Above: Jason Bateman as Wally Mars and Jennifer Aniston as Kassie Larson. PA Photo/Lionsgate International.

Everyone feels like they’re Jennifer Aniston’s best friend. After years of watching her as Rachel Green on Friends, it’s as though you know everything about her. So maybe that’s why some people think they can ask intimate details about her personal life and then seem surprised when she’s not so keen to answer them.

After being kept waiting almost two hours for our little chat, I’m starting to think “some friend”, but Jennifer greets me warmly and instantly puts me at ease. The 41-year-old’s latest film, The Switch, sees her star as Kassie, a successful single woman who gets to a certain age, decides she wants to become a mother but is sick of waiting for Mr Right. So she opts for artificial insemination.

The bizarre twist comes when her best friend Wally gets drunk at her ‘insemination party’ and spills her specially selected donor’s ‘sample’, so replaces it with his own, thereby fathering her child. And thus the latest romcom scenario is born, quite literally. Aniston is also an executive producer on the film and clearly it’s a subject she feels quite passionate about. “I jumped at it,” she enthuses. “So many women are making this decision in life and taking this discussion out of the taboo category and making it into a celebration. So many of my own girlfriends have gone through it and I just think it’s great.”

Aniston is adamant it should not be taboo for women to choose to become mothers on their own, as she believes you don’t need men to start a family. “I think there’s still a group of really ignorant people that say it’s because these women have failed at something. They ‘failed’ at obtaining the ideal of the picture perfect family. I just don’t think that’s fair. Sometimes you’re ready and you’re just not going to wait ‘til somebody comes along who you don’t really want to spend the rest of your life with, you know?”

In her own personal life, Aniston hasn’t had it easy. She’s constantly been at the centre of the rumour mill since ex-husband Brad Pitt fell for Angelina Jolie, during filming on Mr And Mrs Smith, while still married to Aniston.

But then her film choices have also caused people to speculate that art might be imitating life. After the split with Pitt, her next big movie was called The Break-Up, where she started dating her co-star Vince Vaughn – and then they broke up.

She went on to star in a string of romantic comedies, as gossip magazines followed her dating life with avid interest, portraying her as the lonely, childless single woman, while Brad and Angelina built up their family. And then there’s The Switch, about a single woman who decides to take matters into her own hands to become a mother, before it’s too late.

So was the 41-year-old star bothered about the speculation overdrive the film would incur as to whether she’s considering the same thing? “Well, no,” sniffs Jen. “The media create stuff that’s not real, so if there’s a moment where they can match a tabloid headline of ‘pregnancy’ to me, then of course I don’t think that’s a moment anybody would miss.”

So does she have a life plan like Kassie? “Obviously not,” she laughs, slightly tersely. “I’m just sticking to my plan, which is: wake up in the morning and be as happy as you can be… and live in gratitude.”

There’s a hint of Aniston’s maternal side when she talks about child actor Thomas Robinson, who plays Kassie’s awkward, neurotic son Sebastian in the film.

She describes him as “delightful”, then confesses she worried about him working past his bedtime. “Thomas is just so little. I mean half the time I was just going ‘Oh my God, shouldn’t you be in bed?!’ This business is just hard, the hours are long, he’s so young but,” she laughs, “you need a kid in a movie, so what are you gonna do?!”

Aniston was always destined for showbiz. Born in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California to actor parents, her family moved to New York where she studied acting and appeared in off-Broadway productions, supporting herself by doing part-time jobs including waitressing.

Jen moved back to Los Angeles in 1989 but, after a string of parts in failed TV shows, considered giving up acting until she was cast as Rachel Green in hit sitcom Friends which ran from 1994 until 2004. The ‘Rachel cut’ became a sensation in hairdressing salons around the world – and millions tuned in to see her finally get together with Ross (David Schwimmer).

Arguably the most successful of the cast post-Friends, she’s branched out this year and just launched her own perfume at Harrods, simply called Jennifer Aniston. The posters advertising the scent show off her toned and slender figure on the beach. Aniston, who has a pizza oven in her California home, insists the secret to her looks is an occasional indulgence: “You have to indulge, but that’s why you’ve got to do a run and balance it out. It’s all about the balance.”

For all the romcoms she’s starred in, Aniston is a pragmatist at heart. She likes the love story in the film between best friends Kassie and Wally, played by Jason Bateman, because it’s true to real life. “I don’t think Kassie has a realistic idea of what that perfect person is,” she explains. “I think it’s why she decides, ‘that perfect person isn’t going to come along so I’ll create the perfect child by getting the perfect donor’ – but she’s missing this wonderful person that’s right in front of her.”

“What is perfection anyway?” scoffs the ex-wife of Brad Pitt. “You don’t know what shape or physical form love is going to come in.”

The Crab at Chieveley is a boutique style hotel and award winning seafood restaurant beautifully postitioned amongst the most rural of landscapes in Berkshire, it takes about an hour to drive to from Bournemouth.

On our arrival we were greeted by the manager Richard who gave us a glass of champagne each, he then showed us to our incredible room which had its own private garden and hot tub. The Crab prides itself on its selection of famous rooms which are themed on different exotic destinations across the world. These famous rooms each offer a unique cultural experience and seem to transport you away to another country.

They also have their own gardens with private hot tubs. Our room was unlike anything I have stayed in before with a huge bed and massive drapes, it felt like we were in Venice!

After Richard made us up some fantastic cocktails we sat out in the sun, looking across a view of fi elds which went on for miles, after, we were lead in to the restaurant for dinner. The restaurant itself is like an Aladdin’s cave of all things fascinating and has something for everyone, it has this mix of maritime and equestrian mixed with class and brilliance, I loved it.

For starter I ordered the Lobster Raviolo, truffl ed sauce vierge and Hanne had the Berkshire pork belly with apple and vanilla puree, baby beetroot and sherry jus. These were both totally mouth watering and cooked to perfection, both dishes I would recommend you try. We also had our wine waiter Sergio who suggested some great wines to go with our starters, both were brilliant.

For our mains Hanne chose the pave of salmon wrapped in pancetta with parmesan gnocchi and tomato relish and I had the dry aged fi llet steak, saute wild mushrooms with dauphinoise potatoes and horseradish spinach, they were both fantastic, perfectly cooked and faultless.

Not content with just serving the freshest and fi nest seafood caught off the waters of Brixham in Devon and delivered within hours of being landed, the staff at the Crab at Chieveley replace the stuffi ness with laughter and the formality with warmth. The service is second to none and the best I have ever had.

For desserts we chose one of the Crab’s signature dishes which was the assiette of desserts for two, this consisted of small portions of the whole dessert menu on a plate as long as my arm! Wow! This was also accompanied by three glasses of wine, each suggested to us by our helpful wine waiter Sergio, it’s worth the trip just for this dessert.

After dinner we retired to our own private garden to sit in our hot tub drinking cocktails under the stars before climbing into the biggest bed I have ever seen to have the best sleep I have ever had in the most amazing hotel ever.

All in all The Crab at Chieveley is a must, wether it’s a romantic weekend away or a brilliant meal out, it’s well worth the trip, just make sure you book in advance. I will be going back again soon and I can assure you, that if you visit The Crab at Chievely, you will too.

And the American singer/songwriter’s words will no doubt strike ‘accord’ amongst fans of the German automaker, as this eminently appealing 1970 Benz is one of only approximately 55 right-hand drive models of its kind. The luxurious, five-seater convertible epitomises the Mercedes-Benz marque, with much sought-after styling mated to a high-performance 3.5 litre V8 engine, and is a fine example of why both demand, and price, is continuing to increase. Indeed, this Lot is expected to fetch offers in the region of £70,000 – £90,000, some ten times greater than its ‘lofty’ ticket price of £7,249 at the time of its launch. For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the afternoon of September 25th, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or visit www.historics.co.uk.

The UK’s biggest free watersports and extreme sports festival – The Animal Windfest – will return to Dorset for its 12th consecutive year running from 10th to 12th September.

Last year, the three-day festival attracted an estimated 15,000 people to its spiritual home of Sandbanks in Poole. This year – expect all the great activities you saw last time and much, much more!

For example, the kitesurfing course racing will return, but this time it’ll become part of the UK national series, adding a level of competition that’s sure to see things getting lively! The big coup, however, is in the windsurfing, where the British National Freestyle Championships will be returning to the event after a few years away, so expect some of the biggest and best tricks in the business to be coming to UK shores!

Organiser, Gary Willingham, says, “obviously, we were really pleased with how last year’s Animal Windfest went, but we’re not ones to rest on our laurels. Every year we try to think of new and interesting ways to make the event even better. All our brainstorming sessions for the 2010 event got us more and more excited. Windfest fans will see an even more incredible show this year. I can’t wait!”

The established Animal Windfest event held annually at Sandbanks, Poole will host a series of new features in its 12th year. The only free daytime beach sports festival in the UK, with three nights of ticketed evening parties, Windfest attracts the biggest names in the extreme sports industry. Going skyward for the fi rst time ever, Windfest will play host to the Red Bull Matadors at 2.30pm on Sunday 12 September for an exhilarating air display with a Red Bull VIP area on the beach below.

Two new sports will also add to the visual feast this year; Ultimate Beach Frisbee and Surf Ski – a long, narrow, lightweight kayak with an open (sit-on-top) cockpit, usually with a foot pedal controlled rudder. Surf Ski racing will be held off the beach on both Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors to the event will be able to watch a 16-strong team Ultimate Beach Frisbee tournament at advanced level, yet members of the public will be welcome to enter and join in the competition. Fans of Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) will be able to enter a new distance paddle around Brownsea Island on Saturday afternoon. Open to anyone, the paddle will run separately to the professional’s SUP race earlier in the day, organised by the sport’s governing body, BSUPA.

Gary Willingham is pleased to illustrate that despite Windfest’s maturity, the event continues to expand, he adds, “the ever popular favourite aspects of the event continue to be in place whilst exciting new additions to the schedule have been agreed this year, such as the Red Bull Matadors which will bring yet another dimension to the event. Showcasing further beach and water sports which have not been seen competitively here before, the 2010 Animal Windfest will hopefully give further entertainment and attract visitors.”

Other features throughout the two days include professional kitesurfi ng and windsurfing competitions, as well as free have-a-go trial opportunities for amateurs, fun slalom racing, Animal Bike Show, King Ramps’ skate ramp sponsored by Red Bull, wakeboarding slider pools, equipment demos and full Kids Zone with live acoustic music.

After a hard day of watching, learning and competing, the Animal Windfest team will be presenting another legendary ‘black tie and board shorts’ charity ball on Friday night, raising money in aid of the Richie Keefe Life and Soul Trust. A Super Hero theme has been introduced for this year’s legendary Saturday night Windfest party, featuring four live bands, DJ’s and the usual antics.

Check out the website for entry forms, information and evening party tickets: www.animalwindfest.co.uk. Animal Windfest continues to be an open access event, free of charge to the public during the day, every day.

Top Tips

1. A room with a view

People often dream of an offi ce with a view rather than blank cubical walls. Think about relocating your home offi ce or repositioning your desk so you have a nice view – it’ll be far more relaxing and you can enjoy the natural light and fresh air. If your home office is currently located in the basement, a relocation may work wonders!

2. Desktop wallpaper

It’s a small thing, but we look at our desktop screen every time we’re working. Opt for a soothing nature landscape, a family shot or a motivational image to help you while you work.

3. Plant power

Adding some oxygen-generating plants to your home offi ce can improve the air and add some greenery. Just don’t forget to water it!

4. Fresh lick of paint

Give your office a quick coat of fresh paint. Redecorating a plain and uninspiring blank canvas can make the room more inviting and relaxing. Update the curtains, blinds, and fl ooring if your budget can stretch to it. Opt for neutral colours on the walls but introduce colour with accessories and furniture items to suit your taste.

5. Furniture facelift

Out with the old and in with the new. New furniture can transform a room and you don’t have to splash the cash. Ikea for example has a great selection of office furniture which is wallet friendly, but still modern and practical.

6. Let there be light

Bad lighting can strain your eyes and lead to headaches. Allow as much natural light into the room as possible and ensure you have plenty of light from free-standing lamps, overhead lighting or a desk lamp for task lighting.

7. Get organised

An organised and uncluttered working environment will help reduce your stress levels and keep your home office neat and tidy. Have a thorough sort out – shred and recycle paperwork you no longer need that’s only taking up vital storage space. It’s a chore that many of us dread, but a tidy office will help you stay organised and on top of your fi ling!

8. Invest in an ergonomic chair

A comfortable chair is one of the most important pieces of furniture in the office. If you spend hours at a time sitting in front of a computer, it’s important that you have a chair that supports your back. A bad chair can leave you with back issues and pain over an extended period of time. An ergonomically designed chair can support your back and provide comfort, improving your home work experience enormously.

Now in its fifth year, Organic Fortnight is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the benefi ts of organic production. Organic is great for your well-being and the planet, is kind to animals and wildlife and is GM-free.

People in Dorset wanting to show their support for organic production are invited to switch to organic alternatives of products they use everyday. During the fortnight supporters will be hosting events all over the country from organic breakfasts at work and farm open days to organic cookery lessons in schools and organic fashion shows. To fi nd out more about the Soil Association Organic Fortnight and how to get involved visit www.soilassociation.org/organicfortnight.aspx.

Is your street top of the crops?

PlantforLife have launched a neighbourhood initiative to get communities growing and sharing their own fruit and vegetables. The Neighbourhood Crop Swap initiative is targeting the 67% of the nation who would like to do more gardening but don’t know where to begin. The new initiative aims to get streets in Britain growing, and most importantly, swapping their own fruit and vegetables. Neighbourhood Crop Swap is the first project of its kind and comes in light of new research from Plant for Life, showing that growing your own in the UK has doubled with over half (54%) of UK gardeners now growing fruit and vegetables, compared to just a fifth two years ago. Despite this trend, research shows that 40% of people don’t think they have enough space to grow and a quarter don’t even know what they can grow. The Neighbourhood Crop Swap initiative will encourage communities to work together helping them to enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, whatever type of garden they have. Each household will grow two or three varieties which can be swapped with neighbours, helping communities enjoy a variety of foods without needing a lot of space.

To kick start the launch of Neighbourhood Crop Swap, PlantforLife will be running a pilot scheme with the budding gardeners of a street in Twickenham. Celebrity plants man Chris Collins will be working with the street, giving tips and expert advice showing, how with the right tools and know how, everyone can get planting. The whole nation will be able to monitor their progress too by logging on to www.plantforlife.info/cropswap to see pictures and video diaries from the street.

Chris Collins comments, “many gardeners are put off by growing fruit and vegetables as they think a huge space is needed to even start. Taking simple steps to prepare your garden can make growing really easy and both fruit and vegetables can be grown in any space, however small. This new initiative will provide gardeners with the advice they need to get planting, and swapping, allowing each household to focus on a few varieties to share with each other, getting the whole community working together.”

PlantforLife has also produced a handy Neighbourhood Crop Swap guide so communities up and down the country can get their new fruit and vegetable garden underway. The easy to use guide shows gardeners everything they need to know about growing their own, from what and when to plant, to how to feed and look after their crops. Log on to www.plantforlife.info/cropswap to download your free Neighbourhood Crop Swap guide with tips and advice from Chris Collins and see the latest pictures and video diaries from the street.

Top 5 tips for sustainable living

Dubbed as London’s very own Captain Planet, Alex Smith provides his top fi ve tips for sustainable living. Since Alex Smith decided to go green he’s lost 18 pounds, and lowered his cholesterol through exercise and changing his eating habits.

Here are Alex’s top five sustainable tips:

1. Feed the worms – Research found the average UK household spends £424 p.a. on food that goes in the bin. Soggy lettuce was the most common thing people threw away unused. The best thing to do is to save yourself time, money and energy and only buy what you’ll actually eat, but the next best thing, and a great way to put carbon back into the soil, is to compost your kitchen waste and then use it to feed some plants.

2. On your bike – In our modern world we all need to travel but we can make choices; leave the car at home for shorter journeys and walk or cycle – it’s good for the environment, good for your wallet and great for your health, and no need to worry about traffic wardens ever again. It’s worth asking your employer to see if they will help you to do this as many organisations now have schemes in place to encourage bike purchases etc.

3. Go organic – Being organic isn’t just about buying food, it’s about thinking and living an organic way of life as well. Look for organic products in all areas of your life such as cosmetics, cleaning products and clothes – it may be a bit more expensive but it is less costly for the planet in the long run.

4. Get grounded – Growing your own food is a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and make meal times tastier! You can use grow pots or bags if space is limited and still get a great yield. It is also good exercise, great for the mind and you will really see the miracle of where food comes from.

5. Buy local and fair trade – It might cost that little bit more, but can you really put a price on helping to reduce global poverty and saving the planet. Plus local and fair trade goods tend to be better quality. You can get anything you need if you look hard enough from wooden toys to zucchini vegetables.

For more information visit www.alara.co.uk, their website is packed full of useful tips and a blog about their gardens.

How to Grow your Own

Last year saw more Britons tearing out the decking and turning their lawns into vegetable plots – even more people are expected to do the same this year. “Whether you’re a greenfingered gardening guru or a complete novice, growing your own fruit and vegetables in your garden at home is easy. You don’t need to have your own allotment or a large garden as many fruit and vegetable varieties can be grown in small containers, window boxes and indoors too,” says Neil Fishlock, head of horticulture for Dobbies Garden Centres.

Here are some top tips for success:

• Position: Most vegetables grow best in a sunny position sheltered from strong winds.

• Soil preparation: To improve soil dig in well-rotted manure, compost, leafmould, composted bark or mushroom compost. If growing in containers use good quality multipurpose compost.

• Watering: For healthy, strong growth and the highest yields, plants will need a regular supply of water at the roots. Using water gels allows you to water less with optimum results.

• Feeding: Add a general fertiliser a week or so before seed sowing or planting out. Additional light feeds throughout the growing season will be benefi cial for many plants and those growing in containers.

• Mulching: Covering the soil with a layer of compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mould will keep weed growth to a minimum, conserve soil moisture and help insulate plant roots from extremes of cold and hot weather.

Great space saving ideas:

• Hanging baskets: Will keep fruit away from slugs, leaving more for you to enjoy.

• Pots: Allow you to grow fruit and vegetable not suitable for your soil.

• Grow bags: Can be placed on balconies or terraces if you don’t have your own back garden. These are ideal for growing soft fruits. Strawberries do well in grow bags because of their shallow roots.

Organic food for babies

An organic baby food brand called ‘Plum’ offers parents organic superfoods in convenient little pots. Susie Willis (founder and mum of three) changed the face of baby food forever after discovering that nothing had changed in the eight years between her second and third child. Plum has combined common sense and style to create delicious recipes for babies to help them on their way to becoming healthy little foodies. Their little pots of organic superfoods are crammed full of all the right things to nourish the health of a growing baby. Visit: www.plum-baby.co.uk.

Dorset Farmers’ Markets

Christchurch

Local customers can enjoy the produce available from the 15 or so stall holders regularly attending.

When: First Friday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Saxon Square

Poundbury

The regular farmers’ market is the largest organised by Dorset Farmers’ Markets Ltd. With nearly 40 producers regularly attending, it was also voted ‘best Farmers’ Market in Dorset’ in the 2007 Dorset Food and Drink Awards.

When: First Saturday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Brownsword Hall & Pummary Square

Bridport

The highly successful regular farmers’ market regularly attracts 30 producers selling their wares including Hugh Fearnly-Whittingstall from his nearby River Cottage HQ.

When: Second Saturday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: The Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NR.

Shaftesbury

The town boasts a very good selection of fi ne independent shops which are worth a visit and complement the 15 or so local producers who attend the Shaftesbury farmers’ market offering a wide variety of food and drink.

When: First Saturday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Shaftesbury Town Hall

Blandford Forum

There are a number of famous landmarks surrounding the town including Badbury Rings, Kingston Lacy and Milton Abbas, all of which help to maintain a thriving atmosphere in the refurbished town centre.

When: Second Friday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.30pm

Venue: The Market Place, Blandford Forum.

Sherbourne

Warm, golden coloured stone buildings, dating from between the 15th and 18th centuries line the narrow streets of Sherborne.

When: Third Friday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Bottom of Cheap Street

Wareham

The farmers’ market is right in the centre of the town and coincides with the popular weekly street market.

When: Fourth Thursday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Wareham Town Hall

Sturminster Newton

The unspoilt market town of Sturminster Newton lies on the edge of the Blackmore Vale above a bend in the River Stour and retains a pleasantly old-fashioned air.

When: Fourth Saturday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Station Road

Broadstone

At least 20 producers regularly attend the Farmers’ Market which is closely situated in the nearby Primary school which offers ample parking.

When: Third Saturday each month

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Broastone First School, Tudor Road

Functional fittings

Choosing the right kitchen is a personal choice and there is a wealth of designs available. David Birwitz, managing director at Elizabeth Ann Studios comments, “the latest trends in kitchen design feature the minimalistic quality that is so loved by today’s busy families. Clean lines, smooth edges and handleless doors, mean that upkeep is kept to a minimum, and your new kitchen will have that uncluttered look.

Gloss finishes on the doors are available in the widest choice of colours such as metallic forest, light olivewood, dark coffee and cream. And for those whose preference is for non glossy finishes, here at Elizabeth Ann Studios we have the newest selection of plain colours in a beautiful matt finish.

An individual feel can be easily achieved by mixing and matching two different colours in the same room, but a lot of thought has to be given to the design and what effect it has on the room. All the design help you would like is available free of charge from our award winning designers at Elizabeth Ann Studios in Bournemouth and Poole.

The kitchen needs to be practical as well as stylish, Paul Dolan, kitchen sales manager at Penicuik says, “the first thing to think about is the functionality of the kitchen and whether this is a busy area utilised by the whole family, which would benefit from a social focus provided by an island, or if it’s simply a functional area, requiring the basics. This will help to decide on the types of appliances needed. The size of the room is also a key factor when deciding on kitchen units and appliances, alongside the types of lighting already in place. If the kitchen has limited space, then a trick to make the room appear larger is by adding gloss door units which reflect the light and give the impression that the room is larger than it is, creating a visually superior area. Gloss doors are also easy to clean with a heat wrap protecting the units from water regression.”

The trend for open plan kitchens has been with us for some time now but it is still gaining momentum. The kitchen, once a private space, has become a public space where people socialise and entertain family and friends so functionality and zoning is vital. The handleless kitchen will also continue to be popular in 2011; sleek and streamlined kitchens are both stylish and practical and work especially well in an open plan kitchen, allowing the kitchen and the living space to integrate and harmonise.

Utilising every inch of space in your kitchen is crucial to make it work to its full capabilities. A freestanding look to a fitted kitchen and open plan designs are a very popular way to achieve a marriage between kitchen and living. Visit several showrooms to view different kitchen designs to get a real understanding of what you like and dislike. Belinda Day, kitchen designer at Kitchen & Bathroom Haven, comments, “people love to entertain so open plan living has become a necessity rather than a luxury. The kitchen has now evolved to incorporate both living and dining spaces. The re-introduction of dining tables along with the established informal seating is a requirement in designs today.”

Peter Elson, sales and marketing director at Ellis Furniture says, “latest kitchen trends are for open plan kitchens that can serve as a real living area with a contemporary look featuring high gloss door finishes, with island units. Mixing colours and unit sizes adds a new dimension to kitchen design. The bold, vibrant colours for units and glass splashbacks, and also worktops, offer infinite options for creating a truly individual kitchen. It’s all about beautiful designs and high quality products that are easy to care for and will look equally stunning for many years to come.”

Top of the colour charts

Magnolia, gloss cappuccino and gloss ivory are top of the colour charts this Autumn/Winter, with a huge emphasis on natural, shiny tones that last for years. If you are keen to create a bold kitchen with striking colours, then red and black, limes and pinks are also firm favourites. Designer looking kitchens without the price tags There are several quick and easy ways to create a designer looking kitchen, without it costing the world. The key thing when designing the look is to add curves and strong contours to the basic L-shape kitchen, to give a stylish and contemporary feel to the room. It is often the small touches that give a kitchen the designer feel, unusual handles adding glamour to cupboards or down lights focusing on specific areas, bringing the room alive. Using a stylish chimney hood to bridge the gap between units is also another cost-effective way to create a designer feel.

Shaker style

Traditional shaker styles and warming woodgrains and neutrals will remain popular for buyers who exercise a more traditional palette. Soft muted colours in pastel tones can create a rustic feel, whilst the bolder introduction of a second colour for cabinets or furniture reflects an up and coming two tone fashion. Shaker style kitchens are very popular and people are opting for mock timber doors, which are usually made from medium density fibre (MDF), but give the appearance of solid oak. Minimal walking space between the oven, sink and refrigerators is often factored into the design, to ensure cooking can be conducted in the smallest amount of time, to suit busy lifestyles.

Lighting

Because of the variety of uses of the kitchen it is important to use efficient and effective lighting. You will want to use lighting that is clear and bright that enables you to see what you are doing without shadows and haziness. Key lighting includes; breakfast bar lights, illuminated shelves, under shelf lighting, plinth lighting and light bars. Naomi Dean, furniture and showroom designer at Harvey Jones says, “lighting is one of the most important aspects of kitchen design, from illuminating work areas to creating the right atmosphere. Future trends for lighting are many and varied, for example we are seeing people installing LEDs under the base units of their cabinets for a truly futuristic look.”

Chandelier-style extractors incorporate a contemporary lighting solution alongside their standard function. For the real lighting connoisseur, advanced lighting systems from specialist companies can be installed to provide a number of settings in order to create different schemes. These can also be linked to a sound system for the ultimate in ‘mood’ lighting.

Worktop Options

Work surfaces are an integral part of any kitchen design and can really make the overall look unique and co-ordinated. Gone are the days of having work surfaces in the same colour as the cabinets, which can look a little dull. You can now chose from an array of stylish work surfaces including laminate, corian or granite in shades that complement your cabinet pantone. Laminate is extremely affordable and the material has great durability. Laminate used to be seen as the poor relation to the likes of granite in terms of work surfaces, although this has totally transformed over the last five years. Laminate allows small scratches to be rubbed away and anything spilt can be wiped safe in the knowledge that it won’t leave a stain.

Kitchen planning

L-Shape: An L-shape kitchen has units along two adjacent walls and benefits from lack of through traffic. The problem area in an L-shaped kitchen is often the corner space, but a carousel or magic corner storage unit will solve this.

U-Shape: A U-shape kitchen is fitted on three sides of the room and provides plenty of storage and worktop space. It is ideal for the traditional working triangle but can feel slightly enclosed if the wall units also run all around the room.

Galley: The simplest of layouts is the galley kitchen, which involves a single run of units down one wall. The galley kitchen is perfect for small kitchens and will allow two people to work alongside each other comfortably but storage space will be at a premium so you may consider a separate pantry or floor-to-ceiling cupboard at one end of the galley.

Galley with Island: This design is really only suitable for large rooms or kitchen/diners. The benefits include the extra storage an island allows as well as its aesthetic appeal, but careful planning with regards to appliances and the sink is needed to prevent wasted journeys around the island.

Kitchen Appliances of the future

Buying a new kitchen appliance can be a complicated process, with manufacturers spending millions on new product development, which results in new features and benefits that you can’t begin to understand or let alone realise you need. More than ever, knowledge is power and we are increasingly turning to the internet to arm ourselves with the information we need.

Big high street retailers are not always geared up to talk in detail about a new product, feature or technology. Instead, shoppers might do better to head to their independent electrical retailers, or to kitchen studios, where staff are knowledgeable, approachable, and capable of explaining ‘the bigger picture’ and very often, can pricematch too. That bigger picture includes the eco-debate. The impact of humanity on the environment and climate change are regular headlines in the media, but for shoppers looking for a new kitchen appliance, this is confusing.

The European Union (EU) energy rating label, now found on all white goods, tells you the appliances exact energy consumption (kWh) and its energy efficiency rating. The EU energy label rates products from A++, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient. According to the EST, buying an energy efficient A++ rated fridge/freezer will save the average household around £39 a year on its fuel bills – it’s not hard to tally up the savings over the lifetime of an efficient product. Perhaps the hardest part is knowing what’s out there, what’s ‘designer’, what’s ‘best value’ and why. For example; the retro’ look has been brightening up our kitchens for some time, and Gorenje (www.gorenje.co.uk) has expanded its classic collection of refrigeration appliances with an even greater choice of exciting models and vibrant colours. This Slovenian company has launched three specific ranges, Chic, Vintage and Funky. Prices start from around £799 on the high street depending on model and colour.

On an overcast but mild day, the Cherries soon showed their intentions and took an early lead thanks to a superb counter attack. The side quickly turned defence to attack with Michael Symes feeding McQuoid, who outstripped the defender and coolly slotted the ball under the keeper’s body after just five minutes.

More pressure led to the second goal on 17 minutes when Ian Goodison could have no complaints of a penalty award when he tripped Michael Symes. Symes dusted himself down to confidently slot home the penalty to make it 2-0.

The only surprise of the remainder of the first half was that the score stayed at 2-0. McQuoid, Stephen Purches and Marvin Bartley all coming close as the half ended with the Cherries having a standing ovation from the Cherries support, and Rovers being booed off by theirs.

Any thoughts of a stirring Rovers fight back looked unlikely as when they did get forward, their shots bothered supporters high behind the goal as opposed to Shwan Jalal. Marc Pugh was denied by a good save, but soon made it three after being set up by McQuoid just after the hour to complete the scoring.

Bournemouth saw out the remainder of the game comfortably, with Rovers never looking likely to get any consolation, and this was a great afternoon’s work from the Cherries.

Report by Michael Cunningham.

All the beautiful appliances in the Ora Ïto Black and Ora Ïto White collections are a perfect marriage of daring cosmopolitan design and supreme practicality. They ooze class with their wide, brushed aluminium handles, luxury glass doors and futuristic lines which reflect Ora Ïto’s ‘simplexity’ style, simple yet complex. They are not merely eye candy; every appliance in the range also reflects Gorenje’s desire to match design with technological innovation and ease of use.

The latest appliance in the Ora Ïto Black collection is the NRK-ORA-E freestanding fridge freezer (also available as a built-in fridge freezer) which is an outstanding example of the company’s pursuit of excellence in both design and technology.

Ruth Ferguson, marketing manager of Gorenje, says, “consumers want appliances which are both thoroughbreds and workhorses. With increasingly busy lives, financial constraints and enhanced awareness of environmental issues, the fridge freezer must be able to store large quantities of food in prime condition for as long as possible, with low energy consumption, while also integrating into today’s modern kitchen and living space.”

The NRK-ORA-E ticks all the boxes and more, it’s key benefits are:

• ‘A+’ energy rating for maximum economic performance.

• Frost Free Advantage freezer which uses sophisticated technology to prevent the formation of frost and ice on the inside of the appliance and food.

• Fast cool setting which rapidly cools food, such as the weekly shopping, prolonging storage life and freshness. After six hours the appliance automatically returns to the preset temperature.

• Zero’n’Fresh drawer keeps food at 0°C, preserving perishable food such as vegetables, fruit and meat products for up to three times longer.

• Very quiet operation at just 42 dB(A).

• Total net volume 262 litres: fridge 200 litres, freezer 62 litres.

• H x W x D 180 x 54 x 55 cm

• Retails for approximately £1,400

For further information visit www.gorenje.co.uk.

Mike O’Driscoll, managing director, Jaguar Cars, said, “the XKR 75 will provide owners with exclusivity, excitement and a hint of Jaguar’s great heritage. This is a fitting way to celebrate the sporting credentials of the XK marque in the 75th year of the Jaguar name.”

Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 530PS and 655Nm respectively for the XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model’s top speed is electronically limited to 174mph (280km/h), the XKR 75’s 0—60mph (100km/h) acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 510 PS XKR.

The Jaguar XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control. And with an improved acoustics package for the semi-active sports exhaust, the XKR 75 produces a pulse-racing growl to match its performance.

THE XKR 75 AT A GLANCE

• Increased performance through detailed engine and transmission recalibration

• Power increased to 530PS (compared to 510 PS on XKR)

• Torque increased to 655Nm (compared to 625Nm on XKR)

• Upgraded suspension systems for increased precision and agility

• Sports exhaust with improved performance and acoustics – system has new crossover pipe and larger exhaust outlets

• Red brake callipers surround 20” Vortex forged lightweight alloy wheels, diamond turned with dark grey finish

Production of the XKR 75 is being limited to just 75 vehicles in the UK priced from £85,500 OTR.