Although retrospect abounds in December, it seems as though we're still not done with re-analysis just yet. Copious re-issues from cult 1970s outfit T Rex arrived in the office this week, serving as a stark reminder of Mark Bolan's genius. Meanwhile, in London movie lovers are preparing to celebrate one of the country's most culturally productive boroughs, along with the world's longest-running film studios, with the focal point being heritage. 

La Rosiere
Variety is the spice of life and an invitation to ski at La Rosiere, a French resort that had never featured on my radar, was irresistible. Lots of familiar names around: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Aosta Valley, and in sight across the valley: Val d’Isere so there were obviously good prospects.

Whistler sets a standard that many other ski resorts have to match; right up there with Aspen and some European resorts but for very different reasons. The main concern for many is the flight; eleven hours but you do not lose skiing time as it is overnight and you are chasing the sun outbound.  Passing through Vancouver airport is quick and the transfer is less than two hours to Whistler, the roads are good and it’s worth keeping awake for the stunning scenery.  

Equities are favoured by European investors:
The European mutual fund industry, with overall net inflows of €12.7bn for long-term mutual funds, showed a healthy growth pattern for November 2013. As in the previous month money market products suffered net outflows for November (-€11.7bn). The inflows were mainly driven by inflows into equity funds (+€9.8bn) and mixed-asset funds (+ €4.8bn) as well as into property products (+€0.4bn). “Other” (-€1.5bn), commodity (-€0.3bn), and hedge funds (- €0.3bn) as well as bond (-€0.2bn) products showed net outflows.

The River Wey has burst its banks in spectacular fashion over the festive period, leaving bridges and car-parks cordoned off by police as the water levels reached heights not seen for decades. Employees of Guildford Borough Council, hoping to down desk related tools early for Noël, sat helpless in their Millmead offices as they watched the River Wey knock on the front door wishing one and all a very soggy Christmas. Shoppers hoping to use Bedford Road car park were turned away unless they had sensibly arrived in a row boat and waders.

Following its Autumn tour, the English National Ballet's new production of Le Corsaire opened at the Coliseum last night. This epic, energetic Russian ballet is based on Lord Byron's poem Le Corsair, and tells the story of a dashing pirate and his love for the beautiful harem girl, Medora.
The set and costumes were designed by Hollywood film designer Bob Ringwood, (of Batman, Alien 3, Star Trek Nemesis, Ali and Troy fame), and are eye-catching and evocative.

As ever, in the wake of 12 months passing we’re left with little to do other than reflect on what’s been, and look to the future. The latter of the two appealing more given the rather generous UK Box Office release schedule cinemagoers are now faced with.

Yves de Contades talks to Niklas Berg, CEO of Avinode, the Air Charter Marketplace.
- Where did you grow up?
Gothenburg, Sweden
 
 - How did you start in the industry?
 

Serves 6
1kg diced beef shin
120g smoked bacon lardons
400g Echallion shallots, peeled
400g Forestiere mushrooms
3tbls plain flour seasoned with salt and pepper
3tbls oil
350mls red wine
600mls beef stock
2 bay leaves
3 large sprigs thyme
2tbls quince jelly
1 Preheat the oven to gas mark 3/170C/150fan
2 Add 2tbls oil to a large ovenproof casserole dish and fry the bacon lardons, then remove with a slotted spoon.