Black Lion Guest House What's On - Reflect Magazine

02 Complementary TherapyHolidays 03Find Your Inner Calm…Stress affects us all at some point inour lives and has been linked to anumber of physical and psychologicalailments; from backache and heartdisease, to anxiety and insomnia,prolonged exposure to stress canhave a devastating impact on ourhealth and well-being.There are numerous causes forstress, but our hectic day-to-day livescertainly don’t help. Trying to juggleour nine-to-five working lives withraising a family can leave us withlittle time to ourselves, but workrelatedstress, bereavement and thebreakdown of relationships can alladd to our worries and soon becomeoverwhelming.Research from Aviva RiskManagement Solutions found that13.5 million working days werelost during 2007-08 because ofwork-related mental health problems,including stress. The statistics havebeen blamed on Britain’s long-hoursculture, but it’s also been predictedthat these numbers will graduallyincrease in the future.Complementary and alternativetherapies are becoming increasinglypopular with those looking for away to relax and de-stress. In fact,a third of medical practices nowoffer some form of complementarymedicine in-house and a survey bythe Office for National Statistics,conducted in 2001, discovered thatone in ten people had used someform of complementary therapy in theprevious 12 months.There are numerous therapies tohelp you unwind and let go of yourworries, including Indian headmassage, which helps to release thebodies toxins and relax the upperback, neck, shoulders and arms.Healing has many calming propertiesand can also assist with removingnegative thoughts and negativeenergy. Reiki is an ancient Japanesesystem of natural healing which usesthe body’s own energy and can beeasily delivered to the patient, whocan be either sitting or lying downand is fully clothed throughout theprocess. The practitioner simplyplaces their hands strategically onthe body, with each position held forseveral minutes, leaving the patientfeeling de-stressed.Crystal healing can also bring similarbenefits to Reiki, but works by clearingenergy blockages and amplifyingspiritual energies. Different crystalsare used to focus on different healingenergies and are placed on areas ofthe body, helping to boost your healthand well-being.R A I N B O WH E A L I N GREIKI ~ Treatments & CoursesINDIAN HEAD MASSAGEHOPI EAR CANDLESANGEL WORKSHOPSPSYCHIC WORKSHOPSJUDY CAULDWELLReiki Master Teacher, BABTACTel 01773 828417 or07875 367 270www.rainbow-healing.org.ukReiki heals on all levels, calmingyet re-energising, promoting awonderful sense of well-being. It’snon-intrusive and clients remainfully clothed. I love using crystalsand colour with Reiki treatments,providing relaxing and gentle butpowerful healing sessions. LearningReiki is easy and will add a newdimension to your life – being ableto heal yourself, family, friendsand animals is amazing. RainbowHealing is based in Belper; alltreatments and courses are held ina relaxed, peaceful environment.Britain’s Best BreaksThe traditional British break made a phenomenalcomeback during 2009, as thousands of families flockedto our most popular coastal resorts in search of a nostalgicholiday. From donkey rides along the seafront to buildingsandcastles on the beach, children of all ages enjoyed arange of old-fashioned holiday favourites.Having been charmed by Britain’s great holiday resortslast year, many are now permanently swapping theirforeign breaks in favour of exploring our 1,200 towns andcities, and our hidden country gems. There are plenty ofbrand new experiences just waiting for you to enjoy as acouple or a family, including watersports, outdoor pursuits,historical sites and quiet, secluded open spaces.If you’re looking to enjoy a traditional British break during2010, Reflect have some inspiring ideas to help you find alocation that’s right for you...To ensure your holiday is packed with fun activities head toCornwall, which boasts an outstanding number of outdoorattractions, glorious beaches and breathtaking views.Whether you’re looking to relax with walks along the cliffs,get your adrenaline pumping with some rock climbing orabseiling, or simply lie on the area’s golden sands andread a good book, this county has it all. With so muchto see and do it’s no wonder Cornwall is a firm favouritewith British tourists. The Eden Project, The National SeaSanctuary in Gweek, and Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquariumare top tourist attractions for those who want to exploreeverything the county has to offer.Country holidays were also hugely popular with holidayingBrits last year, suggesting that many simply wanted toescape from it all. As rural retreats offer the unique chanceto relax in peace and quiet, whilst soaking up the beautifulBritish scenery, who can blame them. If you’re looking fora holiday that can offer wide open spaces and tranquillityin abundance then the wonders of Wales will help you feelrelaxed and refreshed in no time.Wales is covered by three stunning National Parks,covering a huge 20% of the total land area. ThePembrokeshire Coast, Brecon Beacons and SnowdoniaNational Parks are all breathtakingly beautiful and provideover 4000 square kilometres of greenery and mountains toexplore, either on foot or by bike. With traditional markettowns, castles, caves and waterfalls to discover, you’llnever want to leave.TreventonGuest HouseEN-SUITE or STANDARD ROOMSAll rooms with H/C and Shaver/DryerpointsTea/Coffee making facilities andColour TelevisionCentral Heating - Easy ParkingIdeal choice for those seeking a quietrelaxing holiday, 200 yards of level walkingto the Promenade.Guest Accommodation: 7 rooms1 Family en-suite sleeps 5 people3 Double en-suite1 Single en-suite £301 Twin standardCharge: £28 PPPN En-suite£25 StandardAlexander Place,Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4NETel: 01736 363521Enter The Fascinating World Of CrystalsOver the last decade, complementary andalternative therapies have increased inpopularity, as more and more people lookto treat the cause of their illness rather thanthe symptoms. Crystal Healing is one therapythat may help. It works with the energy ofspecific crystals to clear energy blockagesin your body, to create a sense of relaxationand well-being.The Vantol College of Crystal Therapy, basedin Egham, Surrey, offers a two-year professionaldiploma course in Crystal Therapy, accredited bythe CMA (Complementary Medical Association)and the BCH (British Crystal Healers). Establishedin 1992 by experienced healer and qualifiedCrystal Healer, Lettie Vantol, The Vantol Collegeof Crystal Therapy is a great place to learn moreabout the fascinating world of crystals.Lettie told Reflect: “I established The Vantol Collegeof Crystal Therapy because I knew there was a needand a desire from people to learn more about Crystals;but nowhere that was already established wanted tohelp me spread the word, so I started my own college.I was a bit ahead of time, as now everybody wants toknow more about Crystal Healing. I’ve been interestedand qualified in alternative therapies since 1983 andam currently qualified to practice a dozen differenttherapies, including Aromatherapy, Reflexology andLymph Drainage, but Crystal Healing is the therapyfor me. Crystal Therapy is very powerful and oftenshows up the cause of symptoms, which in turn can betreated. ”The Vantol College diploma course is a twoyearstudy programme that takes place on 16weekends, spread across the two years, butstudents are expected to conduct their ownindividual theoretical study during that time, aswell as practical work.Reflect have been so impressed by what Lettieoffers, and the feedback from her students,that we have selected her for a Certificate ofRecognition for Spiritual Development.On hearing the news of her Certificate, Lettiesaid: “I’m very honoured to receive this recognition. Ithighlights the importance of an in-depth training andemphasises the fact that crystals are not just prettythings, but powerful tools with great healing potentialin the hands of an experienced, qualified Crystaltherapist.”The next diploma course offered by The VantolCollege of Crystal Therapy starts in September2010. Anybody interested in applying should callLettie on 01932 423696. Alternatively, moreinformation on the college, the course, and CrystalHealing can be found atwww.vantolcollege.co.uk.If you’re interested in crystal therapy, Lettie hasalso written a book, ‘Crystals, Strong and Beautiful’,which can be purchased via The Vantol College oronline at www.amazon.co.uk for £12.50.Wales is an excellent destination for aholiday at any time of year. One placeoffering a warm and friendly welcome toall their guests is The Black Lion GuestHouse, winners of a Reflect Certificate ofRecognition for Wales’ Hidden Gem.Situated in the historical market town ofAbergavenny and owned by Hazel and MikeGray, The Black Lion Guest House boasts fivebedrooms: an en-suite family room with privatelounge, an en-suite twin room, two twin roomsand a single room.As it’s the mostimportant meal ofthe day, breakfastat The Black LionGuest Houseoffers a variety ofchoice, to suit allThe Black Lion Guest House Awarded Certificate of Recognitiontastes and dietaryrequirements.Choices includefresh fruit, cereal,yoghurt, bacon andsausages, eggsof all kinds, andeven kippers or acontinental witha strong Welshinfluence, if that’s how you like to start the day.Everything is locally sourced, and everythingis home-cooked. Evening meals can also beprovided upon request, along with packedlunches if required.Hazel said: “There’s a wealth of attractionsin the area, just waiting to be discovered andenjoyed by the whole family. We’re locatedjust 30-minutesfrom the EnglishBorder and in theheart of the BreconBeacons and TheBlack Mountains,just five minutesfrom the Breconand MonmouthshireCanal, so there’s anabundance of opportunities for country walks.There’s also an abundance of opportunitiesfor fishing, cycling, and golf, especially withthe Ryder Cup being held here from 29thSeptember until 3rd October. Also we are only30-minutes from Cardiff by Train.”With prices ranging from £45 per person, pernight for an en-suite bedroom, to £35pppn fora non en-suite bedroom (£10 single occupancysupplement), a break to The Black Lion GuestHouse won’t break the bank.Hazel added: “We’re a very warm and homelyplace and we’ve had guests stay with us whohave commented that they’ve felt like one ofthe family rather than a paying guest. We reallygo out of our way to ensure every one of ourguests is. Previous feedback can be found onour website www.blacklionaber.co.uk, whereone comment states the only problem theyhave with The Black Lion Guest House is whenit’s time to leave!”As well as The Black Lion Guest House,Hazel and Mike have recently startedwork transforming The Navigation Inn andRestaurant, located on the Gilwern Canal. TheNavigation Inn and Restaurant will have 10 ensuitebedrooms, three of which will be locateddownstairs to specifically cater for disabledholidaymakers. The restaurant will seat 50people, and as it’s located at the rear of theproperty, will have wonderful views over thecanal and surrounding valley.Contact: Mike or Hazel GrayTel: 01873 851920Web: www.blacklionaber.co.ukEmail: blacklionaber@aol.com

the bi-weekly lifestyle magazinereflectIssue 018Situated in the heart of theBrecon Beacons is the charmingand welcoming Black Lion GuestHouse, winners of a ReflectCertificate of Recognition forWales’ Hidden Gem. For moreinformation on this friendlyguesthouse, turn to page 3,or visit www.blacklionaber.co.uk.With 11.5 billion sandwiches With the warmer weather nowconsumed by us Brits each year, upon us, there’s no excuse notwe give you a delicious recipe to get out and about into thefor the perfect accompaniment... great outdoors and visit some ofBritain’s beautiful gardens...05reflectBlack LionGuest HouseBritishSandwich WeekRHS ChelseaFlower ShowPlus...Golcar Lilyeight-pagepull outfreeWINWe give you theopportunity towin tickets to theGardens World Livewww.reflect-magazine.co.ukFront cover image courtesy ofBlack Lion Guest Housewww.reflect-magazine.co.ukContentsEditor:Accounts / Production:Feature Writer:Graphic Designer:Senior Sales:Distribution:Published by:Printed by:To subscribe:Write to us:Name & Registered Office:Company Number:Elaine Elliselaine@reflect-magazine.co.uk0116 262 8096Becky Foleyaccounts@reflect-magazine.co.uk0116 251 5919Laura Merry & Sarah Rosseditorials@reflect-magazine.co.uk0116 251 7385Mandeep Kaurdesign@reflect-magazine.co.uk0116 251 7385Rochelle Taylor-Smith0116 262 8096Self Select DistributionReflect Magazine LtdRichmond Cavendish Printers0116 244 4250to Reflect Magazine call0116 262 8096REFLECT MAGAZINE3rd Floor Office,29-35 St Nicholas Place,Leicester LE1 4LDREFLECT MAGAZINE LIMITEDAllen House, Newarke Street,Leicester LE1 5SG6979106Image Courtesy ofCoulson’s Bridges02. ComplementaryTherapyAlternative therapies are becomingincreasingly popular with thoselooking for a way to relax and destress,find out what they can do foryou...03. HolidaysYour guide to what’s in this issue...04. ContentsYour guide to the brand new issue ofReflect...06. Pen To PaperIf you’ve always dreamed of being awriter, we’ve got the perfect writingcourses to get you inspired and getyou started...07. Rock FaceTry something new this summer andhave a go at this popular adrenalinepumping activity...08. What’s OnWith the school holidays justaround the corner, why not start thesummer fun now with a little helpfrom our June guide to what’s on...10. Chelsea FlowerShowTaking place this weekend, theChelsea Flower Show boastsimpressive displays, inspiring ideasand great shopping opportunities...12. Seafin LtdImpress your clients or reward yourstaff with a day aboard the luxuriousSeafin...14. Specialist InterestWe’ve all got hobbies that help tokeep us happy, but did you knowthat your hobby is actually good foryour health?15. HuddersfieldSpotlightSteeped in history and heritage,great events and fabulous eateries,Huddersfield is Yorkshire’s best keptsecret...19. LeisureThe UK has been basking in glorioussunshine recently, giving us ampleopportunity to make the most of ourleisure time...20. Change4LifeDiscover ways to keep yourfamily healthy and active with theDepartment of Health’s Change4Lifecampaign...22. Gardeners’ WorldLiveFind out how you can enjoy a dayof top gardening tips and inspiringdemonstrations at this year’sGardeners’ World with our excitingcompetition...24. EquestrianOwning a horse is a long-termcommitment, so it’s vital to do yourresearch before taking the plunge...26. A nation ofAnimal LoversPets make great companions, but it’salso been proven that they help tokeep us healthy too...27. BusinessThe recession dealt a devastatingblow to many businesses, but nowthe country is officially back in theblack things are looking up...28. Festival SurvivalFestival season is upon us, so Reflectare offering our top tips on how tonegotiate the UK’s music events thissummer...30. Saving MoneyPocket some extra cash before thesummer begins with our guide tosaving money...32. Anna KennedyFounder of Hillingdon Manor,Yiewlsey Grange and Baston House,Anna Kennedy is a well deservingwinner of Reflect’s Certificate ofRecognition...And The Winner Is…In Issue 16 we gave you the chanceto win two pairs of tickets to TheBaby Show at Birmingham’s NECfrom May 21st until 23rd. Thefollowing winners correctly told usthat the February Baby Show washeld in London…• Joey Colliar from Derby• Anita Lennox from DumfriesCongratulations!

08 What’s On09What’s On This MonthWith the school summer holidaysjust around the corner and thewarmer weather hopefully not farbehind, we’d like to present you withjust some of the great opportunities,both locally and nationally, to getyou up off the sofa and out andabout this summer…2 nd 5 th – 6 thCake by the Lake @ SwarkestoneSailing Club, Ingleby, DerbyCome and enjoy a cuppa andsome homemade cakes, sitting onthe terrace overlooking the lakeat Swarkestone Sailing Club. Allproceeds to charity ‘Sail 4 Cancer.’June Steam Party - 10am to 4pmA traditional steam rally with traction engines insteam and working demonstrations at KlondykeMill Preservation Centre; also featuring hotand cold refreshments, tractors, cars, stalls etc– there’s something for the whole family Entry:Adults £4, children £1.10 th – 13 thSouthwell Folk Festival @Southwell, NottsAn exciting weekend of the very best in folk andacoustic music and dance, on a superb rural sitenext to the National Trust Workhouse, Southwell.Three stages with under cover seating for concertsand ceilidhs , as well as dance displays, workshops,children’s activities, craft and trade stalls, beer tent andseveral food outlets and on-site camping. For moreinfo, seewww.southwellfolkfestival.org.uk.11 thSouth Africa World Cup 2010 StartsTaking place at sportingvenues across SouthAfrica, the football WorldCup runs until 11th July;so cross your fingers forCapello and his squad!20 thFather’s DayDon’t forgetto buy yourdad somethingnice, or atleast a card!12 thEngland Vs USA 7.30pmWhy not watch the match in The LaceMarket, Nottingham with over 5,000England Fans at Nottingham’s Biggest WorldCup Party, courtesy of the ginormousscreen. Get your ticket today from the TrentFM Arena box office on 08444 124 624 orat www.trentfmarena.com.21 stSummer Solstice(Longest Day)Unfortunately, it’s alldown-hill from hereas the countdown tothe Winter Solstice onDecember 21st begins –roll on Christmas!13 th – 19 thWorld Diabetes WeekDiabetes Week is Diabetes UK’sannual awareness and fundraisingweek. There will be lots ofDiabetes UK activities takingplace this year, and you’ll find allthe information you need aboutDiabetes Week 2010 at www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek.23 rd JuneEngland Vs Slovenia 3pm16 th – 20 thBBC Gardeners’ World Live@ NEC,BirminghamThe NEC will be transformed into horticulturalheaven with inspiring gardens and brand newfeatures including A Taste of Greenacre, a uniquesnapshot of the new BBC2 garden, plus livestages with top gardening experts sharing tips.Log onto www.bbcgardenersworldlive.comfor tickets & info.26 thArmed Forces DayArmed Forces Day is an annual opportunity for thenation to Show Your Support for the men and womenwho make up the Armed Forces community: fromcurrently serving troops to Service families, and fromveterans to cadets. In 2010 the National Event is tobe held in Cardiff, so you can learn more about theArmy, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. For more info,visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk.18 th JuneEngland Vs Algeria7.30pmEngland Vs Algeria 7.30pm19 th – 27 thNational Bike WeekTeam Green Britain Bike Week is anannual opportunity to promote cyclingand show how cycling can easily be partof everyday life. Demonstrating the social,health and environmental benefits ofcycling, the week aims to get people togive cycling a go all over the UK. For moreinformation, visit www.bikeweek.org.uk.27 thDerbyshire County Show @ The Showground,Elvaston - 8am to 5:30pmAgricultural and Horticultural Show with mainring and event ring attractions, trade stands, dogs,cattle, sheep, shires, goats, light horses, bees, poultry,rabbits, cavies, vintage cars, vintage tractors, showjumping,horticultural marquee, food and farmersmarket marquees, women’s institute marquee, craftvillage, children’s entertainments - something for allthe family. Adults £6.50, Senior Citizens & Children£4.50, Family £18 Children under 5 free.

10 Chelsea Flower Show11Transform Your Garden WithQuality & Availability From Practicality Brown LtdCoulson’s BridgesAdding elegance and a distinctive, eye-catchingfeature to any garden, the beautiful designsfrom Coulson’s Bridges will add the wow-factorto any garden.Established 14 years ago, Coulson’s Bridges is asmall, family-run business which prides itself onsupplying stunning creations of the highest quality.Coulson’s have four standard designs, which areconstructed from four standard designs, which canbe easily adapted to any size. The bridges are treatedand finished with preservative in any colour and areavailable in Chinese, Japanese, Monet and Edinburghstyles. A bespoke design service is also available andcustomer’s own designs can be constructed with easein any arch form, in lengths of up to 40ft (12m) andwidths of up to 4ft (1.2m).Owner, Mr Coulson, says: “Our bridges are deliveredas a complete kit, in the form of two matching woodengirders. The client installs the bridge themselves, but weprovide all of the instructions, therefore the installationprocess is very simple and easy for any competenthandyman.”Coulson’s Bridges make the ideal focal point forlakes, streams and large ponds and can really bringa garden to life. The majority of Coulson’s bridgesare created for private gardens, but the company havealso constructed bridges for parks up and down theUK and supplied their bridges for many prestigiousevents and historical sites, as Mr Coulson explains:“We have previously supplied a bridge to Woburn Abbey;we copied their old Chinese railings and turned the designinto a bridge. We also supplied the bridge for Monet’sgarden, which won gold at the Hampton Court FlowerShow. We actually export our bridges all over the worldand have in the past supplied them to America, France,Malta and Sweden.”Coulson’s use two different types of timber, SiberianLarch and Accoya, which are long-lasting and requirelittle maintenance. Mr Coulson says: “In recent yearswe have begun to use a more suitable and more durablewood; accoya is a new generation of softwood which issaid to be better than teak and exceptionally durable. Ourwood is grown in sustainable forests in New Zealand andChile, which is an important factor to us.”One of the main issues involved in the constructionand installation is how the bridge will fit on to thebanks of the pond, stream or river, as every site isdifferent. However, personal service is a mark ofCoulson’s Bridges and they are happy to offer adviceand further information on their products, installationand maintenance. Mr Coulson says: “We are delightedto talk to people over the telephone, as this is the easiest wayto discuss a client’s needs and requirements.”Coulson’s Bridges are the ideal way to transformyour garden and add that something special, MrCoulson adds: “We provide laminated bridges in almostany design and have been doing so for 14 years. Thebridge requires no work, it’s just a matter of installationand setting it in concrete; no construction is needed andthe bridge comes complete. As our bridges are laminatedthey can be much more slender than bridges carved fromwood and I believe this makes them look more graceful;they’re more than just something over water, they’re anarchitectural statement.”To view more of these wonderful creations, visit thewebsite at www.coulsonsbridges.co.ukAlternatively, call 01206 262387 or emailsales@coulsonsbridges.co.uk to discuss yourrequirements.They say an Englishman’s house ishis castle, and that your garden is anextension of your interior space, sowhat better way to make the mostof this space, as well as add valueto your home, than with a gardenmakeover.Established since 1981, Practicality Brown Ltd haveoffered professional landscape services, coupledwith unrivalled customer satisfaction, for over 28years. They are one of the UK’s largest suppliersof Semi Mature Trees and the Sole Supplier of theunique Elveden Instant Hedge.Historically, they have worked for a wide clientbase including garden designers and landscapearchitects, local and government authorities,golf courses and sports grounds, housing andcommercial developers, landscape contractors, filmcompanies and even private gardens, like yours.Semi Mature TreesPracticality Brown specialise in the supply of qualityspecimen and screening trees of all shapes andsizes, to suit your design requirements offeringimmediate impact on your landscape project.Whether you require a single tree or an entirecommercial landscape project, their nursery cansupply whatever you are looking for, providing it iscommercially grown in Europe!Together with their 26 Northern European partnernurseries, Practicality Brown offer the mostcomprehensive range of trees available in the UK.At their Iver Stud Nursery, they stock an extensiverange, including:• Semi mature trees (avenues, clumps,screening, etc.)• Specimen trees (focal points, arboretums, etc.)• Screening trees• Espalier trees of all shapes and sizes• Box Head trees• Topiary (Cones, Balls, obelisks, Pyramids,Domes, etc.)• Formed Arches (usually supplied on metalframes)• Instant Hedge (click here to see our separatesection)Tree sizes supplied range from 14 - 16cm (90- 100cm) girth deciduous trees and 2 - 12mevergreen trees. Practicality Brown selects fromover 250,000 trees in over 200 varieties. So,whether you require a single tree or an entirecommercial landscape project, Practically Browncan help.Elveden Instant HedgePracticality Brown have specialised in hedge plantsfor a number of years, providing immediate impactto any landscape project. Their Elveden InstantHedge is the only ‘true Instant Hedge’ which is afully knitted hedge, sold by the linear metre, not asindividual plants. The Elveden Instant Hedge isunique, the entire root structure developed by thesehedges is carried to the planting site, eliminatingtransplant shock and allowing planting all yearround. No other hedge is as effective or robust.Elveden Instant Hedge supplied by PracticalityBrown Ltd has won numerous Gold, Silver andBronze Awards at The Chelsea Flower Show,Hampton Court, The Southport Flower Show andTatton Park, over the past few years.In addition to the Elveden Instant Hedge, whichis available in a variety of species up to two metreshigh, Practicality Brown can offer hedging elementsup to four metres high, the Mobilane Green Screenproducts and individual hedge grade plants fromone metre high.The Mobilane Green Screen is a relatively newconcept in the UK. It’s a slim-line instant hedge,consisting of a wire mesh basket and frame, whichis covered with Ivy plants to provide security andscreening, making it particularly useful whereaccess is a problem. Fixed to posts pre-set in theground, the Green Screen will offer security andprivacy immediately.The Mobilane Green Screen compliments thewide range of hedge solutions Practicality Brownoffer. The Mobilane Green Screen products canbe provided as ‘supply only’ or for full nationwideinstallation.For more information, visitwww.pracbrown.co.uk. Alternatively, emailfor a free quotation, specific to your individualrequirements, tosales@pracbrown.co.uk.Praise for Practically Brown from previouscustomers:“As I am based in the East Midlands, I usuallychoose local suppliers, but I selected PracticalityBrown to supply trees and hedges for my owngarden, which doubles as my office and where myclients visit. Timely arrival, with Prem on-site toensure smooth off-loading and planting, I could nothave wished for a more efficient service. Since then,I have taken the recommendations of PracticalityBrown on three projects, and they have been happyto accompany me on client visits, to ensure that myprojects can be realistically achieved. Every othersupplier relies on me to make decisions regardingwhat is feasible to plant on-site, Practicality Brownactually took responsibility for all aspects of productselection and planting. I have shown future clientsthese current installations, and I am convinced thatusing Practicality Brown has ensured more work formy practice. The installation team, led by Brian,have always respected the client’s property andoffer a careful and considerate planting service.They have offered invaluable on-site advice and Ihave modified planting specification with the client,after taking the advice of this experienced plantingteam.”F. Sinclair – Nottinghamshire“We were delighted with our trees, I visitedPracticality Brown’s nursery at Iver and wasadvised to wait a few weeks, until the trees couldbe lifted without danger of shock. Everything wentsmoothly on the day of planting and we now havefull screening of our swimming pool. Our neighbourswere also impressed with the height of the trees.”Donna P. Walton upon Thames

12 Seafin LTD13A Unique ExperienceTo Boost BusinessThe last 18 months have been toughfinancially. If your business is lookingfor a great way to woo new clients, andeven impress old ones, we think we’vefound the perfect way – Seafin, winnerof our Certificate of Recognition forUnique Marine Experience. Seafinhas been successfully sailing for 25 years,under the ownership of Triangle Marine,providing businesses with the idealopportunity to get out onto the wateraround Port Hamble, near Southampton.Seafin is equipped – and licensed by theMaritime and Coastguard Agency – to carry30 passengers and 10 crew members aroundthe Solent, which makes it suitable for anycompany keen on generating and maintainingbusiness.This impressive yacht combines the periodelegance of a classic English motor yacht, withall the luxuries and amenities of modern daycruising and boat chartering. Seafin has threelevels: the top deck accommodates 30 people,the middle deck is designed for comfort withan open gallery to eat food, sip Pimms andenjoy a business meeting (using the latesttechnology: PCs, 37” LCD Satellite TV, 72”Multi-media projector and a GSM phone), andfinally the lower deck houses four cabins withpower showers for guest to clean up afterriding the on-board jet-skis.She also boasts a fabulous viewing gallery,for admiring the stunning scenery, or evenwatching other vessels pass by, as well as thewheelhouse, which is open to customers whowant to take the wheel and learn to steerunder the supervision of skipper Fred. This setup, obviously created with big business deals inmind, gives you an abundance of one-on-onetime to impress your clients within a relaxing,yet professional, atmosphere.Warwick Bergin, Director of Triangle Marine,told Reflect: “Lots of people imagine that a day,or afternoon, on our chartered yacht is out oftheir price range but we did some research andit’s actually much cheaper than other hospitalityprices; a day on our boat, surrounded by someof England’s most stunning coastal scenery, costsless than £100 per head making it the idealsolution for businesses that have survived a difficultfinancial year to impress new clients and seal thatvital business deal.”Seafin travels to some very charming andcharacterful places, including Buckler’s Hard onBeaulieu River, Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight,and the island port of Cowes, or you canchoose to simply go with the tide and cruise.Chartering on the Thames in London, Poole,Plymouth or other areas can also be arrangedand evening charters are also availablethroughout the year.Chartering Seafin also means that you can passoff every inch of the vessel as your own toimpress clients, and with signs of recovery inthe economy, now’s the time to entertain andimpress your clients – otherwise somebodyelse will. Warwick knows only too well howthe boat helps to build other company’sbrands: “Seafin offers a brand extension forour clients by allowing them to welcome theircustomers by putting up their own banners andflags. It’s about us helping to promote the idea thatSeafin is their boat for a particular day.”With around 80% of Seafin’s business returningclients, it’s the perceived ownership of sucha magnificent boat that encourages theserepeat bookings, along with the helpful andaccommodating crew. Warwick added: “Seafin’screw always work tirelessly to ensure each eventis run as our clients’ wish, in order for their clientsto be impressed. They have the ability to work toany brief and many clients comment that there’ssuch synergy between Seafin’s crew and a clients’own staff, that many of their clients would havedifficulty noticing a difference.”The happy and relaxed atmosphere onboardnot only encourages repeat business, but alsopersuades crew members to return, whichguarantees familiarity and smooth servicelevels to returning clients. Warwick added:“Seafin is a great way to show potential clients agreat day out, without breaking the bank. It’s beena hard two years for every business and we believethat the only way to keep building your businessand growing is to carry on entertaining potentialclients, which is easy on board Seafin.”It is the love of the sea, of sailing and adventurethat makes the five-man crew spend countlesshours polishing already clean windows, buffingalready sparkling chrome work. The quality ofcrew is backed by one overriding principle -pride; they understand that their clients arebringing their own clients onboard so arededicated to impressing them.After all this, it’s not hard to see whySeafin have won a Reflect Certificateof Recognition for Unique MarineExperience. Editor, Elaine Ellis, explains: “Thesedays, many company directors must feel the allureof the water’s edge, but feel it’s a cost they simplycan’t justify – not with Seafin. Seafin is a really funway to get a large number of people to notice yourcompany, without having to spend a lot of money.They’re well and truly waving a flag for seriousbusiness fun on a modest budget, which is why Ihad to award them our Certificate of Recognition.”If we’ve whet your appetite and you’d like tohire Seafin to impress your clients, or secure abig business deal by wow-ing potential clients,visit the website to check availability -www.seafin.co.uk. Alternatively, for furtherdetails call 0207 264 1020 or emailmail@seafin.co.uk

14 Specialist InterestHuddersfield Spotlight 15Hobbies Help KeepYour Mind HealthyThere’s Lots To LoveAbout Yorkshire...From gardening to painting, writingto crafts, hobbies come in allshapes and sizes. There are a widerange of great past time activitiesthat can allow you to be creative,stimulate your mind or even teachyou about the past. Whether you’vegot an hour or a whole weekendto spare, the benefits of taking upa hobby are well documented, theycan keep your brain in good shape,help you to socialise and also loweryour stress levels.It has been proven that regularlyengaging in a hobby can help todelay the onset of dementia. AnAmerican study, conducted lastyear, suggested that hobbies suchas knitting, making a patchworkquilt, or even reading a book,can all keep your mind healthy.The study, from the Mayo ClinicMinnesota, compared nearly 200people with mild memory problems,aged between 70 and 89, to asimilar group with no impairment.The researchers discovered thatthose who had been busy readingor engaging in craft hobbies hada 40% reduced risk of memoryimpairment.A hobby may also be used tohelp lower stress levels, as a studyconducted by the American JournalMedical Association highlighted.The study monitored 30 femaleheart patients whilst they tookpart in a simple craft project andthe results showed significantlylower heart rates, blood pressureand perspiration rates in all thepatients. Instead of concentratingon the worries and issues in yourlife, a hobby can distract yourattention away from the pressuresof life completely by boosting yourcreativity and self esteem.Whether your interest lies in scalemodelling, discovering the past,cooking or collecting, hobbies canbe extremely rewarding and giveus a break from the worries andpressures of life. Our hobbies andinterests don’t just keep our mindsactive, they can also boost oursocial life, give us brand new skills,improve our concentration andalso help to make us unique. Yourhobby can easily be turned into asocial activity by joining a club orgroup in your local area, where youcan meet like minded people andtrade ideas and techniques.For parents, hobbies can alsoprovide you with a great way tospend quality time together andmay also help to boost a child’sself-esteem and equip them withimportant life skills. Learning howto cook is a good way to teachchildren the value of healthy eatingwhilst also having lots of fun.PageEngineeringFounded over ten years ago,and with the engineeringdiscipline that underpinstheir designs and production,Page Engineering are THEspecialists in Burrell RoadLocomotives. For moreinformation, call01599 364 807Whether you’re planning a day out, a weekendbreak or a summer holiday, there are few countiesas beautiful and varied as Yorkshire. With itspretty coastal towns, picturesque villages and vastNational Parks, there’s plenty to discover. Yorkshireis also a county steeped in history and offers manymagnificent stately homes, castles and museums,which make for great days out. However, Reflectwould like to recommend the market town ofHuddersfield, which has plenty to see and do for allages...If it’s history and architecture you crave thenHuddersfield offers a surprising number of listedbuildings; a whopping 1,660 in fact, which makesit home to the third highest number of buildingspreserved for their special architectural or historicinterest in the UK. Many of these are stunningVictorian halls and grand gothic buildings whichcan be seen all around the town centre. However,the best way to learn more about Huddersfield’sarchitectural heritage is to join the hour long towntrail, run by the Tourist Information Centre, whichtakes in the most significant and inspiring sites.Huddersfield’s history stretches further than just itsarchitecture, as the town has long links with thetextile industry, which largely influenced the townwe see today. The textile industry was once mainsource of employment for the locals and althoughit has delinked greatly since the 19th Century, it stillproduces some woollen products. The success ofwhich is said to be down to the large water supply,which was needed to drive the machines but wasalso soft, as well as the areas used for grazing, asthey gave sheep a silkier fleece. Today, Huddersfieldstill has its own Textile Society, which was establishedin 1903 and provides events and lectures whichcelebrate Huddersfield’s and Yorkshire’s past in thetextile industry, and also considers its future.For those visiting the town, one of the best ways todiscover more about Huddersfield’s textile heritageis to head to the Colne Valley Museum in Golcar.Here, you can delve into the past by taking a lookaround a traditional weaver’s cottage, recreatedto emulate the feel of life in the 1850s. If all thathistory leaves you feeling hungry then why not headto Reflect’s favourite Yorkshire pub, Golcar Lily,which is located close to the museum and offers agreat selection of hot snacks and evening meals.The town is internationally renowned for its annualmusic event, the Huddersfield Contemporary MusicFestival, which boasts the very best in new andexperimental music. Taking place every November,the ten-day event incorporates evening concerts,music-theatre, dance, multi-media, talks and films,and is well-known for its diversity of experiences.Aside from music, there are numerous culturalevents happening in Huddersfield throughout theyear, so if you’re planning a visit why not timeit to coincide with the town’s free festivities. TheHuddersfield Festival of Light includes theatricalperformances and fireworks, whilst the CaribbeanCarnival features live music, great food andfairground rides.For more great ideas on what to see and do inHuddersfield, head to www.yorkshire.comjeck filmsOrder line 01258 472167Online Shop www.jeckfilms.co.ukMail-order JECK FILMS37 Bridge Street, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1BZEstablished 23 YearsA full list of our titles availableFree Delivery UK & EuropePayment: by Card, P.O. or Cheque (payable to Jonathan Eckardt)The Great Dorset Steam Fair 2008The essential guide to the Show including;The 40th Great Dorset Steam Fair 2008General coverage of the Show - 120minsThe 1969 Re-creation Section - 35minsSteam Heavy Haulage Road Run - 22minsMassey Ferguson 50th Anniversary - 20minsThe build-up of the 2008 Show - 23mins“The Human Angle” by John Collins - 15mins242 minutes - £24.95“Boadicea” Goes To Brighton……Through night and rain “Boadicea”hauls her train - 1997The epic trip by the famous McLaren SteamRoad Engine ‘Boadicea’ taking part in the 1997Battersea, London to Brighton CommercialVehicle Road Run. It was planned by its ownerLes Searle from Horsham, Sussex and executedwith the help of a band of dedicated friends.It contains images of Steam in action rarely everseen - 65 minutes - £10.00Learning Is Creative andFun atKids’ Cookery SchoolEquippingkids with the skillsand knowledge they need to cooknutritious and delicious meals from scratch,Kids’ Cookery School (KCS) are celebratingten years of delivering this unique service tothe children and young people of London. Thisspecial charity are so dedicated to teachingchildren the importance of healthy eating,Reflect have selected KCS for a Certificate ofRecognition for Learning and Development.The only registered charity of its kind in the UK,Kids Cookery School (KCS) started from humblebeginnings in the kitchen of Fiona Hamilton-Fairley and has grown into a vital service forlocal kids. KCS now run classes for childrenaged 3 to 16; each class is run by two teachersand places are limited to 12 children. Fiona says:“We’re socially inclusive and the emphasis is reallyon having fun in the kitchen, being creative, andlearning how to cook with fresh ingredients, ratherthan lots of fat, sugar and salt.”Last year, the charity launched KCS On Wheels,which allows the charity to bring their kitchensto you. Fiona explains: “We set up the van tobe able to bring mobile hobs, ovens, and even thekitchen sink, to those who need it. Now we are ableto visit schools, community centres and churchhalls across London – all we ask for is running water,electricity and access to toilets.”Editor, Elaine Ellis, says: “KCS is a fantasticinitiative and such a good cause. Like Fiona, I believeit is vital to teach children the importance of ahealthy balanced diet and learning how to cookis an essential part of healthy eating, that’s whyKCS were my first choice for this Certificate ofRecognition.”KCS is an entirely self-funded project and reliesupon the kind donations of its supporters. Tofind out more about the charity or to make adonation, visitwww.thekidscookeryschool.co.ukTel: 020 8992 8882Email: info@thekidscookeryschool.co.ukImage Courtesy ofGolcar LilyCliffe Ash, Golcar, HuddersfieldTel: 01484 Colne 659762 Valley Cliffe Ash,Golcar,MuseumHuddersfieldTel: 01484 659762Three 19 Century weaver’scottages near Golcar ParishChurch are the home of themuseum. See the life and workof the 19th Century in restoredperiod rooms- the loomchamber withhand looms and a spinningJenny.The museum has featuredmany times on TV and isrecommended by the GoodMuseum Guide.Open: Sat, Sun and BankHolidays2.00pm- 5.00pmAdmission charge.Cliffe Ash, Golcar,HuddersfieldTel: 01484 659762ighfield Funeral ServiceFuneral Directors24 Hour ServicePrice Lists & WrittenEstimateDignity Funeral PlansTrained Professional StaffMembers of the NAFDMemorials & Floral TributesTel: 01484 428243West Croft, Trinity Street,Huddersfield, West Yorkshire,HD1 4DT

16 Huddersfield Spotlight17Golcar LilyYorkshire’s Hidden GemFather’s Day is fast approaching, so why not treatyour dad to Sunday lunch and book a table atGolcar Lily, where you can relax with fine food andenjoy the unspoilt views. With a delicious choice ofmeats, plus a fish, chicken and vegetarian option, dadwill spoilt for choice. There are also lots of temptingsweet treats to indulge in and traditional ales tosample.For those with food allergies and intolerances,finding somewhere to eat out can be prettytricky, but Golcar Lily provides a real food haven,as the menu has been specially designed to offersomething for everyone. Gluten-free, lactose free,vegetarian and vegan dishes can be easily created forthose who must adhere to a strict diet and Darrylhas even designed the menu to highlight theseoptions to diners. Gluten-free bread can also besubstituted for regular bread where required. As allthe dishes are prepared fresh to order, you can alsobe sure your meal is made exactly to your taste andrequirements. Golcar Lily also welcomes childrenand there is a specially designed kids menu andthe choice of half-size portions of some adult mainmeals, to appeal to little tummies.Nestling quietly in the Pennines, it’s not just GolcarLily’s excellent reputation for food that makes thispub stand out, the superb and inspiring views outover the Colne Valley make it a haven for thoseexploring the area on foot or on two wheels. As anArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Penninesboasts some of England’s most magnificent anddiverse landscapes. Often described as the backboneof England, this low-rising mountain range has plentyto offer for those who love the great outdoors,from wildlife and birdwatching to walking andcycling.If you’re planning to spend some time exploring thePennines, Golcar Lily provides a great stop off pointto refresh yourself and recharge your batteries withone of Darryl’s tasty bar snacks. On a clear day youcan admire the stunning scenery, whilst sampling apint of one the pub’s guest ales, and see for over 40miles; it’s no wonder Yorkshire Life described it asthe restaurant with the best views in the county.Sunday nights are always a favourite with regulars,as Golcar Lily’s Quiz Night takes place every week.The fun starts at 9.30pm, so if you’re visiting thearea or soaking up some of the Pennine’s stunningscenery, why not get a team together and join in.During the interval, there’s also the chance to tryand win the Play Your Cards Right rolling jackpot.Darryl and his team are extremely proud of GolcarLily and its reputation, he says: “Golcar Lily is afriendly place offering a great range of food and beerin a traditional pub environment. We pride ourselves onthe panoramic views, which really are unbelievable, andhave created an ideal atmosphere for socialising. Wehave no gaming machines, no jukebox and no TV, so weoffer a sanctuary for those who want to escape fromthe 21st Century for a while.”The warm and friendly locals, traditional ales andrelaxing setting all make Golcar Lily a place wheredrinkers and diners can relax and admire the views.Reflect have been so impressed with the excellentfacilities, friendly staff and beautiful location that wewere proud to award Golcar Lily a Certificate ofRecognition for Yorkshire’s Hidden Gem.Food serving times:• Monday – Friday – 12noon to 2pm and6pm to 9.30pm• Saturday – 12noon to 9.30pm• Sunday – 12noon to 8pmTo find out more about the tasty food andtraditional ales available at this Huddersfield pub byvisiting www.golcarlily.co.ukAlternatively, call 01484 659277 to book your table.Golcar Lily Public House and Restaurant99-101 Slades RoadBolster MoorGolcarHuddersfieldHD7 4JRSitting high above the Pennines and looking out overthe Colne Valley, Golcar Lily boasts ample charm andspace for those looking to dine out. With featuresdating back as far as 1875, Huddersfield’s most uniquepub is the ideal venue for a family meal, a quiet drinkor for celebrating any special occasion...Golcar Lily has a fantastic reputation for food, whichis all down to landlord, Darryl Broscombe, who tookover the running of the pub seven years ago. Havingbeen wowed by Golcar Lily’s beautiful location andbreathtaking views, Darryl set about transforming thepub into a family friendly venue and devising a menu totempt all tastes.Golcar Lily’s excellent reputation for heartyhomemade English food, which is all freshly preparedto order, is a great source of pride for Darryl andhis staff, who use locally sourced ingredients wherepossible. With a wide range of dishes available sevendays a week, Golcar Lily can also provide a greatsetting for a romantic meal for two, a traditionalSunday lunch for the whole family or even just a quickbite to eat whilst exploring the area.The simple selection of bar snacks, the à la cartemenu, which is available day and night, and the specialsboard, featuring six seasonal dishes, offer children andadults a wide variety when it comes to eating out atGolcar Lily. Sunday lunch is always popular and is oneof the pub’s specialities, with three courses, plus coffee,available for just £11.95, it’s easy to see why.Darryl and the Golcar Lily team also make theperfect hosts for your special occasion, from weddingreceptions to birthday parties, anniversary dinners toFather’s Day, the location, food and service guaranteea memorable event for you and your loved ones.Golcar Lily boasts ample charm and space for all ofyour get-togethers. The pub has its own functionroom, holding up to 75 guests for a buffet or 40 fora sit down meal, and has gained a fantastic reputationfor its mouth-watering meals. The pub’s restaurantcan also accommodate small and larger parties whoare looking to celebrate a special occasion in a speciallocation. Children can easily be catered for andaccommodating special dietary requirements is one ofGolcar Lily’s specialties.With Darryl and the Golcar Lily team as your host,your guests will be more than impressed with boththe food and the unspoilt views. A range of buffet andhot supper menus are available and Darryl is morethan happy to discuss all of the options available toyou. As all of Golcar’s dishes are freshly prepared onthe premises, you’ll enjoy the experience so muchyou’ll want to return again and again. When it comesto music, Golcar’s full entertainment licence meansyou can get your party into full swing with a disco,karaoke or live band.

18 Leisure 19Golcar LilyFather’s Day Menu20th June 2010Leek and potato soup (V) (c)Honeydew melon balls with raspberry coulis (V) (c) (Vg)Creamy garlic mushrooms with bread roll (V) (c)Chicken liver and brandy pâté with toast (c)Deep fried breaded brie with cranberry sauce (V)~~~~oOo~~~~Roast topside of beef (c) with Yorkshire puddingRoast leg of lamb (c) with mint sauceBaked salmon with dill and lemon butter (c)Supreme chicken with tarragon and white wine sauce (c)Steak and ale plate pieGreek sweet potato ragout (V) (c)(Sweet potatoes braised in tomatoes thyme and garlic finished with feta and black olives)Served with a selection roast and new potatoeswith seasonal vegetables~~~~oOo~~~~Brandy and black cherry trifleRaspberry cheesecakeJam roly polyFresh strawberries and cream (c)Mille feuilleChocolate Malteser torteChoice of Belgium ice cream (c)~oOo~Summer FunThe average Brit spends 3.72 hoursper day watching television and awhopping 58.5% of us have confessedto not participating in any sportingactivity, coupled with that nearly aquarter of adults are now obese; facedwith the facts we’re quickly becominga nation of couch potatoes. As therisk of passing on our bad habits tothe next generation is a serious one,why not make a conscious effort thissummer to swap your usual televisionhabits for some outdoor activities.In recent weeks the UK has beenbasking in glorious sunshine, givingus ample opportunity to get out andabout in our local area. Whetheryou’re looking for an afternoon’s funor a day out, there are plenty of localparks to visit and what’s more, they’refree! With trails and woodland pathsto follow, wildlife to discover and wideopen spaces to run around in, the kidswill be kept well entertained. If you’remaking a full day of it, why not takealong a picnic and some games toplay, such as football, cricket or evena Frisbee, which will keep all agesamused and get everyone active.Parks also provide the perfect spacefor some birdwatching, which willdelight younger children. Birdwatchingis one of Britain’s favourite past timesand you don’t have to be an expertto give it a go, just taking along asimple bird spotting book will get youstarted. Kids will love learning aboutall of the different species we shareare parks with whilst having fun at thesame time.Cycling is a great family activity thatyou can easily make a day of andsummer is the perfect time to get onyour bike. As well as giving you thechance to explore your local area,there are many reported healthbenefits of getting out and about ontwo wheels. Research by the BritishHeart Foundation found that 20 milesof cycling per week can reduce therisk of coronary heart disease by half,compared to non-cyclists. It’s also afantastic way to lose weight and getfit, as even a gentle cycle of around12mph, on flat land, uses 450 caloriesan hour, but of course, the faster yougo the more you burn. The speed ofyour metabolism will also be raised forhours after you’ve stopped, so you caneven treat yourself to well-deserved icecream.Beacon HillCountry ParkBeacon Hill Country Park comprises over 330acres (135 Ha) in the beautiful CharnwoodForest area of Leicestershire. The Park formsthe second highest point in the county, withoutstanding views to the north and east, and issurmounted by rocky outcrops including theunusual ‘Old Man of Beacon Hill’. Surfacedtracks circuit the hill, providing a continuous4.8 km route suitable for horses, mountainbikes and walking. Much of the Park iswoodland and provides a great place forchildren to explore. Within the rhododendron,a raised boardwalk has been built to formthe Labyrinth, an area popular with youngervisitors.The Native Tree Collection, which wasplanted about 15 years ago has a sensory trailwith talking posts. Visit the National ForestWoodfair on August Bank Holiday, a great dayout for the family. The post code for the LowerCar Park is LE12 8TA.Facilities: Toilets (inc Accessible), Barbequessites.Contact: Rangers 0116 3058791. Leafletavailable – see www.leics.gov.uk/countryside.Coffee & mintsMain Course - £7.95Two Courses - £9.95Three Courses (& Coffee) - £11.95Sunday lunch menu served 12noon to 5pmÀ la carte menu 5pm to 8pmRoast potatoes are unsuitable for CoeliacsSuitable for (c) Coeliac, (v) Vegetarian, (Vg) VeganItems with bread can be substituted for gluten free breadLeziate ParkCome along and see the new, stunning including an outstanding Head Chef,decor which creates exactly the rightAmanda Baxter. The impact was immediate,ambience in which to enjoy the breathtakingviews from the restaurant, bar or 300% in six weeks.with Sunday Carvery bookings increasing byterrace. Choose from a specially createdNorfolk menu and enjoy a lunch or dinnerwhich will have you booking your next visiteven before the first one has finished!This new era of excellence and luxury beganwith the establishment of a new companyand management team in early Octoberlast year. Anna Mace, who is also managingdirector of Sound Wave Marketing in CastleRising, Norfolk, took over the managementof Leziate Park and introduced a new teamThe new Leziate Park menus are governedonly by seasonality and quality ingredients.Meat is reared and butchered close by anddiners are likely to have driven past the veryfields the menu’s vegetables have grownin. Everything from bread to ice-cream issourced locally and rigorous standards haveensured the best possible suppliers havebeen invited to supply Leziate Park.With the refurbishment complete, greatsuppliers providing the best of Norfolk foodsand a great team ready to welcome guests,make the spring weather your excuse to goand enjoy all that Leziate Park has to offer.From wedding ceremony to corporate event,a quick drink to an outstanding lunch ordinner, Leziate Park now offers everythingyou could wish for, with a quality, style andexcellence which will delight you.Call 01553 630393 for more details,or visit Leziate Park’s website on www.leziatepark.co.uk. Better still, why not comealong for a drink and a meal and see thenew Leziate Park for yourself!

22 Gardeners’ World Live23See All Your FavouriteTV Gardeners At BBCGardeners’ World LiveChange4LifeA host of big name gardeners will be dispensing expertadvice at this years’ BBC Gardeners’ World Live at The NECBirmingham from 16th – 20th June 2010, which will becelebrating the great outdoors and helping you makethe most of your garden this summer.In the Gardeners’ World Magazine Theatre there will be talksand demos from top presenters of the show past and presentincluding: Toby Buckland, Carol Klein, Joe Swift and Alys Fowlerplus Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don. There will also be ongoingdemonstrations on the Taste of Greenacre feature, bringing the BBCTV garden to life. Meanwhile BBC1’s Countryfile presenters MattBaker, Julia Bradbury, John Craven and Adam Henson will be takinga look at wildlife and the environment in the Countryfile Magazinearea.Gardening fans will find plenty at BBC Gardeners’ World to keeptheir outdoor spaces looking gorgeous. Visitors will be inspired bystunning designs in our featured Show Gardens, can shop theirway through a variety of plants and garden supplies, or take in thebeautiful sights and smells in the RHS Floral Marquee sponsoredby Renault, with award-winning displays and tips from the UK’stop growers. Visitors can even learn how to create their ownarrangements in our Floristry Masterclasses (new for 2010), or try theirhand at producing tasty home-grown fruit, vegetables and herbs andput questions to the experts on the Grow Your Own Garden.Included in the ticket price is entry to the BBC Summer GoodFood Show. Here guests will find everything they need to enjoysizzling summer barbecues, alfresco dining, and entertainingduring the long summer evenings. There’ll be live cookingdemonstrations from top celebrity chefs including the HairyBikers and James Martin, hundreds of delicious seasonalproducts to stimulate the senses, cool cocktails and refreshingwines, plus the all-new MasterChef Experience, sponsoredby Miele and the opportunity for lunch in the Toque d’OrCompetition Restaurant.Bringing Gardening to life - book your tickets now for theultimate gardening experience.Call 0844 581 1339 or book online atwww.bbcgardenersworldlive.com.WINReflect have teamed up with the organisers of BBC Gardeners’World Live to offer you the chance to win one of five pairs oftickets that are up for grabs. All you have to do is answer thissimple question:On which channel of the BBC does Gardeners’ World appear?Send your answer, name and address to Gardeners’ World LiveCompetition, Reflect Magazine, 3rd Floor, 29-35 St NicholasPlace, Leicester LE1 4LD by 5pm Wednesday 9th June 2010.Alternatively, email competitions@reflect-magazine.co.uk(subject: Gardeners’ World Live Comp).

24 Equestrian25Saddle Up!Feature by Rochelle Taylor-SmithAnyone who has ever owned a horse willknow the special bond horse and rider shareand the endless joy they bring. The trust andunderstanding that builds over time is unlikeany other and the relationship gets stronger withpractice, but like any relationship, there has to bea bit of a spark to start with.Finding the perfect horse is the ultimate dreamfor the majority of riders, but unfortunately, theexperience can quickly turn into a nightmare!Whether you’re looking for a horse simplyfor pleasure, for hacking, hunting, dressage,gymkhana, or even carriage driving, there arehundreds of breeds to choose from. From abeautifully poised horse from a top progeny,to a more humble mare from a less renownedbackground, it’s so important for the right horseto be paired with the right rider.When looking to buy a horse, it’s importantto firstly consider the cost of not only buying ahorse, but also the cost of keeping the horse – doyou and your family really have sufficient time,money, and experience to look after a horse?As well as food and shelter, horses need regularexercise and grooming, as well as veterinary care,all of which will take up a large amount of time,and money.Once you’ve agreed that you have the time,money and experience to care for a horse, youhave to decide what type of horse you’d like.Reflect suggest making a list of the qualities thatare essential in any horse you buy, as well asa separate list of what would be desirable. Anyhorse you consider, should have, at least, ALLof the qualities listed on the essential list, and,hopefully, one or two off the desired list.Anyone who has ever owned a horse will know‘the special bond’ horse and rider share and theendless joy it brings. The trust and understandingis unlike any other and gets stronger over time,but like any other relationship, there has to bea bit of a spark to start with. To make a mistakeand buy the wrong horse could be costly andheartbreaking to everyone involved. So, take yourtime and ensure you find a horse with a pleasantmanner, and one that’s not only good to ride, butalso one that is likely to remain healthy, as well asbeing suitable for the type, and amount, of ridingyou anticipate.Although you might consider it to be economicalto buy a horse that can take you through yourriding career, or challenge your skill, buying ahorse beyond your capabilities is not advisable. Itmay be too much for you to handle or even proveto be a danger.Also, buying a horse without a pre-purchaseexamination, by a qualified professional, can beboth risky and costly – you wouldn’t buy a carwithout seeing its MOT certificate. A pre-purchasevetting will not only identify existing healthproblems, but should also find potential issues.If you are a competent rider, there are plentyof events to enter to show off your ridingprowess and test your skill, from show jumpingto gymkhana, point to point and dressage. Alldisciplines are equally challenging with their ownrules and regulations, so it’s a good idea to havelessons from an expert who knows the tricks ofthe trade.Many people would like to own a horse, but don’thave the time to look after it fully. Liveries offerthe ideal solution with flexible options to suit yourneeds and requirements including, DIY and fulllivery. Some state-of-the-art liveries not only lookafter your horse, but also offer the luxury of beingable to view your horse whenever takes yourfancy with an in-stable web cam.If you want to indulge fully in your passion,why not opt for a riding holiday in some of thebeautiful and diverse areas across the UK. Gallopalong an empty beach in Devon, along a clifftop path in the North Yorkshire coast or througha magical forest in Wales. Stop off for lunch at acountry pub before riding home and laying thebed for your weary stead.Buying a horse is a big decision and a seriousinvestment, so take the time to do your homeworkand find a company who have the knowledge andexpertise to find your dream horse.Strange Horse Facts• Horses like classical music.• The oldest horse was named Old Billy. He wasa cross breed, born in 1760 and he lived to be62.• The World’s Largest Horse was a Shire geldingnamed Samson, measuring 21.2 1/2 handhigh in 1850, and weighed 3,360 pounds.• The luckiest horseshoe you can have is onefrom the hind leg of a gray mare.• The current record holder for the world’ssmallest horse is Thumbelina, a fully matureminiature horse affected by dwarfism. She is17 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds.• Horses have two blind spots - one directlybehind them and one directly in front of them.(facts taken from www.ultimatehorsesite.com)Stormhill MinkA veryintelligent allround horse,with a fantastictemperamentand extravagantmovement. Heis suitable for alltypes of maresfrom cobs to athoroughbred.CHAPS & BSPAgraded stallion,also registered Wetherbys NTR.His offspring are proving in their own wayto be champions covering all disciplinesfrom the Pony Club all rounder to showingand eventing.He has competed on a continuous basisfrom 2004 with enjoyment and success inall areas.From April 2010 Storm will be standingwith Jerome Harforth at Stanley GrangeStud for natural coverings, Fresh, Chilled,and Frozen semen.Miss Rebecca WalkerSunnybank Riding StablesSunnybank RoadBatleyWest YorkshireWF17 0LJPhone: 01924 473484 / 07976 535336Fax: 01924 473484www.stormhillmink.co.ukFour Seasons StudSG Kai 6 year pure bred. Arabian stallion by AHKuda Many wins in hand. Fabulous temperamentand spectacular action that he passes to hisoffspring, produces beautiful foals both purebred and part bred.Stud Fee POAWe have fantastic facilities for visiting mares.Tel 07785 316529 or 01934 820722(Evening up to 9pm)North SomersetAlderwood Hot shotPink paperedOslo, as heis known athome, is a16hh stallionout of countryMarksman.He has anexceptionaltemperament and a fantastic attitude to work,which is always commented upon in the ring byjudges and fellow competitors. His striking looks,coupled with athletic paces, gain a lot of attention.Oslo combines movement and power with the mostamazing technique over a fence. He has embarkedon his ridden career and is showing great potential.His jumping ability is no surprise with both Zeusand Zeoliet in his breeding, as well as G,Ramiro.Alderwood Hot Shot is a promising young stallion.He has two BEF Futurity First Premiums in bothdressage and show jumping.Stud fee: £300 NFFRContact Rachael Cowburn 07773683830email: oslorach@yahoo.co.ukPhantomis our HackneyX warmbloodstallion. Hestands 16.2hhaged 13. He hasgood stablemanners, verygood moverwith a nice bold jump, 3 good paces, his sireOberon.Stud Fee: £250NFFR 1st October rule applies.Mr Jonesis our colouredcob stallion. Hestands 16.1hhand is aged 9. Hehas impeccablestable, floor andridden manners.He has very goodmovement and 3very nice paces.Mr Jones has the cob DNA test heterozygousnT and homozygous EE.Stud Fee: £250NFFR 1st October rule applies.Young stock to follow, due this yearClaire: 07742 490116Kevin: 07742 490180thorpestud@hotmail.co.ukCreated in April 2009, Unibed’s premiumquality bedding is a great product.Whether you’re an individual horsekeeper, or a professional within theequestrian industry, Unibed Original andUnibed Pro bedding could be of greatbenefit to you and your horse.Both products have been finely choppedand the put through a rigorous dustextractionprocess to ensure dust levelsare kept to a minimum. The straw (wheatfor classic and rape for premium) is thentreated with a unique formula of threenatural, non-toxic oils - Muna, Moringaand Arnica - which combine to createa clean and soothing environment foryour horse. All three oils are natural antiparasitic,anti-bacterial, anti-fungal andhave anti-inflammatory properties. Munaoil can also help horses avoid respiratoryproblems, whilst Moringa contains vitaminsA, C and E, which help soothe and softenskin. Arnica oil has been used in connectionwith tender hooves and bruising.• Unibed Classic is made from premiumquality Wheat Straw to create a soft,comfortable bed with good absorbency.• Unibed Premium is suitable for use as adeep bedding material, removing droppingson a daily basis and wet bedding once aweek.Both products are available wholesale directfrom Unibed in 20kg bales. The products areavailable from numerous stockists aroundthe country, retailing between £5.50 and£6.99.Choose fromour prints ordesign yourown.Great forsponsors’logos etc.Printed full colour on vinyl,Equitility Training Bannersare easy to use and suitablefor outdoor use all year round.Currently being used byaccredited trainers in bothequine & canine training.www.equitility.comwww.agilitybanners.comcall 01442 822064High Performance Quality BeddingAs well as medicinal benefits, Unibed canalso help to cut down the time it takes tocomplete your daily mucking out routine.Unibed products also rot down veryquickly compared to wood-based products,therefore keeping the muck heap down to aminimum.As well as horse bedding, Unibed also offerPoultry and Game bedding, made from finelychopped straw that, like the Unibed horsebedding, is also put through a rigorous dustextraction process, before being treated witha non-toxic disinfectant that is anti-viral andanti-fungal.For more information on the Unibed range,visit www.unibed.uk.com or call01977 796278.

26 A Nation of Animal LoversBusiness 27One Of The Family...It’s official, owning a pet can keep you happyand healthy. In fact, the benefits of sharingyour home with an animal are enormous andresearch has proven that pet owners are muchhealthier than those who choose not to carefor an animal. According to the Pet HealthCouncil, studies have shown that those whoown a pet have lower levels of cholesteroland lower blood pressure (http://www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk/About-Us/People-and-Pets-Stress-Busting.html). However, pets arealso said to help combat stress, so there areplenty of reasons to introduce a four-leggedfriend into your family.Both dogs and cats make great companionsand are also ideal for those with youngfamilies. Dogs are great for keeping youactive, as walking them twice a day willguarantee you get your recommendedweekly exercise, whilst cats enjoy a bit of fussbut are generally more independent. With somany aspects to consider, it can be difficultto know where to look for the perfect pet.Raising a puppy or a kitten can take up alot of time and money, and can cause alot of heartache if they grow-up to havemajor health problems. Buying a dog froma reputable breeder can ensure your newpet comes from good stock, as registeredbreeders are dedicated to producing the finestlitters and select only the best and most suitableparents, ensuring the offspring is also the bestin terms of health and temperament. Anotherplus of buying from a reputable breeder is thatthey can offer help and assistance once you’vepurchased your new pooch.Giving your pet the correct care they need isessential to their well-being, can give themthe best start in life and also help reduce theneed for expensive veterinary care. Nutritionis important for your pet’s health, especiallyduring their early years when they are stilldeveloping, so choosing the right food canstop dogs and cats developing commonailments, but certain brands may also aid thetreatment of medical conditions, for examplediabetes and obesity. Whilst it may be temptingto give your pet treats from your own plate,overfeeding can quickly lead to a pet becomingoverweight, which in turn may lead to furtherhealth problems such as arthritis. Instead, onlyput out their own food and if you’re unsureabout how much you should be feeding youdog or cat, check the Pet Size-O-Meter atwww.pfma.org.uk for details on portion sizes.Access to clean drinking water is also vitalfor keeping a four-legged friend happy andhealthy.Business FocusMany companies across the country have suffered over the last 18months, thanks to the recession; but now that the country is officiallyback in the black, and we have a new coalition government inplace, the next 18 months look brighter.Whether your business is a global conglomerate, an internationalempire, a nationwide enterprise, a regional organisation or asingle-person operation, the factors that lead to success remain thesame. The most important factor in having a successful businessis reputation, which is gained through marketing campaigns,advertising and, most importantly, word-of-mouth and customerrecommendations. SO, if you want to be known as the best in yourfield, excellent customer service is a MUST!Now that a brand new financial year has begun, it’s time to get youraccounts and paperwork in order. If your business isn’t doing as wellas you’d hoped, now is the time to act. The sooner you tell yourcreditors you can’t meet their repayment demands the sooner a dealcan be reached that suits both parties; you don’t want your businessto become another recession casualty statistic. If your company debthas spun out of control, there are various expert companies whospecialise in helping businesses get their finances back on track.Every company experiences financial difficulties at one time oranother, but the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Reflect would like to makea few suggestions to help you and your business ride out the financial crunchstorm…1. Get Organised – make sure financial records are robust and up to date2. Monitor Employees – recognise the essential members of the team, to ensureyour workforce is running at optimum levels3. Price Properly – don’t overreact to market conditions by bumping up prices;understand whether demand is price-sensitive, so you don’t give profits away4. Delegate – if you’re in demand as the big boss, delegate unessential tasks toemployees further down the chain, or to an outside agency5. Act Now – don’t wait for things to get really bad before putting plans in placeYou only need to take a stroll around your town or city to see the aftermath of theworst economic crisis for more than two decades. As a consumer, Reflect wouldlike to encourage you to enlist the services of your local businesses in order to helpthem flourish and continue to survive. You may also find that choosing local is toyour benefit, as you are treated to a more personal service.Certificate of Recognition for Quality BreedingWe all know the joy a pet can bring us so whetheryou’re looking for man’s best friend or a cutecat to add to your family, Reflect would like torecommend the British shorthairs and Bengal fromEvacats and the Great Danes from Evadogs; alllovingly bred by experienced breeder, Jayne Evans,winner of our Certificate of Recognition forQuality Breeding.EvacatsJayne started her breeding career with BritishShorthair Tipped, which are so easy to fall in lovewith thanks to their laid back, cuddly nature. Jaynethen moved onto Bengals: “Shortly after breedingBritish Shorthairs, my friend introduced me to Bengals.They’re stunning and not like any other cat; they’re highlyintelligent and very inquisitive. However, they do requirelots of attention. They’re not the kind of cat that canbe left home alone all day – they need a playmate. Allmy babies are well socialised, and are born and rearedwithin my home to make them affectionate pets.”Jayne currently has a litter of Bengals, all of whichare vaccinated and registered, as well as a litter oflilac British Shorthairs for sale. Jayne added: “I havemated a young Bengal for the first time with babiesexpected in July and ready 13 weeks later. I give my catsa rest between litters.”As well as breeding British Shorthairs and Bengals,Jayne also shows her cats at the GCCF Showsacross the country.EvadogsJayne currently has four adult Great Danes livingwith her, as well as two litters of puppies everyyear. Jayne said: “Once you’d had a Great Dane, you’llnever want any other dog. I didn’t start breeding Danesuntil 10 years ago when I had two Harlequins – Quinnand Michka. Quinn had a successful run as a stud dogbut he retired four years ago and he’s now enjoying hisretirement. I’m hoping his grandson, Charlie, will becomemy new stud dog, who is almost 14 months old.”Jayne’s litter of puppies require her attention 24hours a day; at nine weeks old, they’ll be ready to berehomed. Jayne said: “I strictly vet the people that cometo me wanting a Great Dane puppy – they’re requiredto spend some time in my living room with two of thefour adults I have before they’re even allowed to see thepuppies. This is to ensure people can cope with the sizeand nature of an adult before they commit to a puppy.”On hearing the news of her Certificate ofRecognition, Jayne said: “Thank you Reflect. I’mthrilled to receive this award after so many years. I pridemyself on the quality of my animals.”Tel: 01952 619855E-mail: mejtiggr@blueyonder.co.ukWear your clancrest with pride!We are specialists in clan crest jewelleryand gifts. Our range includes cufflinks, tiepins, brooches, pendants and napkin ringsin hallmarked silver and a range of quaichs,tankards and goblets in pewter. Contact us viaour website or write/telephone for a brochure.7 Gosford Road, Port Seton East Lothian, EH32 0HEwww.scotiasilver.comnic@scotiasilver.com01875 811 513WANTED MEDIA TELESALES CONSULTANTSDue to success, Reflect Magazinegroup are expanding and urgentlyrequire individuals who feel theyhave ALL of the characteristicslisted to the right to work for oneof the leading Media companiesin the East Midlands. The positioninvolves working as part of a winningsales team and marketing regionalmagazines which are part of the group.Strong minded?Confident?Bubbly personality?Enthusiastic?Do you have a great sense of humour?Are you a hard working self starter?Self motivated?Driven?Ambitious?Positive?Reliable?You will be responsible for generatingnew business, retaining and expandingyour very own customer portfolio. Experience is not necessary - but the desire towork in a sales environment for Reflect Magazine is a must.All career backgrounds will be considered.We offer a Leicester city centre office base, excellent working environment and thevery best in sales training.Training basic salary from £12k - £16k bonuses and uncappedcommission, realistic OTE £25+.Brilliant hours of just 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday so you can celebrate your successover the weekend!Telephone NOW for an immediate interview ORemail your CV to claire@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk0116 2624867

30 Saving Money31Save Money This Summerby Sarah RossThe summer is fast approaching, leavingmany of us worrying where we’ll findextra cash for holidays, ice creams anda few glasses of our favourite tipple. Ifyou’d appreciate a little extra cash inyour pocket for the summer monthswhy not give some of Reflect’s moneysaving tips a go...Ebay and AmazonGetting rid of unwanted items couldn’t be easierthanks to the worldwide auction website Ebay. Fromclothes, toy and household items, to cars and eventstickets, these days you can pretty much get rid ofanything online and make good money in the process.Amazon is also a great way to make money out of allyour unwanted books, CDs and DVDs, without therisk of selling for less than you would like and theproceeds go straight into your bank account, hasslefree.When it comes to clothes, we all have pieces that wedesperately cling on to, hoping one day we’ll be slimenough to squeeze into again or that they’ll eventuallycome back into fashion. The truth however, is thatthese clothes will no doubt continue to sit in ourwardrobes, unloved and unworn. The experts reckonthat if you’ve not worn an item of clothing in the lastyear, chances are you’re never going to wear it again,so set aside some time for a clear out and cash in onyour unworn clothes.Start selling at www.ebay.co.uk or www.amazon.co.ukFreecycleFreecycling – or free recycling – is not only great forsaving money, it’s also great for the environment too,as it helps to prevent unwanted items from headingstraight to a landfill. However, the best part is thatit’s so easy! Anyone with an unwanted item can posta message on their local Freecycle website; if youwould like to own the item on offer, you can send amessage to arrange collection. You must sign up tothe network to be able to post or read any messages,but it is free to join and free to leave a post.The Freecycle Network was started in Tucson,Arizona six years ago by Deron Beal, who helpednon-profit organisations by providing them withfree recycled items. The craze has since gone global,with 85 countries reported as having some form ofFreecycling organisation.Not only can you pick up freebies, you can alsoget rid of any unwanted items, including furniture,computers, clothes and toys. Just because you nolonger like or need an item, doesn’t mean someoneelse wouldn’t appreciate it. This type ofrecycling also means you can help others whocannot afford to purchase such items. Visitwww.freecycle.org for a list of East Midlands’locations with Freecycling Networks.Haircuts and Beauty TreatmentsEven when money is tight, we all still need apampering and with summer just around the corner,we all want to look our best. When it comes tohaircuts, many of us end up spending more than wecan afford, but by switching from your usual salonto having your hair styled at a local hair and beautycollege, you could easily save yourself a fortune. Witha simple trim starting from under a fiver and a widerange of colour treatments at bargain prices, yourhair will look exactly the same, but your purse willfeel so much better! Many beauty treatments, suchas brow shaping and tinting, are also available for afraction of salon prices. Visit your local college formore information and a price list.Online SurveysIf you’re looking to top up your income, or justwant a little extra cash for your summer holiday,completing online surveys can easily make you somequick cash the easy way. Survey website, Ciao, pays£1 to £5 per questionnaire completed, and onceyou reach the £5 mark, you can deposit the moneystraight into your bank account. They also pay you torecruit new members; for every new person you getto sign up, you will be rewarded with 50p. It mightnot sound like much, but providing you have plentyof friends and family, you can easily pocket a few quid.You might have to complete a few surveys in orderto start making money, but with most taking only acouple of minutes to complete, it can be well worththe effort. Sign yourself up today at www.ciao.co.ukValued Opinions is another market research website,which not only allows you to give your input on newproducts and services, but also rewards you withvouchers to many of our top High Street stores.From Marks and Spencer to Miss Selfridge, Tesco toBoots, if you’re a regular at any of these stores it’swell worth the effort. Typical rewards for completingonline questionnaires range from £1 to £5, but youmay also bag £50 for filling their specialist surveys.What are you waiting for, log ontowww.valuedopinions.co.uk and start clicking.Saving in the SupermarketThe weekly shop is one of our biggest spends, sowhen it comes to buying our food we’re all lookingfor a bargain. Whilst ‘3 for 2’ offers and BOGOFs –buy-one-get-one-free – items seem like a giveaway,often they won’t save you as many pounds as youthink. Instead, planning your meals ahead and doingyour shopping armed with a list can reduce youroutgoings, as you’re less likely to buy food that youdon’t need. Choosing foods that are in season willalso be cheaper as they are in good supply and Britishproduce will also come minus the air miles. If you’reunsure what fruit and veg are in season right now,simply head to www.eattheseasons.co.uk for all theinfo you need. Online shopping is also a great way toavoid the tempting displays of the real supermarketshelves.Aiming to cut down on the 8.3million tonnes of foodwe throw away every year and save you up to £50 amonth on your shopping bill, Love Food Hate Wastegive great ideas on what to do with your leftovers.Whether it’s boiled spuds, cheese, cooked meat ortinned fruit, the website allows you to click on thetype of food that needs eating and gives you tastyrecipe ideas. With handy hints on portions sizes andhow to correctly store food, it’s an all round winnerfor saving you cash. Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.comto start reducing your food bill.When it comes to reduced items, the craftiestshoppers are the ones who shop at the right time.Knowing when to shop means you can find staplefoods, such as bread, milk and meat, at bargain pricesand since these can all be frozen, you can stock upon what you need and store them in the freezer untilyou plan to use them. All of the major supermarketsvary when it comes to reducing items, but Sundayafternoon’s early closing makes this one of the besttimes to grab a bargain. Usually items start beingmarked down around 3pm, but you may also findreductions on week nights after 7pm.Supermarket Downshift ChallengeAnother way to make a huge saving on your foodshopping is to swap your usual brand for the onebelow. Starting with the most expensive, productsare usually placed in these brand levels: premiumbrand – such as Finest or the Best, manufacturer’sbrand – for example Kellogg’s or Heinz, supermarketbrand – Tesco’s or Asda’s own brand, no-frills brand– such as Value or Smartprice. By dropping from yourusual brand to the one below for every single itemyou buy, you can make massive savings, and the greatthing is that you probably won’t notice any differencein the taste.Travel CostsWhether you’re travelling to work, visiting relatives,planning a day out or taking a holiday, travel costs cantake a big chunk out of your budget before you’veeven got there, but there are a few easy ways tosave money on your travel expenses. If you’re a dailycommuter, the first way to save some easy cash is bypurchasing a weekly, monthly or annual ticket, whichmeans more expense upfront, but big savings in thelong-run. Secondly, try booking advance tickets forany planned journeys as these are often priced at justa fraction of tickets purchased on the day. You don’teven need to book them weeks in advance as you canstill pre-book your ticket on the Internet the morningyou plan to travel. These are still classed as advancedtickets and the result makes a big difference.The third method requires some research beforebooking, but the effort will be worth it as you mayfind yourself saving up to half your ticket price. Bysplitting the tickets for your journey, instead of buyingone ticket that covers all your stops and changes, youmay find your fare is cheaper. For example a MeltonMowbray to London fare becomes cheaper by havingtwo separate tickets - Melton Mowbray to Ketteringand then Kettering to London – rather than buyingjust the one ticket. Go to www.moneysavingexpert.com for more tips.Online Clothes SwappingIf you’re a shopaholic with a free-falling bank balance– but still can’t quite kick the need for that new pairof shoes – don’t panic, just change your shoppingfor swapping. Online clothes swapping websites havehad a major boost since the recession hit, as manyof us desperately tried to curb our spending. The ‘BigWardrobe’, with over 70,000 items just waiting tobe traded, and ‘What’s Mine is Yours’, who have sawa 33% increase in traffic during the credit crunch, arejust two examples. These websites have everythingfrom High Street to designer, vintage to up to theminute fashion, for women, men and children andthere are thousands of unwanted items waiting tobe swapped or sold. So, whether you’re looking forcash, or a change of image, you can easily get rid ofall your unwanted garments and exchange them forsomething useful.Visit www.bigwardrobe.com andwww.whatsmineisyours.com to get started.

32Anna Kennedy WinsCertificate of RecognitionAnna Kennedy is a trulyinspirational woman, awoman who has foughtto give her children, andother children with AutisticSpectrum Conditions, theeducation they deserve,which is why we’ve selectedher for a Certificate ofRecognition for AutismAwareness 2010.Hillingdon Manor School wasopened by Anna in September1999. It’s recently announced plansto expand its facilities through theacquisition of Yiewsley Grange,situated in large grounds in Yiewsley,West Drayton, Middlesex. YiewsleyGrange will open in July after afull refurbishment and extension, offering places for 50 primary age pupils,with eight classes, a hall, therapy room, offices and a pleasant outdoor areaand garden for children to play. Once open, Yiewlsey Grange will become theprimary school site, whilst Hillingdon Manor will be for secondary school pupils.As well as Yiewlsey Grange, Anna isalso proud to announce that, alongwith Hillcrest Autism Services whonow run Hillingdon Manor School,she has acquired Baston HouseSchool in Hayes, on the outskirtsof Bromley in Kent. Formerly anindependent private girls school,the new special needs unit willprovide a centre of excellence ineducation and development forchildren who have been diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Condition.Anna’s had a great start to 2010,after winning a special Chairman’saward from the Institute of Directors(IoD) at the end of March. The IoDruns Director of the Year Awardsacross all regions of the UK, but itwas the South region in which Annawas nominated by Esther Rantzan.Anna said: “My award was veryspecial and was handed out at theend of the ceremony, which was heldat The Landmark Hotel in London. Itwas a total surprise, and even more of a surprise to realise I was the only womanto win an award all night. There were 300 nominations, which were whittled downto 23 finalists by a panel of judges, so to win is just amazing. Esther gave a speechexplaining why she nominated me and then I collected my award. It was amazingand in my acceptance speech I thanked everyone that had supported me overthe years and accepted it on behalf of all the parents, especially mums, who havechildren with autism. It’s amazing!”If that wasn’t enough,Anna has also received aCertificate of Recognitionfor Autism Awareness 2010from Reflect. Editor ElaineEllis explained why shechose Anna for this award:“Anna has worked tirelesslyfor over a decade now toraise awareness of autismand how it affects, not onlythe children and adults withthe condition, but also theirfriends and family. She’s wonso many awards in the past,she was the clear choice forour award.”For more information on Anna Kennedy,please visit www.annakennedyonline.comAnna recently updated us on how work on Baston House is coming along:“Baston House now has a Head Teacher, Steve Vincent, who initially started withus part-time, but from the end of May, he’ll be with us full time. He’s got over 20years’ experience teaching children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. We’re in theprocess of getting our Department for Children, Schools and Families Registrationand looking at which buildings will be used for what. We plan to give every buildinga total refurbishment, as everywhere needs updating; we need to install interactivewhite boards and get new furniture, particularly desks, as we have close to ahundred old desks with built-in ink wells – so if anyone would like to buy them as ajob lot, I’m more than happy to sell them and make some money for the school. Onceall that is underway, I’ll start looking for staff. I’m currentlyworking on the prospectus, which should be ready in twoweeks – any parents interested should email me.”As well as establishing these schools, Anna has also setup a charity, a college, a residential home, play schemesand support groups all for children and adults; she’salso written a her autobiography, ‘Not Stupid: TheHeartbreaking, Inspiring True Story of one Mother’s Fightto Rescue the Lives of Her Children from Autism’, whichwas a top-ten best seller.