As the ‘older generation’ we are living very different lives to our mothers and fathers. Being over 50 is not considered ‘old’ any more because most of us believe that we are too young to be old.
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The Definitive Story

CD & DVD Set Released 2nd February 2009
Buddy Holly was one of the most important people in the history of music, and ‘The Music Of Buddy Holly And The Crickets, The Definitive Story’ DVD / CD set is a celebration of Buddy Holly’s life and outstanding contribution to music. (more…)

Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me

Format: CD – 1 Disc
Label: Xtra
Released: 5th January 2009
Cat No: 26611
Barcode: 5024952266111

Shirley Bassey erupted on to the British music scene in 1958 and is still a force to be reckoned with 50 years later. She was sassy and irreverant and this release showcases her early recordings and for the first time brings all the tracks from her 8 track Born To Sing The Blues album together on a single CD. (more…)

Queen legend Freddie Mercury has been voted the Ultimate Rock God. Flamboyant front man Mercury, who sold 300 million records before he died in November 1991 of bronchopneumonia induced by HIV, beat Elvis Presley into second place. The tragic star formed Queen in 1970 with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor who were later joined by bass player John Deacon. During his 21 years with the band Mercury, who was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar in 1946, was renowned for his charismatic stage presence. A (more…)

Over 15 million Bingeing Brits lack the motivation to see through their New Year’s resolutions. (more…)

24 Years Old And Still Going Strong!

The UK’s Original and Premier 60s Show Is Back Once Again - THE SOLID SILVER 60S SHOW, now in its 24th year brings together the unforgettable talents of THE SEARCHERS, MERSEYBEATS, WAYNE FONTANA and very special guest JOHN WALKER (of the Walker brothers). The SOLID SILVER 60S SHOW commences in February 2009 and takes in 55 dates across the country. (more…)

To Perform Brand New Single Live At The Brit Awards 2009 With Mastercard

The BPI, the UK record labels’ body, today announced the exciting news that the mighty U2, one of the world’s biggest bands, will perform their brand new single ‘Get On Your Boots’ live at The BRIT Awards 2009 with MasterCard. This highly anticipated annual event takes place on Wednesday 18 February at London’s Earls Court. (more…)

Changes to donor rules could see additional 15,000 donations a year
The age limit which prevents regular blood donors from continuing to give blood beyond their 70th birthday has been removed, because of the improved health and fitness of older donors, NHS Blood and Transplant announced recently. (more…)

Run The Great Manchester Run For The Red Cross
If you’re feeling the inch after a very festive season, sign up to the Red Cross Great Manchester Run team and give yourself the best incentive to get fit in 2009. You’ll feel great and you’ll be making a real difference to those in crisis in Manchester and across the world. (more…)

Five intrepid pensioners took to the Thames in kayaks to paddle from the Cremone Boating Centre in Chelsea to Tower Bridge and back. The group of five made up of four women and one man aged from 62 to 68 completed the ten-mile round trip in three hours. (more…)

“The coastal path around Britain is paved with gold”

As concerns about Britain’s fragile economy escalate, On January 22nd The House of Lords heard that the benefits to tourism from fully opening up the coast to the public are needed more than ever. The Marine and Coastal Access Bill, currently under discussion in The House of Lords, could see walkers giving an annual boost of up to £128 million pounds to coastal businesses, when the new all-England coastal trail becomes a reality2 .A report commissioned by the Ramblers into the economic and social value of coastal walking also found that over 11,300 jobs could be generated by better walking facilities on the coast. (more…)

Walk In The Footsteps Of Christ, Mohammed, David And Solomon

Walking specialist operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a one week, half board tour to the heart of ancient Jerusalem. With its fascinating 4000 years of history, one can literally walk in the footsteps of David and Solomon, Jesus and Mohammed. Using Jerusalem as a base, one can explore the Old City visiting the major sites including, the Temple Mount, the Via (more…)

Hiking at the top of the world

Fewer than 100 brave souls will journey each year through Nunavut’s Quttinirpaaq, North America’s northernmost national park. When you’re standing amid glaciers and icecaps 900-m (2,953-ft) deep oozing over jagged peaks, the diminishing drone of your plane’s engine sends a fleeting tremor through you. Suddenly, it’s clear that you’re truly alone. And in the middle of nowhere. (more…)

… with VisitScotland’s Build up an Appetite Campaign

With spring just round the corner, VisitScotland is giving visitors to Scotland the perfect opportunity for guilt-free indulgence this February with a series of ten downloadable walks which take in great eateries.

New Year’s resolutions are still on our minds at this time of year but as there’s still a nip in the air, everyone needs to treat themselves. VisitScotland has put together easy-to-print walks including details on great places to eat: from top notch fish and chip shops and gastro pubs to luxurious restaurants so that visitors can build up an appetite with something tasty to look forward to. (more…)

The RSPB’s big garden birdwatch

More than three million Big Garden Birdwatch hours will be clocked up as the RSPB marks 30 years of the event. With up to half a million people taking part each year, the survey has made a major contribution to tracking garden bird numbers over the winter. (more…)

A simple new product will stop the need to climb ladders and clear leaves and other debris from house guttering. Clearing gutters can be a tricky task because you are working at height. GutterMate™, from Sankey Home & Garden Products, is a simple solution, preventing blocked drains and conserving rainwater at the same time. (more…)

The Alan Titchmarsh Show and RHS launch search for ‘The People’s Gardener’

ITV1’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show has teamed up with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom to launch the search for ‘The People’s Gardener’. The competition to find the country’s most passionate community gardeners was launched on Monday 19th January. Every fortnight The Alan Titchmarsh Show will profile four candidates for the title and a spectacular prize, which includes the chance to present a gardening slot on The Alan Titchmarsh Show’s autumn series. (more…)

Floristry at the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show (19-23 May 2009)
Feeding the public’s appetite for floral design, in 2009 the world’s most famous flower show will be a festival of floristry and will, for the first time, search for the “Chelsea Florist of the Year”. (more…)

Carousel
A truly great classic musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL broke the mould with its gritty, courageous and emotional look at relationships. The story of the love affair between Billy Bigelow, a smooth-talking carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a naive young mill worker, is set to one of the most ravishing and celebrated scores of all time, including The Carousel Waltz, If I Loved You, June is Bustin’ Out All Over and You’ll Never Walk Alone. CAROUSEL has captivated audiences around the world since (more…)

Spectacular Ice Skating Live On Stage at Milton Keynes Theatre

World Class Ice Skaters Present Cinderella On Ice.
The world-famous Imperial Ice Stars, who have won international critical acclaim and five-star reviews with their tours of The Sleeping Beauty on Ice and Swan Lake on Ice, are set to thrill Milton Keynes audiences with their brand new production, Cinderella On Ice. (more…)

DONMAR WEST END AT THE WYNDHAM’S THEATRE
Madame de Sade by Yukio Mishima
Translated from the Japanese by Donald Keene

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR MADAME DE SADE
Director: Michael Grandage; Designer: Christopher Oram; Lighting Designer: Neil Austin; Composer & Sound Designer: Adam Cork; Video Designer: Lorna Heavey (more…)

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning senior citizens to beware of opportunistic scammers looking to rip off people in 2009. (more…)

All hell is set to break loose, literally, as Marti Pellow hits Milton Keynes Theatre as the devilish Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick - (23-28 Feb).

Based on the popular 80’s movie, The Witches of Eastwick sees three desperate housewives in small town America get more than they bargained for when they wish for the man of their dreams – or should that be nightmares?! (more…)

In spring 2009 The Wales Theatre Company presents the world premiere of a new musical version of The Thorn Birds.

Colleen McCullough’s block buster novel has sold over 30 million copies world-wide and was originally adapted for screen, in the iconic TV mini series of the 80’s starring Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward. (more…)

Winding up a loved ones affairs can be a daunting prospect at a time when perhaps you least feel like dealing with the practicalities of someone’s death. (more…)

Carmen
Experience the intense passion and spectacular drama of Bizet’s Masterpiece Carmen - staged in the round and sung in English. Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

“Impressive spectacle” - DAILY TELEGRAPH (more…)

In recent years the property market has changed beyond recognition.

The ‘credit crunch’ has transformed the way houses need to be sold and how purchases are funded. The advent of online estate agents, HIPs and e-conveyancing is beginning to revolutionise the market, and selling privately online is now a serious alternative. (more…)

Released on DVD from MGM and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

“This stylish 1940s drama is lush and elegant. An arresting, thoughtful film”
Sunday Mirror

Starring Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper and Rachel McAdams, Married Life is a dramatic comedy set in the 1940s about the irresistible power and utter madness of love. (more…)

Are you sick of predictable candle-lit dinners, chocolates and roses on Valentine’s Day? For romantics looking for the ultimate love high this February, an indoor skydive in the tunnel of love at Airkix should be at the top of your to do list. (more…)

OPEN LETTER FROM JOHN MURPHY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MEGAMAN UK LIMITED

Dear Reader,

There have been a significant number of press articles and Internet comments recently about the current “ban the light bulb” situation, and the panic buying of obsolete filament light bulbs by some sections of the public. I would like the opportunity of correcting a few general, if widely held, misconceptions about low energy lamps (CFLs) and their uses. (more…)

Classic Trams
Format: DVD – 1 Disc
Label: DELTA
Release Date: 23RD FEBRUARY 2009
RRP: £9.99
Approx running time: 55 minutes(DVD)
Cat No: 96020
Barcode: 5024952 96020 0

Electric trams first appeared in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century. Horse-drawn tramcars had been around since the late 1870s, but it was the development of electric traction that tramcars really came into their own. (more…)

2009 is the perfect year for holidaying closer to home, so why not explore our beautiful, fascinating, magical country. Enjoy the peaceful countryside, stunning coastal walks, bustling cities and vibrant market towns, fun packed theme parks and sandy beaches - the UK has it all! (more…)

With the chill of winter still upon us, what better time to look forward to the joys of spring and summer? The Best of Britain & Ireland event 2009 is the perfect place to be inspired and gather ideas about holidaying in the UK and Ireland this year and the good news for Freedom Pass holders is that they will be able to go along absolutely FREE. (more…)

Latest predictions from camping equipment specialists, Camperlands estimate that as the recession is beginning to bite, we are officially in the midst of a camping revival. As Tina Clough investigates, there really is more to this big budget getaway than eating beans and other delicacies from the tin, taking in the great outdoors and singing songs around the campfire. (more…)

World-class wildlife viewing in the Falklands

Travellers searching for a first-class wildlife and wilderness experience should look no further than the newly upgraded Sea Lion Lodge, located on the most southerly inhabited island in the Falklands archipelago.

Home to over 47 species of birds, including three species of penguins, and an estimated 70 species of flowering plants, it’s no wonder that Sea Lion Island is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and those with a love of the great (more…)

Tasting 205 Allergen-Free Foods For Food Allergy And Intolerance Week!

Foods Matter, the UK’s only magazine for those with food allergies and intolerances, is launching the first of its ‘tastings supplements’ for Food Allergy and Intolerance week. With comprehensive details and comments on over 200 allergen-free foods, the supplement forms part of the on-going assessments of free-from foods in the build up to the Foods Matter FreeFrom Food Awards 2009. (more…)

Munch Your Way Around Iceland With New Gastronomic Website www.Icelandgourmetguide.com

Foodie travellers can now eat their way around Iceland with the help of a brand new online gourmet guide launched by the Icelandic Tourist Board and Iceland Naturally. (more…)

Kinloch Lodge announces the launch of their new luxury cruises, a truly unique way to absorb the stunning Scenery, Sealife and Seafood that Skye has to offer.

Kinlodge's fantastic team of chefs.

Skye’s best loved hotel, the fabulous Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye, is delighted to announce the launch of their new luxury cruise departing from their very own jetty at the bottom of the Hotel’s garden this summer. Walk across the front lawn of Kinloch Lodge, with a glass of champagne in hand, before boarding the luxury charter boat which heads directly out onto the Sound of Sleat to explore the waters and beaches around the Isle of Skye. Travelling in style in the privacy of your own boat, with your own personal skipper and gourmet hamper full of delicious treats for lunch, explore the stunning surroundings of Skye. (more…)

New research by Kwai Garlic Supplements reveals heart health risks of home cooking

The average family has no idea about the food they are dishing up every evening, according to new research. Half of families polled say they haven’t a clue which foods are healthy and which are unhealthy for their hearts with a third confessing taste was more important to them than nutritional content. (more…)

Credit Crunch Changes Our Dietary Habits

February is depressing enough and with the credit crunch gripping the nation, it’s not surprising research has shown that 76% of us are more waste conscious than a year ago. (more…)

This lively salsa makes a delicious and healthy canapé. Simply mix pomegranate seeds, diced mango, cucumber and chilli, adding the juice and zest of one lime and torn mint leaves to serve. The salsa can be served in individual spoons or bowls, or piled into chicory leaves or tiny tartlets for impressive party canapés. (more…)

Destination Bordeaux: Wine & Dine In 2009
Bordeaux City is less than an hour-and-a-half from London by air. Take your tipple by the glass in a chic bar or by the bottle with local gastronomy in a side-street bistro. Whatever your pleasure, Bordeaux has something to whet every appetite and the region itself produces more than food and drink – there is so much to see and do in this tourist destination. (more…)

Announces 2009 Call For Entries
The International Wine Challenge (IWC) – the world’s most prestigious and influential independent wine competition - is calling for entries to the 2009 challenge, which recognises the most outstanding wines of the world. The IWC has been running for over 25 years and has established its reputation for identifying and rewarding top wines from around the globe through its assessment of judging every wine blind, for its faithfulness to variety, region and vintage and independently of its price. (more…)

Break old traditions this year with delicious wines from Chateau de Sours
It’s time to make a change – put down the roses, step away from the chocolates and forget the stuffed toys forever. This year, put the sparkle back into your Valentine’s Day with original, inspiring and sophisticated Reserve de Sours sparkling rosé.

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Paul Henry

Australian winemakers, journalists and industry specialists gathered in Edinburgh to celebrate Australia Day in style; with over 800 wines on tasting at the annual Scottish Wine Australia trade show held at the inspiring arena of ‘Our Dynamic Earth’. The producers then moved south to host an even greater gathering in London at Emirates Stadium on Thursday 29th January. (more…)

by Scott Mariani
£6.99
‘Fans of Dan Brown will love this thrilling adventure.’ - Closer

Just one man can save the world from Armageddon…

Returning to University to finish his Theology studies, ex-SAS commando Ben Hope is soon asked to use his counter-kidnapping experience to track down his tutor’s missing archaeologist daughter. Far from the peace and quiet of the University libraries Ben finds himself propelled into the riskiest mission of his life. (more…)

by R. Scott Bakker
£12.99
Compelling… keeps the pages turning. - Publishers Weekly

Exquisitely intelligent and beautifully written … Take note, one and all, something remarkable has begun. - Steven Erikson

Something special … the entire series is going to set a new standard for fantasy writers everywhere. - The Alien Online (more…)

by Mario Routi
£14.99 (Hardback)
A collision between ancient and modern. Greek myths for the sci-fi generation. - David J. Howe, British Fantasy Society

An anti-war novel, portraying the decline of our civilisation. A book that all parents should ask their children to read - and vice versa. - Nemesis Magazine (more…)

by Stella Duffy
£7.99
The Room of Lost Things is a complete change of pace. Five years in the writing, it shows Duffy reaching a new peak. Whether or not this proves her break-out book commercially, it is certainly a far greater artistic achievement than anything she has written previously. (more…)

by Yasmine Gooneratne
£14.99
A novel of epic proportions which skilfully blends fact and fiction to tell a fascinating story.Resonant in its social insights and beautifully written, The Sweet and Simple Kind reveals a rich world of love, political chicanery and family turmoil in Sri Lanka as it embraces its hard-won independence in 1948. (more…)