February / March 2009 Page 2

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In Association with - Rendezvous – London

Hi Everybody,
Brrrrrr it’s cool. Perhaps you would like a spot of Go Karting to warm you up or a romantic ‘cuddle’ on St. Valentine’s Day – whatever your method of keeping the winter chill at bay – do make a point of looking at the Joke corner attachment - this is one of the most incredible illusions of all time and may actually send shivers down your spine – not quite the reaction we would have hoped for but still!!!
We hope you enjoy.
My best wishes,
Sandra
Edition/5 – February/March 2009
Page 2
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Topics this issue* –
Classical Music – A Romantic Valentine’s Day ‘evening’ at Cadogan Hall,
Nr. Sloane Square, SW1
Business - Africa – EU Business and Development, Portcullis House,
House of Commons, SW1
Sport - Go Karting – Fun for the Individual or Corporate, Greenwich
Joke Corner – One of the most amazing illusions of all time (see attachment)
courtesy of David Stevens - apologies for no attachment
Fashion – The Design Museum’s Retrospective of Hussein Chalayan
- Meet Hussein Chalayan in Shoreditch
Culture/Foreign Affairs – The Louise Blouin Institute - A Lecture on China
– ‘From People’s Republic to Pop Republic’
Art – 20/21 International Art Fair, Royal College of Art, SW7
Diary Notes – Just reminder – the ‘Café is still Rocking’ – at the Café de
Paris - every Friday
*Please note events are by topic not date order


For lovers of classical music – a romantic evening at

CADOGAN HALL

Valentine’s Day Gala Concert
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Commencing @ 7.30 pm - with

Taro Hakase

Taro Hakase, one of the most talented and renowned Japanese violinists returns to Cadogan Hall for a special Valentine’s Day concert with members of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Maciej Janas pianoProgramme:A programme of romantic works including: Dvorák: 4 Romantic Pieces Brahms: Sonata No.1 Schumann: Romance in A major Elgar: Salut d’amour Massenet: Meditation from ‘Thais’ as well as some of Taro’s own compositions.
Tickets*: £25, £22, £18, £12
Please note:Online booking is only available up to midnight on the day prior to the performance. On the day bookings via telephone and counters sales only. *Note: Certain ticket prices are currently only available via telephone.Special Offers*: Encore: top price tickets £22*Note: Certain Special Offers are currently only available via telephone.If an advertised offer in not available online, please call the box office on 020 7730 4500 and we will apply the offer over the phone.(All Special Offers are subject to availability)To book online go to –

http://www.cadoganhall.com/bookonline.html


CADOGAN HALL
SLOANE TERRACE
LONDON SW1X 9DQ

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Back to the world of Business – with the financial repercussions from the ‘Credit Crunch’ well and truly hitting business – trade links have never played a greater role in helping to regenerate the economy.
The next event – hosted by Okra eXpress at Portcullis House – could give a deeper insight into the benefits of developing those vital Trade and Investment opportunities –

okra eXpress >>>> Quality is the key
okra eXpress is delighted to host the AFRICA – EU Business and Development Event which sends a clear message that Africa is open for foreign direct investment.
WHEN: Thursday, 12th February 2009
TIME: 6pm till 8.30pm
WHERE: Portcullis House, Attlee Suite, House of Commons, Bridge Street, Westminster, London, SW1A 2LW

This event will be entirely driven by a greater focus on promoting foreign direct investment flows in the major industries in Africa. High Commissioners in London will attend to showcase their investment opportunities.
The Guest Speakers include:
Ms. Sarah Lambert, Acting Head of Representation, The European Commission Representative in the UK
Her Excellency, Mrs. Joan Rwabyomere, The High Commissioner, Uganda High Commission, London
His Excellency, Dr. Francis Moto, High Commissioner, Malawi High Commission,
London
Dr. Christopher Stevens, Senior Fellow, Former Director of Programmes,
International Economic Development Group, The Overseas Development
Institute(ODI)
Mr. John Burton, Head of DFID Africa Regional Department – (UK Department for
International Development – ( DFID) – Standing in for Mr. Adam Wood, Director for Africa, Foreign
and Commonwealth Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK, (FCO)
Mr. Miguel Pestana, Vice President Global External Affairs, Unilever PLC
Chairperson
Mr. Bayo Odubeko, Lawyer, Senior Associate, Corporate Department – The Africa Practice division, SJ Berwin LLP, a leading pan European Law Firm, working from nine offices across Europe, and with a global network to deliver commercial legal advice to businesses determined to succeed in today’s competitive environment. Mr. Odubeko jointly heads The Africa Practice division, (the award corporate service) with his colleague, Ms. Laura O’neil at SJ Berwin LLP.

In attendance
ü Diplomats will be attending, forming part of the forum and networking session with professional delegates, investors, and industry experts.

Registration Fee Per Delegate: £20 for early booking, if paid by end of January 2009 or if you have previously attended an okra eXpress event or if more than one people register from the same rganization. Otherwise, registration fee is £25 per delegate.
Registration Fee includes: Drinks, nibbles, delegates pack, the opportunity to meet, greet, interact with participants and increase your brand equity and networking capabilities. This event will offer the opportunity to connect and network with other professionals, establish new links, strengthen and sustain existing ones.
You can pay by credit, debit card or cheque. Please make all cheques payable to okra eXpress and please note the event title, delegate name, telephone and email details on the reverse of the cheque (paid in Pounds Sterling and drawn on a UK bank). Please post the cheque to okra eXpress, PO Box, 54449, London E10 5YN and - if you wish to pay online please go to:
http://www.okraexpress.com/okraexpress

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Now experience the thrill of testing your driving skills to the limit – a sport which can be great fun and demanding – drive as an individual – OR – as a novel way to build corporate relationships –

GOKARTING @ Greenwich Docklands

Corporate -

Corporate karting is a great way to entertain clients or build staff morale. Go Karting provide a selection of excellent corporate karting packages, including conference and catering facilities, at a number of first class London karting complexes.
As the business world looks for new, less conventional ways to thrash out dealings, corporate karting is up there with the best. Let your clients experience the thrill of high speed kart racing, before wining and dining them in one of our tracks’ luxurious hospitality suites.
Corporate go karting is an effective team building exercise too. Your staff build relationships as they compete for first place on one of our challenging karting circuits, before relaxing with each other afterwards in the on-site bar.
You can even add a special prize or trophy, just to raise the stakes a little higher.
Of course, all of our corporate event go karting packages are totally exclusive, meaning you’ll not be sharing the track with anyone else. .
Learning More about Corporate Karting
Go Karting can create the perfect corporate karting event for your business, all you need to do is speak to us. To learn more about exactly what we can do for you and your business, call us now on 0208 859 4545 or send us an email at events@gokarting.co.uk.

GOKARTING @ Greenwich Docklands
Open Races for 2009

Individual -
Special Race Dates for the Individual Sundays
March 1, April 5, May 10,
and June 7 2009

Required arrival at venue: 12pm for signing in.

Individual Endurance Open race format
· Sign in, kit up, safety briefing (which is compulsory)
· 10 minute qualifying session. Your fastest lap will determine your grid position.
· A 25 minute race – all drivers on track
· Short Break
· Another 25 minute race to the Chequered Flag
· Medal presentation to the Top 3 drivers

Special Winter price is £70 inc Vat per person.

Safety equipment and kart instruction are given to all participants.
It is important that all drivers arrive on time.

Maximum of 20 drivers can take part, so securing your early entry is important.

We suggest drivers wear casual clothing and trainers – full face helmets, laundered race suits and safety equipment will be provided on arrival.

Drivers must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Spectators are welcome.
There is plenty of parking onsite. The Trackside Café is available for refreshments.

To book please call 020 7476 1234
Full payment is required in advance to secure your participation.

For Details of the Location go to:

http://gokarting.co.uk/indoor-karting/greenwich-docklands-indoor-karting.html

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Joke Corner
We don’t normally attach documents – but this illusion is so phenomenal – we think it must be one of the best ones ever – do watch !!!
NB - A Windows Media Audio / Video file - Apologies not possible to attach on this site

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Now for lovers of Fashion – there is a wonderful exhibition at the Design Museum

Design Museum
The Design Museum is located in an elegant modernist building on the River Thames by Tower Bridge with spectacular views of the City and Canary Wharf, and has been described by the fashion designer Paul Smith as “the natural home for everyone who has ever enjoyed or appreciated design”.

Come and see the amazingly innovative designs by -

Hussein Chalayan
Leading the forefront of contemporary fashion design, the twice named 'British Designer of the Year,' Hussein Chalayan, is renowned for his innovative use of materials, meticulous pattern cutting and progressive attitudes to new technology.
This exhibition is the first comprehensive presentation of Hussein Chalayan’s work in the UK. Spanning fifteen years of experimental projects, the exhibition explores Hussein Chalayan's creative approach, his inspirations and the many themes which influence his work such as cultural identity, displacement and migration.
Tickets available in advance for details go to - http://www.designmuseum.org/exhibitions
Exhibition open until 17 May 2009
Location –
Design Museum
28 Shad Thames
London SE1 2YD

Contact Details -
Programme 0870 833 9955
Office 020 7403 6933
Fax 0870 909 1909
info@designmuseum.org
Opening Hours -Daily 10am - 5.45pmLast admission at 5.15pmOpen until 10pm Friday 23 January and Friday 24 April.
The Design Museum is open on all bank and national holidays, except 25 + 26 December© 2006 Design Museum

If the exhibition has increased your interest in this innovative designer – find out more -

Wednesday 11 March, 7.15pm, Shoreditch Town Hall, £15The Design Museum London Debate
Join Hussein Chalayan at Shoreditch Town Hall to find out how the twice named ‘British Designer of the Year’ is influenced by London ’s metropolis and find out why he bases his International fashion business in the vibrant and gritty East End. London is the chosen home for successful and talented individuals from all over the world and Chalayan will be joined by other key design creatives who base themselves in this city. London appears to embrace diversity, nurture individuality and provoke creativity - the panel will share their personal journeys and debate the issues which define their creative London .
Presented in association with East 2009, a campaign run by the London Mayor's Office
T - 020 7940 8783E - tickets@designmuseum.org

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‘Promoting culture and enhancing creativity across the world’

The Louise Blouin Foundation believes in the unique power of culture and creativity to be catalysts for positive change. The Foundation has two main aims:
To encourage a better understanding of foreign affairs and culture beyond borders through international cooperation, exchange and dialogue for the 21st century.
To explore the broader practical significance of creativity and the creative potential of the human brain.
The Foundation is an international not-for-profit rganization. We work as an investor, originator and partner to pursue our goals.
http://www.ltbfoundation.org/index.htm
Thursday 12 February 6.30-8.00pm Dr Rossella Ferrari will present “From People’s Republic to Pop Republic. Avant-garde theatre and film in contemporary China” – this will be followed by a Panel Discussion
Admission to all lectures £5, or free of charge to Institute Members. If you are not a Member and would like to become one go to –
http://www.ltbfoundation.org/index.htm
We advise booking in advance. To order tickets for any lectures or events contact: +44 (0) 207 985 9600 or info@ltbfoundation.org
The Louise T Blouin Institute
3 Olaf Street
LondonW11 4BE
tel: +44 20 7985 9600 fax: +44 20 7985 9671

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THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR

The third 2021 International Art Fair will take place at the Royal College of Art in Kensington Gore, London SW7, from 19 – 22 February. Launched to much acclaim in 2007, this exciting fair features international modern and contemporary art – oils, original prints, watercolours, drawings, photography and sculpture from 1900 to the present day.Over 50 UK based exhibitors will offer work from many countries: China, Japan, Australia, the Ukraine, Poland, France, Eire and, new this year, from Thailand and New Zealand.Artists include 20th century ‘blue chip’ names such as Matisse, Miro and Derain alongside British favourites such as Blake, Hockney, Piper, Fedden, Riley plus a host of artists who are well worth discovering.London is the most cosmopolitan city in the world and home to a vibrant and diverse art market. With prices from a few hundred pounds, the 2021 International Art Fair gives visitors the chance to enjoy this diversity under one, very famous, roof.
DATES: 19 – 22 February 2009VENUE: Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU.TIMES: Thurs: 11am-9pm; Friday:11am-8pm; Sat:11am-7pm; Sun: 11am-6pmADMISSION: £5.00
EMAIL: info@20-21intartfair.comTEL: 44 (0) 208 742 1611
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And Finally -
Diary Notes – i) A Reminder - the ‘Café is still Rocking’- for lovers of rock music the Café de Paris has a great new programme every Friday – for full details go to –

http://www.caferocks.co.uk/

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If you have a great event which you would like to tell us about please email – sandra@icefiremarketing.com

Dear Reader - Please Note - If you cannot access a link just copy and paste into your browser. If you do not want to be a recipient of the Ice & Fire e-Mag and would like us to cease contacting you please email us at – sandra@icefiremarketing.com and you will be removed from our mailing list immediately.All endeavours are made to exclude viruses from our data transmissions and it is the obligation of the recipient to check for viruses. Ice & Fire therefore accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused by computer viruses. Sincerely, the Editor