ISSUE 3

SM

ALL

, BU

T P

ER

FEC

TLY

IN

FOR

ME

DOAKHILL’S MAGAZINEFOR ALL PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS

A – ZZZ OF

sleeping disorders

Can we teach our kids

willpower?

Eating out and travelFree fitness & beauty day

Get your party on...food, fashion, hair tips

Spotting children IN CRISIS

CONTENTS _ O Magazine _ 0302 _ O Magazine

Historically the toy industry has steered girls towards nurturing, role play and craft-based toys –whereas construction, action and science-baseditems were deemed more appropriate for boys.

But a brand new study by toy retailer Born Giftedhas discovered a paradigm shift in consumers’views on toy gender stereotypes.

In their survey a whopping 89% of respondentsdisagreed with the idea that science toys werebetter suited to boys – two thirds believing construction and action toys are just as appropriate for girls.

Nearly all customers polled felt that craft toyswere not just for girls and three quarters thoughtthat role-play toys are equally suited to boys.

Even the dolls/nurturing category which untilnow has unswervingly been the reserve of thefairer sex was voted equally suited to boys by more than half the respondents.

The poll went on to investigate whether brandingand marketing played a role in consumer toychoice.

Asked if they would happily purchase a pinkkitchen for a boy over three quarters (76%) said no.

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: sarah@writeminded-publishing.com

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Toy companies which specifically label their products for girls or boys are “seriously outdated” in their approach,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.

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 compactenough to pop in your bag or briefcase for later on when you can catch your breath!

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 xSarah Rigg Editor

We’reso glad to have you with us

Contacts:For all O Magazine enquiries including editorial or advertising: Sarah Rigg: 0746 294 3954 or email: sarah@writeminded-publishing.comTo receive a school prospectus: enquiries@oakhillcollege.co.ukTo contact Oakhill College or Oakhill Academy: 01254 823546

CONTENTS:Page 2Do we stereotype our kids?Pages 4 & 5How to create a party tablePage 7Chefs share turkey tipsPage 11Super-side me! Side dishesPages 12 & 13Something sweetPage 14Meat-free and mouthwateringPages 16 & 17Free family fun day and car competitionPages 20 & 21Fashionista Zilpah Hartley with her winter style tipsPage 23Cosy coats for childrenPages 28 & 29Columnist: Oakhill’s Principal Carmel – Cherish the momentPage 43Hollywood Hair GlamourPages 50 & 51Meet a real-life ‘Genius’

TABLE TIPS _ O Magazine _ 0504 _ O Magazine _ TABLE TIPS

5IMPRESS

YOUR GUESTS WITH THESE

SIMPLE TABLE TIPS

1

2

3

4Don’t forget the basics. Providing comfort isalways important. No matter how grand ordinky your table is, make sure the condimentsand wine are within easy reach. Keep thingslow and avoid people talking across a tablebut not being able to see one another over anelaborate flower display or vase.

Create a stylish centrepiece with small clustersof candles or three to five vases containing theseasonal flowers.

Crockery doesn’t have to be matching tolook good, but we recommend keeping thesame colour palette such as a bright ormonochrome theme.

If opting for metallic or white crockery usebolder table linen which can completelytransform your dinner table with colour, texture and pattern. To get the luxurious lookdining table look subtlety is key with elegantdetails providing the focal points and so acrisp white tablecloth in beautiful cotton orlinen creates the perfect base.

5The crockery you choose has a majorimpact on your table’s style and formsthe backdrop for your dishes.For a real feeling of restaurant styleelegance, layer bowls and plates ofvarying sizes and each place to createdepth and dimension. For a classicstyle, go for uniform pieces or mixcomplementary patterns and coloursfor additional detail and flair.

06 _ O Magazine _ FOOD FOOD _ O Magazine _ 07

DON’T GET IN A FLAP OVER YOUR FESTIVE FEAST!

Even after over 29 years of cooking, onething remains top priority for formerRoyal chef James Parsons – preparation.

says James.He adds: “Variety is the key to Christmasdinner, as tradition can easily becomepredictable. Remember, by ChristmasDay, most people have already hadaround four turkey dinners already, so why not try duck or goose?”

“Plan ahead and know exactly what you're doing in advance

of the big day...”

JAMES PARSONS HEAD CHEF, THE LANGSTONE HOTEL, HAYLING ISLAND, PORTSMOUTH

Cover the breast of the bird with bacon. This preventsthe meat from drying out or burning too easily and givesyou 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 themseparately, the bird will fit better in the oven.

Cook the bird and then let it rest while you roast yourpotatoes etc in the oven. A large turkey will rest for atleast an hour and keep a good temperature. Just makesure 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 MarisPiper and part boil them for a superbly crispy shell and soft, fluffy centre.

Consider making things like stuffing balls and pigs inblankets a few days before and freezing them. This is a great way of getting fiddly, time consuming tasks outof the way without compromising on the end result.

If you're using red wine in a sauce, add it at the lastminute 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 aboutslaving away in the kitchen, it's about spending qualitytime with the family.

BOOK NOW FOR

NEW YEAR’S EVE TURKEY

WITH THE CHEFS

GARETH BEVANHEAD CHEF, FOOD BY BREDA MURPHY RESTAURANT, WHALLEY

My top tip would be to have your butcherbone and roll the bird, saves on cookingtime and it’s easier to control the cookingtemps, moist all the way through and notdry on the outside as a result of cookingnear the bone. Keep the bones and use tomake a tasty stock for your gravy.

If you want to cook on the bone, place ona trivet of veg with half a bottle of goodwhite wine, rub the breast with plenty ofbutter, 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 andgrease proof jacket with 20 mins to go toget a nice golden colour.

Talking

ORDER YOUR LUXURY

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS &

FOOD

41 STATION ROAD, WHALLEY, NEAR CLITHEROE, LANCASHIRE BB7 9RH (SAT NAV BB7 9RU) E info@foodbybredamurphy.com W www.foodbybredamurphy.com

RESERVATIONS ON 01254 823446 | OPEN MON & TUES 22 & 23 DEC 10-6PM

AWARD WINNING BREAKFAST | LUNCH | AFTERNOON TEA | FISH N CHIPS | TAKE AWAY

www.foodbybredamurphy.com

SCAN QR CODE ON MOBILE TO GO TO BREDA’S WEBSITE

OPEN DAILYTUES - SAT INCLUSIVE 10AM - 6PM

Bookings for Christmas dinner from 7pm being taken for Thurs, Fri & Sat 18th, 19th & 20th December. Bookings for Christmas lunch being taken from Tues 3 Dec till Tues 23 Dec (incl. Mon 22 Dec). Bookings 01254 823446

FOODHAMPERS &

S TMACHRISY URXUOUR LYYO

ORDER

10AM - 6PM

TUES - SOPEN D

10AM - 6PMUSIVE INCL

TAATUES - SYAILLYOPEN D

ARDWWAAAW UNCH | AFTERNOON TEA | FISH N CHIPS | TT | LSA BREAKFARD WINNING UNCH | AFTERNOON TEA | FISH N CHIPS | T YAAYWWAAKE AUNCH | AFTERNOON TEA | FISH N CHIPS | T

WEBSITEAO BREDDAGO T

ON MOBILE TODE SCAN QR C

ybroodbf.www’S AO

ODE

omc.yy.edamurphybr

AATVVARESER

oodbo@f infETION RAATT1 S4

ues 3 Dec till TT18th, 19th & 20th Dec

or Bookings f

| 1254 823446 TIONS ON 0

oodbf.ww wWom c.yedamurphybroodb, NEAR CLITHERO, WHALLEYY,ADTION RO

UNCH | AFTERNOON TEA | FISH N CHIPS | TT | L

(incl. Mon 22 Decues 23 Decues 3 Dec till Tor Bookings f.ember18th, 19th & 20th Dec

om 7pm being tak frtmas dinnerChrisor

MON & TUES 22 & 23 DEC 10-6PMOPEN|

omc.yedamurphybroodbT NAAAT(SSHIRE BB7 9RH , NEAR CLITHEROE, LANCA

UNCH | AFTERNOON TEA | FISH N CHIPS | T

1254 823446Bookings 0). (incl. Mon 22 Decen fr being taktmas lunchChris

t hurs, Fri & Saor Ten fom 7pm being tak

MON & TUES 22 & 23 DEC 10-6PM

V BB7 9RU)AAV

UNCH | AFTERNOON TEA | FISH N CHIPS | T

om en fr

FESTIVE RECIPES _ O Magazine _ 11

Moor Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 1BE | 01200 444 371 | www.theemporiumclitheroe.co.uk

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.

As always it’s tickets only and fi rst come, fi rst served!

Drinkers only - £10 admission, tickets to be purchased in advance

Full details and booking forms are available on our website www.theemporiumclitheroe.co.uk

To check availability please call 01200 444174 or email info@theemporiumclitheroe.co.uk

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.

Christmas PARTY MENU

For groups large and small,

simply sensational and fabulously

festive. Everything you expect

from The Emporium at Christmas.

Available throughout

December

TENDERSTEM BROCCOLI TOSSEDIN BUTTER WITH CHESTNUTS,BLACK PEPPER AND PANCETTA(Serves: 4)

Ingredients:

400g Tenderstem broccoli cut into 2 inch strips50g unsalted butter75g pancetta lardons 200g chestnuts roughly chopped Salt and cracked black pepper

Method:Boil the Tenderstem 30 seconds. Drain, thencool 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 afurther 2 minutes, season with salt, plenty ofpepper and serve immediately.

STREAMLINE BLACK CHERRY MULLED RED CABBAGE(Serves 6)

Ingredients:

500g red cabbage3 shallots2 Pink Lady applesknob of salted butter2 clementines10 cloves1 cinnamon stick2 tsp mixed spice100ml red wine vinegar4tbsp Streamline black cherry jamSalt and black pepper

Super-Side Me!

Method:Finely slice the cabbage, shallots and apples.In a large casserole dish, heat the butter thentip in the sliced cabbage, shallots and applesand toss well. Add the zest and juice of oneclementine, stud the other clementine withcloves and add it to the pan along with thecinnamon, mixed spice, vinegar and blackcherry 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.

Jazz up your dinner partywith these sensational side dishes

ORANGE AND THYME GLAZED CARROTS(Serves: 4)

Ingredients:

400g Chantenay or baby carrots • 2 tsp cumin seeds2 tbsp Streamline thin cut orange marmalade1 tsp soy sauce • 3-4 stalks thyme, leaves pickedsalt and black pepper

Method:Boil or steam the carrots until tender.Dry fry the cumin seeds for a momentor two until they become fragrant.Stir in the marmalade, soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of water until themarmalade 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 untileverything is well coated, then pourinto a serving dish.

Recipes courtesy of: www.tenderstem.co.uk and www.streamlinefoods.co.uk

FESTIVE RECIPES _ O Magazine _ 1312 _ O Magazine _ FESTIVE RECIPES

Hello Sweetie!Sugar, Spice and all things niceSWEET 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

Ingredients (for butter icing):

50g sweet potato jam or any other jam80g 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 togetherbefore adding to the egg mixture. Fold everything together before adding the sweet potatoes.Pour into the muffin case filling themabout 3⁄4 full. Bake in the preheatedoven for 20-25 minutes or until muffins are cooked.Place the butter and jam in a largebowl (you can use a food processor ifyou prefer) and slowly add the sugar alittle at the time mixing continuously.Carry on adding sugar till your preferred consistency has been reached. Pipe the cream onto the cold muffinsand enjoy.

STRAWBERRY AND RASPBERRY MERINGUE BOMB(Serves 6)

Ingredients:

300ml/7floz Double cream125ml/4floz Crème fraiche125g/4oz Ready made meringues, crumbled200g/ 8oz Strawberries200g/8oz Raspberries2 tbsp icing sugar

Recipes courtesy of Love Sweet Potatoes and Seasonal Berries

Method:Whisk the cream until it starts to thicken,stir in the meringues. Mash 100g of strawberries and raspberries together witha fork. Put 1/3rd of the meringue mixtureinto a 1 litre/2 pint pudding basin, spreadhalf of the mashed fruit on top of themeringue, repeat ending with a layer ofmeringue mixture. Cover with clingfilmand freeze for four hours or overnight (thiscan be prepared weeks in advanced to helpwith the Christmas preparations). To makethe coulis blend the remaining fruit andicing sugar together in a food processorand pass through a sieve. To un-mold themeringue bomb place the bowl in hot waterfor 30 seconds, turn out onto a servingdish. Serve with the coulis.

FESTIVE RECIPES _ O Magazine _ 1514 _ O Magazine _ FESTIVE RECIPES

MEAT-FREE TREATS

Have a VeggieMerry Christmas

FESTIVE FILO PILLOW(Serves 2)

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil1 onion, sliced150g mushrooms, sliced1 yellow pepper, chopped2 cloves garlic, crushed50ml vegetarian port or red wine25g mixture of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, toasted50g walnuts, broken A handful of fresh parsley, rosemary and thyme, chopped Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste1 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

For more meat-free recipes go to: www.vegsoc.org/christmas

Method:Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas 4.Gently fry the onion until it softens, thenadd the mushrooms and pepper. Continueto fry for another 5 minutes. Finish withthe 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 rolland allow to cool down.Fold out one filo pastry sheet onto a worksurface and keep the rest under a damp tea towel to avoid drying out. Brush withbutter and layer with another sheet.Put the cool filling onto the pastry, so itcovers 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 bythe bottom and sides. This should leave youwith a nicely packed parcel shape. (Don’tover fill if you have too much filling.)Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes, untilcooked.

CHRISTMAS TOFFEE PUDDING(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

175g figs, chopped175ml boiling water½ tsp vanilla essence2 tsp coffee essence4 tsp bicarbonate of soda75g butter or soya margarine150g caster sugar2 free-range eggs/egg replacer 175g self-raising flour

For the sauce:175g soft brown sugar110g butter or soya margarine90ml double/soya cream25g walnuts, chopped

Method:Place the figs in a bowl and cover with the water.Add the essence and bicarbonate of soda. In a bowlcream 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 liquidand pour into a 2 pint pudding bowl. Place on abaking sheet and cook for 1 hour 10 minutes at150°C/300F/Gas 2.

To make the toffee sauce:1. Melt all ingredients together in a saucepan andsimmer gently. 2. Pour over the pudding.

BEAUTY & FITNESS _ O Magazine _ 17

Oakhill AcademyWiswell Lane

Whalley Clitheroe

Lancashire BB7 9AF

Come and experienceOakhill Academy’sGym and BeautyFOR FREE!

This awesome offer includes a host ofhigh-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 youcan experience a relaxing back, neck andshoulder massage, mini manicure andpedicure and micro-dermabrasion facialto reduce the appearance of fine lines andleave you looking and feeling fantastic.Did we mention it is ALL for FREE!And the Academy hasn’t forgotten thechidren. While you are working out or enjoying the beauty treatments, there are lots of fun activities for the little onesincluding an obstacle course, rounders,sumo suits and face painting.This fantastic family fun day is happening on Saturday January 24thand is sure to book up fast – so callquickly to stake your place.

And if that wasn’t enough – therewill also be the chance to win aBMW for the weekend courtesy ofBowker BMW Blackburn!For first-time visitors the Academyis 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 carparking offering a state-of-the-artgym, full programme of studioclasses, personal training, PowerPlate, café and licensed bar.Located in the same spot, Oakhill Academy offers luxury facilities and a full range of beautyrelaxation treatments includingmassage, reiki, reflexology, facial,manicures and much more.

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

For your chanceto experience

this sensationaloffer call today

on: 01254824333

HEALTH _ O Magazine _ 1918 _ O Magazine _ HEALTH

A – Zzzz of

SLEEPINGDisorders● 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.Sou

rce:

Nat

iona

l Sle

ep F

ound

atio

n

NEXT TIME: L - Z Plus: latest amazing research on dreaming…

A 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.

B Bruxism The excessive grinding of the teeth and/or clenching of the jaw. The condition causes hypersensitive teeth, aching jaw muscles, and headaches.

C 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.

D Dyssomia A broad category of disorders disturbing sleeping/ waking patterns or both.

E 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.

F 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 Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker (GSS)Sleep disorders are increasingly recognized in the symptoms of many neurodegenerativediseases. Frequent awakenings, reduced sleep efficiency and daytime napping.

H 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.

I 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.

J Jet Lag Caused by travelling trans-meridian (west–east). The symptoms can last for up to three days, upsetting the body’s natural pattern for eating, sleeping and temperature regulation.

K 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.

FASHION _ O Magazine _ 2120 _ O Magazine _ FASHION

How to be

f ashion bold

in the

winter cold

By Zilpah Hartley

Summer has faded and the coldermonths are upon us – my personalfavourite 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 orheaven forbid both, to be on show.

Welcome to winter where layeringreally comes into its own. We canbe dressed for the day, or night,whatever the weather, just by removing or adding a layer.

Keep it lightA long sleeved jersey can turnyour floaty summer tunic into a winter work horse but put itunder a jumper and you are liable to be too warm, insteadpull on a form fitting sleevelessjersey tank vest. The balancingof textures and fabrics is how to pull the layered look together without being toowarm or too bulky.

Colour codeGrey may well be key this yearand should be an essentialbasic alongside black andcream but adding a pop ofcolour is how to stand out forthe right reasons. Key seasonalcolours like orange, purple andblue can be tricky to pull off ontheir own but mixing them withmuted tones keeps your lookbright yet not so statement you feel you can only wear the outfit once.

Cardigans are coolCropped, 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 somecoats and fit over a little blackjersey dress just as simply asjeans and shirt.

It's in your jeansWe have all had a pair that aretoo tight, too wide, went baggyat the knee, drooped aroundthe bum, or cut across thetummy adding bulk. Find apair that not only fits like adream but is super comfy andlooks good day or night andyou have the key to stress freedressing in one garment.

Dresses to impressChoose wisely and two keydresses can get you through a whole season and beyond. A simple panelled jersey dresscan be worn with heels, bootsor pumps, jacket or knit andcan take you from a day atwork to a night on the town.Find something a little moreembellished in a muted tone orever favourite black and it willserve for an evening or lunchparty with flats or heels.

It can be a fine line between throwing together theperfect ensemble and looking just thrown together. Five ideas for making it work over the chilly months.

EQ FOR YOUEQ Woman is a gorgeous familyowned boutique situated in theheart of the Ribble Valley and runby Zilpah and mum and aunt,Moira and Kate.

Stocking sizes 8-18 across a widerange of smart casual day wearand beautiful occasion dresses andaccessories for those wantingsomething a little bit different.

Showcasing many different brandssuch as Masai, McVerdi, Nougat,Two Danes, Belle & Harris, Fransa,Join and Twisted Muse, the EQteam work hard at keeping theirstock as fresh and current as possi-ble offering the latest looks insuper-flattering styles.

They mix fashion led brands suchas Twisted Muse, Part Two andFransa whose inspiration is takenstraight from the catwalk with thelikes of Bernshaw and Ronen Chenwhose tailoring and attention to de-tail results in some of the most flat-tering dresses you will ever wear.

To view online: www.eqwoman.comTo visit the store: EQ WOMAN, 36 King Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2EU. Tel: 01200 426400

EqWoman.Womenswear

@EQWoman

FASHION _ O Magazine _ 23

Stockist of Oilily, Catimini, Hackett, Scotch R’Belle,

many more including the popular Satila Hats

New Autumn/Winter stock in store now!

Designer Childrens Clothingfor Boys and Girls from Birth - 14

MY PICK OF THE

WINTER COATS

FOR CHILDRENby Louise Wilkinson

Oakhill mum and owner of Carousel Childrenswear

Barrowford

Catimini Boys Orange/Brown Coat with teddy bear lining, available in sizes 18m – 4 years at £104A modern and winter-ready take on the bikerjacket is this puffer coat from Catimini. Withfaux suede arm patches, teddy bear lining andpadded body, your little man will be ready toface the elements in this hipster jacket. Withsubtle, yet cute, branding to the right side and azip with poppers and buttons, the jacket willkeep him dry and warm, all season long.

Oilily Boys Blue Coen Coat featuring goggle hood, available in sizes 2-6 years at £176Oilily boys navy blue lightly padded coat with hood attachedmade in silky polyester with large logo on the back andsmaller one on the front. It is lined in a brushed cotton checkand imitation polyester lamb’s wool making this a very warmand cosy coat to wear. It is finished with striped elasticatedcuffs, cotton elbow patches and built in aviator goggles soyour little boy is ready for any adventure on land, sea or air.

Scotch Shrunk Navy Boys Parka style coat, available in sizes 6-14 years at £160Snuggly 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

No Added Sugar Girls’ Take a Breath – StargazerSizes 4-9/10-11 years at £168The brand’s signature puffa coatupdated for the new season!A practical everyday coat thatdelivers in wear, care and style.Featuring a hood, a concealedcentre zip with poppers to exterior placket, rib to neck and cuffs, a pretty wadded gathered hem and a tie belt towaist fixed at centre back toavoid mislaying!Quilted interior and fully lined in striped jersey. Felt bunny & bones badge to sleeve. A feminine take on a puffa.

Catimini Girls Pink coat with teddybear lining, available in sizes 18m –6 years and other colourways at £98Fabulous Catimini coat from theSpirit Denim story "Russian Princess"with this jacket in irridescent coatingembellished with a subtle spot printon the pink version. Edging faux fur hood closure, super soft, toasty warm and gorgeous teddy bear lining. Available in fuchsia pink or silver.

Oilily Girls Animali Print Chika coat, available insizes 6-10 years at £184Classic Oilily design – with waist belt. And a bag forstorage. Part of the best-selling print from the range.

WILLPOWER _ O Magazine _ 2524 _ O Magazine _ WILLPOWER

Can we

TEACHour children

WILLPOWER?

Renowned psychologist Walter Mischel,inventor of the famous Marshmallow Test,is a leading authority on the nature ofhuman willpower.

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 abrand new book The Marshmallow Test:Mastering Self Control . . .

THE MARSHMALLOW TEST:MASTERING SELF-CONTROL BY WALTER MISCHEL

the marshmallow can help you quit smoking,or stick to a diet, or save for retirement.The psychology professor’s research beganwith the simple study of four and five year oldsthat 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 childrencould 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 toeat the marshmallow, they could have both.What the children did as they managed or didn’t manage to delay gratification turned out

to predict much about theirfuture lives.The more seconds they waitedat age four or five, the highertheir SAT scores and the better their rated socialand cognitive functioning in adolescence.At age 27 – 32, those same children who hadwaited longer during the Marshmallow Test inpreschool had a lower body mass index and abetter sense of self-worth, pursued their goals

more effectively and coped more adaptivelywith 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 areaslinked to addictions and obesity.The core of the research seems to centre on‘hot’ and ‘cold’ reactions in the brain and usingdistraction strategies to “cool down” impulses.Dr Mischel talks of the importance of keepingstress low during pregnancy and in the infant’sfirst few years.His studies show how exposure to extreme andprolonged stress in early life can be damaging

in later life, noting that stresslevels in babies measured higherin the brain when they weresleeping if angry voices werewithin earshot.The ability to delay gratificationand resist temptations has been afundamental challenge since thedawn of civilisation. It is centralto the Genesis story of Adam andEve’s temptation in the Gardenof Eden.

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 sense 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 andmodified 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

Life with too much self-control can be as unfulfilling as one with too little. It is knowing when it is time to ringthe bell and enjoy the marshmallow.”

Dr.

Wal

ter

Mis

chel

‘‘Dr. Walter Mischel

BOOKS _ O Magazine _ 27

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

EXPERIENCE OAKHILL OPEN DAY THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY

Call 01254 823546 or email enquiries@oakhillcollege.co.uk to book your visit FULLY

BOOKEDPRE, PREP OR SENIORS FOR ALL YOUR HAPPY READERS!

AGE GROUP: 0 – 3POP 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: 3 – 5 yearsBABY BUNNY'S FIRST ADVENTURES by A.M THWAITE (£6.99)The book tells of baby bunnyEmmy's first adventures on theGreen Allotments where shelives, and the many friends shemeets on the way.Written by Maria Thwaite fromHalifax, West Yorkshire lastyear after the birth of her greatniece 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.

AGE GROUP: 8 – 12 yearsMICHAEL MOON AND THECAULDRON OF WISHES' by DEAN WOOD (£5.99)You should always be carefulwhat you wish for. WhenMichael Moon moves to thecountry with his mum, dad, and baby sister, he discovers amagical and mysterious cauldronthat promises to grant him awish a day for each of the nextfour days. It sounds too good tobe true, but as Michael’s wishesbegin to have unexpected conse-quences, he and his new bestfriend, Toni, come to realise thatthe cauldron’s promise causesmore problems than it solves.

AGE GROUP: Teen RUBY REDFORT: FEEL THE FEARRuby is a super-cool secretagent, code-cracker and thirteen-year-old genius. The fourth bookin the scarily awesome RubyRedfort series, by multi-million-copy bestselling author LaurenChild. This time Ruby must pither wits against a seemingly invisible foe. How do you setyour sights on catching a light-fingered villain if you can't evensee him...?

AGE GROUP: 7+SPIRIT AND THE MAGICHORSEBOXJosh Carter’s always known therewas something strange about thehorsebox in his Grandma’s barn,but it’s not until Megan arrivesfrom the city that the two teenagersdiscover the horsebox’s secret – itcan travel through time. Actuallythrough time. One minute they’re inthe barn, next minute there’s a war-rior on horseback charging at them,pointing his sword at Josh’s head.

CARMEL RILEY _ O Magazine _ 2928 _ O Magazine _ CARMEL RILEY

by Carmel RileyOakhill Principal

The Christmas term at school isusually the longest term and thebusiest. So much school work getsdone from September to Decemberand in some ways that reflects thebusiness of nature itself.

September starts with sunshine andglints of yellow and red on trees;October brings the conkers – whata crop we had this year; Novemberbrings the dark nights and morningsand then December brings the frost and biting wind.

Just as the squirrels are busy storing nuts and berries, staff andpupils are busy preparing a store of knowledge some of which will be used now and even more in thesummer when it comes to exam and assessment time.

MilestonesThe Christmas term is packed full with specialevents from Harvest through to Bonfire night,Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day and then the mad rush of carols, pantos andNativities. Each of these milestones is anticipatedand celebrated. The Christmas term is all aboutpreparation 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 forthe traffic lights to change. One of the bestways we can deal with waiting is to occupy ourselves in preparation.

Teaching children how to do something is allabout preparation for when they will apply thatskill or knowledge. Preparation is a naturaland healthy response to waiting for an eventwhether it be Christmas or a driving test.

Family TimeWe are prompted to prepare for Christmasfrom quite early on. The launch of the Christmas ads and anticipation about whichsong will become number one are all part andparcel of the commercial side of Christmas.

I hope that amongst all the preparationwe find time to cherish the momentswith our families and friends and thathappiness which comes with true celebration”.

‘‘

CHERISHTHE MOMENTS

It is very difficult not to ask children what theywant for Christmas and the expectation is thatit will be the latest computer game or a bike.What I have found heartening is the fact thatan increasing number of children answer thatquestion with the fact that all they want isChristmas itself and to be with their families.

Christmas begins with Advent and a time ofpreparation to celebrate the birth of Christ andthe Holy Family. The joy that we are waitingfor has arrived and the wonder of a new bornchild brings everyone together to celebrate thehope that new life brings. The Christmas Storyis a story that will never fade as it brings light,hope and joy to us at the darkest time of theyear. Younger children in particular find suchwonder in this very simple and very powerfulstory.

I don’t think I will ever tire of singing carolsaround the tree or watching the children perform their Nativity.

CherishThe innocence and wonder are all brought backto life in the faces and voices of all the childrenthat we know so well. It is a privilege to bewith children over the Christmas period andhelp them prepare for that special time withtheir families.

THE FAMILY TREE _ O Magazine _ 3130 _ O Magazine _ THE FAMILY TREE

THE OAKHILL

FAMILY TREEFROM HOGHTON TO HIGHAM,

FOULRIDGE TO FENCE, SKIPTON TO SALESBURY, PADIHAM TO PRESTON,

BURNLEY TO BLACKBURN LANGHO TO LONGRIDGETHE 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 DaySchool for boys and girls aged from 3 months to 16 years – welcoming allfaiths – and nestled in beautiful, woodedgrounds in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

We pride ourselves on a unique learning

environment and ethos, where children areeducated 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 extramile to make the difference.

And in return pupils travel those extramiles 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: enquiries@oakhillcollege.co.uk

COUNSELLING _ O Magazine _ 3332 _ O Magazine _ COUNSELLING

A HELPING HANDTO GUIDE YOU TO YOUR

FULL POTENTIAL IN LIFEFor 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 torelationship issues, Sue believes there is alwaysa way to move past a problem – no matter howbig it might seem, and now, as a qualifiedcounsellor, she can spend more of her timeworking with people to enable them to makethe changes they feel they might need.

“Sometimes we get stuck in a routine of simply thinking about a problem rather thanconnecting with the way it makes us feel.

“Yet it is our feelings that tell us something isnot quite right – and by exploring them we canfind a way to move past whatever it is that isholding us back.”

Like adults, children and teenagers can feelimmense daily pressure from modern life;sometimes struggling to find the emotionalskills to express their true feelings.

“The pressure from society to achieve highgrades can affect both parents and young people. It is a common, yet very stressful areaof difficulty,” adds Sue, who has four grownboys of her own.

“Children who are taking on board the hopesof parents and the school can be like pressurecookers waiting to explode. Exam pressure canleave them in a very scary place.

“By talking through their feelings we can work out the problems that might be blockingtheir progress, and help them to re-focus ontheir goals.”

For some personal counselling is less aboutsolving a particular problem and more aboutpersonal development.

“Habits and thought patterns can go way backinto the past – and counselling helps you toconfront these in a very safe environmentwhich is completely non-judgemental and confidential,” says Sue.

“It’s not always an easy process because people can come face to face with who they really are and begin to accept themselves, withall their limitations. This can help them tomove forward again.

“There really doesn’t have to be a massive crisis happening for a person to feel unhappy.

Sue has a wide range of clients from varyingbackgrounds and cultures.

“My clients are men and women, children and teenagers from all walks of life and back-grounds. Some I see privately, others workingas a volunteer at local Women’s Centres.

Men in particular can find it hard to come forward and see talking about problems as aweakness. It is the culture we live in. But Ihave seen men really benefit from havingsomeone to talk to in confidence who is totallynon-judgemental.

“I think some people have the idea thatcounsellors will give you a lot advice andtell you where you are going wrong withyour 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 themselvesand their problems more clearly in a calmand confidential environment.”

Counselling is all about understanding your feelingsand working with these willhelp you get the best fromyour life.”

If you need to talk to someone and feel counselling could help you, call Sue Wilkinson on: 07468 411999 or email: sjwilkinson55@gmail.com

PARENTING COLUMN _ O Magazine _ 35

Turner Road, Lomeshaye Village, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 7DR

01282 619 229 www.lvdn.co.uk louiseverity@aol.co.uk

Bookings available for:

7.30am – 6pm

4 – 11 years

Term Time Only

2 - 5 years

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

rJudged

OUTSTANDING by Ofsted

OUR NURSERY HAS:-

OUR HOLIDAY CLUB BOASTS:-

Bare-faced insultWhen babies turn into toddlers they becomemore aware of the way we look – especiallywithout make-up.Beaming faces full of unconditional love arereplaced by chubby fingers jabbing at a spot or rogue facial hair.“Wassat mummy?” They shout in public.My own mother warned me many years agowhen my brother told her she was, “beautifulfrom a distance.”But nothing really prepares you for the slowdescent into child-induced self-consciousness.I’ll never forget the morning I awoke to findmy toddler in bed beside me, stroking my face.“Morning my darling,” I said; heart melting.“Oh mummy,” she gushed. “You just look likea beautiful, big, red pig.”

No coat really gets my goat What is it with children refusing to wear coatswhen they reach high school? As the weather worsens I shiver watching my11-year-old press against the driving wind andlashing rain on her way to the bus stop.Oblivious to her blue lips and chattering teeth,she insists: “Oh mum, nobody in high schoolwears coats.”After weeks of racking my brain for a solutionI think I’ve finally nailed it.All-in-one, thermal long-johns to be wornunder the uniform.If that doesn’t horrify her into her schoolcoat – I don’t know what will.

Stress test A new study (of 10 parents I must pointout) 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 andfathers head out of the door and lingeruntil 2.30pm in the afternoon.Swabs were taken at five points of the dayby Chartered psychologist, Dr SimonMoore, on behalf of Allianz Insurance.Well my little lady takes the bus thesedays – but our morning routine isn’t always the picture perfect start I wouldlike it to be.You join us after an hour of cajoling herout of bed, into her uniform and prettymuch bullying her to eat breakfast . . .

Me: “Eat up that egg missy – the bus will be here soon”.

Child: Dramatic sigh – indistinguishablemumbling under breath. “Yes mum . . . I know.”

7.55amMe: (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

8.01amMe: Bus is here . . .Child: “No way!

Why have you made me late – AGAIN?!”AND BREATHE!

If you would like to write a guest columnemail the editor: sarah@writeminded-publishing.com

PARENT-ING C

OL

UM

N

by GuestColumnist SJ

HEALTH _ O Magazine _ 3736 _ O Magazine _ HEALTH

Hilary’s son Tristan was seven whendoctors realised he had Type 1 of the illness – accounting for just 10 per centof 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 stress 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 andfound an extremely high reading. Tristan was well on his way to diabetic ketoacidosis.”

As a GP, Dr Hilary Jones has become accustomed to delivering life-changingnews to patients and their families.

But even after 25 years in the job, theGood Morning Britain presenter still reelswhen he remembers the day his seven-year-old son was diagnosed with the rarest form of diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis – or DKA – is potentially lifethreatening and happens when a severe lack of insulinmeans the body cannot use glucose for energy, andbreaks 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 fromtreating our own family members.

“As a parent your medical degree is completelystripped 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 aparent to explain to their child that they need to go ona drip and then have four times a day injections ofrapid acting insulin – and long term insulin at night.

“In terms of initially persuading Tristan, there was abit of rebellion, but when he saw other children of thesame age giving themselves injections – that made it alot 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, sohe can skip breakfast have a bigger lunch if he wantsto. 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 becomingan ambassador for Europe’s biggest online diabetescommunity, diabetes.co.uk.

The charity has founded a groundbreaking diabetesmanagement programme for people with the mostcommon Type 2, allowing users to self monitor bloodglucose levels.

To find out more, visit www.diabetes.co.uk or follow on Twitter: @Diabetescouk

By Sarah Rigg

“It is a fantastic resource where patients can exchange practical day today information,” says Hilary. “Theycan swap advice on what to do if youhave a fever or are going abroad – thethings that doctors and nurses oftendon’t have time to explain to patients.

“The very rigid measuring of food andcalorie counting has diminished becausewith blood glucose testing people canadjust the food they eat to the exercisethey take in their everyday lives and notbe bound by the counting that used to go on. The online forum is extremelyliberating for people with diabetes, andhelps them to feel at ease while eatingout and socialising.

“The fact they can now adjust theirmedication has been the revolution indiabetes care.”

Type 2 Diabetes is closely associatedwith obesity.

Hilary adds: “Obesity is in this centurywhat tobacco smoking was in the lastcentury 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 successivegovernments continue to sell off playing fields at schools and try to takecompetitive sport out of the curriculum.Life is competitive and the sad fact isthat much of diabetes is preventable –yet it is still on the rise in children.”

DOCTOR

HILARYJONES

HEALTH _ O Magazine _ 3938 _ O Magazine _ HEALTH

BEFORE AFTER

YEARSYOUNGER

Because she was fearful and nervous of dental treatment, fashionstore owner Viv hated going to thedentist and as a result had lost herlower teeth and had endured ill-fitting dentures for many years.Her upper teeth were crooked andher 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 habitof putting my hand over my mouth. I was just sofrightened of going to the dentist but Douglas LeeDental Associates have changed that. I cannot praisethem enough —I actually look forward to going tosee them!”After reading about Douglas Lee and the ‘Fast andFixed’ same day implant procedure Viv plucked upcourage and booked an appointment.Other dentists had advised Vivienne that her topteeth would have to be removed and replaced withdentures, 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 bepain free, which gave Viv much-needed confidence.She was also told her upper gums needed treatmentto get them back in shape ready for a full upper archimplant procedure.Since Douglas Lee Dental Associates adopted the ‘Fast and Fixed’ same day technique, which originated in Germany, they have become a flagshippractice 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 andit gives us the chance to show other dentists what canbe achieved with this technique,” says Dougie.Testament to their high level of skills, Douglas LeeDental Associates were the first team in the UK to

A visit to the dentist has transformed the life ofLancashire 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.

Same day tooth implants have given Viv Burton a new smile, revived confidence and a new youthful radiance 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 AccringtonDougie’s patients are settled into their private ensuite day room, complete with a day-bed andsofa. Generally, patients opt to be sedated so theprocedure is anxiety free and absolutely painless.Typically in less than three hours the surgery iscomplete – the patient has felt no pain and moreor less dozed through all of it.The new teeth are then custom-made by MarkRoach, 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 about6pm the new teeth are ready.Besides minor swelling and bruising similar tothat from simple tooth extractions, Dougie’s patients recover quickly and with few problems.“It is an extremely choreographed day where eachprofessional plays their part,” explains Dougie.In Viv’s case, she was so delighted with the resultsin her upper jaw that only a week later she returned without a qualm to have full lower archimplants, 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 makingher look years younger: “I couldn’t be happierwith the result!” She says.

Douglas Lee Dental Associates115 Whalley Road • Accrington BB5 1BX01254 237517hello@douglasleedental.co.ukwww.douglasleedental.co.uk

CELEBRITIES _ O Magazine _ 4140 _ O Magazine _ CELEBRITIES

O: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES?

Claire: Having big family Christmases when we werechildren; it seems more magical when you’re a child.These days you just think, ‘I’ve got to cook for fourteenpeople!’ It’s better when you’re a kid and you reallyenjoy the whole magic of Christmas. Like going to mygrandparents’ 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 thecandles on the Christmas tealight carousel which haschimes and spins around from the heat. My mum wouldread 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 waitto go to bed to wake up the next morning. I’m like thatnow and we still do the same thing – normally after we have rolled in from the pub – but we must light thecandles 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 withclose 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.

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 goodpiece of beef. We visited friends and it was sunny sothat was a really good one.

Oliver: An archetypal white Christmas with family andloads of food, loads of booze, a massive turkey. Justhaving the family round with that bit in the afternoonwhere there’s nothing to do but eat and drink more.

O: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

Claire: I have given up smoking, which I amnow three months into and I am not givingbooze up. I don’t drink in February, which issomething I do every year because February isthe shortest month and January is my birthdaymonth: you’ve got to have a drink on yourbirthday. So yes it would be to just continuethat ritual.

Oliver: Not to make any New Year’s resolutionsbecause I’ve never really made them before. As for personal goals, coming and working atCorrie has been amazing so just continuing that would be fantastic.with Coronation Street’s

newest starsOliver Farnworth and Claire King

CELEBRITY

INTERVIEW

He played the dashing Florian Dupont inITV’s Mr Selfridge – while she found fame as villainous vixen Kim Tate in Emmerdale.Now actor Oliver Farnworth and actressClaire 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 aquick behind the scenes chat . . .

GLAMOUR _ O Magazine _ 43

47 King St, Whalley, BB7 9SP

01254 822435pjpalmer.com

Come and see the REAL colour experts

Oakhill College staff parents and pupils receive 20% off, on production of the Oakhill College Privilege Card

The UpdoThe classic updo is a familiar favourite, allowingthe 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 tounderstated yet timeless ballerina buns, there areso many ways to work a classic updo. A bun hairpiece hair piece simply clips over your hair to reveal a gorgeous statement hairstyle. For instantglamour, sweep aside fringe across your face andfix the bun into a simple low style. Glossy LocksIf there is one requirement for looking good, it is that your hair must be shiny and styled at all times! Beauty experts everywhere have ravedabout Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway’s chic little crop. Not only does it perfectly define herbeautiful features but it looks healthy and full ofshine. If you aren’t brave enough to face the chopthen make sure you work glossy locks instead. A great hair oil will transform any dry and drablocks into suddenly shiny and fab hair. Hollywood Glamour WavesA token hairstyle at any awards ceremony, wavedhair perfectly pays tribute to the screen starlets ofthe past and is a go-to hairstyle for actresses suchas Scarlett Johansson.Styling your hair into vintage inspired waves canbe done with either hair extensions or your naturalhair. To achieve the desired look you can use atrusty set of GHDs by pulling the hair through in awaving motion. Once you have waved the hair,make sure you spray plenty of hairspray and holdthe waves into place using hair grips.

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

georgeousvintage twist

If you feel like upping theglamour this season, contactP & J Palmer 47 King Street, Whalley,Clitheroe BB7 9SP. 01254 822435

with a

Relax!We’ve got Christmas covered!Our Spa Hotel Gift Vouchers make the perfect gift.

Whether used for our unique Spa Hotel breaks, a relaxing Spa treatment or a perfect pamper day - buying a Gift Voucher couldn’t be easier!

Simply select your value and buy online at or call

to speak to one of our team.

Simply selec.rwww

0800 085 1717

alue and buy online aour vt ySimply selecel .uk/spa-hoto.cyhallibb.r

0800 085 1717 o one of our to speak t t

talue and buy online ael or call

eam.o one of our t

6LONDONTIPS FOR A

TRIP

1 My absolute favourite theatre is the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden (above).It was the first place I performed as a studentin 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 alovely evening out. For a cocktail, I lovethe St Martin’s Lane Hotel – the atrium isbeautiful – or Galvin at Windows on ParkLane, which has one of the best views of Hyde Park.3 My favourite gallery in London is theV&A because of the lovely arty exhibitions.Next year they’re showing the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition, whichI’m sure will be amazing (opens 14 March).4 For shopping I head to High Street Kensington or Covent Garden. It’s not toocrazy 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 inLondon, and has a really great atmosphere all year round. There’s just so much fantasticfood 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.

DARCEY BUSSELL’S

TRAVEL _ O Magazine _ 47

Take a

chanceranchFar from the private islands of Fiji, or the Maharaja palaces of India’s Rajasthan, comes a surprising new A-list destination – ranching in theAmerican ‘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.

on a

By Sarah Rigg

We asked ranch expert Ruth Dalyfor her top hot spots for 2015 . . .

1. The Wildcatter, TexasLocated on 1,500-acres, The Wildcatter is a sanctuary for cowgirls who are looking to swaptheir stilettos for spurs. Each of the luxuriouslodge rooms and cabins hark back to a time whencattle barons roamed the range. There's an infinityedged pool overlooking the Brazos River. Six nights with Ranch Rider from only £949pp(no single supplement).

2. Brush Creek Ranch & Spa, WyomingWyoming's Brush Creek Ranch & Spa covers30,000-acres of the Cowboy state, the property set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre andSnowy Mountain Ranges. Guests have the optionto sign up for yoga classes held on the expansivedeck of Falcon Peak Overlook or for an extra fitness boost they can hire a personal trainer. The remote yurt adventure on the outer stretchesof the ranch is a magical glamping experience.Six nights with Ranch Rider from £3,045pp (two sharing).

3. Tombstone Ranch, ArizonaWake up on Main Street in the Wild West, theTombstone Monument Ranch resembling a townfrom the 1800s. Where history and culture combine there are trails leading to the DragoonMountains, the landscape best explored with amember 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).

For more options: www.ranchrider.com

Lodge bar interior, Brush Creek Ranch & Spa, Wyoming

SPIDERS _ O Magazine _ 4948 _ O Magazine _ SPIDERS

By Geoff Oxford, British Arachnological Society

THE CASE FOR THE

much-maligned British spiderWhen 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…

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 superficialunderstanding of their biology and

behaviour can lead to a new respectand 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 nextmove – they are simply exhausted. These spiders can runvery fast, but only for short distance before they have torest. This is the best time to catch them with a glass andcard to put outside.

A spider found in a bath or sink has not come up throughthe plughole, which has beneath it a U-bend full of water.Apart from a few specialist species, spiders are not keenscuba divers! They fall in while seeking a drink during theirnocturnal wanderings and once there, the smooth sides prevent escape. Trapped, they have to await your morningablutions.

Spider webs have been used by humans since at least theMiddle Ages to staunch the flow of blood from wounds.Some silks have recently been shown to have antibacterialproperties. There is currently intense interest in the use ofspider silk in other aspects medicine, for example, aidingthe regeneration of severed nerves.

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 ourhouses 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, despiteconstant and irresponsible media claims to the contrary.

For more information on Britain’s spiders go to the

British Arachnological Society’swebsite www.britishspiders.org.uk

50 _ O Magazine _ PEOPLE

OLIVER WIGGAN

BMW GENIUS

What is your job description as a BMW Genius?

Well firstly we don’t sell the cars, but step inat the test drive and handover points to talkthe customers through the many features.There is so much technology available nowthat customers need someone who is trainedin every aspect to show them the vehicles’full potential.

What sorts of features are available in the latest models?

A lot of the BMW’s now come with onlineentertainment and live streaming, real timetraffic satellite navigation so you can be re-routed if there is congestion or a crashfurther down the road for example.

We give the customer a full demonstration of their particular vehicle.

How do the customers react to the growing technology?

Some are blown away by the features othercustomers just want to drive the car from the showroom. I had one lady who simplywanted to know how fast the car went and how high the stereo would go!

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 passioneveryone has for the brand.

How do you keep up with the changes?

We are constantly being trained in what isa very fast moving industry. I am crazyabout cars anyway – and have been all mylife. As a family we spent most of my earlyyears visiting motoring shows up and downthe 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 BMWTrident Way • Off Whitebirk Drive • Blackburn • BB1 3NU

01254 274446www.bowkerblackburnbmw.co.uk

Q: Does it take a genius to drive a BMW?A: No – but it does take one to show you how!

BMW have staked their claim as worldleaders when it comes to state-of-the art, in-car technology.

Real-time multi-media connection, sophisticated sat nav, a 24-hour conciergeservice, superior safety features, heatedsteering 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 operateone? No. . . but at Bowker BMW in Blackburn you have your very own official Genius onhand to guide you – 7 days a week.

Earlier this year this premium brand rolledout their ‘BMW Genius’ programme after a hugely successful pilot scheme.

Each BMW Genius is an expert in the increasingly sophisticated technologies and personalisation options available fromthe company.

We spoke to Bowker Blackburn BMW Genius Oliver Wiggan about his exciting new role. . .

EVERYDAY EXCEPTIONAL.

Bowker BlackburnTrident Park, Off Whitebirk Drive Blackburn BB1 3NU

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.

Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer range: Urban 43.5–60.1mpg (6.5–4.7l/100km). Extra Urban 61.4–76.3mpg (4.6–3.7l/100km). Combined 53.3–68.9mpg (5.3–4.1l/km). CO2 emissions 124–109g/km.

To find out more or to book a test drive* please call 01254 274444 or visit www.bowkerblackburnbmw.co.uk

The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is available from £22,125.

Active Tourer

The new BMW 2 SeriesActive Tourer

The UltimateDriving Machine

o br te orot mud onio fTTot isir vo rekwob.www

eW 2 SMw Bee nhT

l lae csael* pevirt dsek a tooo b 0uk.oc.wmbnburckalb

baliavs ar ieruove TToitcs Aeir

44447 245210

.521,22m £ore flb

nurbackl Brr ekwoBetihf Wf, Okrat PnedirTTr

U N1 3Bn BrubkcalB

y fmonocl eeul faiciffOrtx. E)mk001/l7.4–5.6(

O C).mk/l1.4–35.( 2 ism enacilppo at tcejbus se ivirt dseT*

nevirk Dribe

reW 2 SMw Bee nhr tos ferugiy f7.3–6.4g (pm3.67–4.1n 6abra U

m.k/g901–42 1sonisis vya mserugiF

.ytilibaliavd ans autatt s

n 4abre: Ugnar reruoTToevitcs Aei9.86–3.3d 5enibmo. C)mk001/l7

onsitidon cdn aelyt sgnivir dn ognidnepe dyra v

g pm1.06–5.3n 4g pm9

.ons