From the highest quality leather shooting accessories such as cartridge cases and gun slips to a gorgeous desk blotter or stationery tray, the words ‘England’, ‘craftsmen’ and ‘leather’ seem to evoke an innate sense of quality.

We almost expect to discover the kind of quality that makes you proud to own the luxury goods, to run your finger along the seams, to smell the leather and admire the way it looks.

If you have a beautiful wooden writing desk then a luxury leather desk blotter not only provides a very practical solution, protecting the surface of your desk and providing a convenient surface for writing or signing letters and documents, but by choosing a luxury leather desk blotter that’s
handmade in England by real craftsmen, then you know that the way it looks and feels is every bit as important and appreciated as how it works.

Hip flasks have long proven popular, whether by those setting off for a long country walk, a highland hike or a day shooting. But hip flasks serve a greater purpose than simply being a portable container for a refreshing drink, or a wee drop of the special Scottish water!

Hip flasks are stylish accessories, beautiful items in themselves, providing convenience, luxury and style all in an elegant, lightweight, durable package that can be carried or worn easily.

Luxury English leather goods can include a range of hip flasks, or containers for hip flasks, enabling you to face nature with a bracing determination and a beautiful hip flask of which you’ll be as pleased with the exterior as much as the interior! Plastic bottles are for students. For the perfect English gentleman, luxury leather hip flasks are the order of the day.

When it comes to choosing gun slips and cartridge cases, leather shooting accessories are head and shoulders above plastic alternatives, providing both the look and style that is the mark of quality. But it’s more than that, because leather is soft, malleable and durable, providing protection from the elements, and ensuring your shooting equipment remains in excellent condition, removing any possible excuse for missing that brace on Sunday!

Peraleja Golf Resort

The resort is situated right next door to the Polaris Resort of Hacienda Riquelme. This resort is an apartment-only development with around 1800 properties. All of the properties and public areas are completed. The golf course is superb and the new town centre area is now well underway with the first units due to open late June 2010.

There are a number of re-sale bargains on both developments plus there are a number of re-possession properties on Hacienda Riquelme and a small number of bank owned properties with up to 90% mortgages available. At Peraleja, there is current availability of several key ready or ‘nearly ready’ plots direct from the developer that can be bought at fantastic prices.

Hacienda promises to be one of the nicest apartment resorts when completed later this year. Peraleja is probably one of the quietest and the best villa only resort.

If you are planning a trip over to Murcia contact Murcia Golf Properties – they are able to offer subsidised accommodation and operate on a ‘no pressure’ basis. As property owners themselves, they can offer first hand advice on buying a Polaris World property.

Campingandcaravandirect

UK Suppliers of famous outdoor brands like Coleman, Campingaz, Sevylor and Royal all at great prices. They also have a camping & caravan site finder that holds the contact details of camping & caravan parks from all parts of the UK for you to choose from for your next holiday, you can even leave your own site review or photos of your holiday.

There are some fantastic reasons for taking up the hobby of metal detecting. Some may even refer to it as a sport due to the exercise you will also be getting as you search for the unknown – the hidden treasure that could lie just beneath your feet. Using a metal detector, could quite simply take you anywhere, the possibilities are endless.

Think of how satisfied and excited Terry Herbet must be right now with his massive find in Staffordshire! Terry may have just unknowingly stumbled upon the discovery of a lifetime, one that has the potential to change our beliefs and challenges the way we will now view history.

In case you are not aware, Terry stumbled upon one of the most amazing treasures of all time whilst metal detecting in Staffordshire, and once the items are valued, the pay off for his hobby will more than likely provide him with millions to last him the rest of his life.

How’s that for a hidden treasure!

We may not all be able to come across as brilliant a find as Terry, however there are definitely some valuable discoveries still to be found out there. They could just be waiting for you and your metal detector to discover them.

So how do you do it?

First and foremost, you will need to ensure you have a good metal detector that will be effective for the places you wish to search. There are different options available if you would like to detect on the beach, park, or underwater. Yes underwater!

Finding treasure underwater is often referred to as deep metal detecting. This can be extremely profitable as many valuable items are lost out at sea and never to be recovered again. That is of course, until you came along!

To achieve success with your metal detecting, it is important to conduct research beforehand. The useful information that you can gather from your local library or through searching the Internet can provide you with a great starting point.

Knowing where to start is one of the key factors for any person wishing to take this hobby seriously. Simply getting out your metal detector and starting on your front lawn may lead you to finding some interesting things, however visiting places from our history, that you have researched beforehand, could prove far more fruitful, as Terry now knows all too well.

Metal detecting can be fun and rewarding for anyone wishing to give it a go. It doesn’t have to cost you the earth to purchase a metal detector – Terry got his from a jumble sale!

Getting to El Valle Golf Resort

Flying in from the UK will take approximately two hours and by 2010 there’ll be a choice of airports. Currently, San Javier airport is the closest with just a 20 minute drive to El Valle. Alternatively, Alicante airport is a 45 minute journey but by next year the new airport under construction at Corvera will open which means journey time to El Valle will be down to just 15 minutes.

If you’re looking to travel within the country or perhaps are already located in Spain, the golf resort is 3.5 hours drive from Madrid, 2.5 hours from Valencia and 2 hours from Granada.

Location of El Valle Golf Resort

As the name of the resort suggests, El Valle is located in a valley at the foot of the Carrascoy Mountains next to Baños Y Mendigo, a hamlet with only 340 inhabitants. The name ‘Baños Y Mendigo’ translates as ‘Baths and Beggar (or pauper)’ and refers to the historical waters which were used for irrigation and bathing of locals and a small chapel which was once home to a beggar.

The beaches at Mar Menor and the other golf resorts of La Loma, La Torre, Hacienda Riquelme, Laa Terrazas de la Torre and Mar Menor are within a 15 minute drive.

Facilities and things to do at El Valle

As with many of the golf resorts in Murcia, construction is still ongoing but once complete El Valle will boast some high quality facilities. The clubhouse opened last summer and is home to the El Asador restaurant, the Sandalo Bar and the Clover Irish Bar. Once the town centre is complete, all the amenities you’d expect such as shops, gym and a health spa will become available.

In the meantime, El Valle is on the Polaris World shuttle bus route which means as a resident you can travel to the nearby resorts of Hacienda Riquelme, La Torre and Mar Menor and take advantage of their facilities without having to drive.

If you want a break from golfing, the city of Murcia is a 15 minute drive from El Valle. There you’ll find stunning architecture, a grand cathedral, museums, high street shops and pavement cafés. The Aqua Natura water park is also close to Murcia city combining water slides with a zoo.

The clear blue seas of Mar Menor and its splendid beaches are just 10 minutes from El Valle. Mar Menor is perfect for the water sports enthusiast. If water isn’t your thing, you can go hiking, cycling and fishing around the nature reserves and mountains of Murcia.

El Valle Resale Golf Property

Just 668 properties including apartments and three types of villa have been built at El Valle. Apartments range from two bedroom/1bathroom to 2 bed/2 bathroom. Villas are available as three bedroom/two bathroom, three bed/three bathroom and huge five bed/five bathroom. Interiors have been fitted with superior finishes including air conditioning, fully fitted kitchens, timber shutters and private pools.

Recommended properties

	This apartment has been reduced to a fantastic price. Two bedroom and two bathrooms and has air-conditioning throughout, central heating and double glazed windows. It has a great terrace with two aspects and is not far from the sports facilities and golf clubhouse.
	Ground floor apartment with large garden around front and side of apartment including a jacuzzi.  Views over the communal pool towards the town centre. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and one bathroom and is in a great position on this exclusive resort. The apartment is located on a corner and is in a close to the town centre and hotel.
	This beautiful villa has three bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, two bathrooms (one with whirlpool bath), living room with high vaulted ceiling and doors onto the rear patio, covered eating area with built-in barbeque, private heated swimming pool, driveway, kitchen with fitted appliances and utility room.

El Valle Golf Course

The real reason for buying a property at El Valle is to play the Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course. An 18-hole desert-style par 71 challenge awaits you each day and this undulating course utilises the natural terrain and hazards you’d expect of golfing set in Murcian hills and countryside.

El Valle is by no means a long course at 6,161 yards and any golfer with a long game will score well provided they steer clear of the many hazards. With few trees and very little out of bounds areas even the wayward shots off the tee can pick up an advance forward on the ball and get back in play without problem.

Residents of El Valle receive favourable discounts on Green Fees. Special promotional periods where you can get free buggies are also sometimes available. Once you’ve played the El Valle challenge, there’s the other Nicklaus golf trail courses located at each of the Polaris World resorts to visit where you can receive up to 50% of your Green Fees.

The Pyramat Sound Rocker is as comfortable as a luxury chair, with a home theatre-like speaker system built in. Providing heart-pounding bass with a 5.5 inch subwoofer and side speakers, the Personal Surround Sound of the Sound Rocker will allow you to relax with your favourite music, or submerse yourself in your favourite game after a long, hard day at work. With unequalled sound quality and extraordinary levels of comfort watching a movie, listening to music, or playing your favourite game will become an event instead of a daily occurrence.

Perhaps you simply hate having a bunch of wires lying around. Consider the PM 450 Wireless. Feel the action in your favourite movies, music and games, with the most advanced and innovate design in a gaming chair. The PM 450 Wireless contains the best sound system and the largest, most comfortable design in a wireless rechargeable gaming chair that you’ll find anywhere. Whether using the PM 450 Wireless game chair as a wired chair or a wireless game chair, the sound quality is unmatched.

Pyramat gaming chairs are completely compatible with any MP3 player, TV, DVD player, VCR, or gaming console. They are easy to set up, easy to use, and the most comfortable gaming chair you will ever see. The fantastic sound makes you feel a part of the action and will transform your experience from the ordinary to unforgettable.

Involve your friends and family by networking several Pyramat game chairs. Outstanding networking abilities create the option of connecting up to eight Sound Rocker gaming chairs together. This will create the feeling of actually being in the crowd at the concert of your favourite band, or in the backseat during the car chase in your favourite movie. Everyone will feel part of the action and will look forward to the event of the day.

Pyramat gaming chairs are comfortable chairs, simple to set up and use, and provide high quality sound to accompany your favourite movie, music or game. You can feel and hear what you see on screen like never before. Don’t just play the game, become a part of the game with a Pyramat game chair today!

Solent sailing destinations

Beaulieu River

A great place to begin your Solent yacht charter is Buckler’s Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River in Hampshire. This historic 18^th century village is in the heart of the New Forest and the place where many of the ships of Lord Nelson’s fleet were built. The Marina offers full yachting facilities among its picturesque and tranquil surroundings. Once you’ve left the river, you can set out toward the many famous Solent harbours including Cowes, Yarmouth, Poole and Portsmouth.

Cowes

Just one hour’s sail from Beaulieu River you’ll find the location of the biggest sailing regatta in the world. Cowes on the Isle of Wight is often referred to as the ‘home of world yachting’ and over a thousand yachts and one hundred thousand spectators each year head to the prestigious ‘Cowes Week Regatta’. The event usually takes place in the first week of August and mixes thrilling competitive sailing with exciting social and leisure activities across the eight days. Cowes has an easily accessible estuary entrance to its numerous marinas where you can find temporary mooring to take in the town, grab a bite to eat at a vintage pub and visit the many designer shops. If you choose to stay on the water, you can take a leisurely cruise up the River Medina toward Newport.

Yarmouth

Heading to the western side of the Isle of Wight you’ll find the charming port of Yarmouth and a natural harbour that attracts many yachts looking to take advantage of the estuary of the River Yar. Henry VIII’s Yarmouth Castle guards the harbour entrance to a town which is bustling and active with its varied shops, pubs and restaurants. Yarmouth is a great stop-off point before heading toward Alum Bay and the world famous ‘Needles’.

The Needles

At the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight is sandy Alum Bay; home to ‘The Needles’. These three iconic chalk stacks rise from the sea with a 109ft 18^th century built lighthouse clinging to the base of the most westerly rock of the group. The name ‘Needles’ derives from a fourth stack to the north of the central rock which collapsed in 1764. Known as ‘Lot’s wife’, it had a tapered needle shape and it’s stump can be seen at low water.

Poole

For those wanting to experience a longer passage you can sail further west and head toward Poole. This large coastal town is a popular tourist and yachting destination due its large natural harbour. Along with Sydney, Cork, Rio de Janeiro and Halifax in Canada, Poole has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Described as the ‘Cote d’Azur of the South Coast ‘, Poole is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts with its azure blue waters and three miles of sandy beaches. Visiting boats can head to Poole Quay and find a temporary mooring allowing you to step ashore and see the local attractions or dine at one of the many restaurants offering superb views out into the harbour.

Portsmouth

If you choose to sail East from your starting location of Buckler’s Hard, Portsmouth Harbour awaits you. Portsmouth Harbour is a busy commercial and Naval port with plenty of activity along the shipping channels so an experienced skipper is recommended to navigate these waters. However, once you’re safely in the harbour you’ll be greeted by the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Warrior to your right. A leisurely sail north and you’ll pass the historic Naval dockyard and if you’re lucky see the current fleet of Royal Navy aircraft carriers and destroyers. At the northern most point of the harbour you’ll find Portchester Castle – a well preserved Roman fortification from the latter 3^rd century AD. Head back to the harbour entrance and take a temporary mooring at Gunwharf Quays where you’ll find designer outlet stores and restaurants looking out on to the hustle and bustle of the harbour waters.

Corvera Golf and Country Club is one of Murcia’s newest golf resorts. Phase one and two of property development is already complete and residents are now moving in. Over a thousand golf properties have been sold so now is the time to make an investment at what will become one of Europe’s premier golf resorts. Here we’ll look at Corvera resale golf property and the facilities that will be on offer at the resort.

Getting there

Corvera’s great location means getting to the resort will be quick and simple as a new airport is currently under construction and just a ten minute drive from the club. Work is due to be completed by August 2010 which means Corvera golf resort will have a dedicated airport to whisk you from the UK to your stunning new property (and some great golfing!). In the meantime, San Javier Airport is just 45km away and served by daily flights to and from the UK.

Corvera Golf and Country Club location

Just 20 minutes from the crystal clear waters of Mar Menor on the Costa Cálida and situated at the foot of the Carrascoy mountain range (one of the most desirable places to buy property in Murcia), Corvera Golf and Country Club is 15 minutes south of the city of Murcia and next to one of the region’s nature reserves.

Golf property at Corvera golf resort

Corvera golf property includes 2 bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom townhouses and 4 bedroom villas so there’s plenty of investment opportunity at the resort for every budget. The properties are located around the championship golf course in a peaceful, relaxing and comfortable environment. The apartments, townhouses and villas are finished in colour schemes that blend in perfectly with the resort’s surroundings.

Recommended properties:

	This fantastic 2 bedroom apartment is being offered way below contract price and offers a location close to the soon to be completed golf clubhouse.
	A three bedroom villa on the East Island of Corvera golf resort. This property is detached with living space across 129 square metres and an outdoor terrace and garden covering over 28 square metres.
	Overlooking a communal swimming pool and gardens, this two bed first floor apartment is finished to a high quality and on offer at an excellent price given its location within the resort.

Corvera golf resort facilities

Corvera golf resort may be a work in progress but development is progressing at quite a rate. As you enter over the brow of the hill you’ll be met with a stunning view of the resort with the golf course in the foreground and the properties and Carrascoy mountains as the backdrop.

The whole resort is enclosed by a perimeter barrier and the new guardhouse entrance has just been completed along with the entrance avenue which is lined with mature plants and shrubbery. Planting around the resort is ongoing so each day sees a new, improved and greener Corvera.

The resort will have a 5-star 200 bedroom hotel operated by DeVere so any visitors to the resort will receive a high level of quality and service during their stay. Residents will soon be able to take advantage of an Equestrian Centre boasting 24 stables and a training ring. Those who enjoy sports will be pleased to hear that facilities at Corvera are due for completion this summer and will include tennis courts (grass and clay) and a multi-purpose football, basketball and handball court. For the fitness and health lover there’ll be a gym, spa and health centre.

Next to sports areas will be a commercial centre with shops, bars and restaurants to ensure you’ll never be without entertainment when off the golf course.

Corvera golf course and clubhouse

José María Olazábal and his company IGD have been hard at work designing and supervising construction of the course at Corvera which will become the winter headquarters for the European PGA. The 18-hole par 72 course covers over 6,700 metres and is planned to host professional competitions with Sam Torrence as its Director of Golf.

Construction of the course finished in April and the months of May and June were spent sowing the fairways, roughs and greens. Later in the summer there’ll be the final installation of equipment and finishing touches before the course gets its inauguration later in 2009. The driving range is already open.

The golf clubhouse is situated to the north of the course between holes 9 and 18. Over 2,500 square metres of space over two floors and a basement will house generously sized rooms for multi-purpose use. On the ground floor will be the pro shop, changing facilities (members and non-members) and a small supermarket for residents to buy groceries. The first floor has stunning views over the course and includes 200 square metres of outdoor terraces. Inside you’ll find a selection of bars and a restaurant.

Next to the clubhouse will be the annexe buildings of which one will be home to the official PGA teaching academy to help young golfers on the road to success as well as giving residents the opportunity to improve their game.

Once complete, Corvera Golf and Country Club will be one of the most desirable golf resorts to own a property so take advantage of the favourable terms currently on offer.

Why charter a yacht with a skipper?

Chartering a skippered yacht on the Solent has many benefits whether it’s a business day out, social occasion with family and friends or a long summer cruise. From corporate events to special birthdays; anniversaries to stag days, a safely handled skippered yacht charter offers a unique and memorable day out for everyone. Sailing out from Bucklers Hard Marina, down the Beaulieu River and then out into the Solent, you’ll enjoy an exciting and rewarding experience bonding as a team or taking time out with the family. If you need to recharge your batteries or learn some new skills in a fun and thrilling environment, skippered Solent yacht charter offers a unique and unforgettable experience with the added safety and guidance of a professional skipper at the helm.

Skippered family yacht charter

Skippered Solent yacht charter is the perfect way to celebrate a special family occasion or an ideal adventure day for parents and children. You’ll get to spend some quality time together and under the guidance of an experienced skipper learn new skills that will challenge everyone in the family helping to build closer bonds between you while creating some lasting memories.

If it’s a family occasion with children you’ll need a family friendly yacht charter. Safety is paramount so try and charter a yacht with safety netting to help prevent anyone accidentally falling overboard. Ensure the yacht you charter complies with the minimum safety provisions and is coded to DTI regulations. This will ensure the yacht will have all the necessary safety equipment on board, is able to safely carry the required number of people and can operate a specified distance offshore. A category 2 yacht is able to sail 60 miles from the shore with a maximum of eight people on board.

How you spend your day sailing is up to you. If you’ve never sailed before then don’t worry, experience isn’t necessary. Your skipper will get every family member to participate in the handling of the yacht including helming (taking control of steering the boat). You can lunch on board or berth at a local town quay and lunch ashore in a pub or restaurant. Sailing is a rewarding family experience and a healthy way to spend time together.

Skippered corporate yacht charter

If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual paintball day-out or round of golf with the sales team, a skippered corporate yacht charter on the Solent is a memorable and rewarding way to motivate your staff or impress your clients. As an organised event, Solent yacht charter can help develop strong team-building skills or strengthen relationships with clients.

Allow an experienced skipper to be your team’s ‘boss’ for the day guiding management and staff together to help sail the yacht for an exhilarating day on the Solent. The whole day can be geared toward sailing or you can combine a morning seminar with an afternoon’s sail. Have lunch on board while at anchor along the Beaulieu river or berth at a local destination and go ashore to eat. Choose a company who is able to provide catering with their corporate Solent yacht charter package and discuss the exact day’s arrangements with them.

Useful things to take with you

The yacht charterer will be able to provide all the equipment you’ll need but you may need to bring a few things with you.

• Wet weather gear – Some charterers will either hire this to you or have sufficient jackets and trousers on board for everyone. Decent waterproof clothing is essential so check when booking if you’ll need to bring these items with you or hire them.
• Non-slip trainers or deck shoes.
• Wellies – Yacht wellies have drawstring tops that tighten up preventing water from getting in. Your charterer may hire these to you but check when booking to see if you’ll need a pair.
• Sun cream – even on a slightly overcast day you should never underestimate the sun especially when at sea where you’re exposed. Bring enough sun cream for everyone in the party.
• Camera – Don’t forger your camera to take some snaps of your sail. You’ll want a visual reminder of your fantastic day out on the Solent but make sure your camera has got a secure wrist-strap as you wouldn’t want to lose it overboard!

Why buy property at Peraleja Golf Resort in Murcia

Key factors in purchasing a golf property in Spain should be the quality of the design, architecture and construction of the property as well as the resort’s facilities. Then there’s the location to consider and the professionally designed golf course. Peraleja golf resort will meet and exceed all your expectations.

As development along the coastal areas of Spain have become over-subscribed, Peraleja golf resort has been located inland slightly on a hilltop giving stunning panoramic views of the Mar Menor lagoon and the Mediterranean sea. The resort is well served by a network of highways and dual carriageways that can speed you to destinations around the region within a short space of time. The airport, with regular flights in and out of the UK, is just 15 minutes away.

Peraleja Golf Property and Resales

To capitalise on the breathtaking views from this resort, developers and local building regulators have agreed that no apartment blocks are to be built so Peraleja is a villa only golf resort. There are 14 different architectural designs to choose from and each one echoes the traditional country houses of the region but with contemporary finishes and styling. Built on individual and spacious plots of land, these villas really are stunning properties boasting features such as exposed beams, iroko wood carpentry, air-con, central heating and private swimming pools.

Many of the current villas on the market are resale and available to own today. Phased development of new property continues giving you the opportunity to buy ‘off plan’ at favourable terms. For those seeking an investment and rental opportunities, the big appeal of this region is the beautiful climate all year round meaning that renting isn’t restricted to the summer months.

Here’s a selection of the best current Peraleja golf property along with some of the planned properties due in the next phase of construction.

	A two-bedroom villa built on an elevated plot overlooking the golf course and lakes. Private parking, large swimming pool , fully air-conditioned and central heated with landscape gardens and secure entry system. This property is just perfect.
	Another stunning two-bedroom villa this time facing south-west on its elevated plot with large amounts of glass letting natural light flood into the home. The benefits of buying this property include air-con, water-feature to the front, parking and a large swimming pool.
	This prestigious resort deserves prestigious properties and none more so than these bespoke villas planned for phase two of the development. Choose your plot and villa design with the architect such as a round turret style or oval glass walled layout.
	The Villa Verdial design is a detached or semi-detached property with two-bedrooms, vaulted wooden ceilings, private swimming pool and fully air conditioned.

Golf course at Peraleja

When you think about Spanish golf the most iconic Spanish golfer is of course Severiano Ballesteros. Having retired from professional golf in 2007, Seve supervised the design and planning of the course at Peraleja which opened in 2008. As with the rest of this resort, the golfing here is five-star and played against a breathtaking backdrop. The 18-hole par 72 stretches out across 6,250 metres of undulating land, challenging obstacles and cascading water. Look out for the par 4 hole 8 and the par 3 hole 16 which are two of the best looking holes on the course.

The course is supported by facilities to satisfy the most demanding of golfers with helpful and friendly staff on hand and an incomparable clubhouse to any other course in the region. It really is top quality with a superb architectural design boasting an excellent restaurant and bar.

Resort facilities

The developers are focussed on establishing Peraleja golf resort as a location of quality throughout and this will extend to the on-site facilities currently under construction. The comprehensive commercial centre of the resort will have a luxury 5-star hotel with views across holes 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 of the course.

A spa and sports centre, shopping, bars, landscaped jogging and cycling paths and secure children’s play areas will place Peraleja at the pinnacle of golf resorts in the Murcia region of Spain.