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Jason Clelland has a wealth of experience in the Garden sector and has been in the Landscape/Garden maintenance business all his life. Based in Welwyn Garden City, Jason works on schemes all over Hertfordshire, Essex and North London. With an extensive knowledge of the finest Turfing projects both natural and artificial, JC Garden Services are also an approved Millboard Decking installer. Jason also has great knowledge of Garden Maintenance, with an exclusive portfolio of regular clients in both private and commercial sectors. JC Garden Services offer a professional and passionate service to help create your dream garden. jobs undertaken from small domestic gardens to large commercial installs.

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eritage Live concerts are staged at some of England’s most beautiful and culturally significant venues. These historic landmarks, stately homes and showgrounds showcase the very best of England’s unique heritage and serve as stunning backdrops to their evening events. Audley End House & Gardens is an English Heritage site that is one of the most culturally important estates in the UK, set in the beautiful valleys of the Essex countryside. The Heritage Live concerts at Audley End will take place between 12-15 August 2021. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), has revealed the garden lineup* for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show sponsored by M&G. For the first time in its 108-year history, the greatest flower show on earth will be held in the autumn. Following the decision to postpone the RHS Chelsea Flower Show until September, designers have been tweaking their plans for this year’s historic autumn show…..for many designers their gardens have become even more relevant following the events of the last 14 months. The 2021 Show Gardens will be alive with colour with the very best garden designers gathering to showcase cutting-edge design and ideas with inspiration, colour and innovation.

At the start of the next academic year, Braeside School in Buckhurst Hill will be celebrating a very exciting new development. Currently an all girls school for pupils from 2½ to 16, from September 2021 the school will be extending its provision to boys as part of a phased plan over several years. A member of the Oak-Tree Group that also includes Coopersale Hall School in Epping, Normanhurst in North Chingford and Oaklands in Loughton, Braeside is already widely known for its outstanding education and family ethos. The ARPANET was a project of the Advanced Research Projects Agency, an arm of the US Defence Department. Devised to connect research establishments over telephone lines in the late 1960’s the ARPANET mushroomed into todays world wide web which also connects homes and businesses in many countries across the globe. Arguably Moore predicted todays portable devices of which the mobile phone has become the most popular, and the device of choice for connecting to the web. Faye Manning Editor

EDITOR FAYE MANNING EDITOR’S ASSISTANT KIERAN BULLWORTHY SUB EDITOR CHANG KAIRA FASHION EDITOR BEN JONES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER NIKKI KING ACCOUNT/ADMIN KATHY MANNING, ANDREE GEORGIOU DESIGN & PRODUCTION BOB AMBROSE DIRECTORS PATRICK SMITH, RORY SMITH

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ADAM STOTT MEANS

BIG BUSINESS A transport café serving weary drivers is easily viewed as a place where dreams are crushed rather than made but, for business coach Adam Stott, it was springboard for an astonishing career

dam’s mum was struggling to raise her three children after divorce forced the family to swap a spacious detached home for a bungalow behind the busy café where every penny counted. Adam was just eight-years-old but the early lessons of having to work hard to make ends meet were the foundation of a spectacular rise to notch up more than £50 million in product sales and become a respected business guru. “My parents had been successful but then a recession came along and then they divorced,” says 1 8 J U LY 2 0 2 1

38-year-old Adam, who runs a business coaching empire and is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. “We went from a nice lifestyle to a terrible lifestyle. “ The family’s tough times were compounded for Adam when school failed to ignite his interest or recognise his talents. It would take a while for the elements to fuse together into an award-winning career which has included sharing the stage with boxing superstars Floyd Mayweather and Anthony Joshua and fashion icon Calvin Klein to discuss the secrets of success.

I don’t have a magic wand to make you wealthy because there is no substitute for hard work.

“The common factor with a lot of successful people is that at some stage they have had to deal with conflict and it is how they deal with that conflict that matters,” adds Adam. “Success is not simply a hero’s journey, it is about recognising opportunities and grabbing them.” There were little signs of success when Adam left school with minimal qualifications and no clear idea of what profession to follow. “I was terrible at school.,” he says. “I just wasn’t academically minded and there was nothing there for people who didn’t fit the structure. I was told I would never achieve anything; how many successful people have been similarly written off ?” After a job in sales at an electronics superstore Adam, from Essex, transferred his talents to cars and joined a luxury dealership where his sales success continued. At 25, Adam was earning a six-figure salary and had bought a house but his success came to a grinding halt when he set up his own financial services company just before the financial crash of 2008. His savings evaporated as the company

faltered in a hostile trading environment. The setback was short-lived as Adam backed his recovery idea of setting up a broking company to buy and sell cars. Big Cars was born. “The basic idea was to establish as virtually an estate agent for cars and it flew until the market changed. But, despite working hard and being one of the most motivated people on the planet, I recognised that there was no real business coaching around for someone like me. “I started to go on courses and really improved how I approached finances and staff. I really gave my life to the business, working 9am to 11pm six days a week and we grew to nearly £40 million a year in sales. I then learned about branding. Your brand is your reputation and is what someone says about you when you are not in the room. “I also discovered the power of social media in its early days and we used it to provide explosive growth for the business.” With regular visits to America to attend business development workshops, Adam acquired the skills to analyse the core elements of success and use them to boost business – it became the start of his successful venture into wealth coaching. Adam’s Big Business Events company now runs seminars and courses packed with insights and practical measures to guide a new generation of entrepreneurs. “I don’t have a magic wand to make you wealthy because there is no substitute for hard work. But there are so many people out there you are prepared to do that and, with guidance, they can achieve. Britain is full of business talent, energy and ideas and I’m proud that I’m helping people realise their potential.”

I really gave my life to the business, working 9am to 11pm six days a week and we grew to nearly £40 million a year in sales

THE DETAILS Big Business Events Visit bigbusinessevents.co.uk for further details J U LY 2 0 2 1 1 9

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Winnie the Pooh celebrates shared 95th birthday with the Queen in new animation

By Kerri-Ann Roper and Alex Green

innie the Pooh pays tribute to the Queen in a new animation released to celebrate the fictional bear’s 95th anniversary and the same birthday milestone reached by the monarch this year. The 45-second clip, titled Winnie The Pooh And The Royal Adventure, sees Pooh travel from the Hundred Acre Wood to Windsor Castle with friends Christopher Robin, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore to deliver a special present for the Queen. The group give her a giant pot of honey attached to 95 colourful balloons. Created by Disney artist Kim Raymond, the animation draws inspiration from the work of EH Shepard, who created the illustrations for author AA Milne’s original books. The short film will also feature a brief glimpse of the Queen and celebrate the stories’ themes of “timeless charm, friendship and simple joys”. October 2021 marks 95 years since the publication of the first Pooh book, while the Queen turned 95 on April 21, four days after the funeral of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle. Pooh first met the Queen five years ago in the story Winnie The Pooh And The Royal Birthday, which marked their shared 90th birthdays. Raymond said: “It’s always an honour to draw 2 0 J U LY 2 0 2 1

Winnie the Pooh, and even more so when in the company of Her Majesty the Queen. I have drawn Pooh Bear for over 30 years and continue to be inspired by the classic works of EH Shepard. “Disney wanted to create a touching story befitting of the world’s most loved bear, who, for over 95 years, has touched the hearts of millions. “I sincerely hope fans enjoy watching Winnie The Pooh And The Royal Adventure as much as I enjoyed creating it.” Disney’s Tasia Filippatos said: “Winnie the Pooh stories hold a unique place in the hearts of so many around the world. “The themes of friendship and simple pleasures are more relevant than ever 95 years on and we’re delighted to share this new tale to help fans celebrate his milestone birthday.”

Winnie The Pooh And The Royal Adventure is available to watch across Disney UK’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels now.

COVER STORY

Well-being: is flexi-boarding the answer? Jo Cameron, Principal of Queenswood School in Hertfordshire, argues that boarding schools are particularly well placed to help teenagers maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Q: How can boarding schools help young people to stay healthy? A: There is a direct correlation between lack of physical activity, poorer mental health and lower aspirations among teenagers, and one recent study suggests that by the age of 14, girls are twice as likely as boys to drop sport altogether. But at boarding school pupils continue to enjoy being active throughout their education, with a hugely positive impact on their self-esteem as well as their academic results. And the range of co-curricular opportunities on offer at boarding schools, which are sadly under threat in many state schools, helps pupils to broaden their horizons and to relieve some of the pressure of exams. Q: Can flexi-boarding really help to reduce stress? A: Increasingly, boarding schools are taking a flexible approach to suit the needs of modern working families. For those families who don’t want to take up the full boarding option, a flexiboarding approach means that girls can access the benefits of full boarding on a regular basis and their families can enjoy the best of both worlds. Pupils can choose to board for just a few nights a week, allowing them to take part in those vital co-curricular activities well into the evening. At Queenswood, we also offer an extremely popular

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bespoke door-to-door transport service, so that on days when girls choose not to board, parents do not have to face the stressful burden of the daily school run. Q: How do boarders develop social skills? A: Boarding teaches pupils to be self-reliant, independent and responsible, and to mix with people from all over the world. Young people face unprecedented pressures from social media, and schools have an important part to play in helping children develop a healthy relationship with technology. In a boarding community, staff are able to monitor use of technology, and help pupils to develop their inter-personal skills, thanks to initiatives such as Queenswood’s ‘No Tech Tuesday’. Q: How do you ensure that pupils who are away from home for the first time, settle into flexi-boarding? A: The level of pastoral care is exceptionally high. At Queenswood, for example, there are so many adults on hand to help girls negotiate those challenging teenage years – Houseparents, heads of House and heads of year, nurses, a residential school counsellor, the school Chaplain. There is always someone to turn to. queenswood.org

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The Move to Co-education At the start of the next academic year, Braeside School in Buckhurst Hill will be celebrating a very exciting new development. Currently an all girls school for pupils from 2½ to 16, from September 2021 the school will be extending its provision to boys as part of a phased plan over several years.

member of the Oak-Tree Group that also includes Coopersale Hall School in Epping, Normanhurst in North Chingford and Oaklands in Loughton, Braeside is already widely known for its outstanding education and family ethos. We speak to Mrs Chloe Moon, Braeside’s Headmistress, about the many benefits of this change and the positive impact it will have on the school as a whole. Q: Why has the school decided to accept boys from September 2021? A: In this modern era, we believe that a coeducational environment is in the best interests of the children and will benefit their development as we move forward into the 21st Century. It also means that whole families will be able to become a part of the Braeside experience and benefit from our educational journey. The world is co-educational, and mixing boys and girls together in schools develops social skills and adds many educational opportunities. Since 1990, the number of UK single sex independent Schools has halved with girls’ schools now making up just 10%. This reflects the national and international trends that favour co-education. Q: What are the benefits of extending Braeside provision to boys? A: At this young age, socialising with other children is a vital part of the learning and development process. There are so many additional learning opportunities that we see in our other schools. Parents with children of both genders will also benefit from choosing one school that accommodates both boys and girls. Q: Will this change the School’s aims, ethos and values? A: Not at all! On the contrary, this actually reflects Braeside’s long-term historical ethos and values of 2 4 J U LY 2 0 2 1

community, compassion and empathy. It has always been our intention to educate happy, confident pupils who are stimulated and challenged to succeed in an ever-changing world. The move to co-education supports this. Q: What about the extra-curricular provision? A: The extra-curricular club provision contributes greatly to the refreshing and stimulating environment at Braeside and provides many opportunities for pupils to harness new skills and have fun together. Our extra-curricular programme is already extremely varied with clubs that both boys and girls can enjoy, and we are looking at extending this even further in the future. Q: How will this affect pupils already at Braeside? A: Introducing boys into the school from 2021 will not directly affect any of the current girls at Braeside as they are starting in our Kindergarten and Reception. The only real change will be that current pupils will encounter boys in their day-to-day life at school. Our pupils choose co-educational sixth form schools or colleges, so it is timely and fitting that we reflect the learning environments that our pupils go on to study in. It is best that we prepare students for life beyond Braeside that is sixth form, college, work and university – all of which offer mixed, diverse environments. This is an excellent school and I am pleased that we have found the right shape for the future in which our pupils can learn in a purposeful environment that will become even more vibrant.

The world is coeducational, and mixing boys and girls together in schools develops social skills and adds many educational opportunities

THE DETAILS Oak Tree Schools Find out more at www.braesideschool.co.uk

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HERITAGE LIVE Heritage Live will this summer bring a host of incredible outdoor concerts to one of the most beautiful venues in the country – Audley End House & Gardens in Saffron Walden, Essex.

eritage Live concerts are staged at some of England’s most beautiful and culturally significant venues. These historic landmarks, stately homes and showgrounds showcase the very best of England’s unique heritage and serve as stunning backdrops to their evening events. Audley End House & Gardens is an English Heritage site that is one of the most culturally important estates in the UK, set in the beautiful valleys of the Essex countryside. The Heritage Live concerts at Audley End will take place between 12-15 August 2021. Thursday 12th August will be headlined by Boy George & Culture Club, and features very special guests Bananarama, Lulu, and Gabrielle. Legendary DJ, Fat Tony will get the party started from 4pm! Since their inception in 1981, Culture Club have sold more than 150 million records worldwide, and are recognised as a Grammy Award winning UK institution with a stream of classic hits including; ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’, ‘Karma Chameleon’, ‘Church Of The Poison Mind’, ‘Victims’, ‘It’s A Miracle’ and ‘The War Song’. The group are fronted by singer/songwriter Boy George, universally loved as one of music’s most iconic artists who performs alongside original Culture Club members Roy Hay and Mikey Craig. As the first multi-racial band with an openly gay front man, Culture Club set many records and established themselves as icons

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of British musical history and popular culture. James Blunt will headline on Friday 13th August, joined by Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, and the Hackney Colliery Band. Since emerging with 2005’s Biggest Selling UK Album ‘Back to Bedlam’, bolstered by the incredible success of the single ‘You’re Beautiful’ which went on to become No.1 in several countries worldwide including the UK and USA, he has become one of Britain’s most loved solo artists. With five more albums under his belt including his most recent, ‘Once Upon A Mind’ - which saw him return to the classic singer-songwriter style of songs that touch both the heart and the head - Blunt is as popular as ever. Saturday 14th August will see the legendary Van Morrison headline, plus special guests The Waterboys, Imelda May and Saffron Walden local, Joanna Eden, with her Band. Van Morrison’s matchless song-writing and vocal talents have seen him produce an incredible body of material throughout his career that has seen him traverse, and indeed master, everything from the British R&B, in which he originally made his name, to Jazz, Celtic and Soul. The Heritage Live concerts at Audley End will culminate on Sunday 15th August with the Last Night of the Heritage Proms with Russell Watson and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra conducted by legendary composer David Arnold. Russell Watson is one of the world’s most popular classical singers, once described by the New York Times as a performer ‘who sings like Pavarotti and entertains the audience like Frank Sinatra’. Russell will perform an array of classics from much-loved standards such as ‘Jerusalem’, ‘Land

These historic landmarks, stately homes and showgrounds showcase the very best of England’s unique heritage and serve as stunning backdrops to their evening events of Hope and Glory’ and ‘Swing Low’, through to showstoppers including ‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘Bring Him Home’, alongside a very special ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ medley. The show also features the Cambridge based, NHS Chorus-19, producer Mike Moran, coloratura soprano Christina Johnston, and crooner Mark Kingswood – as well as a spitfire flypast and firework finale.

THE DETAILS Heritage Live For tickets to all of the Heritage Live concerts and more information, please visit: www.Heritagelive.net

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he ARPANET was a project of the Advanced Research Projects Agency, an arm of the US Defence Department. Devised to connect research establishments over telephone lines in the late 1960’s the ARPANET mushroomed into todays world wide web which also connects homes and businesses in many countries across the globe. Arguably Moore predicted todays portable devices of which the mobile phone has become the most popular, and the device of choice for connecting to the web. The trifecta of convenience and availability of mobile internet, the developing trend for social shopping with the emergence of internet marketplaces like Amazon and Ebay has fuelled a growth in ecommerce which is reshaping the high street. The team at valuewebhost.co.uk have provided website construction and hosting services since 2005. Using the latest technologies, appropriate to your needs, they can put your new or existing business online so get in touch tioday. The team are launching their own ecommerce sites so they can best advise their current and future customers on ecommerce solutions. scootersandquads4sale.com was first to go live a one stop shop for electric bikes, electric and petrol scooters and quad bikes. Enter coupon code ESSEX25 into the checkout and get a £25 discount on a new ebike. The most recent launch urbanchic.uk is a contemporary living salon. Looking to destress, rejuvenate & refresh, replace products with environmentally friendly ones or shopping for those summer essentials, look no further than urbanchic. uk. Please note urbanchic.uk products make excellent gifts so visit today.

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RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW RETURNS 21 - 26 September 2021

he Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), has revealed the garden line-up* for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show sponsored by M&G. For the first time in its 108-year history, the greatest flower show on earth will be held in the autumn. Following the decision to postpone the RHS Chelsea Flower Show until September, designers have been tweaking their plans for this year’s historic autumn show…..for many designers their gardens have become even more relevant following the events of the last 14 months. The 2021 Show Gardens will be alive with colour with the very best garden designers gathering to showcase cutting-edge design and ideas with inspiration, colour and innovation. They include: • The Florence Nightingale Garden - A Celebration of Modern Day Nursing - designed by Robert Myers, it shines a light on the critical

role nurses play in modern-day healthcare whilst celebrating the remarkable legacy of Florence Nightingale and the importance of gardens for wellbeing and recovery. • The M&G Garden - by design duo Harris Bugg & Charlotte Harris, will be raising awareness of the increased need to introduce beautiful and restorative green spaces within our towns and cities. • The Swiss Sanctuary Garden - designed by Lilly Gomm. The beauty of Switzerland’s natural landscape is celebrated here.. with the designer managing to visit Switzerland in-between lockdowns and so after seeing first-hand what plants typify the region at that time of year, has been able to make adjustments to her planting plan for the autumn show. • The Yeo Valley Organic Garden - designed by Tom Massey and supported by Sarah Mead. Back on home soil, they will bring a slice of the Yeo Valley Farm in Somerset to SW3, inspiring visitors to adopt organic gardening practices and put nature first. • Trailfinders’ 50th Anniversary Garden designed by Jonathan Snow

2021 Sanctuary Gardens • Finding Our Way – An NHS Tribute Garden – designed by Naomi Ferrett-Cohen. The garden 3 0 J U LY 2 0 2 1

“The 2021 Show Gardens will be alive with colour with the very best garden designers gathering to showcase cutting-edge design and ideas with inspiration, colour and innovation”

Top: Her Majesty The Queen at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 Left: Guangzhou China Show Garden Designed By Peter Chmiel With Chin-Jung Chen. Image: Peter Chmiel

is a celebration of the NHS and the relentless care and support it and its staff have provided during the Coronavirus pandemic – nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, pharmacists, porters, technicians, and other unseen and unsung staff who keep the health service running. It recognises the collaboration between UK university researchers and NHS staff to find new treatments and vaccines to counter Coronavirus. • Bible Society: The Psalm 23 Garden by Sarah Eberle • The Swiss Sanctuary Garden by Lilly Gomm • Finnish Soul Garden – A Nordic Heritage Seaside Garden by Taina Suonio • The Calm of Bangkok by Tawatchai Sakdikul and Ploytabtim Suksang • Potential new garden for 2021: The Boodles Secret Garden by Thomas Hoblyn

2021 Artisan Gardens Guide Dogs for the Blind 90th Anniversary Garden designed by Woolcott and Smith Garden Design, The Blue Diamond Blacksmiths Garden designed by The Blue Diamond Group and a potential new garden for 2021: The Parsley Box Garden by Jamie Butterworth

showcase the Product of the Year and Plant of the Year. The Discovery Zone champions the latest exciting innovations and research from the world of horticulture. Explore interactive displays and educational exhibits in this dedicated space in the Great Pavilion.

Above, Left: The Florence Nightingale Garden, designed by Robert Myers. Image: Robert Myers Above, Left: Finnish Soul Garden, designed by Taina Suonio. Image: Taina Suonio Below: Finding Our Way Nhs Tribute Sanctuary Garden Designed By Naomi Ferrett-Cohen. Image: Naomi Ferrett-Cohen

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Experience Enjoy exclusive boutique shopping from garden buildings and seating to jewellery, textiles, arts and crafts, there’s something to tempt everyone. All around the showground, you’ll find a host of exhibitors, both new and established, selling their innovative and desirable horticultural-themed products. The full mouth-watering food and drink offerings for 2021 have yet to be finalised but expect to be wowed! Cafes, food courts and picnic areas are perfect for a quick bite to eat. There will be plenty to choose from, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.

To book tickets call 0344 338 7501 or visit rhs.org.uk/chelsea

Below: RHS & Luke Macgregor

House Plant Studios The growing popularity of indoor gardening will be reflected in the House Plant Studios, Get inspiration on how to green up your home, regardless of space or natural light. Stylists have the freedom to dress each studio to represent any room in a house.

The Great Pavilion Awash with colour and scent to delight the senses, some of the world’s finest growers and nurseries return, offering stunning displays, plants for sale and expert advice. Home to the best plant nurseries in Britain and far-flung corners of the globe, you’ll find plants and flowers of all varieties – a paradise for every gardener. It’s also where they J U LY 2 0 2 1 3 1

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

The Making of Harry Potter Reopens its doors for a magical day out

alk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and explore the wonders of the Wizarding World Warner Bros Studio Tour London has re-opened! And due to popular demand, visitors are welcomed back to the Celebration of Slytherin feature which first ran last year. For those who missed it, visitors enter through the Great Hall doors to be greeted by a sea of green as the Slytherin house banners are suspended from the enchanted ceiling, in reference to the final scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. A number of original costumes belonging to Slytherin’s most esteemed witches and wizards are on display including those of Draco Malfoy and Lord Voldemort. Step on to the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, drink a Butterbeer in the Backlot café or enjoy one of the SFX experiences the Studio Tour has to offer. The Studio Tour reopens with a range of safety measures in place including reduced capacity, regular enhanced cleaning and requiring all visitors to wear a face mask or covering, unless seated in a café or restaurant. Following government guidance, all visitors aged 16 and over must display 3 2 J U LY 2 0 2 1

proof of NHS Test & Trace Venue Check In on arrival or pre-register their details with Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Further details will be provided to visitors with a booking in their pre-visit email and are also available to view at wbstudiotour.co.uk/covid-19. Geoff Spooner, SVP and General Manager at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London said ‘’We are extremely excited to welcome visitors back to the Studio Tour. The measures we have in place ensure visitors have both a safe and magical experience as they walk in the footsteps of the filmmakers who brought the Harry Potter films to life.’’

THE DETAILS Tickets are available to purchase for visits until December 2021 via wbstudiotour.co.uk. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR

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HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES UNMISSIBLE LINE-UP FOR AUGUST 2021 Historic Royal Palaces and IMG are delighted to announce the hotly anticipated return of live music to Hampton Court Palace in August 2021.

raditionally held in June, this year the Hampton Court Palace Festival has rescheduled following the government’s roadmap announcements and will take place in August. Legendary artist Sir Tom Jones, music icon Van Morrison, indie idols Bastille ReOrchestrated, British rock hero’s Keane and Swedish sensations Björn Again join this year’s line-up. Now in its 25th year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a series of truly special and unique open-air concerts. Artists perform in an intimate

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3,000-seat auditorium in Base Court, set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor Palace. Attendees will arrive at the Palace Gardens to enjoy a spot of picnicking, this year the festival’s picnics will continue to be provided by Fortnum & Mason. Crafted with the very best seasonal ingredients fresh from Fortnum’s famous Food Halls, and packed with summer-ready tipples, two picnic options will be available for guests to enjoy. Sit and relax in luxury too with the addition of the beautiful waterside gazebos. Picnics and gazebos are available to purchase now when buying tickets. The festival will open on Friday 13 August with legendary artist, Van Morrison. Entering the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007 and winning an Americana, BRIT and Grammy award for his outstanding contribution to music, Van Morrison is a true icon. From Brown Eyed Girl to Moondance, the impact of the OBE awarded, global sensation’s artistry on the music industry is inconceivable and his legacy stronger than ever. Global sensations Björn Again will return to the Hampton Court stage with an unforgettable show of much-loved ABBA songs and 70’s fun

“Now in its 25th year, Hampton Court Palace Festival is a series of truly special and unique open-air concerts”

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VIP HOSPITALITY

“The Voice” coach and music legend, Sir Tom Jones, returns after a crowd rousing performance in 2018. He will be singing hits from his unrivalled repertoire and a career spanning more than 50 years, such as timeless classics Delilah, What’s New Pussycat and It’s Not Unusual. Sir Tom performs on Saturday 21 August, Monday 23 August and Tuesday 24 August. On Sunday 22 August, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, renowned for their incredible live performances and with an unrivalled career of classic hit records, will have the whole Palace boogying to such incredible hits as Le Freak, Good Times, We Are Family and Let’s Dance. Previously announced international superstar, Lionel Richie, soul-pop phenomenon Rick Astley and jazz marvel George Benson will appear at Hampton Court Palace Festival in 2022, when the festival returns to its usual month of June. on Saturday 14 August. Their internationally acclaimed show has been performed in 71 countries, amassing over 5,000 performances and is acknowledged for initiating the ABBA revival. Following their critically acclaimed 2018 ReOrchestrated tour, on Tuesday 17 August and Wednesday 18 August attendees will see Brit-nominated Bastille reprise a selection of songs from their three albums, re-imagining, deconstructing and rearranging their iconic songs with a 20-piece orchestra and choir. Keane first skyrocketed to fame back in 2004 with their debut album, Hopes and Fears, which featured alternative rock anthems such as Everybody’s Changing and Somewhere Only We Know, the album was awarded the 2005 Brit Award for Best British Album. Having taken a hiatus back in 2013, the quartet are now back after releasing their stunning fifth studio album, Cause and Effect. The band will grace the stage on Thursday 19 August.

Exclusive dining and corporate entertainment packages in the palace’s spectacular state apartments are also available to purchase now for a truly unforgettable experience. The festival offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate special occasions or entertain key business clients in a prestigious setting. With a stunning 3 course dinner, private dining and exclusive access to the palace on top of flowing champagne and fine wines throughout the evening, guests are sure to leave with memories they’ll never forget. For hospitality enquiries please email hamptoncourtfestivalinfo@img.com Tickets are on sale now at hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

2021 Friday 13th August Van Morrison Saturday 14th August Björn Again Tuesday 17th August Bastille ReOrchestrated Wednesday 18th August Bastille ReOrchestrated Thursday 19th August Keane Saturday 21th August Sir Tom Jones Sunday 22nd August Nile Rodgers & Chic Monday 23rd August Sir Tom Jones Tuesday 24th August Sir Tom Jones

2022

Austin Hargrave

Wednesday 8th June Lionel Richie Thursday 9th June Lionel Richie Saturday 11th June Rick Astley Thursday 16th June George Benson Facebook @HamptonCourtPalaceFestival Twitter @HCPfestival Instagram @HCPfestival Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU J U LY 2 0 2 1 3 5

LOVE LOC AL

DODGE: DRINK, DINE & DODGEMS AT

SOMERSET HOUSE Thursday 15 July – Sunday 22 August

omerset House welcomes visitors this summer with Dodge, a thrilling new open-air experience in its spectacular courtyard that takes an inventive twist on the traditional fairground. Dodge features dodgems with a difference, bold installations from acclaimed artists, and a delicious selection of food and drinks, from smoking hot street food to seriously extra sundaes and weekend waffle brunches with live DJ sets to kick start those long summer days. Dodge provides perfect summer setting in the city to celebrate quality time with family and friends safely once more. Regarded as one of London’s most loved spaces, Somerset House’s large courtyard will be reimagined by Yinka Ilori, one of the most in-demand figures working in design, and transformed into a joyful spectacle of colour, sound and energy this July and August. At the centre of this immersive courtyard installation is a buzzy bumper car track, complete with artful dodgems that generate an interactive musical composition titled Bumps Per Minute by award-winning Somerset House Studios artist Anna Meredith MBE, who has teamed up with sound artist and fellow Studios resident Nick Ryan. Dodge riders will collectively control this

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unique composition, written by Meredith, as they race around the course. Each crash and swerve is tracked by bespoke wireless technology, designed in collaboration with Ryan, with the individual impacts of the bumper cars combining to create a new musical material. Nestled within Ilori’s vibrant new open-air art installation is a variety of brightly-coloured outdoor seating booths, where groups between two and six people can take time out and indulge in delicious summer fare and delectable drinks from partners Moët & Chandon and San Miguel. Dodge will be home to London’s hottest pop-up restaurant Jimmy’s Pop-Up, headed up by the ‘pop-up king’ himself, Jimmy Garcia. Served straight up to the booths via an ordering app, the mouthwatering menu includes the Bumper Summer Feast sharer, starring a selection of artisan, locally-sourced light bites, or for a sweet summer treat, groups can build their own seriously extra sundaes, piling a huge choice of tasty toppings onto generous scoops of Madagascan vanilla gelato. Entry: Free to enter the site. Dodgem rides are £5 pp. Pre-booked packages, inclusive of dodgem rides, drinks and table reservations, from £10. Please check website for full details – somersethouse.org.uk

2021 Mercedes G-Class enhanced by Revere - Featuring 24” Revere-WC7 Bronze Wheels Revere London respectfully enhance the world’s leading luxury automotive marques. We aim to provide our clients with individual vehicles that manufacturers cannot supply and we strive for nothing less than perfection. For further details about our services and to view our current sale opportunities please visit: www.reverelondon.com

Additional prestige vehicles and bespoke tailoring options available for: Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes, Porsche and Tesla 22” WC2 Wheel Option

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Revere London create unique vehicles which compliment your lifestyle.

LOVE LOC AL

It started with a tickle…

MR. CALM and LITTLE MISS BRAVE win global vote to join the iconic Mr. Men Little Miss family marking the brand’s 50th Birthday!

LITTLE MISS BRAVE Little Miss Brave stands up for what she believes in. She is not afraid to speak out and is fearless when championing things close to her heart, including her friends. Her bravery is an inner strength and confidence which enables her to try new things, challenge expectations and inspire others to be the best they can be.

family favourite for 50 years, there’s a Mr. Men Little Miss character (or two!) inside us all, with a diverse cast of over 90 beloved characters to

discover. For the first time ever, the general public were able to decide on the next characters to be turned into classic Mr. Men Little Miss books. Now Mr. Calm and Little Miss Brave will join the muchloved brand to help shape the next 50 years. We all have a multitude of different personality traits, but 3 8 J U LY 2 0 2 1

MR CALM Mr Calm has a very peaceful and easy-going outlook on life. He appreciates the simple pleasures, including spending time in nature and practising yoga, but he also loves rock climbing and parkour when he’s in the great outdoors. He encourages his friends to think before they act and live in the moment. His relaxed and tolerant perspective means that he is a calming influence and a wise head.

Mr. Calm and Little Miss Brave are clearly the two that the public have discovered in themselves and feel most strongly connected to. Adam Hargreaves, son of the original creator Roger Hargreaves, commented: “Admittedly Mr. Calm was one of my favourites so I’m delighted to be able to share this story with the public later this year! It’s amazing to see people are still connecting to the books after 50 years and here’s to Mr. Calm and Little Miss Brave leading the way in shaping the brands personality for the next 50!”.

When the late Roger Hargreaves created the Mr. Men character, Mr. Tickle, in 1971, the book went on to sell a million copies in just three years - bringing fun, tickles and laughter to children everywhere! Inspired by his son, who asked him “What does a tickle looked like?” Hargreaves responded with a round, orange figure with long, bendy arms… Mr Tickle was born. Each book in the original Mr. Men and Little Miss series introduced a different title character and his/her single dominant personality trait to convey a simple moral lesson. The books’ simple stories, with brightly coloured, boldly drawn illustrations, made them very popular, with sales of over 100 million worldwide. A number of the books were brought to life on the small screen in 1974 and in 1979 The Mr. Men had their first foray into the pop charts with ‘Mr. Men Songs’, released on BBC records. In the 1980s, Roger Hargreaves began the Little Miss series with ‘Little Miss Bossy’ and produced 21 further characters and books.. Roger Hargreaves died in 1988 and his son Adam took over the franchise, writing and illustrating new Mr. Men and Little Miss stories like Mr. Cool, Mr. Rude, Mr. Good, Little Miss Scary, Little Miss Bad and Little Miss Whoops. In October 2006, Adam Hargreaves created the first Little Miss character based on a real person, Stella McCartney, which he named Little Miss Stella. This was published as a limited edition of 1,000 copies for use as fashion show invitations. And in 2011, Little Miss Princess was a character created just in time for the Royal wedding of Princess Kate and Prince William. Marvellous! There are now over 80 licensees selling Mr. Men and Little Miss products.

“A number of the books were brought to life on the small screen in 1974 and in 1979 The Mr. Men had their first foray into the pop charts with ‘Mr. Men Songs’, released on BBC records”

Alastair McHarrie, Sanrio Licensing Director, comments: “Having Mr. Calm and Little Miss Brave join our much-loved family of characters reflects the current consumer mood and the world we’re living in. It’s great to see these two new characters join diverse set of personalities of the Mr Men Little Miss family – calmness and bravery are two very welcome additions. It’s been a fantastic way to celebrate our 50th birthday year and we can’t wait to launch the books in September.” The books will be available on pre-order via the official MrMen.com website mrmen.com and in all good bookstores from September, 2021. Follow the characters on social media for the latest news: Twitter: @MrMenOfficial Instagram: @MrMenOfficial Facebook: facebook.com/mrmenlittlemiss

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LOVE LOC AL

THE ROYAL PARKS

Introduces you to St James’s Park this summer

t James’s Park includes The Mall and Horse Guards Parade and surrounded by landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall. It is one of the oldest of London’s Royal Parks, having started out as marshland purchased by Henry VIII in 1532. James I made improvements to the water quality when he took the throne in 1601 and introduced exotic animals to the park, including camels, crocodiles and even an elephant. In the summer months aviaries of exotic birds were hung in the trees along what is now known as Birdcage Walk. King Charles II oversaw the first re-landscaping in a formal style, and the park is now well known for its resident pelicans, in residence for nearly 400 years. They were originally presented as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to King Charles II. If you visit St James’s Park and The Green Park before 27 July this summer, you’ll also see several herds of elephants - life-sized sculptures for a campaign to raise awareness of people’s impact on natural habitats and biodiversity. St James’s Park offers a wonderful mix of royal ceremony, history, horticulture and wildlife conservation in the heart of the city. Responsibilities at The Royal Parks include preparing the park for ceremonial events, such as Trooping the Colour and state visits, taking care of the pelicans and wildlife, and a range of habitat improvement projects.

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The Royal Parks also design and plant the flower beds outside Buckingham Palace, created in 1901 as part of Sir Aston Webb’s overall design for a memorial to Queen Victoria after her death that year. Enjoy impressive views of the lake and fountain from St James’s Café with its contemporary roof terrace and external seating areas ~ or you can admire the views through the panoramic floor-toceiling windows. Or just while away a sunny afternoon in a deckchair. St James’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of nearly 57 acres. For more information visit royalparks.org.uk

Botanical Beach Babes Presents 2021 Miami Swim Week in South Beach featuring Australian Top Model Jelena Markovic seen wearing their exclusive Juliet Rose Satin Bikini Set from Amoure Swimwear by Maria Ludovica Campana of Istituto Marangoni Italy. Shop Botanical Beach Babes on location directly in Miami, Florida as they showcase this year at the SLS Hotel in South Beach for Sustainable Swim Week. Miami has always been the “place to be” for Swim Week but this year is different! “We will be featuring our Aussie Top Model Jelena Markovic as the person to perform the grand opening and closing of our Botanical Beach Babes Sustainable Swim Week.”, says Laura Preston, Global PR & Brand Manager for Botanical Beach Babes, LLC Worldwide. Miami South Beach is such a international hotspot and a great place to finally meet up with our global fan base of customers, clients, & friends again. We look forward to an amazing swimwear fashion show filled with sustainable designer talent from all over the globe such as Sqorpios by Chiara Bransi, ITL by HB Society, Cantik Swimwear by Catherine Heenan, and many more. Their Miami runway show will be a dream come true to all of Botanical Beach Babes top designers, models, customers, and influencer fans. From: Botanical Beach Babes, LLC Copyright © 2021 Botanical Beach Babes, LLC, All rights reserved.

www.botanicalbeachbabes.com

FASHION, HEALTH

& BEAUTY – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – I MAGE: C ATHERINE ZETA JONES

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY FASHION & BEAUTY

BRONZED BEAUTY

Obsessed with fake tan? Incredible new products you need to know about. By Katie Wright.

e don’t know who came up with the ‘I’m nicer when I’m tan’ meme, but, honestly, we couldn’t agree more. There’s something so satisfying about gazing down at your bronzed limbs, even if you took the shortcut and got your glow from self-tan, rather than catching rays on a sun-drenched holiday.

Plus, there’s no risk of sun damage when you fake it, and with the all the high-tech tanners to choose from, you can ensure a natural-looking golden-brown hue every time. In fact, this year, there’s a glut of innovative new glow-giving products on the shelves. These are the latest launches every tanaholic needs to try…

“There’s something so satisfying about gazing down at your bronzed limbs, even if you took the shortcut “

Vita Liberata Heavenly Elixir, £22.66 (was £34), Boots If you’ve ever found yourself madly smothering on fake tan the night before a holiday, while simultaneously stuffing clothes in a suitcase and trying to book a cab to the airport, you will love Heavenly Elixir. The world’s first slowrelease tan develops overnight, but once you’ve washed it off, it continues to build to a medium glow over three days, meaning you don’t have to leave your pre-holiday or party tanning until the last minute.

Velvotan Tanning Back Applicator, £5.99, Boots No, it’s not a fly swatter – this handy tool will help you with those hard-to-reach spots, so you don’t have to stretch and strain or enlist a friend to make sure your back isn’t patchy. Simply unfold the applicator, pop your mitt on the end (it fits any standard size) and away you go. 1 9464 J JUUL Y L Y2 022 01 2 1

3 Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face, £17.60, Escentual Transform your usual face cream with two to three drops of this selftanning oil, which also contains extracts of fig and aloe vera, for added hydration.

St Tropez Tan X Ashley Graham Ultimate Glow Kit, £37.99, Superdrug St Tropez has teamed up with the amazing Ashley Graham to create this self-tanning mousse and mitt duo. The supermodelapproved mousse is infused with skin-loving rosehip oil, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, and has a floral fragrance inspired by Graham’s favourite scents.

UGlow Tanning Water, £40 Say goodbye to stained bedsheets with UGlow Tanning Water, a quickdrying clear liquid spray that’s been 10 years in the making. Formulated with tanning technology that ‘tailors’ the shade to each skin tone, it’s best applied with a mitt for an even tan that develops in six to eight hours.

James Read Glow20 Facial Tanning Serum, £25 For a super-speedy sunkissed look, leave this moisturising serum on for just 20 minutes then wash off – it will keep developing – or go for a deeper shade by leaving it on for 60 or 90 minutes.

Skinny Tan Notox Beauty Elixir, £19.99 Skincare meets self-tan in this multi-tasking serum, which targets fine lines and wrinkles with potent anti-ageing ingredients, as well as gradually building a gorgeous glow.

7 Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops, £56, FeelUnique Customise your colour with these tanning drops from luxury skincare brand Natura Bissé, which contain brightening Vitamin C and can be applied directly to the skin. Use nightly to build up to your desired shade.

Cocoa Brown Kabuki Brush, £10, I Saw It First Some tanning experts swear by the brush application method to give their celebrity clients the perfect finish – now you can try it at home. Apply self-tan onto your skin or the brush head, then smooth out using circular motions. The soft, densely packed brush is also great for applying just the right amount of product on tricky areas like elbows and knees, and for contouring, if you’re using two different shades.

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Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Sleep Mask, £10.49 (was £14.99) A bestseller from Bondi Sands’ first ecofriendly range – which comes in metalfree, recyclable packaging sourced from sustainable materials – this mask works overnight to impart a healthy glow, and is enriched with moisturising hyaluronic acid. JU JUL YL Y 2 022012 14 15 9 7

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y

[NEWS]

FASHION & BEAUTY TO THE SHOPS

THE SWEETEST SHADES OF SUMMER Shake up your style this summer with a bespoke statement hair accessory from Wild Vanilla Studios. Handmade in London, this newly launched collection of delicate and playful pieces will add the finishing touch to any outfit. Dusty pinks, ditsy florals, vanilla white, black velvet, candy stripes and more – the unique collection offers a timeless elegance you’ll love. wildvanillastudios.co.uk

SUMMER CHECKED

This striking large shopping basket is sure to be an eye-catcher wherever you go. The handles of the basket are finished with sustainable leather for comfort and durability. Made exclusively for Lola & Mawu by the weavers of Bolgatanga area, Northern Ghana. All the baskets are fair trade and every purchase provides meaningful income to the makers. Each basket is one of a kind. lolaandmawu.com

TASTE OF MOROCCO

We love this Brynne Checked midi dress by Mimi’s Edit. The Brinley Midi Dress features a midi length, short puff sleeves, a slit on one side, a shirred bodice and lining. Perfect for summer! mimisedit.co.uk

A beautifully handmade pair of Moroccan raffia slippers available in black and natural raffia. Perfect for a summer’s evening, or to simply wear round the house. dihiyainspired.com

SMARTEN UP The Venice Pale Blue Jacket (left) is a tasteful piece made with boucle fabric and is just the thing for a formal occasion, and the Ascot Duck Egg Wool Fitted Jacket (right) can be dressed up or down. The WG signature cuff detail is a classic nod to historic military uniforms. welligogs.com 1 7 0 J U LY 2 0 2 1

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY FASHION & BEAUTY

It’s time to rediscover the joys Prudence Wade finds out how ditching your activewear and putting on a creative outfit can boost your mood.

FLOWY SUIT BLAZER, £69.99; MANGO PLEAT STRAIGHT TROUSERS, £49.99, AVAILABLE FROM FREEMANS

ith the pandemic and many of us working from home, fashion has become much more relaxed over the past year or so. We welcomed this shift towards stretchy waistbands and trainers: a lot of solace can be found in your most well-worn and comfortable clothes. However, as many parts of the world start to tentatively open up again, many of us don’t want to stay in sweatpants forever. Even if you’re struggling to prise yourself out of the athleisure you’ve become accustomed to, switching up your wardrobe and embracing dressing up again might do you the world of good. Shakaila Forbes-Bell, fashion psychologist and founder of Fashion Is Psychology (fashionispsychology.com), calls dressing up “selfcare”. She says: “Whilst it’s been great to not be bound by workplace dress codes and actually dress in a way that is comfortable for you, which can be conducive to a productive day, it can start to feel limiting – almost a bit like a uniform.” Stepping out of this sartorial rut can “actually be really cathartic”, she says, because it’s a break from the daily habits that often leave us feeling MASTER PLAN PADDED MULES IN LEMON LEATHER, £59, AVAILABLE FROM OFFICE

SHAKAILA FORBES-BELL, FASHION PSYCHOLOGIST AND FOUNDER OF FASHION IS PSYCHOLOGY

BLUE LONGLINE RUCHED SLEEVE SOFT BLAZER, £60; BLUE SPLIT FRONT CIGARETTE LEG TROUSERS, £36; BLACK LONG SLEEVE HIGH NECK RIBBED TOP, £14, AVAILABLE FROM RIVER ISLAND.

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stressed. “Being able to step outside of your traditional comfort zone and dress in a different way that is not the norm, can almost act like a tool of escapism.” For Forbes-Bell, it can “help you step into a different aspect of yourself, help you embrace creativity, and help you have a bit of fun – so in that way, it can certainly be a mood booster”. Of course, dressing up means different things to everyone: it depends on your personality, culture, background and more. Find what your version is – maybe it’s putting on a fancy dress, donning your favourite colour, or anything that’s a bit more outlandish than the norm. Forbes-Bell’s mantra is: “Don’t save that special occasion dress for a special occasion, you have to make a day a special occasion by wearing those dresses” – particularly after the past year, when anything could be cancelled at a moment’s notice. The psychologist already knows what dress she’s going to wear next time she’s out: a slinky orange number by black-owned brand TSHKA (and she’s already taken it for a test drive at home).

of dressing up Wearing these special outfits – even if it’s not for anything specific – can lift your mood, she says, and make you feel like celebrating the small things, instead of waiting for something big to happen – which might not even come. Fashion should be all about expressing yourself and feeling comfortable, so when it comes to dressing up: take things at your own pace. Maybe you’re the type of person who finds joy in dressing like a glamorous femme fatale on holiday in the south of France, or maybe a chunky necklace is your version of stepping things up a notch – whatever it is, just do you. Looking for a bit of inspiration in the dressing up department? We’ve got you sorted…

DRESSES Anything big, bold and fabulous is the name of the game with dresses – think puffy sleeves, loud patterns and slinky styles. When we talk about ‘dressing up’ we don’t mean you have to don a full tuxedo – instead, even something as simple as a colourful dress can make you feel like a new person.

GINGHAM LINEN BLEND TOP, £25.99, AVAILABLE FROM ZARA

SUITS For us, wearing a suit is a total life hack. Putting one on – particularly in an on-trend pastel shade – makes you look effortlessly chic and put together. Many of the new styles are just as comfortable your favourite joggers; what better way to ease yourself back into dressing up?

CULOTTES, £39; KHOST FLORAL TOP, £29, AVAILABLE FROM M&CO

TOPS AND TROUSERS The sky really is the limit – this season, we’ve particularly got our eyes on silky shirts, Nineties-inspired crop tops and loud patterned trousers. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, combine tops and bottoms into one magical co-ord.

SHOES Yes, the rumours are true: heels are back. They’re a true antidote to the sensible, flat shoes you’ve been wearing for your daily trudges around the park throughout winter. We’re not going to sugarcoat it: heels are by no means as comfortable as trainers. However, a bright pair of shoes – even with a low heel, if you still want to be able to walk – can bring a bit of sunshine to your outfit and boost your mood. Just make sure you plan your activity accordingly – these are the kinds of shoes to cab to the pub in, rather than for anything more active.

FABRIC HIGH HEEL SLINGBACK SHOES IN GREEN, £29.99, AVAILABLE FROM ZARA

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

A SPECIAL SENSE NEEDS A SPECIALIST SURGEON

ar problems can be very distressing. Sound entering the ear canal moves ear drum. This vibrates the small bones of hearing called ossicles and this, in turn, moves fluid in the inner ear to convert sound signal to electrical signal. This is interpreted by the brain. Ear problems like wax in the ear canal, ear infections, otosclerosis and ear drum perforation can affect your hearing. To make diagnosis good detailed history, examination and special hearing test are required. As ear is one of special sense, you should always trust ear specialist with extensive experience. Conditions in which ear surgeon can help 1. Cholesteatoma – it is the collection of epidermal tissue in the middle ear which is locally invasive and destructive. 2. Glue ear – it is a condition in which middle ear which filled with air gets filled with fluid. In most cases, it clears without treatment. In some cases, ventilation tube called grommets may be required. 3. Otosclerosis – is a condition in which one small bone of hearing gets fixed. It can be treated with hearing aid or surgically. 4. Perforated ear drum – is the condition which can be due to chronic ear infection, trauma due sudden loud noise or change in pressure while flying. 5. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss – is the rapid unexplained rapid hearing loss which can require emergency medical treatment. The main treatment is early intervention with oral steroids with or without steroid injection in the ear.

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THE DETAILS Private Secretary info@entsurgeonclinic.co.uk 07494914140

Practices at four facilities Nuﬃeld Health Brentwood Hospital Shenfield Road Shenfield Brentwood CM15 8EH Spire London East Roding Lane South Redbridge Ilford IG4 5PZ Spire Hartswood Hospital Eagle Way Brentwood CM13 3LE

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon entsurgeonclinic.co.uk

NHS Practice Barking Havering Redbridge NHS Trust Queen’s Hospital Rom Valley Way Romford RM7 0AG

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY FASHION & BEAUTY

No idea what to wear to the office? Legendary designer Giles Deacon might have the answer Giles Deacon has created a capsule collection for the post-pandemic workplace. By Prudence Wade.

aybe you’re slowly getting back to the office, or there’s a return date looming on the horizon. If so, you’ll probably have a burning question: what should you wear? This is something designer Giles Deacon – creator of Billy Porter’s showstopping Oscars outfit in 2020 – has tackled with a new workwear capsule collection, which takes into consideration how our approach to fashion has changed over the pandemic. Office clothes might seem a bit removed from Deacon’s normal fare. A regular at London Fashion Week, he also designed spectacular wedding dresses for Pippa Middleton and Abbey Clancey. But he says he approaches every project with

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“the same rigour and vigour” and his fashion is “about making really brilliant and hopefully exceptionally well thought out products”. Always one to do his homework, Deacon studied market research from real office workers. What he discovered was people “didn’t want to return to work just wearing casual clothes, they wanted to return to a sense of smart, comfortable, practical, business-type clothes that weren’t in the traditional format”. Deacon’s designs look fairly formal – including suits and sack dresses – but he incorporates “softer fabrics, softer construction, softer tones, muted elements” to better suit our new normal. As with any collection Deacon does, colour choices are thoughtful – and he didn’t want to fall into the trap of monochromatic workwear. He chose white for a “sense of purity, a kind of cleanness”; washed out greys; khakis, “which are calming and all empowering colours” and red accents for “organisation”. Well aware of the power of fashion, Deacon says: “The way we feel and what boosts our confidence, from colour, cut and fabrication and the value of what it is you bought, the good that it can be doing – [it] all adds up.” All he wants to do is make sure “the sense of style and fabulousness isn’t sacrificed”. Deacon might be focusing on practicality and comfort, but he still brings his signature flair – be it an unusual red bow or a perfectly tailored pair of

suit shorts. “They still have that sense of my world of statement within them and a conversationalism to them. You want that confidence, you want that sense of someone to comment on what you’re wearing, and to have that sense of wow – and that right percentage of difference,” he says. “The thing I also wanted for the pieces was to be able to operate within this environment [the workplace] – it wasn’t about me making a suit with the back of the jacket that goes 15 foot long.” (That’s something he assures us he’ll look into “next time”.) The collection includes non-binary options. “I’ve always believed in absolute inclusivity,” he says with a shrug. “From when we were doing runway shows in London, I always had the most diverse cast – this is long before diversity was even a consideration, and we used to get ridiculed for it. It used to really infuriate me, and I absolutely believe in equality and the inclusivity of all. I just think it’s hugely important to put that out as an offer – and it’s just a proposal, it’s not a dictum.” Deacon also closely thought about the environmental impact of the clothes, well aware that it’s something many of us have been considering over the past year. The pandemic has “given us that sense of time to consider our choices”, he says – and the designer has personally been taking a bit more time to think about every purchase he makes. The collection – designed in partnership with flexible space operator IWG – has been “locally produced, the fabrics are all organic, they’re

not using harmful dyes – all of that is really important… I think it gives people that sense of confidence that what you’re wearing is actually doing some good, as opposed to do some harm,” he says. Yes, it’s different to what Deacon normally does, but he loves a challenge. And by that, we mean he really loves a challenge – the idea of pushing his creative boundaries and trying something new makes his eyes light up. That’s why Deacon is so exciting to talk to: coming up to 30 years in the industry, he still loves his job. “I love the sense of creativity,” he muses. “I love the sense of being able to have an idea in the morning, and it’s 2D in the afternoon” – and soon after, it’s a 3D outfit.” This ethos meant Deacon was consistently busy over the pandemic, with private clients still demanding his designs – even if things were a bit quieter than usual. As the world starts to open up, he predicts there will be a full return to fashion force. “There’s always that sense of spectacle that people really love,” he reflects. “I genuinely think it’s going to be more considered – not in a boring way, but considered in quite an exciting way.” And who knows, maybe the epicentre of this style revolution will be in the office? Deacon has teamed up with IWG, the world’s largest flexible space operator with brands including Spaces and Regus, to envisage what workwear will look like in the new hybrid working world. To find out more visit iwgplc.com or @spaceworks on Instagram. U L2Y0 22 01 2 15 31 9 1 J U LJY

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY FASHION & BEAUTY

GLOSS OVER IT: Hot new lip gloss colour launches to perk up your pout M

Shine on this summer with a slick of luscious lip gloss, says Katie Wright.

atte lipstick takes a back seat this season as the pandemic era trend for all things fresh and dewy continues, with a glut of new glosses vying for a place in your make-up bag. You can still pack a punch, however, with highly-pigmented formulas that deliver rich colour and shine. From barely-there to brilliantly bold, here’s our pick of the best new lip glosses on the block…

MODEL WEARING GLOSSIER ULTRALIP, £14, AVAILABLE FROM GLOSSIER

KVD Beauty XO Vegan Lip Gloss Petunia, £15.30 (was £17), Boots Designed to convert even the most ardent matte-aholic, Kat Von D’s XO Lip Gloss is super-soft and offers medium-coverage colour. Choose from seven juicy shades including deep berry and bright pink tones.

The Body Shop Speak Up Vinyl Lip Gloss Bite Back, £8 For full-coverage colour with a high-shine finish, dress your pout with The Body Shop’s Speak Up Vinyl Lip Gloss, which comes in four bold hues including Bite Back, a bright, confidence-boosting red.

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Sensai Total Lip Gloss in Shinonome Coral, £37 Part of its summer collection, Sensai’s popular Total Lip Gloss is now available in three watercolour hues inspired by sunrise skies – coral, black cherry and red.

Glossier Ultralip Villa, £14 Trust Glossier to come up with the ideal gloss-meets-balm hybrid, with a hint of colour too. Ultralip (which is in bullet rather than liquid form) comes in nine subtly shiny shades – Villa is the perfect ‘your lips but better’ mauvy-pink.

NYX This Is Milky Gloss Lip Gloss Milk & Hunny, £9, Superdrug Want opaque pastel shine? NYX has got your covered with This is Milky Gloss, which is infused with vegan milk and comes in nine shades from palest peach to milk chocolatey brown.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Catherine Zeta-Jones: “I practically came out of the womb wearing make-up”

The Welsh actor tells Katie Wright why she’s so passionate about beauty and wellbeing. By Katie Wright

he has starred in a string of hit movies, winning both an Oscar and a Bafta for her role in Chicago – and now Catherine Zeta-Jones is following in the footsteps of the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson to become a lifestyle guru too. The Welsh actor’s Casa Zeta-Jones brand encompasses clothing, shoes, an artisan coffee range and now a beauty collection produced in collaboration with Wunder2. Why did the 51-yearold want to branch out into cosmetics? “I practically came out of the womb wearing make-up,” Zeta-Jones says. “I have loved it for as long as I can remember. My mother wouldn’t take the bin to the kerb without her face done. “I’ve also in my career had the privilege of working with some of the greatest make-up artists, and trying every possible product. So the opportunity to create my own line, with formulations that are the best of all that I’ve tried, has been wonderful.” Married to fellow actor Michael Douglas since 2000, Zeta-Jones is mum to Dylan, 20, and Carys, 18, and recently revealed her kids may be embarking on acting careers of their own. The Swansea-born star has spent much of the last year with her family in their home in New York and says that during lockdown she pared back her daily beauty routine. “Well, on a day-to-day basis, when I’m not working, my make-up routine has always been simpler than, say, on the red carpet at an awards show. I’m back working now, but before that, when we were staying home, it was less. “But I also just love the pick-me-up from putting on a bit of mascara and a great red lip. It’s an easy way to add a little pep to my step.” Quizzed on her top beauty tips, the Hollywood star is eager to share some of the advice she has learned from make-up artists on set. “Always start with prepping your canvas. Having your skin well moisturized and fresh before you begin make-up is essential,” she says.

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“Always curl your eyelashes before putting on mascara. Also, give your eyelash wand a little wiggle at the base before pulling it to the ends of your lashes for extra volume and definition. “And using a lip liner that’s close in shade to your lipstick all over your lips can give your colour extra staying power – which is why my Casa Zeta-

“I just love the pick-meup from putting on a bit of mascara and a great red lip”

Jones lipsticks also have matching liners.” Her other beauty secret? “Yoga. It’s not a product, but it helps my body feel properly aligned, and helps keep good posture, which is very significant to appearance. And it’s great for feeling calm and centered.” Clearly, it’s working. But what else do you need to get the Catherine Zeta-Jones look? Here the actor shares her must-have products…. Wunder2 X Casa Zeta-Jones Satin Lipstick in Burnt Crimson, £22 “I created this lipstick as part of my line with Wunder2 – the formula feels like pure satin and doesn’t budge once set. The easiest way to pull it all together and feel polished is a red lip.” Elizabeth Arden The Original Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, £23.80, Escentual “My grandmother used it for everything! Even for scraped knees when I was a kid. It can be used to add a little shine to the cheeks, to tame unruly eyebrows, as a lip balm, it’s really all purpose.” Mason Pearson Brush, Bristle/Nylon Handy BN3, £70, Escentual “When I was a child, if I wanted to have long hair, there was one rule, and that was that I had to brush my hair 100 times each night. I’ve tried many other brushes over the years, but I keep coming back to the Mason Pearson.” Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Home Candle, £49 “A lot of beauty comes from within. And the beautiful scent of a candle makes me feel relaxed. Which really shows in your face, especially on Zoom!”

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HOUSE &

GARDEN sPonsorEd BY

Expert property solicitors for all aspects of residential conveyancing. www.slatergordon.co.uk/property

Keep itit local local for for everything house and ––Keep and home home –– I MAGE:i MSUMMER a g E : c hDESIGN a P l i n s C HIC

HOUSE & GARDEN

Bring The Outside In With EXPRESS BI-FOLDING DOORS After almost a year in lockdown, our homes mean more to us than ever. Staying in is the new going out and having a great space to entertain guests is top on every renovators’ must-have list.

reating a space bathed in natural light brings the outside in, and makes the garden feel like an extension of your home which is key to maximising the potential of your property. Whether you’re looking to renovate, planning an extension, or embarking on a grand design project, investing in bi-fold doors is a great way to not only add value to your house, but create a unique space designed around you and your family. The Express Bi-Folding Doors team has been busy throughout lockdown, getting their showrooms and product range ready to support fulfilling their customers’ dreams. Here are a few key updates. Showroom expansion and re-fit There is no better way to see the fantastic range of Express’ products than in person. Whether you are in the market for bespoke bi-folds, sliding doors, aluminium windows, front entrance doors, or glazed roofing systems, Express’ showrooms are the perfect place to visit, with their expert team on hand to help you bring your vision to life.

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Express’ Romford showroom gives customers plenty to see, including three showhouse-style displays and an impressive exhibition cube structure which dominates the space, alongside aluminium windows, front entrance doors & patio doors. With all of these products, and Express’ expert team to assist you, you will be sure to find the perfect product to transform your house into a home you love. Following a full re-fit in the past twelve months to showcase the to showcase brand new products, ensuring you have the newest solutions available to you in a single visit, the showroom is now fully open with safety measures in place. The Romford showroom gives those looking for aspirational ideas and expert advice the perfect place to visit. With no appointment necessary, you can take your time deciding which product is best for you.

customers looking to create a designer statement as they welcome visitors back into their homes. Express Bi-Folding Doors has the experience, infrastructure, expertise, and bespoke British made product range to help you create your dream home this summer and bring the outside in. Express Bi-Folds Direct While Express Bi-Folding Doors offer a bespoke service from beginning to end, if you are looking for the convenience of ordering direct, why not explore the recently launched Express Bi-folds Direct – an online shop allowing customers to purchase premium quality products at set sizes delivered directly to their home. Visit www. expressbifoldsdirect.co.uk for more details.

THE DETAILS Express Bi-Folding Doors To find out how you can transform you home, head to the Romford showroom, located at: Unit 11B, Trade City, Ashton Rd, Harold Hill, Romford RM3 8UJ (open 9am-5pm Mon-Sat) or visit www.expressbifolds.co.uk

New sliding doors As well as updating and extending their inspirational showrooms, Express Bi-Folding Doors has been busy investing in extending its product offer. The award-winning sliding door range now offers seven different sliding door systems, ensuring customers can easily find the product most suitable for their property. New range of entrance doors Adding a new range of cost-effective front doors to its portfolio has allowed Express to double the choice of entrance doors available for those J U LY 2 0 2 1 6 1

HOUSE & GARDEN

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED

INTERIORS

West End Interiors inspire you with furniture to enrich your home and lifestyle

est End Interiors invites you to our showroom in Shenfield High Street to experience the possibilities can be achieved

within your home. We source products from around the world and provide individual solutions to your personal requirements. We endeavour to create stunning interiors using materials and technology to enhance your visual surroundings and practical use of space and storage. As well as individual rooms, we specialise in managing the design & installation of multi- room projects providing a personalised service to liaise with your architect & builder to ensure and efficient executions of the works and support you with the many decisions you will face. Our one to one approach means you will always have a direct point of contact to guide you through to completion. Kitchens From elegantly traditional to professionally contemporary we have many different styles and functions to delight and inspire. Bathrooms For wellbeing and relaxation we tailor your 6 2 J U LY 2 0 2 1

bathroom design to the specific and individual needs of you and your family. Living Space For open-plan living space we install furniture to compliment your kitchen and dining areas or for individual sitting rooms and studies. Bedrooms We offer boutique style walk-in dressing rooms and practical wardrobe storage solutions to leave your bedroom clear and uncluttered.

Our one to one approach means you will always have a direct point of contact to guide you through to completion

THE DETAILS West End Interiors 23 Hutton Road, Shenfield, Essex CMl5 SJU Call us on 01277 263 000 www.westendinteriors.co. uk

HOUSE GARDEN H OUSE & & GARDEN

SUMMER CHIC & SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS

ith temperatures heating up, here are five simple ideas that will transform your interiors, giving a fresh new summer look. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to cost the earth. British interior designer, and founder of Zoom That Room, Benji Lewis, offers a myriad of options from eco-conscious ideas to fresh new colours and vibrant wall art. There’s no time like the present to add some summer flair to your living space.

A splash of colour “The use of pastel colours in interiors suggests a fresh yet daring approach to things, blending pistachio with soft pink, turquoise, lilac and yellow sorbet – imagine looking through the window of an ice cream store for inspiration. The trick with a pastel colour palette is to work on colour tones 2 5684 J JUUL Y L Y2 022 01 2 1

and be unafraid of including a little clash here and there – soft red works brilliantly with dusty pink for example. For the less daring, use pastel colours as accents only – scheme a grey room with interesting textures and then accessorise with duck egg blue cushions or add a lavender velvet armchair.”

Be more eco-conscious “The auction houses and antique shops are brilliant places for sourcing pre-loved items. The trick is knowing exactly what you’re shopping for and how you wish it to fit – always check measurements both with the seller and in the space you would wish to position things so that in spite of you buying a preloved piece, it looks as if it was made for the space. Even if you wish to shop ‘new’ for the main pieces of furniture in your room, consider accessories that have a story to

“The auction houses and antique shops are brilliant places for sourcing pre-loved items. The trick is knowing exactly what you’re shopping for and how you wish it to fit”

items you wish to hang on the floor and plan what works best where. If the frames don’t all match it doesn’t matter, you can even include an unframed piece – it’s all about the planning and working out the best configuration to showcase what you wish to display.”

Layered Rugs

tell – mid-century glass, antique textiles and a stack of coffee table books will make your room more interesting.”

Refresh your surface “A fabulous way to enliven a tired looking wooden floor is to paint it. White painted floorboards add a bright and fresh feel to things. Don’t necessarily restrict the finish you apply to the floor to this surface alone; if you use white paint on the floor then take this onto the other woodwork too. Think about a design on your floorboards – large checkerboard for example, with the checks painted in tones to match your colour scheme. If a fully patterned floor sounds too much, how about doing the body of the floor in a colour with a contrast colour border around the edges.”

A colourful wall art “An assortment of artwork in a variety of mediums works brilliantly on an accent wall. Think about mixing an antique oil painting with a pair of contemporary prints, a set of watercolours and a textile. When you plan a gallery wall, lay the

“A fabulous way to enliven a tired looking wooden floor is to paint it. White painted floorboards add a bright and fresh feel to things”

“Rugs are invaluable when it comes to adding softness – literally underfoot but they can also be a big help when it comes to acoustics so where this might be questionable, consider a layered rug approach. There’s nothing smarter than a rug that has been sized to furnish a room, and for that slightly scuffed country house look, you can add additional rugs on top of this, an excellent trick to cover patches where the old rug might have worn through. When it comes to choosing how to use rugs, I always think of textures – a velvet pile rug on a velvet pile carpet wouldn’t be a look that I would propose, but a velvet pile rug on floorboards looks fantastic.” Zoom That Room is a contact-free, bespoke design offer. A one-hour home consultation costs from £90 per zoomed room. Via whichever video communications platform you choose (FaceTime/ zoom etc), you can dial in with Benji and discuss your interior design issues and aspirations in return for tailored advice for you and your second home. Since creating and launching Zoom That Room, Benji has conducted multiple virtual bespoke consultations. These range from simple advice to the start of significant refurbishments. Since lockdown, he has zoomed rooms for individuals in the UK, US, Paris and Sydney. Bookings and enquiries can be made via zoomthatroom.com J U JLUYL Y2 0220 12 1 6 25 5 9

HOUSE & GARDEN HOME & PROPERTY

HOUSE OF INTERIORS

“From the moment I entered the House of Interiors Showroom, I knew this was the place to give me all my inspiration for my home project that I had been planning during lockdown. It certainly had the wow factor and a modern-minded take on traditional glamour.

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ased in Cheshunt, located at the Brookfield Centre, House of Interiors boasts itself in a breathtaking 5000-square-foot, fully furnished showroom with architectural details, anchored with rugs, lighting, mirrors and signature framed images. At first your ears are greeted by cool music followed by your eyes settling on soft colours, ambient lighting and their signature style of a neutral, tonal palette built up with texture and accent colours. The vast space of this interior design showroom features full room sets, all designed to emerge their clients into a truly aspirational lifestyle which can be achieved and designed to suit any home whether classic or contemporary. Their unique, curved sofas prove that soft lines can also translate to absolute sophistication. It wouldn’t be difficult, sitting on one of the showroom’s oversized, luxury settees amidst gleaming two tier chandeliers, beautifully structured wall panelling and large, dramatic statement - piece objects, such as their Magic TV Mirror and channelling the inner thought of how great your own property would look given House of Interiors design treatment. This showroom has gifted House of Interiors with real scope to showcase their capabilities, designed with sophisticated and elegant furniture collections, timeless in their beauty with emphasis on attention to detail and quality. Wandering round this beautiful yet tactile showroom you’ll

be introduced to examples of all kinds of finishes that could grace any interior. House of Interiors isn’t just a shop who offer candles and home accessories, but they also provide an interior design consultation service, where their in house design specialists deliver trend setting creative and innovative designs with empathetic understanding of your tastes and ambitions. They also offer made to measure window treatments, from theatrical curtains to chic, designer blinds. Behind the scenes, upon visiting the in house manufacturing department, it is clear that they have evolved from a third generation of furniture makers, designers and upholsterers. House of Interiors upholstered items and window treatments are all handmade in England by dedicated in-house master craftsman and women with superior lead times and unwavering focus on quality and design. By only using the finest raw materials sourced from sustainable resources, you are provided with a product that holds ever lasting quality and impeccable customer service. No appointment is necessary upon your visit to House of Interiors. Their showroom is a lovely and inviting space and regardless of the size of your project or budget, customers should not be daunted by dropping in. Whether it’s just a candle purchase, a flick through fabric books or just a friendly, informal chat about your next project, we’re confident you’ll get a very warm House of Interiors welcome. For a limited time only, House of Interiors are pleased to offer their complete Interior Design service at a cost of £400, which is redeemable against any order taken parallel to their terms and conditions. houseofinteriors.com @houseofinteriorsltd

HOUSE & GARDEN HOME & PROPERTY

The value of swimming

Finding your best self with Origin

rigin knows that a swimming pool can not only add value to your home but to your home life as well. Swimming remains one of the most popular activities across the country, with its physical and mental health benefits exceeding expectation. In fact, a SwimEngland study found that those who swim regularly felt on average 12 years younger than those that don’t. The movement of water over your body creates a massaging sensation which encourages you to relax, just being in water increases blood flow to the brain, boosting your brain health, releasing endorphins and increasing your overall mood. For anyone wanting to take the plunge with the ultimate home life improvement, there are some key points to consider.

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“Health is a state of body, wellness is a state of mind”

Swimming has many benefits, as well as the obvious it improves quality of sleep and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Origin believes owning a pool is about more than the pool itself, by adding a spa, sauna or yoga room your swimming pool and pool house could be a centre of wellness. If you’re looking to increase family time, your pool house could become a new social hub for everyone to enjoy by adding a gym, lounge area or even a bar. Whilst jumping in can seem daunting, making the decision can bring measurable benefits. A new pool from

Origin provides new ways of having fun, spending precious time together as a family, even making a staycation more appealing.

Can it be eco friendly? If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of the pool or simply want to lower running costs, eco models are available. The ‘EcoSwim’ range incorporates the very latest building materials for energy efficiency and provides you with a host of options to lessen your carbon footprint. There are plenty of small changes you can make that can have a big impact, many of them saving you money in the future. Whether you want to add an insulated pool cover or air source heat pumps, Origin will work with you to create the pool that you want.

THE DETAILS of pools and pool houses to a wide range of specifications. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor, wellness or fun, Origin has experienced it all and are available to help you create your home pool managing every stage from start to finish, giving you the confidence and freedom to enjoy finally swimming in your own home.

To speak to the experts at Origin Leisure call 01895 823366 now or visit originpools.co.uk for more information and to subscribe to our newsletter.

Why Origin? It’s simple, Origin does it all. Building pools is a specialised field, it’s unlike any other building project and requires a holistic approach with all the key elements working together from the beginning. Origin has all the design and engineering expertise necessary and manage the whole building process for you, from initial concept, planning and design to completion and beyond, eliminating the need for you to employ separate companies. Access to a pool right on your doorstep means it’s easy to swim everyday in the privacy of your own home, either to maintain a healthy lifestyle or simply as a space to relax. Origin have been building award winning swimming pools for over 40 years and in that time have successfully completed thousands J U LY 2 0 2 1 6 9

HOUSE GARDEN HO U S E & &G A RDEN

Beige is the new black

“Beige is extremely versatile. It’s super easy to decorate with and you can accessorise to your heart’s content”

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e’ve had Classic Blue and Illuminating Yellow, but it looks like the colour of the summer when it comes to interiors is going to be a bit more of a neutral. Google Trends reveals searches for ‘beige’ within the Home & Garden category have rocketed in 2021 and wallpaper designer Elizabeth Ockford knows why. She said: “The world has been really challenging in recent years with extreme leaders, global warming and various health crises – culminating in the global Covid-19 pandemic – and I think what a lot of homeowners are craving is somewhere safe, warm and stable. “We want somewhere that will protect us from all that nastiness. Hence beige.” While it might not sound like the most exciting of colour schemes, Elizabeth is quick to point out that beige does not necessarily equal boring when it comes to interiors. She added: “Beige is extremely versatile. It’s super easy to decorate with and you can accessorise to your heart’s content. It doesn’t take much skill to make beige look great. “Personally, I believe we need our homes to feel special, glamourous and ultimately, to make us feel happy. When designing my wallpapers, I try to offer really interesting designs in a broad variety of harmonious colourings, offering escapism from daily life and make the home feel like the place you really want to be. “So while beige might not be the first colour that springs to mind when you think ‘glamourous’, by combining it with bright colours and intricate, exciting patterns as I do, it can still deliver the slice of luxury every home needs.” elizabethockford.com

HOUSE && FURNISHINGS GARDEN FABRICS

Shimmer and shine: How to luxe up your decor and give your home a summer glow up. By Sam Wylie-Harris

here’s nothing like the glimmer of gold or shimmer of silver for a healthy summer glow – and we’re not just talking about ourselves. Perhaps our homes could do with a touch of sun-kissed radiance too – and when it comes to streaming some summer glow into the scheme of things, the shiny options are endless. Best of all, a little luminosity goes a long way. From gold decos to themed artwork, here’s how to polish up your pad…

Gold Cowhide Vanity Stool, £250; Ariella Chevron Desk, £595 (other items part of room set), Graham & Green Sophisticated and practical, this ‘gilty’ pleasure will satisfy your inner diva and sit pretty wherever you place her. And if you really want to go for gold, the desk doubles up as a dressing table.

Metallic Fan Cushion, £12, Next A steal at the price, this shimmery scatter cushion is one to snap up now.

George Monkey Table Lamp In Metallic Gold, £45, Iconic Lights Troops of monkeys are trending in interiors, and this playful little fellow is a fun find. Harper Gem 2 Tier Fruit Bowl, £36, Next This fantabulous fruit bowl from the new Harper Gem utensils range at Next will pimp up your pears, glam up your Golden Delicious and make everything taste that much sweeter.

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Summer Art: Emmaline Poster (left), from £8.42; Madam Fleur No 2 Poster (bottom right), from £8.42 (other artwork from a selection), Desenio For pure escapism, a ‘wellbeing’ wall panelled with your favourite prints – think floaty sundresses, wide-brim beach hats, golden sands, palm trees and artfully placed holiday trinkets – will make you feel happy, creative and channel your inner glow.

Golden Standing Deco, £40, Joe Browns This stunning sphere, with intricate hammered detailing looks like something you’d come across in a luxe hotel. One for your deco edit, if you’re after something divine and dramatic.

Gatsby Birdcage Nest of Tables, £279, Cuckooland You can never have too many tables, especially if you’re still working from home or more ‘cluttercore’ than minimalist – and constantly in need of extra surface space to show off your things. With their antique gold finish and art deco style, these Gatsby tables will make everything look that much lovelier.

Marle Wine Cooler, £125, Ella James Beyond spoiling yourself, if you’re on the hunt for a wedding gift or want to spark up a special celebration, this classy cooler will dress up a cocktail trolley. The hammered silver brass catches the light beautifully and will sit well with anything glossy… Bring on the bubbly.

Large Gold Effect Winged Foot Planter, £65, Rockett St George With a nod to the Greek gods, this heavenly piece knows no boundaries and will look just as fabulous in your garden room or patio, as bookending your favourite novel. Fill will flowers, herbs or a pillar candle.

Wild & Wolf Retro 746 Telephone, Brass, £69.95, Amazon Dial M for Minted… If you want to dial up a sideboard or retro telephone table, this pushbutton phone has your number.

Vertical Wall Plant Stand With Planters, £139.99, Ivyline If you’re shelves are drowning under the weight of your #shelfie succulents, this vertical plant stand could be just the ticket. With six gold metal containers to show off your greenery, it’s rust-resistant and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Pols Potten Hourglass Ball Sandglass Mini, Gold, £20, John Lewis Ah, the sands of time. Measuring up to 30 minutes, watching the golden sand flow through this globe is the next best thing to footprints in the sand. J U LY 2 0 2 1 7 3

HOUSE GARDEN HO M E & P&RO P E RT Y

The New Malden project, Surrey

Caribbean Blinds keeping homes cool for summer

n February, external shading specialists Caribbean Blinds delivered highly effective and stylish shading solutions to ensure a family home does not overheat this summer. A Surrey based family were finding it hugely challenging to prevent their south facing property from overheating and undertook extensive research on the most effective solutions to keep their home cool. The main aims of the project were to add outdoor roller blinds to the upstairs and downstairs windows and an awning over the patio doors that could provide both shade and shelter without affecting the view out into their garden. Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director of Caribbean Blinds, explained: “Our expert team installed several of our Antiguan windproof outdoor roller blinds, plus a Cuba awning, to the south facing windows and patio area of this residential property. The project, from initial contact to completion, was just 2 months and we are thrilled to have swiftly provided a sleek and effective lifestyle solution for a family home prone to overheating.” Of key importance to the client was that the design solution was fully integrated as an extension of their home. Ease of use was also essential and motorised remote control was a must with each product operable individually as well as a group for maximum flexibility.

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Following a detailed site survey and initial consultation, Caribbean Blinds recommended their Antiguan external roller blinds for the windows. These roller blinds not only encompass sleek design but, zip locking technology built into the side guides physically locks the fabric in place at every position, rendering the blind windproof and prevents any light shining between the edge. The blind also acts as an insect screen. All fixings are hidden and the full cassette headbox discreetly provides a neat hideaway for the blind, ensuring a seamless addition to the customer’s home. For the patio doors, the Cuba awning was suggested, the crème de la crème of the range. Its contemporary, rectangular, flush-fitting full cassette design appears as an integrated part of the façade and neatly conceals the awning when retracted. Concealed fixing brackets and screwless ALU end plates elegantly finish the awning off, whilst optional LED lighting can be built onto the underside of the cassette. Once completed, a full demonstration and run through was provided to the client and the end result perfectly matched the customer’s brief and provides the ideal environment to enjoy anything the British weather brings and ensures they can fully enjoy their home space both inside and out, with family and friends. For more information visit cbsolarshading.co.uk

About Caribbean Blinds: For over 30 years, Caribbean Blinds has been exclusively designing, manufacturing and supplying the very finest external shading systems that transform the use, functionality, and enjoyment of all types of spaces.

Sun. Shade. Shelter.

★★★★★

Winner BEST GARDEN BUY

OUTDOOR LIVING PODTM - LOUVERED ROOF |

ALL WEATHER | TERRACE COVERINGS Waterproof fabric or aluminium louvered roofs Effortless motorised remote control operation Wind resistant upto Beaufort 12 (hurricane force)* Optional LED lighting & infra-red heating 5 year guarantee for peace of mind Make the most of your outdoor space with our innovative retractable awnings and aluminium pergolas that provide flexible shade and shelter, allowing you to enjoy the alfresco experience come sun, wind, rain or even snow*. Proudly UK manufactured since 1987.

t 0344 800 1947 e info@cbsolarshading.co.uk w cbsolarshading.co.uk/residential SHOWSITES IN | SUFFOLK | MIDDLESEX | SURREY *Wind resistance and snow load based on our louvered roof Outdoor Living PodsTM

CUBA - PATIO AWNING |

HOUSE & LIVING GARDEN OUTDOOR

JAPANDI:

Create an outdoor oasis, with styling and gardening advice from the experts at Dobbies

Trending for summer 2021… perfectly to create your very own calm cocoon that’s free of all distraction. The colour palette for this trend includes a mix of cool grey, bamboo and undertones of anthracite. The neutral shades of Simple Serenity mean it works well in any space, with a variety of outdoor furniture sets to choose from in the range, so you can tailor the design to the size of your garden.”

here East meets West, one of the top trends for 2021 will bring some cool shades of calm to your home, both inside and out. Not your average garden centre, Dobbies ‘Simple Serenity’ collection is effortlessly stylish, embracing the core design traits of Japanese and Scandinavian design. Find indoor accessories that can be used to layer up an outdoor room alongside statement pieces that break the garden furniture mould. The range includes the Tokyo Rocking Chair and Stool, the ultimate laid back lounger, it’s sure to look just as good in the garden as it will in the living room Outdoor Living Buyer at Dobbies, Lynsey Abbott, said: “This is an understated look that will work

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“Not your average garden centre, Dobbies ‘Simple Serenity’ collection is effortlessly stylish, embracing the core design traits of Japanese and Scandinavian design”

Horticultural Director at Dobbies, Marcus Eyles, provides his top tips to create your very own zen garden... Compared to cottage and country garden style gardens, this style of outdoor space is uncomplicated and paired back, they don’t feature a lot of different flowers, creating a sense of peace and tranquillity. The aim is to create a space with a modern feel - light and clean lines are important when it comes to establishing a sense of zen. The look works well in small to medium sized spaces, from pots on balconies to raised beds and patios in back gardens. They are often fairly low maintenance. When planning the space, look to create a neat, organised structure with simple planting schemes and choose neutral, natural colours, such as lush leafy greenery, white flowers and silver, grey foliage. Tall sculptural plants will add height and work well in groups. Get the look, plants and foliage that work well for zen style gardens • Ornamental grasses: Larger foliage types such as Miscanthus and Pampas grasses (Cortaderia) or for ground cover then the blue Festuca glauca • Hardy evergreen ferns: Including slow growing tree ferns, Hart’s-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) and Wood Fern (Dryopteris) • Architectural foliage: Plants such as Bamboo (Arundinaria), which can be used around to frame the outside edges of gardens or to add some extra privacy and create zones or areas within a space • Plants with large grey/silver foliage: Such as super soft Senecio ‘Angel Wings’ or Brachyglottis • ‘Sunshine’ which produces bright yellow, daisylike flowers in June and July • Flowering perennials: Attracting bees, butterflies and insects, plants such as Echinacea, Butterfly bush (Buddleia) and Foxgloves (Digitalis) for a pop of colour. To browse the online collection and find your nearest store, visit dobbies.com. J U JLU YL Y2 0220 12 1 7 17 3 7

HOUSE OU T D O O& R GARDEN LIVING

NEW Garden Wall Art Transform that boring, bare garden wall with premium metal prints.

room, but they can transform your garden too. When hung under shelter, the high-quality metal prints can brighten even the dullest of garden walls. Available in a range of sizes, opt for a single statement piece, or have some fun with an outdoor gallery wall.

“Not only can these metal prints be hung to brighten a room, but they can transform your garden too”

n an announcement last month, creators of made-to-measure wallpaper murals, Wallsauce.com introduced its expansion into premium aluminium prints. With its extensive image library of popular and exclusive designs, the print on demand brand has reached a new audience of print lovers. Just in time for the long summer months, not only can these metal prints be hung to brighten a

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Printed using environmentally friendly inks and the latest technology, the metal prints offer vivid colours and resistance to impact. Installation is as simple as hanging a regular picture. Delivered with a pre-assembled aluminium backing frame, simply adhere to your wall’s needs which usually requires wall plugs and screws. For more information, please head to wallsauce.com.

HOUSE & GARDEN

BUILD A HOME OFFICE IN YOUR GARDEN Add some value to your property and make working from home more comfortable with an insulated garden office, says Liz Connor

een to boost your home’s value? If you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor space at your disposal, there’s an easy way to help bump up your house price. According to DIY retailer MyToolShed (mytoolshed.co.uk), building an office in your garden can add 5% onto the value of your property, and it’s an investment that can make your life easier if you’re working from home right now too. If you’re a confident DIYer, you don’t have to spend 20K on a swanky purpose-built outhouse either. “If you don’t have the option financially to buy an outbuilding, and you have the time, then building one can be a great way to improve your garden and increase the value of your home,” says Ross Goodwin, managing director of MyToolShed. “Building your own garden building has the advantage of you being able to design it exactly the way you want, for it to complement your garden and surroundings perfectly too.” Here’s how to get started…

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Get permission You may need to apply for householder planning permission to erect a garden building if it affects your neighbours, so it’s a good idea to check the UK planning portal (planningportal.co.uk) before you get started. You’ll be able to check any restrictions and make sure you’re falling within legal guidelines – otherwise you risk your beautiful new office being taken down before you’ve even had a chance to use it. Level off the ground Once you have the green light, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. You’ll need to level and prepare the site, choosing a dry patch of grass that avoids swampy areas and steep grades. “We recommend you level your garden shed on paving slabs, tarmac and or concrete,” says Goodwin. “Many people can make the mistake of thinking that because their lawn is flat they do not need a base, but when the rain comes it will soon start to lift.”

A joist network that sits directly on a base of concrete is your best option

windows can be an expensive part of this process we recommend you don’t cut costs on this as keeping the air circulated in the shed is important to ensure the shed is well ventilated,” says Goodwin. Consider electrics A home office needs a decent wi-fi connection, but we’d always recommend leaving electrics to the experts. Spear estimates that contracting a professional will cost around £500. Add insulation An office without any insulation is going to be very cold in the winter months, so think carefully about adding some in. Spear says: “Fibreglass is a cost effective option for insulation, but you should consider wearing a mask when working with it, as direct contact with fiberglass or breathing airborne dust may irritate the nose and throat.”

Add base framing and decking It’s now time to add some more support to ensure your foundation is as sturdy as possible. A joist network that sits directly on a base of concrete is your best option, and you can directly deck over the top. Luke Spear, MyToolShed’s garden office ambassador, stresses you shouldn’t skimp on joists, and that you should use timber that’s strong enough to support plenty of weight.

Lay the flooring Hiring a professional for this stage can often double your flooring budget, so Spear recommends shopping around for a deal on laminate flooring. He estimates that you should be able to pick some up for around £6-£8 per square metre and skirting for about £1 a metre. The final step? Making your office a work from home oasis by hanging some pictures and adding some plants. Come Monday morning, it’ll feel great to get out of the house and enjoy a cuppa over emails in your new outdoor work area.

Raise the wall frame This is a two-person job says Spear, so plan to have someone from your household or bubble ready to lend a hand. You’ll need to work out the height of the shed structure and cut your lengths of timbre for the wall frames, if your timber merchant hasn’t cut them to size. Lay the roof A roof with a decent sized overhang will provide more protection from heavy rain than a smaller one, and a flat roof is the simplest construction option for beginners. “Consider using a membrane around your roof before adding steel sheets,” says Spear. “The wrap will stop any water that gets through the steel from wetting the OSB sheathing below.” Add windows, doors and cladding If you’ve decided to install a window in your shed, you’ll need to cut a hole for it in the siding and frame around it with sturdy timber. “Although J U LY 2 0 2 1 8 1

www.parnhamfunfairs.co.uk

KIDSZ WORLD Family Wristband Fair

OPEN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, WEEKENDS AND BANK HOLIDAYS!

A R P K S E VALENTIN RANCE · IG1 4S SESSION TIMES: 1.00-4.30pm and 4.00-8.00pm

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