base that the group developed.

FAST-FORWARD A FEW YEARS, AND THEY’VE ACHIEVED ALL THAT AND (A LOT) MORE, MEANING LEICESTER REALLY DOES HAVE A LOT TO BE EXCITED ABOUT. Guests can expect cool, statement design features that reflect the old factory’s history alongside flashes of inspiration from the duo’s time growing up in the city in the 90s. In their own words, “It’s Village Hall meets Cricket Pavillion. It’s slightly barmy but enormously engaging”.

Every aspect of the venue’s design and identity has been influenced by the building’s textile heritage. Even the logo has taken inspiration from 1930s hosiery packaging. The Cosy Club prides itself on overtly British cocktails, a large selection of wine and ale, as well as good, value-for-money grub. We’re talking delicious paninis, sarnies and brekkies (served until 6pm!), mouth-watering mains, from tapas to Thai beef salad, and the oh-so-sweetest of puds.

With a function room fit for special celebrations, a capacity of more than 60 people, and a 1am license from Thursday through to Saturday, Thursday, October 16 is set to be the launch of all launches. Put it in the diary.

The Cosy Club is at 62-68 Highcross Street, Leicester, LE1 4NN. For reservations, menus and further details log on to www.cosyclub.co.uk

Alex Reilley and Jake Bishop

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WHY CAN’T I LOSE WEIGHT? So losing weight is difficult, yes? Most of us fail or ‘self sabotage’ (deliberately giving up before we fail for real) in the first few weeks, but if we knew how long it would take us to break all those bad eating habits would it help us?

Dluxe talks to Janet Thomson Msc, author, broadcaster and fitness guru, and mastermind of the new life coaching approach to weightloss from Champneys, EasySlim.

Q: We all hear so much puff around losing weight it is sometimes difficult to separate the fact from the fiction, what makes EasySlim different?

A: This is no ‘miracle cure’ – this is a carefully structured programme of nutrition that you would see in most programmes, however the difference with Easy Slim is that we identify the underlying reasons for being overweight.

Is it boredom eating? Is it low self-esteem? Or something deeper? It is the first programme to consider not just what you should eat and how much, but also how to change your mind so that you genuinely want to eat those foods, or eat less. Most people know what to do to lose weight, they just don’t know how to do it and programme teaches you exactly that.

Q: Ok that sounds like it could get deep?

A: It doesn’t always get deep! Some people sail through, however many do find that it’s an opportunity to change not just how they think and feel about food, but themselves generally. This is a life coaching approach to weightloss – we treat the entire person not just what it says on the scales. It can be hard to face up to some of the truths we unearth and take responsibility for your actions and your weight – many people make excuses or blame something else but the truth is you’re overweight because you over eat, and only you can control that. The programme can change you, your attitude and your waistline.

“It’s amazing what can happen when people make the commitment to change” Q: I think we could all do with a bit of that.

What exactly do we have to do? (And does it involve starving yourself?)

A: We use a range of scientifically proven techniques designed to help you understand how your brain works, and how to literally change your mind. These include powerful visualisations, changing internal dialogue and different forms of positive self suggestions; from this you can learn how to undo a lifetime of bad habits and poor decision-making in a four week period. That is how long it takes to create a new pathway in your brain forming a habit or instinct. It’s like learning to drive at first you have to think about everything clutch control, changing gear, looking in the mirrors – but after a while it becomes second nature, this is when it becomes a habit.

Q: So can these techniques be used for more than just weightloss?

A: Absolutely - it applies to many different areas of your life – and many of the people on whom this system was trialled saw huge benefits in other ways, including better jobs and new relationships. It’s amazing what can happen when people make the commitment to change. It is so much easier to stay as you are and not take the risk. How many of us choose to remain unhappy in ourselves rather than take the risk of improving our lot?

This is a lifestyle change – the course includes books, audios and plans to keep you on track and provide support along the way. The fiveday course is just the beginning of a whole new you.

Easy Slim at Champneys Tring The Easy Slim Package includes 4 nights at Champneys Tring including accommodation, all meals which are nutritionally balanced and include fresh locally sourced ingredients and homegrown vegetables and all tuition from Janet. The Champneys facilities, including lovely pool, gym and a full range of classes are also included in the price. At £595 it is not cheap, but considering the effects on your life, consider this an investment.

For more information visit www.champneys.co.uk www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

THE PROOF IS IN NOT-HAVING-THE PUDDING! Well, the proof is in the not-having-the pudding, so I gave it a go. I had got into some bad habits on returning home from work, laying into the crisps and the wine before dinner, which wasn’t helping my attempts shed a few pounds.

to

Firstly, I changed my thought processes and identified the problem. Using a free online food diary app, I recorded what I ate and when, then looked at the calorie count. Yes it was that post-work snacking, in what otherwise was a fairly healthy diet. So I went cold turkey – no wine or crisps for a month, including weekends. It wasn’t easy but I did it, and what do you know? The habit is broken – my consumption of wine and crisps has dropped by over two-thirds, losing with it over 2000 empty calories a week.

On the positive side, I have more energy and I get more done, so my life seems more manageable, I feel happier so there are fewer nights on the sofa bingeing on crisps and wine. RESULT!

THE CASE Restaurant & Champagne Bar

4-6 Hotel Street, Leicester, LE15AW Tel. 0116 251 7675 Open Monday to Saturday. www.thecase.co.uk www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Would you like to meet our team of friendly advisors and over acarers hot drink and biscuits? foster over a hot drink and some biscuits?

Evening Events: Tuesday 14th October, 19 June, Tuesday Thursday Wednesday 19th November.

22 July or Wednesday 27 August.

Drop in anytime between 5pm and 7pm (no need to book) to St Martins House (next door to the cathedral), 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester, Leiceste LE1 5PZ.

0116 454 4500 www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk