Firestyle Magazine: Issue 5 - Autumn 2016

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Firestyle Sponsors the British
Firefighter Challenge
Sophisticated
Christmas Style... GET THE LOOK!
The new Audi A3
TEST DRIVEN & REVIEWEd
Flir K55
Thermal Image Camera
Sloe Gin
A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
ISSUE 5 - AUTUMN - 2016
TEAM
NOBLE
Takes on the
Atlantic Row

Welcome to the fourth edition of the Firestyle Magazine!
On behalf of the Firestyle, I would like to thank you for purchasing space in
the magazine, as this enables members to receive their copy free of charge.
In addition, funds are made available to be used for the benefit of our
members and the activities of the organisation.
We would like to give thanks for the following individuals for their
contributions towards the magazine:
SPECIAL THANKS TO TEAM NOBLE
• Nick Fletcher • Helen Taylor
• Gary Kilmister
• Paul Brady • Tracy Mason
• Chris Trendowicz
Alec Power
Director
Bob Hickman
Magazine Editor
Lead Designer: Adam Blakemore
Graphic Designers: Stephanie Best & Visha Chandler
Legal Disclaimer
While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of contents of our magazine and digital
brands, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which
may arise therefrom. No part of any of the publication whether in print or digital may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or
otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright owner.
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CONTENTS
Team Noble Takes on the Atlantic Row... Page 6
C & W. Commercials Truck firm offers cutting-edge training.… Page 10
Flir K55 Thermal Image Camera… Page 11
Terberg launched the TACR4… Page 12
the British Firefighter Challenge… Page 14
Toyota UK supports Cheshire Fire & Rescue… Page 17
Wills & Pensions With Paul Brady… Page 18
Combermere Abbey Restoration award… Page 20
Christmas at Durham Cathedral… Page 22
Ladies wanting to take up truck driving on the rise… Page 24
Yu CALM for the problem dog in your life… Page 25
National Trust Christmas markets & winter wonderlands… Page 26
How To Make Sloe Gin… Page 30
Special Stamps - 300th anniversary of ‘Capability’ Brown’… Page 31
Churchill Collectables… Page 32
Tis the season to be glamorous… Page 34
Sophisticated Christmas Style… Page 36
The new Audi A3… Page 38
Peugeot 2008 GT line… Page 40
All New Renault Megane… Page 42
LANCASTER INSURANCE
CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW RETURNS TO NEC FOR SEASON FINALE… Page 44
classic car restoration company given to staff… Page 45
Puzzles - Crossword & Wordearch… Page 46
Tracey Mason Travel - Short December Break… Page 48
Travel safe and protect your tech… Page 50
Puzzle Answers… Page 52

FIRE SERVICE RELATED
Team Noble Takes on the Atlantic Row 2017
Firestyle Supports Team Noble for the
Atlantic Row 2017
Allan, Blair, Iain and Kris are two firefighters, an engineer and a conservationist with
a healthy sense of adventure. The boys like to think they know a bit about working
with water. The Atlantic Row 2017 will really put their skills to the test.
06
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfDH8eXl4u8
www.team-noble.org
www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/talisker-whisky
www.atlanticcampaigns.com

KRIS ELLIOT
Occupation: Firefighter, Stirling
Location: Larbert/Dunblane
Kris has taken part in expeditions as far away as Borneo and
New Zealand. Kris went to school with Andy Murray and is
immensely proud to be from the same hometown as the
tennis champ. He hopes he can live up to the town’s sporting
prestige during the row.
BLAIR ELLIOT
Occupation: Field Engineer, Aberdeen
Location: Edinburgh/Dunblane
A keen walker and climber, Blair walked 484 miles from France
to Portugal along the Camino de Santiago in 2014. Blair is no
stranger to long distance challenges and looks forward to
rowing this massive distance in 2017.
ALLAN HUNTLY
Occupation: Firefighter, Stirling
Location: Bridge of Allan
Allan is an accomplished Microlight and Hang Glider pilot
having flown extensively throughout the globe. Allan is
looking forward to transferring these skills to ocean rowing in
this remarkable event
IAIN DICKSON
Occupation: Conservationist
Location: Cambridge/Glasgow
Iain has volunteered and travelled his way around the
world. In 2007 he competed in the Mongol Rally, driving from
London to Ulan Batar in Mongolia. Iain is looking forward to
the ecological aspects of this event at sea.
WHO ARE TEAM NOBLE?
Four Scottish men whose combined rowing experience, until recently, was watching
Team GB rowing in the 2012 Olympic Games.
If Team Noble succeed in this attempt we will become the first ever Scottish
Firefighters to row across any of the world’s oceans.
07

FIRE SERVICE RELATED
“More people have been
into space than rowed the
Atlantic Ocean”
THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST ROW
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge
is a 3,000 mile endurance race across
the world’s most dangerous ocean,
The Atlantic.
The expedition sees intrepid teams
pitching ourselves against; each
other, 40ft waves, sleep deprivation
and the ever present threat of shark
attacks!
Each team is self-sufficient. We carry
all of our supplies on our own vessel.
We may be on board these a 23ft
rowing boats for up to 100 days at
sea.
START POINT – La Gomera, Canary
Islands
END POINT – Antigua, West Indies
DISTANCE – 3,000 Nautical Miles
“No Engine, No Sail. No
Assistance.”
THE RACE
The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic
Challenge is a 3,000 nautical
mile endurance race across
the world’s most dangerous
ocean, The Atlantic. No Engine,
No Sail. No Assistance is the
basis of this race, with teams
rowing 23ft rowing boats from
start to finish. The intrepid teams
pitch themselves against each
other battling 40ft waves, sleep
deprivation, shark attacks and
have to carry all food and water
on board for the journey which
can take up to 100 days.
More people have been into
space or have climbed Mount
Everest than have rowed the
Atlantic.
The race was founded by Sir
Chay Blyth in 1997 and Team
Noble intends to enter the 20th
Anniversary which will leave in
December 2017 from La Gomera,
Canary Islands and finish in
Antigua, West Indies. If successful
in this attempt, Team Noble will
become the first ever Scottish
firefighters to row across any of
the world’s oceans.
THE BOAT
Our boat “The Pendovey Swift” is
a Woodvale Pairs class 23ft ocean
rowing boat that has crossed the
Atlantic Ocean no less than three
times! The boat has been renovated
completely and a platform complete
with steps and a handrail has been
installed, allowing observers to look
inside a real ocean rowing boat.
THE TRAINING
To train for up to 100 days at sea
requires a strict regimen of nutrition
and training. An average day leading
up race will consist of:
Nutrition:
• Breakfast – bowl of cereal or
porridge, wholegrain toast with
poached eggs, and a bagel or muffin
• Lunch – plenty of carbohydrates,
usually pasta or chilli and rice,
accompanied with veg.
• Dinner – Chicken, turkey, or fish, with
plenty of vegetables.
The average sized ocean rower will
lose 2 stone in weight on an Atlantic
Crossing, so you need to pile on the
pounds. Plenty of fruit and veg helps
to prevent scurvy, a disease caused
by vitamin C deficiency.
08

Workout:
• Morning run or cycle – 4 miles
for joggers, 15 miles for cyclists.
• Plenty of stretching throughout
the day whether yoga or CrossFit
warm ups, to improve core
strength and stability, and to
protect the lower back.
• Two hour row.
This routine will need to be
performed at least 5 days a
week to prepare for the event.
A caloric surplus ensures that
fat and fuel will be constantly
stored up for when the team
is eventually cast off from La
Gomera.
THE FIREFIGHTERS
CHARITY
Team Noble are supporting The
Fire Fighters Charity, one of our
essential emergency services
that provide services that
enhance the quality of life for
serving and retired firefighters, fire
personnel and their families.
The four-man boat and
equipment will be sold on return,
with the proceeds going to The
Fire Fighters Charity.
EQUIPMENT
A significant amount of
equipment is required to row
across the Atlantic Ocean
safely. All this equipment will
need to be purchased by
Team Noble and subsequently
is open to sponsorship or gifts
from individuals and businesses.
Firestyle is an official Gold
Sponsor of Team Noble, however
the team need to raise a further
£30,000 before their sponsorship
is complete. Here are just some
of the costs associated with the
race:
• Race Entry Fee - £19,000
• Boat - £35,000
• Satellite phone and aerial,
including bills - £2,200
• Solar Panels - £1,500
• Food - £1,000
Any donations would be much
appreciated, and can be made
via the Team Noble website. All
contributions of £10 or more gets
your name on the Wall of Heroes
– a huge vinyl sticker of every
contributor’s name – and rowed
3,000 miles across the Atlantic!
WHY TEAM NOBLE?
In memory of boss, colleague,
and friend Watch Manager John
Noble.
On the 23rd of January 2008 boss,
colleague and friend Watch Manager
John Noble was tragically killed when
the fire appliance he was travelling in
was involved in a road traffic collision.
The crew were responding to an
emergency call at a local school.
John was a highly regarded, dedicated
and popular watch manager with over
23 years’ experience in the Fire Service,
he had travelled as far as Texas, U.S.A
to attend Urban Search and Rescue
training and Russia to train firefighters in
Road Traffic Collision Extrication.
John was just 46 years old at the
time and left behind a wife and two
children. The other members of the
crew, including team member Allan
Huntly, suffered extensive injuries in the
accident with differing levels of care
required.
We feel a fitting tribute to Johnny is to
dedicate this race to his memory and
for us to raise much needed funds for
firefighters across the UK who may need
the charities help.
09

FIRE SERVICE RELATED
C & W. Commercials
Truck firm offers
cutting-edge
training to West
Midlands Fire and
Rescue Crews
RESCUE service crews from Wednesbury and Bicken
Hill in the West Midlands enjoyed a training day with a
difference today , as they made the most of a cutting-edge
opportunity.
Commercial vehicle sales specialists C&W Commercials
Ltd, from Wednesbury, opened their Western Way site to the
crews after donating a used vehicle on which they could
practise their rescue skills
Darren Garland, Sales Manager for C&W, said: “It was a
full training day with the crews working on each side of
the truck. I was able to watch the whole thing and it was
fascinating: they approached it as if it was a real accident
with casualties trapped inside, so they had to go through the
whole procedure, making sure it was fully stabilised, making
the area as safe as possible, then finding the best points to
cut the truck to make holes to get the casualties out.
“At each point there were discussion about best practice,
and I was impressed by the way the 10 crew members
worked as a team while looking at the situation from the
points of view of everyone else involved, including the
casualties and the other emergency services.”
He continued: “They used every bit of equipment on their
vehicles including a heavy duty jigsaw and a cutter with
massive ‘jaws’, and there’s not much of the vehicle left now!”
Michael Howard, Crew Commander at the Wednesbury unit,
commented: “It was a great day and we got a lot done.
Together the Wednesbury and Bicken Hill crews comprise
the Technical Rescue Unit for the West Midlands so practising
together was really useful, both in terms of using all the gear
and in working as a unit. “
He added: “We’re very grateful to C&W for giving us this
fantastic opportunity, and we’re delighted that they’ve said
we’re welcome to use their yard for any training we want to
carry out.”
Darren added: “C&W Commercials is just a stone’s throw
from the Wednesbury station, so we were glad to get
involved and offer our emergency services this training
opportunity. Next time we have a truck that’s reached the
end of its working life, we’ll be in touch with the local station
again to help them keep their rescue skills at the cutting
edge.”
10
•Follow C&W Commercials on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/useddaftrucksales
and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cwcommercials

Devon &
Somerset
Fire & Rescue Service
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has chosen the Flir
K55 Thermal Image Camera for their Operational Requirements:
Terberg DTS Fire & Rescue are delighted that the Devon &
Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has selected Terberg DTS to
supply Flir K55 Thermal Imaging Cameras.
The FLIR K55 was selected following a procurement exercise,
which included extensive trials undertaken by Devon &
Somerset Fire & Rescue Services personnel in the Research and
Development Department, Training Academy and operational
Stations.
Terberg DTS proved the highest scoring contractor from the
evaluation, which took into consideration cost, functionality,
ancillaries, warranty and delivery. The Contract to supply has
been awarded for up to five years.
The Flir K55 multifunction camera offers a number
of different functions, which, combined with
features that include crystal-clear thermal
imaging, market leading 4 inch display
screen, 600 minutes video recording
time capability, ease of
downloading and rugged
reliability, enable Devon
& Somerset Fire and
Rescue Service to
provide their fire
fighters with a top of
the range Thermal
Imaging Camera.
As well as the supply
of this top of the
range thermal
imaging technology,
this agreement
further builds the
relationship between
Devon & Somerset
Fire & Rescue Service
and Terberg DTS.
11

FIRE SERVICE RELATED
Terberg
launched
the TACR4
at the Emergency Services
Show 2016, the latest
6x6 model in its range of
compact airfield vehicles
The focal point of the Terberg
Fire & Rescue stand at this year’s
Emergency Services Show (ESS) was
the latest model in the company’s
range of TACR compact aircraft
vehicles, TACR4.
Continuing with the development
of this successful vehicle range, the
new multi-role TACR4 is built on the
Mercedes Sprinter 6x6 chassis which
is supplied by Rossett Mercedes
in partnership with Oberaigner
Automotive in Austria. The 6x6 is
fitted with a selectable low range
transmission and independent axle
differential locks ensuring a very high
level of off-road mobility.
The vehicle’s multi-role capability
allows the units to be used not only
in an airport environment but also
12

in the local authority, industrial
and military market sectors
with its high level of mobility,
effectiveness and supportability.
The unit can be reconfigured very
quickly to suit various incident
types for example from wildfire
applications in summer seasons
to flooding or technical rescue
applications.
The TACR4 can carry 1,400 litres
of water, 80 litres of foam and
is fitted with the successful Hale
HPX pump producing over 900
litres per minute output. Uniquely,
the vehicle has a pump and
roll capability which allows
the front mounted monitor to
be controlled from inside the
crew cab whilst the vehicle is
in motion making it ideal for
airport firefighting and also wildfire
application.
The vehicle carries an extensive
selection of equipment with the
option for it to be configured to the
customer’s final requirements.
Alisdair Couper, Managing Director
of Terberg DTS UK said “This is an
exciting development for us, the
small TACR3 for category 2 airfields
has been very successful and the
introduction of the new TACR4
for category 3 airfields and other
scenarios highlights our continued
investment in the specialist vehicle
sector.”
Alisdair continues, “TACR4 will
made its world debut at this year’s
Emergency Services Show and
will be available for demonstrations
exclusively through Terberg Fire &
Rescue here in the UK.”
Alisdair Couper concludes, “At Terberg,
we have developed a reputation for
providing the emergency services with
a one-stop shop for both fire vehicles
and firefighting equipment. The new
product line-up at ESS is testament
to the ongoing development of our
2016 portfolio of products, with the
continuous development of exciting,
innovative new equipment for the
industry.”
Further information about the full
range of Terberg fire vehicles and
fire equipment can be obtained
by visiting the website on
www.terbergfireandrescue.co.uk
13

FIRE SERVICE RELATED
14
Firestyle Officially Sponsors
the British Firefighter Challenge
The British Firefighter Challenge 2016
took place on Saturday 30th July at
the Jubilee Campus of Nottingham
University. The one day event saw
over 70 operational firefighters from
all over the world taking part, from
countries including; Germany, Austria,
Croatia and even Kuwait.
The representing English fire and
rescue services were Suffolk, London,
Merseyside, Humberside, Hertfordshire,
Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and
Nottinghamshire. The event raised
money for The Fire Fighters Charity.
Firefighters competed in a series of
operational tasks, which included;
stair running, hauling aloft, forcible
entry techniques, hose running,
equipment carrying, and a casualty
race. Finishing times ranged from
the winning time of 2 minutes and
44 seconds by German competitor
Joachim Posanz, to just over 7
minutes.
The idea for the British Firefighter
Challenge started when a group
of British firefighters attended
the European Championships of
the Toughest Firefighter Alive in
Hannover, Germany back in June
2015. After many competitors
had expressed their desires for
a competitive UK event, talks
ensued.
Watch manager Kevin Ruane MBE
from the Nottinghamshire fire and
rescue service was Team GB coordinator,
and following discussions
with Team GB members, promptly
decided to move forward with the
event.
The organisational team
consisted of Ken Ruane and Chris
Trendowicz from Nottinghamshire
Fire and Rescue Service, John
Gregory from Leicestershire
Fire and Rescue Service, and
Michael Joseph and Rob Budge
from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue
Service. They set about planning
the event as a major international
competition to meet the high
standards demonstrated to them at
a number of other locations around
the world.
All equipment was generously gifted
towards the event from major fire
service equipment companies,
including; specialist forcible entry
machines custom made from
blueprints, drill dummies, pumps and
hoses, and breathing apparatus
sets. Such generosity was much
appreciated, as the event itself
would never have been able to
run without the support from every
contribution, and the volunteers too.
After the competition, the award
ceremony was held at the Atrium
in Jubilee Campus, and awards
were presented on a Firestyle-clad
podium.

The Events:
Stage 1 – Stair Ascent
Competitors will start at the base of the three story
tower, both feet on the ground, competitors may have
one or both hands on the hand rails provided prior to
the stair climb. On the sounding of the start horn, the
competitor will ascend the stairs to the top of the tower.
Competitors may climb more than one step at a time
on the way up but they must use the external handrail
provided at all times within the marked off areas.
Stage 2 – Haul Aloft
Once a competitor has reached the top of the tower,
they must haul up one length of 70mm delivery hose,
this must be hauled over the guard rail provided and
then placed into the box provided.
Stage 3 – Stair Descent
Upon placing the hose in the box, the competitor must
then descend the tower to the ground floor, whilst
descending the stairs, the competitor must step on
every single step and have one hand on the external
handrail within the marked off areas.
Stage 4 – Corhaven Force Machine
Following the stairs, the competitor then proceeds by
the marked route to the Corhaven Force Machine.
The competitor must have both feet on the platform
and using the hammer provided, hit the weight the full
distance of the Corhaven machine.
Stage 5 – Angus fire Hose Drag
The competitor will connect a length of 70mm lay flat
delivery hose to a portable pump delivery, they will
then go to the end of the hose, pick up the branch
and drag the hose 60 metres to a marker line, the
branch must be dropped over the line to complete this
section.
Stage 6 – Angus fire Hose Make Up
Following the hose drag, the competitor will proceed
to the hose make up area where one length of 70mm
lay flat delivery hose will be rolled out on the floor, the
competitor must roll up the hose and once completed,
carry it to the box provided and place it inside. The
hose must be placed fully inside the box.
Stage 7 – Foam Container Carry
Four foam containers will be collected from one area
and placed in another area a short distance away,
the containers must be placed in the marked area
provided and not thrown or slid into the area.
Stage 8 – Casualty Rescue
A 70 kg Ruth Lee drill dummy must be dragged from
it’s location to a finish line, the competition will be
completed only when the dummy is completely over
the finish line.
15

FIRE SERVICE RELATED
The Results:
Below are the results from the day.
1st 2nd 3rd
18 - 29 Yrs Jens Ludeke John Gregory Sören Warzok
30 - 39 Yrs Martin Hebenstreit Rob Budge Dave Budge
40 - 49 Yrs Joachim Posanz Lee Phillips Richard Wilds
50 - 59 Yrs Rolando Paul Smith Kev Ruane
Ladies Group Bex Sims Petra Buresch Laura Noble
BRITISH John Gregory Lee Phillips Rob Budge
OVERALL Joachim Posanz Jens Ludeke John Gregory
RELAY EVENT FINALS
GOLD SILVER BRONZE
TFA X-Cross Hertfordshire Heroes Miss-fits
Joachim Posanz Michael Joseph Dave Budge
Jens Walter Robert Budge Lee Phillips
Magnus Metje Mark Harrison Ollie Mayo
Soren Warzok Terry Funnel Tim Bishop
RELAY EVENT LEAGUE
1 TFA X-Cross 2.13
2 Hertfordshire Heroes 2.18
3 Miss-fits 2.31
4 David Ziaja 2.31
5 Robin Hoods Outlaws 2.33
6 Leicester Foxes 2.34
7 Humberside FRS 2.37
8 Team Sauerland 2.42
9 Win or Lose we Booze 2.53
10 International Kings 2.54
11 Suffolk FRS 2.58
12 Merseyside 3.15
13 Old and Bald 3.19
RELAY EVENT FINALS
Gold TFA X-Cross 2.07
Silver Hertfordshire Heroes 2.29
Bronze Miss-fits 2.21
4th David Ziaja 2.30
16

Toyota UK
supports Cheshire Fire & Rescue
Service on road to response
Donations from a leading car manufacturer to
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are helping
firefighters with a vital component of their training and
contributing to their safety.
In its efforts to continually improve road safety
and as part of its commitment to corporate social
responsibility, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd has
found a perfect means of recycling trial vehicles.
Derbyshire based Toyota has donated nine trial
vehicles to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service so that
they can be cut up, stripped open and prised apart
by firefighters as part of their training.
Gus O’Rourke, Head of Operational Policy and
Assurance for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
explains: “Automotive technology is advancing all the
time and vehicles have changed in ways that make
rescues more complicated and dangerous for the
Service.
“ Firefighters now face a host of unknowns at the
scene of any serious motor accident such as new
types of steel that are tougher to cut, air bag systems,
panoramic roofs and high-voltage cables in hybridelectric
cars to name but a few.
“Studying the construction and material of new
vehicles is often not possible so we are very
grateful to Toyota for their donations. We use the
vehicles to simulate emergency situations which
are designed to improve firefighters’ response
skills, including extrication techniques and space
creation to aid the medical treatment of injured
occupants.”
Toyota’s support of this training gives the Service
the valuable opportunity to get real hands on
experience using some of the most recent model
vehicles out on the road and has also influenced
a review of the Service’s cutting equipment and
procedures. Consequently, this has had a major
impact on performance, the safety of firefighters
and the speed of extrication of casualties.
Nick Freeman, Assistant General Manager, External
Affairs at Toyota Manufacturing UK added: “We
are proud to support the fire and rescue service
in saving lives by helping to make the roads safer
through the donation of Toyota trial vehicles.”
The Service attended 385 road traffic accidents
in last 12 months and rescued more people from
collisions on Cheshire’s roads than from house fires.
17

Finance
In this the fourth feature, Paul Brady Dip PFS a partner in St James
Place Wealth Management looks at Wills & Pensions
I am not married
but have lived with my
partner for 30 years. I want my
partner to inherit everything I have.
should I make a Will?
A worrying rise in intestacy enquiries highlights the problems
caused by individuals who die without a Will.
Deciding who you would like to benefit from your estate, and
in what proportions, normally starts with a Will. A Will spells out
who will serve as your executor as well as who will inherit and
under what terms.
Anyone who dies without leaving a Will is said to have died
‘intestate’. This means that control of their estate is handed to
someone else, and then strict rules determine who gets what
often contrary to the deceased’s wishes. These are known as
the rules of intestacy.
Despite the potential for intestacy to produce an
unsatisfactory and upsetting outcome, recently published
figures show a rise in the number of families who are left
having to deal with the consequences.
In 2015, the charity Citizens Advice received 3,747 enquiries
about people who had died without making a Will - more
than double the number it received in 2011 1 . Furthermore, a
poll conducted last year by YouGov found that nearly twothirds
of UK adults have not written a Will. 2
YEAR
CITIZENS ADVICE
QUERIES ON INTESTACY
2011 1522
2012 1942
2013 2626
2014 2500
2015 3747
It doesn’t matter that your relationship
with members of your family was like when
you were alive under intestacy, the law
decides who gets what and how much. The
rules of intestacy are outdated and often
unsympathetic in that they don’t allow for
modern family relationships or example,
there is no financial provision for unmarried
and unregistered partners. Furthermore, the
rules only recognise natural and adopted
children for the purpose of inheritance; they
do not acknowledge stepchildren.
As such, the estates of those who die
intestate are frequently subject to legal
challenges from financial dependants and
relatives who don’t inherit under intestacy
rules, but claim entitlement to financial
provision. This can lead to long, drawn-out
cases over who gets the assets.
Recent high-profile cases are a timely
reminder of why having an up-to-date Will,
executed by a qualified and experienced
individual, is so important. Ideally, the
individual helping you write the Will
should also be able to advise on the most
appropriate ways to structure assets so that
any potential tax burden for inheritors is
reduced or eliminated.
With the right help, Will writing and estate
planning can be a rewarding journey,
culminating in the reassurance of knowing
that your wishes will be carried out.
18

There is so much bad press at the moment
regarding final salary pension schemes
- should I consider transferring my
funds elsewhere?
BHS and Tata Steel are the latest
companies whose pension
funding has come under intense
scrutiny, as the extent of the black
hole in their final salary schemes
(also known as ‘defined benefit’,
or DB schemes) becomes clear.
In 2014, struggling steel-maker
Tata reported a £2 billion deficit
in its scheme: despite subsequent
investment, it is still underfunded
to the tune of £700 million 3 . BHS’s
prognosis is also dire; its pension
scheme is £571 million in the red 4 .
In naming his original pension
deficit rescue plan ‘Project Thor’,
Sir Philip Green, former BHS owner,
may have unwittingly suggested
that only a hammer-wielding
superhero could put things right.
Yet the hammer blow may be felt
by Sir Philip himself if he decides to
pay reparations of more than £100
million to members in an effort to,
as he put it, “sort out” the pension
schemes.
Most DB schemes have become
a luxury that companies simply
cannot afford. A small number
remain open, but the majority
have been closed to new
members for years. They now
exist under the strain of having to
meet their promises to remaining
members; battling against the
headwinds of low interest rates
and rising longevity.
The unfortunate demise of both BHS
and Tata’s UK steel operations throws
a spotlight onto other companies
that continue to operate DB
schemes. The Pension Protection
Fund estimates that there are over
11 million people in funded DB plans
with over £1 trillion in assets and
liabilities. As of May 2016, there were
4,864 schemes in deficit and 1,081
schemes in surplus. 5
DB or not DB?
Experts say that the bad publicity
surrounding DB schemes could
motivate members to transfer out,
especially with the greater flexibility
now offered to people with defined
contribution (DC) schemes. But some
warn that transferring out might not
be the right thing to do, even if the
DB scheme is heavily underfunded.
There are a few circumstances
where transferring out might be okay,
but I always start from the position
that it would be a bad idea. Defined
benefit, or final salary, schemes are
still the ‘gold standard’ – they are
arguably more secure and more
generous than DC pensions and pay
an income that increases in line with
inflation.
All DB plans pay a levy to the
Pension Protection Fund (PPF), the
state-backed safety net, which
pays compensation to members
of eligible schemes if a DB scheme
cannot meet its obligations. If
there are insufficient assets to pay
members, the PPF normally takes
over and pays 100% compensation
to members who have already
reached their scheme’s normal
retirement age. For those who are
yet to reach this age, it offers up
to 90% compensation (capped
at £33,678.38 p.a. for someone at
age 65) to members on reaching
the normal pension age of their
scheme.
If a DB scheme goes into the
PPF, the compensation could still
represent more income than an
annuity purchased with the lump
sum received from transferring out
of the scheme.
Take somebody in a DB scheme
with £8,000 a year guaranteed
income, that scheme might have a
transfer value of around £100,000,
which at age 60 may only get you
an annuity of £3,000 or £4,000 a year
on the open market.
Even if the PPF had to step in, it
would be hard to replicate the
advantages of a DB scheme.
While it is clear that many of the
laws surrounding DB pension
schemes are outdated, members
shouldn’t rush to transfer out, even
if their scheme is in deficit. They
should, however, seek financial
advice on how they might be
able to mitigate the risks that their
scheme could face.
To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management,
retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, please contact Paul
Brady on 0121 355 2473 or email paul.brady@sjpp.co.uk.
1. www.bbc.co.uk 19 May 2016
2. Legal Services Consumer Panel, Legal Tracker Survey 2015 - data tables for general public sample November 2015
3. British Steel Pension Scheme: Public consultation, Department for Work and Pensions, 26 May 2016
4. Work and Pensions Committee & Business Innovation and Skills Committee Oral evidence: Pension Protection Fund and Pensions Regulator HC 55, 8 June 2016
5. PPF 7800 Index, 16 June 2016
19

GENERAL INTEREST
Combermere Abbey
awarded national Historic Houses
Association/Sotheby’s Restoration award
Combermere Abbey in Shropshire has been crowned the winner of the 2016 Restoration Award,
presented by the Historic Houses Association (HHA) and sponsored by Sotheby’s. The house,
owned by the Callander Beckett family since 1919, had suffered severe deterioration over a
number of years. The Award has been given for the most recent full restoration of the North Wing,
but also in recognition of the 24-year project to bring the whole house back to life.
The Historic Houses Association/Sotheby’s Restoration Award recognises and
celebrates the work being undertaken by Members of the HHA throughout the
United Kingdom. These projects reflect the dedication of owners to the care
and sympathetic restoration of the incredible buildings that they own, inhabit
and share with the public.
20

Combermere Abbey sits at the
heart of 1,000 acres of farmland,
woodland and park, with a 150-
acre lake curving around the house.
The Abbey’s origins date to the
1130s and its 900-year history has
encompassed Royal purchase, the
Dissolution of the Monasteries, the
impact of the Civil War, stately visits
in the 18th century and extensive
remodelling in the early 19th
century. These events all took their
toll on the Grade I listed building,
and 19th century render had
caused extensive dry rot. In 1957
when Penelope Callander, later
Lady Lindsay, inherited the house
it was in such poor condition that
permission was sought to demolish
much of the building. Thankfully this
plan was rejected and the process
of trying to save Combermere
began.
Photographs of the Abbey in the
1970s show seven of the listed
buildings in disrepair and danger
of collapse, and Combermere was
placed on the ‘Heritage at Risk’
register. Sarah Callander Beckett
took over the estate in 1992 and
reassessed the restoration of the
Abbey, seeking to improve the site
and its uses.
Firstly, the stable block was
converted to create nine holiday
cottages, enhancing the business
offering on the estate and the
Abbey as a wedding venue. Later
the Library, formerly the Abbot’s
Hall, was restored and brought
back to its former magnificence
complete with family heraldry and
portraits, supported by grants from
the Heritage Conservation Trust and
English Heritage. The final stage of
the restoration has taken place in
the north wing. This wing will provide
luxurious boutique bedrooms with
sitting and dining rooms, as well as
bridal accommodation. Ancillary
buildings have also been restored,
including a Grade II* game larder
which is thought to date from the
19th century with a grant from the
Country Houses Foundation.
Sarah Callander Beckett said: “We
are absolutely thrilled to have won
this very prestigious award and
to have been recognised by our
peers in this way. The restoration
of this wonderful place has been
my mission since inheriting it in 1992
and has taken my family and me
on an extraordinary journey over
the past 24 years. The support and
encouragement we have had
from so many people has been
integral to its successful renaissance.
To finally see the Abbey without
scaffolding, standing proud in the
landscape as it was designed to
be makes it all very worthwhile and
I hope will give encouragement to
others in a similar situation fighting to
save these remarkable treasures.”
Richard Compton, President of the
Historic Houses Association said:
“Once again we received a wide
range of brilliant applications for this
year’s award, reflecting the hard
work undertaken by our Members
and their commitment to preserving
the UK’s heritage. The Callander
Beckett family have achieved huge
amounts with the restoration of
Combermere Abbey. It is evident
just how much dedication and
attention to detail has gone in to
not just making this a wonderful
family home, but also a beautiful
wedding venue and a house that
can be enjoyed by many.”
21

GENERAL INTEREST
Christmas at Durham Cathedral
Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Durham Cathedral,
and this year they are offer-ing a special Christmas
experience for visitors as part of Durham City Christmas
Festi-val!
Also new for 2016 is Open Treasure, the new world-class
exhibition experience which is open all year round. With
a dynamic rolling programme of exhibitions, there is always
something new to see.
Read on to find out more about these exciting
opportunities for visitors.
Durham Cathedral Choristers at Christmas.
Friday 2 December at 2.30pm
Groups will be able to enjoy an exclusive Christmas
experience with an afternoon carol concert sung
by Durham Cathedral Choristers. Performed in the
magnificent Nave of Durham Cathedral, the Choristers
will process up the aisle by candlelight and entertain the
audience with traditional carols and choral music. There
will also be the chance to join in and sing a couple of
firm favourites!
Included in the offer is the chance to explore free-flow
inside the Cathedral, plus a visit to the Local Producers’
Market held in the Cathedral’s historic Cloister, part
of the Durham City Christmas Festival with a further
marquee of crafts and gifts only a few feet away on
Palace Green.
Tickets are £10 per person, and booking is essential by
emailing vis-its@durhamcathedral.co.uk
Be one of the first to explore Open Treasure, a new
world-class exhibition experience at the heart of
Durham Cathedral.
Explore Open Treasure, a state-of-the-art visitor
attraction located in the most intact surviving set of
medieval monastic buildings in the UK.
The journey begins in the magnificent fourteenthcentury
Monks’ Dormitory with in-teractive exhibits
and activities. Continue through the Collections
Gallery, with a roll-ing programme of exhibitions,
before reaching the Great Kitchen with the stunning
octagonal ceiling, home to a spectacular exhibition
of church plate and metalwork. Finally, explore the
interactive Pilgrimage Gallery and Community Gallery
before re-turning to the medieval Cloister via the
Covey.
Complete your trip with a visit to the Undercroft
Restaurant, where you can sample delicious
homemade food, and the Cathedral Shop for a
range of gifts and souvenirs. Alternatively book an
exclusive catering experience in Prior’s Hall, originally
the me-dieval dining room of the Deanery.
Group visits to Durham Cathedral must be prebooked
and entitles you to discounted entry to Open
Treasure.
Visits to the Cathedral are either guided or unguided,
and Open Treasure is unguided. For further
information please contact visits@durhamcathedral.
co.uk or call 0191 374 4050.
22

23

GENERAL INTEREST
Ladies wanting to take up
truck driving on the rise
Over 79% of ladies are keen to get behind the wheel of a lorry, and there is a rise in
younger women wanting to take up driving according to FTA figures.
24
A Twitter poll carried out by the
Freight Transport Association, asked
ladies if they were willing to drive
a 44-tonne truck as less than one
per cent of truckers are currently
female. Seventy-nine per cent
of respondents voted ‘yes.’ As a
result FTA now says it is important to
explore why more women aren’t
coming into the industry.
Around 2,200 of the 315,000
registered truck drivers in the UK are
female, but recent statistics show
that the gender balance, and
younger women wanting to enter
the profession is improving with 15
per cent aged between 21 and 25.
Sally Gilson, FTA Skills Policy
Development Manager says:
“These figures are encouraging as
it is essential that more women are
recruited currently only one per
cent of HGV drivers in the UK are
female.
“We believe that one of the biggest
barriers for would-be truck drivers
is the cost of gaining a licence
and training at around £3,000. FTA
has been calling on Government
to provide a suitable loan system.
The current Personal Career
Development Loan option is not
appropriate and a simple change
to allow Level 2 qualifications to be
included within the 19+ loan would
provide the quickest and best
solution.”
Solving the current shortfall of
over 45,000 HGV drivers is a major
campaign for the Association,
an issue recently recognised in
a Transport Select Committee
report which quoted FTA evidence
reflecting difficulties logistics
operators face in recruiting drivers.
The FTA Logistics Report 2016
shows that more than 64% of truck
drivers are over 45 – the average
age has steadily increased over
the past 15 years and problems
with filling vacancies are high on
our members’ list of priorities. This
has been compounded in recent
years by the consequence of
economic growth and the huge rise
in e-commerce. Lack of funding for
vocational training for drivers means
fewer are joining the industry and
there is a real risk that the shortage
of HGV drivers could severely
impact the economy.
The Freight Transport Association
can trace its origins back to 1889
and is recognised as the voice of
the freight and logistics industry,
representing the transport interests
of companies moving goods by
road, rail, sea and air. FTA members
operate over 220,000 goods
vehicles - half the UK fleet - consign
over 90 per cent of the freight
moved by rail and 70 per cent of
sea and air freight.

Yu CALM
for the problem
dog in your life
Modern day life is stressful for many
dogs. As a result some experience
behaviour problems like firework
fears and phobias and general
nervousness. Often their owners
are at a loss as to how to help
them. Now, Lintbells has launched
YuCALM Dog, complementing the
companies best-selling joint and skin
support products. The new, natural
supplement offers an effective way
to help reduce stress, allowing dogs
to feel happier and calmer.
Once dogs are calm and relaxed they are more likely to be receptive to other training based
interventions that allow further improvements. YuCALM Dog can be given short term to combat a
specific trigger event such as holiday travel or during firework season or for as long as it is needed by
dogs with nervous or fearful temperaments or more long standing problems.
YuCALM is made by the company behind the very successful joint and skin supplements YuMOVE and
YuMEGA and like those brands has been perfected through extensive trials carried out in collaboration
with specialist universities and veterinary behavioural experts. It’s the science behind this all-natural
product that makes it all the more credible.
YuCALMs unique formula of scientifically proven natural ingredients includes L-Theanine which supports
production of calming compounds in the brain. One of those calmers is dopamine the feel-good
chemical messenger involved in the pathways controlling reward and pleasure. Lemon Balm has
an effect on GABA levels which exerts a calming effect by dampening down some of the signals
travelling through the brain. High quality fish protein is also used to support brain function, as well as also
acting on GABA and dopamine levels.
John Davies, Co-Founder at Lintbells says, There are many situations that dogs might face which cause
them to feel anxious or frightened. Pet owners have told us that they feel they need help to support
their pet in these difficult situations and sometimes just to cope with day to day fears and nervousness.
We are delighted to be able to offer a natural supplement that they can trust. For some it might be
the only solution they need and for others it will give them the confidence that their dog is calm and
happy and can make further progress using additional training or behavioural interventions.
YuCALM Dog is available from
veterinary practices, pet shops and online retailers. For further
information on YuCALM Dog, please visit www.lintbells.com or
call 01462 416866 to talk to the experienced advisers on the
Lintbells team.
25

GENERAL INTEREST
Christmas
markets and
winter wonderlands
with the National Trust
If you’re looking for somewhere special to do the Christmas shopping
this year, look no further than the National Trust. With lots of unique
Christmas markets selling gorgeous handmade crafts, delicious local
food and extra-special gifts, the National Trust is putting the magic
back into the Christmas shopping experience.
Escape the high street crowds and indulge yourself in locally made mulled wine and mince pies,
stroll through winter gardens that glisten and sparkle in the frost and soak up the festive spirit whilst
finding unique gifts for your loved ones.
If you’re looking for something a bit different this year, check out the 100ft flower garland at
Cotehele in Cornwall, or the twilight display at Wallington in Northumberland. For those who love
fairy tales, head to Killerton in Devon to walk the Grimm Christmas trail, inspired by the Brothers
Grimm tales.
And warm yourself with the knowledge that each magical day out supports the National Trust’s
work as a charity looking after special places for future generations to enjoy.
Here’s the National Trust’s pick of the best festive fairs...
26

27

GENERAL INTEREST
Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
Colby’s Winter Fayre, 12 – 13 November, 10am – 4pm
Wrap up warm and get in the festive mood with some
early gift buying, food tasting and mulled wine drinking.
There’ll be plenty on offer to tempt you including
ceramics, woodcraft, jewellery, handmade clothing, bags
and crafts. And with seasonal food and drinks from local
suppliers, as well as a tom-bola and raffle, it’ll be hard to
tear yourself away. Afterwards, walk off the mince pies on
a winter woodland stroll around the grounds.
For more information, please call 01834 811885
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/colby-woodland-garden
Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire
Christmas Craft Fair, 19 & 20 November, 11am - 4pm
Discover the beauty of this Shropshire country estate
and browse over seventy stalls in the orchard to get your
Christmas shopping off to a good start. With hundreds of
unique gifts from jewellery and crafts to festive food and
drink, you’re sure to find something for even the hardest
people to shop for. With craft activities to keep the
children happy and live music to get your toes tapping,
this event will definitely get you in the festive mood.
For more information, please call 01746 780866
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston-estate
Lydford Gorge, Devon
Winter Fayre, 4 December, 11am – 3.30pm
Deck your halls with boughs of holly! Lydford Gorge will
once again be opening up for another spectacular winter
fayre, complete with Dartmoor Christmas trees, mistletoe,
holly and garlands for sale along with local produce and
unique gifts. With a Christmas trail and craft activities for
children, there’s something to get everyone in the festive
spirit.
Price: Free event (small charge for children’s craft
activities)
For more information, please call 01822 820441
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Christmas Craft Fair, 3 - 4 December, 10am – 4.30pm
If you enjoy a winter walk and are looking for the perfect
festive gifts, Stourhead will be answering all your Christmas
wishes at once. On a refreshing stroll discover the
magnificent garden set around a huge lake, scattered
with gothic and classical buildings. Visit the Christmas Craft
Fair for locally created gifts, from beautiful hand-made
jewellery and ceramics, to original art; find a unique
present for that special someone.
For more information, please call 01747 841152
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead
28

Trelissick, Cornwall
Trelissick Craft fair, 27 November, 10.30am – 4.30pm
Let the magic of Christmas enchant you in this beautiful
country estate, the perfect setting for a Christmas craft fair.
With gorgeous handmade gifts, made especially for you
by Trelissick staff and volunteers, this is an opportunity not
to be missed. Once you’ve had a full dose of retail therapy
why not explore the gardens and woodland, and discover
the winter wonders of the natural world.
For more information, please call 01872 862090
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick
Tyntesfield, North Somerset
Festive Food and Craft Market, 6 November, 3 & 4
December, 10am – 3pm
Start your festive season at Tyntesfield’s Home Farm and
enjoy the atmosphere of the Christmas food and craft
market. There’ll be freshly baked bread and fine cheeses
to tempt you in, and beautiful handmade crafts for the
Christmas stockings. Pick up a mince pie as you go, and
enjoy the Christmassy entertainment with a mulled wine in
hand.
For more information, please call 01275 461 900
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield
Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire
Wartime Christmas Fayre, 3 – 4 December, 11am – 4pm
Join the wartime-themed festive fayre at Upton House and
Gardens with local stallholders offering handmade gifts,
beautiful crafts and tasty food and drink. See the house
decorated for Christmas using handmade crafts and warm
up with ‘rations’ served in the restaurant. Every penny you
spend at Upton goes towards caring for places like this for
years to come, so you can be sure every mince pie goes
further than you think.
For more information, please call 01295 670266
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house-and-gardens
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
Christmas Craft Fair, 12 - 13 November, 10.30am - 5pm
Visit a working estate still guided by the seasons, with an
impressive mansion and working Home Farm this winter.
Wimpole’s festive season starts with a Christmas Craft Fair
where you’ll find unique and unusual presents from a huge
variety of stalls. There’s even a dedicated food area selling
delicacies and tipples to suit all tastes.
Price: £4 (under 14’s free) – normal admission charges
apply.
For more information, please call 01223 206302
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate
29

GENERAL INTEREST
How To Make Sloe Gin
Autumn is the perfect time to begin preparing your sloe gin for the upcoming
party season. Now is the time for picking sloes as they are ripe this time
of year! Sloe gin is a British classic drink, it seems over the decades that
it may have been slightly forgotten about, however in recent years it has
reappeared and is becoming a staple drink throughout the colder months.
Preparation:
First and Foremost, you need to get all
your ingredients ready to begin your sloe
gin. You need to pick your sloes and find
the perfect bottle to store your sloe gin
in. There are only 3 ingredients needed
which are:
The finished product
When your gin is ready to drink, strain the bottle through
some muslin or a jelly bag.
A lot of people like to keep their sloe gin in a traditional
bottle with a brown label around it to give it the
ultimate home brew look. Also, this could be the perfect
Christmas gift! Sloe gin tastes best when its stored at room
temperature and can be simply served in a short glass.
1. 500 g sloes
2. 250 g of sugar
3. 1 litre of gin
It is fairly simple to create the perfect
sloe gin, especially during the
preparation process.
30
The steps are as follows:
1. Sterilise your bottle.
2. Place the sloes in the freezer
overnight.
3. Put the frozen sloes, gin and
sugar into the bottle.
4. Shake the bottle for around a
minute.
Let it brew
In order to brew the sloe gin properly,
you need to lay it on its side in a dark
room or cupboard.
Shake the bottle every 2 days until the
sugar is dissolved.
Usually the gin will be ready after about
3 months, however the longer you leave
it, the better it will taste! After about 6
months, the sloes need to be filtered
out.
Have a little taste of your sloe gin every
few months whilst it is brewing as it will
highlight whether you need any more
sugar adding to give it a sweeter taste.
Cocktails
If you are throwing any Christmas party’s this year and
you are looking to impress your guests with some delicious
cocktails – sloe gin is the perfect main ingredient!
One of the most popular cocktails is a Sloe Gin Fizz. You
can serve this in a champagne glass, with around 25 ml of
sloe gin, then fill it up with dry sparkling champagne and
place a few blackberries on the top.
A Sloe Gin Collins is put together the same way as a
traditional Tom Collins cocktail. You pour around 35 ml of
sloe gin, 25 ml of lemon juice and 100 ml of soda water
over ice in a high ball glass then serve with a lemon
wedge.
The South-wold Slammer is made with 35 ml of amaretto,
35 ml of Sloe Gin, 100 ml of orange juice and 25 ml of
cranberry juice, served over crushed ice in a highball glass.
Sloe Gin is the perfect home made drink either to be
served as a short or cocktail. The main benefit of Sloe Gin
is that there are only 3 ingredients needed and it takes
little time to brew it, you basically just need to leave it in
the cupboard! Sloe Gin is a party favourite and can also
double up as a gift.

Special Stamps commemorate
300th anniversary of the birth of
‘Capability’ Brown’
The Royal Mail has produced a set of eight Special Stamps to mark the 300th
anniversary of the birth of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Capability Brown is remembered as ‘the last of the great eighteenth century artists’ and as ‘England’s
greatest gardener’.
Nicknamed ‘Capability’ from his habit of describing locations as having ‘great capabilities’, he changed
the face of eighteenth century England through his innovative approach to landscape gardening.
He designed the landscapes of country estates, by moving hills and creating flowing lakes and serpentine
rivers. He also excavated valleys, planted expanses of turf, clumps of trees and bands of forest.
The stamps showcase eight of the best loved examples of Capability Brown’s work and a celebration of his
contribution to the English landscape.
Locations featured on the stamps are: Blenheim Palace, Longleat, Compton Verney, Highclere Castle,
Alnwick Castle, Berrington Hall, Stowe and Croome Park.
Celebrated for creating landscapes on an immense scale, with a focus on vistas rather than gardens and
parkland it is often said that the images Brown created are as deeply embedded in the English character
as the paintings of Turner and the poetry of Wordsworth.
Throughout 2016 the nationwide Capability Brown Festival celebrates the life, work and legacy of Brown,
in the 300th year of his birth. The Capability Brown Festival has, and continues to see, a myriad of events
including exhibitions, guided walks, musical and theatrical performances and family friendly events held at
many of his 250 landscapes across England and Wales, with more planned for the coming autumn months.
Ceryl Evans, Director of the Capability Brown Festival, said: “It is wonderful that Royal Mail has issued a
set of Special Stamps to celebrate the work of Lancelot “Capability” Brown in his tercentenary year. The
Capability Brown Festival is working to raise the profile and understanding of historic landscapes. What
better way to bring these stunning images into people’s lives in homes and offices than on a stamp?”
Philip Parker, Royal Mail, said: “During his lifetime, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown literally changed the face
of Georgian England. By the time of his death, he was known to have shaped or influenced around 250
landscapes - these stamps pay tribute to the lasting legacy of his work.”
31

COLLETABLES
Churchill
Collectables
by Nick Fletcher
Mostly it is famous pop singers or iconic movie stars who
attract collectors keen to get something associated with their
idol, but one legendary figure towers above them all in terms
of worldwide collecting interest - Sir Winston Churchill.
You can buy a signed photo of Madonna for
as little as £50 but a signed photo of Churchill
will set you back at least £5,000. And it’s not
just autographs that Churchill collectors seek.
There are books, prints and paintings, toby jugs
and other pottery, indeed almost anything
connected with the great man. Not long ago,
an authenticated set of his dentures fetched
£17,000 in auction, one of his old hats sold for
£3,000 and even one of his discarded halfsmoked
cigars has fetched £4,500.
Open any book of quotations and chances are
you will find the longest list of memorable quotes
beneath the name of Winston Churchill. Some
quotations, like ‘ Never in the field of human
conflict…’ and ‘We shall fight on the beaches…
are as well known today as they were when first
said over 70 years ago.
As wartime Prime Minister, Churchill had many
serious issues to deal with, and to speak about.
Yet he also had an acerbic sense of humour,
and frequently expressed it. He described
rival Clement Atlee as ‘a modest little man
with much to be modest about,’ and once,
when ticked off by a woman for being drunk,
he replied ‘I may be drunk, but you’re ugly.
Tomorrow, I’ll be sober, but you’ll still be ugly.’
Combative wit and his great wartime
achievements helped make Churchill a
legend, and this is reflected in the cult status he
still enjoys more than 50 years after his death.
More than 700 different biographies of Churchill
have been published, and he has been voted
the greatest-ever Briton in a nationwide poll.
But Churchill was much more than just a great
statesman, for he was very talented on a
number of fronts. While his political books are
best remembered, he also wrote fiction, was a
very fine artist, and easily the wittiest politicians
of his generation.
Churchill was born in 1874 in the middle of
the reign of Queen Victoria, and he fought as
a soldier in the Sudan in 1898, when cavalry
charges were still being made with lances.
Almost fifty years later he was to be responsible,
with American President Truman, for the
decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan,
an amazing escalation in warfare in just half a
century.
32

His larger-than-life personality came to a head
during the Second World War, and as early as 1940,
companies such as Royal Doulton were producing
pottery models of Churchill. However one of the first
examples did not please the great man, who thought
the jug that Doulton made was not a very good
likeness. It was produced for only a few months and
hastily withdrawn. Examples are now hard to find and
so desirable they will fetch at least £5,000!
Happily it is possible to get a toby jug or figure of Sir
Winston Churchill at a much more modest price, for
Royal Doulton has produced several other versions
over the years with values typically between £50 and
£150 depending on model. And many other pottery
firms have also produced Churchill figures, busts and
toby jugs, most of them available for under £50, as
are unsigned books and prints and other Churchill
memorabilia.
But greatest demand is for items more
directly related to Sir Winston Churchill,
such as personal letters, autographs, or
signed photographs. A single wartime
photograph of Churchill and signed
by him can fetch as much as £5,000,
so too some of his signed books. Now
and then, examples still turn up in junk
shops and can be snapped up at a
bargain price, so its worth keeping a
look-out!
33

Fashion & Beauty
34

‘Tis the season to be
glamorous
by Helen Taylor
It’s that time of year again; the annual
office get-together, catching up with the
girls and accepting more invites to nights
out than you could ever possibly attend.
Christmas is great, but all that socialising
can become stressful and a packed
diary means less time to prepare for
those all important dates. So, what you
really need is an easy, effective and wellplanned
beauty routine that’ll save you
hours of time spent getting ready, yet still
guarantee you’ll look gorgeous.
Being transformed from dingy to
dazzling doesn’t have to take long, but
preparation is certainly essential.
Book hair appointments well in advance
because it’s the busiest time of year for
stylists and a marvellous mane is a musthave
accessory. As great as it is to try
out a new look, be cautious around the
holiday season as hair disasters are sure
to kill party spirit. Instead, stick to a look
that you know suits you and that is easy
to manage and leave the re-styles until
the new year.
Cold winter days, centrally heated rooms
and the usual bouts of seasonal flu can
play havoc with your skin, leaving it dull,
dry and lifeless. So it’s a good time to
take notice of your skin type and invest in
a routine that will leave it glowing.
Dry, sensitive types suffer more in
the winter and need to be regularly
moisturised. Apply a day cream in the
morning and a heavier night cream
in the evening to keep moisture levels
topped up.
Oily skin shouldn’t be neglected, it too
needs moisturising. A light product works
best, and should be used twice daily.
Combination skin must be managed
using a specially formulated range,
in order to balance the dry and oily
sections of the face.
Don’t forget the delicate eye area, use
an eye cream daily to avoid wrinkles.
With hair styled and skin prepped, its
time to find your perfect party make-up
look.
It’s a really good idea to take
advantage of the free makeovers
offered by most of the top beauty
brands at your local department store.
Having a specialist consultant offer their
expertise when it comes to the way
you apply your make-up can result in a
great new look for you, after all, it’s so
easy to become stuck in a make-up rut.
And the best thing is, you get to try out
the products before you buy.
Take notice of professional application
tips and invest in the right tools - quality
make-up brushes leave a great finish.
Establishing what you want from your
cosmetics means that you can find
the right ones for you. Long lasting
foundations, lengthening mascaras
and vibrant lipsticks work wonders for
evening, and are sure to keep you
looking great well into the small hours.
And finally, get your nails looking as
polished as you are. Repair breakage
and reinforce damage to the nail
surface with a strengthening treatment.
File and shape before applying nail
varnish.
With everything now in place to make
you look fabulous, all that’s left to do is
enjoy every minute of the party season.
35

Fashion & Beauty
Sophisticated
Christmas
Style
By Helen Taylor
36

We all know that it’s the
most wonderful time of the
year, so don’t hold back this
Christmas, find a glamorous
party look that’s guaranteed
to make you the belle of the
ball.
Getting your hair and makeup
just right is essential for
whatever social gathering
you’re attending because
it’s those finishing touches
that make you look really
special.
December’s party season
is the one month in the
calendar where you can
really embrace a strong
look, so make the most of it.
Here’s how to achieve a
classic and sophisticated
make-up style that’s perfect
for every Christmas
party.
Get the Look:
Porcelain skin, flushed cheeks, Sculpt cheekbones by applying
berry stained lips and defined eyes a blusher in a dusky pink hue.
make for fabulous make-up at Remember to not place the colour
this time of year. Embracing your too close to the centre of your face
natural complexion and choosing - smile as you apply it so that you see
a foundation shade that’s close to the apples of your cheeks, and sweep
it can give incredible results and a upwards and outwards.
really classy finish.
If you’re used to applying bronzer
though, leaving it off - even in the
winter - will take a little getting used
to, but it’s always good to step out
of your cosmetic comfort zone and
try something new.
Skin really has got to be flawless
for this look. Use a primer first, then
apply a covering foundation, using
a foundation brush.
Choose a light-reflecting loose
powder to apply on top of your
foundation for a radiant glow that
helps to set your base.
Although glittery cosmetics are
everywhere at this time of year,
it really is best to stay away from
them, because shimmer and glitter
show up every line and wrinkle and
aren’t flattering unless you’re a
teenage girl.
If you do fancy some sparkle
though, opt for a dazzling nail
varnish instead.
Next, lightly define your eyes. Use a
neutral eyeshadow across the lids and
brow bone, then apply a light brown
shade in the socket, and a deeper
brown in the far corner.
Brush your brows in to shape using
a brow brush, pluck away any stray
hairs, and emphasise them with a
hint of colour. Use a brow powder to
add definition and shape - it’s worth
doing this even if you don’t usually, as
strong make-up calls for more defined
brows - and finish with a slick of gel to
set them.
Choose a liquid liner in black and
line your top lid, extend the line out
to create a small flick if you want to,
wait for it to dry fully before curling
your eyelashes and apply lashings of
mascara. For extra definition use some
false eyelashes, but make sure that
they are natural looking.
Use a soft black eye-pencil under
your eye, and on the inner rim choose
black liner for a smoky look or white for
a wide-eyed look. Finish with a touch
of mascara.
Use a lip liner in a shade that
compliments your lipstick and create
a great shape. Using a lip brush, apply
your lipstick. Choose a berry-red hue
for instant glamour and finish with a
dab of lip gloss in the centre of
your lips for a really full look.
Remember, Christmas
comes but once a year so
enjoy every minute.
37

MOTORING
The new
Audi A3
When you have a vehicle within your stable that has been one of the most successful
cars that you have produced, it is difficult to evolve without changing the concept,
and the old cliche, if it isn’t broken don’t mend it, must apply.
38
This applies to the Audi A3, it is over
20 years since it was introduced and
it has been hugely popular and one
of the best selling vehicles within the
Audi stable, writes Bob Hickman.
The styling has gradually changed
over the years and the engine
choices have grown from minuscule
diminutive 1-litre to fire breathing
310 bhp version beast in the sports
category.
The new A3 range is continuing with
the traditional 3-door, 5-door and
Sportback saloon and cabriolet,
the styling has been slightly been
tweaked. A wider front grille, a
slightly redesigned rear diffuser,
zenon headlights, and LED
headlamps are the most obvious.
However unless you are a purist you
would find it difficult to notice the
changes.
From an engine point of view,
there are now 6 on offer. First is a
diminutive 3-cylinder 1-litre TFSi, but
astoundingly this delivers 115ps
and sips fuel like it it’s going out of
fashion, the performance is quite
remarkable for this diminutive
engine. There is a new 2-litre TFSi
producing 190ps and the old
favourite 1.6 TDi and the 2-litre TDi
remain as options.
The standard gearbox is a six-speed
manual that has a slick, positive
action, I had the opportunity to try
out the magnificent 7 speed auto
box in the 1.4 litre A3 cabrio.
The top of the A3 range is
the mighty S3, this has had
its performance upped to a
staggering 310ps, this really is the
ubiquitous wolf in sheep’s clothing.
It can sprint from 0-60 in marginally
over 4 seconds and its performance
especially with quattro is absolutely
amazing, an electronically restricted
top speed of 155mph could be
possible.
Audi has introduced technology in
abundance and an option is the Audi
virtual cock-pit, you can specify this
if you wish to replace the traditional
analogue system, to be seated
behind this new cockpit really is an
amazing experience, the satellite
navigation in itself is worth the extra
money. The satellite is based on a
Google Earth system and it gives
brilliantly pictures where you are at
any given time and it is quite a spooky
sensation.
One particular feature I was
impressed with,is that it will be possible
for the first time to connect 2 mobile
phones simultaneously, via the Blue
Tooth system, in itself a small feature
but it has been an annoyance to
me as an A3 owner that if my wife
and I travel only one of our phones
will connect to the system, so this is a
little bonus feature. I also loved the
ambient lighting that is contained
within the doors when driving at night,
check it out at your dealers.

The subtle visual changes to the
new A3 can only enhance what is
without doubt a wonderful piece of
equipment and will do little to stifle
the successful sales of the A3.
In its cabriolet form the A3 is
aesthetically pleasing on the eyes in
either roof up or roof down mode.
The subtle changes to the 2016
model have enhanced what was
already a desirable vehicle.
size and due to the folding nature of the roof it sits within its own area at the
rear of the 2 rear seats. This feature means that it sits above the boot space
and does not encroach like some of its tin-top oppositions in to the boot
space.
There is more than enough shoulder room for front seated driver and
passenger, in the A3 Cabriolet and, even with the hood up, there’s plenty
of head room for tall adults. In fact, I felt it had almost as much space as
the A3 Sportback that my wife owns.
The doors are long and open wide, so ensure you park carefully especially
on narrow parking bays.
With the roof down and the
windows up, occupants in the front
are protected from wind noise
and turbulence as long as they
erect the wind deflector over the
rear seats, only problem with the
deflector is that it converts the car
to a two seater model which a bit of
a nuisance.
With the roof up, the A3 Cabriolet
keeps everyone isolated from
outside noise, especially if the
excellent acoustic hood is installed.
It’s an option on SE trim, and standard
on Sport and above. The
thermal and acoustic features of this
are just as good as a conventional
saloon and during a lengthy
motorway gallop my wife and I
defied each other to be able to
differentiate between the soft top
and a conventional saloon vehicle,
such is the closeness of the fit and
the quality of the materials utilised.
In addition because of its compact
There is no doubt in my mind that the subtle changes that Audi have
made to the whole A3 range can only enhance its reputation and make
it even more desirable, in addition I am sure it will be hugely beneficial
when the future residual values are tak-en into account.
Prices range from £19365 to £35930, an excellent
three year warranty is included.
39

MOTORING
Peugeot
2008 GT line
I think that it is fair to say that a vehicle is a success when it has produced half a
million, and over 40,000 customers in the UK have purchased a vehicle, such is the
progress of the new Peugeot 2008. It entered the UK in 2013 and now in 2016 at a
mere 3 years old, it has received a little bit of a makeover, writes Bob Hickman.
Nothing too dramatic, a new
frontal appearance and other
tweaks and several new models
in to the line-up have been
incorporated including my test
derivative a GT-Line model.
The 2008 is in the highly competitive
and probably the fastest growing
area in the car sales and that is the
small compact SUV.
To the initiated SUV’s look like 4x4
off roaders but they are actually
based on small hatchbacks that
have perhaps had an injection
of steroids. It gives you a higher
driving/riding position and I always
find this reassuring with that slight
extra height gives you better
visibility when you are a driver and
also your passengers have slightly
better visibility.
40

The 2008 has quite decent interior space,
the rear seats have the advantage of
folding flat to increase luggage capacity
and it’s gratifying to note that even 6
footers like myself can get comfortable in
the rear of the vehicle even if you have a
6 foot person driving it, there was ample
legroom. Boot space is okay, nothing to
get too excited about but sufficient for the
size of the vehicle.
The Peugeot 2008 is a well packaged
vehicle certainly Peugeot have not cut
back on safety features and all the models
get Brake assist, Extra Stability control
system and a plethora of air bags in case
you have that unfortunate incident. This of
course has helped the vehicle gain a 5*
EuroNCAP rating.
My particular test vehicle had the
wonderful 3-cylinder petrol engine called
Pure Tech this the name that has been
given by Peugeot to a range of 3-cylinder
naturally aspirated but turbocharged 1-litre
and 1.2-litre petrol engines. These engines
have the power and torque of a 1.6-litre
but from the smaller 1.2-litre capacity. An
average fuel improvement of 18% has
been achieved by this new generation of
engines. The 1.2-litre derivative in my test
vehicle, was producing a healthy 130bhp
at quite high 5,500 revs. Its maximum pulling
power was achieved however marginally
below 2,000, but this is an engine that
thrives on revs and the exhaust note and
engine note to me are the rewards of
doing such a thing.
Peugeot suggests a 0-60 gallop in
marginally over 9 seconds, a top speed
for those interested is 124mph, suffice to
say we will ignore the Peugeot quoted
fuel figures and just inform readers that
in my nearly 300 miles of much varied
terrain I achieved 47 mpg, which again
in this day and age I don’t find to be too
disappointing.
With good all round visibility, a
pleasant gearbox, a control panel
of instrumentation set up which was
easy and quite clear to see, a satellite
navigation that did not need a degree
to be able to understand it, Blue Tooth
hat connected quite admirably, the
vehicle satisfied me on many scores.
The 2008 is available as a 4-model
option however the entry level Access is
a little short on equipment which you are
probably used to, for example the entry
level Access does not even qualify for
alloy wheels, so you do need to move
up the specification if you like your toys
and equipment in a particular vehicle.
The retail price of my 1.2-litre Pure Tech
GT-Line was £19,575 and with a CO
figure as 110, it will be nil rated in the
first year and a mere £20 on subsequent
years.
Peugeot gives you 3-years peace of
mind warranty, 2-years unlimited and
a free optional 1-year at the end of this
period provided by Peugeot.
41

MOTORING
All New
Renault Megane
It is now 20 years plus since Renault launched
the Megane and with over 6.6 million sold since
its launch it shows what a successful vehicle this
has been. I well remember my first encounter with
a Megane, back in the early 2000’s, when it had
that rather large bulbous rear end that drew either
admiring or critical glances when so ever it was
parked, writes Bob Hickman.
42

The new model however is now
based, due to the consortium
between Renault and Nissan, on
a platform that is similar to the
Kadjar and the brilliant Nissan
Qashqai. Being a joint initiative
several parts have been shared
by the two manufacturers.
Surprisingly enough for a Renault
it is no longer built in France but is
built at a plant in Spain.
The all-new Renault Megane,
is as you would expect, bigger
than its predecessor and it
is longer and lower. It has
a distinctive front and rear
light signature and they are
permanently illuminated which at
the rear of the vehicle is a first for
me. Renault has incorporated full
LED headlights with an automatic
feature and this is another 21st
century bonus.
The new Megane is an extremely
safe car with numerous features
included. One feature which
could be an annoyance is the
lane adapt system which if you
move towards the white line a
horrendous noise occurs, a lot of
people I think will be switching
this particular feature off.
At the launch of the new
Megane there is a choice of 4
engines, 2 energy turbocharged
petrol options of 1.2-litre 130bhp,
and a 1.6-litre 205 bhp. The
turbo diesel alternative is the
wonderful combined Nissan
1.5-litre 110 unit or a 1.6-litre
130bhp. A choice between
6-speed manuals, automatics
and other variables are
available.
The interior of the vehicle has
been completely redesigned
and the centre console and
instrumentation panel contain
a multi-media tablet and a 7”
display which enables the driver
at all times to have control and
information sent back to him.
The new Megane is offered as
a 25 version line-up based on to
6 trims levels which are familiar
to those who purchase Renault
vehicles. They are Expression,
Dynamique, Dynamique NAV,
Dynamique S Nav, Signature Nav,
GT Line Nav, and GT Nav. all these
vehicles, as you would expect,
have a comprehensive standard
specification which includes ABS,
Emergency Brake assist with a
traction control and a hill start, 6
air bags, and more importantly for
those with a young family isofix child
seating are included. In addition
standard features also include Blue
Tooth and USB connectivity across
the range.
Prices vary from £16,600 to £25,500,
and Renault’s 4+ warranty is
included which suggests that the
vehicle will be protected against
defects for 4 years or 100,000
miles and there is the Emergency
Roadside Repatriation system if that
is needed.
I do like the idea that Renault includes servicing plans,
for example a 3-year 30,000 miles service plan is
£299, should you put the vehicle for 4 years then the
price of the servicing plan rises for £499. Servicing is
required at 18,000 miles intervals or yearly. I think this
package is a useful feature.
43

LANCASTER INSURANCE
CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW RETURNS
TO NEC FOR SEASON FINALE
MOTORING
44
The UK’s biggest and best classic motoring celebration
returns to Birmingham’s NEC for this year’s ‘season
finale’. The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show,
held from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November, will
see a record 2,500 classic cars and motorcycles on
display.
Around 250 of Britain’s best motoring clubs will
showcase rare and exciting marques ranging from
pre-war through to retro classics, American muscle
cars to Japanese performance, European elegance
to Great British sports cars and many more.
New for 2016 is the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor
Show Tour, which allows classic car owners to make
an event of the journey to the NEC by taking part in
an organised rally from three starting points with HERO
Events. HERO will also be offering visitors the chance to
drive a classic car at the NEC as well as undertaking
driver and navigator training for those who would like
to get involved in the tour and rally scene.
Meguiar’s Club Showcase will once again crown the
winner of this year’s search for the best of the best
from the classic motoring club scene, with 16 finalists
from various club events held throughout the year.
There will also be the Lancaster Insurance Pride of
Ownership display with around 24 private owners
show their stunning classic cars and hoping to win the
visitors’ votes in order to win the coveted trophy.
After last year’s record breaking fundraising, the
Sporting Bears will be operating even more Dream
Rides as its tries to beat the £55,000 it raised in 2015.
Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer will host the Live Stage
with Discovery Channel with restoration challenges,
special guests and exclusive competitions over the
three days.
The experts will be in the Restoration Theatre ready
to show visitors exactly how to tackle all aspects of
restoring a cherished classic car, while Silverstone
Auctions will have an impressive line-up of cars in
it’s two-day sale of classic cars, motorcycles and
memorabilia.
Over 600 trade stands will offer a wide range of parts,
spares, tools, motoring services and memorabilia
while the popular Auto-jumble is a haven for
mechanics looking for that elusive motoring
component.
For more information, the various ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.

World-renowned classic car
restoration company given to staff
A highly successful and globally
renowned classic car restoration
company in Bridgnorth, Shropshire,
which last year turned over £5.2
million, has been given to the staff
by its owner.
Classic Motor Cars Ltd employs
more than sixty staff and has
restored some of the world’s most
important cars including many
famous Jaguars.
The company has become an
Employee Ownership Trust (EOT),
which means that the staff will own
and run the business themselves.
Peter Neumark, who has owned
and chaired the company since
its inception in 1993, said: “I am
nearer seventy than sixty and Nick
Goldthorp, who founded this great
business with me and has been
largely responsible for where we
are today, is now approaching
retirement age, so we felt we had
a duty to oversee a passing of
responsibility, and who better than
the workforce themselves.”
So on Friday 26th of August 2016,
a majority shareholding owned by
the chairman was transferred into
a new entity The Classic Motor Cars
Ltd Employee Shareholder Trust,
thereby passing control to a trust set
up for the benefit of the employees
of CMC.
Peter Neumark added: “This sort
of structure best exemplified by
the John Lewis Partnership was
deemed to be the best home for
the company to ensure its future,
safeguarding the jobs of its highly
skilled workforce and providing
stability for future growth and
prosperity.
“Virtually every example of an EOT
business we looked at showed
greater profitability, greater
productivity, better staff retention
and ultimately of course happier
customers. I am extremely proud of
what we have achieved and I look
forward to watching the company
continue to set the standards for
world-class car restoration.”
im Leese, Managing Director of
the new operational board, said:
“These are very exciting times and
the whole team is very grateful for
Peter’s generosity and everyone
looks forward to making a greater
contribution to the company’s
future success.”
The day to day management of
the business will be controlled by
an operational board, chaired
by David Barzilay and comprising
of Managing Director Tim Leese,
Production Director Tim Griffin, nonexecs
Nick Goldthorp and Richard
Charlesworth (latterly of Bentley).
They in turn will report to a board of
trustees who are responsible for the
good governance of the company
and ensuring it is run in the best
interests of its beneficiaries, the
employees.
The board of trustees is composed
of outside professionals, chaired by
Peter Neumark with an employee
trustee, Luke Martin, voted on by his
fellow workers, and former non-exec
operational board member Richard
Coe.
Currently the company is working
on more than 22 classic car
restorations including many famous
marques such as, Aston Martin,
Jaguar and Lancia, amongst others.
Classic Motor Cars was founded in
1993 and has over the ensuing years
built an international reputation
for car restoration world-class
standards. Staffed by a highly
experienced team of engineers
and technicians, they operate from
modern 36,000 sq. foot premises
and, with the exception of chrome
plating, every aspect of a car’s
restoration, servicing and even
bespoke car design is carried out
in-house.
CMC is also the only major
restoration company providing
24,000 sq. feet of specialised storage
space for classic and sports cars,
right next to its prominent facilities.
Some 50 to 60 cars can be found
in the workshops every month
including Jaguar, Aston Martin and
Lancia, amongst others.
CMC is especially proud of
its apprenticeship schemes
with young people learning
their trades in trimming, auto
electrics, bodywork, paintwork
and general mechanical skills.
45

PUZZLES
CROSSWORD
There’s a musical theme to this one many of the answers refer to composers, musicians etc and all
of the clues have some sort of musical reference. If you’re an experienced crossword solver but you
don’t know your Bach from your Britten don’t despair your solving skills will probably get you through.
ACROSS
1 Conductor initially introduced First Rabbi to rock and roll
(10)
7 Loud note by tenors started below the required pitch (4)
9 Teacher rejected Liszt heard after Mussolini’s overthrow (8)
10 Composer of Sweeney Todd? (6)
11 Fall perhaps for American violin concerto – one of four (6)
12 Half of Lieder about, say, human subject (8)
13 Plays parts of opera (4)
15 One of three brothers EMI backed to produce waltz
rhythm? (6,4)
18 Pupil leaves as clarinet’s playing to find violinist (5,5)
20 Have the temerity to do some of Masquerade
backwards (4)
21 Instrumentalists with plenty of pluck? (8)
24 Composer of carols has right to speak (6)
26 A composer to name another (6)
27 Ravel loaded with gold – here? (8)
28 Requiem for Nelson by Haydn (4)
29 Fine Austrian composer? (10)
DOWN
2 Copper shortly denies source of annoyance is mobile –
these concertgoers wouldn’t agree! (9)
3 Endorses composer of Tintagel, say (5)
4 Bruckner’s Eighth is about sustained passages which
gradually get slower (9)
5 Rock singer? (7)
6 I’m finding the odd bits of Boulez filter through (5)
7 Excited by extremely febrile performance of Medtner (9)
8 Some Elgar enamoured Promenaders standing here? (5)
14 Character in Madam Butterfly who has only 7ac’s to
sing? (9)
16 Tenor performing Grieg and a bit of Lehar (9)
17 Score given to the more senior conductor (4,5)
19 She appears among Brendel’s pet hates (7)
22 Arrangement of Alkan endlessly captivates English scout
leader (5)
23 Scottish National Orchestra initially confused over G & S
numbers (5)
25 Time and time again old boy follows beat (5)
46

One Direction
Wordearch
47

TRAVEL
48
My husband and I would
like to go on a short
break in December,
where would you suggest
and what can we do
while we are away?
There are numerous options for
short-haul travel in December,
in addition to the more well
known European cities of Rome,
Venice and Madrid. It is great
to visit at this time of the year
when the crowds are less and the
temperature more conducive to
sight-seeing. There are also many
interesting historical centres to visit
serviced with direct regional flights
through the winter months.
One to put on your list is Prague,
capital city of the Czech Republic,
a history book of architecture
and a beautiful medieval town,
complete with the world’s oldest
castle. Prague is a well connected
city with an excellent Metro or
you can hop on the local trams.
Take the cable car to the top of
Petrin Hill and you will see the ‘City
of a Hundred Spires’ for yourself,
a beautiful panoramic view. See
Prague by night with a boat trip
on the Vitava, or visit the bars in
the Old Town Square. Wenceslas
Square is lined with jazz clubs and
classic Czech pubs.
From late November to early
January Prague is also home to
several Christmas markets. Absorb
the festive atmosphere in the Old
Town Square and St. Wenceslas
Square, with decorated wooden
huts selling traditional crafts, toys
and gifts. Smaller markets are
also dotted around the city on
Republic Square and Havel’s
Market, and by St Georges
Basilica at Prague Castle.
Sample some of the traditional
barbecued klobasa sausages,
or cakes and pastries like the
Trdelnik, a hot sugar coated
pastry. You can also try the
traditional Czech beers, Pilsner,
Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar
or a cup of hot mulled wine or
svarak.
In the Old Town square you can
also see a nativity scene with
stable and live animals as well
as Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus
and the three kings, and the
impressive Christmas Tree from
Ceska Lip a in the North. The
Astronomical Clock in the Old
Square chimes on the hour with a
procession of the twelve apostles.
A festive atmosphere not to be
missed!
If you have children, or
grandchildren to entertain
you can also consider a trip to
Lapland to visit Father Christmas,
or just enjoy the peace quiet
and tranquility of the wilderness
and wide open spaces of Finnish
Lapland.
As well as the Santa experience
there are Snowmobile
adventures, Husky Safaris and
Reindeer Farms to visit and
an abundance of wild life like
moose, Arctic foxes, snowy owls,
hares and willow grouse to see,
all set against a scenic snowy
backdrop. The temperatures at
the time of the year can be
very cold so it is not advisable
to take infants under the
age of two years. Many tour
operators will also provide outer
garments whether you are
going for the day or a longer
duration, but you will also need
layers of warm clothing as the
temperatures can drop to 40
degrees in the winter months.
While you are in Lapland you
can also take the opportunity
to search for the Northern
Lights. This beautiful natural
phenomena, lighting the night
sky with a glow of green, yellow
and pink, can be seen due to
the remote northern locations
and lack of light pollution.
Unfortunately there are never
any guarantees but you can
see the Aurora Borealis for over
200 nights of the year in some
areas, and the clear starfilled
skies are spectacular in
themselves.
Once you have decided how
long you want to stay, either
for a day-trip, 3 to 4 days or
a whole week your Travel
Agent will be able to advise
on the best activities for your
party, and pre-book to avoid
disappointment. Many Tour
operators include the most
popular activities in their holiday
package price.
Accommodation is varied from
picturesque log cabins to duplex
family rooms in hotels. You can
also choose an overnight stay
in a luxury glass igloo or a visit to
the Ice or Snow Hotel.

If you want to learn more about the Sami, the people indigenous to
Lapland, then there are visits available to local museums and shops
selling the local handicrafts.
The Sami have successfully survived for generations with their
hunting skill, the art of ice-fishing and their rich traditional folklore.
Traditional Sami costumes are bright and colourful and for
ceremonial occasions, everyone, including huskies and reindeer,
are dressed in multi-coloured outfits and harness. Many of these
ancient Sami traditions, with reindeer farming at the heart, remain a
way of life today.
My clients decided to book a 3 night trip to Prague
in December to see the Christmas Markets, flying
from Manchester and staying at the Victoria Hotel,
Bed and Breakfast in a standard double room at a
total cost of £576.
49

TRAVEL
and protect your tech
with the new high performance,
50
RiutBags

Riut, the company that has
revolutionised safe travel
with the anti-theft RiutBag
backwards backpack,
has seriously enhanced its
award-winning R10 and R15
models. Designed for the
city commuter, frequent
international traveller, urban
native and digital nomad who
need to keep their high value
gadgets safe from thieves,
the R10 and R15s upgraded
features deliver added techprotection
while making
travel even more convenient,
comfortable and secure.
Still retaining Riuts famous
core design a backwards
backpack with no outer
zips; the only zips are the
ones against your back the
major new features include
the addition of a D-pocket
for smartphone storage, a
wider top pocket, a trolley
suitcase strap, redesigned
and Lycra-made laptop
and tablet compartments,
colour reflective bands and
detachable chest straps.
Along with the classic black
finish, a new stylish navy
blue model has also been
introduced. Taking RiutBag
users feedback onboard,
these enhancements mean
the new 10 litre R10 and 15
litre R15 are the safest, most
user-friendly and sophisticated
RiutBags yet.
Constructed from waterproof
Cordura, one of the strongest,
durable and anti-abrasion
woven nylons available,
the main body is also foamlined
throughout, providing
added protection for valuable
tech. Furthermore a water
and abrasive proof base
made from Thermoplastic
polyurethane means users can
rest the RiutBag on any surface
- be it rock, mud, snow, wet,
hot, cold knowing the bags
contents wont be damaged.
A very specialist protective
plastic, the durable material
can withstand extremely high
and low temperatures and will
not wear through for at least a
decade.
New features
RiutBag D pocket
Found at the base of the bag, a
D-shaped pocket is designed to
hold your smartphone, train tickets,
keys and passports. Accessible
without removing your RiutBag,
these important items can stowed
and taken out without missing
a step. Whether on a bike, in a
queue or riding an escalator, the
D-pocket allows a new way of
travelling securely in busy urban
spaces.
Wider top pocket
Working in tandem with the
D-pocket, the new improved
top pocket is now more
accommodating and the perfect
place to securely store items you
don’t need to use frequently
during the day.
Inside compartments
Inside the bag, the new look
laptop and tablet compartment is
made from robust Lycra allowing
storage of devices without
protective covers. There are also
two zipped Lycra pockets for the
secure stowaway of smaller tech
devices.
Trolley suitcase strap
A boon for the international traveller,
an in-built strap now allows simple
attachment to the trolley handle of
any suitcase. Keeping all your luggage
together and secure when moving
through an airport, passports and
important documents are still accessible
through the D-pocket while all possible
vulnerable access points for opportunist
thieves are covered by the handle.
RiutBands
Every RiutBag R10 and R15 comes
with four brightly coloured attachable
RiutBands. Finished in red, blue, green
and pink on one side and an all
reflective surface on the reverse, these
bands allow users to personalise their
RiutBag, making it easily identifiable
when on the go or at the airport, while
also helping cyclists and pedestrians to
be seen at night.
Removable chest straps
All RiutBags have chest straps allowing
users to fit to their body shape and
distribute the carrying weight closer to
their centre of gravity. The chest straps
are now removable for those who don’t
use them but can be easily reattached
if required.
Sarah Giblin, the RiutBag creator says, With todays city commuter,
international jet-setter and urban traveller carrying an arsenal of valuable
tech our recent survey showed 63% of commuters carry belongings worth
up to £1000 and more*, its paramount to keep them safe from thieves and
protect them from the vagaries of everyday life.
Sarah continues, RiutBags backward backpack design always offers
peace of mind when travelling but these new R10 and R15 models now
have features that adapt to the needs of a busy life on the move. The new
improved R10 and R15 are truly the modern day backpack for the digital
nomad and globe-trotter.
Every RiutBag is designed and built based on user feedback and survey
answers from urban travellers and Sarah Giblin prototypes new designs
based on this user thinking. Her mantra is: Revolution in user thinking (Riut)
and the new RiutBag R10 and R15 was developed from this way of working
and the feedback received.
The new RiutBag R10 and R15 can be pre-ordered now at www.riut.co.uk
The R10 is priced £89 (inc.VAT) The R15 is priced £99 (inc.VAT)
51

HEALTH
PUZZLE ANSWERS PAGE
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