Music is really important to me. As would be typical of a Gemini on the cusp of Cancer, I have a pretty eclectic collection. I love everything from Gill Scott Heron to Muse, classical to jazz, ska, disco and Latin. I’m easily pleased.
I like pairing good music with experiences and, with summer on its way, I am looking forward to some ‘camper van’ sounds – the recipe for a proper weekend break. My current favourite for this would be Michael Kiwanuka’s Home Again album. I heard the track Tell Me A Tale on radio months ago, Shazam’d it on my IPhone (I love that app) and couldn’t find it anywhere. Now the album’s massive. He recently ventured our way when he visited Wave 105’s studios. Thanks to the station I was lucky enough to meet Caro Emerald, another of my favourite artists whilst she was playing at their last sell out Wave 105 Live event. Meeting Caro, with her lovely Dutch accent and her hair in rollers was a real privilege. Who on earth are they going to book for the next Live event? The bar is now most certainly raised as they had some seriously big names.
The camper van has had a dusty hibernation this winter. Since that hot Indian summer moment last September which gave us a final balmy weekender in the Purbecks with friends, our faithful VW California has been resting. Hoping it won’t be long before the heat returns, we are in the process of winding it back up, checking how many emergency Pot Noodles are in the cupboards and whether the fridge can chill the beers properly (most important). I will grab this opportunity to give a blatant plug to the fantastic Breeze Volkswagen – they are the true purveyors of cool camping in Dorset!
This year, our camper will be used for a mix of work and pleasure at the 2012 Windfest. In its 14th year, the UK’s biggest beach and watersports event is moving from Sandbanks to the stunning 1,500 acre Pylewell Park near Lymington (I’ve already fallen for the 18th century house). And for the first time ever, camping is included along with all the usual features; water, land and beach sports action, live music, parties, demo’s and even yoga! My husband Gary, founder and organiser of Windfest, along with his partners, Mick and Phil are bringing a whole new dimension to the event while keeping the same relaxed and upbeat vibe. Red Bull will continue to bring their toys and, with even more sports added to the schedule, from mountain biking to kayaking, there really will be something for everyone. Put the 14th to the 16th September in your diaries (no clashes with Bestival this year, phew) and grab your tickets online, from Fluid or The Watersports Academy at Sandbanks. Limited launch deals are up for grabs for adults, couples and families – follow www.windfest.co.uk for latest news.
My favourite hairdressers from Synergy have bought their tickets already (that’s a relief – I’ll need some help going from ‘camper van bed head’ to ‘festival diva’ three days in a row). These guys have three salons; Poole High Street, Parr Street in Ashley Cross and Blandford and they know how to hit a highlight. With a new face on the team, Ben, and a host of award nominations, they’re going from strength to strength and I cannot praise them highly enough.
On the subject of Lymington, we have become good friends with Stanwells in Westbourne who I hadn’t realised were established in the Solent town many years ago, and now have some seriously big online customers too, including Rosie Fortescue, the TOWIE star. Their designer summer collection is stunning and they reckon the hot tip is pastels all the way. Not sure how my pale Celtic skin will cope with that but I’ll give it a go!
My final blatant plug of the month goes to our client, artist Kathryn Thomas. An exhibition of her new collection of oil paintings, ‘Shining Lights’ is on until 4th June at her studio in West Quay House on West Quay Road, Poole. Visitors are welcome to view her exhibition, free of charge, from 11am to 7pm daily. We’re proud to help shout about this stunning work. Please find the time to go and see it, you will most definitely be inspired. View www.kathryn-thomas.co.uk.
‘Til next time, may your world shine brightly too……..
Liz
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