willpower? - Oakhill School

OAKHILL’S MAGAZINE
FOR ALL PARENTS
AND GRANDPARENTS
ISSUE 3
SMALL, BUT PERFECTLY INFORMED
Can we teach our kids
willpower?Spotting children
IN CRISIS
Get your party on...
food, fashion, hair tips
A –ZZZ OF
sleeping disorders
Eating out and travel
Free fitness
& beauty day
02 _ O M agazine
CONTENTS _ O Magazine _ 03
We’re
so glad
to have
you with us
Hello and welcome to your Winter edition of
O Magazine – for parents, grandparents and carers
all over Lancashire and the Ribble Valley.
Put your feet up and enjoy all we have in store for you in
this issue – or if you’re too busy to stop – we’re compact
enough to pop in your bag or briefcase for later on when
you can catch your breath!
DO WE GENDER STEREOTYPE CHILDREN
IN OUR CHOICE OF TOYS?
Toy companies which specifically label their products
for girls or boys are “seriously outdated” in their approach,
says nationwide study of mums and dads.
Historically the toy industry has steered girls
towards nurturing, role play and craft-based toys –
whereas construction, action and science-based
items were deemed more appropriate for boys.
Even the dolls/nurturing category which until
now has unswervingly been the reserve of the
fairer sex was voted equally suited to boys
by more than half the respondents.
But a brand new study by toy retailer Born Gifted
has discovered a paradigm shift in consumers’
views on toy gender stereotypes.
The poll went on to investigate whether branding
and marketing played a role in consumer toy
choice.
In their survey a whopping 89% of respondents
disagreed with the idea that science toys were
better suited to boys – two thirds believing
construction and action toys are just as
appropriate for girls.
Asked if they would happily purchase a pink
kitchen for a boy over three quarters (76%)
said no.
Nearly all customers polled felt that craft toys
were not just for girls and three quarters thought
that role-play toys are equally suited to boys.
However 85% of the 526 respondents said
they would buy their son a toy kitchen in a
neutral colour.
Share your views on this study.
Tweet us at @0Magazine (numerical 0) or email: [email protected]
As our regular readers know we are produced in
conjunction with Oakhill College and Academy -–
an independent day school for children aged 3 months
to 16 years, based in Whalley.
The adjoining Academy; a fitness, sports, health and
beauty centre, with a café and licensed bar, is located in
the grounds and is open to the public seven days a week.
As a mum to an Oakhill College pupil, not only did I
create O Magazine for our own school’s parents, but
also for everyone in the area who shares a common
interest – family and the love of our children.
We aim to engage (feedback and story ideas always
welcome), educate (on all that is great about Oakhill)
and entertain you with a lively mix of parenting stories,
features and special offers from our advertisers.
From all at Oakhill College, Oakhill Academy and
O Magazine we wish you a Happy Christmas,
Happy New Year and happy reading...
See you in Spring!
Sarah x
Sarah Rigg Editor
CONTENTS:
Page 2
Do we stereotype our kids?
Pages 4 & 5
How to create a party table
Page 7
Chefs share turkey tips
Page 11
Super-side me! Side dishes
Pages 12 & 13
Something sweet
Page 14
Meat-free and mouthwatering
Pages 16 & 17
Free family fun day and
car competition
Pages 20 & 21
Fashionista Zilpah Hartley
with her winter style tips
Page 23
Cosy coats for children
Pages 28 & 29
Columnist: Oakhill’s Principal Carmel
– Cherish the moment
Page 43
Hollywood Hair Glamour
Pages 50 & 51
Meet a real-life ‘Genius’
Contacts:
For all O Magazine enquiries including editorial or advertising:
Sarah Rigg: 0746 294 3954 or email: [email protected]
To receive a school prospectus: [email protected]
To contact Oakhill College or Oakhill Academy: 01254 823546
04 _ O Magazine _ TABLE TIPS
TABLE TIPS _ O Magazine _ 05
3
1
Don’t forget the basics. Providing comfort is
always important. No matter how grand or
dinky your table is, make sure the condiments
and wine are within easy reach. Keep things
low and avoid people talking across a table
but not being able to see one another over an
elaborate flower display or vase.
5
IMPRESS
YOUR GUESTS
WITH THESE
SIMPLE
TABLE TIPS
2
Crockery doesn’t have to be matching to
look good, but we recommend keeping the
same colour palette such as a bright or
monochrome theme.
4
If opting for metallic or white crockery use
bolder table linen which can completely
transform your dinner table with colour,
texture and pattern. To get the luxurious look
dining table look subtlety is key with elegant
details providing the focal points and so a
crisp white tablecloth in beautiful cotton or
linen creates the perfect base.
5
Create a stylish centrepiece with small clusters
of candles or three to five vases containing the
seasonal flowers.
The crockery you choose has a major
impact on your table’s style and forms
the backdrop for your dishes.
For a real feeling of restaurant style
elegance, layer bowls and plates of
varying sizes and each place to create
depth and dimension. For a classic
style, go for uniform pieces or mix
complementary patterns and colours
for additional detail and flair.
06 _ O Magazine _ FOOD
FOOD _ O Magazine _ 07
DON’T GET
IN A FLAP
OVER YOUR
FESTIVE FEAST!
Talking
BOOK
NOW FOR
NEW YEAR’S
EVE
Even after over 29 years of cooking, one
thing remains top priority for former
Royal chef James Parsons – preparation.
“Plan ahead and know exactly
what you're doing in advance
of the big day...” says James.
He adds: “Variety is the key to Christmas
dinner, as tradition can easily become
predictable. Remember, by Christmas
Day, most people have already had
around four turkey dinners already,
so why not try duck or goose?”
TURKEY
WITH THE CHEFS
JAMES PARSONS
HEAD CHEF, THE LANGSTONE HOTEL,
HAYLING ISLAND, PORTSMOUTH
Cover the breast of the bird with bacon. This prevents
the meat from drying out or burning too easily and gives
you a tasty portion of crispy bacon to serve on the side.
If you're doing turkey, take off the legs – they take
twice as long to cook as the breast and, by doing them
separately, the bird will fit better in the oven.
Cook the bird and then let it rest while you roast your
potatoes etc in the oven. A large turkey will rest for at
least an hour and keep a good temperature. Just make
sure the core temperature stays above 75°C.
Don't scrimp on the spuds. For the perfect roast
potatoes, invest in a good quality variety like Maris
Piper and part boil them for a superbly crispy shell
and soft, fluffy centre.
Consider making things like stuffing balls and pigs in
blankets a few days before and freezing them. This is
a great way of getting fiddly, time consuming tasks out
of the way without compromising on the end result.
If you're using red wine in a sauce, add it at the last
minute and bring to the boil for a richer flavour.
Whatever you do, keep it simple. While we all look
forward to this extra special meal, Christmas isn't about
slaving away in the kitchen, it's about spending quality
time with the family.
GARETH BEVAN
HEAD CHEF,
FOOD BY BREDA MURPHY
RESTAURANT, WHALLEY
My top tip would be to have your butcher
bone and roll the bird, saves on cooking
time and it’s easier to control the cooking
temps, moist all the way through and not
dry on the outside as a result of cooking
near the bone. Keep the bones and use to
make a tasty stock for your gravy.
If you want to cook on the bone, place on
a trivet of veg with half a bottle of good
white wine, rub the breast with plenty of
butter, salt and pepper (herbs optional)
make a jacket using grease proof and foil,
grease proof against the skin and the foul,
roast as normal but remove the foil and
grease proof jacket with 20 mins to go to
get a nice golden colour.
ORDER
YOUR
YO
OUR LUXURY
LUXURY
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
HAMPERS &
FOOD
OPEN D
DAILY
AIL
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AT
TUES - S
SAT
INCL
USIVE
INCLUSIVE
10AM - 6PM
AWARD
A
WA
ARD WINNING BREAKF
BREAKFAST
AST | L
LUNCH
TAKE
AKE A
AWAY
WAY
UNCH | AFTERNOON TEA | FISH N CHIPS | T
Bookings ffor
or Chris
Christmas
tmas dinner fr
from
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taken for
for Thurs,
Thurs, Fri & Sat
Sat
18th, 19th & 20th Dec
December.
ember. Bookings ffor
or Chris
Christmas
tmas lunch being tak
taken
en fr
from
om
Tues
T
ues 3 Dec till T
Tues
ues 23 Dec (incl. Mon 22 Dec
Dec).
). Bookings 01254
01254 823446
RESERVATIONS
RESER
VAT
TIONS ON 01254
01254 823446 | OPEN MON & TUES 22 & 23 DEC 10-6PM
SCAN QR C
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CODE
ON MOBILE T
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DA’S
TO
BREDA’S
WEBSITE
www.foodbybredamurphy.com
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ww.foodbybredamurphy.com
41 S
41
STATION
TATION
T
ROAD,
RO
R AD, WHALLEY
WHALLEY,
Y, NEAR CLITHEROE,
CLITHERO LANCA
LANCASHIRE
SHIRE BB7 9RH (S
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AV BB7 9RU)
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[email protected]
[email protected] W www.foodbybredamurphy.com
www.foodbybredamurphy.com
FESTIVE RECIPES _ O Magazine _ 11
STREAMLINE BLACK CHERRY
MULLED RED CABBAGE
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
500g red cabbage
3 shallots
2 Pink Lady apples
knob of salted butter
2 clementines
10 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 tsp mixed spice
100ml red wine vinegar
4tbsp Streamline
black cherry jam
Salt and black pepper
New Years Eve
Bring in the New Year retro style!
We’ll start the evening with a superb four
course dinner, followed by a live set from
Danny King performing all the hits from the
60’s to modern day. Then it’s on with your
dancing pumps to dance the night away.
Christmas
NU
PA R T Y M E
l,
rge and smal
For groups la l and fabulously
iona
simply sensat thing you expect
festive. Every
hristmas.
porium at C
from The Em
roughout
Available th
December
As always it’s tickets only and first come,
first served!
Drinkers only - £10 admission,
tickets to be purchased in advance
Method:
Finely slice the cabbage, shallots and apples.
In a large casserole dish, heat the butter then
tip in the sliced cabbage, shallots and apples
and toss well. Add the zest and juice of one
clementine, stud the other clementine with
cloves and add it to the pan along with the
cinnamon, mixed spice, vinegar and black
cherry jam. Season, stir and put the lid on.
Cook on a low heat for an hour until the
cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
If the mixture gets a little dry, add a dash
of water. Serve hot or cold.
Super-Side Me!
Jazz up your dinner party
with these sensational side dishes
ORANGE AND THYME GLAZED CARROTS
Christmas
EVE
Russ Shaun is back playing live at
The Emporium performing a host of
Rat Pack and Big Band Classics from
Frank Sinatra to Michael Bublé as you
celebrate, wine, dine and wind down
for the big day ahead. A fantastic
evening and free of charge too!
From 8pm.
.uk
Full details and booking forms are available on our website www.theemporiumclitheroe.co
.uk
litheroe.co
mporiumc
info@thee
email
or
444174
To check availability please call 01200
Moor Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 1BE | 01200 444 371 | www.theemporiumclitheroe.co.uk
TENDERSTEM BROCCOLI TOSSED
IN BUTTER WITH CHESTNUTS,
BLACK PEPPER AND PANCETTA
(Serves: 4)
Ingredients:
400g Chantenay or baby carrots • 2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp Streamline thin cut orange marmalade
1 tsp soy sauce • 3-4 stalks thyme, leaves picked
salt and black pepper
Method:
Boil or steam the carrots until tender.
Dry fry the cumin seeds for a moment
or two until they become fragrant.
Stir in the marmalade, soy sauce
and 1 tablespoon of water until the
marmalade has melted into a glaze.
Drain the carrots and toss them in
the glaze until they look glossy.
Sprinkle over the thyme leaves
and season. Continue to toss until
everything is well coated, then pour
into a serving dish.
(Serves: 4)
Ingredients:
400g Tenderstem broccoli cut into 2 inch strips
50g unsalted butter
75g pancetta lardons
200g chestnuts roughly chopped
Salt and cracked black pepper
Method:
Boil the Tenderstem 30 seconds. Drain, then
cool under cold running water and set aside.
Heat a medium sized frying pan then add
the butter and lardons, cooking for around
5 minutes until golden brown.
Add the chestnuts and Tenderstem. Cook for a
further 2 minutes, season with salt, plenty of
pepper and serve immediately.
Recipes courtesy of:
www.tenderstem.co.uk and www.streamlinefoods.co.uk
12 _ O Magazine _ FESTIVE RECIPES
Hello Sweetie!
Sugar, Spice
and all things nice
SWEET POTATO AND
CINNAMON MUFFINS
(Makes 10)
Ingredients (for muffins):
2 eggs
180g sugar
250g cooked sweet potato, mashed
80ml vegetable oil
50ml water
200g self raising flour
¾tsp ground cinnamon
FESTIVE RECIPES _ O Magazine _ 13
STRAWBERRY AND
RASPBERRY MERINGUE BOMB
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
300ml/7floz Double cream
125ml/4floz Crème fraiche
125g/4oz Ready made meringues,
crumbled
200g/ 8oz Strawberries
200g/8oz Raspberries
2 tbsp icing sugar
Method:
Whisk the cream until it starts to thicken,
stir in the meringues. Mash 100g of
strawberries and raspberries together with
a fork. Put 1/3rd of the meringue mixture
into a 1 litre/2 pint pudding basin, spread
half of the mashed fruit on top of the
meringue, repeat ending with a layer of
meringue mixture. Cover with clingfilm
and freeze for four hours or overnight (this
can be prepared weeks in advanced to help
with the Christmas preparations). To make
the coulis blend the remaining fruit and
icing sugar together in a food processor
and pass through a sieve. To un-mold the
meringue bomb place the bowl in hot water
for 30 seconds, turn out onto a serving
dish. Serve with the coulis.
Ingredients (for butter icing):
50g sweet potato jam or any other jam
80g butter (soft but not melted)
300/400g icing sugar
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line
a muffin tin with paper cases.
In a large bowl beat the eggs with
the sugar.
Add the oil and water and mix well.
Sieve the flour and cinnamon together
before adding to the egg mixture.
Fold everything together before
adding the sweet potatoes.
Pour into the muffin case filling them
about 3⁄4 full. Bake in the preheated
oven for 20-25 minutes or until
muffins are cooked.
Place the butter and jam in a large
bowl (you can use a food processor if
you prefer) and slowly add the sugar a
little at the time mixing continuously.
Carry on adding sugar till your
preferred consistency has been reached.
Pipe the cream onto the cold muffins
and enjoy.
Recipes courtesy of Love Sweet Potatoes and Seasonal Berries
14 _ O Magazine _ FESTIVE RECIPES
FESTIVE RECIPES _ O Magazine _ 15
FESTIVE FILO PILLOW
(Serves 2)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, sliced
150g mushrooms, sliced
1 yellow pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
50ml vegetarian port or red wine
25g mixture of pumpkin
and sunflower seeds, toasted
50g walnuts, broken
A handful of fresh parsley,
rosemary and thyme, chopped
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
1 packet filo pastry (you will need to use
2 sheets for this recipe)
50g butter or vegan margarine*, melted
200g vegetarian Wensleydale cheese
with cranberries
or 180g soya cheese with 20g cranberries*
*Can be Vegan
MEAT-FREE TREATS
Have a Veggie
Merry Christmas
Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas 4.
Gently fry the onion until it softens, then
add the mushrooms and pepper. Continue
to fry for another 5 minutes. Finish with
the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the port and cook until evaporated.
Mix in the seeds, walnuts and herbs,
then season to taste.
Transfer to a bowl, cover with kitchen roll
and allow to cool down.
Fold out one filo pastry sheet onto a work
surface and keep the rest under a damp
tea towel to avoid drying out. Brush with
butter and layer with another sheet.
Put the cool filling onto the pastry, so it
covers the middle third of the pastry,
leaving a 6cm gap at the top and bottom.
Crumble the cheese over the filling.
Fold the top over the filling, followed by
the bottom and sides. This should leave you
with a nicely packed parcel shape. (Don’t
over fill if you have too much filling.)
Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes, until
cooked.
CHRISTMAS TOFFEE PUDDING
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
175g figs, chopped
175ml boiling water
½ tsp vanilla essence
2 tsp coffee essence
4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
75g butter or soya margarine
150g caster sugar
2 free-range eggs/egg replacer
175g self-raising flour
For the sauce:
175g soft brown sugar
110g butter or soya margarine
90ml double/soya cream
25g walnuts, chopped
Method:
Place the figs in a bowl and cover with the water.
Add the essence and bicarbonate of soda. In a bowl
cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
Gradually add the eggs, a small amount at a time,
beating well.
Fold in the flour and fruit together with the liquid
and pour into a 2 pint pudding bowl. Place on a
baking sheet and cook for 1 hour 10 minutes at
150°C/300F/Gas 2.
To make the toffee sauce:
1. Melt all ingredients together in a saucepan and
simmer gently.
2. Pour over the pudding.
For more meat-free recipes go to: www.vegsoc.org/christmas
BEAUTY & FITNESS _ O Magazine _ 17
Come and experience
Oakhill Academy’s
Gym and Beauty
FOR FREE!
We all love a freebie –
and for one day only Oakhill Academy
is throwing open its doors to the
whole family to experience its
state-of-the-art sports, gym and
beauty facilities.
Saturday January 24th 2015
This awesome offer includes a host of
high-octane classes from body pump,
power plate, spin or gym – plus a
personal trainer to take you through
your paces.
And for those who fancy a pamper you
can experience a relaxing back, neck and
shoulder massage, mini manicure and
pedicure and micro-dermabrasion facial
to reduce the appearance of fine lines and
leave you looking and feeling fantastic.
Did we mention it is ALL for FREE!
And the Academy hasn’t forgotten the
chidren. While you are working out or
enjoying the beauty treatments, there
are lots of fun activities for the little ones
including an obstacle course, rounders,
sumo suits and face painting.
This fantastic family fun day is
happening on Saturday January 24th
and is sure to book up fast – so call
quickly to stake your place.
And if that wasn’t enough – there
will also be the chance to win a
BMW for the weekend courtesy of
Bowker BMW Blackburn!
For first-time visitors the Academy
is a stunning purpose built health,
fitness and beauty centre which
is open to the public and situated
in the wooded grounds of the
independent day school in Whalley.
There is on-site safe and secure car
parking offering a state-of-the-art
gym, full programme of studio
classes, personal training, Power
Plate, café and licensed bar.
Located in the same spot,
Oakhill Academy offers luxury
facilities and a full range of beauty
relaxation treatments including
massage, reiki, reflexology, facial,
manicures and much more.
For your chance
to experience
this sensational
offer call today
on:
01254
824333
Oakhill Academy
Wiswell Lane
Whalley
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 9AF
18 _ O Magazine _ HEALTH
HEALTH _ O Magazine _ 19
A – Zzzz of
Source: National Sleep Foundation
SLEEPING
A
Disorders
● This is the most common time of year for families
to suffer from sleeping problems.
● Infants put to bed drowsy, but not asleep,
are more likely to become ‘self-soothers’.
● There are now 80 recognised sleep disorders worldwide.
B
C
D
E
F
Automatic behaviour Occurring during
REM (Rapid Eye Movement), dreamers
can hold conversations, sit up and even
open their eyes. Rarely recalled when they
wake up. This is most common when the
subject has less than 10 hours sleep within
a 36 hour period.
Bruxism The excessive grinding of the
teeth and/or clenching of the jaw.
The condition causes hypersensitive teeth,
aching jaw muscles, and headaches.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder (CRSD)
Subjects normally have the required
healthy period of sleep – but outside of the
normal socially preferred times – affecting
school/work routines.
Dyssomia A broad category of disorders
disturbing sleeping/ waking patterns or both.
Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a
rare and relatively undocumented event in
which the subject experiences a loud bang
in their head similar to a bomb exploding,
a gun going off, a clash of cymbals,
ringing, an earthquake, or any other form
of loud, indecipherable noise that seems to
originate from inside the head.
False Awakening Also known as a ‘dream
within a dream’ or a ‘double dream’ in
which the dreamer experiences a vivid and
convincing belief they have woken up.
Subjects may dream they wake up, eat
breakfast, brush their teeth, and so on;
suddenly awake again in bed (still in a
dream), begin morning rituals again,
awaken again, and so forth.
G
H
I
J
K
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker (GSS)
Sleep disorders are increasingly recognized
in the symptoms of many neurodegenerative
diseases. Frequent awakenings, reduced
sleep efficiency and daytime napping.
Hypnic Jerk Common ‘twitch and falling
into the void’ sensation experienced out of
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of
sleep. Interestingly this reflex is thought to
evolve from a time when humans usually
slept in trees ensuring the individual would
be able to readjust to a safe sleeping position.
Idiopathic Hypersomnia Causes excessive
daytime sleepiness and rarely diagnosed at
an early stage. Usually a lifelong chronic
illness with no known cure or FDA
approved treatments.
Jet Lag Caused by travelling transmeridian (west–east). The symptoms can
last for up to three days, upsetting the
body’s natural pattern for eating, sleeping
and temperature regulation.
Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rather
rare condition where the sufferer
experiences reoccurring feelings of
excessive tiredness and prolonged sleep of
up to 21 hours a day during episodes.
Other symptoms include excessive appetite,
unusual cravings, hallucinations or
delusions. Individuals (usually male) often
don’t remember what happens during
episodes in which they can act very
childlike, losing communication and
coordination skills.
NEXT TIME: L - Z
Plus: latest amazing research on dreaming…
20 _ O Magazine _ FASHION
FA SHION _ O Magazine _ 21
It can be a fine line between throwing together the
perfect ensemble and looking just thrown together.
Five ideas for making it work over the chilly months.
EQ FOR YOU
Keep it light
A long sleeved jersey can turn
your floaty summer tunic into
a winter work horse but put it
under a jumper and you are
liable to be too warm, instead
pull on a form fitting sleeveless
jersey tank vest. The balancing
of textures and fabrics is
how to pull the layered look
together without being too
warm or too bulky.
How to be
fashion
bold
in the
winter cold
By Zilpah Hartley
Summer has faded and the colder
months are upon us – my personal
favourite season for style.
For most of us not blessed with
a body like Elle McPherson,
Summer is never the easiest
season sartorially speaking –
too much need for legs, arms or
heaven forbid both, to be on show.
Welcome to winter where layering
really comes into its own. We can
be dressed for the day, or night,
whatever the weather, just by
removing or adding a layer.
Colour code
Grey may well be key this year
and should be an essential
basic alongside black and
cream but adding a pop of
colour is how to stand out for
the right reasons. Key seasonal
colours like orange, purple and
blue can be tricky to pull off on
their own but mixing them with
muted tones keeps your look
bright yet not so statement
you feel you can only wear
the outfit once.
Cardigans are cool
Cropped, ankle skimming,
knitted, jersey, cashmere,
zipped, buttoned or beribboned.
There is a cardi for every
outfit, they can be far less
restrictive and versatile than
a jumper, less bulky than some
coats and fit over a little black
jersey dress just as simply as
jeans and shirt.
It's in your jeans
We have all had a pair that are
too tight, too wide, went baggy
at the knee, drooped around
the bum, or cut across the
tummy adding bulk. Find a
pair that not only fits like a
dream but is super comfy and
looks good day or night and
you have the key to stress free
dressing in one garment.
Dresses to impress
Choose wisely and two key
dresses can get you through
a whole season and beyond.
A simple panelled jersey dress
can be worn with heels, boots
or pumps, jacket or knit and
can take you from a day at
work to a night on the town.
Find something a little more
embellished in a muted tone or
ever favourite black and it will
serve for an evening or lunch
party with flats or heels.
EQ Woman is a gorgeous family
owned boutique situated in the
heart of the Ribble Valley and run
by Zilpah and mum and aunt,
Moira and Kate.
Stocking sizes 8-18 across a wide
range of smart casual day wear
and beautiful occasion dresses and
accessories for those wanting
something a little bit different.
Showcasing many different brands
such as Masai, McVerdi, Nougat,
Two Danes, Belle & Harris, Fransa,
Join and Twisted Muse, the EQ
team work hard at keeping their
stock as fresh and current as possible offering the latest looks in
super-flattering styles.
They mix fashion led brands such
as Twisted Muse, Part Two and
Fransa whose inspiration is taken
straight from the catwalk with the
likes of Bernshaw and Ronen Chen
whose tailoring and attention to detail results in some of the most flattering dresses you will ever wear.
To view online: www.eqwoman.com
To visit the store:
EQ WOMAN, 36 King Street,
Clitheroe, BB7 2EU.
Tel: 01200 426400
EqWoman.Womenswear
@EQWoman
FA SHION _ O Magazine _ 23
Oilily Boys Blue Coen Coat featuring goggle hood,
available in sizes 2-6 years at £176
Oilily boys navy blue lightly padded coat with hood attached
made in silky polyester with large logo on the back and
smaller one on the front. It is lined in a brushed cotton check
and imitation polyester lamb’s wool making this a very warm
and cosy coat to wear. It is finished with striped elasticated
cuffs, cotton elbow patches and built in aviator goggles so
your little boy is
ready for any
adventure on
land, sea or air.
MY PICK OF THE
WINTER
COATS
Designer Childrens Clothing
for Boys and Girls from Birth - 14
FOR
CHILDREN
Stockist of Oilily, Catimini, Hackett, Scotch R’Belle,
many more including the popular Satila Hats
by Louise Wilkinson
Oakhill mum and owner of
Carousel Childrenswear
Barrowford
New Autumn/Winter stock in store now!
Catimini Girls Pink coat with teddy
bear lining, available in sizes 18m –
6 years and other colourways at £98
Fabulous Catimini coat from the
Spirit Denim story "Russian Princess"
with this jacket in irridescent coating
embellished with a subtle spot print
on the pink version. Edging faux
fur hood closure, super soft,
toasty warm and gorgeous
teddy bear lining. Available
in fuchsia pink or silver.
Catimini Boys Orange/Brown
Coat with teddy bear lining,
available in sizes 18m – 4 years at £104
A modern and winter-ready take on the biker
jacket is this puffer coat from Catimini. With
faux suede arm patches, teddy bear lining and
padded body, your little man will be ready to
face the elements in this hipster jacket. With
subtle, yet cute, branding to the right side and a
zip with poppers and buttons, the jacket will
keep him dry and warm, all season long.
No Added Sugar Girls’
Take a Breath – Stargazer
Sizes 4-9/10-11 years at £168
The brand’s signature puffa coat
updated for the new season!
A practical everyday coat that
delivers in wear, care and style.
Featuring a hood, a concealed
centre zip with poppers to
exterior placket, rib to neck
and cuffs, a pretty wadded
gathered hem and a tie belt to
waist fixed at centre back to
avoid mislaying!
Quilted interior and fully lined
in striped jersey. Felt bunny
& bones badge to sleeve.
A feminine take on a puffa.
Scotch Shrunk Navy Boys Parka style coat,
available in sizes 6-14 years at £160
Snuggly Scotch Shrunk quilted jacket with
concealed zip fastening at front. Hood with
faux-fur trim, hood adjusters,
long sleeves, branding at sleeve,
ribbed cuffs, two popper-fastened
welt pockets, contrast ribbed
trim at placket and hem
Oilily Girls Animali Print Chika coat, available in
sizes 6-10 years at £184
Classic Oilily design – with waist belt. And a bag for
storage. Part of the best-selling print from the range.
24 _ O Magazine _ WILLPOWER
Renowned psychologist Walter Mischel,
inventor of the famous Marshmallow Test,
is a leading authority on the nature of
human willpower.
Can we
TEACH
50 years ago Dr Mischel’s iconic
experiment was simple – a child was
presented with a marshmallow and
given a choice: Eat this one now,
or wait and enjoy two later.
Today his latest research is published in a
brand new book The Marshmallow Test:
Mastering Self Control...
the marshmallow can help you quit smoking,
or stick to a diet, or save for retirement.
The psychology professor’s research began
with the simple study of four and five year olds
that challenged them with the tough dilemma.
A marshmallow that they could have
immediately, and a larger reward (two
marshmallows), for which they would have
to wait, alone, for up to 20 minutes.
Next to the treats was a desk bell the children
could ring at any time to call back the
researcher and eat the one marshmallow.
Or they could wait for the researcher to return,
and if they hadn’t left their chair or started to
eat the marshmallow, they could have both.
What the children did as they managed or
didn’t manage to delay gratification turned out
Dr. Walter Mischel
THE MARSHMALLOW TEST:
MASTERING SELF-CONTROL BY WALTER MISCHEL
WILLPOWER _ O Magazine _ 25
our children
WILLPOWER?
The ability to delay gratification is critical to living a
successful and fulfilling life – and this is the core conclusion
of Dr Mischel’s research.
His studies found self control not only predicts higher marks
in school, better social and cognitive skills, and a greater s
ense of self worth; it also helps us manage stress, pursue
goals and cope with painful emotions.
Most important for its educational and child-rearing
implications – Dr Mischel says willpower can be taught and
modified in childhood and later in life.
“The most important thing we learned is that self-control –
and the ability to regulate one’s own emotions – involves a
set of skills that can be taught, and learned,” he says.
“They’re acquirable. Nothing is predetermined.”
What’s more, he says, these experiments provide concrete
lessons about self-control we can use as adults. He argues
that the same strategies a five-year-old uses to avoid eating
more effectively and coped more adaptively
with frustration and stress.
At midlife, those who could consistently wait
(“high delay”) versus those who couldn’t
(“low delay”), were characterised by
distinctively different brain scans in areas
linked to addictions and obesity.
The core of the research seems to centre on
‘hot’ and ‘cold’ reactions in the brain and using
distraction strategies to “cool down” impulses.
Dr Mischel talks of the importance of keeping
stress low during pregnancy and in the infant’s
first few years.
His studies show how exposure to extreme and
prolonged stress in early life can be damaging
in later life, noting that stress
levels in babies measured higher
in the brain when they were
sleeping if angry voices were
within earshot.
The ability to delay gratification
and resist temptations has been a
fundamental challenge since the
dawn of civilisation. It is central
to the Genesis story of Adam and
Eve’s temptation in the Garden
of Eden.
‘‘
Life with too much self-control
can be as unfulfilling as one with too
little. It is knowing when it is time to ring
the bell and enjoy the marshmallow.”
to predict much about their
future lives.
The more seconds they waited
at age four or five, the higher
their SAT scores and the better their rated social
and cognitive functioning in adolescence.
At age 27 – 32, those same children who had
waited longer during the Marshmallow Test in
preschool had a lower body mass index and a
better sense of self-worth, pursued their goals
Dr. Walter Mischel
BOOKS _ O Magazine _ 27
AGE GROUP: 0 – 3
POP UP PEEKABOO BEDTIME
(£6.99)
Find out which toys are sleepy and who
is trying to say peekaboo!
Fantastic for developing imagination,
early-thinking and memory skills.
Your little one will love the fun and
interactive world of Peekaboo!
AGE GROUP: 8 – 12 years
MICHAEL MOON AND THE
CAULDRON OF WISHES'
by DEAN WOOD (£5.99)
AGE GROUP: 7+
SPIRIT AND THE MAGIC
HORSEBOX
AGE GROUP: 3 – 5 years
BABY BUNNY'S FIRST
ADVENTURES
by A.M THWAITE (£6.99)
EXPERIENCE OAKHILL
OPEN DAY THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY
Call 01254 823546 or email [email protected]
to book your visit
Independent Catholic Day School and Nursery. 0 – 16 years. Open to all.
Oakhill College, Wiswell Lane, Whalley, Lancashire. BB7 9AF. Just off the A59.
01254 823546 www.oakhillcollege.co.uk
Principal: Mrs C. Riley B.A M.A
The book tells of baby bunny
Emmy's first adventures on the
Green Allotments where she
lives, and the many friends she
meets on the way.
Written by Maria Thwaite from
Halifax, West Yorkshire last
year after the birth of her great
niece Emmeline.
“I always had the bare bones
of the stories in my head, but
it was Emmy that made me
visualise the characters,”
Maria tells O Magazine.
FULLY
Josh Carter’s always known there
was something strange about the
horsebox in his Grandma’s barn,
but it’s not until Megan arrives
from the city that the two teenagers
discover the horsebox’s secret – it
can travel through time. Actually
through time. One minute they’re in
the barn, next minute there’s a warrior on horseback charging at them,
pointing his sword at Josh’s head.
BOOKED
You should always be careful
what you wish for. When
Michael Moon moves to the
country with his mum, dad,
and baby sister, he discovers a
magical and mysterious cauldron
that promises to grant him a
wish a day for each of the next
four days. It sounds too good to
be true, but as Michael’s wishes
begin to have unexpected consequences, he and his new best
friend, Toni, come to realise that
the cauldron’s promise causes
more problems than it solves.
AGE GROUP: Teen
RUBY REDFORT:
FEEL THE FEAR
Ruby is a super-cool secret
agent, code-cracker and thirteenyear-old genius. The fourth book
in the scarily awesome Ruby
Redfort series, by multi-millioncopy bestselling author Lauren
Child. This time Ruby must pit
her wits against a seemingly
invisible foe. How do you set
your sights on catching a lightfingered villain if you can't even
see him...?
PRE, PREP OR SENIORS FOR ALL YOUR HAPPY READERS!
28 _ O Magazine _ CARMEL RILEY
CHERISH
THE MOMENTS
by Carmel Riley
Oakhill Principal
The Christmas term at school is
usually the longest term and the
busiest. So much school work gets
done from September to December
and in some ways that reflects the
business of nature itself.
September starts with sunshine and
glints of yellow and red on trees;
October brings the conkers – what
a crop we had this year; November
brings the dark nights and mornings
and then December brings the
frost and biting wind.
Just as the squirrels are busy
storing nuts and berries, staff and
pupils are busy preparing a store
of knowledge some of which will
be used now and even more in the
summer when it comes to exam
and assessment time.
CARMEL RILEY _ O Magazine _ 29
Milestones
The Christmas term is packed full with special
events from Harvest through to Bonfire night,
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day
and then the mad rush of carols, pantos and
Nativities. Each of these milestones is anticipated
and celebrated. The Christmas term is all about
preparation and cherishing the moment.
Waiting is an integral part of life and you
will often hear the children say things like
‘Oh! I can’t wait for it to be Christmas day’
or ‘I can’t wait until my exams are over.’
Waiting can sometimes be an irritation;
waiting for a phone to start up or waiting for
the traffic lights to change. One of the best
ways we can deal with waiting is to occupy
ourselves in preparation.
Teaching children how to do something is all
about preparation for when they will apply that
skill or knowledge. Preparation is a natural
and healthy response to waiting for an event
whether it be Christmas or a driving test.
Family Time
We are prompted to prepare for Christmas
from quite early on. The launch of the
Christmas ads and anticipation about which
song will become number one are all part and
parcel of the commercial side of Christmas.
‘‘
It is very difficult not to ask children what they
want for Christmas and the expectation is that
it will be the latest computer game or a bike.
What I have found heartening is the fact that
an increasing number of children answer that
question with the fact that all they want is
Christmas itself and to be with their families.
Christmas begins with Advent and a time of
preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ and
the Holy Family. The joy that we are waiting
for has arrived and the wonder of a new born
child brings everyone together to celebrate the
hope that new life brings. The Christmas Story
is a story that will never fade as it brings light,
hope and joy to us at the darkest time of the
year. Younger children in particular find such
wonder in this very simple and very powerful
story.
I don’t think I will ever tire of singing carols
around the tree or watching the children
perform their Nativity.
Cherish
The innocence and wonder are all brought back
to life in the faces and voices of all the children
that we know so well. It is a privilege to be
with children over the Christmas period and
help them prepare for that special time with
their families.
I hope that amongst all the preparation
we find time to cherish the moments
with our families and friends and that
happiness which comes with true
celebration”.
30 _ O Magazine _ THE FAMILY TREE
THE FAMILY TREE _ O Magazine _ 31
THE
OAKHILL
FAMILY TREE
FROM HOGHTON TO HIGHAM,
FOULRIDGE TO FENCE,
SKIPTON TO SALESBURY,
PADIHAM TO PRESTON,
BURNLEY TO BLACKBURN
LANGHO TO LONGRIDGE
THE OAKHILL FAMILY OF
PARENTS PUPILS AND
TEACHERS IS SPREAD
FAR AND WIDE.
Each day our fleet of private buses pick
up children across Lancashire and
deliver them safely to and from school –
that’s 9,750 stops and drops in each
academic year!
Oakhill is an Independent Catholic Day
School for boys and girls aged from
3 months to 16 years – welcoming all
faiths – and nestled in beautiful, wooded
grounds in the heart of the Ribble Valley.
We pride ourselves on a unique learning
environment and ethos, where children are
educated through faith and family values.
We believe every child has talent and
ability and we nurture that through
excellent, committed teaching, for
confident and happy children.
Dedicated, long standing teachers, live
and breathe their work and go the extra
mile to make the difference.
And in return pupils travel those extra
miles to join our family here at Oakhill.
If you would like to learn more about Oakhill –
or to receive a prospectus –
please get in touch.
Oakhill College, Wiswell Lane, Whalley,
Lancashire, BB7 9AF.
www.oakhillcollege.co.uk
Telephone: 01254 823546
Email: [email protected]
32 _ O Magazine _ COUNSELLING
COUNSELLING _ O Magazine _ 33
A HELPING HAND
TO GUIDE YOU TO YOUR
FULL POTENTIAL IN LIFE
For 30 years English tutor Sue Wilkinson
has helped her teenage and adult students
achieve their qualifications amidst life’s ups and downs.
From exam stress to bereavement; bullying to
relationship issues, Sue believes there is always
a way to move past a problem – no matter how
big it might seem, and now, as a qualified
counsellor, she can spend more of her time
working with people to enable them to make
the changes they feel they might need.
“By talking through their feelings we can
work out the problems that might be blocking
their progress, and help them to re-focus on
their goals.”
“Sometimes we get stuck in a routine of
simply thinking about a problem rather than
connecting with the way it makes us feel.
“Habits and thought patterns can go way back
into the past – and counselling helps you to
confront these in a very safe environment
which is completely non-judgemental and
confidential,” says Sue.
“Yet it is our feelings that tell us something is
not quite right – and by exploring them we can
find a way to move past whatever it is that is
holding us back.”
Like adults, children and teenagers can feel
immense daily pressure from modern life;
sometimes struggling to find the emotional
skills to express their true feelings.
“The pressure from society to achieve high
grades can affect both parents and young
people. It is a common, yet very stressful area
of difficulty,” adds Sue, who has four grown
boys of her own.
“Children who are taking on board the hopes
of parents and the school can be like pressure
cookers waiting to explode. Exam pressure can
leave them in a very scary place.
For some personal counselling is less about
solving a particular problem and more about
personal development.
“It’s not always an easy process because
people can come face to face with who they
really are and begin to accept themselves, with
all their limitations. This can help them to
move forward again.
“There really doesn’t have to be a massive
crisis happening for a person to feel unhappy.
Counselling is all about
understanding your feelings
and working with these will
help you get the best from
your life.”
Sue has a wide range of clients from varying
backgrounds and cultures.
“My clients are men and women, children
and teenagers from all walks of life and backgrounds. Some I see privately, others working
as a volunteer at local Women’s Centres.
Men in particular can find it hard to come
forward and see talking about problems as a
weakness. It is the culture we live in. But I
have seen men really benefit from having
someone to talk to in confidence who is totally
non-judgemental.
“I think some people have the idea that
counsellors will give you a lot advice and
tell you where you are going wrong with
your life.
“But in reality that is not the case. The
person-centred approach is handing the
responsibility back to the client as they
find their life-energy again.
“Helping them to understand themselves
and their problems more clearly in a calm
and confidential environment.”
If you need to talk to someone and feel counselling could help you,
call Sue Wilkinson on: 07468 411999 or email: [email protected]
OUR NURSERY HAS:-
e Only m
i
T
Term SP
DP-²5 years
2
We are accessible from junctions 12 & 13 of the M65
We offer 15 hours per week government funded places
for children aged two, three and four years.
Full wrap-around care 7.30am - 6pm Birth – 5 years
PARENTING COLUMN _ O Magazine _ 35
Bare-faced insult
Stress test
When babies turn into toddlers they become
more aware of the way we look – especially
without make-up.
Beaming faces full of unconditional love are
replaced by chubby fingers jabbing at a spot
or rogue facial hair.
“Wassat mummy?” They shout in public.
My own mother warned me many years ago
when my brother told her she was, “beautiful
from a distance.”
But nothing really prepares you for the slow
descent into child-induced self-consciousness.
I’ll never forget the morning I awoke to find
my toddler in bed beside me, stroking my face.
“Morning my darling,” I said; heart melting.
“Oh mummy,” she gushed. “You just look like
a beautiful, big, red pig.”
A new study (of 10 parents I must point
out) has found that our stress levels are
30 per cent higher as we wake and
anticipate the looming school run,
reports the Daily Mail.
Levels of cortisol – the stress hormone –
go on to peak at 8.15am as mothers and
fathers head out of the door and linger
until 2.30pm in the afternoon.
Swabs were taken at five points of the day
by Chartered psychologist, Dr Simon
Moore, on behalf of Allianz Insurance.
Well my little lady takes the bus these
days – but our morning routine isn’t
always the picture perfect start I would
like it to be.
You join us after an hour of cajoling her
out of bed, into her uniform and pretty
much bullying her to eat breakfast . . .
Me: “Eat up that egg missy –
the bus will be here soon”.
Child: Dramatic sigh – indistinguishable
mumbling under breath.
“Yes mum . . . I know.”
7.55am
Me: (Third time) “Have you cleaned your
teeth – it’s five to eight…”
Child: “Mum. I KNOW. I can tell the
time!”
8.00am
Me: “You did clean your teeth
didn’t you?”
(Knowing she didn’t).
Seething silence. Stomps upstairs
8.01am
Me: Bus is here . . .
Child: “No way!
Why have you made me late – AGAIN?!”
AND BREATHE!
PARENT
-ING
by Guest
Columnist SJ
OUR HOLIDAY CLUB BOASTS:-
– 6pm
7.30am years
4 – 11
)XOO\TXDOLÀHGVWDII
,&7VHVVLRQV
'HQEXLOGLQJ
'DQFLQJ _)LWQHVV
)RRWEDOO
Bookings available for:‡&KULVWPDV‡)HEKDOIWHUP‡(DVWHUEUHDN
‡-XQHKDOIWHUP‡6XPPHUKROLGD\V
Turner Road, Lomeshaye Village, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 7DR
01282 619 229 www.lvdn.co.uk [email protected]
No coat really gets my goat
What is it with children refusing to wear coats
when they reach high school?
As the weather worsens I shiver watching my
11-year-old press against the driving wind and
lashing rain on her way to the bus stop.
Oblivious to her blue lips and chattering teeth,
she insists: “Oh mum, nobody in high school
wears coats.”
After weeks of racking my brain for a solution
I think I’ve finally nailed it.
All-in-one, thermal long-johns to be worn
under the uniform.
If that doesn’t horrify her into her school
coat – I don’t know what will.
COLU MN
r
Judged
OUTSTANDING by Ofsted
4XDOLW\DZDUGV
)UHQFKOHVVRQV
7LQ\7UXPSHWVPXVLFJURXS
6RXQGOLJKWURRP
$OORWPHQW
6RIWSOD\URRP
If you would like to write a guest column
email the editor:
[email protected]
36 _ O Magazine _ HEALTH
HEALTH _ O Magazine _ 37
DOCTOR
HILARY
JONES
As a GP, Dr Hilary Jones has become
accustomed to delivering life-changing
news to patients and their families.
But even after 25 years in the job, the
Good Morning Britain presenter still reels
when he remembers the day his sevenyear-old son was diagnosed with the
rarest form of diabetes.
By Sarah Rigg
Hilary’s son Tristan was seven when
doctors realised he had Type 1 of the
illness – accounting for just 10 per cent
of all sufferers.
Says Hilary: “In the weeks running
up to this my wife and I noticed
Tristan was off colour and quite
jaded. But like any other parents
we attributed it to school related s
tress and general tiredness.
“It wasn’t until I checked his urine
and found it loaded with sugar that
we realised it was possibly diabetes.
We followed up with a blood test and
found an extremely high reading.
Tristan was well on his way to
diabetic ketoacidosis.”
Diabetic ketoacidosis – or DKA – is potentially life
threatening and happens when a severe lack of insulin
means the body cannot use glucose for energy, and
breaks down other body tissue as an alternative
energy source.
Hilary adds: “For doctors it is often the way that
you don’t spot in your own family what you discover
in other people. It is why we are discouraged from
treating our own family members.
“As a parent your medical degree is completely
stripped away when something like this happens,
so you feel anger and frustration that this random
illness has suddenly hit your family.
“It was a tough time,” admits Hilary. “It is hard for a
parent to explain to their child that they need to go on
a drip and then have four times a day injections of
rapid acting insulin – and long term insulin at night.
“In terms of initially persuading Tristan, there was a
bit of rebellion, but when he saw other children of the
same age giving themselves injections – that made it a
lot easier for him to accept.”
Today Tristan is a strapping 6ft 5ins, 33-year-old –
a GP himself – a regular rugby and squash player
and dad of one.
Adds Hilary: “My son can use an insulin pump now, so
he can skip breakfast have a bigger lunch if he wants
to. He’s an expert in his own diabetes management.
Not because he’s a doctor, but because he’s a patient.”
It was this experience that led to Hilary is becoming
an ambassador for Europe’s biggest online diabetes
community, diabetes.co.uk.
The charity has founded a groundbreaking diabetes
management programme for people with the most
common Type 2, allowing users to self monitor blood
glucose levels.
To find out more, visit www.diabetes.co.uk
or follow on Twitter: @Diabetescouk
“It is a fantastic resource where
patients can exchange practical day to
day information,” says Hilary. “They
can swap advice on what to do if you
have a fever or are going abroad – the
things that doctors and nurses often
don’t have time to explain to patients.
“The very rigid measuring of food and
calorie counting has diminished because
with blood glucose testing people can
adjust the food they eat to the exercise
they take in their everyday lives and not
be bound by the counting that used to
go on. The online forum is extremely
liberating for people with diabetes, and
helps them to feel at ease while eating
out and socialising.
“The fact they can now adjust their
medication has been the revolution in
diabetes care.”
Type 2 Diabetes is closely associated
with obesity.
Hilary adds: “Obesity is in this century
what tobacco smoking was in the last
century and one of the biggest threats
to humanity.
“Half the UK population will be
clinically obese by 2050, which is why
I feel bitterly angry when successive
governments continue to sell off
playing fields at schools and try to take
competitive sport out of the curriculum.
Life is competitive and the sad fact is
that much of diabetes is preventable –
yet it is still on the rise in children.”
38 _ O Magazine _ HEALTH
Same day tooth implants have
given Viv Burton a new smile,
revived confidence and
a new youthful radiance
YEARS
YOUNGER
A visit to the dentist has transformed the life of
Lancashire businesswoman Viv Burton.
But her dentist is no ordinary dentist —
it is Douglas Lee Dental Associates a leading
UK centre of excellence for the revolutionary
‘Fast and Fixed’ procedure for same-day implants.
HEALTH _ O Magazine _ 39
Because she was fearful and
nervous of dental treatment, fashion
store owner Viv hated going to the
dentist and as a result had lost her
lower teeth and had endured illfitting dentures for many years.
Her upper teeth were crooked and
her gums were also in poor shape
— as was her confidence, which had
gradually been eroded.
“Because I was conscious of my teeth I had a habit
of putting my hand over my mouth. I was just so
frightened of going to the dentist but Douglas Lee
Dental Associates have changed that. I cannot praise
them enough —I actually look forward to going to
see them!”
After reading about Douglas Lee and the ‘Fast and
Fixed’ same day implant procedure Viv plucked up
courage and booked an appointment.
Other dentists had advised Vivienne that her top
teeth would have to be removed and replaced with
dentures, which she was desperate to avoid as she
already disliked having the lower denture.
The first thing implant expert Dougie Lee did was
explain what would be necessary and that it would be
pain free, which gave Viv much-needed confidence.
She was also told her upper gums needed treatment
to get them back in shape ready for a full upper arch
implant procedure.
Since Douglas Lee Dental Associates adopted
the ‘Fast and Fixed’ same day technique, which
originated in Germany, they have become a flagship
practice that is used to teach the procedure.
“To become a teaching surgery for ‘Fast and Fixed’
is a real compliment – it is a massive boost to us and
it gives us the chance to show other dentists what can
be achieved with this technique,” says Dougie.
Testament to their high level of skills, Douglas Lee
Dental Associates were the first team in the UK to
BEFORE
AFTER
carry out a full set of upper and lower jaw
implants within a day using the `Fast and Fixed’
technique.
At his state-of-the-art surgery in Accrington
Dougie’s patients are settled into their private
ensuite day room, complete with a day-bed and
sofa. Generally, patients opt to be sedated so the
procedure is anxiety free and absolutely painless.
Typically in less than three hours the surgery is
complete – the patient has felt no pain and more
or less dozed through all of it.
The new teeth are then custom-made by Mark
Roach, the practice’s on-site dental technician,
while throughout the rest of the day, the patient
relaxes in their day-suite, their every need
attended to by personal care-nurses. By about
6pm the new teeth are ready.
Besides minor swelling and bruising similar to
that from simple tooth extractions, Dougie’s
patients recover quickly and with few problems.
“It is an extremely choreographed day where each
professional plays their part,” explains Dougie.
In Viv’s case, she was so delighted with the results
in her upper jaw that only a week later she
returned without a qualm to have full lower arch
implants, enabling her to abandon dentures forever!
“I can’t believe the confidence it has given me,”
she said. “I can honestly say it is the best
investment I have ever made!”
When implants are carried out the experts at
Douglas Lee take into account facial contours,
so Viv’s bright new smile shines through making
her look years younger: “I couldn’t be happier
with the result!” She says.
Douglas Lee Dental Associates
115 Whalley Road • Accrington BB5 1BX
01254 237517
[email protected]
www.douglasleedental.co.uk
40 _ O Magazine _ CELEBRITIES
CELEBRITY
INTER
VIEW
with Coronation Street’s
newest stars
Oliver Farnworth and
Claire King
CELEBRITIES _ O Magazine _ 41
O: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES?
Claire: Having big family Christmases when we were
children; it seems more magical when you’re a child.
These days you just think, ‘I’ve got to cook for fourteen
people!’ It’s better when you’re a kid and you really
enjoy the whole magic of Christmas. Like going to my
grandparents’ big old house and playing hide and seek.
Oliver: I’ve got a lot actually. I’ve got two younger
sisters and on Christmas Eve we would always light the
candles on the Christmas tealight carousel which has
chimes and spins around from the heat. My mum would
read us the Night before Christmas and we would put
a mince pie and stuff out for Santa. I remember the
excitement from when I was little and just couldn’t wait
to go to bed to wake up the next morning. I’m like that
now and we still do the same thing – normally after
we have rolled in from the pub – but we must light the
candles and read the Night before Christmas.
My mum can recite off by heart.
O: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE
CHRISTMAS SONG/CAROL?
Claire: I don’t really like Christmas carols but when
it’s beautifully sung I love Silent night: in a very
professional, almost opera kind of way.
Oliver: We have a Maddy Prior CD that we always
play. It’s got loads of really old fashioned stuff with
close vocal harmonies and they play on these like
Tudor woodwind instruments. The Holly and the Ivy
is my favourite on that.
O: FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FILM?
Claire: Bad Santa
Oliver: The Snowman, definitely.
He played the dashing Florian Dupont in
ITV’s Mr Selfridge – while she found fame
as villainous vixen Kim Tate in Emmerdale.
Now actor Oliver Farnworth and actress
Claire King are causing squabbles on the
cobbles of Coronation Street as the two
controversial characters in Britain’s
best loved soap.
O Magazine caught up with the pair for a
quick behind the scenes chat . . .
O: PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY?
Claire: Somebody else cooking for me or very
similar to what I had last year. My partner and
I went to Spain and we took a chateaubriand with us,
forgot all about the turkey and just had a really good
piece of beef. We visited friends and it was sunny so
that was a really good one.
Oliver: An archetypal white Christmas with family and
loads of food, loads of booze, a massive turkey. Just
having the family round with that bit in the afternoon
where there’s nothing to do but eat and drink more.
O: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?
Claire: I have given up smoking, which I am
now three months into and I am not giving
booze up. I don’t drink in February, which is
something I do every year because February is
the shortest month and January is my birthday
month: you’ve got to have a drink on your
birthday. So yes it would be to just continue
that ritual.
Oliver: Not to make any New Year’s resolutions
because I’ve never really made them before.
As for personal goals, coming and working at
Corrie has been amazing
so just continuing that
would be fantastic.
Come
and see
the REAL
colour
experts
GLAMOUR _ O Magazine _ 43
If you want truly glamorous hair this season
you can do no better than take a nod back to the 1950’s
when women were women – and men were grateful!
Follow these top tips for achieving luscious locks . . .
Drop head
georgeous
vintage twist
with a
47 King St, Whalley, BB7 9SP
01254 822435
pjpalmer.com
Oakhill College staff parents and
pupils receive 20% off, on production
of the Oakhill College Privilege Card
If you feel like upping the
glamour this season, contact
P & J Palmer
47 King Street, Whalley,
Clitheroe BB7 9SP.
01254 822435
The Updo
The classic updo is a familiar favourite, allowing
the hair to look effortlessly chic while keeping
all of the attention on the main star of the show
(the dress, of course!). From bold beehive buns to
understated yet timeless ballerina buns, there are
so many ways to work a classic updo. A bun hair
piece hair piece simply clips over your hair to
reveal a gorgeous statement hairstyle. For instant
glamour, sweep aside fringe across your face and
fix the bun into a simple low style.
Glossy Locks
If there is one requirement for looking good,
it is that your hair must be shiny and styled at
all times! Beauty experts everywhere have raved
about Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway’s chic
little crop. Not only does it perfectly define her
beautiful features but it looks healthy and full of
shine. If you aren’t brave enough to face the chop
then make sure you work glossy locks instead.
A great hair oil will transform any dry and drab
locks into suddenly shiny and fab hair.
Hollywood Glamour Waves
A token hairstyle at any awards ceremony, waved
hair perfectly pays tribute to the screen starlets of
the past and is a go-to hairstyle for actresses such
as Scarlett Johansson.
Styling your hair into vintage inspired waves can
be done with either hair extensions or your natural
hair. To achieve the desired look you can use a
trusty set of GHDs by pulling the hair through in a
waving motion. Once you have waved the hair,
make sure you spray plenty of hairspray and hold
the waves into place using hair grips.
6
DARCEY
BUSSELL’S
TIPS FOR A
Relax!
LONDON
TRIP
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1 My absolute favourite theatre is the
Royal Opera House in Covent Garden (above).
It was the first place I performed as a student
in 1985 and is a London culture icon.
2 The best place for a pre or post-theatre
dinner has to be Christopher's in Covent
Garden. It really gets you in the mood for a
lovely evening out. For a cocktail, I love
the St Martin’s Lane Hotel – the atrium is
beautiful – or Galvin at Windows on Park
Lane, which has one of the best views of
Hyde Park.
3 My favourite gallery in London is the
V&A because of the lovely arty exhibitions.
Next year they’re showing the Alexander
McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition, which
I’m sure will be amazing (opens 14 March).
4 For shopping I head to High Street
Kensington or Covent Garden. It’s not too
crazy busy like some areas of London but
has a bit of everything you need.
5 For buying – and trying – local produce,
I really recommend Borough Market.
It hosts some of the best food and chefs in
London, and has a really great atmosphere
all year round. There’s just so much fantastic
food to choose from.
6 One thing all visitors MUST do in London
is the London Eye (below). It has the best
view of London and always best to go on
15 minutes before sunset. It takes half an
hour in total, so you get to see London in
the day and London on nightfall.
TRAVEL _ O Magazine _ 47
Take a
chance
on a
ranch
By Sarah Rigg
Far from the private islands of Fiji,
or the Maharaja palaces of India’s
Rajasthan, comes a surprising new
A-list destination – ranching in the
American ‘wild west’.
It’s time to ditch your preconceptions
and open up to the extraordinary
landscape luring Hollywood starlets
such Julia Roberts, Kate Bosworth
and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Riding holiday specialist, Ranch Rider,
has been selling ranch holidays for
almost two decades - and 2015 is a
yee-haw hot-spot for fun in the
sun seekers.
Lodge bar interior, Brush Creek Ranch & Spa, Wyoming
For more options:
www.ranchrider.com
We asked ranch expert Ruth Daly
for her top hot spots for 2015 . . .
1. The Wildcatter, Texas
Located on 1,500-acres, The Wildcatter is a
sanctuary for cowgirls who are looking to swap
their stilettos for spurs. Each of the luxurious
lodge rooms and cabins hark back to a time when
cattle barons roamed the range. There's an infinity
edged pool overlooking the Brazos River.
Six nights with Ranch Rider from only £949pp
(no single supplement).
2. Brush Creek Ranch & Spa, Wyoming
Wyoming's Brush Creek Ranch & Spa covers
30,000-acres of the Cowboy state, the property
set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre and
Snowy Mountain Ranges. Guests have the option
to sign up for yoga classes held on the expansive
deck of Falcon Peak Overlook or for an extra
fitness boost they can hire a personal trainer.
The remote yurt adventure on the outer stretches
of the ranch is a magical glamping experience.
Six nights with Ranch Rider from £3,045pp
(two sharing).
3. Tombstone Ranch, Arizona
Wake up on Main Street in the Wild West, the
Tombstone Monument Ranch resembling a town
from the 1800s. Where history and culture
combine there are trails leading to the Dragoon
Mountains, the landscape best explored with a
member of the local Yaqui Indian tribe.
The property still has all the trappings of a
luxury resort and a dip in the pool or the
Jacuzzi is a must for saddle sores.
Seven nights with Ranch Rider from £905pp
(two sharing).
48 _ O Magazine _ SPIDERS
SPIDERS _ O Magazine _ 49
THE CASE FOR THE
much-maligned
British spider
When it comes to creepy crawlies there are
none which seem to bug us more than spiders.
So in a bid bring some perspective we asked
one of Britain’s leading experts untangle
the web of myths about our little house guests…
By Geoff Oxford,
British Arachnological Society
Spiders are all around us, often
in surprising numbers. However,
it is in autumn and winter when
they become most obvious,
even to the casual observer.
Shrieks often announce the
sighting of a spider occupying a
bath or sink, or racing across
the carpet. Many people dislike
spiders and yet even a superficial
understanding of their biology and
behaviour can lead to a new respect
and tolerance; even fascination.
Here are 5 little-known facts:
The big, brown specimens are Large House spiders
(Tegenaria species). Despite their common name they
thrive perfectly well outside as well as in, so moving an
individual from house to garden is not unkind. There is
no evidence that they creep back in again.
Large House spiders often pause in the middle of a room.
Contrary to popular belief, they are not planning their next
move – they are simply exhausted. These spiders can run
very fast, but only for short distance before they have to
rest. This is the best time to catch them with a glass and
card to put outside.
A spider found in a bath or sink has not come up through
the plughole, which has beneath it a U-bend full of water.
Apart from a few specialist species, spiders are not keen
scuba divers! They fall in while seeking a drink during their
nocturnal wanderings and once there, the smooth sides
prevent escape. Trapped, they have to await your morning
ablutions.
Spider webs have been used by humans since at least the
Middle Ages to staunch the flow of blood from wounds.
Some silks have recently been shown to have antibacterial
properties. There is currently intense interest in the use of
spider silk in other aspects medicine, for example, aiding
the regeneration of severed nerves.
For more information on
Britain’s spiders go to the
British Arachnological Society’s
website www.britishspiders.org.uk
Finally don’t forget that spiders are immensely useful.
All species eat insect prey so without them the numbers
of houseflies, midges and mosquitoes in and around our
houses would be considerably higher. They are one of
nature’s safest insecticides – and yes, they really are safe.
No British spider is at all dangerous to us or our pets, despite
constant and irresponsible media claims to the contrary.
50 _ O Magazine _ PEOPLE
OLIVER WIGGAN
BMW GENIUS
Q: Does it take a genius
to drive a BMW?
A: No – but it does take one
to show you how!
How do the customers react
to the growing technology?
BMW have staked their claim as world
leaders when it comes to state-of-the art,
in-car technology.
Real-time multi-media connection,
sophisticated sat nav, a 24-hour concierge
service, superior safety features, heated
steering wheels and automatic vehicle
location are just a few of the fab and
futuristic features this luxury series has
to offer.
So do you need to be a genius to operate
one? No ... but at Bowker BMW in
Blackburn
you have your very own official Genius on
hand to guide you – 7 days a week.
Some are blown away by the features other
customers just want to drive the car from
the showroom. I had one lady who simply
wanted to know how fast the car went
and how high the stereo would go!
What is your job description
as a BMW Genius?
Well firstly we don’t sell the cars, but step in
at the test drive and handover points to talk
the customers through the many features.
There is so much technology available now
that customers need someone who is trained
in every aspect to show them the vehicles’
full potential.
Earlier this year this premium brand rolled
out their ‘BMW Genius’ programme
after a hugely successful pilot scheme.
What sorts of features are available
in the latest models?
Each BMW Genius is an expert in the
increasingly sophisticated technologies
and personalisation options available from
the company.
A lot of the BMW’s now come with online
entertainment and live streaming, real time
traffic satellite navigation so you can be
re-routed if there is congestion or a crash
further down the road for example.
We spoke to Bowker Blackburn BMW
Genius Oliver Wiggan about his exciting
new role...
We give the customer a full demonstration
of their particular vehicle.
Then there was an elderly gentleman
who had found his inner boy-racer and
wanted to know everything.
It changes from customer to customer.
The important thing is to explain in a
way that is going to enhance the driver
experience – not to confuse it.
How much support do
BMW customers receive?
We are always on hand with answers to
questions – the customer after care here is
second to none. The first thing that struck
me about working here is the genuine passion
everyone has for the brand.
How do you keep up with the changes?
We are constantly being trained in what is
a very fast moving industry. I am crazy
about cars anyway – and have been all my
life. As a family we spent most of my early
years visiting motoring shows up and down
the country.
I also devour everything online and keep
up to date with the new technologies in
development.
Do you actually wear a T-shirt
that says ‘Genius’ on it?
(Laughs) We do!
My mother can actually say her son
is a genius!
Bowker BMW
Trident Way • Off Whitebirk Drive • Blackburn • BB1 3NU
01254 274446
www.bowkerblackburnbmw.co.uk
The new
BMW 2 Series
Active Tourer
The Ultimate
Driving Machine
EVERYDAY EXCEPTIONAL.
THE NEW BMW 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER.
Whatever your plans, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is designed for an active life.
Offering incredible spaciousness whilst still leaving room for exceptional performance,
it completely reimagines the family car.
The
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sa
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vailable from
from £22,125.
£22,125.
T he n
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ourer iis
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Bowker
B
owker Blackburn
Blackburn
Trident
T
rident P
Park,
ark, O
Off
ff W
Whitebirk
hitebirk D
Drive
r i ve
Blackburn
BB1
3NU
B
la ck bur n B
B1 3
NU
O
Official
f ficial ffuel
uel economy
economy ffigures
Active Tourer
Tourer range:
range: Urban
Urban 43.5–60.1mpg
43.5 – 60.1mpg
igures for
for the
the new
new BMW
BMW 2 Series
Series Active
((6.5–4.7l/100km).
6.5 – 4.7l/10 0km). E
Extra
x tra U
Urban
61.4–76.3mpg
Combined
53.3–68.9mpg
o m b ine d 5
3 . 3 – 6 8 .9 m p g
r ba n 6
1.4 –76.3mpg ((4.6–3.7l/100km).
4.6 –3.7l/10 0km). C
((5.3–4.1l/km).
5.3 – 4.1l/km). CO
CO 2 e
emissions
missions 1
124–109g/km.
24 –109g/km. Figures may var y depending on driving st yle and conditions.
*Te st dr i ve is subject to a pplic a nt status and availa bilit y.