Fairies Hill Moorings - Reflect Magazine

free
Celebrate
St George’s Day
with a delicious
Victoria sponge
Issue 066
Fairies Hill Moorings
There’s nothing more relaxing than cruising Britain’s inland
waterways and where better to start from than Fairies Hill
Moorings in west Yorkshire. For more info, visit
www.fairies-hill-moorings.co.uk or turn to page 12
Get your tickets for the
British Fly Fair
International
Visit the
Spirit Of Summer Fair
at Olympia, London
See this issue online at www.reflect-magazine.co.uk

02 Yorkshire Dales Cottage
Tiger Awareness 03
A Home-From-Home In
The Yorkshire Dales
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the great British
outdoors, be it walking, cycling or fishing, Reflect would
like to recommend the peace and tranquillity on offer at
Yorkshire Dales Cottage in the hamlet of Millthorp, three
quarters of a mile from the charming market town of
Sedbergh. Situated within easy reach of the Lake District
and the Yorkshire Dales, this stone-built cottage sleeps up
to four and is owned by Jane Garner.
Tiger Awareness is a UK charity that helps at ground level in India.
We help in man - animal conflict working with local NGOs
and supporting forest departments.
Jane told Reflect: “My late mum bought the cottage about 20 years
ago. She bought it from the previous lady owner who was selling as the
whole row of cottages were at risk of being condemned. Mum bought
the cottage with this rick hanging over her, but lucky the cottages were
saved. “The cottage was renovated and updated and today boasts an
open-plan living/kitchen area, which is decorated in a modern style with
essential appliances, such as fridge/freezer, oven washing machine. The
living area also boasts a real fireplace for those cold evenings, whilst the rest
of the cottage benefits from central heating; the windows within this space
overlook the small garden and the rolling countryside beyond.
The cottage has retained many original features, such as the fireplace and
beams, which complement the country-cottage style décor of the master
bedroom, which boasts a double bed. There is also a sofa bed downstairs.
Finally, there’s a bathroom with a shower.
“Outside, the enclosed and secluded garden has a grassy area, which is
ideal for children or dogs to play. There’s garden furniture and breathtaking
views over the surrounding countryside.If you appreciate peace and
tranquillity, this really is the place to be!”
Jane’s charming cottage is located in the hamlet of Millthorp, five miles
from Junction 37 of the M6 in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Within
a 10-mile radius of the cottage, holidaymakers will find a whole host of
attractions, activities and countryside to explore. The market town of
Sedbergh boasts all the facilities you could need, with a butcher, Post
Office, grocers, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and even a tourist information
centre. It also has a delightful bookshop, a haven for bookworms, after all,
Sedbergh is known as ‘the book town’.
Jane added: “The cottage makes a great base from which to explore this
wonderful area of the UK. Not only are you perfectly placed to explore the
Yorkshire Dales, you can also easily get to the Lake District and the Howgill
Fells, a small group of hills in Cumbria providing long distance views of the
Pennines and Morecombe Bay. The area is great for almost everyone: dogs
and their owners will love the array of walks for all levels around the area, as
will keen ramblers who flock to the area to walk The Dales Way. Fishermen
will enjoy the challenges of the River Rawtley whilst cyclists will love the
challenges that the dramatic landscape of the Dales and Lakes presents.”
Linen and towels are provided. Prices start from £100 for a long weekend
(Friday to Monday) rising to £350 for week. A £50 discount is available for
senior citizens. Jane has a life-long passion for travelling, as she explained:
“I’ve always loved visiting new places and meeting new people but if it
hadn’t been for my mum, my family would never had owned our beloved
campervan. We looked at a brand new V.W. Camper in Manchester many
years ago but brand new it cost £35,000, money we just didn’t have! So
we went to Leisuredrive in Kearsley, near Bolton and purchased one of
their campervans, converted from ordinary vehicles, including vans and
ambulances. Our campervan has taken us all over the UK, into France,
Germany and as far as Sorrento in Italy. Mum and I have toured and
travelled together for many years; the campervan is like our second home.
We’re off to Cornwall in it within the next couple of weeks. It’s so much fun
and offers so much freedom.”
For more information on Jane’s cottage,
please call 01942 216058 or 07792 445257.
You can find out more about our work or donate at
www.tigerawareness.co.uk. We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

There’s nothing more relaxing than cruising Britain’s inland
waterways and where better to start from than Fairies Hill
Moorings in west Yorkshire. For more info, visit
www.fairies-hill-moorings.co.uk or turn to page??
free
Celebrate
St George’s Day
with a delicious
Victoria sponge
Issue 066
Fairies Hill Moorings
Get your tickets for the
British Fly Fair
International
Visit the
Spirit Of Summer Fair
at Olympia, London
See this issue online at www.reflect-magazine.co.uk
Front cover image courtesy of
Fairies Hill Mooring Ltd
www.reflect-magazine.co.uk
07
©VisitBritain/ Britain On View
Editor:
Accounts:
Feature Writers:
Graphic Designer:
Elaine Ellis
elaine@reflect-magazine.co.uk
0116 262 8096
Anthony Klak
accounts@reflect-magazine.co.uk
0116 251 5919
Laura Hyde
editorials@reflect-magazine.co.uk
0116 251 7385
Mandeep Kaur
design@reflect-magazine.co.uk
0116 251 7385
Image courtesy of Tiger Awareness
08
03
©VisitBritain/ Britain On View
16
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14
Contents
Web Design:
Write to us:
Paul Tipton at Q Creative Design
paul@qcreativedesign.co.uk
0116 251 7298
REFLECT MAGAZINE
3rd Floor Office,
29-35 St Nicholas Place,
Leicester LE1 4LD
©VisitBritain/ Rod Edwards
02 Yorkshire Dales Cottage
03 Tiger Awareness
08 Spirit Of Summer Fair
10 Derby Theatre
16 Touring Scotland
18 Holidays
Name & Registered Office:
Company Number:
REFLECT MAGAZINE LIMITED
Allen House, Newarke Street,
Leicester LE1 5SG
6979106
Image courtesy of Spirit Of Summer Fair
Follow us on Twitter @reflect_mag
06 St George’s Day Recipe
07 British Fly Fair International
12 Fairies Hill Mooring Ltd
14 The Crick Boat Show
20 The Perfect Day
22 Cotswold Wedding Video
& Photography

06 St George’s Day Recipe British Fly Fair International 07
©VisitBritain/ Britain On View
Get Hooked
Celebrate
St George
With A
Scrumptious
Victoria
Sponge
On Fishing
Sometimes we all need a little time to ourselves, to relax and unwind, and fishing
offers an unrivalled chance for us to experience the calmness of the water and enjoy
the great outdoors.
One of the gentlest outdoor pursuits, it’s certainly easy to see the appeal of fishing.
One of the major appeals of angling is that it allows young and old, male and
female, able bodied and disabled to compete on equal terms. Newcomers will find it
fairly easy to pick up too. It’s also an extremely rewarding hobby, one that is easy to
learn and, as there are no specialist skills involved, it’s great for kids too.
Mainly conducted on lakes, rivers and reservoirs, fly fishing is seen as the most
challenging type of fishing, as it involves using artificial flies and special casting
techniques to lure the fish to the bait. It can be done on freshwater for pike, perch
and zander, or saltwater for bass, pollock and mullet.
For many of us, it appears that St George’s Day is just another
normal day, falling on the 23rd April every year - acknowledged
but not celebrated; in fact, you’re more likely to celebrate
another nationalities national day!
Despite St George being our patron saint since the 14th Century,
only one in five of us realise when the day falls - 23rd April - and
shockingly more than 25% of us living in England don’t even
know who our patron saint is (www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.
uk/customs/stgeorge.html).
The legend of St George describes a town that was regularly
terrorised by a fearful dragon - everyday the dragon demanded
the sacrifice of a young and beautiful maiden. By the time
George heard of this, all the girls in the town had been killed, all
except for the King’s daughter, who was to be sacrificed the very
next day. The only hope for her survival was if a knight could slay
the dragon; this was George’s job. George rode into the valley
where the dragon was living, hoping to slay it. The dragon was
big and terrifying, and yet George was not
afraid. He fought with the dragon
and eventually, he killed
it. As a result, the
town was left at
peace.
Our
English flag originates from Saint George, as he is shown in
many pictures slaying the dragon, with a white shield and a red
cross.
So, that’s how the story goes; but, the real St George is far from
an heroic dragon slayer - in fact, St George isn’t even English at
all! The real St George was born in Turkey in the third century.
He became a Roman solider but protested against Rome’s
persecution of Christians. For this act, he was tortured and
imprisoned, but he remained faithful to his faith. Eventually, he
was beheaded for his beliefs and is now popularly known for his
bravery, honour and gallantry.
Our resident Chef, Neil Walker of Appetite at Abbey Leisure &
Sports Club in Leicester, has come up with a traditional English
recipe for everyone to enjoy this St George’s Day…
“Queen Victoria adopted the craze for afternoon tea parties –
and it was her honour that this simple, two-layer sponge cake
was named after her during her time at Osbourne House on
the Isle of Wight.
I can’t think of a more quintessential
English cake. Ok, so it doesn’t
adhere to the traditional
‘Women’s Institute’
method, but it’s much
easier –
and if any ladies from the W.I. would like to challenge me at
their Victoria Sandwich cook-offs – I’m game!
You could always substitute the filling for freshly whipped cream
and strawberries, or lemon curd, or even orange marmalade. It’ll
keep in an airtight container for two to three days.”
Sponge Ingredients:
200g caster sugar
200g butter (room temperature)
200g self-raising flour, sifted
4 free-range medium eggs, beaten
1 level teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons milk
Filling Ingredients:
100g butter (room temperature)
140g icing sugar, sifted – plus a little extra for decoration
340g jam
Vanilla extract, few drops
Method:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 5.
2. Grease and line two 20cm sandwich tins.
3. In a large bowl, beat all the cake ingredients together until
you have a smooth, soft batter.
4. Divide between the two tins, smooth the surface with a
spatula and bake in the oven for approx 15-20 minutes, until
golden brown and the cake springs back when pressed.
5. After 5 minutes cooling time, turn onto a cooling rack and
leave to cool completely.
6. Whilst the sponges are cooling, to make the filling, beat the
butter until smooth and creamy. Then gradually beat in the icing
sugar and vanilla.
7. Spread the butter cream over the bottom of one of the
sponges, top it with jam and sandwich the second sponge on top.
8. Dust with a little icing sugar just before serving.
Delicious!
Now you know the legend, and truth, behind our patron saint,
St George, make sure you take some time on Monday April
23rd to celebrate everything he achieved, and maybe make
a delicious Victoria Sandwich whilst you’re at it. For more
information, please log onto www.stgeorgesday.com
Neil can be found at Appetite within
Abbey Sports & Leisure Club, 70 Slater Street
(off Frog Island), Leicester LE3 5AS.
Packington Trout Fishery
Superb fly fishing in the heart of The Midlands
Day tickets available on Cocks Close
Ticket prices:
£29.50 five fish - £21.50 two fish
Concessions for senior citizens and juniors
Great value season tickets available for all our members-only waters:
Great Pool, Hall Pool and Park Meadow
Contact: 01676 522754
penny@packingtonfisheries11.wanadoo.co.uk
Coarse fishing also available at:
Packington Somers Fishery 01676 523833
www.packingtonestate.net
Packington Trout Fisheries, Meriden, Warwickshire
Ellerdine Lakes
• Shropshire’s premier small
water trout fishery
• Good average size of fish
• Tackle shop & café
• Open 8am til dusk
If you’re already hooked on fly fishing, Reflect would like to encourage you to
visit The British Fly Fair International, taking place at The Staffordshire County
Showground is located 2 miles from junction 14 of the M6 motorway just outside
Stafford. From June 23rd until 24th, The Staffordshire County Showground will
welcome an array of exhibitors promising a great day out for angling enthusiasts.
The show opens at 9:30am and closes at 4:30pm. Prices for a ticket have been held
steady for another year, costing £10 for one day and £17 for two days. Children aged
15 and under go FREE when accompanied by an adult. Save money and beat the
queues, book your tickets now, call 01782 388382. For more info, visit
www.bffi.co.uk
Fishing is one of the few sports that can be enjoyed all year round in any location,
as there are different species to catch during each season, such as fly fishing for wild
brown trout during spring, casting for carp during summer or sea fishing for cod in
the autumn. However, there are certain rules on when you can enjoy certain types
of fishing, so it’s always best to check before you cast your line. For those planning
on fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels, a rod licence is vital, but if you
are planning on using an angling club, you will also need a fishing permit, which
gives you permission to fish their waters. For more information, visit
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Fishing has numerous health benefits, even if you do go home empty-handed.
Not only is fishing one of the most relaxing sports, giving our bodies and minds
the chance to relax, it also enables us to get out of the house and into the great
outdoors. Here, the sun can warm your skin (don’t forget to wear sunscreen, even
on dull, cloudy days) and fresh air will fill your lungs. Sunlight is a great source
of vitamin D and the trees surrounding the river, lake or loch will provide a high
oxygen intake. Fishing is great light exercise too. It’s not strenuous but provides an
excellent upper body workout, especially if you plan on casting a fishing rod all
day long.
Bob Goble
G.A.I.C – L2CCA
Licensed Game-Angling Instructor
Friendly, relaxed tuition for beginners & improvers.
One-to-one or groups.
Corporate days arranged.
If you’ve got any feedback on this recipe, nutrition questions, or
ideas you’d like to share, why not email
appetite@abbeysports.co.uk.
Contact: Edward 07860 299342
or Jayne 07740 257585
enquiries@ellerdinelakes.co.uk
www.ellerdine-lakes.co.uk
Tel: 01474 352653
Mob: 07743 054711
Email: robert.goble@blueyonder.co.uk

08 Spirit Of Summer Fair
09
09
Save the Date for The Spirit of Summer Fair 2012
in association with House & Garden
If you love discovering something a little bit different and need some unique inspiration for stylish
summer living, visit the Spirit of Summer Fair, in association with House & Garden, from 16th – 19th
May. Find an innovative, handpicked collection of original products that you won’t find on the High
Street, as well as a wealth of stylish seasonal ideas.
Returning to Olympia, London, it’s the perfect day out to discover new trends for
summer 2012 and creative ideas for the home and garden. Thornback & Peel’s
hand-printed textiles are the perfect whimsical addition to any summer home, or
indulge in some of Charcoal & Grey’s handmade cushions, created with fabrics
sourced from around the world.
Over 300 handpicked boutiques will be on hand with some fabulous ideas for
summer, such as stunning swimwear from Areti Patmos, beachwear for the whole
family from Starblu, beautiful childrenswear by Chateau de Sable and Juliet and
the Band, brilliantly innovative toys and games to keep the little ones entertained
throughout the long summer months!
Be sure to visit the Summer Lifestyle Workshop to partake in inspiring talks and
workshops including the Laurent-Perrier Rose Party with florist Ercole Moroni and
master perfumer Roja Dove to the most delightful summer dining ideas from the
head chefs at The Ivy, J Sheekey, Daphne’s and Le Caprice. Sample summer
delicacies from the food and wine connoisseurs on offer in The Food Hall and don’t
forget to pay a visit to the Great Taste Awards Theatre to discover gastronomic
delights from some of Britain’s best artisan producers - The Carved Angel’s
mouthwatering chutneys are an essential for any summer barbecue, and award
winning meats from Aubrey & Allen. Continue the Alfresco dining throughout the
Summer months with a choice of the finest wines from Charles Mitchell.
The hugely popular Interior & Garden Theatre returns with a host of talks from some
of the industry’s leading experts-including Rabi Hage speaking on collectables in
design and interiors plus Nina Campbell on design inspiration. Experts from Jo
Malone will be exciting visitors with the launch of their three room scents.
For a stylish dining experience like no other, visit Mosimann’s Summer Restaurant,
offering the finest summer cuisine perfectly accessorised with a glass of crisp
champagne or two to add a touch of sparkle to a wonderful day.
Opening Times:
Wednesday 16th May
10am - 6pm
Thursday 17th May
10am - 6pm
Friday 18th May
10am - 6pm
Saturday 19th May
10am - 6pm
TICKET PRICES:
Adult £16. Child £8
(13 - 16 years).
Child under
12 years FREE
Ticket hotline
0844 412 4623
For more information visit
www.spiritofsummerfair.co.uk

10 Derby Theatre
11
Derby Theatre Presents…
THE CEMETERY CLUB
A comedy by Ivan Menchell from Monday 23rd to Saturday 28th April
You’ll die laughing!
From Monday 23rd until Saturday 28th
April, Ian Dickens Productions Ltd. will
present the gloriously funny comedy, The
Cemetery Club starring Anne Charleston,
who is known to millions for her roles
as Madge Bishop in the Australian soap
opera Neighbours and Lily Butterfield in
Emmerdale, iconic film and television
actress, Shirley-Anne Field, well-loved
British stage and screen star, Anita Harris
and established television and stage actress
Debbie Norman, whose characters are all
affected when they meet widower Sam,
played by veteran The Bill actor, Peter Ellis
who played Chief Inspector Brownlow for
sixteen years.
Ida, Lucille and Doris are part of a club – the cemetery club. Every month
they meet at Ida’s New York house for tea, and then trundle off to the
cemetery to remember the good times and gossip with their late husbands.
Lucille fancies herself as a flamboyant swinger, Doris is a traditional
matronly widow and Ida is somewhere in between. When Sam, a butcher,
meets the widows at the cemetery while he is visiting his wife’s grave, he
changes their lives forever.
This touching play about three superannuated, feuding Jewish women
is funny, wise and gloriously witty- think Steel Magnolias meets The
Golden Girls. This charming and touching production from Ian Dickens
Productions Ltd. follows the great success of the recent critically acclaimed
productions of The Woman in White and Death by Fatal Murder.
Tickets: adults £8 - £21, concessions £8 - £19
YES, PRIME MINISTER
Yes, please to West End smash-hit political comedy coming to Derby!
Monday 30th April to Saturday 5th May
The smash-hit political stage comedy, Yes, Prime Minister, direct from the
West End, will run at Derby Theatre for one week only from Monday 30th
April until Saturday 5th May. This comedy hit will star Graham Seed (The
Archers) and Michael Simkins (Mamma Mia, Above Suspicion). The original
writers of the classic BBC TV series, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, have
reunited for this anniversary production.
Graham Seed is best known for his role as Nigel Pargetter in BBC Radio
Four’s The Archers since 1983. Among his many TV appearances he has starred
as Jorkins in the TV series, Brideshead Revisited and Britannicus in I, Claudius.
His more recent TV credits include Spielberg’s Band of Brothers and Midsomer
Murders. Seed has featured in numerous stage productions, from the National
tour of Journey’s End to the Accolade earlier this year.
An associate member of RADA, Michael Simkins has made numerous film
and television appearances as well as starring as Billy Flyn in Chicago from
2007. His career in the West End has seen him featuring in Mamma Mia, The
King and I and Off West End in Harold Pinter’s The Old Masters and Terence
Rattigan’s Less than Kind. For TV, Michael has played a regular character in
Foyle’s War, as well as featuring in TV dramas such as A Touch of Frost, Judge
John Deed and, most recently, Above Suspicion: Silent Scream. His film credits
include Wilde and V for Vendetta.
Please note: contains scenes of an adult nature.
Tickets: adults £10 - £25, concessions £10 - £23
London Classic Theatre presents
EQUUS
In a Hampshire stable, a youth blinds six horses with a metal spike.
Tuesday 8th until Saturday 12th May
gradually gains Alan’s trust and the truth begins to emerge. As Alan struggles
to be free of his demons, he must first relive the events of that terrible night.
Inspired by a true story, Peter Shaffer’s unique psychological thriller explores
the complex relationships between worship, myth and sexuality. Following in
the footsteps of the immense success enjoyed by the play’s West End revival
in 2007, Shaffer’s powerful, absorbing drama tours the UK in Autumn
2011, with a vibrant new ensemble breathing fresh life into this theatrical
masterpiece.
Equus was originally staged in 1973 at the Royal National Theatre, London.
In 1977, a film adaptation of the play was released starring Richard Burton
and Peter Firth. In 2007, the play was revived in the West End for the first
time since its première, in a critically-acclaimed production starring Daniel
Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths. Peter Shaffer was born in 1926. His awardwinning
plays include The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1964), Black Comedy
(1965) and Amadeus (1979). Equus won the Tony Award and New York
Critics Circle Award for Best New Play in 1977.
In 2010, London Classic Theatre celebrated ten years on tour, having
performed to over 300,000 people at more than 150 theatres and arts centres
around the UK and Ireland. The company, led by founder and Artistic
Director Michael Cabot, produces challenging, accessible drama for audiences
in London and the regions. LCT has explored the work of some of the finest
playwrights of the last fifty years, including Joe Orton, Harold Pinter, Brian
Friel and Mike Leigh. They have also staged more challenging work, with
national tours of two plays by Marivaux, Bryony Lavery’s Frozen and a further
two UK premières, Nightfall by Joanna Murray-Smith and Love in the Title
by Hugh Leonard. Most recently, from Feb - June 2011, LCT toured two plays
at the same time with its Modern Takes Season of European Classic drama,
featuring productions of Patrick Marber’s After Miss Julie and Ibsen’s Ghosts
in a new version by Frank McGuinness.
London Classic Theatre tours its work to venues of all scales and sizes, from
arts centres and studio spaces to No. 1 and repertory theatres. The company
has never received any funding or sponsorship for its work. In spite of this
they have built and maintained relationships with many of the most respected
repertory theatres and touring venues in the UK and Ireland and continue to
produce theatre of the highest quality.
Equus contains strong language, adult themes and nudity.
Tickets: adults £8 - £21, concessions £8 - £19
In a world of spin, Blackberrys and ‘sexed up’ dossiers, the PM is staring
disaster in the face. The country is on the brink of financial meltdown and
the Government’s only apparent salvation comes from a morally dubious
deal with the Foreign Minister of Kumranistan. Will Jim Hacker and his
team of advisors be able to rescue the country from the edge?
Convicted of this appalling crime, seventeen-year-old Alan Strang is sent to
a secure psychiatric hospital. Martin Dysart, the child psychiatrist assigned
to him, begins to probe Alan’s past in an attempt to understand his motives.
Initially the boy is silent and uncooperative, but as Dysart digs deeper, he
For more information on any of these
shows or to book tickets, please call the
Derby Theatre Box Office on
01332 593939 or visit
www.derbytheatre.co.uk

12 Fairies Hill Mooring Ltd
13
Fairies Hill Moorings:
Created By Boaters, For Boaters
Providing safe and secure moorings on the Aire &
Calder Navigation in a quiet and picturesque corner
of west Yorkshire, Fairies Hill Moorings is a familyfriendly
site located between two locks, one filled in,
on the site of the old coal wharf. The site has been
transformed over the last 10 years.
Reflect spoke to Mel Smith from Fairies Hill Moorings, to find out
more. He said: “The Aire & Calder Navigation has always
been an important waterway. For many years, it carried
large commercial barges (transporting sand) inland
directly from the sea. It is a commercial waterway, with a
heavy leisure craft presence. However, as with many of
the nation’s waterways, Fairies Hill Cut fell into disrepair;
it became overgrown and underused by the end of the
1990s. The regeneration of the site began in early 2000,
when the old line of the Aire and Calder navigation at
Whitwood Wharf was dredged; this created a very basic
place for people to moor their boats. Wendy and Peter
Hardwick took over the lease of the mooring site from
British Waterways on the 1st of July in 2010 and since
then, we have come up with a four-year business plan to
transform the site into somewhere people really want to
stay.
the back of the big hill that’s onsite, allowing visitors to wander and
see a vast array of wildlife for themselves; there are few marinas that
can offer visitors the chance to see a herd of deer from the river
bank. We’ve even had a pair of black swans visit the site; we really
do welcome a vast array of animal and birdlife, including herons,
kingfishers and ducks. I think this is what makes us unique; we’re
located at the end of a lane, so we’re secluded yet within easy
reach of nearby towns and we’re not on a main waterways course,
so chugging along our waterways is even more peaceful than other
areas of the country. We’re not as well-known as other areas, but
again I think this makes us the ONLY place to enjoy a quiet and
relaxing holiday. In fact, due to our unique location, you can travel
for two hours before you hit a lock, allowing you to truly sit back and
watch the world cruise by.”
“Two years in to our plan and everything is on track and
running smoothly. We’re ploughing every penny of the
income back into the business. When Wendy and Peter
took over, they started with 20 boats moored here, but in
just two years, we’ve increased that to 60. It’s not about
generating more income; for us, it’s about creating
somewhere special, somewhere people want to be,
which is why we’re ploughing every penny back into the
business. We have the drive and ambition to transform
Fairies Hill into somewhere special but we want to do it
without loans and debt. Everyone here understands that
and supports us. We all support one another in fact; we’re
like a large family and there’s a real sense of community
here; everyone helps one another without being in each
other’s pockets.
“We have plans to take the marina further in the future, so
although we initially had a four-year plan, we’re planning
so much more. We’re in talks with British Waterways at the
moment. The future is very exciting.”
Fairies Hill Moorings not only boasts moorings for up to 70 boats,
mains water connections and a children’s play area, it’s also home
to an unrivalled abundance of wildlife, such as deer, kingfishers,
ducks and swans; a pair of black swans have even visited in the
past.
Fairies Hill Moorings is home to The White Rose Boat Club, who hold
three or four events at the site each year. Mel explained: “The
Club moved their base to here a few years ago as a lot of their
members were already moored here. We’ve had a stage built on
the river bank for The Club’s events, which are always a big hit, with
members, site residents and visitors.”
Tucked away in a picturesque and serene area of west Yorkshire,
Fairies Hill Moorings also attracts a lot of non-human visitors, as Mel
explained: “We welcome a whole host of flora and fauna to the
site on a regular basis. We have created some great paths around
For further details, please contact Mel Smith or Wendy or Peter Hardwick today
Tel: 01924 223712 Web: www.fairies-hill-moorings.co.uk Email: info@fairies-hill-moorings.co.uk

14 The Crick Boat Show
15
The UK’s premier waterways event takes place at the picturesque Crick Marina (just off
Junction 18 of the M1) from 2nd – 5th June. Crick Boat Show offers a fantastic day out
for all the family with boat trips, live music, children’s entertainment, food and drink
stalls, competitions, food demonstrations, evening ghost tours, seminars and over 200
exhibitors, from boat builders, waterway accessories and services to arts, crafts, holidays
and gourmet food specialists.
Far removed from the pace of modern life, a narrowboat holiday is the perfect way to
unwind. Making your way slowly through the British countryside in your floating home
you have the freedom to go as you please. No rush (as speeds are limited to 4mph), no
pressure, just mile after mile of beautiful canals (originally created to transport goods
across the country) to explore. There’s always a new view to experience around the
next bend, something new to discover and something for the kids to explore; it’s a truly
relaxing holiday.
In fact, research carried out last year by Towergate Bakers Insurance found that from the
five most popular holidays enjoyed by Brits, a canal boat holiday came in at a surprising
fifth place. With this type of holiday being described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’, it’s
easy to see why so many Brits are opting for this kind of holiday.
Crick Boat Show highlights include:
Discover The Crick Boat Show
June 2nd to 5th at Crick Marina
services, associations and businesses, it’s an essential part of the Crick Boat Show
experience.
• The Boats
The colourful boats set the scene at Crick Boat Show. With several dozen floating boats
within the marina, and a dozen or so land-based boats, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Be sure
to climb aboard a few and take a look inside for an insight into life on the waterways.
Presented by national and local boat builders and brokers, the narrowboats on display
form the heart of the show.
• Around the Marina
A feast of boating expertise awaits you on the quayside with high quality exhibitors from
every field, whose large marquees welcome you inside to browse and chat. Make sure
you take the opportunity to talk to all the experts and find out more about what they
have to offer.
• Show Village
The Show Village is a bustling outdoor area of the show with a large number of
exhibitors. Located adjacent to the main food court, it’s the ideal area to enjoy a gentle
post-lunch stroll. The Show Village is also a great place to pick up some exclusive showonly
offers and bargains.
©VisitBritain/ Rod Edwards
• For the Children
The Crick Boat Show 2012 will boast a variety of children’s activities, entertainment
and experiences. Traditional rides and games for children of a variety of ages, plus fun
entertainers who’ll amuse the whole family will be provided, as will educational areas
for children throughout the show, in order to encourage the Show’s youngest visitors to
leave the show knowing that little bit more about Britain’s inland waterways.
• Kingfisher Boating Marquee
The backbone of Crick Boat Show, little will change about the Kingfisher Boating
Marquee this year. A huge floored marquee filled with waterway related products,
Sabena Marine
Marsh Road, Wroxham, Norwich NR12 8UH
Explore the east coast on board the yacht,
‘Kingfisher of Maldon’.
We provide the full range of RYA sailing
courses, from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster.
Call: 020 3006 3717
Visit www.firstclasssailing.com/eastcoastsailing
S
ANTI-FOULING
Pull out & launch, powerwash, anti-foul
20ft craft £302
25ft craft £331
30ft craft £360
35ft craft £396 Tel: 01603 782552
40ft craft £428 Fax: 01603 784215
www.sabenamarine.co.uk
Prices include VAT Sabena.marine@btopenworld.com
• Food and Drink
High quality food and drink will be available at Crick Boat Show 2012, catering to all
tastes and budgets. The brand new Water Vole Craft & Food Marquee will be host to a
gathering of fine craftspeople and gourmet food specialists. With tasty samples and live
demonstrations of craftsmanship and innovative and unique products, the Water Vole
marquee is the ideal place to browse.
The Crick Boat Show, which is expected to attract 25,000 visitors, is organised by
Waterways World in partnership with British Waterways and Crick Marina. For more
information visit www.crickboatshow.com or call the ticket hotline 01283 742972.
Sail Away With
YBDSA
You might think that owning your own
boat is an unachievable dream but with
interest rates so low at the moment, your
hard-earned cash isn’t doing much for you
stuck in a bank account. Reflect would like
to encourage you to spend and enjoy your
cash while you can by buying a boat.
Founded 100 years ago, the YBDSA
provides a comprehensive list of approved
surveyors, designers and brokers to assist in
all aspects of the purchase or sale of a boat.
Established by a group of yacht brokers to
cater specifically for wealthy boat owners
and royalty, the YBDSA has changed over
the years and now caters for anyone
looking to buy a boat, whether it be a yacht,
sail boat or narrowboat.
YBDSA Chief Executive, Jane Gentry, told
us: “Boats are different to houses and cars;
any finance that is secured to the boat stays
with the boat and not with the owner. Get the
seller to sign a Sale and Purchase agreement
stating that there is no outstanding finance
or debt on the boat. This ensures that if there
is finance on the vessel, the buyer can take the
seller to courts for fraud. A broker will check
this and other title documentation to ensure
you have the correct paperwork.
“The best advice I can pass on to anyone
thinking of buying a boat is to do your
homework. Think about who will use the
vessel, how often it will get used and how
much you want to spend, as it’s not just
the initial outlay that you have to consider:
engine services, maintenance and storage/
mooring all cost money.”
The YBDSA are celebrating their centenary
in 2012 and held a drinks reception at the
Glass Works on the 28th of March, where
their new Presidents Board was unveiled
by Tiff Needell (whose father was a former
President during the 1970s).
For more information on how the YBDSA can help you,
please visit www.ybdsa.co.uk or call 01730 266430
Anglo Welsh Waterway Holidays
Awarded Certificate of Recognition
Described as the fastest way to slow down, narrowboat holidays provide the ultimate
opportunity to kick back and relax. Established over 40 years ago, Anglo Welsh Waterway
Holidays provide narrowboat holidays for all the family. Operating from 11 locations
throughout England and Wales, Anglo Welsh covers large sections of Britain’s 2,000+ miles
of inland waterways, in numerous stunning locals that beg to be explored.
It’s not hard to see why Reflect have chosen Anglo Welsh for a Certificate of Recognition
for Ultimate Boating Break. Editor, Elaine Ellis, said: “Enjoying a narrowboat holiday forces you
to slow down, to relax and take life at a slower pace, something I feel everyone could benefit from
these days. Providing not only high quality boats
but also a great area of Britain to explore,
Anglo Welsh Waterway Holidays are worthy
winners of this Certificate of Recognition.”
The route you choose is entirely up to you.
The Booking Team can help you decide
and advise everyone from the Complete
Novice to the Seasoned Veteran! Everyone
has a full Handover Session before they set
off, to explain all the ‘dos and don’ts’ and
to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable
holiday.
Then You’re Off!
Take a leisurely cruise to a local pub and
moor up and enjoy the tranquillity, or, take
on a more physical route and get the kids to do the
locks – its great exercise and a real family activity.
Robert Lawrence took over Anglo Welsh in 2000
and has spent the 12 years investing a lot of time,
effort and money into refurbishing the fleet of
150 hire boats and 10 day boats. Today, the fleet
offers a diverse mix to accommodate every type of
party, from cosy two-berths for a couple; four or
six-berth for a small families and groups of friends,
and eight, nine, ten and 12-berth boats for larger parties. Every boat in the fleet has been
independently assessed by an accredited Inspector and have been graded on the Visit
England five-star grading scheme.
Robert said: “Lots of people are surprised to discover just how modern 21st Century
narrowboats actually are; they come fully equipped with hot and cold running water, flushing
toilets, central heating, showers or even small baths, sprung mattresses and fridges are available
on every boat. We include a full tank of fuel in all our hires, which would keep you going for
two weeks at a steady pace. We’re one of the few large boat hire companies not to charge a
supplement for fuel and customers actually save anything up to £150 by choosing to holiday
with us.”
Anglo Welsh also have a number of boats to
hire for the day at all of their bases, to give
you and your family a taste of life cruising
Britain’s inland waterways.
For more information, visit www.anglowelsh.co.uk
or call 0117 3041122

16 Touring Scotland
17
Crazy Camping in Bonnie Scotland
Uig Sands
Campsite
Islecroft Caravan
& Camping Site
Despite its compact size, Scotland is home to an array of attractions that are
sure to occupy every member of the family, no matter what their age or taste.
So, whether you’re searching for a family holiday destination with attractions
to entertain all, a romantic city for a weekend away with a lover, or just want to
see some stunning scenery, Scotland is the place!
If you’re watching the pennies or looking for a greener way to enjoy a holiday, a
caravan or camping holiday offers a fun-filled break, with no passport required.
As a self-catering, no frills alternative to a package holiday, providing flexibility
and freedom, camping breaks offer the chance of an enjoyable holiday that
won’t break the bank. In recent years, the economic climate has made us all
more aware of every penny we spend, so to ensure you and your loved ones
can still enjoy quality time together on an annual holiday, opt for a caravan or
camping break this year.
Overlooked by many thanks to stereotypical ideas, such as soggy sleeping bags
and the infamous shiver-provoking showers, it’s a well-kept secret by keen
campers that tents can now enjoy all the creature comforts of home thanks to
electrical hook ups - whatever you require (be it hair straighteners or proper
lighting) to ensure your holiday has all the creature comforts of home, can be
catered for.
With spectacular scenery, an abundance of fresh air and an unrivalled ‘outdoor
playground’ Scotland is the ideal place to enjoy a caravan/camping holiday this
summer. The country boasts an extensive range of campsites and caravan parks
in just about every corner of this magical country, many of which are open
throughout the year. Not only are the facilities for camping/caravanning great
but there’s so much to do and see in Scotland, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Scotland has some of the finest beaches in the world. They’re so varied with
white sands, secret coves, rock pools, and unpolluted clear waters common
sights; you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of seals basking on
the rocks. It has been estimated that Scotland has 16,491 km/10,306 miles of
coastline; in fact many Scottish beaches are often so deserted that you can find
yourself the only people there! Many of the beaches along the west coast are
often photographed and portrayed as the Caribbean in holiday brochures due
to the white sands and crystal clear water.
Scotland’s breathtaking landscape offers holidaymakers the chance to refresh
and enliven their senses, whether you explore on foot, on a bicycle or in a
canoe! Scotland’s great outdoors make a unique, natural playground, combined
with a wealth of adventure activities, has blessed this small country with the
prestigious status as Europe’s Adventure Capital. Adventure seekers will find
a host of exciting activities in Scotland’s dramatic mountains, rolling hills,
picturesque forestry, rugged coastlines and fast-flowing rivers.
Not only is Scotland an adrenaline junkie’s paradise, it’s also a rambling
haven that provides the opportunity to enjoy a gentle country stroll, a breezy
coastal walk, trekking long distance routes or scrambling amidst the majestic
mountains – there’s something for every rambler.
Scotland is also THE place for wildlife; The Scottish Wildlife and Nature Tourism
Operators Association believes Scotland is the number one destination for
watching wildlife in Europe, thanks to the diversity of the landscape. Recent
years have seen the re-introduction of many native Scottish species, most
notably the Sea Eagle and Red Kites, which now grace the Scottish skies once
again.
For more information on camping/caravanning holidays in Scotland,
please visit www.visitscotland.com/guide/where-to-stay/camping-caravanning
The Port Mòr Centre
©VisitBritain/ Britain On View
Basic camping area right on the
dunes of Traigh Uuige. Enter at the
parking area for the beach. Run by
the local community. Only facilities
are public conveniences and a
water pipe. Strictly no towing or
seasonal caravans. Community
shop and seasonal community cafè
are nearby. Please contact site for
further info and details.
Tel: 01851 672248
6 Ardoil, Timsgearraidh, Isle Of
Lewis, Hebrides HS2 9EU
Loch Tummel
Campsite
Billy and Shiela
Henderson
welcome you to
our friendly, familyrun
campsite. We
are open April to
September. Islecroft
is a small, sheltered
site set beside
Colliston Park, and
is just 5 minutes’
walk from shops,
pubs, restaurants,
hotels and takeaways in Dalbeattie town
centre.
Billy Henderson
• 25 pitches, some with hard-standing
• Electricity at most pitches • Toilets with
showers • Disabled access • Laundry facilities
• Bicycle lock-up • Adjacent putting, tennis,
boating, children’s playground
Islecroft Caravan and Camping, Mill Street,
Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway DG5 4HE
Web: www.islecroft.co.uk
Tel: 01556 612236/612645
Email: wahsong@gmail.com
Braidhaugh Park Ltd
©VisitBritain/ Britain On View
The Port Mòr Centre is situated just
outside of Port Charlotte on Islay and was
opened in May 2007. It is a community
project and aims to provide many and
varied facilities to both visitors to Islay
and residents alike. The building is carbon
neutral and uses a 6KW wind turbine
to generate electricity, with a ground
source heating system to provide heating
and solar panels to provide hot water.
Insulation of the building is to a very high
standard.
The Centre features a café and a spacious
seating area with spectacular views
across the Lochindaal. Also available is
Internet access, meeting rooms with video
conferencing facilities and a campsite
with toilets, showers and laundry facilities.
In addition, a modern and well-specified
children’s play park is situated right next
to the Centre.
Port Mòr, Port Charlotte, Islay PA48 7UE
Phone: 01496 850441
Café: 01496 850442
Email: warden@islandofislay.co.uk
Web: http://islandofislay.co.uk
Westfield Farm
Certificated Site
We are five miles out of Elgin. We can
have five caravans and five tents at any
one time. We are open between March
and September. Nearby are golf courses,
castles, whisky trails, distilleries, beaches,
and many other attractions.
Directions:
Westfield Farm, Elgin, Moray IV30 8XL
We are set in a pretty rural location
away from busy traffic. Three miles to the
nearest shop. Five miles from Elgin for
the supermarket.
Three miles west of Elgin, turn off A96
towards Burghead. After 1.25 miles turn
right towards Westfield, follow signs past
Westfield House to site at Westfield
Farm. Level, 0.5 acre, advance booking
advisable.
Contact:
Veronica or John Maclean
01343 547308 or 07831 472367
Situated deep in Highland
Perthshire, this site is
conveniently located right
next door to the wonderful
Queen’s View. The site nestles
on the edge of Loch Tummel
offering a great camping
experience. There is a small
facilities block onsite.
The Queen’s View Visitors
Centre offers a small tourist
shop and cafè during the
summer season.
Open from March to October.
Pitlochry, Perthshire
PH16 5NS
Phone: 01796 472825
Braidhaugh Holiday Park is situated
in a beautiful area of central Scotland.
Braidhaugh Holiday Park is a brilliant place
for holidaymakers to come and stay for an
affordable but highly enjoyable holiday. With
plenty to do and countryside to explore, this
holiday destination is ideal for either couples
or families.
Braidhaugh is perfectly located as a base for
many local attractions. Braidhaugh Holiday
Park lies near Crieff’s town outskirts on the
River Earn, famous for its trout and salmon
fishing, and is only a few miles away from
Muthill and Comrie. Whether your taste runs to
fishing, golf, horseriding, walking, shopping or
history, there is so much to see and enjoy.
We hope that you choose to come and stay at
Braidhaugh and look forward to welcoming
you to this beautiful part of Scotland!
South Bridgend, Crieff, Perthshire PH7 4DH
Tel: 01764 652951 Fax: 01764 652692
Web: www.braidhaugh.co.uk

18 Holidays
Reflect Recommends 19
A Groovy Great British Holiday
©VisitBritain/ Britain On View
Eastbourne
Apartments
• Town centre flats
• Waterside house
and apartments
• Balconies
• Lovely views of sea
and harbour
• Close to beach
• Car parking
Low Season from
£265 - £725 weekly
High season from
£375 - £1,000 weekly
Contact R.T.S. Harris
Tel: 01273 308779
E: enquiries@bestofbrighton.co.uk
W: www.eastbourneapartments.com
Lletymaelog
Named Reflect’s Welsh Hideaway
Situated amid beautiful countryside,
Lletymaelog is a wonderful Welsh
farmhouse offering holidaymakers a
warm welcome and peace and tranquillity
in abundance. With five bedrooms and
panoramic views of the Black Mountains, it’s
not hard to see why Lletymaelog has been
chosen as Reflect’s Welsh Hideaway 2012.
Located on a working farm, Lletymaelog
has retained much of its character,
with exposed stone work, beams and
an inglenook fireplace. As well as five
bedrooms and a futon bed, the house
boasts a bathroom and downstairs WC,
as well as a lounge with plenty of comfy
seating plus a TV, a dining room catering for
up to ten people, a well-equipped kitchen
which also boasts more dining seating and
an Aga and a utility room with washing
machine.
As well as enjoying the slower pace of being
in the country, away from the rat race of
Earlier this year VisitBritain, our national tourism agency, predicted that the UK
should attract 30.7 million visitors in 2012, who will spend £17.6 billion during their
stay, thanks to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June and the 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games in July and August
If a holiday in good ol’ Blighty is good enough for our foreign counterparts, it’s good
enough for us. Britain may be a relatively small county, covering 152,033 square
miles, but it offers an abundance of places to discover and explore, from chic city
breaks to sunny seaside holidays, Great Britain has something for everyone.
If it’s history and heritage you’re after, our tiny isle has it in abundance, mostly
thanks to our colourful history of invasions, empires and battles. There are
astounding castles and palaces in every region of the land, as well as colossal
military defences and strongholds doted along the coast, whilst soaring spires,
Gothic carvings and gigantic medieval masterpieces are a familiar sight in towns
across the country.
Not only is our great nation steeped in ancient history, we also have some amazing,
cosmopolitan cities, offering an array of shops and boutiques, restaurants, cafes and
bistros, and theatres sure to keep even the well-travelled entertained. Great Britain’s
top city destinations include London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Bath, Manchester,
Liverpool, York and Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.
If it’s a traditional seaside break you crave, Britain is the place. Surrounded by ocean,
the British Isles have an abundance of beach resorts, coastal paths, rugged cliff-tops
and sea life all waiting to be discovered. The east coast resorts of Skegness, Great
Yarmouth and even Felixstowe in Essex have an array of attractions to entertain the
younger members of your family, whilst Hunstanton and Aldeburgh are perfect for a
quieter, less hectic day at the seaside.
For more info on holidaying in Britain, visit www.visitbritain.co.uk
the city, visitors to Lletymaelog can see and
feed the farm’s animals, stroll amongst the
Welsh countryside surrounding the house,
or exercise in the house’s gym, which boasts
a pool table, snooker table and darts board,
as well as an exercise bench and some
weight lifting equipment. In fact, Dr Rhys
Thomas is looking to develop Lletymaelog
into a triathlon training centre, as well as a
healthy farm holiday destination.
On hearing the news of our Certificate
of Recognition for Welsh Hideaway
2012, owner, Dr Caroline Williams, said:
“I’m delighted to receive this Certificate of
Recognition; we’re situated in a great location
close to some great beaches and numerous
castles, as well as the National Botanic
Gardens. I also run a Bed and Breakfast 10
miles away.”
Dogs are welcome at Lletymaelog if housed
in the utility room. Please note that as a
working farm, dogs must be kept on a lead
so they don’t disturb the neighbouring
farms’ livestock.
For more information,
visit www.lletymaelog.com
or call Dr Caroline Williams on
01269 870879.
The Watersports Academy
The FJB Watersports Academy is Sandbanks’
premier watersports training facility,
providing first-class tuition for people of all
ages, novices to experts alike.
Fully qualified instructors provide training
in windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing,
wakeboarding, kayaking, sailing and
powerboat training, corporate days and
group packages, boat and yacht charters and
kids’ club - plus much more!
The Watersports Academy is located in one of
the most picturesque locations in the country,
based on the water’s edge on Sandbanks
Peninsula with views over the harbour to
Brownsea Island and the Purbecks.
The Watersports Academy offers something
for everyone and guarantees to ensure that
you get the most from this stunning and
unique waterside environment - from a single
afternoon of fun on (or in!) the water to
tailor-made packages to suit your particular
interests, ability, or personal requirements.
The Watersports Academy, Banks Road
Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset BH13 7PS
Call: 01202 708 283
Email: info@thewatersportsacademy.com
Celebrating The
Best In Business
At Reflect, we work hard week in and week out
to find the highest quality goods and services for
all of our readers. Recognising that customers are
eager to find companies that can offer the whole
package, high quality goods, competitive prices
and outstanding customer service, as well as items
that aren’t readily available on the High Street, we
dedicate our time to highlighting those who boast
something special.
In 2010, UK retail sales amounted to a whopping
£293billion, with more than one third of consumer
spending going through our nation’s shops. Whilst
this may seem like a huge amount of money, the
reality is that many companies across the country are
finding it tough as shoppers turn to the Internet for
the best bargains.
Over the last few years we’ve gone from being a
nation of shoppers to a nation of savers, as we avoid
the High Street in favour of hanging on to our hard
earned cash. This has dealt a devastating blow to
our independent, local businesses, who have closed
at an alarming rate, particularly in smaller market
towns. Many companies across the country have
suffered the effects of the recession, but it’s our local
businesses that have been hit hardest. Without the
financial backup of a parent company, with a chain of
businesses, they are finding it tough to stay afloat.
Many companies across the country have suffered
the effects of the recession, but it’s our local
businesses that have been hit hardest. Without the
financial backup of a parent company, with a chain of
businesses, they are finding it tough to keep afloat.
However, there are ways that you can help your
local, independent businesses survive. By choosing
to shop or employ the services of local companies,
you can help them to flourish. You may also find that
choosing local is to your benefit, as you are treated
to a more personal service. The companies within
this feature offer their customers the whole package:
high quality products and competitive prices, as well
as an excellent and personal service.
Although these companies are offering different
things, the factors that lead to success remain
the same, good customer service, reliability and
professionalism are three of the most important
factors for keeping customers happy – and happy
customers means more recommendations and more
success!
Reflect Editor, Elaine Ellis, says: “Each issue, we strive
to bring excellent companies to the attention of our
readers, no matter what feature we’re working on. We
believe it is important to highlight the companies in
and around Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, as well
as further afield, that not only offer excellent value for
money, but also excellent customer service and high
quality goods/services. We pride ourselves on hunting
out the best companies that cater to our readership and
work exceptionally hard to give the customer exactly
what they want.”
FARNCARE
INSPECTIONS
An Independant Company
Boiler Specialist
Locomotive boilers and all types of PSSR
inspections and Light Lifting equipment
inspected to current regulations.
For further information or a quote contact Ian Farrance
Email: ian@farncare.co.uk Mob: 07973 697818
C/O Pitmore Farm Cottage,
Pitmore Lane, Pennington
Lymington SO41 8LL
Web: www.farncare.co.uk

20 The Perfect Day
21
If you’ve recently taken the plunge and got engaged, Reflect
would like to offer our ‘Congratulations’ to the happy couple.
However, once the initial glow has died down and your face
no longer aches from smiling 24 hours a day, it’s time to get
planning.
Unless you have unlimited funds, chances are your wedding day will have to be
done on some sort of budget. If your budget doesn’t stretch to the UK average
of £18,500 (http://www.weddingsday.co.uk/average-wedding-cost), then you’ll
not only need to open a bank account to save for your big day, you’ll also need
to plan carefully to avoid starting married life in debt.
The venue you choose for your wedding day all depends on the type of
ceremony you’d like. A marriage ceremony is basically the same whether you opt
for a religious or civil affair: it’s a public declaration of your love for one another
and it will give your new, legal status as husband and wife. Many brides dream
of a traditional white wedding, in church with all the trimmings, whilst others
dream of declaring their love in an ancient castle, a charming country estate or
a contemporary city hotel. A survey, carried out by Condé Nast Brides Magazine
in 2009, discovered the average couple will spend £1,679 on a ceremony venue
and a further £3,500 on a reception venue; if you’d like to cut this figure, the
advice is not to tie the knot on a traditional summer Saturday date and opt for a
weekday wedding or a winter date, where prices can lower by up to 50%.
12 Months to Go
With a year left, it’s time to think about your dress, plain or elaborate, off the
peg or designer, the earlier you make a decision the better. Book the wedding
reception and organise all the trimmings including musicians, DJs, caterers,
photographers, transport and florist.
9 Months to Go
Book the honeymoon and choose bridesmaids’ dresses and outfits for the
ushers.
6 Months to Go
Book the toastmaster and decide on the best man – speeches take time! Order
wedding stationery, choose bride & groom’s wedding rings and decide on your
shoes & accessories.
3 Months to Go
Visit the hairdresser and beautician to have a run-through of what you’d like
on the big day. Issue guests with a wedding list and don’t forget to buy the
wedding licence.
1 Month to Go
Reconfirm everything (in writing if possible)! Arrange wedding rehearsal and
organise hen and stag nights
It’s The Final
Countdown
Image courtesy of Bill Haddon
www.photographybybillhaddon.co.uk
Organising your big day may seem more like a logistical nightmare than an
exciting experience, but don’t panic, forward planning is the key to success…
18 Months to Go
Finalise the important details such as date, budget and whether you want to get
married in a church or register office. Start searching for your wedding reception
venue.
1 Week to Go
Wear in your wedding shoes and double check everyone knows their role in the
big day!
1 Day to Go
Relax, it’s too late to worry now!
A Beautiful Symbol Of Your Love
Thanks To AVANTI
Many people will agree that the most
significant purchase of their lives, both
financially and emotionally, is theirs and
their partner’s wedding ring. Whether it‘s
18ct white gold, yellow gold or platinum,
no other single piece of jewellery will ever
be as important or carry as much magic and
sentiment.
A family-run business, Avanti Jewellers in Dig
Street, Ashbourne, stock a fabulous selection of
exquisite classic and more modern engagement
and wedding rings, as well as specialising in
beautiful, sophisticated bespoke jewellery,
handmade and designed by proprietor, Alan
Matkin and resident goldsmith, Ron Fairweather,
in collaboration with customers.
Alan and Ron are fully aware of how much it
means to a couple to find and choose the perfect
rings to seal their union; rings that are the symbol
of their hopes and dreams for the future. Alan,
Ron and the team at Avanti are passionate about
exquisite jewellery so if customers don’t find the
wedding rings of their choice, Alan and Ron will
help couples design it. The customer is involved
at every stage of the process and from
an initial pencil sketch, a 3D image can
be produced, of the final piece, using
the latest computer technology.
Weddings rings from Avanti start from
around £250, but from there, the sky is
really the limit. Alan, Ron and the team
understand that buying a wedding and
engagement ring is a very personal
thing, which is why they can cater for every taste
and budget; they strive to offer something to
please everyone. Avanti is not a brand-led store;
the team would rather their customers choose
something that’s a little different, more them, or
have a bespoke piece made to their individual
specifications.
Alan, Ron and the team at Avanti are happy
to advise customers on their choice of stones,
as well as choosing the appropriate metal.
White gold is still very popular, although there
is a movement back to yellow gold. Platinum,
although more expensive, continues to be
sought after, but Avanti offer an affordable
alternative; Palladium 950 is a platinum group
metal which is naturally white, will never change
colour, is hard wearing, hypoallergenic and is
affordably priced.
As well as engagement and wedding rings,
Avanti also cater for the bride and gifts for the
bridal party, such as diamond earrings and
pendants, pearls and seawater and freshwater
cultured pearls.
Open Monday to Saturday from
9:30am until 5pm.
For more information,
please call 01335 348961 or
visit www.avantijewellers.co.uk

22 Cotswold Wedding Video & Photography
23
Capturing Lasting Memories:
Cotswold Wedding Video & Photography
Weddings
On your wedding day, Cotswold Wedding Video & Photography
usually use either twin camera coverage for the whole day to
capture all of the action or twin cameras for the ceremony and
single camera for highlights of the photocall, reception and rest of
day. However, the choice is yours. Separate camera coverage
can be provided of the bride’s preparations, family and guest
interviews, special sequence of the bride and groom in a chosen
location or reportage of the day, to name a few suggestions.
Howard told Reflect: “We’ve been filming weddings for a number
of years; I ask that interested parties give me a call or drop me
an email to discuss what they want recorded so we can create a
package to suit them. I’ve filmed an array of events over the years
and feel this gives me and my experienced team the expertise to
deal with ultra-discreet coverage to fully fledged direction and
production on the day. I pride myself on capturing the event in its
entirety, in a way that truly reflects the day.”
For wedding day photography, Cotswold Wedding Video &
Photography use professional digital equipment and provide a
selection of formal and informal shots of the happy couple with
relatives and friends, so that after the fun and excitement of the
day, the magic moments can be re-lived over and over again.
You should also remember that the DVDs and photo albums
produced will be cherished not only by the bride and groom, but
also by those who cannot be there to share the day.
Once filmed, the footage is processed using the state-of-the-art
editing equipment. The finished product is supplied in presentation
cases with individually designed covers.
Other Events
Over the years, Cotswold Wedding Video & Photography have
filmed a wide range of events, as well as undertaking a great
variety of filming projects from services attended by Her Majesty
Catering for all your filming needs, Cotswold
Wedding Video & Photography provide either or
both video and photographic services across the
Cotswolds. With many years’ experience, gained
by filming at most locations in the Cotswolds
and across Gloucestershire, company director,
Howard Williams, together with his experienced
crew, provides a lasting memory of your
corporate event, teambuilding day, family gettogether
or wedding day.
the Queen, theatre and dance productions, instructional and
marketing projects, corporate events and travelogues.
Howard is also happy to film any special event, including parties,
anniversaries, retirements, baptisms and confirmations. He also
happily accepts commissions, filming an array of events such as
dramas and musicals, concerts and festivals, sports and equestrian
events, documentaries, living archives, training and education and
corporate events. Recent commissions include:
• Filming at the International Air Tattoo, which is held annually in
July at Fairford, Gloucestershire.
• MOD training videos of equipment in use at airfields worldwide.
• A general interest film about RNAS Yeovilton and the Fleet Air
Museum.
• British Connemara Pony Society seminars in presentation of
ponies and riders at events, dressage displays and stallion parade.
• Training film about riding technique and animal behaviour.
• Training for personal confidence, interview techniques,
preparation for appearing on local and national radio and
television stations.
• Group travel abroad for schools, special interest parties and
national holiday providers.
• Video relay to large screen(s) in concert halls, churches and
Gloucester cathedral.
Howard told us about filming the Maundy Thursday service at
Gloucester Cathedral in April 2003: “The service was attended
by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen and the filming set
up was very intricate and had to remain out of sight. In order to
film we had to get permission from the Cathedral administration
and Buckingham Palace. We had to arrange our positions and
movement with the security team and no cameras were allowed
to be visible to members of the Royal party. We had a camera
outside the Cathedral, which captured the arrival of the Royal
helicopter, journey to the Cathedral and departure. There were a
further seven cameras inside the Cathedral, including in the organ
gallery, pulpit, on the steps and in the press gallery at the West End
of the Nave. It was a wonderful experience to be part of this event
and I’m really looking forward to the coverage of the Diamond
Jubilee events to be screened on TV in the coming months.”
Recognition
It’s not hard to see why Reflect have selected Cotswold Wedding
Video & Photography for a Certificate of Recognition for Exclusive
Weddings, as well as one of our most prestigious Certificates, our
annual Silver Certificate of Recognition.
Reflect Editor, Elaine Ellis, explained why she selected Cotswold
Wedding Video & Photography for these Certificates of
Recognition: “Many people put photography ahead of
videography at a wedding, but by enlisting the services and
expertise of Howard and Mike at Cotswold Wedding Video
& Photography, you can have the best of both worlds for the
most special day of your life. As Howard had previously won our
Certificate of Recognition for Exclusive Weddings, he’s clearly a
worthy winner of one of our most prestigious Certificates and I
hope these two awards encourage Reflect readers to call him for
their photography and videography needs, whether for business
or pleasure.”
Testimonials
“We are so pleased with our record of our Wedding Day. Elderly
relatives made a special effort to be on top form for the day:
we have a special memory to remember them after they are
no longer with us. Your careful and unobtrusive coverage of the
day has given us a complete record of a very happy and special
event. Thank you for everything! We shall be recommending your
service to all our friends.”
Sarah and Christopher
Tel: 01453 757980 | Web: www.cotswoldweddingvideo.co.uk | Email: mwcvideo@yahoo.co.uk

24
A Happy Hobby From
Lynx Model Works
Based in the county of Lincolnshire,
Lynx Model Works is a thriving
specialist Precision Engineering
business, specialising in Steam Engines
of all kinds. Formed in 2002 by
John Clarke, the recently expanded
Lynx Model Works workforce of 14
engineers produce beautiful models
and full-sized steamboat engines and
their component parts, including fully
tested coal-fired boilers.
In the last ten years, they have built some 45 live
steam locomotives for discerning clients, in all
gauges from gauge 1 to 10 ¼” gauge. All are coal
fired, passenger-hauling replicas of famous fullsized
locomotives from the past. Real Live Steam
Coal Fired locomotives are made in any gauge/
scale from 2 ½” to 10 ¼” Gauge to individual
order. Traction Engines to 4” scale, Model and fullsize
Stationery and Steam Launch Engines are also
produced to order. All products built and offered
by Lynx Model Works are customer driven, as
they specialise in producing individual items to
fulfil client’s wishes.
John is extremely experienced; he has over
38 years’ experience in producing live steam
locomotives, traction engines, stationary and
steam launch engines. It’s this experience
combined with his knowledge and his excellent
workforce that has led Reflect to award
Lynx Model Works with a Certificate of
Recognition for Engineering Services as well
as a Diamond Certificate of Recognition
in early 2011.
Lynx Model Works also assists other model
engineer hobbyists in completing their own
projects, by making parts that they may not have
the time or facilities to produce for themselves.
Lynx Model Works are also happy to repair,
renovate and complete unfinished models and
assist in the reworking and build of any ‘kit’ item:
complete or incomplete.
Lynx Model Works is an Association of
Companies, including Lynx Model Works Ltd,
Lynx Model Boilers Ltd, Lynx Model Paint and
Machining Services Ltd, Live Steam Kits Ltd and
Lynx Model Restorations Ltd.
T: 01507 479666
W: www.lynxmodelworks.co.uk
E: info@lynxmodelworks.co.uk