FULMER DRIVE GERRARDS CROSS
LANDMARK GROUP - Award Winning Design
FASHION WITH ANDREW GARDNER WADDESDON MANOR
CHORLEYWOOD BOOKSHOP HENLEY FESTIVAL 2017
FROM THE
EDITOR Welcome to our June issue…
PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD EDITOR Faye Manning
FASHION EDITOR Nicholas Peter
DESIGN/PRODUCTION ProperGander Design
EDITOR’S ASSISTANT Jordi Brown
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Abi Gardner 07841 871 458
ACCOUNT MANAGERS Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet
SUB EDITOR Kieran Bullworthy
DIRECTORS Patrick Smith, Rory Smith
© All Rights reserved: All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole withozut written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be accepted for the content of these pages.
HENLEY’S FIRST HIGHLY SPIRITED GIN In 1870 Mr Harry Hobbs was renowned throughout Henley for his flamboyant nature and home-distilled gin. Recently, the Hobbs family have brought the spirit of Harry back by sourcing local botanicals and creating this delightful gin. Make your way over to www.mrhobbsgin.com and discover more about Mr Hobbs family tipple.
Available at mrhobbsgin.com @mrhobbsgin
@MrHobbsGin
@MrHobbsGin
SUMMER SALE +44 (0) 20 7589 5998 smallbone.co.uk VISIT YOUR NEAREST SHOWROOM 8 Burkes Parade, Station Road, Beaconsfield HP9 1NN A member of the Canburg Group
D A V O N P O R T N a t u r a l l y
D i s t i n c t i v e
I n t e r i o r s
Experience Classic English Elegance
1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, H a Hertfordshire n d c r a WD3 f t e7BQ d in
Colchester, England Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 celia@moneyhillinteriors.com
m o nd ea yvhoi lnl ipn ot er rt i.ocr os .mc o m To request a portfolio or speak to a designer:
01206 760 800
CONTENTS LOVE LOCAL
10
High Wycombe Museum Little Welly Landmark Group Chorleywood Bookshop Cliveden De Vere Laitmer House Waddesdon Manor Henley Regatta Weston Homes Hobbs of Henley BerkoFest Garden Players Mount Vernon Beaconsfield High School Beaconsfield Ladies Cricket The Artichoke Abbey Jewellers College Lake Artists
FEATURE
60
Party in the Paddock Silent Pool
FASHION
64
Andrew Gardner
HEALTH & BEAUTY
68
Rosebank Dental Courthouse Clinic S-Thetics Spire South Bucks Hospice
HOUSE & GARDEN Praciticality Brown Harrods Hazlemere Windows Hampstead Auctions Sky House Tobias Oliver Dawsons Antiques Origin Leisure James & Wallis
76
LOVE LOC AL
Supporting our local
COMMUNITY Wycombe Museum is launching its new summer event programme this week with over 100 events, exhibitions and workshops taking place over the next few months
T
he focus of this summer’s event programme aims to celebrates the history, talents and skills of Buck’s people in making Buckinghamshire the fantastic place it is to live. The Museum has four new exhibitions opening over June and July. Wycombe Museum’s ‘Beer, Bacon Badgers and Bhajis’ exhibition opens on Saturday 24th June and celebrates Buckinghamshire local foods through History and today. Find out at Our Big Day out on the 2nd July 12-5pm what Buckinghamshire ancestors would have eaten, explore different food through time and have the opportunity to buy many different food samples. Bucks Open Studios is an annual event where artists and craftspeople all over Bucks open their studios: holding exhibitions and showcasing their work. The Museum will have three local artists using the Museum as their studio and running ‘have-a-go’ workshops throughout the 21 to 25 June. The Museum has two temporary art exhibitions opening in collaboration with the local student community. Starting on the 26 May the Museum has an exhibition of work in the fields of Art, Design Tech, Music and Drama from the Royal Grammar School Creative Arts Students. Then from the 28 June Amersham & Wycombe College HND Fine Art are showcasing their final pieces of work in a show at the Museum to celebrate the completion of their HND Fine Art.
10 JUNE 2017
We must not forget all the local volunteers who support our communities. Dosti Ladies, one of the groups who uses Wycombe Museum is celebrating their 10th anniversary. Dosti inspires, educates, motivates and empowers women of all beliefs and faiths from all communities to come together and help shape their future. To celebrate the ladies have created an exhibition of all their work and images taken through the years which will be held at the Museum from Tuesday 18 July to Sunday 29 October. One of the areas the Museum loves to support is the traditional and local crafts in Buckinghamshire. To celebrate Wycombe Arts Festival we have another Big Day Out showing Chilterns’ Tradition Arts and Crafts on the 4 June 12-5pm. Demonstrations will include: Chair Bodger from ‘log to leg’ woodturning, basket making and willow weaving, traditional woodcarving, chair caning, straw plaits and lace-making. This is just a high-light of some of the local events for local people being held as part of Wycombe Museum’s summer programme. You can find out more detail on all the event’s programme at www.wycombemuseum.org/events. THE DETAILS Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 6PX www.wycombemuseum.org.uk info@wycombemuseum.org Tel: 01494 957210
LOVE LOC AL
The LiTTLe WeLLy “Goes WiLd” hiTs herTfordshire!
T
he UK’s biggest children’s obstacle course, The Little Welly “Goes Wild” premiers at The Hertfordshire Showground, St Albans, Herts, on the 15th & 16th July. With record crowds at the event in Norbury Park, Surrey & Henley-on-Thames, the team are looking forward to welcoming families for what promises to be a fantastic weekend. Bigger, better & muddier than before and with 30 big obstacles over a 3km course, kids will have the time of their life as they run, jump, climb, swing, slide & crawl through the wildly popular outdoor adventure series. This one of a kind experience has been designed for children aged four & over and parents and carers are welcome to join in all the fun. After scaling the towering heights of The Big Slide, conquering the looming Tyre Mangle, splashing through the Mud & Water Pits, braving the NEW Spider’s Web, fearlessly facing the Three Jumped Dragon, giving it all for THE Wall, bouncing around in the Foam Pit and balancing on the Long Pole Run, (just a selection of some of the obstacles)! every child can proudly collect their shiny medal & enjoy all the other fun activities on site. The fantastic Festival Village has something for all the family to enjoy: Laser Tag, Parkour demonstrations & workshops, Bertie Slippers on stilts, pony rides, den building, football darts,
2 10 2 JUNE 2017
inflatable pedlos, climbing wall, toddler course, Bungee trampolining, Zorbing, a huge stage with live music & entertainment & an array of culinary delights to feed all the family. Something for everyone! Despite the fact that the UK boasts a plethora of beautiful outdoor landscapes, the latest research from English adventurer Ben Fogle revealed that 25% of British kids spend less than 30 minutes a week playing outside. These are alarming figures and indicate the immediate need for parents to encourage their kids to get outdoors, enjoy nature and rekindle their sense of adventure. Rachel, founder of The Little Welly “Goes Wild” says, “The entire team here are passionate about instilling a love & appreciation for being outside & active in the next tech centric generation.” A brilliant day out for all the family whatever the weather!
the details Course tickets for children are £16 Course Assist tickets for Adults are £7.50 General Admission is £5 Plus VAT & booking fee Car admission is free For more information and to book tickets online for individuals, groups, birthday parties please visit: www.thelittlewelly.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TheLittleWelly Twitter www.twitter.com/TheLittleWelly Instagram @thelittlewelly #thelittlewelly
LOVE LOC AL
Award winnng
DESIGN
Today we are sitting down with Mav Sandhu, Managing Director of Landmark Group- a luxury Property Development firm operating out of Gerrards Cross.
M
av, welcome back to Life Magazine, we have met on many occasions now and each time you have another stunning Property to talk to us about that surpasses the last! Congratulations on the completion of another luxury home.
What brings you back to us here at Life Magazine? Thank you for having us back. As ever it’s been a busy time for us at Landmark- we are just about to launch Plot 5 at our Fulmer Drive development. Since we last spoke, Plot 4 was voted “One of the 10 Best New Homes in Britain” by Country & Town House magazine (editor note: Plot 4, Fulmer Drive was our August 2016 cover). We are really excited to be bringing another luxury development to the market. Can you give us some background on Landmark for those who are new to the brand? Of course, more than happy to. Landmark started as a family business, 20 years ago. We initially were focussed on the residential property market in London, designing luxury apartments. Through the years, we have matured as a Company and have landed firmly in the Home Counties creating beautiful
14 JUNE 2017
bespoke Homes. As we evolve as a Company we have enjoyed stable, organic growth in this sector, through the strength of our reputation. How have you developed this reputation and what do you want to be known for in the industry? We at Landmark are proud to offer solutions to our clients, bespoke to their individual requirements. We are also extremely agile in the way that we work. Most of the talent that we depend on is based on-site ensuring there is little
disruption to our Client as they have a seamless experience. A lot of people may think of us as being solely Property Developers, however we started out as an Architectural and Planning practice, and this still runs through the core of our Business. We also undertake Structural Engineering & Building Control work for our clients, and have added a new string to our bow with the Architectural Interior Design element in the last year/18 months. In terms of what we want to be known for? Consistently exceeding our clients’ expectations. A lot of our work is through referral. This makes me very happy as we know that people are acting as ambassadors for our brand after working with us, which is the greatest compliment they could give us. Tell us about the team behind you and how they contribute to making Landmark Group a success. I have a great team behind me at Landmark, and have been fortunate enough to work with some of them for many years. I have established a Senior Leadership Team with whom I have a great working relationship. Our Head of Projects, Suki Singh, has vast experience in project management, delivering numerous complex projects for a range of market leading businesses. He brings key strengths in establishing collaborative working relationships, with the ability to present creative solutions to deliver results that align to the client’s objectives. In addition, I work closely with our Senior Town Planner, Harmeet Minhas, who has extensive experience dealing with residential and mixed-use development, in particular with sites within the Green Belt and Conservation Areas. Harmeet has come to us from the South Bucks District Council and has brought with him a wealth of knowledge in the Town Planning area.
Since we last spoke, Plot 4 was voted “One of the10 Best New Homes in Britain” by Country & Town House magazine
Plot 5, Fulmer Drive is now available for sale, what makes this one stand out from the other homes currently on the market? As with any Landmark development, this beautiful home has been designed with the resident in mind. There is a natural flow to the design of the home, creating space and light throughout. Central to our design ethos is ensuring the kitchen at the heart of the home, with open plan living space flowing seamlessly off this area. The Bedrooms are all designed with purpose built walk in/fitted wardrobes and individually themed bathroom en-suites. We have also used state of the art home automation provided by Crestron. We pride ourselves on ensuring that all of the details, no matter how small, are seamlessly integrated into the design and finish of our homes. That is what makes us stand out to other luxury homes available at the market. Finally, what exciting things lie ahead for Landmark Group? We have a number of projects headed our way in the next 12-18 months, most notably a project over separate locations in leafy Farnham Common. The completion date for these homes is Summer 2018. THE DETAILS Landmark Group Telephone; 01895 832560 www.Landmark-Group.co.uk JUNE 2017 15
LOVE LOC AL
HISTORY, POLITICS
& turnips Chorleywood and Gerrards Cross Bookshops are bringing out the big guns in June – clear your diaries for evenings with Simon Sebag Montefiore, Nick Clegg and Tony Robinson
T
here is always a glittering array of stars on the events calendar at Chorleywood and Gerrards Cross Bookshops, and June is no different as booklovers gear up for three exciting author events with some very big names indeed. First up is an evening with the international bestselling author and historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, who will be talking about his compelling new novel, Red Sky at Noon, the third instalment in his award-winning Moscow Trilogy. Red Sky at Noon is set in Stalingrad in 1942, when war is on the horizon. Imprisoned in the gulags for a crime he didn’t commit, Benya Golden joins a penal battalion made up of Cossacks and convicts to fight the Nazis. It is a sweeping story of passion, bravery and human survival, where personal betrayal is a constant companion and death just a heartbeat away. Simon Sebag Montefiore will be at The Junction, Christ Church, Chorleywood WD3 5SG on Monday, June 19th at 7.30pm. The bookshops are then delighted to welcome Nick Clegg. Whatever your political persuasions, the former Deputy Prime Minister, will have many stories to tell and light to shed over the enormous political changes the country is presently experiencing. In his book, Politics: Between the Extremes, he offers a frank account of his experiences, from his spectacular rise in the 2010 election to a brutal defeat in 2015, from his early years as an MEP in Brussels to the fall-out of Britain’s EU referendum. It also puts the case for a new politics based on reason and compromise. Nick Clegg will be at Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood HA6 2HT on Wednesday, June 28th at 7.30pm. The bookshops’ final guest of the month is none other than Sir Tony Robinson, the much-loved actor, presenter and author, whose stellar career has lasted more than fifty years. His long-awaited autobiography, No Cunning Plan, reveals how the boy from South Woodford went from child stardom
16 JUNE 2017
in the first stage production of Oliver! to comedy icon Baldrick, the loyal servant and turnip aficionado in the cult series Blackadder. It wasn’t all plain sailing, though; along the way he was bullied by Steve Marriott, failed to impress Liza Minnelli and was pushed into a stinking London dock by John Wayne. He presented Time Team for twenty years, watching countless gardens ruthlessly dug up in the name of archaeology, and risked life and limb filming The Worst Jobs in History. It’s sure to be a memorable night. Tony Robinson will be at St Clement Danes School, Chorleywood WD3 6EW on Friday, June 30th.
THE DETAILS Tickets available from www.chilternbookshops.co.uk or Chorleywood Bookshop 01923 283566 or Gerrards Cross Bookshop 01753 885429
LOVE LOC AL
Mr Hobbs Henley Gin JOINS THE DRINKS’ UK RENAISSANCE Hobbs of Henley, one of the longest established pleasure boating companies in the UK, has launched Henley on Thames’s very first premium gin.
M
r Hobbs Henley Gin is made with a blend of botanicals of which some are grown locally and is being created at the renowned Foxdenton distillery in Buckinghamshire The gin is the inspiration of Jonnie and Suzy Hobbs, the directors of Hobbs of Henley and brings together popular botanicals such as Angelica and Marshmallow, with added lemon peel, Orris Root and Lime Leaf Oil for a modern twist. This combination of flavours has created a luxurious drink that is in keeping with the reputation and brand of Hobbs of Henley. Mr Hobbs gin is a true distilled gin that gives it purity and clarity. Once the distillation process is complete then the botanicals are added to complete the creative process. Suzy Hobbs told us “Henley on Thames is one of the most iconic towns in England and with such a rich sporting and cultural history we wanted to create a gin worthy of the Hobbs of Henley name. The Hobbs family has lived and worked around Henley since Victorian time and we have
crafted a gin that that we believe that will keep the Hobbs of Henley name on everyone’s lips for many years to come. “Working with Foxdenton has been a really rewarding experience; the intricacies of the gin creation process and Foxdenton refusal to compromise on any aspect of the purity and clarity of our product has produced a remarkably flavoured and refreshing drink.” Mr Hobbs gin is priced at £36 per bottle and is available at the Hobbs of Henley boatyard or at a number of selected local establishments or visit www.mrhobbsgin.com THE DETAILS For trade information and stockists please contact Suzy Hobbs on suzy@mrhobbsgin.co.uk
18 JUNE 2017
LOVE LOC AL
A secret history T
he estate’s rich history dates to the 16th Century, with the mansion most notably hosting Charles I during his imprisonment and captured German U-boat submarine crews and Luftwaffe pilots during the Second World War. De Vere Latimer Estate welcome residents to come and see first-hand the mansion house’s transformation which saw no stone left unturned. The refurbished original sweeping staircase with stained glass windows leads guests to 31 new deluxe rooms and suites that were previously meeting rooms and offices. For a special occasion, the new 1838 Restaurant & Bar, located in the mansion house, features an open kitchen cooking up locally sourced, seasonal British dishes. Local residents can choose to dine in the modern, orangery-inspired restaurant with soft green touches and indoor trees, or head outside to the courtyard to dine under the trees by candle light. Over the summer months a traditional afternoon tea will also be launched, to be served in The Library which has also been restored back to its Victorian charm. Antonio Campanile, General Manager at De Vere Latimer Estate, commented: “We’re very proud to have restored this remarkable mansion house back to glory; a lot of time and work has gone in to this project, to ensure homage is paid to its important history. The newly refurbished bedrooms are looking fantastic and we’re already receiving excellent feedback from guests. He continued: “As a popular venue for the meetings, conferences and private events market, the renovation was planned and designed to appeal to all our customers, whilst providing a stylish, standout venue in stunning surroundings.” Sitting above the Chess Valley, De Vere Latimer Estate’s 30 acres of formal gardens and grounds also received some attention during the renovation project. Residents and guests can explore the restored Victorian Pond or spot Emma Stothard’s specially commissioned sculptures, including a parliament of hares. For those booking a wedding or event at De
20 JUNE 2017
This month, Grade I listed De Vere Latimer Estate unveiled a £7 million renovation that places the mansion house back at the heart of the estate. Nicknamed ‘The Spy House’ the refurbishment uncovered and restored many original features, as well as subtly celebrating the hotel’s connection to a secret history. Vere Latimer Estate, the mansion house provides four new look spaces; including a traditional grand drawing room, The Cheyne, with original features that can host intimate celebrations for up to 30 guests, to The Cavendish Suite for weddings and events up to 200 guests. Respectively added to the mansion during the refurbishment, the Cavendish suite offers state-of-the-art facilities that can double in size by the opening of bi-folding doors on to a new terrace that offers views across the countryside. Couples who like to mix the tradition of a church wedding with a country house reception can have both at De Vere Latimer Estate as the village church is in the grounds of the estate, a short walk from the stately home.
THE DETAILS De Vere Latimer Estate Latimer, Buckinghamshire HP5 1 UG Telephone: 01494 545500 Email: latimerconference @devere.com
FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION
Building perfect indoor pools for over thirty five years. Ring Origin on 01895 453996 or email for our information pack info@originpools.co.uk www.originpools.co.uk
PLAN
DESIGN
BUILD
MAINTAIN
LOVE LOC AL
The perfect SUMMER’S DAY OUT Feast, a spectacular festival of food and performing arts, returns to Waddesdon Manor over the weekend of 17 & 18 June.
V
isitors are invited to take a seat at Waddesdon’s decorated outdoor dining table, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Manor. Bring a picnic, or sample delicious food from one of over 70 handpicked artisan food and drink stalls, boasting the best produce from local areas and beyond. Families celebrating Father’s Day can book a delicious Feast Afternoon Tea, with a very special Gentleman’s Tea (with fish finger sandwiches and Waddesdon Ale) designed by Waddesdon’s chefs especially for the occasion, or a more traditional afternoon tea of dainty savouries and sweet fancies made extra special with the addition of a glass of Nyetimber English sparkling wine. Wine lovers will be able to travel the world led by Waddesdon’s wine expert, with an informal wine-tasting of five wines from the Rothschild range and guest wine portfolio. Waddesdon Manor is the perfect location for celebrating not only culinary delights, but the art of hospitality and entertainment, having been built for Baron Ferdinand’s infamous ‘Saturday to Monday parties’ that hosted Victorian high society. A variety of top international performers will delight, surprise, and entertain: with theatrical performances that include a comedy chef duo, circus 22 JUNE 2017
inspired dance and Dixieland style jazz. There will also be the opportunity to join in with a non-stop dance-a-thon showcasing 100 years of dance. The craft activity tent will see a hive of family fun, including creating woodland inspired masks and an opportunity to work alongside artist Anna Whetstone making copper oak leaves. Adults also have the chance to get crafty with floral hair garland workshops. Step into history by walking through parts of the Manor, entering through the Red Drawing Room, as if a guest of Ferdinand’s and learn about Waddesdon’s impressive art collection by looking at and even touching objects with the curators. The Wine Cellars will also be open and at the Stables there will be the free exhibition Creatures & Creations: art by Platon H & designs by Mary Katrantzou inspired by Rothschild species. Feast promises to be the perfect summer’s day out. THE DETAILS Feast festival, 17 & 18 June Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 0JH Book online: www.waddesdonmanor.org
17-18 JUNE 10am-5pm
ts A spe f o r l f a o v i o a t d s & p erformin g c t a c u l a r fe
BOOK NOW
www.waddesdon.org.uk 01296 820414 BOOK NOW
PRACTICALITY BROWN INSTANT HEDGES AND LARGE TREES
w
Beech Elveden Instant Hedge 1.8m high – ready to plant
Practicality Brown are instant landscape specialists with a range of quality instant hedges, semi-
mature trees, large shrubs and topiary to help create mature gardens from the moment of planting.
Our Elveden Instant Hedge is often used in award-winning RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Show gardens. Find more information at:
www.pracbrown.co.uk
PRACTICALITY BROWN LTD THE INSTANT LANDSCAPE SPECIALISTS Swan Road Iver Bucks SL0 9LA Tel: 01753 652022 | sales@pracbrown.co.uk
LOVE LOC AL
THE WATERFRONT ENCLOSURE DURING HENLEY REGATTA 2017 The Wild Fork presents The Waterfront Enclosure, a modern country entertaining space offering contemporary British dining during this year’s Henley Royal Regatta 2017.
L
ocated at the iconic start line, The Wild Fork’s catering and hospitality enclosure can welcome up to 170 guests a day during Regatta week. Bringing a new and innovative look to the event, the stunning stretched tent invites guests to relax in quintessential country style at Temple Island Meadows. On arrival, guests are warmly welcomed by their friendly host with a glass of Champagne and offered an irresistible array of delicious breakfast and brunch items such as English Breakfast in Miniature, a range of pastries and preserves and granola with yoghurt and fruit compote. After a few hours of soaking up the unrivalled atmosphere and enjoying the soft, live music from our popular modern acoustic duo, The Wild Fork’s unique four course menu is served. With long, banqueting tables, guests are treated to an unforgettable social dining experience with sharing boards and platters delivered to each table from the impressive Wood Fired Oven on show for all to admire. To start, the menu includes The Wild Fork Game Board featuring homemade rabbit terrine, smoked pigeon, venison bresaola and celeriac remoulade as well as home cured Gravlax, beetroot and crème fraiche. The main course is also shared across your table, starring wood fired lamb, orzo salad, spring greens, tzatzki and flat breads and wood fired chicken, Israeli couscous, heritage tomatoes and tabbouleh.
To finish, guests can look forward to a selection of miniature English classic desserts and a Snowdonia Black Bomber cheese board. No summer event is complete without an indulgent Afternoon Tea, with a selection of freshly baked scones, biscuits, preserves and clotted cream. The eye-catching bar at the heart of the enclosure will serve from start to finish carefully selected wines, British summer cocktails, traditional Pimms, premium spirits, local ales from West Berkshire Brewery and soft drinks. Book tickets now for the highlight of your Summer. The Waterfront Enclosure during Henley Royal Regatta 2017 Wednesday 28 June – Saturday 1 July 10.30 am – 5.30 pm Pricing and all-inclusive packaging details: Wednesday £199 + vat per person Thursday £240 + vat per person Friday £249 + vat per person SOLD OUT! Saturday £210 + vat per person Includes free car parking, complimentary regatta programme and live rowing commentary. Bookings available on 01635 200 200 or by email to jaz@thewildfork.co.uk
Established in 2005, The Wild Fork is an Event Bar & Kitchen based in rural West Berkshire providing British country food and event planning for weddings, parties and corporate events across the home counties and beyond. THE DETAILS The Wild Fork The Old Cart Shed, Haw Farm, Hampstead Norreys, West Berkshire RG18 0TP www.thewildfork.co.uk
26 JUNE 2017
THE WATERFRONT ENCLOSURE DURING HENLEY REGATTA WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE - SATURDAY 1 JULY 2017 ALL INCLUSIVE DAY PACKAGES FROM £199 + VAT
BRUNCH | CHAMPAGNE & PIMMS ON ARRIVAL | 4 COURSE LUNCH & WINE COCKTAILS | SPIRITS | LOCAL ALES | SOFT DRINKS LIVE MUSIC | AFTERNOON TEA | WOOD FIRED OVEN
MODERN COUNTRY STYLE | CONTEMPORARY BRITISH DINING 01635 200 200 | WWW.THEWILDFORK.CO.UK/HENLEY-REGATTA
PROPERTY LOVE LOC AL
DENHAM FILM STUDIOS DENHAM, BUckINgHAMSHIrE
T
he Denham Film Studios is a very unique and historic development for Weston Homes which comprises of 224 new homes. The 12 acre Art-Deco inspired development has been designed around the main listed building which was originally built in the 1930’s and now is home to 49, one, two and three bedroom apartments. The remainder of the development will be new build properties and green spaces allowing 154 apartments and 70 houses in total. The listed building’s status means the scale of the flats far exceeds modern minimum standards with one bedroom flats averaging 600 sqft and two bedroom flats ranging from 750 sqft up to 1,300 sqft with exquisite ceiling heights of up to 11ft 6in. Located within the picturesque village of Denham, in the Buckinghamshire countryside, The Denham Film Studios is the perfect mix for commuters who want the country lifestyle while being only 20 minutes train journey into London
Marylebone Station. The original listed building was designed by Walter Gropius for the producer and founder, Alexander Korda and comprised of two cinemas used to screen Oscar winning movies to Hollywood Directors such as, Stanley Kubrick, Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and Steven Spielberg. Weston Homes have elegantly restored one of the Art Deco screening rooms into the on-site Cinema, with 32 original sofa-style chairs, while the other screening room has been transformed into a resident’s cocktail bar. Both of these excellent facilities will be for use by Resident’s only allowing them to relive the history of the building. There will also be a communal room in the centre of the development for residents. Movies produced and edited at the studios include Goodbye Mr Chips, In which we serve, Brief Encounter, Treasure Island, The Great Escape, Clash of the Titans, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and Alien. More recently,
Tomorrow Never Dies, ET, Superman 1,2 & 3, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Full Metal Jacket, GoldenEye, War Horse, Eyes Wide Shut, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall were produced at the historic former film studios. The local council has also agreed for the buildings and streets within the development to be named after the movies, film directors and actors who once worked at the studios to continue the history this site holds. These include Korda House, Saltzman House, Stanley Kubrick Road, Greer Garson Road, Albert Broccoli Road, Celia Johnson Close and Noel Coward Avenue. One, two and three bedrooms are currently for sale in the Main Listed Building with prices starting from £350,000 for a 1 bed and £450,000 for a 2 bed. The release of new build apartments and houses will follow later in the year. The first occupancy on this distinctive development will be taking place in the listed building by July 2017.
For more information: 01895 527830
82 2 8 JUNE 2017
EXQUISITE STYLE STUNNING NEW AND CONVERTED HOMES IN AN EXCLUSIVE, BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED SETTING, WITH SPECTACULAR ART DECO CENTREPIECE Average sq.ft of 821, with many 2 bedroom apartments at approx 1000sq.ft
London Marylebone reached in just 25 minutes
Starting prices of just £350,000 for 597sq.ft 1 bedroom apartment
Live in one of Britain’s most iconic and famous film production buildings
View the new marketing suite, restored cinema and stylish show apartments. Open daily, 10am-5pm. The Denham Film Studios, Denham, Buckinghamshire UB9 5HQ 01895 527830 tdfs@weston-homes.com weston-homes.com
LOVE LOC AL
Untold magic AT CLIVEDEN THIS SUMMER Open Air Theatre returns to the National Trust Cliveden’s Water Garden this summer
B
e a part of the fun this summer as outdoor theatre returns to Cliveden. On Thursday 24 August (2.30pm and 6.30pm) Heartbreak Productions brings a hilarious adaption of ‘The Secret Garden’ to life. The performance tells the story of the timeless children’s classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The sour Mary Lennox, orphaned in India and sent to live with her uncle on his estate on the North York Moors, is finding her feet in a new place. Her stubborn curiosity leads her down a garden path to a locked door, overgrown and forgotten. Behind the door the secret garden holds untold magic… Next up, on Friday 25 August and Saturday 26 August (7pm), Illyria sharpen their claws to bring you Jane Austen at her vibrant, pacy, forthright best with their adaption of Pride and Prejudice. In a social whirlwind of balls, dinners and very eligible officers, Lizzie Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy
30 JUNE 2017
stand alone as the only sane people - and they hate each other! Or do they? Can she see beyond his pride, and can he overcome her prejudice? There’s only one way to find out. Tickets cost £16.50 per adult and childrens tickets start from £9.50. This includes admission to the property. Gates open 45 minutes before the play starts. Please arrive early to set up your picnic and fluffy blanket to enjoy before the performance begins. The Doll’s House Café, next to the performance area, will also be open for light refreshments For booking, please call 0344 249 1895. THE DETAILS Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS Cliveden will be open throughout the summer, 10am – 5.30pm. For admission prices and a full list of opening times please see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden or call 01628 605069
LOVE LOC AL
BERKOFEST BerkoFest, the boutique family-friendly music festival in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire returns for a fifth year this September with an impressive line-up
S
et in the natural amphitheatre of the Chilterns, the event has become synonymous with showcasing established and emerging talent across three music stages. Festivalgoers will also be treated to the best of local food and drink, and plenty of entertainment for the kids and those who are young at heart. Broadcaster and streamof-consciousness comedian Robin Ince is back by popular demand as the host of BerkoFest. He is one half of BBC Radio 4 Show ‘The Infinite Monkey Cage’ with Professor Brian Cox and is a regular contributor on Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6Music show. Dan Gillespie Sells is one of Britain’s finest singer-songwriters and will be treating us to a solo acoustic set. Dan came to prominence as the frontman of rock band The Feeling, and will be performing songs from their superb back catalogue. These include the top hits ‘Fill My Little World’, ‘Never Be Lonely’ and ‘Set My
World On Fire’. London based Alabama 3, who achieved international fame by penning the theme tune to the hit TV show The Sopranos and who were deemed “the best live band in the UK” by The Guardian, are geared up to perform an unforgettable acoustic set. Having first made his mark on the UK Britpop scene with renowned quartet The La’s, talented singer John Power left the group to form Cast, a band whose live show was described by Noel Gallagher as a “religious experience”. John will be performing acoustic tracks from Cast’s iconic back catalogue. Other treats in store include Grace Petrie, a folk singer-songwriter and guitarist who has been hailed as “a powerful new songwriting voice” by The Guardian. BerkoFest’s favourite singer-songwriter Shane Lamont is also here to entertain, along with exciting emerging talent performing in The Swan Youth Centre, Vee Music stage and Bullens Music stage. Throughout the day there will be a range of tomfoolery for all the family to enjoy including Hartbeeps. Local craft beer will be on tap, and for foodies, exotic and delicious cuisine is available in abundance from well-known local eateries including Mario’s ice cream and Porters restaurant. “BerkoFest is known for its quality and eclectic mix of main stage performers and I believe this year’s line-up verifies that. It is an amazing blend of musical genres and hit laden acts,” explains festival founder Charlie Hussey. “And equally importantly there are a number of music stages where young and upcoming local acts can perform. A must see!” THE DETAILS Tickets available here from berkofest.com/buy-tickets and from various Berkhamsted High Street outlets. Adults: Limited early bird £14 - £18 in advance - £22 on the door U18: - U15s: £5 U14s: £2.50 U5s: Free [ticket required] Concessions/Students: £10
WIN A FAMILY DAY OUT Win one of four sets of family tickets to this years BerkoFest!
For your chance to win one of four family tickets to BerkoFest 2017 simply send an email with ‘BERKOFEST Competition’ in the subject line, and your name and address in the content of the email to abi@fishmediagroup.co.uk by of 5pm on 10th June 2017 . Four winners will be randomly selected after the closing date and will be contacted by 15th June 2017. Terms and conditions apply. 32 JUNE 2017
Packed with your
favourite brands
We’ve hundreds of stores and thousands of top names. Window Shoppers will be flocking our way. Search intu Watford
Š 2017 intu properties plc
LOVE LOC AL
A Midsummer Night’s Dream As the changing season ushers in the warmth of summer, The Garden Players are well into rehearsals on another Shakespeare play for our many friends and the loyal supporters of our charities
T
his year’s exciting new production will be Shakespeare’s masterpiece, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and we are supporting Child Bereavement UK, a national charity based near High Wycombe which supports parents and children when there is a bereavement in their family. We are delighted and excited to be back at Stubbings where, by kind permission of the current owner Dudley Good, the superb gardens and lawns of Stubbings House, Maidenhead, a truly stunning venue, will be our outdoor theatre during midsummer week from June 20th to 24th for our performances. The lawns will be open for picnics from 5.30pm prior to each performance. While the performances will be open air, our audiences will once again be in the covered stand with raised seating which was so successful in improving comfort and visibility for Henry IV Part 1 in 2015. If you go down to the woods tonight, what big surprises will await you? Mischievous fairies and star-crossed lovers, comic labourers, an ass-headed monster and a hungry lion all play their part in ensuring that the course of true love never does run smooth. This magical tale of enchantment ranks amongst Shakespeare’s finest. “Shakespeare’s greatest comedy and greatest play, full of superb characters!”
34 JUNE 2017
This year’s production will be produced by John Timewell who will be directing his fourth new production for the company. John has gathered around him a particularly strong cast of well-known local actors from all around the Thames Valley, many of whom are stalwarts of The Garden Players, as well as some exciting newcomers. Since the inaugural 2009 production of Much Ado About Nothing, The Garden Players have raised in excess of £78,000 for various charities. Our aims are to stage high quality productions while maximising charitable donations and raising public awareness of the charities being supported. We are fortunate to be supported once again, by Deloitte and Stuart & Trish Fletcher as the main sponsors, and our thanks go to them for their continued and invaluable contributions. THE DETAILS For further information visit the website: www.stubbingsestate.com Please call our box office on 01628 522854 or alternatively book online at www.stubbingsestate.com
OFF-PLAN LAUNCH EARLY PURCHASE OPPORTUNITY Reserve and exchange on the day with just £1000 deposit 3PM FRIDAY 30TH JUNE / 10AM SATURDAY 1ST JULY CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, GERRARDS CROSS HP9 2XE
Outstanding High Wycombe town centre investor / homebuyer opportunity from Inland Homes Dramatic new landmark destination for contemporary living Unprecedented in scale in the heart of High Wycombe Retail, restaurants and leisure amenities on the doorstep Outstanding rental potential - Bucks New University/Wycombe Hospital Just 26 minutes* to London Marylebone Reserve and exchange on the day with just £1000 deposit
FIRST RELEASE - AVAILABLE AT OFF-PLAN LAUNCH - PRICES FROM £169,995 G Q 18 N 20 TIO E PL
M
3
TI L TA EN PI OT CA P TH W
CO
RO
S
A L
THE ROTUNDA APARTMENTS
CASTLE HOUSE
A landmark collection of new build 1 & 2 bedroom apartments with private parking - completing Q2 2019.
Conversion of existing building to studios and 1 bedroom apartments with private parking ready for occupation Q3 2018.
www.centresquare-hw.com centresquare@cameron-group.co.uk 01494 771177 *Minimum journey time from High Wycombe Station. Computer generated illustrations are indicative only
www.inlandhomes.co.uk
LOVE LOC AL
OPEN GARDENS IN BEACONSFIELD
raising much needed money for research You may recognise it from the many productions both house and gardens have been featured in; Back to the Secret Garden’, Inspector Linley, Downton Abbey and most recently Taboo.
T
he house is owned by Dr Hall, a consultant oncologist at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood. She is raising money for the charity at the centre to support research. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the private gardens at Hall Place. Set in the centre of the town, opposite the Crazy Bear Hotel, once you step into the back you would think you were in the middle of the countryside. Enjoy the Jazz music provided by the fantastic BSV Jazz Band and partake in the cream teas and Pimms on offer. There is also an opportunity to buy plants donated by Smiths of Uxbridge. This should be a fantastic afternoon. Hall Place is an early Georgian town house built in 1736. The house was extended in 1818 when it became a school for ‘Sons of Noblemen and Gentlemen’. The church acquired it in 1867 as the new rectory at which time it underwent
36 JUNE 2017
major renovations including a ‘Queen Anne Style’ roof. The gardens are to the south side of the house and originally extended down to a ha-ha from where one can look down onto the Hall Barn Estate. The main elements of the garden have been preserved/restored and consist of a parterre, a long walk followed by a perambulation to the orchard and kitchen garden. The present owners have also added a natural swimming pond which relates to the orangery built in 2007. Hall Place Gardens are listed on the county register of gardens of particular historical interest.
Sunday 11th June from 2pm to 5pm. Tickets are £5 in advance and £7 on the day. Please give Liz Hizli, fundraiser at the centre, a call on 020 3826 2517
THE DETAILS Hall Place Wycombe End, Beaconsfield HP9 1NB
LOVE LOC AL
Happy Anniversary Beaconsfield High School has welcomed back Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent to officially open its advanced Science laboratories and architecturally inspired Reception.
T
he Duchess of Kent visited for the second time on 3rd May 2017, having officially opened the school 50 years previously in October 1967. Guests included the Chairman of South Bucks District Council, Cllr Duncan Smith, and the Mayor of Beaconsfield, Cllr Patrick Hogan, as well as notable contributors to the world of Science, businesses, parents, alumnae, students and staff. The Duchess was invited to cut the ribbon on the Science labs, which have been designed to mimic university spaces that facilitate better learning and development. The three labs each offer the latest equipment for the study of biology, physics and chemistry, with a dedicated A-Level lab sponsored by global healthcare communications agency Emotive. The Headteacher and Science team designed the largest lab with curved stations facing in to a central teaching area, to allow for contemporary, interactive learning, as well as glass boards and breakout areas for focused student forums. Music performances by the three Senior School choirs, along with a solo cello performance by the school’s music competition winner Elizabeth Corbett and a finale from the Senior Strings ensured a celebratory mood for The Duchess and guests, before the curtains were pulled on the new Reception plaque. Rachel Smith, Headteacher, comments: “We are so thrilled to have welcomed The Duchess of Kent back to Beaconsfield High School. It is a real honour to have her join us at a time of real evolution and development for the school. This celebration is our way of giving back to all the parents, staff, students, alumnae and the local community who have and continue to support the school in constantly improving its happy, high achieving learning environment.” The Royal celebrations are one of the final events organised to celebrate the school’s 50th year. The crescendo will be a spectacular Golden
38 JUNE 2017
Anniversary Ball on 24th June. The school’s Signature Campaign for 2017-18 is the desperately needed upgrade to the school’s astro pitch, used by students and local sports clubs. The school is inviting donation and participation support from the local community, and looks forward to offering a refurbished pitch to new hirers in the next year.
THE DETAILS www.beaconsfieldhigh.bucks.sch.uk
LOVE LOC AL
Women in Whites
The ball skids across the Beaconsfield CC pitch and hops over the boundary rope to the sound of cheers from the surrounding spectators. The batters bump fists and return to their positions ready for the next ball. It’s a scene being replicated on sunny afternoons all across Bucks, but there is a difference between this and most, writes Michelle Benato
W
omen’s cricket is on the rise and Beaconsfield is one of many local clubs to have introduced a team, inviting local women to try their hand at a sport most had only ever watched from the sidelines. The brainchild of Jenny Rodgers, a volunteer at the club for many years, the response was overwhelming, with 30 members joining at launch in 2016. Coached by Future Legends, the squad meets for training on Tuesday evenings, often followed by a restorative glass of wine in the clubhouse, of course. Says Jenny, ‘It’s a wonderfully social group spanning 25 years in age, bringing together people who might not otherwise have met. I’m not saying we don’t take the game seriously, but there is an awful lot of laughter along the way.’ The squad bonded so quickly that, within six months, 15 of its members were booked to take part in an international soft ball cricket tournament taking place in La Manga, Spain, a trip that took place last month. ‘There was a great deal of fun, both on and off the field, and we made a lot of friends from other clubs who were really friendly and encouraging’ says Jenny. ‘It’s an annual fixture and I’m pretty sure it will become a regular feature in the BCC Women’s calendar’. With teams popping up all across the country, Beaconsfield have decided to host 40 JUNE 2017
a six a side tournament in July, a week before the International women’s World Cup final. With backing from the England Cricket Board, Bucks Cricket, Flicx pitches and England women’s sponsor, Kia Motors, the event has grown into a whole family fun day with cricket at its centre. There’ll be cricketing challenges and activities for kids, dads and, of course, any women who’d like to pick up a bat and have a go.
THE DETAILS If you already play for a local team, you can register for the tournament by emailing the organisers at nigel@futurelegends.cricket. If you’re not already with a team, but would like to have a go, why not ask at your local club?
S OS CR N DS PE AR O RR OW GE N
LET’S START TO REDEFINE HOW WORK IS DONE.
Offices, Co-working, Meeting Rooms.
spacesworks.com/gerrards-cross 0800 260 5600
LOVE LOCAL
Chef Laurie Gear June Recipe & Kitchen News
E
nd of May and the beginning of June sees the first of the Golden Mop head elderflowers adorning our hedgerows and fields. The elderflower is a very versatile plant for the home cook and professional alike. The flowers make an excellent flavoured cordial for this recipe and later on the unpicked berries turn a deep dark purple and are a popular favourite for home wine enthusiasts. Avoid picking the flowers from the roadside and are best picked on a hot sunny day when their heady perfume is at its maximum. Once made the cordial can be stored in sterilized bottles and used to make many a refreshing drink and a perfect aperitif for balmy summer days mixed with prosecco and fresh mint. In the kitchen the cordial makes a delicious flavour enhancement when whipped into double cream to make a syllabub to accompany the first of the plump sweet gooseberries.
Summer Lunch Tasting Offer To celebrate the arrival of Summer we invite Life Magazine readers to join us for a complimentary glass of sparkling Elderflower Fizz with Fresh Mint upon arrival, to accompany our Lunch Tasting Menu. Experience the culinary theatre of our open kitchen and view Laurie and his team in action at the Pass, with our five and six course tasting option, which showcases the best ingredients of the Season. Offer available from Tuesday to Friday lunchtime until the end of June 2017 for just £38.00 per person - optional wine flight £18.00
Homemade Elderflower Cordial Ingredients 30 elderflower heads 1.7litres/3 pints boiling water 900g/2lb caster sugar 50g/2oz citric acid (available from chemists) 2 unwaxed oranges sliced 3 unwaxed lemons, sliced 1. Place the sugar and 1.5 litres/2¾ pints water into the largest saucepan you have. Gently heat, without boiling, until the sugar has dissolved. Give it a stir every now and again. Pare the zest from the lemons using a potato peeler, then slice the lemons into rounds. 2. Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the pan of syrup to the boil, then turn off the heat. Fill a washing up bowl with cold water. Give the flowers a gentle swish around to loosen any dirt or bugs. Lift flowers out, gently shake and transfer to the syrup along with the lemons, zest and citric acid, then stir well. Cover the 42 JUNE 2017
(Maximum of 6 guests per reservation - please, mention the ‘offer’, when making your reservation)
pan and leave to infuse for 24 hrs. 3. Line a colander with a clean tea towel, then sit it over a large bowl or pan. Ladle in the syrup – let it drip slowly through. Discard the bits left in the towel. Use a funnel and a ladle to fill sterilised bottles (run glass bottles through the dishwasher, or wash well with soapy water. Rinse, then leave to dry in a low oven). The cordial is ready to drink straight away and will keep in the fridge for up to 6 weeks or you can freeze it in ice cube trays and defrost as needed.
THE DETAILS The Artichoke Restaurant 9 Market Square, Old Amersham Buckinghamshire HP7 0DF Tel: 01494 726611 www.artichokerestaurant.co.uk
LOVE LOC AL
A tiring night
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Staff at Abbey Fine Jewellers and Stringer Mann, both in Berkhamsted High Street decided they wanted to recognise and support local charity Hectors House
T
he charity is a suicide prevention charity, run by Robert Stringer and his family in honour of Roberts’s son Hector who took his own life in April 2011. Hectors family and friends would do anything to have him back and would have done anything to keep him with them – if only they had seen the signs. Hectors House provides signposting to resources for people in crisis. Moreover, to prevent suicide, they endeavour to help people before they reach the crisis point by; • Making it easier to recognise the symptoms and improve acceptance of mental illness • Increase available help • Education #HECtalks Says Hectors House “Sometimes when people are in crisis they feel that others would be better off without them – we can tell you this is not true – nothing is so bad that it can’t be sorted”. Hectors House do not offer advice, but will help anyone in need find the help and advice required. “So many people for many and varied reasons find themselves homeless, suffer from depression and mental ill health. This may be the cause of their homelessness or be caused by being homeless. We were delighted with Abbey Jewellery’s idea of a sleep out” #HECconnect The staff of the two businesses got together and decided to do something proactive to raise awareness of this incredible charity. Their plan was to sleep
44 JUNE 2017
‘rough’ on the streets of Berkhamsted on Saturday 3rd June. With a just giving page, collection pots and donations on the night they have raised well in excess of £1,100 so far. Everyone involved would like to say a huge thankyou not only to everyone who has donated, but to Papa Johns Pizza in Berkhamsted for the pizza they provided, and to Paul from The Berkeley for donating a bottle of wine and some homemade soup. A tiring night, all for a good cause. THE DETAILS www.hectorshouse.org.uk www.facebook.com/hectorshouse.org.uk www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hectorshousebigsleepout
ART
SUMMER
Workshops SPECIAL OF contact ar tsm
Travelling Sketch Book
FERS
ar t for details
31 July - 4 August
An exciting week around Beaconsfield visiting different locations each day from Bekonscot Model Village to Hambledon Lock. Tutored by Barry Herniman £420 includes lunches, travel and a hardbound sketchbook
Waterperry Gardens
31 July - 2 August
Be inspired by the lovely vistas, interesting forms in the garden and the River Thames winding lazily through. Develop ideas through to finished piece on days 2 & 3 at Thame studio. Tutored by Jeffery Courtney £225 includes lunches “
en plein air” at Hughenden Manor
16 - 18 August
Soak up the beautiful environment and spend a day filling a sketchbook with ideas. Learn how to transform your sketches into finished paintings on days 2 & 3 at Beaconsfield studio. Tutored by Varvara Neiman £225 includes lunches
Life Drawing
21 - 23 August
Combining short & long poses focusing on movement, dynamic life sketching and anatomical studies. Tutored by Varvara Neiman at Beaconsfield Studio. £225 includes lunches & models
Mixed Media Extravaganza
29 - 31 August
Explore and experiment with a host of different techniques and materials. Use them freely and expressively to create bold exciting paintings. Tutored by Diana Noel at Thame studio. £225 includes lunches
for more information on these and our other courses visit
BOOK
NOW
artsmartuk.com or call
01494 670372
School of Art
LOVE LOC AL
ART, NATURE & CAKE! College Lake Artists, an exciting, disparate group of Artists and Makers, are delighted to be exhibiting again at College Lake Nature Reserve near Tring, during Bucks Open Studios from 10-25 June.
T
his year College Lake Artists have even more wonderful artists and makers, who are some of the area’s leading specialists in their fields. Niki Bell’s painting and print making is of British wildlife and farm animals, which are strong and have an element of wildness about them. Kerry Newth is an awardwinning Contemporary Jeweller whose work is influenced by the natural world, growth patterns, seed formations but especially the sea. Linda Cavill’s paintings and ceramics are inspired by her native Scotland and her travels further afield. Nigel Thompson’s beautiful stoneware tableware has great depth of colour in blues and bronzes, and Shirley Jones is mad about textiles, working with fine fabrics such as silk and lace, including lots of embellishment with embroidery or beading by hand. Louisa Stobbs’s passion for outdoor photography is in the art she sees all around, her year-round love for colour, light and texture show in every picture. Hazel Godfrey is a contemporary willow weaver, inspired by the beauty and versatility of natural materials. Jenny Hoole makes beautiful individual fused glass dishes, jewellery, coasters, studio glass and wall art, her inspiration coming from her fashion industry background. Paul Elliott’s sculpture uses traditional skills to hand forge hot metal to produce pieces with powerful structure, perspective, richness of character and surface texture. Amy
48 JUNE 2017
Saunders is our first student and is studying Fine Art. She takes inspiration from books, films, music and places. Lauren Walter loves creating stitched pictures with her sewing machine, which combines her love of drawing with sewing. College Lake Artists are also delighted to include another outdoor installation from the pupils of Brookmead School. Bucks Open Studios is the largest visual arts event in the country; over 500 artists and makers open their studios and run free exhibitions and events for the public to visit, in over 200 different venues across Buckinghamshire. BOS are offering the opportunity for one visitor to win a £100 prize to spend at a venue of their choice. College Lake Artists are open throughout Bucks Open Studios from Saturday 10 to Sunday 25 June, 10am to 4pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit College Lake, soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the nature reserve, enjoy first class artists and makers, and round off your visit with some delicious home made cake at the excellent Badger Cafe! THE DETAILS For more information see www.collegelakeartists.weebly.com www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk or contact Louisa at collegelakeartists@gmail.com
WE DON’T SELL HOLIDAYS. WE CREATE MEMORIES. LUXURY - EXCLUSIVE - INDIVIDUAL
PRIVATE JET AND YACHT CHARTER
CORPORATE AND INCENTIVE
TA I LO R M A D E H O L I DAYS GROUP BOOKINGS TRAVEL C R U I S E S
V I L L A
R E N TA L S
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
WEBSITE:
FLIGHTS
www.zzotravel.com
PHONE:
+44 (0) 203 488 0655
EMAIL:
info@zzotravel.com
RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLE OF DOM PERIGNON CHAMPAGNE WITH EVERY HOLIDAY BOOKING*
*minimum 3 night stay
LOVE LOC AL
HENLEY FESTIVAL PRESENTS
VISUAL ARTS FOR 2017 Works by Paul Day, Simon Gudgeon and Stephen Newby will be among this year’s packed visual arts programme at Henley Festival 2017
A
gainst the unique backdrop of Henley Festival’s stunning riverside setting, works by some of the UKs most exciting contemporary artists will include large-scale sculptures, immersive outdoor light installations and a string of pop-up galleries. The festival’s sculpture garden will include pieces by renowned British sculptor Paul Day, who created the official Iraq and Afghanistan memorial unveiled by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in March this year. Known for his high relief works and widely recognised as a leader in his field, Day’s best known works include the Battle of Britain London Monument on the Victoria Embankment, and the Meeting Place in St Pancras International Station. The lawns of the festival site will showcase a series of installations, sculptures and interactive artworks from leading artists including Ivan Black, who’ll be showcasing his stunning kinetic work alongside Richard Jackson and Sally Fawkes’ expressive glass sculptures, as well as Simon Gudgeon’s minimalist, semiabstract forms in his signature smooth style, and Dawn Conn’s whimsical sculptures inspired by fairy tales, romance and simple pleasures. Stephen Newby’s Beating Heart will dominate the festival’s Riverside Lawn, a beautiful installation that demonstrates the artist’s mission to challenge preconceived notions about the nature of materials and their possible forms. As the Festival moves from day to night, David Ogle’s illuminated forest of light, with its canopy of interlocking, glowing branches, will bathe the lawns in pools of neon light, while Jig Cochrane’s Jigantic epic light garden will bloom with magical giant illuminated glowers. Festival-goers can also create 50 JUNE 2017
their own multi-coloured light show simply by talking to trees, as part of Ithaca’s interactive installation, Whispering Trees. Contemporary art mogul Eddie Lock has teamed up with regular collaborator Liam West of urban art gallery Beautiful Crime to once again showcase an array of striking urban photography, painting and mixed media artworks that will adorn the walls of the Art Bar. Newcomers to the Eddie Lock & Beautiful Crime Galleries this year include New York make-up artist Sonja Yaso, and Dutch artist Hayo Sol, whose fans range from actress Denise Richards to Prince Albert of Monaco, alongside works by Fin-Dac, Goldie, Pam Glew, Dan Balwin, Illuminati, K-Guy, Russell Marshall and many others who are turning heads in today’s art world. Elsewhere in the festival grounds, quirky work from The Connor Brothers will be on display in the new Jazz Garden Gallery, whilst visitors will be invited to sit for their very own stitched portrait by Harriet Riddell. Riddell has travelled the world with her sewing machine, stitching deeply personal portraits and landscapes including in the slums of Nairobi and the tea fields of the Himalayas. Henley Festival’s spectacular Visual Arts programme sets it apart from other festivals, with organisers working with top galleries worldwide and presenting the perfect opportunity for festival goers seeking to invest in great art. THE DETAILS Tickets start from £45 www.henley-festival.co.uk For the latest Henley news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
Burnham Beeches Golf Club 125 YEARS OF QUALITY AND TRADITION
Selected membership opportunities available for Ladies, Gents and Juniors P A welcoming Members’ Club – owned and run by its Members. P Easy course access – no tee booking system, Members can just turn up and play. P Full calendar of competitions, Ladies, Gents, Mixed, Club and Junior matches. P Large active Ladies’ section welcoming new joiners of all abilities. P Dedicated practice areas and driving range with PGA coaching staff. P You do not need to know any current Members to apply.
Please call or email Clive Bailey, General Manager, to arrange to visit the Club or to organise a game – you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Burnham Beeches Golf Club, Green Lane, Burnham, Bucks. SL1 8EG www.bbgc.co.uk • email: clivebailey@bbgc.co.uk • Tel: 01628 661 448
FEATURE
Be summer fit
AT STOKE PARK
Feast, a spectacular festival of food and performing arts, returns Stoke Park prides itself on their Gym Membership being much, to Waddesdon Manor over the weekend of 17 & 18 June. much more than just seeing their members grudgingly hauling themselves to the gym three times a week. It’s a lifestyle choice
A
place where you can relax, re-energise, meet friends and family in a 5 AA Red Star friendly environment, but also where you can enjoy some of very best leisure facilities that this country has
to offer. Gym Members not only take advantage of their recently refurbished 4,000 sq ft gym with state-of-the-art Star Trac equipment and fantastic team of personal trainers, but also have unlimited access to their luxury indoor heated swimming pool and over 50 studio classes each week including Hot Yoga. If this wasn’t enough, members can also enjoy the benefits of their extensive spa facilities which include Steam Rooms, Outdoor Sauna and the recently opened 16-person Hot Tub. Being a member at Stoke Park also gives you the opportunity to attend a variety of wonderful social events throughout the year as well – including The Boodles Tennis (www.theboodles.com), their quintessential British Summer Garden party that features several of the Top 20 Male Tennis players in the world. You can also entertain family, friends or top clients in one of their three excellent restaurants - San Marco’s, The Orangery and Humphry’s – the multi award winning 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant under the guidance of their celebrated Executive Chef, Chris Wheeler. If it’s being a member of a club rich in heritage and 52 JUNE 2017
history that excites you most, then Stoke Park will tick all of the right boxes for you. Founded in 1908, Stoke Park is the UK’s very first Country Club and encircling the club’s beautiful 300 acre Buckinghamshire estate is the famous recently refurbished 27 Hole Championship golf course, undisputedly one of the finest parkland courses in the country. And, as a 5 AA Red Star Hotel, they are always investing in their facilities to make sure that they stay ahead of their competitors in what they offer both their members and residents alike. For further information about memberships at Stoke Park, please contact our membership team on 01753 717179 or email membership@stokepark.com. www.stokepark.com THE DETAILS Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. SL2 4PG
Visit our Chesham showroom
New doors on display
Open Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday mornings by appointment 01494 778787
FEATURE
A court for all
SEASONS
Recently named as one of the Top Tennis Hotels in the World by Conde Nast Traveller, Stoke Park prides itself on its incredible tennis facilities.
W
hatever the weather or time of year, you are able to enjoy tennis all year round! Stoke Park have six Wimbledon Specification Grass Courts, three newly refurbished Indoor Courts and four floodlit Artificial Clay Courts. Their Grass Courts which hold the Wimbledon specification as they are prepared in the same way as the Wimbledon courts and are of the same standard, were named by the Daily Telegraph as being ‘one of the most beautiful Tennis Courts in the World’, and Business Insider said they were one of the ‘20 tennis courts around the world you must play in your Lifetime’. Their grass courts, like Wimbledon, are Fraise mowed each year, and also play host to the World’s Top tennis stars, including World no.1 Novak Djokovic, during The Boodles, their annual tennis event. ( www.theboodles.com ) Their Artificial Clay courts can be played all year round, 54 JUNE 2017
and are now floodlit, which means you can play late into the evening. They have an Advantage Red Court surface, which feels just like clay, but doesn’t stain your tennis shoes like clay courts can! Stoke Park have recently re-furbished their Indoor Tennis Courts. They are also delighted that they can offer PlaySight (think Hawkeye at Wimbledon) on their Indoor Courts. Smart Court System by PlaySight is the latest technology for tennis, based on 3D visualisation technology and the concepts used to train fighter pilots in the Air Force. PlaySight’s aim is to globally revolutionize tennis by enhancing the game experience – making it more fun and challenging. The Smart Court System features the most advanced line calling, training analysis and debriefing capabilities in the world; it is so state of the art that only one other tennis club in Europe has the system fitted! Stoke Park has a fabulous team of LTA coaches, and their Tennis Membership is thriving, with fantastic results in all the leagues, regular roll ups as well as a wonderful social scene. For further information about Tennis and Health memberships at Stoke Park, please contact our membership team on 01753 717179 or email membership@stokepark.com THE DETAILS Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. SL2 4PG
Our Services include :: :: :: :: :: ::
Divorce and Finances Deeds of Separation Cohabitation Agreements Cohabitation Disputes Prenuptial Agreements Postnuptial Agreements
:: :: :: :: :: ::
Children Domestic Violence Grandparents' Rights Family Mediation Change of Name Deeds
Wills and Trusts :: Probate :: Lasting Powers of Attorney :: Settlement Agreements
Specialists in family law Why not contact us for a free 45 min consultation?
Email us at: info@kjsmith.co.uk or call us on: 01256 584000 (Basingstoke) 01494 629000 (Beaconsfield) 01483 370100 (Guildford) 01491 630000 (Henley-on-Thames) 020 7070 0330 (London) 01184 181000 (Reading) 01753 325000 (Windsor) or visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk to ďŹ nd out how we can help you
Landrover & Jaguar Specialist Accredited Service Centre
Kings Road Garage Service Centre, Riverside Industrial Estate,Billet Lane Berkhamsted HP4 3BD
FEATUR E
IMG have announced that former British No.1 Greg Rusedski, two-time Grand Slam finalist Mark Philippoussis, former Swedish No.1 Thomas Enqvist, 1986 French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors and the ever-popular Mansour Bahrami are confirmed to participate at this year’s Aspall Tennis Classic at the prestigious Hurlingham Club.They are joined by rising stars and top 20 ATP players Jack Sock and Lucas Pouille with more players still to be announced, as part of the ultimate warm up event to Wimbledon.
K
icking off the British summer tennis season, Aspall Tennis Classic at Hurlingham is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy watching some of the sport’s legends compete in entertaining singles and doubles matches. The tennis legends are joined by current ATP top 20 players Jack Sock and Lucas Pouille, who will make their final preparations for Wimbledon at this year’s Aspall Tennis Classic at Hurlingham. Jack Sock, the current American No.1, is having a career year, winning two ATP titles and reaching the semifinals at Indian Wells. His current ranking of World No.17 is his career best. Sock is the only tennis player to earn multiple medals at the Rio Olympics winning gold in mixed doubles and bronze in men’s doubles. Lucas Pouille ended 2016 on a career high ranking World No.15, and received the ATP Most Improved Player of the Year Award. He claimed his first ATP title last year at Metz. World No.11 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is also added to the line-up, he is the first, and only one of three players, to have Grand Slam wins against each of the Big Four – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray over his 13-year career.
Owned and managed by IMG, the Aspall Tennis Classic is set in the tranquil 42-acre grounds of The Hurlingham Club, it has become one of the most intimate tennis events in the social calendar, showcasing some of the current stars of today, playing in a series of singles exhibition matches as they finalise their preparations ahead of Wimbledon, as well as a number of tennis legends.
Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th June 2017
Exclusive Tennis & Tea Hospitality New for this year, Tennis & Tea provides a unique opportunity to enjoy an afternoon watching world-class tennis accompanied with the most quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea. Set against the backdrop of the Club’s pristine emerald grounds, guests can relax, dine in the lavish surroundings, and create memories with friends, family and business clients alike. Tennis & Tea includes: Access into The Hurlingham Club from 1:30pm Glass of Champagne on arrival 3 matches on Centre Court (singles and doubles) Premium reserved grandstand seating Afternoon tea in the Terrace Room A dedicated host to help guide you through your day Price: £165 inc. VAT per person Tennis & Tea on Thursday 29th June at the Aspall Tennis Classic 2017 has limited availability, with guests able to purchase a maximum of 4 bookings per person. Register at www.aspalltennisclassic.com for news and player announcements
THE DETAILS The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London, SW6 3PR For booking Information and to purchase tickets call 0208 233 5838 or email george.carroll@img.com For hospitality tickets visit www.aspalltennisclassic.com/packages @Tennis_Classic @AspallTennisClassic #AspallTennisClassic #TennisinStyle
58 JUNE 2017
HAVE YOU BEEN CHARGED OR SUMMONSED WITH A DRIVING OFFENCE OR SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS?
At risk of losing your driving licence? * livelihood? * reputation? * freedom?
Motoring and criminal law legislation can be very complex We can advise you, prepare your case and represent you at the Police Station or in Court
LET US HELP!
Specialist knowledge Expert advice Beaconsfield: 01494 683610 Gerrards Cross: 01753 907999 Henley: 01491 411884 24 Hour Emergency No: 07770 800552
MOZART’S PUCCINI’S
Friday
21st July
Saturday
22nd July
Enjoy a summer picnic within the stunning private grounds of Stubbings Estate, followed by a performance of a popular opera by acclaimed touring company, Opera Brava. A perfect July summer’s evening for opera newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Tickets: Early Booking (before June 1st 2017) Adults £45.00, Children (aged 5-16) £20.00 After June 1st: Adults £50.00, Children £25.00
Box Office: 01628
820140 or buy online at
Gates open for picnics at 5.30pm Performances commence at 7.30pm. Hampers and Corporate Hospitality available - please see online for details.
www.stubbingsopera.co.uk
Stubbings Estate l Henley Road Maidenhead l SL6 6QL
FEATURE
“I’m really looking forward to playing Newbury Racecourse, it’ll be one of the first chances I’ll get to play tracks from 24 HRS in the sunshine so will be a special show to share with my fans.
Party IN THE PADDOCK
Newbury Racecourse has a reputation for their amazing Party In The Paddock events that see world-class artists perform after a day of exciting racing
A
nd 2017 is no exception with Jess Glynne playing after the Weatherbys Super Sprint day on Saturday, 22nd July, while Olly Murs will round off Betfred Ladies Day on Saturday, 19th August. Between them both artists have sold millions of records and concert tickets with Jess Glynne one of only two British female solo artists to have five consecutive UK number one singles. And Olly Murs is the most successful solo artist ever to come from X Factor. Weatherbys Super Sprint Day will feature seven thrilling Flat races including the £250,000 Weatherbys Super Sprint, won in 2016 by the locally trained Mrs Danvers. The highlight of Betfred Ladies Day is the £150,000 Group 2 Betfred Hungerford Stakes, won this year by Richard Pankhurst. The day will also feature six other exciting races and the ever popular ‘Most Stylish Racegoer’ competition. Jess Glynne said: “It’s going to be great fun playing Newbury Racecourse on July 22 after the races. I love 60 JUNE 2017
outdoor shows and can’t wait to share some summer evenings with my fans!” Olly Murs commented: “I’m really looking forward to playing Newbury Racecourse, it’ll be one of the first chances I’ll get to play tracks from 24 HRS in the sunshine so will be a special show to share with my fans. I love a day out at the races too so can’t wait to get in the crowd during the day to place a cheeky bet.” Julian Thick, Newbury’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to announce that Jess Glynne and Olly Murs will be coming to Newbury next year. As two of Britain’s favourite performers with a host of big hits to their names we’re expecting Weatherbys Super Sprint Day and Betfred Ladies Day to make the summer of 2017 at Newbury one to remember. THE DETAILS Tickets for both dates are onsale now and available at www.newburyracecourse.co.uk Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire is easily accessible from Junctions 12 and 13 of the M4, from the M3 and A34. The Racecourse has its own railway station with full details available on the website. For Sat Navs enter the postcode RG14 7PN for the easiest access route on race days.
£1,625
£1,400
£1,030
£720
FEATURE LOVE LOC AL
Silent Pool Gin – Intricately Realised Inside and Out
F
ounded in the Spring of 2014, Silent Pool Distillers was set up with the vision of creating hand-crafted, premium spirits. Their multi-award winning Silent Pool Gin is produced in small batches using a custom made still which is heated by steam from a reclaimed English boiler that’s fired on local hardwood. Even the bottling is done on site. It is all very labour intensive, but well worth the effort to create a delicate, complex and internationally acclaimed gin that is rolling out across the UK, Europe, USA and soon Japan.
“Silent Pool Distillers coined the phrase ‘intricately realised ‘to embody their core values – to be an artisan producer of high quality spirits”. Silent Pool Distillers coined the phrase ‘intricately realised ‘to embody their core values – to be an artisan producer of high quality spirits. This philosophy is evident from the beautiful teal and copper filigree bottle design to the refreshingly individual gin inside and it’s the thread that runs through the crafting not only of Silent Pool Gin, but all their products. It is exciting times for the company that has been bowled over by the meteoric rise in orders for its products, both domestically (Silent Pool Gin is now available in Waitrose, Majestic, M&S, Wine Rack 2 JU 36 0 UN N EE 22001177
and other fine retailers nationwide) and abroad. In order to meet rapidly growing demand, Silent Pool Distillers are expanding their current distillery, converting two adjacent barns into a home for their new 1,800 litre bespoke copper still. Nestled on the banks of the spring-fed Silent Pool, in the beautiful Surrey Hills, the distillery is open to visitors 7 days a week, Monday-Saturday 9:30-17:00, Sundays & Bank holidays 10:00 – 15:00. You can even immerse yourself into the world of Silent Pool Gin with a 90 minute deep dive distillery tour, covering all aspects of production including product sampling. Admission is £15pp including a £5 voucher and pre-booking is essential. On Saturday 10th of June, the Silent Pool team are having a party at the distillery to celebrate World Gin Day and they welcome members of the public to join them. Meet the distillers, learn how they make their craft spirits, and taste some amazing cocktails including the Cherry Spritz cocktail created in support of Cherry Trees, a local charity which provides respite care for children and young adults with various disabilities. The distillery, located just outside Guildford, is open between 10:00 and 17:00, where free 20-minute distillery tours will be available on a first come, first serve basis. The first tour starts at 11.30am and the last tour starts at 4.30pm. Fine food and sophisticated beverages will be available throughout the day including soft drinks for drivers and children. Free admission. Please see their website for more details. www.silentpooldistillers.com
AWARD WINNING GIN FROM THE SILENT POOL IN SURREY Now available at Majestic and Waitrose stores nationwide. www.silentpooldistillers.com
FASHION
ROYAL ASCOT:
Decoding THE DRESS CODE
W
ith Summer just around the corner your thoughts may be turning to any events or special occasions you have planned. The epitome of the British Summer calendar is, quite possibly Royal Ascot taking place at the end of June in Berkshire. With well over a quarter of a million typically in attendance over the course of the five-day Royal Meeting it is often the racegoers outfits that draw more attention that the horseracing itself. Dress code is all-important for this event, here’s what you need to know to be appropriately dressed for raceday. As the Ascot enclosures have recently been renamed, you may need to double-check the gentlemen’s dress code requirements for yours. Should you have a place in the Royal Enclosure only a morning suit in black or grey is acceptable. This ensemble must include a waistcoat 64 JUNE 2017
and tie, a black or grey top hat and plain black shoes – no exceptions. You can include colour and detail in your shirting and tie – statement or understated, dependent on your own preferred style. In the Queen Anne & Village Enclosures a suit with shirt and tie is the only specification. Here you can be more adventurous with colour and fabric (should you wish) or, if business is on the agenda keep it more formal for the day. For the Windsor Enclosure racegoers are very much encouraged to wear smart clothes however no formal dress code applies. But why not make the most of a special occasion by getting suited and booted? With corporate entertaining it is essential to get the dress code right, to avoid embarrassment. If you have a last-minute invitation don’t panic or go for your usual work suit. Make sure your attire reflects your business and makes the right impression for you, your role and the company. If you need a bit of a wardrobe overhaul to cover the needs for your invitation it can be difficult to get the look right without a bit of help to guide you through the options whilst complying with the dress codes. This is where made-to-measure clothing can be a real investment. Made well, a quality suit will give you wear for many events and occasions, and per outing will cost less than you may think. With strict rules in place putting your personality on your outfit can seem unachievable. However, professional understanding of fit and fashion trends in tailoring can get you that one-off yet smart look. Remember too those all-important accessories to complete and complement your suiting – the perfect way to update your existing wardrobe. Adding colour and a current design will provide an instant refresh. Footwear needs to be well-fitting as it is likely you will spend much of the day standing. With shoes you can give an injection of current style to your existing wardrobe bringing it right up to date without flouting those sartorial rules. How do you like to dress for formal occasions? Classic tailoring or something with a contemporary twist? Andrew Gardner in Wendover can help you find the right outfit weather that be a morning suit, suitor simply a shirt and tie. THE DETAILS
Andrew Gardner Men The Tanyard, Tring Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01296 625488 www.andrewgardner.co.uk JUNE 2017 65
FASHION
Ladies’ Day add a touch of elegance
Ladies’ Day is racing’s special day for the Ladies, a highlight of the summer social calendar. Every racecourse is transformed into a sea of colour, with bright outfits topped off by the most flamboyant of hats.
novelty, or indeed eccentric hats, Ladies’ Day has it all. The other important element, the people; your guests, be it business prospects, family or friends, you will have all the ingredients you need. Dress up and join the regal tradition and pageantry, join in the revelry, and enjoy a magnificent, and indeed memorable day of prestigious racing - and fashion.
T
Here is the diary of forthcoming Ladies’ Days housands of women across the UK prepare weeks in advance, selecting their dresses, eye-catching hats and fascinators, and flock ...we always need a bit of time to prepare! to the races with the action on the track of secondary importance Lingfield Park, Surrey to their stylish outfits. Ladies’ Day is the perfect Friday 6th May opportunity to get dressed up, enjoy yourselves, mingle with The Derby, Epsom, Surrey celebrities, and hopefully get some winners if you are able Friday 2nd June to prise yourself away from the champagne bar. Ladies’ Day is a real fashion show, with everyone Royal Ascot, Berkshire trying to outshine the other girls to be the most Thursday 22nd June glamorous. When dressing to impress, Ladies' Day is Sandown Park, Esher Surrey one of the most difficult days of the year. It is Spring, Friday 7th July but the weather is utterly unpredictable; but it Newmarket, Suffolk certainly won’t rain on the fashion parade! Heels Thursday 13th July have to be worn, tottering around on the grass; and Yves Saint Laurent there is the small matter of choosing the perfect frock Brighton Racecourse - Frosts Ladies Day to wow the judges in the Ladies' Day competitions. Thursday 10th August As befits tradition, statement hats are the order of the Newbury, Berkshire day, with many race-goers keeping their most magnificent Saturday 19th August outfits for the occasion. Generally headpieces, hats or fascinators must be worn in the grandstand area - with hats mandatory in the royal enclosure. From the most glamorous designer millinery, to the ridiculous and oversized
‘Fashions fade, style is eternal’
66 JUNE 2017
Beautiful glasses for all ages We take pride in providing the absolute best service and attractive Danish designs for all age ranges.
New collection every 6 weeks
CrossEyes Amersham on the Hill 53 Hill Avenue, Amersham Buckinghamshire HP6 5BX 01494 258586
crosseyes.co.uk CrossEyes Eyewear & Opticians crosseyes_eyewear
Do you have a spare room in your home? Are you caring, nurturing and supportive?
Become a Host Family for an international pupil at a local boarding school Attractive daily rates Occasional weekend and half terms only Contact Imogen to find out more on imogen@pippasguardians.co.uk or call 01684 252757
www.pippasguardians.co.uk
H EALTH & BEAUTY
So it was that that time of the year again when it was National Smile Month ! I did not get a chance to write about it last month but the message is so good that I wanted to still talk about it.
I
n a nutshell, National Smile Month is the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health. Together, with thousands of individuals and organisations, National Smile Month highlights three key messages, all of which go a long way in helping us develop and maintain a healthy mouth. • Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste. • Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks. • Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. The aim of National Smile Month is to ultimately improve the UK’s oral health. Organised by oral health charity, the Oral Health Foundation, the campaign hopes to raise awareness of important health issues, and make a positive difference to the oral health of millions. With the help and enthusiasm of those who are passionate about health and wellbeing, National Smile Month 2017 hopes to see thousands of events and activities up and down the UK educate and engage local communities about the importance of a healthy mouth. This year, the campaign took place between 15 May and 15 June, and encouraged all dental and health professionals, schools, pharmacies, community groups, colleges and workplaces – in fact anyone with an interest in good oral healthcare, to join in and help us educate, motivate and communicate positive oral health messages and improves the quality of smiles all around the UK.
The British Dental Health Foundation also has these tips to help all our patients:Our Tips for a Healthy Mouth Good oral health can have so many wonderful life-changing benefits. From greater self-confidence to better luck in careers and relationships, a healthy smile can truly transform your visual appearance, the positivity of your mind-set, as well as improving the health of not only your mouth but your body too. As part of National Smile Month, we have put together some top tips covering all areas of your oral health, to help keep you smiling throughout the campaign.
Caring for Your Mouth • • • • • •
Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste. Clean in between your teeth at least once a day using interdental brushes or floss. To check if you have bad breath lick your wrist, let it dry and give it a sniff, if it smells your breath probably does too. If you use mouthwash don’t use it directly after brushing as you rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride; it helps strengthen tooth enamel making it more resistant to decay. Change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if it becomes worn as it will not clean the teeth properly.
Visiting Your Dentist • Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. • Some dentists may offer home visits for people who are housebound or have difficulty visiting the surgery. • If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, make sure they are aware of why so they can improve your treatment. • Help to overcome dental anxiety by taking a friend with you for support or listen to music to help you relax and focus on something else. • Your dentist will carry out a visual mouth cancer check during your regular check-up. • Visiting a dental hygienist can help give you excellent tips and advice on preventing dental problems. THE DETAILS Rosebank Dental Practice Shire Lane, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire WD3 5NH info@rosebankdental.co.uk | Telephone:01923 282 691 | www.rosebankdental.co.uk 68 JUNE 2017
FITNESS
OPEN JUMP
An array of fitness classes for adults. Spinning Rush F.H.I.I.T
Yoga Discocise Bootcamp Circuits
RUSHLINGS
Explore all of our exciting facilities, have a go and feel the Rush. Over 100 wall-to-wall Trampolines Adrenaline Rush Assault Course Rush Wipeout Dodgeball Climbing Sticks Foam Pit
CALLING ALL 1-5 YEAR OLDS
KIDS PARTIES
Our NEW toddler class to promote your child’s fitness in a fun way
THROW THEM A PARTY THEY’LL NEVER FORGET
Take time out and enjoy a choice of delicious food, cakes and hot drinks at our cafe.
rushuktrampolinepark RushUKTrampolinePark
RushUK_HW rushuk
RUSHUK.COM
03454 500 268
Rush UK High Wycombe - Lexmark House Coronation Road - High Wycombe HP12 3TA
H EALTH & BEAUTY
The perfect
SUMMER BODY If your goal is to lose weight and get in shape, why not try one of Courthouse Clinics’ body contouring treatments, to stay on track or give your progress a boost?
O
ur popular Cool Tech Fat Freezing treatment offers a fast, effective way to permanently eliminate stubborn pockets of fat from problem areas such as thighs, tummy, back and arms. As the name suggests, Fat Freezing (also known as cryolipolysis) works by freezing fat cells, causing them to die off and be eliminated naturally through the body’s own lymphatic system. This pain-free treatment is a great non-invasive alternative to liposuction, and achieves visible results after just one session. Another popular pain-free body contouring treatment at Courthouse Clinics is Endermologie. Bikini season might still be months away, but summer bodies are made in the winter, so now is the ideal time to begin a course. Endermologie is scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite, boost circulation and improve skin tone. A special handheld massage device is rolled over problem areas, breaking down the fat, water and toxins that give skin that uneven, dimpled appearance. During the process, blood flow is increased, skin is exfoliated and fat metabolism is increased – resulting in noticeably firmer, smoother, toned-looking skin. Book today and banish those lumps and bumps by the time the sun reappears! If body contouring and skin tightening is your goal, then our signature treatment ‘Ultrasculpt’ could be exactly what you’re looking for! Ultrasculpt is a combination treatment which utilises Endermology and Ultrasound technology to effectively give you the shape you have always dreamed of.
70 JUNE 2017
Ultrasound works by heating the surface of the skin - causing the excess fat to melt away, it smooths, firms and shapes the body and also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Endermology stimulates the body’s circulation and helps to boost the lymphatic drainage system - this technique reduces the build-up of fluids and toxins in the body, resulting in smoother and firmer skin. Ultrasculpt is a must have treatment this summer, it is suitable for almost any area of the body and is an excellent option for women post-pregnancy. Our Soprano skin tightening is another minimally-invasive treatment option for firmer, younger-looking skin. Using high-intensity infrared light, Soprano painlessly heats up the skin’s deeper layers, stimulating collagen production and improving surface skin tone and tautness. It can be used on almost any region of the body, and is an excellent option for women post-pregnancy. Whatever your aesthetic concerns, we have a selection of suitable treatment options.
THE DETAILS 34 The Avenue, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 4NS Tel: 01923 242565 55 St Lukes Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7DN Tel: 01628 507487
Transform your body
& your life with only
21 weeks of treatment CHRISTINE LOST
4st 8lbs
Alevere Therapy is a revolution in the medical treatment of excessive weight & body shape problems. Jo before treatment
tel: 01628
Jo after treatment
327025
Courthouse Clinics, 55 St Luke’s Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7DN
tel: 01923
606698
Courthouse Clinics, 34 The Avenue, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 4NS
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Face the Fat
The evolution of body contouring procedures
F
at remains one of the most common concerns and widely talked about topics amongst men and women. Even with a good diet and healthy exercise regime, a large proportion of individuals have stubborn or resistant pockets of fat that may seem impossible to lose. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2015, liposuction was the most commonly carried out procedure (396,048) with abdominoplasty coming in at 3rd place (180,717).
The History and evolution of Body Contouring Surgical abdominoplasty, otherwise known as the ‘tummy tuck’, has remained the mainstay of excising fat for decades. Whilst the history of body sculpting dates back as far as the 1920’s, new methods for fat reduction evolved in the 1970’s with the father of modern liposuction, Dr Yves Gerard Illouz (1929 – 2015) demonstrating his ‘Illouz Method’ using suctionassisted cannulas through small incisions to remove fat. A large percentage of my patients lead busy lifestyles and request procedures to deliver results whilst giving them little or no recovery time. As their doctor, it’s important to offer treatment options ranging from non-surgical to surgical, tailoring recommendations to patient’s needs and safety. 72 JUNE 2017
Here are my top tips when researching your treatment:
Common non-surgical technologies include: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) HIFU waves are like sound waves, which penetrate through skin into targeted fat without harming surrounding tissues. Your body slowly absorbs the damaged fat. One or more treatments may be needed.
Radiofrequency Radiofrequency produces an alternating flow of current to create an electric field. This drives energy to the areas of fat, which generates a controlled heat deep within the fat cells, which subsequently destroys them.
Cryolipolysis Cryollipolysis (‘fat freezing’) received FDA approval in 2010. Fat is disrupted using a form of controlled frostbite by sucking up the treatment area into a hand piece between two metal plates. The area is slowly cooled and localised cell death occurs. Post treatment massage of the frozen block of fat is carried out which is slowly absorbed and metabolised by the body over time.
Laser This latest technology received its FDA approval in early 2015 and launched in the UK this year. This latest laser technology precisely targets the delivery of energy, which bypasses the skin without damaging it, meaning little or no downtime. No massage is required and patients can resume normal activities immediately post treatment. THE DETAILS S-Thetics Medical Aesthetic Clinic Marlborough House, 45 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LZ P. 01494 670 990 E. info@sthetics.co.uk www.sthetics.co.uk
1. Ask about independently verified clinical data. FDAapproval is considered the world’s most stringent authority for approving medical devices. 2. Ask your practitioner how many procedures have been carried out and their qualifications. 3. Discuss the pros and cons of the procedure and any potential adverse events. 4. Be clear about your expectations. 5. Large volumes of fat or patients with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) may be unsuitable for non-surgical options. 6. There is no substitute for a healthy lifestyle so ensure you maintain a balanced diet and have regular exercise. 7. If you are considering a surgical procedure, further Information is available on www.bapras.org.uk
READER OFFER We would like to invite all Life Magazine readers for a complimentary VISIA skin analysis and SculpSure consultation until 30th June 2017.
Please contact S-Thetics on 01494 670990 or info@sthetics.co.uk and quote ‘LIFE MAGAZINE’
BEACONSFIELD’S FIRST DEDICATED MEDICAL AESTHETIC CLINIC S-Thetics specialises in the very latest in advanced non-surgical treatments for the face and body • Surgeon-led by Miss Sherina Balaratnam • Advanced skincare and medical facials • Non-surgical skin rejuvenation using medical grade technology • Facial injectables • SculpSure body contouring now available • As featured in The Times, Good Housekeeping, Conde Nast Brides Magazine, Coutts Magazine and more “Best for ageless skin” - Conde Nast Brides Cosmetic Beauty Guide 2016
Contact us for your complimentary consultation and receive £25 off your first HydraFacial treatment Marlborough House, 45 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LZ P. 01494 670 990 E. info@sthetics.co.uk www.sthetics.co.uk
HEALTH H EALTH & BEAUTY
Spire Harpenden Hospital gave me my smile back.
E before
after nhs surgery
after surgery at spire hardenden
67 0 4 JUNE 2017
very day most of us can find something to smile about, but what if it was your smile that was stopping you from being happy? Sarah Chittenden has been speaking to Emma O’Keeffe, a recent patient at Spire Harpenden Hospital, about her experience of getting her smile back. “It started with an infection in my lip,” says Emma who is from St Albans. “It kept getting bigger and bigger, I went to my GP who tried to treat it but wasn’t able to. I was sent to my local NHS hospital as well as a hospital in London for various tests, all of them came back inconclusive. The whole time I was in agony with my lip, I had to drink everything through a straw and I didn’t want to leave my house because I couldn’t stand the way it looked. My local NHS Hospital decided they’d operate to remove it, unfortunately this left a huge hole in my lip, they tried to stitch it back together but it kept separating. The whole experience had been going on for 5 months and I was truly miserable at the prospect of my lip forever having a hole in it that I wouldn’t be able to hide.” Feeling at her lowest, Emma contacted Spire Harpenden Hospital, her local private hospital, to see what options were available for her. Emma booked an appointment to see Cosmetic Consultant Surgeon, Mr Frederik Schreuder the coming Monday, following her appointment her surgery was scheduled in for that Monday evening. “I was at zero confidence when I went for the appointment and he promised me he’d give me my smile back and he did!” said Emma. Before going for surgery Emma was given all the information she needed to make her decision including an all-inclusive package price so that she knew the costs. Although making the decision to go for surgery was easy, going through with it wasn’t exactly straight forward, Emma explains;
“All the surgery I’ve had has been under local anaesthetic, I have had so many injections I now have a huge fear of them. When they tried to give me the local anaesthetic for my latest operation I totally freaked out. Pippa was my theatre nurse and she was brilliant, she really calmed me down, I held her hand so hard I think I might have broken some fingers! But with her help I was able to go through with the injection and the operation and I’m so glad I did.” “I could tell, even with all the swelling after the operation that Mr Schreuder had done a great job. He was brilliant and I’d recommend him and the hospital to everyone. I had my stitches out a week after the operation and could see what a fantastic job of reconstruction he’d done. He’d rebuilt the whole of my lip.” Emma adds; “I wrote a review on the hospital Facebook page and got the best reply back, it was the highlight of it all! My thanks go to the hospital staff, Mr Schreuder, my D ad and my company for their support throughout it all, now I can get back to normal life with a big smile on my face.” Mr Schreuder said “The moment I met Emma I could see that she had a real problem that needed dealing with urgently. Through teamwork and staff flexibility we were able to offer Emma reconstructive surgery that evening at Spire Harpenden.” He added “I am very pleased that she has made such an excellent recovery.” Spire Harpenden Hospital is located on Ambrose Lane in Harpenden. Self-funding appointments are available and many times a GP referral isn’t necessary. Finance options are available on the majority of our procedures. For further details please call 01582 714 420 or email info@spireharpenden.com
Consultant Surgeon, Mr Frederik Schreuder
It’s official...
We’re at looking after you Good
And we’re Outstanding for our medical care! CQC Overall rating Outstanding
Good
Requires improvement
Inadequate
“staff were caring and compassionate and patients told us staff were flexible to meet their needs”
Whether you’re insured or a self-funding patient, contact us.
Call 0800 585 112 Email info@spireharpenden.com Visit www.spireharpenden.com
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Pop-ular FUN FOR EVERYONE An incredi-bubble new event is coming to Buckinghamshire this July and everyone is invited to take part!
B
ubble Rush Bucks is a family-friendly, 5km fun run through bubble stations bursting with masses of coloured, foamy bubbles, and for the very first time it is coming to Lowndes Park, Chesham on Sunday 9 July. Suitable for all the family from tots to teens and grownups to grandparents, the event is kindly sponsored by IBB Solicitors in Amersham and Uxbridge. Come as a family, join up with friends and be sure to dress up in the special Bubble Rush T-shirt, colourful tutus and sunglasses for a fantastic, memorable experience. Not only will you have the best time by running, walking or dancing in the safe, frothy foam, you’ll also feel great knowing that by taking part you will be helping to raise funds for The Hospice of St Francis, which provides care and support when it matters most to patients and their families facing life-limiting illnesses across Bucks and Herts. The Hospice, based in Berkhamsted, hosted its Herts Bubble Rush event on 30 April in Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead with just under 2,700 people taking part. Ken Gardener and his sister Diane Watson were
76 JUNE 2017
amongst them, joining in the foamy fun with Diane’s children, Daniel, 12 and Eloise, 8, because of the “great job” the Hospice did 12 years ago when it cared for Diane and Ken’s sister-in-law, Pamela Gardener. “It’s important to give something back and show support for organisations in our community like the Hospice and the Bubble Rush was a great way to do this!” said Ken. Sign up now at stfrancis.org.uk/ bubblerush . Registration costs just £25 for adults, £7.50 for children and under 1s enter free! Everyone is asked to raise what they can in sponsorship to help the Hospice raise the over £5m it needs every year to fund its free services.
THE DETAILS The Hospice of St Francis, Spring Garden Lane, Off Shootersway, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 3GW Tel: 01442 869550 www.stfrancis.org.uk
A R E F R E S H I N G LY NEW SKIN CLINIC EXPERIENCE Start your journey to a newer looking you with 10% discount off your 1st treatment. Contact us to book your complimentary consultation.
MMe than a diet prooam - it’s mme a way of life Stte ½ 2 o t p Lose u t 12 weeks in jus
1 8 6 N e w Ro a d , C r ox l e y G r e e n , H e r t s W D 3 3 H D
01923 384 000 hello@skintransform.co.uk w w w. s k i n t r a n s f o r m . c o . u k
The Science of Great Skin
A E S T H E T I C S K I N T R E AT M E N T S FOR WOMEN AND MEN
Independent Living Consultants Ltd
• Scooters • Stair lifts • Wheelchairs • Bath Lifts • Access Ramps • Small Aids • Powered Beds • Posture Seating • Rise and Recline Seating Please call for a free brochure
Showroom open Monday-Saturday 01494 443933
10 Cross Court, Plomer Green Avenue, Downley, High Wycombe, HP13 5UW
01844 273050
Woodway, Princes Risborough, HP27 4NN
www.independentliv.co.uk
Call 07949 144409 liz@thebodyrescueplan.com
H EALTH & BEAUTY
From muck
TO BRASS
How recycling can help The South Bucks Community Hospice
W
hen people drive to a household waste centre to throw away ‘rubbish’, they often don’t realise that they may instead be giving invaluable support to The South Bucks Community Hospice. The Hospice runs two re-use shops – one at High Heavens in Booker; the other at Aston Clinton – which exist to salvage and sell on unwanted items to raise money for patients with life-limiting conditions. It’s the job of staff at these shops to spot and rescue saleable goods before they are thrown into the bins and sent for incineration. And the figures from the shops bear testimony to their success, because every year they sell on thousands of items, raising much-needed funds for Hospice care. Jim Ing, 48, from High Wycombe, has worked at the re-use shop at High Heavens for about a year and a half. It’s Jim’s job to sort out the stock, and he also prides himself on being able to identify what can be salvaged and successfully resold. “It is quite shocking what some people throw away,” he said. “I can look in somebody’s boot and see something they are going to throw away that could sell for a fiver. I always ask if they can give it to the re-use shop and, in the majority of cases, they do.” He added: “You get all sorts of items in here. We get some really good old furniture and some nice artwork that sells. Once, I went up to the cage in a container up top and found a really lovely old bureau. We took it out of the container and sold it for about £60 – otherwise it would have been thrown away.” 78 JUNE 2017
In a typical year, about 35,000 transactions are made across the two re-use shops. Bizarre finds over the years that staff have saved from the tip have included a false leg, live fish and a German World War 2 range finder. But normally, the shops are stacked full of furniture, bikes, books, vinyl records. CDs and nick-nacks. The bicycles are repaired by prisoners and resold by the shops in a scheme run with a Young Offenders’ Institution. Carl Jones, manager of the Hospice re-use shop at High Heavens, said: “This job is rewarding and challenging every day. Our mission is to raise as much money as we can for the Hospice. We do remind people, though, when they start to try to make us drop the prices where this money goes. It goes to help Hospice patients and that’s why we try so hard every month to up our figures. I am dedicated to raising funding for our hospice.“ Grace Olaniyi, 58, is a former Marie Curie cancer nurse and is now a volunteer at the re-use shop at High Heavens. She said: “I have always liked to raise funds, and I did so when I was working as a nurse. I find this very rewarding in that the money I raise is going for a good cause, helping nurses and helping people with end-of-life care.” The Hospice shops are open seven days a week at High Heavens and Aston Clinton.
THE DETAILS For further information: Elaine Begley Elaine.Begley@sbhospice.org.uk - 07801 515585
H OUSE & GARDEN
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017 Awards C ongratulations to everyone at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017, particularly: The Welcome to Yorkshire Show Garden designed by Tracy Foster awarded Silver Medal and The World Horse Welfare Artisan Garden designed by Adam Woolcott and Jonathan Smith awarded Gold Medal. Practicality Brown proudly supplied Native Mix hedging to both these gardens.
The Welcome to Yorkshire GardenShow Show Garden The Welcome to Yorkshire garden is inspired by the Yorkshire coast, the drama of the county’s many historic buildings and Yorkshire’s special relationship with its agricultural heritage. The garden featured a ruined abbey, chalk cliffs, a beach and the sea, with gently rolling waves lapping the shore. The trompe l’oeil painting within the ruin linked the coastal beauty to the farmland beyond. The stone used to build the ruin is sourced from a Yorkshire quarry, and the cliffs
are created from material with the same geological composition as Flamborough Head. The natural–themed colourful wildflowers, grasses and shrubs in the garden are native to Yorkshire’s coastal area. Sponsored by Welcome to Yorkshire, the garden’s aim is to highlight the beauty of Yorkshire and inspire people to experience the county for themselves. This garden was awarded a Silver Medal by the RHS
The World Horse Welfare Artisan Garden The garden has been designed to celebrate the 90th anniversary of World Horse Welfare charity and aims to highlight the plight of ‘invisible’ abandoned, neglected and abused horses in the UK and abroad. The garden is a traditional wildflower garden that will tell the story of one of these ‘invisible’ horses. A derelict stable in one corner will be surrounded by plants harmful to horses, which open up into an open, bright and secure meadow, with horse friendly plants. It will feature a life-sized sculpture of a horse made from reclaimed horseshoes by Tom Hill. This garden was awarded a Gold Medal by the RHS and also won affirmation from the public with The People’s Award for Best Artisan Garden at Chelsea. If you would like a garden inspired by RHS Flowers Shows please contact us on 01753 652022 to talk to our friendly Horticultural team. THE DETAILS For more information checkout our website: www.pracbrown.co.uk or connect with us on social media. To arrange a visit contact Practicality Brown Ltd on 01753 652022, email: hedge@pracbrown.co.uk
80 JUNE 2017
HOUSE & GARDEN
Harrods of London launches first-ever furniture collection
Harrods of London is pleased to announce the launch of the store’s inaugural furniture collection. The collection of upholstery, casegoods and occasional pieces has been designed in-house by Harrods Interiors. This is the first time that Harrods – which has been retailing furniture since the early 1880s – has released its own designs, under the store’s own label, Harrods of London.
O
nly the most prestigious partners have been selected to collaborate with on the collection. Twills and velvets have been sourced from Saville Row’s finest suppliers, upholstery services are by heritage British furniture manufacturer Artistic Upholstery and casegoods have been created by world-renowned Italian furniture brand, Porada. The Harrods of London collection draws inspiration from Art-Deco jewellery and tailoring. Each piece combines an elegant and timeless silhouette with
unexpected embellishments and detailing, giving the collection an understated yet intriguing aesthetic. Annalise Fard, Director of Home at Harrods: “We are thrilled to be launching Harrods of London’s first furniture collection this spring. Designing a furniture collection in-house was the next step after the relaunch of Harrods Home four years ago. Since then, we have introduced new brands in a range of styles across the furniture department, curated collections of lighting and accessories, and moulded Harrods into a design destination like no other. The elegant designs created by the Harrods Interiors team bring together contemporary understated finishes and the finest materials. A nod to Harrods heritage and the 1930s, brings an air of sophistication to the collection; I love how the clasps of each of the occasional pieces encase the marble table-tops, so evocative of the solitaire setting of a ring.” The collection is the latest addition to Harrods of London, the store’s own label, which includes womenswear, menswear, layette and luxury linens. Butter-soft leathers and fine wool and cashmere feature in each category, and the furniture collection is in keeping with this sophisticated aesthetic. THE DETAILS For more information visit the website at www.harrods.com/HarrodsofLondonFurniture
82 APRIL 2017
Your local showrooms Windsor
01753 865 050 Amersham
01494 434 349
PREMIUM BRANDS EXCLUSIVE PRICES europeanbathrooms.com
EXPERT INSTALLATION ON REQUEST
EXCLUSIVE PRICE PROMISE
IMPRESSIVE LOCAL SHOWROOMS
DESIGNER HOME VISIT FOR FREE
Showrooms in Windsor & Amersham OU R D E S I G N E RS OUR D E S IGNER ARE TH S E DIFFERENCE
R ENOVATION & INTERIORS H OUSE & GARDEN
IMPROVING, RATHER THAN MOVING STILL SEEMS TO BE THE TREND I
t was not that long ago that Lloyds Bank research showed over 14 million people in the UK have undertaken major work on their current property, or plan to do so within the next year in order to improve or add value to their home. According to the Lloyds Bank study, almost 2.2 million people can’t afford to move, but have instead opted to improve their current house, plus one third of UK homeowners carried out home improvements with the specific aim of adding value to their property. Once homeowners look into the costs of moving, such as the cost of hiring an estate agent, buildings surveyor, mortgage arrangement fees, solicitors, removal company fees, plus various legal fees, including conveyance fees and stamp duty tax, these fees add up to make an already expensive expense even more expensive. The Independent’s home improvement commentators have a different slant on things concluding “Improving your home rather than
6 2 JJ U UN NE E 22 00 11 77 84
trading it in for another can be a very good investment. It’s cheaper to make space than buy it.” The comparison website MoneySuperMarket. com suggestion to property owners is that “staying put and extending or changing the layout could prove a cost-effective alternative to changing properties altogether.” Research published by the Halifax Building Society showed that almost 20% of those questioned desire to move into a UK property that requires no home improvements. If this is true, a staggering one in five of the population would prefer to buy a house that needs nothing doing to it, which if they can afford to throw money away like that well OK, but is surely not so sensible a move for hard working middle England who tend to work more hand to mouth. Buying a “ready made” home is often an expensive option, as one either pays a premium to the property developer who built and/or renovated the property, or alternatively a handsome profit to the home owner who did up the property in order
“Homeowners continue to improve rather than move, which is good news at least for the DIY industry”
to gain a substantial return on a relatively modest investment in risk/reward terms. Consequently, is it not far more sensible financially for anyone considering buying a house to instead actually be the property owner who carries out the home improvements, thereby being the ones to benefit from any subsequent increase in property value? With the pace of recovery from the latest recession still painfully slow, and with many householders having less and less disposable income, homeowners continue to improve rather than move, which is good news at least for the DIY industry and the likes of B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix and Wickes. Independent double glazing manufacturers and installers, Hazlemere Windows have seen an increasing number of property owners enquiring about replacement double glazed windows and doors for their extension and/or loft conversion. In addition, growing families are looking into the feasibility of adding a conservatory or orangery onto their house to provide much needed extra high quality living space, be it a kitchen/diner, gym, home office, play room, dining room or enlarged living room. Building a conservatory or hybrid orangery can be more aesthetically pleasing than a full blown brick built extension with a tiled or flat roof. Despite the changes to the Building Regulations that came into effect on 1st October 2010, and the new legal requirement that all UK property owners (replacing any existing window(s) and/or door(s), or indeed building an extension) must now fit compliant higher performing thermally efficient fenestration products, it is still easier and less costly to obtain the necessary permissions to build a conservatory. Plus as long as Building Regulations are not required, it is usually far quicker to obtain all appropriate legal approvals to add a conservatory to your property, as long as you don’t live in a flat that has no outdoor ground level space! Also a UPVC or aluminium double glazed conservatory is much less expensive to build and available for home owners to utilise as additional living space a lot sooner than an actual extension that requires both time consuming planning permission and Building Regulatory Approval, plus signing off by a Building Control Officer from your local planning department when finished. Building an extension that matches in, loft conversion or conservatory will add value to any home; whilst at the same time provide invaluable extra living space. These types of home improvement options done professionally to a high standard are far less costly than the massive expense of moving house, especially when you take into account legal fees, so is it no surprise that so many UK property owners decide to improve rather than move. To find out what the potential home improvement options and budget costs are
“Building a conservatory or hybrid orangery can be more aesthetically pleasing than a full blown brick built extension”
for your particular property from one of Hazlemere’s experienced experts, visit their extensive showroom in High Wycombe open seven days a week or call 01494 854266 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk
UN NEE 22001177 8653 JJU
H OUSE & GARDEN
A GOLD AND SILVER GILT GUM POT AND BRUSH BY CARL FABERGE, HAMMER £11,000
ARCHIBALD KNOX . AN ARTS AND CRAFTS SILVER STANDING CUP AND COVER, HAMMER £42,000
A PRE-COLUMBIAN QUIMBAYA SCULPTURE
Hampstead Auctions He was on his way to the Recycling Centre, with a few boxes of junk in the back of his car when some instinct prompted him to stop off at Hampstead Auctions. Situated in Heath Street, the auction house’s experts cast an eye over the boxes and quickly discovered several distressed “old toys”, which turned out to be twenty thousand pounds’ worth of Austrian cold-painted bronzes.
A
nd that says Colin Smith, founder and Managing Director of the business, proves the value of having a visible presence on the high street and a subliminal presence in the minds of local residents. Starting in the local community centre in the autumn of 2006 and embracing certain basic principles: affordable commission rates, prompt vendor payments and a level of personal customer service often missing in the larger more famous auction houses, the business began to flourish. As they expanded so did the quality of lots discovered. In March 2009 a Byzantine icon of a Warrior Saint sold for thirty-nine thousand pounds, cementing Hampstead’s place in London’s auctioneering future. A rare pair of George Jensen Danish silver candlelabra were discovered in a box of old silver plate on a home visit and sold for thirteen thousand pounds, a gold and silver gilt gum pot and brush by Carl Faberge fetched eleven thousand pounds and an Italian architectural cork model sold for forty four thousand pounds, things were moving in an exciting direction. Over time, experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience were
A LOBED CLOISONNE ENAMELLED RUSSIAN SILVER GILT CUP AND SAUCER MOSCOW 1896-1908. HAMMER £2,500
86 JUNE 2017
bought on board, tackling silver, jewellery, watches, Chinese ceramics, Asian art, Russian silver, Faberge, Militaria and Judaica. With the catchment area being Hampstead it was no surprise the client-base included the famous and several stars of stage and screen are included in the auction’s client list. With this has come high end pieces from houses such as Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef and Boucheron. International publicity was to follow. After being alerted by experts at Hampstead Auctions, the Art Recovery Group (ARG) recovered a ceramic artefact, which disappeared nearly 80 years ago from a museum in Cartagena, Colombia. The pre-Columbian Quimbaya sculpture, a human slab figure made by a civilisation inhabiting the hills and valleys of the Cauca River during the centuries before the Spanish conquest in the 1530s was spotted by Hampstead’s Beth West. The CEO of the Art Recovery Group, Christopher Marinello said: “I am very impressed at the level of cooperation achieved in returning this important part of Colombia’s cultural heritage and I know how grateful they are to have it back. Hampstead Auctions should be commended – it is a relatively small operation but they could teach the bigger players in the art market a thing or two about thorough due diligence.” Now in newer larger offices and with auctions held exclusively online (a move that was a pioneering at the time) the firms local standing is as solid as ever. It is steadily expanding, visiting clients across the country and building an international profile in the mid-upper range market, whilst still maintaining that close personal touch with it’s loyal customer base. THE DETAILS For more information about Hampstead Auctions 12 Heath Street, Hampstead, London NW3 6TE Telephone 020 7431 9445 for an appointment or email info@hampsteadauctions.com www.hampsteadauctions.com
AN ART DECO EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING, HAMMER£2,800
AN ITALIAN ARCHITECTURAL CORK MODEL, HAMMER £44,000
H OUSE & GARDEN
Al fresco living Improve your garden design with outdoor furniture and accessories
T
here are a few ways to improve the design of your garden through landscaping, furniture and additional features including automated patio roofs. Each of these will provide the ideal outdoor space where you are able to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Once you have decided on your landscape and the overall design of your garden, you can then consider the items of furniture you may be putting in place. Even if you are not redesigning your whole garden, upgrading your older, more worn garden furniture with up-to-date contemporary outdoor furniture is a great way to provide a fresh new look to your garden. When planning to integrate outdoor furniture into your garden you want to make sure that the fabrics and other materials used are suitable for all types of weather. Nowadays, most external furniture items are made with materials that are suitable and do not become damaged by the elements. This makes them longer lasting reducing the need to buy new furniture for your space every few years, saving you money. With a broad range of products available on the market, you are able to create your dream garden no matter how big or small your space may be. You are able to create either external living spaces with sofas and armchairs or the perfect al fresco dining area. If you are looking to create an indooroutdoor living experience then outdoor
88 JUNE 2017
furniture is the perfect way to achieve this by merging your kitchen with an external dining area for use throughout the year. It is now possible to easily choose items that are commonly used within the home create your ideal external living spaces. From outdoor sofas, dining tables and chairs to more fun items including day beds and tipis, IQ Furniture can provide items that are perfectly designed for your home and are suitable for any weather. If you are looking to enhance your beautifully landscaped garden without items of furniture as such, then you may want to consider outdoor accessories including external lighting and planters. Incorporating external lighting into your garden design can provide a whole new appearance in the evening, allowing you to enjoy your well-lit space in the warm summer nights. Planters are also a great way to enhance the beauty of your garden by choosing from a range of modern planters in all shapes and sizes. Book an appointment to visit the IQ Furniture showroom in Amersham, Buckinghamshire to see the new outdoor living space filled with contemporary outdoor furniture. THE DETAILS Sky House, Raans Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6JQ Tel: 01494 722 880 Website: www.iqfurniture.co.uk Email: hello@iqfurniture.co.uk
A one-stop design showroom, home to IQ Furniture, one of the UK’s leaders in modern home design and innovation
Contactus usto tomake make an an appointment appointment Contact The Sky House Design Centre, Raans Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6JQ Get a FREE consultation when you quote: IQF17
T 01494 722 880
W www.iqfurniture.co.uk
E hello@iqfurniture.co.uk
@IQFurniture
H OUSE & GARDEN
TOBIAS OLIVER
Pushing boundries A Tobias OIiver Interiors piece of bespoke furniture represents the time taken to understand what you want to create – it’s a sense of being unequivocally the best quality and unconditionally right for the space. or museum – perhaps the V & A Furniture Galleries and we will be able to start a conversation where I can help the client begin to understand materials and stylistic influences. This is a dialog whereby I am helping my clients to learn, which pushes their boundaries and in turn pushes mine. My main passion with design is with the use of materials. If it fits with the scheme and interior architecture I will always bring the ideas to the table in a considered but suggestive manner. Perhaps shagreen, eglosmise, or the many a types of veneer – sycamore,
T
he work we do ranges from creating just one piece of furniture for one room that literally brings the whole scheme together, to an entire collection of pieces of furniture for one room using an existing design scheme or using a newly created Tobias Oliver Interiors design concept. There is just as much focus on one piece of furniture as there is for each piece in an entire scheme. My role is to be able to take the client’s ideas, and my own background of understanding on how to create spaces, and then to mold them together. It is just as much the client’s idea, as it is my idea. Each piece should be uniquely different and designed for whom exactly it is being created for. The initial meeting for me is just about the initial meeting; I do not charge any fees for that. It is not possible to provide a cost until the actual design has been drawn and specified as we are creating something that has not been designed before. Therefore the client is buying
90 JUNE 2017
something that is totally unique. For me this is a very familiar process, however it is usual that a client can be more confused as to how that really happens. The beautiful moment for me is after the initial meeting where I can sketch a design, or an idea, and then we can both look at that and words don’t get in the way. Sometimes I will take the client to an art gallery
eucalyptus, walnut or any other from every part of our world.. Any conceivable finish can be achieved, or at the very least be closely inspired from. For more information on our Bespoke Furniture and Cabinetry or our Interior Design Services, please do not hesitate to contact us – we are here to help. THE DETAILS Tobias Oliver Interiors Ltd. Kings Head House, 15 London End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2HN Telephone: 01494 412890 www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com studio@tobiasoliverinteriors.com
complimentary design consultation FULL BESPOKE INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES C U R TA I N S
F U R N I T U R E L I G H T I N G C A B I N E T R Y B AT H R O O M S F LO O R I N G
Kings Head House 15 London End Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2HN www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com I 01494 412890 I studio@tobiasoliverinteriors.com
H OUSE & GARDEN
A 19th century French automaton clockwork bird musical box SOLD £1700
Redefining
the traditional
Managing Director of Dawson’s Auctioneers Ltd., Aubrey Dawson has been a dedicated and enthusiastic auctioneer and valuer in art and antiques for the past seventeen years
Y
ou may well have seen Aubrey’s face on television. His passion and knowledge of the market led to him being approached by a number of prime time antiques shows to work as an independent valuer, including Dickinson’s Real Deal, Secret Dealers and Flog It, and as an auctioneer on Cash in the Attic. Aubrey’s team is made up of a small group of friendly and interested experts who between them cover a number of different specialisms. What really shines through about the team is their passion for the antiques trade, and a desire to keep learning. Every day certainly is a school day in the auction world! Accessibility and Integrity Dawson’s prides itself on its accessibility. One of Aubrey’s main aims when deciding to set up an auction house was to simplify and demystify the process of buying and selling at auction. With full transparency as one of its guiding principles, buying and selling at Dawson’s is simple and painless. The friendly and approachable team will always be happy to answer any questions, and will guide you through the process every step of the way. 92 JUNE 2017
Free valuations Dawson’s hold free drop in valuations every Tuesday and Thursday at their Maidenhead saleroom, from 9 to 5 (otherwise by appointment). The auction house consigns all types of items including art & antiques, etc, including art, antiques, collectables, silver, gold, jewellery and watches. Should you be unable to come along in person, you can email over a photograph of any item, and one of the specialists will get back to you promptly. Dawson’s are also more than happy to make house visits, and hold external valuations around the local area. Details of future valuation days can be found on their website. Buying and Selling with Dawson’s Dawson’s offers highly competitive rates both for buying and selling. All
19th Century Middle Eastern Jambiya dagger SOLD £2000
Dorothea Landau Da Fano (1881-1941) British The Secret - SOLD £4300
Dominique Alonzo (fl.1910-1930) French The Jewel Box SOLD £2200
1920s Cartier Sterling silver cased cocktail bar set SOLD £1700
A 14ct white gold and graduated diamond necklace SOLD £10 000
Upcoming auction dates, with viewing the Thursday and Friday prior
A late 19th century Belle Epoque yellow gold, diamond and enamel pendant necklace SOLD £4300 consigned items are fully researched and photographed. They are advertised and promoted well in advance online, and in the high quality physical catalogue. All of the sales feature live internet bidding, via the-saleroom.com and Invaluable.com, with each site attracting over one million visitors per month. In addition, given their years of auction experience, the team have a large database of clients that they will be able to market your items directly to. This ensures them maximum publicity, and means items sold at Dawson’s have been dispatched all over the globe! Monthly auctions and Specialist Sales Monthly auctions are held on a Saturday, allowing all of those hard 9 until 5 workers to come along. Dawson’s will also be holding specialist sales, including Militaria and Jewellery. Dawson’s also offer probate and insurance valuations, and house clearances. Items that sell well include jewellery, vintage and modern Swiss watches, silver and plated items, medals and militaria, Asian art including Chinese and Japanese porcelain, carved antique ivory, rhino horn and jade, ceramics and glassware, clocks, paintings, bronzes, 20th century design, curios and novelty items, designer fashion items and handbags, and fine furniture.
24th June 22nd July 26th August 23rd September
21st October 18th November 16th December
Purpose built saleroom Just an empty warehouse when Aubrey and his team took it over, the Maidenhead saleroom is now redefining the traditional dusty auction house. Their clean and stylish saleroom is the perfect space to show off consigned objects to their maximum potential. With a downstairs valuation counter and saleroom, and office space upstairs, the Maidenhead saleroom combines welcoming accessibility with style and professionalism. The highly accessible saleroom is conveniently located just seven minutes walk from Maidenhead train station, or, if driving, there is ample parking at the saleroom itself. Aubrey and his team look forward to welcoming you into the saleroom soon! THE DETAILS Dawson’s Auctioneers Ltd., 9 King’s Grove Estate, Maidenhead, SL64DP www.dawsonsauctions.co.uk 01628 944100 info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk JUNE 2017 93
HOME H OUSE&&PROPERTY GARDEN
The Seasons of Origin With hot Summer months on the horizon, now is the ideal time to make use of an indoor swimming pool. However, these fantastic leisure facilities are the perfect addition to a family home all year round. Origin, the UK’s original luxury indoor pool company, considers the different ways to make the most of your pool house during every season.
Summer As temperatures rise, a pool offers a welcome relief from the heat. It is a fun and relaxing space providing entertainment for each member of the family. Bi-fold doors bring the outdoors in, connecting your pool with the garden. By opening them up you create a natural breeze and can privately catch the sun as you lay poolside. When it comes to entertainment, a pool house certainly adds the wow factor to any BBQ. Whether it be a children’s party or an evening in with friends, hosting gatherings in the pool house is sure to put a smile on your guest’s faces.
Autumn
Winter
As Autumn leaves make their first appearance, gaze out at the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your pool house. Or even better, turn it into a social venue and have friends around to enjoy the views whilst you cook up some treats in the fully fitted kitchen, or prepare Autumn cocktails in the bar. These remarkable leisure facilities help you to maintain a workout regime all year-round. For children, it might be a quick dip after school, while you can jump in and refresh after a session in the gym.
Increase the temperature of your pool and it becomes a great place to spend time during the cold winter months. Instead of heading away from home to find a fun activity that accommodates the whole family, go to the pool for the day. As the children play in the pool, adults can either relax in the spa pool, use the gym or watch the TV in the seating area. It really is an entertainment space for everyone.
Spring Wave goodbye to Winter and open the pool house doors because Spring is on the way! Relax after a long day and watch the evenings pass by, whether that be from the inbuilt bar, the spa pool or simply sitting on the decking outside. To speak to the Origin experts please contact 01895 453996
1 JU 90 4 4J U NN E E2 02 10 71 7
A PASSION FOR GARDENS & LANDSCAPING
Designed  to perfection Creating a haven for you to enjoy and live in....
Water Features | Lighting | Planting | Paved Terraces | And More
07768747623 info@charleshogarth.co.uk charleshogarth.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
WE’RE MOVING James & Wallis, the complete interior design company and independent family run business will be, after 55 years moving from 15b to 21b Penn Road, Beaconsfield and we welcome you to our new showroom, just five doors down!
Our History Prided on being a family run business since 1961, Managing Director Chris has maintained the ability of providing a luxurious interior design experience whilst ensuring that a personal touch is added to each project. This personal touch has been embedded into the culture of James & Wallis, stemming from the family roots the company has been built upon. Creating bespoke, high-end solutions for residential interiors at competitive prices. James & Wallis are an affordable luxury, whether you are looking for a complete interior designer service or for individual flooring, blinds, rugs, re-upholstery, lighting or a single cushion cover. Hand blown Glass Blob table lamp with satin shade by Porta Romana
The Team A sincere passion for design combined with extensive knowledge runs throughout our team. Caroline remains as our Head Designer and Director Chris continues to be at the forefront of the flooring department with his son Christian. Our welcoming, personable Team are with you every step of the way, transparently sourcing and discussing the aligned elements to create your dream home. We then consultatively, professionally and reliably complete your project to a premium standard.
Amtico Signature Priory Oak in Herringbone pleat laying pattern 96 JUNE 2017
The Showroom You’ll find an impressive collection of: fabric, wallpaper sample books, curtain poles, blinds, rugs, carpets and luxury vinyl flooring in our extensive showroom library. Our Designers Caroline and Lisa with support from Kate and Sam will encompass all aspects of design by producing mood boards using drawings and samples to assist in the visualisation process. After finalising your ideas when the decisions are made, our fitters will begin the installation process. The skilled professional fitting team have worked with James & Wallis for over 30-years and an experienced team of tradesmen are utilised for larger projects. Appointments Chris, Christian, Caroline and the Team would be delighted to welcome you to browse at your leisure in the showroom or alternatively make an appointment for them to visit you in your home. THE DETAILS 21B Penn Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2PN 01494 672191 | www.jamesandwallis.co.uk | interiors@jamesandwallis.co.uk Opening hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday facebook.com/ JamesandWallis/
twitter.com/ Jamesandwallis
instagram.com/ jamesandwallis
Replacement aluminium windows for period and new homes THE COMPLETE INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY
NEW SHOWROOM OPENING LATE SPRING 2017 LE
OU OR DB
GH
E N LA
B474
UNTIL THEN IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL AT
LATE SPRING
IC RW WA
KR
The Conservation Range • Single or dual RAL colours • A-rated energy efficiency • Fit into timber or direct to stone • UK manufactured
15 Penn Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 2PN OAD
CALL US ON 01494 672191
EMAIL US ON interiors@jamesandwallis.co.uk 74 B4
BEACONSFIELD STATION
GREGORIES ROAD D MAXWELL ROA
For expert advice call 08008 401 508 www.thwc.co.uk Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield Loughton
Ridgeway make your dream kitchen a reality FREE survey
4
A complete service from design to fitting, from plans to building
4
An in-house team you can trust
4
Superb range of German engineered and English bespoke kitchens
4
Prices to suit any budget
4
Visit our recently refurbished showroom
01844 279900
www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk Ridgeway Kitchens, Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ
FOR A KITCHEN THAT HAS EVERYTHING FROM A COMPANY THAT DOES EVERYTHING
Platts Hyundai
White Hill, High Wycombe, HP10 0NJ 01494 685770 | www.hyundai.co.uk/dealer/platts-high-wycombe
RESIDENTIAL | ASSET | DEVELOPMENT
WWW.HALAMAR.COM