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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 ••••• ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Patrick Smith Rory Smith
CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
53
HOUSE & GARDEN
69
We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best Keep it local for everything house and home
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LOVE LOCAL – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AG E : TH E IV M ARLO W GARD E N
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Upcoming at The Ivy Marlow Garden The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates Easter with a Limited-Edition Dessert With Easter just a hop, skip and a jump away, The Ivy Marlow Garden, is delighted to be adding a limited-edition dessert to its already extensive menu just in time for this ‘egg-cellent’ seasonal holiday. Created by The Ivy Marlow Garden’s talented food team, the ‘Into the Rabbit Hole’ dessert (£8.95), will feature a delicious combination of pistachio crumbs, white chocolate mousse, popping candy, crispy pearls, carrot and walnut cake – the perfect treat to make you ‘hoppy’ this Easter. Richard Martinez, General Manager at The Ivy St Marlow Garden says: “We are delighted to be adding this adorable new addition to our menu this Easter, and look forward to welcoming guest into the restaurant.” The ‘Into the Rabbit Hole’ dessert will be available exclusively from Friday, 10 April to Monday, 13 April.
“The Ivy Marlow Garden is delighted to be adding two refreshing cocktails to its spring menu this season”
Created by the brasseries talented bar team, the delicious duo includes, mouth-watering apricot flavours, notes of peach and a touch of lime. The Ivy VLS Cocktail (£9.25) features, Ketel One Citroen Vodka, Fever-Tree Mexican Lime & Yuzu Soda, while the Virgin Bellini (£5.00) is nonalcoholic version of a classic boasts white peach purée and Fever-Tree White Grape & Apricot Soda. Richard Martinez, General Manager at The Ivy Marlow Garden says: “ We are delighted to be adding these two wonderfully refreshing cocktails to our already extensive menu and both make the perfect tipple for welcoming in the warmer and lighter days.” To book, visit www.theivymarlowgarden.com or call 01628 902777.
NEW COCKTAILS FOR SPRING The Ivy Marlow Garden is delighted to be adding two refreshing cocktails to its spring menu this season.
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Beacon Estate Agents’ top tips for a stress-free house sale Part II Important choices when selling your home.
“When presenting you home ready for viewings, make sure that each room has a clear function”
I
f you are thinking of selling your property in Beaconsfield and South Bucks you will have a number of important choices to make. Your primary goal should be to get the best price for your property from the right buyer at the right time. In order to do this, you’ll need some guidance, so we have put together a few tips to help you achieve your goal and help you avoid some of the obstacles you may encounter along the way.
Presentation is Paramount Continued…. Declutter - Believe it or not it’s quite therapeutic to declutter your home. Many of us hoard things for years that we simply don’t use or need. Set some rules to follow and stick to them. A general rule when it comes to clothes – if you’ve not worn it in 12 months, send it to the charity shop. Those boxes in the loft or the garage – if you’ve not dipped in or used their contents get them to the tip or the charity shop. We’re not suggesting you throw away anything with sentimental value, just the ‘stuff ’ that is taking up storage space. Functional - When presenting you home ready for viewings, make sure that each room has a clear function. Exercise equipment in the bedroom suggests you struggle for space, and while this may be the reason you are moving, it’s not a great selling point. Show off - Draw attention to your home’s best features; if you think your fireplace is the focal point of your living room, why not put some 24 APRIL 2020
flowers on the mantel piece to draw the eye? It sounds obvious, but make sure your house is clean – attack lime scale and bathroom grime to get it looking spotless. Add fresh flowers, scented candles and fresh fruit to add colour and freshness to your rooms.
Realistic Valuations This is your first real step. Making sure your price is correctly positioned and priced within the market is imperative. It sounds like an obvious factor but you might be surprised to learn that online portals don’t always get their estimate right, so getting advice from a range of property experts is advised. Ask a few local agents to provide you with a no obligation free market appraisal on your property, this will help you to make a decision on the price at which you want to market your property and give you the opportunity to meet local agents and decide who to entrust your most valuable asset sale to. Don’t be tempted to choose the agent who gives you the highest valuation it could make your property harder to sell and you could end up having to drop your price which can affect the rest of your budget. You also need to avoid overpricing your home in anticipation that interested buyers will offer less than the asking price; an unrealistic asking price will reduce the home’s appeal for potential buyers. It’s a fact that the longer a property remains on the market, the larger the gap between the initial asking price and the actual selling price. For more tips read our latest blogs at www.beacon-estates.com
Get in touch When you instruct us to market your home, we will be with you every step of the way, guiding you on how to make the best of your property. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about selling your property in Beaconsfield or one of the surrounding areas, make sure you give us a call on 01494 269428 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram
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Here we chat with Tonia Warren, a female power house whose local presence is reaching new heights! from a range of industries, and a number of events in the diary. I want to help Beaconsfield get back some of its community spirit; for people to walk down the street and know one another, to bring businesses together to collaborate and to remove the communication barrier for competitive companies residing in the same postcode.
Why is Beaconsfield so important to you? My family have been Beaconsfield Residents for centuries – my Mum’s family ran the original Forge here right up to its closure and there are examples of their metalwork all over town, including in Bekonscot and atop the White Hart! I’m a local resident myself and all of my schooling took place in Beaconsfield. And with our business having been based here since its inception, and our portfolio being made up of properties in Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield has a special place in my heart. EAB Homes build ‘dream’ houses – what part do you play? I’m a second-generation Director, taking over day to day management of the business from my parents who started the business in the 1980’s, alongside Peter (my Husband) and Jak (my Brother). We build high end luxury residential properties, predominantly in Beaconsfield. I’ve gained experience in every role within the business, from site management to finance and accounts, and my role today is designing each of our properties from start to finish. Tell us about Chairing Beaconsfield 4 Business.. When I was approached by Beaconsfield Town Council to fulfil their vision of a support group for local businesses, I jumped at the chance to be involved. Having been a part of a number of local, and national, networking groups, I really felt that local support and community collaboration wasn’t as strong as it could be. B4B is an informal networking group for HP9 businesses, creating opportunities to connect and collaborate, strengthening our high street and SME’s whilst providing a sound board for our members to seek advice and build local relationships. Now six months old, we have a lovely group of members 26 APRIL 2020
All this and you still find time to get involved with community events. I’ve always felt it important to give back and it felt right to channel this into my local community. I’m an active committee member for the Beaconsfield Festival of Lights; my favourite event of the year each December, that I’ve attended since I was a little girl carrying my own lantern! The event continues to grow year on year; food and drink, stalls, Santa & his Reindeer, carols on the green and our infamous lantern walk with all the local schools. Christmas is a special time and I love bringing the magic to Beaconsfield. I was really honoured to lay a wreath at Beaconsfield’s War Memorial during the Remembrance Service in November 2019 – I found it really emotional to be standing alongside decorated war heroes. I’m keen to see if there is a way for Beaconsfield 4 Business and Better Connected Beaconsfield to work together in the coming calendar year to marry up the needs of our businesses with the needs of our local residents. To find out more about Beaconsfield 4 Business, take a look at their Facebook page or email beaconsfield4business@gmail.com
“When I was approached by Beaconsfield Town Council to fulfil their vision of a support group for local businesses, I jumped at the chance to be involved”
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Parenting the modern way T
he ways in which people, including those in the LGBT community, can create a family, have evolved greatly over the years. Modern families are wonderfully diverse, and it is a huge positive that society is more accepting of different family structures. Jemimah Fleet, family solicitor at B P Collins, who specialises in modern parenting, offers advice on some of the more modern routes available to creating a family.
Surrogacy Surrogacy is a way of building a family where a woman, who does not intend to be the baby’s mother, carries and gives birth to a child for someone else, whether that’s a single mum or dad, heterosexual couples or same sex couples. Surrogacy is possible both in the UK and in some countries around the world. Whilst generally it is very positive experience for those embarking on a surrogacy journey, the Law Commission is currently reviewing the UK’s surrogacy laws, which are hugely outdated and do not meet the interests of those involved in the process. There are various legal obstacles to navigate. For example, the surrogate, as the birth mother, is always considered the legal mother and the intended parent(s) can only apply to court for a parental order, to resolve legal parentage, once the child is born. This inevitably places the child in a legal limbo until legal matters are resolved. This process can take months to finalise - a delay which is both frustrating and creates uncertainty for all of those involved. It is therefore important to seek early legal advice to ensure that the full legal implications are considered. The Law Commission aims to ensure the child’s best interests remain the key focus and provides reassurance to all those involved on the surrogacy journey.
Donor conception Many parents also choose to build their families through donor conception, particularly single women and lesbian couples, who may conceive with a sperm donor. It’s important to remember that legal parentage can be more complicated in this situation, depending on the circumstances of conception. 28 APRIL 2020
“Surrogacy is a way of building a family where a woman, who does not intend to be the baby’s mother, carries and gives birth to a child for someone else, whether that’s a single mum or dad, heterosexual couples or same sex couples”
The law allows two legal parents and the birth mother will always be regarded as the legal mother, but identifying a second legal parent will depend on the circumstances of conception, marital status of those involved or if the correct consent forms are completed when a clinic sperm donor is chosen. It is therefore vital to seek expert advice to ensure that the full legal position concerning parentage is understood.
Co-parenting B P Collins work with many clients embarking on a co-parenting arrangement, which are usually single women or men; or sometimes friends deciding to conceive a child together. There has also been a surge in people “self-matching” online, having a child together, but continuing to live separately and co-parent. The relationship between co-parents and the legal status and obligations, needs to be carefully considered. Entering into a co-parenting agreement, although not legally binding, may help to ensure expectations are aligned and hopefully avoid disputes in the future and establish a strong foundation for raising the child. If you would like to read the article in full, which includes more information about donor conception, please visit www.bpcollins. co.uk/articles. For further advice on modern parenting, please contact Jemimah Fleet on familylaw@bpcollins.co.uk or call 01753 279046.
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S
ocial media is beginning to make its mark on divorce proceedings and the associated financial settlements. This growing impact is no better highlighted than in the recent case of Haskell v Haskell. Social media posts showcasing the Husband’s lavish lifestyle undermined his claim that he was “low on cash” and led to a considerable financial award being made to his Wife.
Background The Husband, Preston Haskell, amassed considerable wealth in countries including the UK, Sweden and South Africa. By the Wife’s estimate, the Husband’s fortune amounted to $185million. In January 2019, the Husband decided to take steps to divorce his Wife, Alesia Haskell. It was at this point that Mr Haskell’s behaviour dramatically changed; he began referring to his Wife as a gold-digger and suddenly terminated the tenancy of the family home in London where she lived with their children.
Social media in divorce proceedings The Husband subsequently ceased maintenance payments and accumulated arrears of some £310,000 before the Wife applied to the court for help. In considering the validity of the Husband’s alleged financial position, the Judge took note of his social media activity. He observed that between April and July, the Husband had been on holiday to South Africa, Turkey, St Tropez, Ibiza and Switzerland. The Judge also referred to a picture of the Husband holding a bottle of Château HautBrion 1966 with the caption “it was a beautiful year”. It was this conduct, along with his request 30 APRIL 2020
Social Media & Divorce that the Wife sell her engagement ring, which led the Judge to conclude that the Husband’s conduct was “bordering on the grotesque”. This case demonstrates the court’s willingness to use social media as evidence of a party’s lifestyle. In a case such as this, with complicated assets distributed across several jurisdictions, it can be difficult to establish if businesses or individuals are really struggling, as one party might often claim. When there are such complications, courts will turn to all resources available to them to gain as accurate picture of a parties’ financial position as possible. In this instance, the Husband may have found it more difficult to defend his position when the court had been privy to a picture of him paragliding in South Africa, accompanied by the caption ‘life is beautiful’.
“This case demonstrates the court’s willingness to use social media as evidence of a party’s lifestyle” After considering all the factors, including social media, The Judge awarded capitalised maintenance of £650,000 to be paid to the Wife and a further £5.1million lump sum to be payable 2 years later. As in all legal proceedings, it’s important to remember that anything posted on social media is in the public domain and could be used to your detriment, particularly if it undermines your position in court. As people’s lives become ever more broadcast to the world, judges will increasingly look to these new forums for insight.
Emma McMorrow
THE DETAILS Royds Withy King is a City law firm with a local presence. Our Family team is based in Buckinghamshire and the Home Counties as are many of our clients. Contact specialist Emma McMorrow for advice on separation and divorce. Tel: 0207 129 7915 or email: family.enquiries@roydswithyking.com
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Chef Laurie Gear
April recipe & kitchen news
April sees the English asparagus season in full swing allowing us to make full use of this delicious bounty. At the restaurant we pair it with some toasted crumb, truffle and freshly picked morels and serve with an herb emulsion. This simpler recipe makes for a perfect light lunch or supper dish served with some warm crusty bread.
RECIPE: New Season English Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce, Bacon Powder, and Air Cured Ham Ingredients Serves 4 • 2 bunches new season English asparagus • 3 medium sized free range egg yolks • 250 g block of unsalted butter melted • 1 bay leaf • 3 black peppercorns • 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar • 4 slices quality air cured ham • Juice of 1 lemon • Salt and pepper • 100 g pancetta diced fried and allow to dry for 24 hours • Salad leaves to garnish Dressing • 4 tablespoons water • 1 table spoon of sugar • 1 table spoon of white wine vinegar • 1 stick of lemon grass chopped • 1 star anise
chef’s tip If you apply a little pressure with your thumb and fore finger on the stem of the asparagus it will snap naturally at the point where the tender flesh meets it more woody counterpart so that you are left with the most succulent part for the eating.
Method Dressing 1. Bring all ingredients to the boil, allow to infuse for 2 minutes then strain and reserve the liquor Asparagus 1. Trim the asparagus, blanch in boiling salted water for one and half minutes and then plunge into iced water Hollandaise 1. On a low heat melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Meanwhile warm the vinegar, bay leaf and peppercorns and allow to infuse and then strain 2. In a food processor whisk your egg yolks until light and fluffy add two teaspoons of your warm vinegar liquid and gently pour in your melted butter leaving any milk solids behind in the pan 3. Keep whisking until a smooth mayonnaise like consistency is achieved add salt lemon juice and pepper to taste 4. Turn the dried pancetta into bacon crumb by mixing it on full speed in a food processor 5. Next heat a little olive oil and butter in a frying pan and roll your asparagus tips to warm, remove from heat and spoon over a little of the dressing 6. Roll the asparagus ends in the bacon powder 7. Arrange on a pretty plate with the air cured ham, salad leaves and a spoon or two of the hollandaise sauce
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The Artichoke Restaurant 9 Market Square Old Amersham Tel: 01494 726611 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
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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
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Winter market buoyancy defies expectations at Royal Connaught Park
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ny expectations of winter doldrums in the property market have been dashed in the aftermath of December’s election, as scores of interested purchasers have visited the newly-available homes at Grade II listed, Royal Connaught Park in Bushey. The electoral strength of the new government and confidence that it will serve a full term has impacted directly on sales. Purchasers range from younger ‘professional’ families to older retired downsizers as well as those seeking a second home. Many buyers are seeking secure properties that can be ‘locked up and left’, giving them the flexibility to live wherever their work takes them.
“Living at Royal Connaught Park feels as it would if you were enjoying your own private manor house or Oxbridge College” Fear of missing out (FOMO) seems to be a factor too; no surprise given the site’s extensive transformation into one of Hertfordshire’s premier addresses, from firstly the former Royal Masonic School for Boys, and then the international American University, which brought it many international friends. The work by Homes develops more newly-built homes for buyers in the residential parkland community with its dignified and historic atmosphere. Continued sales success means that the exciting Nova Collection of homes includes Yale and Harvard Houses. This collection of apartments, starting with one-bedroom homes with large terraces from £500,000 and extending up to four-bedroom duplex apartments at £1.2m with balconies and roof-top terraces and delightful views over the parkland, gives a great choice of price and space with a fresh, contemporary take on lifestyle. Living at Royal Connaught Park feels as it would 36 APRIL 2020
if you were enjoying your own private manor house or Oxbridge College. You can sense the reassurance of a gated development with 24-hour security personnel, CCTV and video entry systems, while all the homes benefit from a range of wellappointed amenities neatly integrated into the refurbished buildings; there is a private gym, sauna, swimming pool, and tennis courts. A privatelychauffered courtesy coach provides nearly instant access to and from local railway stations and to shopping centres such as the billion-poundrefurbished Intu Watford. All the apartments in the Nova Collection have terraces or balconies and of course you can roam within 100 acres of private parkland too. So, your active, outdoor lifestyle is assured both on site and nearby with facilities such as The Grove renowned for its Championship golf course and luxurious spa. Both Yale and Harvard House, as well as properties to be released later in the Spring, benefit from direct lift access down to Royal Connaught Park’s extensive underground car park. The lift surfaces directly into the buildings’ communal areas almost straight outside individual apartments, providing maximum convenience with no damp shopping on wet days. The interior layout and specification of apartments simply makes no compromise on style, technology and high-quality floor and tile finishes. Attention to detail is obvious, from underfloor heating to bathroom fittings and kitchen choice. As well as the newly-built homes in the Nova Collection, there are also just two properties still available for sale in the refurbished, ‘recreated’ historic buildings; one town house and a threebedroom gallery apartment. The site is a wonderful ‘green lung’ in Bushey, yet is well-located, reaching Central London (fast to Euston station) in just 18 mins, and with the thriving centres of Bushey, Radlett and St Albans nearby. Quick and easy road links close by include the M25, M1 and M40 and Heathrow and Luton airports are easily accessible.
THE DETAILS For further information on properties for sale in The Nova Collection at ROYAL CONNAUGHT PARK, please contact the sales office on 01923 222292, email info@thecomergroup.com.
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Ancastle Cottage, Henley WORDS: Alison Stodolnic
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n these strange times, it feels slightly soothing to be gazing into a house that has stood firm through four long centuries of war, disease and social change. One of Henley’s oldest properties, Ancastle Cottage is a survivor – it gives us a link to the past, and maybe even a glimmer of hope for the future. An attractive and substantial house with five bedrooms and a swimming pool, it has preserved many of its original features such as pretty lattice windows and oak beams in the ceiling. The front door opens into an entrance hallway with a downstairs cloakroom, a galleried upstairs landing and a vaulted ceiling. It leads into two of the three reception rooms and the kitchen. The kitchen was refurbished in 2013 and has a central island, wooden work surfaces, Shaker-style hand-painted kitchen units and a breakfast area. The living room has heaps of character and is a cosy place to relax in – it has an inglenook fireplace with an old bread oven that is still visible and lit with soft lighting, making it into an interesting feature. The dining room has an exposed brick fireplace next to a door to the study, which is where the original doorway to the cottage was over 400 years ago. On the other side of the kitchen is a third
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reception room, which has double doors that open out on to the garden. Upstairs on the first floor there are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. The lovely master bedroom has an en suite bathroom, and there are two further bedrooms and eaves storage space above on the second floor. The walled garden is beautifully laid out over three levels – it is not overlooked and has a heated swimming pool, a paved terrace and mature trees and shrubs. By the pool there is a traditional red phone box that has been made into an outside shower – a quirky feature that adds character and colour to the garden. There is also a double garage and an off-road parking space available. Ancastle Cottage is believed to have been built in 1580 as the original town dairy – the current vendors have spent the last forty years restoring and improving it and it is now a beautiful family home. The property is on the junction of Paradise Road and Gravel Hill, and within easy walking distance of Henley town centre. It is on the market with Philip Booth Esq at a guide price of £1,875,000. For more information or to arrange a viewing, please call Phil or Rebecca on (01491) 635343.
At a glance Ancastle Cottage, Paradise Road, Henley Bedrooms: five Bathrooms: three Receptions: three Gross internal area: 3,206 sq ft / 298 sq m Guide price: £1,875,000 Agent: Philip Booth Esq on (01491) 635343
Stonor, Henley-on-Thames £950,000 Situated in the highly sought after village of Stonor. This deceptively spacious 4 bedroom property has been comprehensively extended and refurbished by the current owners to create a fabulous family home. Benefitting from a spectacular open plan kitchen and dining area with underfloor heating, a large private rear garden and off road parking. EPC - F
Britwell Salome, Watlington £875,000 An appealing C20th house full of character and charm. Designed and built by the famous interior designer David Nightingale Hicks. It is a traditional home with a Mediterranean influence with many of the rooms fitted with original American shutters. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, an open plan kitchen/breakfast room, beautiful gardens and a garage. EPC - F
Henley-on-Thames £2,000,000 Tucked away on one of Henley’s most prestigious residential roads, this handsome detached house sits on a large plot with mature gardens approaching 0.75 acres. The property offers 5 double bedrooms and 4 reception rooms. There are wooded walks on the doorstep and yet is within walking distance of Henley town centre. EPC - D
Henley Town Centre £675,000 A Grade II listed 3 bedroom town house situated in a prime location, in the heart Henley-on-Thames town centre opposite the historic Kenton Theatre. The property has been owned by the same family for over 50 years and now requires modernisation, yet retains many original features and has a fabulous south facing rear garden.
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Give a little Love
Interview with Polo Singles: for people with a passion for polo and compassion for ponies and people What inspired Polo Singles? The long term goal of Polo Singles is to set up our charity, Special Forces Horses. The combination of wanting to give back to horses and people prompted us all to look at starting the website in order to fund our charity which aims to help veterans cope with Combat PTSD through contact with horses. Horses have a long-proven track record as therapy animals and equine facilitated learning: We aim to help both horses and people with Special Forces Horses, supported by the fun medium of online dating. Polo is such a sociable lifestyle; it is a great way to meet passionate, entrepreneurial and inspiring people on a personal and professional level. Everyone involved in Polo Singles met through polo and are now longstanding friends as well as business partners! What makes your lifestyle dating membership stand out from other dating companies? As Polo Singles has been set up as a means to support our charity, Special Forces Horses, we believe we are truly unique. As one of our new members, Mike, says, “I think this is a brilliant niche idea as I am a polo addict and we all love to date! The charity angle you do also resonates with me strongly. I also expect that it will do so very strongly with all members of the polo community. Their love of their ponies makes them more likely in my view to be altruistic for the right causes than say the average person in the population.” By choosing Polo Singles you will be helping others whilst having fun. Your membership will go towards supporting pony welfare and re-training, and in assisting the brave service personnel in their recovery from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Who will Polo Singles appeal to? Polo Singles is the world’s only online dating service dedicated to the polo lifestyle. Whether you just love watching polo for the truly lovely horses and want to meet up with a group of people to watch a match from the social side, date someone who understands the passion for a sport (and all that goes with it!) or you are looking to expand your knowledge and network within polo, then Polo Singles is the right platform for you. As 55 million people worldwide watch and support polo, there is plenty of opportunity for members of Polo Singles to expand their social circles! What is your philosophy? Giving back whenever you can is a win-win for all, and when you can bring smiles and fun along the way, what’s not to love?! We are always accessible and like to provide a personal service whether it’s by phone or email. As horses have an amazing proven track record
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as therapy animals, (for example, Riding for the Disabled and its royal patronage), we aim to help the rehabilitation and recovery of both horses and people with Special Forces Horses, through the fun medium of online dating. In this way, you are actually getting something back for yourself at the same time as giving to charity! Polo Singles is for connecting people who have a passion for polo and compassion for ponies and people. As well as an opportunity for celebrating life, laughter, friendship and love we are here to create a legacy through Special Forces Horses. www.specialforceshorses.org www.polosingles.com charity@polosingles.com dating@polosingles.com
“By choosing Polo Singles you will be helping others whilst having fun. Your membership will go towards supporting pony welfare and re-training”
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Getting your finances in order A little thought goes a long way As the end of the financial year approaches, this is the time to make sure you have done everything you can to mitigate the impact of tax and capitalise on tax relief… small steps, perhaps, but ones which may make a real difference to the financial security of you and your family.
Use your ISA allowance The annual ISA allowance of £20,000 is a valuable opportunity to shelter money from any further liability to Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax. It’s worth bearing in mind that if you had taken full advantage of the scheme each year, you could by now have invested nearly £230,000 if you’d maximised your ISA every year since their introduction in 1999.
Don’t forget the children You can also save up to £4,368 this year in a Junior ISA for each of your children or grandchildren, up to the age of 18. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to pass on wealth intact to the next generation while minimising the potential impact of Inheritance Tax.
Top up pension contributions Most taxpayers get tax relief on pension contributions of up to £40,000 (or up to 100% of their earnings if less) each tax year. Make sure you use as much of this allowance as you can; you can also use up any unused allowance dating back to the 2016/17 tax year (subject to earnings). If you are a higher earner, a pension contribution can bring your taxable income back down to £100,000 and you can regain all of your personal allowance. Pension contributions can also help bring your income level below the additional rate tax band, which starts at £150,000 of taxable income, or avoid losing Child Benefit, which is gradually removed if one parent in the household earns more than £50,000.
Reducing Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax Another handy allowance which should be fully utilised by 5 April is the Dividend Allowance. This enables all taxpayers to enjoy tax-free dividends of up to £2,000 a year from any stocks and shares held outside ISAs or pensions. Crystallising gains up to the Capital Gains Tax allowance of £12,000 will help you reduce potentially higher future tax bills. Consider whether it is worthwhile disposing of lossmaking capital assets as well. If 42 APRIL 2020
you think you are likely to be liable to higher taxation, it may make sense to take gains over two years or transfer assets to a spouse or partner.
Planning for Inheritance Tax Thinking about this now can make a significant difference to those you might like to help in future. You can gift up to £3,000 a year and make an unlimited number of small gifts each year of £250 free from Inheritance Tax (IHT). You can also carry forward any unused allowance from the previous tax year, which means couples could pass on up to £12,000 that would be outside their estate immediately. All this must be done by 5 April; if you would like to give away more than this, you must live for a further seven years for it to be free of IHT.
In a nutshell It may be true, as the proverb says, that nothing is certain but death and taxes, but we at least have the option of planning for both of them. This is an increasingly complex area and if I can help with any of the above, please contact me for a no obligation review meeting. Mandy Rodgers Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Mandy Rodgers DIP PFS, mandy.rodgers@sjpp.co.uk, www.mandyrodgers.co.uk, 07824 408990
Six steps before 5 April 1. Maximise annual allowances for ISAs and Junior ISAs 2. Review existing ISA portfolios 3. Top up pension contributions up to your annual allowance 4. Make the most of your Dividend Allowance 5. Maximise Capital Gains Tax allowances 6. Maximise IHT gifting allowances The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select, and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. An investment in equities (funds) does not provide the security of capital associated with a Cash ISA or a deposit account with a bank or building society. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances. External statistics sources: HMRC, Individual Savings Account (ISA) statistics, April 2019 & Moneyfacts, January 2020
EDUC ATION
PERSONALISED LEARNING: EMPOWERING THE INDIVIDUAL Jo Cameron, Principal
of Queenswood School in Brookmans Park, is passionate about educating the individual child.
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t the heart of a truly bespoke education is a recognition that each pupil develops at their own pace, and in their own learning style. While kinaesthetic learners favour practical, hands-on experience, for instance, auditory-musical learners benefit from mnemonics, rhythms and background sounds. Increasingly, independent schools are working to differentiate their teaching methods to suit individual learners. Here at Queenswood, we have recently established a Personalised Learning Centre – a central hub where all learners can congregate. Our Academic Scholars, and pupils with additional learning needs, are all under the same roof, learning from each other and learning together. Scholars meet there for one-to-one and group sessions, to explore options for stretch and challenge and to discuss current affairs. Other pupils use it as a drop-in centre to seek advice on planning study and revision schedules, to play flashcard games to boost working memory, to discuss recommendations for non-fiction reading with staff and peers, or for structured tutorials to address specific learning issues.
“Here at Queenswood, we have recently established a Personalised Learning Centre” Strong links between a school’s pastoral teams and the academic staff are crucial in order to build up a holistic picture of each pupil’s needs, and to ensure that staff can work together to deliver whatever is required. At Queenswood, our Personalised Learning staff provide support in three waves. Firstly, they train teachers: a regular half-termly programme ensures that academic staff are up-to-date with the latest pedagogical research into specific learning issues, study skills and time management. Secondly, they provide in-class support, visiting lessons to help teachers to deliver the curriculum to a particular pupil or group of pupils. Thirdly, they are able to offer one-to-one or group tutorials within the Personalised Learning Centre itself. Ultimately, every pupil deserves to be recognised as an individual. A personalised approach to learning ensures that teachers respond and react to the needs of each child, nurturing their unique potential, fostering independence, and allowing them to discover their own strengths and passions in a safe, supportive environment. 46 APRIL 2020
EDUC ATION
FIT FOR THE FUTURE T
horpe House School has seen some big changes since it began as a Prep school in 1923. After welcoming their first Senior boys through the doors in 2006, the opening of their Pre-Prep Department in 2010 soon followed. Recently the launch of their indoor swimming pool in 2019 has gone some way to further enhance the face of the school. However, it is the year 2020 that is promising to be by far, its most exciting year to date. 12 months of big diggers, 18,500 bricks, 125 cubes of concrete and 116 light fittings which all leads up to the grand opening of their new multi-purpose hall ‘. To officially open the multi-purpose hall will be England’s hat trick scoring hero- Sir Geoff Hurst. As the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final, he is still to this day an iconic figure of global sport. The boys may not have been around in 1966 but sporting moments like that live on and follow through in education. Sir Geoff will always be a hero to generations of the past, however, to the boys of Thorpe House he will no doubt serve as an inspiration to sportsmen of generations to come. As a school for boys, Thorpe House recognises that pupils need space to learn and expand their sporting provisions. The sports hall will house a vast array of sports, from Futsal, table tennis and basketball to badminton and indoor cricket and even trampoling. The multi-purpose hall will also be available to the wider community to hire for sporting and theatrical events as well as any other activity that requires a generous, high ceiling space. Not only will the new building work to offer more sporting opportunities for the school, but it also has a two-storey ancillary building with changing rooms and three extra class rooms on the first floor. This has given the new Headmaster, Mr Nicholas Pietrek an opportunity to look at the structure of the school and make some changes to enhance the school. Subsequently, with the opening of the new building, this part of the school will
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become the new Lower School which will be from Reception to Year 5. All being under the same roof will allow the boys to flourish educationally and for each year group to interact and work together as they move through the lower years. It is an exciting time for Thorpe House School and these changes will maximise the boy’s learning potential and prepare them for success in tomorrow’s world. Sir Geoff will be cutting the ribbon to Thorpe House brand new sports hall and the school will also be hosting ‘An Evening with Sir Geoff Hurst’ which will be a drinks and canape evening. At this event Sir Geoff will talk about his illustrious career, giving his audience an insight to his life as a West Ham and England legend. For further information about this event please keep an eye on our social media (thorpehousesch) or visit www.thorpehouse.co.uk
“As a school for boys, Thorpe House recognises that pupils need space to learn and expand their sporting provisions”
EDUC ATION
Sharpe Academy
S
harpe Academy, a Musical Theatre Academy for performers, is now well into its 12th year of part-time classes for ages 3-18. With centres in Rickmansworth, Ruislip, Northwood and Harrow, students take part in weekly Musical Theatre classes which provide excellent training in Singing, Acting and Drama. Additional Dance and Acrobatics classes are available, making Sharpe the ideal place for your child to build confidence, attend fun weekly classes, take part in full-scale musicals, or train for a career in the arts. For information on the Musical Theatre and Dance classes Sharpe Academy has to offer visit SharpeAcademy.co.uk. Sharpe’s brand new Full-Time course – a 3 Year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre & Acting, aimed at performers aged 16-25 – is nearing the end of its first year, and runs alongside a 1 Year Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre & Acting. Full-time students are studying Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Singing, Acting through Song, Stage Acting, Acting for TV & Film, Audition Technique, Music Theory and Performance – all the skills needed for a successful career in Performing Arts.
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The Sharpe faculty is made up of international performers and experienced teachers who specialise in the performance industry, and are complimented by a host of masterclass teachers direct from the West End. Principal Daniel Sharpe spent many years touring the world in musicals such as Evita, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Lullabies of Broadway. Daniel also represents professional performers as an Agent, sending graduates to auditions for Performing Arts jobs around the world. Artistic Director Vicki Manser has just embarked on the UK tour of the smash hit Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. Vicki takes on the role of Alternate Carol, playing the title role at regular performances. All Sharpe students aged 6+ take part in full-scale musicals each year which are performed in our new home theatre, the Grade 2–listed Elliott Hall Theatre at Harrow Arts Centre. Full-time Diploma students also present a play each year as part of their training. If you would lie to join the Sharpe family – either part-time or full-time – please visit SharpeAcademy. co.uk for full details and to book a trial class or audition. Sharpe Academy is proud to have actor and comedian Matt Lucas, West End performer Carrie Hope Fletcher and West End performer & X-Factor finalist Giovanni Spano as its Patrons. www.sharpeacademy.co.uk
During the current period of social distancing, Sharpe Online provides classes to current students and non-Sharpe performers, both in the UK and all around the world. A range of classes and workshops will be available via Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and face-to-face via video conferencing. For full details of these online classes follow @sharpeacademy on Instagram and Facebook.
fashion, HEALTH
& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : B RIGITT E B ARDOT
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
CREATING BRIGITTE BARDOT’S ICONIC BOUFFANT HAIRSTYLE The French film star’s famous ‘do is as popular today as it was in the 1950s.
W
hen it comes to famous hair styles throughout history, has their ever been a more influential ‘do than Brigitte Bardot’s? While cuts like Mary Quant’s sharp pixie crop or Jennifer Aniston’s The Rachel may come and go, the Bardot bouffant looks as cool now as it did when the French movie star shot to fame in the 1950s. Now, a new range of products from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation aims to help you get the movie star look - whether you’re blonde or not. “Tousled, teased, textured... Bardot had the finest bedhead that ever was,” says hairstylist and Bardot ambassador Paul Herrington. “With modern relevance, Bardot’s iconic look has been emulated by successive generations of supermodels like Claudia Schiffer, Giselle Bundchen, and Kate Moss.” Combining a bouffant shape at the crown of the head and loose, messy waves, the style gives volume to the locks while framing the face. So how’s it done? Here, Emmanuel Esteban, session stylist at Salon Sloane, offers a step by step guide on how to create the iconic Brigitte Bardot look... 54 APRIL 2020
1. Starting with clean, damp hair, spray with Bardot Lift + Volume Spray (£19, Pretty Little Thing) on the roots to give enough lift and achieve natural body, then spray heat protection on midlengths to ends. 2. Dry your hair upside down using a paddle brush (I like to use natural bristle brushes) with downward strokes ensuring you are smoothing the cuticle and creating volume on the roots. 3. Once hair is dry, divide it into two sections. First, the top section of hair from the temples to the nape of the neck. The second section is the rest of your hair. 4. On the lower part of your head spray with Bardot Texture Spray (£19, Pretty Little Thing) at least six inches away from your head and curl in large sections using a curling wand to achieve a wavy, textured, messy look. 5. On the top section, curl your hair with a large barrelled tong starting from the back of your head, sectioning horizontally through to the front towards your face focusing on achieving root lift. 6. Backcomb the very top section of your hair. Start with gentle combing at the front, gradually building up the volume towards the back, including the crown - this will create the Bardot bouffant shape. Then spray lightly with hairspray. Brush all of your hair gently with a paddle brush. 7. Without being precise, take the top part of your hair and pin it at the back of your head to achieve a half up-half down look - secure the pin pushing upwards to create more volume. To finish the look, pull out fine pieces of hair around your face to frame it.
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
4 YEARS OF SEDUCTION
& STYLE IN OLD AMERSHAM Odette Lingerie celebrate their 4th anniversary, with stylish event in support of local charity.
T
o mark their 4th anniversary, Odette Lingerie, a boutique lingerie store in Old Amersham held a style event, with local fashion icon Ladyofthemanor, showcasing her edit of the current collection. As well as collaborating with local children’s cancer charity, Williams Fund. The event was held on Friday 28th February, at the store 11 The Broadway Old Amersham Bucks HP7 OHL. Attended by local fashion followers and loyal customers. Guests were treated to a curated style edit and luxurious charity prizes in support of Williams Fund. “It’s so lovely to have little gems like Odette on our local High Street. Liz has an incredible eye and manages to pull in some beautiful pieces for leisurewear, resort wear, active and underwear! It was great fun hosting a styling event for Liz sharing all her beautiful pieces with some lovely local girls.” Said Hayley Karseras (Fashion Blogger ladyofthemanor) “We were thrilled to be asked to have
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William’s Fund as the beneficiary for the Odette 4th Anniversary event. I knew the service was fabulous but I also learned how qualified Liz (the owner) is and how many awards she has won! The brands stocked are chosen for quality, style and versatility and the service is fantastic. William’s Fund were delighted to be there selling raffle tickets for spectacular prizes and witnessing the happy and loyal customers flowing through.” Said Johanna Dodd (Williams Fund) “We had a great time celebrating our 4th Anniversary here in Old Amersham and I was touched and very grateful for the support I received ; from the amazing brands I stock, my hard working staff including my PR Amy from Pratsides&Co who so efficiently helped to co-ordinate it all, Local Influencer Hayley Karserias who put on a brilliant presentation and not least my loyal customers for braving the awful weather ! It was also rewarding to be able to work with local Charity Williams Fund and always a pleasure to have its founder Johanna Dodd with us. Here’s hoping that the retail climate improves this year and I can continue serving the lingerie and swimwear needs of the lovely ladies of Buckinghamshire and beyond for a few more years to come.” Said Liz Brighton (Owner, Odette Lingerie)
Odette Lingerie The boutique has now been opened for 4 years, in the heart of Old Amersham -specialising in lingerie, nightwear, swimwear and activewear. Beautiful brands from around the world including Aubade, Dita Von Teese and Melissa Odabash have been expertly selected for their quality, style and above all else fit and comfort. Catering for all ages and shapes and sizes with bras up to an I cup. To learn more visit www.odettelingerie.co.uk
“The brands stocked are chosen for quality, style and versatility and the service is fantastic. William’s Fund were delighted to be there selling raffle tickets for spectacular prizes and witnessing the happy and loyal customers flowing through”
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
CAN WE BEAT BOWEL CANCER? A pril is Bowel Cancer awareness month and we should take a while to consider our approach to this horrible disease; taking ownership of our actions as possible patients and accepting our own responsibilities as healthcare providers. From multiple sources we hear that prevention is the key, but a proper primary prevention – acting on the risk factors - is still impossible or impractical. Secondary prevention, also known as “early diagnosis”, is the first crucial point. Clearly, a proper diagnosis – both early or late – must be followed by a proper treatment, thus reducing the long term effects of bowel cancer and allowing complete healing and recovery. Early diagnosis is mainly patient’s responsibility. I always suggest my friends, family and patients to listen to our body and to not underestimate what our body tells us. A sudden change of the bowel habits, the passage of blood from the tail end (both with or without stools) and an unexpected weight loss – along with many other symptoms and signs, including anaemia - should prompt a visit to the GP and an eventual referral to the hospital specialist. The next obvious step is the diagnostic phase which may entail a colonoscopy, a CT scan and an MRI scan. Fortunately, only a small percentage of patients with those symptoms are actually diagnosed with cancer. In most cases, symptoms are due to a totally benign disease, such as haemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. The great value of a colonoscopy is in its capacity to identify benign adenomatous polyps (that would evolve into cancer if left in the bowel) or early malignant lesions, that can be treated easily and radically. Obviously, some patients will be found to have an established cancer of the bowel and in those cases the treatment may be a bit more complex, but at the moment the very most of those patients can still be treated and cured. The curability of
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“Early diagnosis is mainly patient’s responsibility. I always suggest my friends, family and patients to listen to our body and to not underestimate what our body tells us”
malignant growths of the bowel depends on the stage at which they are identified. This is why an early diagnosis is utterly important. A proper and state-of-the-art treatment must be provided by someone who has had a proper training and can demonstrate a good record. Surgery is the only therapy that is applicable in most cases and usually guarantees good results. Nowadays, most colorectal operations – for malignant or benign conditions - should performed by keyhole (or laparoscopic) surgery and the rate of laparoscopic resections is considered to be one of the key performance indicators of the skills and effectiveness of the multidisciplinary team dealing with bowel cancer patients. The advantages of a correct laparoscopic approach are very well known, in terms of quicker and better recovery, but mostly in terms of reduced complications and better long terms results with respect to those allowed by the traditional old-fashioned open surgery. Chemotherapy might have a role as complementary treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery in cases with advanced disease but is also used as palliative therapy to improve survival in patients with inoperable cancer. Radiotherapy has a constantly growing role mostly in patients with tumours of the rectum. For the whole process, the time factor is crucial and national guidelines suggest a precise timescale. Let alone the burocratic aspects, it is obvious that the sooner a cancer is diagnoses and treated, the better is the prognosis of the patient. For this reason, beating colorectal cancer means going faster and steadier, but it is a battle we can win only with a full cooperation between all the stakeholders, including patients, GPs and secondary care specialists, both NHS and private providers. – Mr Giovanni Tebala, Consultant Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Surgeon MD MS FRCS FACS Spire Thames Valley Hospital 01753 665404
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
THE HISTORY OF
JIMMY CHOO
We take a look back at the history of Jimmy Choo, rising from humble origins in a cobbler workshop to becoming one of Britain’s best-known fashion brands.
2017 Bridal Collection’ Below: Mens Autumn Winter 2017 Collection; Right: Jimmy Choo
Y
ou can trace its roots back to a bespoke shoemaker, Jimmy Choo, based in the East End of London in the early 1990s. The fashion designer was born Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat in Penang, Malaysia in 1961, and using the craftsmanship he learned from his father, also a cobbler, Choo made his first pair of shoes at the age of just 11. His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps. Mr Choo recalls “When I first started, my father wouldn’t let me make a shoe. Instead, he said: “Sit and watch, sit and watch.” For months and months, I did that.” After learning from his father about the craft of shoemaking, Choo made his way to England in the early 1980s to study at the Cordwainers Technical College in Hackney, where he graduated with honours in 1983. Choosing to remain in England, Choo opened his first shop in Hackney in 1986 in an old hospital building. It didn’t take long for Choo’s reputation to build. The sexy cut, fashionable design, and exceptional Italian craftsmanship struck a chord with a sophisticated clientele, and the first collection enjoyed 60 APRIL 2020
immediate success. Jimmy Choo was among the first to bring shoes and handbags to Hollywood where the red carpet proved to be the ideal runway for the brand. Soon, Choo became the darling of the celebrity world, in particular Princess Diana, who donned Choo’s footwear seemingly everywhere she went. High-profile devotees also include the Duchess of Cambridge, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Kendal Jenner. The fictional Carrie Bradshaw in television series “Sex and the City.” famously sported Jimmy Choo shoes, boosting the brand’s status. Within two years of opening his shop, Choo’s shoes were featured in an eight-page spread in Vogue magazine. And it was his relationship with Vogue that would prove to be instrumental in the rise of the Jimmy Choo brand. Despite the rise of his popularity, Choo was still a small operation, making just 20 hand-made pairs shoes a week. But Tamara Mellon, an accessories editor at Vogue, who often hired Choo to make shoes for fashion shoots, sensed a larger market for Choo’s creations. She approached the shoemaker about partnering to create a line of ready-to-wear footwear -
“It’s a beautiful, distinctive art, and shoes are like the foundations. If the foundations aren’t right, the building won’t stand upright, and if a woman’s balance isn’t right, nothing else is.” - Jimmy Choo
This image and Top Right: The Cinderella Collection
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
with a goal of creating a global luxury business. In 1996, both Choo and Mellon quickly grew the business, keeping the focus on creating high-end footwear, but no longer relying on the idea that every single pair had to be made by Choo himself. They contracted with Italian factories and opened their first boutique shop in Motcomb Street, London. Two years later, the company expanded to the US, securing locations in the premiere luxury shopping destinations of the world’s most prestigious cities including Madison Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, also creating a line-up of adoring Hollywood celebrities including Julia Roberts and Renee Zellweger. International expansion continued with Jimmy Choo stores opening in Avenue Montaigne in Paris, Via Condotti in Rome, Ginza in Tokyo, and prestigious shopping districts Sloane Street and Bond Street here in London. And by the turn of the century, the Choo name was a global brand, with high-end retail clients that included Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue carrying Choo footwear. The Choo brand had also expanded to handbags and other accessories. But in the background, all was not well. Choo and Mellon were at odds about the direction of the company. In what would become one of the more fascinating rifts in the fashion industry, Choo didn’t think bigger was better. He questioned the quality of the shoes the company was making, and seemed to long for the days when he was back at his shop in Hackney making a small number of pieces of footwear for specific clients. In 2001, Choo sold his half of the company to Robert Bensoussan of Equinox Luxury Holdings for $30 million. Jimmy Choo was then put up for sale in April after struggling to retain the status it held in the early 2000’s. Both Choo and Mellon departed in 2011 when JAB Luxury bought the firm for more than £500m. Today, Jimmy Choo encompasses a complete luxury accessories brand. Women’s shoes remain the core of the product offer, alongside handbags, small leather goods, scarves, sunglasses, eyewear, belts, fragrance and men’s shoes. Jimmy Choo has a global store network encompassing more than 150 stores and is present in the most prestigious department stores worldwide. This is what makes Jimmy Choo an interesting pairing with Michael Kors, as the former is known for its sky-high stilettos and glam, crystal-embellished designs, while the latter gravitates towards down-toearth leather goods and ready-to-wear. Jimmy himself now concentrates on a very personal business, where he designs directly for clients in high-end couture. Jimmy Choo was awarded an OBE in 2002, and girls and women around the world continue to covet owning a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes! www.jimmychoo.com 62 APRIL 2020
2017 Ad Campaign
APRIL 2020 63
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
OUR DENTAL GUIDE TO HELP YOU THROUGH UNCHARTED TIMES bristles and you will transfer them back into your mouth. Moreover, the bristles will become soft and ineffective. For electric toothbrushes the same rule applies. If your toothbrushes are wearing out before two months then you are probably brushing too harshly. As part of our hygiene services, we can show you the correct way of brushing.
5. Avoid a dry mouth
I We are available for telephone advice. If you need us please call the number below.
THE DETAILS The Rear Barn, Marshalls Yard, Windsor End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JJ 01494 412442 www.sorrisodental.co.uk
n the midst of a pandemic I didn’t know what to write about. We are faced with enormous emotional and physical challenges, and we must keep our well being going. Dental and oral health is central to that, especially at a time when access to dental health professionals won’t be your priority. So let me reiterate the advice we give our patients.
1. Brushing We advise brushing with a fluoride containing toothpaste, first thing in the morning to remove plaque and bacteria that have accumulated over night and to brush last thing at night because our saliva (which helps to keep the cavity-causing plaque off teeth) dries up as we sleep. Ensure you clean all faces of the teeth to avoid missing any areas, and don’t forget your gums.
2. Interdental cleaning Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean in-between the teeth where plaque collects. Do this before you brush to remove any plaque from these areas. Roughly 90% of problems arise from areas between the teeth so it is important to clean these areas effectively.
3. Electric toothbrushes We recommend electric toothbrushes for their superior performance when compared to manual brushing. Electric toothbrushes tend to have small brush heads that cup around the tooth and are faster and more efficient in cleaning areas of the mouth where bacteria and plaque collect.
4. New toothbrush Your toothbrush should be changed every two to three months as bacteria will collect on the 64 APRIL 2020
Saliva provides an essential defence against tooth decay and periodontal disease. Where there is insufficient saliva serious dental health problems can arise. The most common cause is not drinking enough water. Persistent dry mouth could be a symptom of a disease or a side effect of certain medicines and we can guide you on managing this.
6. Fresh breath The most common cause of this is poor oral health care. Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC) are produced when naturally occuring bacteria break down plaque and food debris in the mouth. By keeping plaque and debris in check, bacteria have less to feed on and reproduce less frequently.
7. Clean your tongue A major cause of bad breath can actually come from bacteria building up on your tongue with a high percentage of it accumulating at the back, making it hard to reach.We recommend a proper tongue scrapper every morning to remove tongue plaque and freshen your breath- it is more effective than brushing your tongue with a toothbrush.
8. Use of mouthwash If you are looking for a good mouthwash, then make sure it is alcohol-free, as alcohol is an irritant and can dry out the mouth. This will have the effect of reducing the amount of saliva present, and make your teeth more susceptible to bacteria. Use one containing fluoride, as the benefits of a mouthwash are that they can reach areas not touched by brushing alone. Also best used at a different time to brushing.
9. Whiter teeth A whiter smile eludes health and happiness but can be particularly difficult to achieve for those who smoke, drink red wine and other tannin containing drinks. We offer services that will enable you to achieve whiter teeth. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please take care of yourselves and look after each other.
66 APRIL 2020
Traditional shaker styles designed for modern living
HOuse &
garden SPONSORED BY
Expert property solicitors for all aspects of residential conveyancing. www.slatergordon.co.uk/property
– Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AG E : CHA P LINS
H OUSE & GARDEN
Eco-Swim Indoor Pool for under £170,000* - Coming soon! T he team at Origin have been hard at work and are excited to announce our much anticipated new indoor pool ‘Eco-Swim range’ is about to be launched. This modern and hassle free style aims to give you a variety of choices and sizes that show the best of Origin and bring your dream of owning an indoor swimming pool to life. The stylish Eco-Swim range offers an amazing fully heated indoor pool with a state of the art pool lining system and contemporary internal finish.
Features: • Contemporary design • Eco friendly credentials • Low energy LED lighting • Modern and hygienic pool finish
An Origin natural timber building is made from fully renewable sources and blends beautifully into a garden setting, helping you feel at one with nature. We’re also putting our best green foot forward and incorporating sustainable and eco friendly elements in our most economical design yet. This new design is not only good for the environment but it will save you time and money in the long run due to its excellent insulation values. The pool comes with our easy clean filtration system to keep the water sparkling, with a low chemical sanitation system that gives you clean, warm water perfect for everyday swimming. The pool house includes fully porcelain tiled floors, giving you that feeling of luxury every time you step out of your pool.
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Owning an Origin pool is about more than just the pool itself, it’s about the lifestyle that comes with it and with the Eco-Swim range you get all that and more.Your swimming pool and pool house can become a centre of wellness and exercise for everyone to enjoy. Swimming is an incredible form of exercise with a long list of health benefits, both mental and physical. Many of our clients come to us because they’re looking for a space to completely relax in and we at Origin understand this can take a different form for everyone. You can tailor your pool to your needs, whether you need an entertaining space, a bar area or somewhere for the children to play. Origin have been helping customers realise their dreams for over 40 years, let us help you with yours. www.originpools.co.uk * Includes VAT and terms and conditions apply
“Owning an Origin pool is about more than just the pool itself, it’s about the lifestyle that comes with it and with the Eco-Swim range you get all that and more”
THE ASpEn poRcELAin Wood TiLE RAngE
1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 8JR - 01895 621 651 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF - 01628 624 546
info@spacers-uk.com | maidenhead@spacers-uk.com
H OUSE & GARDEN
Kelvin LED Table Lamp by Flos, £315
Get To Work On Your Home Office With Our 2020 Style Guide Words by: Anna Howell, Chaplins
Beetle Swivel Chair by Gubi, £1,131
Interiors Editor
I
t’s no secret that the world of work is changing. With the rise of co-working and freelancing, it’s now possible to get down to business in just about any location. And yet if we’ve learnt anything from the sterile interiors of the early 90s, it’s that environment matters. Recent studies suggest that a well-designed space can lead to significant boosts in productivity and cognitive function — quantitative evidence of the “feel-good” factor of great design. With 50% of the UK now working remotely at least once a week, creating a functional home office has become an essential task if we wish to maintain boundaries between work and play. Here at Chaplins, we’ve been giving it some thought and have come up with our Home Office Style Guide to help you get it right first time.
Plan Like An Executive When designing your home office, it’s good to take some time to visualise how everything will work together. Don’t forget to incorporate some sort of breakout zone — a space in which to think or read when you’re not obliged to be sat behind a keyboard. In smaller offices, this could be as simple as a generous pouf. In larger homes, a small sofa, armchair or (if you’re feeling particularly psychoanalytic) chaise lounge. Incorporating these elements ensures your office is a space you’ll actually enjoy spending time in, while accommodating for both active and passive work. 72 APRIL 2020
Wolf Keramik Desk by Cattelan Italia, £1,757
Are You Sitting Comfortably? While the majority of offices are characterised by orthopaedic-looking chairs, designers have a long history of producing statement styles. Some of the best date back to the mid-century, including iconic collections such as the Eames Aluminium Range and Knoll’s Executive Saarinen collection. Both offer top-notch ergonomics and a timeless design language to boot. Sustainable design lovers might also want to consider Vitra’s N02 Recycled Office Chair — crafted entirely from circular polypropylene and recycled aluminium. Lightweight and compact, it’s a great choice for those who are short on space.
No More Boring Desk Jobs A great desk is the backbone of any contemporary
THE DETAILS 477-507 Uxbridge Road, HA5 4JS www.chaplins.co.uk 020 8421 1179
home office. And whether small or stately, there are a variety of exciting options. For homes in which every square inch counts, look for compact desks with clean lines, hidden storage and handy charging points. In order to maximise the available floor space, opt for a chair with a lithe base like Gubi’s Beetle Swivel Chair. If space isn’t an issue, you can experiment with bold sweeping desks such as Zanotta’s Cavour or Cattelan Italia’s Wall Street — each offering a real interior power play. Where you position your desk is equally important. If your home office benefits from lots of direct sunlight, be sure to orient your desk so that any screens aren’t out of action for portions of the day. Experimenting with layout can also affect how you experience your space. Try to avoid being cramped up against walls where possible. One option is to float your desk in the centre of the room, creating a focal point that will compel you to sit down and get things done.
Doo-Wop Pendant Light by Louis Poulsen Eames EA 108 Aluminium Chair by Vitra, £1,760
Make Light Work of Your Daily Tasks Modern task lighting is another must for any productive home office. As well as allowing you to work into the evening, it’ll help create a snug and inviting atmosphere – the perfect place to ponder all those frustrated souls on their morning commute. If your work involves sketching, drawing or examining projects, you’ll want to opt for a versatile lamp that allows you to shape and direct the light. Artemide’s Tolomeo and Flos’ Kelvin collections are particularly revered in this regard. For laptop-based work, any lamp that provides a soft gush of down-ward illumination will do the trick. If you don’t quite have room for a table lamp on your desk, consider experimenting with some strategically hung pendant lights. We love Louis Poulsen’s PH 5 and Doo-Wop Collections for office spaces.
Master The Art of Storage
Air Desk by Gallotti & Radice, From £1,392
Clutter can come in many forms. But whether it’s an overflowing inbox or a mass grave of admin, the effect is equally draining. Finding the right storage will help you keep your home office organised and a joyous place to work. Before diving in, it’s wise to think about how accessible the documents that need storing will need to be. If they are items that you refer to constantly, then some linear shelving might be preferable to under-desk units or sideboards. One of the most flexible options available is USM’S Haller system. Modular in nature, it can be added to or subtracted from in accordance to your needs, making it ideal for homes of all sizes. Need some additional help planning your contemporary home office? Be sure to make an appointment with our friendly design team and take advantage of our INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE at Chaplins. APRIL 2020 73
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Working from Home? This may well make life easier
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tudyBeds provide you with an instant office area, a very large desk, plenty of storage, AND of course, an extra bed, all in the same compact footprint. The key to their success, is that due to the clever but simple mechanism, everything can be left in place on the desk as well as the bed, and the transformation process takes less than 3 seconds. The StudyBed Company will deliver and install the product for you and they come with a 5 year guarantee. Many customers have written in saying that more than ever, their StudyBed is proving a great addition to their household in these challenging times. Dr Phil Murray says he wished had bought one years ago, “The StudyBed is fantastic, the fact that you can drop the desk and open the bed without having to tidy the stuff away and the desk area is vast. The build is first-class and the guys who assembled it were great”
“Everything can be left in place on the desk as well as the bed” There are a wide range of sizes and matching accessories to choose from, but why not just start with the StudyBed and add extra furniture later. A visit to the website, www.studybed.co.uk provides a comprehensive amount of information along with a configurator tool to help you visualise both the product and the finish options. There is a showroom in Thame, Oxfordshire, open 6 days a week where you can view and sample the whole range of possibilities. www.studybed.co.uk 74 APRIL 2020
Local specialists in upvc, composite and aluminium windows, also doors since 2000 Let us help you find the perfect Windows, Doors and Conservatory WE CREATE A LIFESTYLE THAT SUITS YOU! www.alpha-windows.com Sales@alpha-windows.com SHOW ROOM 3 High Street, Iver, SL0 9ND 01753 663 663 TRADE SUPPLY (by appointment only) Pinewood Nurseries, Wexham Street, SL3 6NB 01753 663 993
Designers, manufacturers & installers of bespoke timber, windows and doors. Specialists in conservation areas & listed buildings.
• FAMILY RUN BUSINESS • TRADITIONAL BOX SASH WINDOWS • CASEMENT WINDOWS / BAY WINDOWS • ARCHED AND SHAPED WINDOWS • FACTORY SPRAYED PAINT FINISH • ALL TYPES OF PURPOSE MADE JOINERY • MATERIALS INCLUDE SOFTWOOD, HARDWOOD & OAK
For advice and a free quotation, call 01753 651 084 or visit our factory and showroom at: Unit 13 Duttons Farm / Bangors Road South, Iver SL0 0AY info@window-company.co.uk www.window-company.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
What Makes a House a Home? M
odern life can be exhausting… I’m sure you’ve all wished for more hours in the day at least once in the last week. With so much to consume our busy lives, as Interior Designers, we often find that people simply don’t have the time or inspiration to add the final flourishes to their living space to truly make it feel like a home. So, what does make a house a home? A really easy way to achieve that homely feel is through the clever use of accessories. Often, adding the last special touches that come from accessorising, will complement your home as well as your lifestyle. These are often not just items of beauty, but also serve a functional purpose too. Whether it’s carefully selected window treatments that perfectly balance your room or the right lighting to offset the mood you are looking to create, it’s important to give it some thought before you jump right in. Our luxury lifestyle showroom in Berkhamsted, which is set out like an apartment to demonstrate our interior design services, and showcases how accessorising correctly can have a pronounced impact on the overall feel of a room – feel free to pop in and see for yourself. We also have a huge array of beautiful items that can be purchased in our shop, if you need accessories advice! Ultimately, there are many elements to consider when choosing home accessories: scale, colour,
material and the context in which the accessory will be used. We recently worked on accessorising a client’s house where we had great fun in selecting the right elements to bring these rooms to life.
“Ultimately, there are many elements to consider when choosing home accessories: scale, colour, material and the context in which the accessory will be used” We would always advise to be brave and go bold! Don’t be scared of mixing up materials, or colours. It’s quite cliché to have everything very matched and overly coordinated. Of course, tonal interiors are still very popular and can work well, but we suggest adding alternative elements of interest and focus, to break up the uniformity. Here, we have added some fun and beautifully crafted cushions to add interest to a pale grey sofa.
Moreover, it’s important to feel at ease in your surroundings – you don’t want your home to feel like an actual showroom where you’re too frightened to put a drink down! If you’re not comfortable then visitors won’t be either. Also don’t be afraid to mix up old with new - as we’ve done in this house by pairing an old Singer sewing machine table and antique clock, with moodbalancing crystals and interesting objet d’art - it can work beautifully. Making use of family heirlooms gives a sense of having evolved over time and gives real character, filled with delightful and amusing details mixed in. Interesting touches can be created very simply in a room. For example, try curating a small pile of books you’ve been meaning to read (nothing that’s a chore, nothing for work) and keep it somewhere easily visible. Beautiful, hardbound editions will add interest and intrigue. We appreciate sometimes bringing the entire look and feel of a room together can be easier said than done - which is where our Home Accessorising service can help. Our service entails us visiting your 76 APRIL 2020
home, curating a bespoke list of accessories that will complement and enhance your rooms. We will then arrange the accessories around the areas of your home and offer guidance and rationale throughout the process. We have developed strong relationships with leading global brands, providing exceptional design to reflect the aspirational lifestyles of our clients. We also offer bespoke soft furnishings that work perfectly in our client’s properties. These offer the highest level of service and quality, together with our experience working at the top end of the interior design arena. Please contact us for more details. 85-87 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3EH. 01442 818122. www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com
“We have developed strong relationships with leading global brands, providing exceptional design to reflect the aspirational lifestyles of our client”
IN
No BE W Rk oP HA EN mS TE
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BESPOKE FITTED FURNITURE: BEDROOMS • STUDIES • SIT TING ROOMS
5 YEAR WARRANTY FREE DESIGN FULLY INSTALLED
3 Sycamore Place, Hill Avenue, Amersham HP6 5BG | Tel: 01494 434363 354 High Street, Berkhamsted HP4 1HU | 01442 777111 www.completefittedbedrooms.com
H OUSE & GARDEN
Take Control ‘A
lexa, will it rain today?’ Talking to inanimate objects in the home has become normal for some. It’s part of a rapidly growing trend to make homes smarter, but what exactly makes a home smart? ‘Smart home is a term we’ve heard in technical circles for a while now, but as more devices are coming to the market with these capabilities, it’s something that the average homeowner is starting to become familiar with. Even everyday kitchen appliances such as fridges and kettles, are being made smart,’ explains BRAND Designs director, Ashley Pearson. After learning more about the different ways a home can be smart, it’s apparent that the easiest way to define a smart home is simply adding a device to your home to make everyday tasks easier, or even fully automated. While this may sound like a bit of a gimmick, it can make a big difference to many. People living with a disability for example can greatly benefit from these systems. Imagine being able to open and close the blinds and curtains with just a voice command. Adding simplicity, ease and security to people’s lives, is at heart of what makes the perfect smart home. It appears that every household can benefit from this new smarter way of living. ‘We often integrate smart home systems into our designs, especially in new build or refurbishment projects. Most common are lighting controls, which offer conveniences such as turning off all the lights in the home with a single button press when leaving. Popular too are music and AV systems for streaming music and TV into every room in the house, and even the garden. Automated curtains and blinds are fast becoming very popular, with the added privacy and security they provide to a home.’ All these smart devices have the added benefit of being controlled by a smartphone app or voice assistant, such as
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Alexa, Google Home, or Siri, as well as conventional switches. The number of products available to add into a smart home is surprising, from freezers to thermostats. If it all starts to seem overwhelming that’s where the service from a specialist, like BRAND Designs can help. For people about to embark on a new build, the assurance from having experts see the project through from beginning to end is probably invaluable. ‘Although some of these smart products can be added to a home by a budding DIYer, for true integration and solid reliability, integrating smart technologies at the early planning stage is a must.’ says Ashley. ‘To get a design right, you need to take time to really learn what the homeowner wants to achieve, their requirements, and the way they will live day to day in their finished home. Only by working closely with the clients and trades involved on the project, can the perfect outcome be achieved.’ So, while receiving messages from the washing machine doesn’t seem like a benefit to anyone, being able to turn the heating up while returning from holiday certainly does have its appeal. As does being able to set the lights to automatically turn on and off to mimic people being home, while away from the home. Furthermore, many of these systems save energy by turning off unused appliances when the room or home is vacant. There are real world advantages to having these devices quietly working away in the background, while we go about our daily lives. To talk to someone about a project you have coming up that could benefit from being smart, call BRAND Designs on 01494 790467 or email enquiries@brand-designs.com.
“The number of products available to add into a smart home is surprising, from freezers to thermostats”
0845 340 4435 brand-designs.com enquiries@brand-designs.com The Design Studio Chesham, HP5 1SD
H OUSE & GARDEN
HOW TO USE COLOUR IN THE KITCHEN W
ith so much many gorgeous colours available, it can be confusing when deciding on a colour for your new kitchen. Sue Birch from K&B Studios looks at how to make the most of the choices available and find your perfect colour scheme. Many homeowners are attracted to a bright and exciting colour scheme when researching their new kitchen but then decide to opt for a safe neutral when making a final choice. A soft neutral colour scheme can work well in a kitchen but with so many options available, a second colour can be introduced as a subtle complement or a bold contrast. We often work with two different colours, choosing a woodgrain or a metallic to add warmth in a modern kitchen. In a more traditional setting we may select two shades of blue or green, for a painted shaker style. For those with bolder design aspirations, a bright pink island can really make a statement. If two colours prove too much, then keeping to one and using your appliances to add a burst of colour can work well. Manufacturers are offering a great selection of colours alongside the stainless steel or black that we have become used to. Alternatively, keep your appliances traditional
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and add your colour with your accessories such as blinds, splashbacks and lamps. Grey, blue and green continue to be the most popular colours in our showroom. They are very adaptable and work well in modern, traditional and classic settings. A dark rich blue or almost grey graphite can create a striking look for a kitchen. Clever lighting and the introduction of contrasting white or metallic accessories can avoid a dark design feeling claustrophobic. Alternatively, a seaside blue can create the feel of a coastal kitchen, whilst a pale blue can reflect more of a Scandi vibe. Green can be a calming colour choice and ideal for the kitchen as we often associate it with nature and freshness. From bold and bright lime greens to more subtle sage greens, there is plenty of scope to be creative. Dark emerald green can work well with a painted shaker style, where as a jade green can be more modern with a flat door, especially when teamed with some trendy silver mosaic tiles. We have a wide selection of colours on display in our showroom, as well as a huge range of sample doors, visit us soon and let us help you find the perfect colour scheme. www.kbstudios.co.uk E Mail: sales@kbstudios.co.uk phone: 01494 677727
“Grey, blue and green continue to be the most popular colours in our showroom. They are very adaptable and work well in modern, traditional and classic settings”
Hand Forging Magic In Hertfordshire…
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ucked away in the quiet, quaint Chiltern Hill’s is the ever-evolving Elliott of London studio. Behind the doors are a small team of craftsmen creating some of the most enticing sculptures. On one of the workshop benches, one of the clever team is creating a stunning copper rose, another is working one of the unique & quirky commissions that have come in for the team to sink their teeth into. There is a busy hype in the workshop today & the studio is ramping up for their up & coming Spring Studio Open Day. Elliott of London was created & founded by Charles Elliott, who is now an internationally renowned British sculptor making a serious mark on the scene & industry. Charles works closely with his small team of dedicated craftsmen to push the boundaries, crafting bespoke handmade bronze & metal sculptures. Charles’s passion to break sculptor boundaries is clear & I’m looking forward to attending the Spring Studio Open Day to see what new creations they have. The Spring Studio Open Day is open to everyone, the gates will open Saturday 4th April & Sunday 5th April at 9.30am – 4.30pm both days. Not only will you be able see all the sculptures up close & personal, there will be a selection of
local stalls with handmade crafts, gifts & local made goodies. There will demonstrations, displays & talks through out the day so you can see Charles & the team in action, purchases & commission conversations will be welcomed throughout the day.
THE DETAILS For more information on Elliott of London & our Spring Studio Open Day please look at: Spring Studio Open Day: 4th & 5th April 2020 www.elliottoflondon.co.uk Instagram or Facebook: Elliott of London – British Sculpture Email: info@elliottoflondon.co.uk Studio: 01494 758896 Elliott of London, Bluebell Farm Shootersway, Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 3GW
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The perfect Home-Working solution?
Visit our showroom: International House, Thame, OX9 3UH