Life Magazines (Buckinghamshire editions) April 2018

Ultimate LUXURY Living The grand unveiling of the Beechcrest apartments, located just off Penn Road, Beaconsfield.

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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Jordi Brown ••••• Sub Editor Kieran Bullworthy ••••• Fashion Editor Nicholas Peter ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• business development manager Abi Gardner 07841 871 458 ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Kathy Manning Ken Fleet ••••• Directors Patrick Smith Rory Smith

BRAITHWAITES CHAUFFEUR SERVICES Affordable Luxury Braithwaites provides First Class Chauffeur Services include Corporate and Personal Airport Transfers, Executive Travel, Day and Special Events. We operate a fleet of luxury vehicles driven by highly trained, professional & experienced Chauffeurs providing you with a very personal and discreet service.

VIP Standard of Service On Time Guarantee Luxury Vehicles - Mercedes S, E and V Class Easy, Hassle Free Booking E Mail Confirmations Flight Monitoring Professional, Experienced & Discreet Chauffeurs Operating throughout Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and the Home Counties, Braithwaites also serve London and the South East as well as providing a complete UK wide service. We provide a professional Meet & Greet Service from all London Airports including Private Jet Facilities at Farnborough, Luton, Northolt and Stansted. For extra peace of mind, we closely monitor your inbound flight to ensure that our chauffeurs are always on time for your arrival.

Braithwaites - Chauffeurs You Can Trust

0333 121 7777

www.braithwaiteschauffeurs.com

MONEYHILL.indd All Pages

DA V O N P O RT N a t u r a l l y

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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

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1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, a designer: 01206 760 800 Hertfordshire WD3 7BQ To request a portfolio or speak to

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28/10/2015 18:49

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

09

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

45

GOLF GUIDE

61

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

81

HOUSE & GARDEN

97

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month The finest independent schools in your area Your tee to green guide of local golf courses Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best Keep it local for everything house and home

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AG E : h e n l ey F E S T IVAL

OUT & ABOUT

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS THROUGHOUT APRIL Guided House Tours Book onto one of our short guided tours to discover more about the fabulous Cliveden House. These tours allow you to see some of the rooms that were once home to Nancy and Waldorf Astor. Entry to the house is by timed ticket only and the tours last approximately 25 minutes. Book on 01628 605069.

Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA

[events]

OUT & ABOUT 14 April

10-15 April

Zippos Cirque Berserk!

Direct from a string of soldout seasons in London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and the West End, Britain’s favourite contemporary thrill circus is on tour to amaze and entertain the nation. Combining contemporary “cirque” style skills with off-thescale thrilling stunt action, Cirque Berserk! is a danger-filled spectacle that will amaze audiences of all ages (“ ludicrous risk-taking and extraordinary talent” - Sunday Express). Presenting the world’s most dangerous circus act, the legendary Globe of Death, with 4 motorcyclists speeding at over 60mph inside a steel cage, seen for the first time live on stage in the UK (“off the scale awesome” – Daily Telegraph). Plus a troupe of over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and death-defying stunt men, joined by award-winning physical comedians The Mustache Brothers.

Wycombe Swan Theatre, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 2XE 10 APRIL 2018

Waddesdon Manor - Artisan Food Market Start your weekend with delicious, locally-grown food and produce. Offering the very best in quality, fresh, seasonal produce all locally sourced. Our new Artisan Market aims to support local, small-scale, independent food producers. Vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, baked goods and much more. 10am-2pm.

Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH

15 April

Rivendell - Open Garden for NGS South facing garden comprising a series of different areas, including a woodland area, gravel area with grasses and pond, fruit and vegetable garden, bug hotels, herbaceous beds containing a wide variety of shrubs, bulbs and perennials, all surrounding a circular lawn with a rose and clematis arbour.

2pm-5pm.

Rivendell, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP6 5NP

6-8 April

OPEN WEEKEND AT FLACKWELL HEATH GOLF CLUB If you are considering membership of a golf club this spring we invite you to come and try our facilities at our Open Weekend from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th April 2018. Enjoy free golf, refreshments and a personal introduction to the Club.

Joining offers will be available on the day for those wishing to sign up for membership. It couldn’t be more simple – book a tee time, play for free, meet the team, have lunch on us and grab a joining offer. All are welcome. Contact Simon Bell at the Club to book a tee time or request more information. Call 01628-520929 or email secretary@fhgc.co.uk.

Flackwell Heath Golf Club, Treadaway Road, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe HP10 9PE

OUT & ABOUT

[events]

OUT & ABOUT

11 APRIL, 9 MAY

AUCTION: Fine Art, Antiques & Collectors Items Head along to this auction to see if anything takes your fancy. Prior to the auction day, viewings are on the previous Saturday, 9.30am12.30pm, the previous Monday, 10am-6pm and the previous Tuesday, 10am-6pm. In the morning of the sale itself, viewing is from 9am. www.jonesandjacob. com for more details.

Watcombe Manor, Ingham Lane, Watlington, Oxfordshire, OX49 5EJ

29 april

10 April

Terrific Tuesday - Spectacular Spring Every Bucks school holiday Tuesday throughout the Museum’s open season the Museum’s Education team have created special themed family activities, games and crafts all for the standard admission price! Take part in a spring Scavenger hunt and listen to spring-time stories. Take part in Springtime crafts and help to give our Prefab a spring clean. Create spring on a biscuit, plant your own sweet pea and have a go at creating clay faces and bark rubbings in our woodlands. Activities from 11am to 3.30pm. Standard admission prices apply. Free entry for Annual Pass holders. Museum open from 10 am 5pm, activities run from 11am - 3.30pm.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4AB

13 April

Tropical Forest Handling Experience Ever wanted to meet and hold animals from Tropical Rainforests? Learn all about exotic species including a tarantula, tree frog, emperor scorpion, hissing cockroach, a royal python and more! Book your half hour slot now!

Black Park Country Park Buckinghamshire SL3 6DS

Bubble Rush For the third year running and by popular demand – the bubbles are back! Join us on Saturday 29th April for Bubble Rush Herts at Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead for another chance to run, walk or dance through safe, frothy foam at different coloured bubble stations. With four bubble stations, and two laps to complete, this means you get to enjoy double the bubbles with eight chances to get showered in colourful foam! Everybody from tots to teens and grown-ups to grandparents can enjoy this 5km bubble-filled fun run. www.stfrancis.org.uk/ bubblerush

SIGN UP NOW

13 April

Hughenden - Great Big Tree Climb Join instructors from the Big Tree Company and climb into the canopy of our giant horse chestnut. Book on 0800 055 6760.

Suitable for 6 years plus. Dogs on leads welcome. 10am-4.45pm.

Takes place in the Parkland at the end of the Parterre.

Hughenden, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4LA 12 APRIL 2018

Run for us!

At the Hospice of St Francis we have places available for the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 15th April. If you think you can go the distance and want to raise money for the Hospice, please contact claire.jones@stfrancis.org.uk. www.stfrancis.org.uk

!

US G E TIN SE A !

D CRE OO AN W S T E M M NO O CO ’RE RO E ED W B

Breathtakingly Beautiful Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms New designs • New Thinking • Masterclass Kitchens • British Made Visit us today

OUT & ABOUT

[events]

18 April

Man’s Best Friend Monthly Dog Walk Join the dogs of Stowe on a paw patrol with a different theme and leader each month. Please meet our walk leader in the Courtyard of the New Inn before you enter through the visitor welcome area .

Stowe, New Inn Farm, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 5EQ

OUT & ABOUT 28 & 29 April

Dawn chorus walk Join a member of the team for an early morning walk around the gardens to experience the bird song of Stowe and enjoy the chance to see the gardens before we open to the public. Warm up with breakfast afterwards, included in your ticket price. Booking Essential. Gates open 4.30am, start 5am, ends 7.30am.

Stowe, New Inn Farm, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 5EQ

21 april

Baby and Children’s Market- High Wycombe Lots of stalls bursting with top quality baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby and children’s industry showcasing and selling their products and services.

Hazlemere youth centre, Rose Avenue, HP15 7UB

8 april - 20 may

Cliveden - Bluebell Walk See a blanket of bluebells on a self-led trail around the estate. Nestled inside the woods at Cliveden estate, bluebells brighten up this historic forest. We’ll find the best displays and highlight them on trail map for you to stroll through. Booking not needed. Dogs on leads welcome. 10am-5pm.

Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA

9-13 april 28 April

Organ Recital Organ recital by International Concert Organist Richard Pearce, a regular performer with the BBC Symphony Orchestra including at the Last Night of the Proms. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £10 on the door. St Peter and St Paul’s Church , Castle Street, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 1BS 14 APRIL 2018

12 april

Den Building by the campfire Have a go at building your own den in Black Park by the campfire. When you’re finished, enjoy toasted marshmallows and hot drinks in your den!

Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire SL3 6DS

Children’s Easter Holiday Workshops at Queens Park Arts Centre Mon 9 April: Pottery Owls with Elizabeth Browning. Make a ceramic owl in a tree. Tue 10 April: Jolly Jester Sticks with Pippa North.

Inspired by Twelfth Night, come and make Feste the Jester’s Shakey Stick. Wed 11 April: Sewing Spring Gardens with Andrea McIntosh Stitch your own colourful collage. Wed 11 April - For ages 11+ Cartoon Drawing with John North. Learn how to draw quirky cartoon characters. Thu 12 April: Re-make the Woods with Pippa North. Pine cone hedgehogs, Pastel Foxes, Owls, Flying leaves and printing – Amazing! Fri 13 April: Tudor House Money box with Helen Neighbour. Keep your coins safe as houses in these Tudorthemed money boxes. Fri 13 April: Make an Octopus with Amy Morgan Learn the basics of finger knitting and create a knitted octopus. 10am - 3pm All workshops £20 / £18 members Pottery workshop fees include bisque firing. Queens Park, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7RT

OUT & ABOUT

Embrace the Ultimate in Fine Living The grand unveiling of the completed apartments at Beechcrest

A

ward-winning property developer, Millgate, offers eight luxuriously specified apartments in the serene town setting of Beaconsfield. The newly completed Beechcrest was recently unveiled to reveal the stunning entrance hall and communal 16 APRIL 2018

areas, leading to the stylish and elegant apartments.

The Beaconsfield area has been praised for being a highly successful commuter town, known to attract a high number of people looking for a stress-free journey to central London. Residents enjoy a short commute from just 22 minutes to

“A classically detailed, substantial new building�

London Marylebone, and the joy of an almost guaranteed seat on the train. Locals are also a painless 20-minute drive to Heathrow and a stone’s throw from lovely walks through the Chiltern Hills at the weekends.

Set on the fringes of the market town the development comprises eight luxurious threebedroom apartments. The homes at Beechcrest include garden apartments, first floor apartments and two spectacular penthouses on the second floor, sitting proudly within landscaped communal grounds. A large basement provides plenty of space for underground parking, with two spaces allocated for each apartment, useful storage areas and a convenient lift to all floors.

The classically detailed, substantial new building has been designed and constructed with a timeless style to the architecture and has the very finest attention to detail. Light filled and welcoming, the homes seamlessly blend classical proportions with 21st century style. The interiors are modern and spacious, with sumptuous living rooms opening out onto private balconies and terraces. From magnificent fitted wardrobes in the master bedroom to the hand crafted cabinetry in the classical kitchen, each of these apartments capture Millgate’s exemplary craftsmanship.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate comments: “Our homes provide a place of luxury and seclusion in this peaceful village area, where Millgate is proud to offer a five star experience for residents. The charming town of Beaconsfield holds a serene atmosphere, dotted with 15th century buildings and a gracious high street filled with boutique stores and markets.

The residents of Beaconsfield are able to enjoy a rural landscape, and yet still have the convenience of living in close proximity to London. Whether home buyers appreciate the entertainment of West End, or yearn for a shopping spree in the capital, these exquisite homes offer a peaceful haven only half an hour from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

“Beechcrest has been carefully designed to offer the highest level of luxury and style, where each apartment meets the same impeccable standards while offering its own distinct character. We encourage potential buyers to visit these new Millgate homes as soon as possible, and see the

grand apartments on offer.”

The resplendent show apartment located on the ground floor of Beechcrest is bursting with style. The contemporary kitchen includes bespoke hand-painted Shaker style cabinets complemented with Quartz stone worktops, an under-counter wine cooler, a Franke sink with Rangemaster spa filter tap, stainless steel Miele oven, and a selection of integrated appliances.

The kitchen opens out into a stylish living room, with ample space for a dining table and a separate lounge area, perfect for hosting guests. The living area is complemented by the finest quality materials with its own distinct character, to bring life and spirit to the room. Double French doors open onto a private terrace, surrounded by the beautiful communal gardens. In the hallway, a utility is located and includes a free-standing Siemens washing machine and tumble dryer.

The master bedroom offers the ultimate in luxury, with interiors inspired by the deluxe hotel suite feel. Plush fabrics have taken centre stage, especially the floor to ceiling upholstered headboard. Each bedroom boasts a beautiful bright en-suite and generous fitted wardrobes. Each ensuite includes ceramic and porcelain tiling to walls and floors, chrome square towel radiators and large bespoke mirrors.

Warm palette colours have been used throughout the show apartment and attractive cornices have been included to soften the lines. Every apartment includes hard wired security systems and a video phone entry system at the entrance gates.

Beechcrest offers the perfect homes for people looking for the best of both worlds; with the wonderful benefits of country living but also close access to busy towns, including High Wycombe which is six miles away and Maidenhead, just a 25 minute drive. For commuters, Beaconsfield railway station is served by regular trains to London Marylebone with a journey time of 29 minutes, and also offers easy access to Birmingham Snow Hill. Travel further afield is also made simple, with junctions for the M40 and M4 each less than one mile away.

Prices at Beechcrest start from £1,425,000.

For further information or to visit the show home, please visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk or call 01494 706 075.

“The kitchen opens out into a stylish living room, with ample space for a dining table and a separate lounge area, perfect for hosting guests”

APRIL 2018 17

OUT & ABOUT

“How do we get in?”

Discover The Waterfront Enclosure During Henley Regatta 2018

THE DETAILS The Waterfront Enclosure during Henley Royal Regatta 2018 Wednesday 4th July – Saturday 7th July 2018 10.30am – 5.30pm Pricing and all-inclusive package details: Wednesday £249.00 + vat Thursday £289.00 + vat Friday £299.00 + vat Saturday £249.00 + vat 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 www.thewildfork.co.uk The Wild Fork, The Old Cart Shed, Haw Farm, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire RG18 0TP

18 APRIL 2018

T

hese were the words on everyone’s lips last year at Henley Regatta 2018 as they stumbled across the exclusive Waterfront Enclosure.

Located by the iconic start line opposite beautiful Temple Island, The Waterfront Enclosure run by stylish event and catering company The Wild Fork is emerging as the place to be at the world famous sporting event.

The eye-catching stretch tent and idyllic English country garden add style and atmosphere to a perfect summer’s day out, either for entertaining corporate guests and colleagues or for gathering friends and family for a real treat.

Arrive mid-morning in time for champagne and a classic Pimms with delicious pastries, fresh juices, miniature English breakfasts and healthy granola, yoghurt and fruit compote pots on offer too.

Friendly, attentive staff are on hand to ensure guests quickly unwind with soft, live music playing in the background.

A 4 course lunch is served from 12.30pm onwards, shared across banqueting tables with views of the river and the team of chefs impressively working the wood-fired ovens. Expect overflowing platters of gin and elder cured salmon as well as rabbit rillette, duck liver parfait, smoked pigeon and celeriac remoulade to start. To follow, mouthwatering lamb with orzo, spring greens, tzatziki and flat breads and deliciously tender chicken accompanied by Israeli couscous, heritage tomatoes and tabbouleh. A selection of miniature English classic desserts and a fine cheese board complete the feast.

The inspired bar stocked with thoughtfully selected wines, spirits, summer cocktails and craft ales remains at guests’ disposal for the rest of the day before afternoon tea is served - a temptation too irresistible to miss.

Tickets are selling fast so see below for booking information plus don’t miss out on a 10% discount for all early bird bookings made before the end of April. Quote TWFHENMAGOFFER

OUT & ABOUT

The Elite London

11th- 12th May 2018, Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire London’s jet-set lifestyle event: 30 Unique Experiences • 150 Lifestyle Brands • 1 Exclusive Location

20 APRIL 2018

READER OFFER

The Marine Showcase Meet the finest in marine brands and see the latest in products, initiatives and charter.

Supercar Showcase Pedigree, performance and prestige are the key components of this luxury automotive showcase.

The Luxury Brand Show

E

xclusive offer for Life Magazine readers!

Buy online discounted tickets for two to attend this year’s ‘The Elite London’ event and receive a complimentary bottle of Gerard Bertrand wine!

The Elite London is ‘London’s most exclusive jet set lifestyle event’ specializing in a combined gathering of lifestyle products and related services at one unique private venue, accessible by both road and air.

The unique showcase offers over thirty on the day experiences where visitors are able to indulge in a variety of jet-set activities from; runway supercar test drives, to clay pigeon shooting, complimentary beauty treatments and helicopter pleasure flights. *Some experiences have limited availability and require booking online in advance.

The event incorporates five show sections including; ‘Jet-set Lifestyle, ‘Supercar Showcase’, ‘The Luxury Brand Show’, ‘The Marine Showcase’ and new for 2018, ‘The E.J. Churchill Shooting Show and Country Show’. In total over 150 luxury brands will be on showcase during the 2 day event.

Jet-Set Lifestyle Get up close to the latest aircraft from leading manufacturers and their representatives.

The Luxury Brand Show will celebrate the luxury lifestyle world by showcasing the finer things in life.

Featuring stunning brands from fine art to fashion, luxury gifts to exquisite jewellery and sports & leisure to Home & Interiors.

E.J. Churchill Shooting and Country Show Showcasing a variety of country life brands and shooting experiences in partnership with E.J. Churchill.

For 2018 a host of both returning and new exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services. Exciting UK exclusives and product launches will be taking place during The Elite London. Visitors attending the event will be eligible for free aircraft landing fees, complimentary event features including lifestyle presentations and an exciting competition provided by Port Ferdinand Marina & Luxury Residences for a five star getaway in Barbados.

The Elite London has partnered with The Berkeley, Berkhamsted’s favourite wine bar, to create a fantastic gift with purchase offer.

Redeem this offer by purchasing discounted online entry tickets for 2 to The Elite London event and present your printed ticket to The Berkeley stand where they will gift to you an individually numbered bottle of Gerard Bertrand, ‘Le Forge’, a blend of Syrah and Carignan grapes from the Corbieres region of France.

Specially selected by Jamie, Sommelier at The Berkeley, this wine sells in their wine bar for £35 per glass.** Visit www.theeliteevents.com/berkeley to use the code BG67675 And redeem this online offer! *A Show Pass for 2 is priced at £45 ** *Due to the rarity and by definition limited availability of this fine wine, we reserve the right (once availability is exhausted) to replace this wine with one of equal rarity and value

Participating Brands Include...

Cirrus Aircraft H.R. Owen Heli Air Berkeley Galleries Hinckley Yachts The Wellesley CCM Motorcycles Flying Smart Arsenal F.C. Damac Properties Heli Group Pulse Cinemas Chelsea F.C. Oriens Aviation Koy Clothing Hemmels Boats.co.uk Sri Lanka Bespoke Really Wild Clothing Tesla Moloh and many more!

APRIL 2018 21

OUT & ABOUT

April news from Chorleywood Bookshop

S

pring is trying its best to break through the cold, rain and snow and when it does we can’t think of a better way to spend a tea and cake filled afternoon than with the fascinating Mrs Bird….

London, 1941. Emmeline Lake and her best friend Bunty are trying to stay cheerful despite the Luftwaffe making life thoroughly miserable for everyone. Emmy dreams of becoming a Lady War Correspondent and when she spots a job advertisement in the newspaper she seizes her chance – but after a rather unfortunate misunderstanding, she finds herself typing letters for the formidable Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt of Woman’s Friend magazine.

Mrs Bird is very clear: letters containing any form of unpleasantness must go straight into the bin. But as Emmy reads the desperate pleas from women who may have Gone Too Far with the wrong man, or can’t bear to let their children be evacuated, she decides the only thing for it is to secretly write back Join Chorleywood Bookshop and AJ Pearce and be transported to 1940’s London for an irresistibly funny and enormously moving afternoon. Dear Mrs Bird is a love letter to the enduring power of friendship, the kindness of strangers and the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times.

Event takes place on Tuesday 24th April, 2.30pm at Christ Church, WD3 5SG. Tickets are £8.00 and include tea and cake!

“Join Chorleywood Bookshop and AJ Pearce and be transported to 1940’s London for an irresistibly funny and enormously moving afternoon” Attention all foodies… Celebrity chef John Torode is returning to Chorleywood!

John Torode is the Masterchef of Australia and the Far East - his knowledge and passion will excite 22 APRIL 2018

and inspire anyone who loves uncomplicated, quick and easy, full of flavour food. In this new book, John creates fresh Aussie breakfast dishes, delicious bowls of noodles and rice and Asian curries as well as barbecues influenced by both Sydney beaches and Japanese grills, not forgetting his own trademark fusion of flavours that bring together the best of both worlds. This delicious cookbook is ideal for Spring days and long light evenings spent in the garden with family, friends and good food.

Join us for an exclusive night on Thursday 31st May, 7.30pm at Christ Church, WD3 5SG to celebrate this remarkable book with the man himself, John Torode, as we learn his tips, tricks and how to create incredible dishes from far and wide. Tickets £12.00, book will be £20.00 on the night. www.chilternbookshops.co.uk

theberkeley Art Gallery and Wine Bar 39-43 lower Kings Road Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 2AB t: +44 (0)1442 878300 w: theberkeley.co/art e: paul@theberkeley.co

OUT & ABOUT

Something old, something new…

In the world of fine art auctioneering, the golden rule is to ‘expect the unexpected…’

‘O

ne of the joys of working for an auction house’ says Frances Noble, Head of the Jewellery Department at Dix Noonan Webb Auctioneers in Mayfair ‘ is not knowing what the next day will bring - will it be a Victorian diamond necklace, a medieval ring or a Cartier pendant?’ Or indeed, something completely different…”

“Here at Dix Noonan Webb, we cover the subject of ‘jewellery’ in its broadest sense - we do not restrict ourselves to offering pieces made only within the last few centuries, but we are equally at home consigning antiquarian jewels, right through to examples made recently. I love the broad canvas this gives us’, continues Frances . ‘There really is something to suit every taste on offer in our jewellery auctions.”

In the next Jewellery auction to be held on 26th June, DNW are delighted to be offering for sale a collection of modern gold jewellery, mostly made in the last couple of years, by a highly talented but little known goldsmith, Mark Byles.

Based in Ashford, Kent, Mark works from his own home, where he has hand crafted a number of stunning pieces, modelled in 22 carat gold.

Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek designs, Mark speaks fondly of his early visits to the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum, where he poured over the cabinets of early Greek and Roman jewellery and artefacts. A potter by training, and still his principal ‘day job’, Mark admits most of his jewellery is made for his own pleasure, his face lighting up when he speaks of the joy of working with high carat gold, enthusing over the exceptional colour of the molten precious metal during the process of casting and modelling.

Very few of Mark Byles’ works have been offered for sale, he has no website or commercial outlet, so this forthcoming auction is an exciting opportunity to purchase a truly unique and individual piece of jewellery by an up and coming designer. Who knows what future fame awaits this exceptional craftsman…

For all enquiries, please email jewellery@dnw.co.uk or telephone 0207 016 1700.

24 APRIL 2018

A 22ct gold spiral necklace by designer Mark Byles, hallmarked for 2016, estimate £10,000-£12,000 to be offered for sale at auction at Dix Noonan Webb Auctioneers on 26 June.

An early 18th century memento mori/mourning ring, decorated with skull motif in black enamel, sold at Dix Noonan Webb in September 2017 for £3300.

“In the next Jewellery auction to be held on 26th June, DNW are delighted to be offering for sale a collection of modern gold jewellery, mostly made in the last couple of years, by a highly talented but little known goldsmith, Mark Byles.”

OUT & ABOUT

Luxury outdoor show: Wild Tweed Renowned for its magnificent18th century gardens and elegant Roccoco style, the beautiful West Wycombe Estate has played host to many a glamorous event: weddings, parties, film locations and corporate functions. What better backdrop then for the inaugural luxury outdoor show, Wild Tweed?

26 APRIL 2018

T

he two day event on 6th and 7th May promises to bring together the great outdoors with quintessential English luxury. Coined as the ‘definitive country show’, it boasts an exciting mix of bespoke activities and events set to showcase the very best in family entertainment, outdoor adventure and English sophistication.

The show itself will take place on the 40 acre, world-class E.J. Churchill Championship Ground, part of the West Wycombe Estate and renown for the very best facilities and instructors. Clay shooting will be available throughout the event, with a three stand flurry clay pigeon competition open to teams of two or four to compete for the Wild Tweed trophy, all in aid of the official Wild Tweed charity, bibic (booking in advance is advisable). For those of you that are an experienced shot, there is a quick fire 10 clay pool shoot, or if you’re new to shooting then head to one of the ‘Have A Go’ stands and, after a brief introduction, take 10 shots under the expert guidance of the E.J. Churchill instructors.

In a nod to luxury and all things Wild Tweed, the shopping pavilion features music and a Champagne bar, each stall showcasing a carefully curated selection of fashion and lifestyle brands, hand-picked for their quality. From the Scandinavian inspired kitchen and homeware brand Woodworks, to Devon’s divine handpoured candles Nostara and the innovative Yolo

Retreats, it’s a rare opportunity to see England’s finest under one roof. The fashion enthusiasts can view collections from labels Ethereal London, Pampelone and luxury British knitwear brand Wearing Brooke.

For the very best in culinary produce and artisan fare, the Food Court will not disappoint.

From Dough and Deer’s hand-crafted pizzas to a delectable afternoon tea, there is something for all tastes. But it’s not just food stalls; fine dining is available by way of the Wild Tweed restaurant. For those that fancy a day-time tipple, Wayfinders Gin experts will be on hand to guide you through a gin tasting experience. Or if you prefer something stronger, head over to the Cocktail bar.

Entertainment-wise, there guarantees to be an impressive line-up, including live music from contemporary swing pop group Jack Pack and appearances from inspirational guest speakers, plus live celebrity interviews from the Wild Tweed sofa.

There is also plenty to entertain children, with complimentary creative arts and sports available for all ages, plus garden shows and educational activities and the launch of the Wild Tweed Young Photographer Competition 2018.

If you’re looking for a definitive country show with luxury touches, this is it.

To buy tickets (20% off for readers with FRIENDS20), enter competitions or pre-book a table at Wild Tweed, visit wildtweedshow.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

HENLEY FESTIVAL MUSIC | COMEDY | ART | FOOD | 11 - 15 JULY 2018

RITA ORA • GRACE JONES • NILE RODGERS & CHIC • CURTIS STIGERS AND THE RONNIE SCOTTS BIG BAND PRESENT ‘SINATRA AT THE SANDS’ • ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA

THE FLOATING STAGE

H

enley Festival, the UK’s most glamorous boutique festival, and winner of Headline Performance of the Year in 2016 returns to its spectacular setting on the riverbank in Henley-onThames from 11th-15th July 2018.

As the UK’s only black-tie boutique festival, Henley Festival is glamour personified, offering Michelin starred food, award winning comedians, Turner Prize nominated artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music.

Many festival goers arrive by boat, and the green lawns of the festival are transformed into a Great Gatsby vision, as black tie clad revellers spill across the festival site, champagne in hand, while fireworks explode overhead.

Following the release of her long awaited album in Spring 2018, Rita Ora will open Henley Festival 2018 on the Wednesday night. The global pop star, with four No.1 hit songs to her name, including Radioactive and I Will Never Let You Down, will get the UK’s most glamourous festival off to an explosive start with her 2017 hit singles Kiss Me, Your Song and Anywhere.

A lifelong provocateur Grace Jones will light up Henley Festival with her energetic headline set that is guaranteed to include a string of costume changes and dance-club hits including her acclaimed reinvention of Piaf ’s classic “La Vie En Rose”.

One of the world’s most iconic women, singers, songwriters, supermodels, actresses and infamous Bond Girl, Grace Jones’ daring and original headline set will be one of the highlights of the festival.

Among music legends, Nile Rodgers is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multiGrammy-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist by constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music. As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping pop hits like “Le Freak,” sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times,” and won CHIC eleven Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations. More recently he has worked with Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure, and Sam Smith.

Saturday night at Henley Festival will see Curtis Stigers and The Ronnie Scott’s Big Band present

Henley Festival is glamour personified, offering Michelin starred food, award winning comedians, Turner Prize nominated artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music.

Established 36 years ago as a classical music charity event, Henley Festival continues to be run on a not for profit basis supporting charitable projects at both a national and local level. This year proceeds from the festival will go to two charities. Dedicated to supporting young people with depression, and encouraging discussions around mental health, the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust was set up in memory of a young man who took his own life whilst suffering from depression. The Teenage Wilderness Trust supports students who find it difficult to engage with mainstream education by offering reengagement courses using bush craft, wilderness learning techniques and practical life skills to encourage students to get back into learning.

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‘Sinatra At The Sands.’ Internationally acclaimed American jazz vocalist Curtis Stigers will channel the hip swinging chemistry of Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra for a brilliant night which will fly the Henley audience to the moon.

Henley Festival will close in true style on the Sunday night with one of the UK’s foremost opera companies the English National Opera performing with soloists, full orchestra and chorus and under the baton of ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins. Their repertoire is taken from many of the greatest operas including Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Madam Butterfly, Turandot and La Traviata as well as a little Gilbert & Sullivan to top the night off.

HIGHLIGHTS A stellar comedy line-up Jazz at Henley Hestival World music in the bedouin tent Folk music in the bedouin tent Foodie festival Visual arts Family Sunday Fireworks

TICKET INFORMATION Full programme announcement and tickets on sale Monday 5th February 2018 For the latest Henley news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram Visit the festival website: www.henley-festival.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Chef Laurie Gear

April recipe & kitchen news

F

or this month’s recipe I have chosen a delicious warming soup. April catches the first of the tender new nettle shoots.

Nettles are such a treat and don’t last long. When they arrive in early spring try to get them at their most prime, before they go to seed and get too rough and woody to enjoy. These are best harvested away from the roadside or walked verges so look for marshy wet places, alongside fields and moist woodlands. When harvesting nettles, remember to wear gloves and take scissors to snip off the tender top shoots. When

lightly steamed to remove their sting, nettles are reminiscent of spinach. They make a delicious earthy tasting tea and when infused for 4 hours or more and offer an amazing source of key minerals that many of us are lacking. The creamy white onions combined with the fruit of the cider work well together with the nettle pesto giving a welcome hit of iron astringency. As an alternative, some curried apple puree or indeed parsnip would work equally well to replace the pesto. Also good this month and there to be enjoyed - fresh crab, English watercress, rhubarb, lamb and wild morels.

RECIPE: White Onion and Cider Soup with Nettle Pesto

Serves 4

Ingredients: • 10 large white onions peeled and sliced thinly • 400 ml chicken or vegetable stock • 300 ml of dry cider • 125g butter • 150 ml double cream Nettle Pesto • 150 g young nettle tops • 50 gm pine nuts • 150 ml olive oil • ½ garlic clove finely chopped • 50g grated parmesan • Salt and pepper

Spring Lunch Tasting Offer To celebrate the arrival of Spring, we invite you to sample our uplifting and exciting new Five Course Lunch Tasting Menu and start your afternoon with a complimentary glass of refreshing Rhubarb Bellini, upon arrival.

This exquisite Lunch Tasting Offer is available from Tuesday to Friday until the end of April 2018 for just £38.00 per person additional sixth course for an extra £6.00 - optional wine flight £24.00 (Maximum of 6 guests per reservation - excludes Good Friday) ***please, mention the ‘offer’ when making your reservation***

Method: 1. Wearing gloves place the young nettle tops in boiling water for 1.5 mins and then immediately plunge into ice cold water. When cool squeeze out excess water.

2. Blitz the pine nuts, parmesan, chopped garlic and nettles and blitz to a paste and then pour in the olive oil whilst blending. Season to taste.

3. Melt the butter gently in a large pan, pour in the chicken stock and cider and then add the onions and sweat until soft and tender for approximately 10 -15 minutes.

4. Place into a blender and blend until smooth adding the cream at the end 5. Pass through a fine sieve and adjust the consistency with stock. Season to salt and freshly ground pepper.

To serve; Place in warm bowls and add the couple of teaspoons of the nettle pesto to finish

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The Artichoke 9 Market Square Old Amersham HP7 ODF Telephone: 01494726611 www.artichokerestaurant.co.uk

F I N E

E N G L I S H

B U T C H E R S

Our passion is quality meats & service Our goal is to offer you quality produce & great service

So why use a traditional butcher instead of a supermarket? Richard explains why customers repeatedly use RS Troutt & Co. “Customers like to select their meat and to have it butchered in front of them. We can give them EXACTLY what they want from single portion to large joint for that special occasion�

28 day dry aged beef | free range pork and English lamb | free range additive free chickens home-made sausages and burgers | home cured dry aged bacon fresh home cooked meals | selection of cheeses We are now serving hot and cold food all day.

Aberdeen House, Hazlemere Crossroads, Hazlemere HP15 7LG Tel 01494 711803 Tudor House, High Street, West Wycombe HP14 3AE

www.rstrouttbutchers.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Glimmering gold gates and grills return to the National Trust’s Cliveden

were commissioned as decorative pieces to close off the Sounding Chamber, which is located below the terrace. The Sounding Chamber has also been restored by removing damaged and peeling render from the walls of the chamber and re-rendering the space. During the work, intricate brickwork and hidden funnels in the ceiling were discovered, adding to the theory that the impressive acoustic domed space was once used for musical performances.

The golden gates and grills can be viewed from the middle of December and the Sounding Chamber reopens in September 2018. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

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ollowing extensive conservation works on the South Terrace, the National Trust has restored the original gates and grills which adorned this significant structure back to how William Waldorf Astor commissioned them over 120 years ago.

William Waldorf Astor had a penchant for gilded surfaces. In 1895 he commissioned Singers of Frome to produce lavish gold gates and grills to adorn his show-piece South Terrace. Originally made from ironwork and then covered in 23¾ carat gold leaf, the gates and grills sadly were not kept up to their intended splendour. In the many years following their installation they were simply painted over using gold imitation paint.

In 2012 The National Trust began a five-year £6 million restoration project on the Grade 1 listed South Terrace, it was decided that the restoration of these impressive ironworks were critical to ensure their bright future.

The restoration process began with a specialist blacksmiths inspecting and assessing what damage had occurred. They discovered years of rust and corrosion had seriously damaged the design of the pieces and extensive repairs were needed. They repaired and reforged missing elements to match the original design. The next step was to transport the pieces to a gilding specialist in London, who restored the gates and grills to their original colour by applying the gold leaf.

The gates and grills below the South Terrace

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“In 2012 The National Trust began a fiveyear £6 million restoration project on the Grade 1 listed South Terrace, it was decided that the restoration of these impressive ironworks were critical to ensure their bright future”

Staggeringly good Thai coming to Beaconsfield this Spring From lunchtime tapas to delicious curries, exotic seafood, stir fry and noodles, Giggling Squid’s menu lends itself to the distinct sharing culture of Thailand.

Beaconsfield guests are invited to experience bold Thai flavours and exciting dish combinations created by a team of talented Thai chefs in stylish, contemporary surroundings. A dedicated “little tapas for little people” menu is also available and guaranteed to ensure smiles all round.

“ExciTinG cookinG” The Times

Bluecoat Saw Close, Bath BA1 1EY Bluecoat House, Saw Close, Bath BA1 1EY 22 London End, House, Beaconsfield HP9 2JH 01494 730 919 Bluecoat House, Saw Close, Bath BA1 1EY www.gigglingsquid.com @gigglingsquid www.gigglingsquid.com @gigglingsquid www.gigglingsquid.com @gigglingsquid

FEATURE

Working mums’ rights

Results from a recent Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) survey has revealed that archaic views and attitudes towards working mothers, pregnant women and those who take maternity leave, still exist in the workplace

34 APRIL 2018

What’s the law?

Sex and pregnancy and maternity are two of nine “protected characteristics” covered by the Equality Act 2010.The key points to note are, it is unlawful for an employer: • To treat a woman unfavourably because of her pregnancy or because of an illness she has suffered as a result of her pregnancy; or, • To treat a woman unfavourably because she is on or because she is exercising or seeking to exercise, or has exercised or sought to exercise, the right to maternity leave; or, • To treat a job applicant or employee less favourably than others because of their sex.

However, some employers seem to be flouting the law, as the research identified that some believed it was appropriate to ask female applicants during a recruitment process about their future plans to have children or if they have young children already.

If these questions are asked, and the applicant is then not offered the job, they could bring a discrimination claim under the Equality Act to an employment tribunal. The compensation for a successful claim would be an award for injury to feelings, and, if the individual can successfully demonstrate that they could have got the job if it was not for the discriminatory attitudes, they could also be compensated for any loss of earnings as a result of not securing that role.

Unfortunately, it is estimated that only around 2% of parents have utilised the Shared Parental Leave provisions which came into force in 2015.

The treatment of pregnant women or those using or returning from maternity leave, may be visible to male employees and act as a deterrent to them wanting to take on or share the leave available after the birth of their child. This is turn maintains the

status quo of placing the main share of childcare responsibilities on women, which undermines the purposes and intention of the Shared Parental Leave regulations.

Employers are encouraged to challenge these views if they believe that there are attitudes and beliefs such as those identified in the EHRC research. This is of particular importance to ensure that there is true equality in the workplace, and they do not miss out on attracting and retaining key female talent. Furthermore, for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, anything done by an employee in the course of their employment is treated as having also been done by the employer, regardless of whether the employee’s acts were done with the employer’s knowledge or approval. The offending employee may also be liable.

An employer can avoid liability if it can show that it took all reasonable steps to prevent its employee committing a particular discriminatory act or committing that type of discriminatory act. This means at the very least, providing comprehensive training on the benefits of diversity and equality in the workplace to all members of staff, which is underpinned by appropriate policies dealing with equality, anti-bullying and harassment. It is also of particular importance that this is done as a matter of course and not as a response to a particular incident or event. It is clear that to succeed with a “reasonable steps” defence, the employer must have taken such steps before the act of discrimination or harassment occurred. Acting reasonably in response to a complaint of discrimination or harassment is not sufficient.

Hannah King is an employment solicitor at B P Collins. Hannah.king@bpcollins.co.uk. www.bpcollins.co.uk

FEATURE

THE RITZ LONDON TOASTS THE 2018 SEASON

WITH A SERIES OF BEST OF BRITISH CELEBRATIONS

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he Ritz London, the iconic Piccadilly landmark, has been at the heart of the British social calendar since the hotel first opened its doors in 1906. Continuing to play host to Royalty, aristocracy and stars of the stage and screen throughout its distinguished history, The Ritz has deservedly taken its rightful place amongst the great hotels of the world.

To cement its position at the heart of London society and as the bastion of Britishness, guests of The Ritz will be able to enjoy the social season essentials in 2018 with a number of new and bespoke quintessentially British experiences, with which the hotel is intrinsically linked.

The Ritz London’s seasonal calendar begins on Monday 21st May with RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The two-night accommodation package begins with a three-course dinner in one of the private dining rooms in adjoining 18th century William Kent House, prepared by Michelin-starred Executive Chef John Williams MBE and his brigade.

On Tuesday 22nd May, guests will be transported, by private chauffeur driven car, to Chelsea Flower Show for a full day of hospitality within the Jardin Blanc by Raymond Blanc, which includes: • Hot and Cold Breakfast on arrival • A one-hour private tour of the show with a horticulturist • A Champagne reception followed by four-course lunch with wine-pairings selected by a Master Sommelier

36 APRIL 2018

• Afternoon Tea • Bespoke botanically-themed cocktails • A complimentary bar throughout the day (including Champagne, wines, beer and soft drinks) and musical entertainment The Ritz London are also offering luxury accommodation packages for Royal Ascot and Wimbledon 2018.

For further information or to make a reservation, please telephone the Reservations Team on 020 7493 8181 or email reservations@theritzlondon.com or online at www.theritzlondon.com

“Guests of The Ritz will be able to enjoy the social season essentials in 2018 with a number of new and bespoke quintessentially British experiences”

FEATURE

Step into Spring!

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ith its brilliant mix of skilled craftspeople, talented designermakers and passionate artisan producers, the Country Living Spring Fair is the perfect place to pick up beautiful original pieces and fresh seasonal inspiration for your home, garden and wardrobe. Try your hand at new crafts, learn from experts and stock up on delicious foodie treats while enjoying a truly inspiring day out with friends and family.

Stylish shopping With over 300 exhibitors selling unique products you won’t find on the high street, you can browse enticing stalls and meet passionate designer-makers selling original, hand-crafted items including homeware, accessories, art, fashion, jewellery and gifts. Visit the Small Businesses Area for exciting new entrepreneurs, and meet talented Country Living readers who have won the chance to exhibit their home-grown products for the first time in the Pop-Up Market.

Animal Magic Visit the Country Living Smallholding to feed the hand reared lambs and meet the chickens, as well as enjoy talks and demos on everything from beekeeping and flower arranging to turning your home into an urban smallholding.

38 APRIL 2018

Learn from the experts The Queen of Chalk Paint herself, Annie Sloan, will running daily workshops teaching all things colour, style and technique. Craft enthusiasts can brush up an old skill or master a new one in the CL Crafting Workshops.

Foodie Fare Food lovers can stop by the Country Living Kitchen Theatre for ideas on simple and delicious recipes that are easier than you think, as well as going back to basics learning skills such as pastry, pasta and bread making. If you’re less inclined to make the food but just as likely to try it, you can enjoy delicious treats with a street-food feel in the Gourmet Garden or meet new artisan food producers in the Little Larder.

Relax and Recharge When you need a rest, head to the Crafty Caravan Bar or The Gin Trailer for spring cocktails or a glass of fizz. If you don’t fancy a tipple, you can enjoy a refreshing brew in the Tea Rooms, perfect for relaxing and catching up with friends and family. Why not consider the VIP package and enjoy an exclusive lounge area, fast-track entry and a complimentary cloakroom, as well as tea and coffee, a glass of bubbly and a Country Living goody bag.

THE DETAILS Country Living Spring Fair Venue: Alexandra Palace, London, N22 7AY Dates: 26 - 29 April 2018 Alexandra Palace is easy to get to with free parking and free shuttle buses every 10 minutes to take you from Alexandra Palace Railway and Wood Green Tube Station, directly to the Fair.

Tickets To book tickets visit www.countrylivingfair.com/tickets or call 0844 581 1385 Advance Tickets: Adult £14.50; VIP £55; Child ages 5-16 £8.50 A £1.75 booking fee applies per booking (not per ticket) For more information visit the website at www.countrylivingfair.com

FEATURE

Family Mediation

What is it and why is it such a good option for separating families?

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s a solicitor I have always been an advocate of mediation. In most circumstances I advise my clients it’s likely to be the most cost effective and efficient means to resolve their disputes. So what is family mediation and why do I place so much stock in it?

important to take legal advice at the end of the process to make sure what you have agreed is made legally binding, the parties can limit their legal costs by doing the hard work of getting to an agreement during the mediation process. This allows them to preserve monies that may have been spent on legal fees for the benefit of the family and their future.

It is conducted by a neutral third party – the mediator

It is flexible

Their job is to facilitate the discussions, help the parties explore all the options and signpost them where required to sources of professional help, such as legal or financial advice or therapeutic input if of benefit. Having a third party to facilitate discussions is also often helpful for the parties in keeping lines of communication open at a time when they are usually in conflict. Most people wish to separate amicably and mediation can be a more constructive route to achieving this.

Both parties are accountable for their decisions The mediator is not responsible for making the decisions and they cannot force an outcome on the parties like a Judge can. The benefit of this is if agreement can be reached that is down to hard work and commitment of the parties. Experience has shown me such agreements are much more likely to be kept to!

It can save money Often mediation is cheaper than litigation. It is very 40 APRIL 2018

The parties can deal with multiple issues during mediation whether they are to do with finances, children or isolated one off issues which may crop up. If in court they may need to make numerous applications to do so.

It is confidential Discussions during mediation are on a ‘without prejudice’ basis. This means if mediation is not successful what has been said cannot be repeated in Court proceedings. As a result the parties can feel free to have a completely open and frank discussion about potential settlement options and not fear, as many people do in negotiations, that they need to keep their cards close to their chest.

So if you are still yet to be convinced consider this; family breakdown costs the UK economy £48bn per year (source: Counting the cost of Family Failure 2016), a cost to each and every taxpayer of £1,820 a year. The benefit to ensuring that separating couples have the opportunity to resolve their disputes in the most constructive and conciliatory manner possible does not end with the couple involved.

Amanda Phillips-Wylds is a Senior Solicitor and Resolution Accredited Specialist at our Windsor Office. She is a trained mediator and K J Smith Solicitors will shortly be adding mediation to the list of services they offer their clients as a specialist family practice.

K J Smith Solicitors are the only niche family law firm offering advice right across the Thames Valley. We offer a free 45-minute consultation with a specialist family lawyer – this gives us an opportunity to give you the important initial advice but it also gives you the chance to meet our team and decide if we are the right fit for you. www. kjsmith.co.uk. 01491 630 000

FEATURE

ABOUT NSPCC The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Using voluntary donations, which make up around 90 per cent of funding, they help children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives, protect children at risk, and find the best ways of preventing child abuse from ever happening. So when a child needs a helping hand, the NSPCC will be there. Their Childline service provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. www.Nspcc.org.uk

ABOUT HARRODS Harrods began as a wholesale grocers’ and tea merchants in east London, first opening its doors in 1834. Since then, it has grown to become the world’s most famous department store, known for its unrivalled range of luxury merchandise. As well as exclusive brands and myriad departments, one of Harrods’ most renowned attributes is its unparalleled service. Harrods continues to be guided by its philosophy of “anything is possible” and, to this day, our customers remain at the heart of everything we do. www.Harrods.com

dc comics

Fashion Re-told The first ever standalone fashion store in aid of the NSPCC – is set to launch on Sloane Street this month.

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he ultimate pre-loved and donated fashion pop-up, will sell high end and designer items to raise funds for the NSPCC’s important work in London. The concept has been brought to life by the NSPCC’s long-standing charity partner Harrods, and Cadogan who have donated the pop-up premises.

“Shoppers can get their hands on some amazing fashion whilst helping the NSPCC”

ABOUT CADOGAN Cadogan is a property manager, investor and developer with a 300-year history that informs its modern and dynamic approach to estate management. The Estate’s 93 acres is a vibrant neighbourhood that spans Chelsea and Knightsbridge - renowned for its unique mix of cultural attractions, stunning homes, international flagship stores, independent boutiques, iconic hotels and high-end restaurants - set against a backdrop of heritage, elegant streets and beautiful green spaces. www.Cadogan.co.uk 42 APRIL 2018

All proceeds from Fashion Re-told will go directly towards helping to support NSPCC’s services in the London area. This is the first time that London institutions Harrods and Cadogan have come together in support of a local cause, with the aim of helping the NSPCC’s ambition to give every child in London a voice. Harrods and Cadogan are combining and donating their considerable resources; a prime London location, retail expertise and mentoring, unrivalled service proposition and visual merchandising assets, to make this possible.

Fashion Re-told will bring the high-end customer service and luxury surroundings of Harrods to a pop-up setting, selling new and donated pre-loved high end menswear, womenswear, childrenswear and accessories. The collection edit has been curated

by an expert Harrods team, and will be presented in a luxurious retail environment, designed to emulate a high-end boutique which might be found within the Knightsbridge store. Donations for the store have come from members of the public, Harrods employees, as well as from high profile fashion brands, and a selection of stock provided by Harrods.

Claire Hoyle, NSPCC Deputy Director of Fundraising said: “By visiting Fashion Re-told shoppers can get their hands on some amazing fashion whilst helping the NSPCC. Money raised from the Fashion Re-told pop-up will go towards funding key services in the capital like ‘Letting the Future In’, which helps young people find their voice and recover from the trauma of abuse. We’d like to thank Harrods for being so committed to their partnership with us and are also very grateful to Cadogan for supplying a stunning space to host our pop-up store.”

The NSPCC is a longstanding charity partner of Harrods, who to date have raised over £500,000 to support NSPCC’s services; enabling the NSPCC to answer more than 65,000 contacts to Childline; reach 1,300 Primary schools to deliver their Speak Out and Stay Safe programme; and help more than 2,600 children to recover from abuse.

Fashion Re-told will open its doors on 196 Sloane Street on 13th April for a one month period.

The store will open from 11am - 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 12noon – 6pm on Sundays.

INDEPENDENT

SCHOOLS GUIDE – The finest independent schools in the UK – i m a g e : T HO R P E HOUS E SCHOOL

H OUSE & GARDEN

46 APRIL 2018

EDUC ATION

Helping pupils aim high at Abbot’s Hill

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bbot’s Hill is a happy and thriving community in which pupils are encouraged to aim high, to grasp opportunities, enjoy learning and make lasting friendships.

The school offers an all-round education for girls aged 4-16 years, and the Day Nursery & Pre-School caters for girls and boys from 6 months. Abbot’s Hill’s historic campus offers modern facilities in a magnificent country setting, situated in over 70

48 APRIL 2018

acres of beautiful parkland.

Abbot’s Hill has a strong record of academic success.

Throughout the school, pupils are taught in genuinely small classes. Excellent teaching and personalised support ensure that everyone is inspired to exceed their potential and to shine.

The broad curriculum is enhanced by a wide range of trips and activities to stimulate learning. Extra-curricular clubs offer a lively balance of sport, performing and creative arts, science and technology, journalism, problemsolving and debating. In short, there is something for everyone!

At Abbot’s Hill, there is a great focus on pastoral care. The school gives individual attention to each girl so that she will develop as a person, but also to ensure she succeeds. Girls don’t just gain qualifications; they gain the skills that they need to forge their own path later in life.

The sense of being part of an extended family at Abbot’s Hill is frequently commented on by pupils, parents and staff alike. In such a nurturing environment, children grow naturally in confidence, are happy to embrace new challenges and eagerly take on increasing responsibilities.

Abbot’s Hill girls progress seamlessly from one stage of education to the next. They leave the school fully equipped to take on the challenges and opportunities life has to offer.

To experience Abbot’s Hill School for yourself, come along to an Open Event. For more information, please call us on: 01442 240333 or visit: www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk.

Thorpe Explorers’ An academic nursery offering wrap-a-round care!

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s our lives get busier, parents are increasingly looking for nurseries that offer more than school hours care for their children; many also want an element of academic preparation to ready their child for the following September when they start ‘big school’.

This is why Thorpe House School in Gerrards Cross decided to offer wrap-a-round nursery provision in their new Thorpe Explorers’ Nursery which opens its doors on September 5th 2018.

‘We believe we offer parents something other nurseries cannot; nursery provision with a strong academic foundation. However, we’re not just about preparing them for school in September; we strongly believe you also need to holistically develop the individual child in order to raise their self-esteem and nurture self-belief. A happy boy is after all, a happy learner.‘ Natasha Doran, Head of Thorpe House Pre-Prep Department.

Thorpe Explorers Nursery will be open between 07.30 and 18.00 during term time and will be run by qualified nursery teacher, Mirela Treves. Boys must be at least three in the September of joining and each child must attend the ‘school ready’ morning sessions from 08.40 – 13.00 but can opt for the Early Explorers’ breakfast club if desired, at an additional charge, from 07.30. Boys may stay for the afternoon sessions until 15.30, or remain at Explorers’ Cove after school, until 18.00.* The nursery day at Thorpe Explorers’ has been carefully constructed to ensure that every boy has a full and well-paced day, with quiet time to ponder and reflect. ‘School ready’ morning sessions will provide a strong academic foundation with preparation in number work, phonics, reading, handwriting, music, art / design technology, science and French, amidst free-flow, child-initiated learning opportunities. In the afternoon, the Thorpe Explorers will use the school swimming pool twice a week; enjoy a weekly music lesson with a specialist teacher; the Pre-Prep Food Room for cooking once a week; and the adjacent Austenwood Common for Forest School sessions, twice a week.

A freshly prepared, hot lunch cooked by the school chef will be provided. To foster independence, boys will be encouraged to serve themselves and whilst they are sitting at the table, good table manners and remaining at the table until everyone is finished will be encouraged. The boys will also enjoy a fresh fruit and vegetable snack at break time which they will prepare themselves.

For more Thorpe Explorers’ information join Natasha Doran and Mirela Treves at their upcoming Nursery and Reception open morning on 25th April and 27th June, 10.00 – 11.30 or go to thorpehouse.co.uk/pre-prep/ nursery/ and their social media (@thorpehousesch). *For detailed information on hours, visit thorpehouse.co.uk/pre-prep/nursery/ APRIL 2018 49

EDUC ATION

Merchant Taylors’ school Creating happy, balanced students

As schools’ pastoral focus continues to grow, Head of Middle School at Merchant Taylors’, Tom Jenkin, talks about his role and how pupils benefit from support structures outside of the classroom.

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ll schools have pastoral responsibilities and a duty of care to pupils with clearly established policies on safeguarding, discipline or anti-discrimination, to name but a few.

However, there is a huge disparity in the quality and personalisation of pastoral care between schools. At Merchant Taylors’, we see the individual support for students as centrally important to their happiness and overall experience. Our structures are based around a vertical tutor group system, where small groups of up to 14 students, from a range of ages, are mentored and supported by a specific member of staff. The vertical grouping allows older students to mentor and advise younger boys, but above all allows a more intimate relationship between school, parents and pupils.

Happy, balanced students whose unique talents are recognised and nourished are invariably more successful, and better equipped to cope with the inevitable anxieties of modern life. Each boy is allocated a personal tutor from the day they join, taking a personal interest in the boy, getting to know him, supervising his welfare and academic progress and giving a single point of contact for parents.

The prioritisation of pastoral care of this nature aims to develop young men of character, as well as qualification.

This ethos and structure allow a greater focus on the overall experience of young people, above and beyond the accumulation of academic results.

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Aristotle wrote that the aim in life was to flourish and that meant fulfilling our purpose to an excellent level. The order of priorities, therefore, are really important: to live a full and rounded life; to learn to form meaningful, positive relationships; to study the subjects we love; to pursue the interests we have.

As boys progress into the senior years, they are encouraged to lead clubs and societies and set the tone, eventually serving the broader communities which have served us.

Of course, few of us progress through life without having to negotiate significant bumps in the road. It is perhaps here that the quality of relationship between school, student and home becomes more crucial than ever. One hears a great deal about modern pressures: increasing anxiety and mental health challenges for young people, social media and family breakdown. Then, there is increased competition for university places, and unavoidable changes of adolescence into the mix only adds to our central conviction that it is the unique, holistic experience of the child which should be the focal point for care. Obsessing over whether his algebra is level 4a or 5 misses the more important picture.

To this end, and to supplement the individual care of the tutor if needed, Merchant Taylors’ employs a full-time, independent counsellor.

An ambitious, school-wide wellbeing strategy – encompassing physical, emotional and mental health components, is designed to enhance the boys’ experience and better prepare them for adult life. Tutors, and Heads of Houses who oversee them, are increasingly trained and experienced in mentoring techniques.

Our children deserve pastoral care which is more aspirational, and which is more deeply embedded in the culture of the school than statutory obligation alone requires. www.mtsn.org.uk

“At Merchant Taylors’, we see the individual support for students as centrally important to their happiness and overall experience”

EDUC ATION

Homework and why this Headmaster believes we shouldn’t give up on it.

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s the Headmaster at Thorpe House School in Gerrards Cross, I know the battlefield that setting homework can create. Recently I was invited to a Year 6 English lesson in which the boys wrote formal letters to persuade me to end the torment of homework which they believed was ‘tantamount to child cruelty!’

However, despite the swathe of growing opinion that homework is increasingly devoid of value, I believe it provides the chance to consolidate learning - practice after all does make perfect – and offers the opportunity to develop independent learning skills away from the watchful eye of the teacher. As a parent, homework is a key indicator of how my son and daughters are doing at school; reports, parents’ evenings and grade cards provide me with the teacher’s perception of how my child is progressing, but homework promotes a dialogue, not always positive, about what they have learnt in school. It also lets me to assess how well they have understood concepts being taught and their level of confidence in particular areas.

How can we improve the rap homework gets and make it a worthwhile learning tool?

Evaluate content and purpose - A photocopied A4 sheet isn’t going to inspire or engage which is why at Thorpe we strive to set ‘homework with a purpose.’ Our termly homework project weeks are designed to encourage independent thinking and research skills and time after time the boys surprise with their creativity; we’ve seen everything from rap videos, model volcanoes and Lego models, to themed bakes and paintings.

Parents, get involved - Parents are often hesitant to become too heavily involved in case they receive criticism from form teachers or worse, other parents. However, parent participation is essential; it demonstrates that we, as adults value what they are learning. Many children also need to feel that what they are doing is valued and worthwhile, if they are to be persuaded to expend any effort into completing a homework task!

I strongly believe homework shouldn’t just promote the revision of current skills or preparation for a forthcoming lesson, it should cultivate the key personal skills our young people need to develop into effective and independent learners.

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How can parents promote independent thinking at home?

• Bake together – a great opportunity to explore weights and measures and irreversible changes.

• Shop together –from working out percentages and addition to estimation of cost and weight.

• Read a newspaper together – great for learning about current affairs, First News is a great starting point.

• Write letters together – Excellent for practising grammar, punctuation and spelling, plus letters to famous people, politicians and television shows such as Blue Peter, may illicit a response they will treasure for a lifetime.

• Watch television together – yes really! You will be surprised where watching the likes of Bear Grylls, Champions League Football and The Great British Bake Off will take you.

Terence Ayres, Headmaster at Thorpe House School

THE DETAILS To find out more about Thorpe House School go to thorpehouse.co.uk, their social media (@thorpehousesch) or join them for their Nursery and Reception open morning, Wednesday 25th April, 10.00 - 11.30 or whole school open morning on Friday 11th May, 09.30 – 12.00.

Booking is encouraged via their website.

EDUC ATION

Introducing Buckinghamshire’s first Independent Grammar School We take great pleasure in announcing the launch of The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School.

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ituated in the Chiltern Hills in Newland Park, a stone’s throw from Chalfont St Giles, The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School combines the academic rigour of a traditional Buckinghamshire grammar school with a thoroughly modern and innovative approach.

The Chalfonts tackles the persistent perception that should you not enter one of the traditional Buckinghamshire Grammar schools, your path is necessarily set towards a less academic, less highachieving secondary school or a single sex private education cast in a similar mould.

Every aspect of life at The Chalfonts, from the curriculum through to the learning spaces, has been meticulously considered to offer a cutting edge, 21st Century education.

Rather than row upon row of desks, they use the Harkness method – a single boardroom table seating our maximum number of fourteen

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students per class. Rather than single sex, they are co-educational; an establishment where young men and women flourish together; and rather than prohibiting modern technology in class, they embrace it – with an innovative technological approach they call the ‘Five Surfaces’.

Director, Ali Khan is the former Headmaster of Crown House School in High Wycombe and Griffin House School in Little Kimble: “Crown House and Griffin House continue to provide outstanding primary education, regularly achieving some of the best results in Buckinghamshire. Their pupils usually progress to a single-sex, traditional Grammar school.

My involvement with The Chalfonts began with a visit, which entirely captured my imagination and I am delighted to be heavily involved with what I regard as a serious and significant alternative to the ‘normal routes’ of secondary education in Buckinghamshire.”

Principal, David Shandley recognises that: “When people visit The Chalfonts, they immediately see the difference and intuitively understand the advantages gained by organising our spaces in this fashion. We are receiving a great deal of attention from parents who like our progressive approach to learning and our central determination to shape the leaders of the future.” www.thechalfontsgrammar.co.uk

“Rather than row upon row of desks, they use the Harkness method – a single boardroom table seating our maximum number of fourteen students per class”

Open Evening: 23 May 2018, 18:30-20:30, Principal’s address 19:30 info@thechalfontsgrammar.co.uk | 01494 875502 www.thechalfontsgrammar.co.uk

OUT &ATION EDUC ABOUT

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Westbrook Hay A wonderful education

he start of school is a big step in a child’s life and also in that of its parents.

There is much debate about when is the right age to start being taught, but here at Westbrook Hay we feel that it is obvious; it is when the child is ready. Children can come to us in the term in which they turn 3, some will come from nurseries, others straight from home, while some will choose to remain at the local nursery and join us in Reception, when full time school begins.

In our purpose-built Lower School, children benefit from a secure setting, with its own playgrounds, and advantageous teacher: pupil ratios.

The aim is to provide a gentle start to life here, building on children’s existing skills. After two years or so in our Nursery, children move to Reception and this is the stage at which we see most children make the break through to literacy and numeracy.

One of the aspects that most appeals here is that the curriculum that underpins all the learning in the Nursery is delivered through children playing while they are learning. The subtlety involved requires skilled planning and delivery, but does mean that children largely remain blissfully unaware that they are being taught at this early stage.

The setting has to be exciting for children, sustaining their interest and one that offers sufficient variety to make every day an enjoyable challenge. Give a child the opportunity to discover that the 10 coloured blocks they have can be sorted

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into a variety of groups and then built into a threedimensional shape and the seeds of mathematical knowledge are sown in a practical manner, which has to be better than sitting there barking out the rote order of numbers in a robotic fashion that demonstrates little of value.

The modern child expects to be engaged by what they are doing and here at Westbrook Hay we believe that we provide children with the best start to their learning journey.

As children progress through the school, parents sole desire for their children’s happiness is gradually replaced by a desire for their children to pass an entrance test. The success of this transition is best described as academic progress with a smile.

Given the diverse requirements of various schools’ testing arrangements, children are prepared for specific tests for target schools. This comes on the back of exam preparation and familiarisation, with every child getting used to revising for and sitting exams twice a year as part of our annual exam programme.

The best preparation for exams is obviously to be well-taught and we have the advantage that from Year 5 and beyond, all lessons are taught by subject specialists, which is one of the reasons why we have an enviable record of scholarship awards and are proud of placing our children in an independent school of their choice. In an increasingly pressurised world, we do all this and still retain the smile! www.westbrookhay.co.uk

EDUC ATION

Calling all young performers!

SHARPE ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT At Sharpe Academy we aim for the very highest standards in performance whilst promoting and maintaining a familyfriendly atmosphere.

Whether students are aiming for a career in the arts or academia, our mission as a creative team is to guide them to be an individual, improve skill, build technique, enhance presentation and, most of all, be happy.

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harpe Academy of Theatre Arts will be running their annual Musical Theatre Summer School at the end of August at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth. This popular event is open to all Children and Young Performers aged 3-18.

Summer School for the youngest age group, Ages 3-6 (Reception – School Year 1), will take place from Monday 20th August – Friday 24th August.

Children will take part in a variety of Musical Theatre activities including Singing, Acting, and Dancing, as well as additional craft activities. An end-of-week theatre showcase will be presented to parents on Friday 24th August.

The full-day Summer School for boys and girls aged 6-18 (School Years 2-13), will take place from Monday 20th – Saturday 25th August. Students will participate in West End Workshops – taught by a host of West End stars – and classes in core Musical Theatre disciplines of Singing, Acting for Stage & Screen and Tap, Modern, Contemporary and Ballet dancing.

Booking is open now – for full details and to book your place visit SharpeAcademy.co.uk.

About Sharpe Academy Sharpe Academy was founded in 2008 and is currently in its 10th Anniversary Year. Students will present the 10th Anniversary Celebration at The Watford Colosseum on 30th June.

Classes take place in six locations across North West London and Buckinghamshire, including Amersham, Beaconsfield, Northwood, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and London (Stanmore).

The core discipline studied by all students is Musical Theatre, incorporating Singing, Acting, Dance and Performance. Whether children wish to build confidence, skill, or are aiming for a career in the Arts, Sharpe Academy has classes running for ages 3-18 and holds trial classes at the start of each term.

Learning through performance allows all children

at Sharpe Academy the opportunity to perform on the stage. So far this year, students have performed the popular musical SISTER ACT at Watersmeet, Rickmansworth and will be presenting FAME JR at Watersmeet during the Easter Holidays from 12th-15th April. Younger children aged 3-6 will have their own performance, LITTLE STARS, at The Centre, St Helen’s School, Northwood in July.

Older students in Sharpe’s London Company will be presenting LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Watersmeet from 5th-7th July.

The unique ACT 1 foundation syllabus for children aged 3-6 includes building confidence and presentation whilst working on speech, posture and balance. LAMDA Introductory and ISTD Primary Modern examinations are also available.

ACT 2 & ACT 3 classes allow children aged 6-14 the opportunity to learn through performance.

Weekly classes include Singing, Jazz Dance, Mime, Devised Drama and Acting for TV & Film.

Children also take part in regular open days and events, and can study LAMDA Acting examinations, ISTD Dance examinations and can audition for entry into Agent Sharpe, the company’s own talent agency. Previous credits include many feature films, television commercials, West End shows and television series.

To arrange a trial class, please visit SharpeAcademy.co.uk, or call 01923 354875 for more information.

GOLF GUIDE – Your tee to green guide of local golf courses – I M AG E : SANDY LODG E GOL F CLU B

GOLF GUIDE

SANDY LODGE GOLF CLUB

Tucked away on the Moor Park Estate, on the outskirts of Watford, Sandy Lodge boasts a stunning links-style parkland course that is set for higher rankings following recent investment

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andy Lodge is one of those rare golf clubs whose name provides a very solid guide as to the kind of playing experience you can expect. Founded in 1910, and designed by six-time Open champion Harry Vardon, the club’s championship course is often described as an inland links, which makes it somewhat unique in this corner of Hertfordshire, where free-draining soil is often hard to come by. Bernard Darwin, writing in The Golf Courses of the British Isles, might have been guilty of stating the bleeding obvious when he said that the club ‘deserves its name in that it is wonderfully sandy’, but he got it right when he also described it as ‘a fine training-ground for the driver, and also for the putter, for there are no better greens near London’.

More than one hundred years later, Darwin’s comments still hold true today, and perhaps somewhat undersell the playing experience given the recent improvements to the course and the practice facilities, more of which later.

The club’s expertly written centenary book, In Arena Virtus (which, according to Google, translates as ‘The Arena of Power’) records that Sandy Lodge was formed by a frustrated London geologist called James Markes who was tired of playing golf on the muddy parks around the capital. Using his expertise in all things soil-related, Markes soon realised that the land at Sandy Lodge Farm was perfect golfing country, and he enlisted Vardon, who was a close friend, to construct a golf course. The result was a wide-open, windswept, inland course that resembled a seaside links. The course remained that way until the outbreak of the Second World War, when it was turned over to grazing. Fortunately, the course was restored after hostilities ended, but unfortunately large sandy waste areas were grassed over and tree and shrub growth ensued, changing the look and feel of the layout.

Despite its changed outer look, the course, which underwent a further redevelopment in 2000, remains true to its original roots. It may not be the longest in the region - measuring 6,505 yards from the back tees - but it’s still a fair and

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enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels. The professionals and elite amateurs that have taken part in Open Qualifying over the last three years have certainly found it no pushover, with a threeunder-par 67 being the best score recorded at this year’s tournament in June giving some idea as to the challenge presented off the blue tees.

With six par threes and five par fives, there is no shortage of variation, and in an age where time is money, it’s certainly refreshing to be able to nip round here in three-and-ahalf hours, while the easy-walking nature of the land ensures that you can do so without breaking sweat – unless your match happens to be particularly tense or the sun should dare to come out.

Teeing off a suitable distance from the prying eyes in the clubhouse, the golfer is eased into the round with a gentle 488-yard par five – although a par four off the back tees – but the pace soon quickens up at the second, ‘Sleepers’, a mid-length par four which features an attractive timber-faced bunker some 40 yards short of a raised green.

A new back tee gives big hitters more to think about, as it brings the bunker in range with a driver, while most high handicap players hope to get a straight one away and come in with a short iron.

After the first of the six short holes, and another potentially reachable par five, the course really begins to bare its teeth at the 5th and 6th, both of which are lengthy par fours. The 454-yard 5th, Long Carry, features a heavily-bunkered fairway with a

“Sandy Lodge was formed by a frustrated London geologist called James Markes who was tired of playing golf on the muddy parks around the capital”

tricky two-tiered green, while the 461-yard 6th more than lives up to its stroke one index billing, with out of bounds down the left off the tee, a fairway that slopes to the left, and a significantly gradiented green.

The 7th, Laddie’s Cockpit, is a cracking 190-yard par three which doesn’t feature any bunkers, but is beautifully framed by a number of mounds, while a new raised tee provides a good view of the test that awaits. Back-to-back par threes are a rarity these days, but Sandy Lodge serves up at the 8th, Wee One, which is only 100 yards long, yet yields up surprisingly few birdies due to the putting surface’s wicked contours.

After yet another good short hole at 10, complete with plateau green, we come to the par-five 11th, Torrance, a 554-yard hole which features a phalanx of cross bunkers 50 yards out to provide a thought provoking risk-andreward second shot, followed by a downhill approach to an attractive green located in an amphitheatre of trees.

The 398-yard 12th is a testing dogleg par four where you must drive over two large mounds – hence its rather risqué name of Mae West – to a sharply left-to-right turning fairway, presenting a long second shot to heavily guarded green.

The 15th is a beautiful, but difficult 200- yard downhill par three, which has remained largely unchanged over the years, with the hole framed by mature trees and a green surrounded by bunkers to catch anything marginally offline. The final par-five, the 17th, is many a member’s favourite, with bunkers narrowing the landing area from the tee as the fairway gently rises and curves left to a wonderfully positioned green. Finding the correct part of the putting surface is vital here, as a large tier divides the front from the much lower back half.

All good things must come to an end, and they come to a particularly memorable one at Sandy Lodge, with many a match decided on this tricky 160-yard par three, which offers an uphill tee shot over a pit to a raised green flanked by mature trees.

A par here might be good enough to win the day, but a birdie will make a post-round drink slip down even better – especially if the loser’s buying!

With several new tees currently under construction, most notably at the final hole, there’s no sense that Sandy Lodge is resting on its laurels, and the active team of eight fulltime greenkeepers, lead by course manager, Richard Elderfield, the club, under the stewardship of general manager David Griffin, is constantly looking at ways of improving the experience for its loyal membership, as well as visiting golfers.

Walking back towards the clubhouse you’ll come

across the club’s new practice chipping green, which is due to open next spring. Designed by the in-demand agronomist team of Greg Evans and Ricky Willison, the heavily contoured clover-shaped green features four pins, and boasts a deep, riveted bunker for practicing those demanding sand saves that are a part of any round here. Added to the 12- bay driving range and 18-hole putting green, which are also located directly in front of the clubhouse, Sandy Lodge now boasts some truly top-notch practice facilities to match the credentials of its championship course. They’ll certainly prove useful to the club’s team of PGA Professionals, led by longstanding head professional Jeff Pinsent, who provide expert coaching services to the membership, as well as running a wellstocked pro shop and valuable club customfitting service.

The single storey clubhouse, which overlooks the course, leans nicely on the side of ‘traditional’, and is a spacious and comfortable spot in which to relax before or after a round. A welcoming bar area opens out into a large dining area for catering for the regular functions that the club lays on as part of a varied and busy social calendar. The changing rooms have recently benefitted from a complete refit, and the clubhouse is set to benefit from further enhancements over the coming months, all of which will add to the attraction of this delightful venue.

As you’d expect for such a historic and reputable club, the membership stands at a healthy 700-strong, including 160 lady members, 80 juniors, and an active seniors section. In order to encourage the younger generation to stick with the game, the club has recently launched an intermediate membership, with the joining fee element being reduced to a £500 fee from £1,500 for those aged 18-30, while juniors get a free half-hour lesson each month as part of their £212 annual membership fee, as well as free weekend roll-up coaching sessions.

All told, Sandy Lodge is a club where the sum of its parts adds up to something really rather special, and is thoroughly deserving of much higher and wider recognition. But, then again, the members might like it the way it is, so if you do make the sensible decision to book a round here, please don’t tell them I sent you!

“As you’d expect for such a historic and reputable club, the membership stands at a healthy 700-strong, including 160 lady members, 80 juniors, and an active seniors section”

Sandy guests And societies Welcome ‘Sandy guests’ are welcome At sandy lodge on weekdays Throughout the year, with The summer green fee set At £65 on Mon-Thurs and £75 On Fridays. Please call 01923 825429 In advance to book Your tee time. Societies are Welcome on Monday and Thursdays, with packages For groups of 12 or more Starting from just £65.

For bookings and further Details on bespoke Packages, call 01923 825429, Email info@sandylodge. co.uk, or visit www.sandylodge.co.uk.

APRIL 2018 63

GOLF GUIDE

the UK’s most exclusive golf clubs Looking to join one of the most prestigious, luxury golf clubs in the country? Your application starts here...

Centurion Club

Centurion Club

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he UK is home to some of the world’s most revered private golf clubs where members can enjoy exclusive access to unrivalled facilities, ambient fine dining and superbly designed and maintained golf courses.

The vast majority of golf clubs, including even the likes of St Andrews and Muirfield, allow access to those who are willing to cough up cash in exchange for a round. There are, however, a select number of elite clubs who open their doors exclusively for their rich and (often) famous members.

But wealth alone won’t gain you entry into these clubs. It’s about knowing the right people, your manner, personality and of course, the impression you bestow upon the hierarchy.

GQ gives you a unique inside track on the best of these clubs and how you can access golf ’s golden ticket – a private club membership.

Wentworth Club: Getty images

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Queenwood Almost certainly the most secretive club on our list is Queenwood in Surrey. Perhaps understandably so, when it can reportedly count the likes of Michael Douglas, Hugh Grant, Andrij Shevchenko and a variety of Open champions among its members.

While on site as a member your every need is catered for by attentive but not intrusive staff. If you’re lucky enough to play here, you’re likely to be either a (successful) hedge fund manager, a tour pro or an A-lister.

How to get in? The club are very protective of their pricing structure. Literally it’s like trying to access MI6’s IT server. You’ll need a decent bank balance and a bulging book of contacts full of members who like you to be considered. The club also looks favourably upon those who have excelled in their respective field. According to sources the joining fee was £150,000 at opening in 2005 and is now rumoured to be well in excess of £200,000.

Wentworth Club From April 1st the club in Virginia Water in Surrey that plays host to the BMW PGA Championship annually, changed from semi-private into an invitation only full private members’ club. The new owners, Reignwood Group, have committed £20m worth of investment to upgrade all the facilities including the famous clubhouse. The West Course has recently undergone a £5m reimagination and is better than ever.

How to get it in? Membership is currently available through a six-figure debenture. You also get three golf courses for your cash and a club that’s golfing history is rivalled only by the likes of St Andrews.

The criteria? You’ll need to be personable, polite and be up to scratch with golf ’s etiquette. Oh, best you haven’t offended any current members in a previous life, either.

The Wisley Just an hour from Central London in fresh Surrey heathland is the Wisley; a club solely owned by its member shareholders. Three equally challenging and picturesque nine-hole loops offer those fortunate enough to belong, a varied and invariably pristine facility. The club aims to provide an exclusive, comfortable and impeccably conditioned golf experience exclusively for its members and their guests. This is ensured by a strict cap on the total number of members.

How to get in? Membership at The Wisley is by invitation or member-sponsor only. Shares are purchased subject to availability at £40,000 (plus fees) with an additional annual subscription of £5,750 and a bar levy of £700. Those who are proposed will then have to pass a playing interview with the Chief Executive or Director of Golf.

The Wisley: Getty images

Content supplied by GQ Magazine

Queenwood: Getty images

This modern club in St Albans, Herts, opened its doors to members in 2013 and has since partnered with culinary giants the Galvin brothers, opening what they vow to be the finest golf club restaurant in the country. Galvin at Centurion offers their Michelin-starred food with views of a golf course that is widely regarded as one of the UK’s best new designs. Centurion’s quality has recently been affirmed by the European Tour’s decision to hold its innovative new GolfSixes event at the venue.

How to get in? ‘Senate’ membership starts at £60,000 a share with investors benefiting from EIS tax relief.

The club promotes itself as forward thinking and relaxed, therefore there are no rules on denim jeans or phones usage like you’ll find at some others. You’ll need to play with and meet the requirements of the senior management before you’re granted access. And if all that doesn’t work, at least you can go for lunch... the restaurant is open to the public.

GOLF GUIDE

Burnham Beeches Golf Club Burnham Beeches Golf Club is the oldest club in Buckinghamshire and has just celebrated its 125th Anniversary. The course is an England Golf Championship venue and offers members and visitors a memorable golf experience, together with a welcoming atmosphere in the club house.

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he Club’s success is built on its twin policies of putting members first and continuous investment in its facilities and services.

The beautiful course sits on the edge of the ancient Burnham Beeches woodland and offers peace and tranquillity amid all the hustle and bustle of being so close to London. At 6449 yards off the back tees the course offers a good test for all golfers. Another advantage is that the 9th green is close to the club house which provides the option, for those who only want to play 9 holes, of playing either the front or back nine. The course is looked after by an award winning green-keeping team that won the Championship Green-keeping Performance of the Year for preparing and maintaining the course for the English Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in 2016.

The Club has a limited number of Full memberships available for those looking for a friendly, quality golfing experience. Visitor usage is strictly controlled so that Members can enjoy playing their course with no need to book tee times. The Club is also looking to the future and has introduced initiatives to encourage the next generation of golfers. All Juniors aged 12 or under are entitled to free membership and this includes tuition through the school holidays from the Club’s Professionals. Furthermore there is no joining fee for any new Member under the age of 25 and reduced subscriptions up to age of 30.

The Club has recently completed the refurbishment and upgrade of both the lounge, which now provides a more attractive, comfortable and functional space and the Ladies showers which

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have been redesigned to provide more space and facilities. On the course all green side bunkers have recently been refurbished and path upgrades have also been carried out.

The Club never stands still and those discerning golfers looking to play at a true Members course should look no further than Burnham Beeches.

Burnham Beeches Golf Club Green Lane, Burnham, Buckinghamshire, SL1 5EG T: 01628 661448 E: enquiries@bbgc.co.uk W: www.bbgc.co.uk

“The beautiful course sits on the edge of the ancient Burnham Beeches woodland”

GOLF GUIDE

Air – the lifeline for anything living…

Bringing services to the Golfing & Sports Turf Industry are local business Turf Tonics

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ll living playing surfaces; golf courses, sports fields, bowling greens, lawns need regular management to increase the health of the turf. Soil compaction prevents healthy growth and limits the potential of the growing surface. With a number of aeration options including verticutting, core aeration or solid tine aeration you will make improvements to the overall playing surface – whilst leaving an unsightly reminder of the treatment carried out. Turftonics have invested in the most up to date machine available for their total aeration packages.

The Air2G2 laterally injects pressurised air up to 12 inches beneath the surface, entering and disrupting the compacted layers beneath. These air blasts, whist fracturing the compaction, increase the porosity of the soil thus enhancing respiration and in turn allow water to drain effortlessly away from the playing surface.

The most impressive part about the Air2G2 is the little to no disturbance of the turf grass surface, allowing play to return immediately after treatment. No more closed courses – treat today and play today!

Turftonics offer professional services to an array of businesses within the Sports Turf Industry. From total turn-key solutions and full site management, product, chemical and fertiliser programmes to renovations, product supply, consultation and single day machine and operator hire. The use of a professional service to come into your golf course to carry out these works ensures experienced operators, less disruption and as importantly little to no impact on your existing workforce. Servicing such clients as The Grove, The Shire, Buckinghamshire Golf Club and

Berkhamsted Golf Club Turftonics also manage football pitches such as Wycombe Wanderers FC and Aldershot FC. The prestigious Harrow School is amongst their client list too, along with a number of cricket grounds bowling greens and tennis clubs Turftonics can also bring this professional approach into the private sector, if your desire is to have a mini football pitch, a bowls green for a lawn or even your own golf course.

If you would like to talk to Turftonics and have a general discussion on how their services can help you either in your golf club or bringing their services into your private property please call 07977 195732 (Steve) or 07843 627754 (Colin) or email your questions to info@turftonics.co.uk Phillip Chiverton, Golf Course & Estate Manager of The Grove, Hertfordshire has been using Turftonics for a number of years.

“The knowledge of treatments and solutions from Turftonics is second to none” says Phill.

“I have come to rely on the professionalism that they offer – the team at Turftonics are realistic about what we can achieve and they have the passion, skills and know-how to deliver.

Turftonics are an integral part of my planning for the investment in the quality of playing surfaces (on the golf course) and lawns at The Grove, which includes work they are contracted to carry out on our football pitch which is used

by Premier League Clubs as well as the England First Team and NFL”

Complete renovations

Bringing professional sports turf services to high end homes

New lawns A mini golf course to a football pitch

We bring the professional finish to your playing surface

Steve Gardner 07977 195740 Colin Wilson 07843 627754 info@turftonics.co.uk

GOLF GUIDE

The Amersham area golf club

Harewood Downs I

f you would like to play and join one of the best golf courses in the Amersham area, now is your chance. We are expanding and looking for new members to come and join us to enjoy the course, the camaraderie and the active social side of the club.

Why Harewood Downs?

The beautiful course, which enjoys remarkable views over the Misbourne Valley and rolling Chiltern Hills, dates back to 1907. It features some of the finest holes in the county, a challenging test of golf for both high and low handicap golfers. The course is located just off the A413 on Cokes Lane between Amersham and Chalfont St.Giles.

Over the last 10 years, there has been substantial investment in new USGA specification greens which have transformed the quality and consistency of play. Now our greens are open year round while other nearby courses are waterlogged and closed.

We are a friendly club and visiting golfers can expect a warm welcome in our spacious clubhouse which is home to a well-stocked bar and dining room offering first-class home-cooked food.

The Club extends a warm welcome to new members, visitors, societies or those just starting the game. Our roll up culture means you never have to

book a tee time. We offer an easy induction to new members with a vibrant club culture for men, ladies, seniors and juniors alike.

New to Golf?

If you are looking to take up golf or to establish a handicap then the Harewood Academy could be right for you. At just over £1 per day, it’s a great way for families to begin playing together and since its inception over 90 academy golfers have gone on to become full members of Harewood.

The Open Day Experience Play the course, talk to members and experience our club on a range of days throughout the spring and early summer period. Full details will be published on the website.

THE DETAILS Harewood Downs Golf Club Cokes Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Nr Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP8 4TA Richard Hall, General Manager T: 01494 762184 E: secretary@hdgc.co.uk W: www.hdgc.co.uk

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GOLF GUIDE

Temple - much more than “just a golf club!”

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emple Golf Club is beautifully situated in unspoilt landscape and enjoys extensive panoramic views of the River Thames and Chiltern Hills beyond. The view from the 1st tee is simply stunning.

Although Temple is over 100 years old, the Club combines heritage with a modern approach. Our progressive, affordable, family-friendly and flexible Lifestyle membership continues to be tremendously popular with men and women alike. This membership is aimed at today’s time-poor golfer who is trying to juggle business and family commitments but at the same time seeks value for money.

Prospective members can choose from a range of usage-based packages each of which attracts the usual benefits associated with being a member of a club. Our entry-level Blue membership provides up to 9 rounds of golf but is currently full, Bronze membership up to 20 rounds, Silver up to 35 rounds, Gold up to 52 rounds and our Platinum category includes unlimited golf. Rounds can be used on weekdays and weekends for competition or social golf.

The excellently maintained and beautifully presented course, designed by twice Open champion Willie Park Jr. has wintered well and is in great shape going into the new season. During the close season we have continued our programme of course improvements including some truly spectacular bunker refurbishments.

Our greenkeeping team, prides itself on producing a golf course that is challenging enough to test the low handicap player but friendly enough to encourage those with higher handicaps; and we aim for 3 hour two-ball rounds and a maximum of

72 APRIL 2018

“Although Temple is over 100 years old, the Club combines heritage with a modern approach.

Our progressive, affordable, familyfriendly and flexible Lifestyle membership continues to be tremendously popular with men and women alike”

4 hours for a four-ball.

We are introducing a Temple Golf Academy later in the year with the aim of offering men, women and juniors a pathway through to playing membership. The Academy will offer professional group coaching for men, women and juniors wishing to take up, or return to, the game.

Our well stocked Professional Shop offers a wide range of the latest golf clothing and equipment and uses advanced video analysis software to help golfers improve their game.

The original clubhouse with its simply breathtaking views is still in use today and provides a wonderful setting for a quiet drink, a snack or a meal; and the Club prides itself on providing a friendly and efficient service in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.

With the flexibility of our Lifestyle membership scheme, a great golf course set in a stunning location and a friendly and welcoming environment, Temple combines tradition and heritage with modern-thinking, momentum and vibrancy.

To find out how you can join Temple Golf Club or for more information on the Temple Golf Academy, please call 01628 824795, email secretary@templegolfclub.co.uk or visit www.templegolfclub.co.uk.

GOLF GUIDE

Harleyford Golf Club: Euro-Pro Tournament 2018

Harleyford Golf Club has been selected as one of the host venues for the Euro-Pro Tournament 2018. This televised event will draw some of the best golfers in Europe. The tour will be Wednesday 30th May – Friday 1st June and spectators are welcome to attend free of charge.

So we asked Harleyford’s very own PGA Advanced professional Jon Jones, about what this exciting oppor tunity means to him:

What does it mean as the professional for Harleyford to host the PGA EuroPro Tour in 2018?

Answer: This is exactly the kind of event that Harleyford has been striving for since our change of ownership in 2015. The plan has always been for us to be recognised as one of the best clubs in the County and hosting such a well renowned tour will certainly help us with that vision. As a club, we supported our very own Tyrrell Hatton as he was making his way up the ladder and we’re fully aware that the EuroPro Tour was an important stage in his development. We would be very proud if we were able to support another one of our members on their journey towards the European Tour so we feel it’s vital for us to be involved as a tour venue.

What can the golfers expect when they play Harleyford?

Answer: They can expect to be baffled by the greens! Conforming to USGA standards, our greens are renowned for being tough to read at first. They are however extremely enjoyable and satisfying when making a putt. Missing the greens in the wrong place can make for a long round.

Are there any particular holes/features of the course that will challenge the golfers?

Answer: Whilst all of the holes at Harleyford could be classed as difficult in some way, the ones to look out for are generally our par 3’s. Ranging from 170 - 225 yards, missing the greens on any of them will lead to treacherous up and downs.

Lucky bounces onto the dance floor don’t exist at Harleyford, so competitors should expect to have a lot of loft in their hands for their second shots if they are wayward off the tee. Couple that with the undulations on our greens and players will see why a par on any of our short holes is invaluable.

Are there any holes that golfers could, and should, score well on?

Answer: The best two scoring holes at Harleyford tend to be the 9th and the 14th. The former is a downhill par five that doglegs to the left, it is easily reachable in two. When the pin is on the right hand side of the green it can present a great eagle

74 APRIL 2018

opportunity so players should look to get their drives away and then attack. A par often feels like a dropped shot. The 14th is a drive-able par four that should be taken advantage of. Even a slightly wayward tee shot leaves a reasonable chance of an up and down so a birdie there should definitely be on the cards.

How does the course play in May/June when the EuroPro comes to Harleyford?

Answer: May/June is the perfect time to come to Harleyford. With no fairway watering the course completely changes over the summer months, almost to an inland links so playing in the Spring/ early Summer means it will be looking it’s best.

What style of golfer will/should play well at Harleyford?

Answer: Harleyford is a tough test no matter how you look at it. If you’re missing the target then you will need a fantastic short game to bail you out.

Striking the ball well and hitting greens in regulation is generally the best way to score.

Should anyone have any questions about the Europro Tour at Harleyford or is interested in membership please contact the Golf Club on 01628 816161 or info@harleyfordgolf.co.uk.

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HARLEYFoRD GoLF CLUB Membership • Societies • Corporate Events • Functions Magnificent surroundings, nestled by the River Thames at Marlow.

A challenging and rewarding 6,903 yard par 72 course for players of all levels.

Contact us now!

01628 816161 www.harleyfordgolf.co.uk info@harleyfordgolf.co.uk

FE

E

GOLF GUIDE

Golf for women and girls at Harewood Downs

H

International Women’s Golf Day

arewood Downs Golf club offers membership at different levels for women and girls who would like to see what golf is all about.

New to golf?

Golf is a relaxing hobby for all age groups, which requires no experience to get started and is a fun way to meet new people or share time with family and friends.

At Harewood Downs we currently provide after school lessons for local schools; a summer camp for our more junior golfers; and an Academy for those golfers who are just getting into the golf. Golf is great for all ages and being outdoors is a great way of destressing after school or work.

A friendly welcoming club Harewood Downs is known for a friendly and welcoming ladies section. Many of our working members play after work in the summer and on weekends. Competitions are available on Tuesdays and some Saturdays or Sundays. Outside that time, you can roll up to play at any time.

“Golf is great for all ages and being outdoors is a great way of destressing after school or work” 76 APRIL 2018

THE DETAILS Harewood Downs Golf Club Cokes Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Nr Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP8 4TA Richard Hall, General Manager T: 01494 762184 E: secretary@hdgc.co.uk W: www.hdgc.co.uk

To celebrate International Women’s Golf Day on June 5th our club will be offering two free taster sessions at 10.30am and 5pm. Why not pop along with a friend for a casual lesson and join us for some refreshments afterwards, a light snack and a glass of Pimms? There will be an opportunity to follow up with group Beginner’s lessons as well.

There is a strong social aspect to our ladies section and we are always open to new members.

We welcome all enquiries and look forward to seeing you at the Club.

If you would like to try a new activity or get back in to golf and see what Harewood Downs Golf Club has to offer, please contact Richard Hall, General Manager on 01494 762184

GOLF GUIDE

Wexham Park Golf Centre L

ocated on the borders of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and just a stone’s throw away from Stoke Poges, Wexham Park Golf Centre is reputed to be one of the best daily fee courses in the area. Home to two Golf courses (9 and 18 hole), floodlit driving range, short-game practice area, 9 hole Footgolf course, six PGA professionals and a purpose built function suite that can cater for any occasion.

Our 18-hole Blue Course has been lengthened in recent years, using three holes from the clubs previous 9 hole course. The move has meant the course can be lengthened from 5,251 yards to 6,015 yards.

The design of the greens boasts tight tree lined fairways, equipped with numerous water hazards and challenges golfers of all abilities. The course has hosted a number of local PGA Professional tournaments over the years.

Our smaller Green Course is a well maintained 9 hole course, ideal for new golfers, and has been described as a ‘gem’. Its wider fairways and raised sloping greens are ideal for developing the short game. The course is long enough to force players of all standards into playing a wide variety of shots with its mix of par-3’s, par-4s and par-5s.

Both our 18 and 9 hole courses welcome society groups.

We are proud to boast within our teaching professionals we have the current Berks, Bucks and Oxon under 12’s elite County Coach Martin Heys and the under 14’s elite County Coach Dan Rees amongst our Professionals. All of our registered Professionals have access to the best tools and facilities onsite such as our 36 bay floodlit driving range, putting green and our purpose built custom fit suite complete with Trackman 4. Wexham Park strives to focus on continuous Golf Development, which is portrayed strongly with the provision of a comprehensive short game area to allow practice for delicate and precise shots.

Fancy something different from the traditional round of Golf ?

Why not try a round of Footgolf, a game that combines two of the most popular sports in the world, Football and Golf. Footgolf, a game

dependent on integrity and strategy follows many of the same rules as traditional golf. Played over 9 or 18 holes, players ‘tee off ’ from designated areas, fill in their score card and play in turn, with those furthest from the hole kicking first. Footgolf is the perfect activity for Children’s Parties, Corporate Team Building Days or Stag Doo’s.

Wexham Park Golf Centre offers more than just golf. A stunning and modern Clubhouse serves delicious breakfast and lunches not just to members, everyone is welcome. Our chef produces seasonal dishes and regular specials to tempt you throughout the year. Our purpose built function suite is the perfect venue to host a party, anniversary lunch, prom or funeral reception. With spacious facilities capable of accommodating up to 120 guests. If you need a venue to hold a conference then the Springs Suite can be available for a minimum of 10 delegates or a room hire fee charged at a daily rate.

This includes free parking and free Wi-Fi. At Wexham Park Golf Centre we recognise the need for a variety of golfing memberships to match all abilities and development needs. Memberships begin at £99. By becoming a member you can receive some amazing benefits and make great friends along the way.

We are a very social club and currently have around 400 members, this is ever-growing and we welcome everyone from juniors to beginners, intermediates or advanced players. For more information contact our Golf Membership Consultant. www.wexhamparkgolfcentre.co.uk

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£195!) exhammembership Parkmembership Golf Centrefor has free bothfree 9(worth and(worth 18 hole for £195!) urses, Ashort area, driving range, putting green & greatAplay opportunity to spend qualityquality familyfamily time with great opportunity to spend time with lf Professionals available for tuition 7 day a week. your son, daughter, godchildren and grandchildren.

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Wexham Parkall Golf Centre has both and 918and hole18enjoy mply perfect for abilities to experience and Wexham Park Golf Centre has9both hole courses, short play area, driving range, putting green & e game of golf. courses, short play area, driving range, putting green & Golf Professionals available for tuition 7 day a week.

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fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : AND R E W GA R DN E R

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Sun, sea & Scandinavian

style

82 APRIL 2018

S

tenströms has become one of the most respected brands of Swedish fashion.

Founded in 1899, Stenströms is now sold in some of the most exclusive retailers throughout the world. Focusing on quality, style and comfort, Stenströms offers over a century’s worth of knowledge, tradition and craftsmanship, Showcasing a variation of shirts, knitwear and polos expertly crafted using premium fabrics, the collection spans a host of prints and patterns ranging from florals to checks and stripes all finished in a vibrant colour palette. So why not brighten up this summer with Stenströms.

Andrew Gardner, The Tanyard, Tring Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire 01296 625488 www.andrewgardner.co.uk

APRIL 2018 83

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Speech and Language Therapy at Spire Harpenden

D

o you know anybody who has suffered from a stroke or head injury which is affecting their speech, communication or their eating and drinking? Or are you living with a voice, speech or swallowing issue which is affecting your quality of life?

Nearly a fifth of the population will experience communication difficulties at some stage in their lives and over three quarters of stroke survivors experience eating, drinking or swallowing problems.

Unfortunately, communication difficulties can lead to social isolation and frustration for individuals and families, and eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties can have potentially life threatening consequences such a chest infections, choking, malnutrition and pneumonia.

Communication and / or swallowing difficulties can occur due to a wide range of health conditions such as stroke, progressive diseases and dementia, cancer, respiratory and gastro conditions and over use such as straining the voice.

These problems which you may feel are

84 APRIL 2018

significantly impacting on your ability to fully participate in life could possibly be treated and supported through the skills of a specialist speech and language therapist. With a focus on adaptation as well as rehabilitation there is a huge spectrum of individuals who can vastly improve their quality of life through the use of these specialist skills.

Not only do they help individuals who have been faced with large medical hurdles such as multiple sclerosis, they can also assist with acute illness such as Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis), reflux issues as well as diagnosing and treating swallowing problems associated with respiratory conditions.

Spire Harpenden’s clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Lyn Button works directly with individuals, carers and healthcare professionals to provide tailored holistic treatment programmes to improve communication. These programmes can then go on to make a profound difference to the patient’s safety and quality of life. www.spireharpenden.com

Speech and Language Therapist, Lyn Button

“Communication and / or swallowing difficulties can occur due to a wide range of health conditions such as stroke, progressive diseases and dementia, cancer, respiratory and gastro conditions”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Latest Non-Surgical Face Lift and Body Tightening Treatment now available at MBA Skin, Beaconsfield

F

ounder of MBA Clinics, Petrina Nugawela is always on the hunt for the top aesthetic devices to bring the most sought after procedures to Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Her latest acquisition is the Ultraformer III, a medically approved treatment that gives fantastic anti-ageing results to help achieve a more youthful complexion.

What Does It Do? A completely non-invasive, lifting, tightening and contouring device that allows us to provide a customised treatment for the face, neck and body.

With the ability to target a wide variety of concerns, Ultraformer III is proven to be successful concerns such as wrinkles, stubborn fat and sagging skin.

What makes it really special is we can treat many areas of the body including the face, neck, abdomen, buttocks, arms, knees. We can even treat right up to the eye area, tightening around the eyes to improve puffiness and bags.

How Does It Work?

Using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) with Micro and Macro focused cartridges, the

Excellence in Medical Aesthetics Since 1991 • Laser, IPL and CO2 Skin Treatments • Veins and Vascular • Acne, Rosacea, Pigmentation • Skin Tag, Wart and Verruca Removal • FemTouch Vaginal Rejuvenation • CoolSculpting Fat Reduction • Botox and Dermal Fillers • Shockwave for cellulite • Skin Peels And more, visit our website for a full list of treatments

treatment delivers energy at various depths depending on the target area, ranging from wrinkles to stubborn fat. You can even combine this with other treatments, like Coolsculpting (fat freezing), to enhance results!

Is It Painful?

The procedure is comfortable with no downtime and no topical anaesthetic needed.

BEFORE

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When Will I See Results?

Immediately! Visible changes to the area will gradually show up to 60 days after treatment due to collagen regeneration that usually takes 60 to 90 days.

Book a Free Consultation Ultraformer III is now available at MBA Skin, located in the heart of Beaconsfield Old Town. MBA’s expert team are trained to create tailored treatment plans to suit your needs, get in touch for more information. info@mbaclinics.com 0800 264 1333

“The procedure is comfortable with no downtime and no topical anaesthetic needed”

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Contact us for a free consultation to discuss a personal treatment plan

Beaconsfield: 0800 246 1333 • Maidenhead: 01628 675533 • Datchet: 01753 545333 info@mbaclinics.com • www.mbaclinics.com 86 APRIL 2018

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

P

Parental Burn Out-It’s

REAL!

arental burn out is a term I have heard more and more since becoming a parent myself. I guess I never really noticed it until it started happening to me. Yes, I too, a Clinical Psychologist experience parental (mental) burn out. Like most parents, my life revolves around my children. What are they eating?

Are they gaining enough weight? Are they playing nice? Why are they waking so frequently? Why is my child in my bed again?

If you are asking these questions; while also feeding your children, doing school runs, working, and trying to have a marriage…this is BURN OUT! It’s the behavior and questions we engage in every day that leads to our parental burn out. CNN on May 9th, 2017 wrote a wonderful article on parental burnout. The article used a study published in Journal frontiers in Psychology that found 13% of parents surveyed had “high burnout.” The study found that parents were exhausted, felt withdrawn from each other; their productivity was less and felt less competent.

We all want the best for our children, but does it have to be at the cost of our own happiness and mental sanity? Post Natal Depression (PND) as a diagnosis is usually given after one has given birth or within a year of giving birth. However, no one talks about the rest of your child’s childhood. We can feel equally if not worse PND like symptoms as mums and dads years into having children. Just because you have not given birth recently and you are a seasoned parent you should not feel ashamed or scared to discuss your burn out with your partner, health visitors, GP or even a Chartered Psychologist.

Causes of parental burn out • Social Media- Everyone wants to pretend they are super mummy and daddy. Truth is they aren’t.

Plain and simple…they just aren’t. None of us are.

88 APRIL 2018

• Children talking about or arguing with us.

• Feeling unsupported or unheard with your children.

• Feeling like ground hog day-doing the same thing over and over again.

• Non-stop crying or tantrums.

• Children not sleeping or eating, as they should.

• A disorganized house (no schedule, no time to do errands or chores) • Working, parenting, and trying to be a super-hero (looking good, fitness, maintain a relationship with spouse) • No “you” time. We all need time-out. We need our own time.

• No support network.

Fix it: • Make some time for your self. Get a babysitter, a friend or family member to watch the kids.

• Sit down and make a schedule.

• Take turns with the children. One parent shouldn’t have all the responsibly.

• Have sex (Yes, have sex its good for the chemicals in your body and soul).

• Change things up. Find activities that are different for you and your family.

• Stop believing everything on social media.

• Be each other’s greatest strength. Check in on each other and make sure you’re okay.

• Gossip about your children to each other. (yes, its okay really…talk about the good, bad, gross, and fun).

• DON’T TALK ABOUT THE CHILDREN AND HAVE A DATE NIGHT!! (BIG ONE).--Really hard to do, but try it.

• Seek help www.buckinghamshirepsychology.co.uk Call us now on 0207 717 9022 info@buckinghamshirepsychology.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

THIS MONTH’S SUPPORTER

CHRIS JORDAN This month, we focus on Dr Chris Jordan – a volunteer at the Butterfly House hospice with a distinguished past.

T

o passers-by, Chris Jordan looks the picture of a dedicated professional gardener as he lovingly tends the flowerbeds and shrubs outside Butterfly House, the home of The South Bucks Community Hospice.

But gardening is just a passion for Chris – who is, in fact, a distinguished pharmacologist with a PhD. He retired three years ago after a career spanning more than three decades, during which he helped identify and develop new drugs for patients.

Among Dr Jordan’s career highlights was working as part of a team on an award-winning drug, ondansetron (known as Zofran), to treat the severe nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatment. The team went on to develop a new class of drugs which are even more effective as anti-emetics.

“The great thing about that is we received feedback from patients saying that, without this drug, they could not have tolerated their chemotherapy – the nausea and vomiting you get with some forms of chemotherapy is dreadful and this drug mitigated the side effects,” he said.

Chris, a father-of-two from Iver, having been a lecturer at University College London, subsequently worked for several drug companies. As he neared retirement, he began searching for alternative and useful ways to fill his time.

He then bumped into hospice CEO Jo Woolf at a fundraising event and agreed to meet with her to discuss volunteering after he retired.

He recalled: “I told her I quite liked gardening and I now help maintain the garden at Butterfly House where the hospice is based. I also provide help writing grant applications and maintaining a database with the fundraising group. I lend a hand when needed – I am just part of a team that aims to improve the lot of others who are suffering lifelimiting illnesses.”

Chris, 70, is also an Iver parish councillor and his wife, Jilly, is a member of South Bucks District Council.

But he said: “The hospice is not a place where egos are of any value – you just lend a hand when you can. I occasionally come over at the weekend but mostly work here on Wednesdays. Much of my time here is spent maintaining the gardens, the activities

90 APRIL 2018

changing with the seasons. The gardens are a great asset to the Hospice. They provide a place of peace and tranquillity, and so the work brings its own rewards.”

“Volunteering is very rewarding because you get appreciation from both staff and patients. It’s a very positive experience and you work with a fantastic group of people. You don’t have to commit huge amounts of time and there are a number of different roles you can take to fit your own talents and preferences.”

Chris agreed to take part in this article to try to encourage others to come forward to volunteer.

“Volunteering is very rewarding because you get appreciation from both staff and patients. It’s a very positive experience and you work with a fantastic group of people. You don’t have to commit huge amounts of time and there are a number of different roles you can take to suit your own talents and preferences.”

Chris is hugely enthusiastic when it comes to extolling the virtues of Butterfly House.

“Butterfly House is providing a valuable service that, otherwise, would not be available. It is not something that is provided by the NHS. The whole care system in Bucks, and more widely, is under huge strain. The hospice gives respite to patients, their families and carers, as well as providing more therapeutic services, such as the lymphoedema clinic, psycho-social care and physiotherapy.”

So why does he really love volunteering so much?

“I just feel I have had a pretty good life and have been fortunate in many ways so I want to put something back into society. I enjoy gardening and I am comfortable with more office-based activities, so it’s all positive for me.” * If you are interested in joining Chris and the volunteering team at Butterfly House, email volunteers@sbhospice.org.uk or call 01494 552761. www.sbh.org.uk

Having a live-in carer could cHange your life

In addition to providing hourly care we have a friendly and supportive team of live-in carers.

So having a live-in carer could really change your life.

Staying safe and comfortable in your own home is what most of us would like and with a live-in carer you will not have to worry about cooking your meals, getting your shopping or making your bed. our reliable team of live-in carers will also accompany you on visits so you are able to regain some independence, together with the confidence to remain in your own home. live-in care is also a very economical alternative to moving to a care home. Why not contact us for an informal chat?

9 Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2JJ 01494 678811 • www.universal-care.co.uk

The joy of giVing

You could be a part of our new Community Hospice. There are so many ways that you could help us to make it a very special place: • Visit one of our shops in either Bourne End or Hazlemere • Donate your unwanted goods at any re-use site across Bucks for sale in our re-use shops at Aston Clinton and High Heavens • Make a regular donation, just £1 a month helps us to plan for our future • Hold your own fundraising event, or take part in a walk, run or skydive • Volunteer with us – even an hour or two a week will make a huge difference • Attend one of our events and bring your friends and family too

if you would like to know more then please call 01494 552 761 or email info@sbhospice.org.uk www.sbh.org.uk

follow us on facebook @SouthBuckshospice or Twitter @SBuckshospice To keep up to date with our current campaigns, events and opportunities visit www.sbh.org.uk

South Bucks Hospice is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No. 6775584. Registered Charity No. 1128881 Registered office is Butterfly House, Kingswood Park, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 6GR

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

SKINCARE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

It’s easy to get stuck in the same old routine with skincare, especially if you’ve found products that work for you. But if you fancy branching out, here are five globallyinspired products you may want to consider.

WORDS: Taylor Heyman

Switzerland: Weleda Skin Food Skin Food is perfect for when your skin needs some serious TLC. It’s specially formulated for dry and rough skin, using all natural ingredients, including rosemary, pansy, chamomile and calendula extracts.

This beauty favourite is loved by make-up artists and models alike (they slather it on in-flight to ward off dry skin) and it’s been around for 90 years - you can’t get a better endorsement than that, can you?

Weleda Skin Food, £10.95

New Zealand: Manuka Doctor Honey Eye Oil This New Zealand favourite is made with manuka honey and nourishing plant oils, including marula, inchi and kukui. The cool roller applicator feels like placing cool cucumbers under your eyes, and the product itself wakens tired eyes and reduces bag by providing much-needed moisture.

Manuka Doctor 24K Gold & Manuka Honey Eye Oil, £15.99

Australia: What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum This facial serum is a saviour for stressed-out skin.

Incredibly light and scented with a fresh lemony fragrance, it sinks in easily, leaving skin dewy, rather than greasy. According to its makers, the secret is an ingredient derived from the centipeda cunninghamii plant (otherwise known as old man weed), called plantolin. Aboriginal people have used this ingredient for centuries to soothe skin and promote healing and repair.

What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum, £16.19 (currently reduced from £17.99), ShipleyHealthStore

South Korea: Skinfood Black Sugar Honey Mask Korean beauty products are so hot right now, so who better to trust than a brand that’s been around for over 60 years? The honey mask smells divine, and its syrupy texture is easy to spread onto skin.

The result is fresh, hydrated skin, which smells of honey for a long while after the mask is washed off.

Skinfood Black Sugar Honey Mask, £13, Boots

United Kingdom: Olverum Bath Oil If you’re looking for a cult product that hails from a bit closer to home, you need to try Olverum Bath Oil. Created by the founder of the company in the 1930s, the formulation remains almost completely unchanged. This natural oil gives you baby soft skin, without leaving your bath looking like the scene of an oil slick. An added bonus is the combination of ten essential oils - including lavender, lemon peel and Siberian fir needle - which help aid a good night’s sleep.

Olverum Bath Oil, £29 92 APRIL 2018

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION BEST OF LUCK Wild and Wolf ’s Gentlemen’s Hardware range is designed to equip every kind of gentlemen for the rigours of life. This set contains three pairs of patterned socks each featuring a lucky icon – four leaf clover, number seven and dice.

Shop the range at JohnLewis.com

IN THE BAG Named after the charming coastal municipality just to the west of Brighton, the Simon Carter Hove Laptop Bag is made from exceptional quality grained and antiqued tan leather. A smart, stylish and practical accessory for any modern gentleman. £225, www.henrytibbs.com

“The natural labadorite stones are cut and polished by hand”

BOHO AND VINTAGE-INSPIRED Looking forward to spring but also great now with cashmere and lambswool… Beautiful boho and vintage-style handmade aqua labradorite, gold and silver jewellery. The natural labadorite stones are cut and polished by hand and the settings are silver, with some pieces also plated in 22ct gold.

Necklaces £43.50; Earrings £38; Oval Studs £38; www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk

simple style for spring Stay cosy and warm with this simple Rapunzel scarf handmade from hypoallergenic merino wool. The brand new Rapunzel scarf is a simple yet chunky plait effect scarf, bringing heaps of texture. It can be wrapped around a number of times to look like an amazingly snug snood or can be worn long to really show off the size of the stitches. Whether you keep it for yourself or buy it as a gift, this scarf is so easy to wear that the hardest part, as ever, will be choosing the colour. £55, www.laurenastondesigns.com 94 APRIL 2018

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH MBA Skin LOVES ZO Oeffects Growth Factor Serum Ossential® Growth Factor Serum Plus delivers daily DNA repair and antioxidant protection to slow and correct signs of ageing. Two growth factors in Growth Factor serum support collagen production for increased skin density. A combination of retinol and amino acids in this serum stimulate cellular function, reduce collagen degradation and restore elasticity for total skin rejuvenation. www.mbaclinics.com

• Routine nail cutting and filing • Corns and calluses • Fungal nail and foot infections • Cracked heels • Ingrown, curved and painful nails • Thickened and split nails I treat and care for your feet in the comfort of your own home Tel: 07392 296 679 andreia.bryant@yahoo.com www.valleyfootclinic.co.uk

OUTDOOR LIVING

House & garden – Keep it local for everything house and home – i m a g e : J ULIAN G R AHA M

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS STAR BRIGHT This chandelier’s long, slender arms radiate from a central sphere in an elliptical burst. Manufactured from brass and beautifully formed by skilled artisans, the chandelier will add luxury to your home.

It features eight bulbs that are tugged among the brass arms. £780, www.vivalagoon.com

A SPLASH OF COLOUR

The Romulus is an elegant and beautiful daybed with a shallow button back detail, designed for rume by Richard P Baker.

As with all rume chaises it is handmade to order by our skilled staff in our Sussex workshops, drawing on classic English furniture making traditions and techniques and combining long established practices with proven modern materials. This individual approach means you can specify the fabric, leg timber and stain. As shown it has a sprung seat and back and solid ash legs with black stain. www.rume.co.uk

EMBRACE OUTDOOR LIVING

Pretty baby blue fluffy cushions and comfy seat pads - the perfect way to create a unique and inviting and relaxing outdoor living space. Available from Dekoria in different sizes and in a variety of patterns and solid colours to mix & match. £18, www.dekoria.co.uk

BRING ON THE SUN

MIRROR, MIRROR…

We love this modern circles mirror – great for the end of a long hallway or the narrow wall at the bottom of a staircase. £149, www.decorativemirrorsonline.co.uk 98 APRIL 2018

Beckon the sun into your home with this Sol decorative piece.

Classic in design, the central gold disc and wavy metal sunrays handmade out of durable steel ensure that this decorative item will last a lifetime. The Sol can be made to measure and the central gold disc can be swapped out for mirrored glass (plain, distressed, antique, fossil or speckled which can also be bevelled), allowing you to create a bespoke and personalised wall composition. £160, www.blackbbird-london.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Begin planning your Spring/Summer projects now

Lagoon Pools recommend Automatic Safety Covers

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agoon Pools are a family run business that specialise in constructing bespoke mosaic swimming pools, Spas, Steam rooms and Saunas. Either outdoor or indoor, Lagoon Pools are renowned and trusted industry experts.

Values Contemporary, reliable and expertly crafted are the values to which Lagoon Pools adheres to on every project they undertake.

Based in Surrey, the company has created many stunning pools in and around the M25, neighbouring counties, and greater London. They can regularly be seen operating in private estates (but not exclusive to) around Weybridge, Esher, Cobham, Oxshott and Wimbledon. They work alongside leading property developers as a trusted partner, helping to design and build leisure spaces for some of the finest properties in England.

Lagoon Pools also works alongside family home owners. For years they have been enhancing outdoor living spaces to be enjoyed by the whole family. They work closely with client needs, and provide efficient construction solutions for every unique home. Nothing gives more satisfaction to Lagoon Pools than when smiles are brought to the faces of families as they enjoy the summer time by the pool.

Design Every swimming pool they design is unique. They believe clean lines, simplicity and polished finishes are an unbeatable combination. Through their dedicated approach and technical expertise, Lagoon Pools are confident they can offer clients a superior swimming pool construction experience. Many pools now include LED lighting, speakers, water jets and fountains. Modern technology has elevated the swimming pool industry to new heights.

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“They work closely with client needs, and provide efficient construction solutions for every unique home”

Indoor or outdoor?

An indoor swimming pool is a luxurious and convenient addition to any home. Whether for exercise routines or relaxation, it can add value to real estate and to the quality of life. Lagoon Pools has vast experience in managing and designing indoor pool projects. Bespoke leisure spaces are often built as extension’s to the home; giving a divine feeling of relaxation all year round. Many home owners are also redeveloping basement spaces to contain entertainment suites with swimming facilities, including Spa, Sauna and Steam rooms.

Outdoor pools offer summer fun for all the family and friends. Many great memories are made by the pool in a refined outdoor living space.

Lagoon Pools highly recommend outdoor pools to include Automatic Safety Covers, as piece of mind can be achieved in regards to the safety of children and family pets. Safety covers also provide greater water heat retention, adding efficiency to warm water swimming all year around.

Over the last 40 years, Lagoon Pools have helped countless people realise their dreams of a bespoke, luxury swimming pool. They are committed to building swimming pools that you fall in love with.

01932 569569; www.lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk

The Swimming Pool DeSign & ConSTruCTion SPeCialiSTS Contemporary • Reliable • Experts Indoor, Outdoor, Refurbishment, Maintenance

Contact us now and begin planning your spring project.

01932 569569 info@lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk www.lagoonpools.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

UNIQUE STYLE from K&B STUDIOS K&B Studios designer Sue Birch explains how she helped Emma and Mick create a unique kitchen that reflected their personalities.

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mma and her husband Mick had designed and extended their home, adding more space and light to their kitchen. Being a keen chef, Emma wanted a totally unique kitchen that was going to reflect her gastronomic and colourful personality.

“Emma was looking for a kitchen that was designed just for her and was not like any of the other kitchens she had seen,” says Sue. “We suggested ways in which we could achieve that personal touch such as showing Emma beautiful wallpaper patterns that could be replicated in tiling, resulting in the gorgeous bohemian tiles in the dramatic splashback.

“The open shelves were on Emma’s wish- list and

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these also add to the individuality of the design,” says Sue. Emma is delighted with the kitchen and loves showing it off to friends, she said, “We were working to a tight budget and Sue was so accommodating for this, by suggesting ways in which we could cut our costs without compromising our personalised design. It was refreshing to have that honesty in a supplier.

“We are so pleased with the outcome and the service provided, K&B Studios went out of their way to support us throughout the whole process and make sure we got the stylish, individual kitchen that we wanted.” www.kbstudios.co.uk

“Emma was looking for a kitchen that was designed just for her and was not like any of the other kitchens she had seen”

Boilers replaced – new boilers come with up to 10 year manufacturer’s parts and labour warranty.

• Full central heating systems • Conversion to combination boilers • Heat only / System boilers • Megaflo • Power flushing • Service & repairs • Underfloor heating • All aspects of drainage • General plumbing • Landlord gas / electrical certificates NO CALL OUT CHARGE

Telephone: 01753 307836 • Email: localplumbers.ickenham@gmail.com • www.local-plumbers.org

• Complete bathroom planning, design & installation • Wet rooms • Disability bathrooms • Electric showers / Power showers • Kitchen planning, design & installation Telephone: 01895 643001 • Email: localbathrooms@gmail.com • www.local-plumbers.org

H OUSE & GARDEN

A NEW START FOR SPRING Imagine your dream kitchen for just a second…

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oes it feel like a serenely organised haven where you can enjoy family mealtimes and entertaining? Is it a warm and inviting space for indulgent

me-time?

Have you got some great appliances to produce ‘Masterchef ’ dinners?

Back in the real world, most of us should be so lucky! However, Julian Graham Kitchens & Bathrooms in the heart of Hazlemere (Amersham Road) can indeed help create your dream kitchen from start to finish.

There is never a better time than now to be inspired with a new luxurious bathroom or a stunning kitchen designed just for you.

Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable showroom team and professional, experienced fitters all work together to give you first class service and value for money.

This could be your chance to make use of the latest appliances on the market, such as ‘Slide&Hide’ ovens – one of NEFF’s bestselling and beautifully innovated ideas. From The Great British Bake Off to Michelin star restaurants you will find NEFF ovens and induction hobs being used.

Stunning Kitchens from MasterClass, with over 300 classic, contemporary and modern style doors – great kitchens made in Britain since 1975, all with the comfort of a ten-year warranty.

And if you find yourself a little overwhelmed when looking at all the choices for a new kitchen or bathroom, why not come into the showroom and pick up one of our “Top Tips for Choosing a Bathroom” or a “Kitchen Design Brief ”. These are for you to use while browsing in the showroom or to take home and will help with all the new ideas and products you may not think of but would love in your new room. They also help our designers give

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you the room of your dreams.

So if you are thinking of a New Kitchen or Bathroom or even just curious to see what’s the latest in style and design then go along to the showroom on the Amersham Road at Hazlemere crossroads for inspiration and to make your dreams come true.

Make a start online and visit our website at www.jgkab.co.uk Julian and his team are constantly looking for new ideas in design and styles that will add that something special to your new kitchen or bathroom, as well as those great labour saving ideas that are continually being improved.

YOU DREAM WE CREATE.

“First class service and value for money”

1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 8JR - 01895 621 651 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF - 01628 624 546

info@spacers-uk.com

HOUSE H OUSE & GARDEN

Extending your home…

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or a lot of households, there comes a time when your home becomes a bit of a squeeze. Maybe you have had more children, or have embarked on working from home. So should you move somewhere bigger, or extend your house to make it large enough for you and your family’s needs?

An extension can radically improve a property.

Bigger, better space and extra rooms can add value, and make a house more attractive to buyers.

Your location, and the level of demand for your type of home, could make a big difference to the financial implications of extending versus moving. In highvalue areas in London it can be more worthwhile digging under the house to add a basement conversion. The reality is that if you are able to extend, it is often sensible to do so from a financial point of view. The cost of buying a new house would far outweigh the cost of building.

If you want to make structural changes with the purpose of adding value, you should first find out the current market price of your property, as well as its potential value once the changes have been made.

Otherwise, your hard work and cash may not reap rewards. Also be area aware - before you plan that extravagant extension or costly conversion, it’s crucial to talk to a local estate agent to find out what renovations are popular in your area. Every street has a ceiling value so don’t over develop if you want to see a good return on your investment.

Rising property prices with a premium being put on space can make extensions a wise investment.

However, this is a major project and shouldn’t be undertaken lightly: Call in professionals to get the job done properly, as there are important planning restrictions and regulations which need to be followed.

Ask friends if they can recommend an architect

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“Your location, and the level of demand for your type of home, could make a big difference to the financial implications of extending versus moving”

and builders. It is really important that you locate the best people, as a botched extension can devalue a property.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) can provide you with a list of registered builders in your area. A builder that belongs to a respected trade organisation will have to comply with membership standards.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) provides a list of registered architects.

Although a modern extension can look good on an old house, when it comes to selling on it is important to appeal to the average buyer’s taste.

Therefore it is more advisable for an extension to match the architectural style of the existing house.

Be strategic: Extra bathrooms and large kitchens are usually good investments in family-sized homes, and a garage in a busy, urban area will also add value. The room that usually benefits the most from enlarging is the kitchen. Adding a kitchen/ diner creates the farmhouse kitchen most people want and provides extra space. The old dining room can become an office, playroom, or an extra sitting room. Kitchen extensions also provide the opportunity to extend upwards - an additional bedroom can be built on top at the same time.

Fireplaces

Gas Fires

Stoves

We supply, install and maintain one of the most comprehensive ranges of wood burning stoves, fireplaces and gas fires in the area Call, Email or Visit:

Tim Cook Kitchens e l e g a n t | t i m e l e s s | o r i g i n a l | lu x u r y

the complete service for your exquisite and truly bespoke hand made kitchen.

Built from the finest luxury materials, designed to last.

timcook.co.uk | tim@timcook.co.uk | 07956 499972

H OUSE & GARDEN

Go i n g g r e e n for spr i n g be omitted. Finally, the spring meadow shimmers with colourful petals of flowers. Green is best complemented by white backgrounds or patterns and all shades of yellow and pink.

Flowers, and above all greenery are universal decorations, because the impression they create never overwhelms, on the contrary - it brings freshness and soothes the senses. The salutary power of nature also works through the walls, so it is worth decorating the bedroom, the living room, as well as the kitchen and the dining room with greenery, to enjoy the positive energy prevailing throughout the house. www.pixers.uk

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pring favours all changes. Nature comes to life, and the world becomes more beautiful each day - flowers and bushes bloom and the meadows and parks finally become green. The days get longer, we have more energy and ideas. No wonder we give ourselves to the ritual of spring cleaning and renovations. We want our homes to be as beautiful as the spring landscape!

Wallpapers inspired by the awakening nature is the best way to welcome spring. On this occasion, Pixers have arranged compositions, which are characterised by floral patterns and leaf motifs as well as delicate, refreshing colours.

The spring palette is primarily all about green.

Pastels and subdued colours dominate, broken with a juicy shade of young leaves and fresh blades of grass. Of course, the accents in other colors cannot

110 APRIL 2018

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WWW.MUCKANDMULCH.CO.UK WE ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR AVON RIDING CENTRE

FF M O O LE ew % RO SA r n 50 W Y fo es O LA ay g SH ISP w ran D ake avit m ur to D

• British and German kitchens • wide selection of tiles • wetroom specialists • friendly personal service - established 1989 • fully project managed by our own in house installation team, or supply only

H OUSE & GARDEN

CASE STUDY:

CEDARWOOD S et within a generous mature landscaped plot with views across the open Cheshire countryside Cedarwood offers a contemporary rural residence completed to the highest possible specification. The brief was to create a timeless yet elegant design, which connected with the surrounding landscape. Nestled deep within the established plot the simple series of refined linear buildings blend seamlessly and capture the innate natural beauty of their setting.

Strategically positioned the buildings provide an array of landscaped courtyards each with its own distinct character.

Constructed from the highest quality natural materials the buildings are designed to provide a healthy and sustainable living environment, highly insulated and filled with light. The large panels of recessed glazing which adorn the elevations provide panoramic views across the site whilst creating a series of bright internal living spaces. The glazing itself is highly thermally efficient allowing energy from the sun to enter the building whilst limiting

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heat loss during winter.

The natural slate roof lines, which float effortlessly over the buildings, provide shelter and protection from the elements. The purity of the roof forms are further enhanced by the use of recessed guttering and concealed down-pipes.

Constructed from a rigid steel frame the buildings are clad externally in western red cedar, which has a superior natural durability and resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. Selected for its warm textured grain and rich colour cedar has an inherent quality that has been proven to retain its appearance for several decades. The use of cedar provides a strong visual connection and roots the buildings within its landscape.

The buildings themselves are highly thermally insulated using sustainable wood-fibre board that not only reduces heat loss but also gives protection from overheating in the summer months. the building construction is highly breathable and vapour permeable protecting the building fabric and providing a naturally healthy living environment.

Heating is provided via underfloor heating linked to a highly efficient gas-condensing boiler.

Award: Northern Design Award – New Build House Winner www.nicolastyearchitects.com