Photomontage from budget-weddings.net

Planning a wedding can make the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics look like a piece of cake. It requires time and effort and attention to detail.

You have to worry about what the bridesmaids are going to wear, where the in laws are going to sit, how far away Uncle John has to be from the bar. A lot of work is required, and it can be expensive.

How are you going to pay for it all? Some people take out a loan while others save for years. Some poor soul (the bride’s father) even has to pay for the entire thing. But sometimes you just have to find a way round the issue of money.

The truth is weddings on a budget are achievable and they’re good too! It doesn’t all have to be paper cups and party poppers from a supermarket (although don’t rule that out). You can find a number of ways to have a great wedding and not have to sell the house to pay for it all.

The dress is very important to the bride. Unsurprisingly as she can’t turn up to the wedding naked. Instead of that fabulous creation you saw in a magazine how about giving charity shops a try? Places like Barnados have Bride By Appointment stores all over the UK which stock end of the line designer dresses and have ex sample stock all at a fifth of the original price so you could end up getting something utterly gorgeous without having to spend a lot. They also stock outfits for bridesmaids and the mother of the bride as well as tiaras, shoes and bags. The best part is that the money you spend goes straight to charity too.

The venue is another factor, which can potentially blow the budget. It doesn’t have to be a highland castle favoured by pop stars. Registry offices are a cost effective choice of venue and are suitable if you want a quieter do. If you’re looking for something a bit bigger then Holiday Inn offer a great wedding package for a fraction of the price. This can cater for up to 50 daytime guests, a private suite for the wedding ceremony, a three course wedding menu and evening entertainment as well as overnight accommodation for the bride and groom. The only worry is turning up on time and what you’re going to wear.

Another thing to think about is the kilt. This can be hired from any good kilt shop along with the jacket and shoes and won’t blow the budget out the window.

Use the recession to bring out the creative side of you. For things like party favours just make them yourself. All you need is sweets, fine netting and narrow ribbon. For the cake you could just buy a plain one and decorate it yourself as well.

By using imagination and ingenuity you can have a stunning wedding, with an equally stunning price tag.

Keepin' on truckin' (photo by David Peat)

Read all about Mark’s incredible round-the-world  journey in Part 1 of our exclusive interview, and read on to  find out what it is that inspires the world record-holder.

Despite cycling being a large part of his life to date, Mark has no intentions to limit himself to the one sport.

“I’ve never had any ambitions to cycle as a career in any of the Tours. My main reason for cycling round the world was for the journey which it involved.”

Smashing a world record is the average competitive sportsperson’s dream and is what drives them to push themselves to the limit. Fame and fortune can be a huge driving force, too. With Mark, it couldn’t be further from the truth.

“It wasn’t about beating the next man. The fact there are now three people planning to try to break my record is great. It is what the record is there for and it is not going to make me want to do it again. I am not doing this to be famous; I am living a personal ambition and by doing so it can also be beneficial to other people. It is my hope and ambition not to be pigeon-holed in any one sport. I’d like to try my hand at different challenges.”

Throughout the years Mark has placed a high importance on raising money for various charities while at the same time living out his dream as an ‘adventurer’. A wide range of charities have benefited from his efforts including ‘Save the Children’, ‘Tusk Trust’ and ‘Community Action Nepal’ (C.A.N).

Whilst glory is bestowed on Mark for his amazing achievements, he is quick to acknowledge the invaluable support of the ‘team’ behind him including a physio, masseuse, nutritionist, sports doctor and others. Most important of these is his Mother, Una, who he describes as his ‘first point of contact’ and ‘base camp’ during the world cycle, who has been an ever present influence since the days when he first dreamt of a career as an adventurer.

This ‘adventurer’ is truly unique and his achievements will take some beating. Lance Armstrong entitled his autobiography, ‘It’s Not About the Bike’. This phrase could not be more applicable to Mark Beaumont’s philosophy. His refreshing enthusiasm and drive will serve as an inspiration to many who try to emulate his success.

Words by Myles Edwards

Photo from the WikiMedia Foundation

‘Smart Drugs’ such as Dexedrine, Modafinil and Ritalin, used to treat medical conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), are now being used amongst the UK’s student and working population to help them study for longer, reduce the need for sleep and even curb hunger. The use of such drugs without a prescription is illegal, and if found guilty of Ritalin possession, you can face up to five years in prison.

Ritalin was created as part of the search for treating depression and fatigue. Soon doctors began prescribing to children suffering from ADD. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular amongst students in American colleges and universities. 21 year-old Chris, a student at a Scottish university, took Ritalin whilst studying. ‘I was struggling to stay awake’, he says. ‘I was worried about the side effects so I only took one. An American exchange student who had brought them back from her stay had offered them me. I could not believe how well it worked! I did not even need to stop to eat and I managed to stay up and concentrate for hours on end.’

How Smart Drugs Work

It is not yet known why these so-called ‘smart drugs’, which were originally created to combat narcolepsy and depression, work on a healthy human brain. The active ingredient in Ritalin, methylphenidate hydrochloride, acts by manipulating natural chemicals in the brain, which control behaviour and attention span. Non-prescription ‘smart drugs’ can help you recall and pinpoint exact pieces of information with precise accuracy.

Modafinil, a non-addictive prescription drug, is also being used by young people to help with concentration. However the use of such stimulants remains controversial. Those who take them see it as a means to aid their study, or stay on top of their hectic lifestyles. Others say that the use of such medication enhances their mental capability, therefore giving them an unfair advantage over peers who cannot or are unwilling to take medication to help them get ahead.

Possible side effects

The risks associated with taking these ‘smart drugs’ include myriad unpleasant side effects such as loss of appetite, insomnia and agitation. The addictive quality of Ritalin adds to the problem. Prolonged use of these types of stimulants builds up resistance so that a tolerance develops, much like with alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms that have been reported include depression, irritability, and delirium. The dangers posed to a previously healthy brain are unknown, as the drugs have not been made available long enough to determine the long term side effects. Prescription drugs used to treat irregular behavioral activities can upset the delicate balance between neurotransmitters in the brain that can induce mania, affect the heart, and lead to suicidal thoughts.

Despite this, the lure of stimulants can be hard to resist for some people. ‘ I was working 30 hour weeks on top of university and I was finding it difficult to concentrate. At the same time I was having a few problems at home and ended up missing lots of classes,’ explained Kristy, a student at Glasgow University. ‘It was amazing! All of a sudden I was absorbing all this information! I had missed so many lectures but I was able to stay up for ages and concentrate.’

Other methods

There is a more healthy and advisable route to raising your alertness and mental agility. Rather than bombarding the body with coffee and high amounts of Red Bull, you could boost your brain with simple, old-fashioned exercise. By increasing the flow of blood the brain you can absorb much more information and also enjoy the other benefits associated with running, cycling and swimming such as improved mood and reduced risk of heart disease. Exercise releases endorphins and adrenaline in the body creating a general feeling of well –being, calm and good health.

Words by Shaznaz Miah

Statistically it’s one of the deadliest countries on earth, and yet South Africa will host two major international sporting events in the next twelve months. iMPULSE takes a look at the Rainbow Nation’s struggle with violence on the eve of the summer’s big kick-off.

This summer, at least fifty-thousand rugby fans from across Britain and Ireland will descend on South Africa to follow the British Lions on their first tour of the country in twelve years. Next summer, the country plays host to one of the world’s biggest sporting events, the FIFA World Cup, with similar numbers of Scots, English, Welsh and Irish expected to travel.

While the sporting competition will be tough, it will be nothing in comparison with the violence facing some of the country’s forty-three million citizens on a daily basis.

In 2001, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released a study of sixty countries across the globe. They were looking at rates of violent crime and drug use across the globe, and the results made for grim reading. South Africa ranked second for assault, second for murder, and first for rape.

Violent crime rates in the country have fallen over the past decade, but that’s where the good news stops. South Africa retains the dubious title of ‘Rape Capital of the World’, carjacking is such a problem that some makes and models are uninsurable, and, according to official statistics from both countries, you’re still ten times more likely to be murdered on the streets of Johannesburg than in Edinburgh.

The British & Irish Lions, in South Africa this summer (photo from lionsrugby.com)

Yet vast numbers of Brits will head to the country for this summer’s sport, regardless. Geraldine Norris from sports travel agency Gulliver’s says that Lions fans concerned about the security situation are “in the minority”.

“I would honestly say that I don’t think any security concerns have affected our numbers on this tour. I certainly haven’t spoken to anyone who has said they were going to book but have decided against travelling to South Africa (because of its reputation).”

While fans travelling to South Africa seem unconcerned about security, inside the country there are widespread fears that South Africa’s moments in the spotlight could be marred by violence. In a survey carried out by football’s governing body, South Africans were asked to voice any concerns they had ahead of the World Cup in 2010. 53% said that they were worried that the country’s history of violent crime could ruin the event.

And even though travellers might not bring up the safety issue, precautions are still being taken on their behalf. “Most of the people travelling with us are on “fully escorted tours” so they are in groups of around forty,” Geraldine Norris explains. “They have their own dedicated Tour Manager looking after them, and their accommodation and transport are taken care of.”

It is certainly the case that some areas of the country are more dangerous than others. Much of the violent crime takes place in the shanty towns and slums outside the main cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria, in areas where private security firms have taken over the police’s role in fighting would-be criminals.

Despite widespread awareness of South Africa’s crime problem, tourism remains a major part of the country’s economy. Official figures show that the tourist trade is worth 60 billion Rand (£4billion) every year, or 10% of the total economy. They also show that the UK provides half-a-million visitors annually, making it the world’s largest market for South African tourism.

Of those half-a-million, an estimated 12% complained of general or specific security and safety worries. Rhona Eistetter of the South African Tourist Board said; “We do receive inquiries about the security in our country. The basic safety precautions are the same in South Africa as anywhere in the world. We also advise that people plan their route in advance, use maps and when in doubt as to the safety of specific areas or which route to take, to contact the police.”

While the games on the Lions tour and at the World Cup may not be taking place in the slums of Diepsloot or the ganglands of Hillbrow, that doesn’t change the fact that South Africa is one of the more dangerous locations on a British sports fan’s itinerary. The hope is that the ferocious contest on the pitch is the only violence they see this summer.

Words by Peter Simpson

Photo by William Relton

When Edinburgh opera singer and actor Janet De Vigne was contacted by a casting agent in December 2007, she could never have imagined that it would lead to her being in a film that would go on to scoop eight Academy Awards.

Yet Slumdog Millionaire, the simple tale of a Mumbai street urchin who sets out to find the love of his life through the Indian version of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’, turned into a worldwide smash hit.

Her audition for the part of Ada was far from normal. “I got a call from the producers, asking if I could come to an audition,” said De Vigne. “I don’t think they realised that I was in Edinburgh, but when I told them they said I should do the audition on screen and send it down.”

One borrowed computer later and it was done. “The weird thing about doing it on the Mac was that I could see myself auditioning as I was doing it, which was a bit off-putting”.

Within days De Vigne was whisked away to the Taj Mahal, to play a German tourist taken on a comical tour by a group of street kids on the make.

De Vigne is a regular singer with Edinburgh Grand Opera and has acted on stage in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Pitlochry. The chance to work with the esteemed Boyle was too good to miss. “I really knew nothing about the film when we started, but when I saw Danny’s name on the script I thought ‘If he’s involved it’s going to be good’. I mean, who’d turn down the chance to work with him?”

Photo courtesy of Pathe Distribution; Slumdog Millionaire available on DVD and Blu-Ray from 1 June

As for India, Janet describes her time there as “a real culture shock”. The cast was constantly hassled by the real slumdogs and the grinding poverty was obvious, even at the Taj Mahal.

“There was great poverty, and a lot of people with extreme disabilities, but none of them seemed sad or downcast. They almost seemed too busy to be depressed.”

The film has come in for criticism for its portrayal of India. While the rags-to-riches story has captured the world’s imagination, the young cast still live in and around Mumbai’s slums. In April the father of Rubina Ali Qureshi, who played the young Latika, allegedly tried to sell her for £200,000.

De Vigne’s time on set led her to work with Scottish Love in Action on charity screenings of Slumdog, and when she approached Boyle for his thoughts, she was pleasantly surprised.

“He hadn’t been back in the UK because awards season had kicked off, but he sent me a postcard saying how proud all of us, and the people of India, should be,” she adds.

“He really displays all the qualities of a truly great person, both personally and professionally.”

While the film’s success has helped De Vigne’s career, her experiences of India have stayed with her. “When you’re standing there, in front of the Taj Mahal, and it looks like it’s just floating, and you’re surrounded by the best and the worst of humanity, it’s hard to put into words. It was a life-changing experience.”

Words by Peter Simpson

Ultimate Frisbee (Photo by Toby Green)

If you are looking for a way to keep yourself active over the summer, then Edinburgh is a great place to take up a sport which is a little bit different.

For a full body workout, head to Ratho for a spot of climbing. The indoor wall is the biggest in Europe and offers classes for beginners. Once you have got to grips with the techniquesm, and the tight fitting rock shoes, you will be on your way to climbing success. There are also the Alien Rock climbing walls in the city which are great for a quick climb on an evening, an is easily accessible by bus.

Frisbee is something which has gone from being something people played in the park, to, well something people played in the park – but now they are playing in teams. Alex Robertson, President of the Edinburgh University Ultimate Frisbee Club is a firm advocate of the 21st-century take on throwing a plastic disc around in the park, saying: “Ultimate is an amazing sport because it incorporates the physical fitness of all team sports, fast thinking and good field awareness, and the skill and coordination”.

Unlike many sports, Ultimate Frisbee does not have a referee, something that Alex and his group enjoy. “No referee means that players are expected to be good spirited and to call fouls on themselves and their fouls on others. Fouls can be contested by the offending player which can change the way that action is taken. This is a very important part of Ultimate and unspirited players do not often get very far.”

Students from Edinburgh Uni can join the team, or you could round up a group of friends, teams can be mixed, get a copy of the rules and give it a go.

Worm Charming, in all its glory (photo from wormcharming.com)

Now the Meadows are often deserted when there has been a lot of rain but some people would say that this is the perfect time for Worm Charming. This unusual sport is all about trying to coax worms out of the ground and whoever gets the most in a 30 minute period, wins. All you need is a plot of land that is three meters square and a little bit of imagination to charm the worms out of the ground, you can’t simply dig them out.

The rules also state that worms can only be released back into the wild once any birds have gone to roost in the evening, for their own safety. Why be a ‘charmer’ then? Well firstly it gets you outside and near to nature. Secondly all the movement that you will make in trying to get the worms to appear will probably give you a bit of a work out.

Words by Frances Allan and Gillian Swinton

Chutes (photo by Sara Simmons)

For a while, it seemed as if the Edinburgh music scene was stuttering, aided by a council that was hell bent on destroying it entirely by closing down venues instead of opening them and a fire that closed down one of the only decent live music venues in the City.

Edinburgh has always lived in Glasgow’s musical shadow. It has never been able to compete with the likes of King Tut’s, The Barrowlands and the 02 Academy.  Although recently, it is becoming more evident that the Capital no longer cares, they are going it alone and a striving local music scene has emerged.

Local band Chutes are the perfect example of the upturn in the city’s music revival. The 5-piece band have been playing gigs in Edinburgh for some time and are excited about the changes that are taking place. ‘The Edinburgh music scene is currently enjoying a positive time. Bands and promoters no longer strive to be compared to Glasgow and are comfortable producing music that is varied and exciting. There is a sense of community formed through gigging together, partying together and discussing music and life.’

It is clear that Chutes feel resentment at the council’s lack of respect for the music scene. ‘Edinburgh has always faced problems with venues shutting down and the council do not exactly go out of their way to help the local scene.’

Photo by Sara Simmons

However, they are spirited in their expression of where things in Edinburgh are going ‘The recent success Broken Records – another local band – have had signing to 4ad will hopefully shine a light on the many brilliant bands in Edinburgh, such as Meursault, Jesus H. Foxx, We See Lights, Y’all is Fantasy Island and our good selves. Also, there are a couple of new venues opening such as The Bowery on Roxburgh Place, which strive to put on unique events.’

The Chutes are however in a more privileged position than most bands. Two of the band members, Craig Ross and Stuart Brunton opened the doors to The Depot – their very own practice rooms and recording studios – in January 2008. So, why did they do it? ‘We were all sick and tired of turning up at a practice, where the amps were poor, drums were broken, PA system not big enough, microphones looking like you may catch something off them. So we wanted to make somewhere we would be happy rehearsing in.’

Many of Edinburgh’s top bands now opt for their services, rather than others and it has become a kind of musical community. So, how does The Depot compare to other recording studios? ‘With regards to the actual recording studio, I would say we have a great space for recording that a lot of studios in Edinburgh don’t have. We have a great size live room, and separate vocal booth and amp booth. I would say our choice of gear is different to anyone else, which we feel is why people should come down ‘cos we are getting some ace sounds, also our prices are fair for the current climate, bands ain’t got any money!’

Photo by Jennifer Baker

It must be a dream come true for a band to be able to call these facilities home and that is exactly what Chutes do ‘We can take our time perfecting our music. It is a home for us to work in.’

2009 promises to be an exciting time for the Edinburgh music scene, The Depot and Chutes. On the back of memorable gigs at T in the Park, Rockness and the opening of The Picture House, where Chutes supported Idlewild, they have been busy finishing recording their EP, which is expected to be released this summer. An EP that is influenced by Edinburgh, love, loss and lust is bound to grab more than just attention.

Words by Barry Begg

North Uist (photo by flickr.SIngraham)

The economy isn’t looking great just now, but we still reckon you can have an exciting and fun-packed summer holiday, without breaking the bank. iMPULSE takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the UK, showing you the best spots to spend your hard earned cash.

First up is Shetland, Scotland’s most northerly group of islands. For those seeking music or culture, there are a number of festivals, including the Folk Festival, the Johnsmas Foy and Fiddle Frenzy – a week-long fiddle school and festival.

Moving south, try Aviemore, part of the Cairngorms National Park. Here you can try skiing, snowboarding, archery or mountain biking to name a few. The Cuillin hills and the colourful pubs of Portree Harbour is just the tip of what the Isle of Skye has to offer. Portree hosts an array of campsites and hostels to stay in for a very reasonable price.

The beaches of North Uist are soaked in history and on a beautiful day, the deserted island can provide you with stunning views that would simply take your breath away (especially if you take a dip in the water!).

Causeways link North Uist to Benbecula, and take you from one fantastic view to another. The local campsite at Lionacleit School parks you right next to the best white beach. Just don’t walk too far along to ‘Stinky Bay’.
Next is Gairloch, Wester Ross on the west coast of Scotland. A number of villages centered around Loch Gairloch offer fishing, golfing, pony trekking and some of the best walks in Scotland.

Glennfinnan Viaduct (photo by flickr.mike138)

The West Coast rail journey is one of the most spectacular in the world and takes in the Glenfinnan Viaduct, silent star of the Harry Potter films. Moving south, the Lake District also offers a whole range of experiences, whether you want to sleep rough on the side of a mountain or stay in a 5 Star hotel. Try climbing, walking, fell running, canoeing, kayaking, boating or diving.

The 2008 European Capital of Culture, Liverpool is packed with museums and galleries that offer a free alternative to pounding the streets of the main shopping area. For music fans there is the Beatles Museum and various tours.
Devon and Cornwall also offer a host of exciting activities. Coasteering is not for the faint hearted but will give you an adrenaline kick, and it’s home to the UK’s best surf. Travel inland to Dartmoor National Park, which is great for walkers and artists. The Eden Centre is interesting not only for those with green fingers; kids will love the plants and the differing climates too.

Harlech Castle (photo by flickr.benefit of hindsight)

Wales is home to a huge amount of gorgeous beaches and magical castles. Harlech Castle in particular looks out over the sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s possible to travel on hundred year old railways, climb to the top of Mount Snowdon and visit the National Botanic Gardens.

Finally we reach London, where there is never a shortage of things to do. Big Ben, Westminster and The London Eye are all worth a visit, while Portobello Market and Oxford Street will fulfill shoppers’ dreams. For those seeking culture the Notting Hill Carnival is held every August Bank Holiday weekend. The nightlife in London never stops and from dingy bars to A-list clubs, you’ll find the perfect way to end your holiday.

Words by Natalie Leask and Gillian Swinton

Best known for his blinding sets at Luvely, Tommy Kay is definitely the liveliest and probably one of Edinburgh’s most popular and best DJs on the house music scene.

Known as Tommy Gallo for his Flaunt residency, this side of Tommy focuses on more vocal and funky house tunes while his Luvely residency allows him to play Dutch house which creates a much tougher sound.

Tommy explains: “The contrast in music in what I play at Luvely and what Flaunt play is phenomenal but they liked the energy that I had so we came up with the idea of going under a different name.”

Making his sets lively and enjoying them is Tommy’s main priority and rightly so; it creates an electric atmosphere when the DJ spinning the tunes is into it as much as the crowd.

Tommy’s highlight so far was playing at the Pukka Up boat parties in Ibiza last summer for 200 “nutters” as the sun was setting. “You think it just can’t get any better than this!” Tommy says.

And he’ll be back this summer to rock the White Isle some more but don’t worry if you’re not going, Tommy can still be found at this monthly residences of Luvely and Flaunt.

Words by Frances Allan and Gemma Haigh

Bath tubs, cheese and knickers – it can only be an after party with The Vibe. The five piece formed in October 2008, and have been hitting the Edinburgh music scene hard, gaining interest and popularity.

This is a band who are all about honesty, Bruce, lead guitarist said: “Myself and Chris were in a band together before this…and then we found these two lovely characters kicking around. It was a mixture of fate and magic.

Influenced by all kinds of music they described it as an “effective mixture” of heavy metal and 90s indie. They tell us that one song can sound like The Coral and the next can sound totally different. “Variety – that’s the word of the day” says Bruce.

Whistlebinkies is the band’s favourite place to play in the city, because there is always a good crowd: “It’s always a good atmosphere” says Chris, although if they could only play one more gig, then it would be in the sky, “because the sky’s the limit”, drummer Matt said.

On after-parties – “Let’s just say that the last one involved Chris, a pile of women’s knickers, a bath tub, and a block of cheese. But we can’t elaborate anymore on that”.

Words by Frances Allan and Gemma Haigh