Life Magazines (Buckinghamshire editions) August 2019

A Hidden Gem The exclusive celebrity party house available for private hire.

Tobias Oliver Interiors provide professional interior design services delivering luxury interiors & furniture to discerning clientele throuhgout the UK & overseas.

We draw upon our far-reaching knowledge of suppliers, craftsmen & artisans to produce luxury interiors that are totally unique & more importantly, reflect the lifestyles of our clientele.

We adopt a personable approach - being polite, respectful & accommodating, working closely with our clients to turn their dreams into reality. Our interior design scope caters from luxury residential to commercial boutique, for private & development properties.

85 - 87 High Street Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2DF 01442 818122

www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com

MONEYHILL.indd All Pages

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

D i s t i n c t i v e

I n t e r i o r s

Experience Classic English Elegance

1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, H a Hertfordshire n d c r a WD3 f t e7BQ d in

C o l c h1 eMoneyhill s t e r ,Parade, England Phone:Road, +44(0)1923 773906 Uxbridge Rickmansworth, celia@moneyhillinteriors.com Hertfordshire WD3 7BQ moneyhillinteriors.com Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 celia@moneyhillinteriors.com d a v o n p o r t . c o m

To request a portfolio or speak to

m o n aedesigner: y h i l l01206 i n t e 760 r i o 800 rs.com

28/10/2015 18:49

WELCOME TO OUR

august ISSUE THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

17, The Broadway, Old Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5HZ, UK 0844 800 8439 www.thelifemagazines.com

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© All Rights Reserved. Life Magazines are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd. takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in these publications and any loss arising therefrom. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to Life Magazines, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to such material. Fish Media Group Ltd. reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication.

Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.

Cover image: Pippa Mackenzie Photography

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

17

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

63

HOUSE & GARDEN

79

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

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 : P E T E R F R E E B ODY B OAT S

OUT & ABOUT

1 September

The Bull at Gerrards Cross Wedding Fair With several large function rooms, an excellent location and a fabulous selection of Local Wedding Suppliers and Services The Bull is the perfect place to come if you’re in the midst of planning your Wedding wherever that may be. The Bull itself combines the character of a 17th century coaching inn with beautifully landscaped gardens, contemporary design and award-winning cuisine. Fully flexible Wedding Packages are available to help make your dream wedding day a reality. and the Wedding Team will be available all day to answer and show you everything this 4 star hotel has to offer.

11am - 3.30pm Free parking and entry The Bull, Oxford Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 7PA

[events]

OUT & ABOUT 25 august

Swanbourne Music Festival Swanbourne Music Festival is a fantastic day out for the whole family to enjoy. More than just a music festival, join us for a day packed with quality food & drink, and activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the day. Gates 12 noon, music around 12.30pm, end by 10.00pm 21 Mursley Road, Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire MK17 0SH

3 AUGUST - 3 NOVEMBER Get ready for CLAWsome new exhibition, Bears!

Including Tuesday Tales, Family Fundays, Teddy Bears Picnics, Mod Roc Bears, Bears with Personality. Enough to keep the family entertained for hours www.rrm.co.uk.

Email: museum@rrm.co.uk

“Get ready for CLAWsome new exhibition, Bears! at The River & Rowing Museum”

18 AUGUST 2019

9 & 10 august

OPEN AIR CINEMA Enjoy a unique open-air cinema in the picturesque Walled Garden of the Wormsley Estate, just outside Stokenchurch. Your ticket will include a champagne drinks reception with live instrumental music and a curated garden tour, deckchair seating and luxury hamper. 9 August: The Italian Job. 10 August: A Star is Born. www.fireflyevents.co.uk

WEDNESDAYS IN august

Plaster workshops To support the Library ceiling conservation project that will be taking place at the end of the year we are hosting plaster workshops throughout the summer holidays. You can create your own plaster piece with moulds that have been inspired by the Library ceiling or have a go at painting one that’s been ready made for you. Everyone is welcome and all the money raised will go towards conservation project. There’s no need to book, just drop in from 11am till 4pm. So grab an apron and join us on the West Terrace for some creative fun. £3 per piece of art. Please pop into reception to purchase your ticket. Drop in sessions from 11am - 4pm.

National Trust, Claydon House, Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire MK18 2EY

OUT & ABOUT

[events]

OUT & ABOUT

WHERE INSPIRATION BLOOMS

A brand new venue, set in stunning countryside just outside Chesham.

They run a range of craft and wellness workshops

9 September

PLAY WITH CLAY 4-week course starting Monday 9th September 12noon-2pm £100 for all 4 weeks or individual weeks for £30 each

14 AUGUST

Classic Car Show - display of motor vehicles from yesteryear 2019 will see our 11th annual show of classic motor vehicles comprising , in the main, cars manufactured before 1990. The cafe at the Memorial Centre will be open, as will the licensed bar - a great day out for all the family. See www.gxclassiccars.co.uk The Memorial Centre, 8 East Common, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 7AD

UNTIL 12 SEPTEMBER

Buckingham 1369 An exhibition in the courtyard exploring the lives of 20 men, a group of medieval archers who left Buckingham in 1369 with their longbows to support King Edward in the war against France. This exhibition identifies and names these men. Free entry to the exhibition only. Monday to Saturday 10-4pm.

Buckingham Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 1JX

INTRODUCTION TO ARM KNITTING £55, 10.30am – 12noon

14 September

GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS WORKSHOP £95 includes lunch, 10am to 4pm

18 September

EVERY FRIDAY IN AUGUST

PICK & PAINT WATERCOLOUR FLOWERS MASTERCLASS £45, 10.30am - 1.30pm

DJ SUMMER SESSIONS AT COPPER HOUSE Copper House, Berkhamsted, is launching their programme of live DJ ‘Summer Sessions’. Every Friday in August from 9.30pm onwards guests can enjoy 3 hours of a live set with celebrated DJ Lyndsay Evans. In conjunction with Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne.

Book online for dinner or drinks at www.copperhousebar.co.uk

28 September

CIDER MAKING WORKSHOP 10am-1230pm £55 per ticket making 5 litres

UNTIL 30 AUGUST

Waddesdon’s Summer of Sport Join us at Waddesdon for a fun-filled sporting experience. Five weeks of fun over the summer holidays; try your hand at a range of sports including some enjoyed by the Rothschild family.

There are three trials to enjoy: Oarsome Orienteering; The Waddesdon Workout; Tour de Waddesdon. The Great Waddesdon Sports Day is on Sunday 18 August, 12pm – 4pm.

Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH 20 AUGUST 2019

11 September

28 & 29 September

BUILD YOUR OWN OUTDOOR COB/PIZZA OVEN £170 includes lunch, 10am to 4pm

www.whereinspiration blooms.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Luxe: The story so far...

S

ince their official “Go Live” date at the beginning of March, Luxe have assisted with clients’ requirements to the tune of over £1m facilities advanced. Owning and running your own business is a different ballgame to turning up at your desk in a large corporate and having an established portfolio of clients ready and waiting however…

The directors commented “Starting up a business and establishing ourselves in the local business community has been a big learning curve for us. What we have learnt is that having a small handful of trusted business advisors who you can ask honest opinions of and receive constructive criticism from is paramount. The journey is all about growth and finding our way in a relatively tough economic market.”

Despite the uncertain times of the UK economy lenders are still open for business. Luxe have helped assist with the funding of business-critical assets such as engineering equipment & restaurant refits along with personal “toys” of a Ferrari F12, Lamborghini Aventador S, and a leisure boat.

Matt is soon becoming a go to sounding board

22 AUGUST 2019

for clients looking to purchase the more exotic cars due to his contacts in the industry, but everyday personal and commercial vehicles have been their sweet spot.

As the government leans toward tax incentives for electric cars they have been pleased to assist with the funding of these at more comparable rates than the dealer themselves but there will always be occasions where perhaps the client’s bankers can offer better terms; “We will always be honest with clients and if we know they are getting a better deal elsewhere then we will tell them. We are always happy to have a look at a proposal to see if we can assist and potentially refinance the client’s current agreement to ease cashflow or release equity.

What lies ahead?

THE DETAILS For more information contact 01494 936 100, Email: matt@luxeaf.co.uk or sarah@luxeaf.co.uk

September is a busy month in the world of asset finance with new car registrations, the Southampton boat show and the renewal of many firms Professional indemnity insurance for the paper professions which several lenders on Luxe’s panel can assist with.

In November they will also be holding a gala dinner and charity auction on behalf of SANDS, a cause close to their heart and one they have historically raised funds for. Local venues are being decided on, but they would be delighted to hear from local businesses if they would like to support the event by way of purchasing tickets, or by donating items for the auction or charity.

Things are going well for this local start up, watch this space…

OUT & ABOUT

ASTON HOUSE GERRARDS CROSS A ston House is a collection of 34 luxury one and two bedroom apartments in a prime location in Gerrards Cross – located 100m from the High Street and train station. The development boasts floor-toceiling windows and a mix of Balconies and Roof Terraces.

Within easy reach of London, the apartments offer an ideal setting to enjoy the best of Gerrards Cross, as well as engaging in the social, cultural and economic opportunities that living so close to the Capital provides.

Few commuter belt locations offer such a contrast to the pace of London life as Gerrards Cross, with the local area boasting places such as The Chilterns, Stoke Park, Harrow School, Cliveden House, Brunel University all within a 20 minute drive.

Amenities within walking distance include Gerrards Cross Lawn Tennis Club, a Monthly Farmers Market, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Independent Restaurants, Bars and an Everyman Cinema.

DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Prices from £360,000 • 1 & 2 Bedrooms Available • Easy, direct journey to Central London • 20 minute train to London Marylebone • High rental demand • On-site car parking and enclosed, secure cycle parking • Two miles from the M40/M25 motorway intersection • Floor-to-ceiling windows

24 AUGUST 2019

LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

• 10 Minute Drive to Stoke Park Golf Course & Country Club • Independent Restaurants and Bars • Local Independent Primary and Secondary Schools • 10 minute drive to Brunel University • 15 minute drive to Cliveden House • 25 minutes from Harrow School

Surrenden Invest is a go-to investment consultancy for clients looking for asset-backed, full service investment opportunities. We deliver a national portfolio, working with some of the largest regional and national developers in the UK. Our staff blend a national outlook with local expertise.

We don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach, so our team of property professionals work at the forefront of regional opportunities, while delivering expert national coverage. We take an in-depth view of regional markets so that we can deliver unique opportunities to our clients and better meet their investment requirements.

With our exclusive portfolio, regional coverage and expert consultants, Surrenden Invest has established itself as the go to property investment consultancy of choice for investors looking to capitalise on the UK’s lucrative property market.

Telephone: 0203 3726 499 Email: info@surrendeninvest.com Address: Riverbank House, 1 Putney Bridge Approach, Fulham, London, SW6 3JD Aston House Brochure Download: www.surrendeninvest.com

“Surrenden Invest is a go-to investment consultancy for clients looking for asset-backed, full service investment opportunities”

OUT & ABOUT

Chef Laurie Gear

August recipe & kitchen news

H

omemade bread is a fundamental part of any great meal, at the restaurant we bake three different varieties every morning using what is in season at the time. The beetroot bread

is not only striking in its rich ruby colour but also has an earthy sweetness to its flavour. The horseradish is optional; however it does add another element of taste and compliments the beetroot.

RECIPE: Beetroot and Horseradish Bread Ingredients

Summer Lunch Tasting Menu Offer

Makes 21 x 50 g rolls or 2 small loaf tins • 600 g strong white bread flour sieved • 1 pinch of table salt • 250 g cooked and peeled beetroot • 100mls fresh orange juice • 25 g yeast fresh • 1 tablespoon of liquid honey • 450 ml lukewarm water • 1 tablespoon freshly grated horseradish optional • 1 tablespoon of crème fraiche

In keeping with the sunny season, we invite Life Magazines readers to sample our new Summer Tasting Lunch Menu, which showcases the best of the season ingredients, with a complimentary glass of our special version of a Summer Fruit Cup upon arrival.

Method 1. Pre heat oven between Gas Mark 5 and 6 or 250 degrees C 2. Mix the yeast, honey and water together, leave in a warm place until a foam forms on top, approximately 20-25 minutes.

3. Reserve 50 gms of the beetroot and cut into a fine dice 4. Puree the rest of the cooked 6. Slowly add the yeast mixture to beetroot with orange juice your flour until you have sticky 5. Place the sieved strong flour pliable dough – and place in a Roasting the beetroot really enhances into a mixing bowl with the pinch mixing machine with the dough the flavour. Using a tall metal diarole of salt, horseradish, crème fraiche, hook – this process can be done mould gives the bread an interesting pureed beetroot and diced beetroot by hand just takes a little longer. shape similar to that of a flower pot.

7. Form your dough into a ball The Crème Fraiche gives the on a floured surface return to the bread an extra gloss and floured mixing bowl and cover with lightness. a damp tea towel and leave in a warm place until the mixture has doubled in size.

8. Take the mixture out of the bowl and then knead and fold for approximately 8 minutes until the dough forms a more manageable elastic texture 9. Divide the dough into 50 gms pieces and using a cupped hand, gently roll in a circular motion to form a bread roll 10. Place into greased and floured diarole moulds 11. Return to a warm spot until the dough has double once more 12. Bake immediately in pre heated oven for approx 12 minutes 13. Leave to cool in the tins for 2 minutes and then gently lift out of the moulds onto a metal cooling wire

chef’s tip

26 AUGUST 2019

Lunch Tasting Offer is available from Tuesday to Friday lunchtime until 16th August 2019 for just £38.00 per person - optional wine flight £26.00 (additional sixth course at £6.00) **please mention ‘Lunch Offer’ when making your reservation** (offer available for up to six guests) The Artichoke Restaurant 9 Market Square Old Amersham Tel: 01494 726611 www.artichokerestaurant.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

BEAUTIFUL BOATS

BY PETER FREEBODY & CO

N

estled in the heart of the commuter belt between Henley and Marlow lies a little piece of river heaven. Leafy lanes around the idyllic village of Hurley lead to a boatyard on the banks of the River Thames.

This is the home of Peter Freebody & Co who, with a family history on the Thames traced back to the 13th Century, are possibly one of the oldest boatbuilding names in the world.

Today, in addition to the restoration of every conceivable style of traditional boat – dinghies, electric canoes, steam launches and saloon launches – Peter Freebody & Co specialize in the building of sublime luxury wooden river and lake launches which are handcrafted in their riverside workshops in Hurley.

Whether you already own a boat which needs

28 AUGUST 2019

restoration or maintenance, or are considering a first venture into boat ownership – either new or second hand – Peter Freebody & Co can offer advice, expertise and quality craftsmanship built over the experience of decades, together with moorings on one of the prettiest stretches of the Thames, and full services in the way of maintenance, engineering and winter storage, for the most relaxing boating experience. www.peterfreebody.com. 01628 824382.

OUT & ABOUT

PRIMARY GRAPHICS Farrbury Capital’s primary graphics adopt a hand

Farrbury Capital Partners The Home of Your Investment Portfolio drawn-esque feel and are used to support headers

& must have relevance to the headline or copy.

This particular style

mirrors the Farrbury

Capital hands on and

personal approach and service offering.

F

arrbury Capital Partners are property investment specialists, comprised of industry professionals with years of experience in the investment sector and an in-depth understanding of the UK property market.

The company was established to identify and provide the most suitable investment options for client’s individual portfolios.

“At Farrbury Capital, we take a less is more approach, only launching investment options that meet our strict criteria, as well as suiting our investors portfolio ambitions. Investment markets can be a minefield and we pride ourselves on our ability to offer a select, yet reliable investment collection.” – James Hayward, Investment Director, Farrbury Capital Partners Every form of investment has its own advantages. That’s why many investors diversify their portfolio – to provide them with the right balance of investments in terms of risk, duration and exit strategy. This is the reason Farrbury Capital offer a bespoke investment range of carefully selected, regulated and unregulated products, providing investment avenues for both novice and professional investors.

The unregulated options are known as Loan

30 AUGUST 2019

Notes, in this case, the investment is heavily asset backed with the “Note” being issued by an award-winning national housebuilder. This allows the investor to act as the bank whilst maintaining a strong return along with ultimate flexibility and control over the investment.

The regulated product is a Listed Bond, this opportunity is not only asset backed but also regulated by the Central Bank, who, following their extensive due diligence process, also provide additional security by way of an Investors Compensation Scheme, much like a high street bank offers with a current account. Bonds are a traditional form of investment, generating a secure fixed income. The multiple securities and regulations in place, make it an ideal option for those seeking a reliable investment strategy.

With heavy investment still being generated throughout the UK and Europe, despite the current geopolitical climate, it has stood as yet more proof that when structured and presented correctly, investors’ appetites are far from being quenched.

This case is consistent globally, particularly with the volatility of the Middle Eastern Stock Markets, driving yet more international funds to the UK. www.farrburycapital.com

“Farrbury Capital offer a bespoke investment range of carefully selected, regulated and unregulated products”

Bond Highlights • Invest from £10,000 (No maximum cap) • 9%* Fixed Rate Return • Quarterly payments • Asset Backed

• Bond Maturity Date: 31st May 2023 • Tax Efficient ISA Option • Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Investment Scenario Time Period: 4 Years

Original Capital Annual Return Quarterly Return

£50,000.00 £4,500.00 £1,125.00

Total Repayment

£68,000.00

Use our investment calculator to find out what you could earn www.farrburycapital.com To enquire about investment opportunities available, please contact the team at Farrbury Capital Partners today. info@farrburycapital.com Telephone: 0203 9731 510 www.farburycapital.com *Your Capital is at Risk. Investment not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

OUT & ABOUT

If you’re going down to the woods today…

The River & Rowing Museum will be bursting with bears this summer!

Join the River & Rowing Museum for bear filled family fun days and get your paws into loads of creative fun-filled activities this summer.

Get ready for CLAWsome new exhibition, Bears!

Sat 3 August - Sun 3 November The exhibition features original artworks and manuscripts, including Hugless Douglas, Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Bear and The Piano and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. Otto the Book Bear will guide visitors around the exhibition, introducing visitors to children’s book bears old and new. The exhibition is created by Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books.

Family Fridays Every Friday during the school summer holidays join our team in the galleries for craft and lots of bear-illiant fun!

Tuesday Tales Every Tuesday throughout August, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Join us every Tuesday in August at 2pm to hear bear stories new and old from our Bears! exhibition. Free with admission.

Family Fun Days Teddy Bears’ Picnic Thursday 8 August, 10.30am – 4pm Take your teddy for a picnic and discover bears that live in the woods! Go on a bear hunt…can you spot the bears hiding in the trees..? Make a paper picnic, create your own bear board-game and hear your favourite bear stories. Make your own bear ears and top it off with a bear-faced face paint! It’s going to be a bear-illiant fun day!

Free with admission.

Bears, Bears, Everywhere!

Thursday 29 August, 10.30am – 4pm Discover bears from around the world – polar bears, grizzly bears, bears that swim, bears that climb and even bears with spectacles! Take our great bear quiz and get crafty making your own bear world.

Add your paw print to our giant bear and have fun singing bear songs! Free with admission.

Children’s Creative Workshops All children under 7yrs must be accompanied by an adult.

Boing Boing Bear Tuesday 20 August, 10.30am – 12.30pm End the summer holidays partying like a bear. Make a small jack in a box with Rupert or Paddington popping out…then conga all the way through Nut Wood with traditional party games. 4 – 7 yrs. £8.50.

Bees and Bears Tues 6 August, 10.30am – 12.30pm Who loves honey as much as Winnie-the-Pooh?

Learn about the busy bees that make honey and create a crafty honeypot to keep your own treasures in. 4 – 7 yrs. £8.50.

Paws with Personality Tues 13 August, 10.30am – 12.30pm Be inspired by famous bears and create your own using a sock, felt, paper and your imagination!

Fill your bear with character and make its unique bear passport. 7 – 11 yrs. £8.50.

Mod Roc Bear Weds 28 August, 10.30am – 12.30pm Find out how to make an armature so that you can create a 3D model of a bear – climbing, walking, sleeping – whatever you like! Then use Mod Roc to create a proper sculpture to take home with you.

7 – 11 yrs. £8.50. www. rrm.co.uk. Email: museum@rrm.co.uk Opening Hours: Daily 10am-5pm 32 AUGUST 2019

“Join us every Tuesday in August at 2pm to hear bear stories new and old from our Bears!”

OUT & ABOUT

Divorce: what about grandparents’ rights?

D

uring separation and the divorce process, many people focus on the rights of the parents to spend time with their children. This issue alone can become fraught with difficulties and extended family members are frequently forgotten. It will therefore fall to those family members to pursue their own rights if their relationships with the children of the family are to be maintained.

When parental relationships become acrimonious, it is not only the children and the parents who suffer. Often, grandparents are left distraught when contact with their grandchildren is either restricted or prevented altogether. As childcare costs increase, grandparents are playing an increasingly important role in the lives of their grandchildren. Thankfully, over the last few years, the family courts have begun to recognise that role and the impact it has not only on the children but also upon the family unit as a whole.

When faced with the prospect of limited or no contact with their grandchildren, grandparents do have options available to them. If discussions with what is often the primary carer for the children do

34 AUGUST 2019

not produce a positive outcome, the starting point for grandparents is section 8 of the Children Act 1989. In order to limit future restrictions on contact, grandparents will often wish to see the contact with their grandchildren set out in a formalised agreement rather than on an ad hoc basis and at the whim of one parent, or perhaps both. To formalise such arrangements, an application to the court will have to be made. As grandparents, permission from the court is required before such an application for contact can be made. More often than not, permission will be granted, particularly in circumstances where up to the point of separation, the grandparents have played a significant role in the lives of their grandchildren.

When approving contact arrangements for any relative, be it parents or grandparents, the court’s focus will always be on making an order that is in the child’s best interests. When there are no welfare or risk concerns, and where there has been a close relationship between grandparent and child, the court is likely to make an order which ensures that the relationship between them is protected and will continue regardless of the parent’s separation.

The details Royds Withy King is a City law firm with a local presence. Our Family team are based in the home counties as are many of our clients. Contact specialist Emma McMorrow for advice on children in separation and divorce.

Tel: 020 7129 7915 or email: family.enquiries @roydswithyking.com.

OUT & ABOUT

Will I, won’t I? A

recent Macmillan Cancer Support survey has found that nearly two thirds of UK adults have not prepared a will.

There are various reasons for this, including many people thinking they are not old enough or that they are too busy to get around to it. If you’ve not made a will, perhaps it’s time to take our quick test which may persuade you to start planning for the future.

I don’t need to make a will as I am married and everything will go to my spouse if I die.

FALSE. When a person dies without making a will, their estate is subject to the rules of intestacy. Many people assume that their spouse would inherit all of their assets, but this is not always the case. In general, the spouse would inherit the first £250,000 of the estate with the remaining assets being divided between the spouse and the deceased’s children.

Once I pass away, all my debts will be cancelled.

FALSE. The deceased’s assets will be used to pay off any debts. Beneficiaries (either in a will or under the intestacy rules) will receive any estate that remains.

36 AUGUST 2019

I can only set up a power of attorney (LPA) when I have full mental capacity.

TRUE. An LPA can only be created by the person whose affairs will be taken care of. If that person doesn’t have the required mental capacity they cannot proceed and instead the family will have to apply to the court for a deputyship appointment which is both costly and time consuming.

I only need to think about a will when I’m much older FALSE. No one can predict the future and know how long they’re going to live. Preparing a will now ensures your loved ones are protected.

I can make a will all on my own.

TRUE but not advisable. Many homemade wills contain errors which invalidate the will or a particular gift. Common mistakes include failing to sign correctly, not securing appropriate witnesses (such as minors or beneficiaries) or using incorrect wording. Seeking expert advice ensures the correct procedures are followed and the adviser will talk you through everything – including things you may not have thought about!

THE DETAILS Speak to our expert wills, trusts and probate team about putting your will in place. Call 01753 279030 or email privateclient@bpcollins.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Retirement Living meets Contemporary Design at Wadswick Green

W

hen thinking of downsizing into a retirement home some might envision a small and dated home where they would struggle to fit in all their belongings and furniture. They may fear having to compromise on style, furnishings and quality fittings in exchange for a gain in convenience and care. Wadswick Green, the lifestyle village for over 60s located in Corsham, Wiltshire, proves that it is possible to combine modern design with the comfort of retirement living.

The village’s ‘Almond Close’ offers a choice of 45 brand new one, two and three bedroom apartments, all of which feature a contemporary architecture.

The apartments were designed with one concept in mind: easy living.

Beautiful floor-to-ceiling dual aspect picture windows create a spacious feel and allow residents to make the most of the beautiful views onto the surrounding countryside. Simple, open plans help to ease mobility in keeping with the needs of over 60s.

The kitchens boast innovative and modern features, including moveable units, soft intelligent doors and drawer closers, as well as Silestone worktops for durability. Integrated lighting and the range of appliances by Neff also bring a quality feel to the space.

This carries through to the apartments’ bathrooms, which are kitted out with convenient walk-in-showers and luxury taps and fittings. The new homes are also energy efficient thanks to thorough insulation supported by the underfloor heating and modern double-glazed windows with incorporated low solar glazing, providing a particularly cosy home for the cold winter months.

Residents are given the choice between two interior design colour themes -walnut or blond oak-, which both create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.

Wadswick Green’s residents can easily assess the amenities of the village within The Pavilion.

It boasts a spa with a wide range of treatments, a gym, swimming pool including Jacuzzi, sauna, steam 38 AUGUST 2019

room and hair salon. In addition, Wadswick Green is home to The Greenhouse Coffee Shop and Restaurant, which has proven popular with residents and the Wiltshire community alike.

Wiltshire resident Diana Harrison, whose parents moved to Wadswick Green, comments: “Having lived at Wadswick Green for several months now, my parents absolutely love it and say it feels like being on holiday all the time. It truly is a relief for me to see both of them enjoying themselves and knowing that they are part of a friendly community, just down the road from me. It also gives me peace of mind to know that there is care and support available, should my parents ever require this.”

Boosting the residents’ wellbeing is also the village’s very own personal trainer and the many fitness classes taking place throughout the week.

Residents enjoy a busy social life thanks to Wadswick Green’s events calendar, which is full of activities and day trips. Many hobby groups for walking dancing and reading add to the list of things to do.

THE DETAILS Interested buyers are invited to visit the showhomes, to make an appointment, please call the friendly team on 01225 584 500 or visit www.wadswickgreen.co.uk

IN THE COMMUNITY

40 AUGUST 2019

Beautiful wardrobes and bookcases, manufactured in the UK, designed to complement any home.

4 door wardrobes starting from ÂŁ3,950.00 (double hanging, Middlesex door, delivered installed and hand finished, subject to location) Please contact to arrange design consultation mark@english-furniture.com www.wardrobeandbookcase.co.uk Tel: 01628 485512

OUT & ABOUT

50 YEARS OF TRAMP

London’s most iconic private members club, TRAMP is celebrating 50 years at the pinnacle of the nightlife industry

42 AUGUST 2019

Images: Getty

O

pened in December 1969, the Jermyn Street club has welcomed a who’s who of A-list celebrities through its unassuming doors and into the 300-capacity basement of bacchanalia, below.

Original members included Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Roger Moore, Sir Michael Caine and sisters Joan and Jackie Collins, but the club quickly became a magnet for movie stars, musicians and even royalty, and before long, Tramp became a byword for sophisticated debauchery.

During the 1970s it wasn’t uncommon to see George Best on the dance floor while Sir Matt Busby frantically called the club’s front desk, trying to locate his absent star player; Marlon Brando holding court in the restaurant over a glass of scotch and Amaretto; and Frank Sinatra relaxing on his favourite seat in the lounge area, where guests would fall over themselves at the sight of Ol’ Blue Eyes as they emerged from the adjacent women’s toilets.

Sir Rod Stewart once said of the club: “I remember coming out of Tramp when I used to play Sunday morning football and I’d get home at about four or five in the morning and I’d get up about three hours later for an 11 o’clock kick off smelling of booze!”

The club’s original decor has been lovingly preserved, with beautiful, 17th Century oak panelling throughout and chandeliers from the Rothschild Palace hanging from the ceilings - save for one, memorable absence, where legendary The Who drummer, Keith Moon leapt from his table and brought the chandelier crashing to the floor before being escorted from the club screaming: “You can’t ban me from Tramp! Where else will I go?”

“During the 1970s it wasn’t uncommon to see George Best on the dance floor while Sir Matt Busby frantically called the club’s front desk, trying to locate his absent star player”

He was welcomed back 24 hours later, after apologising profusely and paying for the damage.

But while celebrity anecdotes undoubtedly helped to build interest in this mysteriously secretive club on the border of St. James’s and Mayfair, it has flourished through five decades thanks to its core principles: To offer luxurious service and fine dining in a relaxed and sociable environment; and to treat every member as a VIP. General Manager, David Fleming, says: “Tramp is more than just a members club. It is an intimate space with a limited membership and we pride ourselves on being able to welcome each and every guest by name, remember their favourite drink and where they like to sit in the restaurant or bar.

“The club was built on quiet word-of-mouth, with our details being passed on by members on film sets, in business meetings and between bands, and over the years it has almost become a ‘password’ around the world; members frequently tell me how they’ve been to a far flung place and been given the best table in a restaurant because the owner is also a member of Tramp.

“We talk about our membership as a family and in many cases, they really are - we have original members whose children and even grandchildren have grown up and joined the club and three generations can use it together.

“If these walls could talk, they’d have a lot of stories to tell; but of course, they wouldn’t say a thing - because that’s the Tramp way.”

The club launched its 50th anniversary celebrations with a star-studded party in May, attended by Sir Rod Stewart, Sir Michael Caine, Dame Joan Collins, Bill Wyman, Nathalie Dormer, Mark Ronson and many more, and members will enjoy further special events throughout the rest of the year.

Prospective members may apply via the club’s website at www.tramp.co.uk/memberships.

But remember: What happens in Tramp, stays in Tramp.

AUGUST 2019 43

OUT & ABOUT

Folk Tales from old and new Buckinghamshire gathered by professional storyteller, Red Phoenix

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n this collection you will find stories from throughout Buckinghamshire: an ancient county with flowing rivers, Iron Age track ways, Roman roads, and the Chiltern Hills cutting their path across it.

Where its woods once hid outlaws and highwaymen and its proximity to London made it popular with royalty, now busy motorways and new towns allow new residents to settle and make the stories of the future. Milton Keynes, known as a new town, is in reality home to many an old tale.

Professional storyteller Red Phoenix offers a new insight into this old county, its quaint villages and ambitious new towns.

Terrie Howey is better known as storyteller Red Phoenix (she was given that nickname as a heritage storyteller in Edinburgh) and has been called ‘one of England’s best-known storytellers’ by The Guardian. Terrie is a performer, educator, writer and dramatist, who works on storytelling performances and workshops for schools, museums, historical sites and festivals. She lives in Milton Keynes.

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Inspirational • Breathtaking • Imaginative • Excellent • Beautiful

Some comments from customers about our designs for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms

Visit us today Masterclass • Sottini • Utopia • Crown • Vanity Hall

OUT & ABOUT

Copper House in Berkhamsted

J

ust 4 months have passed since the brand-new independent Bar and Restaurant, Copper House, opened its doors. Located in a stunning listed building on Berkhamsted High Street, Copper House is a brought to you by a team of local entrepreneurs who have realised their dream to create a luxurious and welcoming place to meet, eat and drink of the highest quality.

Their vision of a truly destination venue has been delivered, with stunning cocktails, a range of amazing champagne and delicious food served in social sharing style.

Hearing that they have quite a bit planned over the coming months, we thought we’d look to see what they have in store for us in August…and we were not disappointed!

Summer Sessions – 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th August Long summer evenings at Copper House just got even better, with the launch of ‘Summer Sessions’ throughout August with internationally renowned DJ Lyndsay Evans. As well as enjoying the best of the sunshine for ‘al fresco’ dining, the Copper House summer vibe on Friday evenings will be extra special throughout August. As the sun goes down, guests can enjoy the celebrated DJ who will start her 3 hour live set at Copper House every Friday in August from 9.30pm whilst enjoying a special menu of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne and cocktails. If you fancy enjoying the sounds of Café Del Mar in Berkhamsted, we recommend booking a table, which you can do for drinks only as well as dining via their website.

Game Supper Club – 14th August Seasonal British sourcing is a key ethos of the team at Copper House, and game in particular, is one of autumn’s delights for Copper House. Their first Game Supper Club is on 14th August, focused on Grouse, with September’s Club just announced as 11th.

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Each Game Supper Club will include a glass of sparking on arrival, 5 courses, 2 of which will be game, and each course will have wine pairing expertly selected from around the world by the wine gurus at locally based Hallgarten & Novum.

Menus and tickets priced at £70 per person are available via: www. copperhousebar.co.uk/whatson

Get Shucked Oyster Festival Oysters are a passion at Copper House where in their first twelve weeks from opening, they shucked more than 2000 oysters. During their ‘Get Shucked’ Oyster Festival, alongside their house offering, they have created a number of special oyster dishes, each paired with a chosen drink each week.

There will be classic serves such as Raw Maldon Rocks oysters resting on a bed of ice served with red wine shallot or wasabi dressing, but also cooked dishes such as ‘Rockefeller Oysters’ which are topped with Tabasco, herbs and bread crumbs then grilled, oysters pickled in cider vinegar and dill and the truly moreish ‘Kaki Furai’ oysters which are coated in fine Panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried served with seaweed tartare – just divine!

Copper House Sundays And if all that wasn’t enough, they have just shared that on Sunday 4th August they launch Copper House Sharing Roasts. Sunday’s just got a whole lot better!

Website: www.copperhousebar.co.uk Instagram: @copper_house_berkhamsted Facebook: /copperhousebarberkhamsted

“Long summer evenings at Copper House just got even better, with the launch of ‘Summer Sessions’ throughout August with internationally renowned DJ Lyndsay Evans”

OUT & ABOUT [NEWS]

HEDSOR HOUSE Hedsor House is an exclusive use events venue available for private hire for weddings, celebrations and events. Access is by appointment only.

Wings For Life ‘The Clay Day’ at Hedsor House The Wings for Life Clay Day took place on the 10th July at Hedsor House and raised over £160,000 for the paralysis research charity - enough to fund two research projects for a whole year.

Hosted by Wings for Life ambassadors David Coulthard and Christian Horner, the shoot was designed by award winning shooting ground EJ. Churchill and was set within 100 acres of parkland.

Two New Luxury Suites And A Lavish Bar The Shephard family, third-generation owners of Hedsor House, are thrilled to have unveiled two new suites and a decadent bar, which completes the staged restoration of the illustrious party-house. This takes the total accommodation onsite to three luxurious suites plus a further 10 top floor guest rooms.

The ‘Florence Suite’ was originally their Grandmother Florence’s bedroom and in more recent years used as an executive board room for corporate events. The room has now been restored to its former glory and boasts stellar views across the Thames Valley and fun quirky touches, including the original servants’ bells and the original marble from the early 1900’s in the bathroom.

The second new suite, named the ‘Green Room’, has been used as an artist’s dressing room during filming projects over the years. The interior now features references to the golden ages of film, with art deco style mirrors, a rotary phone and an antique walnut wardrobe. Special guests who stay in the suite will be following in the footsteps of A-listers

48 AUGUST 2019

such as Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Nicole Kidman to name a few.

Finally, the Dining Room has been transformed into the beautiful ‘Willingdon Bar.’ Named after the elite private members club in Mumbai, of which Florence Shephard was a member in the 1930’s, the interiors feature colonial prints and botanical references throughout, effectively bringing the lush greens of Hedsor’s Sunken Garden in. The bar pays homage to the many lavish cocktail parties Florence used to host at Hedsor, when she moved back to England from India.

Nick Shephard says, “Hedsor was an incredibly generous wedding present from our Great Grandfather to our Grandparents in 1934. We launched the house as a private-hire venue in 2008 and have since set about restoring the house to her former glory. It has been an incredible journey and we are thrilled to have completed the project with The Willingdon Bar and the two new bedrooms.” www.hedsor.com

The VIP guests arrived for breakfast at Hedsor where they were able to enjoy a morning coffee whilst exploring the estate’s grounds. Then, divided in to teams, guests took to their fleet of 4x4s for some offroad driving to get to different locations around the grounds where they undertook simultaneous clay pigeon shooting.

After visiting the stands across the estate, guests came together to break next to the duck pond in the centre of the estate. Guests were seated on leather chesterfield sofas and violinists played whilst they tucked into their traditional English elevenses.

Two final stands were then taken on before a final competition between the leading two teams to find the overall winning team.

Attendees included Christian Horner, David Coulthard, Geri Horner, Fabiana Ecclestone, Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly as well as current Toro Rosso drivers Daniil Kvyat and Alex Albon. www.hedsor.com

Howard Kitchens & Interiors offering you the best in design, supply and installation of bespoke quality modern and traditional kitchens.

Family run business over 20 years experience.

323 high street Berkhamsted hertfordshire hP4 1aL 01442 873016 • www.howardkitchens.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

BONHAMS ANNOUNCES MPH

FOR MODERN AND POPULAR COLLECTORS’ MOTOR CARS Thursday 26 September 2019, Bicester Heritage, Launton, OX26 5HA

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onhams, the international auction house, renowned for its sales of rare and significant collectors motor cars at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, is bringing its expertise to the growing modern and affordable classics market, with the launch of Bonhams MPH. Bonhams MPH is based at Bicester Heritage, the UK’s only hub for historic motoring excellence – where Bonhams will hold four drive-through sales per year to service the growing market for modern and popular classics.

The debut sale will take place on 26th September and Bonhams MPH will host monthly on-site valuation and photography days on the last Friday of the month, when potential sellers can show and discuss their cars with the MPH team.

The service will include a simple online consignment process, offering sellers and buyers an efficient way to sell or purchase a car, via the new MPH portal - a first for Bonhams. Sellers will be guided by a user-friendly step-by-step process, which includes a unique 100-point condition report detailing all aspects of the vehicle to provide buyers with as much advance information as possible.

They will then be contacted by one of the Bonhams MPH team to discuss the vehicle and finalise the consignment process for the next auction.

Sellers can choose one of three entry fee packages to suit their needs:

Bronze The simplest package, costing £125 + VAT, provides full display on the online catalogue and a half page entry in the printed edition.

Silver As Bronze, but with a full page in the printed edition at £175 + VAT.

Gold The ‘cover all’ package includes professionalquality photography of the vehicle by an MPH representative, as well as a minimum one-page entry in the printed catalogue and full online inclusion. In addition, the vehicle will be valeted at the sale venue, at £300 + VAT. mph.bonhams.com

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Auction Fees MPH offers Sellers and Buyers alike a modest fee structure with Sellers paying 5% + VAT and Buyers 12.5% + VAT. Buyers can bid the traditional way in person, by telephone, by submitting an absentee bid or online via the Bonhams MPH dedicated platform – at no extra charge.

Consignments are being invited for the debut sale on 26 September with confirmed lots including a unique collection of ex-SAS and military Land Rovers, including two of only 20 remaining iconic ‘Pink Panthers’, which are to be offered on the open market for the first time in 20 years; plus a private collection of a dozen popular classics ranging from a 1939 Ford V8 Roadster to a 2017 Morgan Plus 4.

Contact Rob Hubbard for further information on 07775 511825 or via email rh@bonhams.com For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

OUT & ABOUT

Ready for a Fancy Flight?

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The Coca-Cola London Eye has a jam-packed summer of surprises for lucky guests – could you be one of them?

t’s official, Summer is well and truly here in the capital! With longer sunshine-filled days, the London Eye has announced a host of exciting surprises in store for visitors throughout August.

With extended opening hours that will see the iconic wheel open until as late as 9.30pm, guests visiting during this time may find themselves in the lucky ‘foodie capsule’; with bespoke canapés created by previous MasterChef winners, Billy and Jack.

Guests will be able to sample food inspired by the city and enjoy a taste of London as they take in the panoramic skyline.

The team at the London Eye will also be surprising visitors with the fanciest of flights, as their rotation is upgraded to include a glass of Pommery Brut.

Sunny Jouhal, General Manager at the London Eye said: “This summer, we want to give back to our guests who visit us for the amazing views of London and make their experience even more incredible! I’m definitely hoping I find myself on one of the fancy flight capsules – pass the champers…’

Visitors are also encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for golden envelopes handed out by staff at the attraction and on the London Eye social media channels, both will be filled with exclusive prizes for them to enjoy on their visit – from a complimentary chilled glass of champagne in the Eye Lounge, to a private capsule for you and your friends.

With an unrivalled, panoramic perspective of the capital, guests can enjoy the closest views available of the Houses of Parliament and the vibrant Southbank community.

While on-board guests can share the experience with the hashtag #eyelovelondon for a chance to be included on the official London Eye Instagram.

For more information on opening times, ticket prices and fancy flights over the summer, please visit: www.londoneye.com The London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB

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“This summer, we want to give back to our guests who visit us for the amazing views of London “

OUT & ABOUT

From left: Buckingham Palace Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea Caddy - £12.95; Longest Reigning Monarch Biscuit Tube - 10 Double Choc - £6.95; Buckingham Palace Royal Birdsong Biscuit Tube - £7.95; Buckingham Palace Coronation Biscuit Tube - £8.95; Buckingham Palace Teabag Selection - £12.95 All from the Royal Collection and available from www.partridges.co.uk

Partridges celebrate 25 years as Royal Warrant holder to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by launching

Tea & Biscuits from The Royal Collection

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artridges, the world-renowned and independent family-run food store, this year celebrates 25 years since being granted the Royal Warrant as Grocers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. They are one of the few selected retailers stocking ranges of quintessentially British teas and biscuits. Each range of Royal tea-time treats come with Royal heritage designs making beautiful and delicious gifts.

Buckingham Palace Royal Birdsong Range Delicious biscuits and blended tea - one of the most popular in The Royal Collection.

• Tea Caddy - £9.95 - 50 teabags – Luxurious blend of Ceylon, Assam and Kenyan teas.

• Biscuit Tin - £10.95 - 24 shortbread biscuits.

• Biscuit Tube - £7.95 - 16 handmade chocolate chip biscuits.

Longest Reigning Monarch Range Commissioned by Buckingham Palace to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the nation’s longest reigning monarch on 9th September 2015.

• Tea Caddy - £9.95 - 50 teabags - Royal blend tea.

• Luxury Biscuit Tin - £12.95 - 32 chocolate and double chocolate biscuits.

• Biscuit Tube - £6.95 – 10 double chocolate biscuits.

Buckingham Palace Luxury Range Inspired by the famous façade of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837.

• Tea Caddy - £8.95 - 50 teabags - Luxury blend of Kenyan, Sri Lankan and Indian teas.

• Luxury Façade Biscuit Tin - £9.95 - Selection in 4 different flavours.

Coat of Arms Range Inspired by a hand painted plate found in the Royal

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China Pantry in Buckingham Palace, featuring the coat of arms of King George IV. • Tea Caddy - £9.95 - 50 teabags - Luxury blend of Kenyan, Sri Lankan and Indian teas.

• Shortbread Biscuit Tin - £12.95 - 33 shortbread biscuits baked in the Scottish Highlands Buckingham Palace Range • Shortbread Biscuit Tin - £10.95 - traditionally baked crumbly shortbread, with a rich buttery flavour.

• Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea Caddy - £12.95 – A bright, full flavoured blend of Indian and African teas, it is smooth and uplifting.

• Teabag Selection - £12.95 - Biodegradable pyramid teabags in 4 flavours: Breakfast, Afternoon, Earl Grey and Darjeeling tea.

• Loose Leaf Tea Selection - £14.95 – 3 x 25g blends of Breakfast, Afternoon and Earl Grey teas.

Buckingham Palace Coronation Range Commissioned by Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. • Tea Caddy - £9.95 - 50 teabags – Pure Ceylon tea.

• Biscuit Tube - £8.95 - 12 Golden Crunch and chocolate biscuits.

John Shepherd, owner and MD of Partridges, says…“Today, firms that hold the Royal Warrant include grocers like Partridges, wine merchants, chemists, plumbers, mole catchers and dressmakers. The distinguishing feature, no matter the size of the company, is to provide the highest standards of service. Many of them are family businesses, like ours, going back several generations and who form the fabric of this trading nation. We feel honoured to have held a Royal Warrant for 25 years.”

the details The Royal Collection is available in Partridges two central London stores and online at: www.partridges.co.uk 2-5 Duke of York Square, Chelsea, SW3 4LY Tel: 020 7730 0651 17-19 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PL Tel: 020 7581 0535 Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 10pm. Partridges Café: Daily 8am – 5pm Follow on @partridgesfoods and @partridgesfoods PartridgesOfSloaneSquare #PartridgesRoyal25

OUT & ABOUT

ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE BERKELEY BAR & TERRACE

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he Berkeley has revealed a new addition to the landmark five star hotel, with the opening of The Berkeley Bar & Terrace.

This is the second bar at the hotel, joining the legendary Blue Bar which opened in 2000.

With a rich design story conceived by Irish interior designer Bryan O’Sullivan, The Berkeley Bar offers a finely curated menu of exemplary rare wines, champagne and dark spirits. The bar is intimate and refined, with a sense of old world glamour, with its own terrace for alfresco gatherings, and The Snug for private parties.

“I am honoured to have been asked to create this very special space for The Berkeley, famous for creating iconic bars” The Snug has been designed for more secluded occasions, set away from the main bar and seating up to nine guests. It features a spectacular mural, painted by New York-based artist TM Davy, in a concept developed together with Bryan O’Sullivan.

Davy was inspired by original snug spaces in public houses, usually reserved for women and their secret discussions, when men and women did not mix socially. The mural depicts gazing female faces with mysterious and knowing expressions, all connected with rhythmic lines to portray the connection and trusted relationships between them. With its own sound system and call-for-service button, The Snug provides visitors with their own bespoke space.

The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, will be a destination for wine connoisseurs and guests looking for expert, intuitive service. Exquisite wine – spanning a wide range of grape varieties and countries – plus exclusive champagne, whisky, cognac, rums and more make up the menu, from both under the 56 AUGUST 2019

radar producers such as Japanese whisky maker Ichiro, tequila producer Fortaleza, rum maker Trois Rivières and notable names such as Sassicaia and Macallan. A capsule menu of nine old time and modern classic cocktails such as the Sazerac and the Corpse Reviver are also being served. To mark the opening, The Berkeley team worked with Scottish whisky producers Gordon and MacPhail on the creation of a rare whisky from 1972, the year the hotel opened. There are only two bottles of this unique spirit sourced.

The menu includes small plates with dishes such as Cornish crab and lobster beignets, Iberico ham toast with manchego, apricot and salsa verde, and camembert chicken tulips, alongside classic caviar and oyster dishes. The bar is also home to an edit of fine cigars.

Bryan O’Sullivan said “I am honoured to have been asked to create this very special space for The Berkeley, famous for creating iconic bars.

The rich history of the building provided a spring board of inspiration for what we hope is a timeless yet contemporary new edition to this London landmark. We are delighted to introduce The Berkeley Bar to our guests and, of course, our local community,” says Knut Wylde, General Manager of The Berkeley. “The hotel continues to contribute to the vibrant London bar scene with this opening which will complement our much-loved Blue Bar, and add something extra special to the hotel.”

THE DETAILS Opening hours are 4pm – 1am, Monday to Saturday. www.the-berkeley.co.uk The Berkeley Wilton Place Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL 0207 235 6000

ABOUT THE BERKELEY In leafy Knightsbridge, The Berkeley, sister hotel to Claridge’s and The Connaught, is the essence of contemporary chic and innovative luxury. With stunning rooms and suites, Michelin-starred cuisine from Marcus Wareing, fashion favourite afternoon tea Prêt-à-Portea in the Collins Room, cocktails in The Blue Bar and The Berkeley Health Club & Spa complete with rooftop pool, The Berkeley provides the ultimate urban retreat in the heart of London.

Building & ConstruCtion craftsmanship • integrity • quality • professional

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renovation & extension

BuilD your oWn home DesigneD arounD you

Bring Back life or eXpanD your liVing space

fully comprehensive design and build solutions right from the initial design and layout drawings through to the construction and high end finishing touches. managing Director thomas ahern has a hands-on approach in managing operations, with a wealth of dedicated knowledge and experience.

a full service to any home owner planning to transform their home. tac have over 20 years’ experience in the building industry making your extension or refurbishment plans, one of the best investments you can make.

kitchens

Bathrooms

Beautiful hanDmaDe Bespoke kitchens

turn your Bathroom into an area of luXury

your design – our creation. Whether a modern contemporary design or a more traditional kitchen, our highly skilled craftsmen provide all services to include plumbing, electrical work, carpentry and tiling.

We pride ourselves in designing and installing bespoke bathrooms to suit your every need. tac has a dedicated team of highly skilled tradesmen specialising in a range of range of products including marble, travertine and handmade tiles.

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OUT & ABOUT

Totally Thames 2019 announces festival programme Sunday 1st – Monday 30th September 2019 Top left: Newly illuminated London, Cannon Street, Southwark & Millennium Bridges. Photo: Illuminated RI

T

otally Thames 2019 has announced their 2019 programme exploring the environmental importance and the rich and varied cultural heritage of the capital’s river. The event encourages visitors to participate in artistic, historical and musical events in celebration of this iconic landmark. Its diverse culture and its connection to the rest of the world, Totally Thames 2019 is jam-packed with exciting events bringing together local communities with visitors from across the globe.

Illuminated River Boat Tours, various locations Tue 5th & Tue 10th Sept, 9.15pm – 10pm, Thu 12th & Thu 19th Sept, 9pm – 9.45pm. £4.50-£6.

Join official City Guides and experts from Historic England as they take you on a stunning journey under the newly illuminated London, Cannon Street, Southwark and Millennium Bridges.

Classic Boat Festival, St Katharine Docks, E1W Fri 6th – Sun 8th Sept, various times. Free.

Over 40 beautiful vintage sailing and motor boats will be on show for visitors to explore. There will be a programme of family-fun events including river trips aboard the Thames Sailing Barge Lady Daphne.

Highlights include: Foreshore Festival, Fulham Palace, SW6.

Sun 1st Sept, 11am – 3pm. Free.

Discover London’s past beneath the waves and underneath your feet. Visitors can celebrate the history of Fulham on the river, and get hands on with some of the objects found at the Palace!

Discover London’s Wildlife Secret with ZSL, The Riverside Walkway, 1 London Bridge, SE1.

Sun 1st – Mon 30th Sept.

Join ZSL on a virtual reality journey into the Thames. Peer into ZSL’s VR portal to discover the incredible wildlife. As you ‘swim’ along, you will join ZSL’s conservation team in discovering all the amazing species that call the River Thames home.

RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station Open Days, Lifeboat Pier, WC2R Thu 5th, Fri 13th, Wed 18th & Sun 29th Sept, various times. Free, pre-booked.

The Tower Lifeboat Station is opening up to encourage visitors to learn all about the RNLI’s amazing Lifeboat crew, their important and essential work, and to take a tour of the Station!

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“Discover London’s past beneath the waves and underneath your feet”

Regatta London, Hammersmith – Greenwich and Putney – Big Ben. Sun 29th Sept, 8am. Free.

The Thames’ newest and biggest river extravaganza features kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and rowed boats, racing for environmental causes.

Join in the fun at the start of the race at Putney Riverside Festival, or mid-way through at Shadwell Riverside Festival.

Full details of the Totally Thames 2019 programme can be found online at www.totallythames.org @TotallyThames, #TotallyThames

Tuesday 12th November to Saturday 17th November 2019

7.30pm | Matinee Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

Box Office: 01753 853 888 | Group Bookings: 01753 84 84 84 Book Online: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Aldenham Art Festival 2019 T

12 – 15 September, Preview night 12 September 2019

he Aldenham Art Festival is back for a third year after another great show last year. It will be staged over the weekend of 13 -15 September, preceded by the Preview night on Thursday 12 September. There will be another great display of c.450 works of art including oils, watercolours and acrylic. Artists are drawn from a wide area of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and North London as well as across Hertfordshire. The exhibition takes place in the beautiful St John Baptist Church Aldenham which dates from the 13th century and is an ideal exhibition space for the display of paintings of all kinds of original. contemporary and traditional works of art to browse and buy at affordable prices (credit cards accepted).

The Aldenham show has become an important community event across a wide area as well as an opportunity to raise money to help preserve the fabric of this ancient building and reward the work of so many gifted artists. Visitors can enjoy tea and cakes and other refreshments and pick up bargain presents in many different styles of art. Prosecco and other drinks and canapes at the Preview night are provided by Aldenham Golf and Country Club with accompanying musical support. The whole weekend is a fun event which has become an enjoyable fixture in the calendar and now draws support from patrons and the business community over a wide area.

Situated just off the B462 between Radlett, Bushey and Watford it is easy to find and car parking is available just across the road in the overflow car park of the Aldenham Golf and Country Club.

NB ‘With c.450 paintings both framed and unframed to choose from this will be another eye catching exhibition of original, contemporary and traditional works of art to browse and buy at affordable prices’ More details of this year’s Festival and accounts of the great successes of the 2017 and 2018 events can be found at www. aldenhamartfestival.org.uk Open: Friday 11 am – 7 pm; Saturday 11 am – 4 pm; Sunday 12 noon - 4.30 pm. Preview evening Thursday 12 September 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm.

St John the Baptist Church Aldenham Church Lane Aldenham WD25 8BE

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“The Aldenham show has become an important community event across a wide area as well as an opportunity to raise money to help preserve the fabric of this ancient building”

West of London

Over 100 Pianos. Largest choice of quality new and used upright pianos for London and the Home Counties. All pianos delivered and set up anywhere in the UK. Easy Free Parking – Only 25 miles from London.

Showroom open 6 days a week. Well worth a visit.

Showroom: 194 Penn Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 7NU www.countrywidepianos.co.uk | Tel: 01494 813388

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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 : F I Z Z GO E S P O P

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Well Heeled 64 AUGUST 2019

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hen your favourite pair of shoes appear to have taken their final step, is it really the end of the road? Perhaps they just need to be resoled or just be given some TLC? At Andrew Gardner we can either send them back to their manufacturer or our expert shoe repairers to give them a brandnew lease of life. In expert hands your shoes will first be stripped down, leaving the upper intact.

In the next stage of the process they will be re-welted on the appropriate Last (this ensures they retain their shape) before being re-soled and re-heeled.

Finally, the new soles are ‘finished’ to the factory standard and the uppers receive a clean and polish. Perfection takes a little time however, and the whole process can take up to 10 weeks.

With your favourite shoes back where they belong, you will realise it was well worth the wait.

Andrew Gardner, The Tanyard, Tring Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire HP22 6ND 01296 625488 www.andrewgardner.co.uk

“Finally, the new soles are ‘finished’ to the factory standard and the uppers receive a clean and polish”

AUGUST 2019 65

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Castle View, is the brainchild of Robin Hughes, CEO and Founder of Castle Retirement Living. He is Windsor born and bred and has used his decades of experience in the retirement industry to bring to the Royal Borough the very latest in retirement living. It must be good because one of the first residents to move in was his Mum! Having visited every retirement village in the UK, Robin, also has taken many influences from New Zealand where retirement living is well established.

Thousands of hours have been poured into every detail from the beautiful glass rooftop Sky Lounge to the exact positioning of the plentiful plug sockets Castle View has a 24 hour reception which provides a personal touch, care and security to residents. There is CCTV in all the communal areas including the underground car park.

1,2 & 3 bedroomed very thoughtfully arranged apartments are available. Details such as raised washing machines and tumble dryers, movement sensitive lighting and carousel shelving in the fully equipped kitchens make living at Castle View intuitive, invisibly aiding independence well into later years. General feedback on the wheelchair friendly apartments are ‘There is more living space than I had before’ and ‘The room sizes are the same as my house’.

A place to call

home

“Castle View’s two bars, lounge, cafe and restaurant inspire meet ups, socialising and family and friend gatherings”

THE DETAILS

‘I

feel so safe here!’ and ‘I have finally found a place that I can call home’! are just two of the regular comments from our residents. Add to that, a life free from worry of any maintenance, entertainment regularly laid on and new friends on your doorstep it all adds up to a carefree life at Castle View retirement village in Windsor.

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For more information or to book a viewing please contact Ruth Wilson on 01753 378127 or visit our website www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk.

So what is the difference in retirement living to living in a private apartment? The key difference is being part of a like-minded, warm and friendly community. Castle View’s two bars, lounge, cafe and restaurant inspire meet ups, socialising and family and friend gatherings. No fuss, no bother everything laid on to be convenient and convivial.

For it’s urban location, 15 min walk from Windsor Town Centre and 20 mins from Heathrow by car, Castle View also has a surprising amount of garden area and outside space. Every apartment has either a large balcony for tables and chairs or patio areas on the ground floor.

Pets are also welcome on the ground floor.

Like everything else at Castle View the team running it have been handpicked providing a caring, friendly atmosphere with support and care on hand if required.

The final comment has to be its’ name sake, the view of Windsor Castle. From the communal Sky Lounge residents can enjoy views right across Windsor and the surrounding areas and not least, the spectacular previously unseen views of Windsor Castle. It is also possible to savour these views from your apartment as the Sky Deck apartments have just been released.

Don’t let Back Pain Ruin your Day!

FREE Invisalign consultations – (invisible braces) for 1 month only! Save £95

Considering Invisalign treatment?

The time to act is NOW. Between 1st September and 30th September, as part of Invisalign Smile Assessment month at Rosebank Dental you can have an Invisalign Outcome Simulation with the iTero scanner so you can see what your new smile will look like.

What have you got to lose? Book today on 01923 282691 Dr Shameek Popat BDS (London), MFGDP (UK) and Associates Rosebank Shire Lane, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, WD3 5NH

Telephone: 01923 282 691 Email: info@rosebankdental.co.uk

www.rosebankdental.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Four years of Hill Vision

I

t has been 4 years since Optometrist Amit Mandla opened his Opticians’ Hill Vision located on the buzzing Hill Ave in Amersham on The Hill.

It has grown from strength to strength, adopting its new house colours of slate and summer yellow.

The team is made up of Optometrist Amit and Nicole a professional Dispensing Optician, who gives advice on frames and lenses for the individual.

Between them they have a massive 55 years of optical experience.

We believe it is important to understand and embrace why people come to us: Honest, attentive and a caring approach, giving personal expert optical advice from professionals.

Carrying out thorough eye examinations and giving advice on frames, lenses and contact lenses, specifically for the individual, as everyone is different.

We both like to put everyone at ease, making the experience of visiting the Opticians’ more fun and are always willing to go the extra mile. We like to spend time with our customers, both during the eye examination and when choosing frames and lenses. You are not just another pair of eyes, but an individual who has specific visual requirements.

A year ago we also acquired the new 3D OCT (optical coherence tomography) machine, which takes a 3d scan at the back of your eye. This not only checks the surface of the back of the eye as performed in a usual eye examination, but also the layers beneath the retinal surface. This more comprehensive examination enables us to detect problems much sooner and before they . become apparent. This gives you greater peace of mind with regard to such sight impairing conditions such as Glaucoma, Age related Macula degeneration (ARMD) and vitreous detachment.

In addition we also offer dry eye treatment and nutritional supplements for the maintenance of vision.

Amit and Nicole are passionate about optics, which has lead us to choose a beautiful selection of frames from all around the world to suit everyone’s

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taste and budget including Kids, with a choice ranging from the quirky to the more traditional variety of frames.

We are always interested in keeping up today with technological advancements. Our quality lenses are easy to clean and do not smudge easily. We also do specialist lenses for computer use, for reducing glare for night time driving, as well as lenses which help for dyslexia and colour deficiency.

All of our products are fairly priced but there will be no compromises on quality.

We strive on making the customer happy and giving the best eye care solutions for the individual.

We love to feel part of the local community, of which we feel very proud. Customers love the hilarious illustration of the map of Amersham and Chesham on display in the window, as well as an amusing depiction of “eyewear through the ages” , designed by our local artist Mark Cowie.

Due of our welcoming approach we have regular customers who just come in for chat! It is important to embrace why people come to us Hill Vision, Amersham On The Hill and this is only the beginning!

“Amit and Nicole are passionate about optics, which has lead us to choose a beautiful selection of frames”

THE DETAILS 53 Hill Ave, Amersham HP6 5BX. 01494 258586. www.hillvision.co.uk

01494 258586 | hello@hillvision.co.uk 53 Hill Ave, Amersham, HP6 5BX

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

B E A C O N S F I E L D ’ S F I R S T D E D I C AT E D M E D I C A L A E S T H E T I C C L I N I C

Whether your goal is to improve your skin health, reduce fines lines and wrinkles, sculpt your body by removing stubborn pockets of fat, or simply to look less tired, our multi-award winning, surgeon-led clinic has a customised treatment plan for you.

We believe the fundamental basis of a successful aesthetic procedure or skincare treatment is a good quality consultation with a skilled, qualified practitioner who fully understands your needs, and looks at your treatment as a journey, not a one-off event.

Then we tailor a treatment plan designed around your needs, goals and lifestyle.

During your in-depth consultation, you have the opportunity to highlight any areas concerning you, whether these are skin conditions such as acne, pigmentation or rosacea, or worries about signs of ageing and a desire to rejuvenate your skin. Your skin will then be analysed by a state-of-the-art 3D digital skin imaging system called the VISIA, which takes surface and sub-surface images of your skin and develops a detailed complexion analysis.

S-THETICS MEDICAL AESTHETIC CLINIC

S-thetics specialises in the very latest in advanced non-surgical treatments for the face and body:

• Surgeon-led by Miss Sherina Balaratnam MBBS, MRCS, MSC (UCL) • Multi award-winning clinic located in Beaconsfield Old Town • Advanced cosmeceutical skincare • Medical grade facial treatments: • The Fire & Ice

Marlborough House, 45 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LZ 70 AUGUST 2019

“S-Thetics is a one-stop shop for world-class non surgical treatments for face and body.”

• The Hydrafacial • 1 of 4 European launch clinics for EMSculpt, the world’s 1st FDAapproved device to build muscle and burn fat • 1St clinic in England outside London to launch SculpSure, FDA approved body contouring and fat reduction treatment • Cosmetic injectables including Juvederm facial fillers and muscle relaxing injections • Laser skin rejuvenation • Femilift laser treatment for vaginal tightening and stress urinary incontinence • Radiofrequency skin tightening and microneedling • VISIA digital skin imaging and VECTRA full body imaging The “S” in S-Thetics is Miss Sherina Balaratnam (MBBS, MRCS, MSc (UCL)) a fully qualified surgeon and cosmetic doctor with extensive plastic surgical training who has devoted the last nine years of her medical career to specialising in the latest non-surgical cosmetic treatment innovations.

Her subtle and highly personalised approach to facial rejuvenation has earned her a place as one of the UK’s leading non-surgical cosmetic specialists. She regularly trains other healthcare professionals on advanced injectable techniques and the consultation process.

She holds the prestigious title of “Local Country Ambassador” (LCA) for Allergan, the manufacturers of BOTOX® and the Juvederm® range of dermal fillers. As one of only nine UK surgeons and doctors selected as an LCA, she regularly trains and mentors other health care professionals in advanced injectable techniques and treatment strategies such as the MD Codes™.

In February 2018, Miss Balaratnam was selected by world-renowned Brazilian plastic surgeon and creator of the MD Codes™, Dr Mauricio de Maio, as one of his world’s “Top 50 injectors.”

Brides Magazine Cosmetic Beauty Guide

“Miss Balaratnam’s super discreet S-Thetics clinic is based in a 200-year-old coach house just off Beaconsfield’s High Street: there’s no sign, it doesn’t look clinic-y, and high profile clients make the easy 35-minute drive for her seamless Botox and filler work, high-tech body treatments and skin programmes.”

Daily Telegraph, Olivia Falcon’s Black Book of Names to Know

“When it comes to looking good and feeling great, Sherina Balaratnam is a name you’ll want to know. A fully qualified surgeon with a background in reconstructive surgery, she’s made it her business to master the latest non-surgical cosmetic treatment innovations. Literally.”

Tatler 2018 Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Guide

Winner of ‘Clinic Reception Team of the Year, UK and Ireland’ At the 2018 / 2019 Aesthetics Awards

Winner of ‘Best Clinic South England’ At the 2017 / 2018 Aesthetics Awards WINNER 2017

THE IS CLINICAL AWARD FOR BEST CLINIC SOUTH ENGLAND

Winner of ‘Best New Practice South England and Wales’ At the 2016 / 2017 MyFaceMyBody Awards

As well as being renowned for advanced cosmetic injectable treatments, at S-Thetics we have a key focus on skin health, with treatments ranging from medical grade facials through to acne and scarring management using topical cosmeceuticals, microneedling and laser skin resurfacing.

As Featured In: The Times Raconteur ‘Skincare and Dermatology’ and ‘Future of Skincare’ supplements, Brides Magazine, Tatler, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Good Housekeeping Magazine, You magazine, Coutts Magazine and more.

Named Miss Sherina Balaratnam 1 of the UK’s Top 5 Doctors for Dermal Filler treatment In the Tatler 2019 / 2020 Beauty & Cosmetic Surgery Guide P. 01494 670990 E. info@sthetics.co.uk www.sthetics.co.uk AUGUST 2019

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Struggling with your weight?

Mr Samer Humadi, Bariatric

B

Surgeon

eing overweight or obese can have significant impact on both your physical and mental wellbeing. It can negatively affect your self-confidence and selfesteem and put you at increased risk for serious health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. It can also limit your involvement in sports or other activities that could help you regain fitness, prevent you from joining in family fun and lead to time off work through illness or extreme tiredness.

It’s a fact that some people find it much more difficult than others to lose weight despite regular exercise and a calorie controlled diet.

Our specialist bariatric (weight loss) surgeons here at Spire Thames Valley hospital provide a wide range of weight loss treatments that can either kick start weight loss or offer permanent solutions to your weight concerns. We can help you choose the treatment that will be most effective for you, taking into account your preferences, your eating patterns, your goals and any current medical conditions you may have.

We offer a wide range of weight loss treatments which can help you not only lose weight and boost your self-confidence, but also improve your health and give you the energy to enjoy a fit and healthy life.

Major procedures available include surgery to reduce the size of your stomach and limit the absorption of calories. The least invasive procedure involves swallowing a small capsule

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which is inflated under X-Ray conditions to fill your stomach, making you feel full after eating very small portions. This procedure takes less than 30 minutes and requires no surgery, no endoscopy and no anaesthesia so you can go home straight away.

As well as our experienced and caring specialist nurses, our expert dieticians will support you after the procedure to ensure you get the best results possible. Our 12 month follow up aftercare package includes regular face-to-face reviews in clinic and email and telephone support with our bariatric team.

You will receive comprehensive written information regarding what you should eat while your stomach is settling down and the dieticians will help you plan a healthy diet which is sustainable over the long term. You are also welcome to attend a bariatric peer support group, giving you the opportunity to socialise with people who have undergone the same life changing surgery.

THE DETAILS If you would like to book an appointment at our weight loss clinic with Mr Samer Humadi, simply call us on 01753 467 616.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION

LADY IN RED A SPLASH OF COLOUR Fizz Goes Pop is the colourful brainchild of Lizzie Iafrate, a creative with a penchant for all things colourful and shiny, there is in fact every chance she was a magpie in a past life. Her background in graphic design pokes through into everything she does, be it wearable art in the form of juicy mirror perspex jewellery or her beautifully bold monogram and letter plaques. Her work is designed for ALL, not just colour lovers and not just women. In fact her mission is to make her art accessibly enjoyed by all people and for there to be no boundaries for who it is worn and used by. www.fizzgoespop.com

SUMMER SCARF

PERFECT pair

We love this beautiful silk twill Totty scarf. Finished by hand with silk thread. 100% Silk Twill. 160cm x 20cm. The ‘Poppy Neon’ is from a Charles Tottenham original illustration Printed and made by hand in England. www.charlestottenham.com

MIRROR MIRROR… This pretty Fox Badger pocket mirror featuring the Foxley Wood illustration is 3 inches diameter, so it’s the perfect size mirror for being small enough for your bag but big enough to see what you’re doing! These also make great gifts and favours for any occasion and perfect stocking fillers if you are already thinking ahead to Christmas. www.kraftspace.co.uk 76 AUGUST 2019

We love this Polly Red Gipsy Dress from Dollydagger. www.dollydagger.com

We love these high waisted straight leg trousers by Cecile Jeffrey. All their knitwear is machine knitted and finished by hand and each garment is made in the UK. www.cecilejeffrey.com

TIME TO TRAVEL IN STYLE A pretty perfect, playful pouch designed by Elizabeth Scarlett.

This travel pouch is colourful, inspired by and features several toucan birds; the birds are hand illustrated and embroidered onto a teal velvet base. The pouch has a gold zip with an embossed lotus flower; peace, purity and perfection! www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

House &

garden – Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AG E : K B S T UDIOS

H OUSE & GARDEN

A wealth of choice at Window Wise

Window Wise Company Ltd are approaching their 40th year in business and the choices now available have never been so apparent.

C

o-owner Christian Metcalfe explains:“From replacing one or two windows and doors, a complete refurbishment project or new build, the products and choices available now to customers are greater than ever”.

A lot of important decision have to be made to ensure that the designs and styles of the windows and doors compliment the property and also comply with the glazing and security regulations that are now required.

Colour options on both uPVC and aluminium frames have increased over the last 5 years and it is quite often that a large door system in either bifolding or sliding is a different colour finish to the rest of the windows, which in turn makes a feature of the property. It’s even the case now with a traditional looking house that the front elevation can retain the character, but the rear can be transformed into a contemporary look with the glazing being the prime factor in the design.

Being able to show customers all of the products and choices available were one of the most important decisions when Window Wise relocated to their new showroom.

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THE DETAILS Free Parking Opening Hours Mon-Fri 8.00am – 5.30pm Sat 9.00am – 2.00pm Telephone: 01494 776242 01923 260636 Email: info@window-wise.co.uk www.window-wise.co.uk

Christian adds “ My business partner, Bruce (Hutchens) and I understand that potential customers want to have the opportunity to come and see, feel, touch, open/close the windows and doors.

They want to have a close look at the frames, look at the finishes available, glass options and handles etc.

We are very mindful of the power of photographs on internet websites/social media and how they provide early ideas of what customers want; however we wanted to be part of the next stage and give customers the opportunity to come and see the quality of the products we offer.

To provide the service and the opportunity for customers to view all products, Window Wise Co Ltd are pleased to announce the opening of their new showroom in Buckinghamshire. Located in the town of Chesham, their 2700 sq ft premises includes a complete range of windows, doors, bifolding doors, panoramic sliding doors, front entrance doors and rooflights, available in both aluminium and uPVC options.

Window, Door, Orangery installation services

Dedicated installation teams Over 39 years experience Covering Bucks, Beds & Herts

New Showroom Unity House, Chilton Road, Chesham, HP5 2AT

Chesham: 01494 776242 Watford: 01923 260636 info@window-wise.co.uk

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H OUSE & GARDEN

lifestyle showroom launch

Tobias Oliver Interiors - the latest addition to Berkhamsted High Street opened its doors in July. We met with Toby – the owner and driving force of the business to understand more about the concept of the showroom and what it means for the town

THE DETAILS Tobias Oliver Interiors, 85 - 87 High Street Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2DF www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com 01442 818 122 www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com

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Toby, tell us a little about Tobias Oliver Interiors Showroom Our luxury lifestyle showroom will showcase the latest trends from world-class leading brands in furniture, lighting and accessories. We have designed the showroom to demonstrate the high level of interior design services we provide – from the interior architectural elements, to bespoke cabinetry to the final accessories and soft-furnishing details.

In addition, the showroom features an array of lighting choices; something often missing from the high street. The goal is to demonstrate to our clients all the options that are available to them.

With the limitless possibilities available – we are able to provide clients their ultimate design aspirations.

And the services that you provide?

We provide full interior design services from concept to completion. We work on a handful of high-end projects at a time – this allows us to focus on attention to detail and customer service. We specialise in bespoke furniture; whether it be a fitted luxury study or kitchen to a unique dining table or barstool – for example. Due to our longstanding and trusted relationships with our suppliers – we are able to provide the public with access to trade only lighting suppliers such as Porta Romana. We also provide a “quick-ship” service for a range of furniture and lighting where we able to provide a bespoke service with a week’s lead time.

Would you say you have a typical clientele?

There is an inherent impression that interior design centres are filled with exclusive interior design showrooms showcasing the latest designs from the finest furniture and décor companies - but only

catering to the rich and famous. However, there is an increasing trend of savvy middle-class clients who would rather invest in design by buying once and buying right. This can be a challenging and time-consuming process whereby it is becoming more widely apparent that using an interior designer can save on both time and cost.

The brands you have chosen to represent, and why?

We are fortunate enough to have been trusted to represent several luxury brands in our showroom who synergise with Tobias Oliver Interiors.

L’OBJET accessories, The Baobab Collection of candles, Porta Romana lighting to name a few.

Most furniture you will see in our interior design showroom is only a small sampling of what is truly available – but these help to demonstrate the level of quality to be expected for our Clients. In addition, we hold hundreds of sample finishes for all our products, allowing Clients the opportunity to design exactly what they are looking for.

Another resource our Clients will enjoy is our diverse Design Library and access to trade only websites to showcase other products available from any brand. For example, you love the look and finish of a console table in our showroom but wish to use the same design for a dressing table? We can make it!

Toby, tell us about the success of the business so far, and why did you make Berkhamsted your home?

Seeking to achieve my goals and aspiring to new ones; is the way I lead my life. One of these goals, since my teens, was to open an interiors showroom.

This goal has of course developed into the luxury lifestyle showroom – and now I have witnessed it’s the fruition. I always had an instinctive passion for interior design and attention to detail – and this is what I believe to be the key elements for the emerging success of the Tobias Oliver Interiors brand.

I grew up in Berkhamsted – my family and friends all live in the area and so it was natural for me to come back to my roots. The added bonus of course was that I could bring my dreams of a luxury lifestyle showroom with me – and thereby making exceptional design accessible to our local community.

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Call in for a demonstration at ToAd HAll GArden MACHinery, MArlow roAd, Henley-on-THAMes, oxon: www.ToAdHAllGArdenCenTre.Co.uk TelepHone 01491 574615.

H OUSE & GARDEN

SPACERS TILE AND WOOD FLOORING LTD

S

“When you choose to buy your tiles or flooring from Spacers you are assured that it is among some of the best available in the world…”

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pacers Tile and Wood Flooring have been supplying high quality Engineered Oak floors, Porcelain Wall and floor tiles, mosaics, glass and Natural Stone tiles to the retail and commercial sector for over 25 years.

We have worked closely with our factories to produce a range of wood flooring and Porcelain Tiles that not only mirror current trends but is technically and environmentally the most advanced available.

All our Engineered Oak is thoroughly tested, is EUTR compliant and SVLK certified.

The top layer is genuine Western European Oak. None of it is Chinese or Siberian so you are assured of its source and quality.

The ‘Core” (the important bit) is constructed of single species Plantation Hevea (Rubberwood).

It doesn’t grow naturally in South East Asia so is farmed for this purpose. As the Hevea tree nears the end of its rubber producing life it is felled and immediately replaced with a younger sapling that not only uses up more harmful CO2 but also produces more rubber.

The Hevea used for the core of all our wood flooring has a density similar to Oak giving our floors unsurpassed stability in all different climates and environments. Hevea will always outperform any plywood or softwood cored material found in so many cheaper alternative wood floors.

The back layer construction is also a locally grown plantation pine species, which again adds to the already excellent stability of our flooring.

The vast majority of our wood flooring has

undergone some degree of hand finishing ensuring a consistent high quality, high performance wood floor. This hand finishing gives each of our floors a ‘bespoke’ feel. Our ‘Antique’ finished floors all feature textures and surfaces produced entirely by hand rather than automation that gives each style a unique feel in terms of grain and colour.

All of our Oak floors are treated with the specifically designed Extreme Matt Oil. Using German technology from Klump Coatings in Stuttgart these oils, as long as the floor is kept clean during installation and undergoes some form of regular basic domestic cleaning, will require no further applications throughout the floors life.

Our own range of Porcelain is given the same level of commitment in its design and manufacture as our wood, reflecting our commitment to bringing our customers the best possible products available.

But its not only Porcelain tiles and Wood flooring our showrooms can offer you…. We have vast displays of Natural Stone, Glass Tiles, Mosaics and wood effect tiles from most of the biggest names in the business. Not only that but we are also main dealers for Amtico and Karndean with the most up to date ‘studio design’ stands in house that display their products beautifully.

When you choose to buy your tiles or flooring from Spacers you are assured that it is among some of the best available in the world….Our staff are helpful and vastly experienced and will assist you throughout the design and selection process in a modern friendly environment.

Visit our website for a virtual tour of the showrooms or to see a selection of some of the remarkable products we can supply. Alternatively simply pop into one of our showrooms to meet our staff and let them guide you through the extensive displays and discuss your project.

We look forward to seeing you very soon….

Spacers Tile And Wood Flooring 1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex Ha4 8Jr 01895 621651; www.spacers-uk.com info@spacers-uk.com Maidenhead – Tile and Wood Flooring Showroom:, 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF; 01628 624546

In StoRE CA PIEtRA StudIo now oPEn

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

info@spacers-uk.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

A Space for Entertaining Tom’s kitchen design tips When calculating the size of the island, try to stick to a minimum walk through 900mm. A space of 1000mm is comfortable while 1,100mm is ideal for larger kitchens with plenty of room.

Use skirting around the base of the kitchen cabinets instead of a standard plinth, to give your kitchen a grander look

J

ohn Lewis of Hungerford designer, Tom Layzell – Head designer in our Beaconsfield showroom, created this fabulous, spacious kitchen in a stunning detached four-bedroom home in Princes, Risborough, Buckinghamshire.

The clients were a young couple and had refurbished the interior of the house throughout.

They had added single-story rear extension and were looking to relocated their new kitchen to this space. They wanted to create a kitchen that would be the ideal space for entertaining.

Designed as the main focus of the kitchen the beautiful island makes a stunning centrepiece and the perfect setting for a social event with friends and family. The island is finished in ‘Birch’, with the main cabinets in ‘Easy White’. Using a contrasting colour for the island really enhances the aesthetics, and in this case, serves to create a modern feel. It’s topped with an elegant granite, ‘Bianco Eclipse’ worktop, the same stone is used as the spashback behind the hob which creates an eye-catching feature wall.

The outer cupboards are completed with chrome cup handles and topped with solid oak work surfaces. The sublime pairing of wood and stone worktops for this kitchen creates a chic modern look, with added warmth and character.

A classic mixture of materials and design were used to create a timeless, contemporary look. This Shaker style kitchen delivers beautiful simplicity and its versatility means it can fit both contemporary and traditional spaces.

The client chose the latest Neff appliances, which include a large American style fridge-freezer and wine cooler, built in-to the island. Innovative storage ideas have been added to reduce clutter and increase space. A tall cupboard serves as a pantry for storing

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dry foods, with an oak spice rack attached to the back of the door. Taller units are kept together at the end of a run where they are least likely to block sunlight and views of the kitchen. An in-built bespoke canopy extractor was added to create a striking feature over the hob, complete with period detailing it blends in beautifully with the style of kitchen cabinets. The variety of tones throughout the kitchen work in harmony to create a tranquil space, with an abundance of natural light.

John Lewis of Hungerford is the original painted kitchen company. Since 1972 they have been designing and creating, beautiful, handcrafted kitchens in their Oxfordshire workshop.

To find out more about John Lewis of Hungerford and order one of their brochures please visit www.john-lewis.co.uk

Create a feature wall which uses a mantle over the hob, with a unique splashback Using contrasting colours for an island and the surrounding units to improve the aesthetics.

Pay attention to the finer details such as handle finishes and the continuity with taps and appliances, as these will impact the end results.

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS Seek Inspire Create Part of the new series this new collection explores the coastal landscapes & botanics of Sri Lanka. Hand embroidery sits delicately on linen weave, organza and handwoven fabrics. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ ovobloom

FLORAL BEAUTIES

Katy Clemmans joins Wallsauce.com with a beautiful floral watercolour mural collection. Discovered in Wallsauce. com’s recent competition to find the next best creatives, Katy was a favoured runner-up with her delicate, floral designs.

Featuring clever watercolour blends and simple silhouettes, these uber-stylish designs are perfect for pretty much any room in need of a statement wall. Nominated for a TV ‘craft’ BAFTA, in the Graphic Design category for her work on the BBC Sport title sequence for the Athens Olympics, Katy works across both print and screen-based media. www.wallsauce.com

METALLIC MADNESS Scandinese We love metallic furniture, mirrors and home decor! Melody Maison boast a stylish collection of Gold, Silver and Copper toned home accessories, so check out their collection now! www.melodymaison.co.uk

THE NEW BLACK Joining the iconic Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan collection of mixable decorative paints, Athenian Black offers a velvety matt finish and can be applied to almost any surface including furniture, walls and floors without priming or sanding. www.anniesloan.com 88 AUGUST 2019

Japan and Scandinavia are superpowers when it comes to style and, while miles apart geographically, their aesthetics share a close connection that’s influenced by sleek silhouettes and authentic materials. Co-existing with a mutual respect, the Scandinese trend from Oak Furnitureland is a serene union that brings the best of both worlds to your home. www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk

AUTUMN COLOURS

Autumn is soon to be upon us, and you know what that means!

It’s time to dress our homes in essential plush blankets and warm burnt orange hues to curate a delectable warm and cosy cove of autumn goodness to snuggle up in. Hurn & Hurn have prepared us for the temperature drop with a variety of products that will have your house radiating, ‘Autumn vibes’ all season long. www.hurnandhurn.com

01844 275211

T: 01844 275211/275454 www.aqueousltd.co.uk email info@aqueousltd.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Stone in love

friendly advice provided by owner Paul Bushell who is more than happy to discuss your ideas and needs or bespoke special order items, to ensure you get a truly individual piece.

Earlier this month we spoke with Paul and he explained to us how their ethos is ‘where nature meets design’. He is focussed on sourcing and creating an ever expanding range of products but also enjoys the challenge of creating something individual. Whilst not a stone mason himself, Paul spent 20 years as a graphic designer and has transferred his creative passion into sourcing and creating their amazing features and furniture. He is quite happy for you to email a sketch of your idea to him and he will come back with prices and timescales to suit.

Secret Oasis can deliver their products from a centralised storage facility throughout the UK and Internationally.

Call Paul on 07838 263884 today to discuss your ideas or visit their website at www.secretoasis.co.uk or email customerservice@secretoasis.co.uk

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hilst a relative newcomer to the Outdoor living scene, Secret Oasis has set out bold ambitions to provide discerning clients with a range of exquisite products tailored to the sector.

Focusing on natural, elegant and durable pieces they have also ensured that their offerings are sustainable and environmentally considered.

As the song goes ‘I’m stone in Love with you’ and the main focus is on natural stone, beautiful yet rugged masterpieces of nature, either carved, polished or simply as nature intended. Ranging from intricately hand carved and drilled granite water fountains to rugged Basalt columns, cut and polished to a mirror finish creating amazing fire tables and furniture, perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining all year round.

The very nature of these pieces makes them durable and perfect for the garden, patio or even as part of a corporate interior scheme. But they don’t just love stone, they also have a range of superb Corten steel barbecue grills which add a very contemporary but rustic take on the traditional barbecue.

Whatever your pocket, Secret Oasis has a design that will be perfect for you, from self contained granite and basalt stone water features to stone lanterns and large fire tables, and because they are made from natural stone they will last a lifetime unlike the familiar resin and fibreglass versions which fade and deteriorate quickly.

As a family run company, with Secret Oasis you get a completely personal service, with help and 90 AUGUST 2019

“As the song goes ‘I’m stone in Love with you’ and the main focus is on natural stone, beautiful yet rugged masterpieces of nature, either carved, polished or simply as nature intended”

ADVANCED CARPENTRY & JOINERY LTD Skilled craftsmanship • Bespoke creations

DOORS | WINDOWS | STAIRCASES | KITCHENS | HAND CRAFTED FURNITURE

07957 370 421 or 0208 838 5015 | e-mail: office@db-carpentry-joinery.com | www.db-carpentry-joinery.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Husqvarna 430X Automower® is a great example of how far technology has come in recent years. Imagine sitting in your garden enjoying a cup of tea or perhaps something stronger whilst your lawnmower does all the cutting work for you.

Manufactured in the UK 430X and the X-line series from the world leaders in robotic mowing is smart enough to negotiate the challenges of large and complex lawns, multiple narrow passages, obstacles, tough terrain, and slopes up to 45%. GPS-assisted navigation and a host of features make it the intelligent way to keep your lawn green, healthy and perfectly mowed all year round.

Husqvarna technology allows your lawnmower to do the work for you GPS assisted navigation The onboard GPS system creates a map of the garden, including where the boundary and guide wires are installed Husqvarna Automower® will then register which parts of the garden it has covered and adjusts its mowing pattern accordingly. This will ensure optimised lawn coverage and an excellent cutting result irrespective of the state of the lawn.

All weather use Come rain or shine the x-line series can easily handle wet and rainy conditions.

Through the mower app, available for selected models. The weather timer function adapts the time spent mowing so Automower® works more in periods of strong grass growth and less in dry, sunny weather. The electric cutting height adjustment enables you to adjust the length of your grass with a simple push of a button on the keypad, or remotely with Automower® Connect smartphone app

Why the automower® will improve the quality of your lawn Husqvarna Automower® uses razor-sharp blades to cut every blade of grass little by little, resulting in a lush, green lawn that conventional blades cannot achieve. The lawn is mowed frequently, in rain and shine, producing grass clippings so small that no collection is needed. The clippings become natural fertiliser, keeping your lawn lush, green and moss free.

Automatic charging When Automower® needs more power, it finds its 92 AUGUST 2019

own way back to the charging station.

No emissions Because it is electrically powered, Automower® produces no harmful emissions.

Settings panel With the settings panel the mower can be personalised to fit many different gardens and preferences.

Automower® Connect Automower® Connect gives you full control of the mower right in your smartphone. You can easily send start, stop and park commands, check and adjust settings. If required also receive alarms and track your mower’s position in case of theft wherever you are.10 years mobile data contract included. Standard on X-line, optional for all 300-400 series.

LED headlights Energy-efficient LED headlights for better visibility and control even in the dark. The lights will also start flashing if a malfunction occurs.

Ultra-silent drive Wheel motors with 2 step gearboxes, a new technology that enables ultra-silent drive. Gives an outstanding performance in perceived noise level and enables night time operation or 24/7 mowing in all kind of communities.

Call in or telephone for a demonstration at Toad Hall Garden Machinery, Marlow Road , Henley On Thames. Or for more information about the 430X and the X-line series visit www.husqvarna.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

CLASSIC SHAKER KITCHENS FOR MODERN HOMES

“The Harmony kitchen in a combination of Heather and Turquoise is light and elegant.”

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shaker kitchen is still one of the most popular styles for many homes, Sue Birch from K&B Studios looks at how this classic has been given a new twist.

The classic shaker kitchen has been around for a long time but it is a look that is being constantly updated and because of this it remains a very popular choice for many homes.

There are always new variations being launched that retain all the beauty of a shaker kitchen with elements that make it the perfect match for a modern home. The latest launch from British manufacturer Mackintosh Kitchens includes three gorgeous new variations on the shaker classic.

Harmony offers a smooth in-frame shaker door style, the Nouveau has a timeless elegance of classic shaker and the Minster is a painted option that allows for personalisation and individuality.

All three are available in twenty one different colours. The colour selection is available across six categories to help you create the right colour mood and palette for your home. Select from light, neutral, grey, blue/green, dark and statement colour groupings. The Slate and Blush are from a collection of seven bright new colours which also includes, Turquoise, Sky, Indigo Blue, Graphite and Heather.

The Minster is a perfect base for those looking for a pastel colour scheme, the subtle Slate and Blush colours create a combination that is fresh and unique.

For those with bolder taste, the Harmony in a combination of Heather and Turquoise is light and elegant.

Blue is a firm favourite in the kitchen and this Nouveau combination of Indigo and Limestone creates a homely, welcoming space.

These brand new kitchens are available to order now, why not call into the Beaconsfield showroom and find out more. www.kbstudios.co.uk.

E Mail: sales@kbstudios.co.uk Phone: 01494 677727

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H OUSE & GARDEN

Fields: For all your household appliances

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hen your washing machine or fridge freezer dies its never at a convenient time for your pocket or your busy life style. We’ve all been to the big stores and looked at massive ranges of washing machines, why are there so many machines? All you want is something to wash your clothes, but which one? You need help but can you find a sales assistant to help and you’re short of time? Or better still one that knows what they’re talking about. Well next time try Fields, they can help you choose over the phone or if you want to touch and feel your new machine you can visit their showrooms in Gerrards Cross or Beaconsfield. But will I get a good deal? Nobody wants to pay more for the same machine, Fields are part of Euronics, the biggest buying group in Europe, enabling them to give you the best prices, faster and friendlier service than department stores or larger chains.

Fields are there for all your household appliances, from small items like cleaner bags, irons and toasters to the huge American fridge freezers.

Fields offer the full service when they deliver your new appliance, they will disconnect your old appliance, recycle it, connect your new appliance, even integrated appliances, test them for leaks etc and all on a day to suit you plus to make life easier for you they track their delivery van so that you won’t need to stay at home waiting in all day for you delivery. Oh and did I tell you they deliver fast?

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Order before 5pm and they can often deliver the next day.

Fields stock all the leading brands and have every price point covered, with machines that are guaranteed for up to 10 years parts and labour to give you added piece of mind.

Fields first open their doors in Gerrards Cross in 1996 and then open their Beaconsfield shop a year later. They have seen the country have some very testing economic times and due to their fantastic service have survived when others have closed their doors, in fact independent electrical stores are very rare breed today, so they must be doing things right for customers to keep coming back and recommending them to their friends. Its not just the local area that they delivery to, their vans have been as far north as Warwick Castle and as far south as the Isle of Wight.

So next time you driving or walking around town keep an eye out for one of their red vans or better still pop into one of their showrooms and be amazed at the new technology making machine up to 80% more energy efficient than your old machine, a new machine could pay for themselves in just a few short years. www.fields.org.uk

“Fields stock all the leading brands and have every price point covered, with machines that are guaranteed for up to 10 years parts and labour to give you added piece of mind”