INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL AT WALT DISNEY WORLD, FLORIDA
Walt Disney World in Florida celebrates its 17th year of the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival from 3rd March until 16th May 16 2010. The 75 day festival held in Epcot, one of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks will play host to nearly 100 expertly crafted topiaries and 30 millions blooms, artfully designed floral beds, expertly crafted bonsai trees and lush rose gardens which will grace the 300 acres of Future World and Future World Showcase in Epcot.

This year’s theme, ‘Great Outdoors’ features elaborate topiary designs with a live waterfall and pond including Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck toasting marshmallows over a campfire and Pluto in his pup-tent.

Festival highlights include:
· The new Community Garden at American Adventure featuring topiary pals Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy tending tomatoes, beans, peppers, herbs and other edibles in their first Community Garden

· The newly expanded Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden will sprinkle pixie dust over this playful garden designed especially for kids

· Fawn’s Butterfly House at Pixie Hollow formerly known as Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly House, will see hundreds of butterflies flitting among the lush foliage, that includes a live exhibit showing how caterpillars emerge from their chrysalis as butterflies

· The first-ever American Gothic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse based on the 1930 Grant Wood painting at World Showcase Plaza

· Disney gardening at home presentations with Disney horticulturists sharing gardening tips

INTERESTING FACTS:
300 Walt Disney World horticulturists are needed to install the festival landscape, topiaries and many exhibits; 100 Epcot horticulturists maintain topiaries and other festival displays.

It takes one full year to prepare for the annual festival.

More than 500 native butterflies representing up to 10 species reside in Fawn’s Butterfly House at Pixie Hollow, a gazebo-type enclosure filled with lush plants and measuring more than 40 feet in diameter. Guests can stroll through the screened habitat to view the colourful butterflies. Among the garden’s two dozen nectar plants are Cape Royal plumbago, passion flower, coral honeysuckle, blazing star, butterfly bush, scarlet milkweed and canna lily.
300,000 bedding plants are installed for the festival.

At least 25 different plants, grasses and mosses of various colours, including pink and red begonias, dusty miller, palm fiber, palm seeds, ficus and lichen,are used to create and define features of the festival topiaries. More than 15 floral, herbal and spice ingredients of 10 popular perfumes are revealed in the Fragrance Garden presented by Guerlain at the France pavilion. Nearly 40 varieties of trees, plants and flowers are featured in this year’s Key to Outdoor Living garden, an upscale outdoor living area with the laid-back ambiance of Key West
Forty-five “flower towers” of impatiens line Innoventions Plaza. 100 floating mini-gardens of multi-hued impatiens, each three feet in diameter, provide splashes of colour on two ponds that border the walkway between Future World and World Showcase. 750 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables in clay pots, barrels and urns enhance the landscape throughout Epcot

More information about the 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by visiting http://www.waltdisneyworld.co.uk/

LAUNCH OF MYLO - ONE OF THE FIRST OF A NEW RANGE OF PRODUCTS DIRECTLY INFLUENCED BY THE SECOND GENERATION OF THE SCACCHETTI FAMILY
Mamas & Papas founder Luisa Scacchetti is one of the forerunners to the modern day entrepreneur. Alongside Anita Roddick, Luisa was one of the first kitchen-table entrepreneurs and mothers who founded global brands from the seeds of ideas born of their own frustration with male-run brands of the 1980’s. Nearly 30 years later and with 65 international stores, the West Yorkshire based maternity fashion and baby goods brand leads the world in premium products for the discerning parent and their Hollywood to Hong Kong celebrity following is testament to Luisa’s ethos of considered design and the finest quality as well as her signature Anglo-Italian chic.

The inspiration for the Mamas & Papas brand was not a product idea but a person. Amanda Scacchetti, the firstborn daughter of Luisa, is the reason why this anointed Superbrand exists. Twenty-nine years later Amanda has risen through numerous roles to her current role of leading the brand’s product design team into the next decade. Her first project was to re-invent the humble pushchair for the next generation of parent and child. Using the latest in technologically advanced materials, ergonomic research and the finest design agency in the UK, Amanda premiered her vision of parenting to the world’s largest trade fair in Germany in September. Her ‘Mylo’ pushchair was the talk of the fair and since the product’s launch the waiting list has turned into a who’s who of celebrities and high-end boutiques around the world.

Speaking to Hot Brands Cool Places, Amanda described her unique position within the universe of luxury brands,

“When my mother founded Mamas & Papas she had no idea that it would become a global brand feted by celebrities and honoured with award after award. For her, all she wanted to do was to give to other mothers and fathers the kind of products she felt celebrated new life and made it a joyful experience but also raised the level of comfort and safety. Having being born into the family business I have spent my life surrounded by her mantra to attempt to improve on everything and exceed expectation so when I joined the business after university I was the living and breathing embodiment of her vision to improve the lives of children and parents.

It is therefore natural for me to look at something and know that I can improve upon it. As my younger sister joined the company she too has come to the brand with a unique vision and collectively as a family and as a wider brand community we are able to bring about a very unique approach to the world of parenthood. And as my sister and I have recently become a mothers ourselves we are experiencing the brand afresh by directly joining the same journey and experiences as our customers. There are not many brands that have that level of resonance travelling through it’s very heart every single day.”

Mylo is the first of a new range of products directly influenced by the second generation of the Scacchetti family and being used by both sisters and in their roles as new mothers. The Mylo is launched this January in the 50 Mamas & Papas stores across the UK and details of the pushchair’s colour palettes and features appear on mamasandpapas.com/mylo . The waiting list’s premier signatories seems to be already emerging with international music sensation and Hollywood mother Gwen Stefani being the first to be snapped with the new Mylo. 2010 looks to be the birth of a new decade for one of the UK’s most loved brands.

AS HIGH STREET BRAND ALL BAR ONE TURNS 15, WE LOOK BACK TO 1995 – A YEAR OF FIRSTS AND ICONIC MOMENTS
Iconic, high street brand All Bar One celebrates their 15th Birthday this January as does Friends! A year of achievements and firsts, 1995 saw the birth of a brand brought to us specifically with women in mind, that has consistently delivered UK consumers with a civilised place to eat, drink and socialise, bringing together a community of like minded people

All Bar One, a brand that has withstood the onslaught of two recessions continues to offer its guests fantastic value. With over 30 wines all available by the glass, an extensive but simple seasonal menu, and wide range of special offers to suit the needs of the guests during challenging times, it’s no wonder All Bar One’s success continues.

As a thank you to all their loyal customers All Bar One are giving something back this January. Join the celebrations and take advantage of their ‘15 for £5’ offer. Whether you are meeting friends, grabbing a quick bite to eat or having a working lunch, there is something delicious for everyone to try.

The Birthday menu includes a wide selection of dishes. Choose from any of their 15 dishes that range from indulgent classics to new and exciting fusions all priced at an amazing £5! Try a hearty Burger or a classic Chicken Salad. Alternatively, why not enjoy the succulent Prawn and Chorizo Skewer or the oozing Camembert served with a spiced chutney and bread to dunk. For the vegetarians opt for either a full-flavoured Falafel Stack, Goat’s Cheese Tart or a Mushroom & Onion Tart, ideal for a lunchtime treat. All Bar One will also be offering guests who sign up to the All Bar One database or become a fan on facebook a bottle of Louis Dornier Champagne priced at just £15 during the celebrations!

Why not match you meal with one of All Bar One’s variety of affordable wines and beers, with the majority of wines available by the glass from £2.85. Try a full, rich-bodied Chianti from Southern Italy or a modern style smooth silky Tempranillo from Spain. If beer is more your thing, the superb range of bottled and draught beers, from all around the globe, will leave you with a dilemma of which one to try first. Go for the Kasteel Cru, a champagne beer, for something special or for a more traditional beer enjoy a deeper Innis and Gunn.

So brighten up your January and join All Bar One in celebrating their 15th birthday in style with some treats to beat the January blues.

The Dine for £5 offer is valid from Tuesday 5th January to Thursday 11th February and the sign up offer of Champagne for £15 runs from January 15th for 15 days.

www.allbarone.co.uk

ARE YOU THE PASTA MASTER? FANCY YOURSELF AS A BIT OF A CHEF? THINK YOU CAN COOK UP A SERIOUSLY GOOD BOWL OF PASTA?
Enter the Kitchen Italia Recipe Challenge and you could see your very own favourite pasta recipe on the Kitchen Italia Spring 2010 menu AND win a delicious pasta meal at the NEW Kitchen Italia in Covent Garden every day for a year!

To celebrate the opening of Kitchen Italia on Earlham Street (www.kitchen-italia.com , 020 7632 9500), the cool cantina is challenging all budding masterchefs to submit a recipe for a seriously ‘mean’ bowl of pasta by 28th February 2010. Judges will be looking for pasta dishes that excite the taste buds through their originality, or offer interesting twists on old classics. Entrants can submit their recipe through the website (www.kitchen-italia.com/members) or through the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kitchenitaliauk)

The best, most original recipe, as picked by the team at Kitchen Italia, will appear on the Covent Garden menu for three months and the winning chef will enjoy 12 months of free meals at Kitchen Italia, and a hamper of award winning Marfuga olive oils.

Offering a fresh, innovative approach to Italian dining, Kitchen Italia is a new destination for an affordable but fun night out in Covent Garden. The menu specialises in the many varieties of pasta native to specific Italian regions, each paired with the perfect sauce from light and zingy to rich and robust. Taking you on a journey across Italy, the menu also showcases dishes that prove their influence in world cooking such as Spaghetti with Meatballs and Macaroni Cheese. Other dishes on the menu include Tiger Prawn, Chilli & Garlic Tagliolini and Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter – so the competition is tough!

Special Note

A recipe for success:
- All recipes must be original and include pasta
- Enter via www.kitchen-italia.com/members or by post to Kitchen Italia, Walmar House, 288 Regent Street, London W1B 3AL
- Applicants can enter as many recipes as they wish
- The competition closes at 10am on 28th February 2010.
- The winner will be selected from all valid entries by Chef Director, Managing Director, Operations Director and Marketing Director of Kitchen Italia.
- The winner will be contacted by Tuesday 2nd March 2010
- Full terms and conditions at www.kitchen-italia.com
Kitchen Italia, Westfield and Earlham Street, are owned by Jamie Barber. Jamie also owns and runs Villandry in Fitzrovia and Bicester Village and Hush in Mayfair.

Kitchen Italia opened on 8th December at 41 Earlham Street, WC2 9LX

Tel: 020 7632 9500 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Open daily from: 11am-11.30pm Monday- Saturday / 11am-10.30pm Sunday

Kitchen Italia is also at Westfield, Southern Terrace, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7GB

Tel: 020 8749 9133 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.kitchen-italia.com

DISCOVER SECRET LOCATIONS IN THE UK WITH SHERLOCK HOLMES & RADISSON EDWARDIAN HOTELS
To celebrate the release of “Sherlock Holmes”(1), the hit film starring Robert Downey Jr. as Britain’s most famous sleuth and currently in theatres across the UK, Radisson Edwardian http://www.radissonedwardian.com/ hotels have joined forces with Visit Britain http://www.visitbritain.com/en/campaigns/sherlock-holmes/index.aspx to invite tourists to discover the “paths trodden” by the legendary detective and, more recently, the film’s director, Guy Ritchie.

With the Radisson Edwardian’s 11 enviable addresses in central London and one in Manchester, it comes as no surprise that Sir Conan Doyle and Mr Ritchie’s choices of locations cross paths with the luxury Radisson Edwardian hotel group on a number of occasions--from 221B Baker Street, home to the Sherlock Holmes Museum (see: Radisson Edwardian Grafton http://www.radissonedwardian.com/londonuk_Grafton ,) to Manchester Town Hall (see: Radisson Edwardian Manchester Free Trade Hall Hotel http://www.radissonedwardian.com/manchesteruk_edwardian ), which provided a suitably grand alternative to the real Houses of Parliament in the new movie.

Radisson Edwardian is offering a special Sherlock Holmes experience http://www.radissonedwardian.com/offers/3103287 from 26 December 2009 to 25th February 2010 for guests looking to follow in the footsteps of the iconic character. To make a booking or find out more visit http://www.radissonedwardian.com/sherlockholmes

From just £140 per room per night (2) London guests can enjoy a weekend (3) night’s stay, breakfast, 2 cinema tickets - to watch the latest blockbuster - 2 for 1 dining and a Sherlock Holmes Walking Book for them to discover the delights of London for themselves.

For visitors to the UK’s second city, the Radisson Edwardian Manchester Free Trade Hall hotel is offering a night’s stay, breakfast, 2 cinema tickets, and a Manchester guided tour (4) from £169 per room, per night.

For more information visit http://www.radissonedwardian.com/sherlockholmes

Special Note
(1) Released 26 December, nationwide
(2) Rate available at the Vanderbilt inc. VAT and Breakfast.
(3) Package available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night stays only
(4) Available Saturday and Sunday only at 2pm

A NEW YEAR AND NEW YOU! MY 2010 IN ASSOCIATION WITH ADIDAS COMES TO WESTFIELD LONDON
With fitness regimes out of the window within weeks, diets down the drain in days and resolutions forgotten about by February, Westfield London in association with adidas have decided to take action and create an event that is all about you offering realistic help, advice, tips, tricks and treats!

From the 22nd - 24th January Westfield London will house 3 interactive zones and a live stage in the Atrium – My Body with adidas, The Health & Beauty zone, The Style zone with Sky.com/Showbiz and My 2010 live stage. There will be a comprehensive stage programme throughout the 3 days designed to inspire, entertain and educate people!

My Body zone with adidas

Kick start your New Year workout wardrobe! Not sure where to start or what to wear when you walk through the door to the new gym you’ve joined? Have you been wearing the same old trainers to jog around the park? Well, come and visit the adidas fitness stylists and footwear advisors in the Body Zone who will be able to help you smarten up your workout wardrobe and get you ready to embrace the new, fitter, you.

So, how do you kick start your new lifestyle approach for 2010? You’ve got your new gym membership, entered a 5K run, signed up for a new Yoga class – but every girl’s nightmare….what do you wear? Come down to My Body Zone and meet the adidas fitness styling and footwear advisors. The fitness stylists will take you through the new spring women’s ranges and help you find the workout outfit perfect for you and your needs and goals. The footwear advisors will be ready and waiting to take you through a foot analysis consultation using the adidas foot scan machines. From this they will identify your unique running style and prescribe the correct trainer for you. Not only that, but adidas are offering everyone who goes through a fitness styling or footwear consultation.

adidas Stage activity

Come and see the new season adidas Women’s ranges in a lively performance of dance and fitness presentations on Saturday 23rd January at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Experience the organic and fluid silhouettes of the adilibria collection, the classic 3 Stripes Clima 365 and the clean silhouettes and rich, soft touch fabrics of adidas Yatra. Key products within the range feature sustainable materials like Organic Cotton, Modal and Tencel offering comfort and style for the most serene of exercise classes. Be inspired by a medley of exercise routines including cardio, stretching and toning and see how the adidas women’s fitness ranges can truly perform and help you achieve your goals to become a better you in 2010.

My 2010 live stage

Sky.com/Showbiz Style Talks with Hannah Sandling
Hannah discusses her experiences of styling celebrities, how to get the look, working with your body shape and colouring. ‘Real woman’ models come on stage dressed in their celebrity looks describing what they are wearing, where the clothes are from and what celeb they are intended to emulate.
Hannah will then give her verdict and talk about how/why these work for the season and for you.

Sky.com/Showbiz Beauty Talks with Sky Editor & Make up artists
Don’t miss the chance to meet celebrity make up artists; find out about their typical day, which stars/big names they’ve made up – be inspired! Get tip and tricks on the hot looks of the season, what to

Wear, how to wear and what to avoid.

My Health & Beauty Zone

This is the place to come if you fancy a treat. We’ll make sure you’re looking your best with offers from our best beauty retailers. Mini manicures, hair consultations, skin consultations, eyebrow treatments – you name it and we can do it.

Come and visit Dermalogica and get a free face mapping skin analysis. Our Face Mapping skin analysis takes all the guesswork out of getting results! Not only will your Dermalogica skin therapist diagnose your skin’s concerns, she’ll prescribe a no-nonsense home care and treatment regimen to deliver your optimum skin health in your 14 unique zones. To get you started you will be given a set of prescriptive samples to take away with you.

If this is the year to finally put smoking behind you! Come and visit Boots were they will offer
FREE Consultation with a Stop Smoking Advisor, FREE carbon monoxide reading, FREE 'real lung age' readings and MONEY-OFF COUPONS to spend in our Pharmacy to purchase a suitable Nicotine ReplacementProduct.

Make a life choice rather than undertaking a fast fad diet we often try this time of year. Boots are offering FREE weight, height & BMI readings, FREE consultation with a Healthcare Advisor/Pharmacist and an opportunity to purchase a suitable weight loss product and/or join a pharmacist led weight loss programme.

My Style Zone

Visit the My Style Zone in association with Sky.com/Showbiz to find out to check out the Sky.com/Showbiz website and find out what celebs will be wearing in 2010. There’s also the chance to be your very own cover star in the Sky.com/showbiz celebrity photo booth. From Brangelina’s new best friend to the fifth SATC star, you can join the jet set and see what you’d look like on the front of Sky Showbiz – just visit our star hub to find out more. With daily makeovers, star stylists, and real women showcasing the latest looks, Sky.com/ Showbiz has it covered.

THE EBURY HOOPS INTO 2010

The Ebury is getting set to get fit for the New Year by holding a series of fun Hula Hooping classes throughout January 2010. This latest group exercise craze to hit London is as old school as they get, and the Chelsea brasserie is offering taster sessions for those who want to get back into shape after the festive season. The Ebury is also introducing a brand new Healthy Choice menu this month, specifically designed to keep calorie content down without compromising on flavour.

Level 3 licensed hula hoop teacher Diana Deffries, who will be leading the class, will be teaching hoopers how to keep hoops moving while shaking their hips in time to music, and will also be incorporating a few dance moves into the routine.

As well as offering a fun alternative to going to the gym, the hula hooping class will work and challenge over 30 core muscles, thereby improving balance and co-ordination. The variations in hoop weight also mean that hooping is accessible for almost anyone at any level of fitness hoping to lose a few inches.

Classes will be an hour long and will cost £15 per student, running on the following dates.

Monday January 11th - 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Monday January 18th - 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Monday January 25th – 6:30pm – 7:30pm

The Ebury will be offering 25% off their a la carte and Healthy Choice menus exclusively to participants of the class, making it easy for hoopers to eat within 45 minutes of exercise, a widely recommended fitness practice.

Healthy Choice starters include Clear Beetroot Gazpacho with Baked Salmon or Buck Wheat Noodle with Pickled Wild Mushroom and Herb Salad, Carrot Caramel all of which have calorie counts no higher than 88 calories.

Healthy options for mains, which have an average calorie count of 180 calories each, include Grilled Haunch of Venison with Zesty Curly Kale with Crushed New Potato and Cranberry Jus (180 calories), or Pappilotte of Lemon Sole, Swiss Chard, Peloude Clams and Lemon Grass (205 calories)or Basket of Steamed Baby Vegetables with Jerusalem Artichoke Cloud (170 calories).

To book a place in the class or a table for dinner, please call The Ebury on 0207 266 6320 or 07595 400 287. Spaces for the class are limited so please book soon to avoid disappointment.

Book with friends for an unforgettable way to have fun, firm up and get fit at the same time.

The Ebury

11 Pimlico Road
London
SW1W 8NA
Tel: 0207 730 6784

NEW YEAR, NEW DINING EXPERIENCE

Super natural Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut menu at Hi Sushi for January

This New Year discover the true virtues of the ‘super natural’ Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut with a stylish tasting menu available exclusively throughout January 2010 at selected Hi Sushi branches throughout London (£50 per person).

Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut is memorable for its crystal-clear freshness and extra-dry taste – wine in its purest and most natural form, with no added dosage (sugar). As the most versatile of Laurent-Perrier’s wines, Ultra Brut has a rare chardonnay dominance that produces a lightness and subtle balance, making this the ideal partner for sushi.

Douglas Kang (Head Chef, Koi) and Eric Fu (Head Chef, Hi Sushi Izakaya) have produced a three-course light and delicate culinary sensation, based on traditional and fusion Japanese cuisine, which is designed to unleash the exceptional purity and freshness of Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut. Each dish has been carefully developed to ensure a clean and revitalising taste experience.

He comments, “The Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut tasting menu has been a delight to create and features some superb natural, pure flavours which enhance Ultra Brut’s honeysuckle flavours and extreme sense of freshness.”

And for those wanting a simple, healthy bite; for every glass of Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut (£10) Hi Sushi is offering a complimentary sushi Salmon Nigiri or California Cut Roll.

The three-course tasting menu includes a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut (between two people) and will be served exclusively for the month of January 2010 at Koi Sushi (1e Palace Gate, Kensington, W8 5LS), Hi Sushi Izakaya (27 Catherine Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JS), Hi Sushi Salsa (16 Hampstead High Street, NW3 1PX), Hi Sushi Salsa (3a Camden Wharf, 28 Jamestown Road, NW1 7BY).

For reservations please visit www.restaurantprivilege.com and quote LP Ultra Brut Tasting Menu. For more information on Hi and Koi Restaurants visit www.koi-restaurant.co.uk

For information on Laurent-Perrier please visit: http://www.laurent-perrier.co.uk

Featuring the distinctive blue and silver label, Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut is stocked in Selfridges, Harrods, Jeroboams, Harvey Nichols, Waitrose Wine Direct RRP: £43.99

Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut Tasting Menu at Hi Sushi branches (£100 for two people):

Trio of salmon cappaccio, served with a slice of sea bass, tuna and mackerel sashimi, followed by tempura cut roll infused by Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut dressed in caviar

Signature black cod and chicken Terriyaki served with steamed rice

Green tea chocolate fondue to share OR a fresh fruit platter for diners at Koi

75cl bottle of Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut

THE ROAD TO ZERO CARBON - A MAJOR ONE DAY CONFERENCE ON LOW AND ZERO CARBON BUILDINGS

Tuesday 9th February 2010
9.30am - 4.30pm
The Watershed, Bristol

*BOOKINGS ARE BEING TAKEN NOW*

The Government has set targets to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from all buildings, whether residential, commercial or public, new or existing.

All new buildings will need to be zero carbon within a decade, starting with a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions next October, while CO2 emissions from existing buildings need to be approaching zero by 2050.

We are now seeing a move from demonstration projects to an increasing number of real world low and zero carbon buildings being built. This demonstrates that it is already possible to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions.

This conference will showcase some of the best of these low and zero carbon projects, with a strong focus on the steps and measures taken and the impact on the construction process. This will provide delegates with a unique opportunity to learn from those at the leading edge of compliance with this fast approaching standard.

Speakers:
Chairman - Charlie Luxton – Designer and broadcaster.

Paul King - Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council and Chairman of the Zero Carbon Hub, on the latest policy developments on zero carbon buildings.

Bill Dunster - Principal of the Zedfactory and architect of the UK’s first non-demonstration Code Level 6 homes.

Ben Cook - Senior Land Manager for Barratt Homes and responsible for the company’s zero carbon development of 200+ homes at Hanham Hall near Bristol.

Gareth Davies - Director of Stride Treglown Architects who are planning a BREEAM Outstanding Office Building in Cardiff which will achieve a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to Building Regulations.

Vic Ebdon - Building Schools for the Future Programme Director, Devon County Council which currently has a number of low/zero carbon schools under construction or in design.

Carmel McQuaid - Climate Change Manager for Marks & Spencer, who have achieved significant reductions in CO2 emissions from their new and existing stores and their factories.

Fee: £180 plus VAT (£211.50 inc VAT)

Feel free to send your details by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01458 254349 to book over the phone. Please note that we are unable to accept payment over the phone.

Organised by: Devon Sustainable Building Initiative and Ecos Trust.

Supported by: UK Green Building Council, Zero Carbon Hub, SW Regional Development Agency, SW Councils (formerly the SW Regional Assembly), Chartered Institute of Building and Future Foundations, the region’s sustainable construction partnership.

Keep your eye on http://www.ecostrust.org.uk for up-to-date information on all our events including our terms and conditions.

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND OF ROMANCE AT COMBE HOUSE, DEVON STAY IN THATCHED COTTAGE OR ELIZABETHAN MANOR FROM £199 B&B FOR TWO SHARING

Whisk your loved one away this Valentine’s and book the weekend at Combe House Devon, a wildly romantic Elizabethan manor hotel hidden in 3,500 acres of lush countryside near Exeter. Couples can chose to stay in the historic house or a beautifully restored thatched cottage for two in the woods at the entrance to the mile long drive with prices from £199 B&B per room per night.

For a special treat, stay two nights in a beautiful four-poster bedroom or the luxurious contemporary style Linen Suite, which occupies the original Victorian laundry and features an amazing 6ft round copper washtub. Set the mood for romance with a box of homemade chocolates, pink champagne or a stunning bouquet of fresh flowers to await your arrival in the room. Dinner B&B in one of these stunning rooms and signature suites, or the secluded thatched cottage, is from £460 per room per night for a two-night stay on Friday and Saturday.

On Valentine’s Day itself, 14th February, Combe is offering a special candlelit dinner in a choice of two intimate dining rooms. Created by the hotel’s two resident Master Chefs of Great Britain, the five course Valentine’s night menu is £69 per person including a welcome glass of pink champagne with canapés. A three course Sunday lunch is also on offer at £35 per person with canapés to start, while for couples planning to stay overnight rooms are available in the Linen Wing from £199 B&B.

For details call Combe House on Tel: 01404 540400 or visit http://www.combehousedevon.com. The hotel is privately owned and run by Ruth and Ken Hunt.

CALL OF THE WILD: ENTRIES FOR VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2010 NOW OPEN
From emotive images of endangered species to awe-inspiring shots of the wildest of places on Earth, the global search for this year’s best wildlife pictures has begun.

Entries to Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition, opened on 12 January and close on 5 March 2010. Owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine, the Competition is now in its 46th year and showcases the very best photographic images of nature, providing an insight into the drama, beauty and importance of life on Earth.

The Competition is open to professional and amateur photographers of all ages. It includes 11 adult categories spanning everything from Creative Visions of Nature and Urban Wildlife to Animal Portraits and interesting Animal Behaviour. In addition the Competition has four special awards as well as three junior categories. The two overall winners, Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, will be selected from the Competition category winners.

New for Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2010 is an exciting new award – Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year. This award allows photographers to submit six pictures to tell a memorable story. All subjects covered in other categories in the competition are eligible, whether featuring animal behaviour or environmental issues from a positive or negative perspective. The visual narrative must work without the aid of words and will be judged by the picture quality in tandem with the power of the story itself.

The 2009 Competition attracted a record 43,135 entries from 94 countries. Highlights from the stunning selection of successful images include András Mészáros’ Raindrop refresher,which won the Behaviour: All Other Animals category. The category celebrates photographs that highlight fascinating or seldom witnessed behaviour of animals that are not mammals or birds. This beautiful image is a perfect example of how macro-photography reveals a world the eye would otherwise never see. Danny Green’s Starling wave also shone through as a winner of the Nature in Black and White category. Photographs in this category must display an artistic use of the black and white medium, featuring a wild landscape or creature.

Photographers can enter the 2010 Competition online at www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto for a flat fee of £20. All pictures must be in digital format – scans of transparencies or originally captured digital images. As well as the coveted title of Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year, adult entrants stand to win an impressive £10,000 prize or up to £1,000 for a category win. Entry is free for the three junior categories. The overall winner of the Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year title receives £500 and a day’s workshop with a professional wildlife photographer. Category winners receive £250.

All winning and commended photographers will have their images showcased in an international exhibition that debuts at the Natural History Museum, London in October 2010 before touring venues across the world. Winning images are also featured in a special supplement to the November issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine as well as a hardback commemorative portfolio.

Mark Carwardine, chair of the judging panel, zoologist, writer and photographer said, ‘Now in its 46th year, the Competition has become the international measure for great wildlife photography. We’ve made several exciting changes to the Competition this year, including the introduction of a brand new special award, called Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year, for the best portfolio of six striking pictures that tell a powerful story. People always ask me how you win. The answer is simple – originality. The judges are looking for something that stops them in their tracks, something really creative, fresh and surprising.’

Winning images from the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition 2009 are on display at the Natural History Museum until 11 April 2010. To cater for its increasing popularity, the exhibition is showcased in the Museum’s largest gallery, with photographs exhibited on a larger scale than ever before. New features include an audio guide allowing visitors to hear comments from photographers and judges about the images with detailed audio descriptions of 30 images and the exhibition space especially for visually impaired visitors.

TOURISM SOUTH EAST CONTINUES TO TACKLE THE RECESSION WITH NEW CREDIT-CRUNCH OFFERS & DISCOUNTS
Eastleigh, 12th January 2010.
The regional tourist board, Tourism South East, is continuing to attract tourists feeling the credit crunch pinch with a revised microsite featuring excellent offers and discounts to the area.

Tourism South East launched its mircosite, www.southeastoffers.com, last January to great success. The regional tourist board has now updated this website to include some great new offers, such as several two-night hotel breaks for just £50 per person and £100 off selected self-catering accommodation, as well as money off, 2 for 1 and kids go free offers at many of the region’s attractions, hotels and activity companies.

Karen Roebuck, Tourism South East’s head of marketing, explained,
“In January 2009, we launched our very successful Winning in Recession campaign to showcase what a great place the South East is for a short break or a longer break. This year, we’re back with our updated and exciting southeastoffers.com microsite. With the Euro now practically on a par with Sterling, many Brits are choosing to holiday at home and discover the delights nearer to their doorstep.”

Great value hotel deals
There are plenty of hotels in the South East now offering great deals on accommodation. For example, the Old Chapel Forge in Chichester and the Holiday Inn Express Canterbury are both featuring two night breaks for just £50 per person. At the Whitney Four Pillars Hotel in Oxfordshire, it’s possible to stay for two nights for just £75 per night, whilst Pelham House in Lewes, East Sussex, has a similar offer for £99 per person for two nights. Finally, Brits can also have a two-night break at the famous Macdonald Compleat Angler in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, for £125 per person. All hotel deals are based on two people sharing a double room and are subject to availability.

Money off activities and tours
Many of the region’s top activity companies and tour companies are featuring some big discounts this year. Brits can try their hand at a daredevil sport, when they claim 33% off at the Airworks Paragliding Centre in Lewes, East Sussex. Get Mountain Biking in Leighton Buzzard, Buckinghamshire, is also offering £15 off any of its courses and rides, whereas those choosing New Forest Activities will receive 20% off kayaking, canoeing and archery.

2 for 1 offers on attractions & restaurants
A whole host of attractions and restaurants in the South East are showcasing 2 for 1 offers. These include Bird World in Surrey, Lemon Sole Seafood Restaurant and The Spinnaker Tower, both in Portsmouth, as well as The Canterbury Tales in Kent.

Kids Go Free
The South East has always attracted families due to its variety of cities, beaches and countryside, not to mention the wide array of attractions and hotels. There are therefore some great Kids Go Free offers in the region. There will be no charge for children at the following places: the INTECH Science Centre & Plantiarium in Winchester, the Pinewood Hotel in Slough and the River and Rowing Museum at Henley on Thames.

Self-catering discounts
Many holiday-makers choose to go self-catering in the South East, so it’s great to see the following accommodation providers offering £100 off their standard prices: Linden House, Park House & Powder Keg, all in Gosport, Hampshire, and The Chestnuts near Burford in Oxfordshire.

Further information:
For details of all offers, please go to: www.southeastoffers.com. Please follow the instructions on the website to claim any of these deals and discounts. All offers and discounts are subject to their individual terms and conditions, as well as being subject to availability.

For information on where to stay in the South East, from B&Bs to boutique hotels, please go to: www.visitsoutheastengland.com

For more information about visiting South East England with your family, please visit: www.funfamilydaysout.com.

Fore more information about visiting South East England as a couple, please visit: www.timeforus.co.uk.

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