St Albans Life Magazine September 2011

ST ALBANS LIFE

w w w. t h e l i f e m a g a z i n e s . c o m

W I T H D E S I R A B L E A R E A S A C R O S S B E A U T I F U L H E RT F O R D S H I R E

T H E

Q U A L I T Y

L I F E S T Y L E

M A G A Z I N E

I S S U E

6 0

S E P T E M B E R

WEDDINGS AT BROCKET HALL THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND TERRY O’NEIL VISITS GALLERY ROUGE

2 0 1 1

PLUS

HANBURY MANOR HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB LOCAL LIFE | HISTORY | EVENTS | BEAUTY | HOME & GARDEN | PROPERTY

Are you free between

Nov

and

Fancy Michelin star tips from

Nov

?

?

Want to eat great

at the Restaurant Experience?

Relish the idea of

and

Does shopping for

Or is meeting

and

and

cooking on stage?

sound tasty?

what you really crave?

Join us for the most exciting dates in London’s food calendar From 11-13 November, you can see your favourite MasterChef faces, live on stage and even meet John and Gregg at our book signing. Relish the finest local produce at the Producers’ Village and savour gourmet dishes from some of the UK’s top Michelin-starred restaurants.

Come and taste your favourite TV show.

Book now: MasterChefLIVE.com 0844 581 1337 quote LIFE to get £2 off* *£1.75 booking fee per advance ticket applies. Ticket offer valid on adult and over 65s General Admission tickets bought in advance only, not valid with any other offer. Not all celebrities appear on all days, check the website for details.

MasterChef Live is a BBC/Shine Co-production

Welcome to our September issue Set in the exclusive and private estate of Brocket Hall, Club 300 is proud to mediums, including Painting, Fair at Micklefield Hall, at bring together some of the world’s finest brands to offer you ‘The Ultimate Drawing, Ceramics, Jewellery, Sarratt, near Rickmansworth and Playground Event’. By invitation only and limited to 100 tickets, guests will Sculpture, Collage, glass and raise funds for the National have the unique opportunity to spend a day of extravagance indulging in the photography. Please call in and Society for the Prevention of rare and exotic, whilst being waited on by a traditional English butler service.

view the art on display, all work is Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). available to buy.

The Autumn fair takes place on Back by popular demand, Legendary iconic British photographer Terry O’Neill Open Daily Tuesday to Saturday Wednesday 5 October and there will be exhibiting his inspirational work at Gallery Rouge in St Albans. The 10 am till 6pm Admission free. will be a wide variety of stalls event will include many previously unseen images from his enviable archive. cath@emeraldframes.com for selling goods from gifts and With a career spanning over 50 years, it’s impossible to overstate the impact more information or call 0750 novelties to food, flowers and O’Neill has had in the world of photography as well as on modern culture.

777 4017. Emerald Gallery, 1 clothing, and a raffle, offering Blay’s House, Churchfield Road, something for everyone. Sally When you enter the 14th century Wellington Inn in Old Welwyn you are instantly Phipps, NSPCC community Chalfont St Peter, Bucks greeted both with a warm welcome from the team and also by the cosy and relaxed fundraising manager for Buckinghamshire SL9 9EW atmosphere. Th e blend of old and new architecture and the use of glass and Hertfordshire said: “We hope Today to Sat 17 Sep, Tue 20 Sep candle light invite you to stay and enjoy the hospitality of the Wellington team. to Sat 24 Sep, Tue 27 Sep to Sat 1 that local people will come along Oct.www.emeraldframes.com and support the Autumn fair, Every year from May Day right through to late September, most weekends see the with 30 stalls selling a range of Brocket Hall Estate clouded in confetti. Glamorous, historic and full of intrigue, LEARN BRIDGE AT THE lovely products from fashion it’s not difficult to see why this magical country estate in Hertfordshire is such a BRIDGE SCHOOL IN accessories to Christmas gifts. popular choice with Brides and Grooms to be, now and throughout the year.

GERRARDS CROSS Why not make a day of it and The Bridge School in Gerrards enjoy some lunch or tea and cake?”

After fifteen years of dealing privately in London, Modern British picture specialists, Cross (at the Memorial Centre) For more information contact Ian Rastrick Fine Art have opened new premises at 38 Holywell Hill, St Albans. is now taking bookings for the Sally Phipps on 01908 328060. new Beginning Bridge class Entry to the Autum fair is £4 and This gives you just a small taste of exciting events and articles from 10am-4pm. which starts on Friday mornings featured in this month’s issue, until next month... is open Micklefield Hall, Sarratt Road, from September 30th. Bridge is Sarratt, near Rickmansworth, great fun, keeps the mind active Hertfordshire WD3 6AQ and is a great way to meet new Hertfordshire WD3 6AQ friends.

Wednesday 5 October Have a look at the website.

FAYE MANNING EDITOR www.bridgewebs.com/schoolgerr ROSEMARY CONLEY ardscross or email DIET & FITNESS-SLIM bridgeschoolgx@aol.com Tess & AEROBICS CLASSES Templeton 01753 885004 A friendly atmosphere, the diet 10:00 - 12 noon or 7:30 - 9:30 works and the exercises are fun– pm - £85 per term of 10 weeks it’s an enjoyable, sociable way to The Memorial Centre, East lose weight, alongside other Common, Gerrards Cross people who appreciate how you Buckinghamshire SL9 7AD feel. The Amazing Inch Loss Friday 30 September PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD, Plan consists of 3 phases with THE RIDINGS, WOODFIELD LANE, ESSENDON, HERTS , AL9 6JJ. COLNE VALLEY FOOD interchangeable menus: PHASE FESTIVAL 1: 14-Day Fast Track. PHASE 2: Come and sample the local 14-Day 1400 PHASE 3: www.lifemagazines.com produce the Colne Valley, the Personal Inch Loss Plan.

Editor green lung on the western edge Time: 5.30-6.50pm Fee: Classes Faye Manning of London. Loads of stalls selling cost just £6.00 & there’s a meat,Assistant cheese, fresh veg, fruit, beer,Editor one-off joining fee of £10.00 for Katieand Miller cakes, jams and preserves lots your membership & diet pack Sub Editor more. Face painting, bush craft (diet books, motivational DVD, AlexinLux demonstrations, activities the portion pots & tape measure). Or Fashion Editor teepee, make a blackberry pay £36.00 for six consecutive Hazel Englander crumble, quizes, live music, wood weeks or join the Premier Club Education Development Manager turning and basket making to & receive the membership & Corinne Sugar keep the family entertained. diet pack for FREE! If you wish Production to take part in an additional 12- 4pm ParkingDesign £2.50 & down ToniUB9 Perry exercise class in the same week Old Mill Road, Denham, AccountPark, Managers the fee is reduced to £5.00 for 5AR. Denham Country Barry John, Rachel Goude that session.

Denham Court Drive, Denham Russell School, Brushwood Drive, Middlesex UB9 5AR Sales Trotman, James Marshall Chorleywood Hertfordshire WD3 Sunday 25Jason September Directors 5RR. Thursday 15 September, www.colnevalleypark.org.uk Rory Smith, Patrick Smith Thu 22 Sep, Thu 29 Sep, Thu 6 AUTUMN FAIR Oct, Thu 13 Oct, Thu 20 Oct, Thu Start your shopping for 27 Oct, Thu 3 Nov. Christmas early at the Autumn www.rosemaryconley.com

0844 800 8439

The Tanyard, Tring Road, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6ND t: 01296 625488 e: women@andrewgardner.co.uk

DAVONPORT naturally n distinctive kitchens KITCHENS

BEDROOMS

MEDIA ROOMS

Davonport 11 St. Johns Street, Colchester, Essex. CO2 7AN t: 01206 760800 e: info@davonport.com w: www.davonport.com

Moneyhill Interiors Ltd. 1 Money Hill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, R Hertfordshire. WD3 7BQ t: 01923 773906 e: celia@moneyhillinteriors.com w: www.moneyhillinteriors.com

Elegant creative interior ssolutions perfectly built around yyou & your lifestyle.

For a copy of our brochure or to arrange ffor a designer to visit you, please call your llocal showroom.

EVENTS

The Ultimate Playground B R O C K E T H A L L 1 2 TH & 1 3 TH O C T O B E R

et in the exclusive and private estate of Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire, Club 300 is proud to bring together some of the world’s finest brands to offer you ‘The Ultimate Playground Event’. By invitation only and limited to 100 tickets, guests will have the unique opportunity to spend a day of extravagance indulging in the rare and exotic, whilst being waited on by a traditional English butler service.

From driving some of the world’s fastest supercars, shooting with the finest handcrafted English shotguns and taking part in a golf master class to sampling Krug champagne, indulging in a traditional wet shave and enjoying Michelin star food prepared and cooked by chef Phil Thompson, this really is a playground like no other.

THE CARS Ferrari 458 Italia Lamborghini LP 560-4 Bicolore Bentley Continental GTC Audi R8 Spyder Lamborghini LP 560 Sypder Ferrari Californa Mercedes SLS Maserati Gran Turismo CHEF PHIL THOMPSON Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Phil Thompson, Auberge du Lac, the Estate’s

8 SEPTEMBER2011

restaurant and former Hunting Lodge, has gained a national reputation as one of the most interesting out-of-London restaurants in the country. Since Phil has joined Brocket Hall guests have experienced the finest gastronomy, all served in an idyllic country setting.

SHOOTING COMPETITION 12 Guage shot guns 50 clays per person CASINO Craps, Black Jack, Roulette & Poker

Full English Breakfast the following morning raditional wetshave and grooming T Bespoke tailors at your service Professional golf master class Showcase of Luxury Brands & Exclusive Goodie Bags DAYTIME PACKAGE £399.00 per person - 50 Tickets Available Thursday 13th October 2011

8 of the latest supercars to drive throughout the day * Clay pigeon shooting competition PACKAGES Traditional wetshave and grooming OVERNIGHT PACKAGE Bespoke tailors at your service £749.00 per person - 40 Tickets available Gourmet lunch cooked and prepared by Michelin starred chef Phil Thompson Wednesday 12th – Thursday 13th October 2011 Exclusive Petit Fours by Hotel Chocolat Professional golf master class 8 of the latest supercars to drive throughout the day * Afternoon tea Clay pigeon shooting Champagne reception with Krug Champagne and canapé evening reception with Showcase of Luxury Brands & Exclusive Goodie Bags Krug * Please note that you will be required to sign a Four- course Gala Dinner cooked and prepared by disclaimer when you drive the cars.

Michelin - starred chef Phil Thompson Matching fine Wines/ Champagnes with each To book tickets, please call 0207 060 3007 course sales@ultimate-playground.co.uk Exclusive Petit Fours by Hotel Chocolat www.ultimate-playground.co.uk Evening casino with exclusive prizes www.club300.co.uk Overnight accommodation in the Stately Home

Free your imagination...

Whatever your dream scheme for the perfect garden building, the experienced designers at Crown Pavilions can put it all together to create the ultimate outdoor room.

Bring your ideas to life at www.crownpavilions.com or call 01491 612820

EVENTS

Vodafone London fashion Weekend Essential designer shopping, discounted premium brands, LFW catwalk experience. It’s all about the weekend! ptember 22nd - 25th Set houSe Se er 2011, Som

O

nce the curtain falls on the final Spring/ Summer 2012 LFW catwalk show, Somerset House opens its doors to Vodafone London Fashion Weekend.

London Fashion Week may be a trade only event - but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the chance to see some of the capital’s finest designers.

Fashion Weekend moves in and takes over Somerset House from 22nd - 25th September 2011.

Well known as fashion’s finest shopping event, Vodafone London Fashion Weekend is a must for anyone wanting to catch a piece of the London Fashion Week action.

It is your opportunity to buy trend-defining items from designer brands, such as Jaeger London, Alex Monroe, Pringle of Scotland French Sole, Olivia Rubin, Bex Rox and many more.

With boutiques such as KJ’s Laundry, The House of Harlow and Winter Kate Boutique and Designer Studio, selling ready-to-wear, accessories and jewellery pieces, at up to 70% off.

New feature areas for September include: A new

10 SEPTEMBER2011

vintage area curated by Wayne Hemingway featuring Lucy in Disguise, The Weekend Boutique featuring Holly Fulton, Bodyamr and Lou Dalton, Vodafone London Fashion Weekend Menswear and many more. Discover your Curve ID and find your perfect fit at the Levi’s® Curve ID Dressing Room in the East Wing.

Afterre a whole lot of shopping Sera autemne et perita orem perum norteS has been done, the catwalk hasiactu St auciviliS, Sentient inatio poStum cre firte been swooned at, champagne efecupplicae achicia pra vivicaudeeS hala meriSu pient.romni has been sipped and na, lunch obuS, SiS? an tam has settled, make your way over to The Retreat where you can book yourself in for a mani/pedi, a brow shape or a relaxing massage then why not head over to Toni & Guy and Elizabeth Arden to get the ultimate in hair and beauty.

Tickets range from £15 - £125.

Tickets sell out fast and capacity is limited so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment visit www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk Timings Below Thursday 22nd- 5pm-10pm Friday 23rd- 11am-10pm Saturday 24th- 9.30am-7pm Sunday 25th- 9.30am - 6pm

Pump Gyms Park House 15-23 Greenhill Crescent Watford Business Park Watford WD18 8PH Phone: 01923 819 233

Creating BUZZ

LOCAL ARTS

IT IS EASY TO SEE WHY GALLERY ROUGE HAS BECOME THE PLACE TO VISIT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR QUALITY ORIGINAL ARTWORK FOR YOUR HOME OR OFFICE. NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE THE WIDEST CHOICE OF WORK IN HERTFORDSHIRE AND NORTH LONDON, THEY HAVE ALSO DEMONSTRATED TIME AND TIME AGAIN AN EXCELLENCE TO SERVING CLIENTS.

Whether you are new to buying art or a seasoned collector, we look forward to helping you find art that will work perfectly in either your home or office surroundings.

12 SEPTEMBER2011

The gallery owner, Kuldip Chohan, is actively involved on a daily basis in working with clients to help them make the right choices. He has personally selected the artists who are represented by the gallery, bringing a diverse ensemble of artisans to the region, constantly seeking out new work from all over the world.

Kuldip created Gallery Rouge out of a shared passion for art with his wife. Having enjoyed a successful corporate career, he embarked on

LOCAL ARTS

WHY VISIT GALLERY ROUGE

All you need to do is contact Gallery Rouge. Your friends can make their contributions safely via the Gallery website at a time that’s convenient for them. Likewise you can securely login to view the status of your Gift List at any time. It is a truly simply and practical system which takes away the stress of managing your Gift List requirements.

The largest selection of original paintings in Hertfordshire to choose from A real mix of styles, from abstract to photo realism Professional friendly service from people who really care Flexible payment terms to help you acquire that sought after piece New work constantly arriving Regular events and exhibitions – a great chance to meet the artists!

Gallery Rouge can be contacted on 01727 860401. Better still, visit the gallery at 27 Chequer Street, St Albans, AL1 3YJ. A large selection of work is also viewable online at www.galleryrouge.co.uk.

THE ONLINE ‘GIFT LIST’ SERVICE P lanning a wedding list Looking for an anniversary present Want something unique for a special birthday D esire a commemorative piece for a birth or christening creating the finest gallery in Hertfordshire. With over 20 years of art collecting under his belt, his enthusiasm and desire to deliver only the best is infectious, and drives everything he does.

to select from. Whilst the gallery has since become respected nationally, the emphasis is firmly rooted in a close personalised service. So whether you’re renovating your home or

completely rebuilding it, why not engage the services of Gallery Rouge to help you find some wonderful paintings which perfectly compliment your rooms.

Unlike many other galleries who are tied to acquiring artwork from one source, Gallery Rouge is an independent gallery. This means you will be hard pushed to find a more rounded and varied collection SEPTEMBER2011 13

LOCAL ARTS

BARBARA HEPWORTH (1903-1975) SUN AND WATER (FROM AEGEAN SUITE), 1971 Lithograph Signed in pencil A fine proof aside from the edition of 90 76.5 x 54.6 cms (30.06 x 21.46 in)

After fifteen years of dealing privately in London, Modern British picture specialists, Ian Rastrick Fine Art have opened new premises at 38 Holywell Hill, St Albans.

From 1st October they will present a selection of British Abstract art dating from the end of the First World War to the present day. Entitled That Bewildering Expression, the exhibition will include works in different media from renowned artists such as Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Terry Frost, Gillian Ayres and Henry Moore.

It was the artist Paul Nash (1889-1946) who referred to abstract art as ‘that bewildering expression’ – a phrase which highlights the difficulty that not only the British public but also the British artists themselves had in coming to terms with a new way of communicating. It was not a new 14 SEPTEMBER2011

STANLEY HAYTER 1901 -1988 COMBAT, 1953 Engraving with etching & aquatint.

Signed, titled, dated 30 X 20 CMS (11.79 X 7.86 IN)

THAT BEWILDERING EXPRESSION GALLERY EXTERIOR

JOHN WELLS 1907 - 2000 TOPSAIL, 1950 Etching Signed and numbered in pencil from the edition of 25 14 X 11.5 CMS (5.50 X 4.52 IN)

style but a profound philosophical change in understanding.

With works spanning one hundred years the exhibition will present numerous approaches to abstraction – sometimes complementary, sometimes opposing. What unites them is the serious thought process the artist will have gone through to produce each piece.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 1st October 2011 to Saturday 12th November 2011

Ian Rastrick Fine Art, 38 Holywell Hill, St.Albans, AL1 1BU Telephone 01727 840043 Opening Times Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm or by appointment www.ianrastrick.com online catalogue at www.wix.com/ianrastrick/ thatbewilderingexpression

Dealers in 20th Century Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture and Prints

Terry Frost Ben Nicholson

Patrick Heron William Gear

Paul Nash William Scott

Barbara Hepworth Henry Moore

38 Holywell Hill, St. Albans, AL1 1BU, opposite white CafĂŠ Rouge building Telephone: 01727 840043 Email: contact@ianrastrick.com Website: www.ianrastrick.com 2011-07-11 Advert-St Albans life-v2.indd 1

14/7/11 21:39:41

State-of-the-art showroom in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

Expert advice & Installation.

Tel 01992 660382 17 Old Cross, Hertford www.hdaudiovisual.net

WAT F O R D L I F E

WELCOME TO CHARTER PLACE & WATFORD MARKET

Where There’s Something For Everyone!

In the 24-7 world we live in, it has to be said that consumers have got it all these days. You can shop online anytime you like, visit the supermarket (in some places!) at 1am, and go late-night shopping in most UK towns & cities, at least once a week.

Most of us could name what retailers you would expect to find in these different places. Isn’t it nice though, to find something that isn’t the same as everything else?

No-one can be blamed for wanting the comfort of familiarity and trust, but isn’t it nice when you find something unique, that sets itself apart from all that “sameness”.

That uniqueness, is one of the reasons why Photographer Dave Parker, chose Watford Market, situated in Charter Place, for one of his best-known projects. We think he captured the market superbly, showing us to be individual and full of character!

Aren’t our pictures wonderful?

Charter Place is Watford’s very first shopping centre, and is situated in the heart of the town centre.

Charter Place is another shopping gem where you can find a haven of independently-owned and other well-known retailers from food to fishing, clothing to homewares.

And if you are unlikely to find it here, you might find it in Watford Market.

But why is Watford Market so different from everyone else?

Well, for a start, you can be sure that all the traders know their

customers. We know what we’re selling, or specialising in, and if there’s anything we don’t have, we can get it, or you can bet someone will have the answer or point you in the right direction!

If you’ve never been to Watford Market, then obviously you’ll want to know what’s inside. Simply, there’s too much to list here but guaranteed we have the BEST in fish, meat, fruit and veg, plus specialist stalls such as phone, watch & jewellery repairs, haberdashery, hats, card & craft supplies , antiques and vinyl records!

Watford Market is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7am - 5.30pm So why not pop down and see for yourself why Watford Market & Charter Place are still very much both Watford’s favourite places to shop. You’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome from us all.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

www.charter-place-watford.co.uk www.watfordmarket.org.uk

WAT F O R D L I F E

18 SEPTEMBER2011

WAT F O R D L I F E

CLEMENTS

QUALITY AT HOME CLEMENTS FURNITURE, BEDS & CARPET SHOWROOMS NOW OPEN IN CHARTER PLACE!

W

e are delighted to announce that Clements has opened it’s new Carpet Showroom on the 1st Floor in Charter Place, Watford and that our Furniture & Beds Showroom has now opened on the Ground Floor. We look forward to welcoming you!

If you live in or around Watford, Hertfordshire, you’ll probably remember the old Clements department store. Clements opened in 1898 and finally closed its doors in 2004. A traditional store, with old-fashioned values, Clements was held in high regards in the local community.

carpets and furniture to enhance your home. Clements furnish homes and businesses in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, North West London and beyond.

A GREAT SELECTION OF FURNITURE AND BEDS Our showroom, fully stocked with dozens of room settings and thousands of carpet samples and room sized remnants, is now situated on the Ground & First Floor in Charter Place, just outside the enterance to the Harlequin.

CARPETS - HUGE RANGE AND GREAT PRICES

The name Clements returned to the orginal Clements building, We supply and fit most types of which was then carpets and a T J Hughes vinyls too. You’ll discount store. get fast delivery Now T J Hughes on the many has gone so ranges we hold Clements has in stock. You moved, again, find plains, this time to berbers, naturals, the Ground axminsters, Floor and the patters and First Floor of more - all in a Charter Place, huge variety of just outside the colours. We have entrance to the flooring to suit Harlequin. There every budget, so The new business whether you’re you will find Clements Home retains a traditional service looking for a Furnishings room-sizede ethos and old-fashioned remnant or and a fabulous range of quality to wall values - a rare approach wall carpet, beds and throughout your in today’s fast-moving house, come furniture in our 2 Showrooms. to Clements.

consumer society...

It’s not just a name either - Clements is owned and run by Directors Clive and Alan Brooks. Clive and Alan used to fit carpets for the original Clements department store. The new business retains a traditional service ethos and old-fashioned values - a rare approach in today’s fast-moving consumer society.

Clive and Alan have over 50 years experience in the carpet and furniture trade between them.

They offer practical advice to help you make the best choices for

Come to Clements on the Ground Floor and First Floor of Charter Place, Watford and you’ll receive a warm welcome, a first-rate service and excellent quality flooring, beds and furniture at priceswhich off you real valure for money For more information about Clements Furniture & Carpets, Ground & 1st floor, Charter Place, Charter Place Shopping Centre, Watford, WD17 2RX call 01923 256006 or visit the website at www.clements.co.uk SEPTEMBER2011 19

F E AT U R E

NEW CHEF AT September embarks on the final months of the year on the big lead up to Christmas. Although this is ideally a winding down time with the New Year on the horizon, autumn always has a sense of newness with kids returning to school, students starting their new chapter of life at college or university and retail shops getting their winter collections.

And Hanbury Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country club also welcomes newness with its recently employed Senior Sous Chef to Oakes Grill restaurant on the second floor of the hotel that offers contemporary dining overlooking breathtaking views of the Hertfordshire countryside.

Chef James Harris has a wealth of experience in chefing acquiring qualifications at Westminster Kingsway College and commencing his career at the Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge working alongside Chef Phillip Britton.

James was born and lived in Woodford Green, Essex through most of his childhood where his youth was heavily influenced with Air Training Corps Cadets, a junior version of the Royal Air Force. His transaction and interest to chefing occurred when growing up he enjoyed helping his Nan and Mum in the kitchen. James excelled in GCSE catering at school and pursued the subject achieving Student of the Year 20 SEPTEMBER2011

HANBURY

MANOR Welcoming Senior Sous Chef James Harris to Oakes Grill restaurant

at the highly regarded Westminster Kingsway College.

James married his childhood sweetheart, Danielle 3 years ago and she has provided the constant encouragement and support needed to succeed in such a demanding industry.

James boasts his claim to fame when cooking for a charity football event for Rod Stewart and is also hoping to gain further recognition on entering into Master Chef Professionals Television programme next year however, with his 8 month old son George it may be a lot to take on!

With his arrival at Hanbury Manor comes his new menu launching in Oakes Grill Restaurant in October 2011 that was influenced through local and seasonal produce including Venison, Duck and Sea Bass. James recommends trying the “Jacob’s ladder” beef ribs which have been cooked slowly for at least 6 hours providing a unique and quirky twist on the tradition pork rib dish.

For further information on Oakes Grill please contact: 01920 487 722 or to make a booking visit: www.marriotthanburymanor.co.uk Hanbury Manor, a Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD Telephone: 01920 487 722; MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk

THE POWER OF PRESENCE For over 40 years, Range Rover has stood for a unique combination of luxury, style and capability. With the arrival of Range Rover Evoque, that essence now takes shape in a new, agile and compact form. It joins the current line-up on 9th September: with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, design themes and approved accessories to meet your needs and express your personality. From £27,955 on the road.*

CHIPPERFIELD LAND ROVER 0843 022 6892 HADLEY GREEN LAND ROVER, BARNET 0843 022 6897 LANCASTER LAND ROVER, WELWYN 0843 022 6896

Be one of the first to experience the Range Rover Evoque when it arrives – call us to book a test drive.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE *£27,955 is based on manufacturer’s RRP and refers to eD4 Pure 6-speed manual model.

RANGE OF FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES FOR THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE RANGE (INCLUDING RANGE ROVER EVOQUE COUPÉ eD4) IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 23.7 (11.9) – 47.9 (5.9) EXTRA URBAN 40.9 (6.9) – 62.8 (4.5) COMBINED 32.5 (8.7) – 57.6 (4.9) CO2 EMISSIONS 199 – 129 G/KM.

FOOD DRINK

THE

FINEST DINING

AT WELLINGTON INN IN OLD WELWYN When you enter the 14th century Wellington Inn in Old Welwyn you are instantly greeted both with a warm welcome from the team and also by the cosy and relaxed atmosphere. The blend of old and new architecture and the use of glass and candle light invite you to stay and enjoy the hospitality of the Wellington team.

Here there is something for everyone, drinkers can enjoy a pint 22 SEPTEMBER2011

of real ale, a posh coffee and a slice of cake or a glass of any of the entire range of delicious wines created by the d’Arenberg vineyard (South East Australia). If you choose to dine at The Wellington you can enjoy freshly prepared, generous dishes from the large and varied menu.

From the core menu choose from pub classics with a Wellington twist such as lemon and lime tempura battered haddock fillet with minted peas, tartare sauce and hand cut,

smoked paprika chips £12.95, Pork and Apple sausages with truffle mash, garden peas and a red wine glaze £11.95 or chicken, leek and gruyere pie in a rich creamy sauce with a puff pastry lid served with hand cut, smoked paprika chips and seasonal vegetables £10.95. The monthly changing specials boards offer more adventurous dishes such as The Wellington’s swordfish “roganjosh” with tomato and summer squash risotto and coriander oil £16.50 or crispy goats cheese croquettes with beetroot carpaccio, caramelised walnuts and sorrel £6.95 but whatever you have make sure you leave room for the homemade chocolate brownie and movenpick ice cream which is not to be missed (and even available as part of the afternoon tea offer!)! If you feel like a real treat The Wellington offers d’Arenberg wine matches with every dish – well worth a go!

Since it’s reopening after the devastation of the 2009 fire The Wellington now also has 6 luxury bedrooms. If you can’t find an excuse to stay then make sure you ask one of the team to show you round the rooms as they are well worth a look.

You’ll find authentic oak beams, cedar wood floors and antique furnishings alongside kingsize beds, free standing bath tubs and plate glass wardrobes. Coupled with the luxury nespresso coffee making facilities, iPod docks, flat screen TVs and wifi it will leave you searching for that excuse to stay the night!

If you find one you’ll discover the feather duvets are as cosy as they look making the beds so comfy you won’t want to get up and a full English (or choice of other dishes) to die for in the morning. You can tell it’s good because the restaurant is busy with locals calling in for their breakfast too!

When you leave the Wellington be sure to collect a Christmas menu and choose to celebrate with friends and family at The Wellington over the Christmas period….at breakfast with a glass of Bucks fizz, crackers and other Christmas treats; at lunch or dinner (parties of 6-20 prices from £17.50 for 2 courses) or on Christmas Day when you can enjoy a choice of 3 courses for £69.95

If you choose to dine at The Wellington you can enjoy freshly prepared, generous dishes from the large and varied menu...

including traditional turkey of course but also with a delicious fillet steak dish or pan fried seabass, red mullet and scallop on a bed of parsnip and carrot with a watercress and tomato dressing and diced potatoes and more importantly absolutely no washing up!

To sum up the Wellington is a great place for many occasions whether you are holding a business meeting, a gathering with friends or family or just passing some time relaxing on the terrace you’ll want to find a reason to visit over and over again!

For more information about Wellington Inn, High Street, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9LZ Call 01438 714036 or email info@wellingtonatwelwyn.co.uk.

Alternatively visit the website at www. wellingtonatwelwyn.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PRIVATE PARTY NIGHTS AT HANBURY MANOR ENJOY A THREE COURSE DINNER, CRACKERS AND NOVELTIES FOR £58.50 PER PERSON

The Wellington at Welwyn

Village Eating, Drinking and Sleeping...

Great British food with a twist Delicious d’Arenberg Wines Indulgent Afternoon Tea Glorious Sun Terrace Bring this advert with you to The

SPECIAL GIFT ON CONFIRMATION OF YOUR PARTY

Wellington and receive a free bottle of

Please present this coupon or quote: XmasGift to receive a £10 voucher for each of your guests attending the party to redeem against any spa treatment at Hanbury Manor.

you have dinner or stay the night!

Alternatively bring your party to our party at our Join in party nights available on Thursday 8th, 15th, 22nd December 2011 Subject to availability. Minimum spend of £35 per treatment. Please note the treatment must be booked before end of January 2012.

For further information please contact the Christmas coordinator on: 01920 487 722 Hanbury Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD Telephone: 01920 487 722; MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk

out this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

d'Arenberg Stump Jump wine when

1 High Street, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9LZ 01438 714036, www.wellingtonatwelwyn.co.uk

FOOD DRINK

Gino D’Acampo’s recipe for

Zuccotto al Marsala

CHOCOLATE AND HAZELNUT ICE CREAM IN A MARSALA SPONGE SHELL

SERVES

4

INGREDIENTS For the sponge 4 medium size eggs 150g caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 150g plain white flour +extra for dusting Butter for greasing For the filling 450ml double cream 60g icing sugar 130g good quality chocolate 70% cocoa, roughly chopped 130g hazelnuts, roughly chopped 150ml Marsala wine PREPARATION

1

G rease a 22cm diameter spring-form tin and dust it with

24 SEPTEMBER2011

2 3

4

5

flour, tapping out any excess.

P reheat the oven to 180°.

T o prepare the sponge, place the eggs and sugar in a large bowl and whisk with an electric whisk for 15 minutes until pale and very fluffy. Pour in the vanilla extract.

S ift the flour onto the egg mixture and quickly fold in with a large metal spoon.

Once all the flour has been absorbed, pour the mixture into the tin and bake in the middle of the oven for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool down.

P our the cream in a large bowl and add in the icing sugar. Whip until fluffy. Add in the chocolate, hazelnuts and 1 tablespoon of Marsala wine. Let it rest into the fridge for 15 minutes.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

P our the remaining Marsala wine in a bowl and pour over 100ml of cold water. Mix all together and set aside.

L ine a 1.5litre round bowl with a large sheet of cling film.

C ut the sponge into 1cm slices and use them to line the bowl.

Brush the Marsala mixture over the sponge.

Pour the cream mixture into the centre of the bowl and gently knock the bowl on the counter top to make sure that there are no air bubbles.

C over the cream mixture with a lid of sponge slices soaked in Marsala wine. Cover with cling film.

F reeze the Zuccotto for 4 hours.

Before serving, place the Zuccotto into the fridge for at least 1 hour.

For more information up to date information on Gino, please visit www.ginodacampo.com

EVEN MORE GINO You can also get Gino’s lastest book: Italian Home Baking available nation wide and online.

‘Eating Italian’ is the iPhone & iPad app from Gino D’Acampo!

Available from the app store.

The exquisite new Diamond Collection

We are re-defining luxury beds at Marshall & Stewart.

Find out how at www.diamondbedcollection.com or call 0800 002 9564

LONDON 579-581 Kings Road, London SW6 2EH LONDON 99 Crawford Street, London W1H 2HN SURREY Auckland House, New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1PL HAND MADE IN THE UK

www.marshallandstewart.com

EDUCATION LIFE T H E

Q U A L I T Y

September is a busy time in every parent’s life. With summer holidays a happy but seemingly distant memory, the back to school routine begins and many of you will see your child entering their last year at infant or junior school.

E D U C A T I O N

S U P P L E M E N T

comprehensive guide. Education Life provides parents with a crucial research tool to explore all the options available both locally and further afield.

Our next Education Life will appear in the February 2012 issue.

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 1

Please feel free to contact me corinne@fishmediagroup.co.uk if you would like any further information on the Education Life series in 2012.

Corinne Sugar

For parents with children coming up to this age, this is a key decision making period for you.

Where should you send your child next? Which school will offer the best, all round education for your child?

Where will he/she be happiest at? The next few months will see your diaries fill up with open days, entrance examinations and interviews.

This month sees the final part of our three part Education Life series in 2011. Our fabulous 24 page section will help smooth the way for you.

We have worked with the finest independent schools to bring you this

Welcome readers‌

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN YOUR AREA

E D U C AT I O N Twenty years ago boys out-performed girls in virtually every area of measurable education success: now the boot is on the other foot. If, over the last 20 years, girls’ performance had fallen as dramatically as boys’ performance has fallen, there would probably have been a national outcry and questions in the House. However obviously the old system failed girls, educationalists have only recently begun to consider that the much-needed reforms that enhanced girls’ performance may have actually damaged boys’ performance: we threw the baby out with the bath water.

British education has fallen prey to the lazy assumption that discipline, high expectations and an emphasis on maintaining standards were the prerogative of the political right and boiled down to nothing more than the “3 R’s and the sort of “flog ‘em” mentality we associate with David Copperfield.

Paradoxically, restrictive educational practices of today have the best possible liberal pedigree. Almost all roughand-tumble play is frowned upon lest it overflow into bullying. Risk-taking, (which even without the macho overtones of ‘turning boys into men’ is something that boys need to develop) is rendered virtually impossible by a quagmire of legislation and a culture of blame and litigiousness. Boys need positive, strong male role models but in the current climate it is virtually impossible to develop an ethics of strong masculinity that is not ridiculed as some ersatz ‘He-Man’ cartoon: the very idea of masculine strength has become insidiously associated with an insensitive, emotionallyretarded and arrogant chauvinism as if the whole gender were in danger of mistaking Schwarzenegger’s ‘Terminator’ for something other than entertainment.

The productive interrogation of traditional gender roles that the UK went through from the 60’s to the 90’s has left boys largely without male heroes they can respect (outside of professional soccer) and yet on 24/7 news channels a catalogue of horrors (supposedly stemming primarily from an untrammelled masculinity) will confront them in the detailed reportage of crimes against children, women and the weak undertaken by men. So there is a malaise and there is also a vacuum and in those conditions, any fly-by-night fad can influence young men. The terrible riots and looting that shook the UK this year were the final proof that educational failure in a moral vacuum is a lethal combination.

The results are felt daily at street level in the brave new world of ‘hoodies’, street 2 SEPTEMBER2011

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

Chris Roseblade (Deputy Head, Communications) Merchant Taylors’ School violence, joy-riders and drug wars that young men who have turned their back on education have created.

So what did work for boys in the old system? The emphasis on memorization, learning and knowledge to start with: boys are traditionally reluctant to embarrass themselves in public or to verbalise their emotions and this framework of knowledge provided a safety net for them in classrooms, largely lost in a world of ‘blogs’, ‘face books’ and ‘tweets’ where opinion is king and fact an optional accessory. Education emphasised competition (an emphasis subsequently lost because of quite legitimate concerns about over competitiveness). In any given classroom, put girls in groups, give them a task and they will get on with it. Give a group of boys the same task and they will discharge it honourably for the 45 seconds that it takes for the teacher to pass out of earshot, after which they will do as they please. If the rules of this game are changed and prestige accrues to the team that gives the best answer, then the boys will be transformed because they want to win. In a world where the educational fashion for 20 years has been that “there isn’t just one right answer”, this sort of activity is about as fashionable as waxing your moustache.

movement-orientated; their capacity for perseverance is directly related to their level of motivation; they will only work, first if it is interesting and second if they like the teacher; boys are group-orientated, not task-orientated: they will do better if they and their friends get to ‘win’ and because boys expect to get ahead in some areas, they don’t mind losing in others. Their fear is not of losing out in an individual competition; it is not making the baseline, full stop: their acceptance amongst their peers in incredibly important to them and no boy likes being ‘class clown’.

The last time I taught in a co-educational maintained school, there were fourteen students in my A level English class: all of them were girls. In all-boys’ environments, boys can freely participate in the creative arts without fear of undermining their masculinity. They can they experience positive discipline, clear rules and an environment that helps them develop their sense of self and their sense of fairness as part of a code of honour they value. Their teachers are valued by boys far more as a role model than as pure vehicles for the transmission of academic knowledge and in that relationship coaching is crucial.

Sport itself is a major form of emotional education in which boys learn to manage strong motions and stresses in physical situations. Everyone leads in some areas and follows in others.

It is only if we can free our minds from the sloppy thinking that single-sex schools are inevitably conveyor belts for extremely conservative gender roles and replace that concern for social engineering with a concern for educational achievement and creating new and richer gender models that boys’ achievement will flourish again.

It’s nearly 40 years since the women’s movement took off in the UK and more than a decade since Blur sang about “girls who are boys who like boys to be girls”.

We need to stop worrying so much about labelling: of course, some boys will be “girllike” and vice-versa. Of course! So what?

Education is not merely a matter of social stereotyping; it is a matter of cognitive organisation and different forms of mental and emotional processing. If the old system virtually ignored the needs of girls in these areas, then the more recent diktats of the currently fashionable political commissars largely ignore the needs of boys. The problem is that faddery itself is the new despotism that brooks no disagreement: the mysteries of education have eluded philosophers for thousands of years and are unlikely to be solved by any current ministerial Quango but woe betide the teacher who hesitates to be a dedicated follower of fashion and implement the latest aperçu from the Ministry as if it came from Jove himself.

Boys do not respond well to situations where the only competition ‘is against yourself ’, or where ‘there is no right answer’. If a teacher asks a boy, “how do you feel about this poem?” The boy dies inside. Precisely because boys have extremely strong emotions, they are incredibly reluctant to verbalise them and engender the inevitable subsequent teasing from their mates. Ask the same boy “how do you react to this poem?” and he is safe and reassured because within masculine culture it is perfectly legitimate to react to something. Boys follow lists of written instructions poorly but map and organise things well: they are the IKEA DIY species on the planet. Twenty There is an increasing body of research years ago an A level question rewarded that shows that the significant neuro- knowledge and planning in the dominant cognitive gender differences can only essay and problem-solving forms. Today be addressed successfully by creating guided bullet points and problems that learning situations that respond to the are “accessible” remove the elements of needs of the different genders and have challenge, stimulus, and organisation so different dynamics. Amongst these are the vital for boys to succeed: it is no surprise Tragically, if you want educational practices following: boys are visually focused and they have done badly. that will help your son learn to think and feel all of which he is capable, then the only place you can find it is in the energy of the independent boys’ schools that combine suitable traditional values with innovative educational practices and positive gender role modelling, but still allow “boys to be boys”.

MTS

Merchant Taylors’ School 1561-2011 Celebrating 450 years of excellence

Open Morning

1561

September 24th 2011 10.00 - 12.30

Why not choose the best for your son?

• A ‘Top Ten’ boys’ school • ‘Outstanding’ - 2008 School Inspection • Inspirational teaching • Unique tutorial system • Civilized, friendly & unpressured • Small class sizes • Magnificent sports fields • Superb facilities set in 250 acres

• 2012 Registration: 11+ November 30 2011 16+ December 31 2011 • 2013 Registration: 13+ June 30 2012

Sixth Form Open Afternoon

October 17th 2011 17.00 - 19.00

Easy access by tube and coach MTS is a 15 minute journey by car from the M1 or M25.

MTS coaches from Beaconsfield, Ealing, Harpenden, Harrow, Mill Hill, Radlett, Stanmore. MTS is adjacent to Moor Park (Metropolitan Line); Chiltern Line trains change at Harrow

Guided tours (last tour 11.30) The Head Master speaks at 12.15

www.mtsn.org.uk

Please contact Penny Wright, Admissions Secretary admissions@mtsn.org.uk +44(0)1923 845514 Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT

Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561.

For boys 11 - 18

E D U C AT I O N

QUEENSWOOD’S AMBITIOUS

HIGH ACHIEVERS

Queenswood is a leading boarding and day school for about 390 girls, aged 11-18. It is a warm and friendly community where everybody is well known.

Girls thrive within a nurturing house structure where they are fully integrated and develop a sense of responsibility for each other. Day girls enjoy all the

facilities and opportunities, going home after a packed school day.

There is a new, bespoke home-toschool transport service covering many routes. Boarders make up over half the school and there is there is a flexible approach to boarding. Our beautiful estate in Hertfordshire countryside provides the perfect educational environment. Being close to

central London, it also has the advantage of easy access to the cultural richness of the capital.

exciting extra-curricular programme. Individual talent also flourishes in sport and the creative and performing arts. An all round education focuses on equipping the girls with all the life skills required of women in the 21st century and girls win places at top universities prior to embarking upon a range of exciting careers.

Queenswood girls are ambitious high achievers although the school is resolutely neither an academic hothouse nor overly selective. The girls enjoy a dynamic academic curriculum, supported by a diverse and

I have had an excellent time at Gayhurst. I would recommend it to anyone

GAYHURST LEAVERS GIVE RINGING ENDORSEMENT

Open events: • Wednesday 21 September 2011 a new evening event with a 6th form focus • Friday 30 September – early morning

We are very proud of all our achievements at Gayhurst, a friendly co-educational prep school in Bull Lane, Gerrards Cross. However instead of resting on our laurels, we thought we would ask the pupils who were about to leave exactly what they thought about the school and to see if there were any areas where we could improve.

We made sure we asked for negatives too. For instance we asked what they would change. One replied: “I wouldn’t change anything. It’s perfect”. When we asked what they had liked the least then, perhaps unsurprisingly, exams and homework came at the top of the list.

It was a completely confidential and anonymous survey so the girls and boys could write whatever they liked but we were overwhelmed by how positive the responses were and the maturity and thoughtfulness of the answers.

It is an exciting time at Gayhurst with girls starting in Year 3 for the first time. The girls in the junior school and those in Years 7 and 8 have already made a huge contribution to school life and we are delighted with the way our journey to co-education is progressing.

When asked their overall thoughts on Gayhurst the pupils were unanimous in their praise, saying things like: “A great school that unlocks talents you never knew you had” and “I enjoyed every second. The teachers are all nice”.

“It is a pleasure to go to Gayhurst and you feel lucky to have what is offered. I gained confidence”

www.queenswood.org T: 01707 602500

E: admissions@queenswood.org

Shepherd’s Way n Brookmans Park n Hatfield n AL9 6NS Queenswood is a registered charity (311060) dedicated to girls’ education

“I am proud to be a Gayhurst pupil and to go to such a wonderful school”

I’ll leave the final words to the pupils themselves…

ANDREW SIMS, HEADMASTER “I feel pride when I wear my Gayhurst uniform and am honoured to be part of this school”

“It has been fun and I have enjoyed every moment of it”

Gayhurst will be holding an Open Morning from 9.30am on Friday 14 October 2011.

Please call Registrar Felicity Copp for an appointment on 01753 882690 or email gayhurst@gayhurstschool.eu

GAYHURST SCHOOL

IAPS 320 Boys and Girls 3-13 A Family School in Gerrards Cross

For further details please visit our website www.gayhurstschool.eu

E D U C AT I O N

The Truly Holistic Experience AT A LD E N H A M S C H O O L

an “open all hours” model for many years and, despite the fact that there has been a great deal of hostile press received by the sector recently, there is also a recognition that staff who work within this sector show an incredible degree of dedication to their work. It is certainly not unusual for me to receive an important communication about a pupil from a housemaster or mistress who has just finished attending to their charges at 11.00pm at night.

During a recent OFSTED inspection the inspection team were flagging long before our staff were. The reason for the dedication words by James Fowler, Headmaster Aldenham School though is the reward of being able to be involved in the truly holistic ecent reports in the press model for the rest of Britain”, but to call upon a very wide range experience of seeing the young of staff in order to concerning the “free schools” its critics people develop in all aspects of Staff who work service the needs of their life through a long and busy to be set up under new would government legislation have say that day. We will not be opening the within this sector show an the youngsters in certainly divided opinion. One a school school for 51 weeks a year, but incredible degree of dedication its care. particular headline in The Times which will for the 35 weeks that we are open to their work...

Of course, boarding there is little doubt that our pupils concerned the fact that this new be open for schools have genuinely offered “open all hours school will be a 51 weeks of the year would have gain greatly from the experience.

00pm am-12.

0 0 .

0 1 Tours ster speaks a Headm & 11.15am m a 5 10.1

Open Morning 15 October 2011 10.00am - 12.30pm Aldenham School

(ages 11-18)

Entry for Boys & Girls at 11+, 13+, 16+

Aldenham Preparatory School

(ages 3-11)

Entry for Boys & Girls at 3+, 4+, 7+

An excellent all round education Aldenham School, Elstree, Herts WD6 3AJ

T 01923 858122

www.aldenham.com

Lochinver House School Heath Road, Potters Bar EN6 1LW Tel: 01707 653064 Fax: 01707 620030 www.lochinverhouse.herts.sch.uk

OPEN MORNING

Independent Prep School for boys 4 - 13

Saturday 1st October 2011 10:00am - 12noon

• Small Classes • Breakfast Club, Tea Time and Homework clubs • School Minibus Service operates each morning on three separate routes • Occasional Bursaries available

For further information contact the Registrar, Mrs Anne Meir: registrar@lochinverhouse.herts.sch.uk or telephone: 01707 620036 Lochinver House School: a company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England: Company No. 4374254 Registered Office as above. Registered Charity No. 1091045

Leading Independent Day School for Girls aged 11-18

FRANCIS HOLLAND SCHOOL Regent’s Park NW1

11+ Open Events 2011 15th, 21st September 27th September 5-7.30pm (no booking required) 14th October 10th, 24th November

Sixth Form Open Event 2011 11th October 5.30pm To book a place please contact Mrs Sandy Bailey on 020 7723 0176 or at registrar@fhs-nw1.org.uk

Academic and Music scholarships Bursaries up to 100% fees Reg. Charity No 312745

registrar@fhs-nw1.org.uk 020 7723 0176 www.francisholland.org.uk Francis Holland School, Clarence Gate, London NW1 6XR

E D U C AT I O N More than once I’ve heard parents say these words when considering the next school for their son or daughter, expecting me to agree.

Having worked in London since the beginning of the 1980s, I am convinced that many of the capital’s schools offer outstanding educational opportunities – not least, because of their location. It is certainly a parental fallacy to believe that a rural boarding school will offer no potential for teenage misbehaviour or will somehow prevent a child “growing up too fast”.

Museums, theatres, concert halls, art galleries, exhibitions, royal parks, historic monuments: every possible lesson enhancement is a few of tube stops away for teachers and pupils in London schools. More importantly, education begins before the teacher walks into the classroom. The unique social, cultural and religious diversity which this city embraces, enables many London school children to gain extraordinary educational benefits by understanding at first hand the lives of their peers.

Scare stories hit the press. The reality in the best London schools is a thoroughly positive experience, which fosters tolerance and complex understanding in the adults of the future.

However, the expectations placed on the parents of London teenagers are greater than ever before. A strong link is essential between you as a parent and the school you choose for your son or daughter, especially beyond the age of eleven. Try to find a school that as far as possible matches the values that you have established at home.

Avoid choosing a school with a strong uniform policy if receiving reminders about ties or skirt length will become irritating! However, do bear in mind, as a former Head Master of Eton once said, “No school is perfect!”

Educating Teenagers in London He/she’ll be better off in a school out of London... words Vivienne Durham Vivienne Durham is Headmistress of Francis Holland School, a leading day school for girls in central London that an email or phone call will be welcomed by the school if you have concerns about any aspect of your son or daughter’s well-being at school.

Many schools will host regular events exclusively for parents on issues such as “ keeping your daughter safe online “; preventing alcohol and substance abuse and socialising guidelines. Schools which are members of GSA (the Girls’ Schools Association) are experts in the education of girls. Parents of teenage girls will find free advice on a huge range of common concerns from professional experts on GSA’s excellent website: www. mydaughter.com.

from their senior pastoral teachers.

Parenting teenagers can demand negotiation skills that would not be out of place at a UN global summit. Whilst teenagers may often not understand, like or agree with parental opinions, they need to learn to respect the right of adults to hold contrasting views.

Predictably, the most successful pupils usually prioritise school work and school extra-curricular activities during the week. Communication is key when allowing teenagers to have greater freedom in their social life. Parents have to be able to trust that their teenager Parents can feel cut adrift from their is where he/she says she/he will be teenager’s school life once the security - and expect that negotiated homeof meeting other mothers and fathers London parents are often worried about times will be met. Teenagers should at the “school gate” diminishes. More how often their teenagers should be be encouraged to plan their time at than ever during the teenage years, it is allowed out socially during the week in weekends so that family commitments essential to know the parents of your term time. There are no hard and fast and homework are accommodated, as son or daughter’s best friends. Events rules, but always trust your parental well as time for socialising with friends. organised by Parents’ Associations instincts. “No” should still be a seminal often create valuable and enjoyable word in the parental repertoire. It is Self discipline usually increases opportunities to meet parents in your with age, for most teenagers. Good daughter’s year group and compare notes. always useful to compare notes with the parents of your son or daughter’s organisation comes naturally to many friends – or even seek advice directly young teenage girls – but not to all.

Above all, as a parent, you need to feel

By sixteen or seventeen, some teenage girls can summon up impressive time-management skills and need no exhortations to meet school assignment deadlines. Parents can promote this level of motivation by establishing a clear routine for homework, well before their daughter enters her teenage years.

The well known mantra, “homework time before screen time” (ie before Facebook, ipods, mobile phone, television) has much to recommend it, although homework will often require the use of a computer or iPad. Teenagers want guidelines and boundaries – if only to test them. From Polonius to The Earl of Chesterfield, literature abounds with examples of parents seeking to advise their children.

All too often, pearls of wisdom fall on deaf ears: “advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always want it the least” (The Earl of Chesterfield in a letter to his son 29 Jan 1748.).

Example often succeeds better than precept; teenage girls and boys need role models in their real lives, beyond the online celebrity culture. Teachers can play a crucial role in shaping the values and behaviour of teenagers. Even in the 21st century, an inspirational teacher will influence young lives far beyond the classroom. Many schools have a buddy system or some formalised befriending scheme to ensure that younger teenagers are “mentored” by senior students. In boarding schools, the House system also provides invaluable opportunities for younger pupils to learn from the example of older students in their House.

Above all, if teenagers are to be fully prepared for adult life, they occasionally need to get things wrong, to have set-backs, or even to fail outright. The perfectionist teenager, who has known nothing but literal or metaphorical gold stars during his/her school career, is poorly equipped for “the slings and arrows” of adult life. Teenagers need to acquire the resilience to cope with disappointment or heart-break, with parents and teachers on hand, willing to listen and support.

Guiding a teenager into becoming a happy and well balanced adult, who has found his or her place in the world, can sometimes seem an Olympic feat. Most parents and teachers would agree that no gold medal could reflect the achievement.

SEPTEMBER2011 7

E D U C AT I O N

A

ACADEMIC SUCCESS in a caring community

t St Albans High School for Girls we aim to prepare well-rounded young women for the future by providing an exciting and challenging education that fosters independence, creativity and risktaking within a caring community.

Our academic results continue to be excellent, with 80% of A Level grades this year awarded at A*/ A; 46.7% of GCSE grades awarded at A* and 100% of all early Year 10 student entries in Mathematics and French reaping A*/A grades.

We are firm in our belief that pupils cannot achieve their best if

they do not have the support they need when they need it. For this reason we have an extensive Pastoral Care system in place which is underpinned by an understanding

House system, with a Housemistress for each of the four Houses developing a lasting relationship with each girl whereby she can provide support in the context of

We are firm in our belief that pupils cannot achieve their best if they do not have the support they need when they need it... that each and every member of staff has a responsibility for the wellbeing of all pupils. Pastoral care is organised through a vertical

a full understanding of each girl.

The School has strong links with the Cathedral and Abbey Church of

St Alban where many of its annual services are held, including the Service of Lessons and Carols and Founders’ Day service. The Christian ethos allows our pupils to grow and flourish into self-assured young women who have a strong sense of who they are and what they believe in.

Our recent inspection report confirmed that our pupils are “… very happy and comfortable in their school environment, and find all staff approachable, caring and dedicated to their needs. Teachers work extremely hard and know the pupils very well.”

An independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, which is affiliated to the Church of England

OPEN EVENTS PREPARATORY SCHOOL in Wheathampstead 7 October 9.15am - 11.15am 5 November 9.30am - 12.00 noon

SENIOR SCHOOL in St Albans 1 October 9.30am - 12.00 noon 12 November 9.30am - 12.00 noon

SIXTH FORM INFORMATION EVENING 2 November 6.30pm - 8.30pm

01727 853800

www.stahs.org.uk Registered in England No: 321911 Registered Charity No: 311065

8 S E P T E MExceptional BER2011

Where excellence and individuality thrive

pastoral care • Fees assistance and scholarships available • Extensive coach service

E D U C AT I O N

RMS

offers a first class education that is about so much more than examination results – we are educating girls and preparing young women for lives as creative, independent thinkers who display commitment to and concern for the welfare of others. Our rich and diverse provision promotes these values.

What an irony it is that in so many schools the extracurricular is seen as marginal, whereas, in fact, it is the creative, social, challenging and exciting activities fostered by a broad educational experience that mould well-balanced individuals, confident to take their place in a world changing with unprecedented speed.

best in a nurturing atmosphere and are supported by dedicated staff who encourage the girls to believe in themselves. RMS leavers go on to succeed highly both at university and in the world of work because they complement their excellent results with outstanding inter-personal skills.

Girls who take advantage of our flexible boarding provision are particularly well prepared for life as independent adults.

Boarding at RMS was rated as outstanding by OFSTED in an inspection last term.

A FIRST CLASS

EDUCATION WITH THE ROYAL MASONIC

A5 - 4 Stamps Nat Katie 18-07-11_A5 RMS girls do their personal- 4 Stamps Nat Katie 18-07-11 18/07/2011 13:01 Page 1

SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Ruspini House the RMS Pre School for boys and girls aged 2-4 and Cadogan House, our newly refurbished, state of the art Prep Department for girls aged 4 – 11, offer an exceptional foundation for learning and confidence.

The Royal Masonic School for Girls...

1st Class

1st Class

OPEN DAYS Sunday 9th October, 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm Monday 10th October, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm Tuesday 11th October, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm Katie Photographer

Natalie Scientist

1st Class

1st Class

Tennyson Ruspini House

Brodie Cadogan House

+44 (0)1923 725354 www.royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 4HF. Registered Charity No. 276784

E D U C AT I O N

The Mount School Girls Achieve 74% A* and A at GCSE There was no need for nerves amongst The Mount School Year 11 girls who achieved the best GCSE results the school had seen. 74% of the grades were A* to A with 94% at grade A* to B. With 100% A* to C grades no-one achieved less than a C grade in any subject. Maths and English results were exceptionally

good with 89% of maths and 83% of English grades at A* to A. The girls had supported and encouraged each other and taken all the opportunities and advice that teachers at The Mount School had offered them. Teachers and parents were proud of their success; it was so

Open Day 2011

Saturday 24th September

With these excellent results the girls talked excitedly about moving on to study ‘A’ levels at some of the top schools in the area. They left feeling confident that they were ready for the next important step in their education.

For more information and to see for yourself visit The Mount School website www.mountschool.com, contact our Registrar on 020 8238 8104 or go to the next Open Day on 24th September at 10am to 12.30pm.

Open Mornings 2011 Wednesday 5th October Tuesday 8th November School in Action 9am to 10.30am Head’s talk: 9.15am

‘Excellent exam results, small classes and a real sense of community.’

www.mountschool.com Milespit Hill, Mill Hill, London NW7 2RX t 020 8959 3403 admin@mountschool.com GSA Independent Day School for Girls ages 4 –16 Registered Charity No. 312593

The Mount School

10am to 12.30pm Head's talk: 11am

good to see their efforts rewarded.

E D U C AT I O N Westbrook Hay offers children a wonderful opportunity to be educated in a beautiful rural environment benefiting from extensive sporting facilities where the children can play on grass, explore the woods and climb trees.

Small classes, with caring teachers who properly understand children’s learning gives children the chance to experience individual attention as they are prepared for secondary education.

The school’s superb facilities have been enhanced by a new £2m lower school building, giving our younger children a wonderful learning environment from Robins to Year 1. This building also includes a fabulous new Art room which the children will benefit from throughout their school career.

Another recent addition to Westbrook Hay is a new, fully equipped ICT suite. This comprises two rooms with the most up-to-date technology, used both in ICT lessons and throughout the curriculum.

Academic accomplishment is fundamental to Westbrook Hay;

swimming. The school operates a busy sporting calendar against other local prep schools, which allows every child the opportunity to represent their school.

Westbrook Hay HAPPINESS, CONFIDENCE, SUCCESS

the school continues to enjoy 100% success in sending children to their chosen senior school, and achieves considerable scholarship success to local independent and boarding schools.

Sport is played four times a week from Year 3. The girls will play netball, hockey and rounders and the boys football, rugby and cricket. All the children will enjoy athletics, cross-country, PE and

In addition to a wide array of sport, our children are able to experience a whole range of additional activities whilst at school, including skiing, golf, horse riding, dance, drama, food and nutrition, chess, photography, Warhammer and life saving in our swimming pool.

Music, dance and drama are thoroughly enjoyed by the children. The school plays are events that give the children confidence and responsibility.

Many children will learn to play a musical instrument from an early age, supporting the orchestra or singing in one of our choirs and some go on to gain music scholarships to their next school.

With this variety, beautiful setting and excellent teaching, it is little wonder that Westbrook Hay is filled with happy, confident, successful children.

Happiness, Confidence, Success

For boys and girls aged 3-13 • Excellent academic standards • Small class sizes • Scholarships available • Nursery • Fabulous facilities in 26 acres • Breakfast / after-school clubs

“

OPEN MORNING

Our children are at a successful school where they have the best possible chance of reaching their potential through the care and commitment of its wonderful staff.

”

Saturday, 1st October 2011, 9.30am – 12.30pm To view, contact:

01442 256143

email admin@westbrookhay.co.uk www.westbrookhay.co.uk London Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2RF

E D U C AT I O N drama and public speaking at St Columba’s College with concerts and drama productions regularly staged throughout the year.

The College has strong links with two schools in Zambia: the Prep school supports a centre for street children and, each year, a team of staff and Sixth Formers undertakes a programme of building and renovation at St Francis School.

AN ENVIRONMENT WERE BOYS FLOURISH St Columba’s College provides a secure, supportive environment in which boys from the age of four up to 18 years old can achieve academic, sporting and personal excellence.

sport, music, drama and especially through service. In addition to these experiences being available within the curriculum, we offer an extensive Extra and Extended Curriculum with a range of opportunities from the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Combined Cadet Force to debate and Young Enterprise. Each of these activities develops self-

We believe in a holistic approach to education.

Every youngPage person 24/6/11 07:09 1 learns from their total school experience whether through

A5:Layout 1

knowledge, teamwork, leadership and resilience – qualities demanded at University and by employers.

St Columba’s College regularly wins a host of trophies for Rugby, athletics and other sports throughout the whole school and we are recognised for our basketball achievement.

There is a strong tradition of music,

The strength of the school lies in the combination of high expectations, with a culture of mutual respect and care, creating a stimulating happy environment in which boys thrive and learn, building firm foundations for confident socially skilled pupils.

You can learn more about St Columba’s College from our website, www.stcolumbascollege.org.

Our open days take place on Thursday 29th September for the Senior School and Saturday 1st October for the whole College, and we would also be delighted to arrange an individual tour of the College for you and your family with one of our boys.

Independent Day School for Girls 3-16 & Boys 3-5

ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE

A CATHOLIC INDEPENDENT (HMC) DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS, AGES 4–18

Courage

• Combines impressive academic achievement with outstanding pastoral care • All faiths and denominations welcome • Wide range of extra curricular opportunities • Extensive school coach service available • Entry at 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+

OPEN SESSIONS

Courtesy

Senior School (11yrs–1 Thursday 29th Septem 8yrs) ber 2011 7.00pm–9.00pm Senior & Prep School (4yrs– Saturday 1st October 18yrs) 2011 9.30am–12.30pm

King Harry Lane St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4AW Telephone (Senior): 01727 855185 (Prep): 01727 862616 Email: admissions@stcolumbascollege.org www.stcolumbascollege.org

Compassion

A BROTHERS OF THE SACRED HEART FOUNDATION CATHOLIC EDUCATION REGISTERED CHARITY NO 1088480

FOR

OPEN DAY

Saturday 8 October 2011 2.00pm - 4.00pm (last tours begin at 3.30pm)

Saturday 19 November 2011 10.00am - 12 noon (last tours begin at 11.30am) no appointment necessary

• Excellent academic standards & results • Wide range of extra curricular activities • Breakfast and after school care available • Small class sizes

Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP E: registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

T: 01442 240 333 F: 01442 269 981

E D U C AT I O N

young women

CONFIDENT

Academic work is the pinnacle of life at Abbot’s Hill but girls have a wealth of opportunity to develop their gifts and talents outside the classroom. The magnificent grounds provide the backdrop to a range of extracurricular activities. Sporting excellence is celebrated and girls participate in a range of individual and team sports such as lacrosse, netball, volleyball, dance, gym and trampolining.

Scottish heritage, underpins our clan (house) system and inter clan events are very seriously contested, led by our Year 11 Clan Captains.

These roles and responsibilities are balanced alongside their academic work, extracurricular involvement and Charity fundraising and support. This year the Abbot’s Hill community is raising money for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.

We are thrilled that Dame Kelly has honoured the school by giving her name to our Sports Hall. After several months of eventful fundraising our hard efforts had paid off as we handed over a cheque of more than £6,000 to Dame Kelly’s charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust. At Abbot’s Hill we aim to educate, challenge and develop confident and independent girls. It is a pleasure to engage in our learning in such an idyllic setting.

Encouraging independence in a challenging environment

Our well known dramatic productions and range of choirs provide opportunities in the Performing Arts. Participation in Creative and Performing Arts is encouraged and girls make full use of the wide ranging and diverse clubs and activities on offer.

Alongside their academic work, Year 11 girls are encouraged to take leadership roles as Prefects, running the School Council and helping organise the day to day running of the Senior school. Our

www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk/sportsnews/ Dame_Kelly_Visits_AHS.php

Open Day 2011 Sat 24th September Junior School 10.15am-12.30pm Senior School 1.30pm-4.30pm Sixth Form Course Consultation Tues 11th October

Choice of A Level and International Baccalaureate Diploma

www.nlcs.org.uk

School in Action Mornings and Taster Afternoons also available in the autumn term

Founded 1850

To arrange appointments please visit our website or call the Admissions Offices

An independent school for girls aged 4-18

Senior School - 020 8952 0912 Junior School - 020 8952 1276 Sixth Form - 020 8951 6468

Canons, Canons Drive Edgware Middlesex HA8 7RJ

(No appointment is necessary to attend Open Day)

Bursary places and Scholarships available

E D U C AT I O N

BOYS THRIVE Good results, good manners and good fun at Lockers Park

Lockers Park is a small, happy day and boarding school for boys, set in 23 acres of parkland in Hertfordshire, just above Hemel Hempstead. We are proud to be a school exclusively for boys and whether in lessons, on the playing fields or in free time, their particular needs are catered for.

We have been educating boys since 1874 and blend modern facilities and teaching methods with traditional values and well-loved customs. Whilst day boys enjoy all the facilities and opportunities of a boarding school, modern boarding is enormous fun for our full boarders.

Our average class size is 14 and the pupil: teacher ratio a healthy 1:8.

The school is proud of its academic record. Each year, our leavers go on to their chosen senior school – both boarding and day

- with many gaining scholarships in a range of disciplines from academic to art, sport and music.

Lockers Park offers a real family atmosphere, where boys are stimulated and happy. Being a small school, we are able to ensure that every boy can thrive as an individual.

Our pupils enjoy spending time with friends, working hard and building the self-confidence and independence that they will need for their future lives.

We believe that success follows success and develops naturally in boys who are motivated and given every encouragement to push themselves, knowing they will always be supported.

All this is all embodied in our school motto; Bene agere ac Laetari – good results, good manners, good fun.

LOCKERS PARK

Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire Day & Boarding Preparatory School for boys aged 5 - 13 years

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2011 AT 11AM Telephone us on Hemel Hempstead 01442 251712 Bursaries are available to boys Years 3 to 6 Bene agere ac Laetari: good results, good manners, good fun

Parent friendly flexible pick up and drop off www.lockerspark.herts.sch.uk Registered Charity Number 311061

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls Fun, excitement and challenge: a true love of learning Junior Open Day 1st October 2011 10am-12.30pm Junior Open Mornings 8th and 10th November 2011 9.15am Independent Day School for Girls from 4-18 Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts, WD6 3BT e: admissions@habsgirls.org.uk t: 020 8266 2338 www.habsgirls.org.uk Registered Charity No. 313996

Whether girls join the Habs family at 4+, 5+ or 7+, there is always a warm welcome for them; older girls help the staff to create a caring ethos.

There is a buzz about the place and it is our intention to enable each girl to find something in which she can be successful. All girls are encouraged to aim high and relish the challenges of a very broad curriculum. Energetic teaching staff and outstanding facilities make learning exciting and fun.

Rainbow, our reception class, provides the youngest members of the Habs family with opportunities to explore the world of learning and to express themselves in words, imaginative play, music, dance, roleplay, art and design technology.

Girls who join the school at 5+ enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum from the start, including twice-

weekly Japanese lessons.

We work hard at promoting girls’ self esteem and like each girl to find something in which she can enjoy success and take pride. We aim for our girls to be enthusiastic and confident but not cocky.

Girls are encouraged to understand their responsibility to others in our community and in the wider world.

JUNIOR OPEN DAY 1st October 2011 10am – 12.30pm

JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN WORKING MORNINGS 8th & 10th November 2011 9.15pm

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls Independent Day School, Aldenham Rd, Elstree, Herts WD6 3BT. Admission enquiries 020 8266 2302

ENTHUSIASM & CONFIDENCE AT HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS SEPTEMBER2011 15

E D U C AT I O N

“High Aspirations For All In All” Beechwood Park is a day and weekly boarding school for girls and boys aged 4 – 13 years, located in Markyate, near St Albans, Hertfordshire. The recently refurbished and enlarged nearby Beechwood Park Montessori Nursery (at Little Cheverells) welcomes children from 2½ years. It offers outstanding care by qualified teachers in an idyllic, rural setting with superb facilities.

Amongst the older children flexi and weekly boarding (Monday – Friday) is increasingly popular, it enables boys and girls to experience the lifestyle of a boarder in a smaller, more intimate environment. Citydwelling families are realising the benefits of preparatory boarding schools in the countryside (but easily accessible to London by rail and road). Beechwood’s boarders enjoy boarding during the week in an educational setting of unsurpassed beauty, returning home to their families for an exciting weekend in the metropolis. Children who may have reached the top of their

independent junior school but are not quite ready for the full on boarding regime at a large senior boarding school, can benefit from the transition offered by Beechwood.

The sports facilities are magnificent and the variety of sports means there is something for everyone.

The creative arts flourish and music provision is second to none.

ensembles, regular concerts and recitals – in addition to flourishing classroom teaching of music.

A wide-ranging extra-curricular programme, visiting speakers, and frequent excursions all add to the culturally-rich environment for Beechwood’s pupils.

Sebright Bursaries are available for entry in Year 7. The school, which is well-served by school buses from several locations, benefits from a uniquely beautiful location in an eighteenth century mansion house.

OPEN MORNING

A broad, balanced curriculum is well-taught and inspiring, producing an excellent record of exam success and scholarships to a wide range of senior schools.

Approximately 300 instrumental/ vocal lessons take place each week, with several pupils selected to sing in the National Youth Choir; there are several choirs and 17

Beechwood Park School, Markyate, Hertfordshire AL3 8AW Preparatory day and weekly boarding for girls and boys aged 4 to 13 years Beechwood Park Montessori welcomes children from 2½ years

www.beechwoodpark.herts.sch.uk

The next Open Morning (9.30 am to 12.00 noon) is on October 14th 2011 but the Headmaster, Patrick Atkinson, is always happy to meet prospective parents at other times.

Please view the website www.beechwoodpark.herts.sch.uk, telephone the Registrar on 01582 840333 or email: admissions@beechwoodpark. herts.sch.uk for more information.

BEECHWOOD

PARK

SCHOOL

Telephone: 01582 840333

Come and see for yourself: Open Mornings October 14 2011, February 10 and June 1 2012

E D U C AT I O N ost people would probably agree that many English private schools offer the very best education available anywhere in the world and there is a sense in which the study of Latin (and Greek) defines them. Although of late an increasing number of state schools wish to offer Latin, Classics is still overwhelmingly the province of the independent sector and is indeed literally synonymous with traditional public school education. The formidable advantages of learning Latin at school are familiar: understanding grammar and syntax, expanding vocabulary and gaining historical perspective and an appreciation of a foreign literature and culture.

The challenge for the prep school Classics department is to bring the subject to life so that pupils are excited and eager to engage with it.

What really matters is whether Latin with its recognised plethora of positives, is making its presence felt as far as one’s own child’s personal experience is concerned.

A policy of inclusiveness should ensure that all pupils can benefit from exposure to Latin. Pupils with learning difficulties can be encouraged by Learning Support departments to embark on the study of Latin. Many children who are dyslexic thrive on the comforting regularity and predictability of verb and noun tables. The phonetic spelling is a huge plus factor and at the beginning stages, at any rate, copious writing is not a feature.

Opportunity for all pupils to write the 13+ Common Entrance Latin exam is facilitated by there being three levels; discretion is left to the teacher as to whether a child eventually writes Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. The syllabus is so constructed that whether a more fundamental Level 1, or whether Level 3 with its introduction of the subjunctive mood and complex subordinate clauses, is attempted, a firm grounding in basic grammar and awareness of vocabulary derivations will be gained. Learning in both English and French (indeed all languages) is enhanced with such a foundation being laid.

however, that whatever method is used, there cannot be anyone who would not love the now iconic mouse, Minimus, of Barbara Bell’s wonderful book of the same name!

THE PREP SCHOOL LATIN AGENDA

‘LINGUA LATINA VIVIT’ words by Michele Anderson, Head of Classics, Beechwood Park School, Markyate, Hertfordshire AL3 8AW

The Classics component of the syllabus is the same for all levels. It is left to the teacher to choose from Mythology, Domestic Life, The Army and Roman Britain and the City of Rome (the baths, theatre, circus etc.)

The age when the study of Latin begins varies from school to school,

that the pupil looks forward to visiting.

Secondly, at no other time has there been such a wealth of technological phantasmagoria at the teacher’s disposal – interactive whiteboards, visualisers, websites, CDs, DVDs, games, etc. Thirdly, departmental budget permitting, teachers have the freedom to choose from a range of

The formidable advantages of learning Latin at school are familiar... the majority introducing it either in Year 5 or Year 6, with some beginning even earlier. But however young one starts, what matters is the way the subject is presented.

First, a stimulating and inviting learning environment is essential: an interesting and exciting looking area

excellent books which best suit their teaching style or which they feel would maximise the learning of their pupils.

Whether a single course is followed or whether an eclectic choice of material is used, the important factor is that it is imparted with the same enthusiasm it is hoped will be adopted by those learning. It should be mentioned,

Latin has to be fun and vibrant if it is spoken. ‘Vivus per ora’ – alive through the mouths (of the pupils)! From reading and acting out the colourful little comic book scenes in Minimus to inter-class Latin play ‘competitions’ – children love the intrigue, excitement and challenge of speaking Latin.

Myths and fairy tales are excellent choices as the stories are already familiar to both pupils and most of the parent audience. Many benefits accrue from this exercise: pupils engage in something of an experiment, discovering for themselves what it must have been like to communicate in Latin; brains have to engage and concentrate extremely hard – for example, suddenly “et”, “est”, “es” which until now have been regarded as French words, must be pronounced fully with final consonants sounded.

A certain amount of ‘unlearning’ then has to occur and once pupils have made that leap, they are better able to accept the vagaries and idiosyncrasies of different languages. Trying to speak a language that is not usually heard is an excellent mental discipline and to do this before an audience of peers, teachers and parents is a feat for anyone, let alone 11-13 year olds!

Self-confidence is boosted tenfold.

Field trips are another way of bringing Latin to life, be it to the local super market for an etymology exercise or to the far corners of the empire to visit amphitheatres and aqueducts.

And inviting guest speakers does much to focus pupils’ interest and attention and can give them a taste for secondary school Latin.

Pupils who choose to continue with Latin are well poised for GCSE exams. Scholars in particular, many of whom may have dabbled in Greek, have already tried their hand at translating Catullus, Horace et al.

In a world where change is driven by ever accelerating information technology, Latin, the fixed star in the firmament, continues to live and to thrive in our prep schools.

SEPTEMBER2011 17

“A high record of academic achievement” Ofsted* 2010

An independent, co-educational 6th form college offering: • One and two year A levels • One year GCSEs • Flexible start dates • Day and boarding places • London campus in Bloomsbury Open days throughout September and October 2011 Please call 01223 778 129 or email thelmer@catscollege.com or visit www.catscollege.com * CATS College Cambridge

Open Day Saturday 15th October 9.30am - 1.00pm (Last school tours leave at 12.30pm)

Into the Sixth Form Evening Wednesday 5th October 6.30pm

• International Baccalaureate and A Levels offered • 93% of A Levels passed at grades A* to B • Impressive range of extracurricular activities • Focus on the individual • Bursaries available • Scholarships offered: academic, art, music and sport at 11+ and 16+; Leader-Baker Scholarship for 14+ September 2012 entry • 20 acre parkland site

St. Helen’s is adjacent to Northwood station (Metropolitan Line), 30 minutes from Baker Street, and coaches are available from many locations, including Barnet, Radlett and St. Albans.

An independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18

St. Helen’s School Eastbury Road Northwood Middlesex HA6 3AS Tel: 01923 843230 admissions@sthn.co.uk

www.sthn.co.uk

E D U C AT I O N

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

by Mrs Janet Parker, Deputy Head, St. Helen’s School

As young people progress through their education, they are asked to make an increasing number of choices that can affect their future education and career options. But what support can and should parents and schools offer as children consider their options and make what can sometimes be difficult decisions?

The first major decision-making point comes at age 13 when pupils are asked to make what they consider to be ‘life changing’ subject choices as they decide what GCSEs to take. However, most schools’ core curriculum, which will include science, maths, English, a humanity and a language, keeps most doors open. It is difficult to make a wrong choice at this stage and it is important that children are encouraged to choose options that they enjoy and that they feel they are good at.

Good schools should encourage students to look at their personal strengths and to play to these.

They should be encouraged to use evidence such as reports, to talk to their teachers and to listen to what is being said.

At the same time, it is also important that parents resist the temptation to relive their youth through their children and encourage them towards subjects

which were or weren’t available in their day. They should avoid making it clear what choice is expected or trying to second guess what universities will expect. Parents should trust the school that they

subsequently be open to them.

Students may want to consider a school that offers one of the alternative qualifications to A Levels if they wish to keep

It is important that students look at subjects not as ends in themselves but as vehicles for the development of skills... have chosen for their children to give good advice and to point students in the right direction.

Making GCSE choices is in effect a ‘dummy run’ for making future, more significant choices. When students reach the age of 16, the choices they make have a real impact on the avenues that will

their options open, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma which is offered by an increasing number of schools.

It is important that students look at subjects not as ends in themselves but as vehicles for the development of skills. They should look for a combination and variety of skills,

not repetition. It is also useful to look at how subjects are examined and whether that plays to a student’s strengths.

Pupils also need to do research into what skills are needed for specific careers that they might be interested in. Work experience in its various guises is key and parents should try not to decide what they want their children to do later and send them on work experience to convince them. Instead they should support them in exploring a range of options. Encourage them to keep a diary recording what skills were needed and impressions gained, rather than what tasks were involved.

Parents and schools should encourage students to look at universities very early on and to consider which doors will be closed by certain subject combinations.

Lots of information is now available on university websites.

Parents should resist the temptation to do it for their children; let them explore. Good schools will give lots of opportunities for this.

The key is that students do the work. In many cases universities are interested in good scholars before specific subjects. The key is to let young people do what they enjoy and value their achievement in those areas.

SEPTEMBER2011 19

E D U C AT I O N Very few people in the UK seem to, but the question I want to ask is why don’t we, when the rest of Europe actively celebrates it?

Is it just a touch of xenophobia, or is there a little seed of fear deep within our subconscious associated with our 11 year old self sitting in the back of French class wondering what on earth future perfect and past participles are, let alone what we are going to say if the teacher asks us a question.

Thankfully, many primary schools in England are now introducing basic French to our children from the age of 7. This is considerably earlier than when we were at school, but is it early enough? In Norway, Malta and Luxembourg children start learning a second language from the first year of primary school, and in parts of Belgium and Spain they start at the age of three.

In the Netherlands there are even government funded bilingual primary schools teaching simultaneously in Dutch and English.

DID YOU KNOW THAT 26th SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR IS EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES? in everyday situations are substantially higher. Even if your second language vocabulary is limited to a few words and your accent is noticeably English, “it is your enthusiasm that counts” say experts like Carey Myles. Learning a language together is a fantastic opportunity for both parent & child, and is a great bonding experience as a child will imitate not just the words that they hear but also the attitude of the adult.

friendly Dragon Diglot.

The flash cards also follow the dual language principle of subliminal absorption by showing both languages together on one side of the card and have the unique advantage of having a plain side with just a photograph of the object on the other. Consequently parents can use the cards across a broad spectrum of ages, and even for just learning English. The cards are based around the theme of ‘Going Shopping’ with each of the 50 jumbo cards showing a clear photograph of an item likely to be found by a small child in a supermarket. The range is completed by a story book about a little boy Matthew and the Wellington Boots, for 3-5 year olds, which has beautiful illustrations and simple French and English text laid side by side.

Diglot Books, for younger children, is to get them a Foreign Language Teddy Bear. There doesn’t need to be anything special about the teddy, although a culturally relevant one is a nice extra dimension. The key is that the child believes that the Teddy can only speak the other language. Provided the adult introduces the teddy bear in this context and involves it in all the language activities and games that they play together, then the child will eventually start talking to their teddy in that language, believing that the Teddy cannot understand English. There are some great tips on their website (www.diglotbooks.com) for games and activities that you can play with your child in a second language including simple every day ones like I-spy and Simon Says, and all of Diglot Book’s products have free audio available online allowing parents to build up their confidence in speaking and listening before interacting with their child.

As an adult there are some very simple and free ways to refresh your memory without having to hit the dictionary and text books. Simply tuning your “The best thing of all would be to TV, Digital Radio or Internet Radio start learning a second language at to a foreign language based radio kindergarten” says Professor Rohde at station is a fantastic start. Even if you the University of Cologne. Professor don’t understand a single word initially, Rohde and other researchers have found simply hearing it in the background for that children at kindergarten learn a Diglot Books was founded by a few weeks will allow the language to second language the same way that Beaconsfield resident Alison O’Dornan start to break into your subconscious. they have learned their mother tongue; in 2010 with the aim of producing You will start to pick up the odd word without any inhibitions, unconsciously dual language books and materials and then gradually whole sentences, and as part of everyday situations, that parents can use in the home with and with many of the songs being making the whole process fun! their toddlers and young children played in English you will get frequent to exactly this end. Developed in breaks. Another great top tip is to look In Australia, the government is looking conjunction with bilingual parents and at your DVD collection, how many to extend bilingual programs in an teachers, Diglot Books has a range of of them have a language option in the attempt to improve language education. dual language books and flash cards menu – have you ever used it? In an One school which has introduced a in French, Spanish, Portuguese and ideal scenario you would play the DVD Chinese bilingual program for preDutch that support parents wanting to The books and flash cards were a great in the foreign language with English school has had some fantastic successes. introduce a new language to their baby success when launched at the Baby subtitles so that you are hearing the Many of the younger children are able or toddler. Every book features Diglot Show at the NEC this year, with language, but even if you just have to read and write well-formed Chinese the friendly Dragon, who wants to learn parents proving extremely keen to give characters after just 4 months in the alongside the child. their children a head start before school. foreign subtitles at the bottom you are still building up your vocabulary program, which is eight hours a week.

“We were particularly encouraged resources in your subconscious.

“A week in the bilingual program is The cleverly designed ABC picture by the number of interested younger equivalent to a term of normal language book for children of 18 months and parents, who remembered struggling to The main thing to keep in mind is that classes” said one of the teachers up, matches each letter of the alphabet learn French at secondary school” said parents don’t really teach children to involved. “Younger children are like to an object that starts with that same founder Alison O’Dornan. “Children speak any more than they teach them to sponges they are just so used to learning letter in both languages. Allowing an really enjoy learning to speak another walk or smile. A child will develop the language that they pick it up really easy transition to the sound of the language, and the earlier a child is quickly and get a great deal out of it.” new language and reducing confusion exposed to a second language, the more foundations of a second language if they when a bilingual child starts to learn to easily the language is acquired. It is also are given exposure, encouragement, and Whilst a few nursery schools in the read. Each letter is accompanied by an a fantastic opportunity for parents to get motivation.

UK are starting to introduce some attractive real-life photograph, a simple involved and learn at the same time.”

For more please visit Diglot Books’ second language lessons, the benefits descriptive sentence in both languages, website www.diglotbooks.com of learning a second language at home and a question from the ever present One fabulous idea recommended by 20 SEPTEMBER2011

HABERDASHERS’ LIFE I N D E P E N D E N T D AY S C H O O L S F O R B O Y S A N D G I R L S A G E D B E T W E E N 4 - 1 8 Y E A R S

W W W. H A B S G I R L S . O R G . U K • W W W. H A B S B O Y S . O R G . U K

THE HABS SCHOOLS MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

E N G L I S H | M AT H S | H I S T O R Y | S C I E N C E | M U S I C | A R T | I T | S P O R T S | E C O N O M I C S

THE PLAY’S THE THING AT THE HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S SCHOOLS

The Haberdashers' Aske's Schools (Elstree), placed 'side by side for excellence', enjoy the best of all worlds in school education. On adjoining sites in 100 plus acres of grounds, they are two, single-sex, independent day schools whose pupils benefit greatly from a vast range of social and educational opportunities. The academic reputation of the two schools is well known: they are firmly established in the ‘premier league’ of annually published league tables, a remarkable achievement in itself. The vast majority of Haberdashers’ students go to their first choice university, exceptionally high numbers to Oxford and Cambridge, and some achieve national academic distinction during their time at school.

22 SEPTEMBER2011

Advertorial feature The Habs style is to love learning and to enjoy the academic opportunities alongside a huge wealth of extra-curricular activity. In both schools the range of the non-academic curriculum is enormous and the level of participation by pupils very high. Sport, music, theatre, art, service in the community, partnerships with local state schools, debating, public speaking, society meetings, fund-raising initiatives, outward bound and adventurous training activities and every type of leadership and resourcefulness opportunities are all regular features of the termly routine.

Drama is an important part of both schools’ academic and extra-curricular programmes. With a strong emphasis on personal creativity and devised work, it offers students an opportunity to build something together as a team. It also allows students to express and develop themselves emotionally in a subject where there are few ‘right ‘ answers. The subject is taught to ALevel, focuses on all aspects of practical theatre from direction to design, improvisation to dance, sound and lighting to make-up and costume.

Both schools have a long tradition of excellence in Drama and school plays have always been a muchanticipated fixture in the school calendar. The Senior, Middle and Junior plays each year provide opportunities for students to mix. This year saw sell-out productions of Oh What a Lovely War, A Midsummer’s Night Dream and Coram Boy. The Girls’ School Summer Term ends with a Drama Festival with every form devising a ten-minute play, and Sixth Formers run drama clubs for younger students throughout the year. The Boys’ School recently appointed a Director-in-Residence and launched their first-ever House drama competition. Both drama departments regularly take students to productions in the West End, South Bank and the London Fringe.

Students have access to state of the art drama studios, equipped with the very latest video facilities and computer operated sound and lighting equipment. The Bourne Hall is one of only five school stages in the UK to be equipped with a fully operational fly tower, allowing for spectacular effects and scene changes. The school’s theatre technician oversees set construction and prop making and there are comprehensive wardrobe and prop stores on site available for use by students.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk Open Day: Sat 1 Oct 1-4pm Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts, WD6 3BT Tel: 020 8266 2338 admissions@habsgirls.org.uk Open Day: Sat 1 Oct Junior: 10am-12.30pm Senior: 2pm-5pm SEPTEMBER2011 23

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls Fun, excitement and challenge: a true love of learning

Senior School Open Day 1st October 2011 2pm-5pm Senior School Open Evening 6th October 2011 6pm-8.30pm Headmistress’s talk 7pm Scholarships and Financial Assistance available from 11+ Independent Day School for Girls from 4-18 Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts, WD6 3BT e: admissions@habsgirls.org.uk t: 020 8266 2338 www.habsgirls.org.uk Registered Charity No. 313996

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Nurturing Excellence

An outstanding independent day school for boys aged between 5 and 18.

Open Day Saturday 1st October 2011, 1–4pm (no appointment necessary)

Headmaster Peter B Hamilton MA Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk

www.habsboys.org.uk registered charity no: 313996

Auction of Vintage & Modern Wrist Watches Monday 17th October 2011 at 10am A gentleman’s bi-metal automatic Rolex Oyster-Perpetual Datejust bracelet watch circa 2009. With box and papers.

Estimate £3,000 - £4,000 A gentleman’s 18k white gold automatic Breitling Cockpit bracelet watch. With presentation box and papers.

Estimate £12,000 - £18,000

A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic chronograph Panerai Luminor Daylight wrist watch. With box and papers.

Estimate £3,000 - £4,000

A gentleman’s stainless steel Breitling Navitimer wrist watch.

Estimate £800 - £1,200

A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean bracelet watch.

Estimate £800 - £1,200

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/life for a complimentary catalogue Augusta House | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham | B18 6JA | Tel: 0121 212 2131 I www.fellows.co.uk

The Luxury home & Leisure show VAN HAGE 1ST AND 2ND OCTOBER 2011

T

he Luxury Home & Leisure Show is Hertfordshire’s premium lifestyle show. It is actually three shows in one for home enthusiasts, car enthusiasts and people who love their sport and leisure activities. It showcases some of the very best products and services to be found in one place at one time and it all takes place at the award winning Van Hage Garden Centre in Great Amwell.

NOW IN ITS SECOND YEAR, THE SHOW HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN SIZE. FEATURES AT THE SHOW INCLUDE A PREMIUM AND SUPERCAR GALLERY WITH A RIDE AND DRIVE EVENT, THE LUXURY HOME ROOM SET FEATURE AREA, THE ULTIMATE HOME CINEMA DEMONSTRATION AND A PRESENTATION FROM DAVID BATTIE FROM THE ANTIQUES ROADSHOW ON SATURDAY 1ST.

ere are also competitions, jewellery making demonstrations, plenty of very interesting exhibitors covering everything from fine chocolates to fabrics and home furnishings to the latest cosmetic treatments and even the latest Glastron sports boat to whet your appetite!

As you would expect from the title, this is the show to visit if you are looking for the best suppliers for your home. German kitchens from Mark David, contemporary interior designs from Steven rone Design, art from Gallery Rouge, hand made rugs from the Rug Gallery, the latest audio visual products from Bang & Olufsen and antiques from one of the largest antique dealers in the country, Bushwood Antiques are all on display. If you are looking for great ideas, inspiration and beautiful products from local suppliers then the Luxury Home & Leisure Show can help you with your longer term projects or impulse buying for items on sale at the show.

Leisure and sporting activities from the local region are represented at the show with golf demonstrations, a tennis

challenge from Legends Tennis, the latest hot tubs from Jaccuzi UK and a great competition to experience Brocket Hall, one of the UK’s foremost country estates. e show is located in two very large heated marquee structures with additional outside display areas and parking for the demonstrator cars used for the ride and drive event. is is the perfect opportunity to come and see, try and buy some of the most respected prestige car brands including Ferrari, Maserati from H.R. Owen in St Albans, Mercedes-Benz AMG from Mercedes-Benz Hertfordshire, Lotus from Castle Sports Cars and classic cars from Hilton & Moss. e cars will all be on display in a dedicated gallery that joins the main home and leisure themed marquee. External car displays will also include the latest products Chrysler Jeep and Smart. Bookings for the ride and drive event are limited and must be booked prior to the show. Please see the website for further details. e Luxury Home & Leisure Show is held at Van Hage which is recognised as one of the UK’s foremost garden and lifestyle destinations. Van Hage will be launching their widely anticipated Christmas displays on the same weekend with a circus theme which promises to be lots of fun for everyone.

With features such as the miniature railway, animal gardens, the excellent VH Café and parking for over 800 cars, Van Hage is the perfect venue for the show. e show is open from 9am - 6pm on Saturday 1st October and 10am - 4.30pm on Sunday 2nd October. Tickets are £6 per person and kids go free. However, we are delighted to offer a special 2 for 1 reader offer as Life Magazines is a media partner to the Luxury Home & Lifestyle event. All you have to do to book your ticket is visit www.luxuryhomeshow.co.uk where you will find further information about the show and a link to the Van Hage ticket purchase section where you need to enter life01 to benefit from the discounted reader offer.

Lo ca L BU SIN ES S

EXHIBITOR LIST HOME Rug Gallery Bushwood Antiques Zelley - Jewellers Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers Gallery Rouge Morley Stoves Modo – Showcase Books Andrew Charles Clocks Easy Chair & Sofa Co Steven Thorne Design Van Hage Jacuzzi UK Mark David Kitchens Bang & Olufsen Cambridge Paradise Wildlife Park Barker & Barker

LEISURE Essex Boatyards McMullens Brocket Hall Legends Tennis Herts Business Independent le Spice Merchant – Indian Restaurant e Perfect Smile Luxury Chocolates Modo – showcase books David P MacDonald – photography Paradise Wildlife Park – animal experiences

PREMIUM & SUPERCARS Mercedes-Benz Hertfordshire Mercedes-Benz, SLS AMG, Chrysler Jeep, Smart H.R. Owen Sports Cars Maserati & Ferrari Imperials Prestige cars & 4x4 specialists Castle Lotus Lotus sports cars Hilton & Moss Classic cars

Chalfont Art & Framing Picture Framing and Art gallery

NEW RELEASES BY JANET ROGERS, TODD WHITE AND ZINSKY

Todd White

Originals by Janet Rogers

New releases for September including ORIGINALS by Janet Rogers, a new collection by Todd White and some famous faces by Zinsky.

Zinsky

BUSINESS AND HOME ART CONSULTATION SERVICE Over the past few years, this service has proved most popular. As we have found, people are either extending their homes or wanting to revitalise their interior designs. I will visit you at your home or business, to discuss ideas on how a theme can enhance the overall feel and appearance of your living or working environment. In delivering this service I have helped: • Homeowners who want advice on buying a perfect piece to create, enhance or finish off the décor of a room.

• People looking for the perfect gift for a loved one • Landlords and hotel owners who want to provide a welcoming, relaxing environment for tenants or guests • Business owners who want to give their employees and customers a beautiful and inspiring environment • Investors who are keen to build a viable investment portfolio Our most recent Business Art project, has been to supply Art to Gieves and Hawkes the Royal mens outfitters; for their new flagship stores in Hong Kong & China. So we were delighted to receive these kind words below from Ray our customer.

Gieves & Hawkes, Hong Kong & China Dear Ian, We open our first new look shop on 1st October and Mr Kevin Spacey will officially do the opening ceremony. We shall use the framed Prince William image in our new Flagship shop in Hong Kong.

However, six of our shops in Hong Kong and China will have the Prince William image adorning the walls of our mens tailoring room.

As you may know, Gieves & Hawkes, No.1 Savile Row currently holds three Royal Warrants and dresses HRH The Prince William in all his business suits, so we are very proud to show this new picture in our stores. If any Chinese customer is interested in buying a painting, I will let you know in order for you to supply them. Thank you for the efficient way in which you have helped in this matter.

Best regards, Ray

To find out more about this service then please contact us in the gallery today…

7 Nightingales Corner, J/W White Lion Road, Little Chalfont, Bucks HP7 9PZ www.chalfontartandframing.co.uk • info@chalfontartandframing.co.uk

01494 766220

F E AT U R E

It isWedding Season ON THE BROCKET HALL ESTATE very year from May Day right through to late September, most weekends see the Brocket Hall Estate clouded in confetti.

Glamorous, historic and full of intrigue, it’s not difficult to see why this magical country estate in Hertfordshire is such a popular choice with Brides and Grooms-tobe, now and throughout the year.

The Brocket Hall Estate houses not one, not two but three beautiful

56 SEPTEMBER2011

and unique wedding venues on site, suitable for all seasons. Brocket Hall itself – the grand yet elegant 18th Century Stately Home, the Golf Club – a traditional and relaxed venue complete with picturesque views across the Estate, and the charming Auberge du Lac – Hertfordshire’s only Michelin Star restaurant. Each supplying their own character and “wow” factor, these distinct locations offer an extensive choice of rooms fitting the size and scale of almost every guest-list.

For those who dream of a magnificent Ballroom and long, sweeping staircase – Brocket Hall provides just that and can be hired totally and exclusively by wedding couples. Civil ceremonies can be held in the Boardroom, accommodating a

F E AT U R E

Brocket Hall is a traditional and relaxed venue complete with picturesque views across the Estate, and the charming Auberge du Lac restaurant maximum of 150 guests, or for smaller services, the beautiful Library seats 50, and provides magnificent views across the Estate.

being held in the magnificent Oak Room.

A vast room filled with natural light, this oak-beamed vision can comfortably seat 120 guests and provides panoramic views across The Wedding Breakfast is traditionally served in the the estate. To end such a special day, overnight Ballroom, while guests gaze at the beautiful hand accommodation is available in the converted painted ceiling depicting the signs of the Zodiac. stable block, Melbourne Lodge.

The Boardroom can be quickly turned around to make way for a disco, allowing guests to party late Last but by no means least, Auberge du Lac, into the night and overnight accommodation in one once the Estate’s hunting lodge, and now an of Brocket Hall’s 30 luxurious en-suite bedrooms internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred rounds off a perfect day. restaurant, is most definitely a wedding venue for the admirers of fine cuisine. Beautifully The Golf Club at Brocket Hall provides a elegant, Auberge du Lac sits on the banks of more traditional and relaxed atmosphere, with the Broadwater Lake, set amongst 543 acres of civil ceremonies and wedding receptions both tranquillity. Capable of seating 60 guests for a civil

ceremony, the nuptials are held under the vaulted ceiling of the restaurant’s alcove. 60 guests can also be accommodated for a wedding breakfast and a total of 100 for evening entertainment.

Wedding packages available from £99 per person, Quote ‘Life’ to receive a 10% discount on venue hire*. Call 01707 368 700 or email events@brocket-hall.co.uk for more information. www.brocket-hall.co.uk

*Promotion available if event is confirmed by 1/10/11. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

SEPTEMBER2011 57

F E AT U R E weddings

5 8 sSeEpPtTeEmMbBeErR2 2001 1 1 68

The Luxury Wedding Show London 2011

in the industry will be on hand to give their expert advice and top tips. Private consultations are available with premier wedding planner Mark Niemierko and top hairstylist Errol Douglas who will be able to help with any hair quandaries. Other exhibitors on hand include The Quintessentially Group, bridal photographer Julia Boggio, floral designers McQueens and Phillippa Craddock and occasionwear designer Claire Thorogood.

Visitor entry into this exclusiVe eVent is priced at £50 and includes:

✱ life Magazines have one pair of tickets for the

show to give away, so to be in with a chance of winning, just email your name and address to competitions@theluxuryweddingshowlondon.co.uk with liFe MaGaZines ticKet GiVeaWay in the subject line. For more information visit: www.theluxuryweddingshowlondon.com ✱ Book tickets online or call the ticket hotline on 0844 581 1386

✱ Access to over 100 handpicked wedding experts ✱ A premium goody bag ✱ A glass of POMMERY champagne to enjoy during the catwalk show ✱ Reserved seating at the Catwalk Show ✱ The Look Book - The Essential Catwalk Programme ✱ The White Book - the essential guide to the show ✱ Guests can also visit the Niemierko Studio where personal sessions are available with premier wedding planner Mark Niemierko to discuss and plan elements of the day.

Images: Flower by Philippa Craddock, main dress in window by Temperley London, strapless dress

by Monique Lhuillier at Browns Brides, dress/cape at bottom by The State of Grace.

T

he Luxury Wedding Show London is an exciting and über luxurious inaugural show boasting the finest hand-picked selection of wedding experts, where planning the big day is a luxury in itself. Bringing the UK’s most influential names in the wedding industry together catering for those bridal parties who are looking for the finest suppliers. Offering everything from accessories and bridal wear to the most stunning venues and honeymoon destinations, visitors can plan the most perfect wedding with minimal work.

Brides are invited to take a seat at the premiere catwalk show whilst sipping on a glass of POMMERY champagne and enjoy the latest collections from top bespoke bridal designers including Vivienne Westwood, Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang and Marchesa from Browns Brides, the very popular and fashionable Alice Temperley and David Fielden. Menswear exhibitors include Ede & Ravenscroft, Clements & Church and the Savile Row Company Ltd. The most influential names

rd d & sunday 23 saturday 22nM-6pM. saatchi octoBer 10aG’s road sW3 Gallery, Kin

ARTESIO

®

www.poggenpohl.com

www.poggenpohl.com EXCLUSIVE POGGENPOHL DESIGN CENTRES: New Barnet, 22 Greenhill Parade, New Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 1EU T - 020 8441 3477 | London NW3, 477-481 Finchley Road, London, NW3 6HS T - 020 7794 7801 | London SW3, 172 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1HW T - 020 7838 0588 | London SW1, 107 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PH T - 020 7730 7927 | London SW11, 190192 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London, SW11 5TQ T - 020 7223 2026 | London SE1, Arch 213C, Newnham Terrace, Hercules Road, London, SE1 7DR T - 020 7902 5243 | London W1, 118 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3RT T - 020 7224 1986 | Harrods (2nd Floor), 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL T - 020 7173 6421 | St Albans, 100 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NX T - 01727 738111 For a brochure or details of your nearest studio please call 0800 612 8669 or visit our website www.poggenpohl.com

HF Vertical_Layout 1 25/03/2010 14:23 Page 1

Flooring and Carpets

Installation Restoration Maintenance 111 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1AS. 01992 509361 www.hertfordflooring.com

HEALTH BEAUTY

Every Woman Deserves Beautiful Nails W

hen times are tough, money is short and life is not easy, we all need a little “pick me up” and what better than treating ourselves to a lovely set of beautiful nails that will cheer us up, make us feel good and put a smile back on our faces!

Women will always find the extra pennies for that little treat, and nails are top of the list, because they are visible and we feel great when people notice and comment on our lovely nails.

Nails are one of the few parts of a person where it is not required to look in a mirror to see what they look like, nails allow women to see beauty at their fingertips.

How do you choose a nail product with so many now on offer?

62 SEPTEMBER2011

Choose a product that you are 100% sure will be good for the nail plate. Don’t just select the cheapest product or the most convenient, make sure the product you choose is well investigated and that the company is well established and has a good reputation.

Unlike other nail finishes, Bio Sculpture Gel is a nail treatment applied as a coating onto your own natural nails to strengthen and condition them with no damage. Also fantastic on toe nails and will last for weeks. Clients will enjoy seeing their nails transformed to their exceptional potential, with no fumes, no odours and minimal buffing. No more waiting around for nail polish to dry as the Gel dries instantly under a UVA Curing Lamp in a choice of over 140 different colours, French or natural finish. The gel is easily removed without any damage to your natural nails.

No more chipped nail polish as your gel nail colour will be long wearing and chip proof and your nails will keep their well manicured look long after application. Matching colour varnishes allow flexibility of Permanent Colour Gels – simply apply one of our 140 different coloured varnishes over the Colour Gel. This can be removed easily with our specially formulated “Non Acetone Cleanser” and you are back to your Permanent Colour Gel. “Your hands are your calling card in life – your nails their focal point” For your nearest salon or information on training courses for beginners or experienced nail technicians: Tel: 0845 331 2347 www.biosculpture.co.uk

Vintage Africa NAIL COLLECTION Bio Sculpture Gel is the latest must have nail care product. Unlike varnish that chips and peels, this durable Gel is applied as an overlay onto natural nails by a qualified nail technician. The Gel is set under a UV Lamp giving it that strong, flexible, glossy finish which lasts for three weeks. Easy removal without damage to nails. For your nearest salon or information on training courses for beginners and experienced nail technicians, call 0845 331 2347.

123 Namib Desert 124 Okavango Delta 125 Cango Caves 126 Savannah Dusk 127 Victoria Falls

www.biosculpture.co.uk

HEALTH BEAUTY t’s a sad fact that your skin starts ageing when you are somewhere between 17 and 25 years old, although the damage may not show until your 30s, which is why it is so important to protect your skin as early as possible. Before you hide under the duvet, read on and discover some words of anti-ageing wisdom from skin expert Janne Maheson.

Never leave the house without wearing a moisturiser that is at least SPF30 to ensure skin is protected around the clock from harmful UV rays. It must contain both UVA and UVB protection. Taking time to adopt a regular skin care regime every day will make a significant improvement to your skin.

All that partying and those late nights may be fun, but they will take their toll on your skin as you get older. If you find yourself too tired to remove make-up after a big night out, remember that your skin ages EIGHT days for every night that you don’t. It might feel like a hassle in the early hours, but just giving your skin a good cleanse before you go to bed will make a huge difference on the fine lines and wrinkles that will appear in your 30s and 40s.

They say 35 is D-Day and when ageing really starts to show on your face. If you’ve been good to your skin there shouldn’t be a sudden difference, but if you have partied hard and spent too much time in the sun, you might suddenly wake up and wonder where all the fine lines and wrinkles suddenly came from!

In today’s increasingly polluted environment our skin is constantly subjected to harmful outdoor elements which heavily contribute to premature aging. Ingredients which protect from damaging free-radicals such as Vitamins C & E and Green Tea are very commonly found in most skincare lines, while ground-breaking discoveries of the latest and most powerful antioxidants are frequently surfacing. Antioxidants are still key factors in modern skincare and will always be an essential ingredient. My favourite is CE Ferulic by skinceuticals.

It’s really important that you look after your eyes as we begin to 64 SEPTEMBER2011

our most popular procedures.

DERMAROLLER An advanced micro needling device which works to puncture the skin with small pricks prompting the skin to produce more collagen, improving blood supply, enabling cell regeneration & effectively slowing down the ageing process.

It is a very natural procedure and is not painful despite how it sounds!

If ageing gracefully was so wonderful… everyone would do it! see a loss of elasticity in the skin in our 30s and a few fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in the under-eye area where you can spot the first visible signs of ageing. If you haven’t already, you should invest in a good eye cream to keep this delicate area really hydrated.

Serums are usually oil based and will penetrate the skin far more deeply than any cream can, meaning you will get the nutrients your skin needs deep down into the dermis which can help stimulate collagen production.

Good skin care is vital in the ever increasing fight against ageing, By the time we are in our 40s our but there are a number of other skin’s production procedures of collagen really that can help drops down. On In today’s increasingly hold back the top of that we years. Having polluted environment begin to lose a lot a cosmetic of volume in our our skin is constantly treatment can face as a result be a daunting subjected to harmful of fat loss under process. Will it the skin, which work? What outdoor elements... means the fine will you look lines and wrinkles like after? How we had in our 30s may deepen and much will it cost? Will there be we might see folds appearing on the any downtime? Who should I go skin around the ‘nose-to-lip’ lines and to? These are some of the questions the jowls as well as a general loss of that run through all our minds. It vibrancy in the skin. This is the time is therefore essential that you have to invest in products that will plump, a thorough consultation before boost collagen production and firm. any procedure. At Harpenden Serums are the name of the game.

Skin Clinic we pride ourselves If you’re not using a serum yet, I on our unique holistic approach definitely suggest you start now. to your skin. Below are some of

CHEMICAL PEEL The thought of a ‘Cosmetic Peel’ conjures up horrific images of brown patchy flaky skin for most (remember that episode of Sex in the City when Samantha had a bad peel?). The truth is that the only noticeable outcome from regular peels at the Harpenden Skin Clinic is a glowing complexion.

Most peels are very mild and can be done in your ‘lunch break’. No one will ever know (but they may comment on how fabulous you look!)

BOTOX or wrinkle relaxing injections are used to combat deep frown and worry lines across the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes.

Botox injections have been used for over 20 years and are the world’s most popular non-surgical treatment. A very simple procedure that can leave you looking more youthful and refreshed.

DERMAL FILLERS fill and plump out the crevices in the skin caused by loss of volume as we age. The suppleness and tone of the skin is instantly restored, with lines and wrinkles visibly reduced from the very first treatment. Dermal fillers are now based on hyaluronic acid, a gel-like, transparent substance that is naturally present in the skin and contributes to plumping up the skin cells.

THE PAIN-FREE, HAIR-FREE™ LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT Offered by the best medical spas and providers around the world can now liberate you from daily shaving and tedious plucking. With Pain-Free, Hair-Free™ you can forget about expensive waxing, too!

For more information contact Harpenden Skin Clinic, 2 Thompsons Close, Harpenden AL5 4ES call 01582 462223 or visit the website at www.harpendenskinclinic.com

HEALTH BEAUTY

with Jonathan Schwarzmann & Anthony Rosenfeld of White House Dental The health of your mouth and teeth are very important in ensuring that you eat properly and that you maintain your smile. Today we will answer questions on a wide variety of topics including tooth coloured fillings, root canal treatment, fissure sealants, tooth whitening and headaches. These answers are for your information only. The responses to the questions are not intended to replace professional dental care or attention by a qualified practitioner.

They should not be used as a basis for diagnosis on dental treatment. We strongly advise that if you have a dental problem you should consult a dentist.

Q

I’d like to have a tooth coloured filling. I know they are more expensive than amalgam (silver coloured, mercury based) fillings. What are the benefits of a tooth coloured filling?

MRS D R – STANMORE

A

The reason for the extra cost is that tooth coloured filling material is more expensive and the fillings, if done properly, take longer to do. When a tooth is prepared for a tooth coloured filling, the dentist is required to remove much less healthy tooth material in order to accommodate the filling. It can be argued that since a tooth coloured restoration is bonded to the tooth it will strengthen the tooth, something which a silver (amalgam) cannot do.

Also, there has been some evidence that amalgam fillings may leak harmful mercury into the body. In addition to this, a tooth coloured filling will blend in with your own teeth, making the filling invisible and your smile much more natural. If these factors are important to you, then the extra cost is warranted.

Q

Iwas told I should get sealants on my child’s teeth. What are they and are they really necessary?

MRS C B – RADLETT 66 SEPTEMBER2011

A

Sealants are made of plastic resin which is painted onto the chewing surface of your child’s adult teeth. They are bonded on with the help of a bright blue light and are an excellent product, forming an important part of preventative dental care. Your child’s tooth has many grooves on the chewing surface. These are known as pits and fissures. Food particles can accumulate in these grooves and if they are deep it is difficult to clean them out. Tooth decay can then start in these fissures and a filling would need to be done. The sealant covers the fissure,stopping food getting trapped and making the tooth easier to clean.

In addition it can contain fluoride , which helps to combat tooth decay.

I am having to look carefully Q at my budget. It is sensible to save money by not having regular dental checkups as my teeth are not hurting at the moment?

MR IP -RADLETT

A

Getting your teeth cleaned twice a year and having small cavities filled is far less expensive than waiting for a toothache to come along. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis for checkups and cleanings allows you to maintain a healthier mouth. Small cavities can be filled before they become too deep and require major operative dentistry. Case studies have shown that in the long run, people who visit their dentist on a regular basis spend far less money that those who wait for something to start hurting before booking a dental appointment.

Here at White House Dental we have a plan to spread these costs over the year and incentivise the patient to visit the hygienist and dentist regularly

My dentist said that I will Q require root canal work.

Wouldn’t it just be a lot easier to have him extract the bad tooth?

MR AG - ALDENHAM

A

Most people cringe at the mere mention of a root canal. Well, we have to tell you that maybe 25 years ago the ‘cringe’ was justified but with the quality of today’s anaesthetics and techniques the procedure should be virtually pain free. The first thing we should cover is why some teeth need root canal therapy (RCT). Inside the tooth there is living tissue. When a tooth receives trauma such as a sports injury or in most cases, tooth decay, the living tissue begins to die. As this tissue dies it decays and becomes infected. If left untreated this infection can travel to the jaw bone. An extraction could be an immediate solution, however; there are many clinical reasons why one tooth extraction can lead to a domino effect of tooth loss in the future. What Root Canal Therapy does is that it allows the dentist to remove the dying tissue and restore the tooth so that you can keep it for many years to come.

I’m considering having my teeth Q whitened. Does tooth whitening actually work? Also, do those whitening kits from pharmacies or the internet perform as well as the custom ones your dentist makes for you?

MISS D C-BUSHEY

A

Yes, whitening does really work, although results do vary from patient to patient. When a whitening solution is applied to your teeth the chemical is absorbed into the tooth, oxidising out the discolouration and whitening your teeth. There are a few good reasons why a custom fit system from your dentist is more effective that the over the counter products. The over the counter trays are designed to fit in your mouth but are not custom fit to your teeth. Therefore, there is little control over where the solution goes. Since the chemical is an irritant to the gums, these over the counter

solutions have to be made considerably weaker, therefore less effective. The trays made by your dentist are custom fit to your teeth and prevent the chemicals from getting on your gums. Therefore, your dentist will provide you with a much stronger and more effective whitening solution.

I have suffered from frequent Q headaches for many years. I have tried many remedies but nothing seems to help. I have been told that dentist can treat headaches. Is this true?

MRS N L-BUSHEY

A

The cause of the headaches may be as a result of your clenching and grinding your teeth. This may be because your teeth do not fit properly together. Whether this problem originates in the jaw, head muscles or neck area, the dentist can be helpful in diagnosing and treating the problem.

It is definitely advisable to consult a dentist who specialises in these matters as he/she will be able to find out whether the cause is in fact dentally related and it if it is, the dentist can definitely treat your headache. The test is very simple and requires no drilling or other intervention.

Anthony Rosenfeld and Jonathan Schwarzmann are partners in White House Dental, a state of the art family and cosmetic practice at 70 High Rd, Bushey Heath,Herts, WD23 1GG If you have any other questions which you would like answered, please email us at... jonathan@whdental.plus.com or anthony@whdental.plus.com We would also be happy to speak to you on the phone. Please call us on 0208 9509560. www.whdental.co.uk

HEALTH BEAUTY

Youth is wasted on the young

words

Carolina Brennan

OSCAR WILDE

Without doubt finding the ultimate anti ageing treatment or magic cream is the ‘Holy Grail’ for anti ageing researchers. Scientists are certainly getting closer all the time to treatments and products that can regenerate ageing skin.

My research for the ultimate anti ageing treatment has had me trying all sorts of treatments from snake venom for lines and wrinkles to TCA peels that take off layers of skin to reveal a younger fresher complexion.

The first thing I always notice about most young skin is that it is clear, unblemished, plump and hydrated. And if you don’t sunbathe to excess, which causes up to 85% of the visible signs of ageing; if you regularly eat more skin foods, drink plenty of water and take regular supplements, it is possible for the skin to remain younger for much longer.

However in my 30’s, I spent three years working for Caci International who pioneered the famous Caci Non Surgical Facelift. This treatment uses micro current to re-educate the tendons that keep the facial muscles lifted and taut. I experienced amazing results on facial contours, lines around the eyes and forehead and fantastic results on the jaw area.

Unfortunately, when I had young, plump hydrated skin, I presumed it was always going to stay that way. My big mistake was that I sunbathed too much and ate all the wrong foods, all of which has taken its toll.

Having used such regenerating equipment, it inspired me to open the ‘Anti Ageing Clinic’ and in my opinion, Caci (Computer Aided Cosmetic Instrument) is still the best treatment to slow down the ageing process in the skin and muscles.

For more information on anti ageing treatments, please contact The Anti Ageing Clinic on 01727 874507 or email theantiageingclinic@yahoo.co.uk.

68 SEPTEMBER2011

Today, Caci has developed the Caci Ultimate, the latest technology to completely address all skin issues and offers the most amazing results for my clients.

The Caci Ultimate is a 90-minute treatment beginning with a resurfacing microdermabrasion deep cleanse to smooth open pores and reduce wrinkle depth.

It is followed by micro current lifting to re-educate the facial muscles. This concentrates on individual areas utilising Caci serum tips that contain peptides to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

A microlase wrinkle comb is used on deep lines using micro current and red light therapy to literally lift up deep lines where injectables would usually be used.

A Hydro Gel Smoothing

mask is applied to the skin and a dermal massage routine stimulates lymphatic drainage, stimulates collagen production and deeply hydrates the skin for a glowing complexion.

The Caci Ultimate is truly the best Anti Ageing treatment I have worked with and I would recommend it all clients who want to have a treatment that will leave them looking and feeling 10 years younger.

RADLETT LIFE OFFER

Book a course of six Caci Ultimate Treatments and receive a complimentary Caci Amino Peptide Serum (worth £45).

Offer available until 31st October 2011.

HEALTH BEAUTY

GINTAS COMBAT ANNOUNCES

GINTAS CHEETAHS Gintas Combat are delighted to announce a new scheme for after school and weekends for children aged 5-15 years!

Martial arts are a great way to get your child active, have fun and teach them useful self defence skills at the same time...

Gintas Cheetahs runs classes in Watford for children incorporating our specialist self defence course and a wide range of mixed martial arts to provide children with a fun packed session.

The Cheetahs will be put through their paces with various fitness and physical activities designed to encourage a sense of self-improvement and confidence whilst also arming them with the necessary skills to defend themselves in the world around them.

MINI CHEETAHS 5-10 YEAR OLDS Mini Cheetahs aims to introduce children to various mixed martial art skill sets to enable them to run about and learn in a fun and controlled environment.

Children will experience using

70 SEPTEMBER2011

With street crime ever on the increase, self defence skills are an important element of keeping your children safe as they start to travel unaccompanied and become more independent. Various self defence tactics are employed in the sessions to enable your child to be able to defend himself/herself should the need ever arise.

the various equipment in the studio and even get a chance to prowl around our cage!

Through various techniques, the trainers aim to teach the children how to respond in a mature and confident manner to any form of bullying or social aggression. The sessions are fun but also emphasise good sportsmanship and teamwork.

JUNIOR CHEETAHS 10-15 YEAR OLDS At Junior level, the children are taught to refine their martial art skills in various disciplines including MMA, Kick Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu and Combat Wrestling Sambo. Those who show an interest are encouraged to compete in local and national competitions, where Gintas students have had much success in previous years.

MMA is a great hobby and sport for children, enabling them to develop their flexibility, balance and co-ordination, as well as their all-round fitness. Junior Cheetahs is about learning to use these skills in a safe and controlled way and to respect the disciplines they have been taught.

All Cheetahs are able to participate in examinations to qualify for their grading belts to achieve a recognised qualification in MMA or a selected discipline.

For more information please contact Gintas Combat on 01923 25 17 17 or visit the website: www.gintascombat.co.uk.

HERTFORDSHIRE’S TILE CENTRE ‘Special Products for Quality Homes’ WALL TILES FLOOR TILES GLASS MOSAICS VICTORIAN TILES NATURAL STONE TILES HARDWOOD FLOORING AMTICO VINYL TILES KARNDEAN VINYL TILES UNDERFLOOR HEATING BATHROOM PRODUCTS WETROOMS

SUPERB SHOWROOM EXPERT ADVICE LARGE CAR PARK STOCK TILES AVAILABLE BATHROOM INSTALLATION TILE FIXING SERVICE

AG CERAMICS LTD Whittle Way, Arlington Business Park Jct 7 A1M, Stevenage, SG1 2BD tel: 01438 315400 www.agceramics.co.uk

Take the European route to a better bathroom With our stylish showroom in Amersham, displaying the very best of Europe’s finest brands, you need look no further to find the latest in contemporary and traditional designs. We have been building our reputation for exceptional product, service and quality since 1995.

We are a one-stop shop for all your bathroom needs offering a complete design and installation service at competitive prices. Alternatively we can offer you a supply only service if you have your own installer.

If you are looking for ideas and need assistance in making a decision for the bathroom of you dreams, visit any one of our showrooms to kick start your project. You can alternatively visit our website and book a free home visit.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE; • • • • • •

Free design service Extensive range of products Project management National delivery service Direct liaison with your builder Consultancy and product sourcing

You have the peace of mind in dealing with one of the industries most established independent specialists.

Contact us now to arrange your free design consultation.

t: 01494 434 349 e: info@ebaltd.co.uk

9 Hill Avenue Amersham Bucks HP6 5BD

www.europeanbathrooms.com Follow us on:

We work with many companies across Europe, these are some of the leading brands we supply.

HOUSE GARDEN

I

BIBlIotheque

f you require for your home innovation in conjunction with high technology then carefully selected Italian Tiles from Bibliotheque are your option as the latest technological tiles such as Fabricated Stone [Man-Made], Fabricated Marble & Fabricated Wood collections have no comparisons and not only do they have all the inherent characteristics, nuances and look of real stone and marble, they are actually 3.5 times harder than granite, impervious to staining and do not etch when subjected to acids, wines, vinegars or household lime scale removers, neither do they scratch , delaminate or pit unlike real marble and limestone and are extremely low cost in use maintenance. These ranges can be seen at all 3 of Bibliotheque’s Showrooms as well as www.bibliotheque.co.uk.

In order that you the client, do not have to suffer inconsistent shading, sizing or poor quality in use flooring or wall cladding, Bibliotheque also offer, as well as the very high tech luxurious product ranges, affordable Porcelains and Fabricated tiles in various sizes such as 60x30cm, 60x60cm, 80x80cm, 45x90cm, 60x120cm in both Natural and Polished finishes as well as Anti-Slip tiles suitable for external use.

You will not be disappointed nor compromised when

purchasing any of Bibliotheque’s products.

Whilst creativity and innovation are important, the tiles supplied by Bibliotheque must meet the technical criteria which will allow the customer long lasting trouble free, low maintenance walls and floors as well as of course, good looking and luxurious finishes.

All of Bibliotheque’s tiles have been certified with the European Ecological Quality Label as well as certified for Eco-Friendly Building Standards. www.bibliotheque.co.uk info@bibliotheque.co.uk Architectural Showroom: Arch 2 The Viaduct, St James’s Lane Muswell Hill, London N10 3QX. Tel: 020 8365 2084 Boutique Showroom: 230 Fortis Green Road, Muswell Hill London N10 3DU. Tel: 020 8883 3715 Hertfordshire Showroom: Unit 11 Devonshire Business Centre Cranborne Road, Potters Bar EN6 3JR. Tel: 01707 649932 74 SEPTEMBER2011

UNIQUELY

CRAFTED

EN

Visit our new Showroom at: Battlers Green Farm • Common Lane Radlett • Hertfordshire • WD7 8PH Tel: 0845 234 2323 www.farawayfurniture.co.uk

RECLAIMED

...the worktop that on top ...thefits worktop that fits on top

V V S N TAS N T O O

N SE

I thought I needed aI thought new kitchen I needed until a newI discovered... kitchen until I discovered...

TEAK

INDOOR

FURNITURE

Book a FREE home consultation with our interior designer and we’ll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen worktops.

Call now on: 01923 671 900 Book a FREE home consultation with our interior

we’ll show you how easy it isthan to Ifdesigner you findand a “like-for-like” quotation lower transform your kitchen worktops. our quote within 30 days, we will match it and give younow a furtheron: 10% reduction. and conditions apply Call 01923Terms671 900 If you find a “like-for-like” quotation lower than

At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating yourwithin work surface andwe appliances.

Fitting a new our quote 30 days, will match it and worktop is fast and effective, with each top custom made to fit give your you exactarequirements. is no need to conditions removeapply old further 10%There reduction.

Terms and surfaces – we fit directly over your exiting surface. We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to finish. With over 60 different worktop finishes available, show you how wefor can transform your kitchen withand ourappliances. simple superior surfaces.

At Granite Transformations we offerleta us complete package updating your work surface Fitting a new worktop is fastLondon and effective, with at each made to fit your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old Visit our north showroom 834top St.custom Albans Rd, surfaces – we fit directly over your exiting surface.

We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to finish. With over 60 Garston, Watford WD25 9FL. different worktop finishes available, letFriday* us show you how we can transform your kitchen with our simple superior surfaces.

Open: 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to *Note: late opening on Wednesday 10.30am to 5.30pm Visit10:00am our northtoLondon showroom and 4:00pm Saturday at 834 St. Albans Rd, Garston, Watford WD25 9FL. www.granitetransformations.co.uk/watford Open: 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday* *Note: late opening on Wednesday 10.30am to 5.30pm and 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday Granite Transformations manufactures and installs Granite, Stone, Quartz and Glass worktops

HOUSE GARDEN

MARY GANNON

DESIGN WHETHER IT’S A COMPLETE HOUSE TRANSFORMATION OR A SIMPLE REDECORATION MARY GANNON AND HER DEDICATED TEAM OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS HAVE IT COVERED. HER HIGHLY IMAGINATIVE BUT PRACTICAL INTERIOR DESIGN APPROACH HAS BROUGHT HER LONG-STANDING CLIENTS AND HAS NOW CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF THE INDUSTRY’S AWARD MAKERS.

Mary has been short listed for this year’s Andrew Martin International Interior Designer Of The Year Award, described by The Times as ‘the Oscars of the design world’ and one of the most prestigious events in the interior design calendar.

If you would like to meet Mary you can contact her on (0)207 823 3355.

76 SEPTEMBER2011

HOUSE GARDEN

It‘s said that home is where the heart is and nobody understands this more than Mary; her belief is that your home should be a reflection of your personality, lifestyle and passions. This is why Mary promises all her clients a scheme which is unique; bespoke, never replicated and above all suits each individual’s taste.

Mary and her team offer a combined experience of more than 35 years and have worked on projects ranging from a high tech cinema room to landmark period properties and a palace in Thailand. She and her associates work for private clients, developers and hotels. One of their major achievements was in conjunction with Historic Royal Palaces refurbishing the Master of the Royal Armouries Apartment at the Grade 1 listed Tower of London.

discretion and privacy are maintained throughout. Lastly, she personally sees every project, large or small, through from concept to completion.

Mary refuses to compromise on the quality of the materials, fittings or products that she specifies in her designs. While remaining aware of budgetary

Mary studied History and History of Art at St Mary’s College, Surrey University and is a design graduate of The KLC School of Design. She began her career in the Interior Design Studio at the prestigious Knightsbridge store, Harrods.

Five years ago she set up her own Chelsea-based design company

I know that what I create for my clients can’t just be a stunning design, it must also be suited to their lifestyle and form a liveable backdrop that caters to their everyday needs...

‘Whether your personal style is contemporary or classic, I can transform your apartment, town or country home – either here and abroad – into your ideal setting, one that reflects your personality, your needs and your sense of place.’ Mary says.

She has three rules of practice. Firstly, she has no set house style, a decision based on years of experience. ‘I know that what I create for my clients can’t just be a stunning design, it must also be suited to their lifestyle and form a liveable backdrop that caters to their everyday needs’. The second rule is that the highest standards of

constraints, she insists on working with the most highly skilled crafts people to provide everything from lighting to soft furnishings and from flooring to furniture. It is after all, the finishing touches that transform a design from a visual on paper to a stunning reality.

and hasn’t looked back since.

Mary is also an active committee member of the British Institute of Interior Design.

It is her love and knowledge of history that helped Mary win the commission to design a

suite at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of Jimi Hendrix. Mary’s challenge was to design a suite that not only represented Hendrix, his passion for music and his vibrant character but also create a room in flamboyant 60s style.

Working with her senior design associate Cynthia Garcia, she brought in Andie Airfix (a graphic designer for some of the world’s greatest rock bands, including The Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney and Led Zeppelin), with former NME editor and friend of Hendrix, Keith Altham, as a consultant. The Hendrix suite was instantly an enormous success both with hotel guests and with the press who described it as ‘a hugely entertaining suite’ (Time Out) and ‘a fun experience’ (The Telegraph).

Although Mary’s true passion lies in 18th and 19th century design, the success of the Jimmy Hendrix suite confirms that she is not restricted to designing for any particular period.

‘I relish the challenge whether you want to take a historical reference and place it in a modern setting or you are looking for something more contemporary,’ Mary stresses.

For more information about Mary Gannon Design, Top floor Chelsea Reach, 79-89 Lots Road London SW10 0RN t: +44 (0) 20 7823 3355 e: info@marygannondesign.co.uk w: www.marygannondesign.co.uk SEPTEMBER2011 77

HOUSE GARDEN

You know when you have made the right decision Could you explain what renewable energy is? Why we need it and where you see the role of BritishEco in the complete picture?

Renewable energy is energy that is naturally replenished from the sun, wind, rain and geothermal heat. Renewable energy systems extract this energy and convert it into heat and electricity; because it is naturally replenished quickly it does not consume valuable carbon based fuel sources.

It has been well documented that carbon based fuel sources are decreasing, ever difficult and expensive to find and extract and tend to be located in less stable countries than our own. Switching a portion of our energy consumption away from fossil fuels to naturally replenished energy sources means, not only, will we move away from our dependence on fossil fuels, we will gain a much stronger and more secure supply for the future.

The BritishEco vision is to provide both individuals and organisations with affordable and reliable renewable energy systems.

Is BritishEco a local company?

Yes, we are a national company with regional offices across the country. This ensures you get the service and support you need locally, backed up by the head office to ensure you receive the best equipment at the best prices covered by our comprehensive warranties.

BritishEco Consultants are professional, industry experts with an extensive knowledge of renewable energies. They provide reliable and honest advice on all renewable technologies. They will also be able to advise you on Government incentives and grants and any local incentives in your area.

78 SEPTEMBER2011

What is the most popular domestic renewable energy opportunities BritishEco specialise in?

We specialise in the main renewable technologies for the domestic and commercial market such as, solar photovoltaic (PV) cells for generating electricity, heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal panels to heat your hot water and property, as well as rainwater harvesting and wind turbines.

Won’t these options cost a fortune to install or are there perhaps, government grants available as an incentive – if so, who can claim and how much financial help is available to each household?

In April 2010 the Government backed Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) scheme was launched to enable people to be paid for generating electricity from solar panels or a wind turbine fitted in or at their property. In addition to being paid by the Feed-In Tariffs you will also be able to use the electricity you generate for free. The amount you receive for generating electricity can be secured for 25 years; index linked and is completely tax free. The benefits that you will receive for installing

solar panels are 43.3p for every unit of electricity you generate, whether you use it or not. Whatever electricity you do not use you can sell back to the grid and receive a minimum, additional 3 pence for every unit. A typical 4kw domestic solar pv system could attract £1485 per year from the Feed-In Tariffs, £51 from exporting to the national grid and a £206.00 saving on their electricity bill, giving a total benefit to you of

£1742.00 every year for 25 years.

Are there complicated issues about securing planning approval to install a domestic renewable energy source?

Most renewable energy technologies do not now require planning permission.

The Government has relaxed the planning regulations to encourage domestic customers to embrace renewable energy.

Wind turbines do still require planning permission and there are environmental and neighbour issues still surrounding them but the acceptance of turbines at both national and local level is increasing.

How quickly would an

installation from BritishEco take, who undertakes the work?

A typical domestic installation from the point of ordering to being switched on is 6-8 weeks this includes all the detailed design, testing and full commissioning of the system. Each regional office has its own MCS accredited installation teams based locally.

How long before a home owner starts to see a benefit or evens gets a return on their investment?

As soon as the system is commissioned and the home owner is in receipt of all the necessary documentation that BritishEco will provide them with they are able to begin claiming the Feed-In Tariff and start generating a return on investment.

Does BritishEco have any accreditation that offers home owners peace of mind?

For the property owner to be eligible for the feed in tariff they must have the system designed, installed and commission by an MCS accredited company. BritishEco are MCS accredited and members of the Renewable Energy Association (REA).

Alongside the manufacturers warranties BritishEco offer a 10 year guarantee on the installation of solar photovoltaic panels.

Where and how do interested home owners begin the process of discussing the installation of a renewable energy source?

By calling us on 0845 257 0041 we will be able to discuss your requirements and put you in touch with our local consultant who will be able to advise you further.

Interview with Tony O’Connor – Managing Director of BritishEco

Call us today on

0845 257 0041

You know when you have made the right decision.

Maximising your investment in renewables Choosing the right combination of equipment is only part of the decision, the other half is selecting the right company to handle your investment in renewable energy.

We have been designing and installing renewable energy systems nationwide since 2002 and have gained a reputation for excellence through our technical knowledge, onsite experience and customer care enabling you to know you have made the right decision in choosing BritishEco.

For more information please visit: www.britisheco.com Solar Thermal

Solar PV

Wind Turbines

Heat Pumps

Biomass Boilers

Rainwater

HOUSE h ouse GARDEN gArden

Hampstead

Antique & CrAft emporium F

or over 40 years the Emporium has been a popular destination for those in search of antique and vintage treasures from the 18th Century to the present.

But how many locals realise that Hampstead is home to one of London’s last remaining indoor antique markets?

Tucked behind one of Hampstead’s most picturesque turnings, just off Heath Street and Perrin’s Court, the Emporium is an intriguing labyrinth of over 20 specialists offering Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, MidCentury and Contemporary finds. Serious collectors and those searching for gifts or home accessories will be spoilt for choice. Where else could you find such a mind boggling range of antique and handcrafted artefacts from pearls to porcelain, dolls to door handles, paintings to pepper pots or tea sets to tiaras?

Long-established shops include silver gift specialist Hammond Leigh – great for weddings, christenings and anniversaries; Antium

Not just a Feast For the eyes, the emporium is also home to taNia’s waFFles aNd coFFee! TE RR 2 02 101 1 1 8 64 0 SSEEPP T EMMBBE E

✱ opeN: tues to Fri

10.30am-5.30pm, sat 10.00am-6.00pm, sunday 10.30am-5.30pm ✱ where: hampstead antique & craft emporium, 12 heath street, london Nw3 6te (may also be accessed from perrin’s court) ✱ tel: 020 7794 3297 ✱ www.hampsteadantique emporium.co.uk

Antiques, a haven for enthusiasts of all things Art Deco including lighting, clocks, jewellery, perfume bottles and glass plus Edwardian furniture; The Button Lady for unusual buttons and scarves plus Treasure which offers beautiful and original bespoke jewellery, a repair service and gifts. Capricorn is known for its fine small furniture, tea

sets and crystal while The Antique Textiles Company is a must for exquisite antique quilts and textiles dating from as early as 1780 up to the 1930s. Another hugely popular shop is London Dolls’ Houses & Toys, a wonderful collection of dolls’ houses, miniatures and antique dolls which continues to delight collectors and children alike.

In recent times new dealers

have increased the variety of quality items on offer. Jewellery lovers will be enthralled by the selection of fine period and vintage pieces at Minoo (M & A Kaae Jewellery) and Maryam. With Mid-Century style currently all the rage, head to The Modernist (1930 – 1970) for vintage George Jensen and other Scandinavian and American silver jewellery designers.

Browse through a fabulous mix of period and vintage collectables, including antique silver, china, mirrors, porcelain, ceramics, glass and brass plus costume jewellery and accessories at Jean, Natasha Johnson, Malcolm Davey and Sarah De Normanville. For a more contemporary look, visit Camilla Del Maestro’s sparkling array of handmade jewellery featuring semiprecious gems for inspiring avant- garde designs. For quality, cotton nightwear seek out Andrea Dreamtime.

Not just a feast for the eyes, the Emporium is also home to Tania’s waffles and coffee!

The dealers here are knowledgeable and friendly which makes a visit to the Emporium an interesting and welcoming experience.

Happy hunting!

Fishpools has grown over the last 112 years and today we are the largest quality furniture store in the south east. Our 60,000 square feet showrooms feature over 200 room sets from classic to contemporary, minimal to vintage and rustic to romantic all designed to help you make your home unique. There are over 200 sofa collections, 120 dining ranges, 100’s of beds, 75 bedroom ranges, and a large carpets & rugs department. Choose from a wide range of linens, softs, pictures and mirrors plus cookware and gifts from our Home Accessories department.

If it’s big name brands you’re after, we stock Stressless, Ercol, Natuzzi, G Plan, Duresta, Collins & Hayes, Nolte, Vi Spring, Tempur and many more.

As a family-run retailer our commitment to great service begins as soon as you enter the store to be greeted by our well trained, knowledgeable people, who will assist you on all aspects of your purchase until it is safely delivered to your home. So pop in, we have ample customer parking, an in-store coffee shop and we look forward to making your acquaintance.

With over 30 years of experience in the development of prestigious award-winning properties, who better to choose than Octagon Bespoke to design and build the new home of your dreams.

Our romantic Oxburgh with its calming white painted finish For more information call

Just one of over 75 bedroom styles in our range Visit our website to see all our ranges

John Pope on 020 8481 7500 or visit

www.OctagonBespoke.com

High Street Waltham Cross . 01992 63 64 65 . www.fishpools.co.uk

HOUSE GARDEN

MIRRORSINTERIORS DESIGNED FOR

SPECIALISTS IN DESIGNING, CREATING AND RESTORING FRAMES FOR MIRRORS AND PAINTINGS SINCE 1837 82 SEPTEMBER2011

In choosing a Joseph McCarthy mirror you’re not just buying a stunning, individual centrepiece for your home, office or boardroom - you’re also investing in British craftsmanship with a truly unique heritage

describes as “of extraordinary cultural significance”. These are the same moulds that have been used to create frames for some of the world’s leading art galleries, institutions and stately homes.

available to buy right now. If these aren’t exactly what you want we can create a similar one to your exact specifications.

A PIECE OF HISTORY IN THE MAKING

TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY STYLES AVAILABLE

Every frame is handmade on the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells using a combination of innovative modern methods and time honoured traditional techniques. The reversecarved, boxwood moulds we use to create our frames originate from the historical ‘Bloomsbury Collection’, a collection the Tate

Our high quality overmantel and feature mirrors make a fantastic focal point for any room. They are available in traditional or contemporary styles to perfectly compliment your interior décor.

For inspiration please browse the gallery to see what’s available.

There’s a wide selection of mirrors

For a truly individual experience we can design and build a mirror especially for you see our bespoke service

SPECIALIST DESIGN

For more information about Joseph McCarthy Ltd, visit us at 68 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN or call on 01892 527528, or email via info@josephmccarthy.co.uk. www.josephmccarthy.co.uk

HOUSE GARDEN

TIMELESS ELEGANT SHUTTERS Interior shutters complement both contemporary and traditional homes and are an excellent way to change the look and feel of a room. They are elegant and timeless, enabling you to alter your décor around them as time goes by Shutters allow you to control both light and privacy with their adjustable louvres. These can be tilted to create different atmospheres, from a bright and open room to a private one and everything else inbetween.

84 SEPTEMBER2011

Shutters are very versatile with different styles to choose from - full height, café style, tier-on-tier, or bespoke shapes. There is also a wide range of painted or stained finishes to suit the look you wish to achieve.

The Stylish Shutter Company can also match your shutters to the Farrow & Ball paint range.

right through to the Vancouver Cedar wood range. There is also a Bathroom Shutter designed specifically for wet and damp environments.

The Stylish Shutter Company offer a wide selection of shutter solutions to suit every budget.

From the Seattle Shutter range,

Alison Hopcraft, owner of The Stylish Shutter Company said “We offer a complete design, measure and installation service,

With shutters you will be able to find the perfect solution for your home.

all at competitive prices. We pride ourselves in the advice we give to our clients and truly want what’s best for you and your home”.

If you would like to find out more about interior plantation shutters, would like some advice or a free home survey, just call 01442 392324 or email Alison at alison@stylishshutters.co.uk. www.stylishshutters.co.uk Based in Tring, Hertfordshire

.

Kitchen Bedroom

08081 007 007 TM

Bathroom Centre

inspirational designs

Call free 24hr enquiry hotline www.kbbc.co.uk

Showroom Open 7 Days

SUMMER SALE NOW ON! 0% Payment Plans On All Ranges*

KBBC House 19 Fairways New River Trading Estate Broxbourne EN8 0NJ * Subject to terms and conditions. Please ask for details

BUSINESS

A

ccording to research by a leading pension provider more than half of people don’t have a Will. More worryingly it also found that 22% of people over 65 are without a Will. As death is not an option Alex Drake of Taylor Walton solicitors discusses why it is worth taking the trouble to ensure your affairs are in order.

If you don’t have a Will, you are leaving it to the Government to decide what will happen to your estate after your death. The Intestacy Rules, which apply when you don’t have a Will, are rigid and inflexible and may well produce a result which is not what you would want or expect.

There is no room in the Intestacy Rules for unmarried partners, friends or even charities. Even if you are married, you may think that everything will simply go to your spouse but this is not always the case.

If you leave a spouse and children and don’t have a Will, then only £250,000 is passed to your spouse. If the assets in your sole name exceed that amount then half of the residue passes to your children and the other half is held in a trust with the surviving spouse only entitled to the income. The capital in the trust passes on to the children on the death of the surviving spouse.

If you leave a spouse but no children then £450,000 is passed to your spouse. But again any amount in excess of this gets shared. Half goes to the surviving spouse and the other half passes to your parents if they are still alive, or if not, then to your brothers and sisters if you have any.

Many people are not aware that if a couple are not married then any children would inherit everything if one parent were to die. This sometimes results in the distressing spectacle of the surviving parent having to fight their children in Court 86 SEPTEMBER2011

DON’T HAVE A WILL - OTHERS COULD LIVE TO REGRET IT! Many people are not aware that if a couple are not married then any children would inherit everything if one parent were to die.... for a share of the estate.

By writing a Will you can make the right provision for your family, friends, your favourite charities and even your pets! Your estate can be managed more effectively, saving money and possible squabbles over property.

Writing a Will also provides scope for inheritance tax planning. Many will be aware that the current inheritance tax (IHT) threshold above which tax is payable is £325,000 – and has been frozen at that level until at least 2015. The value of the assets in an estate over that amount will be taxed at 40% and some of that tax will be payable before Probate is granted. The assets in a person’s

sole name will have been frozen upon death – meaning that the executors may have to take out a loan to pay the tax before they can administer the estate. Taking a typical estate valued at £500,000 – which is not uncommon given current property prices, there could be a tax bill of £70,000. If the estate is then to be divided between a number of beneficiaries it is possible, and often happens, that the taxman is actually the largest single beneficiary of an estate! The question therefore is who do you wish to benefit more – your family or the State?

For married couples the £325,000 threshold is in effect doubled by use of the transferable Nil Rate Band introduced by the Labour Party

in 2007. Any assets passing to a surviving spouse are free of IHT and do not therefore use up any of the tax free threshold. Under the transferrable NRB Scheme, any unused fraction of the NRB from the death of the first spouse can be used at the second death. The calculation is made by noting the percentage (not the actual amount) of the first spouses NRB that was unused and applying that percentage to increase the survivor’s NRB. Whilst the transferable NRB is clearly an improvement on the previous position for married couples, it gives no help to other worthy people such as divorced single parents, unmarried couples or couples who used the full NRB at the first death.

There are also complications due to the scheme’s dependence upon marriage. It is not uncommon for a widow or widower to remarry and advice should be taken about the first spouse’s NRB being transferred again, and how many times this can happen. Again, advice should be taken to maximise the possible benefits.

Careful Will drafting and making use of exemptions and allowances available, can help to reduce the tax bill considerably Poorly drawn Wills can be worse than having no Will at all and can lead to long and expensive court cases, so use an expert, it’s worth it.

Independent legal directory, The Legal 500, ranks Taylor Walton’s Private Client department as one of only three premier firms of solicitors in the Beds, Bucks, Herts and Middlesex region for Wills, probate and tax saving strategies. We are particularly experienced in dealing with complex tax planning arrangements and family issues.

If you would like advice or assistance in relation to Wills then please contact Alex Drake of Taylor Walton on 01582 765111 or email to alex.drake@taylorwalton.co.uk

With experience comes

Wisdom For wills, probate and tax-saving strategies, our experienced Private Client team can provide you with the wisdom you are looking for.

Offices in Harpenden, Luton and St Albans.

Effective Solutions for Individuals Call 01582 731161 or visit www.taylorwalton.co.uk

SOLICITORS

tw

taylorwalton

F E AT U R E

Dynamic Elegance

THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE September heralds the arrival of the all-new Range Rover Evoque, a vehicle that is as breath-taking to look at as it is to drive.

The Range Rover Evoque goes on sale across Surrey having completed a punishing schedule of more than a million development miles in 20 countries - including 5,000miles of testing at the Nürburgring.

Available as a stunning coupé or a practical 5-Door model, the Range Rover Evoque brings agile handling and concept car looks to the classic Range Rover package of luxury and all-terrain performance.

The Range Rover Evoque exudes dynamic elegance and is available in

three core design themes - from the cool and contemporary ‘Pure’, to the bold and sporting ‘Dynamic’ and the luxurious ‘Prestige’ package – though customers can personalise their vehicle with an array of colour, trim and accessory options.

Additional exterior styling items include bright side protection tubes, bodyside decals, coloured wheel centres, and alloy wheels in alternative finishes. Within the vehicle, customers can select features like metal sports pedals and illuminated aluminium and chrome tread plates.

The Range Rover Evoque’s interior is deceptively spacious given its

compact proportions and a full-sized panoramic glass roof can be selected in both the coupé and 5-Door to flood the interior with natural light if desired.

As you would expect from a Range Rover, the interior features high quality materials and craftsmanship but sees them applied in a more contemporary and sporting fashion.

Among the special touches are premium leather with twin-needle stitching on the instrument panel, doors and seats, plus displays that come to life through a choreographed start-up sequence.

The Range Rover Evoque provides customers with a host of premium technologies - including an 8-inch,

high-definition touch-screen display with optional dual-view technology that allows a passenger to watch a DVD while the driver follows navigation instructions.

Entertainment options include Digital and Satellite TV, DVD playback capability - which passengers can enjoy via 8-inch screens mounted in the headrests and digital infrared wireless headphones. New sound systems, developed in partnership with audio specialist Meridian and including a range-topping 825W, 17-speaker system, are also available.

However, the true test is how it drives and it is here that a million

EVOQUE

88 SEPTEMBER2011

F E AT U R E development miles prove their worth. Starting with the Range Rover Sport, which has a similar DNA to a luxury sports saloon, dynamics specialists set out to give the Range Rover Evoque a sporting character consistent with its looks.

They focused on ensuring that the Range Rover Evoque was agile and fun to drive, so particular attention was paid to steering precision and agility at lower speeds. As a result it offers a rewarding experience even during day-to-day urban driving but retains excellent body control and suffers no loss of poise.

Taking ride and handling to the next level, Range Rover Evoque customers have the opportunity to specify a state-of-the-art new Adaptive Dynamics feature, which sees MagneRide™ dampers monitoring and adapting to vehicle movements 1000 times/second* to help minimise body roll and provide an even more balanced drive.

Naturally the Range Rover Evoque delivers all-surface capability and makes use of a unique suite of technologies to maximise performance and comfort in

challenging on- and off-road conditions. These include the latest version of the company’s signature Terrain ResponseTM system – which has settings for General Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts and Sand to optimise driveability and comfort. When specifying the Adaptive Dynamics feature there is also an additional ‘Dynamic’ setting.

For customers looking for reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the Evoque is the first Range Rover to offer a choice between the standard, full-time four-wheel-drive system and a frontwheel-drive option tuned to deliver the same agile handling.

A choice of engines are available from a 150hp 2.2 litre turbo diesel eD4 engine that delivers less than 129g/km CO2 (in front-wheeldrive coupé form), to a 190hp SD4 version which gets from 0-60mph in 8.0 seconds when equipped with the automatic gearbox and a new 240hp 2.0 litre

turbo-charged petrol engine capable of 0-60mph in just 7.1 seconds.

The Range Rover Evoque’s compact size has enabled engineers to minimise weight, improve aerodynamics and reduce the quantity of materials required to produce it. Each car also uses 16kg of recycled plastic material in components including wheel arch liners and the engine cover - diverting many tonnes of waste from landfill.

On sale from September, the Range

Rover Evoque represents desirable sophistication - priced from £27,955 for an eD4 ‘Pure’ 5-door model (equipped with 6 speed manual gearbox and two–wheel drive) to £44,320 for a top-ofthe-range Si4 ‘Dynamic’ coupé (equipped with 6 speed automatic gearbox and LUX pack).

For more information visit www.rangerover.co.uk/ evoque

SEPTEMBER2011 89

PROPERTY LIFE T H E

L A T E S T

A N D

B E S T

S P O N S O R E D

P R O P E R T I E S

B Y

HYVER HILL As seen on the X Factor a A highly unusual and outstanding 7 bedroom room villa located on a stunning elevated 2 acre plot with breathtaking views to the South and West.

Guide price ÂŁ3,000,000

O N

T H E

M A R K E T

With over 30 years of experience in the development of prestigious award-winning properties, who better to choose than Octagon Bespoke to design and build the new home of your dreams.

For more information call John Pope on 020 8481 7500 or visit

www.OctagonBespoke.com

FROM COTTAGES TO COUNTRY ESTATES

www.statons.com

Specialising in: Totteridge • Woodside Park • Oakleigh Park • Whetstone • Mill Hill • Arkley • Barnet Hadley Wood • Winchmore Hill • Brookmans Park • Cuffley • Northaw • Essendon • Radlett • Elstree Park Street • Aldenham • Shenley • Letchmore Heath and surrounding areas

SALES • NEW HOMES • LETTINGS

TOTTERIDGE A beautiful detached family residence located in the Totteridge Village conservation area. An elegant home positioned within mature landscaped setting accessed via private driveway fitted with electronic gates. 8 bedrooms, 5 reception rooms, 8 bathrooms, gym, triple garage, garden.

RADLETT Situated in one of Radlett’s premier tree lined avenues, enjoying stunning & unrivalled views over greenbelt countryside Ash Barton is a superb characterful family residence of approx 5700 sq ft. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 receptions, detached triple garage & extensive mature gardens. Sole Agent.

MILL HILL A newly built 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom, 3 reception room detached home offered to a high and exacting standard with superb attention to detail and the latest in home technology.

Hendon Wood Lane is a popular residential location adjoining greenbelt.

PRICE ON APPLICATION FREEHOLD TOTTERIDGE OFFICE 020 8445 3694

£3,000,000 FREEHOLD RADLETT OFFICE 01923 604321

£2,495,000 FREEHOLD TOTTERIDGE OFFICE 020 8445 3694

HADLEY WOOD White Ladies is a beautifully presented family residence approached via a gravelled carriage driveway in one of the area’s most prestigious locations. 6 bedrooms (3 en suites), 4 reception rooms, family bathroom, double garage, garden, Sole Agent.

HADLEY WOOD A very well presented detached 6 bedroom family residence constructed approximately 5 years. Also with NHBC warranty remaining and benefiting from a southerly aspect rear garden abutting Hadley Woods. 3 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms (2 en suites), garage. Sole Agent.

ESSENDON PARK A superb apartment arranged over 3 levels with 3 bedrooms all with individually designed en-suites, large kitchen/family room, utility, spacious lounge with terrace, dining area opens onto covered terrace with magnificent views over the surrounding 150 acres grounds. Sole Agent.

£2,495,000 FREEHOLD HADLEY WOOD OFFICE 020 8440 9797

£2,150,000 FREEHOLD HADLEY WOOD OFFICE 020 8440 9797

£1,350,000 FREEHOLD BROOKMANS PARK OFFICE 01707 661144

HIGH BARNET Set in a private cul-de-sac is this spacious detached family home.

Comprising 2 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suites), double garage & bright spacious kitchen. This property is in good condition throughout with a wide well kept south facing garden with patio area. Sole Agent.

ALDENHAM An outstanding and beautifully presented home finished to the highest standards, in the exclusive Wall Hall development and surrounded by 55 acres of stunning communal parkland. 2/3 reception rooms,3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 e/s), double garage and lovely garden. Sole Agent.

HIGH BARNET Set on this wide plot we are proud to present this modern detached family home. Kitchen/breakfast room, two reception rooms, four double bedrooms, and separate utility area. Further benefits include a south facing rear garden of approx. 80ft with large decking area. Sole Agent.

£1,100,000 FREEHOLD BARNET OFFICE 020 8449 3383

£899,950 FREEHOLD RADLETT OFFICE 01923 604321

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £799,995 FREEHOLD BARNET OFFICE 020 8449 3383

For many homes in all price ranges please call us or visit www.statons.com SALES OFFICES AT: BARNET 020 8449 3383 • TOTTERIDGE 020 8445 3694 • HADLEY WOOD 020 8440 9797 • BROOKMANS PARK 01707 661144 • RADLETT 01923 604321 NEW HOMES SHOWCASE: HADLEY GREEN 020 8441 9555 PREMIER LETTINGS: HADLEY GREEN 020 8441 9796 • ASSOCIATED OFFICES: MAYFAIR & MOSCOW

PROPERTY

GRANGE AVENUE TOTTERIDGE, N20 A

n immaculately presented detached family home situated in a highly regarded tree lined avenue in the heart of Totteridge Village close to the amenities of Totteridge, Whetstone and Mill Hill.

The house was comprehensively redesigned and extended in the late 1990’s by the current owners using specialist architect Sam Tamam of BWS Architecture who has left his mark with a number of signature features including a circular hall, wall murals, and oval windows as well as very balanced proportions and multi aspect views.

As you enter the home you walk into the fabulous circular hall which leads into the principal reception rooms and fully integrated kitchen/ breakfast room. On the first floor are 5 double bedrooms, with the master suite benefitting from a sumptuous bathroom and dressing room. There is a further en-suite to bedroom 2 and a family bathroom.

94 SEPTEMBER2011

accommodation the house offers further potential to extend (subject to planning permission).

ACCOMMODATION eception Hall R Lounge Dining Room Family Room Study Kitchen/Breakfast Room Utility Room Guest Cloakroom Master Bedroom Dressing Room Ensuite Bathroom Sitting Area Bedroom Two Bedroom Three Ensuite Shower Room Bedroom Four Bedroom Five Family Bathroom Double Garage Carriage Driveway Rear Garden

The fabulous gardens are a key feature to the house with beautifully manicured lawns, well stocked flower borders and a delightful circular sunken terrace which provides a secluded sun-trap.

Guide Price ÂŁ3,000,000

Whilst the home already boasts approximately 4000 sq ft of

For further details, please contact our Totteridge Office on 020 8445 3694.

PROPERTY

TOTTERIDGE COMMON TOTTERIDGE, N20 A

country home with a London address, in one of North London’s most prestigious roads, Highcroft offers the best of both worlds, the feel of country living but with superb access to the City and West End. Set in beautifully landscaped grounds in excess of 4 acres, the property is offered to a high and exacting standard throughout with meticulous attention to detail and boasting in excess of 11,000 sq. ft of stunning family accommodation.

FEATURES at 6 cabling C Russound multiroom entertainment system 9’3 ceiling heights to principal receptions Boffi kitchen with integrated Gaggenau appliances Schotren and Hansen flooring Landscaped gardens by Paramount ACCOMMODATION GROUND FLOOR R eception Hall D rawing Room F amily Room C inema Room K itchen/Breakfast Room G ymnasium U tility Room S econdary Kitchen G uest Cloakroom S hower Room

MAIN FIRST FLOOR M aster suite comprising bedroom, dressing room, balcony overlooking the gardens, ensuite bathroom B edroom 2 with ensuite B edroom 3 with ensuite SECOND FLOOR B edroom 4 with ensuite B edroom 5 B edroom 6 B edroom 7 F amily Bathroom FIRST FLOOR (ABOVE GARAGING) B edroom 8 B edroom 9 THE GROUNDS E lectronically operated gates E xtensive gravel driveway 6 car garage S tunning landscaped gardens S wimming pool with terrace P ool House T ennis Court T otal acreage approximately 2.7 acres

Price On Application

For further details, please contact Nick Staton on 020 8440 9797.

SEPTEMBER2011 95

PROPERTY

OAKLEIGH PARK NORTH W H E T S T O N E

A

n imposing detached residence built in 1907 offering a wealth of character throughout.

The spacious accommodation, arranged over 3 floors, is ideal for family living and entertaining on a grand scale, comprising drawing room, dining room, study, family room, conservatory, garden room,

96 SEPTEMBER2011

fitted kitchen/breakfast room and utility room to the ground floor. To the 1st floor, the spacious landing leads to 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with an en suite to the master bedroom. Stairs continue up to the 2nd floor playroom which could easily be converted into further accommodation if required.

The beautifully landscaped

N 2 0

garden is mainly laid to lawn Offers in the region of ÂŁ2,400,000 with a terrace running along FREEHOLD the rear of the property. There is a heated swimming pool and a variety of mature trees and shrubs providing ample seclusion.

Approaching the house is an extensive carriage driveway with off street parking for numerous cars, leading to 2 garages.

For more information on this property, please contact Real Estates on 020 8445 3132 or visit the website www.realestates-wsp.co.uk

Woodside Park Totteridge Whetstone Oakleigh Park Finchley Mill Hill Arkley

www.realestates-wsp.co.uk TOTTERIDGE POA S AG OL EN E T

S AG OL EN E T

TOTTERIDGE £2,600,000

A fine example of an attractive and beautifully presented detached family home, situated in one of the area’s most sought after locations off Totteridge Lane. 3 receptions + conservatory, superb fitted kitchen, utility room, master bedroom with en suite, 4 further bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, double garage, gymnasium, landscaped garden.

A stunning detached family home arranged over 3 floors in the heart of Totteridge offering spacious and versatile living accommodation with 6/7 well proportioned bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, lounge/dining room, family room, kitchen/breakfast/tv room, utility room, guest clk, integral double garage, secluded garden.

Totteridge office 020 8445 3132

TOTTERIDGE POA S AG OL EN E T

S AG OL EN E T

TOTTERIDGE £1,975,000

Totteridge office 020 8445 3132

A substantial 8 bed detached residence on Totteridge Lane, clost to Totteridge & Whetstone Northern Line tube stn & amenities at the High Road, Whetstone. Approached via electric gated entrance & boasting a mature southerly garden, the generous accommodation is arranged over 3 fls incl. 3 receptions + conservatory, fitted kitchen, 5 bathrooms (4 en suite).

A Georgian style detached family home in sought after location just off Totteridge Lane, offering spacious living & entertaining accommodation incl. double aspect lounge & dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, guest clk, 4 beds, 3 baths (2 en suite), mature secluded garden, double garage, off street parking.

Totteridge office 020 8445 3132

TOTTERIDGE £1,195,000 S AG OL EN E T

S AG OL EN E T

TOTTERIDGE £1,500,000

Totteridge office 020 8445 3132

Newly refurbished 6 bed, 3 bath detached property finished to a high standard to incl handmade English kitchen/diner open plan with tv room, Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware with Grohe fitments, luxury carpets, fitted robes, zoned music system with speakers to all main rooms, 5.1 surround sound to living room, gas underfloor ch, alarm system, comfort cooling to 3 beds & kitchen/family room, landscaped front & rear garden.

Totteridge office 020 8445 3132

A beautifully presented home situated in the heart of Totteridge offering spacious and well proportioned accommodation. Spacious hall, lounge with fireplace & access to terrace, dining rm, kit/breakfast room with tiled u/floor heating, laundry room, guest clk, 3 beds/2 baths (1 en suite) to 1st floor, master bed with walk-in robe & en suite to 2nd floor. Approx 85’ landscaped garden. Detached brick built studio.

Totteridge office 020 8445 3132

Premier Move introduces specialist services available throughout Hertfordshire and Beyond …..

PROBATE SALES OFFICE • Saves time for Executors

We sell homes for Executors, Attorneys and Court of Protection Deputies throughout England and Wales

• Guarantees the “best Offers” process will not be corrupted • Gets the best price for The Estate • Helps raise money for the local hospice We give 10% of our fees to charity – 5% to the hospice nearest the probate property and another 5% to the clientʼs chosen charity 01582 460046 www.probatesalesoffice.co.uk

Land Wanted Free Initial Appraisal and Consultation • Land sold to Developers There are many different approaches to selling your valuable development site each with different merits and pitfalls.

Our initial meeting can focus on the most advantageous strategy for your circumstances.

All matters are respected as confidential and your concerns and time scale are respected throughout.

Call us today and arrange your free land appraisal In many cases, landowners prefer our developer contacts to seek planning at their own expense so you can remain free from costs and planning expenses Lance Trendall

lance@thelandoffice.co.uk

01582 461581 EXPERIENCE • INTEGRITY • ENTHUSIASM

www.thelandoffice.co.uk

W

ilsons

Country Homes & Village properties

Lanes ways, Chipperfield ÂŁ1,250,000 Laneways is an individual character property situated on a substantial plot with far reaching views over the countryside in a quiet rural location.

5 Bedrooms Sitting Room Dining Room Kitchen/Dining Room Ensuite Bathroom to Master Bedroom Detached Double Garage 2 Separate Annexes Plot 1.1 acre Total sq ft including stables, workshops and garage 4000sq ft

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 35a High Street, Bovingdon, Herts HP3 0HG Tel: 01442 831 500 Fax: 01442 831 300

info@wilsonsofbovingdon.com www. wilsonsofbovingdon.com

CHANTRY CLOSE

ÂŁ1,100,000

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

ARKLEY / MILL HILL BORDERS NW7

5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms (1 en-suite ) Lounge

Dining room Playroom/TV room Kitchen/breakfast room

Utility room Double garage Double driveway

A large detached 5 bedroom, family house(2948 sq ft) built by Banner Homes in a small cul-de-sac set back from the road.The property offers good accommodation over 3 floors and benefits include 3 reception rooms, large hallway/ landing a double garage and driveway with parking for 2 cars.

CHALGROVE GARDENS

FINCHLEY N3

bedrooms 6 Lounge Dining Room Stunning Mark Wilkinson kitchen / family room Large entrance hall Carriage driveway Lovely large rear garden

ÂŁ1,795,000

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT As Sole Agents, we are pleased to offer this fantastic, large 6 bedroom detached family house (2898 sq. ft), offered in immaculate decorative order and located on the popular Chessington Estate. The property particularly benefits from a newly refurbished, stunning Mark Wilkinson kitchen/family room, pretty rear garden and carriage driveway with off street parking for 3/4 cars.

CHATELAIN HOUSE MILL HILL NW7

3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms (1 En Suite) L ounge / DIning Room K itchen Breakfast Room 2 Reserved spaces in Underground car park C ommunal Gardens P orter Private Terrace

ÂŁ865,000

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

A fantastic 3 bedroom ground floor flat in this prestigious gated development off the Ridgeway in the heart of Mill Hill Village. The property is offered in good decorative order and has the benefit of direct access to a private patio and terrace opening onto acres of stunning communal gardens, 2 underground parking spaces and magnificent far reaching views over greenbelt.

WISE LANE

MILL HILL NW7

An imposing large double fronted detached family house on an elevated position set back from the road behind security gates.

Newly built to a high standard only 3 years ago this fantastic home offers 4745 sq ft/441 sq m Arranged over four floors with numerous features including a very large kitchen/family room, large basement with staff accommodation,home cinema and magnificent 130’ garden with heated swimming pool backing directly onto Arrandene open space.

6 bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 en suite Kitchen/Family Room Lounge Dining Room Study Cinema Room Sauna/Steam Shower Underfloor heating

ÂŁ2,185,000

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

TRETAWN GARDENS MILL HILL NW7

£1,200,000

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

A highly unusual and deceptively spacious, four bedroom detached Chalet Bungalow style home set back from the road at the top of Highwood Hill. Offering well proportioned accommodation of 2325 sq ft arranged over three levels with delightful and secluded landscaped south facing gardens. Benefits include a bright & spacious fully fitted kitchen/diner with large patio doors opening out to 17’9 terrace, utility room, master bedroom with study area and en -suite bathroom, a large reception room/playroom with sliding doors opening out to the gardens and a 120’x31’ carriage driveway with a double length detached garage.

HIGHWOOD HILL

MILL HILL NW7

£1,275,000

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

A very spacious and impressive 5/6 bedroom, 4 bathroom detached house, arranged over three floors and situated in a prime residential location just off Marsh Lane. The property has been much improved and extended by the current owners and boasts 4/5 reception rooms (reception 5/bedroom 6), modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room, modern bathroom/wc, 3 modern shower rooms, rear garden, small enclosed courtyard and carriage driveway providing off street parking for 3 cars.

CANONS DRIVE EDGWARE HA8

Built approx. 5 years ago, this delightful, 4 bedroom semi-detached family house is situated in a desirable development off Devonshire Road, close to Mill Hill East underground station.Offered in excellent decorative order throughout and arranged over 3 floors

CHELDON AVENUE MILL HILL NW7

A characterful 4 bedroom detached family house set back from the road,situated on the highly regarded Canons Drive Estate, within walking distance of Canons Park (Jubilee line) station and Edgware’s (Northern line) tube station and shopping facilities. Residents of the estate can exclusively access the private seven acre lake and woodland walk.

£599,950 £1,250,000

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

HYVER HILL

ntrance Hall E Guest Cloakroom Library/Study Reception Room Formal Dining Room As seen on the X Factor a A highly unusual and outstanding 7 bedroom room villa located on a stunning elevated 2 acre plot with breathtaking views to the South and West. Situated At the end of a highly desirable and exclusive cul-de-sac Approached by a 50 meter gated private driveway with garaging and forecourt parking for numerous cars, this exceptional residence (5,883 sq ft / 547 sq m) is situated in an incredibly tranquil location.

Surrounded by open countryside on the borders of Mill Hill and Arkley, on one of the highest points of any London borough.

MILL HILL NW7

V Room T Kitchen/Breakfast Room Preparitory Kitchen/Utility Room Master Bedroom Suite with Dressing Room & En-Suite Bathroom The property offers numerous features including a magnificent Entrance Hall with Gallery, Staff Flat/Studio and roof terrace with views over London.

The area is well served with easy access to the West End and the City and within easy reach of the M25 (5 miles) and Heathrow Airport approximately 30 minutes. Private planes and helicopters may be landed in Elstree Aerodrome (5 miles). The area is noted for its excellent schooling and recreational facilities, including riding schools and numerous golf courses.

ÂŁ3,000,000

FREEHOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

6 Further Bedrooms (Bedroom 5 with En-Suite) T wo Family Bathrooms 3 0 ft Private Roof Terrace S taff Flat

Barham Avenue



Elstree



Hertfordshire

iPad 2 is here.

Come and see why it’s even better the second time round.

The device that started it all now leaps further ahead. iPad 2 is thinner, lighter and even faster than the original, with the same 10-hour battery life.1 The new front and back cameras let you make FaceTime2 video calls and capture HD video on the beautiful, 9.7-inch Multi-Touch display. And the optional iPad Smart Cover3 attaches magnetically and aligns perfectly. Discover the amazing iPad 2 at Solutions inc..

Solutions inc 11 The Maltings Shopping Centre, St Albans, AL1 3NL www.solutions-inc.co.uk Tel: 01727 894849 1 Compared with previous iPad. Battery life varies by use and configuration. See www.apple.com/uk/batteries for more information. 2 Requires a FaceTime-enabled Mac with an Internet connection or a FaceTime-enabled iOS device with a Wi-Fi connection. Not available in all areas. See www.apple.com/uk/mac/facetime for more details. 3 iPad Smart Cover sold separately. Some colour may rub off leather covers during use. TM and Š 2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

the laboratory spa & health club

Muswell Hill The Avenue N10 2QE Call 020 8482 3000 Hendon Hall Lane NW4 4TJ Call 020 8201 5500 labspa.co.uk

Voted ‘Best Private Health Club & Spa’ in London by Time Out