Barristers and Attorneys at Law Trott and Duncan have announced the appointment of Mr. Maurice Anthony Cottle to the firm as a Senior Corporate, Commercial and Trust Attorney.

Mr. Cottle's main practice areas are Company Law, Insurance Law and Trusts. He read Company Law at University College, London under professor Daniel Prentice, now of Oxford University, England, and Professor The Lord Wedderburn, London School of Economics, London. Mr. Cottle has also been an occasional lecturer in Company and Commercial Law.

Mr. Cottle is a member of and has practised successfully at the English bar for over 20 years. During his practice in London, Mr. Cottle was involved in very high profile commercial and company litigation which was widely featured in the London Financial Press, and acted for clients both nationally and internationally. He has acted frequently for a major banking institution and has also been involved in several test cases in judicial reviews proceedings, one of which led to Parliament considering changing the law. He is also experienced in professional negligence matters, (accountants and solicitors). Prior to joining the bar, Mr. Cottle was employed by Texaco, a major international oil company.

New gift store in St. George's

Something in Common is a new store in Hunters Wharf, St. George's which has been open for three weeks and is a joint venture between Lynda Johnson and Ellen Lopes. Ms Johnson says: “My part of the store is called Bugs and Bees and Ellen's is A Harmony of Gifts, and together we make Something In Common.”

Ms Johnson explains that she sells greeting cards, Silvestri ornaments, mugs, journals, cards for all occasions, inspirational items, picture frames, signs, calendars, hand made soaps, wall tiles, garden accessories, amusing fridge magnets hand painted terra cotta pots in Bermuda styles, crafts from local artisans such as Bermuda cedar boxes, as well as quilts tablecloths and place mats which are hand made by a St George's lady. “It is a small shop but we are packed,” says Ms Johnson. The two partners have enjoyed setting up the venture and Ms Lopes says the idea was to provide quality gifts and service to customers.

To that end, customers can arrange gift parties where a selection of gifts are bought to a house for people to browse and buy.

Ms Lopes specialises in a wide selection of candles including some from the Cake Candle Company, 500 different pewter and aluminium wind chimes although not all are in stock but may be ordered, unique gift baskets which can be custom designed, as well as a host of small gifts such as stuffed animals from First and Maine where everything is stitched with love, all at a very reasonable price.

Ms. Johnson said they started the store to cater largely to locals, even though visitors do enjoy browsing and buying gifts.

New Chiropractor

The Family Chiropractic Health Centre on the corner of Happy Valley Road and Shelton Road in Pembroke parish has been relieving pain for clients since September. Chiropractor Dr. Nicole Hartford became interested in the profession during her first year of medical school in Huntsville, Alabama when a Chiropractor gave a seminar on the profession.

Dr. Hartford then realised her true calling in life and attended the Los Angeles College of Chiropractors in the US where she gained a certificate specialising in Paediatric Chiropractic treatment. Dr. Hartford says she offers chiropractic adjustments that incorporate massage and physical therapy. She currently has many clients with sports injuries such as footballers, as well her speciality, children. She also offers treatment for back and neck pain, headaches, arthritic pain, shoulder injuries and tendinitis to name a few. Massage Clinic Expansion

With stress levels on the rise around the world, one area of business offering relief to pent up anxieties are massage therapists. Several of the Island's clinics are hiring new staff, including Buddy Ford's A-Ford-Able Massage and Therapy who have recently taken on 27-year old Bermudian Shane Williams.

Mr. Williams has been at the clinic for less than a week, having closed his own business to join Mr. Ford.

Mr. Williams studied at the Atlanta School of Massage two years ago where he did an intensive six month course. He obtained a certificate as a clinical massage therapist and neuromuscular therapist.

His motivation for learning the trade were ignited by two major turning points in his life. Firstly, when working with the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, Robert Lightbourne gave a demonstration that appealed to Mr. Williams as he was already suffering neck and back problems. And following a bike accident about five years ago, rather than attend physiotherapy sessions, Mr. Williams did his own therapy.

He added: “My biggest love was for people, being able to give some love back to the community.”

Services he offers include rehabilitation of neck and back problems, soft tissue rehabilitation, lymphatic drainage and stress management.

One of the most important steps to maintaining health is drinking water, explains Mr. Williams whose mantra is: “A cheerful heart is like medicine for the soul. If we take care of our body, our body will take care of us.”

He also says: “Buddy and I aim to bring Island wide wellness through touch.”