VAN CLEEF & ARPELS CREATE UNIQUE MIDNIGHT IN MONACO WATCH FOR ONLY WATCH 2009
Only Watch is an extraordinary auction event which is held every two years in Monaco during the Monaco Yacht Show under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II. This year 34 high watchmaking brands have each made either a unique watch, a prototype, or the first of a limited series for the auction. All the proceeds from Only Watch go to support research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“The piece that we are giving to Only Watch this year is a unique piece, Midnight in Monaco, based on our Poetic Complications,” says Nicolas Bos, Vice-president and Art Director of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Most of Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are inspired by stories or works of art – Midsummer Night’s Dream, Atlantis, Les Jardins – stories that have their roots in different cultures and traditions. So for watches, the House collaborated with some of the Worlds best watchmakers to develop movements that could also tell stories.

“Once again we worked with very simple ideas,” says Bos, “even though many of our pieces are quite complex in the making. We started with ladies’ watches, with the idea to go against current trends and use the highest level of craftsmanship for mechanical movements to show what time means to the House – which is a time linked to natural rhythms.”

Bos’s first idea was to create a watch that would show the passing of the seasons – something that had to be extremely slow but accurate, where you couldn’t see movement with the naked eye. “We developed variations on this movement and our next idea was to take the whole universe of fairies and fairy tales and magic found in our jewellery and incorporate it into our watches. The idea being that you see the story and not the movement.”

“Something I really like,” says Bos, “is the poetic approach to astronomy of scientific books from the 18th and 19th century where there is no difference made between astrono–my and astrology. I love this kind of old-fashioned romantic feeling of the stars.” Which is how Van Cleef & Arpels came to design Midnight in Paris.

“For Only Watch,” says Bos, “we decided to make a special platinum Midnight in Monaco version of this watch which shows the exact position of the stars in the sky over Monaco as they are each night at midnight.”

The watch dial, which is made in aventurine glass – Moreno glass with particles of copper giving a Milky Way effect – displays a very accurate map of the sky that is also a hemisphere. Hand-painted on this dial are all the constellations and a map of the sky in the southern hemisphere. In the centre oval is displayed the exact position of the stars in the sky over Monaco as they are at mid–night each night. At the back of the watch is a unique gold sculpture painted in enamel that depicts the landscape of Monaco.

Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels began with a love story when Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef married. A dynasty of jewellers was born when, in 1906, Alfred Van Cleef joined forces with his brothers-in-law Charles and Julien Arpels to establish Van Cleef & Arpels at 22 Place Vendôme Paris, which has been the House’s home for more than a century. Since then, Van Cleef & Arpels has opened more than 55 boutiques throughout the world and has created a long and storied history as one of the world’s most celebrated jewellers. Each new collection is inspired by facets of longstanding themes of the House including nature, couture and the arts. This creativity combined with the jewellery-makers’ masterful use of only the world’s top-quality gemstones has left the Van Cleef & Arpels legacy ripe with iconic creations such as the Alhambra—the legendary quatrefoil design which brings luck and happiness to all who wear it. http://www.vancleef-arpels.com

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a seriously debilitating genetic disorder that affects one in every 3,500 boys. The disease is characterized by a weakening of the muscles, respiratory and cardiac problems which can become fatal as the child gets older. In Europe there are around 30,000 sufferers of the disease (the same as the population of Monaco) who inevitably require constant care and the special facility needs of disabled people.

About Only Watch
Talking about the Only Watch 09 auction, which will take place on 24 September 2009, Osvaldo Patrizzi, Chairman of Patrizzi & Co, commented: “Envisioning and studying these marvelous objects has not only provoked dreams of the amount of money that will be raised to support research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but also the discovery that new forms are taking shape as today’s (and tomorrow’s) horology is being sketched out by a new wave of artists, micro mechanical artists, who see wristwatches as a new form of expression in art.” http://www.patrizziauction.com


DK, DISNEY•PIXAR AND TOTAL FILM LAUNCH ANIMATION COMPETITION
Runs 1st September -30th November Create your own animated adventure and win an exclusive trip to Pixar Animation Studios in San Francisco. To celebrate the publication of a new book Pixarpedia publisher Dorling Kindersley joined forces with Disney•Pixar and Total Film to launch a unique animation competition. Open to everyone over 16, the competition invites you to create an original animation on the theme of ‘An Animated Adventure.’ Also launched to coincide with the release of new Disney•Pixar movie “Up” in October, the competition will run from 1st September for 3 months with the best animation winning a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to Pixar Animation Studios in San Francisco. The runner-up will receive a year’s subscription to the First For Film package (includes Total Film, DVD and Blue Ray Review, SFX, SFX Specials) and other shortlisted entries a copy of Pixarpedia.Shortlisted animations will be judged by a team of lead artists at Pixar, who will then decide on the winning clip, to be announced in early December. Visit www.dk.com/pixarpedia to enter and for full competition details.

Pixarpedia (published 1st September, priced £25) Created in full collaboration with Disney-Pixar, Pixarpedia is a comprehensive guide to everything Pixar. Beginning with a history of the company and an explanation of the movie-making process, the book covers every feature and short film in detail. With character profiles, loads of movie stills and fascinating interviews from the people behind the scenes it is the ultimate encyclopedia for Pixar fans of every age.

ART DECO OPULENCE THIS SEPTEMBER
- Art Deco Fair, Eltham Palace,
Sunday 13 September -
Due to popular demand, English Heritage is bringing back the Art Deco Fair this September to give the ever increasing number of visitors the opportunity to pick up some fantastic antique and reproduction pieces.

Enthusiasts and antique hunters from across the country are expected to descend upon English Heritage's Eltham Palace in Greenwich on Sunday 13 September for the lavish and extremely popular, annual Art Deco Fair. Come and join the experts in the Great Hall and browse the specialist stalls for intriguing objet d'art to add a splash of glamour to your home.

Verity Hales, Visitor Operations Manager at Eltham Palace, advises that this September will offer a great opportunity to pick up those sought-after pieces that rarely appear at antique fairs. She comments: "Every year we see more of Britain's Art Deco dealers bringing their finest quality pieces to our biannual fair. Eltham Palace offers the chance to purchase elegant period pieces that will give your home a stylish Art Deco edge."

Verity Hales offers visitors five top tips for collecting Art Deco pieces:
Research typical designs from the 1930s so you can choose designs that reflect this era;
Refer to history books about the period and become informed about popular designers from that time;
Take the time to chat to exhibitors at the Fair and pick their brains for gems of knowledge;
Avoid items with chips, cracks or other damage;
Most importantly, choose something you genuinely love to really get value for money.

Specialist dealers will be selling a fascinating selection of furniture and collectables, from hats and handbags, to glassware and ceramics, to lighting and textiles. Expert exhibitors from around the country will be descending on Eltham Palace to display their wares in the atmospheric Great Hall; the only surviving part of the original Tudor palace adjoined to the 1930s mansion in which Henry VIII spent much of his childhood.

Visitors can take a break from browsing at the Fair to look around the Art Deco mansion built by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld for more inspiration on recreating the 1930s look in their home. The 19 acres of gardens at Eltham Palace are another delight and ideal for a spring picnic or leisurely wander. The moat and 15th century stone bridge are spectacular features within the wonderfully landscaped grounds.

Tickets to the Fair, which includes entry to the house and its stunning gardens, cost £8.30 for adults, £7.10 for concessions, £4.20 for children and £20.80 for a family ticket. English Heritage members go free. Eltham Palace is situated in Court Yard, off Court Road, SE9 5QE. Call 020 8294 2548 for more information.

Opening hours: Sunday 13 September 10am - 5pm
For details of other events to enjoy with English Heritage, call 0870 333 1181 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/events.

Häagen-Dazs Vanilla – The Little Black Dress of Ice Creams

With summer days nearly behind us, Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square is marking the start of Autumn with a focus on the classics.

The queen of the menu in September is Vanilla, a flavour that never goes out of fashion, much like a classic little black dress. And Häagen-Dazs Vanilla is the crème de la crème of little white ice creams. Crafted from just five simple and natural ingredients – cream, milk, eggs, vanilla and sugar – it’s a rich, smooth taste sensation. There’s also 100% fresh dairy in every scoop and zero stabilisers, emulsifiers and colourants.

Very much like the perfect LBD, Häagen-Dazs Vanilla ice cream doesn’t need added glam to stand out. It’s a pure and elegant ice cream which is best enjoyed on it’s own for the full flavour experience, or with a light topping such as almond flakes or hot chocolate sauce, perfect for chilly Autumn days.

Stylish Vanilla has been one of the favourites with the British public since Häagen-Dazs opened its flagship shop in Leicester Square 19 years ago, and has consistently been one of the top five selling ice cream flavours at the shop.

For exclusive menu tastings and competitions please visit the Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square fan page on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/c8fa3t.

• One scoop of the Häagen-Dazs Vanilla costs £2.40 to take-away and £2.85 when enjoyed at the Leicester Square shop
• Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square is located at 14 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NG

THOUSANDS TOOK TO THE ROADS IN SUPPORT OF THE INAUGURAL PROSTATE CANCER TOUR RIDE

More than 1,200 cyclists from all over Great Britain, including National Road Race Champion Kristian House, got on their bikes today to take on a gruelling leg of The Tour of Britain, in a UK first.

Riders set off at 8am this morning from the gantry outside the iconic Britannia Football stadium, home of Stoke City Football Club for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride - taking on the exact professional route that will be undertaken by the World’s top professional cyclists in less than two weeks time as part of the UK’s premier cycling event, The Tour of Britain (12th - 19th September).

Regarded as one of the most arduous legs of The Tour of Britain – Stage 5 – many riders from every corner of the UK chose to take on the full 145km, pitting themselves against the same hilly terrain to be ridden by the pros. The fittest cyclists among the group took about five hours to complete but many took in the region of six to seven hours; understandable when you consider they climbed a total of 2006 metres. Some resorted to walking up notorious Gun Hill, a long steep climb just after passing Tittesworth Reservoir.

Others opted for the 70km Challenge Ride route or the 20km Family Ride at the event, which has already raised more than £150,000 for the Charity’s work to fight prostate cancer by investing in research, offering support and information and campaigning. Lots of spectators turned up to support the cyclists as they took on one of the hardest sportives in the country.

Kristian House, 29, a former resident of Stoke-on-Trent and professional rider for the Rapha Condor cycling team, said: “Anything that gets people on bikes is a good thing and this is a fantastic event. Obviously, the cause, fighting prostate cancer, is a very important one and I will do anything to support that if I can. To ride the route of the Stoke-on-Trent leg of The Tour of Britain is really good practice for me and its great to do it with so many people. Last year the finish in Stoke, right in the city centre, was unreal. The crowds were so loud and enthusiastic. To race in a city where I used to live in front of people who have supported me is really special.”

The event was staged as part of a new initiative called UniteByCycling, which features a range of cycling events, involving both professional cyclists and the general public. The activity is focussed around the Charity’s partnership with The Tour of Britain and the hosting of two special mass participation events in September. Following this event in Stoke-on-Trent, there is also another opportunity for people to get on their bikes in support of the Charity and ride the final London leg, around iconic landmarks of the capital in front of an expected 100,000 spectators.

Quotes from spokespeople

John Neate, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: “This is the first year of our partnership with the Tour of Britain – and we have been delighted with the turnout to our inaugural mass participation event in Stoke-on-Trent. To see cyclists, from professionals in the Rapha Condor team, such as Kristian House, to families, at the start line, shows that people, whatever their ability, are getting behind our mission to urge people to ‘unite by cycling’ to help fight prostate cancer. It has been a fantastic day and I send my congratulations to everyone who completed the ride.”

Kevin Nash Event Director, of The Tour of Britain, said: “This is the first year of The Tour Ride in Stoke-on-Trent and the turnout has been tremendous. This is testament to the UniteByCycling partnership between The Tour of Britain and The Prostate Cancer Charity, where we are bringing people together on their bicycles while fighting for a good cause. To have the likes of Kristian House, National Road Race Champion, turn up is testament to the fact that we are doing the right thing.”

Tony Scholes, Chief Executive of Stoke City Football Club, said: “It is fantastic to be able to stage an event like this at the Britannia Stadium. The tour ride is a great concept, staged in support of The Prostate Cancer Charity. It is great to raise awareness of this disease by staging a fun and exciting event like this. We now look forward to the start of the Tour of Britain at the stadium on 16 September.”

Councillor Derek Capey, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The city is extremely committed to cycling as a sport, a form of transport and as a healthy activity. It is great to be in partnership with the football club, The Tour of Britiain and The Prostate Cancer Charity, in staging such a fantastic event.”

For more details and announcements visit http://www.unitebycycling.org.uk

THE GREAT TASTE AWARDS RESULTS
is organised annually by the Guild of Fine Food. More than 100 leading chefs, cookery writers, retail buyers and other food & drink specialists judge thousands of foods in a process lasting several months. The best products – most of which are available in British delis and farm shops – are awarded one, two or three gold stars in a scheme that echoed the Michelin star scheme for restaurants, with regional and national awards also being awarded. Monday evenings saw the final judging of the “best of the best” at Fortnum & Mason, which also sponsored the Supreme Champion trophy.
The event was hosted by Nigel Barden, BBC Radio 2’s food correspondent and a regular contributor to Chris Evans’ current Drivetime show.

The Supreme Panel members were:
· Chris Evans – BBC Radio 2
. Shaun Hill, Fortnum & Mason Development Chef
· Simon Burdess, Fortnum & Mason
· Charles Campion, restaurant critic and food writer
· Antony Worrall Thompson, chef and restaurateur
· Mark Hix, chef and restaurateur
· Thomasina Miers, chef and restaurateur, winner of Masterchef
2005
· Lucas Hollweg, food journalist
· Charlie Turnbull, Turnbull’s Delicatessen
· Steve Munkley, Royal Garden Hotel
· Georgie Mason – Gonalston Farm shop
· John Shepherd - Partridges

The major trophy winners are as follows:
Best Speciality from South West
Sponsored by South West Food and Drink
The Lyme Bay Winery – Jack Ratt Scrumpy
www.lymebaywinery.co.uk

Best Speciality from the Heart of England
Sponsored by Heart of England Fine Foods
Chase Distillery Ltd – Chase Elderflower Liqueur
www.chasedistillery.co.uk

Best Speciality from the East Midlands
Sponsored by Fine Food Digest
Dickinson & Morris – Mini Melton Mowbray Pork Pies (six pack)
www.porkpie.co.uk

Best Speciality from Yorkshire & Humber
Sponsored by Deliciouslyorkshire
The Swaledale Cheese Company Ltd – Swaledale Blue (natural rind)
www.swaledalecheese.co.uk

Best Speciality from the North East
Sponsored by Northumbria Larder
Beckleberrys t/a Artisan Foods – Sloe Gin Sorbet
www.beckleberrys.co.uk

Best Speciality from the South East
Sponsored by South East Food Group Partnership
Gran Stead's Ginger – Non-alcoholic Ginger Wine
www.beckleberrys.co.uk

Best Speciality from the North West and Supreme Champion
Sponsored by Food Northwest
More? The Artisan Bakery – Gluten Free Muddee
www.moreartisan.co.uk

Best Welsh Speciality
Sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government
Gwaun Valley Meats – Pembrokeshire Back Bacon

Best Scottish Speciality
Sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink
Nevis Bakery Ltd – Demerara Shortbread
www.nevisbakery.com

Best Speciality from Northern Ireland
Sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland
Glen Tender – Glen Tender Aberdeen Angus Sirloin Steak (21 day matured)
www.glentender.co.uk

Best Irish Speciality
Sponsored by Bord Bia
Woodcock Smokery – Smoked Salmon (wild)
www.woodcocksmokery.com

Speciality Importer of the Year
Sponsored by Fresh RM
The Fresh Pasta Company
www.latuapasta.com

Best First Time Entrant
Sponsored The RSPCA's Freedom Food
Tea Ltd
www.wearetea.com

Speciality Producer of the Year
Sponsored by Partridges of London
Fudge's / Dorset Village Bakery Ltd
www.fudges.co.uk

Guild of Fine Food Lifetime Achievement 2009
John Shepherd of Partridges

PHOTOBOX I CHILDLINE 2009 YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR NSPCC AND PHOTOBOX TEAM UP TO FIND TOP YOUNG SNAPPERS
PhotoBox has partnered with the NSPCC and their ChildLine service to support the Child’s Voice Appeal, which aims to answer every child’s cry for help. With this competition PhotoBox will create a platform for young people to celebrate their talent and passion for photography while raising money for a great cause.

The competition launched on September 8th and aims to capture the world of young people through their own eyes. It will be judged by an expert panel including renowned photographers, Annabel Williams and Charlie Waite along with senior representatives from NSPCC and PhotoBox.


Children are encouraged to enter via http://youngphotographer.photobox.com and their photographs will be grouped under four age categories - under 8 yrs, 9-12 yrs, 13-15 yrs or 16-18 yrs with different money can’t buy prizes for each.

Prize details for each category:

· Under 8yrs - tickets to the premiere of the new Disney film UP for a family of four on Sunday 4th October 2009

· 9-12yr old - tickets to the premiere as above

· 13-15 - a private screening of Disney’s ‘UP’ for winner and 50 of their friends

· 16-18 - a one to one photography masterclass with Charlie Waite

· Eight runners up; £100 credit to spend at PhotoBox

Some of the prizes have kindly been donated by Disney Pixar, which celebrates the release of its latest 3D animated Blockbuster; UP, landing in cinemas Oct 9.

All competition winners, runners-up and other highly commended entries will win a photo book featuring all winning images. This photo book will also be available to buy at PhotoBox to help raise money for the NSPCC.

PhotoBox UK, Managing Director, Mark Chapman says: “We want to engage with young people to celebrate their passion for photography. We believe we can raise awareness of a remarkable and serious cause by allowing young people to inspire and motivate us with their diversity and talent through photos. We are proud to partner with the NSPCC in this aim”.

Head of Corporate Partnerships at the NSPCC, Tracy Griffin says: “A picture paints a thousand words and for many, an image can express so much more than what can be said. A photographic competition fits in very well with our Child’s Voice Appeal, which aims to answer every child’s cry for help. All funds raised through the photo book from the competition will go towards the NSPCC’s Helpline and ChildLine so that more calls for help can be answered and more unheard voices can be listened to.”

The competition closes on 29th September, with the winners announced on the 1st October.

CENTRAL LINE BECOMES THE PEOPLE’S CATWALK UNDERGROUND POP-UP FASHION SHOW LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST HIGH STREET FASHION WEEK

On Monday 7 September, a Pop-Up Fashion Show took place on the London Underground to launch the world’s first High Street Fashion Week, on Oxford Street.

Central line commuters including financial analyst Alex Lloyd and recruitment consultant Stacey Wright snapped up front row seats for this fashion show, usually reserved for the likes of Kate Moss & Victoria Beckham. The ‘People’s Catwalk’ started at Tottenham Court Road and ran to Marble Arch, marking the full mile and a half length of London’s Oxford Street which is host to the inaugural High Street Fashion Week, which launches today. (Full itinerary on http://www.highstreetfashionweek.com)

Laura Ramos at New West End Company, organisers of the Show and High Street Fashion Week commented, “It took twenty minutes to complete the central line catwalk show and passengers were genuinely over the moon to see the show, which gave a unique preview of this season’s stunning High Street fashion outfits. This is the first time ever that a fashion week has been made so accessible to the public. Fashion week shows are normally reserved for the fashion elite but by creating a pop up fashion show on a shopper heavy tube, we gave everyone the chance to grab a slice of our ‘fashion week’ action.”

Says model Leah Hibbert, one of eight models who strutted fashions from leading High Street brands including Debenhams - House of Fraser - John Lewis – Marks & Spencer – Next - River Island – Selfridges – Uniqlo – in their five inch sky scraping heels to the fully choreographed show. “The underground wasn’t the usual fashion runway I’m used to, but the atmosphere was terrific – I really think the shoppers loved every minute. The carriages seemed full of Londoners and tourists, who will probably leave London with the impression that this sort of thing goes on everyday!”

Chief make-up artists and stylists from London College of Fashion, based on Oxford Street, were responsible for backstage styling.

Tube traveller and front row seat attendee, Stacey Wright from Manchester said, "I was travelling for an interview and the show took me totally by surprise, this is what's great about London - you never know what's around the corner! I’m heading straight to the shops, those girls looked great!"

Alex Lloyd, Financial Analyst, who had travelled in to Marble Arch from Essex said, “I didn’t quite know what to do or where to look, it was all terribly exciting. The team at the office won’t believe what just happened to me on the tube.”

The Pop Up Show was the first of a week long calendar of fashion events for the first-ever High Street Fashion Week on Oxford Street. Welcomed by British Fashion Council and Mayor of London, Boris Johnson High Street Fashion Week is a truly accessible fashion week.
The iconic fashion designer Paul Costelloe, who has opened London Fashion Week for the past five years, also helped launch High Street Fashion Week at John Lewis Oxford Street this morning, where he will be doing a Trunk Show later in the week, giving shoppers exclusive previews of his new season’s collections.

Paul Costelloe says, “Having opened London Fashion Week for the last five years, it gives me great pleasure to help kick off the first High Street Fashion Week on Oxford Street. I’m looking forward to seeing the public’s reaction when we showcase the new collection at John Lewis. It is one thing having to impress the Fashion Editors, but it’s quite another to put your designs out in the public domain directly. High Street fashion really has developed and progressed so much in recent years, it’s about time it had its own big season launch.”

Retailers will be rolling out the sartorial red carpet for shoppers from London, the UK and overseas. Events include, trunk shows given by UK fashion designers, live DJ sets and a multi-store fashion exhibition. Shoppers will have an ACCESS ALL AREAS pass for High Street Fashion Week events on Oxford Street.

John Ball, LU Director of Strategy and Service Development, said: Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping venues in the world and the best way to get there is by travelling by bus or tube. The central line fashion show was a unique event and Transport For London was happy to be part of Oxford Street’s inaugural High Street Fashion Week.”

‘TODD LYNN FOR NO7’ LIMITED EDITION MAKE-UP BAG IS FIT FOR THE CATWALK
- For one day only, grab a free designer bag worth £100 –
Fashionistas will be rushing to Boots.com to get their hands on a limited edition make up bag by man of the moment, London based designer Todd Lynn. The bag has been created exclusively for No7 as part of its sponsorship of the designer’s forthcoming LFW look.

The chic ‘Todd Lynn For No7’ limited edition make-up bag combines Todd’s signature style with classic No7 colours, creating a must have designer item that any stylista would be proud to have in - or out of - her handbag. The edgy yet elegant design uses several luxury fabrics, the outer layer is covered in a unique material made of 50% paper and 50% cotton, with a leather strap to hold the bag closed. The inside is lined with an elegant black satin and a striking gold zip gives the bag a real edge.

No7 is giving 50 lucky customers the chance get their hands on the beautiful bag for free – for one day only. To celebrate the start of London Fashion Week, the first 50 people who go onto Boots.com on 18 September to purchase No7 Extravagant Lash Mascara, 7ml, £12 in either Black, Brown/Black or Blue will receive a ‘Todd Lynn For No7’ limited edition make-up bag filled with No7 treats worth over nearly £150[1] <x-msg://363/#_ftn1> . A range of products including No7 Stay Perfect Foundation will form the basis of the look that Lisa Eldridge, celebrity make-up artist and No7 Creative Director, is designing for Todd’s September LFW show.

Todd Lynn comments, “I loved the challenge of combining my unique design with No7 to create something sophisticated that women would love. I’m really pleased with the final design of this make-up bag, it’s a beautiful piece that I’d be proud to sell alongside my Spring/Summer collection.”

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S SPORTING SUCCESS

Nominations are now open for The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2009 which recognise the whole spectrum of female sporting success from leading sportswomen through to rising stars, to those working behind the scenes.

Now in their 22nd year, the awards, which are among the most prestigious and influential in the British sporting calendar, will be presented on Tuesday 3rd November 2009 in London. The event is sponsored by Sport England, UK Sport, and CCPR. The Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation is also lending its support and is the event’s charity partner.

Fresh for this year are three new award categories – Sport Businesswoman of the Year and Sports Leader of the Year – both designed to reward the hard work that goes on behind the scenes of sports administration, management, marketing and promotion. Also the new Lifetime Achievement Award which will recognise a lifetime of sporting success.

This year also, two new faces will join the panel of Sportswomen of the Year Award judges - namely Olympic legend Tessa Sanderson and 2009 X Games Champion Snowboarder, Jenny Jones - to give their fresh perspective and unique insights.

As well as celebrating high-profile athletes - previous winners include Nicole Cooke, the England women’s cricket team, Paula Radcliffe, Denise Lewis and Zara Phillips - the event recognises women at all levels of British sporting life including administrators working tirelessly behind the scenes and PE teachers nurturing future talent.
Over the next few weeks, The Sunday Times is inviting people to nominate a friend, colleague or professional they think deserves special recognition. A panel of judges, chaired by Eleanor Oldroyd, BBC 5 Live sports broadcaster, will decide the winners in each of the ten categories
The categories are as follows:

• Team of the Year

Celebrating the achievements of Britain’s most successful female sports teams

• Disabled Athlete of the Year

Celebrating the success of Britain’s disabled female athletes

• PE Teacher of the Year

Highlighting the outstanding contribution of those who teach physical education

• Young Sportswoman of the Year supported by UK Sport

Marking the success of Britain’s young sportswomen. Nominees must be under 21 years of age

• The Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration

Recognising inspirational endeavour

• Sportswoman of the Year

The ultimate accolade for your favourite sportswoman of this year

• Community Club Volunteer supported by Sport England

For individuals who have actively engaged with different groups of women within their community through sport

• Sport Leader of the Year

Celebrating excellence in sports leadership, highlighting the role woman play in leading sport in the UK

• Sport Businesswoman of the Year

Highlighting the stars behind the scenes of sports management, marketing and administration

• Sponsorship of the Year supported by Women’s Sport & Fitness Foundation

For brands that have successfully supported and promoted women’s sport

• Lifetime Achievement Award supported by CCPR

Celebrating outstanding contribution to women’s sport
Nominations close on 23rd September. Everyone who nominates will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a pair of tickets to the main event.

Never has there been a better time to reflect the success of female athletes in a whole variety of sport disciplines and in doing so, provide inspirational role models for females of all ages. Make your voice heard – visit www.timesonline.co.uk/sportswomen to nominate now!

SEPTEMBER RISOTTO FESTIVAL AT STRADA

Strada, the authentic Italian restaurant, will be holding a Risotto Festival in it's restaurant throughout September to celebrate the classic Italian dish.

Four new risotto dishes will be available on the menu, inspired by the Northern Italian regions of Piedmont, Milan, Lombardy and Venice where risotto has its roots.

Rice arrived in Italy sometime in the 10th century. The north of the country took to rice farming four to five hundred years later making risotto the region’s signature dish. Risotto is still more widely eaten that pasta in the area.

The guest dishes are available throughout September, priced from £9.75.
Choose from Risotto All'aragosta e Gamberoni - sautéed tiger prawns and lobster – a fresh and simple seafood dish, or the autumnal flavours of Risotto Funghi e Castagne - porcini and mushrooms with roasted chestnuts. There is also Risotto Zafferano e Asparagi, a saffron infused risotto with asparagus spears and Grana cheese and Risotto Norcina - Italian sausage and chestnut mushrooms.

The guest dishes feature alongside Strada’s risotto specialities, including the Risotto Cappesante – pan fried scallops with white wine, lemon zest, chilli and basil - and the Risotto alla Zucca - pumpkin and butternut squash risotto with sautéed pancetta, wilted spinach and toasted pine nuts.

Maurice Maffeo, Strada’s development chef, says:

“Risotto is one of Italy’s oldest dishes but also one of the most versatile. You can use just about any ingredient, which is why cooking a risotto can be almost as satisfying as eating it.

“The Risotto Festival will offer even more choice to our guests and celebrate all that is so wonderful about this eclectic dish”.

Strada offers diners a contemporary and stylish setting in which to enjoy great-tasting, authentic Italian food. As well as risotto, the menu includes handmade pizzas and fresh pastas as well as fish and meat dishes using only the finest fresh ingredients.

Strada also serves purely regional Italian wines, as well as beers and spirits, which have all been carefully chosen to complement the menu. In addition, each table receives complimentary bottled purified water.

For more information on your nearest Strada, visit http://www.strada.co.uk.

THE 2009 GRAPE HARVEST IN BURGUNDY: REDUCTION IN QUANTITY IN FAVOUR OF GREATER QUALITY

2009 marks the return of the seasons. After a good year of weather, characterised by a pleasant spring which followed a long, cold and snowy winter, the summer, which made its return, has favoured optimum growth and maturation of the vine and its grapes. A few days before the harvest, the wine growers are enthusiastic and in a permanently good mood.

The hot and sunny spell in the first half of April provided fast and consistent budding across Burgundy with dates conforming to the average of the last 15 years, and more particularly close to those of 2005.

Blossoming then took place in two steps. As the average temperatures at the end of May, exceeded the seasonal averages, blossoming began on the earliest plots. The cooler weather which arrived during the first ten days of June slowed down the blossoming of the later plots, particularly in the Yonne.

This interval was then maintained at the different stages of development of the vine and the grapes.

The heat wave which set in around 10 August caused ripening and set off fast maturing. The Burgundy Wine Board therefore began its maturity checks on 13 August.

Since then, thanks to optimum climatic conditions (sun and heat), maturing is following a very sustained pace leading to concentration within the grapes. In fact, each week, the potential degree of alcohol increases by over one point, reaching levels close to those observed in mid-September 2008. Tasting the grapes has already shown a most promising balance of sugar and acidity.

The vineyard is in perfect health.

If this excellent weather continues, the harvests will begin between 5 and 10 September for the early sectors. The plots intended for production of Crémant de Bourgogne will be harvested in the coming days.

2009 is set to be a high-quality vintage: fruity, concentrated, balanced, powerful….in a word, magnificent. This promising vintage is the fruit of a combination of ideal climatic conditions and controlled volumes. The harvest volume is estimated at 1.4 hectolitres, i.e. 10 % less than in 2008.

All this gives further strength to the Burgundy legend that years ending in 9 produce great vintages.

SMIRNOFF BLACK® MOST STYLISH COCKTAIL
Introducing the smirnoff black most stylish cocktail. Created to celebrate the Smirnoff Black Most Stylish Man Award, given to David Walliams at the 2009 GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Made with super premium Smirnoff Black vodka and developed by top mixologist Tristan Stephenson, this sophisticated cocktail has a masculine hint of ginger and liquorice and like every stylish modern gentleman has a distinctively smooth finish. Available exclusively at Mews of Mayfair1 from 9th September 2009.

Mews of Mayfair, 10-11 Lancashire Court, New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EY
The 2009 GQ Men of the Year Awards are held in association with Alfred Dunhill

Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk and Diageo’s own global resource www.DRINKiQ.com for information and guidance on responsible drinking.

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