Life Magazines (Buckinghamshire editions) September 2018

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T E M P L E W O O D

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F A R N H A M

C O M M O N

The latest era of luxury living from Landmark Group see page 20 & 21

WELCOME TO OUR

SEPTEMBER ISSUE THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

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

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On the A40, Gerrards Cross adjacent to Gerrards Cross Police Station.

3-4 Fulmer Corner, Oxford Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 7AX 01753 892556 • 01753 892558 • www.davidbaileyhomeinteriors.co.uk

MONEYHILL.indd All Pages

MONEYHILL.indd All Pages

MONEYHILL.indd All Pages

D A 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

DA V O N P O R T N a t u r a l l y

D i s t i n c t i v e

I n t e r i o r s

Experience Classic English Elegance

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

Colchester, England Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 celia@moneyhillinteriors.com

m o nd ea1yvMoneyhill hoi lnl ipn ot er Parade, rt i.ocr os .mc o m Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, H a Hertfordshire n d c r a WD3 fParade, t e7BQ d in 1 Moneyhill

or speak to C oUxbridge l cToh1request eMoneyhill sRoad, ta portfolio e rRickmansworth, ,Parade, England

01206 760773906 800 a designer: Phone: +44(0)1923 Hertfordshire WD3 7BQ Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, celia@moneyhillinteriors.com Hertfordshire WD3 7BQ Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 m o nd ea yvhoi lnl ipn ot er rt i.ocr os .mc o m Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 celia@moneyhillinteriors.com celia@moneyhillinteriors.com

28/10/2015 18:49

To request a portfolio or speak to

m o n e y h i l l01206 i n t e r i o800 rs.com m o n aedesigner: y h i l l i n t e 760 riors.com

28/10/2015 18:49

25/01/2018 15:12

English-inspired cabinetry meets German precision manufacturing

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

15

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

57

LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE

71

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

95

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month The finest independent schools in the UK

From shows to venues, we’ve got the big day covered Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best

HOUSE & GARDEN

Keep it local for everything house and home

117

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 : g r a n d u n i o n c a n a l

OUT & ABOUT

7 OCTOBER

Bisham Abbey WEDDING FAIR All the needs of your special day under one roof. Cars, cakes, menswear, bridalwear, photographers, entertainment, jewellery, hair and make up, stationery and more.

11am-3pm with free entry.

Marlow Road, Bisham, Nr Marlow, Bucks, Buckinghamshire SL7 1RR

21 OCTOBER

Taplow House Hotel WEDDING FAIR If you are getting married, pop along to this wedding fair where you will find ideas for everything you will need to make your big day special. It is open from 12pm to 3.30pm and you can ask to be shown around the venue.

Berry Hill, Taplow, Near Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0DA

[events]

OUT & ABOUT

6 & 7 October

28 SEPTEMBER & 5 OCTOBER Short courses for Adults: Indian Hand Embroidery Learn how to hand-embroider your fabrics with a variety of Indian stitches, including Shisha (mirror work). Places must be booked in advance for these workshops, unless otherwise stated. Each session £13. For full details about each of these workshops please visit www.qpc.org or call 01296 424332 10am - 12.30pm.

Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7RT

16 SEPTEMBER 2018

29 September

Grand Union Canal Walk of Hope in aid of Brain Tumour Research Join us for a beautiful family walk of either 5.5 miles or 11 miles along the Grand Union Canal in Buckinghamshire. Registration and bacon sandwiches from 9.30am at the Three Locks pub in Stoke Hammond. At 10.30am we will take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canal with a planned stop at The Grove Lock pub where you can buy refreshments. The route will be along the canal towpaths, so remember to bring sturdy shoes and suitable clothing. It’s always a good idea to bring a waterproof in case of rain, water to keep yourself hydrated and sun cream in case it is a hot day. The route is mostly suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs dogs and families, though there are narrow bridges across the canal to access the halfway point – The Grove Lock Pub. Grand Union Canal, Buckinghamshire MK17 9DD

Feast on the Farm 2018 Local producers, bars from Seedlip, Campfire Gin and Harrow and Hope, local food trucks, live music, workshops and chef ’s masterclasses.

New to the festival this year; a ‘Mini Feastival’ for little kids hosted in the farm’s mini Mongolian yurt, with workshops, apple pressing, games and lots more. Fabulous local chefs and restaurants will be bringing you a programme of demonstrations from butchery, wild cooking and how to work with the seasons. If you are interested in great food, a budding food/drink entrepreneur, actively seek out the undiscovered gastronomic gems, or just simply love delicious seasonal food, then this is the festival for you. 10am-5pm.

Peterley Manor Farm, Peterley Lane, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire HP16OHH

OUT & ABOUT

[events]

OUT & ABOUT 13 & 14 October

Harvest Festival Discover the fascinating traditions of our farming history. This popular annual harvest event provides a unique opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and smells of harvest past, with the Museum’s restored 1947 threshing machine working hard to process the year’s wheat crop – as long as the rain holds off!

Over the weekend the Museum’s Henton chapel will be home to a beautiful display of harvest produce, most of which has been grown in the Museum’s beautiful historic gardens. 10am-4pm.

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

23 september

Thorpe Explorers’ Nursery OPEN DAY Visit this open day to find out more about Thorpe Explorers’ Nursery in Gerrards Cross on Wednesday 26th September, 10am – 11.30am. Incorporating optional wrap-a-round care (from 7.30am – 6pm), the nursery day will feature ‘school ready’ morning sessions including number work, phonics, reading and handwriting practise plus Forest School, music and swimming lessons by specialist teachers. Go to www.thorpehouse.co.uk/ pre-prep/nursery for more information or call 01753 882474.

UNTIL 7 OCTOBER

Pottery Throwing Workshop at Queens Park Arts Centre Learn the basic principles of throwing clay to make cylinders (the basis of most pots). Clay included, plus firing and glazing for one pot. Places must be booked in advance – don’t forget to bring a packed lunch! For full details about each of these workshops please visit www.qpc.org or call 01296 424332. Time: 10am-4pm, price is £60 or £55 for members.

Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7RT

19 OCTOBER

Gin Tasting Cruises The Gin to My Tonic is an experienced, professional team who will take you on a gin tasting experience whilst cruising along the River Thames on our flagship vessel ‘The New Orleans’. The gins will be all very different allowing you to go on a real journey of gin! Each carefully selected gin will be introduced and presented with its backstory, botanical make up and tasting notes. You are guaranteed a unique and unforgettable gin themed experience with The Gin To My Tonic. Included in your ticket price will be bar snacks and of course your Gin and different tonics for the evening.

Visit www.hobbsofhenley.com to book.

18 SEPTEMBER 2018

26 SEPTEMBER

Riches of the Earth Discover extraordinary objects through this self-led trail of the Manor. Waddesdon is full of works of art that celebrate, embody or express the wealth of the Earth. A trail around the house highlights some of these riches – earthenware and porcelain clays worked into vessels and sculptures, rocks mined from the earth and made into jewellery, caskets and chimney-pieces, minerals and plants transformed into dyes and pigments.

Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JW Image: Amanda Slater

OUT & ABOUT

Landmark Group in Farnham Common

Interview with Mav Sandhu from Landmark Group, at their new development in Templewood Lane

LM: Mav thank you for meeting with us again!

It’s been a few months since we have seen you, what have you been up to?

MS: It is lovely to see you too. So much has happened since we were with you last it’s hard to know where to start! Let’s see, well, I am glad to report that things are still very busy. We are seeing strong sales of our developments in a tough market.

LM: Tough market? How so?

MS: With Brexit still looming I think we went through a definite period of uncertainty. I regularly meet with other developers in our market and the general consensus is that the market may have stalled around 2017. However, we are now being approached more often- either directly or via our agents by savvy purchasers who recognise we offer beautiful homes within an easily commutable distance to Central London. This, coupled with an unrivalled selection of schools keep our developments in the forefront of consideration.

LM: I love the development you have invited us to here in Templewood Lane, tell me a little more about it.

MS: Thank you, we are incredibly proud of this project! This is our latest offering in Farnham Common. It’s a development of just two homes, each individually designed to suit the needs of the modern family. Every project is a journey, we have taken learnings from previous schemes to endeavour to make this collection even better than the last.

LM: What makes this development stand out from the others?

20 SEPTEMBER 2018

“The modern home is so much more than four walls and a roof. They are connected and intelligent”

MS: The modern home is so much more than four walls and a roof. They are connected and intelligent.

All Landmark developments are “smart homes.”

They learn how you live and complement your lifestyle. This home in particular also boasts the largest master suite we have ever built. It spreads over the entire rear elevation! Within the master suite we have his and hers dressing areas, a living area and a full en-suite. Finally, home automation is central to any of our developments; key elements such as lighting, audio-visual and wellbeing are all controlled locally or from your smart device anywhere in the world.

“This home in particular also boasts the largest master suite we have ever built”

LM: Impressive! What can we expect next?

MS: Now that would be telling! We do have a number of developments coming to market shortly, and although I can’t tell you about all of them, i’ll whet your appetite for next time. We have an exciting development in Beaconsfield that has just broken ground, which will be a mixture of luxury homes and apartments. Following that, we are working in Windsor and Sunningdale. The latter will be the largest ‘for market’ home we have ever commissioned; at a little over 11,000 square feet, it will be something very very special.

LM: Incredible, make sure you invite us back for that one!

MS: Of course we will, you will have the exclusive first viewing. I look forward to seeing you there! www.landmark-group.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2018 21

OUT & ABOUT

Chorleywood Bookshop News Above: John Lloyd and the QI elves

Upcoming events Buffet lunch with Jodi Picoult and her latest book Spark of Light Thursday 1st November 11.45 The Junction WD3 5SG Lauren Child with Mary Poppins at The Junction WD3 5SG, 4.30 pm Elly Griffiths Wednesday 7th November 7.30 pm Chorleywood Library WD3 5LB Cecelia Ahern Tuesday 13th November 7.30 pm at Dr Challoner’s Girls School Dan Snow Friday 16th November 7.30 pm at The Junction WD3 5SG Michael Palin signing at Chorleywood and Gerrards Cross Bookshops Saturday 24th November Robin Ince Friday 30th November 7.30pm The Junction WD3 5SG

22 SEPTEMBER 2018

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ur October events programme opens with a culinary treat – Rosemary Shrager joins us on Monday 8th October, 7:30pm, at Chorleywood Memorial Hall, WD3 5LN. Rosemary has a passion for sharing what she loves: delicious food anyone can learn to make and enjoy. With decades of experience as a chef and cookery teacher, Rosemary will show you how to develop as a cook recipe-by-recipe, so each new skill is learned through practical experience. Learn how to poach a perfect egg, make the creamiest béchamel sauce, knead a light and fluffy white loaf, bake a chicken and potato pie from scratch. This book and evening is ideal for anyone who wishes they could have Rosemary by their side in the kitchen.

Enjoy an evening of suspense with Liane Moriarty on Tuesday 16th October, 7.30pm at Sarratt Village Hall, The Green, Sarratt, WD3 6AS, celebrating her thrilling new book ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and a sneaky peek into **Big Little Lies Season 2! ** Could ten days at a health resort really change you forever? Nine perfect strangers are about to find out… The eagerly anticipated new novel from the bestselling author of Big Little Lies and The Husband’s Secret.

We are looking forward to welcoming back Classic FM’s John Suchet on Monday 22nd October, 7.30pm at Sarratt Village Hall, WD3 6AS. Join us for an evening of exploration as we delve into the untold life of Tchaikovsky and meet the man behind the music.

‘Tchaikovsky: The Man Revealed’ is a comprehensive single-volume biography of Russia’s most accomplished composer.

On Wednesday 24th October, we are delighted to welcome Lord

Paddy Ashdown to The Junction, Christ Church, Chorleywood, WD3 5SG at 6:30pm. Nein! is his revelatory new book focusing on the history of German opposition to Hitler from 1934 – 1945. In his last days, Hitler raged in his bunker that he had been defeated because he had been betrayed from the inside. This is the story of those who repeatedly attempted to kill Hitler, frustrate his war aims, pass his military secrets to the Allies and, from 1943 onwards, strike a separate peace with the West.

Based on newly released files, Lord Ashdown tells this remarkable story of espionage and conspiracy.

You asked for another quiz night with John Lloyd and the QI elves and here it is! The mindboggling, rib-tickling phenomenon that is QI have outdone themselves with this especially huge collection of facts. In 17th century Japan, people warmed their feet by putting chilli peppers in their socks. Mrs Beeton published a recipe for a toast sandwich. Wheat has over five times as much DNA as humans. Join us for a fantastic night out with friends and family on Saturday 27th October, 7:30pm, at The Junction, Christ Church, WD3 5SG. The ticket price of £25 includes the quiz, the new QI book and supper. There is a cash bar on the night.

On Tuesday 30th October, 7.30pm at The Junction, WD3 5SG, we are thrilled to be welcoming back Joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal palaces, Tracy Borman.

Tracy will be talking about her new book “Henry VIII and the Men who Made Him”. Who was the real power behind the Tudor throne? Meet the men who shaped Henry VIII into the man - and monster - he became. This new comprehensive biography of Henry VIII examines one of Britain’s most notorious monarchs through the new angle of his male relationships. We know all about Henry’s six wives - but what do we know about his male relationships? Tracy will be filling us in on this secret history behind the Tudor throne.

All tickets available from www.chilternbookshops.co.uk or Chorleywood Bookshop 01923 283566

OUT & ABOUT

Complete casting announced for

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical

COMPANY Directed by Marianne Elliott

Jonathan Bailey

M

arianne Elliott directs COMPANY, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s legendary musical comedy about life, love and marriage.

At Bobbie’s (Rosalie Craig) 35th birthday party all her friends are wondering why isn’t she married?

Why can’t she find the right man and Why can’t she settle down and have a family? Featuring Stephen Sondheim’s award winning songs Company, You Could Drive a Person Crazy, The Ladies Who Lunch, Side by Side and the iconic Being Alive.

Marianne Elliott, Artistic Director of Elliott & Harper Productions, a company she founded in 2016 with producer Chris Harper, was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List for her services to theatre. Elliott is the first woman in Broadway history to win two Tony Awards for Best Director and her recent Broadway transfer of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America received the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Rosalie Craig recently completed a run of Jez Butterworth’s award-winning play, The Ferryman at the Gielgud Theatre. Other theatre credits include: Marianne Elliott’s production of The Light Princess, for which she won the Evening Standard Award for Best Actress in a Musical and was nominated for an Olivier Award.

Patti LuPone, who performed Don’t Cry for me Argentina at the Grammy’s this year returns to London to make her first appearance in a West End musical for over 25 years with this production of Company.

Patti LuPone

THE DETAILS

Mel Giedroyc and Gavin Spokes

A ground-breaking new gender swapped production of the Sondheim musical.

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London Previews from 26 September 2018 Opening Night 17 October 2018

The cast of Company in rehearsals (all photos by Helen Maybanks)

Mel Giedroyc recently co-presented The Great British Bake Off for the BBC alongside her longtime comic partner Sue Perkins, co-presented Let It Shine with Graham Norton and Gary Barlow and commentates for the BBC at Eurovision.

Starring Rosalie Craig as Bobbie, Patti LuPone as Joanne, Mel Giedroyc as Sarah, Jonathan Bailey as Jamie, George Blagden as PJ, Ashley Campbell as Peter, Richard Fleeshman as Andy, Alex Gaumond as Paul, Richard Henders as David, Ben Lewis as Larry, Daisy Maywood as Susan, Jennifer Saayeng as Jenny, Matthew Seadon-Young as Theo and Gavin Spokes as Harry.

24 SEPTEMBER 2018

OUT & ABOUT

The

Berko Loop B

outique shops, diverse restaurants and an art deco cinema. Even a royal castle.

Surely us lucky Berkhamstedians have as much to shout about as the locals of anywhere else on this island. But explore the countryside beyond the fringes of our bustling town centre and these few folds of the Chilterns become more fascinating by the mile – or by the page, if you happen to have picked up a copy of a new little book that’s proving quite the talk of the town.

Published earlier this summer, The Berko Loop is described as ‘a saunter round the places, people and past of the countryside on our doorstep’. And it’s not slow to uncover some fascinating facts and tales about our local countryside most of us never knew.

“The book quite literally follows a journey,” explains local author, Kevin Exley. “A 30-mile circular ‘loop’, which finishes where it started – taking in the very best of the beautiful countryside around Berkhamsted as it hops from one point of interest to the next.

“It sticks to picturesque public access trails and bridleways as much as it can. Well, with a few minor road sections helping to join everything together.

And so the Loop can be walked in sections or cycled on an off-road bike. Or, of course, it can simply be enjoyed from the comfort of a favourite spot in the garden. As stunning as it is, the route itself is really just there to provide an order to the content, as much as anything.”

So what are these revelations along the way?

Well, there’s no discernible common theme to the pages here, other than an ambition to continually reveal the unexpected. If it’s deemed interesting

26 SEPTEMBER 2018

“A saunter round the places, people and past of the countryside on our doorstep”

THE DETAILS The Berko Loop is available to order online at theberkoloop.co.uk or can be bought in Berkhamsted at Number Twenty (on Lower Kings Road), the Lovelo bike shop and Waterstones (both on the High Street). Priced £15. Follow on Instagram @berkoloop.

or intriguing, it earns a place in the book – a refreshingly loose approach that results in an ever-changing myriad of topics. One minute we’re stepping inside a working blacksmith’s ‘smithy’; the next we’re being amazed at the magical co-working abilities of a colony of bees.

Of course, history makes repeated appearances too – running every bit as deep among the beech trees and hamlets that hug our town as it does within Berkhamsted itself. And this, perhaps, is where The Berko Loop comes into its own. From the important but rarely heard story of Ashridge House, to a glimpse of life inside an iron age hill fort, Exley is careful to write with a wry smile and a passion for the light-hearted. Indeed, the odd laughout-loud moment helps make this a local interest book for the modern era.

“This was always supposed to be a celebration of our countryside,” he says. “Why keep everything stuffy and serious, when we’re surrounded by so much brilliant, intriguing stuff – ready and waiting to inspire us all?”

OUT & ABOUT

A unique shopping experience

the Stable Yard at Hatfield House

“On every third weekend of the month the Stable Yard hosts an antiques market on Saturdays”

FIONA RAE GOLDSMITH & ENAMELLER British jewellery designer Fiona Rae, has been designing and making jewellery for over 30 years.

The beautiful shop and studio sell a unique range of handcrafted jewellery and cufflinks including a bespoke service creating tailor-made designs.

HATFIELD HOUSE GIFT SHOP A charming shopping experience awaits customers, whether tourists visiting the park, or local customers throughout the year. Browse the selection of souvenirs, handmade artisan products reflecting quality British workmanship, honey from Hatfield Park, plants and our wide range of stylish stationery and giftware.

HERITAGE BRIDES Heritage Brides aims to provide every bride with an experience that will become part of their personal history. The vintage woodland wonderland stocks the finest wedding dresses and accessories to offer local brides something which is a little out of the ordinary.

I

f you are looking for a different retail experience that brings you unique products in a stunning location, then the Stable Yard Shops at Hatfield House could be the destination for you. With a range of exclusive retailers offering beautifully designed gifts, jewellery, toys and a host of indulgent treats, the shops have been lovingly created from an area of Hatfield House which used to play home to the royal horses. Admission and parking for Stable Yard is free of charge.

On every third weekend of the month the Stable Yard hosts an antiques market on Saturdays. The Market is free to enter with free parking.

Take a break from shopping and visit the new River Cottage Kitchen and Deli. Whether you fancy a relaxing coffee and cake, a light bite or a delicious meal there is something for everyone.

The Shops…

CARL RUSSELL & CO GUNMAKERS With over 60 years experience in the British gun trade the team at Carl Russell & Co can advise on all aspects of guns and shooting, they specialise in British shotguns having established their reputation with one of England’s top makers.

28 SEPTEMBER 2018

POTS OF ART The Pots of Art studio provides the perfect setting to get creative. Here you can create your own original colourful pottery masterpiece, a fantastic ceramic impression of your babies hands and feet, ‘Build a Bear’ or get crafting with decopatch.

REBECCA CLARK INTERIORS Rebecca Clark Interiors specialise in sourcing unique furniture, lighting and accessories for commercial and design projects for the home.

THE HAIR OF THE DOG Come and meet Linda Stone at The Hair of the Dog – A professional grooming service for pooches of all types. Linda also runs a grooming salon and teaching school to provide a quality area for up and coming groomers.

THE DETAILS Free entry into the stable yard shopping area. Free parking, open Tuesday- Sunday www.hatfield-house.co.uk

TUDOR GEMS Tudor Gems offers a range of exquisite marcasite jewellery, dress jewellery and watches at affordable prices to add a touch of glamour and excitement to your shopping experience.

OUT & ABOUT

Combine the very best of rural and urban living at Crest Nicholson’s Portland Gardens in Marlow

T

ucked away from the hustle and bustle of Marlow High Street, Crest Nicholson’s Portland Gardens in Marlow is a peaceful oasis, nestled between the Chiltern Hills and banks of the River Thames. This highspecification collection of two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom homes are the perfect choice for downsizers and families alike, in search of a charming new property that combines luxury living with a highly convenient location.

Each home boasts luxury finishes, blending clean and contemporary interior designs with classic exteriors that naturally complement the charming Marlow countryside. Spectacular kitchens from Manor Interiors are the central hub of the home, complete with Quartzstone worktops with glass splashbacks and a wine cooler, all perfect for entertaining. Fully-fitted Villeroy & Boch suites in both the bathroom and ensuite are completed to a high-specification finish that runs throughout each home. Classic white interiors and neutral décor offer the perfect blank canvas, with homes ready to move into right away.

Portland Gardens has been carefully designed to bring residents closer to nature, supporting this thriving community to reduce its impact on the local environment. Open plan layouts encourage natural light to flood in, reducing the need for internal lighting, whilst A-rated integrated kitchen appliances, efficient heating systems and doubleglazed windows will help to reduce household bills.

There are also many opportunities for residents to reduce their carbon footprint, with residents able to walk or cycle to nearby shops, local schools, leisure facilities and employment opportunities with ease from Portland Gardens. For people looking to travel further afield, there are regular bus services allowing you to get to nearby towns including High Wycombe, Henley-on-Thames and Reading in well under an hour. Marlow Train Station is half a mile away from Portland Gardens and ideally located for commuters, with regular connections to neighbouring towns and cities including Reading in just 38 minutes and London Paddington in just over an hour by train.

Portland Gardens is well-positioned for people to embrace the great outdoors with plenty of spacious

30 SEPTEMBER 2018

greenery on its doorstep, including the Chiltern Hills and various woodland trails surrounding the historic town. Residents can wander through Marlow, take a cruise along the River Thames to Windsor Castle or admire the views of Marlow Bridge and All Saints Church in their spare time.

The award-winning Higginson Park is just a stone’s throw from Portland Gardens, offering vast, open green space, local wildlife and amenities including tennis courts and cricket pitches. The spectacular countryside surrounding West Wycombe Park is also in easy reach, offering residents the chance to immerse themselves within the grounds of an 18th Century mansion, which also played home to scenes in ITV’s national hit ‘Downton Abbey’.

Homes at Portland Gardens are available using Crest Nicholson’s Part Exchange or SmoothMove schemes*. For existing home owners, Crest Nicholson’s Part Exchange scheme offers a stressfree move. Crest Nicholson will act as a guaranteed cash buyer, removing costly estate agents’ fees and complicated chain delays. Furthermore, this Part Exchange scheme provides a streamlined

transaction, with professional support and guidance on hand from the Crest Nicholson team throughout. Buyers can remain in their existing home until their new property at Portland Gardens is ready to move into.

Alternatively, potential buyers can reserve a home using the SmoothMove scheme and Crest Nicholson will help to sell their current property, organising everything from the valuation of their home to arranging viewings. Estate agent fees will be paid, and buyers will receive weekly updates from Crest Nicholson, allowing them to put the fun back into moving.

Prices for homes at Portland Gardens start from £599,950 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £1,325,000 for a four-bedroom house. For more information please visit the Marketing Suite, which is open daily between 10am and 5pm, and until 7pm on Thursday. Alternatively, please call 01628 565372, or visit www.crestnicholson.com/developments/ portland-gardens. *Terms and conditions apply

OUT & ABOUT

Enjoy the best of both worlds at Marsham House in Gerrards Cross

Stunning collection of highly specified new apartments now selling Secure yourself an impressive new apartment at Marsham House in Gerrards Cross and benefit from all the advantages of a central location.

Enjoy a short commute into the Capital, while still being within easy reach of the area’s beautiful, surrounding countryside.

Enjoy a café culture on your doorstep The impressive collection of one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, which can be found in central Gerrards Cross undoubtedly enjoy an enviable location. Situated just across the road from Waitrose and moments from the town’s bustling high street, purchasers will benefit from all the convenience of living right in the heart of this well-heeled town. Whether it’s a leisurely morning stroll to pick up a paper and a croissant, a trip to the town’s highly regarded local cinema or a meal out with family or friends, residents here will be spoilt for choice, with a varied selection of amenities right on the doorstep.

“The impressive collection of one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, which can be found in central Gerrards Cross undoubtedly enjoy an enviable location”

enjoys a superb spot, right in the heart of the town. The interest we have had to date has been really varied. Young professionals and investors have been attracted by the excellent connections while many residents, keen to keep their children local, have been assisting their off-spring in securing a new apartment, in their home town.

I would encourage anyone considering a new home in the town to come along and take a look at our stunning new show apartment.”

Set over six floors, Marsham House comprises 50, one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, located in central Gerrards Cross. Each of the homes has been highly specified and offers the benefit of secure, allocated parking either at basement or ground floor level. The majority of apartments benefit from a Juliet balcony or balcony, while the penthouses benefit from private terraces, with some offering views over the Chiltern Hills and beyond.

The homes at Marsham House are available for purchase off-plan. Prices start from £400,000. The sales suite and show apartment are open Thursday – Monday, 10am – 5pm. Help to Buy is available on selected plots and the developer is currently offering Stamp Duty Paid, on selected plots.

For more information or to make an appointment with one of the sales advisors call 01753 326623, email connections@stubbingsltd.co.uk or visit www.marshamhousegx.com

A short commute into the Capital Just a five-minute walk from the development and you will find yourself at Gerrards Cross train station, which offers a direct train service into London Marylebone in just 23 minutes. Whether a regular commuter into London or someone who makes the occasional trip into town for leisure, the Capital really is within easy reach.

Enjoy the tranquillity of country life If you are looking to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of country life, then you do not have to venture far.

Situated at the foothills of the Chilterns, An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this part of the world offers ample opportunities for glorious walks across uninterrupted countryside. What’s more, with a wide selection of parks and a host of golf courses all within easy reach, there really is plenty on offer to allow you to get out and make the most of the great outdoors.

Tony Williamson, Director at Angle Property said: “There is no denying that Marsham House 32 SEPTEMBER 2018

Regent Place in Amersham: Launching 22 September 2018 The latest scheme to be launching by Angle Properties is Regent Place in Amersham – an impressive collection of just 35 highly specified studio, one and two-bedroom apartments situated in central Amersham. The homes here are just 450 meters from the station and can be found moments from a selection of local shops, bars and eateries, providing the ideal location to live, work and play. Prices from £280,000. For more information or to secure an invitation to the launch, call 01753 326623 or visit www.regentplaceamersham.com

10%

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Fagnall Lane, Winchmore Hill, Bucks, HP7 0PH 01494 726 222 • info@pottersarms.co.uk • www.pottersarms.co.uk

*Conditions Apply. 1 discount per bill.

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LOC AL BUSINESS

I

Make the right choice for your retirement

n the 2014 annual budget the chancellor introduced dramatic new rules concerning access to pension funds. These new pension freedoms allow far greater flexibility to individuals in retirement but for some the options only complicate things.

Matthew Dean, Managing Partner of Hoxton Capital Management, a bespoke local financial advisory firm which specialises in helping clients throughout their financial life, understands that the complexity and variety can be overwhelming but insists the changes are in the interests of consumers and simply need to be used to their full potential.

Dean, who was educated locally at St. Clement Danes in Hertfordshire and has spent the last ten years in financial services, explains that ‘The various options now available allow for effective retirement and succession planning. The fact that there is no need to buy an annuity means people can now pass funds, they will have spent many years accumulating, on to loved ones. For many this is an important new feature, but it is not the only significant change.

Flexible access means that people can make use of the funds they have saved as and when they need or want to rather than simply having a set monthly income for life and of course by not buying an annuity people can benefit from the investment growth of their fund rather than that allowing annuity providers to pocket the gains.’

Dean goes on to explain that it is not a case of one size fits all, ‘The reality is the main difficulty created by the new pension freedoms is establishing which of the freedoms or indeed which combination of the freedoms available is most appropriate. Our clients have wide ranging needs, goals and objectives and this means a tailored

34 SEPTEMBER 2018

“The various options now available allow for effective retirement and succession planning.

The fact that there is no need to buy an annuity means people can now pass funds, they will have spent many years accumulating, on to loved ones”

solution, considering their need for income, access to lump sums, likely tax liabilities, desire to pass funds on and crucially their attitude to risk all play a part in helping us to make a fully bespoke recommendation.’

Studies show that those who take financial advice are on average around 41% better off during retirement. Dean argues that this gap is only likely to widen because of the new more flexible retirement market. ‘There is little doubt that being prepared for retirement has always been vital. Now more than ever I would encourage people of all ages to work with a trusted adviser on a regular basis to make sure their investments are on track to deliver their retirement goals. The need for advice increases even further as individuals come to access their pensions. Without the right advice many clients simply wouldn’t be aware of all the options available to them or how to use them, which could cost them thousands in both tax and investment growth. As an advisory service we focus on adding value to our clients by helping them to organise their finances as efficiently as possible and preparing for life after work is without a doubt the biggest and most vital area of long-term financial planning. Properly used, the new freedoms mean it is possible for most clients to get what they want from their pension and ultimately their retirement.

To ensure people have access to the right advice Dean and Hoxton Capital Management are offering clients a free one-hour initial consultation.

Hoxton can be contacted on 020 3917 3757. www.hoxton-capital.co.uk The above statistic comes from ‘Retirement Income Uncovered – The New Normal 2016’.

OUT & ABOUT

The Great Probate Rip-Off

A

number of articles appeared in the news recently focusing on what many would consider to be a long-standing problem with appointing a bank as the Executor in your will. In the past (and in fairness, most banks seem to have moved on from this model in more recent years) banks would offer cut-price or even free wills to “valued customers” which seemed like a good deal, but what wasn’t often appreciated at the time was that part of the terms of the will included appointing the bank as Executors and agreeing for their standard charges to be settled out of the estate.

Executors are responsible for carrying out the terms of the will, identifying assets and liabilities, reporting to HM Revenue & Customs and applying for what is called the “Grant of Probate”. The Executors will then gather in the assets of the estate, settle liabilities and distribute the estate according to the terms of the will.

This process can be quite complicated and timeconsuming and therefore significant legal fees can be involved. The issue here is that banks have in the past set their fees on the basis of a percentage of the value of the estate and that percentage is often unfairly and unreasonably high. Taking one example from a recent newspaper article, a fee of 2.5% plus VAT on an estate worth £300,000.00 (not unrealistic with current property prices) would result in a cost to the estate of £9,000.00! Since any estate valued at less than £325,000.00 is going to be exempt from Inheritance Tax (and will likely not have too many different or complicated assets), the actual process 36 SEPTEMBER 2018

of Probate for such an estate would be unlikely to be especially complex or time-consuming and so fees of this level are bound to be disproportionately high.

At K J Smith Solicitors, we carry out all Probate work on the basis of our hourly rates rather than on a percentage basis, which means you are only paying for the work we actually do, rather than being charged for the value of the estate, which will often bear no resemblance to the complexity of the work or how long it takes. Whilst there are often unforeseen complications and even lower-value estates can throw up issues that take longer than expected to resolve, we would still expect our fees on an hourly rate basis to be well below the sorts of levels set out above.

If you need assistance or advice in relation to Probate and would like an experienced, kind and professional approach that delivers value for money, or if you have a will in place that was made through a bank and you are concerned about what it might mean for your beneficiaries in the future and you want to update it, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us – we will be glad to help.

Please contact K J Smith Solicitors today on 01491 630 000 (Henley on Thames), 020 7070 0330 (London), 0118 418 1000 (Reading), 01753 325 000 (Windsor), 01256 584 000 (Basingstoke), 01483 370 100 (Guildford), 01494 629 000 (Beaconsfield), 01235 375 500 (Abingdon) or email wtp@kjsmith.co.uk (Wills, Trusts & Probate). www.kjsmith.co.uk

ABOUT KJ SMITH At K J Smith Solicitors, our private client team are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), an internationally recognised organisation whose members consist of accountants and lawyers and who are specially qualified to advise on and assist with Private Client matters. Our private client team are also members of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) a specialist group of lawyers who are qualified to advise more elderly clients on matters of particular concern to them. We offer a free initial 15-minute telephone appointment to give you the opportunity to speak to us, before deciding if you wish to proceed in instructing us to act on your behalf.

OUT & ABOUT

Chef Laurie Gear

September recipe & kitchen news

T

he Team at the Artichoke have just returned from a well-deserved late Summer break, feeling fully recharged and inspired for the Autumn Season ahead. The leaves on the trees are beginning to change from a vibrant green to a subtle red and amber tone but still there is always the hope of a balmy Indian Summer! We are just getting busy setting up the Artichoke’s raised garden vegetable beds once again, ready to plant with seasonal and organic vegetable crops for the year, which will serve as inspiration for the new menus ahead.

Autumn is a time to gather the last produce from natures store cupboard and make use of all the garden has to offer before it lies still over winter with the harvest of English apples, pears and plum.

What better way to celebrate this most delicious of free bounties than to gather your family and indulge in a spot of blackberry picking, simply select an area away from any possible traffic fume contamination and fill your baskets. Also the hazelnut tree offers up its harvest, if you can get to it before the grey squirrels gorge themselves! This delicious dessert uses the fruits of your labour to full effect

RECIPE: Hazelnut Parfait with Blackberry Compote and Sable Biscuits Ingredients Serves 12 Pate a bombe • 100 ml water • 150 gm caster sugar • 5 large free range egg yolks

Meringue • 300 ml double cream • 2 egg whites • 80 gm caster sugar • 100 gm hazlenuts

Method Pate a bombe 1. Place water and sugar into a heavy pan, stir to dissolve 2. Boil the syrup until it reaches a temperature of 120 degrees C using a sugar thermometer. This should take 5-7 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale yellow, thick and creamy 4. Then slowly pour in your boiling sugar syrup, whisking all the time 5. Allow to cool Meringue 1. Lightly toast the hazlenuts.

2. Whisk the egg white until it peaks, slowly adding the caster sugar until you have a stiff meringue – set aside 3. Whip your double cream until softly stiff then fold your cream and meringue mixture into the sugar syrup and egg yolk base, finishing by adding the hazlenuts.

4. Place the mixture into a lightly oiled ice cream container then freeze overnight.

Blackberry compote 1. In a heavy bottomed pan place the conserve and the

38 SEPTEMBER 2018

Blackberry Compote • 500 gm fresh blackberries • 1 tablespoon woodland berry conserve • dash of crème de Mure (black berry liqueur)

Sable Biscuits • 175g plain flour • 100g unsalted butter diced • 50g icing sugar • 1 egg yolk

crème de Mure 2. Reduce down until syrupy 3. Add the blackberries and heat gently for 2- 3 minutes to lightly poached the berries Sable Biscuits 1. Place the flour in to a bowl, add the pieces of butter, sugar and the egg yolk 2. Using your fingertips mix together turn out onto a lightly floured surface, form into a ball again then repeat for 1-2 minutes 3. Cover and place in refrigerator for 30 mins 4. Pre heat the oven to gas mark 5/ 375 degrees F/ 190 degrees C 5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until very thin 6. Cut out using a 7.5 cm biscuit cutter 7. Carefully transfer to a baking sheet 8. Bake for approximately 7 mins until lightly browned To serve 1. Dip in a little boiling water, run a blunt knife around the edge and turn out onto a board. Slice with a warm wet knife.

2. Serve with Blackberry compote and Sable Biscuits.

Autumn Lunch Tasting Offer We are celebrating our 16th birthday and to celebrate, we invite you to sample our Five Course Lunch Tasting Menu, with a complimentary glass of La Vi in Rosa Spumante Rose - served upon arrival.

For just £38 per person optional wine flight £26 (an additional sixth course @ £6.00) **please mention ‘Lunch Offer’ when making your reservation** (‘Offer’ available for up to six guests) The Lunch Tasting Offer is available from Tuesday to Friday until the end of September 2018.

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

Bar-B-q season!

• Handmade kebabs • Marinated meats • Butterflied legs of lamb • Caribbean chicken • Spicy handmade burgers Many flavours of handmade sausages PLUS: Chicken kiev | Handmade quiches | Handmade pies | Sausage rolls | Scotch eggs

40 SEPTEMBER 2018

OUT OUT && ABOUT ABOUT

If you divorce, will you be able to protect what you have worked hard to achieve?

Vandana Chitroda and Emma McMorrow from the Family Law team at Royds Withy King provide guidance for business owners who are facing divorce and are concerned about protecting their business assets.

T

his can be a worrying scenario. Much depends upon the nature of your business and whether or not it has any capital value that can easily be extracted.

The family courts generally try and avoid a sale of a business unless it’s not possible to achieve a fair outcome without doing so.

Frequently, it is the business that generates income for the family and the court will understand that any sale would inevitably deprive the family of that income.

The business is one of those assets that the court will consider when deciding how matrimonial assets should be divided and often, specialist accountants are instructed to advise on the value of the business.

It is important that your advisers understand the nature of your business and how its income is generated so that they can work closely with you and other experts to ensure that its value is preserved for the long-term and a sale avoided if this is appropriate.

Be prepared and be honest We recommend clients that are business owners come to us prepared. Your solicitor will need to know a great deal of information about the business, such as when and by whom it was set up, the income generated, its capital value and any future growth or succession plans. The more information you can

put together beforehand, the less time and money you’ll spend on your solicitor researching the financial history and current status of the business.

You should also be honest with any business partners about your situation in advance, as they will inevitably be involved in financial discussions about your business interests.

Work with specialists If you are a business owner going through divorce or separation, make sure that you’re working with a family lawyer who is experienced in representing clients who are business owners. Royds Withy King have strong corporate and commercial teams that our family solicitors work closely with in complicated divorce situations.

Our Family Law team recommend, wherever possible, that clients attempt mediation to settle their financial affairs together. This gives clients more control of any asset division, especially where businesses are involved and it is often a much more cost effective approach than litigating through the courts.

Royds Withy King is a City law firm with a local presence. Our Family team is based in Buckinghamshire and the home counties as are many of our clients. Contact specialists Vandana Chitroda or Emma McMorrow for advice on separation and divorce.

Emma McMorrow

Vandana Chitroda

THE DETAILS Tel: 0207 129 7915 or email: family.enquiries@roydswithyking.com

SEPTEMBER 2018 41

OUT & ABOUT

Get set for some M uddy M ayhem !

G

rab your pack and get set for some muddy mayhem as The Hospice of St Francis’ legendary Mud Pack Challenge returns to Ashridge House for the fifth year.

Registration has opened and places are filling fast for the five or 10-mile obstacle course through the beautiful but very muddy 190-acre grounds and woodland of the historic country estate, which takes place on Sunday 21st October.

Open to anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves for charity, the popular event promises lots of muddy fun as Mudpackers slip, slide, jump and wade their way over wet and muddy obstacles.

Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite, Events Fundraiser at the Hospice, said: “The Mud Pack Challenge is the filthiest fundraiser in the Hospice’s events calendar.

If you haven’t done it before, now is your chance to join the muddy masses and become a mud warrior for the day.

“If you’ve done it before, you’ll know what good fun it is and we’d love to welcome you back.

You can do it solo or as part of a team but make your miles count by raising all you can to help us to

42 SEPTEMBER 2018

continue to help local people to live their precious lives well.”

Last year saw a record 900 people take on the challenge raising a phenomenal £130,000 for the Berkhamsted-based charity.

This year it is hoped even more people will sign up to get filthy for St Francis.

The event is open to anyone with a basic level of fitness so it’s perfect for individuals aged 15 or over and also fantastic fun for families, friends, teams and work colleagues. All that’s needed is a sense of adventure and a willingness to get muddy!

Places are limited and entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis, so don’t delay, secure your place on the muddiest challenge for miles around at www.stfrancis.org.uk/mudpack or call 01442 869555.

Entry is £37.50 and we ask all Mud Packers to raise at least £50 per person to help the Hospice raise the over £5million it needs every year to help people live their precious lives well.

Just remember, mud washes off but memories last a life time! www.stfrancis.org.uk

“The event is open to anyone with a basic level of fitness so it’s perfect for individuals aged 15 or over and also fantastic fun for families, friends, teams and work colleagues”

OUT & ABOUT

Age Concern Lunch at

Harleyford GC H

arleyford Golf Club continually search for ways to give back to their local community, to get involved. This year’s initiative was to invite Age Concern Marlow to the club on Thursday 6th September for an end of summer sit down lunch.

This charity is one that proved a popular choice to many of the staff at the club, and all costs incurred were covered by Harleyford Golf Club, with the dedicated staff all donating their time on a voluntary basis for the preparation and execution of the event.

“To be able to offer a social day out with a nice lunch to the Age Concern Marlow Group was a great opportunity” said Jack Slade, the General Manager at Harleyford Golf Club. “For many of the guests who came along it was their first visit to the club. For various reasons, coming out to an event like this is not a regular occurrence and it was great to be able to help in creating this day”.

On the sunny Thursday afternoon, 40 local elderly people attended and great fun was had by all.

Head Chef Gary Lowerson pulled out all the stops with the delicious hot buffet meal, including Coq au Vin and poached salmon, followed by a gorgeous homemade dessert of chocolate profiteroles and fruits of the forest cheesecake. Bar Host, Eloise Dollard, was also offering all our guests a cheeky glass of wine which went down a storm!

“It takes a lot of work to put an event such as this on, but it so rewarding when we can sit back and see how much all the attendees and volunteers enjoyed their afternoon” commented Jack.

Age Concern rely on volunteers all of the time.

Just to execute the activity at Harleyford they relied on over ten volunteers – people to assist

44 SEPTEMBER 2018

with mobility or ferrying the guests in the Age Concern mini-bus. If you think volunteering for Age Concern Marlow is something that you could do, be it daily or even just once a week please do get in touch. Your support could make all the difference to someone’s day.

As this day was such as success, Harleyford will be looking to do more events like this in the future.

If you would like to know more about Harleyford Golf Club and what we do, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Jack Slade, General Manager, Harleyford Golf Club. info@harleyfordgolf.co.uk. 01628 816161

“To be able to offer a social day out with a nice lunch to the Age Concern Marlow Group was a great opportunity”

OUT & ABOUT

New look for

Percy Davies Jewellers O

in Gerrards Cross

ne of Gerrards Cross’ oldest established retailers is to undergo a complete refurbishment after a recent change of ownership. Percy Davies Jewellers on Packhorse Road, which was established in 1940, was acquired by The Cotswold Fine Jewellery Group in the spring of this year following the retirement of the firm’s long-term owners. The Gloucestershire based group operates 7 jewellery stores with the nearest being Abbey Fine Jewellery in Berkhamsted. The new owner Miles Mann, who can trace his own family history in the jewellery trade back to 1741, specialises in taking over existing shops that might otherwise face closure due to retirement. “ I am interested in traditional family businesses that have built up a loyal customer base over generations.” Says Miles. “Companies such as Percy Davies are held in high esteem in the local area and rightly so. Its not only a shame to see such firms close but a wasted opportunity. Our job is to bring fresh ideas to the business both in terms of the variety of stock on offer and the presentation and feel of the store itself.”

After running the shop for several months and seeking the opinion of customers and staff alike, Miles explains that the general view was that the store was a little dark and somewhat dated. The makeover will include new lighting throughout and a reconfiguration of the internal area to include a new bespoke design space, where customers can participate in the creation of their own unique piece of jewellery. “We have a multi award winning jewellery designer at Percy Davies, so we feel that this is definitely an area that should be developed further” Miles explains. “The staff are a major asset to the business without whom it would be very difficult to provide the continuity that we are aiming for. Of course, we want to attract new customers through our doors, but we must also be careful to preserve the longstanding customer relationships that have been built up over the years. We will continue to provide the same excellent service that people have come to expect.”

The Cotswold Fine Jewellery Group is renowned for its large ranges of antique, vintage and modern jewellery, all of which is hand restored by the

The group has stores in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bourton, Bath and Berkhamsted 46 SEPTEMBER 2018

“Companies such as Percy Davis are held in high esteem in the local area and rightly so. Its not only a shame to see such firms close but a wasted opportunity”

Percy Davies Fine Jewellery Since 1940

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Bespoke design service will be developed further

group’s highly skilled in-house goldsmiths. All of the shops actively seek to purchase gold, silver and gem set jewellery from the public and part exchange business is also welcomed.

The shop will be closed for one week from the 15th October and will reopen with increased ranges of vintage and preowned jewellery, design led silver jewellery and giftware on Monday 22nd. In order to free up space for the new ranges, Percy Davies will be holding a stock clearance sale in the run up to the refurbishment closure with some items reduced by as much a 50%. “It’s a great chance to pick up a bargain and we hope people will come in for a browse and a chat about our exciting plans for the future of Percy Davies Jewellers.”

Sale starts Monday 1st October for two weeks only.

We are making space for many new lines and clearing a large selection of existing stock. There will be hundreds of bargains available so don’t miss out.

up to

HALF PRICE Diamonds - Gem Rings Earrings - Pendants Necklaces - Bracelets Silverware Silver Jewellery Percy Davies Fine Jewellery Since 1940

15 Packhorse Road Gerrards Cross SL9 7QA Tel 01753 883507 www.percydavies.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2018 47

OUT & ABOUT

M otherhood Allow me to “ReIntroduce” myself, I’m a local Mum with a background in fashion publishing and music.

Now I’m embarking on a new adventure, my Interior and design business. I have grown up in Gerrards Cross and seen our area change over the last 30 years.

I’ve also had the privilege of reading and watching Life Magazines grow into established local go-to magazines for our area, now I am honoured to be able to write for them too. I hope you enjoy reading my article.

48 SEPTEMBER 2018

I

t’s 8.15 am and the sun is still coming up as I sit on our terrace with a cup of tea. The tractor is going back and forth on the beach, the air is fresh and cool, and the sea is calm.

One by one my children all pop their heads out of the door to say “good morning Mummy”. With those beautiful sleepy faces my heart skips a beat and I am calm.

Motherhood- The start of a journey like no other…..

Everybody is sound asleep, the time is 12.36am and I can’t sleep.

I’m looking at the birthday bunting and balloons we’ve put up for our son’s birthday and wondering how fast the time has gone. I remember the feeling that I got in the pit of my stomach when the midwife handed my son to me, I remember the car journey to the hospital and I remember telling my husband we were expecting again.

Motherhood is without a doubt the hardest job in the world.

You have to be (or become) selfless, awake all hours, move heaven and earth, change in everyway possible to accommodate your children. Re-balance yourself. Find a different kind of strength, a strength that you didn’t know you had before. Its exhausting and rewarding all at the same time. Its doing the same thing day in day out with no thank you. Its losing sight of you and wondering just when that happened. Its wanting to cuddle and kiss your children to death (not literally) so that they laugh so hard that they can’t quite catch their breath.

It’s unconditional love. Its all of this and much, much more.

There are no books on how to be the perfect mother, what we should do or how to go about it.

The worrying that comes with it for me is sometimes overwhelming, when you see and read what is happening in the world around us.

I try everyday to keep it together, to not let the craziness of “Motherhood” get the better of me, but on some days it just engulfs me entirely.

“I have to” have my children ready and looking perfect first thing in the morning. Eating all the right things, reading and learning (even though it might be a little out of their grasp and I’m a Tiger Mum secretly). Being polite, well mannered, being

seen and not heard. I have to have the perfect children so I can be the “perfect Mother”!

Which, in turn, means I’ve got this Motherhood thing sorted. What a load of nonsense!

When did Motherhood get to this level of crazy? When did just letting our children play in the garden, get covered in ice cream, mud or get soaking wet from a water fight turn into “don’t get dirty”, “don’t touch that”, “don’t kick the football into the flower beds”, don’t, don’t and a bit more don’t with some further don’t on the side.

We have schedules for after school clubs, the holidays (that are totally unachievable by the way) and by the end of it all, the children and those around them are like the walking dead; that’s a real recipe for disaster.

I remember a girlfriend of mine asking her Mum how she managed when they were growing up?

The answer she got was simple…

“We didn’t run you around to all of these different activities, we didn’t put the laundry on everyday, we just let you be. And you all turned out fine”.

We all want the best for our ‘little angels’ and I’ve never bought into the concept of running my children rugged. I love it when they come up to me and say “I’m bored Mummy” “That’s fantastic and now use your imagination” I say. They just look at me like I’ve lost my marbles.

All I know is that with three children of different ages, eventually they will play together. Then, they will stop playing cops and robbers. They will cease their water fights. The trampoline won’t get used and the football will roll around the garden in the wind like tumbleweed. The garden won’t hear the laughter of young giddy children because, they’ve all grown up and time has passed by too quickly.

So, as a Mother of three beautiful, amazing children, I let them do. And be. Because I won’t get this noise back again and I want to remember it everyday, and that is MOTHERHOOD. STOP, LOOK, BREATHE. Until next time Ladies and Gents, thank you for allowing me to share.

Sj x All images copyright Sharanjeet Sandhu

Friday 5th October, 7.30pm Watersmeet, Rickmansworth Box Office 01923 711063 www.watersmeet.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Join the Club…

with Stoke Park’s fantastic Gym and Health Offer!

J

oin Stoke Park’s world class Gym and Health Club in September or October and get your first month free! * Stoke Park is very much more than just a gym, it is a lifestyle choice and members enjoy fabulous benefits throughout the Club, including a packed full calendar of wonderful social events and discounts on food, drinks, spa, bedrooms and events!

Their recently refurbished 4,000 square foot gymnasium boasts newly fitted state-of-the-art Star Trac equipment, the latest Boditrax technology and The Running Unlimited immersive pod. Stoke Park has Spinning, Hot Yoga and Fitness Studios holding over 50 studio classes a week. Members enjoy access to expert personal training with their highly trained instructors, a beautiful Indoor Pool, Outdoor Hot tub, Scandinavian Sauna, Steam Rooms and stunning Spa Gardens.

All members benefit from the superb facilities and friendly community at Stoke Park. For new members, a great way to meet others is to attend one of their Social Events. After paying a one-off joining fee all Members (over the age of 18) receive a welcome pack with a number of special offers and promotions. In addition, Members using their House Levy* account are entitled to:

50 SEPTEMBER 2018

• A 15% discount on all beverages in Humphry’s, San Marco, The Orangery and The President’s Bar*.

• A 10% discount on all food in Humphry’s, San Marco, The Orangery and The President’s Bar*.

• Specially priced Member only menus in both the Presidents Bar and San Marco.

• A 20% discount on all food and beverages in the Halfway House*.

• A 20% discount Monday - Friday and 10% Saturday - Sunday on all spa treatments and retreats at their multi award-winning spa*.

• Preferential accommodation rates.

• A complimentary room upgrade on residential packages (subject to availability).

• A 5% discount on the final bill for any conference, golf day, wedding, or private function held at Stoke Park (when booked directly).

• Receive double credit on their levy account for referring an adult member within 30 days start of membership.

To find out more please contact the Membership Team on 01753 71 71 79 or email membership@stokepark.com www.stokepark.com *Terms and Conditions apply.

“All members benefit from the superb facilities and friendly community at Stoke Park”

OUT & ABOUT

Debenhams marks the start of retail and leisure flurry for intu Watford September celebrates the opening of the much-anticipated new four-storey Debenhams at intu Watford, but this is just the beginning.

52 SEPTEMBER 2018

T

he fabulous brand-new store will showcase exclusive designer fashion – including Star by Julien Macdonald, J by Jasper Conran, No.1 by Jenny Packham and Studio by Preen – and leading beauty brands such as Tom Ford, Chanel and Dior. With restaurants, a Prosecco bar and many more surprises and delights, Debenhams will help to reshape shopping in Watford.

Vicki Costello, general manager at intu Watford said: “We are extremely excited to be opening the new Debenhams at intu Watford this month, marking the completion of the first phase of our £180m development.

“This is an incredible start to a series of openings to follow from now until Christmas, which will see restaurants, fashion retailers, the Hollywood Bowl and IMAX Cineworld open over the coming months.”

A spectacular extravaganza is planned for the Debenhams opening day on Thursday 27 September and the following weekend, with entertainment, music, dancing, giveaways, plus goodies for the first people in the queue on opening day. The 27th also marks the opening of intu’s

Charter Car Park following its refurbishment.

The hotly anticipated line-up for the £180 million development includes 13 new retailers, 11 new restaurants and leisure facilities. Superdry, H&M, Jack Wills, New Look, The Florist, TGI Friday, Las Iguanas, and YO! Sushi, will all be brand new to Watford. A new public square will also be home to fun community events including street art and music shows.

Hollywood Bowl and Cineworld will open later this year, so check out the opening schedule at intu. co.uk/Watford.

Vicki adds: “It is an extremely exciting time for people in and around Watford, especially the staff.

This much-anticipated Debenhams opening is a chance to be part of something very special, and to have a potentially long career path in retail.”

Tony Hurley, store manager of Debenhams, said: “The team and I can’t wait to introduce ourselves to our customers and show them the store … to open the doors to the community and offer a great shopping destination.”

There’s so much to come. It’s time to #DiscoverintuWatford. www.intu.co.uk/watford

MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES

5th OCTOBER 2018

The Sculpture Gallery is delighted to welcome a 20 piece string ensemble from the Aylesbury Symphony Orchestra to perform some of the most popular music from the movies by candlelight.

Join us for a welcome drink at 7:00pm before being seated to enjoy a three course dinner, during which the music will be brought to life throughout the evening.

Some of the classic scores that will be played are Schindlers List, Adagio from Spartacus, West Side Story and the theme from Pride and Prejudice.

To book, enquire about the programme that is to be performed or for further information, please telephone our sales team on 01525 292172 or email sales@woburn.co.uk

01525 292172 • www.sculpturegallerywoburn.co.uk

EDUC ATION

Stars Coming Out For Beaconsfield’s

‘Big Bang’ S

omething special is coming to Beaconsfield this November as the town’s largest annual community event partners with Wycombe Swan’s ever popular Christmas pantomime.

Visitors to Beaconsfield Cricket Club’s ‘Big Bang, Little Bang’ event will be treated to some stellar musical performances from members of the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which will be showing at the Wycombe Swan from December 7th to December 30th. Snow White (actress Naomi Crowe) and panto dame, Nurse Nancy, ( Jason Sutton, aka Miss Jason) will also be on hand to help light the bonfire and will be mingling with the crowds throughout the evening, bringing a little bit of extra magic to one of the county’s largest firework events.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural ‘Little Bang’, the club will again be featuring an earlier, quieter musical display and bonfire for families with younger children, which will finish at 6pm to make sure bedtimes aren’t disrupted. Gates open at 5pm, so there will be plenty of time to enjoy the on-stage entertainment, funfair and other attractions that make this such a stand-out event.

“The main display will be another stunning musical arrangement” THE DETAILS Tickets for Beaconsfield Cricket Club’s Big Bang, Little Bang will be on sale shortly at www. beaconsfieldcricketclubfireworks. com. Look out for news and information on Facebook page @beaconsfieldcc or follow @bccfireworks on Twitter.

Tickets for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Wycombe Swan can be booked at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling the ticket office on 01494 512000.

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For older children and adults, the main display will be another stunning bespoke musical arrangement from the award-winning pyrotechnic team at Titanium, the company responsible for some of Britain’s top displays, from the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations As well as the spectacular fireworks and panto cast performances, the evening’s attractions include the very popular funfair, face-painting, DJ Toto and some fantastic food and drink options, including pizza, BBQ, paella, curry, churros & chocolate, Costa Coffee and, of course, a well-stocked beer & wine tent.

Beaconsfield Cricket Club is a not-for-profit organisation. With the help of sponsors Inland Homes, White Oak Finance and Wheels V.T, all proceeds from the event are used to support sport, health and schools in the local community.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE SEPTEMBER 2018

THE FINEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN THE UK

EDUC ATION

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EDUC ATION

Music at Merchant Taylors’ School Director of Music Simon Couldridge writes of how music is integral to all facets of life at Merchant Taylors’.

W

e are keen to ensure as many of our pupils as possible participate in school music. At one end of the scale boys joining the school at 11 are all given the opportunity to receive individual trial lessons on an orchestral instrument with some of our 23 visiting music teachers, whilst at the other, some of the more advanced musicians attend the junior departments of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music and go on to win Choral and Organ Scholarships at Oxbridge colleges.

With nearly 300 instrumental or singing lessons taught each week, and close to half the school participating in performing music throughout the academic year, there is a lot to reflect upon.

An informal concert series provides the ideal platform for solo and small group performances.

A recent informal concert programme featured a sublime performance of Bach’s Toccata in D major, followed by the Merchants of Groove playing Alligator Boogaloo. This typically eclectic juxtaposition is part of what makes music at Merchant Taylors’ so vibrant and exciting.

There are 22 ensembles and bands, from the Junior Percussion Ensemble to the Symphony Orchestra, the Guitar Ensemble to the Concert Band, and the Sinfonia String Orchestra to Taylors’ Brass. There are also three jazz bands which play modern jazz and rehearse weekly to prepare for regular performances.

Singing is hugely important at Merchant Taylors’.

Whether it is the 140-strong Choir leading the singing at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Triennial Service, the Chamber Choir performing at the Carol Service or the a cappella Vocal Group shining in concerts at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the City, our choristers play a full part in major school events.

Parents also have the opportunity to sing with the School Choir annually as part of the Choral Society,

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which has recently performed works including Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, and Rutter’s Gloria.

Music Scholars enjoy regular visits to concerts and recitals in London, and internationally renowned musicians visit the school to work with the boys and give recitals. Recent visitors include Bob Chilcott (OMT) and Clive Carroll. The Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra embark upon biennial music tours that give the boys opportunities to perform around the world, most recently to Belgium, Austria, the USA, Spain and the Czech Republic.

Musical composition is also gaining greater prevalence with the recent expansion of music technology facilities. The two music technology suites, combined with the recording facility in the Recital Hall, have generated a real buzz around the department and helped enhance the position of music at the heart of the school. www.mtsn.org.uk

“With nearly 300 instrumental or singing lessons taught each week, and close to half the school participating in performing music throughout the academic year, there is a lot to reflect upon”

EDUC ATION

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

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

Abbot’s Hill has a strong record of academic success. Throughout the school, pupils are taught in genuinely small classes. Excellent teaching

“Abbot’s Hill has a strong record of academic success”

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and personalised support ensure that everyone is inspired to exceed their potential and to shine.

The broad curriculum is enhanced by a wide range of trips and activities to stimulate learning.

Extra-curricular clubs offer a lively balance of sport, performing and creative arts, science and technology, journalism, problem-solving and debating. In short, there is something for everyone!

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

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

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

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

EDUC ATION

The Best Start

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

The modern child expects to be engaged by what they are doing and here at Westbrook Hay we believe that we provide children with the best start to their learning journey. Why not book a visit to see for yourself what we have to offer. www.westbrookhay.co.uk

meet the head This month we meet Terence Ayres, Head of Thorpe House School

TERENCE AYRES, THORPE HOUSE SCHOOL Thorpe House School in Gerrards Cross is an independent day school for boys aged 3-16 years. Terence Ayres joined the school as Headmaster in 2014 and is passionate about the benefits of single sex education.

“Creative and interactive lessons are the key to inspiring and getting the best out of our boys and when you support this with activities like Dangerous Week for Boys and Star Wars Day, their engagement in class goes through the roof. My long-term vision for Thorpe is we encourage other schools to follow our lead and start providing boys with the educational experiences they need to excel!” Join Terence, his staff and pupils at their interactive open morning on Saturday 13th October, 10.00 – 12.30 and their working day open morning on Tuesday 16th October, 09.30 – 11.30. Book via thorpehouse.co.uk or call 01753 882 474. Follow them on social media for a snapshot of school life (thorpehousesch) 29 Oval Way, Gerrards Cross, SL9 8QA. 01753 882474. www.thorpehouse.co.uk

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EDUC ATION

An exciting new, academic nursery in Gerrards Cross!

A

s our lives get busier, parents are increasingly looking for nurseries that offer more than school hours care for their children; many also want an element of academic preparation to ready their child for the following September when they start ‘big school’. At Thorpe House School in Gerrards Cross, we listened to what our parents were saying and we now offer wrap-a-round nursery provision in our new Thorpe Explorers’ Nursery.

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

Thorpe Explorers is run by qualified and experienced nursery teacher, Mirela Treves and boys must be at least three in the September of joining.

Catering for working parents or those that need to co-ordinate multiple school runs, Thorpe Explorers offers a 07.30 drop off (Early Explorers’ breakfast club) and 18.00 pick-up (Explorers’ Cove after school club). Each Explorer must attend the ‘school ready’ morning sessions from 08.20 – 11.45, but can opt to stay for lunch until 12.30. After lunch, boys can remain for the afternoon sessions until 15.30 followed by Explorers’ Cove until 18.00. The fees charged depends on the number of sessions each Explorer attends and whether he stays for lunch or attends Early Explorers’/ Explorers’ Cove. Further details can be found in the fees section of our website (thorpehouse.co.uk).

The nursery day at Thorpe Explorers is carefully constructed to ensure that every boy has a full and well-paced day, with quiet time to ponder and reflect. ‘School ready’ morning sessions provide a strong academic foundation with preparation in number work, phonics, reading, handwriting, music, art / design technology, science and French, amidst

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free-flow, child-initiated learning opportunities. In the afternoons, Explorers use the school swimming pool twice a week; enjoy a weekly music lesson with a specialist teacher; the Pre-Prep Food Room for cooking once a week; and the adjacent Austenwood Common for Forest School sessions, twice a week.

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

For more Thorpe Explorers’ information join Natasha Doran, Mirela Treves and our current Explorers at their upcoming Nursery and Reception open morning on Wednesday 26th September, 10.00 – 11.30 or go to thorpehouse.co.uk/pre-prep/nursery and their social media (@thorpehousesch).

Book your open morning place online at www.thorpehouse.co.uk/admissions/ upcoming-open-mornings/#registration.

“We’re not just about preparing them for school in September; we strongly believe you also need to holistically develop the individual child in order to raise their self-esteem and nurture self-belief”

EDUC ATION

ten years of SHARPE academy “An audience of 1000 people watched 250 students perform a selection of song and dance routines from previous musicals”

S

harpe Academy of Theatre Arts has just celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Sharpe is a performance academy with centres in Amersham, Rickmansworth, Ruislip, Northwood and Stanmore and holds weekly classes for ages 3-18 which allow students the opportunity to perform in full-scale productions.

The 10th Anniversary Celebration Gala was held on Saturday 30th June at The Watford Colosseum, where an audience of 1000 people watched 250 students perform a selection of song and dance routines from previous musicals including Grease, Jekyll & Hyde, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, Legally Blonde and Hairspray.

Sharpe Academy was set up by professional performer Daniel Sharpe back in 2008 as a small drama group, but has grown considerably and now has several departments that run alongside the weekend musical theatre classes. The Sharpe dance school concentrates on Ballet, Tap and Modern using the ISTD syllabus and recently classes in Acrobatics using the Acrobatic Arts syllabus have begun. Sharpe also has a professional agency for children who wish to perform in the West End or audition for Films and Television Shows. Most recently, Sharpe students have performed in Les Miserables, The Railway Children and have been seen in adverts for HSBC, Barclays and ASDA. A new costume hire department launched in 2018 and costume collections for Beauty & The Beast, A Chorus Line, Sister Act and Legally Blonde are now available for youth groups around the UK to hire.

In 2019 Sharpe Academy will be producing

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two exciting new musicals at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth. The Addams Family Musical will be performed in February and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be performed in July – complete with flying car!

Building confidence, learning new skills and having fun is at the heart of Sharpe Academy.

Students are split into 5 different age groups. The unique ACT 1 foundation syllabus, for children aged 3-6, includes building confidence and presentation whilst working on speech, posture and balance.

LAMDA Introductory and ISTD Primary Modern examinations are also available.

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

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

Children also take part in regular open days and events, and can study for their LAMDA Acting examinations, ISTD Dance examinations and can audition for entry into the agency. The Northwood Company for ages 11-16 takes Musical Theatre training one step further with the majority of students studying additional Ballet, Tap, Modern and Acrobatics lessons to improve their skills.

Students also learn the art of solo performance. The final stage is The London Company for ages 14-18.

This advanced group includes students aiming for a career in the arts and every effort is made to make sure they excel in all areas of performance.

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

SHARPE ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT At Sharpe Academy we aim for the very highest standards in performance whilst promoting and maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. Whether students are aiming for a career in the arts or academia, our mission as a creative team is to guide them to be an individual, improve skill, build technique, enhance presentation and, most of all, be happy.

LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE – From shows to venues, we’ve got the big day covered – Im age : T h e Oxf o r d s h i r e G o lf, H otel a n d SpA

WEDDINGS

Your Wedding at The Oxfordshire Your Hen Party at our Tempus Spa

HenSpa Package (for groups of 12 hens or less) Package includes: • Afternoon Tea • Use of Pool Facilities and Gym • Robes, Towels and Slippers

T

he Oxfordshire is a stunning wedding venue licensed to hold wedding receptions, civil marriages and evening celebrations for up to 180 guests. With a dedicated on-site wedding coordinator, outstanding hospitality and modern leisure facilities, the hotel provides a superb venue for bride, groom and guests alike.

Situated amongst acres of beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, and yet conveniently located just off the M40, The Oxfordshire is a modern country hotel which makes a picture perfect setting for your big day. A sense of anticipation builds as you drive up our tree-lined avenue, and the magnificent stone pillared entrance alludes to the grandeur that lies beyond. We offer old fashioned values of integrity, care and diligence alongside modern spaces with capacity for all your loved ones.

We have 50 luxury bedrooms in the hotel, four of which are sumptuous Suites, uniquely decorated so that you can choose your favourite for the night of the wedding. The venue also boasts the Tempus Spa where you can indulge in relaxation, pampering

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and luxurious treatments. Tempus Spa is delighted to be an exclusive Pinks Boutique® Celebrated Spa, with award-winning treatments and products which are hand blended in England.

You and your guests can enjoy our 18-hole Championship Golf Course in the run up to the day – considered to be one of the most exciting courses in the country, so why not make use of our discounted rates to swing away that wedding planning stress?

In order to truly experience who we are, you need to come and see for yourself.

Our Wedding Open Day is the perfect opportunity to do this and is just around the corner, on Sunday 21st October from 11am-3pm. Celebrate with a complimentary glass of prosecco and canapés on arrival. Then join us for a hosted tour of our ceremony room, evening reception rooms and our luxurious 4 star hotel. There is no need to register so please just arrive on the day.

Can’t make the date? Don’t panic – there is always someone happy to show you around, so just pop in at your convenience.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Beth Summers Wedding Coordinator E : beths@theoxfordshire.com T: 01844 277 659

A choice of one of the following treatments: • Eco Chic Mini Facial • Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage • Full Body Scrub • Hand and Shoulder Massage • Mini Manicure • Express Pedicure (All treatments will last 15 minutes and will take place in the Lounge Bar) Total Cost per person £59

Relaxation, pampering and the ultimate in high-end luxurious treatment is what you can come to expect from The Oxfordshire Tempus Spa. With friendly experienced therapists, a calming ambient atmosphere combined with the very best products offer the ultimate in relaxation.

The Tempus Spa boasts 3 treatment rooms, a fully equipped gym and studio, a 15m indoor Swimming Pool, Sauna and Steam Room.

All packages are subject to availability and full payment is required 1 month before the desired spa day date booked.

WEDDINGS

Save your pre-nuptial sanity

invest in a Wedding Planner from MJB Events Congratulations on your engagement!

N

ow to find the perfect dress, decoration ideas, florist, photographer, entertainment, venue, caterer, stationer, maybe a photo booth and a sweet trolley, the list of options is endless. Then the realisation hits that not only will you have to source these suppliers, but negotiate a deal and most of all, manage all of them on the day of your wedding - the day that is supposed to be the best day of your life.

This is where talking to MJB Events about a Wedding Planner will ensure that you have everything covered AND you get the best of the best at competitive prices.

Most importantly, YOU get to relax and enjoy YOUR Wedding Day. Read on to understand how a Wedding Planner can enhance your day whilst saving you time, stress and costs.

You have access to suppliers that best

You have a go-to person on your

A good Wedding Planner will have developed longterm relationships with trusted suppliers. You will have access to this list of venues, entertainment, photographers and more. Your Wedding Planner will recommend suppliers best suited to you, and negotiate a great deal.

From last-minute dress repairs to helping the best man find a misplaced ring, our wedding coordinator will be your “point person” for all the little emergencies that inevitably pop up during the wedding day. This way none of the problems come to you.

meet your needs

You have a manager for your suppliers

It is surprising how many different suppliers you will have on your big day - each requiring their own set of arrangements, deadlines, payment plans and your valuable time. Your Wedding Planner will manage all of this, co-ordinate meetings, arrange payment details and manage supplier deadlines.

And you can pick and choose the things you want to look after personally or pass to your Wedding Planner.

You save time A Wedding Planner will enable you to use your time concentrating on the fun activities - the dress, the invitations, the honeymoon. The Wedding Planner concentrates on the mundane details like schedules, meetings and budgets that would otherwise take up your precious time and energy.

You save money But, won’t a Wedding Planner cost me more? You would think so however, any Wedding Planner worth their salt will actually be saving you money.

They can control your budget, use their supplier relationships to secure the best rates, and use their experience and creativity to curtail unnecessary expenses.

You benefit from the planner’s skills and experience

Wedding planners coordinate many weddings all year, every year. They know what works and what doesn’t. They also know etiquette rules and little details that you may have never thought of.

What’s more, with a wedding planner, you get assistance in deciphering the fine print in supplier contracts to avoid wedding day surprises.

You can enjoy the wedding day with little stress

From the first stages of planning to the reception our MJB Events wedding planner will keep track of every detail. When it gets close to the wedding and guests are calling for information, groomsmen are having suit issues, suppliers are asking for payments and they all need schedules and answers, it’s easier to pass the problems on to someone you trust, someone with experience.

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wedding day

So, what does it cost?

Depending on the package of services that you choose the cost can start from as little as £500 for your own dedicated Wedding Planner

What our clients say: “Bill at MJB was our Wedding Planner. Our initial plan was to have Bill present on the day to deal with any last minute problems. . It soon became clear to us that through Bills skilled negotiations with top suppliers, his ideas and experience he would play an essential part of our day. From the off he took away the stress, he organised suppliers, he pulled everything together so seamlessly, we we were just thrilled! He even made sure that all of our guests got home safely.

Oh and on top of that he more than covered his costs with the money he saved us in both our time and efforts and taking on the awkwardness of striking deals. Would we use him again?

Well, we don’t plan to marry again but we have recommended him to all of our friends and family who will be getting married in the future!”

– Natalie & Murray Call us for an initial chat or a meeting. You’ve nothing to lose and may just have a lot to gain!

Let us show you why working with MJB Events is the right decision.

01494 240098. facebook.com/mjbevents www.mjbevents.co.uk

WEDDINGS

Going for

BOLD You want to wear a dress or suit to the happy occasion but stepping on the brides tullecovered toes is to be avoided at all costs.

D

on’t be afraid to go for bold colours as this will set your outfit apart from other cautious guests. Jade & cerise tones will infuse you with the confidence you need. Pale pink & navy or ivory & navy will blend in with any wedding colour scheme. Ivory & soft gold will help calm your nerves and will compliment the brides ivory dress. Wear your outfit with confidence and enjoy the day! Its your day as well!

No.25 of Bourne End, 25 The Parade, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire SL8 5SB; Tel: 01628 528877 www.No25BourneEnd.co.uk

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No. 25 of Bourne End are specialists for Mother of the Bride/Groom, Ascot, Special Occasion and Cruise Wear with over 800 outfits in stock. We are a Premier Stockist for Condici and Ann Balon in the U.K. Other labels include Georgede, Ispirato, Luis Civit, Veni Infantino by Ronald Joyce, Veromia and also Dressed Up

by Veromia. Younger & competitively priced collections

by Cara Ruiz and Izabella.

To complement your outfit there are Leather shoes and Bags, Hats and Fascinators to buy.

25 The Parade, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire SL8 5SB

Tel: 01628 528877 Open Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 5pm See website for Sunday Open Days

www.No25ofBourneEnd.co.uk

Bourne End is easy to find‌ 10mins from Jct.4 of M40 and Jct. 8/9 of M4 You are welcome to visit us to view, try on and purchase at any time, however an appointment will guarantee a fitting room for up to 2 hours.

WEDDINGS

Sophie Grace Bridal S

ophie Grace Bridal is an Award winning bridal shop based in Wokingham, in the South East of Berkshire. We take great pride in offering exceptional customer service.

We offer one-to-one bridal consultations and we always aim to go the extra mile to help you find your dream dress.

Mo and her team of consultants draw on years of experience and an extensive knowledge of bridal wear to give a personalised service to every brideto-be. They will help you find that special dress which reflects your personality and ensures that you look and feel like the perfect bride you’ve always dreamt of being.

Here in their chic boutique on the outskirts of Wokingham, they have brought together a collection of stylish, bespoke wedding gowns from stunning designers, including St.Patrick Bridal & La Sposa, House of Mooshki, Blue Bridalwear, Diane Legrand, Alan Hannah, and Ladybird & Emma Charlotte Bridal ,Ellis Bridals and Catherine Parry Bridal.

Thanks to Sophie Grace Bridal’s talented dressmakers, who work on the premises, your designer gown can be tailored and adjusted for the perfect fit.

An exquisite selection of accessories helps complete a stunning outfit, from veils to head pieces. There are also stylish fur shrugs, lace boleros, shawls, wraps, bridal belts, combs, brooch pins, sashes, underskirts, wedding umbrellas – you really can create an impact when you add that allimportant finishing touch.

Your bridal attendants will want the chance to shine beside you too, and Sophie Grace Bridal stocks two lovely bridesmaid labels: Dessy and Eliza & Ethan, in a wide range of colours, styles and prices.

“From the minute you walk into Sophie Grace for your first appointment, to the minute you leave us, you will receive a one-to-one personalised service from one of our trained bridal consultants.

Every bride is a special individual.”

Bride’s and bridesmaids’ appointments are available throughout the week and on Sundays too.

Sophie Grace Bridal, Wokingham RG41 2FD. Tel 0118 977 1715, email enquiries@sophiegracebridal.co.uk. www.sophiegracebridal.co.uk

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“Your designer gown can be tailored and adjusted for the perfect fit. An exquisite selection of accessories helps”

WEDDINGS

[ SHO P P IN G ]

weddings “Bespoke design, show-stopping wedding display or delicate hand-tied bouquet – Interflora expert florists go to great length”

PRETTY PIN UP These pretty, handcrafted flower hair pins add a romantic touch to brides and bridesmaids’ wedding day hair styles. Each individual pin features six ivory flowers, set in the centre with Swarovski crystals in Vitrail for extra sparkle; and flanked by hand beaded silver leaves, this pin adds a subtle touch of pretty when worn alone, and full on romanticism when worn in clusters. £30 Each; www.andsotoshop.com

FLORAL INSPIRATIONS The Interflora Wedding Collection is a great place to start searching for inspiration, with a vast collection of wedding flowers already online, find ideas for hand-crafted arrangements along with the expert Interflora florists who are ready to make the entire day yours, from romantic bouquets and buttonholes to arrangements and displays. Bespoke design, showstopping wedding display or delicate hand-tied bouquet – Interflora expert florists go to great lengths to transform cut flowers into exquisite arrangements. With so many shades, textures, styles and designs, fine wedding flowers add natural beauty to any wedding. www.interflora.co.uk

WE LOVE These Garda wedding invitations by Ruby Blue Weddings are absolutely stunning, and include a choice of vellum cover or wax seal. www.rubyblueweddings.co.uk

A silk wedding veil can make a dramatic difference transforming the simplest dress into a stunning Bridal outfit. This gorgeous bespoke single tier silk tulle wedding veil from Ann Guise is edged with French Chantilly lace. Handmade to order. www.silkveil.com Photograph courtesy of Eleise Theuer www.eleisetheuerphotography.com

SAFE KEEPING A pretty Porcelain Indian silk douppion cushion decorated with a 1920’s white Jacquard with embroidery and trapunto in gold French ribbon, with two letter-pressed cards and envelopes and a pen. Present the rings at your ceremony and keep your vows, poems or love messages close. £160, www.mybilletdoux.com 80 SEPTEMBER 2018

Beautifully BESPOKE

WEDDINGS

PERSONALISED WEDDING PACKAGES AT ROSS POOLE T he venue, the dress, the wedding party, the catering, all are sorted – now is the time to focus on the beauty side of your day. Ross Poole Luxury Hair, Nail and Beauty Salon based in Cookham and BrentfordKew, offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure you create the perfectly polished look on your special day.

Your Wedding Day is likely to be the most photographed day of your entire life. With everything else that you have going on in the run up to the big day it is easy to overlook yourself, and the care and treatment that will help you to achieve the look that you are striving for.

“Jodie and Leanne will create a bespoke treatment package for you to cover every beauty aspect that you will need” Ross Poole’s team of experts offer free consultation services either in their luxurious setting in the Cookham salon or, if preferred, in the comfort of your own home. This is recommended to take place around 3 months prior to the big day and will give you the opportunity to meet the stylist and establish the look and style that you are aiming for. Ross Poole (featured in the July issue of Life Magazines) will create your hairstyle, whilst Jodie and Leanne, Bridal Specialists help with the bridal party.

Following the consultation Jodie and Leanne will 82 SEPTEMBER 2018

create a bespoke treatment package for you to cover every beauty aspect that you will need. This can include Environ non-surgical skin treatments during the run up to ensure that your skin is in the best possible condition that it can be. Waxing, brows, tinting, full manicure and pedicure – all with the view to creating the perfect version of you on your big day. Ross Poole offers Kevin Murphy colour and Balmain Hair Extensions which could definitely be on the list. Do not forget also, the relaxation services available in their luxury Cookham salon including full body massage, neck back and shoulder massage and stress relief scalp massage – all aimed to keep the weeks running up to your big day as relaxing and stress free as they can be. For your makeup we introduce Chloe our professional make-up artist to work with you to understand your desired look and apply makeup that will last the duration of your special day. On hand at all times is Edina, the Ross Poole Event Planner who oversees all of the above.

Ross is our lead Bridal Stylist with Jodie and Leanne as his support. They will be with you every step of the way from conceptual hair designs through to attending your wedding to ensure the entire look is maintained from start to finish.

Start your planning for the big day now, give the team at Ross Poole a call and arrange your consultation.

Telephone - 01628 298384 Email - events@rosspoole.com Website - www.rosspoole.com Facebook - Ross Poole Cookham

Not just the ladies!

Ross Poole offer their services to both sexes. For the groom, pre wedding skincare, manicures and hair on the day are all part of their portfolio

Red Carpet Treatment However, you don’t have to be getting married to get one of Ross Poole’s bespoke treatment packages - the Red Carpet Treatment allows any client to have a tailor made service. This could be getting pampered for a VIP event, or preparation for a family function. All treatments are specific to your requirements to make your Red Carpet treatment bespoke and unique to you.

LINGERIE NIGHTWEAR ACTIVEWEAR SWIMWEAR

11 The Broadway, Old Amersham, Bucks. HP7 0HL Tel: 01494 725711 www.odettelingerie.co.uk Hours: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30

WEDDINGS

Top tips for choosing your perfect wedding venue

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the first, and one of the most important, decisions you’ll make when it comes to planning your wedding, so you want to get it right. Audrey, of Sapphire Weddings and Events, a High Wycombebased wedding and events planners, offers her advice on the factors to consider before making that all important booking.

SPECIAL OFFER

COMPLIMENTARY ON THE DAY MANAGEMENT for everyone who books their full planning service!

Quote “LIFE” when enquiring!

Audrey: 07712 332054 info@sapphireweddingsandevents.co.uk www.sapphireweddingsandevents.co.uk

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Location

Timings

You don’t have to get married in the area where you live but do take into account how easy it will be for your guests to get to the venue and stay onsite, or at least nearby. If you have a lot of international guests, the venue’s proximity to an airport is important. Will you want your ceremony, reception and evening party to take place in one place? If not, how do you plan on transferring guests between venues?

If you have to get married on a specific date at a specific time then you may have to book way in advance, especially if you’re hoping for a peak, summer season date. It’s not unusual for couples to book their venue a year or 18 months before their wedding day in order to get their chosen date.

Unless you’re willing and able to be flexible, you will need to take this into account.

Budget

Whether it’s the first or fifth venue that you see which steals your heart, when you find ‘the one’ always visit it again – more than once. On the second (or even third) visit, ensure you’ve still got that ‘feeling’; talk to as many staff members as possible and ask all those questions you forgot to ask on the first visit. If the venue is hosting a wedding fair, try to go along and see it all dressed up and full of people. You’ll also get a sense of how pleasant the staff team is with guests. If you’re still hooked, now’s the time to start discussing deals!

Visit www.sapphireweddingsandevents.co.uk to find out more about Audrey’s wedding planning services.

Set your venue budget early on to help narrow down your choice. It’s a good idea to call your long list of venues and ask about costs so you only view those in your price range. Your guest list will impact on your budget - the more people you invite, the higher your costs will be. Clarify any hidden costs before you sign any contracts. If you know you’re going to have a lot of guests or your favourite venue is edging towards the higher end of your budget, it’s worth asking about off-season or weekday rates.

Theme Do you prefer a rustic country-garden or more of a modern marquee? Your chosen venue will directly influence the theme of your wedding so if you’re into vintage charm more than contemporary glamour, shortlist your venues accordingly. What type of cuisine would you like to serve and is the venue able to accommodate this? Can you choose and use your own suppliers? Are you able to have your favourite live band play? You may love the idea of bringing the day to a close with fireworks but does the venue allow this? A lot goes into setting the theme of your big day and the venue plays an important role in this – be sure to ask a lot of questions!

Visit (more than once!)

Event catering equipment Providing equipment for venues, professional caterers and private clients.

Delivery and collection service available.

China • Specialist plates • Tableware • Glassware Barware • Kitchenware • Cutlery • Linen

Sorted

WEDDINGS

The Wedding Beauty Guide With all the stress that goes into planning a wedding it can be easy to forget about some of the finer details. Ultimately every bride and groom wants to look and feel their best on their wedding day so here is a countdown that will help you to keep your beauty prep on track so you have one less thing to worry about on your special day.

6 MONTHS BEFORE By now your preparations are coming together and you’ve likely had your fitting. If you have any areas of stubborn fat that you want smoothed down to ensure a perfect fit, now is a great time to look into a CoolSculpting treatment. Coolsculpting is a non-surgical and highly effective way of removing fat, no surgery, no downtime, scars or needles.

Results show within 3 months and are permanent so you can maintain your figure throughout the honeymoon as well!

This is the perfect time to book yourself in for a free consultation with a skin specialist, at MBA Clinics we offer bespoke treatment plans and exclusive offers to suit each bride or groom’s needs.

If you have any skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne or scarring come in to speak with our specialist skincare experts at MBA Clinics who can assess your conditions and advise you on the best course of action. Using the M22 Skin Rejuvenation platform we can smooth scars, resurface the skin and give a total rejuvenation treatment, whilst treating conditions such as rosacea, acne, pigmentation and more.

Looking to be hair-free for your wedding and honeymoon? This is a great time to begin laser hair removal treatment. Using LightSheer diode laser technology, we can treat all body areas and skin types to achieve smooth, hair-free skin for your big day.

3 MONTHS BEFORE To ensure that your skin is clean and refreshed in time we recommend starting a facial routine around this time. To give your skin a thorough clean and achieve a fresh and radiant glow, a Hydrafacial is the perfect solution. By removing dead skin cells and extracting clogged pores it leaves your skin clean and refreshed while it deeply infuses skin booster serums to plump and encourage new skin cells. A series of three treatments, one month apart will leave you with a smooth base for perfect makeup application.

If you are looking for plumper lips, defined cheekbones, or perhaps to address deeper lines, our resident Doctor or Nurse are on hand to help with an array of facial contouring treatments. Temporary fillers such as Juvederm which contains hyaluronic gel – a protein naturally produced by our body help to achieve a perfect defined look.

A less invasive alternative is available for contouring as well, using Radio Frequency we can perform a skin tightening treatment on all areas of the body and face.

Our resident make-up artist is available to apply a trial makeover for you and our bridal party so you can ensure a flawless finish on the actual day.

2 MONTHS BEFORE With the big day fast approaching you can now have 86 SEPTEMBER 2018

your muscle relaxing injections, we always advise a look that simply enhances your natural beauty.

We can soften deep expression lines and minimize pores for a more youthful look while maintaining a natural movement in the facial muscles.

Another option is to treat yourself to a skin peel. At MBA Clinics we recommend VIPeel, a simple, pain-free procedure specifically formulated to rejuvenate aging skin and help prevent future damage. Within 7 days it can soften fine lines and wrinkles, restore a more even skin tone and smooth away rough skin texture.

BEFORE

1 MONTH BEFORE Almost there!

It’s time to relax (as much as possible) knowing you are well prepared for the day. Continue with your treatment plan provided to you by your specialist, have your routine facial or touch up on any filler or muscle relaxing injections if needed.

Finally, soothe away the stress with a relaxing massage and you are officially ready for one of the most important days of your life!

All of the mentioned treatments are available at MBA Clinics, contact the team to hear our exclusive offers or to book your free consultation.

AFTER

WEDDINGS

How picking the

right bridal underwear

can be just as important as picking the right dress!

Wearing the right bridal lingerie will give you the structure and support, to take on your most special day with confidence. From bras to bustiers, shapewear to stockings, we take a look at this seasons bridal lingerie options.

When to purchase: It’s crucial you have purchased your dress before you shop for your bridal lingerie. You will then have a clear idea if you are looking for a bra and bottoms, corset or a solution based option. When you have decided on your dress, it’s a good idea to take different underwear options with you to a fitting so you know what works with your dress before making a bridal lingerie purchase.

Fitting: As with the sizing of dresses, sizes of bridal underwear will vary depending on where you make your purchase. Brides can often see a fluctuation in their sizing in the lead up to the wedding, so it’s important to be fitted to ensure you make the correct purchase.

White or Colour?

The expectation is that brides are to wear pure white or ivory when it comes to selecting bridal lingerie. But as well as the more traditional colours, this season sees the options spreading into beautiful pastels or you may just need nude.

Shapewear: A need for shapewear will depend on your style of dress, and how comfortable you will feel wearing it. Making a choice for a slinky, fitted dress will mean it’s more likely you will need shapewear. Often brides feel more empowered knowing they have the structured support of shapewear under their dress. If you do go for this option, you can always have a romantic and sexy option to change into later!

Odette offer the full bridal lingerie service, including fitting and help with selection. They very much encourage a return to the wonderfully romantic tradition of the Wedding Trousseau.

“From designing and making wedding dresses at one point in my career, through to providing the full wedding Trousseau for some very special customers over the years, I have always had an affinity with this very special occasion and appreciate how important the lingerie is in not only providing a perfect foundation for the big star, the Dress but also in making the bride feel at her most beautiful both during and after the all important ceremony “ Liz Brighton – Owner of Odette.

Call to book an appointment, or pop into the store. Odette Lingerie 11 The Broadway, Old Amersham, Bucks HP7 OHL. 01494 725711 88 SEPTEMBER 2018

WEDDINGS

This image and right: Photo: Marie Ashby-Giles Photography

We will keep everything on track and stress-free.

The perfect wedding doesn’t just happen; it takes many hours of planning and organisation to deliver the dream day. A wedding planner will keep everything streamlined and stress-free so you can enjoy the planning and excitement of your wedding without worrying about the little things in the lead up to your big day.

Wedding planners can help you coordinate your entire day.

You’ve got the ring…

Now hire your wedding planner!

Photo: Paul Talbot Photography

Getting married is simultaneously the most wonderful and most stressful experience that couples will share together. Brides tend to have an idea on how they would like their day to be and bringing those ideas to life is not always as straightforward as we hope and expect.

A

udrey from Sapphire Weddings & Events tells us her top 5 reasons why hiring a wedding planner will ensure that the planning is stress-free, your budget stays on track and every aspect is looked after as the big day goes from just an idea to the last few moments of the evening.

We will keep your wedding YOUR wedding.

Most venues and suppliers will have a number of weddings they look after and have their “usual” way of doing things. Your wedding should be unique and perfect, standing out from the countless other weddings you have attended. Herein lies the challenge the wedding planner will help you overcome!

90 SEPTEMBER 2018

Although your wedding will be a once in a lifetime experience, wedding planners live and breathe the wedding industry. They are there to help with all those special touches that will bring the wow factor and make your day talked about for many years to come.

We will keep you on budget.

No matter how high your budget, most couples end up spending more than they thought on their wedding.

However, wedding planners are not only skilled in budgeting, they are skilled negotiators who can explore alternatives with vendors and suggest ways to help you stay within your means – leaving you with less stress and more to spend on the honeymoon!

We will provide so much more than planning.

With full planning, partial planning or on the day coordination, you can get as little or as much support as you need. With years of experience we can offer advice, guidance and can seamlessly handle any unforeseen situation on the day– we can even mediate family discussions! All this leaves you with nothing more to do than look gorgeous and enjoy your special day.

SPECIAL OFFER

COMPLIMENTARY ON THE DAY MANAGEMENT for everyone who books their full planning service!

Quote “LIFE” when enquiring!

Audrey: 07712 332054 info@sapphireweddingsandevents.co.uk www.sapphireweddingsandevents.co.uk

WEDDINGS

Taking the next big step in your relationship?

I

f you’re planning to get married or move in together, it’s easy to become caught up in the excitement of the moment. But it is important to think carefully about the legal implications of such decisions. While your enthusiasm shouldn’t be curbed, it is important that you take legal advice before signing on the dotted line, as Sue Andrews, family partner at B P Collins, explains.

One of the most common misconceptions people make is to think that if they move into a partner’s home and contribute to the mortgage and the household bills, it confers an interest in that property.

The reality, however, is that if you aren’t married then you don’t have the same rights as those who are married or in a civil partnership. If you are planning to move in together, think about having an agreement setting out each of your rights and responsibilities in relation to the property.

If you are planning to buy a house with a partner then you should consider how that property is owned. For instance, if you are contributing more in terms of the deposit or mortgage repayments and are to be entitled to a greater share, you need to ensure that the documentation reflects this, because if not, you may find the property is owned equally.

If parents are providing monies to help with the purchase then unless those funds are a gift to both parties, consideration needs to be given to how the legal title is held and whether a loan agreement or other agreement needs to be prepared. This actually applies whether you are married, in a civil partnership or living together.

For those planning to marry or enter a civil partnership, you might want to think about a prenuptial agreement and if so, you should discuss this as early as possible.

92 SEPTEMBER 2018

Such agreements are especially valued by people not marrying for the first time and who want to safeguard their assets to pass on to their children, or where one or both parties have significant assets that they want to protect.

People often say a pre-nup isn’t romantic or that seeking one implies a lack of trust. But the opposite is true. A pre-nup should spark a discussion about what you both want to achieve and what would be a fair and realistic way of dealing with matters in the event of separation. It’s important to note the emphasis on the word “agreement”, since it’s not about one party imposing terms on another.

An open, honest and frank discussion at the outset is a great basis for a marriage.

To speak in confidence with Sue Andrews or a member of B P Collins’ family team, please call 01753 889995 or email your enquiry to enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk

“If you are planning to move in together, think about having an agreement setting out each of your rights and responsibilities in relation to the property”

Stenstrรถms Canali Gant Eton Paul & Shark Jacob Cohen Fynch Hatton Gran Sasso Roy Robson Schneiders Hiltl Brax L.B.M Dubarry Barkers Stemar Crockett & Jones

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a ge : ROS E B AN K D E N TA L

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Put your best

foot forward “Research shows that 80% of business executives say shoes are “extremely important” in creating the right impression in the working environment”

96 SEPTEMBER 2018

Y

ou can tell a lot about a person by their footwear. The shoes you choose are as important as the rest of your outfit. They are the proverbial ‘icing on the cake’. So whether you are wearing brogues, boots, sneakers or trainers in leather, suede or fabric, there is a lot to be said the footwear you chose for each outfit.

Research shows that 80% of business executives say shoes are “extremely important” in creating the right impression in the working environment and the same is true for any occasion.

You are unlikely to go for a run in a leather soled pair of brogues (unless running for the train) similarly you would probably not attend a wedding in trainers.

That said, your choice of footwear doesn’t have to be boring, after all it is as much an extension of your personality as a tie or pocket square, so think it through as much as the rest of your outfit.

The choice can be daunting however, the options are endless, colours, styles and materials, the world is your oyster. To help resolve this problem, there’s much to be said for adopting your own ‘signature style’, after all you need more than one pair of shoes to complement your wardrobe. Also bear in mind that there is nothing wrong with keeping up with the latest trends, but you need to know what suits you.

Another important point to remember is that your shoes will not look after themselves. Regular cleaning and polishing is essential and should the heal or soul wear out they can easily be replaced.

Contact us to find out the best place to get this done. So put your best foot forward, and you won’t look back.

Barker Shoes available at Andrew Gardner, The Tanyard, Tring Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire HP22 6ND 01296 625488 SEPTEMBER 2018 97

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION SEE YOU IN COURT The term ‘Sustainability’, once the preserve of hemp-heavy Add a touch of glamour to your outfit with these deep cut silver leather courts with 10cm heels. These are alegant and classic shoes in a blue silver shade. By MY25. £299, www.houseofbotta.com

KEEP IT COSY

WE LOVE This gorgeous silk maxi slip in the limited edition stars and swallows print. £295, www.jessica russellflint.co.uk

Maxi wrap, pashmina, travel wrap... call it what you will but this luxury grey accessory, with cashmere, is so fabulously ample that it will keep the chill off shoulders on summer evenings and ensure you’re cosy through colder months too. This grey herringbone cashmere and merino cover up is truly versatile. Wear it to cover up after yoga, throw it on with jeans or finish off your wedding guest outfit perfectly. £89, www.tollymcrae.co.uk

well groomed

GORGEOUS IN GREY This gorgeous light grey shoulder bag, which can also be used as a clutch, features a secure zip fastening and internal pocket. An elephant and the words ‘Lets Work For Wildlife’ are debossed on the front of the bag, with the ZSL logo debossed on the back ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is an international wildlife charity working around the world to protect animals and their habitats. By purchasing anything from Sophie Allport’s Elephant collection you are contributing to ZSL’s vital work. £26, www.sophieallport.com 98 SEPTEMBER 2018

Smart and stylish, this Ted Baker Mens Black Brogue Monkian Manicure Set features five useful tools; tweezers, nail clippers, nail scissors, cuticle tool and nail file - everything a gentleman needs to look after his nails and keep them looking great.

Ted Baker Mens - Black Brogue Monkian Manicure Set, £34.95, www.hurnandhurn.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

ELLIE GOULDING’S BEAUTY BITES W The singer might not be able to contour, but she’s always been interested in beauty. words: Prudence Wade ith her signature golden locks and fresh-faced look, Ellie Goulding’s beauty aesthetic is almost as iconic as her catchy pop songs.

The 31-year-old has a packed schedule of studio sessions, travelling and performing, which no doubt makes it hard to stay on top of a self-care regime. Even though she’s not the type of person who’ll be first in line for the latest make-up palette, Goulding is still interested in beauty - in particular, she has an unmitigated obsession for perfumes and scents. We sat down with the singer to find out a bit about taming her hair, what’s in her makeup bag and how she takes care of herself.

Her attitude to beauty...

“My earliest memory of beauty is my mum letting me do her make-up for her,” Goulding says. Proving she’s one of the most relatable celebs out there, she says: “I would always sneak into her room and steal her foundation because I couldn’t afford make-up myself... which I feel bad about now!”

Goulding has always been into beauty, even if she doesn’t know how to contour, and is jealous of her sister who does. Luckily, working in the industry she does, Goulding has been able to pick up a lot of tips from the professionals.

These don’t even have to involve expensive products or complicated techniques. “One make-up artist was a big believer in the spoon in the freezer method,” Goulding says. “You put it under your eyes before applying any makeup and it settles down the face if you’re a bit swollen.”

Her iconic hair...

Ever since bursting onto the scene and winning the Critics’ Choice Award at the 2010 Brit Awards, Goulding has been instantly recognisable for her tousled blonde mane.

“I’ve always been known for my long, wild and crazy hair,” Goulding says, but it hasn’t always been honey blonde.

“When I was a teenager I had 100 SEPTEMBER 2018

a very unique look and was a bit of a goth - I dyed my hair black, had my lip pierced and wore lots of eyeliner.”

Even before this, Goulding’s mum would try her best to tame her unruly mane. “She would do it into a really tight French plait so she didn’t have to deal with it for a few days, but when it came out my hair would be massive!” she says.

After taking charge of her own hairstyle, it’s become a way for Goulding to express her individuality. “I’ve always been androgynous,” she explains. “And I guess my hair made me kind of feminine.”

What’s in her make-up bag...

• Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence, £77, Space NK “I use this spray every day and it honestly saves my life. I spray it directly on my face in the morning which wakes me up, I use it to take make-up off and I use it on a flight when my skin’s dehydrated. It’s a really good staple thing to have in your bathroom, and you can get mini versions to put in your handbag.”

• Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Mascara, £26, Space NK “I always bang on about this mascara. It doesn’t come off and give you a black mark around your eyes, instead it peels off in the shower when it gets warm. It’s so good - I don’t use any other mascara than this one at the moment.”

• doTERRA Peppermint Mentha Piperita, £22.95, Amazon “I really do believe in aromatherapy oils. I carry a humidifier around with me and I put oils in it depending on how I’m feeling. DoTerra does all all kinds of oils - you can put them under your nose for clearer breathing or you can put them on your pulse points to relax or energise, and I think they really do work.”

• Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Repair & Protect, £1.98, Superdrug “At the moment my hair is in such good condition that I don’t have to do anything to it. I’m not saying that in a boastful way, it just really makes a difference using Pantene’s Three Minute Miracle. It puts my hair into a place where I don’t need to do that much to it which is amazing, because I don’t really have time to.”

• Coco Calming Face Mist, £6, 60ml, The Body Shop “I’m a bit of a perfume nerd, and I really love finding different perfumes - I’ve got everything from Le Labo to Tom Ford which are amazing, but I also really like The Body Shop’s Coco Mist.

It smells like a dream and it’s not expensive or anything. It shows that you don’t need to spend a thousand pounds on a good perfume or scent.”

Ellie Goulding is a Pantene ambassador. To find out more about Pantene Shampoo Pro-V Nutrient Blends go to pantene.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

KEEP ON MOVING

FOR A HEALTHY RETIREMENT

Y

ou may be giving up work and planning to take things a little easier, but advice from medical experts is clear – don’t retire to the couch!

As more and more of the Baby Boomer generation reach retirement age, doctors are urging them to stay fit and active in order to enjoy their ‘after work’ years.

A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that the best way to cut the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression and even Alzheimer’s, was to “keep on moving”.

But many people who would like to take more exercise are held back because of pain in their knees or hips causing a vicious circle of little to no exercise, leading to deteriorating health.

Explained Spire Harpenden’s orthopaedic consultant Mr Paul Whittingham-Jones: “Many patients feel able to put up with a ‘niggle’ in the hip or knee but, as things start to worsen, some patients are worried that they will not be able to do things like golf, rambling or gardening following surgery.

“Some patients may feel that they are too old for surgery – others feel they are too young and just to persevere with what can be quite severe symptoms.

“As symptoms worsen patients can find themselves doing less and less physical exercise.

Unfortunately some feel they have to give up activities they love such as golf or gardening 102 SEPTEMBER 2018

“A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that the best way to cut the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression and even Alzheimer’s, was to “keep on moving””

because their hips or knees hurt too much. With careful surgery and good physiotherapy people can get back to many of the activities they have missed.

“While joint replacements might be required, frequently following discussion and with imaging such as X-Rays and MRI scans, some problems can be helped with physiotherapy or indeed by more minor surgical intervention. Not everyone with a hip or knee problem needs a replacement.

Certainly patients should not feel that hip or knee pain is just something that has to be tolerated.

There are a number of treatment options and surgical procedures that, when performed carefully, can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.

Mr Whittingham-Jones specialises in orthopaedic surgery for hips and knees. He treats all his patients with understanding and comfort, ensuring a high standard of treatment and care throughout.

Spire Harpenden Hospital From initial consultation, through to treatment and rehabilitation, we are here to support you through your patient journey on the road to recovery, with no hidden costs or waiting lists, weekend and evening appointments and with a specialist consultant.

Visit www.spireharpenden.com to find out how you can get back to doing the things you love.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Food to feed your skin Why the key to your skincare regime might be in the kitchen cupboard 1. OATS

Many of us long for naturally glowing skin without having to break the bank achieving it; however, the chances are you probably already own many of the key ingredients for your glowing skincare routine – you’re probably just looking in the wrong place!

With celebrities including Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow using real foods in their skincare regime, we reveal the fresh foods that mean your skincare regime may be hiding in the kitchen cupboard!

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With advocates including the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and the Duchess of Cambridge, using oats in your daily skincare routine might be the key to giving you that Hollywood glow. The parchmentlike texture of oats makes them an effective exfoliator for those with very sensitive skin. Oats are effective in fighting dull, flaky dryness as they contain polysaccharides, which become gelatinous in water. They form a fine protective film when applied on the skin. Furthermore, their lipids and protein content also allows them to nourish and moisturise, making them the ultimate skin soother.

Try wrapping a handful of Nairn’s rolled oats (RRP £2.00, Sainsbury’s) in a small piece of muslin cloth for an easy homemade natural body scrub that cleanses and hydrates.

thus exfoliating and nourishing your skin at the same time. However if you’re looking for a natural facemask with pomegranate extract, try Janjira’s Pomegranate & Acai Facial Mask (RRP £20.00, www.janjira.co.uk).

5. MATCHA Due to its high content of chlorophyll Matcha powder is a powerful detoxifier. This allows it to deeply cleanse the skin and help reduce inflammation while at the same time not containing any harsh chemicals. If you choose high grade Matcha powder such as Clearspring’s Matcha shot (RRP £6.25, www.clearspring.co.uk) you can simply mix with few drops of water, or plain yoghurt for a thicker consistency, for a natural facemask that will soothe and nourish the skin.

2. RAW CACAO

6. AVOCADO

Another natural skin booster that can be found in the kitchen is raw cacao. Full of potent antioxidants, it can help reduce inflammation and puffiness. Apply a small amount of melted raw cacao – the higher cacao quality the better – such as OMBAR 90% Cacao, to the face and leave for 5 – 10 minutes then rinse with tepid water.

Avocado may be the Instagram-food-of-themoment but did you know it’s also a staple of Kim Kardashain’s skincare regime? The healthy fats in avocados naturally moisturise your skin and reduce any inflammation. The oils of avocado are also very closely matched to the natural oils in your skin, so it will nourish and help to restore your skin’s glow at the end of a busy day. For a natural avocado facemask simply mix mashed avocado with Greek yoghurt and honey and leave for 5- 10 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

3. SESAME OIL Oils are a 3-in-1 staple that will transform your beauty regime. Use either to remove stubborn mascara, or as a hair mask. It’s also great to use as a moisturiser before you shower to lock in that essential moisture keep your skin smooth and silky throughout the day. For a light oil that isn’t too greasy, try Clearspring Organic Sesame Oil (£5.89, www.clearspring.co.uk).

4. POMEGRANATE If you’re looking for a new exfoliator, try crushing pomegranate seeds for a natural remedy. When the seeds are ground up they release their antioxidant nutrients

7. GREEN TEA Next time you indulge in a facemask, ditch the cucumber and opt for dampened Green Tea teabags such as Clearspring’s Matcha Green Tea (£3.99, clearspring.co.uk). Their natural anti-oxidants will help to reduce puffiness and dark circles round the eyes, leaving you feeling fresh faced with any traces of tiredness banished!

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

THE UK’S FIRST WINE SPA Here’s what it’s like to bathe in Merlot. WORDS: KATIE WRIGHT

I

t’s well known that drinking wine has health benefits (as long as it’s in moderation), but is bathing in plonk good for your skin?

That’s what I aimed to find out when I paid a visit to London’s luxurious Ella Di Rocco Medispa to try the UK’s first wine spa treatment.

‘Winetherapy’ began in Bordeaux, France. The theory is that a substance called polyphenol - which red wine is rich in - helps to tone and exfoliate your skin, while antioxidants fight damage caused by nasty free radicals.

“It’s not the alcohol that’s good for you, it’s the grapes,” explains my friendly therapist Catherine Oswiecinska as I dangle my feet in a warm foot bath scattered with rose petals.

To begin the 90-minute treatment, which takes place in a serene green-walled room, I lie down on a massage bed and Oswiecinska uses a pair of dry brushes to sweep away dead skin all over my body, working on one area at a time so I stay nice and warm beneath my towels.

It’s quite alarming how much dust is created, proving that I really needed this thorough exfoliation, and it’s said to improve circulation and banish cellulite, too, which is a bonus.

The brushing is followed up with a Goretti natural body scrub made with cornflour, red vine leaves and red wine to open up my pores in preparation for the main event.

The deep bath, which is filled with warm water, two bottles of sangiovese and merlot wine plus virgin grape juice (for added antioxidants) is ready for me to hop into, the dark purple waters steaming and fragrant.

I’m given a glass of merlot to sip (better quality than what’s tipped in the tub, I’m told) and left to

106 SEPTEMBER 2018

soak for around 20 minutes as the wine gets to work on my skin and I feel all the tension in my muscles melt away.

After a quick rinse under the shower (the spa offers disposable underwear, so I swap into a fresh pair), I’m back on the bed for an amazingly relaxing and gentle massage using grape seed oil to replenish my skin with moisture after the scrub and hot soak.

My limbs feel unbelievably soft after but it’s the stress-busting effects of the experience that I can feel most - and not just because of that glass of wine.

Like many people, I struggle to find time to have even a quick dip in the bath at home, so this excuse to indulge in an hour and a half of me time is heavenly.

A boozy bath that rejuvenates both body and mind? I’ll drink to that.

A 90-minute wine treatment at Ella Di Rocco costs £245. www.elladirocco.com

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.

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.

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

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 The Hydrafacial • 1St clinic in england outside London to launch

S-THeTICS MeDICAL AeSTHeTIC CLInIC

Marlborough House, 45 Wycombe end, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LZ

SculpSure, FDA approved body contouring and fat reduction treatment • Cosmetic injectables including Juvederm facial fillers and muscle relaxing injections • Laser skin rejuvenation • Femilift treatment for laser vaginal tightening • Radiofrequency skin tightening and microneedling • VISIA digital skin imaging

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

– 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

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.”

“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 ‘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, Coutts Magazine and more.

WInneR OF ‘Clinic Reception Team of the Year, UK and Ireland’ At the 2016 / 2017 Aesthetics Awards

Tatler One of Four Super Clinics located outside London in the ‘2018 / 2019 Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Guide’ P. 01494 670990 e. info@sthetics.co.uk www.sthetics.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

SMILE WITH CONFIDENCE

We continue our series of reader’s questions with our Award winning Dentist Dr Shameek Popat For this issue we are going to talk about teeth or more to the point replacement for missing teeth ….

Q. What are dental implants, are they screwed into your jaw or your tooth roots?

A. I am going to concentrate this month’s edition on Dental Implants and try and give you basic understanding on dentistry’s exciting field. I have touched on the subject in previous editorials but am happy to go over it again as it’s an exciting field.

Dental Implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jaw bone. They are used to replace missing teeth and they can be used to support one or more false teeth. Research indicates that dental implants biocompatible surface actually stimulates the required fusion with the bone. Once that has been achieved, the crown, bridge or whole tooth replacement can be fixed to the implant or implants to feel and function like natural teeth.

Implants are a well-established, tried and tested treatment. Over 95% of modern implants should last for many years with the right care. More people than ever are choosing dental implants as the preferred tooth replacement therapy. That’s because people are discovering that implants not only feel secure and stable, allowing them to speak and eat clearly, but they look natural as well. And there’s another bonusbecause they help prevent bone loss, implants can help to maintain a more youthful appearance!

Q. Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?

A. Regardless of the cause of tooth loss, dental implants can be a simple, proven lasting solution for restoring teeth. After a thorough examination of your medical history, your dentist can advise you whether dental implants may be the right solution for you. There is no upper age limit.

Nevertheless, it does depend on the condition of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a 110 SEPTEMBER 2018

number of special tests to find out the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, it may be possible for the bone to be built up by grafting bone into the area first. This will be an extra procedure prior to placing the implant.

Also, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes or other clinical conditions may interfere with an implants integration process and its ultimate long term success. Patients who grind their teeth at night must also undertake a careful evaluation with their dentist.

Q. Do Implants hurt?

A. The big question! Placing the implant means a small operation and can be performed using a simple local anaesthetic, and sometimes with sedation if you are nervous. Sometimes the dentist may need to use general anaesthetic for complex cases. You will not feel any pain during the procedure but you may feel discomfort during the week after the surgery.

Q. How long does the treatment take?

A. Your dentist will be able to give you a rough timetable before the treatment starts but usually the permanent teeth are fitted 3-6 months after the implants are put in. In a minority of cases, it may take up to a year for the implant to fully integrate with the bone.

Q. How long do they last?

A. How long implants and the new teeth last depends primarily on how well your teeth are cared for. If you have good oral hygiene, including good home care and regular dental re care visits, your implants can lasts for many years, possibly up to an entire lifetime.

Q. Is there any complication or risk?

A. Careful preparation and implementation of implant treatment reduces risk to a minimum.

However, Implant treatment is a surgical procedure and as such it is associated with certain risks.

Under normal circumstances, the swelling and mild pain which may occur often disappear after a few days. Periodontitis (gum disease), poor oral hygiene, inadequate wound healing, smoking,or serious general disease (e.g. diabetes) may be a contraindication for dental implants. Your dentist will be glad to provide you with information about potential complications and risks.

Q. Is the treatment expensive?

A. Unfortunately, yes. However, in many situations the cost is only a little more than the cost of more conventional treatment with crowns and bridges.

Over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost effective and satisfactory option. There are advantages to having an implant. An implant to replace a single tooth avoids the need to cut down teeth either side for crowns to support a bridge.

Implants can also help anchor a denture better so they do not move around.

However, it is best to discuss the different treatment options with your dentist and decide on what suits you best and fits with your budget. Please let us know at Rosebank Dental Practice if you have any questions or would like to come in for a Consult.

Keep on Smiling!

For any further information or questions please contact Rosebank Dental Practice, Shire Lane, Chorleywood, Herts, WD3 5NH. www.rosebankdental.co.uk. email: info@rosebankdental.co.uk

“I’ve been going to MBA clinics for over a decade now and cannot emphasise enough how great the service and treatments are. Each clinic is designed beautifully with exceptional staff who make every visit so pleasant”

TOP 7 TREATMENTS

WE OFFER AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF AESTHETIC AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS, INCLUDING:

Laser and IPL We use the industry leading M22 and AcuPulse devices to offer a range of laser and IPL skin rejuvenation treatments, including acne, pigmentation, rosacea, veins, vascular and more.

VIPeel A simple, pain free treatment specifically formulated to rejuvenate skin and prevent future damage. In as little as 7 days it can soften fine lines and wrinkles, restore a more even skin tone and smooth away rough texture.

Obagi Award-winning skincare range offering a wide range of solutions to skin concerns such as pigmentation, ageing and acne.

Hydrafacial Advanced vortex technology deeply cleanses the skin, delivering botanical ingredients and powerful antioxidants to counteract damage and achieve healthy, glowing skin.

Kleresca® A breakthrough treatment, using the power of biophotonics to safely treat your acne and stimulate the tissue’s own repair systems Ultraformer III Medically approved face lifting and body tightening device, with proven effectiveness in treating fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and laxity.

Coolsculpting The only FDA cleared non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that is resistant to exercise.

Get in touch for more information on our full range of treatments.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS YOUR BESPOKE TREATMENT PLAN

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Back to School: How much is too much pressure?

WORDS: Dr Shireen Saluja,

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

D

o you remember your childhood and the activities that you did as a child.

Was there ever a time where you felt you had too much on your plate in school and very little time for yourself. School is a place where we go to grow mentally, physically and emotionally. It is where we learn many of our first human interactions; learn about our strengths, weaknesses and emotional connections. Many children enter school with a great ability to excel, but over time find themselves struggling due to school pressure. Pressures can come in many different forms on children:

List of Pressures: • Parenting Pressures to excel • Exams • Friendships • Social Media • Puberty • Family Dynamics • Extra Circular activities • Relationships • Body image • Medical conditions Etc. What should you do when school pressure seems to present an issue for your child? The first and foremost important thing to do is be able to recognize when pressure is becoming more than what your child can handle.

List of Physical Symptoms: • Decrease appetite, changes in their eating habits.

• Weight gain or loss • Headaches • Regression to bedwetting • Night terrors or changes in sleep • Stomach pain • Physical pain • Self-harm behaviours (cutting) • Changes in hygiene • Tiredness/Fatigue 112 SEPTEMBER 2018

Once you recognise that your child may be under pressure, it is imperative to create a plan.

1) Discuss with your child what you have witnessed or noticed 2) Change their schedule to provide less activity and more “self-care” time.

3) Identify to them that you will not be upset if they stop certain activities 4) encourage them to speak to you and discuss changes that they may be facing. And finally 5) encourage them to create a plan of action on their own or with you. Giving your child some power of their self-care will enable them to become adults who can manage their time, physical symptoms and emotional symptoms more adequately.

Conversations should be open and engaging so your child is felt understood and heard. A child should feel safe to tell their parents that they are fatigued and they may not want to continue engaging in a certain school activity. It is our job as parents to help facilitate this, by encouraging communication and helping our child find their happiness.

It is imperative that we teach our children to recognise their feelings and emotions and not shy away from them. These children later become more emotionally intelligent adults, which in turn creates a healthier and happier individual.

Call us now on 0207 717 9022 info@buckinghamshirepsychology.co.uk www.buckinghamshirepsychology.com

“A child should feel safe to tell their parents that they are fatigued and they may not want to continue engaging in a certain school activity”

Quality eye care Quality eye wear at a fair price

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

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Stay Smiling This Winter

This month we ask Your Doctor’s Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa how to protect and boost our immune system as we head towards the colder months.

Q. How can I boost my immune system this winter?

A: Reduced sunlight can disrupt our sleeping cycles, reduce our desire to exercise and can affect our vitamin D intake. Make sure you go out into the natural light every day and ensure you have a good diet packed with healthy fruit, vegetables and fibre, and give a wide berth to unhealthy comfort foods. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E and they can be found particularly in purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables. Smoking also affects your immune system so get support to help quit if you are a smoker.

Q. How does a flu vaccination work?

A: Flu vaccines work by producing antibodies to fight off the disease without infecting us with the actual disease. The vaccine can identify the disease if it were to come into contact with our body and will release the antibodies needed to fight it off. For children, a flu nasal spray is usually issued which contains live but weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. The spray will help the child build up their immunity to flu, without symptoms.

Q. Can you catch the flu from a flu vaccine?

A: The vaccine contains inactivated flu viruses, making it near impossible for it to give you the flu.

The location of where the injection was given may feel sore and some people may experience a slight temperature and aching muscles for a few days, but it is well worth having the flu vaccine to protect you.

Q. What should I do if I get the flu?

A: If you get the flu, it is important to rest, stay 114 SEPTEMBER 2018

as comfortable as possible, drink plenty of water throughout the day, take a paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and ease the aches and pains if needed. If you feel as though you need to seek advice, visit your local pharmacist who can provide treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. If your symptoms haven’t improved after a week, call 111 or speak to your GP. Q. Who should get the flu vaccine?

A: You are eligible for the flu vaccine if you are 65 years of age or older, are pregnant, are a carer, or have certain medical conditions such as heart and liver disease or respiratory diseases like asthma.

Children are eligible if they are over six months with a long-term health condition, aged between two and three years old, or are in reception or years one to four at school.

Q. Should I get a three strain or four-strain flu vaccine?

A: Every year the strains of flu change and the World Health Organisation carefully analyses which ones are most likely to be circulating in the coming winter months. The four-strain vaccine is said to be better matched against circulating strains than the three-strain vaccine as it protects against two A trains and two B strains, whereas the three strain vaccine protects only against two A strains and one B strain. You can get the three-strain vaccine free on the NHS, but the increased protection of the four-strain vaccine can be purchased privately. The nasal spray vaccine for children already contains the four-strain vaccine.

0330 088 2020. www.your-doctor.co.uk

“Flu vaccines work by producing antibodies to fight off the disease without infecting us with the actual disease”

HOuse &

garden – Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AG E : ORI G IN L E ISUR E

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS BRIGHTEN UP Nothing rhymes with orange but the Grand Blotch cushion certainly goes with it. They do love orange at Rume and have been known to cover whole sofas in it, however, even just a cushion in the gleeful hue will make a cheerful impact on any interior. www.rume.co.uk

WILD FOR WALNUT

In a striking shift away from the light blonde woods evident in Scandinavian style that have been popular in recent years, earthy tones and dark woods are making a huge comeback. So, with a rise in popularity for seventies style and woods like mango and walnut, Wooden Furniture Store are proud to showcase their Mayan furniture range. This contemporary yet classic range features carefully designed pieces for every room, from the living room, dining room and home office, to storage essentials for the hallway. www.wooden-furniture-store.co.uk

Dive into Danish design

MEXICAN FLAIR

Give your walls some Mexican flair – this beautifully designed piece takes direct inspiration from one of Frida’s most famous self-portraits and has been recreated in high-quality steel. The piece features an incredible geometric recreation of Frida’s iconic face and floral headpiece. www.redcandy.co.uk

Modernist Manhattan style

Take a trip back in time to 1930’s New York! All smooth lines and curved edges, the Hickman Sofa is sure to make a statement in your living room. With a sleek silhouette, this sofa is fitted with steel legs and upholstered in a neutral cream fabric that will blend seamlessly into your décor. Featuring a beautiful black marble base and brass stem, the Margot Table Lamp. radiates luxury. Topped with a black fabric shade which is finished with a gold lining to a create soft and soothing light, this lamp will bring a warm ambience to your surroundings. www.distinctify.com 118 SEPTEMBER 2018

Bring a minimal Scandinavian vibe to your home with the house doctor homeware collection, now available at Hurn & Hurn. This sleek and stylish range of home accessories includes mirrors, lights and vases, all finished with a clean, contemporary aesthetic and metallic touches. Perfect for adding a luxe touch to your interiors. www.hurnandhurn.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

ORLA KIELY: ‘Colour and print can lift your spirits like nothing else’

No one knows pattern like Orla Kiely. Gabrielle Fagan catches up with the designer to find out how it can make you happy.

Noticing, coincides with a major exhibition, Orla Kiely: A Life In Pattern, at The Fashion and Textile Museum, London, until September 23, 2018.

The designer reveals how it all began, her inspirations, and her tips on decorating the Orla Kiely way...

What first inspired your designs?

“Growing up just outside Dublin, I was aware of nature and I loved art at school. I’d always wanted to do fashion at art college - my sewing machine was my most treasured possession - until I discovered the option of printed textiles.

“As a student, I was very drawn to architecture, which influenced my earliest print designs, the strong geometric lines dictating how the pattern would work was something I loved. These early influences are still there, often informing the structure of repeats throughout.”

O

rla Kiely’s renowned globally as the Queen of Prints - and it’s a welldeserved title. The Irish-born motherof-two, who began by designing hats and handbags in the early Nineties, has seen her retro motifs - most famously stems and pears adorn everything from housewares to wallpaper and clothes. Her latest book, A Life In Pattern: And How It Can Make You Happy Without You Even

120 SEPTEMBER 2018

How did your business begin?

“If I am ever asked when we first started our label, I think back to working at my kitchen table, designing handbags with Robert, our baby son, on my lap. I had a full-time position as a print designer in the fashion industry on a freelance contract, so those moments were usually after work on the weekend.

“We lived in a purpose-built, first floor Victorian flat, which doubled up as a design studio, office and distribution centre, where boxes of stock were delivered and turned around while I was at work.

“Every day, my husband, Dermott, who had the business skills and entrepreneurial tendencies, would do all the jobs a strong team would normally do, in an office shared with Robert and his toys.

“We financed it ourselves from day one and

“As a student, I was very drawn to architecture, which influenced my earliest print designs”

H OUSE & GARDEN

our lives were invested. Our second son, Hamish, was born - and nothing could have been more motivating than our two little boys depending on us for their all.”

Where do you get your ideas from today?

“Nature’s a great source of pattern ideas. My personal take on nature has always been more abstract and graphic. I absorb inspiration in my travels, reading books, films, going to exhibitions, it never stops. Everyday objects inspire too, they can be interestingly random, which I love. I’ll spot something and store it away for the right moment.”

How would you describe your work?

“It’s clean, controlled and orderly. It has a strong, bold graphic style, where colour plays along. As a design company, we’re always drawn to modernist/ mid-century design and print. This has informed all aspects of our product, from the ready-to-wear collections, fragrance, beauty, handbags, watches, jewellery, homeware, wallpapers and more.

“Our style will always remain quite Sixties and Seventies, but our colours and prints continue to evolve - and we’re always open to off-piste influences for a quirky twist.”

What’s your favourite design?

“I can’t help but say Stem, the simple organic leaf motif. The idea arrived as an inspiration while developing new print designs back in 2000. It was, as all good things often are, a very quick sketch.

It has, for some reason, touched many people throughout the world, and became the seed from which our brand flourished.

“I always think it’s serendipitous, as it so resembles a rowan branch, and Rowan is the family name of my husband and children. It’s proved to be very versatile and has morphed into an array of different variations - I always get excited by the newest iterations.”

How would you describe your own home decor?

“My home is Victorian with a very mid-century aesthetic, original features, cornices, high ceilings and fireplaces. I’ve combined vintage furniture found in fairs and second-hand furniture stores with products we’ve made.

“Growing up in Ireland has had a big influence on my taste for colour. My love for green, from moss to seaweed, the greys and browns of those rainy Irish skies, the mustard and orange of the wildflowers found on the roadside, have become my palette. I mix these with some other bright pops of colour, like pink and yellow.

“Our patterns are present in every room, whether it’s a printed cushion, wallpaper or ceramic, an element of my work will be there. In the kitchen, our tableware adds something special at dinner times, and our towels in the bathrooms add that extra colour and pattern to everyday life.”

122 SEPTEMBER 2018

A Life in Pattern: And How It Can Make You Happy Without You Even Noticing by Orla Kiely, is published by Conran Octopus, priced £25. Available now.

How do people create a successful interior?

“Consider the space and light of the room. Think of those colours that you love the most. Research design eras you love, visit flea markets, vintage fairs and off-beat stores. Find a piece you love - this could be a couch, a table, a light - be open minded.

These objects can inspire and set the tone of where the other rooms can follow. I like to commit to an idea and don’t water it down. Colour and print are very important, it can lift your spirits like nothing else. Most of all, don’t be afraid.

“People have embraced more and more the expression of individualism throughout home interiors. Customers now, will wallpaper entire rooms in our prints and are much more fearless with how they mix their colours.”

H OUSE & GARDEN

Hammered Effect Metal Serving Bowl, Gold: £29

Moda Rocking Chair CD4,Velvet Upholstered Seat, Dark Teal, Walnut/ Gold Finish: £149

Decorative Print Ceramic Bowl, Gold: £13

Grasshopper Metal Floor Lamp in Brass: £119

Decorative Print Ceramic Dinner Plate, Gold: £23

Heather Bar Stool with Backrest,Velvet Upholstered, Teal, 75cm: £129 Set of 4 Square Marble Coasters, White: £21 Dahlia Dining Chair, Velvet Upholstered, Teal: £89

S

LOOK AHEAD: Spruce Up your Interiors for Autumn

pruce up your home for autumn with tranquil tones of teal, mixed with warming woods and metals, and tap into one of the most sophisticated trends of the season.

Shaded Spruce, a dark and dreamy shade of green, was pervasive on the catwalks of 2017 and, like so many trends, has filtered into the most stylish interiors collections of autumn 2018.

This deep, sultry hue conveys both cosiness and serenity, making it perfect for winter interiors.

A colour lifted from nature’s own palette, Shaded Spruce brings the outside in, it’s blue/green tones symbolising growth and renewal. Cult Furniture has embraced Shaded Spruce in their new collection interiors, combining the colourway with rich textures and warm metals for an ultra-luxe effect.

The new Moda Rocking Chair CD4 features a velvet upholstered seat, gold legs and walnut base.

The striking rocker has been inspired by the designs of furniture from Scandinavia, and the balance of rich teal upholstery and walnut wood rocking base invokes images from deep in the forests of Norway.

Shaded Spruce is great for making warm toned pieces ‘pop’. So, for deliciously decadent décor, opt for gold and brass to compliment your teal. Slim, simple and eye-catching, the Grasshopper Metal Floor Lamp in brass from Cult Living ticks off all the boxes for modern home lighting. Influenced by Greta Grossman’s iconic 1940s Gräshoppa Lamp, this architectural piece rests upon a slim yet sturdy base and is finished with a classic curved shade connected by a ball-joint fixture for flexible and directional lighting. Whether it’s nestled up against your sofa or sat next to your bed, it’ll provide a

124 SEPTEMBER 2018

warm glow and make a statement whether it’s switched on or not!

A textured effect adds instant luxury to otherwise modest homewares. Cult Home Hammered Effect Metal Serving Bowl allows you to serve your guests in style and can be used with varieties of foods such as snacks and salad.

The Cult Home Decorative Print Ceramic Bowl and Dinner Plate offer a great entry point to luxe homeware. The statement ceramic tableware has been embossed in gold with an Art Deco effect.

Breakfast bars need not be an exclusively casual affair. Add some Art Deco sparkle to your kitchen with the Cult Living Heather Bar Stool, which features a curved back with stunning quilted detailing, that hugs the contours of the body. Paired with a perfectly placed footrest and metal legs, a comfortable sit is guaranteed.

Putting the ‘Spruce’ in dining table seating is the Cult Living Dahlia Dining Chair. The shapely Dahlia statement chair is upholstered in teal velvet and boasts a modern look. The curved backrest adapts perfectly to the body and makes this chair a very comfortable seat. Perfect for kitchens, bedrooms and offices, with its Scandi-inspired brown oak legs, the Dahlia brings a foresty feel to your interiors.

The Cult Home Set of 4 Square Marble Coasters offer a cooling contrast against the rich tones of walnut and Shaded Spruce. Bringing a Nordic touch to your dinner or breakfast table, the stylish square coasters tie in terrifically with other pieces of metallic tableware through their asymmetric gold stripe. www.cultfurniture.com

“A colour lifted from nature’s own palette, Shaded Spruce brings the outside in, it’s blue/green tones symbolising growth and renewal”

!

US G E TIN SE A !

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

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

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

outdoor living GARDEN INSPIRATION

A stunning range of new home & garden decor is now online at Live Laugh Love, featuring hundreds of gorgeous products. Among these new additions are a whole supply of ideas and inspirations, such as a brand new range of rustic and vintage inspired garden decorations. A series of rustic metalwork sculptures and stakes that have been delicately shaped and made into beautiful designs.

This truly special range can bring a brilliant charm and a wonderful atmosphere to your garden. A beautiful and cost effective way to add a personal touch to your outdoor living space. www.livelaughlove.co.uk

LET IT RAIN

We just love this new showerproof garden cushions range from ragged Rose – perfect for the unpredictable British weather! There are five different designs to choose from.

We have Palm Trees, Tropical Birds, Fern Leaves, Tiger Lily Flowers and Flamingos.

These cushions are 100% polyester, showerproof and UV resistant, so they will not get damaged in the rain or sun. www.raggedrose.com

Pretty Pastels

IBERIAN SUMMER

Whether you’re planning a garden party with friends or a relaxed Al Fresco dinner with family, transform your outdoor space into the perfect summer soirée with this Iberian Summer collection.

Taking inspiration from the sun-drenched streets of the Iberian peninsula, this collection captures all things bright and bold, encompassing the laid-back spirit of the season. www.lights4fun.co.uk 126 SEPTEMBER 2018

Bring pretty pop-pastels in to your garden with The Garden Furniture Centre’s Retro Dining Tables and Chairs collection.

With several colour and style options available, these vintageinspired café sets feature soft and sweet sorbet shades that will perfectly complement your summer garden in bloom. This simplistic yet eye catching collection is perfect for creating your own garden set. The colourful cross back dining chairs with the square table are sure to brighten up your garden and a great choice for alfresco dining with the family. www.gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk

HOUSE H OUSE & GARDEN

THE TROPICAL TREND WORDS: Gabrielle Fagan, Press Association

H

ot weather may make you yearn to escape to a tropical paradise but if that’s beyond the budget, you can easily create your own exotic sanctuary.

Combine vibrant shades and bold palm prints with a sprinkling of tropical touches - it’s one of the easiest ways turn up the style dial in your interior, and add a little sizzle to your space.

So, put away your passport and pick one of these sun-kissed looks...

Wing it with tropical birds “Exotic birds - parrots, flamingos and toucans - are winging their way into our homes, as they’re the perfect way to introduce the colour we’re craving, to give rooms a punchy personality,” says Nadia McCowan Hill, style advisor for online interiors specialist, Wayfair. “Why not flirt with this feathered trend with bold bed linen, cushions, wall art or some eye-catching glassware?

“Alternatively, give an unloved space (such as your downstairs loo or the inside of a cupboard) a quirky makeover, with a striking splash of flamingo or parrot-decorated wallpaper, “ she suggests.

Walk on the wild side with animal prints “Opting for safari-themed homeware is another sure-fire way to make your interiors grrrr-eat!” says McCowan Hill.

“As well as walking on the wild side with animal images and faux heads, add some bold contrast with bold zebra stripes for a pouffe or chair, and dress a floor with fur print rugs.”

Pick a leafy pattern “Lush leafy patterns are another easy way to bring this hot summer look home, because palms are evocative of far-away destinations,” notes McCowan Hill.

“For a fresh take on this summer favourite, choose a classic print with a tropical twist, and accessorise around it. That way, you can ramp up the effect to suit your taste. Metallic touches will add a hint of luxury, which will contrast well with a pared-back setting.”

If you really want to create a sultry atmosphere, wall specialists Pixers has a fab Art Illustration With Palm Tree Doodle mural, £301 (though prices start from £29), which would have real impact on a feature wall in a living area.

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“Exotic birds - parrots, flamingos and toucans - are winging their way into our homes”

H OUSE & GARDEN

Home Swimming Pools - The Hidden Truth W

hen considering the benefits of a home swimming pool, the advantages to physical health and fitness are often first to spring to mind. While indeed contributing to a healthy lifestyle, the positive effects a home swimming has on daily life goes far beyond the physical.

Origin, the UK’s longest established swimming pool company, has been designing and building swimming pools in homes for over 35 years. In this time, the firm has spoken to hundreds of satisfied customers and compiled a catalogue of case studies to help understand how the addition of a home swimming pool benefits family life. These studies revealed that, while rarely considered, the emotional advantages of swimming at home are just as significant as the physical, fitness-related benefits.

Increasing the quality of family time Losing touch with family members is a problem experienced nationwide, as it becomes more and more difficult to organise get-togethers with relatives. The ability to bring families back together and instigate the spending of more quality time as a group is just one of the hidden benefits of home

130 SEPTEMBER 2018

swimming pools.

This is certainly the experience of Buckinghamshire-based couple Peter and Christine. While restoring their 14th century manor farmhouse, the couple’s love of swimming prompted them to build an indoor swimming pool in their garden. Their decision was made in the hope of bringing all the family to the house and becoming a space for the group to enjoy. After research into various swimming pool contractors, they chose Origin to design, build and manage the project.

Once completed, the pool succeeded in becoming a focal point for family meet ups and gatherings. “We have three grandchildren, three daughters and their partners. They come over every weekend, sometimes all at once, and whenever they are here they all pile into the pool.”

Family time is now a regular part of the couple’s life, and they enjoy spending time in the pool with their friends and relatives every week.

Encouraging positive mental wellbeing and relaxation A home pool can also encourage positive wellbeing.

The addition of a pool creates a place for relaxation, and somewhere homeowners can spend time unwinding.

This was experienced first-hand by Michelle and Paul Green when they extended their new house to include a bespoke Origin swimming pool. Discussing his wife’s use of the pool, Paul comments: “She uses it for leisure. It’s a very pleasant space to relax and enjoy activities such as having a drink and reading a book.”

The couple now see the pool as more than just a fitness facility. They treat the pool as an extension

of their home, and as a peaceful place to wind down.

Improving the work/life balance As the popularity of flexible working rises, many professionals still struggle to balance their personal lives with their jobs. Work can easily take control, leaving little time for leisure. Bringing a swimming pool into the home can help family and personal life regain some importance.

A couple who personally experienced this rebalance were Ian and Michelle Scott. Prior to building their bespoke Origin swimming pool and pool house, Michelle really struggled to balance her time, as work dominated her life. Ian explained: “She would often get home late after a full day’s work and not have the time or energy to head off to the gym.”

However, now she manages to balance her life much more efficiently. “We noticed that when we were on holiday we would both get up early and start our day with a morning swim which was great!

We’ve now brought this luxury into our home and it has enabled both of us to improve our fitness every day before work.”

“When we were on holiday we would both get up early and start our day with a morning swim which was great!

We’ve now brought this luxury into our home”

decided on building her own swimming pool after enjoying the luxury of her father’s pool in the south of France. She had always loved swimming, yet her busy working life meant free time was at an absolute minimum. “The only exercise I really enjoy is swimming and I often don’t have time to go to a gym because I work 12-hour days.”

The project took six months and now completed allows Sarah to make the most of her free time.

What was once a jam-packed routine without room for exercise, now includes daily swimming and relaxing in the pool. “It’s definitely changed my routine for the better, I’m swimming every day before I head off to work which makes me feel enriched and energised.” www.originpools.co.uk

Giving the daily routine an overhaul for the better Bringing a swimming pool into the home also creates an opportunity for huge improvements to daily routines. Rather than be marshalled into a lack of exercise and leisure by work, it is possible to overhaul an overly ordered lifestyle.

Sarah Taylor, Essex-based Origin customer, SEPTEMBER 2018 131

H OUSE & GARDEN

Creating beautiful

attic bathrooms

Looking for an inventive way to make effective use of a loft conversion? An attic bathroom can transform your new room into a show-stopping area.

T

ucked away in the roof, an attic bathroom can be a quiet retreat from everyday life and, with the right finishing touches, will become a warm and welcoming place to escape to after a busy day.

Make the most of your space by working with the original features: exposed beams, a sloping ceiling and extra skylights can all create a beautiful attic bathroom to relax in. Or, you can create something special from scratch, adding in your own accessories and features.

Working with the natural architecture of your attic, you can choose a shower and clever storage solutions for smaller areas. Well-placed mirrors will also create the illusion of a much larger bathroom, lending a light and airy feeling, even to cramped attic spaces. Add extra features to larger rooms, such as a freestanding bath or a heated towel rack to add a luxurious touch to your new attic bathroom.

HOW TO DESIGN A LOFT CONVERSION BATHROOM Before starting to build a loft conversion you will need to check if you need planning permission from your local planning department. However, regardless of whether or not you need planning permission 132 SEPTEMBER 2018

“Make the most of your space by working with the original features”

a loft conversion will require Building Regulations approval. When building a loft conversion bathroom, or indeed any additional bathroom in the house, consult a specialist in bathroom loft conversations – they can give you all the expert advice - initially whether or not your boiler is capable of supplying hot water to the extra bathroom. One solution to this could be an electric shower that produces its own hot water on demand. Also, consider if you wish to have a window in your loft bathroom, and if so where. Have a clear idea of what you want for your bathroom, but be aware that you may have limitations or need to make some changes based on the layout of the room. For example, where the staircase will need to be and if there are any restrictions with plumbing. Again the experts can advise you and suggest ideas on how to achieve your loft bathroom retreat. Whether a full or part en-suite, it will provide the privacy to unwind - and of course add value to your property.

H OUSE & GARDEN

Living the dream a new approach to decorating with tiles L

IVING is Original Style’s brand new approach to tiling - eight capsule collections of large format tiles, designed and printed in the heart of Devon for different lifestyles and tastes, complete with coordinating plain colour options.

The first four that have just been launched Palazzo, Maison, Opera and Eden - boast beautiful patterns and provide a stunning, practical alternative to wallpaper in any stylish bathroom or kitchen.

PALAZZO was inspired by the grand palatial buildings of Italy and is a mix of 6 traditional and glamorous designs. All patterns in this collection look as if they have been inlaid on classical Carrara marble, bringing a touch of luxury to the room.

The MAISON collection is made up of 3 muted French blue designs, printed on a softly textured off-white base tile - think effortless elegance, understated patterns and subtle flourishes.

OPERA, on the other hand, provides a modern twist on classics, with three different prints available in two colour ways - subtle grey and off-white.

This collection was inspired by faded grandeur and timeless fabrics - an elegant statement with a fashionable, distressed look.

The lush and leafy designs of the EDEN collection bring a tropical paradise to the bathroom.

There are three patterns available; Glade is a delicate bouquet of ferns, Pergola has trailing fronds, and Hothouse is a riot of palm leaves. www.originalstyle.com

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H OUSE & GARDEN

Upcoming INTERIORS trends for AW18 Work with Mid-Century textures and warm light “The Mid-Century aesthetic never truly goes out of style, but in autumn, we’re anticipating that it will be especially big, since it immediately evokes a strong, classic style, while still being a perfect cosy palette to build on,” Rebecca of Furniture Choice says.

“Layering patterned, geometric rugs adds visual interest to the home while also upping comfort levels. And an easy way to get the look is to look for furniture that have strong lines, especially in brass and wood, such as an elegant coffee table or sofa. We’ll also see the quality of light change from the brightness of summer to the softer tones of autumn. Work with this and use warmer tones in the home, with tan and ochre being great options that will set the mood without being overwhelming.”

Embrace and adapt natural motifs Summer may have been the season of all things tropical, with palm and leaf motifs dominating, but

136 SEPTEMBER 2018

in autumn, natural elements and texture are still key towards creating an inviting and visually exciting atmosphere. “Perennial plants offer a fresh, natural take as decor and table centrepieces,” Rebecca advises. “While green plants are always a fool-proof way to embrace an organic look, plants with red, brown and orange hues will lend a lovely, seasonal twist to your autumn display.” And if you love the look of wallpaper - stick to it, just adapt. “Green themes can still be front and centre, but in different tones. Swap out the brighter greens for a more lush, emerald take, or darker, moody florals.”

Add sophistication with glamorous jewel tones Speaking of emerald - when applied to decor and furniture, jewel tones add a touch of elegance and cosiness to any room. Their more dramatic hues also make them ideal transitional shades for autumn.

“Colours like teal, eggplant and sapphire blue are having a major moment, and autumn is the perfect season to fully experiment with these shades,” says Rebecca. “Not only do they introduce a bold pop of colour to the space, they also add depth and comfort. Metallic and glossy finishes play up the fun and elegance of these rich colours, offering a contrast and adding light to the space.” www.furniturechoice.co.uk

“Summer may have been the season of all things tropical, with palm and leaf motifs dominating, but in autumn, natural elements and texture are still key towards creating an inviting and visually exciting atmosphere”

H OUSE & GARDEN

EAST MEETS WEST: TRAVEL-INSPIRED DECOR

1-Light Mini Pendant, £286.99, Wayfair

Style knows no boundaries... Gabrielle Fagan explores stylish ways to conjure a faraway feel right now.

Tiffany Fabric Accent Chair, £249-£119; Ideal Home Scratched Copper Decorative Vase, £22.99; Arthouse Kotori Blush Cushion (reversible) £19.99, Very

Let East meet West “In bold contrast to the understated, our Eastern Palace decor collection is a grand alternative to minimalism,” says Jason Masterton-Copley, head of design, Very. “An arresting mix of oriental prints and Persian motifs come together with velvet textures, fretwork and opulent metallics, to demonstrate that more can be more. Think rich dark tones, such as reds, deep violets and pinks, teals, chocolate and cherry, creating a look of extravagance in the home,” he adds. “Pinky peach and dusted mint stand out as ideal accents for soft furnishings, as do blossom and oriental bird prints, which are all paired with warm gold or copper to complement the look. Symmetry is a key principle in Eastern-style rooms; a pair of objects is visually pleasing to the eye. Create a chic feature corner with two Tiffany Fabric Accent Chair, currently reduced to £119 from £249 and available in a range of sumptuous colours, and accessorise with Easternstyle cushions and an Ideal Home Scratched Copper Decorative Vase, £22.99, all from Very.

Make Moroccan magic

D

ecor has always been influenced by looks from around the world, and currently, all eyes are turned to the East.

You can choose from Chinese style - renowned for its glossy, lacquered furniture, delicate patterns and glowing colours - or more sultry Moroccan ‘souk’ style, with its earthy shades enlivened by Moorish patterns on tiles and fabrics.

“Both the interiors and fashion worlds are looking East this season, with the emergence of some distinctively Oriental designs,” says Nadia McCowan Hill, Wayfair’s resident style advisor. “You can make a style statement; choose a chinoiserieinspired wallpaper featuring anything from ornate dragons to delicate cherry blossoms. A handpainted lacquered cabinet emblazoned with birds and butterflies makes a strong focal piece, or go for furniture with bamboo-style legs, your passport to the season’s most exotic trend.

“If muted neutrals and a chilled vibe is more to your taste, conjure your own Moroccan sanctuary,” she suggests. “Shades can range from rich golden browns to golden desert sand, but red, orange, deep blues and greens also feature in intricate tiled patterns. With low seating, grouped around a coffee table, rugs, wall hangings and an abundance of lanterns, you’ll capture the essence of souk style.”

138 SEPTEMBER 2018

“Moroccan-inspired homeware is perfect for adding a dash of flavour to an interior. Embracing a kaleidoscope of colour and ornate detailing, it’s a maximalist’s dream,” says McCowan Hill. “Channel the bright bohemian qualities of a Marrakech souk, by opting for an abundance of cushions embellished with tassels and sequins, or opt for textured Berber-style rugs to add a luxe layer under foot,” she suggests. “Twinkling lanterns, tapestrystyle wall hangings and ornately carved furniture are other hallmarks of this bold, beautiful and distinctly global trend.”

“In bold contrast to the understated, our Eastern Palace decor collection is a grand alternative to minimalism”

Arthouse Kotori Blush Cushion (reversible) £19.99 Very

Aero Cushion Cover, Orange, £12.99, Wayfair

Moroccan Duvet Cover Set, £15.99; Lanterns from a selection, Wayfair.

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

D

Go One Step Further

espite being a major traffic thoroughfare, when it comes to design and decoration, staircases are one of the most frequently overlooked areas of a home.

From spirals to spindles, glass to granite, there’s plenty of scope for making a statement, but homeowners looking to transform their space are often unaware of the possibilities. The key is to understand your options and the impact building regulations may have.

First and foremost, stairs need to fulfil their primary function of getting you from one level to the next, once this need is fulfilled, you can really go to town on the aesthetics and create something that gives a really great first impression.

In terms of renovation, replacing a staircase is akin to knocking down a structural wall. But if your stairs are badly positioned, oppressive, or hinder light flow through the house, then it’s worth considering, as a new flight can make all the difference.

Always consult an architect or a specialist company, as it’s critical that a new staircase fits in both proportionally and stylistically.

Remember, also, that plans must comply with building regulations, specifically the Approved Document K or Protection, Falling and Impact, and in particular section K1, which deals with stairs, ladders and ramps. You can download it free from staircases.org/ regulations.htm.

STRAIGHT STAIRS

CANTILEVERED STAIRS

Straight doesn’t have to equal dull, and it’s possible to modernise less than lovely stairs with cladding, such as timber, tiles or stone. Many modern homes have stairs built in concrete, which is ideal for resurfacing. If you’re updating a less sturdy staircase, make sure it’s sound by cladding it with marine plywood before affixing any sort of tiles, otherwise they may crack. You can re-clad a staircase in oak for about £500-£1,000, depending on the balustrade you choose. This is a much more accessible solution if you would rather not embark on big structural changes, or are limited by space.

A cantilevered staircase can look stunning, but is also a feat of engineering, with most of the weight of the treads supported by one wall. You need a balustrade to comply with UK building regulations, but glass is unobtrusive and will still give that ‘weightlessness’ look. These staircases should always be designed and built by a specialist.

SPIRAL AND HELICAL STAIRCASES Spiral staircases wind around a central pole and have a handrail on the outer side only. Helical stairs do not have a central pole and there is a handrail on both sides. If a spiral staircase is being used to access a single room, it must be at least 1500mm in diameter. But if the spiral goes up to more than one room, it is classed as a main staircase and needs to be at least 1900mm. Bear in mind that the opening in which your spiral fits needs to be 100mm wider than the spiral itself. A bespoke spiral would start at £3,000. It can be difficult to get furniture up and down, so move large items in before you install the stairs.

CARPETED STAIRS If you prefer carpet to bare wood or glass, make sure you buy one that’s suitable for stairs. It’s imperative you choose a quality, hard-wearing carpet – 80% wool to 20% nylon. Avoid loop-pile carpets as they “grin” (open up when bent) and are more slippery. Use a good underlay over both tread and riser and fit the carpet so the pile runs down the stairs. It’s also possible to use a strip of carpet as a runner, see Roger Oates Design Hartley runners, which are reversible so last twice as long.

140 SEPTEMBER 2018

ALTERNATE STAIRS Ninety per cent of new staircases are constructed to create access to a loft conversion. The pitch of the roof can make constructing a flight difficult and, if this is the case, alternate-tread stairs can be the answer. These have one tread for the left foot and another for the right, and mean the angle of the stairs can be tighter, increased from 42 to 65 degrees.

Consider who will need to use them, as they are trickier to negotiate than standard stairs. It can also be hard to move furniture up and down them.

H OUSE & GARDEN

A Picture Perfect Kitchen in Buckinghamshire K&B Studios create a picture perfect kitchen for graphic designer Jo and her family

G

raphic designer Jo, with a passion for interiors, came across a Mackintosh kitchen and ‘simply fell in-love’ with the range.

“The original quote we received for a Mackintosh kitchen was extortionate and way out of budget,” says Jo. “The quote from K&B Studios was well within our budget – it was a no brainer really!”

When Jo met with our designer Sue, she knew precisely what she wanted. “I wanted our kitchen to look exactly like the picture in the magazine; I fell in love with the Mackintosh kitchen design.

“Sue was so easy to work with, she shared my passion and wanted to make sure the end product looked perfect.

“Mackintosh kitchens look exactly like the kitchens that you see in expensive magazines and are actually really affordable. The quality is exceptional and there is such great attention to detail,” says Jo. “As a graphic designer with a hobby for interiors, I love creative visuals and I have started an Instagram account to share images of my renovation journey with other keen designers.

“Every day I get so many people commenting on my pictures asking about the kitchen and how we did it – I tell everyone, it was K&B Studios! They are absolutely amazing, you have to check them out!!” www.kbstudios.co.uk

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FF M O O L E ew % RO SA r n 5 0 W Y fo es O LA ay g SH ISP w ran D ake avit m ur to D

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

H OUSE & GARDEN

Tile Finder:

Find the Perfect Tiles in THREE Easy Steps

W

alls and Floors, leading tile specialists, have just launched their brand new Tile Finder tool. A handy online assistant, it serves up a selection of tiles that are suited to the user’s room and personal style.

The Tile Finder works in 3 quick and easy steps. Firstly, the user chooses the room they’re tiling. Secondly, they choose from one of Walls and Floors’ 4 interior trends for 2018. Finally, they choose whether they’re tiling a wall, floor, or both.

The tool will then provide an offering of tailored tiles in the form of inspirational lifestyle imagery.

Once they click through to a tile, the user can order a sample with Free Delivery! Sample tiles are fully refundable when a full order is placed.

Walls and Floors even offer Interest Free

“Firstly, the user chooses the room they’re tiling. Secondly, they choose from one of Walls and Floors’ 4 interior trends for 2018. Finally, they choose whether they’re tiling a wall, floor, or both”

144 SEPTEMBER 2018

Finance; allowing those with a tighter budget to add some little luxuries and finishing touches such as underfloor heating and tile trims.

The Tile Finder will be kept up to date with all of Walls and Floors’ latest products and imagery.

Walls and Floors is the UK’s largest independent tile retailer. The company, which was established in 1987, delivers nationwide with Free Delivery over £99. With 6,000 tiles, they have the largest online tile selection in the UK. They offer full size refundable sample tiles and have 0% finance options available.

The company’s latest campaign, ‘Unlock Your Dream Home,’ is all about introducing homeowners to the idea that tiles are no longer limited to the kitchen or bathroom. With designs that cover all the latest decor trends - including marbles, wood effects, natural stones, stone effects, marbles, patterns, metallics, and hexagons - tiles can be used throughout the home and garden.

Walls and Floors now offer free full size sample tiles. When a sample order is placed, the customer receives a Sample Coupon Code. When they come back to place their full order, they can use the Sample Coupon Code to have the cost of their sample tiles discounted.

In May 2018, Walls and Floors won the category of Best Ecommerce Website at the TTA (The Tile Association) Awards 2018, which is the leading awards ceremony in the UK tiling industry. www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

Tim Cook Kitchens

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