Life Magazines: Herts edition April 2015

LAURA ASHLEY THE MANOR

ST ALBANS FILM FESTIVAL POLO IN THE PARK

GALLERY ROUGE FUTURE MASTERS BLOWING INTO HERTFORDSHIRE

from the

editor

Welcome to our April issue...

T

he future continues to shine brightly at Edge Grove with its dynamic and inspirational Headmaster, Ben Evans, now in his third year in post and the pupil roll larger than ever before in the school’s history.

Visitors to the St Albans Film Festival will get the chance to take in a movie while they swim or while they drink real ale under the stars, as well as in the luxury of a newly restored turn of the century cinema this year, as the third festival kicks off over the first weekend of May, with local businesses getting into the Space theme and putting on events that are out of this world.

When Laura and Bernard Ashley attempted to print fabric, on their kitchen table, back in 1953, neither of them could have had the faintest idea of what the Laura Ashley name would come to stand for worldwide.

The most in demand treatment from the likes of Simon Cowell, Madonna, Anthea Turner & Sinitta has arrived at Riverbanks Clinic in Harpenden.

Reviv® Hydration Therapy provides the stars with an instant energy boost helping them to function at optimal levels by boosting vitamin, mineral and hydration levels directly into the bloodstream.

Faye Manning Editor

Get this issue online

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, Essendon, Herts, AL9 6JJ. 0844 800 8439 www.thelifemagazines.com Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editor Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Alex Lux

••••• senior business development manager Jade Hughes •••••

Design/ Production Emma Andrews ••••• Sales James Marshall ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

LOVE

LOCAL

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting Hertfordshire events in the spotlight each month

Kal Gajoum – Ambiance of Moulin Rouge – Signed Limited Edition - £2,995 www.galleryrouge.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL

25 april A vintage affair A Vintage Affair is back at the Hertford Corn Exchange. Our traders will have an array of vintage clothing, jewellery , home ware and accessories. Soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a cup of tea and a cake from our vintage tea party. We look forward to seeing you! £1 entry. 10.30am-4pm.

39 Fore Street, SG14 1AL

ARTS & events

CALENDAR 18 april Raise your Voice This is an all day event open to all who have thought they would like to ‘have a go’ at singing with a local choir. The event which is being organised by Hertford Choral Society will be led by Ken Burton, judge on BBC TV ‘The Choir’. You will not be required to read music and will touch on many techniques.

Sele School Hertford, SG14 2DG

8 APRIL 2015

19 april Rye Meads Funday!

Join us for our big annual spring fun day! Have a go at our trails and wildlife hunts, grab a net for pond dipping, try your hand at our games, make a craft, hold a creature, paint a picture, plant some flowers, eat some cake, and get your face painted! There is also art, photography, demonstrations, local wildlife organisations, tombola and lots more! First-timers welcome, take the opportunity to explore our beautiful reserve! 10 am - 4 pm RSPB Members £1, non members £2. Join on the day for our discount and special offer!

Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8JS

18 april – 17 may Hertford Arts Festival Trail Download the Hertford Arts Trail Programme from www.gohertford. co.uk and take a tour of Hertford and its pop up art exhibition venues.

Explore over 25 venues where over 25 artists will exhibit their creations.

Please note that opening times vary.

Hertford Town Centre Hertfordshire

*****

EDITOR’S

PICK

19 april Farmers’ Market at Stable Yard at Hatfield House Local traders visit Stable Yard at Hatfield House every third Sunday of the month to sell their produce in the courtyard. The small market has grown in popularity over the years and 2015 promises to be bigger and better still!! Cakes, crafts, beers, breads, baskets and honey are often part of the market. Most goods are made locally. The market is open from 10am - 2pm and entry and parking is FREE!!

Stable Yard at Hatfield House, Hatfield, AL9 5NF

16 april Behind the scenes tour 18 april Beginner’s wildlife with Simon!

New to bird watching? Join our informal monthly session with friendly reserve guide Simon who will take you round the reserve and give you all kinds of useful tips on spotting wildlife, identification, using binoculars and telescopes and nature facts! An enjoyable afternoon for all the family.

2 - 4 pm. Members £1, non members £2.

Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8JS

Join us for a behind the scenes tour, meet some of our guinea pigs, rabbits and cats get hands on making fun pet toys and feed some of our animals tasty treats.

Suitable for 5 year olds and over and booking essential. To find out more or to make a booking email handson@woodgreen.org. uk or call 0844 2488181. 10am12pm & 1-3pm, £5 per person Wood Green, Heydon Centre, Highway cottage, Chishill Road, Heydon, SG8 8PN

18 april Antiques Market at Stable Yard at Hatfield House Visit our monthly antiques market for a huge range of antiques and collectibles.

Pick up unusual curiosities including furniture, mirrors, hats and ornaments.

Spread around the courtyard in covered stalls,as well as taking up space in the Riding School (when available), the Stable Yard Antiques Market has become a must-visit destination for collectors throughout the county. The market is open from 10am - 5pm.

Stable Yard at Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NF april 2 0 1 5 9

LOVE LOC AL

Vienna Festival Ballet

35th

ANNIVERSARY GALA

V

ienna Festival Ballet celebrates 35 years with an outstanding Anniversary Gala. We are proud to present highlights from the world’s most beloved Tchaikovsky ballets which have featured in our repertoire over the years.

Highlights will include the legendary Rose Adagio and the Bluebird pas de deux from Sleeping Beauty, as well as Clara’s journey to the glittering land of snow in The Nutcracker.

Gershwin’s ground breaking Rhapsody in Blue is also featured, as is the famous lakeside scene from Swan Lake, including the Dance of the Cygnets, which opens the second act. The highly successful Hip Hop scene from Vienna Festival Ballet’s Snow White also appears here, as does the Dance of the Mirlitons and the Trepak Dance from the Nutcracker. The gala closes with the beautiful Corn pas de deux from Coppélia and a spectacular grand finale.

The Vienna Festival Ballet tours extensively throughout the UK, bringing well known classics to both big cities and small towns. As Artistic Director Peter Mallek explains, “A lot of the bigger companies cannot perform in smaller venues. We have tailored our productions so that we are able to adjust the ballet to fit all different sizes of stage.

This means we can bring ballet as close to home for our audiences as possible, so they don’t have extra travel costs and long journeys. They can see a very high standard of ballet at an affordable price, right on their doorstep.”

Vienna Festival Ballet’s reflection on 35 years of performing all over the world will take you on an unforgettable journey through the best of ballet in one magical evening.

10 APRIL 2015

WHAT THEY SAY

“An excellent company of talented young dancers.

Their energy and enthusiasm is breathtaking.”

- ENTS24.COM “‘The entire show was captivating from start to finish.”

- Welwyn Hatfield Times “A truly spellbinding performance!”

- Burnley Express “Talented array of young artistes” - Oxford Times Four Stars - WhatsOnStage

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Sat 11th April - Hertford Theatre, Hertford @ 7.45pm Sat 18th April - Alban Arena, St Albans @ 2.30pm Sun 10th May - The Elgiva Theatre, Chesham @ 3pm Sun 17th May - Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar @ 2pm Fri 29th May - Watersmeet, Rickmansworth @ 7.30pm THE DETAILS www.viennafestivalballet.com Facebook: viennafestivalballetcompany Twitter: @viennafestivalb Instagram: @viennafestivalballet

LOVE LOC AL

St Albans Operatic Society presents

F

‘Oliver!’

ollowing on from the recent successes of ‘Grease’ and ‘Annie’ in 2014, St Albans Operatic Society (soon to become St Albans Musical Theatre Company) are bringing another classic to the stage this spring.

Fagin and his gang of thieves, plus other familiar characters, will be performing live once again, when SAOS prove it’s A Fine Life by bringing you the much-loved ‘Oliver!’ from April 28 – May 2 at the Alban Arena, St Albans.

The story of Oliver! is well-known and is ever-popular amongst theatregoers, but is only on for 7 performances, so don’t miss out!

Director Rob Milner: “St Albans is a city renowned for Food Glorious Food, but we also have some fantastic talent, and this show is no exception. I’d Do Anything to buy a ticket, even Pick a Pocket or Two” Musical Director Philip Joslin added: “Rob and I have been working hard getting 30 young boys to perform to the standard expected of SAOS. It’s been a dream team, and we will work together again for certain, well As Long As He Needs Me!” Featuring some of the brightest talents on the local

theatre scene, the show stars Emma Stratton as Nancy, Howard Salinger as Fagin, Tony Bradburn as Mr Bumble and Jamie Ross as Bill Sykes, amongst other stellar names.

The role of Oliver will be played by Thomas Wilkins and Alexander van Weezel at alternate performances, as will the role of Dodger, played by Lewis Elliot and Archie Stevens.

Don’t go Reviewing The Situation, funfilled evenings like this don’t come around too often. Consider Yourself officially invited, so Who Will Buy?

28 april - 2 may 2015

THE DETAILS Call the box office on 01727 844488, or go to www.alban-arena.co.uk/events/oliver and book your tickets before they’re all gone. If you miss out, well That’s Your Funeral!

••••• Advance notice: The company will Be Back Soon with Hairspray in November!

Oliver (Alex van Weezel) with Fagin (Howard Salinger)

Nancy (Emma Str Ar tful Dodge atton) with The r (Archie Steven s)

Oliver (Tom Wilkins) with The Artful Dodger (Lewis Elliott)

12 APRIL 2015

LOVE LOC AL

Rising star of Mill Hill I

f you’d like a portion of passion with your pint, head over to the Rising Sun in Mill Hill. Run by the Delnevo family, it offers the best of both worlds – fine Italian dining in an historic British pub, Mediterranean warmth and timeless English character(s).

Fusing fresh ingredients with authentic Italian, this is no ordinary gastropub. A barbeque at the Rising Sun gastropub means the freshest razor clams, king tiger prawns and sizzling Italian sausages. Think ‘alfresco’ not ‘outside’; Basilico sausages, not bangers. And unlike a chain pub, you won’t find a single piece of limp garlic bread.

Inside, things are no less mouthwatering. Chef Francesco Scelsi teams the best of British with Italian Dolce Vita. Fancy a Game Crespoline in a cream and port wine sauce? Or a Cod

poacher, Don Roberto.

Ricotta and spinach ‘Girasoli’, or Sunflowers, served with sage proves an elegant vegetarian offering, but the true beauty of the Rising Sun is that no two visits are the same the menu changes with the seasons, availability of produce and the imagination of Chef Francesco.

A true family affair, Roberto, Amanda and their sons Luca and Matteo offer diners a warm Italian welcome in the small main restaurant, the snug, the barn or the outside patios. The three Italian f ’s lie at the heart of this operation: ‘food, family and fun’ - and you’ll soon feel part of the family. Get chatting about the rich history of the building, sport, local events, or their love of food – every Italian’s favourite subject.

The Rising Sun is perfect for an intimate or informal dinner, a drink and quality value for money snack, a business lunch to impress or a private party. But be warned – it won’t be your only visit.

LOW RES

A barbeque at the Rising Sun gastropub means the freshest razor clams, king tiger prawns and sizzling Italian sausages

THE DETAILS Cartoccio Parcel with fresh herbs and lemongrass? All fish is delivered fresh from Cornwall and the meat and vegetables are personally selected by gamekeeper-turned14 APRIL 2015

137 Marsh Lane, London NW7 4EY 020 8959 1357 www.therisingsunmillhill.co.uk

LOVE to cook!

Please visit our website regularly to see the new additional classes

£60.00 Half day to £200.00 Full day

LOVE LOC AL

spring cooking head chef at Auberge du Lac on the Brocket Hall Estate

Marcus McGuinness,

T

here are many reasons to get excited about the arrival of spring time – the lighter evenings, the warmer weather, the good mood everyone seems to be in! For me, though, it’s all about the veg – considering I’m a chef, I think I can just about get away with that!

Spring is when the most delicious array of vegetables becomes available. Admittedly, every season brings with it new tasty treats, but there’s just something about the refreshing selection of veg available from March-May. My personal favourites at this time of year are mushrooms and asparagus – and rather handily, they are delicious when paired together as well!

Just so we’re clear, I’m not talking about any old mushrooms here, I am in fact referring to the very special St. George’s Mushrooms – or Calocybe Gambosa to use their official name. St. George’s mushrooms are one of the few good edible fungi to be found in spring, usually appearing in late April close to – yes, you guessed it, St. George’s Day (23 April).

My one big tip for cooking with St. George’s mushrooms is to expect the unexpected! These mushrooms should not be treated the same as your average mushroom – they have a very distinctive taste and they do not combine with other flavours as you’d expect a normal mushroom to. Being experimental is the key. You’d better get moving though, they won’t be around forever - only until the hot weather arrives. Oh, THE DETAILS Auberge du Lac Brocket Hall, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL8 7XG ••••• 01707 368888 www.aubergedulac.co.uk • www.brocket-hall.co.uk 16 APRIL 2015

and please do stick to buying them from your local greengrocer or farmer’s market - I never recommend that foraging beginners pick their own mushrooms – after all, mistakes can have very serious consequences.

As I mentioned above, asparagus is another favourite of mine at this time of year. Asparagus season is all too brief for my liking, but the quality of this veg is always top notch, so that does make up for it a little. Its short season, coupled with its subtle, grassy flavour, is what gets chefs so excited about asparagus – we know it won’t last long, so we make the most of it while we can!

Sadly, asparagus deteriorates relatively quickly after picking, so you need to work fast. But, the good news is that freshly picked asparagus is so tasty you can get away with minimal effort – aside from the obligatory drizzle of olive oil or twist of black pepper, or course. When buying asparagus, I recommend you look for firm but tender stalks with good colour and closed tips. It’s best eaten on the day you buy it, but if this is not possible, store it in the fridge and you should get another day or two out of it.

If this has whetted your appetite, check out my very simple but very tasty Asparagus starter recipe:

Wye Valley asparagus confit with salted butter (serves 4 people) Ingredients: 16 spears of asparagus • 2 packs of salted butter – 250g each Method: 1. Peel the asparagus and cut into 6 inch pieces 2. In a Pyrex dish, melt the butter down until it just starts to bubble – approx. 90-95 degrees 3. Add in the asparagus and cook for 12-15 minutes or until just tender (it’s very important that you keep turning the asparagus so it cooks evenly) 4. When tender, drain out the butter and serve the asparagus on 4 plates This is absolutely delicious on its own or you can try serving it with a refreshing orange salad.

Note: The reason I cook asparagus in butter is because the flavours in asparagus are water soluble –they are not fat soluble, however, so when cooked in butter, no flavour leaks out.

H EALTH, LOVE LOC BEAUTY AL & fashion

Blowing Into Hertfordshire

Blo by Blo, a new concept to hair, nails and beauty…

Hairdressers seem standard fair now, but recently opened Blo by Blo has pushed what people think of the standard beauty salon, by bring a glimmer of LA glamour and dab of New York grit into the Hertfordshire area.

B

rainchild of Blo by Blo Owners Nikki Stevens, and Neil Eatson, they have brought a blow bar, nail bar and beauty bar into an area that has seen a dip in independent high street retailers, and are looking to roll our nationwide.

‘The salon caters for the woman in need of quick, affordable and accessible beauty’ says Nikki. ‘Neil and myself have spent a lot of time in the states and it seems that blow bars we’re on every block in every major city, especially LA and NYC. In the UK, you have to visit a hairdresser, and getting an appointment for a blow dry is never easy at 4PM on a Saturday. So we wanted to bring this

They have 7 standard blowdrys, with creative names such as Red Carpet Ready, KissMeKnot and MeMeMe and prices start at £18 for a blow out, and their exclusive partnership with Harrods nail offering, Leighton Denny Nail Treatments starting at £15 they are setting the bar for affordability too.

‘From our experienced team, to the products they use, to the chairs and drinks our clients use, we always want to make sure, it’s an great experience, and one that would stand out in any high street’. For a time when high streets are suffering Blo by Blo are making sure that they stand out, and defining an offering that sets itself apart, and its brilliant to have this in Hertfordshire first.

The salon caters for the woman in need of quick, affordable and accessible beauty, says Nikki to the UK, and give women more choice and what better place to start than Ware, a town we know well, and that has a population of woman who want just what we offer…’

Bringing on board a team that is highly experienced in blow dry’s, make up, nail technicians and beauty; they have already caused a stir by they different ways.

Neil said ‘we want to make this a fun experience for our customers. From DJ’s on a Saturday afternoon, through to prosecco and wine, we want to make sure that our clients can start their evening the right way. Get them in the mood, and most importantly feel fabulous doing it’ They’ve created a space that screams Shoreditch or the more trendy parts of Central London, with exposed brick walls and original features through to the blow bar itself and the nail bars and their raw edge. And the attention to detail goes through the whole salon with the Hollywood mirrors and high-end furnishings. ‘We wanted to make sure that our clients felt, at home, at a bar, and out with friends, all at the same time’ Nikki adds.

Blo by Blo comes at a time when there is a drop in the high street interest, but with official partners on board such as GHD, Leighton Denny and Tigi, they have made sure that their clients have best in class service and product at hand.

18 APRIL 2015

THE DETAILS Blo by Blo, 96 High Street, Ware Hertfordshire SG12 9AP ••••• 01920 487846 www.blobyblo.co.uk ••••• facebook.com/blobybloUK Twitter @blobybloUK

LOVE LOC AL

Brush Strokes

Potential Masters of the Future

Kal Gajoum – Ambiance of Moulin Rouge – Signed Limited Edition - £2,995

F

or the last five years Gallery Rouge have held much admired shows featuring the works of renowned classical painters including Picasso, Chagall and Matisse to name but a few. Those looking for modern day contemporaries often ask ‘who will be the masters of tomorrow?’.

Gallery Rouge works with a host of exceptionally talented artists, across a spectrum of styles and mediums. Within the impressionist genre there are a group whose works have particularly captivated us, which we feel are ones to keep a close eye on.

Kal Gajoum

Born in Tripoli Libya in 1968, Gajoum’s interest has always lain in the palette knife technique of applying oil paints. Having studied both in Italy and Paris under renowned scholars, Gajoum perfected his style of French Impressionism with a modern flair.

Now residing in Canada, Gajoum is an accomplished and respected international artist, his profile and

work in high demand since his tenure as the official artist of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Peter Wileman PRIO

Born in 1946 in Middlesex, Wileman has been an illustrator, editor and accomplished painter for over 35 years. Respected for his highly expressive paintings of harbours and coves, his compositions have a painterly quality derived from the vigour of his brush strokes and the impression of spontaneous creativity. Wileman has received the Frank Herring award at the Mall Galleries, and the Cornellisen Prize for Outstanding Work. Wileman is the President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

Harry Brioche

Born in 1965, Brioche comes from humble beginnings in the Seychelles. Like so many accomplished painters he is a self-taught artist, carving a niche for his vivid undulating landscape paintings. Packed with raw emotion and energy,

www.galleryrouge.co.uk 20 APRIL 2015

Peter Wileman – Calm Tides – Original Oil Painting - £3,295

Brioche is unafraid of capturing tumultuous skies alongside serene rolling hills. Siting his inspirations as Turner and Vernet, Brioche original oil paintings have become highly desireable and collectable.

Harry Brioche – Morning Light – Original Oil Painting - £1,700

Hessam Abrishami

Born in the city of Shiraz, Iran in 1951, Abrishami was the son of middle-class parents. After completing his Masters in Fine Art degree in Perugia, Abrishami immigrated to the USA to explore the world and broaden his horizons.

Inspired by the works of Picasso, his vibrant colours and dynamic composition combine to tell a story of connection and kinship. Highly respected in the USA, Gallery Rouge are proud to exclusively represent Abrishami’s works in the UK.

Fadi Mikhail

Born in Essex in 1984, Mikhail is the one of the newest artists to join the Gallery Rouge stable.

Educated at the esteemed Slade School of Fine Art under Paul Finn, Mikhail has already developed a reputation as a sought after artist. Commissioned by the Royal Mail in 2013 to create their Christmas stamp ‘Theotokos’, his works are also collected by HRH Prince of Wales. Mikhail’s exploration into figurative oil painting has centred on literature, notably the books of his childhood.

Hessam Abrishami – Eternally – Signed Limited Edition - £1,495

The works of these artists will feature alongside those of iconic masters in a special exhibition to be held at Gallery Rouge Harpenden between May 16th to 24th. All works will be available for purchase.

Fadi Mikhail – Roger Ties the Swallow Down – Original Oil Painting - £1,295

Gallery Rouge are Hertfordshire’s leading independent gallery, and a destination for those seeking original fine art. With locations in both St Albans and Harpenden, Gallery Rouge boasts exquisite art from both established as well as emerging artists. There is something for everyone, so why not visit either studio, or peruse their website at www.galleryrouge.co.uk.

78 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP | harpenden@galleryrouge.co.uk | 01582 760332 27 Chequer Street, St Albans, AL1 3Yj | stalbans@galleryrouge.co.uk | 01727 860401 APRIL 2015 21

LOVE LOC AL

DON’T MISS THE PARTY AT

POLO IN THE PARK! London’s summer social season starts this year with Chestertons Polo in the Park which takes place on 5-7 June at the ‘spiritual home of polo,’ Hurlingham Park, Fulham.

N

ow in its seventh year, the three-day sporting spectacle brings world class polo right to the heart of London. With its vibrant party atmosphere and thrilling polo on display, the tournament is now firmly established as one of the capital’s hottest tickets.

New to this year’s schedule is the addition of an England International match which will take place in the evening of Friday 5 June. It will be the first England International polo match played at Hurlingham Park since 1939. The team taking on England will be announced later in the spring.

For the rest of the tournament, six teams, representing cities from around the world, play with three-man teams on a slightly smaller field than usual, meaning the action is never far away from the spectator. The traditional rules are adapted to create a much more spectator-friendly game - perfect for polo newcomers. This year the visiting teams taking on the London home team are last year’s winners Abu Dhabi, Lagos, Singapore, Sydney and Buenos Aires.

What’s more, the action on the side of the playing field is just as entertaining as the action on the field - with bars and hospitality spilling around the perimeter of the pitch.

Mayfair’s famous nightclub, Mahiki Bar will be shaking up some amazing cocktails from its pitchside bar (which happens to be the longest pop up bar in Europe) whilst the Lanson Champagne Garden Bar provides a wonderfully civilised place to view the sport.

The tournament kicks off on Friday 5 June, dubbed ‘Chukka Friday’ and is a favourite for corporates and their guests. Matches are played well into the evening and with

22 APRIL 2015

post 5pm tickets at just £10, it’s the perfect place to escape to after work.

Saturday is traditionally known as ‘Ladies Day’ - a chance for the girls to glam up! This day is usually a sell-out long before the event, so it is advised to book early for this day to avoid disappointment.

‘Finals Day’ on Sunday 7 June is a fun actioned packed day for everyone, with extra entertainment laid on for children. Spectators can enjoy watching both the Final and Plate Final on this day and see the victors presented with the winning trophy.

THE DETAILS Tickets start from just £10 and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Early bird and group discounts apply.

••••• For more information visit www.polointheparklondon.com

LOVE LOC AL

BMW PGA Championship Wentworth Club,Virginia Water, Surrey | 21 – 24 May 2015 Celebrity Pro-Am Day 20 May 2015 legends Phil Neville and Paul Scholes.

Other confirmed names include sporting greats such as Alan Shearer, David Ginola and Teddy Sheringham. AP McCoy, Carl Llewellyn and Mick Fitzgerald will represent the field of horse racing, with rugby legend Mike Tindall also taking on the complex challenges of Wentworth’s West Course.

The impressive line-up continues with female representation in the forms of model Jodie Kidd and Olympic bronze curling medallist Eve Muirhead. Tickets for the BMW PGA Celebrity Pro-Am day are still available with children under the age of 16 once again admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

The Championship’s successful park and ride will once again be in operation and will run from two locations – Broomhall Farm in Sunningdale, which will carry traffic from the South and East and Ascot Racecourse, which will carry

The impressive line-up continues with female representation in the forms of model Jodie Kidd and Olympic bronze curling medallist Eve Muirhead

M

any of golf ’s global superstars will return to Wentworth Club, Surrey this May to compete at the European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship.

World number one and four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy will be spearheading a title defence against some of the biggest names on the European Tour. McIlroy overcame a seven-shot deficit to emerge victorious on the iconic West Course in 2014 – a success that kick-started a dazzling season for the current Open and US PGA Champion.

He faces tough competition from a world-class line-up at Wentworth this year including victorious 2014 Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley and fellow Ryder Cup team-mates Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell.

McIlroy, whose fame now transcends the game with such brilliance, commented: “Growing up in Belfast, the BMW PGA Championship always featured high on my list of priorities along with the Major Championships. To return to Wentworth as defending champion is a huge honour and I can’t wait to draw on the memories of 2014.”

Rose has come agonisingly close to lifting the trophy at a venue he used to visit with his family as a starry-eyed youngster. Rose reached a pinnacle in his career when he captured the US Open title for the first-time in 2013.

He said: “Our family lived close to Wentworth and I was always excited each May to attend the event with my dad.

The BMW PGA is rightly regarded as the European Tour’s flagship event.”

The BMW PGA Championship offers a superb package of world class golf, entertainment, celebrity-spotting and hospitality offerings and takes place over a six day period.

The ever popular Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday 20 May is now firmly established as the curtain raiser for England’s biggest golf tournament and has once again attracted an impressive line-up of A-list celebrities.

With further names to be announced, Irishman Rory McIlroy will be playing alongside Manchester United

24 APRIL 2015

traffic from the North and West. The park and ride will run a free shuttle bus service to Wentworth Club every five minutes direct to the entrance of the Championship Village.

Advance tickets, with a discount on the gate price, are available for the practice day on Tuesday, May 19, the celebrity Pro-Am day on Wednesday, May 20 and all four days of the Championship from May 21-24.

THE EUROPEAN TOUR - CELEBRATING GOLF. WORLDWIDE.

THE DETAILS To purchase tickets, please call the ticketing hotline on 0800 023 2557, or go the European Tour website: www.europeantour.com/tickets ••••• Twitter: @EuropeanTour @BMWPGA #BMWPGA ••••• Facebook: European Tour Web: www.europeantour.com

LOVE LOC AL

St Albans Film Festival Newly restored Odyssey cinema - one of the first cinemas in the country - to co-host some events at St Albans Film Festival

V

isitors to the St Albans Film Festival will get the chance to take in a movie while they swim or while they drink real ale under the stars, as well as in the luxury of a newly restored turn of the century cinema this year, as the third festival kicks off over the first weekend of May, with local businesses getting into the Space theme and putting on events that are out of this world.

Westminster Lodge leisure centre is repeating its Swim-in cinema event, after the success of last year’s Jaws screening. Saturday 2nd May has been named ‘Alien Day’ and the pool will once again be installing state-of-the-art equipment from Hertfordshire based specialist Vortex events, to screen both Monsters vs Aliens in the afternoon for children, and Alien Resurrection in the evening for adults. Last year’s swim-in cinema, with inflatable loungers to sit on and a drink as part of the ticket price, sold out within days of the tickets going on sale, and the same demand for tickets is predicted again this year.

James Tovey of Westminster lodge says: “The film festival has become an important annual cultural event for the city, and we are happy to be getting involved again and offering local residents something different and exciting!”

Leoni Kibbey, director of the festival, says: “Since the first St Albans Film Festival in 2013 we have earned our place alongside the bigger international film festivals. We’ve had over 1,000 entries

from filmmakers from 40 countries into our short film competition, got the support of Stanley Kubrick’s widow Christiane, and even been called the “Hollywood of Britain” by one national newspaper!

“I decided to give the festival the theme of ‘Space’ this year, as it neatly coincides with the current general release of The Theory of Everything; the Oscar-winning movie about the famous scientist and space expert, Stephen Hawking, who actually comes from St Albans, as well as the 40 year anniversary of Back to the Future. But I also thought that theme would be really fun for local businesses to engage with, and I was right!

“Even the oldest pub in the country, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in Verulamium park, is having a pop-up cinema with an outdoor screen in the pub garden with a barbecue, on the Wednesday 29 showing Alien, and on Thursday 30th April showing sequel Aliens.

“Edinburgh Festival started small with one person’s idea and now thousands of productions and events take place around Edinburgh. I would love to bring a slice of that kind of energy to our city.”

All other events at the festival will be organised by major local partners including Oaklands College, which has a day of film-related events planned for Sunday 3 May for all, and the University of Hertfordshire, which is organizing a star gazing event at Bayfordbury observatory on Saturday evening.

“We are very grateful to many local people and organisations for enabling us to once again hold this festival,” says Leoni. ‘And special thanks go to SA Law, Blanco and the University of Hertfordshire, who have supported the festival for the past three years, and to Collinson Hall, which is sponsoring the opening film event.”

THE DETAILS For tickets and further details about the festival see www.stalbansfilmfestival.com ••••• The festival box office will be open from 20th April at St Albans Town Hall.

26 APRIL 2015

Fresh Italian food in a wonderful historic pub with an Italian restaurant

Opening HOurs:

Lunch: Tues - sat 12.00 - 2.30 last orders Dinner: Tues - sat 6.30 - 9.00 last orders sunday 12.00 - all day 8.00 last orders nOW Opening MOnDAY nigHTs 6.30 - 9.00 serving Veal Cutlet Milanese on the bone (Monday only) The rising Sun Mill Hill LLP, 137 Marsh Lane, Mill Hill, London NW7 4EY • 0208 959 1357 • www.therisingsunmillhill.co.uk

LOVE LOC AL

EVENT DATE

Dylan Izaak in attendance 5th June 7-9pm RSVP

“W

e are vessels full of many things. By drawing attention to the gracious and beautiful elements of our being, we strengthen the light, and diminish the darkness.We take our home with us wherever we go. Home is the heart, and may grace and beauty be our guide”, Danielle O’Connor Akiyama.

Spring is upon us – time for new beginnings, change and growth. We like to use the term ‘spring clean’ which for many of us means organising our space, decluttering our possessions and make room for new pieces of much loved items to rejuvenate and reinvent ourselves.

It has been said that what you own is a reflection of your inner self and of where you were in life when you acquired your possessions. Art is the perfect way of exploring your inner self and reflect your character in your own space, your home.

It is vital for us to escape and relax within art. Art welcomes us to evoke those memories we sometimes forget. Feeling a nostalgic feeling when you see that particular painting of children playing on the beach, an abstract that reminds you of a dance, a piece of music or that feeling of how you felt when you first ever laid eyes on it – you return there every time you look at it.

From first time buyers to connoisseurs of fine art, Gallery 1066 is representing over 70 acclaimed award winning artists from around the Globe and boasts the stunning works from artists such as Fabian Perez, the leading figurative artist of our time, to Dylan Izaak, Britain’s most innovative cityscape artist and official Olympic artist 2012.

We are very proud and excited to announce that Dylan Izaak will be attending the Gallery 1066 on June 5th, 7-9pm, to unveil a collection of vibrant mixed media originals and collectable editions featuring his unique slant on the urban world.

Dylan’s idiosyncratic views of undulating skylines, famous buildings and busy metropolitan scenes, encourage us to look at the world around us with new eyes and offers a distinctive take on urban life.

He has created some great, almost kitsch iconic imagery, such as The British Bulldog, ice cream sundaes, a portrait of the queen and let’s not forget… the Queen’s Corgis!

He uses enamel paint on raw aluminium so his pieces have a real fresh contemporary feel, great for jazzing up

28 APRIL 2015

your home for summer!

This event is strictly guest list only so please contact the Gallery now to find out more about this prestigious event.

At the gallery we have something for everyone this spring to liven up those winter exposed walls with an eclectic mix of styles and talent. Going back to that feeling you once felt or that sunrise you once saw, the gallery is showcasing a breath taking new collection by the talented John Waterhouse.

John’s work originates in a memory or an emotion, which he may jot down as a title, a quick sketch, or something more in-depth - drawings which help him to reconnect with the feelings or memories that gave him that initial idea.

“I didn’t want to overcomplicate things, but to encourage the viewer to focus on the emotional and human elements of the work, as well as on the simplicity of one colour and the beauty that it can bring into our lives”.

Please visit the gallery this spring and be inspired with beautiful works of art.

Top: Dylan Izaak ‘Fair Play’; above: Danielle O’Connor ‘Akiyama’ Crossing Paradise’

THE DETAILS Willow Mews, 6a Hitchin Street, Baldock, SG7 6AE, 014362 622233 ••••• info@gallery1066fineart.com www.gallery1066fineart.com

LOVE LOC AL

30 APRIL 2015

EDUC ATION

2 APRIL 2015

EDUC ATION

Creating Confident Learners at

Edge Grove Design and Design and Technology taught from Year 3. iPads are already used throughout the school and a dedicated virtual language lab facility has been introduced in the new language classroom. The addition of two Dartmoor ponies at the school has certainly been well received by all of the Edge Grove community!

Sport continues to thrive at Edge Grove. The cricket tour to Sri Lanka last year was an incredible opportunity for a group of boys to enjoy some first class sporting action as well as experience the sights and sounds of a developing country and a very different culture to their own. The girls have enjoyed a recent netball tour to the beautiful Caribbean islands of St Vincent and The Grenadines to compete in the schools’ first ever netball tour, and some pupils have just returned from a wonderful ski trip to Italy.

Edge Grove looks forward to welcoming prospective families to visit the school.

The next Open Days are on Saturday 9th May at 10am-12pm and Saturday 3rd October at 10am - 12pm. Visit www.edgegrove.com for more information.

T

he future continues to shine brightly at Edge Grove with its dynamic and inspirational Headmaster, Ben Evans, now in his third year in post and the pupil roll larger than ever before in the school’s history. Edge Grove continues to be a unique ‘hidden gem’ amongst a number of independent schools in Hertfordshire. It is a place where the best traditions are preserved whilst being forward thinking, progressive and always embracing new technologies and habits.

Edge Grove offers its pupils an imaginative curriculum designed to encourage and inspire collaborative working

Edge Grove offers its pupils an imaginative curriculum designed to encourage and inspire collaborative working and critical thinking and critical thinking. Last year the school introduced the Independent Curriculum, providing essential academic rigour to the teaching and learning whilst ensuring that lessons are creative, innovative and exciting. This year the International Primary Curriculum has been introduced in the Pre Prep, providing depth, creativity and a rich cross-curricular programme designed to excite and inspire young pupils.

Confidence is certainly high as the school has embarked on further academic and infrastructure development. The curriculum has been enriched with the addition of Home Economics and Textiles. The creative arts has been extended with the addition of Graphic

THE DETAILS Edge Grove, Aldenham Village, Hertfordshire, WD25 8NL ••••• 01923 855724 www.edgegrove.com

APRIL 2015 5

EDUC ATION

Taylors, not Dummies: 21st Century Careers Helga Armstrong, Head of Careers, Merchant Taylors’ School

F

inding work that excites and inspires your son or daughter will be one of the keys to the good life you wish for them. To do this they will have to discover skills and personal competences that they can master deeply, and have to gain real work experience: “employability skills” is the employers’ mantra.

Independent schools now work increasingly closely with employers and universities to understand what the UK’s top employers are looking for. They aim to provide clear, accurate, and up-to-date information on the job market so that they can advise their students on the degree courses that are most likely to open up real opportunities.

The door to the Careers Centre at Merchant Taylors’ is always open. We offer a bespoke service tailored to the needs of each individual, and students are welcome to book an appointment, drop in and use the resources for career and higher education research, plan their enterprise initiatives, meet enterprise advisors, have mock interviews, plan work experience, and get support for applications.

Our full programme begins as soon as students arrive in Year 7, and continues across the year groups to culminate in an Upper Sixth Careers Bridge Programme that prepares students for higher education and employability. We offer a wide range of lessons and activities, dedicated career days and events, guest speaker programmes, appropriate lectures, as well as a work experience and inspirations programme.

From the age of 11, students start to explore their own personal skills and qualities through lessons with Sixth Form mentors. By Year 9, they have a dedicated careers day that includes delivering presentations and career ‘speeddating’ workshops to help them start exploring the sheer breadth of opportunities available.

In Years 10 and 11, the careers programme continues to encompass self-awareness and opportunity awareness, with the introduction of employability skills, CV writing, and our work experience and inspirations programme.

The Fifth Form Career Convention helps students explore career opportunities based on the Year 10 psychometric profiles that have helped them identify their innate aptitudes, abilities, and personal qualities. We give individual feedback to each student, with parents very welcome to attend. Where a student may have a vocational career in mind such as medicine or dentistry, specialist advice is on hand from the school’s Careers team in conjunction with the academic Faculty.

We offer the Lower Sixth interview skills guidance and practice, as well as supporting the UCAS Advisors with higher education choices. Our annual Higher Education Convention offers the opportunity for our students to hear directly from specialist academics (often alumni) about university study. At the same time, we also encourage students to find out as much as they can about their preferred career options, both through work experience and by attending lectures, insight days, short courses and

industry talks, as part of the school’s work inspirations programme.

In the Upper Sixth, we prepare pupils for the undergraduate, internship and employment market. With a very keen eye on employability and the ever-changing nature of the labour market, we prepare our students to be global players. This year we are introducing a dedicated careers day with an international dimension, where skills and qualities are honed in a COBRA role-playing exercise, and where we bring in specialists to support future medics and dentists.

Our own eight-week Career Bridge programme introduces the Upper Sixth to the undergraduate recruitment programmes, employer competencies and employability factors that they will face as they move on to the next phase in their lives. They have the chance to explore, debate, practise on us, and are given guidance on future opportunities and how and when to access them.

In parallel, enterprise and entrepreneurship thrive.

Younger student teams bid to compete in our Enterprise@ Taylors’ initiative and Sixth Formers bubble with enthusiasm for Young Enterprise and other business competitions.

We continue to support our pupils after they have left: all alumni can access our database of mentors and many return to school to talk to current students about their professions; thus, careers at Taylors’ comes full circle.

THE DETAILS Moor Park, Northwood HA6 2HT ••••• 01923 820644 admissions@mtsn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk

APRIL 2015 7

EDUC ATION

st helen’s school: Aspiration & Social Mobility Dr Mary Short, Headmistress of St Helen’s School in Northwood, argues that independent schooling is a positive agent for aspiration and social mobility

S

ince the abolition of the Assisted Places Scheme in 1997, all schools in the independent sector have faced the challenge of how to be genuine agents for social mobility by giving young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to discover their talents and ‘aim high’. Our independence from the maintained sector provides us with the freedom to teach the curriculum we want, using pedagogical methods proven by evidence-based research to be the most effective in supporting children’s learning; we pay for that independence in terms of the outdated yet persistent perception that independent education is the preserve of the wealthy and privileged few who can afford to pay school fees and somehow ‘buy’ academic, social and professional success for their children. The reality is that the parents of our students come from a wider range of backgrounds than social commentators would like to admit: many of them make very significant sacrifices to send their daughters and sons to independent schools. We share the high expectations and aspirations of the parents who entrust their children to our care, and we work hard to unlock their children’s potential, wherever that lies.

At St Helen’s, we firmly believe that an exceptional education should be accessible to girls who have the potential to make the most of the opportunities which we provide, irrespective of their families’ ability to pay.

By making a St Helen’s education more widely available, we are not only fulfilling our moral responsibility to be an agent for positive change in the wider community, we are also enriching our community by welcoming

original thinkers with the ambition and aspiration to excel. It is exciting to enable girls to develop the skills they will use to become leaders in their fields, professions and communities.

We are continually seeking to widen access to a St Helen’s education by working with schools and parents to publicise our provision for financial assistance via our programme of Bursaries and Scholarships, which we are always seeking to extend.

At the time of writing there are 67 girls at St Helen’s who are benefitting from our Bursary programme, of whom 17 receive 100% fee remission. These girls are fully integrated into our School community and our teaching staff cannot identify which members of their classes hold Bursaries.

In providing support such as this, we are acting in unison with the 90% of independent schools who (according to the 2015 ISC manifesto) are providing bursaries for over 41,000 children nationwide, of whom over 5,300 are paying no fees at all.

Independent education seeks to close social divides, to engage with the wider community and to enable children to fulfil their potential. St Helen’s is a school where exceptional girls can flourish in an exceptional educational environment.

THE DETAILS Eastbury Road, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 3AS ••••• 01923 843210 www.sthn.co.uk

APRIL 2015 9

EDUC ATION

What to look for in a

Pre-Prep Education

C

hoosing the right school can consume parents today and the benefits of a balanced early education are widely acknowledged. Pre-Prep (aged 4-6) children thrive when given early opportunities to develop their social and creative skills as well as build a solid foundation for learning that will take them into their school life and beyond. Specialist teaching plays an important role in developing these fundamental skills and a curriculum that focusses on all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework is key.

Experienced staff will deliver a syllabus developed by a team of early years specialists As well as high quality teaching, younger children benefit from dedicated facilities so they can explore the world in a bright, familiar and safe environment. A friendly, positive and caring atmosphere will strengthen confidence and self-esteem and encourage children to learn and play both independently and in a group. Social skills are developed during break sessions, and look also for a school that provides a social lunchtime, sitting together for a nutritious and balanced meal.

At the new Lockers Park Co-Educational Pre-Prep, due to open this September, experienced staff will deliver a syllabus developed by a team of early years specialists. One recent addition to the best practice pre-prep timetables is the inclusion of the ‘great outdoors’, which incorporates projects in the woods and nature trails. Lockers Park is set within 23 acres of lovely wooded grounds, ideally placed to provide this on a daily basis.

While a pre-prep school needs its own identity, Headmaster of Lockers Park, Christopher Wilson, firmly believes in looking for a school where the pre-prep is part of a family alongside a prep school. This allows access to enhanced facilities such as a gymnasium, a swimming pool, art and music resources but critically, the opportunity to take part in whole school, cross-age activities to provide older role models for support and breed common values.

Children attending the new Lockers Park Pre-Preparatory School will have these advantages and more. They will be taught by specialist Early Years teachers in a new, purposedesigned building and will also mix with the main School for example, by taking part in Chapel Services. This allows pupils to benefit from the school’s traditional heritage of academic excellence combined with first rate pastoral care and extra-curricular activities. They will also use the school grounds and an array of facilities and activities.

Headmaster Christopher Wilson says: “We believe that this new step of welcoming pupils from the first year of primary education allows us to offer a full and excellent solution for children and their families.”

THE DETAILS Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire ••••• 01442 251712 www.lockerspark.herts.sch.uk

APRIL 2015 11

EDUC ATION

Welcome to st Columba’s S t Columba’s College provides a seamless education in an inspiring and challenging environment where boys from the age of four to 18 years old aspire to achieve their own best standard.

A Catholic school, St Columba’s is open to boys of wide variety of religious traditions, with learning underpinned by the Columban code of Courage, Courtesy and Compassion.

While striving for academic excellence the College realises that it is whole-person education that best prepares boys for the world, recognising that moral and spiritual qualities are essential in achieving roundness of character.

In addition to the curriculum, there is an extensive Extra and Extended Curriculum ranging from the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Combined Cadet Force to Young Enterprise. These activities develop qualities of self-knowledge, teamwork, leadership and resilience.

The College regularly wins trophies for rugby, athletics, basketball and other sports. There is a strong tradition of music, drama and public speaking with regular concerts and drama productions.

The school’s strength lies in the combination of high expectations, a culture of mutual respect and care, creating a stimulating happy environment in which boys thrive and learn, building firm foundations for confident socially-skilled pupils. The community is vibrant and the students are the best evidence of what a Columban education can produce.

Academic performance is excellent, with boys winning scholarships every year; all are challenged from the earliest stages to ‘achieve their own best standard’.

The College is proud of its strong reputation for pastoral care and both the Prep and Senior Schools have a well-developed house system, forging positive relationships and encouraging healthy competition.

12 APRIL 2015

A few highlights from the January 2015 ISI Inspection report :

• The quality of the pupils’ achievement and learning is excellent. The College meets its aim that every pupil should learn from their total experience with much success.

• Pupils reach excellent levels of achievement in activities, where their success is considerable across diverse fields, reflecting the College’s focus on all-round achievement.

• The pupils’ learning throughout the College is characterised by persistence, resilience, excellent collaborative work and effective organisation.

• The spiritual influence of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, which permeates the College, combined with an emphasis on courtesy, courage and compassion, enables pupils to develop a high degree of maturity and personal development.

THE DETAILS

There are regular Open Days throughout the year – please browse our new website and book an individual tour of the College: www.stcolumbascollege.org ••••• King Harry Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4AW ••••• 01727 855185 www.stcolumbascollege.org

EDUC ATION

An Inspiring Education at

Abbot’s Hill School Abbot’s Hill is a thriving, dynamic and friendly school offering an all-round education for girls aged 3-16 and boys aged 3-5. Our historic campus offers modern facilities in a beautiful country setting on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead

T

he superb facilities and dedicated staff provide an inspiring environment for learning and personal development. Pupils are encouraged to discover their individual talents in an atmosphere which combines the right blend of support and challenge, and which celebrates not only success but also collaboration, commitment and endeavour.

The school has a strong record of academic success, and the girls who leave in Year 11 go on to study at a variety of

provide a wide range of extra-curricular clubs that provide a lively balance of sport, performing and creative arts, science and technology, journalism, problem-solving and debating. The majority of girls take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme from Year 10 and the school is involved in charitable activities in the wider community.

Over the past few years, the school has invested heavily in improving our facilities for the Senior School and specialist facilities for Music, Drama and Sport. This year

The sense of being part of an extended family is frequently commented on by pupils, parents and staff alike Sixth Forms including St Albans School, Uppingham, Rugby, North London Collegiate and St Albans High School.

Abbot’s Hill prides itself on its pastoral care. The sense of being part of an extended family is frequently commented on by pupils, parents and staff alike. In such a nurturing environment, pupils grow naturally in confidence, are happy to embrace new challenges and eagerly take on increasing responsibilities. Pupils leave Abbot’s Hill fully equipped to take on with passion the challenges and opportunities life has to offer.

Whilst academic achievement is important, at Abbot’s Hill we believe that education should also nurture independent thinking and instil confidence, empathy and the ability to build strong relationships. We therefore

we are embarking on an ambitious Campus Development Plan to provide new first class facilities for our Nursery and Prep School. It is anticipated that work on building the new Nursery will commence during the Easter holidays for completion by the end of this year.

THE DETAILS For details of Open Events, or to arrange an individual tour, please contact the Registrar on 01442 240333.

••••• Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

APRIL 2015 15

Aldenham Today

T

he Aldenham Foundation, incorporating the St Hilda’s Education Trust alongside the Aldenham Prep School and Aldenham Senior School, has created a mutually beneficial partnership of schools sharing similar values and ethos. The benefits since forming a Foundation of schools nearly four years ago have been felt right across all areas of the curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Aldenham is a small but vibrant community where pupils and staff enjoy their studies. Founded as a traditional boarding school in 1597, Aldenham today offers

16 APRIL 2015

Day, Boarding and Flexi-Boarding options for both girls and boys, with current boarding numbers at their highest for over 20 years. Still on the same original glorious site surrounded by green fields, within the M25 and yet only 30 minutes from central London, Aldenham is a small caring school with a staff to pupil ratio of 1:8 so our pupils enjoy individual care and attention.

A broad range of optional activities, including team sports, dance, sailing, horse riding, drama productions, concerts and academic societies are offered and students are encouraged to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. Sixth Form students have their own recently built Sixth Form Centre and Common Room which now boasts a super new coffee bar.

THE DETAILS Aldenham School, Aldenham Road, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AJ ••••• 01923 858122 www.aldenham.com

EDUC ATION

SUCCESS ON THE NATIONAL STAGE FOR CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE placed upside-down or on their sides to show the beauty and complexity of the root systems.

Sarah Seery, Head of Horticulture and Landscaping at the College, explains: “The Chelsea garden was inspired by The Stumpery that we built at our Gunnersbury Park campus last year with our Level 1 Horticulture students. A stumpery adds an attractive and interesting dimension to a garden and is the perfect spot in which to add the beauty of ferns and their woodland counterparts. It creates the perfect habitat for insects like the endangered stag beetle.”

C

apel Manor College offers a wide range of opportunities for success at a national level while studying, including participation in the Ideal Home Show and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Garden Design student Rainey Waldorf ’s show garden at the Ideal Home Show at Olympia in March was awarded Silver Gilt in the Young Gardener of the Year Awards 2015.

Rainey, who is studying for a Level 3 Diploma at Capel, designed the ‘Shower of Life garden’. “The whole experience of exhibiting at the Ideal Home Show was wonderful and the Silver Gilt award recognises the hard work we put in. Being able to create a show garden for such a large and prestigious event is an amazing opportunity and everyone in the Capel team thoroughly enjoyed it.”

The Shower of Life Garden incorporated sustainable water harvesting and water recycling techniques. Reclaimed materials were key to the scheme including scaffolding boards for walls and seating and a reclaimed metal screen around an outside shower.

Lee Sanders is Head of Garden Design and Plantsmanship at the College: “A team of ten Level 3 Landscaping students along with tutor support worked with Rainey to bring her design to life.”

Stumped for garden inspiration? Create a Stumpery!

Horticulture students at Capel are now preparing for the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show which takes place 1923 May. This year Capel have looked to the past for inspiration for their Discovery Zone garden and brought a Victorian idea right up to date with their modern take on a Stumpery.

A stumpery is an arrangement of tree stumps, logs and timber with appropriate planting in and around them, such as ferns, mosses and fungi. Typically the tree stumps are

Hands-on approach Capel Manor College is London’s leading land-based college, with centres within easy reach of Hertfordshire at Enfield, Crystal Palace Park, Gunnersbury Park, New Covent Garden Market, Capel at Newham College, and Regent’s Park. The College offers a range of full, part-time, evening and weekend courses as well as Apprenticeships, and professional short courses for furthering your career.

The College’s specialisms include animal management, horticulture, saddlery and leatherwork, landscaping, garden design, arboriculture, forestry and floristry. Students gain nationally recognised qualifications leading to employment, a career change or access to Higher Education. Training focuses on practical hands-on skills, ensuring students gain invaluable experience in real situations.

Been inspired? Try something new this Spring Capel Manor College has new taster courses in floristry, garden design and horticulture starting in April, and all specialisms launch new courses every September.

THE DETAILS Advice Evenings and Open Days take place at all six College centres throughout the year.Visit www.capel.ac.uk or call the friendly Admissions team on 08456 122 122 to find out more or to discuss which course might be right for you.

APRIL 2015 51

EDUC ATION

The New A-level & GCSE Exams System Explained Parents will be aware that starting September 2015 major changes to the exam structure will begin for many A-Level and GCSE subjects.

The New A-level

A-levels subjects will be assessed with a single set of exams at the end of the second year and there will be no opportunity to retake modules during those two years. The new AS-level will no longer form half of the full A-level and therefore will be treated as a separate qualification.

In November 2014, The University of Cambridge wrote to all schools stating that, AS-level grades are a better predictor of success at university than GCSEs therefore under the new system they ‘strongly encourage potential applicants to take AS level examinations in at least three, and preferably four, subjects’ at the end of year 12.

The College will continue to encourage our students to sit four AS-level subjects at the end of year 12 before going on to complete three full A-levels in year 13. This approach will allow students to assess their progress before deciding on their final A-level subjects. We will continue to offer one and two year course programmes for students sitting A-levels under existing specifications until they are phased out.

St Albans Tutors College, founded in 1988, is an Independent Sixth Form College, which offers a wide range of A2 and AS-level retake courses. Students are able to benefit from small class sizes, with a maximum of 7 students per group and excellent teaching by experienced teachers, many of whom are current examiners. Students are able to flourish within a friendly, supportive, structured and individually tailored educational environment.

The New GCSE

In September 2015 we also see the introduction of the new GCSE exams system. Much like the new A-level, there will be a move towards a more linear approach where students will sit exams at the end their second year. There will also be no opportunity to re-sit papers in either November or January and no coursework assessments.

The College will continue to run existing GCSE courses under the current specifications, as well as introducing the new GCSE specifications. We will also continue to offer self-contained one-year GCSE programmes.

TESTIMONIALS

‘Teachers have a high-level subject knowledge and very high expectations of students to participate and learn. An adult atmosphere prevails where students’ understanding is continually checked. Students say that they have achieved much better at St Albans Tutors than they thought they could have due to the ‘amazing teachers’, small groups and personal attention’.

‘Students do particularly well when studying A-level re-take courses. Last year all results were within the A* to C range, and two thirds were A* to B which far exceed national results’.

- Ofsted Inspection Report (March 2014) 52 APRIL 2015

“Thank you so much for taking our daughter under your wing and giving her the knowledge and structure to make the most of her abilities. A year ago we came to you as concerned parents with AS results of CDD, in just one year with St Albans she has taken her AS exams whilst studying her A2 exams and achieved the amazing result of two A stars and a B. We cannot thank you enough. Our daughter has loved studying with you and it has changed the course of her life for the better.”

- Comment from a Parent “Coming to St. Albans Tutors College was the best thing I ever did! The constant feedback was very beneficial and helped me achieve beyond my hopes.”

- Comment from a Former Student THE DETAILS St Albans Tutors Independent Sixth Form College 69 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1LN 19 Victoria Street, St Albans, AL1 3JJ ••••• For further information about the college or their courses contact the College office on 01727 842 348 or e-mail: office@stalbanstutors.org.uk ••••• You can also find further information by visiting the College website: www.stalbanstutors.org.uk

LOVE ATION EDUC LOC AL

Her Lady & St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

Imperial College London Bessemer Building

8build

Creating stimulating learning and teaching spaces

8

build’s years of experience in education have allowed them to develop teams dedicated to this sector, with projects ranging from small independently financed schools to some of London’s world renowned universities. Carl Raison, the Divisional Director for 8build’s Education projects is passionate about this sector. His team’s expertise in working in occupied education and research environments ensures that projects are carried out with minimum disruption. In a world where sustainability and the environment are key parts of the teaching curriculum, 8build feel it is essential that any project is approached with a proven commitment to minimising the impact of construction on the surroundings.

8build’s experience of working in this sector has covered Classrooms, Halls of Residence, Infrastructure upgrades, Lecture Theatres, Gym Halls, Laboratories, Back of House Offices, Landscaping and External Lodges.

Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School was a project in Poplar that amalgamated two primary schools and a family centre. Everyone involved in this project wanted to create a building that stood out for all the right reasons and invite the local community in. From the ways its foundations were built with a recycled piling mat to the Cross Laminated Timber Frame superstructure, each element of this building had its own story. Its CLT frame structure is showcased throughout internally with impressive exposed walls in almost every room. The works included the building of a temporary school, the demolition of the old school and the construction of a striking new building complex.

At Wolfson Hillel primary school in Southgate 8build were brought in to improve their school facilities, by refurbishing the sports hall for a wide variety of sports.

St Joseph’s Primary School Deptford required a new school dining hall, to upgrade their facilities and provide much needed space. The build comprised of a new detached single storey flat roofed hall block of steel frame construction.

8build have a long standing relationship with Imperial College London and have worked on numerous projects including Ace Extension, Bessemer Building, Burlington Danes, Cancer Imaging, Guy Scadding, Kensington Campus, St Mary’s and Sir Alexander Fleming Building.

London School of Economics appointed 8build to modernise Tower 1 that housed a variety of administrative offices in addition to teaching and study areas. Following

54 APRIL 2015

this 8build continued the refurbishment to Towers 1 and 2 to create a new combined high finish open plan reception area for the building that would comprise of meeting rooms, exhibition space, communal areas and a snack kiosk.

At University College London’s Wilkins building, the Oculus, a circular area of floor in the centre of the gallery space on the first floor was opened up and capped with a dramatic transparent structural glass plinth for John Flaxman’s sculpture, St Michael Overcoming Satan (1818-1824).

8build are delighted to have recently been appointed

by King’s College School in Wimbledon to refurbish their Dining and Kitchen areas. Works are to commence this month.

Imperial College London St Mary’s

Her Lady & St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

THE DETAILS For further information on 8build’s work in the Education sector and how they can be of service to your School or University, please contact Carl Raison on 020 7710 4488.

cover story

Hertfordshire’s Newest Haunt A place where the glitz and glamour come to play…

W

hen Laura and Bernard Ashley attempted to print fabric, on their kitchen table, back in 1953, neither of them could have had the faintest idea of what the Laura Ashley name would come to stand for worldwide. Today, that name evokes originality blended with tradition, unequalled quality of design and a deep understanding of the beauty of the English countryside realised by infinitely clever combinations of furniture, fabric and imagination. Above all, it conjures effortless style, comfort and, above all luxury with a unique twist. Laura Ashley initially transformed our homes and our expectations, now this iconic brand invites you to enjoy a perfectly conceived hotel experience with the inimitable Laura Ashley signature touch.

The Manor Hotel, Elstree is a beautifully proportioned, classic timbered Tudor revival mansion, nestled within 56 APRIL 2015

lushly colourful landscaped gardens, surrounded and protected by ten acres of completely natural woodland. It offers a completely unique haven, deep in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, a remarkably peaceful retreat yet barely twenty minutes from all the attractions of central London’s theatres, museums and shops. Those not wishing to venture too far from the comforts of the hotel are also well catered for, with a number of famous local attractions to visit, including the Warner Bros Studio and Hendon Air Museum.

As well as providing a picture-perfect hideaway, The Manor is an idyllic venue for a wedding or indeed for any kind of celebration to be enjoyed with family and friends.

The present-day hotel started its life as a private house, built around 1900, on the site of a medieval farm, by Admiral Sir Trevor Dawson. Sir Trevor was a passionate and prolific collector of antiques, some of which are

still given pride of place in the hotel to this day. He took particular and immense pleasure in the installation of the impressive medieval front door, originally from Lewes Castle, which still stands stoutly in place.

Over the years, the original building has had different incarnations but many features have been carefully preserved and, where necessary, lovingly restored to new life by subsequent owners. A fine example of this is the original fireplace, with Italian carved columns supporting an ornately fashioned mantelpiece and framing a blaze that welcomes guests on chillier days. Decorative frieze paintings around the upper part of the lobby are the originals, created by Sir Norman Little around 1907.

In the 1930s the house became a private country club which because of its proximity to the film studios in Elstree, attracted and entertained visitors such as Bette Davis, Robert Mitchum, Burt Lancaster, Vivien Leigh and Roger Moore.

The house and gardens have, over the years been utilised for a Sophia Loren photo-shoot and provided film locations for the 1968 Hammer Horror classic, The Devil Rides Out as well as for several episodes of The Avengers. Other well-known guests have included Peter Sellers, Tom Cruise, John Cleese and Stanley Kubrick. In the 60s, the country club became a small hotel with a fine dining restaurant that, over the next twenty years, became a much-loved part of local life. In 1999 the building was extended to offer further accommodation and more public areas.

The simplicity of the chosen furniture and the fabulous fabrics, flatter but never overwhelm the whole. All of this combines to create the warmth and welcome of a comfortable English country house with all the facilities of a luxury hotel.

Of course, however delightful the surroundings, wining and dining play a large part in the enjoyment of any stay and here again, the Manor does not disappoint.

The impressive AA Rosette, Cavendish Restaurant, invites you to sit back, relax and relish some delicious meals, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Cavendish is a beautifully proportioned, wood-panelled delight of a room but your eye will be drawn to the windows overlooking the carefully manicured gardens, (look out for the magnificent giant chess board on the lawn) as well as the stretches of countryside beyond and, in the distance, some of London’s most significant landmarks. The view during the day is spectacular, once night falls, it’s magical as the lights of London sparkle before you.

The well-trained restaurant staff offer unobtrusive, assistance, answers to any questions you may have and service perfectly paced to your needs. Cuisine is an awardwinning blend of English and Malaysian dishes with carefully chosen ingredients freshly sourced from a trusted

team of local producers. The extensive and well-chosen wine list, ranges from new world options to premier traditional old world varieties and there is always sound advice on hand as to which wine will best complement which dish.

The range of delicious choices on the menu are changed quarterly during the year, allowing Chef to work with seasonal selections. The choice changes also provide fresh fare for those guests and visitors who have become faithful regulars. Private dining here is also an option, should you have a special celebration for family and friends which you’d prefer to be more intimate, with your own designated dining room.

Guests or visitors seeking a lighter menu or simply tea, coffee, drinks or snacks are not forgotten and are exceedingly well catered for in the elegant LA Bar and Terrace which, with the same stunning views, offers cosy comfort and cushions in the winter months and sunshine and sun-umbrellas outside when its warmer.

There are 49 en-suite bedrooms at The Manor, each individually styled by the skilled Laura Ashley Design Service.

Every room features the brand’s elegantly British products and guests can sink into squashy sofas, relish twinkling chandeliers, reflect on ornate mirrors and enjoy carefully chosen prints themed to the room. Modern essentials haven’t been overlooked with flat screen tv and complimentary wi-fi. Accommodation choices range from double bedrooms to luxury suites, each seamlessly and successfully blending contemporary facilities and period features.

The Manor has also proved itself an ideal venue for those with business needs and regularly hosts all types of business event from small meetings to seminars, training workshops or conferences. A range of state of the art technology, including screens, flipcharts and LCD projectors is always available and should there be additional equipment requirements, these can be put in place to suit individual specifications.

A feature of Laura Ashley The Manor Hotels is that many of the items and accessories you love in the bedrooms or public rooms are available for purchase. From the moment you follow the winding drive of The Manor, gently circle the fountain and draw up at the front door, you know this will be a rather special experience.

THE DETAILS Laura Ashley The Manor Hotel Elstree Barnet Lane, Elstree WD6 3RE ••••• 020 8953 8227 www.lauraashleyhotels.com

APRIL 2015 57

feature

58 APRIL 2015

APRIL 2015 59

MOTOR ING

60 APRIL 2015

See article ‘Perfumes That Pack a Punch’ Image courtesy of PA/Handout

HEALTH, beauty

& fashion

H EALTH, BEAUTY & fashion

PURiFY with VITAMIN INFUSIONS

T

he most in demand treatment from the likes of Simon Cowell, Madonna, Anthea Turner & Sinitta has arrived at Riverbanks Clinic in Harpenden. Reviv® Hydration Therapy provides the stars with an instant energy boost helping them to function at optimal levels by boosting vitamin, mineral and hydration levels directly into the bloodstream With life being so busy, and many people trying to fit lots into their schedules, it is not surprising we all get a bit run down at times.

If you know anything about the human body, you’ll know that a very large proportion is water – and that dehydration is dangerous. Even slight dehydration affects the body in a variety of ways. Directly replenishing you vitamin, mineral and water levels into your blood stream can help with the following: • Dull skin • Recovery after exercise • Lethargy and tiredness • Slower metabolism • Poor sleep • Stress?

• Jet Lag • Flu

action. IV takes a little longer, between 25-45 minutes.

Each unique option offers specific results – and includes different vitamins and minerals that are carefully gauged to ensure your body gets exactly what you need.

Many patients feel energised within a couple of hours.

Mental clarity and energy develop further over the next few days. The benefits of the vitamin mix lasts for two to eight weeks, depending on an individual’s initial deficiencies.

The procedure is great for the following conditions: • poor or dehydrated skin or for people who just want to brighten their skin tone • jetlag, especially beneficial for people who travel regularly • stress • fatigue • dehydration, especially for athletes who need regular supplementation and rehydration • recovery from illness, including flu and surgeries.

The vitamin procedure is also a great treatment for sports people and athletes, as well as for people generally interested in fitness. Many busy city corporates have the procedure done on Fridays to give them energy for the weekends so that they are not too tired!

Reviv® is exclusively available at Riverbanks Clinic, Harpenden. An initial consultation with a doctor or nurse is important to confirm that IV treatment is suitable for you & to choose the best treatment for your symptoms. If you’d like the Hollywood star treatment please get in touch with us at on 01582 762877 to find out more.

An answer to everyday stress, fatigue and flu?

If you’re dehydrated you’re simply not operating at your best. So the answer is … to drink more? That depends on what you drink; coffee or alcohol can simply compound the problem. Lots of water is good, but has a limited effect and takes time to make a real difference.

Imagine what it would be like if you could get an instant boost that: • Banished tiredness • Gave you boundless energy • Helped your metabolism to really motor along • Ensured you slept soundly and awoke refreshed.

That’s exactly what Reviv® does.

What is Reviv®?

Reviv® is a unique treatment that is delivered either via IV (intravenous drip) or IM (intramuscular shot). Shots are instant, in just a few seconds you’re done and ready for 64 APRIL 2015

THE DETAILS Riverbanks Clinics won ‘Best Aesthetic Clinic’ in the UK three times from 2009 -– 2013.

••••• Feel free to visit our website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk or call my friendly team on 01582762877.

Dr Rav i Jain

H EALTH, BEAUTY & FASHION

Perfumes that pack

a punch If you’re hankering for a new parfum to partner your new season wardrobe, you’re in luck.

By Katie Wright, Press Association

THE ANGEL IN DISGUISE

T

his spring, there are dozens of newbies to choose from - and for once, they’re not all boringly airy and elegant.

“Spring risks being one big cliche for perfumes, in which we are encouraged to get as dainty as Sandra Dee and switch over to delicate florals like lily of the valley,” says fragrance expert Lizzie Ostrom aka Odette Toilette (www.odettetoilette.com).

“There’s nothing wrong with these kinds of perfumes, but there’s an awful lot more to enjoy beyond the usual suspects wheeled out at this time of the year.”

Break the rules, Ostrom says: “Personal preference is much more important. Spicy scents often only get attention in the winter, but they can as much convey the energy of spring, as the crackling fires of winter.”

So shake off those eau de toilette assumptions and take your pick from spring’s most potent perfumes...

THE BRITISH BLOOM

Givenchy Ange Ou Demon Le Parfum and Accord Illicite, Debenhams

66 APRIL 2015

The latest addition to the Ange ou Demon family is undoubtedly on the demonic side. Le Parfum is a feline mix of sambac jasmine and musk, while the tiny black vial of powerful Accord Illicite enhances the patchouli and leather notes of its paramour, expertly marrying the angelic and the illicit.

Givenchy Ange Ou Demon Le Parfum and Accord Illicite, £63.50 for 40ml, Debenhams (available in March; www.debenhams.com)

THE COOL CONCOCTION

Inspired by a visit to the wilds of Alaska, the latest publication from the kooky Library Of Fragrance is as clean, green and icy as the Mountain Air after which it’s named. That doesn’t mean it’s barely detectable, though this unisex scent has surprising staying power.

The Library Of Fragrance Mountain Air, £15 for 30ml (www.thelibraryoffragrance.com)

THE SORBET SELECTION

If sugary ‘gourmand’ scents excite your senses, you’ll want to collect all three of the ice cream-inspired limited edition scoops from DKNY. Fruity Rooty and Dreamsicle are so sweet they’ll make you want to brush your teeth, but Cool Swirl, a tantalisingly tropical pistachio and coconut cocktail, has wider appeal.

DKNY Delicious Delights Limited Edition Cool Swirl, £36.50 for 50ml (www. theperfumeshop. com)

In spite of the name, the rose accord doesn’t dominate in Jo Malone’s Tudor Rose & Amber, but that’s no bad thing at all.

Lovers of sister scent Pomegranate Noir will be equally enamoured with this juicy Tudorian tonic, one of a quartet of British history-inspired new offerings. Peppered with Not keen on messing up your mane or spicy clove and ginger letting your kids do your make-up in aid notes, it’s as rich and of Red Nose Day? Us neither, which sumptuous as the red is why we’re alleviating our guilt (and velvet band that looking good doing it) by sporting a rings the bottle Kate Moss-approved lippy instead. top.

Rimmel Limited Edition Red Nose Jo Malone Red Lipstick by Kate is £5.49, Tudor Rose & with £1.67 going to Comic Amber, £42 for Relief (www.superdrug.

30ml (available com). in March; www. jomalone.co.uk)

Buy it now

THE CREAM OF THE CROP

Also falling firmly in the gourmand camp is Philosophy’s new dairy delight, Fresh Cream. The recipe infuses the aroma of whipped cream with almond blossom, vanilla and carob-like tonka bean, resulting in a toffee-

TOP 5 BEAUTY BUYS

THE DEATH-DEFIER

A perfume range inspired by death and decay? Sounds pretty icky, doesn’t it? But fear not, Lush’s new collection doesn’t actually smell like that. In fact, Stayin’ Alive is a heady frankincense, vanilla and caramel blend that encourages you to disco dance in the face of mortality.

Lush Stayin’ Alive, £75 for 50ml (www.lush.co.uk)

Givenchy Ange Ou Demon Le Parfum and Accord Illicite, Debenhams

Get the

look Penhaligon’s As Sawira, www.penhaligons.com

THE LUSH MUSK

Don’t be deceived by its cool alabaster exterior, Clinique’s Aromatics in White is an intensely warm and enveloping fragrance. Crisp top notes of Sichuan pepper and violet leaf make way for an orange flower and patchouli heart, before the addictive amber and musk finish.

Clinique Aromatics in White, £49.50 for 50ml, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com)

THE RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE

Like stepping into a church (but without the associated guilt), the holier than thou aroma of La Religieuse conjures visions of burning candles, stained glass windows and a haze of incense. Photographer-turned-perfumer Lutens is famed for his cerebral scents and this musky meeting of light and dark is no exception.

Serge Lutens La Religieuse, £88 for 50ml, House of Fraser (available in March; www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

THE EASTERN ADVENTURE

Rooted in the 19th century Moroccan seaport of Essaoiura, As Sawira delivers more exotic ingredient notes than a colonial shipping merchant. Bergamot, saffron, absinthe, sandalwood and patchouli mingle over a dense base of oud and myrrh, the result is an intense, spicy brew that lasts and lasts.

Penhaligon’s As Sawira, £150 for 100ml (in store now; available on www.penhaligons.com in March).

3 3 2 Jo Malone Tudor Rose & Amber

1

Kiri, the new eau de toilette from Yardley, Boots

4 Lush Stayin’ Alive

Philosophy Fresh Cream, philosophy.co.uk

5

Lead image: Kate Moss wearing the Rimmel Limited Edition Red Nose Red Lipstick By Kate available from Superdrugs; All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

sweet but slightly floral scent that those in possession of a sweet tooth will crave.

Philosophy Fresh Cream, £34 for 60ml (available in March; www.philosophy.co.uk)

TRIED AND TESTED Kate Whiting has an eye-opening experience testing out Lash Perfect Russian Layering Technique Eyelash Extensions

A

s a busy mum, I barely get time to sit down, let alone do my makeup, so the idea of having eye-catching peepers without the hassle of applying mascara for at least three weeks definitely appealed.

But the prospect of spending two hours of my life having false eyelashes individually glued on to my own was a little daunting. As it turns out, I had nothing to worry about and it’s definitely worth the time and money.

After a consultation about what sort of look I’d like (“not too Sixties Twiggy”), therapist Jodie makes sure I’m comfortably lying down on the treatment table, where I promptly fall asleep. I wake to find my eyes have been transformed, with 500 extra long, ready-curled lashes on each one. Plenty of compliments reassure me it’s a “natural” look and, two weeks in, they’re still going strong and I can barely feel them. While it might be costly, for a one-off special occasion or holiday, Russian lashes are perfect! £180, Lash Bar, www.lashbar.co.uk

5/5

april 2 0 1 5 6 7

LOVE H EALTH, LOC BEAUTY AL & fashion

Looking after your new baby means looking after you, too!

The post-natal period has always been a bit of a fairy tale.

• after the birth of your baby • before taking up physical exercise • where there is family history of illness • if you have any health concerns • if you have a hectic lifestyle.

N

ew mothers are often told they will be back to ‘normal’ within six weeks of giving birth. But recent research by the University of Salford suggests most women take much longer to recover. Its survey of new mothers two to three weeks, three months and six to seven months after giving birth revealed many thought six weeks was ‘fantasy’ and that it can take up to a year for full recovery.

Sue MacDonald, Head of Education and Research at The Royal College of Midwives, welcomed the research, saying: “The post-natal period has always been a bit of a fairy tale. We are often unable to see women as much as we would like. Community midwives may be able to help at home, but not always, and mothers do not stay in hospital very long after childbirth.”

Veronica Djapardy, consultant gynaecologist at Highgate Private Hospital, said: “Women can be prone to minor but troublesome post-natal ill health like tiredness and back ache, or more severe prolapse symptoms such as urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction and menstrual disorders. Six to eight weeks post-birth screening lets a woman address any concerns she may have and provides peace of mind.”

Many women are screened annually, but it can also be beneficial:

68 APRIL 2015

Screening may include: • height/weight measurements and body mass index (BMI) • examination of heart, blood pressure, lungs and abdomen • breast examination, including advice on self-examination • urine analysis • blood tests to detect diabetes and measure kidney, liver and thyroid function Depending on age and medical history, also recommended might be: • cervical smear and HPV test to detect a virus linked to cervical cancer • cholestrol and lipid blood tests to help assess the risk of heart disease and strokes • mammogram x-ray to detect the early onset of breast disease • ovarian cancer blood test and ultrasound • chlamydia examination (for younger women) THE DETAILS Miss Veronica Djapardy, Consultant Gynaecologist Highgate Private Hospital ••••• For an appointment with Miss Djapardy: 0208 341 4182 or enquiries@highgatehospital.co.uk

If you are interested in a worthwhile career in care see a list of our current opportunities at www.bmcare.co.uk

H EALTH, BEAUTY & fashion

Buy it now It seems there’s a new ‘must-have’ mascara every five minutes, but how different can they really be? Very, it turns out. Benefit’s latest lash-enhancer features a special brush that hooks lashes and lifts them skyward, curling them as they’re coated with the long-lasting formula.

We love it because it means we can ditch the eyelash curlers, easily the fiddliest tool in the beauty box.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara, £19.50 (www.debenhams.com)

Get made-up

for spring Make-up artists at fashion shows have a tendency to get a bit, well, experimental - resulting in catwalk looks that you wouldn’t dream of wearing in real life. By Katie Wright, Press Association

T

he SS15 shows threw up a fair few of these (fake eyebrow piercings at Rodarte, for instance), but they also delivered some gorgeously wearable trends. After autumn’s darkly decadent feel, the mood for spring is light and joyful, with hippy waves and groupie girl ‘dos mirroring the Seventies fashion comeback.

Red lips return, but it’s really all about the eyes, with pretty purple shadows, bright eyeliners and glittery lids coming to the fore. These are the top spring beauty trends you’ll want to DIY...

OUT OF LINE

The cat-eye flick ruled the autumn runways, but for spring, it’s time to get adventurous with your eyeliner. At Dior, liquid pastel lines shone on models’ lids, while at Elie Saab, brightest aquatic blue ringed their eyes. At Peter Som, flashes of neon orange were flecked under the eyes, but the most extreme liner look was at Fendi, where make-up artist Peter Philips cut slivers from the house’s cornflower blue leather hair ties and affixed them on models’ eyelids.

The easiest way to ape this trend? With the brightest eye pencil you can muster, the tip dampened to help deliver a thoroughly saturated layer of colour.

TRY THIS AT HOME: MAC Pro High-def Cyan Chromagraphic Pencil, £14 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)

GET INTO THE GROOVE

At the same time as the Seventies style revival, lots of designers sent their model armies out with long, groovy, flowing locks. At Marchesa, Toni & Guy’s global hair ambassador Mark Hampton created what he called 72 APRIL 2015

‘Woodstock waves’, while at Peter Pilotto and Osman, tresses were straighter but still light and ethereal. At Tom Ford, shaggy just-got-out-of-bed barnets declared ‘I’m with the band’, a look you can recreate with a combination of volumising dust and texturising spray.

TRY THIS AT HOME: Unite Texturiza Spray, £23 (www.unitehair.co.uk)

RED ALERT

It’s back. After a season in the cold, the scarlet pout made a welcome return on the SS15 catwalks - but we’re not talking ‘bitten’ lips or delicate stains. At Zac Posen in New York, a heavy coat of classic red was matched with glossy nails, while in London, a matte ruby shade ruled at Burberry, and Sibling’s doll-like models had pillar box bright mouths.

TRY THIS AT HOME: Burberry Beauty Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick in Ruby, £23 (www.johnlewis.com)

THE COLOUR PURPLE

It was declared Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2014, which might be why so many make-up artists made a beeline for ‘radiant orchid’ when designing their catwalk looks (the spring shows happen in September, don’t forget). At Derek Lam, a wash of pinky-purple covered eyelids, while at Vera Wang, a darker, matte shadow was used to create a twist on the smoky eye. At Matthew Williamson, Benefit’s Lisa Potter-Dixon actually used a purple-hued lipstick as an eye colour, which is handy, because it means you can get the exact same colour on your own peepers.

Tried & tested Can a pillowcase boost your beauty sleep?

Rachel Williams

“’F

Lead image: A model backstage modelling the Burberry Prorsum Womenswear; Right: model on the catwalk during the Matthew Williamson catwalk show at Great George Street, London, during London Fashion Week ; All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

ight wrinkles with your eyes closed’, is the promise. It seems to be too good to be true, but after trying the Illuminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase, I think it might actually be possible.

“Clinically proven to change the look of your skin in just four weeks, it’s designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve your skin’s overall appearance. How? Its fibres are carefully

beds down to find out...

When I wake up, my skin feels smooth, rather than scrunched up, like it usually does

5/5

embedded with skin-soothing Copper Oxide. The pillowcase is also satinsoft and after trying it, when I wake up, my skin feels smooth, rather than scrunched up, like it usually does. “Within a couple of weeks, friends and family start complimenting me on my glow. Maybe

because the pillow was so comfy, I was sleeping better, but four weeks on, I have to admit, the lines around my eyes seem to have diminished. This pillow’s a dream addition to your beauty regime.”

Illuminage Beauty Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase With Copper Oxide, £50 (www.harrods.com)

Wet-look locks and beyond-dewy complexions were seen at Temperley and Alexander Wang

TOP 3 BEAUTY BUYS

Get the

look

TRY THIS AT HOME: Benefit Hydra-Smooth Lip Colour in Fling Thing, £15 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk)

WET FORECAST

Taking glossy hair and glowing skin to the next level, wetlook locks and beyond-dewy complexions were seen at Temperley and Alexander Wang (the Big Apple’s premier trend-setter). Also in New York, with their illuminated cheekbones, flushed faces and slicked back hair, the Thakoon girls looked as though they’d just been for a run on a chilly spring morning. “But it’ll just make my hair/ skin look greasy!” I hear you cry. Not so - with the right products. Stick to powder highlighters on the face if you’ve got oily skin, and experiment with a hair pomade, rather than a spray, to get the texture just right.

TRY THIS AT HOME: Redken Water Wax 03 Shine Defining Pomade, £10 (www.feelunique.com)

SHINE ON

1 4 2

Barry M Dazzle Dust in 103 Eos, Superdrug

Burberry Lip Cover in Ruby, John Lewis

MAC Nail Lacquer in Delicate, maccosmetics.co.uk

3

Spring’s most decadent make-up look? It’s got to be the glittery eyes that cropped up at London Fashion Week At House of Holland, silver sparkled over a layer of grey eyeshadow and a heavily kohl-rimmed lower lid, and over at sequin-obsessed Ashish, gallons of glitter must have been used to coat all the way up to the eyebrows.

Obviously, the latter look is best left to teenagers, but a smattering of sparkle is more wearable than you might imagine, especially if you choose a finely-milled powder in a dark metallic shade.

TRY THIS AT HOME: Barry M Dazzle Dust in 103 Eos, £4.59 (www.superdrug.com)

PALE NAILS

As the clothing colour palettes were, on the whole, fairly subdued this season, it stands to reason that it was all about pale and interesting manicures. At Manish Arora, pretty pastel shades were chosen to match models’ clutch bags, while at Kenzo, a French manicure pink or baby blue base was shot through with an irregular band of silver origami paper. So load up on sugary shades, shimmering metallics and a nail art brush, and get playful with your nails.

TRY THIS AT HOME: MAC Nail Lacquer in Delicate, £10 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk). april 2 0 1 5 7 3

HhEALTH, EALTH &BEAUTY BEAUTY & FASHION ous e & ga rden

12

beauty myths

busted

By Katie Wright, Press Association

Buy it now

tan formula off, to hydrate the skin and prolong the life of your tan,” say Bondi Sands founders, Shaun Wilson and Blair James.

Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk SPF 15, £10.99 (available late Feb; www.superdrug.com)

Jetting off to the slopes soon? Don’t forget to pack a heavy-duty sun screen. New from Bioderma, Photoderm Ski is a two-in-one wonder. The tube contains SPF 50+ cream, designed to withstand temperatures as low as -10C, while in the cap, there’s a super-moisturising lip balm. Plus you can clip the whole thing onto your ski pass.

Bioderma Photoderm Ski Cream And Stick For High Altitude SPF 50+, £10 (www.escentual.com)

1. Nails need to ‘breathe’ in order to grow “Nail polish can actually help protect the nail from everyday damaging elements, such as drying soaps and general breakage. Ensuring you are hydrated from the inside, by drinking lots of water and using a quality cuticle oil, will help nourish nails and encourage healthy growth,” says Charlotte Knight, creative director and founder, Ciate London.

Ciate Beautiful Cuticles, £12 (www.ciatelondon.com) 2. A tan is healthy “A tan is a visible indication of sun damage, therefore there is NO such thing as a healthy tan. Healthy sun exposure should be limited to less than the time it takes to tan or burn. Burning even just once accelerates the risk of developing skin cancers, and can also accelerate the ageing process,” says Nature’s Best nutritionist Keri Filtness.

3. Always apply a moisturiser before your self-tan “Applying a moisturiser immediately before you apply your self-tanning lotion will create a barrier between your skin and the self-tan, resulting in streaky, uneven tan. Instead, try applying a moisturiser immediately after washing your 76 APRIL 2015

4. You only need to wear SPF in the summer “Even winter sun can damage skin, so don’t forget to protect. It is important to wear a cream containing SPF all year round,” says dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall.

Witch Mattifying Moisturiser SPF 15, £4.99 (www.boots.com)

5. Rinsing your hair with cold water will close the cuticles “Hair is not a living cell, and so it doesn’t react to cold water any differently to hot. The best thing for glossy soft and shiny hair is a blow-dry oil, to create a gorgeous shine and speed up drying time, to help against over-drying,” says Rosie Binns, stylist at Ethos Hairdressing.

Oil Wonders Flash Blow Dry Oil, £12.95 (available in in salons or oilwonders.matrix.com) 6. The more you brush your hair, the healthier it will be “Wrong! Brushing the hair too regularly can encourage breakage on fine or brittle hair, and can further cause damage to the hair’s cuticle. Brushing too regularly can also encourage oil production from the scalp, causing your hair condition to become unbalanced,” says Jean Welsh, director stylist, Dickson Reid Salon.

7. Oils are not suitable for oily skin “Oils actually work in harmony with your skin, as they mimic the skin’s natural process of oil production and help to balance the skin. If the skin feels greasy after using an oil, it’s usually that too much has been applied. One drop of oil goes a long way,” says Kirsty Mawhinney, skincare expert at Bio-Oil. Bio-Oil, £8.99 (www.boots.com) 8. Post-facial breakouts are just toxins

TRIED AND TESTED Rachel Williams drinks

in the Purifyne Three Day Anti-ageing Juice Cleanse

“D

esigned in collaboration with top nutritionist Christine Bailey at Advance Nutrition, the cleanse incorporates 100% organic, green juices with supplements, to maximise your body’s anti-ageing powers and keep you looking and feeling young in a natural way.

“The team were supportive, sending emails before, during and postcleanse, detailing the best foods to welcome back into your diet. My skin and eyes definitely had a sparkle afterwards, and the juices were delicious and the plan easy to follow.

“However, ‘nature’ certainly took its course for me - but not in quite the way I’d hoped (I was running to the loo!). So this programme hit a bum note for me. They do recommend a steam and sauna to help remove toxins and speed up the detox, though. I’ll be sticking to just that in future!”

From £250 (www.purifynecleanse.com)

9. Juices are great for your skin “Some juices - with lots of sweet fruits or those with added sugar - are actually bad for your skin. Sugary juices can cause ‘glycation’, which damages skin cells and accelerates skin ageing. If you’re looking to improve your skin health, try swapping sugary fruits in your smoothie for vegetables, such as cucumber, carrots or spinach, and favour fruit such as bananas, grapes and pears. These are high in fibre, antioxidants and vitamin C,” says Liz Warom, founder, Temple Spa. 10. Pumping your mascara will get rid of clumps “Pumping your mascara will trap air into the tube, which can force in bacteria and cause the mascara to dry out.

Instead, try twisting it out of the tube, which helps keep the formula air-tight and avoids clumping,” says Francesca Neill, Collection make-up artist.

11. You need to have big eyes to pull off liquid liner “This isn’t true, people with all different eye shapes can wear liquid eyeliner. I regular apply a black liquid liner, such as the Collection Fast Stroke Liner, to clients with smaller eyes, to make them look larger,” says Francesca Neill, Collection make-up artist.

Collection Fast Stroke Eye Liner, £2.99 (www.superdrug.com) 12. Concealer should be lighter than your foundation “Unless you are using a concealer to highlight or contour, your concealer shade should match your foundation. If you’re using a lighter concealer to cover spots, this will just draw attention to them. Try to match both your foundation and concealer to your natural skin tone as much as possible,” says Francesca Neill, Collection make-up artist.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Warm Medium, £4.19 (www.superdrug.com).

TOP 5 BEAUTY BUYS

Get the

look

Collection Fast Stroke Liner, Superdrug

2 1 4

3

Ciate Beautiful Cuticles, ciatelondon.com

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Warm Medium, Superdrug

Bio-Oil, Boots

Oil Wonders Flash Blow Dry Oil, in salon or matrixhaircare.co.uk

5

Lead image: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos; All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

coming out of pores “There’s no scientific reasoning to support this. If you suffer from breakouts post-facial, it is more likely to be an inflammation as a result of extractions, or due to pores getting clogged from products that are too thick for your skin type,” says Liz Warom, founder, Temple Spa.

APRIL 2015 77

EN H C IT K

& GARDEN

L IA EC SP

HOUSE

Image: Brampton Interiors

Bringing you inspirational ideas for your home from Hertfordshire’s finest home interior companies

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Delivering

Luxurious Living

Vellos Designs Ltd is an architectural interior design practice which has been established since 1990. Almost 25 years later, Vellos Designs Ltd has expanded its operations from its humble beginnings in North London and is now proud to boast of projects completed around the globe

A

s architectural interior designers, not only do we provide the design and installation of an interior space, we also undertake extensions and conversions to the exterior of a property.

Having completed a vast number of extensions in London alone, we have the skills and experience required to ensure a smooth and professional service from conception through to completion and our longevity in the industry

not only acquired by our staff in the showroom but also by our workforce who are on-site, a testament to their professionalism and individual characters.

With two beautiful showrooms in London and an ever growing network of architects, designers and property developers, we welcome individuals to our showrooms to experience firsthand our work and discuss future projects.

We offer a no obligation consultation service which is

The expertise required from the very first moment the pen touches the paper, to the moment where the very last screw has been turned should not be underestimated has afforded us the added luxury of being able to filter our suppliers and work force, an area where many other businesses fall short. The expertise required from the very first moment the pen touches the paper, to the moment where the very last screw has been turned should not be underestimated. We feel that this expertise is visible within our creations and plain for all to see.

Using established manufactures in England and Europe, we are able to supply furniture for any room in the house.

From kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms to snooker rooms, wet rooms, libraries and saunas – no project is too small or too large.

Repeat customers are a fairly common sight within our showrooms, often entrusting us with their homes and leaving on long vacations, only to return to a completed and pristine project. We find that this level of trust is 82 APRIL 2015

thorough and precise, enabling our customers to have a clear understanding of our potential. We look forward to welcoming you to our showrooms which are open 6 days a week.

THE DETAILS 1354 – 1356 High Road, Whetstone, N20 9HJ Tel: 020 8445 6666 Fax: 020 8445 0500 www.vellosdesigns.com ••••• 35 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4LL Tel: 020 7937 8008 Fax: 020 7937 8066 www.vellosdesigns.com

www.

.co.uk

Flooring for all your domestic and commercial needs…

“Our friendly team here at Finest Flooring are more than happy to advise and discuss all your requirements here in our showroom or in the comfort of your own home”

56 High Street • Bushey • Herts • WD23 3HE 0208 950 4957 • 07939 467 228 • 07742 059 606 finestflooring.co.uk • sales@finestflooring.co.uk

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

A true reflection of aesthetic

balance & space Brampton Interiors are a local, independent, innovative Kitchen designers and retailers specialising in contemporary German Kitchens and fully bespoke traditional British Kitchens.

T

he family run business was founded in 2007 and has grown significantly every year. The unique and welcoming showroom now occupies in excess of 200m2 making it one of the largest in the area. The expansive studio showcases the very latest in modern kitchen design in real spaces, giving the clients a true reflection of aesthetic balance and space – something the staff at Brampton Interiors believe to be the key to creating a truly stunning living space positive to become the heart of any home.

Brampton Interiors pride themselves on creating tailor made living areas personal to each and every client.

Whether to simply give an existing space a new lease of life or to create a totally new environment the designers, manufacturers, tradesmen and project manager work together to create a stress free picture perfect interpretation

Brampton Interiors pride themselves on creating tailor made living areas personal to each and every client of the client’s vision.

Every plan starts on a blank screen and begins with the team of committed designers listening to the customers’ requirements, taste and style to gain a greater understanding of their way of living. These are then taken forward and progressed as the experienced team are able to offer ideas on any improvements or identify any elements you may not have considered.

The company do not hold sales or offer reductions from a heavily inflated price – instead offering extremely competitive prices all year round. This honesty is appreciated by their loyal customer base being just one of

the reasons over 80% of their customers come from Client recommendations.

Following continued growth in 2014 the company have appointed an experienced project manager dedicated to providing an excellent service in terms of customer liaison during the installation phase of the project.

Brampton interiors also supply and install bathrooms and wardrobes enabling them to create a wide range of imaginative luxury living spaces designed, supplied, project managed and installed. Based in St Albans and open Monday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday 10-4 you can be assured of a warm welcome at Brampton Interiors.

THE DETAILS For more information about Brampton Interiors, 2 Cambridge Road, St Albans AL1 5LJ ••••• call 01727 810007 or email sales@bramptoninteriors.co.uk www.bramptoninteriors.co.uk 86 APRIL 2015

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

How Tiles can Transform All Areas of your Home

W

e all know how tiles can transform a dated bathroom into a contemporary space or provide the finishing touch to our practical kitchen spaces. But tile technology has advanced significantly in the past few years and tiles are no longer merely a practical element in our homes but an essential part of our interior design schemes. The huge range and variety of porcelain tiles now available offer unlimited design opportunities for all areas of our home.

Why not consider adding a smooth textured surface to your sleek kitchen with a Sahara porcelain tile splash back. Sticking to a monochrome scheme maintains the contemporary feel but the textured walls avoid an overly clinical look and reflect light in a way that perfectly complements a contemporary lighting scheme.

Or for a completely unique approach to a contemporary bathroom combine marble walls with wood-effect porcelain tiles on the floor. This approach offers all the practical benefits of a tiled floor with the extremely realistic look of wood. Use underfloor heating and you also have the warmth of real wood but a virtually maintenancefree floor. A perfect solution for period homes that need a contemporary update without losing the period feel that

88 APRIL 2015

makes such homes so appealing.

But tiles don’t just work in our kitchen and bathroom interior design schemes. They can be used just as effectively in hallways, bedrooms, living spaces and conservatories to create a high-quality, contemporary feel that is also highly practical.

For an ultra-contemporary living room limestone-effect porcelain tiles can be used on both the walls and floor.

They have wonderful light-diffusing properties and are a perfect backdrop for contemporary furnishings and accessories.

And for those rooms with sliding or bi-fold doors the same tiles can be used both inside and outside to create an almost seamless flow between interior and exterior living spaces thanks to advanced technology that can produce slip-resistant and frost-resistant porcelain tiles such as Europa.

THE DETAILS All of the tiles shown here, and many more, are in stock at DĂŠcor Tiles & Flooring in Watford. Call them on 01923 248531 or visit their website for more details (www.decortiles.co.uk).

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Welcome to the Family

H

erts bifold doors are proud to announce Solarlux is the final piece to complete their range of quality bifold doors.

As new official suppliers of Solarlux, Herts bifold doors are able to supply a genuine German product, fully manufactured in Bissendorf before being shipped complete to the UK and into the hands of Herts bifolds

thermal values as low as 0.8 W/mk. As a quality supplier of bespoke glazing products this allows Herts Bifold Doors to install doors into projects with high ecological and thermal criteria encompassing code 6 and passive builds.

Solarlux offer an exclusive winter garden range, a bespoke glass living space with stunning contemporary looks. If you’re looking for the ideal way to bring the

This simply stunning bespoke product lends itself to any style and design of building from retail to commercial trained installation teams. Unlike many common named brands of bifolds these doors are precision engineered in a state of the art factory epitomising the famous German engineering and Quality.

This simply stunning bespoke product lends itself to any style and design of building from retail to commercial.

Solarlux is in fact the preferred door on all Normal Foster designed buildings.

Thermal values are a key point for anyone looking to purchase bifold doors, with Solarlux, Herts bifolds can offer

outside indoors Solarlux have a number of perfect options.

In the build up to summer the showroom is undertaking another make over with new Solarlux bifold doors being installed, these doors at 2.4 meters high will give you the opportunity to view Solarlux bifold doors in all of their Glory!

THE DETAILS The Gryphon Industrial Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 ••••• 01727 845600 www.hertsbifolddoors.co.uk 90 APRIL 2015

Transform your home

Showroom located at Unit 8, The Gryphon Industrial Park, Porters Wood, St Albans Tel 01727 845 600 information@hertsbifolddoors.co.uk

www.hertsbifolddoors.co.uk

www.gnwindows.co.uk

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Barlow Tyrie

Celebrates 95 Years of Designing and Manufacturing

B

raintree, Essex-based Barlow Tyrie, the world’s oldest manufacturer of teakwood outdoor furnishings, continues to create beautiful designs perfect for today’s outdoor living and entertaining. Varying styles encompass designs in teakwood and shade products, as well as fresh designs in stainless steel and tubular aluminium.

Barlow Tyrie outdoor products are made with one of the most cherished luxuries of today’s lifestyle in mind — to truly relax and unwind. Poolside, on the patio or deck, in the garden or overlooking the dunes, Barlow Tyrie’s dedication to design and function creates a product that will enhance those times, offering good-looking, well-made and, most importantly, comfortable outdoor furnishings.

top in “Oxide” colour, a powder-coat tubular aluminium sub-frame for strength and a teakwood outer frame.

Tables have precision height levelling adjusters. Monterey is a truly impressive set of furniture for your enjoyment and satisfaction. The rectangular Monterey Dining Table measures 300cm long by 100cm wide. Contracted using Teak & Ceramic for refined style and elegance. Smaller table sizes will be available at: 100cm Square and 200cm Rectangular. Other items of interest – furniture covers are available for 320cm Rectangular Table and 10 Chairs.

Titan Traditional Teak table top with black powder-coated frame Titan is designed with thick, wide top boards purposely

Barlow Tyrie outdoor products are made with one of the most cherished luxuries of today’s lifestyle in mind Equinox Extending Table

Design Award: Equinox Stainless Steel Extending Table Italian Ceramic Top :: ‘high-fired’ ceramic top extending table (360cm open) which seats ten to fourteen was awarded the “Best Table” design at the 2014 International Casual Furniture and Accessories Show. The Lamina® ceramic top is fully weatherproof, being made from a product originally intended to clad buildings. Table frame is made from durable 316 ‘marine grade’ stainless steel.

Colours available are in Ash, Ivory or Storm for the table top, which is made from ‘high-fired’ ceramic. An industry term meaning the porcelain ceramic has been kiln baked to over 2600 degrees Fahrenheit for exceptional rigidity.

Award Winning Monterey Armchair

Award Winning Monterey Chair :: Designed by Mark Tyrie, the Monterey chair was awarded the “Best Chair” design designation at the 2014 International Casual Furniture and Accessories Show. The chair was inspired by the midcentury modern movement and features a teakwood frame and over 200 feet of all-weather woven cord made from Textilene®/Olefin® fibre making up the seat and back.

The cord (colour: ‘Rum Cake’) is woven on a 316 grade stainless steel frame for strength which, is fitted into the Teak chair.

Monterey Dining Table and Chairs

Monterey Ceramic Dining Table :: Designed by Mark Tyrie, the Monterey table is comprised of a ‘high-fired’ ceramic 92 APRIL 2015

made using teak that has visual imperfections and blemishes, such as knots, to give it a rustic “farmhouse” appeal. Introduced in 2014 as an all teak table, 2015 brings an additional offering with a black powder-coat paint finish on the table frame. This new version is available in a 240cm length. There is also a 200cm matching bench which fits between the table legs and a teak and black aluminium stacking armchair.

Cayman Dining Tables

Cayman – Tubular Aluminium design with ‘high-fired’ Ceramic table top :: This new range of outdoor furniture features fully welded tubular aluminium framing with a durable powder-coat paint finish. We offer 3 colourways for our beautiful ceramic table tops and armchairs with Textilene® slings for comfort and exceptionally low maintenance. The sun lounger features a wheel hidden in the back leg for ease of movement. Both the armchairs and sun loungers can be stacked for storage.

Dining tables are available in several sizes, circular, square and rectangular models. All feature the hard-wearing ‘high-fired’ porcelain ceramic table tops available in three colourways:- Ash, Ivory and Storm.

THE DETAILS Barlow Tyrie Limited Braintree, CM7 2RN, UK ••••• Tel: +44 (0)1376 557 600 http://www.teak.com

Professional Kitchen and Bathroom Designers

Brampton Interiors are a family owned and operated business established in St Albans since 2007.

2 Cambridge Road, St Albans, AL1 5LJ • Tel: 01727 810007 • Fax: 01727 843448 Email: sales@bramptoninteriors.co.uk • www.bramptoninteriors.co.uk

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Modern Romance Rose Pink Cushion, Tesco Direct

Cactus Print Cushion, Tesco Direct

SUPER

CHIC

Aqua Print Jug,

by Sainsbury’s

Country fair collection Wild Flowers embroidered cushion (top); Tree Scene cushion, (bottom) by Sainsbury’s

In Bloom Dinner Set, 12pc, by Sainsbury’s

Meadow Photographic daisy double duvet set, George Home

Chunky Knit Multi Blues Throw, Tesco Direct

Farm Fresh Cockerel Tray, George Home, Asda

All images: PA Photo/Handout

If you go down to the supermarket today you’re sure of a big surprise - a trolley full of designer-style homewares at purse-friendly prices. By Gabrielle Fagan, Press Association

Tufted arrow cushion, George Home, ASDA

Armchair Antique Saddle, Tesco Direct

94 APRIL 2015

Black Knitted Throw, by Sainsbury’s

GRANGESTONE L A N D S C A P E S

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION • Garden designs • Patios • Fencing • Garden walls • Turfing • Garden tidy ups • Site clearance • Driveways • Hard/soft landscaping • Water features • Planting schemes • Drainage/irrigation • Tree work • Garden lighting

Bring the concept to life TEL OFFICE: 0203 015 2491

MOBILE: 07756 152508

www.grangestonelandscapes.co.uk

Nexen Authorised Dealer

2

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

98 APRIL 2015

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

TIME FOR A

SPRING CLEAN

Make a clean, fresh start this Spring with A Brighter Home

L

ooking for a reliable and reputable company you can trust to clean your oven, carpets or upholstery? Then look no further than locally run specialist cleaning business A Brighter Home - the experts for providing quality cleaning of carpets, soft furnishings and ovens. With over 20 years’ experience, most of their business is for previously delighted clients and their friends and family. By providing several different cleaning services in your home, you only need to deal with one company.

Owners, husband and wife team Tim and Louise Hopkins say - ‘Since 1992 when we first entered the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry, our philosophy has remained the same – to carry out the most effective clean possible to your carpets, upholstery, hard flooring, oven and kitchen appliances whilst offering genuine value for money. If for whatever reason we can’t clean the item to your satisfaction and our own high standards, we won’t carry out the work for you and we will not charge you – your peace of mind is guaranteed’.

With their experienced team, A Brighter Home cover Hertfordshire, North London, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, and the surrounding areas.

In around 1½ hours, A Brighter Home will leave your oven looking like new again and ready to use straight away. ‘Unlike some of our competitors, we only use 100% non-caustic totally safe cleaning solutions. We safely and effectively clean around 3500 ovens every year for our domestic customers – there isn’t a dirty oven out there that has defeated us so far!’ said Louise Using patented technology, A Brighter Home are also the experts when it comes to cleaning carpets. Says Tim ‘We clean carpets better and dry them faster than many others. Our Eco friendly, child and pet safe cleaning solutions work brilliantly on all types of carpets, including wool fibres, leaving them dry in around 1-2 hours, whilst leaving no dirt attracting residues, so your carpets stay cleaner longer.’

A Brighter Home can also clean your sofas and other fabric upholstery. Their advanced cleaning system is suitable for almost all fabric types, leaving most fabrics dry

in just 4 – 8 hours.

Due to customer demand, A Brighter Home also recently began offering a steam cleaning service for cleaning and sanitising fridges and freezers. ‘Using powerful steam technology, we can defrost your freezer without the need for defrosting your food. Whilst we clean your fridge freezer we safely store your frozen food in coolboxes.’ said Louise.

Approved by ‘Checkatrade.com’ and one of only a handful of companies in the area to be awarded the coveted ‘Which? Trusted Trader’ status, their aim is to provide quality, service and value for money. Welcome to your Brighter Home.

THE DETAILS

BEFORE 100 APRIL 2015

AFTER

If you would like to find out more about A Brighter Home’s services or would like to discuss a free, no obligation quotation with Tim or Louise, call their Herts office on 01727 530161 or their North London office on 020 8970 7452 or visit their website www.abrighterhome.co.uk

01727 238658

LOVE H AL hOUSE HOUSE ousLOC e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Home Owners Need to be Wary of “Quick-Fit Fitters”

S

ometimes UK home owners expectations of delivery for bespoke replacement double glazed windows and/or double glazed doors are not very realistic, as some don’t appreciate how much work is involved.

Put simply, tailor made windows and doors are just that, made to measure products in terms of design, colour and size. Fenestration products not designed, measured, fabricated or installed correctly can lead to unwanted aggravation for property owners.

To highlight this, if a double glazing supplier has a surveyor, fabricator and/or fitters sitting round waiting on your order, it would be sensible to ask them why? There are lots of really decent double glazing installers in the UK, many of whom work primarily on recommendation.

These sorts of firms are likely to be booked up many weeks in advance, because as a general rule customers would rather wait and have their replacement windows or doors measured right, manufactured right and installed properly, than have all the hassle caused when one or more of these operations is rushed to the detriment of a decent job. It is better to have

102 APRIL 2015

really good quality, well-made windows and doors which are fitted a couple of weeks late, rather than to have them poorly designed, and/or made defectively and/or fitted in too much of a hurry.

It is easy to understand why customers are tempted to rush things along wanting their project completed as fast as possible, or customers who get pressurized by their builder or developer to buy windows and doors from a firm that their builder “recommends” that will deliver the products when the builder wants. Builders are notorious for wanting to fit new windows and doors as quickly as possible so they can move on to their next building project! Builders can therefore be keen to suggest buying windows and door products where they can get them fast, and not necessary the products that will be the best investment for the property owner, who is after all the customer, so should be the person specifying which windows and doors they require, and fitted by whom they trust to do a good job that will leave them with well installed products.

To assist householders and give them greater peace of mind when appointing an installation company, consumer champions Which? established an endorsement scheme labelled ‘Which? Trusted Traders’.

In 2014 the region’s largest independent double glazing manufacturers and installers, Hazlemere Window Company, joined this prestigious scheme after they passed an intense assessment process, proving that they met the strict requirements set out

by Which? and satisfy the high standards they expect of a local and reliable trader. It demonstrates to customers that those who achieve Which Trusted Trader status have proven themselves as having been trustworthy up to that point, and that they are firmly committed to offering complete

Those who achieve Which Trusted Trader status have proven themselves as having been trustworthy up to that point fairness and transparency at all times.

To undertake a replacement window project properly, a professional surveyor should take careful accurate measurements (so they end up fitting properly), then raw materials have to be ordered (any coloured products are likely to be on a longer lead time) along with sealed units from the glass suppliers to ensure these will fit into the frames that are being specially made. Next, the products then need to be scheduled for production, as most double glazing manufacturers will not have skilled workers standing round. Once the products have been fabricated

the installations department will need to confirm up the provisional date they will have hopefully pencilled in with you when you placed your order.

Understanding the above process for bespoke fenestration products should set off alarm bells if a double glazing installer says they can supply and fit within a few weeks. Ask yourself, why have they not got a waiting list? It is wise to be wary of any double glazing company “promising” a quick delivery in order to get you to sign up with them, as the last thing you want is to regret handing over a large deposit to the wrong company for the sake of a few weeks wait. So beware the quick fit window or door fitter!

The danger of paying over a deposit is that once a customer has paid a supplier, they are then really stuck with that supplier (unless prepared to lose the deposit) however long that supplier then takes to supply and fit the products.

Before ordering from any double glazing company, ensure a) you’ve done enough research so you can be confident your chosen partner will still be around in 10 years’ time!, b) you’ve read recent satisfactory customer reviews, c) you’ve seen the products first hand they will be supplying so you know for certain what to expect, and d) that they are Which Trusted Traders.

THE DETAILS If you’d like any free help or expert advice on a no obligation basis from independent double glazing manufacturers and installers Hazlemere Window Company Ltd on any double glazing project you are considering, contact them on 01727 238658 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk APRIL 2015 103

property EL REMO TOTTERIDGE N20

An individually designed family residence offering circa. 7,000 sq ft of accommodation over 2 floors, set in 3/4 of an acre with a heated swimming pool.

Guide Price ÂŁ4,950,000

property

Three Oaks, Arkley Lane Arkley, Hertfordshire, EN5 3JR

T

hree Oaks is a stunning family residence which has been magnificently designed to the finest specification. Set behind wrought iron gates with gardens approaching one acre with secure underground parking, this property offers the epitome of luxury living.

Located in the prestigious and much sought after area of Arkley in a private, idyllic and peaceful country lane, (a no through road), yet central London can be reached within thirty minutes by car.

A number of nearby train stations including Totteridge, Mill Hill and Barnet provide a choice of alternative routes into or out of London and Arkley is within 5 miles of both the M1 and M25 motorways providing easy access to all of Londons airports. A wide range of schools including Haberdashers Askes, Lochinver, Mill Hill, Aldenham, Belmont and Queen Elizabeths Schools provide top class education in the area.

Accommodation

Ground Floor: Entrance Hall • Dining Room • Family Room • Reception Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room Study Guest Cloakroom First Floor: Master Bedroom, with dressing room and en-suite bathroom • Bedroom Two, en-suite bathroom Bedroom Three, en-suite shower room Second Floor: Bedroom Four, en-suite bathroom Basement • Bedroom Five, en-suite shower room • Cinema Room/GYM • Utility Room • Plant/Store Room Exterior: Underground Parking • Landscaped gardens approaching 1 acre • Heated Swimming Pool with ‘walk on’ cover • Jacuzzi • Pool House including Changing Room.

Asking Price: £4,250,000

Contact details: For more information about this property please contact Statons Totteridge on 020 8445 3694 or email totteridge@statons.com

106 APRIL 2015

From Cottages to Country Estates

FOR OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.STATONS.COM

ToTTeridge

£2,500,000

Grade II Listed Approx. 1 Acre Stunning Views 5 Bedrooms 3 Receptions 3 Bathrooms

ToTTeridge office 020 8445 3694

HAdLey Wood

£1,875,000

5 Bedrooms 4 Receptions 5 Bathrooms Approx. 4000sq ft Double Garage Refurbished To a High Specification

HAdLey Wood 020 8440 9797

SHeNLey

£1,495,000

5 Bedrooms 3 Receptions 3 Bathrooms Grade II Listed Double Garage Detached Studio/Guest Room Landscaped Gardens

rAdLeTT 01923 604321

NorTHAW

£2,400,000

Electric Gates Approx. 2 Acres 4 Bedrooms 4 Receptions 3 Bathrooms Triple Garage Swimming Pool and Pool House

BrookmANS PArk 01707 661144

NeWgATe STreeT ViLLAge £1,695,000 Approx. 1/3 Acre with Swimming Pool 5 Bedrooms 5 Receptions 3 Bathrooms Total Refurbishment Garage

BrookmANS PArk 01707 661144

NeW BArNeT

£1,425,000

5 Bedrooms 2 Receptions 4 Bathrooms Extended Approx. 3150sq ft 3 Levels Office Rear Garden Approx. 140ft OSP

BArNeT office 020 8449 3383

HAdLey Wood

£1,950,000

Private Close Stunning Grounds 6 Bedrooms 3 Receptions 5 Bathrooms Self Contained Annexe OSP Garaging

HAdLey Wood 020 8440 9797

ArkLey

£1,695,000

4 Bedrooms 3 Receptions 4 Bathrooms Remodelled & Extended Detached Double Garage OSP

BArNeT office 020 8449 3383

ToTTeridge

from £795,000

Spectacular Development 5 Luxury Apartments Gated Access Underground Parking 2 Bedrooms 1 Reception 2 Bathrooms

ToTTeridge office 020 8445 3694

SALES OFFICES AT: BARNET 020 8449 3383 TOTTERIDGE 020 8445 3694 HADLEY WOOD 020 8440 9797 BROOKMANS PARK 01707 661144 RADLETT 01923 604321 NEW HOMES SHOWCASE HADLEY GREEN 020 8441 9555 PREMIER LETTINGS HADLEY GREEN 020 8441 9796

Associated Offices in Mayfair, Moscow, China, USA & Monaco

50 years of fulfilling dreams

...for all generations

TOTTERIDgE LaNE, TOTTERIDgE, N20

This spacious detached home in excess of 4,000 sq ft is set behind a gated entrance which enjoys peace and privacy.

£3,250,000 FREEHOLD

THE OWNERS LOVE…

WE’VE NOTICED…

“We spend 90% of our time in the conservatory as it has now become the family room and it overlooks our beautiful garden”

• This home suits every member of a family, what with the entertainment room, family room and office.

“We have enjoyed many parties in our garden which is south facing and has direct access to our second kitchen”

• With more and more infrastructure, this road has become more popular than ever before.

“We love the privacy of our house and get on really well with all our neighbours”

• Energy rating: E

Whetstone office • T: 0208 446 2111 • E: N20@martyngerrard.co.uk • 1286 High Road, Whetstone, London, N20 9HH

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

50 years of fulfilling dreams

...for all generations

MILL Way, MILL HILL, NW7

A recently refurbished four bedroom halls adjoining semi-detached family home on a popular residential road close to Mill Hill Broadway.

£1,000,000 FREEHOLD

THE OWNERS LOVE…

WE’VE NOTICED…

“Relaxing on the terrace looking out onto our heated swimming pool on a warm summers day”

• The property has further scope to extend both to the side, rear and into the large loft (STPP).

“We have recently re-wired and installed new plumbing throughout the entire house with under floor heating in both bathrooms”

• The current owner is selling the property with no onward chain.

“Having the Broadway and Thameslink station at the bottom of the road is fantastic as it is just a short walk away”

Mill Hill office • T: 0208 906 0660 • E: NW7@martyngerrard.co.uk • 109 The Broadway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 3TG

• Energy rating: E

www.martyngerrard.co.uk

APPLEGROVE

GARDENVALE

Two exclusive six bedroom luxury homes situated in the leafy area of Oakleigh Park.

rs fe of to e iry ity om qu tun h en or our rly pp y Ea o ke an spo be

An exceptional standard of traditional elegance and comfort with state-of-the-art technology throughout.

ÂŁ Price on application

property

the perfect home

S

pring 2015 would be the perfect time to utterly spoil yourself by stepping up to a home conceived and crafted by those incredibly gifted people at exclusive design house Fusion Residential.

During the dark days of winter the Fusion team have been busy putting the gloss on their latest two high specification apartment schemes.

They are Palazzo in beautiful Beech Hill, Hadley Wood, EN4, - simply the most coveted street in the most coveted corner of rural Hertfordshire (yet still, almost unbelievably, just 30 minutes from central London).

And The Collection, nestled in the highly desirable tree-lined Dollis Avenue, Finchley N3, just minutes from the West End. Fusion Residential has a fabulous reputation for quality in the top end of the luxury home market and their latest two offerings being unveiled later in the spring would appear to raise the bar yet higher, both in terms of location and finish.

It is testament to Fusion Residential’s bourgeoning reputation that seven of the 12 homes coming to market have already been sold. As MD and Partner Antoine Christoforou confides, “this is undoubtedly due to the strength of the Fusion brand”.

“Discerning purchasers know the quality of Fusion Residential. They come to us and are happy to buy off plan because they have confidence in us and what we deliver.

“It is simply not in our DNA to disappoint. We always aim to astonish and to excel and our satisfied customers agree that we do just that.”

All this is an emphatic endorsement for the Fusion Residential in-house design team headed by Emma Henry.

The design team turn each home into an Aladdin’s cave of mood-enhancing amenities and elements, combining subtle life-changing nuances and practical features that make the world a more satisfying, less complicated, place in which to live.

From the individually designed and hand-crafted sanitary ware in the wet-rooms to the combination of Poggenpohl and Gaggenau fittings and appliances in the expansive kitchens, the Fusion Residential home demands to be adored.

And each is brought together with Lutron mood lighting and Control 4 home automation systems, managed by a wall-mounted touch screen, or remotely via a phone or tablet. Despite this high-end technology, do not call a Fusion Residential home a “smart” home.

That would be an understatement of jaw-dropping proportions. A Fusion Residential home is not a smart home, it’s a work of pure genius.

Both concierge-serviced developments are gated and boast secure and reserved underground parking with direct-to-door lifts. There is ample guest parking at ground level too.

Palazzo comprises six three-bedroom, two bathroom apartments over four floors. All have underfloor heating and offer a spacious feel by virtue of the high ceilings and wide-open and luxuriant outdoor terracing.

The penthouse takes up the entire top floor and offers views over unspoilt Green Belt countryside.

It also boasts a grand master suite with separate spacious dressing room, a library/reading room and its arrival hall is especially inspiring with its huge skylight offering natural light overhead.

The Collection also boasts six apartments and delivers a whole new level of build and finish to this part of Finchley.

As Antoine explains: “This is the first development of its kind in this location in terms of quality and specification.

“Four apartments out of the six have been sold off plan. These are prestigious homes in one of Finchley’s most prestigious roads. Our clients tell us they have been waiting for this scheme for many years in this location.”

All these apartments come with the unmistakable finesse, flare and functionality of a Fusion Residential home but, as marketing manager Adam Horwood explains, while they share the same rich pedigree and opulent finish “each has its very own astonishing personality and style”.

If you would like to be amazed by the style of a Fusion Residential home this spring, contact Debbie Williams on 01923 216 535 and take a grand tour of Palazzo or The Collection. Prices range from £1.5m to £2.25m. www.fusionresidential.co.uk 112 APRIL 2015

property

THE OLDVICARAGE,VINEYARDS ROAD NORTHAW, HERTFORDSHIRE

T

he Old Vicarage is an elegant Grade II Listed Georgian former vicarage situated in the sought after village of Northaw.

With elements dating back to the 1700’s, The Old Vicarage presents the rare combination of exceptional traditional styled formal rooms, together with practical family accommodation designed for modern living.

Comprising 8 bedrooms, 3 elegant reception rooms, extensive cellars, double garage, formal gardens, swimming pool and a paddock on the opposite side of the road, this is an excellent family home perfect for a growing family who want the benefits of village life close to London.

The reception hall is most welcoming and suitably generous as befits a house of this calibre. The kitchen/ breakfast room is splendid and is bursting with light with windows to the front and delights in views over the grounds through French doors, which lead out to the terrace.

Running under the house is a series of cellar rooms which benefit from decent ceiling heights and natural light – this area could lend itself to conversion, with the appropriate consents, into an endless variety of uses.

The gardens are a noteworthy feature of The Old Vicarage with lovingly tended lawns and flower beds exhibiting some fine topiary and seasonal plants. There is a large flag stone terrace which wraps along the rear of the house, an ideal sheltered spot for outdoor living. Behind a gate tucked privately at the end of the garden away from the house is a delightful free-form outdoor swimming pool with small changing room.

To the front of the house is a small driveway which provides ample off-street parking along with the double garage and separate parking area at the side of the house.

The Old Vicarage sits in the heart of the popular village of Northaw, which is sited on a high ridge on the Middlesex border of Hertfordshire. The property is

located conveniently for local amenities, transport links and several highly regarded schools including Queenswood Girl’s School, Stormont Girl’s Prep School, Lochinver House boy’s school and the sought after Dame Alice Owen’s school.

Under two miles away, a comprehensive range of shops and leisure facilities can be found, whilst the City of St Albans is just over 11 Miles away. Potters Bar train station provides a fast service into London’s Kings Cross from 28 minutes, whilst junction 24 of the M25 is less than 3 miles and A1(M) is 5 miles distant.

The property comprises:

Reception hall • Drawing room • Family room • Dining room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility room • Cloakroom • Master bedroom with en suite bathroom • 7 further bedrooms • 3 further bathrooms • Extensive cellarage (inc. wine cellar) • Detached double garage • Swimming pool • Formal gardens • Paddock • 588.5 sq m (6,335 sq ft) • EPC=E. Guide Price £2.75m

Section 21 Notice: In accordance with Section 21 of The Estate Agents Act (1979) we wish to disclose that the seller is a relative of a Savills employee.

For further information please contact Savills Barnet on 020 8447 4400 or email barnet@savills.co.uk www.savills.co.uk

114 APRIL 2015

godfreyandbarr.com

EL REMO TOTTERIDGE N20 Approached via a private gated road & located in one of the area’s most secluded & exclusive locations. An individually designed family residence offering circa. 7,000 sq ft of accommodation over 2 floors, set in 3/4 of an acre with a heated swimming pool.

Accommodation n Striking double volume entrance hall with double staircase n 6 reception rooms & stunning kitchen/diner n Master suite comprising of a sumptuous bedroom, luxury ensuite bathroom & dressing room n Self contained bedroom with en-suite shower room/staff accommodation that can be accessed from both the front & the inside of the house

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane, Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

n 4 further bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms n Landscaped gardens n Utility room n 2 guest cloakrooms n Detached garage & gated carriage driveway with parking for 7/8 cars n Transport links via road (A1) & Totteridge & Whetstone Northern Line tube station n EPC Rating D

ÂŁ4,950,000 freehold

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000 enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

godfreyandbarr.com COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE

LONDON ROAD SHENLEy, RADLETT WD7

COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE

COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE

Price Upon Application

freehold

Situated in a delightful rural location, within Green Belt Countryside on the edge of Shenley village Griggs Homes are constructing a magnificent 5 bedrooms detached home to an exceptionally high specification which will extend to approx. 5500 sq.ft. Consisting of lower ground, ground and first floor and located within a discreet plot behind electric gates, there is an early opportunity for adventurous and discerning buyer to secure this house now and have a choice on finishes within. Shenley village is beautiful part of Radlett and the house is approx. 2 miles from Radlett Station and equidistant from Elstree and Borehamwood Station (both on the Thameslink Line) with fast connections into Kings Cross and the City. Located opposite farmland with delightful views.

5 en-suite double bedrooms A spectacular curved staircase Kitchen/breakfast room & Tv area Utility room Formal lounge

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane, Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

Separate formal dining room A further reception room/study Gym with steam room Glazed wine cellar Huge entertainment room

Air conditioning Audio & communications system Underfloor heating CCTv Professionally landscaped gardens

Interior designed by Sarah Ward Associates Scheduled Completion Spring 2016 Reserve & exchange from plans & choose certain finishes

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000 enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

godfreyandbarr.com

UPHILL GROvE MILL HILL NW7

ÂŁ1,395,000

freehold

Situated in the best part of Uphill Grove, in the cul-de-sac end; a spacious (2141 sq ft) detached house that has been extensively remodelled and extended. Offered in exceptionally good decorative order, this desirable 5 bedroom property now incorporates a loft conversion, providing 2 bedrooms and en-suite shower room. The ground floor accommodation has also been extended, the double garage converted to a large reception / Tv lounge and the kitchen and living accommodation made open plan.

5 Bedrooms 3 Fabulous bathrooms (2 en-suite) Guest cloakroom Large Tv lounge/playroom

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane, Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

Dining room Large open plan kitchen/family room Utility room Landscaped gardens

Drive with parking for up to 3 cars Underfloor heating Double glazing Loft conversion

Fully modernised and extended to a very high standard Study area Sole agents EPC Rating D

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000 enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

godfreyandbarr.com

MARSH LANE MILL HILL NW7

ÂŁ2,395,000

freehold

A gorgeous, 4/5 bedroom, detached family house (approx. 3789 sq ft) set back from the road behind a carriage driveway on a very wide plot, with incredible far reaching views over greenbelt land. Features include a modern central staircase, huge Neil Lerner kitchen/diner, master suite with en-suite bathroom & dressing area, 3 further bathrooms (2 en-suite), lounge/dining room, family room/den, study, central vacuum system, garage & off street parking for 4/5 cars.

Master suite with en-suite bathroom & dressing area 3/4 further bedrooms 3 further bathrooms (2 en-suite)

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane, Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

Lounge / Dining room Huge Neil Lerner kitchen / diner Family room / den Utility room

Study Guest cloakroom /WC Garage Raised terrace & garden

Stunning views towards green belt Carriage driveway with parking for 4/5 cars EPC Rating C

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000 enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

godfreyandbarr.com

HIGHWOOD HILL MILL HILL NW7 A good size 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom (2 en-suite) double fronted, detached family house offering 2497 sq ft of accommodation over 2 floors.

The property benefits from fantastic reception space including a large kitchen/ breakfast room, double reception at the rear, office, utility room, pretty garden, off street parking for 4/5 cars & gorgeous far reaching green views to the rear.

freehold 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite) Kitchen/breakfast room Double reception room

Office Tv room / den Utility room Pretty garden

Driveway with parking for 4/5 cars Stunning views to the rear EPC Rating - C

ÂŁ1,195,000

TRETAWN GARDENS MILL HILL NW7 A lovely 4 bedroom, detached family house situated in a sought after turning that runs between Marsh Lane & Uphill Grove. The house benefits from 3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, off street parking for 2 cars, a gorgeous 100ft rear garden & is located within approximately half a mile of the varied amenities of Mill Hill Broadway.

freehold 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) Lounge Dining room

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane, Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

Kitchen/breakfast room Utility room Playroom / den 100ft rear garden

Guest cloakroom/ WC Off street parking for 2 cars Sole agents EPC Rating - E

ÂŁ1,195,000 T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000 enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

coming coming soon soon 6 lavishly 6 lavishly appointed appointed apartments apartments

Miram Miram House House

anything anything else else is aiscompromise a compromise hadley hadley wood, wood, barnet barnet register register for information for information at at

artemi-gibbs.com artemi-gibbs.com

0800 0800 809809 809809

Stanmore HA7

ÂŁ1,350,000 F/H

An impressive family home totalling over 3,000 sq ft of wonderfully proportioned accommodation. Built by renowned house builders Banner homes, this exclusive and private residence is set behind electronic gates and offers a detached double garage in the front driveway as well as parking for several cars. The house itself has been thoughtfully designed and the accommodation comprises as follows: The ground floor has a large centralised entrance hall with doors off to all rooms. There are 2 formal reception rooms, a TV room, utility room, wc and a large kitchen diner with a wonderful outlook onto the garden. The first floor offers 4 generously sized bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The top floor offers a large 5th bedroom and further bathroom. The front driveway is brick block paved and to the rear the property offers a private garden with patio area that is ideal for entertaining.

Stanmore Office 020 8954 0045

Stanmore HA7

ÂŁ1,399,995 F/H

We are delighted to offer for sale this amazing family house which offers 3,046 square feet of internal accommodation. Originally built circa 1928, and sympathetically extended by the current owners, this well-proportioned home is set on a larger than average plot. The accommodation comprises as follows: The ground floor offers a dual aspect dining room which opens out onto large reception room, both of which are ideal for entertaining. There is a well fitted kitchen-diner with central island feature which leads though to an everyday TV / family room. There is also a large utility room, study, ground floor WC and internal access to the garage. The first floor originally offered 5 bedrooms, the current owners use it as 4 large double bedrooms all with their own en-suite bathrooms. It would be easy to convert back to a 5 bedroom. Further benefits include double glazed windows, exposed stripped varnished floorboards, working fireplaces, large private garden, off street parking and garage.

Stanmore Office 020 8954 0045

Your Design Your Build Your Solution “Thank you for the excellent kitchen you installed at our house. We were delighted and must admit very surprised that the work took exactly two weeks to the day as you promised it would. We have had many compliments about the kitchen and the one thing that we do appreciate is, that if there is any problem, we contact you and you put it right. Once again, many thanks to you and your excellent team.”

- mr and mrs b - radleTT, HerTfOrdsHire

Creative design solutions from a single room to a house remodel and beyond…

Call uS now to Book Your free ConSultation 020 3468 4339 www.gjfltd.com info@gjfltd.com