Life Magazines (Hertfordshire editions) August 2020

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FROM THE

EDITOR

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e are delighted to announce that the Park, Gardens & Woodland Walks at Hatfield House are now open for visitors. To ensure everyone enjoys the tranquillity of the park whilst avoiding any crowds we are limiting the number of tickets sold for each day.

Located deep within the rolling Hertfordshire hills, Sopwell House is the enchanting country estate in the heart of the picturesque St Albans, and it is now open again. The stunning 18th century Georgian manor house, surrounded by acres of charming countryside, stands proudly at the end of a meandering driveway lined with blossom trees. The most astonishing cars ever produced, a line-up of world-famous luxury brands, and one of the UK’s most beautiful historic royal settings. That’s the successful recipe for the Concours of Elegance, returning to Hampton Court Palace from 4-6th September.

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie is excited to announce it re-opened its doors in the heart of St Albans on Wednesday, 15 July. Offering the ultimate dining experience in a beautiful yet safe environment, diners can enjoy a host of exciting, creative cocktails and delicious dishes once more, all set against a backdrop of tranquil surroundings, vibrant fabrics and greenery.

Faye Manning Editor Editor Faye Manning Editorial Assistant Katie Miller Sub Editor Nicholas Peter business DEVELOPMENT manager Kelly Pauling Design & Production Lisa Wade SALES Lewis Casserley Accounts Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

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Cover image by Veronica Rodriguez

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AGE : SOP W ELL HOUSE

OUT & ABOUT

NEWS FROM PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK they supplement their diet with gum or sap from certain forest trees. They dig a groove in the bark of the tree, with specially adapted shovel shaped incisor teeth and then lick out the sap.

On our Facebook page we held a naming competition for this little monkey, where our amazing supporters had their say on what this Pygmy Marmoset should be called.

The winning name was “Mimo” – it is Portugese for ‘little delight’ and we find it to be very appropriate for this little angel.

Tiger Move Successful

A new Pygmy Marmoset baby!

In our Amazon & Beyond habitat we have the cutest new addition to the Paradise animal family.

Mum Bella is happy and healthy and bonding very well with her new fluffy bundle of joy. Dad Nippet is also faring well and enjoying his new role as a proud dad. The family are still keeping close together in their habitat in the Amazon Rainforest exhibit at the park.

Pygmy Marmosets are the smallest monkey species in the world, weighing only 100g when fully grown! They are found in the rainforests of South America where they can be spotted jumping from branch to branch.

Pygmy Marmosets are gumivores, which means 1 6 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

Our two Amur Tiger sisters Aleena and Siberia have successfully settled into their new home ‘Land of the Tigers’. The move was a whole park team effort, along with the vital help from Dr John Lewis who helped make sure the tigers were kept safe and comfortable throughout the process.

Both tigers were given a low dose anaesthetic and were safely relocated from their old habitat to their brand new one just a few metres away.

The girls woke up the next morning in their new off show den a little sleepy but once they saw the entrance to their new home they were eager to get out to explore.

Siberia was the first to step foot into the ‘Land of the Tigers’, bursting out of the hatch with confidence! After seeing her sister suss out the new habitat, Aleena shortly followed, settling into a grassy patch in the shade. Aleena even managed to explore their pool and take a little rest in the hot weather, which was again amazing to see her relax like this.

All our team here at Paradise were so happy that both tigers were able to settle into their new home. They are not quite ready to be seen by the public yet. We think it is important that we give Aleena and Siberia a breathing period where they can become fully comfortable in their new home before around the public again.

We are so excited to share ‘Land of the Tigers’ with our visitors who have been patiently waiting for a long time now. In the meantime we will be sharing regular updates on how Aleena and Siberia are doing in the new habitat and any remarkable news, such as their first feed through our website and social media.

THE DETAILS Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com 01992 476 564

OUT & ABOUT

The World’s Most Regal Car Park This September, automotive royalty gathers in Hampton Court Palace for the world-famous Concours of Elegance

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he most astonishing cars ever produced, a line-up of world-famous luxury brands, and one of the UK’s most beautiful historic royal settings.

That’s the successful recipe for the Concours of Elegance, returning to Hampton Court Palace from 4-6th September.

Following formal approval from Historic Royal Palaces, the Concours of Elegance – presented by luxury watchmakers, A. Lange & Söhne – is the first major international concours d’elegance event since March, and the perfect chance to gawp at one-off Alfa Romeos, race-winning Bugattis, coach built American rarities and a lineup of ‘Future Classics’ from the likes of Singer, Koenigsegg and Pagani.

Originally launched at Windsor Castle in 2012, the event has grown since, hosted at St James’s Palace in 2013, Hampton Court Palace in 2014, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2015, back to Windsor in 2016 and then finding a semipermanent home at Hampton Court Palace from

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2017. As the Concours of Elegance evolved over the years – always with a stunning collection of cars at its heart – it has morphed into a celebration of luxury goods, fine food and drink, wonderful music and superb displays of art.

The line-up of cars is a veritable feast of the most famous brands in the world; Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bugatti and Lamborghini all feature.

But each car in the Concours must be invited to attend, and to get an invitation, your car must be extremely special. An expert Concours of Elegance Steering Committee of motoring aficionados pick one-offs, rarities and models with incredible backstories to invite to Hampton Court Palace to create a truly special line-up of vehicles.

The Concours of Elegance’s centrepiece display is reserved only for the most extraordinary vehicles or astonishing motoring feats. This year, is a specially curated collection of McLaren F1 GTRs that finished 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1995. All five cars will be parked side-by-side at Concours of Elegance 2020; the

“The perfect chance to gawp at one-off Alfa Romeos, race-winning Bugattis, coach built American rarities and a line-up of ‘Future Classics’”

winning Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing car, the thirdplace Harrods-liveried car of Andy Wallace, Derek Bell and Justin Bell, the fourth-place Gulf Racing F1 GTR, the Giroix Racing Team F1 GTR that finished fifth and the 13th-placed Societe BBA car.

In addition to the spectacular McLaren F1 GTR centrepiece, visitors can expect to see two one-off Alfa Romeos in the show’s very special Main Concours display - demonstrating the best in contemporary engineering and hand-crafted design. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B and 2500 were among the most expensive cars in the world during the ’30s and ‘40s, featuring engines designed by one of the great automotive designers of all time; Vittorio Jano, His engines helped both cars to amass a number of impressive race victories. They finished 1st and 2nd in their class at the 1937 Mille Miglia, 1st, 2nd and 3rd at the 1937 Targa Abruzzo in Pescara, took victory again at Pescara in 1938 and won the Targa Florio in 1950.

Concours of Elegance’s tribute to 70 years of motorsport’s top echelon includes five exceptional F1 cars, each representing a pinnacle of achievement in F1’s constant quest for speed.

The group comprises cars every enthusiast will recognise Ferrari, Williams and Lotus machines

“Concours of Elegance’s tribute to 70 years of motorsport’s top echelon includes five exceptional F1 cars” inextricably linked with racing heroes such as Sir Stirling Moss, Niki Lauda and Damon Hill.

For those not yet old enough to enjoy the thrills of a road car, Concours of Elegance is proud the introduce the Junior Concours. Celebrating the best of half-scale hand-built pedal, electric and petrol-powered cars of all ages, the Junior Concours, will see parents and their children taking on the roles of Works Drivers and Mechanics.

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OUT & ABOUT

grounds for a number of other features, including the seventh annual Royal Automobile Club Trophy. The UK’s finest car clubs, from Rolls-Royce to Ferrari will enter their most spectacular vehicles for an opportunity to win a much-vaunted place among the Main Concours collection of cars in the 2021 event.

Alongside these magnificent cars, visitors may explore Hampton Court Palace and visit a vast array of street-food outlets and enjoy champagne by the original Champagne Charlie, Charles Heidsieck.

There’s the opportunity for some luxury shopping, too, with pop-up boutiques from the

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likes of fine horologists A. Lange & Söhne and their intricately crafted German timepieces, and fashion brands like Niccolò P.’s signature polo shirts. With a new Official Insurance Partner, Chubb Insurance, and Specialist Dealer Displays from the likes of Frank Dale, Bell Sport & Classic, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, Export 56 and more.

Clearly, it’s worth addressing the elephant in the room. With audience welfare in mind, the organisers have created a new Covid-19safe operational plan that includes revised hospitality and restricted visitor numbers, with the introduction of separate morning and afternoon tickets. Should government guidance negate the running of the event, all tickets can be refunded or rolled over to 2021. concoursofelegance.co.uk

“Alongside these magnificent cars, visitors may explore Hampton Court Palace”

OUT & ABOUT

Sopwell House Reopens For Summer Welcome back to the Hertfordshire countryside

Secluded Spa Getaway With access to the Mews Suites hydro pool or your very own hot tub, spa products to set the mood and instructions on how to administer the perfect massage to your partner, guests can create their very own spa sanctuary from the comfort of their own suite.

The offer includes: • Mews accommodation with breakfast • Spa products gift • Massage instructions • Three course dinner for two (in the Brasserie or Restaurant if a Friday or Saturday, otherwise in-room) • Access to The Club at Cottonmill (dependent on government guidelines) Available 16th July – 30th September. From £468 per room per night between Monday – Thursday, or £518 per room per night on Friday and Saturday.

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ocated deep within the rolling Hertfordshire hills, Sopwell House is the enchanting country estate in the heart of the picturesque St Albans, and it is now open again. The stunning 18th century Georgian manor house, surrounded by acres of charming countryside, stands proudly at the end of a meandering driveway lined with blossom trees.

The hideaway is only a short 26 minute train journey from London St Pancras and offers 128 stylish guestrooms in the main house, 16 exclusive Mews Suites (which were originally stable blocks to the main farmhouse) with their own private courtyard and hydro pool, 12 acres of beautiful gardens, two restaurants, an elegant cocktail lounge and the beautiful Cottonmill spa, which launched last summer.

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Garden Getaways

Over the past few months, the team have been working hard behind the scenes to create an environment where guests and employees are safe and socially distanced, whilst maintaining their luxury offering, warm and friendly service, strong team spirit and individual endeavour for genuine hospitality.

The hotel’s new ‘Stay Safe at Sopwell’ policy can be found here.

Sopwell House will offer the ultimate post lockdown experience for couples, friends and families, focusing on indulgence and seclusion.

With plenty of space to escape, terraces to dine on and the spa to disappear into, guests can truly relax and feel at home.

New this summer, the hotel has created a series of delightful offers including an in-room spa experience (whilst Cottonmill Spa remains closed in keeping with government guidelines), garden getaways and overnight breaks with large groups in mind. The spa is now open. sopwellhouse.co.uk

Explore the beautiful countryside and dine in the great outdoors with a delicious hamper in the grounds, or alternatively, take it off site.

Includes: • Deluxe bedroom for two with breakfast • Afternoon Tea or • Ploughman’s hamper for two Available 16th July – 30th September. From £259 per room per night.

Friends or Family Re-unite Enjoy a safe catch up with friends or family with an overnight break and private dining, including a catered private BBQ on the terrace.

Includes: • Mansion house accommodation with breakfast • Private dining or private terrace BBQ • Private check-ins • Pre-dinner drinks Available 16th July – 30th September. From £3,500 for 6 bedrooms, or £5,500 for 10 bedrooms.

FEATURE

LUXURY living at The Landsby How has the Landsby reimagined the UK retirement living industry?

When we first conceptualised the Landsby it was one of the first retirement developments of its sort in UK. Our five-star hotel-style provisions and design were entirely fresh for the over 65s and it was an incredibly exciting task to actually bring it to life. From the offset, Elysian have been partnered with global retirement living provider and operator One Eighty. Together we are entirely centred on the customer; we are only successful to the extent that our customers feel their lifestyle and quality of life are unmatched, where the way of life meets their discerning preferences and where we add value every day. That approach is an innovative one for the UK, and it informs every decision we make.

What can homeowners and visitors expect to see and experience now that the Landsby is open and operational?

Homeowners and visitors should expect a fivestar service from the moment they walk through the Landsby’s doors. Our amenity spaces on the ground floor encompass the art-deco glamour from our original designs and concepts, with a double height entrance, chic bar and brasserie restaurant. When we were first thinking about the Landsby we wanted to create a sense of community for those living there, offering as much or as little involvement as they wished, with choice being the driving factor. With the library, the bar, the restaurant and fitness space, our customers can live life as they prefer, on their own terms, whilst benefitting from being just moments from their private apartments. Designed by an award-winning architect, these apartments are unlike anything in the local area. With 44 different designs to choose from we have ensured there is variety to meet the differing requirements of our customers and avoided the basic box shaped living spaces of many other developments. Each apartment offers outdoor space and state-of-the-art designs and 2 4 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

finishes. Safety and security are also main features throughout the Landsby. Each of the apartments provide intercom systems linking to the main reception allowing our customers constant contact with the Landsby team, alongside additional support and care if they should need it.

In your opinion, what stands out about the Landsby?

In my opinion all of our communal areas and amenity spaces are exceptional and each plays a different role and purpose. The fully serviced restaurant, being run by our head chef Avadhoot Kamat, provides a high quality, vibrant menu which draws inspiration from our dynamic community and the local Stanmore area. Our library, which is curated by Foyles, will be updated according to our customers’ interests and wishes.

The café and bar area provide the ideal space to socialise with friends, families and neighbouring homeowners and our event space will afford opportunities for guest speakers and activities. Of course, all of this is situated within moments of our customers’ state-of-the-art apartments.

THE DETAILS Limited apartments are still available to purchase at the Landsby. Prices start from £480,000 for a onebedroom, £695,000 for a twobedroom and £1,210,000 for a penthouse apartment: all providing private outdoor space. For further information on the Landsby Tel: 0203 813 3861 or visit: elysianresidences.com

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OUT & ABOUT

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie is now open!

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie says: “I myself and all of the staff are extremely excited to be open once again. We can’t wait to welcome back our regular guests and members of the community who we have greatly missed over the last few months.

The team are also excited to be united again on the restaurant floor and in the kitchen, whilst maintaining a safe distance at all times.”

To book a table or for further information, please visit theivystalbans.com

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he Ivy St Albans Brasserie is excited to announce it re-opened its doors in the heart of St Albans on Wednesday, 15 July.

Offering the ultimate dining experience in a beautiful yet safe environment, diners can enjoy a host of exciting, creative cocktails and delicious dishes once more, all set against a backdrop of tranquil surroundings, vibrant fabrics and greenery.

Whilst service will still remain a priority, the restaurant has implemented the highest standards of health and safety, ensuring both guests and employees will be dining and working in confidence and in a safe environment. Measures include thermal cameras for temperature checks, the use of tracking software for all employees logging daily temperature readings over a seven day rolling period, and professional deep cleaning and disinfecting on a daily basis. Air filtration units have also been fitted (99% effective in killing the MRSA and H1N1 viruses, which are part of the same RNA Coronavirus family) and dedicated members of staff have been appointed to ensure that health and safety is at its highest standard on an on-going basis.

The restaurant’s concern is not only to give guests and staff the most positive of experiences, but also to ensure that Health and Safety is paramount. Frederik Foey, General Manager of

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“Whilst service will still remain a priority, the restaurant has implemented the highest standards of health and safety, ensuring both guests and employees will be dining and working in confidence and in a safe environment”

We are open for business as usual on an appointment only basis

OUT & ABOUT

Hertfordshire BACK OPEN FOR BUSINESS THE IVY, ST ALBANS

THE REFiLL PANTRY

The Ivy St Albans is delighted to welcome guests and visitors into the brasseries from 11:30am Monday – Friday, and 11:00am on weekends. Many measures have been put in place to help protect both diners and staff, these include thermal cameras for temperature checks, professional deep cleaning and disinfecting on a daily basis and hand sanitizers on every table. The restaurant’s concern is not only to give guests and staff the most positive of experiences, offering sophisticated dining in a safe and relaxed environment, but also to ensure that Health and Safety is paramount. theivystalbans.com

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The Refill Pantry is open! Bring your own containers or use our recycled paper bags. We offer a wide range of whole foods in bulk, from staples such as pasta, rice and nuts, to treats like vegan sweets and delicious chocolates. Our liquid refill section offers an array of shampoos, conditioners and body washes as well as household cleaning products. All our products are ethically sourced, local or organic, so as well as avoiding single-use plastic, you can feel great about the products themselves! We are at 26 London Road in the centre of St Albans. A full list of products and prices is available online. therefillpantry.co.uk

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Rowan at OSPREY HOME

SMALLFORD FARM SHOP

We are delighted that our Rowan Global Flagship yarn store is open again; we have missed all our lovely customers. Set in the pretty courtyard setting of OSPREY HOME, St Albans, please come and see our beautiful displays of the latest designs and knitting yarns.

The expert Rowan team are on hand to inspire and help you choose your next project or help with any knitting or crochet queries. The renowned OSPREY HOME café is open with outside seating available and ample parking, a perfect place to unwind.

We are currently open Wednesday – Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm. rowanatospreyhome.co.uk Rowan at OSPREY HOME, The Saddlery, Woodcock Hill, Coopers Green Lane, St Albans AL4 9HJ

The modern, rustic shelves at the Smallford Farm Shop are bursting with home-grown produce and great quality products.

Located on the site of the familyowned fresh produce nursery (Glinwell), the Farm Shop and Glasshouse Café have been built from the history of the site - selling produce to local customers from pallets. You can now buy the delicious home-grown tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and aubergines, alongside a wide range of local and independent products, creating a unique offering in Hertfordshire. Easy and ample parking, inside and outside seating areas and options for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free. More than just a Farmshop. smallfordfarmshop.com

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Fashion ‘n’ Fabrics

JOHN LADBURY Happily, life after lockdown for John Ladbury seems to be back on track and it seems that many of you have spent the downtime planning a beautiful new kitchen for your home. We all deserve a bit of luxury and John Ladbury bespoke kitchens certainly deliver.

Using premium timber, top of the range appliances and with a gorgeous array of worktops to choose from, your perfect kitchen will be built and assembled in our dedicated workshop in Welham Green. Make an appointment to visit our showroom and one of our experienced designers will help you to create the kitchen you’ve always wanted. johnladbury.co.uk

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We are so pleased to be open and to see all of our wonderful customers again, albeit with masks and social distancing! We’re sure that this has been the only untoward closure for nearly 50 years, but we took the opportunity to improve some of the fabric and yarn displays, and replace the lighting. We went live with our website in February and are continually making more stock available online, with many local customers who cannot wear a mask making use of our ‘click-andcollect’ service. Some of our cherished members of staff retired over the time we were closed, so we have some new, friendly faces in our knowledgeable team to help you when you come in. See you soon! fashion-n-fabrics.com

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“We all deserve a bit of luxury and John Ladbury bespoke kitchens certainly deliver”

Eve and Adam Beauty Clinic The Government u-turn at the last minute on lifting restrictions for facial work was disappointing for many clinics and their clients. Eve & Adam Beauty Clinic St Albans are able to offer other treatments while other salons still remain closed. Full protocols are in place temperature checks on arrival and use of extensive PPE plus the clinic is sanitised between every client. You can still book Massage, Manicure & Pedicure, Waxing, laser hair removal and Lycon Hot wax, Venus Freeze skin tightening on the body plus ear piercing.

For more information visit eve-and-adam.com to book online or call 01727 854483

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HERTFORDSHIRE FIREPLACE GALLERY, POTTERS BAR

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The well-established Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery welcomes you safely back to their showroom in Potters Bar. They have been helping customers with their fireplace requirements for almost 19 years and have the largest selection of fires and fireplaces throughout Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, offering free surveys and free local delivery. A full installation service also available by qualified Gas Safe and HETAS engineers. So whether you are looking for a traditional surround in limestone, marble or timber or the latest contemporary hole in the wall fires, call in today!

9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar En6 2Qx 01707 657070 hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk AUGUST 2 0 2 0 2 9

feature

The Hertfordshire Cook Book

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elebrating everything the county has to offer, The Hertfordshire Cook Book takes you on a journey across the county’s food and drink scene from distilleries to farm shops, discovering the independent enterprises that make this area far more than the commuter belt it can be dismissed as.

The newest addition to Meze Publishing’s eagerly anticipated ‘Get Stuck In’ series of regional cook books, The Hertfordshire Cook Book, is filled with the region’s favourite independent restaurants, cafés, pubs, shops and suppliers from cover to cover. It dives deep into everything that St. Albans has to offer in particular, without neglecting the rest of this beautiful county. Travel from the unmissable selection of craft beers at the Beer Shop in Hitchin to the picturesque village of Welwyn, visit Laura Kate to indulge in bespoke cakes that are almost too pretty to eat, and then come back over to discover Puddingstone Distillery, the home of Campfire Gin. There is something for everyone in the county and this book follows in those footsteps, boasting options for meat lovers, vegans and veggies.

From the Chilli Bar & Kitchen in St. Albans, who modernise classical Indian flavours, to the pop of colour that Tara’s Vegan Treats adds to the historical market, this book is a gastronomical guide for foodie fans throughout the region.

Tara shares her thoughts on being part of the book: “Being a part of the Hertfordshire Cook Book

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is one of the most exciting things I have done with my start-up so far.

To have a milestone as tangible as a cookbook is quite surreal, and I’m chuffed for Vegan Treats to be printed alongside some of St Albans’ best independents. I can’t wait to sell copies at my street food stall!”

Market stalls like Tara’s are just the beginning of the community feeling of this book. It explores the eccentricity of the three wheeled coffee van that allowed Charlie’s Coffee & Company to grow into their sustainably-fuelled shop and discovers the wonders of The Bishops Cave, a bar encouraging everyone to indulge in the finer things, dreamt up on a golf course by father and son Steve and Dan. Johnny Shepherd of The Pudding Stop in the heart of St. Albans takes care to run a business grounded in community and ethical choices. He is proud of the locals who supported them from their beginnings in a small van affectionately christened the ‘Pudmobile’ to their shop in the city which is still jam packed with the same delightfully drizzled handmade puddings. As he puts it: “It was food that first brought me to St Albans, and food is the reason I’ve chosen to make a home here. Where there’s good food there’s usually a good story, and this book is full of both.”

The likes of The Fleetville Larder, Chiltern Oils, The Cobbled Kitchen and The Secret Truffletier are just a few of the unique and wonderful businesses that The Hertfordshire Cook Book opens the doors to, and they are not to be missed.

THE DETAILS The Hertfordshire Cook Book retails at just £14.95 and is available to purchase from all of the contributors included in the book. You can also get your hands on a copy from smaller independent shops, as well as national book chains like Waterstones, WH Smiths, and online from Amazon. Or buy online at mezepublishing.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

(Virtual) Big Dog Walk 2020 announced!

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ith support from the likes of Gemma Atkinson, Carley Stenson and Michaela Strachan, who will all be getting involved with their pooches - the organisers of the Big Dog Walk series are proud to announce the 2020 Virtual Dog Walk – the World Big Dog Walk Challenge, which will take place across the month of September 2020 and aims to raise thousands of pounds for dog-related charities, whilst not compromising the safety of those involved.

Dog walkers from all over the world will complete their walks independently, getting involved via the World Big Dog Walk Website: bigdogwalk.co.uk/worldwalk Walkers can choose to walk wherever and with whomever they like.

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It is free to get involved and all money raised will go directly to charities that support dogs in need. Dog walkers can make pledges to walk a certain distance or raise a target amount for one of the canine charities featured on the website, or a charity of their choice, examples include Pets as Therapy, Mayhew or Streetvet.

Nicole Cooper, Managing Director of the Big Dog Walk series says: “2020 has been a tough year for humans and dogs. Dog charities have been suffering throughout this world heath crisis and so we are asking our pawsome dog walking community to get out and about in their own environment - should that be in a field near your house or even around the block on your regular walkies - and pledge a distance you and your pup will walk during the month of September to raise money for the dogs we all love.

“According to The Institute of fundraising, charities are expecting a 24% reduction in total income for the year, which equates to a £12.4 billion loss, in total (between 23rd March and the 12th May). This loss of income could potentially devastate many animal charities, where lives are often, quite literally, hanging in the balance. The World Big Dog Walk aims to make a difference, by calling upon the dog walking community to come together to raise valuable funds for man’s best friend”.

Organisers are aiming to hit a total of 40,075km - the circumference of the Earth and are encouraging dog walkers to let their dogs take the lead, get out into the fresh air and clock the miles up!

Following months of lockdown and continued social distancing, the next Big Dog Walk series will take place across several sites in the UK, including Hylands House, Loseley Park and Belvoir Castle, in spring 2021 but in the meantime, organisers are

delighted to be able to raise money and get dog walkers involved in their own virtual dog walk challenge.

Nick Daniel, Marketing Director at Dogs Trust said: “Like many, Dogs Trust has been hard hit hard by this crisis, with many of our usual fundraising activities and income streams interrupted. We are seeing a huge drop in our fundraising income.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this crisis on dog welfare, but the long-term impact of this emergency is yet to be felt. It’s likely animal rehoming centres will come under increased strain due to coronavirus in the coming months, at a time when charities are facing greater financial hardship.

“Now more than ever we will be relying on the generosity of the ‘pawsome’ dog-loving public to help us through these uncertain times. Our supporters mean the world to us and they always go above and beyond in service of dog welfare, so we are positive there will be lots of willing participants who can help Pip make his trip around the world.”

For more information please see attached and to sign up visit: bigdogwalk.co.uk/world-walk

FEATURE

The Art of Buying Art

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hanks to the Lockdown, it was not uncommon for us all to be stuck at home and left, literally, staring at the walls. As such, it was a good time to revisit the items that we’ve put on those walls and whether they still give us pleasure.

Alison Phillipson - who specialises in sourcing contemporary art for private and corporate clients - comments: “We can all get pretty immune to what we’ve got on our walls. Family photographs and heirlooms will always have a special resonance, but often the prints or paintings that we bought maybe many years ago have perhaps lost their charm.

Having reproductions of work by great masters - whether they’re Pissarro or Picasso - is fine, but personally I find new work by artists who are active

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“My role is to talk through what people are looking for: is it a painting, sculpture or other medium?”

today is fantastically exciting to engage with.

“And certainly, if you’re thinking of refreshing the visual landscape of your home there has never been a better time to buy contemporary art. There is a wonderful group of talented young artists producing stunning work at accessible prices.”

Of course, contemporary art can be an intimidating part of the art world with which to engage. The bad press it often gets overlooks some of the tremendous work that is being done. When setting up Phillipson Fine Art, eleven years ago, Alison appreciated both this challenge and also the opportunity it presented.

“It’s not uncommon for us to help people who have been looking to invest in contemporary art for a long time but just hadn’t been able to connect with the right work. My role is to talk through what people are looking for: is it a painting, sculpture or other medium? And also to consider the space for which it is intended.

“That can entail the interior of someone’s home. There’s no point in being precious about that dynamic: for a piece of art to truly work it has to be in a setting which shows it to its best advantage. You wouldn’t hang a 5ft-high Rothko in a 16th century cottage with 6ft ceiling heights.”

Phillipson has a First-Class honours degree

in Fine Art and History of Art and an MA in Contemporary Art Theory, but it is her love of contemporary fine art that shines through when she talks about connecting clients to artists. “It’s fascinating to watch an artist develop and follow them on that journey. Yes, some of my clients have made gains on the art that they have bought through me, but the common denominator amongst them all is that they love the pieces they buy and value the connection with the artist who has created that work.”

This combination of art expertise and an understanding of what clients are looking for is at the heart of what Phillipson Fine Art does.

“We have some clients who we may only ever source one piece, and others who are assiduous collectors. Part of the enjoyment of what I do is

the details Phillipson Fine Art +44 (0)7767 677 677 alison@phillipsonfineart.co.uk phillipsonfineart.co.uk

working with a wide range of people whose only connection is their interest in contemporary art.”

Throughout the process great care and diligence is taken to match a client’s personal tastes, their requirements and, of course, their budget: “We’ve helped clients source works from £500 to over £100,000,” Phillipson reports, “and also have commissioned pieces from specific artists.

“Our approach to the purchase and commissioning of fine art is to create a very personal dialogue that is always bespoke, discreet and sensitive to our client’s aspirations and tastes.”

She works with exceptional artists and will purchase either direct from an artist or from a gallery.

“It is enormously satisfying to bring things of beauty into people’s lives and also help artists develop their careers,” she reflects. So, who are some of the artists that she finds most exciting at present? “That’s like having to say who your favourite child is,” she laughs. “I would have to mention the sculptor James Capper and the painter Masaki Yada whom I think are both tremendous talents. I shall now wait for the ‘what-about-me?’ emails from all the others I know!”

So if the art on your wall began to pall during Lockdown, it might be an idea to give Alison a call and start investigating the vibrant world of contemporary art.

AUGUST 2 0 2 0 3 5

TRAVEL

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE TRAVEL PLANS As international travel opens up, we caught up with personalised management company Winged Boots to find out what we should look out for when booking our next holiday

I

f a worldwide pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s to never take anything for granted.

Spending time with family, exploring the world and making memories… life is about filling our hearts not our bank accounts. Now that travel is accessible, and after so much time in the same small bubble, a holiday is just what some of us need. Whether you choose a UK staycation, a trip to Europe or even further afield, be sure to do your research before booking and speak to a trusted and experienced travel agency.

To give you the lowdown, we spoke to our friends at Winged Boots, a personalised management agency that specialises in luxury travel to pick their brains on what to consider when booking your next holiday.

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FLEXIBILITY “Read the terms and conditions and make sure your travel plans have good flexibility before committing,” advises David Ox, Winged Boots’ managing director. “Airlines are offering fantastic terms at present, and an experienced travel agent will ensure that hotels provide flexible conditions too.

“This is where travel agents will prevail over the internet. Booking your holiday with someone who is experienced in the industry, who has great relationships with suppliers and can call a hotel directly with any requests and customer questions; in my opinion, this customer service will far succeed a quick click of a button on a price comparison site,” he adds.

“All Winged Boots’ personal travel managers hold a minimum five-years’ experience and the business is built around its outstanding reputation”

“THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO TRAVEL” David shares his firsthand experience of what it’s like to travel now

All Winged Boots’ personal travel managers hold a minimum five-years’ experience and the business is built around its outstanding reputation and five-star customer service.

The friendly and knowledgeable team has visited every continent and can share first-hand experience for hotels from around the world, offering a personal insight that no amount of internet research will be able to offer.

ACCREDITATIONS It goes without saying that you want to book with an agency that has its travel accreditations and licenses.

“Winged Boots is protected by ATOL, a government-run financial protection scheme operated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),” explains David.

ATOL covers package holidays that include flights and means that if the ATOL protected company fails and your holiday can no longer go ahead you will be entitled to a refund if you are yet to travel, and hotel costs and flights home if you are abroad.

and knowledge with its members to support travel companies, with the customer always at the forefront.

“Your money sits in a trust account, under lock and key. Every penny is protected, and should the worst happen, and your holiday is cancelled for matters out of your control, your money is safe,” David confirms. Exactly what you want to hear in the current worldwide climate.

We hope this has given you the support to book your next trip with complete confidence.

For more information or to book your next holiday contact personalised travel management company Winged Boots on 0203 319 4404 or email info@wingedboots.co.uk for your complimentary, no-obligation quote. For further travel inspiration visit wingedboots.co.uk

“I flew to Spain in July and was shocked at the short queues throughout the airports. Other holidaymakers kept their distance and all respected social distancing guidelines. It was very polite.

“The resort was quiet, usually unheard of during peak summer season, but it was a pleasure to be there. The service levels are so high, and the locals are grateful for the tourism.

Everyone from taxi drivers through to restaurant owners were friendly and welcoming.

We had a fantastic stay.

“Never has there been - and neither is there likely to be - a time like this to travel internationally. The entire experience was great, and I am already planning a weekend trip for August.”

FINANCIAL PROTECTION And finally, be sure to book with a company that offers complete financial protection. “We’re part of The Travel Trust Association (TTA),” David explains. “The TTA is one of the leading associations for the travel industry and is the only network in the UK to offer 100% financial protection to the consumer, ensuring total customer confidence.”

With more than 20-years of industry experience, the TTA also shares its passion, expertise, skills AUGUST 2 0 2 0 3 7

OUT & ABOUT

Hatfield House W

Now reopened

e are delighted to announce that the Park, Gardens & Woodland Walks are now open for visitors.

To ensure everyone enjoys the tranquillity of the park whilst avoiding any crowds we are limiting the number of tickets sold for each day. Tickets must be bought in advance online via our website. We are not running a timed ticket system so you are welcome to arrive and stay all day!

We hope to invite visitors back to the Park, Gardens, Woodland Walks and Old Palace soon. The team here at Hatfield House are busy reviewing the recent government guidance and taking steps to ensure both visitors and staff can maintain safe social distancing whilst still enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The safety of our staff and visitors is paramount and for this reason we will not be receiving visitors into Hatfield House itself for the remainder of this season.

Hatfield Park Farm and play area will unfortunately close and won’t be re-opening in its current form. We are taking some time to review what attractions and experiences we can offer future visitors to this area of the Estate.

Some of our forthcoming events have either been postponed or cancelled. Please visit our website event listings for all the latest information. We 3 8 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

“This will present a fresh opportunity for people to discover some of the wonderful areas of Park and Woodland”

hope to open the Coach House Kitchen with a reduced take away menu in a form which complies with latest government guidelines.

“I know that the whole team at Hatfield are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Hatfield Park. I would personally like to thank everyone who has sent messages of support or feedback during lockdown when access to the Park has been restricted to local passholders.

Whilst we have decided that Hatfield House will remain closed we hope that this will present a fresh opportunity for people to discover some of the wonderful areas of Park and Woodland. I hope that people will enjoy their visit and be encouraged by knowing the money they spend with us goes back towards helping us conserve and protect Hatfield House and its Park for the enjoyment of future generations!”

–Anthony Downs – Estate Director. hatfield-house.co.uk

EDUC ATION

Learning In Lockdown

Jo Cameron, Principal of Queenswood School in Hertfordshire, explains how teachers and pupils have adapted to the current coronavirus situation

A

s the nation entered lockdown, school communities made rapid and radical transformations in order to deliver education remotely. Staff and pupils have had to master new technologies, syllabuses have had to be totally reconsidered, teachers are finding new ways to motivate students, and parents are also getting involved on a daily basis.

Independent schools such as Queenswood are fortunate to have the technology in place to be able to deliver a full timetable of online lessons, direct from teachers’ homes. Video conferencing software, collaborative documents and virtual learning environments have proved invaluable, and the positive feedback we’ve received from parents has been overwhelming.

We’ve adapted the timetable to allow pupils regular screen breaks, and ensured that girls are set work that takes them away from their desks and out into the fresh air where possible. A fabulous example of this is an English project, where pupils have been creating their own versions of the infamous Cottingley Fairies photographs in their gardens.

Of course, remote learning is not without its challenges. For instance, many of our boarders live overseas in different time zones; for those in the Americas, the school day now begins at 4.00am, while girls in the Far East could be burning the midnight oil. Teachers have found that audio-video recording of lessons allows international students to access the work at a time that suits them.

The cancellation of GCSE and A-Level exams brought a sudden and dramatic end to two years of preparation for our Year 11 and 13 students.

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However, at Queenswood we have always firmly believed that education is about so much more than narrow exam syllabuses, and teachers have relished the opportunity to devise a stimulating alternative curriculum for girls in Year 11 and 13, providing stepping stones to the next stage of their education.

Geographers are taking an online course with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Drama students are writing plays; physicists are studying nuclear fusion in depth.

We’re also able to offer a varied and stimulating virtual co-curricular programme. From knitting to netball; from morning meditation to movie-making; from art history to hockey; from cookery to creative writing – girls are able to expand their horizons (metaphorically, if not literally) and learn new skills.

Now more than ever, young people need the support of communities, and at Queenswood, we’re making every effort to continue the pastoral care for which we are renowned. There are daily catch-up sessions with tutors, video podcast-style chapel services, and even a live-streamed assembly every Friday, in which I explore our beautiful campus and share the joys of spring with girls, parents and alumnae.

This is schooling unlike anything we have ever experienced, and all of us are of course eager to return to familiar structures and practices. But lockdown has taught us new ways of working, shown us new ways of thinking about education, and reaffirmed our values.

– Jo Cameron, Principal, Queenswood School www.queenswood.org

“We’ve adapted the timetable to allow pupils regular screen breaks, and ensured that girls are set work that takes them away from their desks and out into the fresh air where possible”

OUT &ATION EDUC ABOUT

Results Days Lara Péchard, Head of St Margaret’s School in Bushey, has some advice on dealing with a very different type of results day this summer.

W

ith the unfamiliar territory of centre assessed grades, likely changes to the start of sixth form and university, missed leavers events and cancelled holidays, the last four months have been hard on years 11 and 13. My hope is that results days give them all that they want and need.

Planning ahead for a variety of scenarios will help ease any worries.

• Happy Results Day. Your child gets the grades they feel they deserve and know they are into their university of choice. Congratulations!

Open the Champagne!

• Happy Results Day 2. Your child gets the grades, but now they wonder if their university safe choice is right. Seek immediate UCAS support from school, they may be able to switch course or university. But be careful, if they took time and care initially deciding, this should not be underestimated in the excitement.

• Confused Results Day. Your child has got their university choice but grades don’t match expectations. Encourage a practical rather than emotional response, re-sits in the Autumn could unsettle plans and once they start university there are benefits from moving on. Speak to school, knowing what they put down as the centre assessed grade might help. Try to console your child, they have still got their university of choice!

• Disaster. Grades are off and university place 4 2 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

is not secure. Talk to school as they will have been through this before. There are likely to be university places this year, even for children who may have not achieved offer grades. Listen to what has really upset your child, is it about grades or university?

After so long in lockdown, being away from school and circumstances being radically different, it is understandable why making any decision just now is difficult. To the average teenager, if you can cancel exams, something they had been working towards and knew they would always be doing, this will generate anxiety that everything else is uncertain.

Advice ahead of results: Reassure them that your support, and the school’s advice are solid and not going anywhere. Talk about the possibilities, whether this is tied to university choices, possible gap year plans or re-sits. Try to keep choices open to them, talk about what your child is most worried about first. Talking through worst case scenarios and showing them there is a way through will reassure.

Advice for August: Have something to look forward to in the week after results and bulk buy the Ben & Jerry’s. Take time off on the day to be with your child. Make sure you have all the university phone numbers and that mobiles are charged and head into a socially distanced school as soon as they are open on the day. Good luck! stmargaretsbushey.co.uk

“Have something to look forward to in the week after results and bulk buy the Ben & Jerry’s”

EDUC ATION

St Columba’s College and Preparatory School “We strive for academic excellence whilst realising that it is a well-rounded education that best prepares our young people for the world and workplace of tomorrow”

S

t Columba’s College and Preparatory School is an independent Catholic day school for pupils aged 4—18 in the heart of St Albans, Hertfordshire. We provide a high-quality education to young people of all faiths and none.

In September 2021 we will welcome girls into the Lower Sixth (Year 12) and Lower Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2). This will be followed by a phased transition to full coeducation throughout the school.

Our Columban ethos and values guide all that we do, allowing us to provide an education of the Head and Heart that places happiness and confidence at the centre of its mission. Teaching the Columban values of courage, courtesy and compassion enables our pupils to become confident individuals, with the skills to enter an ever-changing and complex world.

We strive for academic excellence whilst realising that it is a well-rounded education that best prepares our young people for the world and workplace of tomorrow. With a moral education based on the Charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, we support each student’s development in a community where they are known, valued and treasured.

This year has been an extraordinary one for everyone. In March, as a community, we moved out of our comfort zone and into the world of remote learning and then a new, phased return to

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school. We utilised a range of resources to deliver interactive and engaging lessons following the normal timetables for those learning from home.

Our staff became experts in teaching via Microsoft Teams and other online platforms, parents became home school supervisors and our pupils emerged as more resilient and adaptable learners.

St Columba’s also continued to provide strong pastoral support through regular communication with parents and students via Heads of Houses and Tutors, and through our Pastoral Helplines, which are open between 8am and 4pm during term time.

Three-quarters of St Columba’s parents rated our online learning programme as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good.’ Here are some snippets of what they said: ‘A big thank you for the excellent pastoral care for both boys. We are really fortunate that the school takes such an interest in their wellbeing.

The teaching is excellent.’ ‘Thank you for the brilliant job you are doing. It must be extremely difficult. Our son is very happy and therefore so are we.’ stcolumbascollege.org

EDUC ATION

Bishop’s Stortford College Prep School Steps Up for Local Charities

T

he Bishop’s Stortford College Prep School fundraising has exceeded all expectations for the academic year 2019-2020.

In September 2019, the Bishop’s Stortford College Prep School launched their fundraising initiatives for the academic year. Over the 10 months that followed, pupils spearheaded various events and activities including collecting foreign notes and coins to convert into sterling, organising a ‘Guess The Baby’ Competition, performing in festive Carol Concerts and their Spring Term Charity Challenge, ‘Grow a £2 Coin’, to name just a few.

Determined not to let the Covid-19 pandemic interrupt their fundraising activities, and to raise awareness for local charities, the Prep School community came together virtually for one final burst of fundraising in their Community Charity Week. From Wednesday 24th June to Wednesday 1st July, Prep School pupils took part in a variety of themed creative, sporty, baking and dressing up events.

After an uplifting Prefects Community Charity Assembly with guest speaker, Stephen Turner, from Samaritans, Community Charity Week started with a bang as pupils were challenged to ‘Make A Minute’s Noise For Local Charities’. Similar to the national ‘Clap for Keyworkers’ pupils honoured the hard work of charity workers across Bishop’s Stortford. The ‘Steps for Samaritans’ challenge followed shortly after, where pupils climbed as many stairs or steps as possible within 30

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“The Prep School community came together virtually for one final burst of fundraising in their Community Charity Week”

minutes. Collectively, pupils from all 6 year groups climbed a total of 535,606 steps; the equivalent of 9 Mount Everest’s. Other challenges included baking a ‘monster’ cookie, taking part in House quizzes, dressing-up as a rainbow or a ‘Community Superhero’ for the day, preparing rainbowcoloured dishes of food, bringing a pet to a Zoom lesson, creating a lockdown time-capsule and submitting a recipe for a Charity Cookbook. Other creative arts challenges focussed on photography, poetry and art.

Jane Towns, Prep School Prefects & Charities Coordinator, commented, “We wanted to provide opportunities for the children to enjoy spending time together, albeit virtually, whilst raising the profile of many local charities in the Bishop’s Stortford area. It was wonderful to see the pupils having fun, making memories and being together as a community one last time before the end of term.”

The proceeds from all fundraising activities across the school year, of which a quarter was raised during lockdown, will be distributed amongst seven local charities; Guide Dogs, Ware Samaritans, Bishop’s Stortford Salvation Army, Bishop’s Stortford Winter Night Shelter, Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank, Grove Cottage and Just One Tree.

Visit our Open Morning on 19th September. bishopsstortfordcollege.org

MANOR LODGE

OUT & ABOUT

Recruiting foster carers now

A

re you looking for a more fulfilling job? Has the Coronavirus pandemic left you looking for a new career or new way of life?

Our foster carers tell us that fostering is the most rewarding thing they have ever done, and that it has enriched their lives in ways they never anticipated.

One such foster carer is Jacqueline, who has been fostering with her husband David since 2006 and has three foster children. She said: “We went into fostering thinking that perhaps we could offer a positive family experience to one child. To be able to share our family values of faith hope and love.

“I think we underestimated the impact these children would have on our lives. To us fostering is no longer a job, more a vocation.

Eleven years ago, Jacqueline and David decided to do some respite for two little toddlers, a brother and sister, who were 18 months old and three years old. They were already fostering an eightyear-old boy.

“Life was never going to be the same again,” said Jacqueline. “We already had a long term placement of a boy of eight, however we have learned that in fostering, sometimes your journey can change overnight.”

With encouragement from their own son, who was at university and said they could use his room, the couple took all three into their home, and have cared for them ever since.

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“We tell people fostering is the best job in the world. It’s a very difficult one but as we look back on their journey it is emotional to see how far we have all come, how much we have all grown and how truly blessed we are.”

If you are interested in fostering, Hertfordshire County Council will guide you through the process, every step of the way, providing 24/7 support, training and generous pay and allowances.

You must be aged over 21 and have a spare bedroom. For more information visit hertfordshire.gov.uk/fosteringlife or call our team on 0800 917 0925 for an informal chat.

“Fostering is the best job in the world. It’s a very difficult one but as we look back on their journey it is emotional to see how far we have all come, how much we have all grown and how truly blessed we are”

ACT NOW! Save your family £176,000 in unnecessary Inheritance Tax. Our clients David and Jennifer had a house worth just over £900,000 and savings and investments worth a further £540,000, built up through a lifetime of work. They didn’t think themselves rich but the value of their home and savings meant an inheritance tax bill of £176,000 was going to be paid when they passed away which didn’t sit well with them.

After sitting down with us for a free initial consultation they heard about a few options that let them retain access to their money and eradicate the £176,000 tax bill.

Call us now on 01923 909339 and arrange your FREE, no obligation consultation with our expert.

Future Start Independent Financial Planning Ltd is registered in England under number 09048509 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority www.fca.org.uk under number 736240. Inheritance tax (IHT) planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Everyone’s circumstances are different and IHT may or may not be payable at the levels mentioned in the example above. Tax rules and legislation can also change. Calculations based on 2020/21 tax year.

BUY LOCAL | BUY FRESH | BUY BRITISH

www.smallfordfarmshop.com | @SmallfordFShop Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HE | 01727 747340

OUT & ABOUT

HIDDEN GEM

K

nown for their delicious home-grown tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and aubergines, the Smallford Farm Shop is a hidden gem just outside St Albans.

If you have not visited before, the modern, rustic shelves of the farm shop are bursting with local, artisan and most importantly high-quality products.

“Excellent selection of goods and lovely cafe.

Staff are always so welcoming and helpful”, quoted one customer recently.

You can buy the delicious home-grown produce alongside a wide range of local and independent products, creating a unique offering in Hertfordshire, and providing everything from store cupboard staples, daily essentials, delights for the foodie, and gifts.

Brands to look out for: their own Cannatella & Colletti pasta sauce which uses their own-grown tomatoes, aubergines and peppers (very low food miles!); Just William meat; Twist Teas from Harpenden; oils from Mrs Middleton’s; gin from Campfire and The 3 Brewers and Mad Squirrel to name just a few of the craft ales.

New recently into store are fresh cut flowers (UK grown – not flown), planted troughs and baskets, indoor plants and herbs, plus a selection of homeware and gifts from Meg Hawkins, Whistlefish, 100 Acres, and candles and diffusers from local company Potters Crouch.

If you’re looking for a relaxed coffee, you can sit inside or out, and enjoy a range of hot and

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cold light bites including cakes by Heaven Is A Cupcake. Freshly made smoothies and squeezed orange juice are available too. And if you’re in a rush – you can take-away.

The Hertfordshire Cook Book (out now and on sale instore) finishes it’s description of the Smallford Farm Shop as, “Popular with locals, staff from the nearby University of Hertfordshire, cyclists, dog-walkers and families”. We’re sure you’ll love it too.

THE DETAILS Smallford Farm Shop Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL4 0HE 01727 747340 info@smallfordfarmshop.com smallfordfarmshop.com @SmallfordFshop

Bespoke luxury spaces tailored just for you nordikka.co Nordikka Interiors, Blinding Bifolds Showroom, The Dutch Nursery, The Great North Rd, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 6ND E: info@nordikka.co

M : 07738469691

FEATURE

Hertfordshire’s awardwinning Chauffeur company

H

erts Executive have time and time proven themselves to be ahead of the competition, it’s what you would expect from the Region’s awardwinning Chauffeur company.

By investing in both drivers and office staff, they continue to make service, safety, and reliability their priority while keeping prices competitive.

With the company steered by Bal Notay who comes from a corporate background, giving first-hand experience of the standards expected, the company has developed a true understanding of the customer’s requirements. This first-hand knowledge and dedicated experience of airport transfers and premium travel services places Herts Executive at a distinct advantage in understanding their client’s needs.

The pillars of reliability, service and affordability are ingrained in the company culture. Timing is crucial to establish these, with technological innovation in every aspect, from flight tracking to ensure the client is always met promptly by their Chauffeur, to in car Wi-Fi from to enable the completion of work before arriving home.

With local recognition from Hertfordshire’s SME and Inspiring People awards, Notay sees his prized asset being his long-standing staff and Chauffeur Team. With training, innovation in technology, and a wealth of experience, Herts Executive is placed to deliver a first-class service at an affordable price for both individuals and corporate accounts.

Then they have repeated recognition in the Professional Driver magazine QSI awards, the leading publication in the Private Hire industry recognising achievement, nationally. The dedication of Herts Executive Chauffeurs and staff has delivered such an exceptional service standard that they are now recognised annually, in multiple categories including Chauffeur Company of the Year and Professional Driver of the Year.

There seems to be no slowdown in recognition with a twist of fate in 2018, meaning the company acquired the Silver and Bronze winners of the prized Chauffeur of the Year award, which included their Driver and Fleet Manager; Terry McCann who takes great pride in the quality and service levels delivered in the field.

McCann runs a Driver Academy which through

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coaching and training sets out to take good drivers and turn them into great Chauffeurs by giving them the skills to set the business and brand apart from others. Notay feels that it is this investment in time, innovation and training that has led to a high level of service quality running through every aspect of the business.

With the combination of experience, innovation and training Herts Executive delivers a reliable, professional, and trusted service for businesses and individual passengers throughout Hertfordshire and its surrounding areas. hertsexec.co.uk

“The pillars of reliability, service and affordability are ingrained in the company culture”

OUT & ABOUT

Is Art ‘RISKY Business’?

Secondly, consider the aesthetic pleasure first and the financial benefits second.

Browse sites like Artnet and online auction houses like Sotheby’s to get a sense of how the market works, but the easiest route is to talk to a reputable gallery who will help guide you on your art journey.

Since this is the information age, plenty of highend artwork sells online and collectors are becoming increasingly comfortable using this platform to buy art. But before you buy over the Internet, make sure you’re purchasing from a legitimate gallery, dealer, or investment firm.

Art is non-liquid

Risky Business by Todd White

Art does more than brighten a living space.

The art market has become one of the hottest new investment crazes in recent years. An Art Basel annual report estimates global art market sales reached over 68 billion in 2019.

Painting and sculpture collectors frequently buy pieces with an eye towards adding to their investment portfolio. Like stocks and bonds, art can increase in value. If an up-and-coming artist goes on to a successful career, the cash value of their work will skyrocket.

Art and real estate go hand in hand and can take much longer to sell but are good solid investments… plus, you get so much more enjoyment from them.

Here are some signs why the reward might outweigh the risk.

• You simply enjoy art.

• It can be an extension of your personality and taste.

• It brings ambience, character and points of interest into your home.

• It lasts for generations and can be passed through the family for a lifetime of enjoyment.

• Starting your investment journey can be daunting at first but talk to reputable gallery who are there to help guide you so you feel well equipped for an incredibly rewarding journey.

Written by curator Hayley Norman

Art RULES… the art market follows rules all of its own One major perk of art as an asset is that its value doesn’t rise or decline with the stock market.

Even if your stocks aren’t performing well, your art investment may be doing great – good news for the savvy investor who wants to diversify a portfolio and minimise risk. And ideally art will continue appreciating in value over time.

First Steps…

Firstly, decide how much money you’re happy spending.

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One Rules O.K by Dylan Izaak

“One major perk of art as a asset is that it’s value doesn’t rise or decline with the stock market and the good news is you can start your investment journey from under £1,000””

THE DETAILS To find out more: gallery1066fineart.com

OUT & ABOUT

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out & about

Bill’s Restaurant & Bar announces additional sites are now open

F

ollowing the initial successful reopening of its first six restaurants, Bill’s Restaurant & Bar is delighted to announce it has now opened the doors to additional locations across the UK. Bursting with British flair, vibrant interiors, beautiful terraces and the freshest of seasonal ingredients, Bill’s welcomes back diners from breakfast through to dinner, and everything in between. Whether guests are looking to enjoy the famous pancakes, the Bill’s burger or delicious cocktails, reservations are open from today.

Locations that are now open include: Southampton, Cambridge, Hammersmith, Norwich, Greenwich, Reading, Exeter, Leeds, Newbury, Chelmsford, Farnham, Kingston, Sevenoaks, Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, St Albans, Richmond, Bath, Welwyn Garden City, Liverpool, Horsham, Guildford, York, Eastbourne, Epsom, Chichester, Leamington Spa, Colchester.

Whilst service will still remain a priority, all restaurants will be implementing the highest standards of health and safety, ensuring both guests and employees will be dining and working in confidence and in a safe environment.

Measures for guests will include thermal cameras for temperature checks on arrival and new seating arrangements in line with Government social distancing rules. All surfaces

will be freshly cleaned before and after each use, and professional deep cleaning and disinfecting of each restaurant will take place on a daily basis.

Dedicated members of staff have been appointed to ensure that health and safety is at its highest standard on an on-going basis.

For staff, the restaurants have adapted shift patterns to allow teams to return to work safely. Each restaurant has also implemented tracking software for all employees, logging daily temperature readings over a seven-day rolling period. These are a few of the measures that have been implemented but more detailed information will be published prior to opening. The restaurants’ concern is not only to give guests and staff the most positive of experiences, but also to ensure that Health and Safety is paramount.

Baton Berisha, Managing Director of Bill’s says: “Our teams across the country are excited to be opening the doors to more Bill’s locations later this month. We have received many positive messages from guests and have worked tirelessly to ensure we can create a fantastic experience for all, whilst being safe in the knowledge that we have taken every precaution for the safety of our diners and employees.”

To book a table or for further information, please visit bills-website.co.uk

AUGUST 2 0 2 0 5 7

Dr Claudia Bernat MRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist, Ellesmere Clinic, High Barnet.

“It is all too often the case that people arrive to my clinic after years of suffering from long term psychiatric and psychological issues disabling their general capacity of functioning. I believe that after careful investigation, building an achievable treatment plan that is specifically tailored to an individual’s needs, including medication and/ or psychological intervention, there is little reason for the continual suffering endured by some people. It is my aim to establish realistic treatment goals, to resume a good level of functioning and achieve a good quality of life”. Dr Bernat’s special interests are in the areas of Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Women’s Mental Health and Trauma. She can see families and individuals who are going through a crisis and are in need of psychological support. Dr Bernat can conduct assessments in English, Portuguese, Hebrew and Spanish.

020 8441 5241 • 07950 855319 ellesmereclinic@hotmail.com • www.barnetmentalhealth.co.uk

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : SIL K E LONDON

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[ NE W S ]

FASHION & BEAUTY SUPER-CHIC FOR SUMMER IT’S A WRAP! Here at Life Magazines we love the hair wrap from Silke London. Tested on hair with extensions that have been coloured and always a tangled mess in the mornings, the results are impressive! No knots, tangles or frizz. Waking up to hair as straight and silky as it was at bed time. The hair ties are great, they slide out really easily and as promised, no kinks or damage to already weak and brittle hair. The write ups are great, the reviews even better!

Go see for yourself at silkelondon.com

KISS AND MAKE UP If you’re ready to get savvy about your beauty routine, you can’t go past Young Living’s new natural makeup line, Savvy Minerals by Young Living. This natural mineral-based makeup collection combines premium formulas with pure ingredients to embrace your natural beauty without sacrificing your skincare standards. youngliving.com

PURITY PROTECTS We love this hand sanitiser: the plant based alcohol is proven to kill 99.9% of all bacteria and microbes; With aloe vera and essential oils. puritx.com 6 0 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

For unique pieces your friends won’t have, head to new superchic boutique, FABRIC, in Old Amersham. Stocking cool and casual European clothes, such as this pretty candy-stripe wrap dress from Barcelona based brand, Designers Society - your go-to for boho chic. Pop in to FABRIC and browse their easy-to-wear collections for your summer fashion inspo. fabricfashionstore.co.uk

A CLOSE SHAVE In times of environmental crisis, it’s incumbent on a gentleman to do his bit for the planet – ditching a plastic razor for a once-in-alifetime stainless steel safety razor. wildeandharte.co.uk

Live Your LiFe To The FuLL GOOD HEALTH IS

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There’s no drugs, no hunger, and no calorie-counting. We avoid traditional approaches that treat symptoms after the damage has been done.

Live your life to the full. Find out how at: www.prolongevity.co.uk To find ouT how iT works Web: www.prolongevity.co.uk • Phone: 01727 834365 Mobile & WhatsApp: 07768-275802 E-mail: graham.phillips@manorpharmacygroup.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Case Study: EYES on St Albans

F

ounded by Jez Levy, Eyes on St Albans in an independent practice in St Albans that is style and fashion-driven. The practice is described as, “Obsessive about bring you an unrivalled collection of eyewear…. finding unique designers”. Jez says: “Eyes on St Albans has been 35 years in the making, from when I was 16 and started to work for a frame company.”

Jez went on to work at For Eyes where he says he learnt all about customer service. He explains: “This should be about doing everything you can for the customer who walks through the door. It’s the customer who pays your rent or mortgage, who puts food on your plate.”

Jez went on to join Inspecs, the first importers of Alain Mikli and Jean Paul Gaultier eyewear.

“Quality eyewear entered my blood,” he continues.

“We were picking the right opticians to stock the products. That taught me the only way a collection will sell is by stocking it correctly, with 40 pieces not just a couple.” Jez came out of optics in 2000 to look after his son who is autistic, but returned six years ago to bring all his experiences together in the new practice. He says: “I was aiming to offer the finest eyewear and the best service.”

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“We have 50 to 60 pieces for each collection at any one time. The designers keep me up-to-date with what is coming in the next three to six months”

When stocking the practice, Jez advises: “The key to fashion eyewear is stocking the correct collections, not High Street brands. With High Street brands, discounters undervalue the collection and you get into a pricing war. You lose margin, you lose kudos. The eyewear at EYES on St Albans speaks for itself.”

Alongside the fashion-focussed approach, Jez ensures the practice offers an all-round experience.

“We offer great coffee, and a beer or prosecco after the test. It’s all about excellence; it still has to be there when I’m not in the practice. Its is the most five-star rated independent optical store because we give the best to everyone”.

To ensure that both the stock and the practice look stay on trend and change with each season, Jez has developed a timeless design with brick walls and mirrors behind the frames which will not date. He says: “We have 50 to 60 pieces for each collection at any one time. The designers keep me up-to-date with what is coming in the next three to six months. I take out frames that might date and return them and swap in something new as well as topping up what we have sold.”

“There is a reliance on the designers – this wouldn’t work with some big brands. We also have collections which are timeless and won’t date, others where we swap in new colours. This environment is multiple-purchase, so you have to be seen to be freshening it. In the drawers I have overspill collections so I can refresh what’s on display.”

To see an online tour of the store visit eyesonstalbans.com – Antiona Chitty BSC (HONS), MA, MCOPTOM, MCIPR is ABDO head of communications and author of 20 books on business, health and special needs.

ch W ec W k W o .h ut om o eb ur yr o ac nli he ne l. sh co o .u p k

@The Dutch Marketplace, Great North Road, Hatfield AL9 6ND

www.homebyrachel.co.uk

Home by Rachel London

We are treating you With tWo sales this summer!

10% off when you visit us in store Come in and get 10% off when showing this page* This voucher applies to any items in-store excluding room sprays.

room spray sale Buy one get one free please enter promotion CODE rm241at the Checkout. The offer is for our lovely room sprays. One spray will fill your interior with some unique and subtle notes; they help set a calm and comforting mood in your home. You can choose from six bespoke luxury fragrances. *Please note that this offer applies online only.

HOME BY RACHEL2.indd 1

30/07/2020 11:48

A Hidden Gem of Beauty Beauty specialist Beauty By Rosie coming back bigger and better than ever with 25 new colours and a freshly new refurbished cabin! Opening from the 4th July for all your beauty needs, lashes, gel nails - specialising in biosculpture which is the leading gel system, LVL lashes, tinting, waxing, spray tanning, luxury manicures and pedicures.

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Perfect Red Lip

We put three new releases to the test.

T

he ideal red lip is the holy grail of make-up.

We all have different colourings, so the perfect lipstick varies from person to person, but there are some constants we look for. This might be the lipstick’s staying power, its texture or how easy it is to apply.

Many of us have had the same faithful lippy for years, but what if there’s a better option out there? Yes, trying a new lipstick is a gamble, but we’ve done the hard work for you. We put three new releases to the test, to see if it really is possible to nail the perfect red lip...

Georgia tried... KVD XO Vinyl Lip Cream in Tulip

Sophie tried... Stila Shine Fever Lip Vinyl in Hot Pursuit On first inspection, Stila’s latest offering has a slick consistency, which looks like a smooth, coloured gloss.

But it’s the strong colour when applied that makes this product different - it’s so highly pigmented, it’s almost opaque. Hot Pursuit is a deep, dark cherry red (and even smells of cherries) with a slight blue tint - great for making teeth appear whiter. The product is so dense it can be quite hard to even out, and the colour is so dark it’s actually difficult to blend out patchiness.

However, this density means you can also use the brush as a lip liner to draw the perfect cupid’s bow, or neaten out the edge of your pout.

It does take a while to dry (leaving behind its glossy texture) and eventually goes quite tacky and clings to your lips, giving it good durability - perfect for day-long wear, and it doesn’t smudge after a few drinks. Once dried, it looks more like a matte lipstick with a high, glossy shine, and gives the effect of a plump, pillowy pout.

If you’re looking for lacquered lips in a deep, lush, jammy red, Shine Fever Lip Vinyl is a musttry for a touch of Forties Hollywood glamour.

Price: £17 6 4 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

Claire tried... Diego dalla Palma Moulin Rouge Matt Lipstick in 266 This lipstick glides on like silk and is a seriously beautiful colour, like a scarlet red mixed with a hint of cherry pink - the sort of shade that immediately makes you feel fabulous the second you put it on.

The texture is great too, and although it’s matte (I always find less shine preferable), it’s not so dry that it shows up every little line on your lips, which can be ageing.

The packaging’s nice and the product looks great, but sadly, this lippy has no staying power. Admittedly, I did eat lunch not long after applying it, but my family were quick to point out it had smudged all over my face.

I cleaned myself up and what was left of the colour soon disappeared, which is really disappointing, particularly as it’s not cheap. I wouldn’t trust it in any social situation based on my test, so it looks like it’s a lipstick for lockdown - just a little something to wear around the house.

Price: £20.42

I was always firmly in the ‘red lipstick doesn’t suit me’ camp. I thought of it as either too grown-up - I always remember seeing my grandma applying it - or too bold for my skin tone. But the KVD XO Vinyl Lip Cream has converted me.

A product that’s suitable for vegans, I tried the shade ‘Tulip’. The formula is unlike anything I’ve used on my lips before, combining bold pigment that goes on like a slick, creamy gloss, but dries quickly with a vinyl-like shine to it.

You have to make sure you get the stick right into the corners of the mouth so you have no gaps of colour; KVD recommend using the tip of the applicator to line your lips, then lying the applicator on its side to fill in. I also really appreciated the sweet vanilla scent (I don’t like the weird taste some lipsticks leave behind).

As for staying power, it smudged a little when I ate, but the colour remained intense for hours.

What I noticed more than anything is how confident I felt wearing this product - I love how glossy it is and how it seemed to plump my lips up. I will be using it on my next trip to a bar, that’s for sure.

Price: £14.40 (was £18), Debenhams

HOME &

PROPERTY SPONSORED BY

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– Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AGE : ORIGIN LEISURE

H OME & PROPERTY

[ NE W S ]

INTERIORS COCKTAIL HOUR Tray Isola from Artisan Abode features a stunning marble effect paired with a brass look rim and handles with a pretty patina detailing. Ideal for serving drinks at home. The look of a luxury marble without the weight! artisanabode.co.uk

A POP OF COLOUR Upholstered chairs in shades of blue velvet are the perfect foil for a dining table. “We’ve extended the Hamilton collection, adding to the oatmeal and grey linen fabrics to include a lovely pale blue velvet and a royal blue velvet. The chairs look amazing in the new colours, and have really given our Surrey showroom a summery lift,” said Sarah Cook, co-founder of the online luxury furniture and home accessories retailer. The blue dining chairs look particularly striking partnered with La Residence Interiors’ collection of round and rectangular weathered oak dining tables. laresidenceinteriors.co.uk

Futuristic and faceted, Cut from Tom Dixon is an exercise in optics. Its space-age mirror finish when off transforms to reveal a translucent kaleidoscopic gem when switched on. Produced in both chrome and smoke finishes, small and long, pendant and surface. Cluster for maximum effect. brand-designs.com

Relaxed Coastal Vibes Although we may not be able to go on those much-loved holidays to the coast at the moment, it doesn’t mean we can’t create a holiday feel in our homes. The Painted Furniture Company’s laid-back designs and cool colours make this easy to achieve, whether we’re dreaming of a Cornish fishing cottage or a New England beach house. paintedfurnitureco.co.uk

BEST OF BRITISH Marmalade of London produces, beautiful fragranced candles, reed diffusers and hand and body washes and lotions. The brand is proudly handmade in Great Britain. marmaladeoflondon.com 6 8 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

Cut above the rest

H OME & PROPERTY

The ultimate staycation W

ith everything happening this summer it looks like many of us will not be jetting off on holiday anytime soon, but that’s where Origin can help. Origin’s barn range allows you to capture the feeling of your summer holidays all year long. It gives you a swimming pool building with all the charm of a country barn conversion, blending in with your surroundings and emulating the countryside aesthetic, helping you get back to basics with nature. The quintessential British aesthetic of the barn range is a blend of traditional style and modern ethical considerations.

Every element of the barn style can be tailored to suit your needs, whether you’re looking to create a tropical oasis in your garden by using bi-fold doors that open up, inviting the outside in or by putting together your own pool ‘club house’ and recreating that all inclusive feeling with a spa, sauna and swim up bar. Owning an Origin pool is about more than the pool itself, it’s the lifestyle that comes with it, it’s more important than ever to create space in your life for the people that mean the most and the barn style allows for that perfectly.

The barn pool house is also an energy efficient design due to the improved layers of insulation and as Origin want to help you put your best green foot forward, there is also an extensive variety of other green energy options available so you can have your dream swimming pool, do your bit for the environment and save on running costs.

The barn sits well in any rural garden setting as 7 0 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

a design solution to finding space for an indoor pool. The selection of building sizes include different specifications and the opportunity to tailor your swimming pool house to your wants and needs, whether your pool is to be used for fun or fitness. If you want your pool house to be a place of wellness, the barn gives you the scope to add a gym, yoga room, juice bar or steam room and sauna.

Origin pride themselves on their ability to do it all, delivering on a project from concept to completion whilst also being able to offer a wide variety of choice in design. Their other ranges include the highly anticipated ‘Eco-Swim’, as well as the ‘Olympic’ and their custom designs which often consist of extending homes to include a pool, these are widely used in more suburban areas when clients still want the luxury feel but don’t necessarily have an abundance of garden space.

The traditional barn style lends itself to the idyllic nature of the countryside but can work well in any environment, it’s also designed to meet permitted development criteria so in most cases there’s no need to worry about planning permission.

During this period where we’re spending more time than ever inside, you can plan the perfect staycation with Origin.

THE DETAILS To speak to the experts at Origin Leisure call 01895 823366 now or visit originpools.co.uk for more information and to subscribe to our newsletter.

Instagram - @originpoolsuk Facebook - Origin Leisure Twitter - @OriginLeisure

H OME & PROPERTY

Finding the perfect tile T rying to find your perfect tile can be a time consuming and frustrating exercise, especially if you require different tiles for multiple rooms. Up until now anyone looking for quality tiles has had to visit tile showrooms or browse tile websites where you are confronted with a vast array of tiles in both large and small formats with countless different colours, textures and finishes.

Where do you start? What tile will work best for you? What is the tile made of and will it be suitable to use within the required area? What is variation of patterns inherent within each tile range? How do you know which retailer offers the best prices?

What technical information do you need to know?

Due to the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus there has been distinct shift in buying habits and people are now looking for a more convenient, professional and customer orientated buying experience without having to visit shops or showrooms. And if you are looking for quality tiles this is where SV Tile Solutions is perfectly positioned to help.

With over 12 years’ experience running a large retail tile showroom, advising both domestic and commercial customers on all types of design solutions for a wide range of projects, SV Tile Solutions is all too familiar with the problems buyers are confronted with. So, we devised a way each customer can choose their ideal tiles from the comfort of their home, knowing the tiles come

7 2 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

from quality manufacturers and the prices are the most competitive in the market.

SV Tile Solutions meets customers at a time and place of their choosing and we bring along a wide range of full-size samples of quality tiles.

If none of the samples we carry are what the customer is looking for we will gladly go through the manufacturers brochures to select alternative full-size samples and deliver them free of charge.

No more trips to shops or showrooms worrying about protection against the virus, traipsing around town in miserable weather conditions, or being stuck in traffic jams with the kids in tow. Now, anyone looking for tiles has nothing to lose by asking us to meet them at a time and place of their choosing.

We guarantee you will be not be disappointed in the professional, friendly service we provide and quality of the tiles we supply. So, why not call us for an informal chat to see if we can help? svtilesolutions.co.uk

“We devised a way each customer can choose their ideal tiles from the comfort of their home”

H OME & PROPERTY

Moneyhill Interiors Welcome back to our Showroom, what great news – open again!

M

oneyhill Interiors are back to service the demands of Clients fed up with an inadequate kitchen, old appliances and non functioning areas ! Celia from Moneyhill says the demand for home offices is really what is driving the return to improving your home – its seems many Clients are thinking of not going back to their Head Offices !

Media pieces and soft seating areas in the kitchen are also in demand where the whole family can get together.

With the great technology we have, we have been able to use Zoom to present schemes when some clients do not want to come into

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the Showroom, although we are obviously able to socially distance with ease due to our size.

Our German kitchen Manufacturers managed to produce kitchens all through the shut down along with our Italian manufacturer Dada. A few weeks ago our English production by Davonport was restarted and we have just installed two large kitchens for Clients who are now delighted to finally be able to use their new extensions. We can source most of the major appliance names, and specialise in appliances from Sub Zero & Wolf, Miele, Quooker and have a working Aga on display.

Here at Moneyhill we offer a truly bespoke service, from start to finish. We work very

The drivewayS and paTio company www.hertfordshiredriveways.com

Come home to quality...

driveway inSTallaTion

Thinking about a new driveway, modernising or improving your front of house? Our experienced team can provide you with a complete service from the initial design through to finished article.

Driveway anD patio Design anD installation!

Free surveys anD quotations!

The block paving, reSign bound and naTural STone SpecialiST Having over 25 years of experience within our home improvement sector, we have built an unrivalled reputation for the quality of our installations and the care and the service provided to our customers.

As well as experienced and professional driveway and patio installers, we also work alongside leading governing bodies within our industry. Being approved installers of Marshalls, Bradstone and Brett landscaping, we are able to give all our customers the peace of mind that carrying these accreditation’s deliver. Our approved status allows us to proudly and confidently service Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London with decades of design ideas. We can offer a vast range of product choices and solutions to all size and manner of installation requirements.

The approved specialist

paTio and garden ServiceS

Being more than just professional hard landscapers, we provide a complete service that offers garden and patio design. With a free consultation backed by skilled craftsman, we can create the outdoor space that you have always dreamed of.

oTher ServiceS

We can also add the finishing touches to your new garden or driveway project, including services such as raised kerbing, steps, sleeper walls, Landscaping for natural or artificial lawns, and also a range of quality fencing products, to name but a few.

Call today without obligation to arrange a free survey and written quotation

Tel: 0800 112 3920 / 0333 577 3920 Caxton Point, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2XU

H OME & PROPERTY

closely with our Clients and are able to produce fabulous drawings and CAD Design and offer full service drawings if required for Builders etc.

70% of our Client base comes from recommendation – happy Clients are more than happy to tell their friends. We have owned Moneyhill for the last 16 years says Celia, and now find we are happily designing new kitchens or bedrooms for Clients moving or extending.

We are very excited about our mix of product too, with an eclectic mix of materials and finishes we are able to source product from around Europe

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or wherever we feel appropriate. Our range of materials and colours are what makes our projects so individual, from huge new builds to small cottages or apartments.

Our web site is constantly updated but is a very good reference, showing many of the different designs and styles available. Brochures can also be downloaded this way. However, nothing beats the experience of seeing and touching our furniture, and we welcome Clients to the showroom for a coffee, cup of tea or just a chat.

Please do call or email for an appointment – we will be delighted to welcome you, or welcome you back, to a great friendly environment that really can change the way you live!

Showroom hours 9-5pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 10-4pm, other times by appointment.

Moneyhill Interiors Ltd., 1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, Herts.

WD3 7BQ 01923 773906 moneyhillinteriors.com celia@moneyhillinteriors.com

Do you ever dream of owning your own pool or spa to enjoy on hot summer days?

At Crystal Leisure Pools in Bedfordshire we make it a reality for homeowners every day!

Based in Shefford, we work across most of England installing pools and supplying spas and hot tubs to private homes, we also carry out commercial swimming pool installations to health clubs and sports centres. We provide a comprehensive service helping design and plan your new pool with you. As well as carrying out a complete installation to the highest quality standard including extras like lighting, solar covers and supply of pool chemicals.

Please call for latest information regarding opening times due to the ever changing covid-19 situation

Crystal leisure Pools ltd 1C St Francis Way, Shefford Industrial Estate, Shefford, Beds, SG17 5DZ Tel: 01462 819003 Fax: 01462 819001 Email: enquiries@crystalleisurepools.com www.crystalleisurepools.com

H OME & PROPERTY

Tye Architects : Case study

S

ettled in the open countryside in Buckinghamshire this house is nestled in a secluded rural location, reflecting its surroundings of mature woodland. The setting and elegant simplicity were paramount to the design of this house.

The brief was to provide a dwelling which responds to its context in materiality. A simple palette of carefully selected materials includes the use of stone from the earth on the lower level and timber on the floating box of the upper level, enhanced by a green tinted series of panels to provide transparency and reflect the surrounding plot-scape.

With clean geometric lines, the floating first floor cantilevers and balances on the ground floor, providing long reaching views from the master bedroom and several short distance views of the plot from the other bedrooms. This architectural element pulls you into the site and allows you to marvel at its geometry and weightlessness.

The lower floor is grounded by the strong stone element; the roofing detail of the first floor floats, gliding with the frameless glazing.

Approaching the house, the glass enhances the large open spaces. The open plan ground floor connects from the front entrance area through to the rear garden and a horizontal expanse of glazing connects the rear living spaces to the garden-scape to the rear.

Vertical electronically controlled louvres to the windows provide solar shading and privacy shading

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to the bedrooms. Wooden sliding door panels, some recessed and hidden in the walls allow for areas to be discretely closed off. The house is fully equipped with a home cinema room and an outdoor amphitheatre. A sunroom in the garden provides an area for outdoor living where you can sit outside in a sheltered area at different times of the day and enjoy the views of the house and the landscaped garden.

This project is energy efficient and environmentally friendly with ground source heat pumps providing the heating and hot water. To further reduce the carbon footprint, the house is also equipped with solar panels and low energy lighting.

This dwelling was designed to create an elegant, contemporary family home with an open plan layout that is an environmentally sustainable, contextually relevant and timeless concept. tyearchitects.com

“This architectural element pulls you into the site and allows you to marvel at its geometry and weightlessness�

H OME & PROPERTY

Misted up sealed units? discoloured door panels? original company no longer trading?

Let us Put it riGht!

15,000 local customers can’t be wrong!

WindoWs • doors • Conservatories FasCias Gutters • PorChes • CarPorts • over 40 years experience, an established family run business • discounts for pensioners and the retired • Friendly, no pressure, advice • no deposit - payment only on completion and satisfaction

BARRY BOLTON WINDOWS

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01727 866678 01438 771736 www.barryboltonwindows.co.uk

Radlett Premier Bathrooms

64 Watling Street, Radlett, WD7 7NP Tel: 01923 850444 | Fax: 01923 850456 Email: sales@radlettpremierbathrooms.co.uk www.radlettpremierbathrooms.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Kitchen Transformations Transform your tired kitchen in as little as 2 days from start to finish...

AFTER

before

I

t’s so easy… Swapping the doors and drawer fronts will dramatically change the look of your kitchen, giving you an amazing transformation without the stress, upheaval and mess that comes with a traditional refit.

Dream Doors offers you a one stop shop for all your kitchen needs with a huge choice of doors worktops, sinks, taps, appliances and accessories.

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home. Not only does it serve as the most functional room in the house but it is usually the most social one too, but whatever your lifestyle is it any wonder so many of us spend time planning our dream kitchen?

We offer a personal service to help you realise your dream from start to finish.

A new kitchen is said to add an average of between two to five per cent to the value of your home and with Dream Doors you can change as little or as much as you want. From a simple facelift - replacement doors, a new worktop and perhaps a sink we can transform a kitchen in just a couple of days! Everything is installed by our local skilled tradesmen, the rubbish removed, and a new kitchen ready to use in the blink of an eye.

We can also provide a completely new bespoke kitchen should you prefer, and to help you visualise your dream create a computer aided design for you to see it come to life.

So whether you are looking for a quick transformation or a total redesign, Dream Doors has it all. For ideas and inspiration give Dream Doors a call and let them bring your dream to life.

Call 020 8429 3556 and speak to Tohid or Marek to arrange for your free no obligation quote.

8 2 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

AFTER

before

“From the first meeting I was very impressed with his knowledge. The fitter was very polite and professional. I am over the moon with finished result.”

– Customer base in Ruislip

“This was a big job changing worktops/ door fronts / tiles and a new floor. Guys where polite and where good workers.

Job was finished to a high standard.”

– Customer in Stanmore (Customer feedback from Checkatrade, score 9.7 out of 10)

QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS FROM

DREAM DOORS

Simply replace the doors and worktops!

Our showroom is open now. Visits by appointments only.

20% discount

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DO yOu DREAM Of A nEw kitchEn?

*On new orders only. Valid on doors and laminate worktops. Valid on orders more than £3500 including VAT

H OME & PROPERTY

Reclaimed. Recycled. ReChic.

F or fabulous furnishings that are also kind to the planet, look no further than ReChic, exclusively selling homeware containing recycled materials. From beautiful bowls and soft knitted throws made from recycled bottles, to stunning sustainable pendant lights and high-spec pots and pans made from scrap metal, ReChic enables guilt-free interior styling by offering a whole website full of ecoconscious, on trend products.

Giving waste materials a new life as striking pieces of furniture and accessories, whilst at the same time reducing landfill is at the heart of the ReChic concept. Born from a love of sustainable yet contemporary home decor, ReChic is the brainchild of seasoned retailer Andrew Edge, whose passion for sourcing ethically-made products has culminated in an exciting new online store with a wide range of stylish products. “When decorating my own home, I wanted to purchase modern, recycled products and realised there wasn’t one single place to find everything I needed.

Avoiding virgin materials has massive benefits, and there is no reason for homeware not to look good and wear well, whilst protecting our planet at the same time.”

Recycling is critical in our drive towards sustainability. Why? Take cotton production for example, which requires approximately 1,500 litres of water per cushion. Not only is the irrigation of fields draining waterways, but the fertilisers and

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“Giving waste materials a new life as striking pieces of furniture and accessories”

pesticides often used in farming have a devastating impact on insects and the wider ecosystem.

ReChic’s aluminium pans, produced in Italy and Denmark, require up to 95% less energy to manufacture, when compared with mining aluminium from bauxite. “By producing pans more efficiently, the subsequent carbon dioxide emissions are dramatically reduced, in turn helping to slow the rise in global temperatures”, Andrew passionately explains.

Few people could avoid being shocked by the statistic that approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans every year and already there is evidence that it is finding its way into humans via the seafood we consume. It’s clear that we need to reduce our demand for plastic and improve our recycling rates, and ReChic is taking small steps in this area by using recycled plastic in its cushions, blankets and rugs, which are indistinguishable from traditional woollen kilims.

Sourced from like-minded retail partners, ReChic is actively encouraging us to be part of a circular economy, to ensure a better quality of life for our children and grandchildren, without compromising the present.

For the full collection visit rechic.co.uk.

CALL FREE: 0808 301 9552

homecountiesloftladders.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

your new Hertfordshire bathing mobility specialist

A

re you struggling to use your existing bathroom? Perhaps your mobility has decreased, and you can’t manage that step into the bath or shower anymore?

Bathing is essential to health and wellbeing and it’s important that you can live independently in your own home. If it’s time to make changes to your bathroom, it makes sense to speak with a specialist.

When using the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) Hitchin, you really are in expert hands.

Unlike some bathroom companies, our sole focus is bathing mobility and we are passionate about helping people bathe safely in their own home.

BMAS appreciates the investment you are making in selecting a new wet room, mobility shower or bath. You are looking for an enhanced, safe bathing experience and a better quality of life, and our bathing mobility experts are here to help you choose the right solution that suits your needs and budget.

The biggest concern our customers have expressed is that we’re going to give their bathroom a look better suited to a hospital than a home – this isn’t the case! BMAS bathrooms are both practical and stylish and we offer multiple design options so you can choose something that matches the rest of your home.

We don’t believe in ‘package’ bathrooms, as we know that every customer is different with individual requirements. Which is why we offer a free design consultation service so we can find out all about you, with absolutely no obligation of course. Your new bathroom will be entirely bespoke and designed around you to create a safe and suitable environment.

Then let us take care of every aspect related to 8 6 AUGUST 2 0 2 0

creating your perfect, safe easy-access bathroom.

You won’t be dealing with multiple contractors or strangers in a call centre. Our aim is to make the whole process an enjoyable experience for our customers and we pride ourselves on our high level of personal service.

All work is completed on time by our own tradespeople who will minimise disruption to your daily routine and leave your home clean and tidy. We remove all rubbish at the end of the project and your bathroom is signed off personally by Lee Brand, the BMAS Hitchin manager. We won’t disappear when the job is done; your satisfaction is paramount.

Be inspired in our new Hitchin showroom You can now view our quality products and workmanship close up in some beautiful displays.

Our experts will be pleased to talk through your ideas and offer advice to get your plans moving!

BMAS, 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin Open Monday-Saturday (please check website for opening hours) 01462 889 097 herts@bathingmobility.co.uk bathingmobility.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

THE SECRET IS OUT IN BIDDENDEN!

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howcasing the very best of Kent with a picturesque village location and an abundance of countryside on the doorstep, the pretty village of Biddenden is home to Millwood Designer Homes’ latest collection of properties, The Maltings. The stunning new three-bedroom show home, The Mulberry, is now open and available to view on an appointment-only basis, in one of Kent’s most idyllic spots.

The Mulberry exhibits Millwood’s traditional style. On entering the home, visitors are met with the spacious kitchen equipped with a comprehensive range of integrated appliances.

The rest of the ground floor flows into a stunning

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open-plan dining/living area, with a garden room featuring bi-fold doors to the garden. Upstairs, a sleek master bedroom comes complete with an en suite and two fitted wardrobes. Bedrooms 2 and 3 also offer stylish, spacious accommodation.

The pretty village of Biddenden is the epitome of a beautiful English community, home to a striking collection of medieval architecture and a village high street with a selection of shops and country pubs.

Prices start from £430,000. For those wishing to view The Mulberry, the sales team are taking bookings for viewing appointments now. For more information please call 01843 880843.

“The pretty village of Biddenden is the epitome of a beautiful English community, home to a striking collection of medieval architecture”

H OME & PROPERTY

Introducing the Crowborough Collection

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n the beautiful East Sussex village of Crowborough, Millwood Designer Homes has recently revealed its exclusive calibre of homes at two individually designed developments. Married together as ‘The Crowborough Collection’, the properties at Coppice End and Windlewood have already seen significant interest, offering an appealing opportunity for local buyers to move up the property ladder to a one-of-a-kind home.

Situated in its own picturesque woodland setting, Coppice End comprises 18 exclusive properties just a short drive from the 6,500 acre Ashdown Forest. Only two homes remain; The Henley and The Knockholt, both five bedroom residences exclusive to Coppice End. Both properties benefit from luxurious open-plan interiors including a dedicated study, perfect for those working from home, in addition to modern kitchens and contemporary bathrooms and en suites.

Just a short distance away, Windlewood presents an exclusive development of four luxury 5-bedroom detached family homes on the outskirts of Crowborough. The two remaining properties, Windlesham and Abbington House, are uniquely

“Coppice End comprises 18 exclusive properties”

designed whilst still carrying Millwood’s signature style. Behind the traditional East Sussex façades, each home benefits from a premium first-class interior specification.

Prices at Coppice End start from £885,000.

Prices at Windlewood start from £965,000.

For more information please visit millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk.

The Henley, Coppice End

The Windlesham, Windlewood

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£575,000

Wo o dv i l l e Roa d, Ba R net, en5

Apartment

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A two bedroom duplex apartment situated in ‘Little Masons’, a new development of just four luxury apartments which offer parking and their own garden area.

W e ’ v e n oti c e d…

• The property comes with an ICW 10 year warranty • The kitchens have Blanco stainless steel sinks, Quartz worktop and upstands, soft close drawers and cupboards with handleless doors, as well as under cabinet lighting.

sophie henry

Manager Barnet Office le a s ehol d

T: 020 8440 2444 E: EN5@martyngerrard.co.uk

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£1,850,000

W es t eR n Roa d, e a st F i nchl ey, n2

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Located south of Fortis Green, is this detached double fronted Victorian home, which has been in the same family for three generations. th e oW n e R s lov e “Being near Fortis Green, we enjoy the amenities of both East Finchley and Muswell Hill. The tube is nearby and so are Hampstead Heath and Cherry Tree Wood”

“Our home has been the backdrop to many family events; birthdays, Christmases, weddings, and is full of happy memories”

“The feel of this beautiful house – it is well proportioned, peaceful and relaxing”

chris Fairclough

Manager East Finchley office FR ee h ol d

T: 020 8883 0077 E: N2@martyngerrard.co.uk

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£1,295,000

he n don lane , Finch ley, n 3

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A three bedroom, three bathroom serviced penthouse apartment with secure underground parking and two roof terrace areas. the oWneR s love “Great panoramic views of sensational sunsets across the whole patio windows”

“Extremely bright and airy atmosphere”

“Wonderful entertainment space”

scott henderson

Manager Finchley Central Office

shaR e oF F R e e hol d

T: 020 8346 0102 E: N3@martyngerrard.co.uk

£1,400,000

FloWe R l a ne , M ill hill , nW7

House

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A detached four bedroom home situated within close proximity to Mill Hill Broadway and both Primary and Secondary schools. the oWn eRs love “I will miss the proximity of my home to the Broadway, where I can walk within minutes and have a delightful meal with friends and family in the number of excellent restaurants we have in the area”

“I will miss the memories of the fantastic parties we used to have with friends and family in the summer in the garden”

“The character in our home, especially the stain glass windows and the original flooring in the entrance hall”

Gregg cruder Manager Mill Hill Office

F Ree hol d

T: 020 8906 0660 E: NW7@martyngerrard.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Stunning Wood burning cooker for all sized kitchens

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ontemporary, traditional, large or small and perfectly formed we have it covered with our large range of wood burning cookers and stoves. The Chilli Penguins are made in Wales, the Dean Forge Bakers oven and made in Devon and the La Nordica range are all made in Italy. Supporting British and local is so important, even more now during this pandemic.

The La Nordica Rosa XXL wood burning cooker is a larger Italian all rounder with a very large oven with 80l capacity, hot plates and fire box. Whether heating your home or using the cooking facilities, this model compliments any traditional space or country kitchen.

The Esse Ironheart Multifuel / Wood Burning Cooker burns logs beautifully and cooks to perfection. Essentially the Esse Ironheart cooking stove makes the most of the two things Esse does best – an inspired combination of a superb log burning stove and a traditional cast iron range cooker.

The Esse Ironheart solid fuel cooker was launched in 2004 to celebrate 150 years of ESSE Cookers and Stoves by embodying the quintessential features of both product types and remains a best seller. The Esse Ironheart is the stove designed for cooking and when River Cottage wanted a stove, this was a natural choice.

The Esse Ironheart wood burner has a firebox that has been specifically designed to burn 500mm logs lengthways, which it does in a spectacular fashion providing a splendid view of the flames through a large rectangular glass fire door. As the heat source for the oven and hotplates, the Esse Ironheart is highly controllable, thanks to simple but effective primary and secondary air

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flow controls. The secondary control provides an airwash which keeps the door glass clear.

The compact Dartmoor Baker 5 (5kw nominal output) has a good size oven and three shelf heights.

The Dartmoor Baker’s have oven vents which allow the cooking smells and condensation to be drawn out of the oven and up the chimney. If you would like to use the top of the stove to warm a pan or boil a kettle then the use of the back flue outlet is recommended when installing the stove.

This penguin is the love child of the Penguin 8 and the Hungry Penguin.

What doesn’t it have? It gives you heat, it gives you food, it gives you hot drinks, it has somewhere to store your logs and it’s got a glorious big window to watch your fire burning. When the world disappoints you, it will be waiting for you at home. This penguin will work for it’s living: it can multi task, it’s strong, it’s hot, it’s got muscle and it cooks. If you love this penguin it will love you back.

The “88” is an 8kW stove with an oven box on the top and an integral plinth underneath. There are convection panels on both sides. There is an optional stainless steel top plate. There is a model available without the plinth: the “88 Shorty”.

Whatever you are looking for we have it covered. ludlowstoves.co.uk

“The Esse Ironheart solid fuel cooker was launched in 2004 to celebrate 150 years of ESSE Cookers and Stoves”

bathrooms of distinction

The art of bathrooms: from inspiration to installation

Beautiful Bathrooms, Unbeatable Prices Europe’s Leading Manufacturers on Display

SHOWROOM 020 8440 1106 18-19 Green Hill Parade, Great North Road, Barnet, Herts EN5 1EU email: Neil@aquarooms.co.uk

Bespoke luxury spaces tailored just for you nordikka.co Nordikka Interiors, Blinding Bifolds Showroom, The Dutch Nursery, The Great North Rd, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 6ND E: info@nordikka.co

M : 07738469691