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March 1, 2010

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Dear CountryClubuk Member

One of the world’s rare gemstones in a diamond ring

Paraiba Ring

This dazzling new ring has a spirit and radiance unlike any other. The gemstone it showcases is so rare that even many jewellers have never seen one—and the woman who wears it will be wearing one of the most sought-after gems in the world.

The gem is a Paraiba tourmaline, found in tiny deposits beneath only one small ‘noble hill’ in Brazil, where it must be mined by hand. It is so special that when our jeweller from Hatton Garden brought this ring for our Club Members we could not resist showing it to you at once!

For this is a real treasure of Nature. Its gorgeous green is neither that of an emerald nor a tourmaline. Move it and you will see almost neon flashes of turquoise and green in the play of light as it scintillates its unusual 'fire'. Even in the half-light it seems to glow intensely.

The Paraiba tourmaline was discovered only three decades ago by a single-minded miner, Heitor Dimas Barbosa, who was convinced by the local elements that an unusual gem was waiting to be discovered beneath the Paraiba hill. He found it after five years’ mining, and its beauty and spirited colours so captivated the gemstone world that today it is among the most in-demand and expensive gemstones in the world.

The gems are difficult to mine, and almost always small—so we are even more pleased that the stone in our ring is nearly one and a half carats. It has been oval cut and faceted, all by hand, so that the simple design of diamonds and 18ct white gold really shows off its extraordinary colour. All woman will adore this stunning ring—not only a girl with green eyes!

As with all our precious jewellery, it carries an insurance valuation certificate at the full retail value and a full moneyback guarantee. It will arrive in a smart case for presentation. There is, of course, only one. Paraiba tourmaline weight 1.37 carats, diamond weight .33 carats (quality VS, colour F), set in 18ct white gold. Fully hallmarked in England. Code PT01GA03. RRP £5,700. CCUK £2,995. Order Paraiba tourmaline, diamond and 18ct gold ring.


Ballet Nacional de Cuba at the London Coliseum

Swan Lake

The Ballet Nacional de Cuba is performing at the London Coliseum in March and April. These inspirational Cuban dancers will show off their Latin passion in a series of performances, starting with Swan Lake (March 20-April 3), followed by Magia de la Danza (April 6-11) with highlights from Giselle, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Nutcracker and Swan Lake. They promise to be memorable evenings—and our Members receive £10 off best seats and a complimentary programme.

Cuban superstar Carlos Acosta will dance with his national company (surprisingly, for the first time ever) on March 30 and April 1, 7 and 8—but Ballet National de Cuba is a company filled with virtuosos and every performance will rank as unmissable.

Our Members receive £10 off best seats in the Stalls and Dress Circle for three performances of Swan Lake—on March 31 and April 2 at 7.30pm and April 4 at 3pm—and Magia de la Danza on April 6 and 9 at 7.30pm and April 11 at 3pm, plus a free programme. These excellent tickets will therefore cost from £30 each (plus transaction fee), subject to availability on booking; call Member Services on 020 7935 0888.


Fabulous pearl and 18ct gold earrings: save £172

Pearl earringWhen it comes to pearl stud earrings, as Vogue magazine so aptly pointed out recently, ‘bigger is better’. So when we saw these fabulous natural pearls in the Hawaiian Islands we were knocked out—so much so that we had them set in 18 carat gold from Hatton Garden. They are stunning: fit for a princess, a duchess, a filmstar! Not only classically beautiful and elegant, they look positively regal—and this quality sells in Bond Street and the fashion designers' collections for £275 or more (see Stella McCartney, Chanel et al!).

What sets them apart is their large size—they are almost 12mm, which is unusual for natural pearls—and because of this they are set on finest 18ct yellow gold hallmarked studs. The pearls are also lustrous, and their natural luminosity glowing against the skin makes every woman look and feel more beautiful.

They look wonderful by day or night and are never out of place, from a night at the opera, a play or a ball, to a day in the boardroom, lunch with friends, or a romantic evening. They are amazing and of course timeless: these are the earrings a girl will wear at every opportunity—guaranteed!

They are fully hallmarked in England, arrive in a smart presentation case, and can be sent with your message if you wish. Code PS12CC04. Value £275. CCUK £95. Order 12mm pearl and 18ct gold stud earrings.


Spring 2010 trend: the Art Trench, limited edition

Art trenchOur spies have been trend spotting at the fashion shows, making fabulous new finds for our Members before they arrive in the shops and boutiques—and here is a preview of one of the new season’s high-impact visionary pieces, the Art Trench.

It combines the biggest thing this spring-summer, the trench coat, with a dazzling pattern that espouses Miro, Chagall, Hockney and Warhol, adding panache to the classic double-breasted coat of Burberry fame. It is a signature style for the season—such patterns will soon be coming in from designers including Diane von Furstenberg—and its futuristic new palette of foam green, arctic blue, black, neutrals and blush pink tones means it works beautifully with so many plain colours, including green, black and nude. Wear casually with jeans, or smart over a dress, put up the collar and cinch the waist—this is the fine art of fashion 2010!

This limited edition coat is beautifully styled in heavyweght pure cotton drill, fully lined, with all the classic trench styling of double breasted closure, waist and wrist belts. Sizes 10-16. Hand-wash. Code AT01AS10. RRP £120. CCUK £79. Order Limited Edition Art Trench.


Swarovski crystal studded leather belt, £19

BeltHow to glam up a pair of jeans, or a skirt, or a shirt, or the new dungarees or Army jackets? This Swarovski crystal studded double buckle leather belt adds just the right feminine touch.

Made in brown leather, decorated with 24 round brilliant cut crystals, it is chic, not showy, and adds the necessary sparkle to wear anytime. Models cinch an oversize shirt with this belt and wear it with their latest flak jacket—and we think it gives our favourite jeans and trousers the perfect new look for 2010.

The belt is 1in wide and fits sizes 8-14, the double buckle giving extra adjustments so you can wear it on your waist or hips. Code LB01AS05. RRP £30. CCUK £19. Order Swarovski Crystal Leather Belt.


The ultimate outdoor clogs: Hunter Originals, £28

ClogsHunter Original Clogs are tailor-made for serious yet stylish ladies about the garden, stables, kennels, garage, conservatory, local shops … you name it. They have all the qualities of Hunter Original Boots but in a clog—which gives instant, easy, slip-on footwear by the back door for quick moves such as a dash up the drive to stop the puppies or ponies disappearing at speed …

The clogs are super for wet-weather errands or muddy outdoor forays, and comfortable and hardwearing enough to wear for long hours on your feet—ideal for lady gardeners who do not want to wear a pair of heavy boots all day. They are made in exactly the same way as the famous Hunter Originals, which have a reputation for performance and fit—as well as style of course. The upper is in vulcanised natural rubber and the clogs are built on an orthopaedic support with a soft, multi-layer cushioned sponge insole and quick-dry knitted lining—practical as well as pretty.

Members have a super deal, including free UK mainland delivery. Choose from RHS Hunter Clogs (created for the Society especially for lady gardeners) and Hunter Original Clogs. RHS Clogs: Code RC01HB02. Five patterns: thistle and forget-me-not, sweet pea with butterflies, oak, black floral, white floral. Sizes: UK 3-8. RRP £35 plus delivery. CCUK £29. Order RHS Hunter Clogs. Hunter Original Clogs: Code HC01HB02. Green, black, navy blue, red and aubergine. Sizes: UK 3-12 (men wear them too!). RRP £35 plus delivery. CCUK £28. Order Hunter Original Clogs.

Click for unbeatable deals on Hunter Originals and more RHS styles.


Rare Grand Cru Burgundy 2008: superb prices

Wine sniffingWe are delighted to have secured for Members three rare 2008 Grand Cru wines of Burgundy’s oldest négociant, Maison Champy, ‘En Primeur’. Maison Champy in Beaune was founded in 1720. Its wines are true to the tradition of Burgundy, and have an intuitive style. We have been allocated a small quantity of three of their rare Grand Crus wines, which you can buy in boxes of six bottles, as well as Premier Cru wines, sold in cases of 12. All have been tasted by our Master of Wine Derek Smedley, co-chairman of the prestigious International Wine Challenge. Please order now as the order book closes on Friday, March 5, 2010.

White: Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, Maison Champy 2008. Derek Smedley MW writes, ‘The fruit on the nose is rich, with refreshing citrus behind. The palate starts well, full of flavour. The middle has elegance before the flavour fills out towards the finish. 90/100. Drink 2012-2016.’ Six bottles. Code MC04EP01. RRP £380 In Bond. CCUK £325 In Bond. Order Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, Maison Champy 2008.

Red: Corton Grand Cru, Maison Champy 2008. Derek Smedley MW writes, ‘Attractive mix of fruits on the nose, first black cherry then fresher mulberry. The tannins feel ripe giving a plumper feel to the mid palate. The black fruits tend to dominate the back palate. 90/100. 2012-2016.’ Six bottles. Code MC06EP01. RRP £225 In Bond. CCUK £195 In Bond. Order Corton Grand Cru, Maison Champy 2008.

Red: Echezeaux Grand Cru, Maison Champy 2008. Derek Smedley MW writes, ‘Black fruits underpinned by mulberry and cherry, all ripe, filling out the nose and giving weight to the palate. The tannins are there but quite supple, not over-dominating the fruit. 91/100. Drink 2012-2017.’ Six bottles. Code MC07EP01. RRP £460 In Bond. CCUK £395 In Bond. Order Echezeaux Grand Cru, Maison Champy 2008.

Click to see Premier Cru En Primeur from £209 per 12-bottle case.


Portmeirion 50th Anniversary celebration

Bulb planter

The famous Portmeirion is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and we are celebrating a new partnership with this very British company, one of the few still making its pottery in the UK. For half a century, Portmeirion has produced beautiful designs inspired by its now legendary designer and founder, Susan Williams-Ellis. To celebrate this special year we have chosen three pieces from the Portmeirion Botanic Garden range, which happen to be perfect presents for Mother’s Day on March 12.

Williams-Ellis named her Botanic Garden pattern after an 18th-century poem written by Erasmus Darwin, botanist and grandfather of Charles Darwin. It is a classic, as fresh today as at its launch in 1972. To suit the season, we chose this lovely Bulbs Pot, decorated with daisies, narcissus, cyclamen and Eastern hyacinths, and the Orchid Pot—for a single bloom of any description, not orchids only—with daisies, cyclamen and pansies.

Both make a lovely addition to a windowsill, adding colour and scent year round—and now is the time to plant sweet-scented apricot hyacinths to flower in May, or tulips and irises in creamy white and yellow for June.

TeapotAnd because it is always time for tea, we cannot resist the newly launched Botanic Garden 50th Anniversary Romantic teapot and matching mugs, both specially designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary and therefore collector’s items as well as attractive additions to the tea table. The new design features the fabulous pink parrot tulip (tulipa liliaceae) surrounded by butterflies and dragonflies.

Botanic Garden Bulbs Pot. Size 25x15x10cm (10x6x4in). Code BP01PM02. RRP £36.50 plus £4.95 delivery. CCUK £29. Free UK mainland delivery. Order Portmeirion Botanic Garden Bulbs Pot. Two Botanic Garden Bulbs Pots. Code BP02PM02. RRP £73. CCUK £57. Order Portmeirion Botanic Garden Bulbs Pot, pair.

Botanic Garden Orchid Pot. Size 15x15cm (6x6in). Code OP01PM02. RRP £24 plus £4.95 delivery. CCUK £19. Free UK mainland delivery. Order Portmeirion Botanic Garden Orchid Pot. Pair of Botanic Garden Orchid Pots. Code OP02PM02. RRP £48 plus £4.95 delivery. CCUK £37. Free UK mainland delivery. Order Portmeirion Botanic Garden Orchid Pots, pair.

Botanic Garden 50th Anniversay Set: Teapot (2 pints, 1.1 litre). Code TT01PM02. RRP £49.50 plus £4.95 delivery. CCUK £39. Free UK mainland delivery. Order Portmeirion Anniversary Teapot. Teapot with Two Matching Mugs. Code TT02PM02. RRP £79.50. CCUK £59. Free UK mainland delivery. Order Portmeirion Anniversary Teapot with Two Mugs.
Anniversary Teapot and Four 10oz Mugs. Code TT03PM02. RRP £109.50. CCUK £79. Free UK mainland delivery. Order Portmeirion Anniversary Teapot and Four Matching Anniversary Mugs.


Five-star stay near St Paul’s Cathedral, £93 for two

Grange St Paul

Grange St PaulGrange St Paul’s is a brand new five-star hotel with one of the best locations in London, just 100 yards from St Paul’s Cathedral and a short walk from the Stock Exchange, the Old Bailey and the Globe Theatre. It is light, spacious, contemporary and well-equipped—and we have arranged a Blue Ribbon rate for the first five Members to book, of £93 for two for one night’s stay, including VAT and English breakfast, either at the weekend or midweek.

Grange St PaulA soaring atrium bathes the foyer in natural light—a real lift for the spirits—and there is an indoor pool, health spa (free to guests), restaurant and 24-hour business centre. The rooms have LCD TV, a turndown service and trouser presses; bathrooms have power shower, large bath and Moulton Brown toiletries. Our Club rate is unbeatable, and limited, so take advantage of it now; call Member Services on 020 7935 0888.


Silk twill gentleman’s polka dot neck-scarf, from £16

Mens ScarfWe have been seeking a good silk neck-scarf for our gentlemen Members, and have found a fine one in pure silk twill that is not only dashing but also versatile, as it looks equally good when relaxing or gadding about town.

A silk neck-scarf (first called a cravat by Louis XIV) adds sophistication to a man’s appearance: in fact, it is one piece of neckwear that is guaranteed to afford the wearer greater respect, and as such it is most useful. And since it does all this with an open-necked shirt, it is also comfortable—much more so than a tie—and therefore a real boon at the club with a blazer, or dining at a country hotel, or travelling, at the races, weddings or parties.

At 4ft 7in long by 5in wide, this excellent tubular neck-tie is also long enough to simply loop round your neck as a light scarf to keep you warm with a jacket or coat—the ends are traditionally finished in fringes—but the usual style is a simple knot, tucked comfortably into the collar.

Pure silk twill neck-tie (cravat) in navy blue and white polka dot (shown) or apple green or mauve, also with white polka dots. Code NC01CD04. RRP £30. CCUK £17. Order pure silk twill neck-tie (cravat). Code NC02CD04. Pair: RRP £60. CCUK £32. Order pair of neck-ties.


Gold medal-winning 2008 Alsace Riesling

RieslingHere is a delicious, quintessentially Alsace Riesling, highly recommended. This lovely wine, the 2008 Domaine Viticole de la Ville de Colmar Riesling, won Gold at the prestigious Concours Général Agricole de Paris 2009 and is rated 91 points (out of 100) by Derek Smedley MW.

He recommends it to our Club Members, saying that the ‘herbal freshness that is so typical of Riesling is very apparent on the nose, and this green leaf freshness is underpinned by sweeter, richer flavours that leave the finish full of character and interest.’

The Domaine was founded in 1895. Managed now by the Haeffilin family, owners of several Grand Cru vineyards, the 25 hectares of vines capture what Alsace is all about. A dry Riesling, in typical Alsace style, it is a gastronomic wine par excellence, particularly good with shellfish or slightly spiced food. Case of 12 bottles. Free UK mainland delivery. Code CR01EP01. RRP £135. CCUK £105. Order Domaine Viticole de la Ville de Colmar Riesling 2008.

Inside this issue

Save £2,700 on a rare gemstone ring

Cuban ballet at the London Coliseum
Stunning large pearl earrings, save £172
Spring trend 2010: fabulous new trench
Swarovski crystal and leather belt, £19
Hunter Original and RHS Clogs from £28
Fine Grand Cru 2008 Burgundy en primeur

Happy 50th birthday, Portmeirion!

Five-star hotel in London, £93 for two
Pure silk polka-dot cravat, £19
Gold-medal Alsace Riesling, £105
Season of racing and cricket, £139 for two
FAVOURITE THINGS:
Doeskin waistcoats, new colours

Super tweed shooting coat: save £102

Excellent 'Esquire' tweed jacket, £119

Favourite pure wool trousers, £65

Stylish Oxford tweed ladies coat, £198

Leopard print Opera Stole, just £39

Car tyres: save up to 40% on all makes

A season of racing and cricket: 45 sporting events for two, £139

Ripon

The sporting spirit that brought racing to Ripon in 1664—and the running of the first ladies’ race in 1723—is alive and well. This super Yorkshire course is one of the most sporting in England—so much so that the Course authorities have offered a sporting deal to us for one of our Members to take up Annual Joint Membership of the Racecourse this year for a mere £139 instead of the usual £215.

This is a coup, as being a Badge Holder at Ripon Races offers real value for money. Ripon puts on 15 meetings (April 15 to August 31), at which you receive free entry, reserved parking at the entrance, reserved bar and viewing balcony overlooking this lovely course, and free racecards.

It also gives you and your joint Badge Holder free visits to 20 racecourses, from Newbury to Haydock Park, and you are invited guests at 10 Yorkshire Cricket fixtures, so you can see County Championship matches this summer with Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Kent, Warwickshire, Hampshire and Essex, as well as the India ‘A’ side.

Even at the full £215, the Joint Annual Membership Badge saves several hundred pounds. At £139 for a total of 45 superb meetings and matches for two (think of it as it will be snapped up, so please be the first to click here and buy as there is only one Joint Badge at this price.


AND A FEW OF YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS …

Wonderful doeskin waistcoats, £49: now in maroon and camel too

Doeskin waistcoat

One of our Members’ firm favourites is the doeskin waistcoat. Soft, warm, comfortable and versatile, it livens up sober tweeds and can be slipped on under a jacket for extra warmth when a sweater won’t do. To keep your body warm but your arms free, perhaps on a shoot or working dogs, it is the perfect solution.

The ‘doeskin’ is pure wool, brushed to feel like felt. It is single breasted with five buttons and four pockets at the front and an adjustable waistband at the back. The full back is warm, practical and long lasting.

Sizes are 36-54in chest. Colours are yellow check, yellow, forest green, poppy red, camel and maroon. RRP £70 plus delivery. CCUK £49 including free UK mainland delivery. Order Doeskin Waistcoat.

Save £102 on pure wool tweed shooting coat

Shooting coat

This classic pure wool tweed long-line shooting coat is hard wearing, waterproof, warm and stylish. Teflon treated on the outside, it has a soft loden wool collar, quilted lining and breathable drop liner, storm cuffs, a storm throat tab and a two-way zip. The large bellows pockets have a waterproof lining. The interior pocket is zip fastened for security. Sizes S-XXL. Code SC36OB12. RRP £300. CCUK £198. Order pure wool tweed shooting coat.

Super wool 'Esquire' tweed jacket, £119

Esquire jacket

This pure wool jacket is made in a beautiful tweed and makes a man look even more dashing. Well cut and beautifully tailored, the silky-soft tweed feels like cashmere and yet it has the strength of wool.

It is cut in flattering single-breasted, two-button style, with side vents, and has two flapped and jetted front pockets, a breast welt pocket, four-button sleeves and four interior pockets within the silky gold lining.

Code CJ11GU01. RRP £175. CCUK £119. Order pure wool tweed jacket.

Plain wool trousers in charcoal and fawn, £65

Trousers

It is a relief to find smart, well-cut pure new wool trousers at a sensible price, when so many are now in mixed fibres. These are beautifully tailored in 340g (12oz) pure wool worsted cloth, with a flat front and half-lining to the knee for comfort, longer wearing, and to keep their shape. They have a zip fastening with security button, belt loops, two front pockets and two buttoned back pockets.

Lengths are short (30in), regular (32in) and long (34in). Sizes 34-46in waist. RRP £95. CCUK £65. Order fawn wool trousers (code CT12MA01). Order charcoal wool trousers (code CT11MA01).

Fabulous Oxford tweed coat for ladies, £198

Tweed Ladies coat

This tailored pure wool ladies’ Oxford tweed coat is fabulous. In soft shades of lovat, with an unusual elongated windowpane check in chestnut and beech, it has classic tailored styling—not too fitted, but beautifully flattering—designed with extra details that are both fashionable and practical.

The coat buttons all the way up to the neck, its neat stand-up collar, buttoned and lined with soft sueded green cloth, is so much warmer than the usual revere, no matter how much you turn up the collar! Other super details include the perfectly matched checks, flapped and jetted front pockets with contrast sueded piping, buttoned rear half-belt to match the collar, turned-back and buttoned sleeves, and center-seam rear dart above the single pleated vent—again, no draughts.

This is a really warm, well-made coat that will fit beautifully and last a lifetime. Green silky lining. Length: 39in (99cm). Sizes: 8-18 (34-44). Code TC01OB12. RRP £300. CCUK £198. Order Oxford Tweed Ladies Coat.

Opera shawl: the lovely Leopard Lulu at only £39

Shawl

The cool spring days are a perfect excuse to wrap up in that beautiful beauty accessory, a soft pure wool shawl. Our Opera Collection includes the exotic and very in-vogue Lulu in purple leopard with natural fur trim.

The shawl is beautifully and intricately handwoven in pure wool with a crinkle texture that gives an original look, both vintage and elegant. It is large and long (about 27in by 69in) for a lovely drape, so you can add extra elegance and warmth to an evening outfit. Or take one with you for comfort in the plane (and expect an upgrade!).

For casual style, wear instead of a jacket as you sprint to the corner bar for a cappuccino—it looks great with a shirt, skirt and pumps—or scrunch into a scarf and wear with jacket and jeans. Code OS01AS05. Non-Members £75. CCUK £39. Order Lulu Opera Stole.

Up to 40% off car tyres at your local fitting centres

Tyre

A new set of four tyres for a saloon car can cost over £400—and 4x4s even more. CountryClubuk has a solution for Members in Blackcircles.com.

Savings are up to 40% off high street retailers plus extra savings of up to £12.80. Try it by calling Member Services on 020 7935 0888 or click here.

You just give us details of vehicle make, model and year, with tyre size and postcode. Our experts will advise on tyres, quote a price including fitting, and give you a choice of local centres. They also manage the whole process, booking you into the garage at your convenience so you save time as well as money.

 
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93-95 Wigmore Street, London. W1U 1QW. UK. Tel: 020 7935 0888. E-mail: info@countryclubuk.com. Web: http://www.countryclubuk.com


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