Find out how the bees and their hives wintered at the outlook for 2024
All you need to know about summer
across our villages.
The new summer menu is now available at Audley restaurants - what will be your favourite dish?
Find out about our newest Audley village in Yorkshire.
Stories and events from villages across the country. All the action from 2024 Foundation week.
Find out more about our Health and Wellness Director Emma Robinson and the Green Goddess visits Audley
Dr
Welcome to the Summer edition of the Audley Insider
There has been lots happening across your villages so far this year, including Foundation Week, new village opening events, and we especially enjoyed all your beautiful springtime photos, poems and drawings You can see all the entries by clicking the button below.
SPRINGTIME PHOTOS
RHODODENDRONS, BY
AUDLEY GROUP CEO, NICK SANDERSON SHARES HIS WELCOME MESSAGE TO AUDLEY OWNERS
BY GILES KENWRIGHT BEEKEEPER AT CHALFONT DENE
st year local honey supplier, Honest Honey talled four Beehives in the grounds at Audley alfont Dene, we are excited to share an update the first year
ummer crop was harvested in July 2023, lding 51kg (approx 144lb) of honey, most of ich came from just two of the four hives After honey was extracted, the bees were fed a placement food, to ensure they had sufficient res for winter All colonies survived winter!
Having come through winter strongly, all four colonies swarmed in April Swarming is a natural process of colony re-production and is generally a sign of a healthy colony During the swarming process, the old queen leaves the hive with roughly half the bees to find a new home. The bees will have already started the process of raising several replacement queens, one of which will go on to lead the colony
Since the colonies swarmed, they have raised new queens and they are building up in size Unfortunately, because of the depletion of the workforce caused by swarming, followed by the cold, wet weather in April and May, there hasn’t been a spring honey harvest The weather looks to be getting warmer and with blackberry and other summer flowers in bloom, the next honey harvest should be ready by end of June or early July
Local honey is often touted as a natural remedy for hayfever. This is because consuming honey made from local pollen can help your body gradually build up immunity to the allergens in your area, reducing your hayfever symptoms over time.
A quick reminder that bees are wild animals and have a sting to protect their colony. A bee dies when it stings, so usually does this as a last resort. Foraging bees on flowers are very unlikely to sting
SAFETY TIPS:
Don’t get too close to hives and avoid standing near the entrance
If bees buzz round you, walk calmly away
Never try to swat bees away as they will sense danger and are more likely to sting Bees’ eyesight is not as detailed as humans although they are very good at detecting movement
BY KEVIN GREEN, GENERAL MANAGER, SUNNINGDALE PARK
We have four happy healthy hives (installed June 2023), which have come along very nicely through the summer with the population of bees in the hives growing just as we had hoped.
During winter months the size of the colonies drops, and they are much less active, their key challenge is survival The bees all come together to form a ball around the queen whereby they can survive the drop in temperature by sharing each other’s body heat
Winter was the real test as to how well the colony had established itself We checked they had adequate food stores and they have survived well
With four hives we should then have enough honey to be able remove and jar some by the autumn for our first Sunny Honey crop The bigger crops will be expected in 2025 if weather and predator factors (including the Asian Hornet) do not interfere
Read more about the bees at Chalfont Dene, and Sunningdale Park, beekeeping and information on Asian Hornets on our blog: www audleyvillages co uk/audleystories/story/bee-hives-one-year-on
Date Time
Thursday 27 June 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 6 July 11am - 2pm
Saturday 6 July 11am - 5pm
Saturday 6 July 10:30am - 2:30pm
Saturday 6 July 1pm -7pm
Saturday 20 July 11am - 3pm
Thursday 25 July 11am - 5pm
Friday 2 August 11am - 3pm
Saturday 10 August 12 noon - 4pm
Saturday 10 August 12 noon - 4pm
Saturday 10 August 11am - 2pm
Saturday 17 August 11am - 4pm
Friday 23 August 1pm - 4pm
Monday 26 August 12noon - 4pm
Saturday 30 August 1pm - 4pm
Summer is upon us, and that means it’s time for our much loved summer fairs to take centre stage across our villages These events are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the warm weather (fingers crossed), delightful company, and an array of exciting activities and treats.
See the table below to find out when your village Summer Fair is on.
Village
Audley Binswood, Leamington Spa
Audley Ellerslie, Malvern
Audley Nightingale Place, Clapham
Audley Sunningdale Park, Ascot
Audley Wycliffe Park, Horsleys Green, Buckinghamshire
Audley Inglewood, Kintbury
Audley Redwood, Bristol
Audley Clevedon, Ilkley
Audley Chalfont Dene, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire
Audley Fairmile, Cobham
Audley Stanbridge Earls, Romsey
Mayfield Watford
Audley St Elphin's Park, Darley Dale, Matlock
Audley Mote House,Nr Bearstead, Kent
Audley Cooper's Hill, Englefield Green, Surrey
Each village will feature its own selection of delicious food options, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palateincluding sizzling BBQ, mouth-watering pizza, and delightful picnic boxes.
Some villages will host live entertainment from local musicians, or market stalls from local crafts and artisans, charity tombola’s or raffles, and even bird of prey or animal displays.
Come along and celebrate the joys of summer with us!
Bring your friends and family, and make the most of these wonderful events Remember, the more the merrier – so don’t hesitate to visit our other village fairs too Every village fair has something special to offer, making each visit a new and exciting adventure. Let's make this summer one to remember!
Find out more about what’s on where on our summer fair webpage www audleyvillages co uk/howit-works/events/summer-fairs
SMOKED HADDOCK & GRUYERE TART, HERITAGE BEETROOT CARPACCIO
Summer menu now available at Audley restaurants
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
LAUREN BARNES
The summer menu has now launched across all the Audley restaurants and features some refreshingly delicious dishes, including heritage beetroot carpaccio with goats cheese mousse, Parma ham and watermelon salad with feta and lemon & oregano chicken flatbread. Alongside some summer treats like summer berry pudding served with clotted cream ice cream or espresso panna cota with amaretto syrup.
RECIPE
This delicious tart and creamy sweet treat has us reminiscing of summer fruit picking days.
METHOD:
Warm the gooseberries in a pan with 50g of caster sugar. Allow them to bubble for a few minutes ensure the sugar has dissolved then leave to cool
Separately whip the double cream with 30g of caster sugar till it is firm with soft peaks. Pour a little elderflower cordial into a shallow dish and soak lady finger biscuits for a couple of seconds on each side
Now you are ready to assemble!
Use a small dish or cocktail glass and layer your trifle. Starting with your soaked lady finger biscuits, then spoon on a layer of lemon curd, then some cream, and finally add the gooseberry mixture then repeat Finish with some extra cream and fresh raspberries to garnish.
BY KEVIN CONNER, HEAD CHEF, AUDLEY SCARCROFT PARK
200ml - Double cream
Lemon curd
Lady fingers sponge biscuits (approx. 6-8 per serving)
100ml - Elderflower cordial
50g + 30g - Caster sugar
200g - Frozen or fresh gooseberries
Handful of fresh raspberries
FROM BEGINNINGS WITH DR WHO TO COBBLES OF WEATHERFIELD, KAY PATRICK, OWNER AT AUDLEY CLEVEDON SHARES HER STORY OF A LIFE IN THEATRE, RADIO AND TV.
I don't know what made me so determined by the age of 14 to leave Leeds and follow a theatrical career - (it certainly didn't run in my family) - but by then I knew I wanted to go to RADA (the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London and one of the most prestigious Academies around. I won a scholarship which paid my fees and living expenses for two years and threw myself Into studying performance and everything attached to it
It was a demanding course and now my fellow students are amongst some of the brightest stars in the profession When I left RADA I worked in Repertory Companies around the country and gradually I began to establish myself in TV.
In 1965 I was cast in anew programme that was beginning to make a name for itself. Dr Who, starring William Hartnell, was beginning to become world famous I was cast as Poppaea, Nero's wife, in Dr Who and The Romans when the Tardis landed in Ancient Rome Although it was very exciting, I didn't realise just how big an impact the programme was going to have over the years There were 4 episodes of the Romans and the following year I was cast again in another Doctor Who but this time it was called Dr Who and The Savages. Still with William Hartnell as the Doctor but now the Tardis had landed in the future and this time I played a girl called Flower
Because the big reels of film were so expensive to store, those four episodes of The Savages were destroyed. Ever since then, as love for Dr Who has grown, there has been a worldwide search for the missing reels Dr Who fans are still desperately looking Perhaps someone somewhere may find them. Meanwhile any still pictures or publicity shots or short extracts are being pieced together as best they can be Even an animation is being made from what can be found How could I have known all these years later how desperate fans would be to find those missing episodes.
Eventually I began to be frustrated by the gaps in between acting work and began to read scripts and research for Radio 4 and TV Drama. This resulted in a move to the north and a long involvement as one of the directors of Coronation Street I was lucky to be given some strong and exciting stories to direct with the wonderful cast and crew. So - at one time I was directing in theatre, Radio Drama, and Coronation Street
Oh, and I forget, one of the stories I researched earlier for TV drama (which wasn't used) I turned into a crime novel set in Edwardian times - called The Trial of Marie Montrecourt. (Available on Amazon)
You can find out more about Kay Patrick at www kaypatrick com
Nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside just outside of Leeds is Audley’s most recent village Scarcroft Park. Built around the centrepiece building the surrounding cottages, apartments and spa are built in traditional Yorkshire stone creating a village atmosphere that invites you in
The main house Scarcroft Lodge holds a rich history dating back to the early 19th century when it was founded by the prosperous Quaker wool merchant, Newman Cash Cash, hailing from Coventry, settled in Leeds in 1815 and soon became renowned as the founder and chairman of the Leeds-Thirsk railway company, amassing considerable wealth in the process. His success allowed him to erect the grand Scarcroft Lodge, a testament to his prosperity.
In 1881, the estate changed hands when it was purchased by Robert Tennant, solicitor in Leeds Then later sold the property to the Earl of Mexborough
“Our renovation of Audley Scarcroft Park has been a significant undertaking & one we ’ re incredibly proud to have completed.”
NICK
SANDERSON, CEO OF AUDLEY
GROUP
In the 1920s a former Mayor of Leeds, Albert Braithwaite, acquired the estate and it is believed additions such as the bowling green and cricket ground were made to the property
Read more about the history of Scarcroft Park www.audleyvillages.co.uk/r etirement-
villages/scarcroftpark/history
Scarcroft Park celebrated its official opening on Wednesday 26th June 2024.
The village was opened by Nick Sanderson, CEO of Audley Group, who was joined by The Right Worshipful, the Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor, Abigail Marshall Katung as well as current and prospective property owners, their family and friends and members of the local community. Together, they cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the village and enjoyed a drinks reception, speeches and lunch.
Don’t forget as an Audley owner you receive discounted rates on our guest suites so you why not plan a visit to explore Yorkshire and enjoy Scarcroft Park?
I’M LOOKING AT YOU BY
DAVID HACKER
your
AUDLEY COOPER’S HILL
Having first met as neighbours at Audley Cooper’s Hill, Dr Towler and Mr Hacker founded the Magna Carta Park photography group during the COVID lockdown
The two main ideas behind the group were to have fun, and to ignite the passion for photography in anyone and everyone who is interested in taking photographs. After all, everyone has a camera on their smartphone these days!
During the monthly meet-ups advice and guidance on photographic technique, composition, and editing skills are shared.
BEACH AT LACANAU OCEAN, FRANCE BY
IAN BURNS
SKY OVER COOPER'S HILL BY
CHRIS TOWLER
Recently The Magna Carta Park Photography Group held their fundraising exhibition at Audley Cooper’s Hill, showcasing over 150 photographs, and raising money for two local charities close to the group’s hearts, The Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Cancer Research UK.
Find out more about the joining the group on the Audley blog here and click the button below to get some great photography tips from Chris Towler
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
We’d love to hear what a difference living in an Audley village has made to your life or perhaps you have an interesting story you’d like to share about your career, life or travel experiences? Please email us at stories@audleyvillages co uk and you could feature in the next edition of Audley Insider or on our website.
Voitek Korus, Leisure Club Manager (Audley Redwood, Bristol) has taken on the mammoth challenge to reach the peak of Mount Tetnuldi in Georgia to raise funds for Alive and BRACE - both dementia charities.
We spoke with Voitek just before he left to find out more about why he’s doing the climb, his training and what sort of food to expect on a 6 day adventure scaling a 4,858m peak To read the full interview and find out more click the button below.
On Friday 7th June 2024, Audley Headley Court hosted an event to mark the anniversary of D- Day This site is still under construction but with it’s history surrounded by the war effort it was an honour to share such an incredibly moving commemoration service alongside veterans and serving officers.
In May hundreds of team members, owners, and friends and family from Audley Villages and Mayfield Villages took on challenges up and down the country to fundraise £14,552 for The Foundation during Foundation Week which ran from 11th to 19th May 2024
Cliff Hasler, General Manager at Audley Fairmile skydived from 15,000ft, and nearly 100 team members enjoyed a lap round the beautiful Blenheim Palace grounds at the Blenheim Palace 7k.
The week saw villages take part in sponsored walks, mud runs, car washes, bake offs, quiz nights, mufti days and various other fitness challenges.
A big thank you to all owners and staff that took part. The funds raised will be donated to charities chosen by Audley Owners, and that support older, lonely, and less fortunate members of society
To see more photos click the button below or visit www audleyfoundation org uk/the-success-offoundation-week-2024/
I was asked to become an Owner/Trustee for the Foundation charity when it was set up 3 years ago, and recently my term of office has been extended for a further 3 years.
I have greatly enjoyed working with other Trustees in promoting the new charity and in establishing fund-raising activities in Chalfont Dene village. It is satisfying to see that The Foundation is really beginning to "make a lasting difference to the lives of older people" in our area and I am proud to be involved We want to expand the work we do and are therefore seeking to recruit representatives in every Audley village to encourage this development Please consider volunteering in your village, and so help us to take on this challenge. As Audley owners, we are in a position of privilege and this is a golden opportunity to help other, less fortunate people. You
“It’s great to see owners and our Audley team get so involved with Foundation Week, raising money for a brilliant cause, and even taking a leap from a plane. I am blown away by the sheer support and effort from all the teams and look forward to putting the money raised towards the fantastic causes The Audley Foundation supports.”
JOHN NETTLETON, TRUSTEE AND CHAIR OF THE AUDLEY FOUNDATION
Find out more about The Audley Foundation at www audleyfoundation org uk
ANNE DIAMOND & DIANA MORAN
VISIT WYCLIFFE PARK
Emma Robinson, Audley’s first Health and Wellness Director, has spent the last 6 months visiting villages up and down the country Joining in at fitness classes and really getting under the skin of what matter to our owners and how Audley can help our owners live better for longer.
“MY PASSION LIES IN INDIVIDUALS BEING THE BEST VERSIONS OF THEMSELVES AND THRIVING IN EVERY CHAPTER OF LIFE. I TAKE A HOLISTIC, PERSONCENTRED VIEW OF WELLNESS, IT IS NOT JUST A CONCEPT OR A 'BUZZ WORD', RATHER A COMMITMENT AND ASSURANCE TO OUR OWNERS ”
EMMA ROBINSON
Emma’s guest blogs series are a great way to learn more about the importance of taking control of your own health and wellness.
As part of her series for Viking TV, presenter
Anne Diamond sat down with Diana Moran
BEM, the iconic ‘Green Goddess’ at Wycliffe Park Known for her fitness expertise and her inspiring journey as a breast cancer advocate
Diana shares stories from her diverse career and how her lifelong dedication to fitness has kept her thriving into her eighties.
To watch the episode click the image left or here: www audleyvillages co uk/audleystories/story/diana-moran-at-wycliffe-park
ANNUAL OWNERS SATISFACTION SURVEY 2024
This year the survey launches on Monday 8 July
Scan the QR code click the image above or visit www audleyvillages co uk/launch-video to watch the video and find out more
Will the Chalfont Ladies defend their title as Intervillage quiz champions this year?
Here are the dates for this years Intervillage Quiz.
MON 14TH OCTOBER MON 18TH NOVEMBER
MON 16TH DECEMBER
MON 20TH JANUARY 2025
Contact reception to register your team (max 6) or for more information
