Healthy Eating Expert Shares Her Tips And Tricks At Castle Howard

Stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, beans and pulses from Castle Howard’s Farm Shop and learn how to ‘Eat Yourself Young’ when author and celebrity naturopath, Elizabeth Peyton Jones visits the historic house on Tuesday 8 October.

Elizabeth, who recently featured on Channel 4’s ‘How Not To Get Old’ series, will reveal secrets from her new book and discuss the ageing properties of different foods in this talk and tasting session.

She said: “My aim is to help people eat delicious, super-healthy food which will make them look and feel years younger, full of energy and vitality. I’m really excited about the talk at Castle Howard and will be bringing along some of my aduki bean brownies for everyone to try.”

The talk takes place on Tuesday 8 October, from 11am to 12.30pm in the Courtyard Cafe. Tickets cost £10 or £20 to include a copy of Elizabeth’s new book ‘Eat Yourself Young’ and are available online at www.castlehoward.co.uk

For more information on the eating plan visit: http://www.epjhealth.com

Sustainable MotoExpo at Beaulieu is postponed

Sustainable MotoExpo due to take place on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th September 2013 at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire has been postponed and provisionally rescheduled to Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April 2014

A spokesman for Eco Motorsport, the event organisers, said ‘Whilst the decision to postpone the weekend has been a difficult one – it is the right one.  During the final preparations for the Expo, we were notified of the postponement of one of its major attractions. We would rather move the event date, than disappoint visitors. It has always been our intention to deliver an Expo with innovative and exciting content that truly showcases the latest advances in green technologies, engineering and motor sport. We have a long-term business plan to make Sustainable MotoExpo an annual show for years to come, but to pull off such an event, we must ensure that all the key elements are in place as promised. We’d like to thank all of those who had committed to attend the weekend, and that have continued to support us with our decision”.

The rescheduling has been welcomed by a number of organisations that were originally unable to attend. Firm commitments have been made by several leading businesses to showcase electric & hybrid cars , endurance, land speed, karting & Formula e racing cars and motorcycles. 2014 is a landmark year for several significant motor sport anniversaries, all of which will be recognised and celebrated at the event.

Engineering and education have always been at the heart of the Sustainable MotoExpo. The event will continue to have a strong presence from a number of Universities and Colleges with a focus on automotive and motorsports engineering, who will be exhibiting their latest research and technology.

Tickets
Customers and exhibitors who have purchased tickets or other packages for the 2013 event, have the opportunity to either transfer to the new show date, or obtain refunds. For further enquiries, please contact the company you purchased your tickets from: Beaulieu on Tel: 01590 612888. Or from Tickets South, please visit: at: www.ticketsouth.co.uk/MotoExpo or Tel: 023 8071 1818. In person: The Ticket South shop in The Marlands Shopping Centre, Southampton.

New additions galore to sustainable Motoexpo programme (Event now postponed - see post above)

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September 2013 at National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

One of the largest and most varied sustainable and eco-friendly motoring events take place at the internationally renowned National Motor Museum, Beaulieu next month. The organisers are delighted to confirm a number of new additions to the already packed programme:

* The Rt Hon Vince Cable MP Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, will unveil the new Bluebird DC50 electric sports car and Bluebird GTL electric race car at 15:00 on Saturday 28 September.

* Kingston University Electric Bike Phoenix will be on display having recently achieved 160mph at Elvington Airfield, York (A non-official UK Land Speed Record). The team is aiming to break the 200mph barrier. Kingston University has been developing world class electric bikes since 2009, and are actively competing on a world stage at the Isle of Man TT. They hope to return to the TT in 2014.

* Surrey-based Team Green MotorSport will display its Peugeot ION that recently completed the World Advanced Vehicle Expedition, WAVE 2013. A rally where forty teams from all over the world drove from Vienna to Zürich, powered by renewable energy. The team collected first prize for Best Car Decoration and were awarded 3rd for the most efficient drive. The Peugeot ION hosts a 16 KWh Lithium-Ion battery (220 V) and comes equipped with rapid charge port, enabling the car to be fast charged in less than 20 minutes to 85%. The total weight is 1195 kg. The maximum power of the synchronous motor is 49 kW delivering a maximum torque of 180 Nm EU standard.  Green MotorSport visited many European cities en route, completing a total recorded distance over 2600 km powered only by electricity generated from renewable sources. The Moss Solar Trust supplied solar energy, and over 600 kW hours of energy were isolated for the journey making their efforts carbon zero.

* Taking to the circuit will be two Tesla Model S electric sedans, one of which will be driven to the event by Carl Nielsen, CEO of Clear Drive in Copenhagen, a company that is setting up a Tesla S Limo Service in Copenhagen. The Tesla Model S has been popping up in cities throughout the world as a viable replacement for traditional cabs, bringing another green transportation alternative to the public realm. The car can drive up to 265 miles on a single charge, and its supercharger can juice up the battery in just an hour, while the spacious interior can seat up to seven people, making it an attractive alternative to a traditional cab. There are three battery options – 40 kWh, 60 kWh and 85 kWh Model S, each delivering unprecedented range.  The Model S comes standard with everything you need to plug into the most common 240-volt outlet.

* Stephen Vine, from New Forest Environmental, which runs a fleet of Twizy two-seater electric cars, will be providing hour-long drive experiences. The New Forest is the country's first destination to offer a fleet of Twizy electric vehicles with a comprehensive charge point network as a fun and innovative way to explore the stunning scenery. The Twizy two-seaters offer a truly 'green' stay for visitors who can arrive at the main train station at Brockenhurst, hire a Twizy and make use of a network of 20 charge points at hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and attractions throughout the New Forest, and benefit from great money-saving discounts at all places.

* As well as live electric vehicle demonstrations and passenger rides on a 400m circuit, there will now be an electric kart trophy university challenge.

Together with live electric vehicle (EV) demonstrations, displays of the latest electric and hybrid cycles, cars and motorbikes plus a programme of debates in regards to UK Motor Sport in 2013 and Beyond.

Organised by Eco-Motorsport Ltd, Sustainable MotoExpo will include a strong presence from universities and colleges which focus on automotive and motor sport engineering showcasing their latest research and technology. For anyone thinking about pursuing a career in the automotive and/or motor sports industry, course leaders, career advisors and students will be on hand throughout the weekend to provide advice on the various options available.

Tickets:  
One-day admission price, valid on either day, if purchased in advance up to 5pm on Friday,  27th September, 2013:
Adult/Senior  £14.00,
Child/Youth   £9.00
Family           £40.00
Under 5's      FOC

Entry includes access into all of the Sustainable MotoExpo talks and seminars running over the weekend, plus entry to the National Motor Museum including the BOND IN MOTION exhibition, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.

Tickets are available from the following places:
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu online shop, visit: www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or Tel: 01590 612888

Or from Tickets South, please visit: at: www.ticketsouth.co.uk/MotoExpo or Tel: 023 8071 1818.

In person: The Ticket South shop in The Marlands Shopping Centre, Southampton

Eco-Motorsport Ltd
Eco-Motorsport Ltd is a joint venture between Cheltenham MotorSports Ltd and Concession Cirkitz International. The team has a track record in staging Sustainable MotoExpo events, combining the latest in low carbon, energy efficient race and road cars, motorbikes, bicycles and go karts and eco motorsport. Cheltenham MotorSports provides the academic, industry and Government eco-system and race series development, while Concession Cirkitz International contributes the design and engineering expertise of IAAP award winning go-karts. Sustainable MotoExpo 2013 is the next step on our journey to develop a future eco motorsports race series and share the latest in low carbon technology and sustainable transport.

Beaulieu
Beaulieu is one of the South of England’s top day visitor attractions and is set in the heart of the New Forest National Park. It is a guaranteed great family day out with lots for everyone to enjoy including the world famous National Motor Museum, home to a stunning collection of automobiles telling the history of motoringfrom the dawn of motoring to the present day, Palace House, home of the Montagu family, historic Beaulieu Abbey which was founded in 1204 by Cistercian Monks, BOND IN MOTION, the world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles, World of Top Gear featuring vehicles from some of the presenters’ most ambitious challenges.

Sponsored by Next Green Car, the UK’s leading green car website providing independent and expert advice to help people find a more economical and environmentally friendly car.   With all the latest news and reviews, a comprehensive database of new and used cars and the unique Green Car Rating enabling comparison across technologies - Next Green Car is an essential destination for those researching a greener car. http://www.nextgreencar.com

More information: www.sustainable-motoexpo.com www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

Outstanding accolade for Blenheim Palace as they win ‘Gold’ within the Green Tourism and Business Scheme

Blenheim Palace has been awarded Gold within the 2013 Green Tourism and Business Scheme. This scheme is the world’s leading tourism accreditation programme honouring Britain’s most environmentally friendly businesses, and highlights the importance of protecting environments, respecting local cultures, supporting communities, conserving natural resources and minimising pollution.

Blenheim Palace has always been passionate about delivering a greener, more sustainable business, and this award reflects this commitment. Working closely with Green Tourism, the team at Blenheim Palace have moved through the ranks from Silver in 2012, and was graded against a rigorous set of criteria, including energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity, to now achieve the highest accolade of the top gold award in 2013. 

Current initiatives include:

• An impressive 81% of waste on the Blenheim Palace Estate recycled, including many tonnes of both glass and card. This prevents valuable materials being buried, and reduces Blenheim Palace’s pressure on landfill sites, which are due to reach capacity in the South East in six years
• Partnership with Thames Water to reduce water consumption, by identifying leaks in historic pipe work around the Estate. Automatic water monitoring equipment has been installed in key locations and water saving devices will be fitted at the Palace and estate cottages
• Commitment to supporting the best of local suppliers, through offering locally produced food, drink and gift items through our shops and restaurants
• Low energy light bulbs introduced across the Estate, and rainwater is used to water plants

The news comes as Blenheim Palace recently announced it is to develop a £180,000 micro hydro scheme. This involves the instillation of a 10 metre long 14.9 kWp ‘Archimedes Screw’ on the river Glyme this Autumn, and is expected to generate a further 60,000 kWh of clean power each year, providing enough electricity to power 18 homes.

His Grace, 11th Duke of Marlborough said; ‘We are delighted to have been awarded ‘Gold’ within the Green Tourism & Business Scheme. This accolade reflects the seriousness with which we hold the reduction of our carbon footprint and best environmental practices within Blenheim Palace. We are proud of our ongoing association with Green Tourism, and our plans to drive forward new and impressive initiatives, so future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of Blenheim Palace in years to come.”

Heather Carter, Head of Operations, commented “It is incredibly exciting to be awarded Gold by the GTBS, and a great achievement for all our departments who have been working hard to realise Blenheim Palace’s vision to become a leading, sustainable visitor attraction within the UK”

Jon Proctor, Leading Grading Advisor for Green Tourism stated “The awards review committee were very impressed with the journey Blenheim is on, one which doesn’t end now but is only beginning. Blenheim helps to demonstrate that we really can maintain a rich quality of life and save the planet also.”  Jon explains in more detail  “Blenheim is an iconic visitor attraction with a wealth of cultural and natural history making it one of the UKs most important palaces. It is what lies beneath the surface which really demonstrates how green Blenheim really is. The education department work with local schools and have created a number of green themes relating to where food originates and the kitchen garden and minimising waste. The use of renewables and the investments in microhyrdo are outstanding and done without causing any intrusion into what is a wonderful historical context. The estate farm has a biogas plant and green energy extends to the estate houses. Overall Blenheim Palace demonstrates what can be done to be sustainable and retain our wonderfully rich heritage”

Sunshine and Showers for Beaulieu 2013

Autojumble stand

The Practical Classics Team with Lord Montagu

Sunshine and showers were the order of the day for this year’s International Autojumble, held on the 7th and 8th September, but despite the shortcomings of the weather, the genial atmosphere for which this event is renowned was still very much in evidence. Exhibitors, on the whole, reported good sales and visitors enjoyed their annual pilgrimage to rummage through the many hundreds of stands selling all things motoring related.  The event retained its cosmopolitan feel with thousands of European and overseas motoring enthusiasts joining the British contingent for the 47th International Autojumble, held in the parkland of the National Motor Museum.

Total visitor numbers over the weekend were 37,553 a little down on 2012 but very much on a par with recent years. The autojumble was another sell-out for stand spaces with a waiting list of hopeful exhibitors, which is a very healthy sign for the future of the event. The final total number of stands was 2,397 which included 216 cars for sale on the Beaulieu Arena and a good number of classic cars for sale in the Dealermart.

Beaulieu’s Events Manager, Judith Maddox said: “We are always looking to improve the event for both exhibitors and visitors and were delighted to be told by one frustrated show visitor of long standing that - for once - he couldn’t find anything to complain about!

“There was very little theft from stands this year but unfortunately, despite an increased police presence, warning notices and announcements, some visitors were targeted by professional pick-pockets. This very unwelcome activity has been seen at many major shows around the country this year, for the first time, and we ask all our visitors to take extra care when carrying large sums of money.”

Despite heavy showers on Sunday morning, usually a deterrent for Trunk Traders who have no cover, a good number turned up to trade and were eagerly pounced upon by exhibitors and visitors alike, rummaging through the booty for hidden gems.

There were plenty of interesting vehicles ready to be snapped up in the Automart, including a beautiful 1960 Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite selling for £11,950, an un-restored, showroom condition 1958 MGA Coupé at £24,950, a cream 1969 Jaguar SII E-Type FHC at £34,500, a fully restored 1949 Citroën H Van at £50,000 and a stunning red 1959 Daimler Dart with cream leather interior, which the seller had spent 2,000 hours restoring to sell at £50,000.

Every age of vehicle was available to buy, from a classically elegant burgundy 1934 Sunbeam 25 HP at £35,000, to a blue five-litre supercharged 2010 Jaguar XFR for £27,500.

1958 Ford Thunderbird four seat convertible

American cars included an eye-catching red 1958 Ford Thunderbird, at £32,000, one of less than 100 1958 four-seat convertible Thunderbirds left in existence.

Restorations were also on offer, including a Ford T Model body priced at £3,500, found by the seller in a hedge in Cyprus, and a 1959 Citroën 2CV chassis at £625.

Some brisk business had already been done by as early as mid-morning on Saturday, with a 1970 Austin van selling for £5,250, a Rover 3500 selling at £775 and a 1964 Morris Mini Moke which sold in two minutes for £19,500.

Highlights of the Bonhams sale, held on Saturday, were a 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900 which sold for £152,700, reaching almost double its estimate, a world record price for an Alfa Romeo 1900 at auction. A 1926 Sunbeam 3L Super Sports ‘Twin Cam’ sold for £158,300 and a 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost with an unusual body sold for £113,500.

One of only a handful of its type produced in right-hand drive, a 1991 Ferrari Tesarossa Coupé, with a low mileage of only 23,000, sold for £68,700. All lots in both the Ron Hickman collection and another private collection were sold.

Bonhams Motor Car Specialist, Rob Hubbard said: “We were delighted with another excellent Beaulieu sale with 139 vehicles for sale, including more complete vehicles of a higher quality this year, and with over 80% of the lots sold on the day a Premium total of £2.7 million was reached.  As always, the Beaulieu Autojumble weekend supplies buyers for all types of motor cars, bikes and automobilia and continually achieves record prices and a high level of sales.”

The winners of the Best Stand were – for the third year in a row - SU Carburetters. The stand of the Salisbury based family business, run by John Burnett and his sons, Mark, Jamie and Andy, which specialises in S.U & Amal carburettors, fuel pumps, service kits and spares, was simply the best! It was imaginatively designed to another WWII theme, complete with desert camouflage, a large gun mounted on the back of a truck and the family kitted out in soldiers’ uniforms and (the ladies) 1940s dress. They were also commended by the judges again for their professionalism and outstanding customer service.

Lord Montagu presented the Burnetts with a trophy donated by Lolly Lee, in memory of her father, Terry, a keen autojumbler who spent his life looking for rare items of interest. In addition to the trophy, they once again receive a free stand at next year’s International Autojumble.

The event’s media sponsor, Practical Classics, was busy all weekend putting the finishing touches to its latest project, renovating an MGB GT LE. The car, formerly owned by Lord Montagu and driven by his son Ralph was found on ebay.  It was a stalled restoration which the PC team thought would make an excellent project to complete over the Spring and International Autojumble weekends, using parts purchased on the autojumble fields. By close of play on Sunday the vehicle was almost in roadworthy condition and sporting a gleaming re-spray in Pewter Grey. The car will be the editor’s transport for the next couple of years although Ralph Montagu said he could be tempted to buy it back.

The show’s other sponsor, Ringwood Brewery, ran a popular bar throughout the weekend, inviting visitors and exhibitors to try out their award winning local ales.  They also donated three hampers of their products, two for free draws, one for visitors and one for exhibitors, plus one for the quirkiest stand, which went to R405, Andy Lee R&D Classic Car Spares, for his interpretation of Alcatraz!

The International Autojumble 2014 has been provisionally scheduled for the 6th & 7th September. These dates will be confirmed as soon as possible, please check the Beaulieu website www.beaulieuevents.co.uk nearer the time.

A Strictly Showstopper The largest and most comprehensive exhibition of dresses from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly dresses

This summer Woburn Abbey is hosting an exhibition of the glamorous gowns and celebrity costumes from the BBC’s world famous show, Strictly Come Dancing.
Running from Saturday 13th July to Sunday 29th September, Woburn Abbey’s historical state apartments are set to provide a dramatic and contrasting backdrop for the exhibition. Visitors will be able to view some of the iconic dresses designed by Strictly Come Dancing’s current costume designer Vicky Gill and created by dress suppliers DSi.

Denise Van Outen

Dresses from the last series will be featured, including the stunning full length scarlet dress worn by last year’s finalist Denise Van Outen, the Union Flag dress worn by Olympic Gold Medallist Victoria Pendleton and Flavia Cacace’s iconic Charleston dress. The exhibition will allow visitors to see, up close, the intricacies and flawless designs of the dancer’s wardrobe and discover behind-the-scenes details of the dresses.

Jonathan Irby, General Manager of Woburn Abbey commented: “Whether a fan of traditional ballroom or connoisseur of contemporary Charleston, we hope the combination of stunning Strictly Come Dancing dresses with Woburn Abbey’s classic art and architecture will score the exhibition a perfect 10!

“This is the largest and most comprehensive collection of dresses from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing that has ever gone on display and Woburn Abbey is extremely proud to host the exhibition. It is spread throughout the house and included within the standard admission price for visitors to Woburn Abbey.

 http://www.woburn.co.uk/abbey/

Visitors offered a 'Fresh Take' on England’s greatest Elizabethan house through contemporary art

Burghley House

Visitors to Lincolnshire’s Burghley House are being offered a fresh new take on England’s greatest Elizabethan house through contemporary pieces ranging from resin art to sugar craft. 

More than four centuries of history and heritage at Burghley, on the edge of the Georgian stone town of Stamford, has provided the inspiration for the Fresh Take exhibition of contemporary artwork launching this month.

The project has offered six local artists the opportunity to explore Burghley’s heritage and produce new work, bringing together historic and current contexts as a complement to the House’s own exceptional collections.

The new artworks will be exhibited in Burghley's Staterooms from 9 September to 3rd November 2013 while events, including Artists’ Talks on 26th September and workshops on 26th October and 2nd November, will also be staged during the exhibition.

Artists Anita Bruce, Jason Duckmanton, Lindsey Holmes, Kathryn Parsons, Stuart Payn and Sue Shields have created some unusual pieces using the House and its history as their inspiration.

Among them are resin encased copper jelly and aspic mould motifs in the Old Kitchen, representing some of the treasures collected by the fifth Lord Burghley, while the Roman Staircase becomes home to two pairs of shoes made from sugar modelling pastes, envisaged for two of the House’s former residents, including the young daughter of William Cecil.

A Fresh Take of the Billiard Room comes courtesy of a display based upon the popular tricorn hat of the time which reflects the animal nicknames of the members of the Honourable Order of Little Bedlam that met there in the 17th Century.

The long standing relationship of Burghley with travel and tourism is also explored in the Pagoda Room with a display of hand cut paper ribbon maps reflecting the importance William Cecil placed on map content featuring only the details deemed most significant.

Supported by public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England as well as Creative Peterborough, Fresh Take launched its search for local artists in January this year.

Now the six selected artists, who took up their residency within Burghley House, to create their artworks, are to unveil their contemporary take on Burghley’s history and heritage to the public.

For more details about the exhibition, events and Burghley House, visit www.burghley.co.uk