Life Magazines (Buckinghamshire editions) September 2019

L IVING S PACE

Expect the unexpected

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE september 2019

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN yOUr arEa

howard kitchens & interiors Offering you the best in design, supply and installation of bespoke quality modern and traditional kitchens. Family run business over 20 years experience.

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

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

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

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

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

www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com

MONEYHILL.indd All Pages

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

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

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

To request a portfolio or speak to

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

28/10/2015 18:49

Come and see for yourself.

Come to our Open Weekend 14th & 15th September or call to make a viewing appointment at your leisure.

Contact Ruth Wilson on 01753 378 127

Tuesday 12th November to Saturday 17th November 2019

7.30pm | Matinee Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

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

www.amuletfinejewellery.com

WELCOME TO OUR

September ISSUE THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

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

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

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

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

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

19

LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE

61

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

75

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

87

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month From shows to venues, we’ve got the big day covered The finest schools in your area

Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best

HOUSE & GARDEN

Keep it local for everything house and home

105

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 : v i e n n a fe s t i va l b a l l e t ’ s t h e n u t c r a c ke r

OUT & ABOUT

ALL MONTH

Stowe - Family explorers: Autumn adventures As summer green makes way for the spectacular reds, oranges and yellows of autumn, head out into the gardens at Stowe for leaf crunching, tree climbing and conker hunting. Pick up a free guide for autumn adventures and see which of nature’s treasures you can find, from the Farmhouse Garden harvest to fruits in the orchard. Stowe, New Inn Farm, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 5EQ

[events]

OUT & ABOUT 14 SEPTEMBER

18 SEPTEMBER

London Fashion Week Event Copper House in Berkhamsted and The Dressing Room of St Albans are delighted to introduce a special London Fashion Week (LFW) inspired fashion show and hosted dinner. On arrival guests can enjoy the specially created ‘Dressed to Kill’ Copper House cocktail, as well as a classic Belvedere Espresso Martini after dessert. Tickets cost £50 per person and include a fabulous 3-course menu, 2 Belvedere cocktails, and the curated LFW fashion edit. Arrival time is 7pm.

Visit: www.copperhousebar.co.uk/ whatson/ for info and tickets 20 SEPTEMBER 2019

Heritage Open Day There is free entry to the museum on this day to celebrate Heritage Open Days. We will also have a Country Crafts Demonstration event taking place which includes the Chiltern Spinners, quilting, pyrography and more. Refreshments will be available.

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

11 SEPTEMBER

Game Supper Club Following the successful launch of Copper House’s Game Supper Club for August, they have released the date for their second in the series celebrating Partridge. All dishes are paired to wines from around the world by experts, Hallgarton & Novum. Starting at 7pm on Wednesday 11th September, tickets are £70 per person including a 5 course meal and 6 x 125ml serves of wine.

Visit: www.copperhousebar.co.uk/whatson for info & tickets

THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

20% off of Piggy Pet and Play for September!

Spend 1 hour and 30 minutes on a Piggy Pet and Play visit at the Kew Little Pigs Farm.

While visiting, you will be able to get inside our petting pens, getting up close to real life pigs grooming and playing with them. You will get a 15-minute introduction by a member of staff who will introduce themselves and all the pigs by name, also giving a small talk about them. This will involve a health and safety talk. The remainder of the time can be spent with our miniature pigs, getting to know their personalities and having fun by interacting with them outside their living area or in our petting pens where you can brush, groom and pet them.

Kew Little Pigs Farm Ltd, Old Amersham Farm, Buckinghamshire HP7 0HR

Since the 1990’s, Shardeloes Farm has been welcoming clients of all levels to its establishment. With the excellent facilities and tuition available, it is arguably one of the best BHS approved riding schools in the Chilterns.

The equine facilities are overseen by Pippa Hattan BHSI APC Stage 5 performance coach, ukCC Level 3 currently working towards the fellowship of the BHS. AmEnitiEs includE: 4 mile Cross Country Course

WE OFFER

• Experienced instructors for any level of tuition from beginners to advanced riders.

• BHS approved and Where to Train Centre, Riding Club and Pony Club Affiliated Centre.

• Lessons available from 4 years old.

• Activities run throughout every holiday for all ages and abilities.

• Reduced prices for adults during term time, 8am - 4pm only.

• Adult courses available. ‘Introduction to Riding, Trot to be Trim, Canter to be Confident’ as well as clinics, cross country training and unaffiliated shows.

• Merlin the Mechanical Horse - creating a well-balanced and effective rider.

550 Acres of off-road hacking FOuR arenas including an indoor school Equine Veterinary Practice on-site Equine Therapy Centre onsite with an inclining water treadmill, salt water spa with vibrating floor and solarium

For more information please contact Shardeloes Farm Equestrian Centre on

01494 433 333

or email office@shardeloesfarm.com Cherry Lane, Amersham. Bucks HP7 0QF

OUT & ABOUT

[events]

OUT & ABOUT

WHERE INSPIRATION BLOOMS

We’ve hand-picked the very best Autumn workshops from this new craft and wellness venue just outside Chesham.

All classes are suitable for complete beginners.

28 September

CIDER MAKING WORKSHOP 10am-1230pm. Make 5 litres of cider with a group of friends.

28 & 29 September

BUILD YOUR OWN OUTDOOR COB OVEN 10am-4pm. 2 days of getting your hands dirty learning this traditional craft.

2 October

28 SEPTEMBER

Chartridge Lodge Wedding Fair Visit the Chartridge Lodge Wedding Fair and relax in this stunning period wedding venue or perhaps take a stroll around the wonderful and tranquil grounds. Over 30 local quality wedding suppliers will be exhibiting covering every aspect of your wedding and some you might not have considered. Fashion shows will take place at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, afterwards offering brides the chance to try on the dress of your dreams. The venue will be fully decorated. If the weather is kind an outside ceremony looking stunning against such a rural setting will be available for you to view.

Chartridge Lane, Buckinghamshire HP5 2TU

THURSDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Cliveden - River Cruises at Cliveden Fancy a punt on the River Thames’ Our selection of boating options offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the river. Choose from hiring your own rowing or motor boat, or relax on a skippered river cruise. There are two skippered cruises to choose from. If you’d prefer to go at your own pace, you can choose to hire a self-drive boat.

Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA

GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS WORKSHOP 10am-2pm. Everything you need to know to have a garden bursting with blooms.

11 October

GROW YOUR OWN ROSES MASTERCLASS 12-2pm. Bring all your questions and learn loads of expert tips.

16 October

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP BUMBLE BEE 10.30am – 1pm. Paint a stunning picture using watercolour and metallic inks.

28 & 29 SEPTEMBER

Harvest Event This popular annual harvest event provides a unique opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and smells of harvest past. Learn about rural life see our saw pit and pole lathe in action and learn more about our charcoal kiln.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Par,k Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4AB 22 SEPTEMBER 2019

www.whereinspiration blooms.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

House of cards I

t’s hugely exciting when you have your partner or a friend moving into your home for the first time or if you’re buying your first house together. But before you crack open the bubbly, it’s imperative to get a legal agreement in place to protect your share of the property.

Otherwise the shaky foundation of any verbal agreement that was made about your home, could come crashing down like a house of cards if there’s a dispute over ownership.

There is a growing number of unmarried couples and friends in England & Wales, who are deciding to purchase property together. Very often, there is no legal agreement in place in relation to the proportions in which the property is to be held by them or relating to what would happen in the case of the couple separating. This can cause lengthy and protracted disputes later down the line, with the Court needing to intervene in many cases to decide what should happen to the property, which could add to the cost.

In some cases, one partner will move into a property which is already owned by the other.

Again, there is unlikely to be a formal agreement in place which documents the parties’ intentions in relation to contributions towards household expenses and mortgage repayments. If the couple split later, the partner that is not a legal owner of the property, may assert that they have acquired a ‘beneficial interest’ in the property. This interest can be acquired with little formality, and without any

24 SEPTEMBER 2019

written agreement. It can be acquired by virtue of their financial contributions.

This may come as a surprise to the partner who believes themselves to be the sole owner of the property, legal or otherwise. The assumption is that they may ask the other to move out of ‘their’ property, and that will be the end of the matter. The potential claim may come out of the woodwork many years down the line, which can be hugely stressful.

It is worth obtaining legal advice at an early stage and formalising the agreement between you and anyone you intend to own property with before a dispute arises. To help avoid costly disputes, there are a variety of options that can be set up by a family lawyer.

• Deeds of waiver - these documents can record your agreement that, regardless of payments that the other person makes or works they undertake; they are not to acquire an interest in your property.

• Cohabitation agreements - these are a more comprehensive documents, which can detail the intentions in relation to property solely owned by one partner. It can also deal with other issues in relation to cohabitation.

• Declarations of trust - in the case of a property that is jointly owned, this will document the respective shares that each will hold and it can also detail what will happen in the case of a split or any other disagreement between the parties.

THE DETAILS To help safeguard the ownership of your property and provide peace of mind, please contact B P Collins’ family team on familylaw@bpcollins.co.uk.

If you’re about to face a dispute over your home, please get in touch with Phil Hind from B P Collins’ property dispute resolution team on phil.hind@bpcollins.co.uk or call 01753 278652.

For further information, please visit www.bpcollins.co.uk.

OUT & ABOUT

HARLEYFORD GOLF CLUB announces the opening of their brand new state of the art Greenkeeping Facility

O

n Monday, 5th August 2019, Harleyford Golf Club’s newly constructed and equipped Greenkeeping Facility was officially opened by Cllr Richard Scott, the Mayor of Marlow.

Members of the Club were invited to attend the official opening with a full evening of events and refreshments, including guided tours offering a detailed insight into the operation and management of the course and the equipment involved.

The new facility was designed to be both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Water from the wash down down-bays is recycled and reused, modern lighting reduces energy consumption, compost sites encourage green recycling and the introduction of “bug hotels” increases pollinating insects.

Harleyford golf club has invested over £300K in new Toro machinery all of which was on display on the open evening. This new fleet will ensure that the course is maintained to the highest standard and worthy of its placement in the “Top 10 Golf Courses in Buckinghamshire” and it’s 5* reviews on all the top review sites including Trip Advisor, Golf Now, Teeoff Times & Golf Advisor.

Proud hosts of the PGA Europro Tour and the

“The new facility was designed to be both efficient and environmentally friendly” “Tyrrell Hatton Junior Masters”, dates for these events are already in the diary for 2020.

Harleyford is the home club of Touring Professional Tyrrell Hatton. Currently placed in the top 40 of the World rankings, Tyrrell has been a member of the club since the age of 9 and last year played in the winning Ryder Cup team at Le Golf National in Paris. He regularly visits the Club and discusses his ideas with the Greenkeeping team before hosting his annual event at the Club.

The Donald Steel designed course is set among magnificent surroundings on a private estate by the River Thames in Marlow. Beautifully crafted in a natural downland setting, the 6,903 yard, par 72 course is both challenging and rewarding to players of all levels. info@harleyfordgolf.co.uk & 01628 816161 www.harleyfordgolf.co.uk 26 SEPTEMBER 2019

OUT & ABOUT

Westbourne Homes launches an outstanding show house With breathtaking views at Hambledon Place, Harvest Hill

T

his long-awaited development of 6 individual bespoke houses has just been released by Westbourne Homes. These magnificent and imposing properties, in a prime location, are approached via a gated private road. Each of the houses features a large, mature, beautifully landscaped garden, and breathtaking far reaching views to the front, yet are only a short drive to Bourne End or Beaconsfield, being just over 3 miles. These new houses all have attractive elevations in grand architectural styles, with every luxurious bathroom and each superior kitchen differing from the next.

Westbourne Homes has an excellent reputation for exacting standards, with the highest quality of build, outstanding craftmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. They benefit too, from their sister company, Westbourne Design, who have many years of experience in creating, without doubt, unparalleled show houses in the area.

Westbourne Design has, here at Highgrove, excelled in the presentation of this beautiful home; it is exquisitely furnished and decorated.

Three of the houses at Hambledon Place have already been sold, and The Frost Partnership in Beaconsfield is now focusing on the marketing of Highgrove, a classic new Georgian style home, offering 6 bedrooms and extending over approximately 6000 square feet. The magnificent,

28 SEPTEMBER 2019

galleried entrance hall draws the eye right up to the second floor, and the Charles Yorke of Nottingham kitchen, with its breakfast room overlooking spectacular countryside, flows beautifully into the grand, very generously proportioned drawing room and dining room, with its classical detailing.

The drawing and dining room, alongside the beautiful open plan kitchen, breakfast, family room, offer access to a splendid limestone terrace, ideal for entertaining with its elegant seating areas and luxurious built-in al fresco garden kitchen.

On the first floor, there is an imposing master bedroom suite, with a wonderfully furnished dressing room, giving access to an expansive, sumptuous en suite master bathroom. The master bedroom and guest suite both offer sensational and extensive panoramic countryside views over the Thames Valley. All but one of the total of six bedrooms on the first and second floors, have individually designed, impressive, en suite bathrooms. Bedroom 6 on the 2nd floor, which extends across the entire depth of the house, could also be utilised as a spacious games room. Staff can be accommodated over the triple garage.

the details The Show House at Highgrove, with a guide price of ÂŁ3,250,000, is now open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. until 5.00 p.m, and offers a warm welcome. The postcode at Highgrove is SL8 5JJ. For further information, contact The Frost Partnership, Beaconsfield, on 01494 681234 beaconsfield@frostweb.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Discover the last remaining homes at Crest Nicholson’s

Portland Gardens, Marlow

C

rest Nicholson’s Portland Gardens development, located off Marlow’s picturesque High Street, has proven popular with prospective buyers with only a selection of homes remaining. The last stunning four bedroom house and final three two bedroom apartments are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the high street and surrounded by greenery, creating the perfect place to call home.

The homes boast luxury finishes, blending clean and contemporary interior designs with classic exteriors that naturally complement the charming Marlow countryside. Timeless white interiors and neutral décor offer the perfect blank canvas to add your personal touch. Each property is finished to the highest specification, with fully fitted kitchens featuring integrated appliances and Silestone worktops.

Portland Gardens is well-positioned to enjoy the great outdoors, with the Chiltern Hills and several wild woodland trails surrounding the town. Take a walk by the River Thames and enjoy views of Marlow Bridge and the All Saints Church, or visit the award-winning Higginson Park and discover the local Buckinghamshire wildlife. The picturesque market town of Marlow is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, while the High Street offers a mix of independent shops and boutiques.

30 SEPTEMBER 2019

“Portland Gardens is well-positioned to enjoy the great outdoors, with the Chiltern Hills and several wild woodland trails surrounding the town”

From Tom Kerridge’s Michelin starred Hand and Flowers or The Coach, to Atul Kochhar’s Sindhu and the Ivy Marlow Garden, there is a dining out venue for every occasion.

Residents at Portland Gardens will benefit from the superb transport connections out of Marlow.

The A4155 runs through the centre of the town, while the M40 and M4 are both within easy reach.

Marlow train station is just over half a mile from Portland Gardens, with regular connections to neighbouring towns and cities including Reading in just 38 minutes and London Paddington via Maidenhead in just over an hour. Residents also have easy access to Maidenhead station, located a 15-minute drive from the development, where they can reach London in 21 minutes, making this a fantastic location for commuters.

Two bedroom apartments at Portland Gardens are available from £624,950, while the last four bedroom house is priced at £1,300,000. Homes at Portland Gardens are available using Crest Nicholson’s SmoothMove scheme. Potential buyers can reserve a home using the scheme and Crest Nicholson will help to sell their current property, organising everything from the valuation of their home to arranging viewings.

For more information call 01628 565 372, or visit www.crestnicholson.com/portland-gardens

OUT & ABOUT

Chiltern Arts Festival

Chiltern Arts Dates for your Diary I Fagiolini, Leonardo: Shaping the Invisible Sunday 29th September 2019, 3pm Sir William Borlase Grammar School Theatre, Marlow

Beethoven Violin Sonatas: Rachel Podger (violin) Christopher Glynn (piano) Friday 8th November 2019, 7.30pm Church of St Peter and St Paul, Great Missenden

Chiltern Arts Festival 2020 Friday 28th February – Saturday 7th March 2020 Venues across the Chilterns. Full programme announced September 2019

Top right: Christopher Glynn and Rachel Podger Right: Image by Matt Brodie

32 SEPTEMBER 2019

L

aunched in 2017, Chiltern Arts brings the highest quality classical music events to towns and villages across the Chilterns.

The 2020 programme will be announced at the end of September, featuring a variety of concerts, participatory events and a youth music showcase in venues across the Chilterns including Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Wallingford, Great Missenden and Old Amersham as well as our signature ‘Concert and Dinner’ event at The Gatsby in Berkhamsted. Ahead of the Chiltern Arts Festival 2020, we are delighted to present two outstanding launch events in Marlow and Great Missenden.

In Marlow this September, witness an astounding project created in celebration of the ‘universal man’ — the ‘ultimate polymath’ — that is turning heads and selling out concert halls throughout the UK. In the year that marks the 500th anniversary since the death of Leonardo da Vinci, the outstanding solo vocal ensemble I Fagiolini have worked alongside Leonardo expert Professor Martin Kemp to create a stunning programme of music that is paired perfectly with some of da Vinci’s most famous artwork. Pairings include Bach’s The Art of Fugue with Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man, and Monteverdi’s Era l’anima mia with perhaps the most famous painting of all time, the Mona Lisa.

While this beautifully-crafted programme envelops you, Leonardo’s artwork will be projected above the singers, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience – and the music will be interspersed with introductions from Professor Martin Kemp himself, chatting to Robert Hollingworth about the project.

The Chiltern Arts Festival programme for 28th February–7th March 2020 will also be announced at this event, revealing a theme that celebrates overcoming adversity in all its guises. Sign up at chilternarts.com to receive a free brochure in the post.

On Friday 8th November, Chiltern Arts

welcomes violinist Rachel Podger and pianist Christopher Glynn to Great Missenden tos perform a selection of Beethoven Violin Sonatas.

Beethoven learned to play the violin as a boy and mastered the piano as a man. His profound understanding of both instruments, and ability to combine them with astonishing invention and originality, is heard in ten sonatas. Using 19th century instruments that reflect Beethoven’s ideal, Rachel Podger and Christopher Glynn explore a sonata cycle that, more than any other, opens up new worlds of expression for their instruments.

At the Chiltern Arts concert in November, you will hear the high-spirited first sonata, the famously lyrical fifth sonata nicknamed ‘Spring’ and the impassioned seventh sonata. Violin and piano are engaged in an endlessly fascinating and varied dialogue. The piano you will hear being played at this concert is a Bösendorfer from 1872, a piano built in the same tradition as the Viennese fortepianos that Beethoven knew.

Find out about upcoming events near you, buy tickets, sign up for our mailing list or to receive our annual Festival Brochure in the post at www.chilternarts.com.

Tickets for all Chiltern Arts events are available online at chilternarts.com, or you can call the Box Office on 01442 920303

OUT & ABOUT

The River & Rowing Museum’s

Bears! exhibition a bear-illiant day out for the whole family Exhibition created by Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books. Until 3 November

“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”

A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

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he River & Rowing Museum is teeming with bears this summer. Discover!, the Museum’s interactive family area, has been transformed into a wonderful world of bears. Go on your own bear hunt through the bears’ glade, curl up with your favourite story in the bear cave and enjoy dressing up as your favourite characters. All in excited anticipation of the Bears! an exhibition from Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books which opens on 3 August – perfect timing for the school holidays.

Following on from the success of its Peter Rabbit™ and Nick Sharratt exhibitions, and in advance of the forthcoming The Snowman™ and The Snowdog and Elmer & Friends exhibitions, the Museum continues to promote children’s literature and illustrations with this delightful Bears! exhibition.

The exhibition features original artworks and manuscripts, including Hugless Douglas, Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Bear and The Piano and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. Otto the Book Bear will guide visitors around the exhibition, introducing them to

34 SEPTEMBER 2019

children’s book bears old and new.

Bears! is an opportunity to see beautiful, inspiring illustrations and preparatory artwork from the creators of many favourite bear books and to gain an insight into the process of illustration with many artists using a combination of traditional and digital techniques.

Exhibition highlights include: • Original artwork by Robert Ingpen of the Hundred Acre Wood, from the well-known series ‘Winnie the Pooh’ written by A.A. Milne.

• Original artwork by Jane Hissey for ‘Old Bear’.

• Michael Rosen’s annotated typescript draft of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ (1989, Walker).

The exhibition comes to the Museum from Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books.

Gill Rennie, Senior Curator at Seven Stories, said: “Almost everyone has a teddy bear! And over the last one hundred years bears have become increasingly popular subjects for children’s authors and illustrators. What is it about bears that we love so much? And what adventures are bears getting up to in books today? Visit the exhibition to find out!”

To support this exhibition, the Museum will be running a series of bear-related Family Days and children’s workshops over the summer holidays, to bring the displays to life. A fabulous day out for the whole family – bears welcome! www.rrm.co.uk

“The exhibition features original artworks and manuscripts, including Hugless Douglas, Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Bear and The Piano and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials”

OUT & ABOUT

THE HOME FROM HOME HIDDEN BENEATH LONDON’S JERMYN STREET For fifty years, an unassuming door on Jermyn Street in London’s well-heeled area of St. James’ has welcomed those in the know into a bustling basement venue where celebrities and sports stars rub shoulders with businesspeople and late night revellers.

I

conic members’ club, TRAMP has long been a destination for those who want to party into the small hours, but it has also forged a wellearned reputation as a club where fine-dining is always on the menu.

When Tramp launched in December 1969, its owners saw the opportunity to turn the former Freemasons Lodge, with its intricately hand-carved ceiling, into the Zodiac Restaurant, which still stands today.

The salubrious 17th century wood-panelled room has played host to countless gatherings over the years. It was at Tramp’s dinner tables that producers made the decision to cast Christopher Reeve as Superman; where Muhammad Ali discussed his fear of flying with then club-owner Johnny Gold; where Marlon Brando shared breakfast with the staff before returning to Elstree Studios for a day of filming and where Dame Joan Collins cut cake with her friends on her 80th birthday.

More recently, it was the chosen location for celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine’s 40th birthday, where a host of celebrity friends and Michelin-starred chefs gathered to toast their friend’s milestone at her favourite members club.

But while the beautiful surroundings remain largely untouched, the menu has evolved from the simple offering of twelve burgers - one for each sign of the Zodiac - into a sophisticated, contemporary twist on British and Italian dishes created by head chef, Richard Ismond.

Seared Scallops with curried parsnip puree; Beef Tataki with wasabi dash mayonnaise and Marinated

36 SEPTEMBER 2019

“It was at Tramp’s dinner tables that producers made the decision to cast Christopher Reeve as Superman and where Muhammad Ali discussed his fear of flying with then club-owner Johnny Gold”

Tuna with soya-yuzu and avocado are popular choices from the starters menu, while Lobster with squid ink Tagliolini; Angus Beef Fillet and Atlantic Line-caught Cod are favourite main courses among members.

Of course, Tramp is a club built on history and the menu still contains a nod to the days of old the Tramp Burger, featuring the club’s special sauce, a recipe passed down between head chefs who are sworn to secrecy about its ingredients.

And to celebrate their 50th anniversary, Tramp launched the Gold Burger, a 24k gold patty, topped with foie gras and truffle oil to create an offering as rich and luxurious as the club itself.

With late-night dinner service and an extensive bar menu consisting of classic dishes and Asian fusion selections, Tramp is the subterranean oasis guests need after a night at the theatre or experiencing the bright lights of the capital.

With membership costing just £1,000 per year, Tramp is a home from home, wherever you’re from.

For more information and membership enquiries, please visit: www.tramp.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Surrogacy in the UK: time for reform?

Today, more and more people are turning to surrogacy to start a family, yet the laws governing the process are outdated and leave room for complications.

What is surrogacy?

There are two types of surrogacy; traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy is where the surrogate is the biological mother of the child. This differs to gestational surrogacy where the surrogate carries a baby she is not genetically related to. The egg is fertilised through in vitro fertilisation and placed inside her at a fertility clinic.

The current legal system: fit for purpose?

It is a common misconception that once a child is born, the intended parents immediately become the child’s legal parents. This is not the case. Under current UK law, the woman who gives birth is the legal mother, whether biologically related to the child or not. After the surrogate mother has given birth, the intended parents must make an application to the court for a parental order to become the child’s legal parents. In the eyes of the law, any surrogacy contracts or written agreements are unenforceable and based on trust.

The court process can take months to complete, leaving all parties in limbo and exposing them to the increased risk of relationship breakdown. This delay does not reflect the reality of family life; in particular it prevents the intended parents from making important decisions about the child as they are not yet the legal parents. There is also a lack of clarity surrounding surrogacy payments. The law currently permits intended parents to pay ‘reasonable expenses’ to the surrogate, however what is considered ‘reasonable’ remains unclear, making it difficult to apply in practice. It is for the court to decide whether 38 SEPTEMBER 2019

or not a payment should be authorised.

The rise of international surrogacy International surrogacy has become increasingly commonplace. In part, this is attributable to the uncertainty in UK law, the unavailability of surrogates and comparably cheaper options available elsewhere.

Such arrangements can give rise to concerns about the exploitation and commercialisation of surrogates and serve to highlight the limitations and contradictions of our existing law.

What reforms are being proposed?

The Law Commission is proposing to allow intended parents to become legal parents when the child is born, subject to the surrogate mother retaining a right to object for a short period of time after the birth. This new agreement would bring greater certainty, put the child at the heart of the process and provide comfort and confidence to both the surrogate and intended parties.

Sir Nicholas Green, Chair of the Law Commission says: “The laws around surrogacy are outdated and no longer fit for purpose. We think our proposals will create a system that works for the surrogates, the parents and, most importantly, the child.”

The new process would require safeguards, such as counselling, regulators and independent legal advice for those entering into a surrogacy agreement. These measures would reduce the risk of arrangements breaking down, which can cause great stress for all involved.

Emma McMorrow

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

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

OUT & ABOUT

Chorleywood & Gerrards Cross Bookshops

Autumn Literary Festival

A

s the long summer nights fade into a mild Autumn glow, the Chorleywood and Gerrards Cross Bookshops Autumn Literary Festival begins…

Bookseller meets bookseller, we are welcoming Waterstones founder Sir Tim Waterstone on Thursday 5th September, 7pm at Chorleywood Memorial Hall, WD3 5LN for a thoroughly booky evening. Tim will be sharing his life story with us and the secrets of his business success. Ticket £8.00, book £9.99.

She needs no introduction, comedian Jo Brand will be joining us on Tuesday 10th September, 7pm at Barbirolli Hall, St Clement Danes School, WD3 6EW to share her vast experiences. You’ve seen her on tv, you’ve read her books and she’s made you laugh! Now is the chance to meet the woman herself and learn a thing or two about life! Ticket £20.00, includes book.

Bestselling author Robert Harris will be joining us on Wednesday 11th September, 7pm at St Clement Danes School, WD3 6EW. Robert will be discussing his new book ‘Second Sleep’ and his beloved classics. Ticket £20.00, includes book.

Ticket £10.00, no book.

Join military historian Max Hastings as he discusses his thought provoking new book on the Dambusters Raid on Thursday 19th September, 7pm at Barbirolli Hall, St Clement Danes School, WD3 6EW. Max Hastings will be sharing the stories of the brave men and women who made the raid 40 SEPTEMBER 2019

“Bestselling author Robert Harris will be joining us on Wednesday 11th September”

possible, whilst also exploring the tragic loss of life it caused. Tickets £10.00, book £20.00 on the night.

Enjoy the poetry of life with Gyles Brandreth on Friday 20th September, 7.30pm at Dr Challoner’s (Girls) High School, HP7 9QB. This beautiful book features over 200 poems spanning thousands of years from William Shakespeare to Rupi Kaur and is peppered with fascinating personal anecdotes about poets, thespians and other remarkable characters from Gyles’ life. Ticket £18.00, includes book.

From poets to the battle fields, Britain in the First World War with Simon Heffer on Monday 23rd September, 7pm at Chorleywood Memorial Hall, WD3 5LN. Join us and celebrate his insightful and fascinating new book ‘Staring at God: Britain in the First World War’. A marvellous night for history lovers and novices alike. Ticket £10.00, book £20.00.

A chilling night with Louise Doughty, author of the international bestseller ‘Apple Tree Yard’, on Wednesday 25th September, 7.45pm at Chorleywood Memorial Hall, WD3 5LN. Be prepared for a ghost story like no other. Ticket £15.00 includes book and a glass of prosecco.

Wok On with Ching-He Huang on Monday 30th September, 7pm at Chorleywood Memorial Hall, WD3 5LN is filled with delectable recipes, in this stunning and accessible guide to simple, tasty food. Ching-He will be demonstrating some delicious recipes from the book on the night. Ticket £8.00, book £15.00 at the event. www.chilternbookshops.co.uk

n an ow D n Ta k ew i n ye G ar ch Bo ris o TM ki as n G s

as s TM nG s i ki r ch oo G rB n ki ea a y T w w o ne n D an

D e li c i o u s M e ze s , J uic y Gr il l s, TasTy De s s erT s In addition to rich and authentic delicious tastes of Turkish Cuisine, Mediterranean flavours, fish varieties and vegetarian alternatives are also available at Chanak Restaurant. Every day at lunch and dinner we are happy to welcome you with Turkish hospitality. open daily 12 noon to 11pm (kitchen closes at 10.30pm)

01628 529999

66-70 The Parade Bourne end sl8 5ss www.chanak.com

OUT & ABOUT

Inheritance Tax Explained

O

ne of the most common questions we receive from clients is: How do I reduce my Inheritance Tax (IHT) Bill?

Currently, each individual has a tax free allowance of £325,000. If you give away your home to your direct descendants (e.g. children, grandchildren, stepchildren) this can increase to £475,000 (for the tax year 2019-2020). This additional allowance is known as the Residence Nil Rate Band. A married couple may potentially have a tax free allowance of £650,000, or £950,000 if Residence Nil Rate Band applies. Anything over the tax free allowance is charged at 40% (subject to any exemptions or reliefs).

Through careful planning there are additional ways to reduce your exposure to IHT. Firstly, a ‘7-year rule’ exists. You can give away as much money and assets as you would like provided it is a genuine gift and you do not retain any benefit from it. If you then survive the gift by 7 years, its value will fall outside the Estate for IHT purposes.

Furthermore, a generous and often overlooked exemption is gifts out of your surplus income. For this to apply, the gift must be made out of your surplus income whilst still allowing you to maintain your normal standard of living. Provided that all gifts are documented and the necessary conditions are met, these gifts will not be liable for IHT. Other exemptions include: Annual Exemption – You can give away up to £3000 each tax year and carry forward any unused annual exemption from the previous tax year.

42 SEPTEMBER 2019

Small Gifts Exemption – You can give £250 per year to as many people as you like provided you have not used another exemption on the same person.

Wedding Gifts – You can give £5000 to each of your children, £2500 to each of your grandchildren or great-grandchildren, and £1000 to any other person as a wedding gift.

Charities and Political Parties – You can give unlimited IHT free gifts to charities and political parties during your lifetime.

10% of your net estate to Charity – If you gift 10% of your net estate to a Charity then the gift itself will pass free of IHT. In addition, your estate will benefit from a reduced IHT rate of 36% on some of your assets (as opposed to 40%).

Certain investments may also qualify for business property relief which can further reduce your exposure to IHT. If any of the above interests you, our Private Client team at K J Smith Solicitors are more than happy to assist.

Author: Michael Swan graduated with a Medical Sciences degree from Imperial College London before studying at the University of Law. He is both a qualified Solicitor and Notary Public and has been called to the Grenadian Bar. Michael has experience in Private Client matters including Will drafting, Lasting and Enduring Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection applications and probate matters. He is committed to delivering a high standard of service in a supportive and empathetic manner.

THE DETAILS K J Smith Solicitors are specialists in family law, with offices in Reading (Central), Reading (Woodley), Abingdon, Ascot, Basingstoke, Beaconsfield, Guildford and Henley. We are recognised by the Legal 500 as a Leading Firm.

Why not contact us to arrange a free initial consultation? Call 0118 418 1000 or email wtp@kjsmith.co.uk (Wills, Trusts & Probate).

OUT & ABOUT

I

There’s so much to do at intu Watford!

f you’re looking for somewhere to relax, eat and enjoy a total fun fest, look no further than intu Watford, which just keeps getting better and better!

Now a go-to destination for foodies from far and wide, it’s not hard to see why intu Watford’s restaurants and bars have become so popular.

Whatever floats your boat in the food department, there’s something to suit you at intu Watford. Whether it’s the anticipated arrival of Las Iguanas this September, or maybe the idea of chowwing down on a rack of Jack Daniels glazed ribs at American favourite TGI Fridays, chomping on a chicken teriyaki burger at Japanese street food and sushi joint Yo!, or maybe munching on a Calexico pizza at super-fast pizzeria MOD, the hardest part will be choosing where to stop off!

Instagram users are in their element at cool new restaurant and cocktail bar, The Florist. Inspired by the art of floristry, everything in this glam new venue located on the high street has been designed to charm the senses. From delicious Asian-inspired food and fragrant cocktails, to daily beats, nightly DJs and décor that’s to die for.

Or perhaps you’re a lover of French food? Cote Brasserie, which is also on the high street, is the one to visit. Inspired by the brasseries and bistros of Paris, this relaxed, all-day dining venue is the place for you. From French onion soup, steak tartare and charcuterie boards to crepes, risottos and chargrilled meats, these are taste sensations not to be missed.

Perhaps selecting a leisure activity will be easier – although we doubt it as you’re now truly spoilt for choice at intu Watford.

The Cineworld state-of-the-art nine-screen cinema delivers the ultimate movie experience.

Ground-breaking IMAX laser technology transports you inside the latest blockbusters like never before.

The superb ScreenX technology immerses viewers in a 270-degree panoramic experience. Prepare to be amazed!

If you’re feeling competitive, try out Hollywood Bowl. With 14 lanes of bowling, a delicious familyfriendly menu, ice cold drinks, big-screen TVs and

44 SEPTEMBER 2019

giant sofa, it’s the place to be to let the good times roll with the family. Games start at just £5.59, too.

Watford’s adrenaline junkies are in for a treat at Rock Up, home to 27 super-fun climbing walls reaching up to eight metres high. Everyone, aged four to 104, is invited, with no experience necessary.

There’s even a soft play area and coffee shop for the less adventurous family members!

That’s all-in addition to intu Watford’s threestorey Debenhams, Hollister, Superdry, H&M, Jack Wills, and Hugo Boss stores. Not to mention John Lewis & Partners, Apple, M.A.C, Zara, Pandora, Cath Kidston and Mango opening this September… the list goes on!

The £180 million redevelopment has truly transformed the local shopping centre into a buzzing hive of fun and excitement, with leisure, restaurants and shops galore.

Don’t delay – discover intu Watford today.

Check out intu.co.uk/watford for more information.

“If you’re feeling competitive, try out Hollywood Bowl.

With 14 lanes of bowling, a delicious family-friendly menu, ice cold drinks, bigscreen TVs and giant sofa, it’s the place to be to let the good times roll with the family”

the headline or copy.

OUT & ABOUT This particular style

mirrors the Farrbury

Farrbury Capital Partners The Home of Your Investment Portfolio

Capital hands on and

personal approach and service offering.

CS

F

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

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

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

Farrbury Capital’s One of their heavily subscribed optionsprimary is the adopt a hand Secured Loan Note. Thegraphics general consensus with any drawn-esque feel and are investment offering higher than average returns, is used to support headers that there must be a catch.

Ordinarily this is often have relevance to the case, however, there &aremust markets where, when the headline or copy. structured correctly, those higher than average returns are more than achievable. The property This particular style industry is one of those mirrors such markets, due to it the Farrbury being both asset driven and asset backed.

Capital hands on and One of the main reservations’ investors have, personal approach and is how can a developer afford tooffering. pay such a high service return to investors. Below is a brief case study detailing one of the loan notes raised.

The site has a total Gross Development Value (GDV) based on nearly 400 units of £85 million, £81 million of this is forward funded by institutional investors, meaning only £4 million is raised with interest. The total interest over 12 months at 15% is £600,000 which represents a total This investment is heavily asset backed with the cost of lending against the project of 0.7%.

“Note” being issued by an award-winning national housebuilder. This allows the investor to act as the Development GDV bank whilst maintaining a strong return along with £85,000,000 ultimate flexibility and control over the investment.

Institutional forward funding “Investors continued success and confidence £81,000,000 throughout the portfolio is testimony to the Land Purchase (planning approved) diligently run business models our developers £4,000,000 implement, along with the high level of asset backed 15% interest on land purchase security in place.” £600,000 – James Hayward, Investment Director, Cost of overall lending Farrbury Capital Partners 0.70% www.farrburycapital.com

46 SEPTEMBER 2019

“At Farrbury Capital, we take a less is more approach, only launching investment options that meet our strict criteria”

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

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

Investment Scenario Time Period: 4 Years

Original Capital Total interest

£50,000.00 £7,500.00

Total Repayment

£57,500.00

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

OUT & ABOUT

Vienna Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker Theatre Royal in Windsor, 12-16 November

C

lassical ballet takes centre stage again from Tuesday 12 November until Saturday 16 November when the acclaimed Vienna Festival Ballet brings the perennial Christmas classic The Nutcracker to the Theatre Royal in Windsor.

Be swept away on a magical adventure in one of the most famous classical ballets of all time.

With its combination of enchanting choreography and unforgettable music, this fabulous ballet is a Christmas treat like no other. An enchanting Christmas story telling the tale of how Clara is given a wooden nutcracker as a Christmas present by Dr. Drosselmeyer. During the Christmas party Clara and her brother Fritz fight over the nutcracker doll.

That night Clara unable to sleep with excitement, searches for her doll and then falls asleep under the Christmas tree. As midnight strikes she is awoken by giant mice and the magic begins. The nutcracker doll is suddenly transformed into a princely soldier and a battle ensues with the Mouse King. The Prince and Clara are then transported on a magical journey to the Land of Snow, an enchanted forest with dancing snowflakes. It is here where they encounter the Sugar Plum Fairy, who accompanies them to the Kingdom of Sweets.

The Nutcracker was originally choreographed

48 SEPTEMBER 2019

by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. It was first performed in St. Petersburg at the Mariinsky Theatre, home of the Kirov ballet. in December 1892. The Nutcracker is a time-honoured traditional ballet that combines music and dance in dreamy romance. As wintery and wonderful as the Christmas season itself, The Nutcracker is a true fairy-tale brought to life.

Peter Mallek founder and Artistic Director says of the production ‘Vienna Festival Ballet are committed to bringing the greatest classical ballets to the widest audience. We’re delighted to be returning to the Theatre Royal for the eighth year. Whether you are a ballet fan or an interested observer we have something to offer everyone.

Exquisite and lavish handmade costumes, beautiful sets which project colour and vitality to enhance the workings of the dancers, choreographer and the composer. Our productions have all the elegance and extravagance associated with the best of ballet, and of course some of the best ballet dancers from around the world.’

Book your tickets at The Theatre Royal Windsor, www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Box Office 01753 853888.

‘’The whole evening was a delight’’ - LICHFIELD LIVE

OUT & ABOUT

Equine Therapy at Shardeloes Farm We are pleased to announce that a brand new purpose-built Equine Therapy Centre opens up at Shardeloes Farm.

Activo-Med Equine Water Treadmill The water treadmill, which is an extra long treadmill, means the horse has room to move more freely, encouraging and achieving the natural outline.

Overhead viewing with an operating platform ensures the horse will have controlled supervised exercise. The programme and operations, such as the speed, water depth and incline, if needed, can be adjusted and adapted to suit each individual horse.

The aqua walk and trot training will help: • Increase cardiovascular activity and fitness for event preparation • Increase stride length • Enhance balance • Build muscle tone and leg strength • Help build strong tendons, ligaments and back muscle • Improve flexibility • Reduce the risk of injury post competition

Activo-Med Equine Spa

S

hardeloes Farm Equestrian Centre is a family-run equine facility established twenty-eight years ago. It is centrally located in 550 acres of Chiltern countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty, only a few miles from the M40 and M25.

It incorporates four riding arenas including one indoor. The Centre has been enabling clients of all abilities to enjoy the excellent riding facilities and top-class tuition for years. In providing a healthy sport in spectacular countryside it is a must for all riders, including children, to enjoy the ancient woodland and spectacular views of the Chiltern Hills.

One of the extensive facilities available on site is the purpose-built Equine Therapy Centre. It promotes health and wellbeing, assists with prevention of injuries and enhances the rehabilitation programme of an injured horse or pony. The unit comprises of the Activo-Med inclining water treadmill, Activo-Med salt water Spa with vibrating floor and a Solarium. The opportunity exists for every horse to increase its’ performance and fitness, whether it be a hardworked polo pony, racehorse or an individual owner needing to treat a variety of injuries. It provides the ultimate in care ensuring that the horse will receive the best expertise and attention from fully experienced professionals; an equine Champneys in fact!

In addition to the Equine Therapy Centre, the Woodrow yard boasts 11 individual one-acre grass paddocks close to large premium stables, five with an attached turnout pen. There is also a 20m x 60m outdoor arena with Martin Collins wax surface and flood lighting. All horses from the international professional to the happy hacker are welcome.

50 SEPTEMBER 2019

THE DETAILS For more information or to book a tour, please contact Shardeloes Farm on 01494 433 433 or email office@shardeloesfarm.com

The cold salt-water Equine Spa and Water Treadmill will offer all clients sessions for wellbeing and rehabilitation. It fills and empties very quickly and comes with a customised filtration system. The Spa also incorporates a vibrating floor to enhance speed and recovery by increasing blood circulation and cardiovascular activity. In particular it helps heal coffin joint problems prone in horses competing at a high level. The horse spa can be used for: • Tendon and ligament injuries • Hoof related problems • Soft tissue damage • Wound healing • Inflammation • Concussion • Laminitis • Arthritis • General maintenance Our dedicated staff who are based on site, have received training by acclaimed Dr Matthias Baumann, qualified FEI vet and Olympic 3-day event rider, ensuring every horse gets a 5 star treatment. The Equine facilities are overseen by Pippa Hattan BHSI APC Stage 5 Performance Coach, UKCC Level 3 currently working toward her Fellowship of the BHS.

OUT & ABOUT

A world of fun at

Woburn Safari Park way into the Foot Safari where you can continue to seek out the babies, and enjoy a full programme of daily keeper talks. Head to Elephant Meadow, the only place in the UK where you might get close enough to touch these magnificent creatures, and then hop on board the Great Woburn Railway to meet the friendly alpaca herd at Alpaca Outpost.

Try out the new attractions

W

oburn Safari Park offers an escape to the wild plains, jungles and savannahs of Africa without leaving the country. Home to an array of endangered animals, from rhinos to lions, tigers, monkeys and a large breeding herd of Rothschild’s Giraffe, a visit to the park gives you the chance to see these animals roaming freely just a windscreen width away from you.

See if you can spot the summer babies And this summer as the good weather began to arrive, so did lots of new faces around the park including two adorable African lion cubs, four alpaca babies, fluffy penguin chicks, cute otter pups, and cheeky monkeys.

Born to parents Zuri and Joco on the 25th July the lion cubs, who are now four weeks old, are yet to be sexed and the plan is that they will be on view to park visitors in late September. In the wild a lioness will give birth and keep her cubs in a den of thick dense cover, like acacia bushes, so Zuri and her cubs are currently enjoying bonding time in a quiet, private area but keepers have already spotted the young cubs beginning to play with each other and with their mum’s tail!

You can already enjoy spotting the many other beautiful babies as you head off on an adventure on the Road Safari upon arrival. Afterwards, make your 52 SEPTEMBER 2019

Bringing along your own monkeys? Besides seeing the animals, there are plenty of fun activities in the Leisure Area that can be enjoyed as part of your ticket price. Let them burn off some steam in the new outdoor adventure playground, Jungle Jamboree, or kick back and relax during a leisurely paddle on Swan Lake in the new Dragon Boats, which have joined the Swan Boats for the first time.

Meet your favourite TV characters This year, kids hit TV characters Rubble, Owlette and Marshall will also be stopping by for very special meet and greet sessions. Fans of the heroic characters can head to the Mammoth Play Ark at intervals to meet Rubble from PAW Patrol on the 1st September, Owlette from PJ Masks 29th September and Marshall from PAW Patrol on 26th October. Offering the perfect photo opportunity, purchasing a special event ticket is no extra cost to your standard admission, but guarantees you a place in a priority queue to meet your favourite character. www.woburnsafari.co.uk

“Besides seeing the animals, there are plenty of fun activities in the Leisure Area that can be enjoyed as part of your ticket price”

Wood Green, The Animals Charity W ood Green’s aim is to help every pet and pet owner that comes to them.

Wood Green, The Animal Charity’s aim is to bring pets and people closer together, providing pets with loving homes that they deserve whilst empowering owners with the knowledge to take the very best care of their beloved pets. Wood Green offers free pet advice to anyone who needs it, whether you are considering having a pet in the future and need guidance on pet choice, or you already have a pet and need some general advice or intensive support. Last year, Wood Green found loving homes for more than 4,000 pets and their dedicated team gave one-to-one care and support to 2,343 pets and their owners.

Sponsoring a pet pen is a meaningful way to be part of rescue pets’ journeys at Wood Green and help the financial effort in providing the best quality treatment and care possible – from food and veterinary care to love and training. Pets at Wood Green stay for an average of 30-35 days, meaning you will play a vital role in a number of pets’ lives.

You will receive regular updates from your dog, cat or small animal pen, seeing first-hand how your support is making a difference.

Find out more at woodgreen.org.uk.

“Sponsoring a pet pen is a meaningful way to be part of rescue pets’ journeys at Wood Green”

SEPTEMBER 2019 53

OUT & ABOUT

Chef Laurie Gear

September recipe & kitchen news

A

fter a balmy Indian Summer the Autumn is now gentling approaching featuring its generous bounty. The first oysters fresh off the boat are irresistible, as are the September’s harvest of blackberries, many varieties of English apples, pears and plums all which can be picked now and enjoyed or preserved for the winter. Time to make the most of squashes, pumpkins and the last of the courgettes and fresh corn on the cobb which

charred has a delicious smoky Autumn flavour for this recipe Squab refers to a young farmed pigeon rather than a wild or wood pigeon. They tend to be a little larger than their country counterparts and the flavour is not as gamey. In this recipe we have paired it with some of its natural food and chosen to cook the legs separate to ensure they are at their most tender. To finish a generous helping of grated black truffle elevates the dish to something fit for a king.

RECIPE: Squab Pigeon, Sweet corn Puree, Confit Leg, Fresh Truffle Ingredients Serves 4 • 4 squab pigeons • Approx 50g butter and olive oil for frying • 4 corn on the cobs • 1 cabbage pointed, savoy or late summer

• 1 black truffle • 3 drops good quality truffle oil • Salt and pepper • 3 tbs double cream • 200 ml whole milk • 1 jar goose fat • 1 sprig rosemary • 2 cloves garlic

Method 1. Cut the legs from the birds, salt lightly and set aside for 30 mins.

2. With a sharp knife cut down through the bird to remove the crown which holds the two breast sections in place.

3. Roast the trimmings in a hot oven 220 degrees C for 15 mins for the sauce Pigeon Jus 1. Roughly chop and sweat the vegetables until lightly caramelized 2. Pour in the wine and reduce 3. Add the roasted pigeons bones, top up with chicken stock and simmer for 30 minutes 4. Take out the bones and pass through a muslin 5. Reduce by three quarters To Finish 1. Season the crown and colour lightly in a hot pan with a little oil and butter then pop into a medium hot oven for 10 to 12 mins baste then remove from pan and allow to rest upside down so as the juices return to the breasts.

2. For the confit legs - rinse off salt and cook in duck or goose fat with the rosemary and garlic till tender, remove from oil drain then re roast when needed later.

3. Remove outer leaves from the cabbage and discard any damaged ones then cook in boiling salted water for approx. 5 mins so as to maintain a crunch.

4. Cook the whole corn in boiling salted water till tender

54 SEPTEMBER 2019

Pigeon Jus • 500ml chicken stock • 150g roasted pigeon bones • 2 carrots • 1 stick celery • 2 onions • 2 cloves garlic • 80ml red wine

then gently char two of the corns with a blow torch or on a late summer barbecue – then cut the niblets from the shaft.

5. Prepare the other two sweet corn by removing the niblets from the shaft (for ease you could use 500g of tinned sweetcorn niblets as an alternative) in a pan with a little butter adding some milk and cream at the end liquidize till smooth pass through a fine sieve season to taste.

6. We put our corn puree in a cream whipper at the restaurant to aerate however you can spoon direct onto the plate.

7. To serve carve breasts from crown place a little corn puree and the charred niblets onto the plate with the cabbage leaves and dress with the pigeon jus , finish with a grating of truffle or a few drops of truffle oil.

Autumn Lunch Tasting Offer To celebrate the arrival of Autumn we invite you to sample our new Autumn Lunch Tasting Menu, with a complimentary Autumnal Kir Royale with Crème de Mûre served upon arrival. **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 2019.

The Artichoke Restaurant 9 Market Square Old Amersham Tel: 01494 726611 www.artichokerestaurant.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Beechwood

Fine Foods

ofis among Tring the Great Taste Winners of 2019

T

ring, Hertfordshire – Great Taste, the world’s most coveted food and drink awards, has announced its stars of 2019.

Out of 12,772 products sent in from over 100 different countries, Beechwood Fine Foods, located in Frogmore Street, Tring was awarded a 1-star Great Taste award for both Poachers Pickle and Dark and Chunky Marmalade, which means judges considered both as delivering fantastic flavour. More particularly the judges commented of Poachers Pickle, ‘Nicely spiced. Lovely texture. We like the lingering warmth’ and of the marmalade, ‘A rich and indulgent look to this firm set marmalade.

Soft peel with bitter sweet molasses citrus contrasts, depth and complexity. An appealing marmalade’.

Judged by over 500 of the most demanding palates, belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, buyers, retailers and producers, as well as a whole host of food writers and journalists, Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. As well as a badge of honour, the unmistakable black and gold Great Taste label is a signpost to a wonderful tasting product, which has been discovered through hours and hours of blind tasting by hundreds of judges.

Sarah, co-owner of Beechwoods, explains: ‘This is fabulous, I make all our range of preserves, jams and chutneys and to go up against many of the bigger players in the industry and to come out with another two awards this year to add to the now increasing number across the range is just great! I could not be happier and it certainly makes all the hard work very worthwhile’; she adds ‘if you have not tried our homemade preserves please pop in to see us at the deli or when we are out and about at various fetes and shows locally as we will always

56 SEPTEMBER 2019

“Judged by over 500 of the most demanding palates, belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, buyers, retailers and producers, as well as a whole host of food writers and journalists, Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers”

have tasters available’.

Recognised as a stamp of excellence among consumers and retailers alike, Great Taste values taste above all else, with no regard for branding and packaging. Whether it is vinegar, granola, bacon or cheese being judged, all products are removed from their wrapper, jar, box or bottle before being tasted. The judges then savour, confer and re-taste to decide which products are worthy of a 1-, 2- or 3-star award.

There were 12,772 entries into Great Taste this year and of those products, 208 have been awarded a 3-star, 1,326 received a 2-star and 3,409 were awarded a 1-star accolade. The panel of judges this year included: cook, writer and champion of sustainable food, Melissa Hemsley; Kenny Tutt, MasterChef 2018 champion; author, Olia Hercules; chef and food writer, Gill Meller; Kavi Thakar from Dishoom; food writer and stylist, Georgina Hayden, and author and chef, Zoe Adjonyoh, as well as food buyers from Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, Sourced Market and Partridges. These esteemed palates have together tasted and re-judged the 3-star winners to finally agree on the Golden Fork Trophy winners and the Great Taste 2019 Supreme Champion.

Great Taste 2019 will reach its exciting finale on Sunday 1 September, when the world of fine food gathers at the InterContinental Park Lane Hotel, London to find out the Great Taste Golden Fork trophy winners for each region, with the final applause reserved for the Great Taste Supreme Champion 2019.

For more information contact Sarah Murray at Beechwood Fine Foods, 42 Frogmore Street, Tring HP23 5AU. Telephone: 01442 828812or email: hello@beechwoodfinefoods.com.

OUT & ABOUT FEATURE

Bake Off to Take Off;

L&D Helipad Appeal Launches Cake-sale Pack F

oodie fundraisers are encouraged to hold a cake sale during the summer of 2019 to help raise the final £1.5m for an on-site helipad at Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

A special L&D recipe book, bunting, invitations and more are available online. The new helipad will provide much-needed direct Air Ambulance access to the hospital which will increase the survival and recovery rates of heart attack, stroke and trauma patients and provide the ONLY 24/7 landing facility directly serving Herts, Beds and Bucks.• The ‘Bake Off to Take Off ’ pack – the idea for which was inspired by the hospital celebrating its 80th birthday in this year - includes posters, invitations, a bunting template and a selection of favourite baking recipes chosen by some of the hospital’s teams.The pack will be available for download throughout the summer.

Sarah Amexheta, Head of Charity, said: ‘2019 is a milestone year for the L&D, and Preparing to Land is the charity’s flagship appeal for the 80th birthday celebrations. Among multiple other fundraising ideas, cake sales seemed like a natural fit.

“We have had a lot of fun with bake-offs between hospital staff in the past, but thought it

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was about time to stop eating all the cake ourselves and start spreading the love. Hopefully the pack will provide inspiration enough for events large and small. We look forward to seeing the results.”

The Appeal aims to generate £1.5m, the final sum required to secure the project to build a helipad within the hospital complex. With no helipad currently at the hospital itself, Air Ambulances land on a local school playing field and transfer patients the final distance by road, significantly eating into the 60 critical minutes after an incident. If it is deemed too risky to undertake the final road transfer, casualties can potentially be transferred to the nearest emergency helipads, in Northamptonshire, Cambridge or London. The closest of these is over 25 miles away.

The majority of the helipad funding – over £4m - is already in place. The charity would also like to hear from individuals and businesses who could support the appeal through sponsorship opportunities and donor partnerships. It is hoped that the helipad will be operational by 2021.

Downloadable pack via www.ldh.nhs.uk/ charity/supporting-wards-and-departments/ helipad-appeal/bake-off-to-take-off

THE DETAILS Bakers are invited to share their creations on Facebook and Twitter using the #bakeofftotakeoff hashtag.

The charity’s own pages can be found on Facebook and Twitter at @ldhfundraising.

To pledge your support and for more information visit www.ldh. nhs.uk/charity/helipad-appeal or call 01582 718289 www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ldhhelipad

LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE

Image: Hannah McClune

– From gifts to venues, we’ve got the big day covered –

WEDDINGS

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WEDDINGS

The Most Memorable Setting

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teeped in history and sitting elegantly in 30 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of Buckinghamshire, De Vere Latimer Estate offers the most memorable setting to say ‘I do’.

Landscaped gardens surround our stunning Victorian mansion house, with exceptional views across the Chess Valley – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Inside, the house has undergone a £7m refurbishment to add 21st century comfort and style, whilst complementing the original character of the property – the perfect blend of old and new.

Our beautiful Cavendish Suite can be easily divided into two rooms, creating space and flexibility. With access to the outside terrace and enjoying spectacular views of the rolling countryside, this suite is fully licensed for civil ceremonies, providing the perfect setting for both your wedding ceremony and breakfast for up to 200 guests. If you prefer a traditional church ceremony, you’ll find the beautiful 18th century St Mary Magdalene Church, right here in the grounds of the estate.

You can make the most of every single moment of your wedding day, with a choice of stunning overnight accommodation. A junior suite for the happy couple is complimentary within our wedding packages, with the option to upgrade to the Master Suite in the Mansion House for an added

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“We know that planning your wedding day is both exciting and enjoyable. Our dedicated wedding team are always on hand, and will be happy to advise and answer any questions you may have, every step of the way”

indulgence. Our rooms provide all the comfort you and your guests will need for a relaxing stay, with modern amenities and luxurious furnishings, as well as on-site leisure facilities and a swimming pool. Because it’s an important day for your guests too, we offer them discounted rates on rooms when attending your wedding.

Our wedding menus are personally crafted to your needs by our Executive Head Chef. With everything on offer, from a traditional sit-down wedding breakfast to a more informal hog roast and pizza oven option, we can cater for every type of wedding. Couples are invited to a private tasting session ahead of the wedding - an opportunity to try dishes from the menus. Our Head chef will also be happy to chat through options for personalising menus to your own requirements.

We know that planning your wedding day is both exciting and enjoyable. Our dedicated wedding team are always on hand, and will be happy to advise and answer any questions you may have, every step of the way Together, we can create your most perfect and unforgettable day. We look forward to making your dream wedding become a reality. www.devere.co.uk/latimer-estate latimerweddings@devere.com

WEDDINGS

Step Inside Celebrity Hotspot

Hedsor

House Buckinghamshire’s fairy-tale wedding venue

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H

edsor House located in Taplow on the Buckinghamshire/Berkshire border, plays host to some of the most extraordinary weddings and events.

Set in 100 acres of parkland and only 26 miles from Central London, the venue is approached via a private kilometre-long drive that passes the beautiful herd of Highland cattle grazing peacefully, before the breath-taking main façade of the house itself comes into view. The house offers privacy and exclusivity, and with its picturesque setting and array of superb facilities it is the perfect venue for occasions of all sizes.

The house is the proud recipient of many titles and awards, including Vogue’s Dream Wedding Venue and Tatler’s No.1 Wedding Venue. Its ‘blank canvas’ approach lends itself to being one of the UK’s most extraordinary and versatile venues, allowing couples to create the luxury country house wedding they’ve always dreamed of. When it comes to ideas and inspiration there are endless opportunities to make these dreams a reality, and the wonderful Hedsor House team are always on hand to craft a completely bespoke day or guide the couple through the different wedding packages that are on offer.

Given as a wedding present to Florence and Philip Shephard in 1934, Hedsor has remained in the Shephard Family for four generations. Today the house is under the dynamic leadership of brothers Nick, Mark and Hamish Shephard, who launched the house as an events venue in 2008.

The house and grounds can be hired in their entirety for civil wedding ceremonies, blessings and receptions for up to 150 guests. There is even a private 12th century church in the grounds.

This summer, the Shephard family unveiled two new luxury suites and The Willingdon Bar,

completing the staged restoration of the illustrious party-house. This takes the total accommodation on site to three luxurious suites plus a further ten top floor guest rooms. Guests can admire the spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside through the windows.

The Bridal Suite is the jewel in Hedsor’s crown.

One of the largest in Europe, it comprises of a large bedroom complete with impressive four poster bed, en suite marble-clad bathroom, grand Powder room and exclusive access to a private balcony terrace, spanning the entire front of the house.

The affectionately named Florence suite was originally Florence Shephard’s bedroom and has been lovingly restored to its former glory, taking inspiration from the family’s heritage but with décor that befit modern standards. The Green Room, formerly used as an artist’s dressing room during filming projects at Hedsor, now features references to the golden ages of film. Special guests who stay in the suite will be following in the footsteps of A-listers such as Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Nicole Kidman to name a few.

Finally, the sumptuous Willingdon Bar is the perfect addition to the ground floor at Hedsor for wedding groups and night owls. Named after the elite private members club in Mumbai, of which Florence Shephard was a member in the 1930’s, the bar pays homage to the many lavish cocktail parties Florence used to host at Hedsor, when she moved back to England from India.

Exclusive use of Hedsor House starts from £5950 + VAT with wedding packages starting from £14,850 + VAT based on 70 guests. hedsor.com

WEDDINGS

Weddings

made

easy S

ince June 2018 Every Event Catering Hire has been located in Watlington, situated perfectly to serve Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire with ease. Our wide and varied range of catering hire equipment is perfect for weddings and functions of any size, and along with our sister company Hire Heaven offering venue decorating and floristry, our base in Watlington is the new go-to location for your event needs.

Not only do we hold catering equipment such as crockery, cutlery and tableware, we can supply tables and chairs and table linen to match, and we supply not only to professional caterers and venues, but also private clients. We really do have everything you need for a stylish event.

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A complete solution Using our expertise and experience we can help you work out what furniture you will need, help you coordinate table cloths and napkins to any chosen colour theme, and with our new range of centre pieces and bespoke floral arrangements we can add a touch of glamour and luxury to your event, large or small. With the ability to deliver and collect, and with a return dirty service available for larger orders, hiring from us is so easy and convenient.

Weddings and themes With festival and boho style weddings being in trend right now, we have a varied range of equipment available to hire, and with our extensive knowledge in the events industry we can help any bride and groom or event organiser to source the best items for the job.

Hire Heaven is owned by Taniece Simmons who is an experienced florist, and venue decorator. With Hire Heaven’s new and innovative products on offer, we really can cover every event…..

We look forward to hearing from you and hope you can help you with Every Event.

the details All our of Catering Hire products are online at www.everyeventcateringhire.co.uk Hire Heaven’s products and services can be viewed at www.hire-heaven.co.uk

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WEDDINGS

You’ll get a great reception at intu Watford V

enue? Tick. Guest list? Tick. DJ? Tick.

Now it’s time to get started on the fun stuff! And what better place to get the little details sorted than your local shopping centre?

Looking to set up the perfect wedding list? Want to choose your own gifts from a wide variety of different retailers? intu Watford’s new Wedding Gift List offers just that….spend your gift cards on the perfect honeymoon, items for the home or simply treat yourselves. Set up your wedding gift list online and your guests can contribute online or in centre. You’ll receive a customised URL to include in your invites, so your wedding guest know exactly what to do and where to contribute.

It’s easy to set up, just click here and go shopping! https://intuwatford.flex-e-card.com/ gift-clubs/wedding-gift-list Plus, from invitations, gift lists, suits and bridesmaid dresses to mother-of-the-bride outfits, table décor, thank-you presents and even your hen do, intu Watford has you covered.

When it comes to clothing, the centre is your oyster. There’s John Lewis, Debenhams, Monsoon, Next and Lipsy, Boss, Zara, T.M. Lewin, M&S and Kurt Geiger … the list is endless, and your bridesmaids, groom, groomsmen, mother of the bride, flower girls, page boys and guests will be truly spoilt for choice. Kit them out from top to toe with hats, dresses, suits, ties, jewellery and shoes to die for at intu Watford.

You can book your honeymoon at Thomas Cook, find materials to get crafty with at Flying Tiger or The Works, buy invitations and thankyou cards at M&S, Card Factory, Clintons and Paperchase, and even do your honeymoon shopping at the many fashion stores stocking bikinis, dresses and sandals galore! Plus, there’s no better place 70 SEPTEMBER 2019

to find thank-you gifts for your bridal party – try Pandora, Thomas Sabo and Swarovski, or just pick up intu Gift Card for them to spend in most of the shops and restaurants in the centre.

Have you planned your hen do yet? Look no further. The Florist is totally Insta-worthy, uber glam and offers Japanese-inspired culinary delights, fragrant cocktails and DJs on the decks, making it the ideal hen do destination. Or if French food is more your thing, check out Côte Brasserie, inspired by the bistros of Paris.

While you’re out and about shopping for the big day, pit stops will be a must. With a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and bars, you won’t be short of places to go to relax and recuperate in between ticking jobs off your list.

The £180 million redevelopment has truly transformed intu Watford, making it the perfect place for a bride to plan her big day.

Don’t delay – discover intu Watford today and build your dream future. Check out www.intuwatford.flex-e-card.com/gift-clubs/ wedding-gift-list

“While you’re out and about shopping for the big day, pit stops will be a must”

WEDDINGS

Hen Inspiration Blooms in Chesham T he last few years have seen a marked increase in the popularity of less expensive, more mindful alternatives to the traditional ‘night on the town’ hen party. We contacted local craft and wellness business Where Inspiration Blooms to ask owners Jules Cossins and Caroline Oden what they offer.

They’ve recently begun running bespoke hen parties where their stunning barn and grounds can be hired out and guests can choose workshops run by teachers from their extensive community of local craftspeople and artists.

“We set up Where Inspiration Blooms in 2018, with a view to creating a beautiful and inspiring space where people could come and take part in craft and holistic workshops. As our community has grown we have met some truly amazing local artisans offering such a wide range of different activities that bespoke parties and workshops have become inevitable” explains Jules.

Caroline adds, “We don’t have fixed hen packages as we know that everyone wants their party to be unique and special to them, so we offer a really flexible alterative in terms of venue, activities and catering. Some of our guests like us to arrange everything for them, whereas some just want the venue and name of a teacher and arrange the rest

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themselves.”

Where Inspiration Blooms has an extensive portfolio of crafts on offer including pottery (they have a wheel and kiln on site), watercolour painting, several types of printing (including screen, lino and block), arm knitting, herbal medicine, flower growing workshops, textile art, willow weaving, yoga, pilates, sound spas and even sour-dough making!

For more information contact bookings@whereinspirationblooms.co.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE s ep t embe r 2 0 1 9

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN your area

EDUC ATION

Benefits of the independent school

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ith options ranging from boarding schools to modern alternative curricula, there is almost certainly a school to suit each and every child. Here are some of the reasons why parents are choosing to give their children the unique experience of private school and why it’s worth the financial investment.

International Baccalaureate programme, just to name a few. The IB programme focuses on school work and on developing you as a whole person.

Private school students constantly score top marks on standardized tests and college entrance exams, and many schools have a 100 per cent rate of students attending their university of choice.

Enriched academic opportunities

A comprehensive study on class size made by educational researchers Bruce Biddler and David Berliner in 2002 showed that the smaller the class size, the better the average student performs on academic achievement tests. The gains from smaller class sizes are stronger the longer a child is exposed

One of the accepted benefits of private schools is that they provide exceptional and challenging educational experiences through extracurricular activities, Advanced Placement courses, and the

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Controlled class sizes

“91 per cent of parents surveyed said the dedication of the teachers was their main reason for choosing private school�

to them. Private schools vary greatly in size, but depending on their teaching style, almost all focus on the importance of small class sizes to individually help students’ weak areas and advance their strengths.

Dedicated teachers In a study completed by the Fraser Institute in 2007, 91 per cent of parents surveyed said the dedication of the teachers was their main reason for choosing private school. Instructors are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding advanced degrees in their field. Within the tight-knit school community, students have close relationships with their teachers who commonly act as role models. In addition, small class sizes make staff members more readily available for extra help or to further challenge individual students.

Parental involvement Private schools are built around open communication between parents and administration, and they make it a priority to involve parents in the community. From frequent parent-teacher meetings, social events such as parent breakfasts and family camping weekends, and the participation of parent committees in fundraising initiatives, families become an integral part of the child’s education. This common ground also helps strengthen parent-child relationships.

A safe environment Private schools have reputations for maintaining high standards for discipline and respect. Lower staff-tostudent ratios allow for more effective observation and control of school grounds. The strong sense of community found in private schools also discourages

“At private schools, you’ll find incredible resources to support student learning in the classroom, sports field, art studio, and beyond”

dangerous behaviour. In the Fraser Institute study, around 72 per cent of parents surveyed with children in the private school system strongly agreed that their school was safe, which greatly improves the quality of the child’s educational experience and achievement. The discipline they learn also improves their rates for success in post-secondary education when they are in control of their class attendance and achievement.

Ample resources At private schools, you’ll find incredible resources to support student learning in the classroom, sports field, art studio, and beyond. Quality resources provide students with the opportunity to fully explore their interests and talents.

Extracurricular activities While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts or clubs. This involvement helps stimulate students in their studies, as noted in a study at Stanford University that found that students involved in the arts are more motivated to learn and are three times more likely to win a school attendance award. Extracurricular activities can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of academics while developing skills and engaging in valuable social situations.

Development for today’s and tomorrow’s world Private schools go beyond offering the mandatory subjects required by provincial curriculum; they can offer students a wide range of specializations including arts programs, athletics, maths and science.

Private schools are responsible for producing many leaders in politics, business and society, with a history of adapting quickly to changes in technology and culture. And today, they are also sought by parents of children with special needs such as behaviour problems or learning disabilities.

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EDUC ATION

A happy & thriving communitY

A

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

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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 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 mindfulness. 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 01442 240333 or visit www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk.

meet the head Thorpe House School: Meet the Head of Prep (Kirstie Hampshire)

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horpe House School is an independent boys’ day school in Gerrards Cross which takes boys from age 3 when they join Thorpe Explorers’ Nursey to 16 when they complete their GSCEs. How long have you been Head of Prep at Thorpe House?

I started at Thorpe House as a Year 3 teacher in 2013 and became Head of Prep in September 2015.

What makes Thorpe Prep Department such a great place to learn?

The formative years of childhood are the prep years (ages 7 – 11) so we encourage all boys to develop vital life skills – not just for their time at school, but also for the rest of their lives. It is impossible to develop a child’s character in the classroom alone, hence the significant amount of time spent on the sports field as well as in the performing and creative arts departments.

Through extra-curricular activities and the broader curriculum, boys are given the opportunity to take risks and their ability to perform confidently musically, dramatically and in sport is testament to our unique family atmosphere where boys appreciate, understand and value each other. Pastoral care is central to everything we do; our friendly and nurturing environment equips boys with the confidence and skills to really challenge themselves, be happy, and succeed. We are unequivocally proud of our department which focusses on the individual needs of every child, at every stage of their education, something that ensures no child slips under the radar and everyone is challenged on a daily basis.

scheme have been enormously successful in emphasising the importance of values such as honesty, compassion, creativity, resilience and responsibility; continuing to further develop these life skills will help our pupils to not only succeed academically but also beyond term papers and standardised tests.

Join Kirstie, her staff and pupils at their working day open morning on Friday 10th May, 09.30 – 11.30. Booking can be done via their website (thorpehouse.co.uk). You can also follow them on social media for a snapshot of school life (thorpehousesch)!

What is your long-term vision for the Prep Department?

As a department, we will continue to provide an individually tailored education to ensure our pupils fulfil all aspects of their potential. Our intergenerational project with Austenwood Nursing Home, the community cards scheme with the local council and the Young Enterprise

meet the head Mrs Patricia Adams, Headmistress, St Mary’s School, Gerrards Cross

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t Mary’s is a unique and very special community. As a beautiful school set in leafy grounds in Gerrards Cross, of around 360 girls aged 3-18, among our many strengths is that we offer a genuinely personalised education. Our teachers know every student so well and are able to tailor teaching and pastoral approach for each one. This specific focus ensures that each girl will be happy, have the best possible educational experience and the very best start in life.

With our high standards and consistently impressive results for 11+ entry, GCSE and A level, our focus is on the joy of learning, be that in public speaking, debating, and in the wide range of trips and visits, sport, music, art, dance and drama; participation is encouraged from the very start of an education at St Mary’s. The

diversity and richness of our students’ experience means that they leave us as confident young adults prepared to take on their next challenges, goals and ambitions This is a very exciting time for St Mary’s; in the coming academic year we will further develop our unique environment where each individual girl has the space to learn and grow in confidence and self-belief, reinforcing the pastoral and academic provision that prepares our students to be committed, resilient and compassionate individuals.

Please do come and visit us and experience the joy and excitement of learning at the heart of our school!

Packhorse Rd, Gerrards Cross SL9 8JQ 01753 883370. www. stmarysschool.co.uk

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EDUC ATION

A Guide to Bucks Eleven Plus Tests T

he summer holidays are quickly coming to an end and for pupils going into year 6, the Eleven Plus tests are looming just around the corner. On 12th September, thousands of children will sit the Secondary Transfer Tests, more commonly known as the 11+ exam. Whilst most parents are aware of the 11+ exam, some may be unaware what exactly the test entails. Awardwinning 11+ tuition company, Flying Start Tuition, has put together an overview of the exam to help parents understand what to expect and how it works.

Test format: The exam will consist of two timed papers, with pupils allowed 45 minutes to complete each paper.

The test is split into main subject areas that carry different weights toward the final mark as follows: English and Verbal Reasoning (50%) Mathematics (25%) Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning (25%) Furthermore, the papers are split into sections as per below: Paper 1: • Comprehension • Technical English • Verbal reasoning Paper 2: • Non-verbal reasoning • Spatial reasoning • Mathematics

Test features: Children will be given a multiple choice answer booklet, separate to the question paper. It is important children give their answers only on the answer booklet, and not on the question paper. The instructions for the test will be played via an audio file in the form of a recording or CD played in the exam hall. Included within each 45 minute test will be several sections with their own time limit. After the test, the papers are marked using an optical mark reader. It is therefore important your child fills in their answer clearly and as per the instructions.

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Skills required:

• An extensive vocabulary • High level of reading comprehension skills • A good knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation • Swift mental calculation and recollection of number facts such as times tables, number bonds and division • A sturdy understanding of all topics covered in the Year 5 maths curriculum • Familiarity and confidence with crucial verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types • Well-practised in the strategies of tackling VR and NVR questions types quickly

How to prepare: Most of the maths and English topics covered in the test will be based on the Year 5 curriculum; however the time limits for each section are tight. It is vital children are comfortable and confident tackling these topics under pressure and managing their time.

Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning are not taught in state schools and as such, these are the topics children can find the most challenging. In order to prepare adequately for these sections, your child requires as much practice answering these question types quickly and accurately as possible.

No matter how you are preparing for the 11+ exam, whether it be at home or with private tuition, making an early start is a shrewd idea. Though it seems slightly intimidating to start preparing years in advance, it is far less daunting than trying to master the entire scope of the test in a short space of time. Starting preparations two or even three years in advance will not only benefit your child’s schoolwork but will also boost their confidence and increase their progress while developing those key skills needed for secondary school.

If you need some expert help preparing your child for the 11+, contact Flying Start Tuition to find out about their range of 11+ courses: t: 01494 772898 e: hello@flyingstarttuition.co.uk w: www.flyingstarttuition.co.uk

“The exam will consist of two timed papers, with pupils allowed 45 minutes to complete each paper. The test is split into main subject areas that carry different weights toward the final mark”

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EDUC ATION

Stars on Stage

S

harpe Academy, a Musical Theatre Academy for young performers, is beginning its 12th year of Part-Time classes for ages 3-18. With centres in Rickmansworth, Ruislip, Northwood and Hatch End, students take part in weekly Musical Theatre classes which provide excellent training in Singing, Acting and Drama. With additional Dance and Acrobatics classes available, Sharpe is the ideal place for your child to build confidence, attend fun weekly classes, take part in full-scale musicals, or train for a career in the arts. For information on the Musical Theatre and Dance classes Sharpe Academy has to offer visit SharpeAcademy.co.uk.

In addition to their part-time classes, Sharpe have now launched their first Full-Time course – a 3 Year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre, aimed at performers aged 16-25.

This intensive vocational Musical Theatre course will be aimed at students who, after completing year 11, sixth form or degree level study, wish to train for a career in Performing Arts. The course will be based at Sharpe Academy’s new home – Harrow Arts Centre in Hatch End. A newly renovated Grade 2 listed building will house the Academy, giving students access to well-equipped dance studios, classrooms, a café and a state-of-the-art 450-seat theatre.

Students who study on the course will have weekly lessons in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Singing,

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Acting through Song, Stage Acting, Acting for TV & Film, Audition Technique, Music Theory, Performance and will aim towards regular showcases and productions. An annual Musical and an annual Dramatic Play will also be staged in the on-site Elliott Hall theatre.

The faculty is made up of international performers and experienced teachers who specialise in the performance industry. Principal Daniel Sharpe spent many years touring the world in musicals such as Evita, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Lullabies of Broadway. Daniel also represents professional performers as an Agent, sending graduates to auditions for Performing Arts jobs around the world. Artistic Director Vicki Manser is currently in the West End production of Six the Musical, and guest lecturers and performers will also be invited in on a weekly basis to work with students, allowing them to discover new dance styles and production workshops.

Sharpe Academy is offering FREE AUDITIONS to anyone in school year 11 and above who is aiming for a career in Performing Arts and wishes to apply for the course. Applicants will need to prepare a Musical Theatre song, a Drama monologue and attend a Dance audition.

The free audition days will take place throughout the year – dates can be found on Sharpe’s social media and at SharpeAcademy.co.uk, where students can apply via the online audition form.

Sharpe Academy is proud to have actor and comedian Matt Lucas, West End performer Carrie Hope Fletcher (both currently appearing in the Les Misérables concert production at the Gielgud Theatre, London) and West End performer & X-Factor finalist Giovanni Spano as its Patrons. www.sharpeacademy.co.uk.

Please join us on Friday 18th & Saturday 19th October for our exclusive Stemar trunk show www.andrewgardner.co.uk The Tanyard, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6ND 01296 625 488

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : F RING E B E N E F ITS : HO W TO W E AR TH E TASS E L TR E ND

The perfect fit

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

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M

ade to measure is a service that allows you to create something that is absolutely unique and made exclusively for you. Suits, blazers, trousers, coats or shirts, you can craft any one of these garments with the expert advice of one of our Made-to-Measure Specialists, who will help you choose a style, fit and a fabric to make your Made-to-Measure garment exclusive to you.

Canali made to measure garments are expertly tailored in Italy and will be delivered in four/five weeks. With a choice of over 500 fabric options, many of which are made exclusively for Canali. You will see your creation take shape down to the last detail as you select buttons, pockets, linings, collars and cuffs among other options that makes a SuMisura garment so exclusive.

The Swedish shirt company Stenströms will never compromise on quality when it comes to fabrics, cutting and sewing. Quite simply, they want to give you the best. Made to measure will give you the opportunity to design your own shirt in your own measurements. Choose from a large selection of fabrics, buttons, collars and cuffs to make your made to measure shirt as unique as you are.

On Friday 18th & Saturday 19th October 2019 we will be joined by the Canali Tailor who will be in store to take your measurements. To book an appointment please email: men@andrewgardner.co.uk or call: 01296625488.

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

“Canali made to measure garments are expertly tailored in Italy and will be delivered in four/five weeks”

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

WINSER LONDON

EASY, CHIC STYLES FOR AUTUMN H

Autumn is a wonderful time of year for adding new wardrobe staples to your collection. After the lightweight fabrics of Summer, cooler days call for clever layering and the addition of a new pair of trousers, skirt or dress cut from more substantial fabrics.

Winser London, founded in 2013 by local resident Kim Winser OBE, has the wardrobe solutions and keeps things easy and simple

Miracle Trousers (£99)

eralded by the international fashion editors as “The Trouser Destination”, Winser London’s clever edit of the most flattering and comfortable trousers is a one-stop shop. The perfect Winser Italian Classic Trousers suit most shapes and - with a touch of secret stretch – ensure you feel great as well as looking fabulous.

Winser Italian Classic Trousers (£139)

The firm favourites of many of Winser London’s clients are the Miracle Trousers, so-called because the double stretch jersey fabric they are cut from performs miracles for your confidence and your comfort.

A simple and easy-to-wear skirt can become an invaluable and hardworking piece in your wardrobe.

The current trend for the superflattering midi length suits pretty much everyone and the Winser London plain or dotty Satin Midi Skirt, with a secretly elasticated waist, is a must-have.

WINSER LONDON LOCAL STORES 43 Packhorse Road Gerrards Cross SL9 8PE Tel: +44 (0)1753 889 174 Email: store@winserlondon.com Mon - Sat - 10am - 5pm 17 Spittal Street Marlow SL7 3HJ Tel: +44 (0)1628 478880 Email: marlow@winserlondon.com Mon - Sat - 10am - 5pm

90 SEPTEMBER 2019

Grace Miracle Dress (£159)

Layering is a simple way to dress during the ‘shoulder seasons’ of Autumn and Spring. With unpredictable weather during September, a natural fibre jumper or knitted jacket, a cashmere wrap or poncho will ensure you’re just the right temperature all day.

Winser London’s knitwear collection has Kim’s expertise at its heart. As the businesswoman who turned around Pringle of Scotland, Kim has expert knowledge of the best quality yarns and her design team create styles that are not only chic but feel incredibly cocooning and luxurious.

The brand’s Autumn colour palette includes classic neutrals like midnight navy, black and grey as well as pops of rich hues like the new jewel-like deep purple, which is supremely flattering on all complexions.

Visit one of Winser London’s local stores in Gerrards Cross or Marlow (details left) – or online at www.winserlondon.com.

Milano Wool Edge to Edge Jacket (£149)

Satin Midi Skirt (£149)

The original style in the Winser London Miracle Collection was the Miracle Dress and the delight it created amongst the brand’s early customers inspired the design of more dresses and the introduction of trousers, leggings, skirts, jackets and coats. Every woman needs a Miracle dress lauren in her busy life – there Miracle Dress are designs to flatter (£139) all figures and suit all lifestyles.

Audrey Cashmere Jumper (£199) & Winser Cashmere Wrap (£150)

Reversible Poncho (£99)

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

A PLACE TO CALL HOME ‘I

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

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

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Image: Kevin Sansbury

Zealand where retirement living is well established.

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

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

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

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

Pets are also welcome on the ground floor.

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

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

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

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

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

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

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

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

S-THETICS MEDICAL AESTHETIC CLINIC

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

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

Marlborough House, 45 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LZ 94 SEPTEMBER 2019

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

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

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

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

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

Brides Magazine Cosmetic Beauty Guide

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

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

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

Tatler 2018 Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Guide

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

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

THE IS CLINICAL AWARD FOR BEST CLINIC SOUTH ENGLAND

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

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

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

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

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION

AUTUMN COMFORT We’re getting ready for cooler weather with this woollen scarf in an alternative blue colour way, inspired by the traditional Welsh costume, once worn by rural women in Wales. It is a celebration of childhood memories of the celebrations on St David’s Day. Designed on a hand operated loom in Cardiff and woven locally in Bristol, made from the softest wool.

Large, wide width size scarf, hand finished with neat fridge edging. Pair with these pretty drop earrings and gold bag. www.kraftspace.co.uk

FRIENDSHIP FUN

UNDER COVER

Show someone you care with this friendship bracelet for grown ups!

This cute enamel pin badge makes the perfect gift for your Aperol Spritz loving mate. The saying and illustrations are the perfect celebration of friendship. www.oflifeandlemons.co.uk

A cute cover-up for chilly evenings!

This fitted geo pattern cardigan jacket has button front fastening with back belt pleat detail. Each garment is made in the UK. www.cecilejeffrey.com

Winser London’s pure fine merino yarn from New Zealand’s mountain sheep acts as a natural thermostat, providing Winter warmth and Summer freshness.

The Milano knitted stitch used for these super-comfortable designs creates a sophisticated effect that retains its shape - and this on-trend emerald green creates a flattering top-to-toe Autumn look. www.winserlondon.com

KEEP IT CLASSIC BACK TO NATURE Flo and Joe are back with yet another on-trend update to Ipanema’s T-strap sandal collection. The khaki green sandals have the look of a braided and knotted nautical rope. The rope textured details give it a handmade look and are finished with a metallic detail at the front. www.floandjoe.co.uk

96 SEPTEMBER 2019

TOP-TO-TOE IN ELEGANT EMERALD GREEN

This classic styled watch is made from Piñatex – an innovative sustainable material from pineapple leaf fibres. A unisex watch with vegan, interchangeable quick release straps. www.wearthlondon.com

Saving time, saves lives!

The new on-site 24/7 emergency helipad at Luton & Dunstable hospital will be the first to directly serve Herts, Beds and Bucks Help us raise the final ÂŁ1.5m needed to secure the project by pledging your support today. www.ldh.nhs.uk/charity/helipad-appeal 01582 718289 The Luton and Dunstable Hospital Charitable Fund is a registered Charity in England and Wales, no: 1058704

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

Don’t let Back Pain Ruin your Day!

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Focus on‌ Head and Neck Cancer THE DETAILS Jonathan Hughes chairs the Head and Neck Cancer MultiDisciplinary Teams at University College London Hospitals and Royal Free London NHS Trusts.

He is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer on Research Board of the Head and Neck Academic Centre at University College London.

Mr Jonathan Hughes runs a OneStop Neck lump clinic and general ENT clinic on Monday afternoons at Spire Thames Valley; offering same day clinical assessment, endoscopy and imaging.

Email: contact@jonathanhughes-ent.com Q: What is Head and Neck Cancer?

A: Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is a grouping of cancers involving the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, sinonasal area, thyroid and salivary glands. HNC is not a common cancer, with 12,000 new cases diagnosed per year in the UK; which is a similar incidence to renal cancer. However, the incidence of some HNC types are rapidly increasing; especially thyroid (75% increase in last 10 years) and oropharyngeal (50% increase in last 20 years).

Q: What causes Head and Neck cancer?

A: Most cases of HNC are squamous cell carcinomas, are caused by tobacco smoking and alcohol and occur in more deprived populations.

However, 50% of oropharyngeal cancers we treat now are related to the Human Papilloma Virus.

These patients are typically non-smokers and more affluent.

Q: How is it diagnosed?

A: Patients will often present with symptoms from the primary, such as a unilateral sore throat or hoarse voice, or as a neck lump, from cervical lymph node metastasis. A tissue biopsy or fine needle aspiration is required from the neck or primary site to confirm a cancer diagnosis. CT and/or MRI scans are also required for staging. One-stop clinics combine many of these tests into one consultation.

98 SEPTEMBER 2019

Q: How is it treated?

A: All cancer patients should be discussed in a Multi-Disciplinary Team setting. Treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Patients with advanced disease often require multi-modality treatment. Surgical advances allow minimal access techniques using trans-oral lasers and robotic technology. Refinements in radiotherapy delivery with Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) help to reduce side effects of conventional radiotherapy. Immunotherapy is a promising new therapeutic modality for metastatic and recurrent disease.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

FRINGE BENEFITS:

WAYS TO WEAR THE TASSEL TREND Take inspiration from the catwalks with flippy fringing, says Katie Wright

I

s there anything cooler than a model sashaying down a runway as her fringed frock bounces around her?

We were treated to tons amazing tassels on the spring/summer catwalks, and now the trend has reached the high street, with everything from dresses to accessories featuring these dangly details. One of the great things about fringing is that it’s got great trans-seasonal appeal, with pieces to suit summer holidays or when the weather starts to cool.

Inspired by the catwalk, here’s three ways to try the trend and where to shop the look...

1. Metallic fringing Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller spearheaded the fringing movement, using long fabric strands in the brand’s haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. The latter included some fabulous metallic tassels that were longer than Ariana Grande’s ponytail (yes, really), which has sparked a trend for sequinned fringing on the high street.

Make like a Givenchy model and pair one of these shiny skirts, tops or dresses with black separates and accessories for a cool, high-fashion feel.

21st Mill Sasskia Silver Sequin Fringed Hem Bodycon Dress, £75, Silk Fred (shoes, stylist’s own)

2. Party pieces Givenchy’s haute couture catwalk featured masses of flippy fringing in a kaleidoscope of colours. Super-bright tassels were also seen at Valentino, MSGM and Celine. This look is all about movement, so if you know you’re going to be hitting the dance floor at a summer party, make a beeline for a block colour fringed dress 100 SEPTEMBER 2019

or statement top. May we suggest a slow-mo video makes for the best Instagram post? Or position yourself by a fan and hit the Boomerang button...

Mango Gala Collection Fringed Top, £59.99 ASOS Design Mini Drape Fringe Shift Dress, £65; High Maintenance Strappy Pointed Heeled Sandals in Silver, £30; Glamorous Pink Green Palm Print Fringed Mini Dress, currently reduced to £18 from £36

3. Autumn accents With summer fading fast (sigh), the shops are now filling with new-season collections that have got us excited for autumn. Take your transitional fashion cue from Longchamp, where leather and suede bags come with a heavy dose of tassel edging, or Isabel Marant, with an eternally stylish fringed jacket.

New Look Black Suedette Fringe Cross Body Bag, £19.99; Very Tan Fringe Suede Biker Jacket, currently reduced to £104.50 from £180

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

102 SEPTEMBER 2019

House &

garden – Keep it local for everything house and home –

L IVING S PACE

H OUSE & GARDEN

Living Space Design: L

Turning Dreams into Reality

iving Space Design is a unique design house that turns your dreams and desires into a reality with over 25 years in our industry we strive to deliver the very best for your project from concept of design through to our bespoke fitting service we feel our success lies in offering exclusive items that no one else has. We focus on wellness as well as design working with industry leading brands.

Living Space is synonymous with a meticulous and a very personal experience. Every project we undertake is as individual as you are, with our hand held service on every project which is formed through a close collaboration between designer and client from concept through to the finished work that will exceed all expectations. We have an unrivalled reputation for building magnificent one-of-a-kind custom rooms that combine classic elegance with the finest contemporary materials.

Visit our brand new showroom to discover a collection of luxurious room styles. You’ll immediately find an environment in which to build your idyllic room scheme with our huge working displays and expert design team who focus particularly on a knowledge for timeless style that’s integrated with top quality fixtures and fittings, ensuring each finishing touch is in keeping with the high end specification, latest trends in luxury

“Living Space is synonymous with a meticulous and a very personal experience. Every project we undertake is as individual as you are”

106 SEPTEMBER 2019

interior design and the timeless style of the Living Space design team. Our designers are on hand to help you make your dream a reality, every step of the way, as we believe it is important to ensure a room is designed to suit each and every one of our client’s personal requirements, which is why everything we do is tailored.

We also offer a home visit service with our designers, during which they will explore all options and designs covering all room types from Family Bathrooms, Wet Rooms, Ensuites, Cloakrooms to wellness rooms Our designers will create decadence with exquisite tiles & finishes using the highest quality real stone and porcelain tile finishes with natural veins that make each piece unique and texture that adds luxurious depth with polished and honed options available to bring a stunning look and feel to any space that produce timeless sophistication and class for statement rooms with true aesthetic beauty.

We specialise in Extra large format porcelain slab piece tiles, which are available in various sizes and provide our designers with the opportunity to create a seamless surface expanse with minimal grout lines for maximum impact. Ideal for luxury residential projects these tiles are suitable for both floor or wall applications. Many are just 6 mm in thickness and it is this lightweight format that also brings with it new surfacing opportunities such as ‘hidden’ doors or shower partitions.

Our Focus is Private Wellness and with this we offer that latest elements which can be freely composed, for a total customization of one’s own shower, so to create a “private” wellness, designed according to one’s own desires. We offer a full Multisensory feeling which conjures a new relationship between water and the pleasure of a daily experience where the user can renew the contact with his/her senses and inner self.

Refreshing cascades or delicate rainfalls, bracing hydro-massage or beautiful atomization, and amazing chromo-therapy all provide for a pleasant multi sense stimulation, our Private Wellness products make aesthetic, functional and technical perfection come together: It is A-grade technology, embedded in objects of absolute beauty. www.livingspacedesigns.co.uk

Premium interiors

Coming soon, a unique design house that turns your dreams and desires into a reality. in our brand new showroom you will disCover a ColleCtion of luxurious room styles with high end sPeCifiCation and the latest trends in luxury interior design showroom Tabard Square, bellS Hill, SToke PogeS, buckingHamSHire Sl2 4bY www.livingSPacedeSignS.co.uk | email info@livingSPacedeSignS.co.uk | TelePHone: 01753 643009

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS keep it calm The Maya range from Icon is a calming collection of soft seating which takes inspiration from meditation and nature. Made from a water-resistant, tactile and multi-tonal fleck fabric in a range of colours, they are easily moveable so ideal for relaxing inside the home or for enjoying outside spaces. www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk

AUTUMN AT AUDENZA

Celebrate the advent of Autumn with Audenza’s new season AW19 range in deliciously autumnal colours. Ochres and greens and russets create warmth and vibrancy, with a textural scrumptiousness in velvet, wool and fur for that essential tactile experience. Rejoice as we settle into the delights of Autumn and hunker down for the year in a blaze of colour. Out this month. www.audenza.com

MOODY BLOOMS

Midnight blooms for the midnight hour. The French Bedroom Co has released a botanical bed linen set adorned with a large-scale painterly print of tea roses, honeysuckle and devil’s trumpet. The colour palette combines jewel tones of opulent green, blue and dark coral reds for a deep and romantic vibe, perfect for a luxuriously romantic boudoir. www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

BOX CLEVER

The Ashton Armchair was designed to suit a wide palette of tastes and decors. This classic buttoned armchair combines classic and contemporary, making it ideal for any interior space. With a choice of over 50 shades, there is bound to be a dream colour out there for everyone. www.livingitup.co.uk 108 SEPTEMBER 2019

ORIENTAL OPULENCE Oriental furniture specialist Shimu has announced its latest collection of Chinese antique furniture. The collection was selected by Shimu’s director, James Cottrell, on his latest sourcing trip to China and includes antique cabinets, sideboards, chairs and tables from the far-flung regions of China. www.shimu.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Shoreline Inspiration

Immersed in the tranquillity of jewel-toned greens and deep blues, the Seaglass trend from Oak Furnitureland creates ethereal spaces cut adrift from the outside world

O

ak Furnitureland turns to the sea for solace this Autumn/ Winter with its Seaglass trend which draws us along the shoreline in search of the enchanting imperfection of wave-worn glass.

Awash in a tonally tight colour palette, this graceful scheme is submerged in a spectrum of blues, greens and greys which flow everywhere, from the walls and ceilings to the upholstery and tableware.

There are nods to vintage grandeur with full-length panelling on the walls. This reflects the cornices and beading on the more trad-with-a-twist furniture pieces which are mixed in with cleaner, more simplistic pieces to steer the scheme away from being too polished or fussy. Meanwhile, the tactile elements of Seaglass are referenced in the cabinetry’s gently rounded edges and smooth waxed and painted surfaces. Charming ‘wonky’ glassware, accessories and statement foliage reminiscent of seaweed help complete the look.

Anchored in deep blues and jewel-like greens, this living room scheme explores a variety of shades in the palette and encompasses the beautiful teal on the Brighton corner sofa in seaspray and the Trend accent chair in sky blue leather.

Sarah Boyle, Product and Commercial Director at Oak Furnitureland says: “Our Brighton sofa collection is inspired by mid-century designs. It’s set on slim tapered oak legs and features square arms with buttoned bolsters and inviting deepbuttoned backs that are fibre-filled for lounging in comfort. The upholstery has a soft touch textured weave which adds to its sumptuous feel and the foamfilled seat cushions retain their shape brilliantly so there’s no need for plumping.”

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STYLING TIPS

By Joanna Thornhill, Interior Stylist and Author “When working with a tonal colour scheme, if you’re not sure which other colours to layer in, look to the colour wheel: locate your main colour on that, then pick out additional tones up and down it for subtle depth, as well as choosing colours from either side to add a harmonious accent.

“By going all-in with a tonal colour palette you can’t go wrong so don’t be afraid to mix blue walls with similar-toned furniture and furnishings. Just ensure you have several variations of your main colour in there to stop things feeling flat, and introduce an element such as green flowers and foliage, for subtle but necessary contrast.”

Oak Furnitureland has used pieces from its Brindle cabinetry collection to bridge the contemporary upholstered designs and the room’s more traditional decor elements. The range combines solid oak tops and country farmhouse cues with a fresh sage grey painted finish and nickel handles.

The Brindle extending dining table looks cool and calm at the centre of this scheme. Smooth painted turned legs and beading support a honeyed solid oak top that effortlessly transforms from 4 ft 9” to 6 ft 5”, making it ideal for entertaining.

The simplicity and chunkiness of the

Romsey large sideboard is a deliberate choice to counterbalance other more ornate pieces. Carefully built from solid oak, the sleek recessed handles and clean curved lines help to ground the scheme.

“Break up the look of painted woods by adding in a natural piece for contrast, such as mixing in two natural dining chairs among four painted ones. Here we chose to sit the Brindle dining chairs alongside Oak Furnitureland’s Classic dining chairs, both are upholstered in striped silver fabric.

“Consider using vintage kitchenware in unexpected ways too: an old tea caddy can make great storage for any dried foodstuffs or a beautiful vintage set of imperial-measure weighing scales could make for a quirky fruit bowl.”

The Romsey king size bed is highlighted beautifully against this dramatic backdrop.

To make a feature of the oak grain, it’s finished in a natural protective wax that enhances the timber’s unique patterns.

The bed is flanked by the Brindle bedside table and Brindle chest of drawers.

Smooth curved edges give the designs flow while bun feet elevate the base to bring a light feel to even the largest pieces.

Window, Door, Orangery installation services

Dedicated installation teams.

Over 39 years experience

Covering Bucks, Beds & Herts New Showroom: Unity House, Chilton Road, Chesham, HP5 2AT Free Parking. Opening Hours Mon-Fri 8.00am – 5.30pm, Sat 9.00am – 2.00pm Chesham: 01494 776242 | Watford: 01923 260636 | info@window-wise.co.uk | www.window-wise.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

PERSONABLE & DISTINCTLY UNIQUE

W

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

112 SEPTEMBER 2019

hat a whirlwind first two months. We could never have expected the incredible support from our local community for the opening of our showroom. A huge thank you to all.

The showroom represents years of support from our trusted team of suppliers, tradesmen, craftsmen, artists and artisans who, through synergy and determination, we have created a resource for excellent design without compromise.

Every designer has their own attractions. For Tobias Oliver Interiors these are: • Transparency • Accountability • Distinction We listen to our clients, engaging with their design briefs – and take them on a journey. Exploring your lifestyles and how you and your family’s function. What works? What doesn’t?

How can we improve the quality of your life and your home? How does this improved quality of life at home reflect on your life elsewhere? This progressive thinking, listening to our clients’ needs and creating solutions to their tribulations creates carefully curated design solutions which have positive ripple effects through all aspects of their lives.

This distinction is what makes us different. People don’t know what to expect from an interior designer; for us it’s not a colour palette – it’s an experience. We instantly click with our clients; we understand what they need – and we make it happen.

The first moment I meet a client I learn as much as I can. Your taste, likes, dislikes, habits, how you lead your life and the life you aspire to achieve. These initial elements are the foundations to our framework; and the framework is where I hang my designs.

Let’s talk about the process: I explore showrooms, markets and factories around the world – seeking out innovative fabrics,

finishes, furniture, lighting, art – and all else that enters in my world of alchemy. I collate my finds (usually on the floor of the hotel room of whichever city I am in) – around me I am circled by a puzzle of texture, pattern and deliciousness!

Piece by piece, the puzzle is put together – and then sometimes completely re-shuffled and I start over again. By pulling all these diverse elements together new ideas are generated that push boundaries. I take these ideas back to my craftsmen and artisans… this is where the magic truly happens. A treasure trove of ideas are explored and furthered, leading to our celebrated epiphany moments!

I bring these discoveries to my clients and together we create tailored designs totally unique to your tastes. Our shared design vision is born – always trusting in our shared process.

What are the ambitions that defines us?

Our drive is to provide a professional, approachable and passionate service. We are forward thinkers, never constrained by archetypal parameters. We listen, we respond, we innovate and ultimately deliver lifestyles and interiors to be proud of. Through our integrity we accrue long-standing relationships – always continuing and building on our affiliations throughout the design arena and our expanding communities.

Building & ConstruCtion craftsmanship • integrity • quality • professional

new Build

renovation & extension

BuilD your oWn home DesigneD arounD you

Bring Back life or eXpanD your liVing space

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

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

kitchens

Bathrooms

Beautiful hanDmaDe Bespoke kitchens

turn your Bathroom into an area of luXury

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

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

i n f o @ ta c c o n s t r u c t i o n . c o . u k • W W W. ta c c o n s t r u c t i o n . c o . u k 07825 041 980 • 01494 571 976

H OUSE & GARDEN

FABULOUS KITCHENS

John Lewis of Hungerford, kitchen & bedroom designer Rebecca Nokes gives an insight into the thought process behind one of her fabulous kitchen designs.

T

he Project – A large Victorian semidetached property with a classic side return and back extension The client’s initial brief came from her inspiration of the front of our Fulham showroom.

She wanted a really grand space that also retained an underlying homely feel. The client was keen on a contemporary feel but it was important to keep some traditional features that sit well with the Victorian property. Our original Shaker door suited this space perfectly. The door is simple but still retains the Shaker detailing, which ties in with the original features of the house.

The client’s brief made it easy to pin point locations for appliances quickly. This is the usual driver for the start of any space. The client had clearly defined some areas that were a ‘must have’.

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An American-style fridge freezer was one of these, alongside a range-style oven. Having these two areas defined allowed me to build the design simply around them, whilst keeping in mind the practical side. The client was also really keen to incorporate a built-in bench on the island. We adapted our cabinetry to incorporate this into the design. I think this really sets our cabinetry and design away from typical London spaces.

We used our own cabinetry and ‘Flash Blue Honed’ granite for the worktops, which was chosen for practical and aesthetic purposes. Granite is incredibly hardwearing and creates a real statement within a space. This particular stone has a honed matt finish, which softens the overall look.

The colourways, symmetry and practical placement of appliances have all contributed to the success of this space. The cabinetry in particular shows the flexibility we have within our product.

This was a large building project that lasted over the course of 6 months, we liaised directly with the build team, architects and the clients to bring this project together.

Rebecca’s Advice When planning a new kitchen researching the final look of the space you want to create is always a great way to start. Clients that bring in some imagery of a certain ‘look’ they like are really helpful in order for us to meet the brief quickly. It is also a really good idea to start early on, possibly even beginning with us. Even though we have a relatively short lead-time of six weeks there are a lot of decisions that need to be made early on in order for the build team to complete preparatory works ahead of our installation.

John Lewis of Hungerford design, manufacture and install, exquisite hand-made, painted kitchens, bedrooms and furniture. www.john-lewis.co.uk

“Granite is incredibly hardwearing and creates a real statement within a space”

H OUSE & GARDEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Automatic charging When Automower® needs more power, it finds its 116 SEPTEMBER 2019

own way back to the charging station.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS YOUR LAWNMOWER TO DO THE WORK FOR YOU. DISCOVER HUSQVARNA ® AUTOMOWER

IMAGINE SITTING IN YOUR GARDEN ENjOYING A CUp OF TEA OR pERHApS SOMETHING STRONGER WHILST YOUR LAWNMOWER DOES ALL THE CUTTING WORK FOR YOU. Husqvarna Automower® allows you to do just that.

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

H OUSE & GARDEN

From Marlow to Mustique…

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here are some emails you’ll always remember.

“I couldn’t believe the enquiry when it arrived in my in-box” explains Mark Reeve, owner of Wardrobe & Bookcase Co Ltd, “It’s not every day that a project comes through for a job outside of the home counties, let alone in the Caribbean!”

So obviously there was great excitement when the Wardrobe and Bookcase Co was asked to estimate for a 5 Bedroom Villa wardrobe project, set in the luxury island of Mustique, home to the rich and famous, including Sir Mick Jagger, Tommy Hilfiger, Bryan Adams and more recently the subject of a documentary about Princess Margaret and her time on the tropical Island!

First things first though, we had to be awarded the job.

So, we set about scoping the work, estimating, designing and creating the exact specifications for the wardrobes, media cabinets, doors and frames, kitchen and utility area along with general bespoke cabinetry for the client to approve.

Being the Caribbean, the humidity is very high, almost 80% at sometimes of the year, and most furniture doesn’t last much longer than a couple of years. We obviously had to take this into account so our cabinetry to stand the test of time.

We researched many options and eventually came up with a material that would last 25 years under water, had a super smooth finish so that the spray satin white paint finish could be applied easily prior to being shipped out. It was ideal!

After a few design tweaks to meet the client’s exact needs we were delighted to hear we were successful in winning the project. As well as the glamourous location and the design challenges, it

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was our largest project so far.

Manufacturing began in earnest in July 2018, then we had to ship everything to be spray paint finished at a 40% sheen.

After that everything had to packed and put in crates ready for the shipping to St Lucia then on to Mustique. We managed to do all of this on time and the lorry sped away to Dover ready for its 6-week voyage We sent a team of 5 men out to Mustique for the installation, which took about 3 weeks. When we arrived, we could see exactly why Sir Mick & Princess Margret liked the island so much. It was understated luxury and utterly beautiful; turquoise blue seas, white sandy beaches and not a hotel in sight.

Our team were put up in a fantastic villa along with a house keeper, chef and waiter!! They were fed morning, noon and night, all served with a smile by amazingly friendly people. Not the normal cup of tea and a biscuit we are usually very grateful to receive!

The installation went very smoothly and after the 3 weeks the client was so happy, she ordered some additional smaller items that then had to be manufactured, delivered and installed. Naturally we were delighted to be going back again!

Everything we made was uniquely designed for the clients’ storage requirements. We even made the shutters to the master bedroom so that they matched the ventilation bricks that they covered at night.

At the end of the project both the builder and the client said they were delighted and that they’d happily spread the word about us. Hopefully, they’ll bump into Sir Mick on the beach and who knows, we may get back there again! www.wardrobeandbookcase.co.uk

“The installation went very smoothly and after the 3 weeks the client was so happy, she ordered some additional smaller items that then had to be manufactured, delivered and installed”

H OUSE & GARDEN

SPACERS TILE AND WOOD FLOORING LTD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vast majority of our wood flooring has undergone some degree of hand finishing ensuring

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

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

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

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

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

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

We look forward to seeing you very soon…

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

In StoRE CA PIEtRA StudIo now oPEn

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

info@spacers-uk.com | maidenhead@spacers-uk.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Advanced Carpentry DB Advanced Carpentry and Joinery was established in 1998 by Damian Bednarkiewicz

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aving worked predominantly within London, the business has earned an excellent reputation for producing high quality specialist and bespoke joinery to an array of private clients, architects and building contractors. Damian has contracted on numerous occasions to Sir Antony Gormley, creator of the infamous ‘Angel Of The North’ sculpture.

There are two arms to the business –the manufacture and fitting of tailor-made windows and doors, and the conception, design and manufacture of sophisticated, hand-crafted furniture.

The Windows Db Advanced Carpentry and Joinery have worked on the most challenging of projects involving Grade I and Grade II listed buildings. Covering in and around the City of London, Mayfair, Kensington and Chelsea the team are often working within very strict compliance guidelines and have to be flexible in their

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approach in order to achieve the desired finish.

The Furniture From conception through to fruition, DB Advance Carpentry will design and manufacture bespoke products to meet the needs of their discerning clients. Furniture that needs to fit into a specific space, built to match an existing style or a design – made to measure can all be achieved through the attention to detail, skill and experience of the DB Advanced Carpentry team.

Sophisticated, hand crafted traditional, as well as contemporary furniture – created using traditional skills and artisan technology all made in the UK. High durability and attention to detail is evident in their craftsmanship - transforming your ideas into a reality.

Members of the British Wood making Federation and FENSA accredited. Holders of the British Standard Approved Surveyor and Installer NVQ

and Joinery

Level 3 certificates. Mindful of the impact general joinery processes may have on global ecosystems they pride themselves on using environmentally friendly materials made to FSC standards by UK suppliers.

Always aiming to offer the highest standards in the industry whilst delivering value for money to their customers.

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

“Sophisticated, hand crafted traditional, as well as contemporary furniture�

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H OUSE & GARDEN

How To Buy a Kitchen P

lanning and buying a new kitchen may be something you do only once or twice in a lifetime so for some it can be a daunting prospect. However, working with a designer in an independent showroom should make it an enjoyable experience.

Before you visit a showroom, try to create your “wish list”, include all your “must haves” and your “don’t wants”. Don’t worry, most wish lists will constantly change, as you think about and discover more and more options for your new kitchen.

Firstly decide exactly what you want from the room. Is it to be a place to simply cook and wash up or will it, like most kitchens today become the hub of the family? A place to cook, eat, work, relax and socialise, catering for perhaps three or even four generations.

If you have something already in your kitchen that you want to stay, always mention this to a designer, it could be a useful starting place for their design, such as a decorative fire place to stay in a Victorian kitchen or a favourite picture on the wall or a dinner service to be displayed.

Be honest about your budget, not many people have endless money and a good designer will find a way to make it go further. There are always options such as open shelving or pull-out storage.

Collect together a few photographs of the room as it is now and make a quick sketch giving dimensions and ceiling height.

The internet and magazines are good places to start for inspiration and for finding local showrooms.

Next think about a few more details.

Tiles – do you prefer neutral and calming or bold colourful statements? Have you thought about using

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glass instead of tiles?

Lighting – A mixture of lights is the best thing for most kitchens now. LED over food preparation areas, pendant lights over dining areas, lights on extractors and under units, they all help to create ambiance and mood.

Think about a water softener. If you live in a hard water area these are a must-have. Apart from being much better to wash with, soft water prolongs the life of all water using appliances and cuts down cleaning time with no lime scale marks.

A boiling water tap can turn your humble kitchen tap into the ultimate time and space saving device.

It will deliver hot, cold, filtered or boiling water in a safe and convenient way.

Appliances – new smart appliances that look good in today’s kitchens will be high on everyone’s agenda. What sort of hob would you prefer, what sort of oven? A dishwasher, fridge, freezer, washing machine and microwave?

With more kitchens also being used as social areas now it is important to get the extraction right.

There will be a model to suit any style and size.

Heating – do you want underfloor or radiators?

Underfloor offers the “bare foot luxury”, while a radiator in a bold colour, bright chrome or a different shape can be a focal point.

Sometimes the biggest problem for people these days is storage. Pantry units are ideal and cover many storage needs, from jar shelving to a baking station. Spice racks, wine racks and plate racks can all be incorporated inside units or on display.

Yes, the questions and things to think about seem endless, but a good designer will take you step by step through the whole process, making it worry and stress free and in the end design you the kitchen of your dreams. www.jgkab.co.uk

“Collect together a few photographs of the room as it is now and make a quick sketch giving dimensions and ceiling height”

Inspirational • Breathtaking • Imaginative • Excellent • Beautiful

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

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

H OUSE & GARDEN

KITCHEN DREAMS service and price.

With no commitment to any one manufacturer, Clive and the team are able to listen to the customer, understand what the needs are and then match the product to suit. There will be questions, suggestions, and of course, an update on what is new to the product range since the last time you bought this type of product – who knew that a washing machine could establish how much detergent it needs?

Clive and his team will bend over backwards to get a delivery time that actually works for you – when I was instore a lady came rushing omestic appliances – we all know that in having had an emergency breakdown on her these are a necessity and ‘must have’ washing machine that resulted in needing an urgent purchase however, never the most replacement before she went on holiday. Clive was exciting thing to have to buy. To able to slot her in to the deliveries for that same add to that, how do we keep up with the changes, afternoon, the new machine was subsequently the latest technologies, knowing the quality from fitted later that day with the delivery staff making the cheap and cheerful – how do we know that minor adjustments to the plumbing, the old one we are purchasing the domestic appliance that is disposed of and everything up and running by 4pm right for us –for our needs as well as our budget.

– not bad in just a 4 hour window from the initial Coupled with that, how do we know if we are being problem arising. ‘advised’, or ‘sold to’ by the retailer? Assuming we So, with brands including Hotpoint, Bosch, can get past all of that, what about the delivery, will Zanussi, Miele, Liebherr and Neff amongst many it be delivered at a time to suit? Will it be fitted and others, and products ranging from fridge freezers any minor hurdles overcome? What will we do with to dishwashers, from kettles to microwave ovens, it the old one? Most of all, what if there is a problem really is worth paying your local branch of Fields a with the product in the future? visit.

Thankfully assurance on all of www.fields.org.uk; Beaconsfield Fields also these questions can easily be found Showroom: 01494 674 044. design, sell and – locally. Situated in Beaconsfield Gerrards Cross Showroom: install complete New Town and Gerrards Cross is 01753 893 304 kitchens using quality Fields. Owned and run by Clive kitchen manufacturers. who has been in the business for more years than he chooses to recall and part of the Because Fields European-wide buying are part of the group Euronics you will largest European-wide find the answer to all of buying group Euronics, the above. A family run you can be sure that you business with two very will never pay more than important key words you would in larger as their driving force – superstores.

D

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H OUSE & GARDEN

fine tuning

at COUNTRYWIDE PIANOS

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ountrywide Pianos has been proudly serving both the local and wider community and we have developed from small beginnings to become the ultimate premier showroom in the South- East of England.

The piano’s magical sound is created by the player pressing any one of its 88 keys, which creates a note. This happens through a complex hammer-on-string mechanism, which needs to be perfectly regulated and tuned. In the 1900’s a piano which played by itself, by reading a punched out paper roll, was all the rage. Today pianos are sophisticated musical instruments, which may not only play themselves but can be enhanced by full orchestral and vocal parts – in essence providing a live orchestral performance in your own sitting room. Today the punched out paper rolls have been replaced with the very latest digital technology, incorporated within a real acoustic piano, which can be played as a regular piano. Seeing, however is believing and a visit to Countrywide Pianos for a full demonstration is recommended.

Our showroom is an array of both new and pre loved pianos with a price range to suit all pockets -from the upright piano to the very largest of full size concert grand piano, self player pianos, ‘Silent’ Yamaha pianos, together with recognition of being a Kawai real and digital Piano Selection centre you really will find it fun making your choice and for those who may need assistance there is always help and advice on hand.

Being perfectly located just 35 minutes outside of London with our own FREE car parking right outside the door, shopping is made easy and enjoyable. We will arrange delivery and collection together with onsite tuning and 24 hour event support. With all of this to offer and our specialist

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THE DETAILS 194 Penn Road, High Wycombe HP15 7NU. 01494 813388. www.countrywidepianos.co.uk

knowledge, it is little wonder that we have become first choice for many major events anywhere in the UK. At Countrywide Pianos, our in- house team of piano specialists include, piano technicians to piano tuners, piano polishers to our own piano logistics team, we offer a service next to none. A traditional service, which holds on to the best but moves with the times. Countrywide Piano Centre www.countrywidepianos.co.uk is as traditional as the piano itself.

10 a ye e rs xp ie n er ce

West of London

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

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

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