From the end of this month, The Mori Arts Centre in Tokyo will host a stunning retrospective exhibition “The Spirit of Beauty”, displaying over 100 years of masterful creation by the Maison of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Named after a famous Van Cleef & Arpels clip in the form of a fairy, “The Spirit of Beauty” will unveil jewels, timepieces, fashion accessories and objets d’art; over 250 pieces selected from the Maison’s Private Collection and also from great private French and International collections.

In an original realisation by Patrick Jouin, the 1000sq meters of the Mori Arts Centre will be transformed into a dreamlike journey. Under the protection and magic of fairies, the exhibition is built around four themes: The Spirit of Nature, The Spirit of Elegance, The Spirit of Adventure, and Incarnations.

The Maison’s capacity to find wonder in the emotion of detail is echoed in Asian cultures and, more particularly, in Japanese art. In 1906, when Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels opened their first boutique, Japanese prints had already stunned Europe with their new ideas of colour and light, line, composition and perspective. A number of the Maison’s creations, such as the Jardin japonais clip (1924) or the Paysage japonais minaudière (1930) were inspired by the iconography of this country. Over the years the Far East has continued to inspire Van Cleef & Arpels, giving birth to jewels such as the between-the-finger Lotus ring (2001) and the Envol necklace (2003).
The creative bond between Van Cleef & Arpels and Japan remains strong: in 2004, the Maison asked the master of lacquer work, Hakose San, to create a series of Papillon clips in letterwood and lacquer. In his Wajima workshop, this renowned Japanese artist created – in accordance with ancestral tradition using a technique involving twenty stages and over one hundred manufacturing procedures - a collection of unique pieces. Combining the use of gold dust, tiny drops of gold and minute pieces of eggshell, he brought to life an exquisite limited edition of numbered and unique pieces.
The guiding spirit of the exhibition is the Fée Libellule clip (1944), also named the Spirit of Beauty. This fairy, her body entirely set with round diamonds, her face set with rubies and a rose-cut diamond, was bought by Barbara Hutton, the “Million dollar baby”. A symbol of dreams and fantasy, this precious fairy is an icon of the Van Cleef & Arpels world where, for more than a century, creations defined by poetry, dreams and perfection, have been brought to life.

The Spirit of Beauty
“The Spirit of Beauty” is revealed in four stages, starting with the Spirit of Nature. Calling to mind dawn, when drops of dew stream from leaf to leaf and birds begin their delicate chorus, the space is filled with soft contours: the walls seem to sway, adorned with gigantic tree branches from which are suspended generous drops of water transformed into jewellery display windows. In the dimmed light, this composition is accentuated by an immense cage where precious butterflies flutter and, as if descending directly from the sky, long transparent stems display clips, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
The two following themes, The Spirit of Elegance and The Spirit of Adventure, are displayed in the same area, which recreates the soft and elongated lines of the maple fruit; a small helix that, when detaching from the tree, flutters slowly in the wind. In the light, which is designed to evoke the midday sun, the wings of this ephemeral fruit become a long, softly curving shape, studded with round display windows.
Décor and lighting are transformed for the last theme, Incarnations, which includes videos and sound illustrations from the glamour of the red carpet, featuring stars such as Princess Grace, Marlene Dietrich, Catherine Deneuve, Julia Roberts, Hyroko Hirosue and Scarlett Johansson. From royal courts to stages the world over, Van Cleef & Arpels will always be the jeweller of beauty and eternity.

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR ACCESSORIES THIS AUTUMN FROM GIVe.
Add a splash of colour to your wardrobe with the bright red snakeskin bag (£129.00) or the electric blue suede tassel tote (£129.00). For evening glamour clutch on to the latest looks in quilted leather (£89.00) or studded patent (£59.00) adding textural interest to you LBD. On the footwear front, step out in style in the navy platform courts (£129.00) or release your inner rock chic in the Syri shoe boot (£179.00). Whatever your mood you'll find the perfect accessories at GIVe this season. Prices start at £59.00 to £179.00 and all styles are available now from give.co.uk, GIVe stores or GIVe concessions.

THE BRAND NEW PER UNA SPEZIALE
The brand new per una Speziale collection is in stores now. Designed and manufactured in the heart of Italy, Speziale is the must have boutique range of the season. The collection builds around shades of black, navy, grey and chocolate, perfectly combining grown-up winter colours with exciting textures and dramatic silhouettes. The limited edition Speziale range is available now from specially selected Marks and Spenser stores and on-line at www.marksandspencer.com

PLANTFORLIFE CHAMPIONS THE NEXT PHASE OF GROW YOUR OWN...
As research reveals almost two thirds of UK gardeners admit they don’t grow their own fruit

New research from PlantforLife reveals the trend for ‘grow your own’ has more than doubled, with over half (54%) admitting they now choose to grow their own, compared to just one fifth (22%) two years ago. Yet, despite this growing phenomenon, the research shows less than two fifths of UK gardeners (36%) grow fruit trees and shrubs, preferring vegetables and salad crops instead.
This is why PlantforLife and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) have teamed up with celebrity plantsman, Chris Collins to champion the next phase of ‘grow your own’ gardening by educating people with simple tips on how easy it is to plant and grow fruit trees and berries.

Forgetting the fruit
Whilst the research highlights a lack of fruit growing in the UK, when asked, almost two thirds (62%) agree they would like to grow their own fruit trees and berries. From the list, strawberries were deemed the fruit of choice (24%), followed by apples and raspberries.
But, when asked why people didn’t plant fruit trees and berries in their gardens, the research reveals that:

• 39% don’t think they have enough space to plant
• Almost a third (29%) confess they haven’t considered fruit trees and berries when growing their own
• And, almost a quarter (23%) admit they just don’t know what varieties they can grow in their garden.

Commenting on the findings, David Gilchrist from the Horticultural Trades Association says:
“Despite the surge in grow your own gardening, many people still overlook the possibilities of home grown fruits and berries. But, there is an increasing number of tasty, unusual fruit such as gooseberries and loganberries that will happily grow in the UK climate. Growing your own fruit can be very rewarding – not only does it taste better, but is friendly to the environment and more importantly, you know where it’s come from”.

The time to plant
Not only does the research highlight a lack of planting, but it also shows that people aren’t sure whether or not certain fruits can be grown in a UK garden, with just 31% knowing they could grow currants, 27% peaches and just 22% apricots. Over two fifths (41%) also mistakenly believe that fruit trees and berries should be planted in spring, whilst in actual fact autumn is the key time to do so.
Celebrity plantsman, Chris Collins comments, “Small fruits and berries are nutritious, easy to grow at home and relatively low-maintenance, but planting them is a long-term commitment and it can take several seasons before fruit is seen. As the greatest abundance of fruit tends to appear in late summer and early autumn, it’s important to plant them during the autumn and early winter”.

Visit www.plantforlife.info/fruit to download Chris’ top tips on how to grow and maintain your favourite varieties of fruit trees and berries.

(Market research conducted in August 2009 by One Poll. 2,000 people were interviewed.)

GARDEN BIRDS NEED YOU!
Feed The Birds Day, which happens this weekend, is a reminder that garden wildlife needs our help providing food and shelter in our gardens over the winter. This weekend, Sat 24 th and Sun 25th October, is allocated ‘Feed The Birds Day’ by the RSPB. Over the winter food and shelter are more scarce as the ground is colder and leaves fall from the trees, so birds, insects and mammals need a boost to their available food.

Wildlife gardening top tips: Keep smaller birds fed - Our gardens are the ideal places to watch and conserve wildlife. Even the smallest outside space is no restriction for helping wildlife, for example; a bird feeder can be hung from the outside wall of the house on any level.

Bird Ball peanut feeder - This stylish feeder is specifically designed to allow small birds to feed, yet deter larger birds and squirrels with its gravity-fed feeding slot, glossy surface and unique perch system. It keeps nuts dry, is easy to clean, easy to fill, weather-proof, prevents damage to birds feet and beaks that can be caused by mesh and wire. Made in the UK. Available in lime or white - £34.95

Get the kids involved - Feed The Birds Day happens at the beginning of half term, so keep the kids occupied making bird feeders and spending time in the garden. Build your own Bird cafe kit – a fun craft kit which contains everything to build and decorate a wooden bird house cafe. A great low-energy craft kit. Perfect for kids aged 5-12. £15.00

Help birds store fat reserves – Calorie rich bird food such as seeds and fat balls are perfect winter food for birds as it builds up their body fat and energy supplies. Putting out kitchen scraps such as grated cheese will help wrens and cooked/uncooked unsalted bacon will be enjoyed by blue tits. Birdfeeder mobile – Hang up to 5 fat balls from this feeder in any outside space. Made from aluminium to withstand the weather. £29.00 Prepare the garden ahead - Introduce plants to the garden which will attract insects. Good insect attracting plants include native hawthorn, honeysuckle and ivy that will also provide berries in the winter for adult birds, and insects for young birds in spring.

Products are all available from EcoCentric - online at www.ecocentric.co.uk and by phone on 0207 739 3888

THORNTONS 3 FOR £2 HALLOWEEN TREATS

Whether you’re having a Halloween party, celebrating in the office, or looking for a sweet treat for your own ‘little horror’, Thorntons has just the thing for you this Halloween.

Thorntons has a great selection of Halloween-inspired Chocolate Lollipops, including a milk chocolate skeleton, a white chocolate ghost, and a milk chocolate pumpkin, all priced at just 69p each. Or, if you want to try more than one, buy them as part of a special 3 for £2 or 5 for £3 promotion. At that price, why not treat friends and family to one, too?

In addition to the 69p range, back by popular demand are the Thorntons Milk Chocolate Spooky Eyeballs. Priced at £1.99, the fun eyeballs are ideal for kids – or the office prankster!

The Milk Chocolate Spooky Coins (£1.99) are perfect for sharing or using in party goody bags. The coins come with peelable Halloween stickers, which kids will be rushing to wear and share with friends.

Alternatively, why not pick up one of the new Scary Gums multi-packs this Halloween from Thorntons, priced at £1.99? Including six 30g bags of chewy sweets, these are ideal to have on-hand for when ‘trick or treaters’ come knocking on your door. The sweets come in lime, blackcurrant, orange and strawberry, and in fun pumpkin and bat shapes.

The Thorntons Halloween range is available to buy in stores nationwide from 15th September, and also online at www.thorntons.co.uk. All products in the Thorntons Halloween range have no added flavourings and no added colourings.

ROOMS FROM £10 FOR HALF TERM BREAK
Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall and the London Eye are the top three UK iconic landmarks British children would most like to visit this half term break according to a new travel report issued today. The research conducted by hotel chain Travelodge surveyed 2600 children aged between eight to fifteen years old and findings revealed 83% of respondents reported that they think its important that their parents take on UK based holidays in order for them to get a better understanding of their country.

The report also revealed 88% of children want to grow up with memories of having UK holidays just like their parents so that they can pass down their experiences to their children. Listed below are the top ten British iconic landmarks British children would like to visit this half term break:

1. Stonehenge
2. Hadrian’s Wall
3. London Eye
4. Edinburgh Castle
5. Buckingham Palace
6. Tower of London
7. White Cliffs of Dover
8. Angel of the North
9. Blackpool Tower
10. St Paul’s Cathedral

In response to these findings Travelodge is offering rooms for just £10 for this forthcoming half term break in order to help parents take the kids away on a short UK break.

Up for grabs are 50,000 saver priced rooms from £10 to £29 for stay dates from Friday 23rd October 2009 till 3rd January 2010. (There are 6,000 £10 rooms and 44,000 rooms priced between £19 to £29 - It’s the first time Travelodge has released saver rate rooms without a 21 day restriction).

The rooms will be available at all Travelodge hotels in Great Britain. To book go to http://www.travelodge.co.uk/ – rooms are available to book from 6am on Thursday 22nd October 2009

To further ease the cost of taking a UK city break, Travelodge has created a series of free UK city guides which offer detailed information on free attractions in the following cities: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham and Leicester. The free guides can be found in the news and offers section at: http://www.travelodge.co.uk/.

A Travelodge family room caters for two adults and two children under the age of 16 or three adults, you only pay for the room and not the number of people staying in the room. You can make additional savings if you book breakfast online when booking your room. The ‘eat as much as you like English Breakfast buffet’ is just £5.99 per person if you book online (£7.50 at the hotel) and for each paying guest two children eat for free.

Other research findings revealed:

• Kids favourite game to play on a car / train journey en-route to their holiday destination is I-spy
• Children’s favourite holiday companion would be Cheryl Cole followed by Hannah Montana and Daniel Radcliffe
• Seven out of ten kids like to send a postcard to their grand parents and school friends

OCTOBER HALF TERM DEALS WWW.HOLIDAYLETTINGS.CO.UK
Pickwell Manor, Croyde, North Devon
Sleeps up to four (one bedroom)
10 % off: 23 to 30 Oct for £495.
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/57330
Pickwell Manor is a stunning period manor house set in the heart of the countryside in the hamlet of Pickwell, with plenty of space to play hide and seek. It is situated within easy reach of the beach and the popular destinations of Croyde and Woolacombe. There are lots of interesting places to go for day trips including Lundy Island and plenty of activities for children nearby such as the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in Combe Martin.

County Down, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Sleeps up to eight (three bedrooms)
10 % off: 3 to 31 Oct for £420.
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/19277 <http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/19277>
Blackthorn Cottage sleeps up to eight people very comfortably, which makes it the perfect place to come and explore this wonderful part of the world in a larger group. The cottage itself has all that you could need to make your stay as comfortable as possible with its traditional log burning stove, and it is close to some excellent golf courses, fishing, horseback riding and sailing facilities.

The Garden Apartment, Loch Lomond National Park, Balloch, Scotland
Sleeps up to four (two bedrooms)
30% off: 9 Oct to 6 Nov for £375
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/96075 <http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/96075>
Loch Lomond and the surrounding area has a wealth of walks and cycle trails and naturally stunning views.
The nearby Lomond Shores complex is great for day trips as it has the Maid of the Loch Paddle steamer as well as its Sea Life centre, visitors centre and many shops and restaurants. Balloch is a fantastic place for walking, golfing and exploring Scotland or indeed just relaxing enjoying the fresh air and fantastic views.

Stonehaven House, Penrhyn, Cemaes Bay, Anglesey
Sleeps six (three bedrooms)
11% off: 3 to 30 Oct for £440/week
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/86690
With beautiful gardens, magnificent views and a two minute skip to the beach, this is a great family getaway for half term. Two of the three bedrooms have twin beds or bunk beds to accommodate kids and friends of your kids if you’re brave enough! Adjacent to the coastal path there is much to explore from here and it’s a great spot from which to try your hand at fishing or sailing. In fact, a day trip by boat to Puffin Island will provide fun for everyone.

Villa Silvestri, Tuscany, Pisa, Italy
Sleeps up to six (four bedrooms)
20 % off: 17 Oct to 14 Nov for £272/week.
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/6588
Villa Silvestri, is a charming 19th century chapel in the heart of the Pisan countryside. This property boasts an original stone altar and stained glass windows, a history lesson in itself and it is all surrounded by a secure garden. Tuscany is an ideal place for you and your children to roam free in lush countryside and enjoy the wide range of leisure, sport and recreational activities of the locality this half term.

Vila Parker, Costa Calida, Murcia, Spain
Sleeps up to eight (four bedrooms)
30% off: 23 to 30 Oct for £500/week.
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/33847

Villa Parker is situated in the historical city of Murcia. This fashionable city has great shopping and countless bars and restaurants on the promenade and there are also plenty of historical sites to visit. The city is divided by the Segura River and there are plenty of historic tourist attractions such as the Baroque Cathedral, Almudi Palace and the castle of Monteagudo.

WORLDHOTELS LAUNCHES SPECIAL PACKAGES FOR CULTURE LOVERS
WORLDHOTELS, the group of independent hotels, is launching special Culture Packages just in time for the colder months of the year. The packages include special deals and discounts, ranging from complimentary sightseeing tours to free entry to museums, concerts and musicals, and are available at a selection of WORLDHOTELS’ affiliate hotels around the world from now until 31st December 2009 (subject to availability). WORLDHOTELS’ Culture Packages can be booked at www.worldhotels.com/special-offers-culture.

Zurich, Switzerland
An exclusive guided tour of the Opera House and free entry to over 37 museums, including the famous Kunsthaus, are just some of the treats awaiting guests who book the Culture Package at Hotel Opera in Zurich. The package also includes one night’s accommodation with a champagne breakfast; a three-course dinner at the award-winning Restaurant à l’Opéra; a free boat trip on Lake Zurich or the River Limmat; a complimentary trip to the top of the famous Uetliberg; 50 per cent discount on a guided walking tour of Zurich’s Old Town; and a 24-hour ticket for use on Zurich’s public transport. Located directly opposite the Zurich Opera House and offering 62 beautifully appointed rooms, Hotel Opera provides the perfect base from which to explore Switzerland’s largest city. The Culture Package at Hotel Opera can be booked from CHF 512 (approximately: 308 GBP) for two people in a double room.

Luxembourg
Guests can explore the historical city of Luxembourg with a special Culture Package available at both Hôtel Parc Belair and Hôtel Parc Plaza. Guests booking a Culture Package at either hotel will receive a complimentary Luxembourg Card offering a free guided tour of the city, a boat trip on the River Mosel and complimentary visits to Luxembourg’s castles and butterfly garden, as well as free entry to all of Luxembourg’s museums. The Culture Package also includes one night’s accommodation with a champagne breakfast and free access on Luxembourg’s public transport. Both hotels offer elegant accommodation, first class dining facilities and are located within walking distance to some of Luxembourg’s most famous sights, including the scenic Petrusse Valley. The Culture Package at Hôtel Parc Belair is available from EUR 193 (approximately: 176 GBP) for two people in a junior suite. The Culture Package at Hôtel Parc Plaza starts from EUR 157 (approximately: 144 GBP) for two people in a superior room. In both hotels, children under the age of 12 stay for free when sharing their parent’s room.

Brussels, Belgium
Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre has a special Culture Package featuring one night’s accommodation in a double deluxe room with a buffet breakfast and free use of the hotel’s fitness and spa facilities. Guests booking the package can also enjoy free public transport on the city’s Metro and complimentary entry to the renowned Magritte Museum, which opened in June this year and features the works of Belgium’s most famous surrealistic painter, René Magritte. The Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre is a four-star hotel located next to the World Trade Centre and European Parliament. The hotel’s Culture Package starts from EUR 119 (approximately: 108 GBP) for two people in a double deluxe room. WORLDHOTELS’ affiliates Hotel Bristol Stephanie and Stanhope Hotel, are offering the same package for 149 EUR/159 EUR (approximately: 140 GBP/150 GBP) respectively for two people in a double room.

Other WORLDHOTELS affiliate hotels offering Culture Packages are:

- Grand Elysee Hamburg, Germany

- Hotel Berliner Hof, Berlin, Germany

- Hotel Bleibtreu Berlin, Germany

- Hotel Ku’Damm 101 Berlin, Germany

- Hotel Savoy Berlin, Germany

- Tiberio Palace Hotel & Conference Center, Naples, Italy

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN AND FIREWORKS NIGHT IN SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
Visit South East England this October to enjoy Halloween themed events and firework spectaculars from across the region, including family days out throughout the October half term, spooky night-time ghost tours and themed firework displays. Oxford Pillars Hotel in Oxfordshire is even letting kids go free this half-term.

For more information on any of the attractions listed below, or for recommendation for places to stay, please see:
www.visitsoutheastengland.com

Halloween fun at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
24th October – 1st November 2009
There are ghostly goings-on at Blenheim Palace this Halloween half-term with a ghost trail taking place in the Pleasure Gardens, as well as face-painting and pumpkin carving. Spooky family tours of the Palace's State Rooms will entertain (or petrify!) the whole family and you can meet the ghosts of the Palace's intriguing past in 'Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story'. Find all 15 ghosts throughout the Palace, fill in the ghost trail activity sheet and you will be entered into a prize draw to win a free family ticket to the Palace. Travel to Blenheim Palace with First Great Western and receive two for the price of one on entry.
www.blenheimpalace.com
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Indiana Jones Fireworks Show, LEGOLAND® Windsor
24th, 25th, 30th and 31st October 2009 (Fireworks are also on the 1st and 7th November 2009)
Billed as LEGOLAND’s most spectacular event of the year, this half-term’s fireworks show takes place over four days and takes on an Indiana Jones theme. Whilst at LEGOLAND, families can enjoy over 50 interactive rides, shows and attractions as well as a new ‘Kingdom of the Pharaohs’ land to explore.
www.LEGOLAND.co.uk

Autumn extravaganza at Cowdray, Chichester
25th October 2009
Set in the stunning landscaped gardens of Cowdray Park, Cowdray plays host to an autumn extravaganza this October. Children’s activities such as pumpkin carving and apple bobbing will take place alongside an impressive food festival celebrating everything culinary. Music, cooking demonstrations and entertainment will be taking place throughout the day, with a fireworks display to finish off the extravaganza.
www.cowdray.org.uk

Wizard Week on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
25th-30th October 2009
Children are invited to dress up as witches, wizards and other spooky characters to marvel at magic shows during a steam train ride through the countryside. There will also be the chance to explore the enchanting woodland before meeting the bats from the Isle of Wight bat hospital. Prizes are awarded each day for the best costumes as well as for arts and crafts competitions. Red Funnel is offering discounted tickets to the event, including Steam train rides and return ferry trips to the Island.
www.redfunnel.co.uk

Halloween hocus pocus at the Isle of Wight Zoo
26th-31st October 2009
Visit the Isle of Wight Zoo during October half term for some Halloween fun. Throughout the week there will be Halloween themed craft activities for all children and the animals with also be receiving their own Halloween inspired presents every day. Travel to the Isle of Wight with either Wightlink or Red Funnel.
www.isleofwightzoo.com
www.wighlink.co.uk
www.redfunnel.co.uk

Halloween Monster Madness at Painshill Park, Surrey
26th-31st October 2009
Visit Painshill Park in Surrey this half-term for a spooky family Halloween. The ‘Monster Madness’ adventure is suitable for children aged between two and 11 and includes pumpkin carving and a spooky monster hunt through the park. There is also a crystal grotto in which a storyteller will tell ghostly tales. A family-led trail is also available for those want to follow the clues and find their own monsters! Fancy dress is optional, booking is essential. www.visitsurrey.com

Halloween week at Basildon Park, River Thames
26th-31st October 2009
Take a day trip to historic Basildon Park in Berkshire this half-term and take part in a whole week filled with Halloween themed activities and events. Enjoy a variety of spooky trails through the grounds, ghostly storytelling and creative arts and crafts, where children can create their own scary Jack O’Lantern.
www.visitthames.co.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Return of Dr Terror at Royal Armouries Fort Nelson, Portsmouth
27th-30th October 2009
Join mad Victorian scientist Dr Terror as he takes visitors on a spine tingling journey into the tunnels and depths of Fort Nelson. The spooky visit includes ghoulish sound effects, spectral sightings and appearances from a number of monsters along the way. There will also be Halloween craft workshops and a spooky storyteller, as well as the normal explosive daily gun firings at noon and 3pm.
www.royalarmouries.org.uk

Halloween fun on board HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
29th October 2009
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard presents a special Halloween drop-in session on board the HMS Victory where children and adults alike can learn about the more gruesome aspects of the historic ship’s history. The day will also include an interactive and creative workshop with the opportunity to make something spooky to take home.
www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Fright night at the Dinosaur museum, Isle of Wight
30th October 2009-09-24
The UK’s first purpose-built dinosaur museum, ‘Dinosaur Isle’, is hosting a fright night when the museum will be transformed for a spooky evening of ghost stories and tours. A Wightlink Days Out ticket, combining return car ferry crossings and entry to Dinosaur Isle costs £43 for a family of four.
www.dinosaurisle.com
www.wightlink.co.uk

Halloween activities at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
30th-31st October 2009
Visit the coach house at Waddesdon Manor for two days of Halloween activities. Get a spooky face painting before listening to scary ghost stories with Bill Spectre, as he reveals the darker side of Waddesdon Manor. Later, take in the family show, complete with arts and crafts activities and scary films. Special Halloween food will also be served in the Stables restaurant. Get two for the price of one on entry to Waddesdon Manor when you travel with Chiltern Railways this October.
www.chilternrailways.co.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Fireworks spectacular at Beaulieu, Hampshire
31st October 2009
Beaulieu’s annual Fright Night Fireworks, one of the largest in South East England, is an explosive and dynamic fireworks display that will this year be set to a spine chilling theme - scary music from movies such as ‘Psycho’, ‘Halloween’ and ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’. Admission to the fireworks is from 3pm and entry includes complimentary admission to the National Motor Museum, as well as its latest exhibition, ‘Jaguar Jamboree’, plus the James Bond Experience. Live music will also be provided throughout the day and everyone is invited to get in the spirit of the night, with prizes for the best fancy dress.
www.beaulieu.co.uk

Firework Family Day at Ascot, Berkshire
31st October 2009
Ascot Racecourse presents its fourth Family Day this year during the half-term break with the opportunity to experience the first meeting of the new 2009/2010 jumps season, followed by a spectacular fireworks display and funfair. Children will love trying out the carousel, dodgems, waltzers and ghost train before settling down to watch the 6pm fireworks display. A Halloween themed BBQ, as well as magician, balloon sculpture and juggler will also be on hand to make sure the children are kept entertained.
www.ascot.co.uk

Ghost Investigation at Fort Widley, Portsmouth
31st October 2009
Take part in a Halloween investigation of this remarkable hill fort with tunnels that burrow deep within the chalk hills of Portsdown. Throughout the night enjoy a briefing on ghost hunting techniques and a demonstration of the latest ghost hunting equipment before taking part in paranormal experiments and team vigils.
www.darkencounters.co.uk
www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

After dark ghost tours of Preston Manor, Brighton
31st October, 6th and 26th November 2009
Dating back over 200 years, Preston Manor is steeped in history and is commonly known as Brighton’s most haunted house. This Halloween, hear about the Victorian ghost sightings, the 1896 séance and spooky experiences up to the present day before exploring the manor for yourself.
www.prestonmanor.virtualmuseum.info
www.visitbrighton.com

Family ghost tours at Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
31st October 2009 – March 2010
Discover the spooky past of Hampton Court Palace on this ghost tour that is suitable for all the family. Hear tales of past Kings and Queens including Henry VIII and ‘Bloody’ Queen Mary I as you tour the darkened Palace, exploring hidden corridors and ancient artefacts. Kids can also fill out a free ghost investigators booklet along the way.
www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace
www.visitthames.co.uk

Kids go free at Four Pillars Hotels, Oxfordshire
24th October 2009 – 1st November 2009
Families looking to get away this October half-term can pick up a great deal from Four Pillars Hotels in Oxford, which is offering dinner and bed & breakfast rates from as little as £40 per person, per night. What’s more, kids can stay and eat for free. Four Pillars Hotels in Oxford are wonderfully located nearby to all the main attractions of this scenic city. Oxford Spires Four Pillars is located just half a mile from the centre of Oxford, while Oxford Thames Four Pillars is set in 20 acres of parkland just twenty minutes from the city. Finally the Abingdon Four Pillars hotel is located just 6 miles South of Oxford, in the heart of the Thames Valley.
www.four-pillars.co.uk

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

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

CHELSEA FC AND LONDON DUNGEON TO GIVE TOURISTS A SCREAM

Chelsea Football Club and the London Dungeon have formed the perfect partnership for people looking to enjoy a great day out and save money at the same time, with the announcement of a special two-for-one deal.

With highlights of the two tours including a glimpse inside the stunning Chelsea dressing room and a blood-curdling interactive journey through the darkest moments of the capital’s history, they both offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great day out in London.

The new deal means that anyone who purchases a ticket at one attraction will receive a two-for-one ticket offer to the other – providing a great money saving option on two of the capital’s best tourist destinations.

The official stadium tour at Stamford Bridge, gives fans a unique insight into the club with the opportunity to sit in the dug out or follow in the footsteps of their heroes by walking down the tunnel to the roar of 42,000 fans.

The London Dungeon provides gruesome detail on a number of real historical events including the story of Jack the Ripper and the Great Fire of London. It also includes a series of terrors in the torture chamber, the foul pestilence of the plague and grisly tales of the capital’s most prolific killers.

For further information regarding Chelsea FC stadium tours log on to www.chelseafc.com/tours or call 0871 984 1955.

For further information regarding The London Dungeon log on to http://www.thedungeons.com/.
Cheap tickets on also on sale for the Chelsea v. Bolton Wanderers game in the middle of half term – Wednesday 28th October. Kick off is at 7.45pm and tickets can be bought for this Carling Cup round 4 game on http://www.chelseafc.com/tickets or by calling 0871 984 1905 or visiting the Stamford Bridge Box Office.

VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR REVEALS THE BEST OF THE WILD

A fairytale image of an Iberian wolf and two yellowhammers fighting over food – the winners of the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition 2009 were unveiled last night (21 October) at a glittering ceremony held at London’s Natural History Museum.

The much coveted title of Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year was awarded to Spanish photographer, José Luis Rodríguez, who impressed judges with his image, the storybook wolf. Scottish teenager Fergus Gill was crowned Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his dramatic photograph, clash of the yellowhammers.

The pair succeeded from a record 43,135 entries from 94 countries, a 33 per cent increase on last year. The best of these, including all winners, runners-up and commended photographs from the competition’s 17 categories, will be showcased in a visually stunning exhibition that opens at the Natural History Museum tomorrow (23 October).

To cater for its increasing popularity, this year’s exhibition will be displayed in one of the Museum’s largest galleries. Photographs will be exhibited on a larger scale than ever before and new features include an optional audio guide allowing visitors to hear comments from photographers and judges on the images. There will also be an audio-described guide for visually impaired visitors.

The competition is owned by London’s Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine and is regarded as the international leader in the artistic representation of the natural world. The 2009 competition and exhibition at the Natural History Museum are sponsored by Veolia Environnement. They are a world leader in environmental services, working with businesses, communities and governments to minimise our daily impact on the environment we have a communal responsibility to protect.

Chair of the judging panel, Mark Carwardine said, ‘While there is no magic formula for winning and no hard and fast rules to explain why one photograph wins and another doesn’t, all winning shots have one thing in common – originality. The judges are looking for something that stops them in their tracks.The competition plays an increasingly crucial role in raising the profile of wildlife photography and generating awareness of conservation. Nothing speaks louder than an evocative photograph that stirs the imagination, tugs at the heart strings and engages the mind.’

Photographers can enter next year’s competition online from January to March 2010.
For further details about the competition and its various categories, or to enter online, visit www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto

Exhibition information for visitors:
Venue: Natural History Museum
Dates: 23 October, 2009 – 11 April, 2010
Opening times: every day, 10.00–17.50 (closed 24–26 December)
Visitor enquiries: 020 7942 5000
Admission: adult, Gift Aid admission £9* concession, Gift Aid admission £4.50*
family, Gift Aid admission £24* (up to two adults and three children) free for Members, Patrons and children aged three and under
Nearest tube: South Kensington
Website: www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto

JAPANESE DESIGNER BRINGS ANGEL CAT SUGAR TO UK SHORES
Angel Cat Sugar is a beautiful new character who spreads love and happiness through kindness, from the creator of the iconic Hello Kitty, Yuko Shimizu.

Shimizu-san’s distinctive illustrative style uses bold lines and cute expressions to really bring her characters to life.Where Hello Kitty has been a world famous style icon for more than 30 years Angel Cat Sugar is now the new kitty on the scene.

Launching this October, Angel Cat Sugar stars in her first ever video game, available on Nintendo DS™. The game brings Shimizu-san’s beautiful creation to life taking players into the magical Angel World, where they can help make the world a better place through kindness.

A well respected artist and illustrator from Japan, Yuko Shimizu studied at the Musashino Art University. Her inspiration for Angel Cat Sugar came from a real cat called Pie Chan that fed two other kittens who had lost their mother, treating them as her own.

She says;
“I had many cats in my life and she was the one who brought me a lot of memories. When I draw a white cat, I always remember Pie Chan. I wonder if she might be feeding other kittens again somewhere.”

http://www.risingstargames.com/games/angel-cat-sugar-nds.html

Please Note
All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, promotions, or news items. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Recipes have not been tested by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.