Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2008 | Page 7

FOREWORD Be pampered at Arreton Prepare to be pampered over May bank holiday. Arreton Manor is hosting a Pamper Weekend in its grounds, full of therapies, alternative treatments and, of course, shopping opportunities. Host Julia Gray-Ling doesn’t want you to arrive stressed, so she’ll only whisper that if you’re one of the first 50 through the gate you get a goody bag. But once inside, the crowning glory will be the Pamper Champagne Gazebo, which sets the tone for an event of sheer indulgence. On the Pamper Lawn massages, manicures and makeovers will take place, and with around 40 to 50 exhibitors, there will be plenty of opportunity for everyone to try something new. Once you’re feeling gorgeous you might want to indulge in the odd luxury to complement your new look. Splash Jewellery and Perfect Pearls will be there, and for those with little girls, Pink Heaven is a source of bribes for being good while mum’s having a therapy. Budding masterchefs should visit The Pampered Chef, which has kitchen products to die for. For those to whom being relaxed means being in complete control, pop in and have your future predicted by one of the clairvoyants. (They might predict you will be coming back to Arreton for a Ladies’ Day on 13th September.) At 3pm each day a raffle will take place in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Cream teas will be available in the Arreton Manor tea room, where you can browse at a few more exhibitors’ wares. The event takes place between 10.30am and 5pm each day. Parking and entrance, £3.50, is via Arreton Barns, with free entrance for children under 14. Though the smart thing to do would be to leave the kids at home – then you can really relax. Date of event: 3rd,4th of May 2008 Arreton Manor. Island Life - www.isleofwight.net Opera Box return to Priory Bay for the third time this year. Midsummer Opera at Priory Bay is establishing a well deserved reputation as a magical summer evening combining style, romance, fabulous food, wine sponsored by Taittinger all in an English sunken garden. This year’s performances are Madame Butterfly by Puccini – Tuesday 17 June A classic tale of love, betrayal, despair and ultimately suicide, Puccini pulls all the heart-strings in this tear-jerker of a tragedy. With sumptuous music including the gorgeous aria "Un bel di", (One fine day), this story of a geisha girl falling in love with an American lieutenant whilst he is on duty in Japan is Puccini at his very best. and a happy ending has all the ingredients for an enchanting evening. Full of charming music, including the show-stopping "Una Furtiva Lagrima" - (a secret tear). Opera Box are often at their best with comedies. Arrivals from 5.00pm and the operas commencing around 6.15pm with dinner once again during the interval. To reserve your tickets now please contact Angela Horton direct on telephone 01983 613146 or opera@ priorybay.co.uk. We promise a memorable and magical evening! L'Elisir d'Amore by Donizetti – Wednesday 18 June A comic opera about love, deception, a magic love potion, a quack doctor, a jilted bridegroom, 7