‘Damascus Cover’ Starring Sir John Hurt … Filming Begins This Week in Morocco

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Hotly anticipated espionage thriller, Damascus Cover, commences production from this week in Morocco starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Stonewall, Dracula, The Tudors, Mission: Impossible III) with confirmed cast including: Olivia Thirlby (Juno, No Strings Attached, Dredd), recently knighted Sir John Hurt (The Elephant Man, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, Alien), Igal Naor (Green Zone, 300: Rise of an Empire, Munich), Jurgen Prochnow (Das Boot, The English Patient, The Da Vinci Code) and Navid Negahban (Homeland, Brothers, The Stoning of Soraya M, Charlie Wilson’s War).

Produced by UK-based production company, Big Book Media, Damascus Cover is based on the best-selling 1977 novel by Howard Kaplan. Directed by Daniel Berk (Sometimes They Come Back For More, Public Enemies), and produced by Hannah Leader (Lucky Number Slevin, Gosford Park, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, Spider), the film is a tense espionage thriller, steeped in historical references and rich colour about the Syrian capital with furious action throughout. The screenplay is written by Samantha Newton and Daniel Berk.

Berlinale 2015 will mark the official sales launch of Damascus Cover when London-based Carnaby International, who are handling worldwide sales, begin pre-sales negotiations. With buyers recognising the film’s appeal as an intelligent action spy thriller, pre-sales interest has already been particularly strong with deals struck in several major territories, soon to be announced.

Producer, Hannah Leader said: “Damascus Cover is a great script – believable and brilliant. The characters and situations are vividly drawn and the Middle East setting really brings to life this spellbinding moment in history, which is both topical and timely. With Daniel at the helm, it’s going to be a beautiful picture.”

Fresh from filming Stonewall, a hotly tipped Oscar contender, Jonathan Rhys Meyers takes the lead in this fast-paced action thriller. Jonathan said: “I’m enormously excited about this role. This was a hugely significant time in the conflict in the Middle East, post-cold war and with the collapse of the Berlin Wall when an amount of spies were redeployed to the Middle East, where the theatre of covert operations would now take precedence. With a highly thoughtful and intelligent script by Daniel Berk and Samantha Newton I’m thrilled to be a part of this project and can’t wait to start shooting with a very gifted international cast and crew.”

Olivia Thirlby added “I’m thrilled to be a part of Damascus Cover. It’s an honour to collaborate with and work alongside such a diverse and talented group of individuals on a project that looks closely at a fascinating time in history. I am extremely excited to begin the shoot.”

Set in 1989, as the Berlin wall falls in Europe, the plot focuses on a veteran spy sent undercover in Syria to smuggle a chemical weapons scientist and his family out of Damascus. Within days of his arrival he realises he’s being followed. His partner doesn’t show, his local contact disappears, and a group of men are trying to kill him. It’s not long before his routine mission unravels to reveal a string of murderous conspirators. Marked for death and caught in a maddening puzzle, he must race for survival. The events and people in the script are based on true life events.

Damascus Cover commences principal photography in Casablanca, Morocco from 5th February – 23rd March. Supporting Big Book Media is local Moroccan production company, H Films, who recently shot Queen Of The Desert starring Nicole Kidman and Robert Pattinson, which has been selected in official competition for Berlinale 2015.

Join in the conversation @DamascusCover #TrustInNoOne

Messing About On The River … Herbert Woods-Style!

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

When I told one of my girlfriends that I was writing an article about family holidays, she gave a hollow laugh, “Well, that won’t take long”, she said “Just write ‘stay at home’.” It’s often the sentiment around September-time when many parents return from their summer holiday more exhausted than when they left, swearing that the phrase ‘family holiday’ is the biggest oxymoron of all time.

Not so with this holiday. I admit, in the last 25 years, my history of holidays have been aboard cruise ships, in fact, I’ve reviewed the largest in the world, but this gem in the heart of the Norfolk Broads brought about excitement on a completely different level. It ticks the boxes of all the family’s requirements… dad – steering and being captain of his own luxury boat (and it is luxury… according to the words of admiration from fellow holidaymakers on the Broads), mum – splitting her time between preparing meals in the remarkably spacious kitchen and topping up her tan (Grazia-style) on the cocktail deck, the children – donning lifejackets and exploring all areas onboard. I agree, this last statement is rather stereotypical, but the beauty of this holiday is that the whole scenario can be turned on its head!

This cruiser encourages a switch from the norm, it’s a state-of-the-art vessel and after initial simple instruction from the Herbert Woods staff, you can take the helm or head the kitchen galley on a cruise along some of the most picturesque countryside you’ll ever see in the UK. The Norfolk Broads is renowned for its scenic waterways, rare wildlife and rich history, a unique mosaic of lakes, land and rivers with the status of a national park. The Victorians first introduced holiday boating to this magical waterland and it’s been popular ever since, offering unrivalled experiences unique to Norfolk.

We took the Herbert Woods Royale Light out for a weekend taster cruise, I hopped on-board at Wroxham where my partner, Shane, my dad (John) and my aunt (Maureen) sailed from the pick-up point at Potter Heigham, with Shepherds Pie in the oven and red wine on the table… the perfect start! I was also met with an abundance of swans (with impeccable manners!) who accompanied us throughout the weekend as we moored up along the way, joined daily by geese, ducks, goslings and ducklings – add plenty of bread to the shopping list!

During the course of the days, we sailed gently through picturesque waterways passing other holidaymakers making the most of the tranquillity of the area. Perhaps I’m biased, living in the area, but my preconceptions of a broads holiday were blown gently away and left me eager to book the next trip. Herbert Woods offer detachment from the normal hubbub on a different level, delivering solitude if you want it, good old-fashioned family bonding time where you can let your hair down and completely relax or charged exploration, all with the knowledge that the staff are close at hand and safety is their prime concern.

Details of all cruises and availability are available at:

www.herbertwoods.co.uk

Zuzka … Capturing The Power Of Nature

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

With time being today’s luxury, finding cosmetics and treatments that make the most of our time-consuming beauty maintenance is a constant struggle.
I’ve been using three products from the Zuzka ‘Botanicals’ range for the last few weeks, a brand founded by Susan Kohutova, a qualified beauty specialist and registered medical herbalist, with over 20 years experience as a consultant and therapist for some of the top cosmetic companies. Susan suffered herself with an extremely sensitive and allergy-prone skin and realised there was a great need for a product range free from the main skin irritants that cause such distress for certain skins when used on a daily basis. In order to develop her own formulas, Susan studied Medical Herbalism and discovered the incredible healing powers of herbs, plants and flowers, utilising these precious natural ingredients to their best potential. The brand name ‘Zuzka’ is Slovakian for ‘Susan’, inspired by her Slovakian husband.
The packaging is functional, practical and purist, aimed at the modern woman whose intelligence is reflected as much in her health and beauty care as it is in her career choices. The results on my skin were visible and tangible, I could apply my make-up more easily and my skin stayed fresh and supple during the day.
Zuzka makes caring for your skin a pleasurable experience by providing the highest quality therapeutic products with fresh natural aromas that produce beneficial, satisfying results at a very competitive price.
Without the obligatory harsh fragrances associated with so many beauty products on the market at the moment, but simple, light scents, the plant extracts act deep-down, improving skin action to improve tone and texture with a bare-feel sensation.

Argenine Hydroxy Rejuvenation Cream 50ml – £36.99

A high performance cream containing Argenine Hydroxy, Zuzka’s exclusive ‘Botanical Botox’ formula, which offers intense correction of wrinkles and expression lines, offering a relaxing anti-inflammatory effect on tired, stressed looking skin. This product produces beautifully subtle results with great safety.

Rose Petal Facial Spritz – £18.99 – 150ml

The beautiful aromatic rejuvenating waters of rose petal, witch-hazel and frankincense, sooth and refresh the skin, closing open pores.

Organic rosehip oil for mature skin – £18.99 – 30ml

A luxurious, soothing, rejuvenating, collagen-boosting precious oil for mature skin, containing organic oils of rosehip, calendula, evening primrose, jojoba and the ultimate cell regenerating ingredient, rose essential oil.

There are five main skincare ranges:
Ocean Spa – toning and detoxifying
Honey Glow – soothing and therapeutic
Derma Care – deep pore treatment
Botanicals – rejuvenating and anti-aging
Cocoa Spa – revitalising and antioxidant

With a myriad of colours that would rival any cosmetic counter, a selection for men and tantalising beauty kits, this range is definitely worth a try!

• Not tested on animals
• 100% pure mineral make-up
• Free from sulphates, parabens (chemicals which have preservative qualities, frequently used in cosmetics and other over-the-counter beauty and health care products such as shampoos and toothpastes), mineral oils, synthetic ingredients and artificial fragrance.
Shop online at www.zuzkanaturalbeauty.co.uk

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Ariella Announced As Exclusive Sponsor Of Hollywood Red Carpet Awards Events On UK SKY And E! Channels

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

UK fashion brand Ariella takes over as the official and exclusive sponsor of all the Hollywood Red Carpet Awards events on UK SKY and E! channels throughout 2015.

The coverage includes The Oscars, The Grammies, The Emmys, The Golden Globe Awards and many more.

Ariella is the leading UK brand for cocktail, evening and special occasion wear. Founded in the swinging sixties in Carnaby St London, the brand has won wide acclaim, numerous Fashion awards and continues to grow ever stronger, creating irresistible fantasies in fashion.

Ariella is proud to announce that they are the UK TV sponsor for the following Award ceremonies and TV programmes in 2015 including The Oscars, Live from the Red Carpet, Fashion Police, Who wore it Better, Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and People’s Choice Awards.

Ariella has produced a stunning advertising campaign as part of the sponsorship deal which sees ‘ARIELLA The Home of Red Carpet Fashion’ feature on Sky Network (all Sky channels), Sky Movies – Oscars channel, Sky Living, Sky News, Sky One, E!, Movies 24, Universal Channel and Syfy

You can see the advertisements air this weekend with the Golden Globes coverage.

Do you remember seeing this dress?

Darcey Bussell wore Ariella Couture’s “Angelina” dress as judge on Halloween night on the hit BBC One show “Strictly Come Dancing”

Darcey looked stunning on the Strictly judging panel alongside Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel, with Darcey choosing couture from London designers Ariella.

Darcey wore the “Angelina“, an asymmetric black, liquid effect sequined gown.

www.ariella.com

An Elegant Subject To Brooch…

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

The brooch is making a comeback for SS15 and Bentley & Skinner have some of the finest and unique pieces in the world.

Finally we can re-embrace the incredible versatility of the brooch.

For SS15, the brooch has been seen in the collections of Chanel, Céline and Oscar de la Renta, to name a few.

A brooch can accent any outfit and the range of designs is practically limitless.

By Royal Appointment to HRH Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Price of Wales and somewhat of a secret celebrity favourite, Bentley & Skinner brooches are used extensively for high-end glossy magazine shoots and

are available to purchase through their website.

Beautiful pearls, diamonds and enamels exquisitely set into gold and silver, modern delights and antique treasures.

Prices range from £1,250 to £225,000

For further information, contact:

http://www.bentley-skinner.co.uk/catalog/categories/antique-period-jewellery/brooches-pins

http://www.bentley-skinner.co.uk/catalog/categories/modern-jewellery/brooches-pins

Miss Pageants UK 2015 … Your Opportunity To Shine!

Posted on December 14, 2014 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Miss Pageants UK is one of the top Beauty Pageants in the UK, uniting the nation in the glamorous world of beauty, elegance and poise, creating friendships, supporting charity, and making dreams come true along the way. The main crowns and titles include Miss Pageants UK (18-29), Miss Teen UK (15-19), Miss Junior Teen UK (11-14) and Miss Classic UK (25+), plus there are a whole host of optionals, sashes and awards up for grabs … and FABULOUS prizes including the chance to compete internationally!

The 2015 Miss Pageants UK VIP Gala Grand Finals will take place at the stunning Hilton London Metropole Hotel on Sunday 15th March 2015, with the overall winner qualifying for a major international pageant (details to be confirmed). The grand final is a fun-packed, professionally produced glamorous VIP event unrivalled in the UK, featuring live entertainment, fabulous gowns and costumes.

Miss Pageants UK are delighted and proud to be supporting the MAKE-A-WISH foundation as their 2015 charity partner.

Entry applications are now being accepted from girls and young women aged 11 and over (including ages 25+ for Miss Classic UK) via their website online entry form. Applicants from all regions of the UK are invited to enter and must be English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish nationalities, or were born in the UK or live in the UK.

There is no height or dress size requirement but a desire to shine and a willingness to support charity are a must.

The organisers encourage and support entry applications from both experienced and new pageant girls, resulting in many of their entrants being débutantes and having never participated in a high level pageant before. If you are new to the world of pageants, there’s no need to worry as the team will be with you every step of the way and will make sure that you know exactly what you are doing.

Miss Pageants UK is a FREE TO APPLY Pageant competition supporting the MAKE-A-WISH foundation charity. However, those girls or ladies selected as Miss Pageants UK finalists will be required to find a Sponsor or fund Sponsorship. There are a whole host of benefits INCLUDED with the Sponsorship (unlike many other pageants) with all of the finalists being presented with a finalists sash to keep and a 2015 regional title to take to the finals. Full details are on the entry form page of our website.

Have YOU got what it takes? Enter Now!

http://www.misspageantsuk.com/enter/4585958764

Darts World Champions Return To Norwich For The BetVision Norwich Charity Darts Masters 2015

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

A host of former World Champion darts stars have signed up for the first BetVision Norwich Charity Darts Masters to be held at Norwich City Football Club on Saturday 27^th June 2015. The event itself will be held in the Norfolk Suite providing a fantastic location for a very prestigious event.

The event is being organised and promoted by Lord Russell Baker of Little Moulton who is looking to fundraise for the ‘Lord Baker Community Fund’ managed by The Norfolk Community Foundation. The main aim of the ‘Lord Baker Community Fund’ is to promote health and wellbeing; tackle disadvantage; support local solutions to meet local needs; promote community cohesion; develop sustainable and supportive communities and to deliver grant-making and charity support for the current fund beneficiaries that include East Anglia Children’s Hospices (EACH), Star Throwers Cancer Care & Support, Chapel Road School for Severely Disabled Children and Norfolk Community Foundation, who will also create a Community Grant programme which will be advertised and local community groups will be invited to apply for grants up to £1,000.

The World dart stars attending on the evening are Eric Bristow MBE (5 x World Champion; John Lowe (3 x World Champion); Peter Manley (former World No.1 and 3 x World Finalist) and from Suffolk – the youngest ever World darts champion, Keith Deller.

The event offers everyone on the night a chance to play at least one of these former World champions and master darts players. In addition there will be a small competition with the darts masters consisting of two semi-finals and a Final on the night – playing for the Norwich Charity Darts Masters Trophy. It is envisaged that this event and competition will become an annual event in Norwich for many years. The trophy itself has been donated by David Willimott from Carmichaels Dart Mart in Magdalen Street, Norwich. David Willimott is the former Suffolk darts champion and has had the privilege to play these players on many occasions. In fact a score card still hangs in Carmichaels Dart Mart when John Lowe played David some years ago; David Willimott will be attending on the evening as a special guest.

John Lowe said, “Eric Bristow, Keith Deller, Peter Manley and myself will by playing at the Norwich City Football Club in aid of the Norfolk Community Foundation and other local charities’. It will be a great night, for me it will be a reunion with friends made over many years. I first visited Norwich in the late 70’s and I have to say if ever I was to move from my beloved Chesterfield, Norwich would have been my first choice, not because they have a church for every day of the year and just as many pubs, but because I made friends that became everlasting friends.” John Lowe added, “The 27th June 2015 will have a great line up, but for me it will be the Norwich Big Reunion, see you there my friends.” Lord Baker said, “This is going to be a massive night and one that should put Norwich and Norfolk back where they belong, in the ‘Premiership’ of Darts. We are hoping to raise much needed funds to support local charities and community projects through the ‘Lord Baker Community Fund’, and I am expecting this event to become an annual community fundraising event for years to come, with various darts masters and former World champions attending each year.” Lord Baker added, “The Norwich Charity Darts Masters Trophy will hopefully become a prestigious trophy too, and over the years will bear the names of many World darts stars making the trophy a potential fundraising auction item too in the years to come”. Graham Tuttle, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Community Foundation said, “The first Norwich Masters Dart Event will be a great event on the Norfolk calendar next year and the Norfolk Community Foundation is really pleased to be working with Lord Baker in such an innovative fundraising event for local charities and community groups across Norfolk”. Steven Ho from Star Throwers said, “We are very grateful that Lord Baker is supporting Star Throwers again with this fantastic darts fundraiser. Russell organised a darts evening in May which was itself a fantastic evening but this one is looking like it will be even bigger and better! Russell’s continued fundraising means a great deal to our charity as it will help us to continue to provide advice and support to cancer patients and their loved ones”. Laura Carver from EACH said, “We are delighted to be one of the beneficiaries of Lord Baker’s fundraising events and thank him sincerely for his fantastic efforts in helping to ensure we can continue caring for children and young people with life threatening or life limiting conditions and supporting their families in the community. Lord Baker’s fundraising efforts are truly inspirational and we urge the public to support his events. They really are enjoyable occasions and what’s more, help to raise much needed funds for local charities”.

The BetVision Norwich Darts Masters 2015 is expected to be a sell-out with the VIP tickets already SOLD-OUT. Standard tickets for the evening are still available and these will make ideal Christmas presents for all those darts enthusiasts, so fill your loved one’s stocking this Christmas by visiting the On-line Ticket site – https://ncfdarts.eventbrite.co.uk/

This is your chance to give a special gift to those in your life and the chance of a lifetime to meet and possibly play one of the World’s most iconic darts stars in history – everyone on the night will have the chance to buy raffle tickets with the lucky winners able to play either Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Keith Deller or Peter Manley. So bring your darts!

For further information about the ‘Lord Baker Community Fund’ please visit the Norfolk Community Foundation web site – http://www.norfolkfoundation.com/funds/the-lord-baker-community-fund/

Aston Martin ‘In Motion’ Event … Aston Martin Celebrates 50 Years Of Bond

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Thursday 4^th December saw Aston Martin together with EON Productions, the producers of the James Bond film franchise, unveil Bond’s stunning new car, the Aston Martin DB10, on the 007 stage at Pinewood Studios. The luxury British sports car brand was delighted to confirm that James Bond will once again drive an Aston Martin in Spectre. Celebrating the great British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse into the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins.

Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin, said: “In the same year that we celebrate our 50-year relationship with 007, it seems doubly fitting that today we unveiled this wonderful new sports car created especially for James Bond.

Following on from this, this evening’s event saw celebrities and friends of the brand gather together to celebrate 50 years of Bond.

Hosted at the London Film Museum in Covent Garden, guests enjoyed Louis Roederer Champagne and cocktails. Aston Martin’s newly appointed CEO Andy Palmer was thrilled to hear that “DB10” was trending the top 10 UK twitter feed today following today’s Bond Spectre announcement with the HQ phones ringing off the hook with people from across the globe looking to buy one of the not for sale limited editions.

On the night, guests had the opportunity to view some of the exclusive installations that feature within The London Film Museum’s 50 Years of Bond exhibition, including the legendary Aston Martin DB5.

Amber Nuttall was seen talking to Kelly Hoppen about their past experience of Aston Martin, whilst Grantchester’s James Norton was the eye of all the ladies at the party, heard saying ‘a dog-collar’ does wonders for the love life!

Camilla Rutherford and husband Dominic were also seen waxing-lyrical about their amazing journey to the party in an Aston Martin Rapide, comparing notes with Amber Le Bon who dazzled in a light blue gown before hitting the decks.

VIP attendees included: Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer, Amber Le Bon, Camilla Rutherford, Ozwald Boateng, Amber Nuttall, Kelly Hoppen, Alistair Guy, Barbara Broccoli, Diarmaid Murtagh, James Norton, Roxie Nafousi and Pips Taylor.

The VIP guests were treated to a sumptuous cocktail buffet which included mini beef burgers, grilled sea bass with lemon puree and parsley oil, tuna tartare with yuzu and soy pearls in sesame cone, parmesan taco with creamed goats cheese and rhubarb jam, charcoal wafer with truffled brie, quince jelly and candied orange, blackened salmon with Asian slaw, iron bark pumpkin tortellini, walnut pesto and parmesan crisp and assorted Macaron de Paris, accompanied by Louis Roederer Champagne.