Tyrol

  

Tyrol is known as “the land of the mountains”. The title is well deserved; with its overwhelming views of stunning Alpine scenery, Tyrol is the place to be.  

 Whether it is challenging hiking trips, exploration of culture, shopping, museums or spa relaxation you’re hoping for, Tyrol will not disappoint. 

Visitors come from around the world to escape the stress of everyday life and to indulge in the popular hot springs and spa resorts. There are a range of health resorts across the district, where guests can discover their inner spirit, whilst restoring the body and refreshing the mind.  

Health resorts provide an unforgettable experience, which will leave you relaxed like never before, the resorts use various massage therapies, mud wraps and of course provide the famous Sulfur baths, which were founded in 1951, resulting in the rise of health tourism in Austria. 

 Alternatively if it is retail therapy you desire, Tyrol is thriving with elegant shopping centres and unique local businesses. The first department store was built in the heart of Tyrol in the city of Innsbruck, which contains two shopping malls well worth a visit.  

The Kaufhaus department store has over 50 shops spread over a spacious 30,000 square metres, situated opposite the 19th century glassed roofed, arcade Rathaus Galerein, which is full of light and stylish restaurants including the spectacular 360 degrees cafe wine bar and lounge. 

If relaxing isn’t your thing and you’re more of a adrenaline junkie, Tyrol is one big adventure park that has endless of opportunities to get sporty, with more than 70 ski resorts and 5,000 kilometres of cycling trails, you will not run out of things to do. 

Don’t miss the chance to get lost in the magnificent, crystal labyrinth and explore the 14 underground, chambers of wonder, designed by architect Andre Heller. All can be discovered in the most visited attraction in Western Austria, the Swarovski Crystal World Museum, situated in the Wattens region. Founded in 1995 the attraction has had over 10 million visitors and is suitable for all of the family.  

Want to experience a bit of the local culture? You’re in luck, as Tyrol’s old folk traditions are not to be forgotten. Austria’s heritage is celebrated through mountain fires, unique parades, carnivals and breathtaking Christmas markets throughout the picturesque towns and villages.  

The carnival season celebrates the change in seasons and the symbolical fight between winter and spring. The joyous parades are packed with colourful, elaborate floats, singing and dancing. 

Also during the winter season there are various Christmas markets that invite visitors to Christmas shop in style, such as Kufstein’s Christmas town park market, which contains traditional events including choirs and musicians along with delicious Austrian delicacies. 

Take a trip to Tyrol that you will never forget. 

Miss England

"There are so many talented people out there that never get heard. I want to help them be heard." 

Jaqueline Turner winner of Miss England 2003 discusses how winning changed her life and expresses her passion for song-writing and being a music manager to Country singer Fiona Culley. 

After her mum entered her into the Miss England contest just 10 years ago, Jackie has continued with her modelling career, studied acting and become a  successful music manager, Jackie explains the affects of winning Miss England, " It changed my path and opened doors for me that I never would have been able to on my own. I still carried on in the same field but with more options and opportunities."  

Jackie recently participated in Miss England 2013 as a judge and reminisces on her year of being Miss England  "It was a great year, full of openings and modelling, it has changed now and Miss England's have much more jobs and requirements. I recently judged for Miss England 2013 and I’d love to do it all over again."   

Jackie is a women of many talents and interests in particular health and nutrition, but right from the moment Jackie listened to her first Madonna record, she has had a great passion for music and song-writing. Song-writing inspired by life experiences and "looking at the world and the people in it, wanting to say what I see and feel and sharing it with people." 

 There is no stopping Jackie capturing her dreams and helping others capture theirs, she expresses: "I wanted to help give someone opportunities. Too express my knowledge and skills and help someone else of talent that often get pushed aside. There are so many talented people out there that never get heard. I want to help them be heard."  

For the last 2 years she has managed Staffordshire Country singer Fiona Culley, she was initially mesmerised by her beautiful country tone at a party as she immediately stood out, 3 years later they began working together, she explains: "Next for me is to launch Fiona Culley. A singer I manage and hope to take her with me to Nashville Tennessee to tour and record. I would also like to continue writing and perhaps have Fiona or another singer, sing my songs." 

Family girl Fiona has recorded her EP in Nashville and is currently touring the UK, she has already impressed established producers in both Nashville and the UK. When Fiona's not busy performing and song-writing she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and says she relaxes by: "Soaking in a deep bath with my laptop resting on the toilet, catching up on the TV programmes I’ve missed and eating chips and dip." 

Her main fear in life would be to become an old lady with regrets and says she "wouldn’t change anything, everything happens for a reason and I believe that if you focus on your goals you can get there as long as your willing to make sacrifices."  

Together Jackie and Fiona make a great team, they spend a lot of time together and enjoy each others company, "We’re both on the same page as to what we want. First rule of managing an artist or an artist looking for management is to match and be likeminded to some extent. Each person needs to know their own requirements and appreciate the other person." explains Jackie. The future is bright for Fiona, don’t miss out on one of her UK shows this month.  

Samantha Clarke