Life Magazines (Hertfordshire editions) May 2022

Explore the gardens at Hatfield House

FROM THE

Radlett Premier Bathrooms

EDITOR

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atfield Park & Gardens is now open for the 2022 season. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful spring and summer sunshine as they stroll around the picture perfect Gardens dating from the early 17th Century when Robert Cecil employed John Tradescant the Elder to collect plants from all over Europe for his new home. The trees, bulbs, plants and fruit trees, which had never been grown before in England, have crafted the inspiring and fragrant gardens you can explore today.

We delighted to announce our lively programme of events are back at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens after a two year hiatus.

Please find attached our full list of events, all free with admission.

The world’s finest whisky producers will be heading to St Albans on Saturday 28th May for the fourth annual Summerton Whisky Festival, which will once again be held at the Lower Red Lion.

The Rothamsted Estate in Harpenden, Hertfordshire is home to Rothamsted Manor. A beautiful Grade 1 listed building that has recently been reopened as a venue. The first record of the Rothamsted estate was made in 1212 when it was owned by Henry Gubion.

Faye Manning Editor EDITOR FAYE MANNING EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER SUB EDITOR NICHOLAS PETER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS KELLY PAULING, PRUVEE PATEL DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA WADE ACCOUNTS KATHY MANNING, ANDREE GEORGIOU DIRECTORS RORY SMITH, PATRICK SMITH

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

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14-16 JUNE ASHRIDGE HOUSE - OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS The gardens cover 190 acres forming part of the Grade II Registered Landscape of Ashridge Park. Based on designs

by Humphry Repton in 1813 and modified by Jeffry Wyatville.

A collection of small secluded gardens, as well as a large lawn area leading to avenues of trees. 2013 marked the 200th anniversary of Repton presenting Ashridge with the Red Book, detailing his designs for the estate.

Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 1NS

[EVENTS]

THE CALENDAR ALL SEASON SPRING AT HATFIELD PARK Hatfield Park & Gardens reopened last month for the 2022 season.

Visitors can enjoy the rays of spring sunshine as they stroll around the picture perfect Gardens. Enjoy the trees, bulbs, plants and fruit trees in the inspiring and fragrant gardens you can explore today.

Hatfield House, Garden, Park & Woodland Walks, Hatfield Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5HX

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10 JUNE LETZ ZEP - ZEPPELINS RESURRECTION Internationally recognised as the official number one tribute to Led Zeppelin. Letz Zep have performed on 6 of the 7 continents. With Antarctica as the only exception. Even Legendary Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant has seen the band perform ‘I walked in, I saw me’ was his comment. Letz Zep performed at the official launch party for the Led Zeppelin Mothership album and also headlined the John Bonham – A Celebration concert to mark the unveiling of a bronze statue to the great drummer.

Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 9NX

15 MAY BUBBLE RUSH FAMILY FUN RUN Start and end in a sea of bubbles, with 8 bubble stations in between. You can walk, run, dance, jog, or toddle through the foam, and it’s suitable for pushchairs too! Plus there’s no time limit so you can go at your own pace. From 11am. Tickets available at stfrancis.org.uk/bubble-rush.

Gadebridge Park, Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 1DN

15 MAY 39 FIRS WOOD CLOSE OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS Situated within Northaw Park, a 3 acre garden made up of a woodland area, a field with a wildflower meadow and a more formal ½ acre around the house. Raised vegetable beds and Victorian greenhouse.

39 Firs Wood Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 4BY

2 JUNE 21 & 22 MAY THE MANOR HOUSE, AYOT ST LAWRENCE - OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS A 6 acre garden set in mature landscape around Elizabethan Manor House (not open). 1 acre walled garden inc glasshouses, fruit and vegetables, double herbaceous borders, rose and herb beds. Herbaceous perennial island beds, topiary specimens. Parterre and temple pond garden surround the house. Gates and water features by Arc Angel. Garden designed by Julie Toll.

The Manor House, Ayot St Lawrence, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL6 9BP

15 JUNE TONY STOCKWELL, PSYCHIC MEDIUM The popular star of TV’s 6ixth Sense, Street Psychic, Psychic Private Eye and Psychic Academy. TONY STOCKWELL demonstrates his belief that those who have passed can communicate with their loved ones with detailed messages. 7.30pm - tickets from £20.

David Evans Court Theatre, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 5QY

ST ALBANS CITY CENTRE PLATINUM JUBILEE PARTY A free street party is to be held in St Albans City Centre to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee during the June bank holiday.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the St Albans Platinum Party to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years of service as the Monarch.

See more info at stalbans.gov.uk/jubilee enjoystalbans.com/jubilee

3-4 JUNE BISH BASH JUBILEE WEEKENDER A two day festival featuring dozens of acts - headliners include EMF, The Boo Radleys and Uncle Funk’s Disco Inferno.

There’s music, comedy, children’s entertainment, food, a beer tent and much much more.

Sworder’s Field, Bishop’s Stortford

AVAILABLE NOW SPRING SEASON AT THE IVY ST ALBANS BRASSERIE The Ivy St Albans Brasserie has launched a delectable new menu embracing the flavours of spring.

To book a table, please visit theivystalbans.com.

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie, 1-3 Verulam Rd, St Albans AL3 4DA

28 MAY SUMMERTON WHISKY FESTIVAL The Summerton Whisky Festival returns to the Lower Red Lion, St Albans on 28th May, your opportunity to taste delicious whisky and get to know new brands. We already have sixteen brands signed up and you get to taste them all. A great day for whisky fans and those wanting to try new things.

Lower Red Lion, 36 Fishpool St, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4RX M AY 2 0 2 2 1 3

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World-renowned, glamorous and quintessentially British…

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW PREVIEW

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24 - 28 May 2022

he greatest flower show on earth returns to Royal Hospital Chelsea with stunning garden designs, gorgeous floral displays and endless shopping.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) can also reveal an exciting new headline sponsor, The Newt in Somerset.

RHS has revealed the garden line-up for 2022, from the very best garden designers gathering to showcase cutting-edge design and ideas with inspiration, colour and innovation. Expect to be dazzled with seasonal plants and colours not seen in May since 2019.

2022 SHOW GARDENS INCLUDE: • The Mind Garden - designed by Andy Sturgeon, built by Crocus. Inspiring us to connect with each other for our mental health. When we are struggling, sharing what we’re going through can change everything, which is why The Mind Garden is designed to be a place for people to connect, be themselves and open up.

The New Blue Peter Garden – designed by Juliet Sargeant., built by Gardenlink. In the BBC centenary year, its flagship children’s programme, Blue Peter is getting a new garden. The theme is

‘discover soil’ encouraging us to investigate the soil beneath our feet bringing it up to eye level for us to see, touch, smell and hear. After RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it will move to its permanent home at RHS Bridgewater in Manchester, where everyone can visit.

• The RAF Benevolent Fund Garden – designed

by John Everiss, built by Peter Gregory Landscapes and George Everiss Design. A stone spiral wall surrounds and protects the sculpture.

Enclosed within, a curved larch seat allows the visitor to look up at the pilot and imagine the view he would have seen. The RAF Benevolent Fund has been providing support to veterans, serving personnel and their families for over 100 years.

Its garden celebrates the help and protection the charity has continued to provide.

• The RNLI Garden - designed and built by Chris Beardshaw Ltd. A celebration of the history and modernity of this multi-faceted charity, which has been saving lives at sea for almost 200 years. Its design marries style hints from the organisation’s Georgian origins with contemporary design cues to reflect the forward-looking spirit of today’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

2022 SANCTUARY GARDENS INCLUDE: • A Garden Sanctuary by Hamptons - designed

by Tony Woods, built by Garden Club London.

Creating a space for garden living. In collaboration, Koto Design have created a carbon-neutral 1 4 M AY 2 0 2 2

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The New Blue Peter Garden – designed by Juliet Sargeant., built by Gardenlink

garden cabin. The small, sculptural structure offers a place of seclusion and meditation, and an immersive space to connect with the surrounding power of nature and plants.

• The Boodles Travel Garden - designed by Thomas Hoblyn, built by The Garden Builders. 60 years ago, Anthony Wainwright, grandfather to the current chairman of Boodles travelled around the world in just 16 days. The Boodles Travel Garden celebrates this incredible endeavour with planting drawn from all corners of the world, creating a global garden, offering a calm sanctuary to rest and reflect on the journey.

• Out of the Shadows - designed and built by Kate Gould Gardens. designed to feel like a contemporary spa garden utilising hardy tropical planting to create a private, calm and relaxing space. Inspired by recent dark times, the garden is a safe haven for people to exercise and socialise in small groups, a space designed to revitalise both the body and mind.

Houseplant Studios returns with more home inspiration after an incredibly popular debut in 2021.

THE GREAT PAVILION An oasis of colour and scents with some of the world’s finest growers and nurseries offering stunning displays, plants for sale and expert advice.

You will find plants and flowers of all varieties – a 1 6 M AY 2 0 2 2

paradise for every gardener! It’s also the place where RHS showcase the Sustainable Product of the Year and Plant of the Year. The Discovery Zone champions the latest exciting innovations and research from the world of horticulture. Explore interactive displays and educational exhibits in this dedicated space.

THE RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW EXPERIENCE Enjoy exclusive boutique shopping - from garden buildings and seating to jewellery, textiles, arts and crafts, there’s something to tempt everyone.

All around the showground, you’ll find a host of exhibitors, both new and established, selling their innovative and desirable horticultural-themed products.

Expect to be wowed with a mouth-watering array of food and drink available including glamorous restaurants including Jardin Blanc with Raymond Blanc plus cafes, food courts and picnic areas are perfect for a quick bite to eat.

For more details and to book tickets, visit rhs.org.uk/chelsea

“The Discovery Zone champions the latest exciting innovations and research from the world of horticulture”

Above: ; The RNLI Garden, Show Garden, designed by Chris Beardshaw

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CHESTERTONS POLO IN THE PARK 2022 10th, 11th & 12th June, Hurlingham Park, Fulham

“You can watch fast and furious polo from a plethora of bars, gardens or grandstand whilst enjoying delicious food offerings, great music with a DJ line-up and endless entertainment”

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hestertons Polo in the Park is returning to the prestigious Hurlingham Park in Fulham to host the largest and certainly the most fun Polo Tournament in Europe. There will be teams representing six different Cities from around the world competing over three exciting days, with a minimum of three games of polo a day.

You can watch fast and furious polo from a plethora of bars, gardens or grandstand whilst enjoying delicious food offerings, great music with a DJ line-up and endless entertainment. You can soak up the atmosphere at pitchside parties in the Mahiki and Polo Bars, the classy Champagne Lanson Garden, the chilled-out Fever-Tree Bar or

the PIMM’s Bus and Garden.

New for 2022 is The Fulham Food Festival at Chestertons Polo in the Park, featuring the best of London’s restaurants and tasty street food including BORN & RAISED, CARBONIS, THE MAC FACTORY, CLAW, CHANGO EMPANADAS and NEIGHBOURHOOD BAKES. Explore the luxury Shopping Village between matches and you will discover an array of prestigious brands offering luxury products to surprise your loved ones.

If you are looking to entertain important clients and colleagues, you can choose from their exclusive VIP Hospitality Packages, subject to availability.

CUDOS INTERNATIONAL DAY Friday 10th June 2022 The world will congregate here for an actionpacked day to kick-start the tournament, including the Frasers England Polo Team taking to the hallowed turf of Hurlingham Park in a thrilling international match. Friday is a perfect day to entertain clients or colleagues for after-work drinks with a difference, or as its best known ‘The Ultimate Office Party’. VIP Hospitality Packages from £375 pp + VAT.

HPA LADIES DAY Saturday 11th June 2022 The ultimate day party in Central London! a great reason to dress up and enjoy a day out watching high-quality sporting action. Shop ‘til you drop, then relax with friends in the Champagne Lanson Garden. You could even win the best-dressed competition!

NEW for 2022 – London’s first ever Ladies International Test Match, competing under newly ratified City Polo Series Rules. VIP Hospitality from £145 pp + VAT

FINALS SUNDAY & KIDS DAY Sunday 12th June 2022 (Children under 5 admitted free) With a world-class finale match, Sunday is also the ultimate party for kids with an unforgettable pitch invasion from renowned children’s party entertainers, Sharky and George – and this year it’s going to be bigger than ever before with a collection of quirky, fast-paced challenges including: • Strawberry bootlace race and edible bug eating

• Capture the flag • Tug-of-war • Space hopper steeplechase • Squirrel Tales • Rock, paper, scissors hoop hop showdown After completing as many challenges and collecting as many water balloons as possible in the time limit, take cover and prepare for the most colossal water fight you’ll ever see in your life! Little Hooves Kids Club will also be open all day, hosting fantastic story-telling, bouncy castles, colourful face-painting and soft play, so there really will be no shortage of fun.

On the main polo field throughout the morning Chelsea Football Club and Hammersmith & Fulham Rugby Club will be hosting skills sessions and Westcroft Park Polo Club will be on hand to teach you how to play polo.

Finals Sunday VIP Hospitality from £125 pp + VAT

THE SADDLE UP PARTY Sunday 12th June 2022 (Over 18s) New for 2022 is the launch of London’s biggest day party as thousands of the Capital’s latest recruits revel in the sun at Saddle Up in Mahiki to welcome in the Summer. Dust those Saturday night cobwebs away with a Bloody Mary. Enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon watching the polo while you nurse a jugs of Pimms or a G&T. When you feel your feet start tapping along to the beat, strap on your dancing shoes, and get stuck into London’s first summer Sunday session at this glorious festival of polo.

THE DETAILS Chestertons Polo in the Park will take place in Hurlingham Park, Fulham, London SW6 3RH For further information and to purchase tickets, visit polointheparklondon.com For Hospitality Enquiries call 0208 237 5506 or email vip@polointheparklondon.com

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Summerton Whisky Festival 28 May 2022

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he world’s finest whisky producers will be heading to St Albans on Saturday 28th May for the fourth annual Summerton Whisky Festival, which will once again be held at the Lower Red Lion.

The showcase celebration of whisky features a wide-range of renowned producers from across the globe, including: Scotland; England; Australia; Canada; Sweden and Japan. Set in a welcoming and relaxed environment, the festival is an ideal environment for whisky exploration for both existing enthusiasts and those newer to the diverse world of whisky.

Dan Humphrey, Summerton Whisky Club Founder is glad to be back meeting in person in his home city, “Following two years of running our whisky festival virtually it’s fantastic to be back

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home in St Albans, sharing great whisky in person.

It was so much fun last time that I can’t wait to see everyone again at the end of the month.

The support from these top-quality whisky brands has been amazing, wanting to come to St Albans to share their knowledge and whisky. I’m so happy to be able to share my hobby locally.”

Tickets include a branded tasting glass which can be taken away after the festival as a souvenir and unlimited samples over the course of each session.

The festival will be have a food menu designed to be paired with many of the whiskies available throughout the day.

For more information visit: summertonclub.com/ summerton-whisky-festival

“The support from these top-quality whisky brands has been amazing, wanting to come to St Albans to share their knowledge and whisky”

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Bletchley Park

Launches its largest-ever exhibition uncovering hidden stories from the height of its wartime operations

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letchley Park has unveiled its largest ever exhibition: The Intelligence Factory which explores objects, human stories, and thrilling moments of interaction from Bletchley Park’s crucial work between 1942 and 1945.

Housed in the newly restored wartime building Block A, The Intelligence Factory tells the story of Bletchley Park at its peak of operations taking visitors through its period of expansion to become the world’s largest intelligence factory. The exhibition shows how the extraordinary potential of the intelligence organisation was unleashed in the second half of World War Two, establishing a legacy that continues to this day.

Visitors are able to view Bletchley Park through multiple lenses – from intimate portraits of staff to the day-to-day environment of the workplace itself and the organisational challenges involved in keeping the entire operation afloat. Snapshots of the present day reveal the enduring legacy of techniques used at Bletchley Park, from tackling organised crime to supplying intelligence to forces in the field today.

Highlights of the exhibition include: a contemporary interactive recreation of the Plotting Room used by naval intelligence, explorations of the contemporary parallels between Bletchley Park’s information-intensive wartime work and the digitised world of today and recently discovered wartime footage captured at Whaddon Hall, the top-secret MI6 base situated near Bletchley Park.

Alongside The Intelligence Factory, which fills two spurs of Block A, a third spur has been

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THE DETAILS You can book tickets for The Intelligence Factory by visiting bletchleypark.org.uk/event/theintelligence-factory

SOCIAL MEDIA Join the discussion about Bletchley Park at: Facebook /bletchleypark1 Instagram @bletchleyparkuk Twitter @bletchleypark YouTube /bletchleyparktrust #BletchleyPark #IntelligenceFactory Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB

carefully adapted into a new gallery that will house temporary exhibitions.

The first of these is an 18-month contemporary exhibition The Art of Data: Making Sense of the World. Taking inspiration from the techniques used by the Codebreakers to manage information at scale, it focuses on how data visualisation helps us to make sense of the world today.

Entry to both The Intelligence Factory and the The Art of Data: Making Sense of the World exhibition is included with admission. Standard admission tickets to Bletchley Park act as an Annual Pass giving unlimited free returns within 12 months. Under 12s go free.

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Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden

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he Rothamsted Estate in Harpenden, Hertfordshire is home to Rothamsted Manor. A beautiful Grade 1 listed building that has recently been reopened as a venue. The first record of the Rothamsted estate was made in 1212 when it was owned by Henry Gubion. It was bought in 1623 by Anne Wittewronge - the widow of Jacob Wittewronge - on behalf of her son John, who was then 4 years old. John became Lord of the Manor of Rothamsted in 1639 and the estate continued to be passed through the family until John Bennet Lawes (founder of Rothamsted Experimental Station, now Rothamsted Research) was born in the house on 28th December 1814.

Sir John Bennet Lawes and Sir Henry Gilbert together developed a fundamental understanding of plant nutrition and produced the world’s first commercial chemical fertilizers. The house, whilst used predominantly as a family home since records began, was requisitioned for the use of the military in WWII and became a listening post, recording and feeding messages to Bletchley

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Park for decoding. After the war it was converted into accommodation for staff and visitors to Rothamsted until 2020, when the ground floor was opened as a venue for the community, where guests can enjoy afternoon teas, murder mystery evenings, or book the venue for a private function.

Filled with impressive features that have remained largely untouched since the 1600s, the Manor will impress guests and provide plenty of inspiration for any event. The external gardens are taken care of by the onsite grounds team and are currently being prepared for another summer season. The Chef and his team have been creating some wonderful new menus with local suppliers, to create a truly unique experience.

If you would like to find out more about the Manor please see our website for details rothamstedenterprises.com/rothamstedmanor or call the events team on 01582 938500 to book an event.

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This spring at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

W

e delighted to announce our lively programme of events are back at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens after a two year hiatus.

Please find attached our full list of events, all free with admission.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Open Archive, Second Thursday in the month 11am – 4pm, Until October 2022 Delve into the extensive collections of the Henry Moore Archive in themed sessions which complement the Henry Moore: The Sixties exhibition Pop Up Project, A Plinth for Ideas coproduced with BA Fine Art students from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, Wednesday 18 – Friday 22 May 2022, 11am – 5pm The students will transform the Kitchen Garden which sits centrally within Henry Moore’s Studios & Gardens by developing, creating and displaying personal artworks that are site responsive, process led, and influenced by the themes seen in Moore’s own work and workspaces as well as in this season exhibition Henry Moore: The Sixties, whilst developing their own personal practice out in the open.

The programme will accompany our exhibition Henry Moore: The Sixties opening 1 April 2022; a fascinating insight into Moore’s life and work

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“Delve into the extensive collections of the Henry Moore Archive in themed sessions”

during a pivotal decade in his career. In the 1960s, Moore embraced new materials and techniques which enabled him to work on an increasingly monumental scale. He incorporated a greater degree of abstraction in his work and satisfied an enormous global demand for his art, which sometimes generated controversy. This exhibition will feature rarely seen sculptures, drawings, graphics and a wealth of archive material drawn entirely from our collections to illuminate the innovation of an artist at the height of his powers.

Of the 30 sculptures on show, highlights include the never-before-exhibited plaster for Large Spindle Piece 1968 and the working models for some of Moore’s most important, international commissions. Over twenty drawings and graphics will reveal Moore’s incredible use of colour and new materials such as felt-pens.

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Royal Ascot 14-18 June 2022

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ith a history as rich as it is long, Royal Ascot sits proudly as the jewel in the crown of horse racing.

Five days of unparalleled racing, high fashion, fine dining and pageantry, the Royal Meeting is renowned across the globe and creates an unforgettable experience in a unique setting.

Underpinned with a rich and deep-rooted heritage, it has not only survived the rigours of time, but it has thrived.

Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting, attracting many of the world’s finest racehorses. It is an experience shaped by the iconic moments that punctuate each day. Whether it’s the arrival of the Royal Procession at 2pm sharp, six world-class races throughout the afternoon or the communal singing around Ascot’s bandstand early evening, each day is an unforgettable whirlwind of excitement and colour. Though there are several nuanced variations that differentiate one day from the next, each shares the same magnificent atmosphere and sense of occasion, each is unmistakably Ascot.

An experience meant to be shared, Royal Ascot is the perfect occasion for socialising. The Royal Meeting hosts a choice of four separate enclosures, 3 0 M AY 2 0 2 2

each with its own ambiance and energy and has plenty to offer in terms of dining; a three course a la carte luncheon, gourmet picnic, Champagne afternoon tea or Fine Dining in one of Ascot’s restaurants, which in turn offer differing cuisines, atmospheres and views of the racecourse.

Royal Ascot is also synonymous with sartorial elegance as guests are welcomed to contribute to the sense of occasion by dressing in accordance with Royal Ascot’s Style Guide. Ascot’s dress code is traditional, woven into the very fabric of the racecourse’s history. Each year the racecourse is awash with colourful classic and contemporary fashions as well as the most magnificent and spectacular millinery creations.

Be part of the drama.

Book now at ascot.com

“Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting, attracting many of the world’s finest racehorses”

Celebrating Her Majesty, The Queen’s 70 years of service.

Queen’s Jubilee Jazz Afternoon Tea £45pp Date: Saturday 4th June 2022 Timings: Sittings available from 12pm.

Includes: Afternoon Tea with Jazz Entertainment.

Queen’s Jubilee Hog Roast £39.95pp Date: Sunday 5th June 2022 Timings: 1.30pm onwards Includes: Hog Roast on the Terrace.

Grim’s Dyke Hotel Old Redding, Harrow Weald London HA3 6SH 0208 385 3100 www.grimsdyke.com

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HATFIELD PARK OPENS FOR A NEW SEASON

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atfield Park & Gardens is now open for the 2022 season. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful spring and summer sunshine as they stroll around the picture perfect Gardens dating from the early 17th Century when Robert Cecil employed John Tradescant the Elder to collect plants from all over Europe for his new home.

The trees, bulbs, plants and fruit trees, which had never been grown before in England, have crafted the inspiring and fragrant gardens you can explore today.

Wander around the Sundial Garden, West Parterre and Old Palace Garden adjoining the Tudor Palace each Thursday to Sunday.

Lord and Lady Salisbury’s private East Garden

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is also open to visitors each Thursday. This part of the garden has elegant parterres, topiary and rare plants, which are a delight for the gardening enthusiast and for those wishing to spend a quiet time in idyllic surroundings.

Hatfield House itself will open to from 19th May – 29th August. Visitors can enjoy a house steeped in over 400 years of history. Built by Robert Cecil, in the grounds where Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood,

“This part of the garden has elegant parterres, topiary and rare plants”

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Hatfield House is home to centuries of historical treasures collected by the Cecil family.

The Stable Yard Explore the Stable Yard, an area of Hatfield House that used to house the Cecil family horses is now home to a cluster of independent

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boutiques and truly delicious dining. Fancy some shopping? If you’re looking for a different retail experience, the Stable Yard at Hatfield House is not to be missed. With gifts, jewellery, arts and crafts and a range of services you won’t find on the high street, the Stable Yard is a unique browsing experience all of its own.

THE DETAILS Hatfield House, Garden, Park & Woodland Walks, Hatfield Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5HX hatfield-house.co.uk

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THE THREE HORSESHOES, RADLETT

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he Three Horseshoes has been sympathetically restored and brought back to life and our ethos is centered on excellent food, a well-stocked bar and service you’ll remember long after the last mouthful is eaten and the last drop is drunk.

A quick pint, table for dinner or an intimate gathering in our private dining room, we look forward to welcoming you into the beating heart of the village where you’ll find a warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly people in front of the bar and behind it.

Our menu changes with the seasons and makes wonderful use of the best local ingredients.

Our chefs continually create outstanding menus featuring signature dishes and classics with a twist, entirely focused on flavour, texture and taste.

We have a lovely large terrace and a heated gazebo area where well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome but unfortunately we can’t have dogs (aside from guide dogs) in the inside restaurant and bar.

Just minutes from the M1 and A41 and a few miles from the nearby towns of Radlett, Bushey and Watford, Letchmore Heath is a quiet

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Hertfordshire village full of charm and character.

Create lasting memories in a unique and refined space, perfect for intimate gatherings for family and friends.

Our private dining room seats up to 10 guests.

For more information about our menus, hours, dietary information or our beautiful private dining space, drop us a line and we’ll be happy to talk you through everything you need to know.

Private Hire available.

Book your table now and we look forward to sharing our passion for great food and great drinks in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

The Green, Letchmore Heath, Radlett, Watford, WD25 8ER 01923 856 700 thethreehorseshoeslh.co.uk enquiries@thethreehorseshoeslh.co.uk

“Our menu changes with the seasons and makes wonderful use of the best local ingredients”

The Three Horseshoes in Letchmore Heath has been extensively refurbished to create a modern British restaurant and pub and it is now open.

Standing for over two centuries, The Three Horseshoes is in a beautiful rural Hertfordshire village serving classic and contemporary food and great drinks.

Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients cooked with passion and care emphasising beautiful flavours, textures and tastes.

THE GREEN | LETCHMORE HEATH | RADLETT | WATFORD | WD25 8ER 01923 856 700 | enquiries@thethreehorseshoeslh.co.uk

www.thethreehorseshoeslh.co.uk

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CLASSIC

IBIZA At Hatfield House

Audience track-poll results announced

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ver the Easter holiday, Classic Ibiza’s 28,000 Facebook followers had the unique opportunity to vote for their favourite 5 house tracks to be added to the orchestral set-list at this summer’s Hatfield House show on Saturday 20 August.

From a shortlist of 10 tracks, the 5 winners in order of popularity are: Toca’s Miracle, Fragma; Dreamer, Livin’ Joy; Waiting All Night, Rudimental; (I Wanna Give You) Devotion, Nomad; and Push The Feeling On, Nightcrawlers.

These tracks will be added to the set-list of over 30 house classics, including 10 other new orchestrations and some firm Classic Ibiza favourites.

Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward says: “Choosing new tracks every year for the show is always a highlight for us and we love to share the fun with our amazing Hatfield crowd. Thankfully, they’ve got pretty good taste!

“We’re all about creating a sense of community with our audience, so giving them the opportunity to hear their favourite tracks, reinvented for the first time by the awesome Urban Soul Orchestra, feels completely right.”

Classic Ibiza starts with a “Chill-Out DJ Set” performed by Rich Seam, who has played everywhere from the original warehouse parties to Ministry of Sound and Glastonbury. The Urban Soul Orchestra (USO) and DJ Goldierocks then take to the stage for the “San Miguel Sundowner

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Set.” Goldierocks then performs her very own “House DJ Set”, before she is re-joined on stage

by USO for the “Dance Set” and laser light show.

All aboard for a magical four-hour tour of the very-best in stately house music!

Lisa Ward adds: “This year’s orchestral setlist of over 30 house classics is without doubt our best yet. In addition to the tracks voted for by our audience, we’ve also got 10 other new orchestrations, which will sound incredible.

And of course, some of our firm Classic Ibiza favourites will be making a welcome return.”

Tickets for Classic Ibiza at Hatfield House are selling fast, so get yours now if you don’t want to miss the fun. Car-parking is free, and you can bring your own food and drink. All we insist is that you bring your dancing shoes and embrace the familyfriendly vibe.

Classic Ibiza at Hatfield House is proud to be supporting Isabel Hospice. There will be various fundraising initiatives taking place on the evening, including a £2.50 donation from every programme sold.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION: classicibiza.co.uk Prices: Adults (over 18s): £45, Children (aged 5–17): £20, Under 5s: free

Please quote “Life Magazine” while booking to get a complimentary glass of Fizzy Bellini Cocktail when Dining-in. T&C’s apply.

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Join us for the Jubilee!

On 2nd and 3rd June, the Watermill and Mill Green Museum in Hatfield will be hosting two special event days celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee each running from 11am – 4pm.

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n Thursday 2 June our Jubilee Family Day will have lots to keep kids entertained. From fun garden games to crafting your own crown, musical entertainment, and themed refreshments from our café.

On Friday 3 June join us for our Vintage Jubilee day and immerse yourself in all things 1950s.

There’ll be a display of classic vintage cars, the opportunity to make your own bunting, music and jiving as well as themed refreshments from our café.

On both days you’ll have the opportunity to visit our new exhibition Coronation Celebrations which will whisk you back to that special day in 1953 when millions watched Queen Elizabeth II be crowned. Explore how the community of Welwyn Hatfield celebrated and see original objects loaned from Hatfield House highlighting the important role the Marquess of Salisbury had as bearer of the Sword of State. You’ll also have the chance to tour our 18th Century working watermill, and buy some of our stoneground, organic wholemeal flour for your own Jubilee baking.

These days are part of a larger programme of events down at the watermill. Our Live at the Mill series brings together a range of local musicians to play in our wonderful garden on the last Sunday of every month throughout the

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summer. From a saxophone sextet to barbershop, folk music, a pop duo and our local community choir, bring your own blanket or find a seat in the Miller’s kitchen and enjoy some light refreshments while you listen.

Looking further ahead we’re pleased to announce the return of our Teddy Bear Fun Day this year on Friday 19 August. So save the date, bring your teddy bear along to our picnic and enjoy lots of bear related craft activities.

You can find out more about all our events and book tickets at millgreenmuseum.co.uk/whats-on

“Our Live at the Mill series brings together a range of local musicians to play in our wonderful garden on the last Sunday of every month throughout the summer”

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ROYAL MAIL UNVEILS NEW SET OF STAMPS SHOWCASING MIGRATORY BIRDS

By Alan Jones

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oyal Mail has unveiled a new set of stamps depicting migratory birds, exploring the spring and summer bird visitors to the UK. The 10 featured birds have been illustrated for Royal Mail by Irish ornithologist Killian Mullarney, one of Europe’s best-known bird artists, whose work has featured in the Collins Bird Guide and on stamps issued in the Republic of Ireland.

The stamps showcase the diversity of migratory birds that arrive in the UK, from seabirds that migrate along the UK’s coastline, such as the Arctic skua and Arctic tern, to the rare bird of prey, Montagu’s harrier.

Other birds on the stamps include the stonecurlew, swallow, swift, turtle dove and yellow wagtail.

David Gold, of Royal Mail, said: “The migratory journeys of the birds featured on these stamps are truly amazing. Their annual travels have fascinated and baffled naturalists for centuries.

“It is only now that we are beginning to understand what drives and maintains this amazing, high-risk–high-reward behaviour. We hope that these stamps ignite a new interest in this remarkable phenomenon.”

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PEDAL POWER HELPS RAISE £22K FOR HOMELESS CHARITY

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huge charity cycling event across Herts, Beds and Bucks has helped raise around £22,000 for a homeless charity.

The DENS Hemel Hillbuster involved 440 riders covering 25k, 60k and 100k gruelling routes across the Chiltern hills.

All proceeds raised from the day, which was jointly sponsored by Alan Day Group, Lovelo Cycle and Watford FC will support DENS to help rebuild the lives of people facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.

One rider Jeremy Braithwaite, a senior logistics coordinator with Alan Day Volkswagen from the New Southgate branch was one of many who took on the 100k challenge, finishing in under three and a half hours.

Alan Day Group, who have showrooms and service facilities in Hampstead and New Southgate showed their support for the event by advertising on match day at the Premier League ground and donating auction prizes with Watford FC including a hospitality experience for two which raised £390, a signed Watford FC shirt which went for £260 and a pair of matchday tickets for £66.

Paul Tanner, Alan Day managing director said: “ Congratulations to everyone who took part , what a magnificent effort ! We’re delighted to show our support for the event which will help raise awareness of DENS and the outstanding services 4 4 M AY 2 0 2 2

they provide, by offering some great prizes with our business partners Watford FC. This year’s challenge included a 25k course to inspire those just getting into cycling and wanting to find out more about sportdrives and a women’s only course which aimed to inspire females of all ages to discover the joy of riding a bike.

Wendy Lewington, DENS CEO said:” It was truly special to see so many passionate cyclists come together to support our charity. The event’s great success wouldn’t have been possible without them or the spirited efforts of our volunteers and corporate partners who helped ensure a safe and enjoyable day for all. “ The event, which started and finished at Hemel Hempstead’s Gadebridge Park, was organised in association with British Cycling and attracted cyclists and clubs from across the country to as far as Sheffield.

Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite corporate and community fundraising manager at DENS said: “We are delighted that our Hillbuster 2022 was a huge success and we are already making plans for next year’s event! Every penny raised will count towards helping local families and individuals facing poverty and crisis. Everyone who took part received a medal and next year’s event has already been pencilled in for May 2023. dens.org.uk

From left: Alan Day’s Jeremy Braithwaite is congratulated by his wife Nicky after finishing the 100k challenge; A group of riders including Jeremy Braithwaite, prepare to set off.

“The event, which started and finished at Hemel Hempstead’s Gadebridge Park, was organised in association with British Cycling and attracted cyclists and clubs from across the country to as far as Sheffield”

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Why is Contemporary Art “THE” Investment to Acquire

Dancing Queen - Dylan Izaak £895

Royal Art - Yuvi £650

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Queen of Hearts - Mr. Brainwash £3,500

he urban genre of graffiti or street art is relatively new and for many collectors it is still viewed as an emerging market. However, artists such as Banksy are bringing a craze of attention and realisation from collectors of just how well street art is performing across the Globe.

Banksy originally sold his works for £150 each in 2004 of the iconic ‘Girl with Balloon’, the same image was sold at Christie’s for £791,250 in 2020. The art market is changing rapidly with urban art is leading the way.

The art market is now much more accessible for everyone. Anyone can now own investment works with great potential, whether it is a limited edition or an original, why not spread the cost with our flexible interest free payment plans.

Limited edition art, is where a certain number of the same image created, giving individuals the opportunity to still own a work by their chosen artist; but at a fraction of the price compared an original work of art. Original works are unique, 1/1 and are seen to be re sold at a higher value and therefore a greater return. Limited editions by a popular artist can still bring great returns once the collection has sold out, due to demand of that artist. For example, Mr. Brainwash has

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exceeded £100,000 at re sale for a limited edition which could have been bought for £1,950 upon its first release.

If you are considering buying art why not start with works which you could earn a return from in the future? Mr. Brainwash is currently at the forefront of an emerging contemporary scene, he has had collaborations with Madonna, Rita Ora, Lamborghini, along with large installations across LA and Hollywood. The re sale for his works has exceeded expectation going for over £70,000 than predicted. However, Mr Brainwash isn’t the only name on the urban contemporary scene. Artists such as Dan Pearce, Yuvi and Dylan Izaak are all bringing their very own unique spin into the contemporary world of art.

Award winning Gallery 1066 is now offering a complimentary gallery appointment to discuss and help guide you towards the right artist to suit your budget and possible future returns. To help guide you through each step to help make an informed decision on what will be right for you.

So please do get in touch we are here as your personal art advisors and welcome you to enjoy our contemporary space in the heart of Baldock, Hertfordshire. gallery1066fineart.com

“Anyone can own investment works with great potential from any walk of life”

Born to Reign - Dan Pearce £1,150

FASHION, LOVE LOC HEALTH AL & BEAUTY

Getting a head start Groundbreaking safer driving scheme for 10-17 year olds launches at Hertfordshire County Showground

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specialist driver training scheme, which allows 10-17 year olds to get behind the wheel, has launched at a site near St Albans.

Young Driver is now running events at the Hertfordshire County Showground on selected weekend and school holiday dates throughout the year. An area of the showground is transformed into a realistic road system so youngsters can work on a range of driving skills and manoeuvres.

Young Driver is the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, having delivered over 1,000,000 lessons at more than 70 venues across the UK. Youngsters have lessons in dual controlled Vauxhall Corsas and other similar cars, with highly qualified approved driving instructors.

A road system is created, with traffic signs, roundabouts and junctions, along with special areas to practice manoeuvres such as parking. The emphasis of the lessons is on safety and fun and encouraging youngsters to consider how to drive responsibly, giving them time to perfect driving skills such as gear changes, braking and steering without the pressures of public roads.

Shockingly, one in five newly qualified drivers

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crashes within six months of passing their test. But for those who have taken a Young Driver course the rate of accidents drops dramatically, to fewer than 4%.

Sue Waterfield from Young Driver, said: “We are really excited to have launched at the Hertfordshire County Showground. It’s a brilliant space which will allow us to offer lots of different driving activities for young people, whether they’re a beginner or have already had a few lessons at another of our venues.

“Clearly something needs to be done to tackle the seriously high accident rates of our young drivers. Training drivers over a longer period of time helps youngsters to have a solid understanding of how to drive a car before they get anywhere near a real road. But the lessons are also lots of fun and they’re a great general confidence boost for teens and pre-teens.”

THE DETAILS Lessons are available for all youngsters, including those with disabilities. For more information visit youngdriver.com or call 0333 577 9010.

AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE Award winning airport transfer and business travel specialists Executive Cars and Experienced Drivers Reliable | Professional | Trusted bookings@hertsexec.co.uk

01707 888000

www.hertsexec.co.uk

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[NEWS]

WEDDINGS

OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE Fabulously scented, simple and understated. This classic bridal bouquet contains gorgeous Belle Romantica roses, coveted for their strong, sweet fruity scent. The roses have a pale pink colour on the outside and a light-champagne colour on the inside. The stems are bound in our signature olive green satin ribbon, studded with pearl headed pins. realflowers.co.uk

PERSONAL TOUCH Get the Sleepy Bee Studio writing and calligraphy kit and give the personal touch to your wedding stationery. Founded by husband & wife team Gavin & Charlie in 2019, Sleepy Bee Studio is a creative design studio based in Cambridge, specialising in luxury stationery and gifts. sleepybeestudio.co.uk

OUTSIDE THE BOX This wedding guest book alternative is sure to put a smile on your guests faces, have them sign a message as you set off on this new adventure. gingerray.co.uk 5 0 M AY 2 0 2 2

DRESS TO IMPRESS Dresses by Sabina Motasem have always been known for beautifully clean, simple lines with touches of Art Deco and Nouveau. Its what they do best and have done since the label’s conception in 2007, dressing timeslessly chic brides from all over the world. Brides are loving their personalised virtual service and home trials to find their dream dress, along with a host of tips, recommendations, styling and expert advice. The multi award-winning label with a cult following of cool brides, offering brides a choice from three collections, which they can select from to try on at home, along with a virtual appointment with Sabina herself. motasem.co.uk

OUR HISTORY, YOUR STORY Set within sprawling acres of Hatfield Park, were Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood, Hatfield house is surrounded by glorious gardens and a stunning landscape to provide breath-taking backdrop for your treasured photographs all-year round.

Built in 1485, the striking Old Palace is the perfect setting for a grand reception. For intimate occasions we have the modern and charming Riding School. We strive to give you the wedding of your dreams, a day to be cherished forever. hatfieldhospitality@compass-group.co.uk hatfieldhousehospitality.co.uk

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EDUC ATION

SPORT AT ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE

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t’s an exciting time for sport at St Columba’s College. Over the Easter holidays the co-ed school broke ground on the development of new pitches at its site on King Harry Lane in St Albans.

The much-anticipated project is due for completion in Autumn 2022 and will allow St Columba’s to offer a range of top-class facilities to support its thriving Games and PE curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities.

A 4G AGP will provide a fantastic training and match facility that can be used all year round for rugby and football as well as any field-based sport or activity. A sand dressed MUGA offers a range of possibilities from netball in the winter to tennis in the summer.

The final piece of the jigsaw is a grass pitch, suitable for sports such as football and rugby as well as the summer sports.

St Columba’s has also invested significantly in its fitness suite and cardio area. The upgraded facilities will allow Senior School students to reach their fitness and conditioning goals.

Across the Prep and Senior schools, St

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Columba’s students enjoy competing at all levels up to the very highest, with national and international successes in sports including fencing, football, girls’ triathlon and swimming.

The school also has a long tradition of basketball, a legacy of its founding Brothers of the Sacred Heart who brought their love of the game over from the US in the 1950s. St Columba’s is now the most successful independent school in the England Basketball competitions.

The addition of girls’ sports to the formerly boys’-only school has blended traditional and contemporary themes. Alongside the more traditional netball, St Columba’s will soon be fielding its first female football teams.

“With football being the fastest growing participation sport in the UK for women,” said Director of Sport, Ed Lowe, “this is the progressive choice that will bring both engagement and competitive success for our girls.” stcolumbascollege.org

“The addition of girls’ sports to the formerly boys’-only school has blended traditional and contemporary themes”

Courage.

Courtesy.

Compassion.

St Columba’s College An education of the head and heart Co-ed Independent Catholic day school for ages 4-18 in St Albans. We'd love to meet you!

Contact us to arrange a visit.

stcolumbascollege.org

Get in touch E admissions@stcolumbascollege.org T 01727 892040

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EDUC ATION

PERSONALISED LEARNING: EMPOWERING THE INDIVIDUAL Jo Cameron, Principal of Queenswood School in Brookmans Park, is passionate about educating the individual child.

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t the heart of a truly bespoke education is a recognition that each pupil develops at their own pace, and in their own learning style. While kinaesthetic learners favour practical, hands-on experience, for instance, auditory-musical learners benefit from mnemonics, rhythms and background sounds. Increasingly, independent schools are working to differentiate their teaching methods to suit individual learners.

Here at Queenswood, we have recently established a Personalised Learning Centre – a central hub where all learners can congregate. Our Academic Scholars, and pupils with additional learning needs, are all under the same roof, learning from each other and learning together.

Scholars meet there for one-to-one and group sessions, to explore options for stretch and challenge and to discuss current affairs. Other pupils use it as a drop-in centre to seek advice on planning study and revision schedules, to play flashcard games to boost working memory, to discuss recommendations for non-fiction reading with staff and peers, or for structured tutorials to address specific learning issues.

Strong links between a school’s pastoral teams and the academic staff are crucial in order to build up a holistic picture of each pupil’s needs, and to ensure that staff can work together to deliver whatever is required. At Queenswood, our Personalised Learning staff provide support in three waves. Firstly, they train teachers: a regular half-termly programme ensures that academic staff are up-to-date with the latest pedagogical research into specific learning issues, study skills and time 5 4 M AY 2 0 2 2

“Here at Queenswood, we have recently established a Personalised Learning Centre – a central hub where all learners can congregate. Our Academic Scholars, and pupils with additional learning needs, are all under the same roof, learning from each other and learning together”

management. Secondly, they provide in-class support, visiting lessons to help teachers to deliver the curriculum to a particular pupil or group of pupils. Thirdly, they are able to offer one-to-one or group tutorials within the Personalised Learning Centre itself.

More than ever in the current pandemic situation, with a proportion of our pupils learning remotely via video conferencing software and collaborative online documents, we are fully committed to this bespoke provision. We recognise that every pupil deserves to be recognised as an individual. A personalised approach to learning ensures that teachers respond and react to the needs of each child, nurturing their unique potential, fostering independence, and allowing them to discover their own strengths and passions in a safe, supportive environment. queenswood.org

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Boys’ School Complete ‘Marathon’ Run for Local Hospice

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oys from Aldwickbury School braved the snow at the end of the school term as they took part in a ‘Marathon’ run to raise funds for local charity, The Hospice of St Francis.

Each year the boys from the local Pre-Prep and Prep school in Harpenden select a charity to support and during the course of the year host a number of events to raise funds. For the 20212022 academic year the boys are fundraising for The Hospice of St Francis, a charity providing free care for local people and their families in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The boys were originally aiming to complete a combined total of 5 marathons but undeterred by the cold and snow they managed to run a staggering 550 miles equating to just over 21 marathons and the equivalent of running from London to Aberdeen.

The idea for the charity fundraiser came after the hospice offered the school a place to run in the Brighton Marathon. According to Mrs Pendell, the School’s Head of Individual Development, “We thought it would be great to get all the boys involved and support their teacher, Mr Eketone, with his marathon training. Our plan was to have our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 boys run one combined marathon and each of the school sections (houses) run a marathon, but it seems the boys had greater ambitions and kept on running.”

Commenting on the run Headteacher Mr Symes said, “It was great to see boys right across the school from the youngest aged 4 to the oldest at

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13 get involved in this event and a fantastic way to show the boys just what you can achieve when you believe in yourself. It was a unique way to finish the term and the snow certainly added to the atmosphere. We are delighted to have raised so much money for the hospice and congratulate Mr Eketone on his fantastic run last week in Brighton.”

Lisa Herring-Rogers, Community Fundraising Manager for The Hospice of St Francis said, “After the challenging few years we’ve all experienced, to have the continued support of our community really does mean so much to all of us here at the Hospice. We are so grateful for the support of the students, teachers and parents at Aldwickbury School and thankful for the warm welcome we received when two of the community fundraising team and a Hospice Ambassador visited the school to talk about our special Hospice care. Every student should be proud of all the running they did and Mr Eketone well done and congratulations on running the Brighton Marathon!”

Mr Eketone’s leg of the challenge followed during the Easter break, this time in more favourable weather conditions and along with 12,000 other Brighton marathon runners he reached the finish line in the sunshine.

To date, the Aldwickbury Marathon Challenge has raised over £3000 for The Hospice of St Francis.

Donations can still be made at justgiving. com/fundraising/aldwickbury-marathon-2022

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EDUC ATION

The Benefits of Being Purposefully Small and St Albans School are just a few of the senior schools that our Year 8 leavers go on to.

Considering our small size, our boys are awarded an impressively high number of scholarships. With deep knowledge of the senior school landscapes, we work hard with each family to find the best senior school for their son.

Enthusiasm For Life

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ockers Park is a purposefully small school for boys aged 4 to 13, nestled in 23 acres of Boxmoor woodland, with Radlett, Berkhamsted, Harpdenden, St Albans and Bushey close by. They say good things come in small packages. Here’s why being purposefully small gives our pupils the best possible start.

Excellent Results Lockers Park holds a highly regarded academic reputation. Our small class sizes of 16 pupils or fewer—a hallmark of a Lockers Park education— allows our teachers to know every single individual well, and to get the best out of them. Our boys achieve excellent results because they are so well supported and encouraged.

Impressive Destination Schools Eton College, Rugby School, Harrow School 5 8 M AY 2 0 2 2

As a smaller school, our pupils are able to make the most out of a rich and varied school life that gives every boy the chance to try everything there is on offer. Whether playing violin in the String Ensemble, attending Scouts, heading to the ski slopes each week, or joining our Warhammer Club, we encourage boys to find and develop their passions.

A ‘Home From Home’ The happiness and wellbeing of our boys is at the very heart of a Lockers Park education. In fact, we were shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year Student Wellbeing Award.

As a purposefully small school, we know each of our pupils not only by name, we know them by personality and learning style too, and teachers can tell at a glance if a pupil is having a good or bad day. Our family-like community—which very much involves parents, too—gives our school a special, caring feel.

I invite you to come and see for yourself how our purposefully small school could benefit your son; join us at our 14 May Open Morning and 9 June Stay & Play session.

– Gavin Taylor, Headmaster

OPEN MORNING AND STAY & PLAY Open Morning – Saturday 14 May, 10am-12pm. Take a tour with our pupils and enjoy coffee with our Headmaster and teachers.

Stay & Play – Friday 20 May fully booked; next available date: Thursday 9 June, 9.30-11am. Playtime and an activity for your son, while you talk with our Little Lockers (pre-prep) teachers and Headmaster.

Book your place at lockerspark.co.uk

Merchant Taylors’ Prep School

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erchant Taylors’ Prep School was created in 2015 as part of the alliance that was forged between Northwood Prep and Merchant Taylors’ School to provide a through school for boys aged 3 to 18. This has enabled us to continue to provide excellent education whilst developing our partnership with Merchant Taylors’ School. Our school is vibrant and dynamic and our pupils are educated by professional staff that provide a nurturing environment. We aim to instil values, such as compassion and respect, and learning dispositions, such as perseverance and independence, at the same time as ensuring the highest standards of academic achievements.

We are proud that our school contains happy and confident pupils who are excited by the stimulating curriculum that we provide. Through these aims, we believe that education is about promoting intellectual curiosity in which pupils are motivated by and fully involved in their own learning. mtpn.org.uk

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EXAM SEASON: Preparing for Results

By Lara Péchard, Head at St Margaret’s School

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evision is in full swing and as the early summer months approach, this year will see the first official GCSE and A-Level exams taking place, since the start of the pandemic. With results days on the horizon, young people are feeling the pressure of what is to come, so try to use the buildup to results day to gain as much support and information from your child’s school as possible.

Whether that is careers advice, questions about university, gap year ideas, resetting aspirations or simply re-evaluating priorities. Trust your school and the systems they have put in place and reach out with any questions or worries as they will be best placed to reassure and advise.

If you know what you are planning to study at A-Level, university or higher education, gently start preparing and reading up on the course and background. Again, speak to the relevant subject teacher at your school to get advice on what you could be researching or looking at to get ahead.

This will also help you to channel any anxieties into something more productive that will help you in the next step of your educational journey.

In preparation for results day, get an early night the day before. Spend time with your family in the lead up to the day and take time to talk and support each other. Eat together as a family, do things in the real world (away from screens and social media). On results day don’t avoid school.

Go into school regardless of what your results are.

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Find out what time the results are released and make sure you spend time with staff and teachers to get the help and support you need – or indeed celebrate!

As parents, it’s easy to become too fixated on grades. Try to focus on the hard work that your child has put into school despite the disruption of the last couple of years and keep the attention on the excitement of what is coming beyond results day. For some students, results day will not be all singing and dancing. For some there will be disappointment. The most important advice in this case is to come into school so teachers can support you. Together you can forge a plan and move forward in a productive and positive way.

ABOUT ST MARGARET’S SCHOOL St Margaret’s School is an independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18 years. Based in Bushey, Hertfordshire, the school is steeped in history and is among one of the oldest in the UK dating back to 1749. Offering a range of flexible boarding options for both UK and international pupils from the age of 11 years, the school is set over 60 acres of beautiful grounds and places its renowned pastoral care and proven track record of academic success at the heart of its culture and ethos. stmargaretsbushey.co.uk

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Chelsea Fringe Festival returns for its 11th year of grassroots gardening From 21st – 29th May 2022

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he Chelsea Fringe – the alternative garden festival and established highlight of the horticultural calendar, has announced the dates for its 11th year, with a nine-day festival.

After two years of events mainly taking place online, the Fringe returns with the realistic hope of more communal, ‘real-world’ projects in 2022, and celebrating a huge range of horticultural and garden-themed events. Registration is now open for participants in the festival, which operates on an ‘open- access’ basis. This means that anything and anyone can join in, providing their event is ‘on-topic, legal and interesting’.

The past decade has seen over 1,000 events held in more than 20 countries, encompassing everything from celebrations in community gardens, to themed workshops, walks, performances and art installations. The Fringe continues on a not-for-profit basis and is led by volunteers with most events in the festival free to attend.

Contributors and venues to date have included community gardening groups, public parks, artists, poets, chefs, galleries, schools, and major institutions such as Kew, the Inner Temple, the

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Natural History Museum and Covent Garden Flower Market, among many others.

Despite its name, the festival reaches well beyond Chelsea; not just to every quarter of London, but also to the far corners of the UK and around the world.

Events will begin to appear on the Fringe website from February, while registration remains open right up until the very last day of the festival.

Potential event organisers are encouraged to make contact as soon as possible in order to make the most of the promotional potential that taking part brings.

The Chelsea Fringe is a community interest company (CIC) founded by Festival Director Tim Richardson in 2011. All progress to date has been achieved by a team of dedicated volunteers donating their time. The Chelsea Fringe is entirely independent of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, though acts with its support.

The Chelsea Fringe is now inviting individuals and organisations, first-timers and Fringe veterans, to contact them at info@chelseafringe.com outlining what they propose to offer as part of the 2022 festival programme. chelseafringe.com

“The Chelsea Fringe is a community interest company (CIC) founded

by Festival Director Tim Richardson in 2011”

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We can create bespoke chocolate boxes to suit your exact requirements, from single, cost effective chocolate boxes for promotional giveaways to larger, unique chocolate boxes suited for corporate chocolate gifts and containing only luxury chocolates.

Follow us on our social media

thechocolatesource.co.uk 0208 449 7615

Orders can be collected by appointment at our premises in Barnet, North London: 209 Crescent Road, Barnet, Herts EN4 8SB To shop online, please visit our eBay shop at: www.ebay.co.uk/ str/chocolateshop69

FASHION, HEALTH

& BEAUTY – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – I M A G E : S T Y L E S E C R E T S O F T H E Q U E E N ’ S WA R D R O B E

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

FASHION & BEAUTY AGEING BEAUTIFULLY The Multitasker; a day cream, night cream, eye cream and serum, all in one, formulated specifically for fifty plus women.

Packed with an assortment of vitamins and antioxidants the skin needs, The Multitasker works around the clock to hydrate and replenish the skin. violetjordan.co.uk

BEACH BEAUTIES Looking for white swimwear that combines both high quality with a beautiful design? Look no further.

The front plunge on this designer one piece swimsuit (left) shows just enough skin to keep this style elegant and sophisticated. And perfect for all body types, the simple yet stylish design features signature exclusive branded clasp and cut out detail shoulder straps that can be adjusted to guarantee you get a great fit. This year’s favourite colour – fuchsia – is perfect for showing off your tan (right). topazluxe.com

SPRING/SUMMER CLASSIC Made for nights in and slow mornings, our classic men’s Grey pyjama trouser set is made from super soft 100% stonewashed linen. Linen keeps you cosy and warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Timeless, yet effortlessly comfortable. pigletinbed.com

SPLASH OF COLOUR We love this colourful pouch by Kate Whyley featuring the ‘Comfort’ design - a subtle print in burnt orang.

Designed to be fun and classic with a hardy brass zip, carefully created to live up to your lifestyle. katewhyley.com 7 0 M AY 2 0 2 2

TOTE-ALLY GREAT A small tote bag with two different coloured handles - red and navy. Really hardwearing, the wraparound handles make it suitable for carrying heavy stuff!

Perfect for the beach or shopping around town. braided-rug.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE MENSWEAR WITH A PERSONAL SERVICE

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Sergio Menswear 14 Station Parade, Cockfosters, EN4 0DL 020 8449 5703 www.sergiomenswear.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

STYLE SECRETS OF THE

QUEEN’S WARDROBE A royal fashion expert reveals some surprising things about the Queen’s fashion. By Katie Wright.

M

any of us know the Queen often wears eye-catching colours so she’ll stand out from the crowd during public appearances.

But there’s a lot more to Her Majesty’s fashion choices than just bright frock coats and matching hats, as Bethan Holt discovered while researching her latest book, The Queen: 70 years Of Majestic Style.

To mark the Queen’s 96th birthday which was on April 21, Holt shares some of the surprising facts she learned about the monarch’s wardrobe…

While most of her clothes are bespoke, during the early years of her reign she sometimes donned ready-to-wear dresses by British label Horrockses while on foreign tours. Holt explains: “She allowed the company to sell the same dresses she wore, which was a gift for the fashion pages.”

And she’s continued to set trends, with Holt saying: “Even today, her colour choices often spark a rise in interest – sales of lime green rose by 134% after she wore the shade for her 90th birthday celebrations in 2016.”

She’s always been a style influencer

Her handbag is specially adapted for her

During her younger days, the Queen was as much of a fashion icon as the Duchess of Cambridge is today.

“I found throughout her life, the Queen has had the power to influence trends,” Holt says. “As a baby, her mother’s preference for dressing her in cotton rather than wool impacted trends.”

British leather brand Launer (launer.com) has a Royal Warrant, and makes the Queen’s trademark handbags to her specific requirements.

“They have an extra-long 16-inch strap so they hang comfortably from her arm, they are lined in silk rather than suede, and over the past eight or nine years, they have been modified to be as light

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Top left: The Queen during a visit to Tonga in 1953 Top right: The Queen during a visit to Japan in 1975.

Below: The Queen at Ascot in 2015

you from a lady-in-waiting when he sent over a pair of scarves in the requisite size and print.

She often wears trousers in private “The Queen has only been pictured wearing trousers in public a handful of times throughout her reign,” Holt says. “One such moment came in 2003 as she was leaving hospital following a knee operation.”

Following the appearance, the tailor behind the trousers, Peter Enrione, revealed he had in fact made countless pairs of trousers for the Queen over the years. Holt adds: “While seeing her wear them in public might have caused a furore, they’re a central part of her private wardrobe.”

She’s her own style muse as possible for Her Majesty to carry,” Holt says.

“Contrary to popular belief, she doesn’t own 200 styles – just a select few in different styles and neutral colours.”

She’s very particular about her silk scarves

The Queen: 70 years Of Majestic Style by Bethan Holt is published in hardback by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £18.99.

The Queen’s sartorial archive is an inspiration to designers today.

“Rachel Trevor-Morgan, the Queen’s milliner, told me she continues to be inspired by Her Majesty’s 1950s style for the hats she makes for her now,” Holt says.

She’s the original diplomatic dresser

When she isn’t wearing a formal hat, the Queen protects her hair with a neatly tied silk scarf, many of which are from Hermès. But on one occasion, Launer gifted her two scarves.

“Gerald Bodmer, the owner of Launer, told me he was given very specific instructions about the gift the Queen would like as a birthday present,” Holt recalls.

Bodmer was told she’d like a square floral silk scarf measuring 34-inches, and received a thank

Throughout her reign, the Queen has made numerous diplomatic statements with her clothes.

“In the 1950s, Norman Hartnell created special gowns incorporating meaningful symbols, whether it was wattle embellishments in Australia, or bees (the symbol of Napoleon) in France,” Holt explains. “Over the years, she’s worn cherry blossom in Japan, modest clothing in Saudi Arabia and red and white in Canada.”

Clockwise from top: The Queen in her carriage as she heads to Ascot in 2019; The Queen at the Royal Windsor Horse show in 2010; The Queen during a visit to Northern Ireland to mark her 90th birthday in 2016; Queen Elizabeth II drives from Buckingham Palace to Epsom in 1958

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

New fragrances for spring Katie Wright sniffs out the season’s hottest perfume launches.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau de Parfum, £78 for 50ml, The Perfume Shop A rich, well-rounded bouquet, Musc Noir Rose is centred on the queen of flowers, with tuberose, patchouli and leather notes giving it an intoxicating depth.

Jo Malone Salty Amber Cologne, £56 for 30ml Part of the Wild Swimming collection, Salty Amber is inspired by a dip in the sea at high tide. After a bracing blast of fresh coastal air, the scent dries down to make way for warm waves of cardamom and amber.

La Perla Signature Eau de Parfum, £83 for 50ml, Debenhams The signature perfume from intimates brand La Perla, not only is this pearlescent-topped bottle a visual delight, it contains a lush neroli, jasmine and cedarwood scent that’s as sexy as black lace lingerie.

Jo Loves Golden Gardenia, £115 for 100ml A unique homage to the gardenia flower, this unisex scent opens with its namesake note, but soon reveals a heart of spicy cardamom and woody elemi, combining to create a heady, long-lasting juice.

Furla Autentica Eau de Parfum, £49 for 50ml, Fenwick For this foray into fragrance, accessories brand Furla has dreamed up a handbag-inspired bottle. Bringing together cherry blossom, peony and lily, the initial floral burst is softened with notes of cashmere wood and musk.

Bon Parfumeur Eau de Parfum 201, £36 for 30ml Like an ice-cold gin and tonic on a balmy day, 201 is light, zesty and refreshing. The cocktail of green apple, white florals and vetiver gives it a gorgeously vibrant feeling.

Creed Wind Flowers, £260 for 75ml Luxury lovers, this one’s for you. The latest launch from storied fragrance house Creed is a glorious floral symphony composed of elegant rose, jasmine and tuberose notes, with a dash of juicy peach and a base of sensuous sandalwood.

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

THE KENSINGTON WING T

“To ensure the safety of women and their birth partners, The Kensington Wing have important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to, but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay”

7 6 M AY 2 0 2 2

he Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Being located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital - one of the UK’s safest hospitals - the safety and wellbeing of mother and baby are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times, 24/7, dedicated to the needs of women on the Kensington Wing.

In these uncertain times, expectant parents can have additional anxieties or concerns about childbirth or going into a hospital. To ensure the safety of women and their birth partners, The Kensington Wing have important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to, but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven in these times and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe.

On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team. And are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries from prospective women and the opportunity to discuss midwifeled care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to

talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of our experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They remain to support you through the postnatal period including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit our website thekensingtonwing.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

SkinMedicsUK

results. With a highly successful track record in performing FUE Hair Transplants, our doctors have a worldwide reputation for their work.

O

ur beautiful CQC registered clinic is located on the serene banks of the river Colne in old London Colney.

At SkinMedicsUK our clients have access to the most cutting-edge medical technologies available.

Specialising in treatments ranging from hydrafacial to microneedling, injectables to surgery.

We endeavour to provide our clients a relaxing experience whilst performing some of the most state of the art procedures available on the market to date.

Our skilled surgeons, doctor’s and Aestheticians are some of the most talented in the world and come with many years’ experience in their chosen field.

Below is a selection of new and exciting treatments we offer at SkinMedicsUK.

FUE HAIR TRANSPLANTS: The most popular method of hair restoration.

Minimally invasive, hairs from the side of the head and the neck are transplanted to the balding area, resulting in natural looking hair with permanent 7 8 M AY 2 0 2 2

VASER LIPOSUCTION An advanced body contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, VASER Lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape your body. What distinguishes the VASER Lipo procedure is its ability to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues – such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Innovative VASER technology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to promote smooth results and rapid healing.

GYNECOMASTIA Is the excess development of benign breast tissue in boys or men largely due to hormonal imbalances or obesity. Affecting one or both breasts. Unfortunately, gynecomastia cannot be resolved by diet and exercise alone, in most cases surgery is the only option.

Even though gynecomastia has been around for a long time, it’s only recently that technologies such as Vaser liposuction have developed, making it easier for men to correct chest abnormalities.

THE DETAILS All our consultations are FREE OF CHARGE. Each consultation is tailored specifically to the client’s needs to ensure the best possible results.

Call us on 01772648642 or email info@skinmedicsuk.com

A friendly and professional CQC registered clinic in the heart of London Colney.

We specialise in the following:

• Vaser Liposuction • Gynecomastia • FUE Hair Transplants • PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) • Anti-Wrinkle Injections • Fillers • Microneedling • Medical Chemical Peels • Laser Hair Removal Call/Email us on 01727 648642 or info@skinmedicsuk.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

WELCOME TO

GABRIELLA DANCIERE

Stunning jewellery to buy online

W

e are business with a big passion for beautiful silver jewellery!

Our own love for jewellery has inspired us to spread that love and form our business so that you can share in our passion and look amazing.

We began this journey within our existing business, finding lovely items of silver jewellery to sell in our gallery. From a young age, my daughter used to love sourcing the jewellery with me and this has grown (along with her) until we felt that we needed make it a business in its own right! As for our name? Well, we decided to name it after my daughter as she was instrumental in instilling the love of our jewellery into us all.

Each piece of jewellery is personally sourced and chosen by us, with an eye for good quality, eye-catching design and on trend looks; if it meets our high standards then we know it will meet yours 8 0 M AY 2 0 2 2

“Each piece of jewellery is personally sourced and chosen by us, with an eye for good quality, eye-catching design and on trend looks”

and you’ll love it.

Our aim is for you to enjoy beautiful silver jewellery that you can wear everyday, dress up or down and stack and mix to your hearts content!

Affordable and individual, our jewellery will become your go to accessory to make your outfit complete.

We want everyone to be able to treat themselves, or be gifted, jewellery that will suit their style and taste and we believe that we have gorgeous designs that will do just that. As Elizabeth Taylor said: ‘Jewellery has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique’ We can’t argue with that!

It’s all about affordable and desirable sterling silver jewellery. Jewellery should be an everyday part of who we are and what we wear; Gabriella Danciere Silver Jewellery is designed to be just that for you. Our jewellery is your style and your style is our jewellery.

All our jewellery is made from 925 silver, a hallmark indicating 92.5% silver purity. Our pendants come on chains that will extend between 41 – 46cm ( approximate lengths) to suit most people and allow you to wear them with different outfits. All of our jewellery comes in our own branded boxes so gifting is made easy.

07936 463247 gabrielladanciere.co.uk @gabrielladanciere

It’s all about affordable and desirable sterling silver jewellery. Jewellery should be an everyday part of who we are and what we wear; Gabriella Danciere Silver Jewellery is designed to be just that for you. Our jewellery is your style and your style is our jewellery.

07936 463247 gabrielladanciere@gmail.com Instagram and Facebook @gabrielladanciere www.gabrielladanciere.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

MAKE GLASSES AND SUNGLASSES A PRIORITY THIS SUMMER creating eyewear The glasses are handmade and of the highest quality, they are designed for individuals who want something superior. If you are looking for something different then niche eyewear is for you.

We blend these amazing glasses with the best independent eyewear brands who produce different and exclusive eyewear for the discerning customer like you. These designers are small and passionate with a story and a reputation for the very best handmade eyewear. These are brands like LA Eyeworks, Lindberg, Face a Face, icBerlin.

T

he World’s Best Eyewear can be found in places like Paris, Milan, New York, Los Angeles Come in store and you will feels as though you are walking the streets of Paris for Face a Face, Milan for Prada, New York for Tiffany and even the streets of Los Angeles for LA Eyeworks but there is so much more to see and experience.

Specs Direct Opticians is home the World’s favourite Designer Eyewear from Tom Ford, Prada, Tiffany , Victoria Beckham, Starck, RayBan. There is no need to walk the streets of Milan for Prada, the streets of New York for Tiffany when you can find the World’s Greatest eyewear locally, on Barnet High Street. We view the collections three times a year so we are sure we can find glasses you will love.

However we are not satisfied with simply having the world’s greatest designers. There is also niche eyewear, made by small independent eyewear design companies like Lindberg, LA Eyeworks, Face a Face and many more.

These companies are truly passionate about

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Five Reasons why You should Choose Specs Direct Opticians in Barnet for Your Eye Health and Eye Wear • Experienced Specialist Eyewear Team • Fully Licensed Top Designer Brands • Inclusive 30 min Eyewear Style Consultation (£37 value) • High Quality Eye Test and Consultation • Automatic Membership To VIP Club Including Aftercare Package, Exclusive Offers, News and Updates • Specs Direct Opticians’ philosophy is about finding the world’s most beautiful stylish glasses from around the world and bringing them to your doorstep right here on Barnet High Street.

O G O LE G RA G

N TI

Save up to £370 off glasses

£50 off

1st pair of glasses

£120 off

2nd pair of glasses

£200 off

3rd pair of glasses

CALL FOR GREAT GLASSES! ZOOM GLASSES LOOK FABULOUS

NIGHT DRIVING GLASSES

GLASSES AS AN ACCESSORY *Conditions apply

Call 020 8449 1993

Visit 129 High Street ,Barnet Herts , EN5 5UZ www.specsdirectbarnet.co.uk

HOME &

PROPERTY – A collection of Hertfordshire’s finest house and garden companies, plus stunning homes for sale in the area – I M AG E : O R I G I N L E I S U R E

H OME & PROPERTY

[NEWS]

INTERIORS READY FOR BED This is one sleepy little owl all ready for bed in his nightcap.

Perfect for a bedside lamp.

This shade with its monochrome and touch of gold will suit most decors from the ultra modern to the vintage collector. Using collaged victorian illustrations this quirky shade is made to order on fine art paper and and finished off with an exquisite handapplied gold detail ensuring that no two are the same. mountainandmolehill.com

TIME FOR TEA FRENCH CONNECTION This bed is proudly an heirloom piece. Over the years it will blend with all homes and styles we chose and all life stages as we grow older. From teenage late-night phone chats, to those first job morning nerves in the city apartment, and finally in your forever home with little bundles of joy – this bed will grow old with you, capturing the moments that make the memories for the rest of your lifetime. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Add a touch of class to tea-time with this adorable Polka Dot Teacup & Saucer! Finished in glossy blush pink and embellished with a delicate gold trim. Why not buy one as a gift, or keep it all to yourself. You deserve it! sweetpeaandwillow.com

RESPONSIBLE LOUNGING The Stratus Snuggler Chair has been made from recycled, re-purposed and responsibly sourced materials. Starting out as bottles and plastic fibres, the Stratus has been lovingly crafted in the UK. cuckooland.com

GRAND ENTRANCE The entrance hall is the perfect area for making an immediate design impact and the stunning Etienne Contemporary Console Table with it’s endless curves will do just that! Made using brass plated iron and a toughened glass top, it’s a statement piece which will not date. atkinandthyme.co.uk 8 6 M AY 2 0 2 2

WE LOVE YesColours Loving Pink emulsion paint – dare to go dark! yescolours.com

H OME & PROPERTY

It’s Time To Get Your

Nature Fix A

t first glance, modern life seems to come with all the bells and whistles.

There is the internet, for one, coupled with apps that mean you can now easily summon a packet of raspberries for midnight pavlova cravings. But it also seems to be accompanied by an undeniable twitchyness.

Finding focus is harder than ever. And our senses simultaneously duller as we overindulge on the images fed by screens.

Some concerned have inaugurated digital detoxes. Or set up ambitious limits on screen time. And yet there is a third way for those who don’t wish to swear off their social media entirely.

Known in Japan as forest bathing, it involves the kind of regular immersion in nature that our ancestors would have recognised. Or, as the Finnish government is now prescribing, at least 5 hours per month spent exploring landscapes that are lush and living.

Making sure we get our nature fix is an argument that’s eloquently been explored in a new book by Florence Williams.

Over the course of 300 pages, she reveals how, in the open-endedness of nature, creativity soars, worry subsides and we become our most 8 8 M AY 2 0 2 2

“civic-minded selves”. A heartening notion, until she drops the bombshell that we Brits spend on average just 7% of our day outside.

Part of the problem, we learn, is an overbearing culture of office life and commuting. But as we inch closer to a world of hybrid work and a fourday working week, we have a unique opportunity

“As we inch closer to a world of hybrid work and a four-day working week, we have a unique opportunity to make life outdoors a permanent fixture”

to make life outdoors a permanent fixture.

Meeting us there is an eclectic mix of designers, each of which have been busy developing avantgarde furnishings that help us live outdoors with new fullness and serendipity. At Cane-Line this looks like the invention of quick-drying cushions — each fully ready for use just 60 minutes after a downpour.

Flexform, meanwhile, have focused on bringing the icons of their lounge catalogue out, setting the stage for an al fresco experience that prioritises both comfort and quality.

“For aeons, outdoor furniture was characterised by plastic or timber,” says Ludovic Aublanc, Creative Director at Chaplins. “Wonderfully resistant materials, it’s true, but not always the most inviting thing to sit on. These brands have changed all that. In taking the time to understand the way people live and lounge, they’ve brought the living room into the garden, allowing us to sink into new rhythms and rituals.”

With many of these luxury

designs, it’s also about what the eye can’t see.

Advances in both foam and fabric technology mean that these new sumptuous styles are virtually impervious to the elements.

“You can be a bit lazy now,” explains designer Patrick Jouin in a recent Architonic interview.

“Outside used to be rough — simplistic almost — but now you can indulge more. You can leave your furniture out in the rain for two weeks without covering them.”

And when the sun does come out to play? You can enjoy the outdoors like never before. Indulging in all the magic that is dinner beneath a canopy of stars. Or else that delicious morning coffee, nestled in a lovely lounge chair on the patio. Simple pleasures — it’s true — but ones that help anchor us to the world and everything in it.

Did you promise that 2022 would be the year you spent more time outdoors? Then why not pay our Hatch End showroom a visit? As well as our dedicated outdoor living studios, you can also take advantage of our exterior design service — offered in conjunction with garden design specialists Pen & Barrow — and which has the power to transform any al fresco space into an unprecedented Eden.

THE DETAILS Chaplins Furniture, 477-507 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4JS chaplins.co.uk 020 8421 1779

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H OME & PROPERTY

A new concept in outdoor cooking for your best summer ever for outdoor entertaining.

The Charlie Outdoor Charcoal Oven

I

t’s time to take the cover off the BBQ and enjoy the Summer. But will the reality live up to our dreams? well, it all depends on what you’re cooking with.

We think of BBQs for warm, sunny days. But we use our BBQs a lot less than we’d like to. In the UK – largely thanks to the weather - the average BBQ is only used five times a year. But with Charlie, it’s always BBQ weather!

Its front-opening design minimises heat loss and protects your food from the elements. The cooking is all done in the sealed oven chamber, while the chef can sit indoors, just waiting till Charlie has created its magic, whatever the weather outside. Charlie is totally weatherproof. It’s made in Britain from solid steel, in nine striking colours.

It can live and work outdoors all year round. You can use it day in, day out.

When we think BBQ, it’s sausages, burgers, maybe steaks. But it so often over-promises and

under-delivers. How about fish, charcoal-grilled with the taste of the Mediterranean? Seafood?

Vegetables? Bread? Fruit? Desserts? Pizzas?

With Charlie you can do the lot. And add amazing, smoky flavour to whatever food you choose to cook.

It’s a BBQ, a pizza oven, a smoker and a grill. With 2.5 times the capacity of a domestic oven. Delight the meat lovers, the vegans, the vegetarians, the pescatarians. Cook vegetables so tasty that even your children will eat them.

There’s no need to be an “expert” at BBQ-ing: anyone can use Charlie. Even though it’s inspired by the front-opening charcoal ovens that are the secret of top professional kitchens.

We call Charlie, “The Chef Maker”.

In many ways, using Charlie is the opposite of BBQ-ing. It’s totally hands-off. No need for constant attention, no face full of smoke and heat.

You can set Charlie from 100°c for low ‘n’ slow, up to 500°c for incredibly fast searing of meat or pizzas.

Easy peasy. Just put in your food and Charlie will create the magic for you! Sit back. Relax.

Enjoy looking at your beautiful oven. Enjoy the incredible food.

Enjoy the sunshine….but enjoy The Charlie Outdoor Charcoal Oven all year round! charlieoven.com @charliecharcoaloven 9 0 M AY 2 0 2 2

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

ORIGIN - A SANCTUARY

T

ransforming your home with a bespoke pool house is the ultimate in home improvement. It allows you to create a place of relaxation, wellbeing and fun all in the comfort of your own home. Origin knows that a swimming pool can not only add value to your home but to your home life as well and there are many decisions to be made along the way. Attention to detail and precise planning is crucial when designing a successful swimming pool and pool house as the process is quite unlike any other building project and requires more than just finding a competent builder.

It’s important to understand that indoor pools require specialist design in three major areas: the pool chamber, the building structure and the management of the pool building environment (heating, dehumidification and ventilation). All of these specialisms should be integrated into a consolidated design from the start, to avoid disruptive, complicated and potentially costly alterations after your pool house has been built.

9 2 M AY 2 0 2 2

“Swimming has many benefits, as well as the obvious, it improves quality of sleep and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression”

IN YOUR OWN HOME This is where Origin comes in. Simply put, they do it all. Building swimming pools requires a holistic approach with all the key elements working together from the beginning. Origin eliminate the need to employ separate companies by managing the whole process for you, from concept to completion. Access to a pool right on your doorstep means it’s easy to swim and exercise everyday in the privacy and safety of your own home. They’ve been building award winning swimming pools for over 40 years and in that time have successfully completed thousands of pools and pool houses to a wide range of specifications.

Swimming has many benefits, as well as the obvious, it improves quality of sleep and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Origin believes owning a pool is about more than the pool itself: by adding a spa, sauna or yoga room your swimming pool and pool house could be a centre of wellbeing. If you’re looking to increase family time, your pool house could become a new

social hub for everyone to enjoy by adding a gym, lounge area or even a bar. Whilst jumping in may seem daunting, making the decision will bring you measurable benefits.

Whether you’re looking to create a sanctuary in your home or somewhere to just have fun, Origin have experienced it all and are available to help you bring your dream pool to life, managing every stage from start to finish, giving you the confidence and freedom to enjoy finally swimming in your own home. Origin’s experts can discuss requirements, guide you through the options and produce a fully costed proposal and design allowing you to undertake the ultimate home improvement so you can finally achieve the perfect work life balance.

Speak to the experts at Origin Leisure - call 01895 453996 now or visit originpools.co.uk for more information and to subscribe to our newsletter. Our Instagram page @originpoolsuk is bursting with the latest pool inspiration.

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H OME & PROPERTY

Spring greens:

By Sam Wylie-Harris.

Ways to work the freshest greens into your scheme

Brilliant Buddha Head with Succulent, available in Female and Male, £25 each, Joe Browns Just in case your plant prowess needs a helping hand, these gorgeous his ’n’ hers Buddha head planters come with a charming faux succulent in two different designs.

W

e’ve been favouring green in interiors for some time now – and this must-have hue is right on cue this season, with all those gorgeous green shoots emerging outdoors.

And who can resist bringing a touch of natureinspired calm into their home? From sage green and leafy ferns to trailing foliage, these freshly picked homewares will make your space feel fresh and spring-like in a cinch.

Here’s our pick of the best decorative evergreens to shop right now…

(Top) Tuiss Kentia Linen Leaf Roman Blind, from £34.85, Blinds2Go When you’re really after a spring refresh and want to create a courtyard garden in your kitchen, these leaf print roller blinds let in just the right measure of daylight for your indoor oasis.

Three Apple Green Bud Vases, £18, Gone to Seed Bud vases are the easiest way to get the best from your blooms – not only do they love a short spray, 9 4 M AY 2 0 2 2

they can cope well with wilted flowers too. This apple-green trio ticks all the right botanical boxes.

John Lewis & Partners Salsa 2-Seater Garden Sofa in Jolly Green, £145 (other items from a selection), John Lewis Naturally, you want to plant yourself outside when the weather warms up, and this perfectly proportioned polyweave rattan sofa lends itself to a boutique balcony or petite patio just as well as a generously sized garden.

Single Sheepskin Rug in Sage, £80, Baa Stool It’s always exciting to unearth new pieces, especially when it’s something sumptuous for underfoot. This beautiful sage green rug can also be draped over a chair or sofa for a super calming visual effect.

Verdi Garden Tea Trolley, currently £124.95 (was £139), Cuckooland When it’s time to wheel out the garden trolley, this one has enough storage space for wine, gin and an ice bucket – if teatime celebrations run into happy hour.

Green and White Aztec Bone Frame, £25, Graham & Green For a small flash of green, try conjuring an exotic scene inside this Aztec inspired frame, such as a parrot postcard or print.

Tallavera Wallpaper – Seville Collection – Cole & Son, Rose & Spring Greens on Terracotta, £154 per roll, Lime Lace The great thing about a wonder wall of beautiful blooms, once you’ve hung your favourite bouquet, it’s a low-maintenance centrepiece from there on in.

With its Spanish influence, this Seville collection is a fast-track to a suntrap of your own.

Forest Green Bedtime Bundle in Stonewashed French Flax, from £227, Piglet in Bed Luxe linen in a gorgeous green not only looks fresh, but keeps you cool in in the summer and comfortable in cooler months. Pair with crisp whites for contrast, or go all-out green and style with the beautifully soft Baa sheepskin rug in sage green for extra wow factor.

Simeon Woven Striped Green Cotton Runner Rug, £69.50 (other items from a selection), Oliver Bonas This gorgeous geometric striped green runner lends itself to a garden room or hallway, and with a pale pink border at either end, it can be teamed with blush pink cushions for a tasteful aesthetic.

The Little Botanical Marble Plant Gang, £70, MADE Should you need to up your indoor plant game, MADE’s new houseplant collection includes exotic varieties with a choice of planters to suit every scheme, from ceramics to copper and marble. Contemporary and cool, we love this duo which includes a large haworthia (zebra cactus) with planter stand, and a potted zamioculcas. Bonus: they only need watering once every few weeks.

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H OME & PROPERTY

Scandi Style Inspiration with Naturewall

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candi design exudes simplistic beauty and is a timeless interior trend.

Embracing natural influences and materials, scandi-inspired rooms strip back the unnecessary, with a focus on clean lines and calming spaces. Naturewall are experts in creating Scandinavian-inspired wall coverings that reflect the Nordic countries’ relationship with the natural wonder of wood.

Naturewall’s sustainable wall coverings offer the ideal scandi fix for the home.

Crafted here in the UK, using real wood veneers, every covering has its own identity, emphasising the organic characteristics of the wood and awakening an inherent sense of harmony.

The stunning SlatWall panels feature highquality slats that are bonded onto a soundabsorbing felt backing made from recycled plastic.

Incredibly simple to install, the panels can be applied directly to the wall using a grab adhesive or screws.

The Peel and Stick planks are finished with European oils and treated with an innovative brushing process, producing gorgeous designs that are the ultimate easy update. To install, just remove the backing paper, stick it against the wall and apply firm pressure to the boards using a J-Roller to activate the adhesive and create a secure fix.

To complete the scandi look, pair Naturewall panelling with neutral yet cosy furnishings and combine biophilic design with natural materials and house plants.

All products are available from naturewall.com

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FAMILY MAKES A SMART MOVE TO SCHOLARS IN BROXBOURNE

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ong admired for hosting the perfect balance of green space, excellent local amenities and outstanding schools against proximity to London, Hertfordshire has become a hotly desired area amongst buyers seeking homes in top commuter locations. One Hertfordshire town that is hitting the sweet spot for homebuyers is Broxbourne, where Suzanne and Paul Nash found their perfect family home at Scholars by Chase New Homes. Enjoying a superb setting, close to their children’s schools and less than 30 minutes from the capital – Suzanne, Paul and their two children are thoroughly enjoying family life living in their stunning new five-bedroom home.

Having lived in Broxbourne for a number of years, Suzanne (37) and Paul (40) talk about their decision to buy a home at Scholars: “We were living in a detached five-bedroom house just the other side of Broxbourne School, we could

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actually see Scholars coming up out of the ground from our old house. Initially we had considered moving out a little further, however on reflection we soon realised Broxbourne offers everything our family needs. Katie (14) and Freddie (5) are both settled at The Broxbourne School and Broxbourne CofE Primary School, our parents live in nearby Goffs Oak and there are really easy travel links into London and Cambridge, which is ideal on days when we both need to go into the office. From a location point of view, it just works for us, plus we already know the area and like living here – it’s a great place for families.”

A Senior Brand Strategist, Suzanne continues: “Our old house was a five-bedroom, fivebathroom property. Set across three floors; it felt too ‘top heavy’ and although downstairs was spacious the layout just didn’t quite work for us as a family. We could have spent money trying to make the house work better, but it would have

meant long-term renovation work and in the end we realised it still wouldn’t give us the home we wanted. We had been looking on Rightmove and the Scholars development was one that kept coming up – we decided to view and once we both saw the show home, we loved it!”

Product Support Lead Consultant for a technology company, Paul explains more about how their new home benefits family life: “Chase New Homes have really given thought to the overall design, specification and layout. As a family home it needs to work for everyone. Suzanne and I both work from home a lot so we needed an office space, and we also wanted somewhere where we could spend time together as a family, as well as space for us all to have privacy – Scholars ticks every box.”

Suzanne continues: “It’s a great layout and we don’t ever feel like we are on top of one another.

The kitchen/diner is a really good size and means the children can sit and chat to us while I’m cooking dinner and they’re doing their homework – it has given us somewhere we can spend more quality time together. The separate lounge downstairs gives Paul and I somewhere to relax and unwind in the evenings, and with our bedroom at the top of the house, as the children get older and want to invite their friends over, we have somewhere to retreat to. The office is big enough to have a sofa bed in so that also works perfectly as a guest room.”

“Katie and Freddie love the garden! It’s bigger than our old one and there is a huge Oak tree which they are planning to hang a big swing on, they both really enjoy time out there together.

There is such a lovely mix of families living here too, Katie walks to school with some of the other children, it’s nice that we have joined a close-knit community. Friends of ours have also just moved here and there is another couple we know from the school who are moved here in April – so it’s certainly a popular choice!”

Talking more about the features and specification of their new home, Suzanne comments: “We purchased the show home at Scholars – we were so impressed with the highquality and attention to detail throughout. As part of the purchase the beautiful light fittings, bespoke blinds and made-to-measure curtains and window seat in the living room were all included. The exterior of the house has been cleverly designed

with character touches; from the beautiful cornicing and Amtico flooring, a big plus point, down to the small things like using bricks for the driveway rather than tarmac and neat planted areas to the front. We have an integral garage and a separate utility room; it’s such a useful space to have and allows me to keep the kitchen clutter-free - I wouldn’t be without it now. Careful thought has been given to everything.”

Talking more about the local area and green spaces close to their new home, Suzanne and Paul say: “We are very lucky to have lots of green space and parks so close by. Broxbourne Sports Club is a 10-minute walk away and always has lots of clubs and events going on, and we have a big open green space that sits just behind the development, which we will soon have direct access to. Broxbourne Woods and sculpture trail is a short drive away and we are also members of Paradise Wildlife Park – great for the kids to burn off some energy for a couple of hours after school. Nearby Hoddesdon is a nice place to visit for a meal out. If we want to go into London, we can get to Westfield at Stratford in about half an hour on the train.”

Sharing their thoughts about Chase New Homes and the sales team, Suzanne and Paul comment: “We have been really impressed with the whole team at Chase New Homes. They have looked after us and kept us informed every step of the way - it’s the best customer service we have received from any developer.”

THE DETAILS Prices start from £465,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, and from £709,995 for a four-bedroom family home at Scholars. For further information please visit chasenewhomes.co.uk/development/ scholars-broxbourne/ or call 01922 460546 to arrange a viewing.

Actual Photo of the Chaucer Showhome

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SOPHIE ALLPORT UNVEILS NEW CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW DESIGN FOR 2022

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ritish homewares and lifestyle brand Sophie Allport has unveiled her new Chelsea Flower Show design for 2022.

The beautiful floral design will appear on a fine bone china mug (standard and large) and tea towel, all making excellent Chelsea Flower Show souvenirs and memorabilia.

Sophie’s illustration of Chelsea Flower Show 2022 is filled with rows of beautiful irises, a magnificent sculpture and a pathway that leads through to the pavilion behind. Dragonflies, butterflies, and bumblebees dance through the sky, whilst the spectacular London parakeets sit proudly on the treetops. Dressed in iconic scarlets, cheerful Chelsea Pensioners enjoy the relaxed ambience of the tranquil grounds.

Last year was the first year that Sophie Allport launched a Chelsea Flower Show Tea Towel in recognition of the event, with both the Tea Towel and Mug being sell-out designs.

Sophie Allport has been attending Chelsea Flower Show

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since 2010 and last year won a four-star stand award. Held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the show inspires hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world across five days.

This year the event will be held from the 24th to the 28th of May 2022, making a return for the spring season as last year it was held in autumn due to COVID-19.

“I absolutely love Chelsea,” explained Sophie.

“It’s one of the highlights of our year. We love seeing all our customers, and as a keen gardener, I always look forward to seeing all the gardens and displays, which are so inspirational. I hope our mug and tea towel will make lovely souvenirs for visitors and remind them of their special day”.

‘Chelsea Flower Show 2022’ is written on the inside rim of every mug in Sophie’s distinctive handwriting, and features on her beautiful tea towel too.

Purchase from the Sophie Allport stand at Chelsea Flower Show (24th – 28th May) or from sophieallport.com.

“I always look forward to seeing all the gardens and displays, which are so inspirational”

H OME & PROPERTY

[NEWS]

OUTDOOR LIVING ANIMAL ATTRACTION

ITALIAN STYLE The Ronda garden chair is made in Italy by Emu and is one of their most popular designs. Designed by Aldo Ciabatti, it has a simple elegance that will appeal to almost everybody. Available in a great range of colours the Ronda garden chair is suitable for outdoor use all year round and practically they are also stackable up to sixteen chairs high for easy storage. This garden chair is in lacquered steel, which is available in nine colours. The table is the Emu Cambi garden table. gomodern.co.uk

ALL FIRED UP Create the perfect garden atmosphere with this stunning Eclipse Fire Bowl. With its trendy sleek silhouette, the white semi-sphere fire pit will fit into any outside space, blending in to your outdoor furniture with ease. charltonisland.com

ELEGANT LOUNGING he Skyline Serpent Sun Lounger combines chunky soft rope weaving and a beautiful curvy frame to create modern looking Sun Lounger that will look great in any setting. vivalagoon.com 1 0 2 M AY 2 0 2 2

Attract the birds, butterflies and bees into your garden with this wonderful collection of wildflowers. Each seedball has approximately 30 seeds and each tin contains 20 seed balls, enough to cover 1 metre square in a garden bed or 3-5 medium sized pots (leave at least 10cm between each ball). Best scattered in Spring or Autumn. annabeljames.co.uk

INDOOR/OUTDOOR We love this geometric grey rug for indoor and outdoor use from Kukoon Rugs. Bring the inside out, and give your outdoor seating area a touch of comfort. kukoonrugs.com

H OME & PROPERTY

AUDUS KITCHENS Stunning German & British kitchens – Designed to suit your style.

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udus Kitchens have been established as a family business for over 20 years, creating luxury kitchens in a style and at a budget that suits you.

With an exceptional, knowledgeable team of 15 offering over 150 years of combined experience, we offer a trusted, personable service whether you are moving into a new house, extending, or simply updating your current space.

Our luxury kitchen designers are passionate about providing a bespoke, tailor-made kitchen to suit any house and family. We are experts in creating beautiful (yet practical) open-plan spaces with a seamless transition to wider living areas and your outside space. So whether your style is contemporary, classic or shaker, and whether your project is small or part of a larger renovation, we will provide a customised solution that is perfect for you.

Our experienced kitchen fitters install the highest quality yet affordable furniture from only the best German and British manufacturers. Our ranges are unique and designed with precision and always with the end-user in mind.

We provide a comprehensive, fully projectmanaged service, from concept to completion.

We ensure every detail is meticulously handled by 1 0 4 M AY 2 0 2 2

following our established ‘Audus Approach’ - a seven-step process that delivers you that extraspecial kitchen you’ll love for years to come.

Our aim is to hold your hand throughout this experience to turn your dream into a reality, keeping disruption to an absolute minimum.

With showrooms in St Albans and Wokingham, we proudly serve homes in Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

WHY CHOOSE US? Kitchens designed by Audus Kitchens offer something a little bit special (a small selection of our projects you will see here, for heaps more, visit our website auduskitchens.co.uk).

They represent unparalleled quality and design, and really feel like premium kitchens. With features like adjustable soft-closing doors, anti-fingerprint technology and adjustable plinth heights, and incorporating the latest design trends and colour choices, your kitchen can be tailored to your exacting needs.

Of course, we aren’t just about the furniture! We also boast a huge choice of worktops, appliances, handles and storage solutions to ensure that your new kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful.

Contact us on 01923 670 197 or through our website to arrange a no-pressure appointment. auduskitchens.co.uk sales@auduskitchens.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Switch up your home style

These fine lines and broad strokes are grabbing our attention this season, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

WITH STRIKING STRIPES

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here are stripes, and then there are stripes.

The kind that knock you for six with their snazzy colour combinations, some that look sharp, and fun pieces that bring a room to life with their circus stripes.

Either way, stripes make a statement, love the limelight, draw the eye in and, depending on how you use them, are a clever tool and timeless look.

Vertical stripes create an illusion of height, while horizontal stripes make everything look wider.

Wondering where to start? These appealing colourways are easy to live with and fit most schemes…

look just as lovely in a sun room or conservatory, as it would a manicured lawn. An added bonus, it folds down flat for that long-awaited jaunt to the seaside.

‘Stripes’ White and Blue Wallpaper, £60 per roll, Paper Boy Wallpaper When more is more, we love this graffiti spray stripe, which can be enhanced with corresponding cushions and other navy and white decorative pieces.

Green Striped Wooden Deck Chair with Head Cushion, £149.99, Gardenesque Channelling some boho chic with its fringed hem and comfy head cushion, this mint green deck chair is destined to be a hit and would 1 0 6 M AY 2 0 2 2

Velvet Stripe Cushion, £20, Next Dreamy in tangerine and blush pink, even if you’re not big on stripes, who wouldn’t be smitten with one of these on their sofa?

Candy Stripe Cheese Knives, £27.50, Oliver Bonas Little touches like candy stripe cheese knives make a joyous addition to mealtimes, and this trio can be themed to a cheese and wine party.

oil cloth tablecloth can cope with any spills, and makes a sunny statement.

Oliver Bonas Azur Wiggle Stripe Platter, £49.50, rest of items from a selection, Oliver Bonas Bold stripes have that knack of making everything look bang up to date, especially in chunky stoneware, teamed with colourful glassware, striped placemats and trendy squiggles.

Water Resistant Garden Outdoor Bench Seat Pad – Pixel Stripes (available in 2-Seater or 3-Seater size), from £69.99, Water Resistant Garden Cushions, £29.99 each, Celina Digby Another easy update, especially if your garden furniture’s looking a little tired or weathered. Water resistant and perfect for al fresco dining, this seat pad and matching cushions look divine placed near geraniums and hydrangeas.

Market Stripe Cerise Oil Cloth, £37, Bluebellgray If you’re thinking warmer weather, braving the BBQ and tantalising tablescaping to accommodate all those marinades and weekend brunches, this

Bonne Nuit Pastel French Art Print, from £41.95 (21 x 30cm), Framed and Mounted, Abstract House Who says stripes can’t be soothing or make you sleepy?

Carnaby Stripe Towels in Blue, Neutral, Multi and Berry, from £11.20-£30.40, Christy An easy way to jazz up a bathroom, this striped towel collection could be mistaken for Missoni without the designer price tag.

Kintaro Pitcher – Indigo, £40, OKA Classic stripes fit countrykitchen style, as well as neutral décor and seaside views.

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H OME & PROPERTY

Iconic Homes Set on Expansive Grounds at Two Grand Developments

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eading placemaking developer, Comer Homes, is down to the final few homes at its latest phase, The Nova Collection, at their breath-taking residential development; Royal Connaught Park in Bushey, whilst they are set to release the first collection of homes at their much-anticipated new scheme; Newland Park in Chalfont St. Giles in the coming months.

The first phase of new homes at the impressive Newland Park will occupy a prominent position on the 168-acre private gated site, which was once the glorious grounds of a grand country house, the initial release will see 74 luxurious houses and apartments available to buy, with prices starting from £695,000.

Accessed via an impressive treelined driveway, the first collection of 10 semi-detached houses, each measuring 2,045 sq. ft., will benefit from modern interiors, large gardens and private off-street parking. In total, 64 apartments will be available, with open-plan spaces and generous outside space that provide supreme comfort and functionality.

Setting a new standard of living in the area, Newland Park will also offer residents direct access to expansive private grounds that will feature a mixture of landscaped and wild planted gardens and parkland, as well as modern sports facilities and a state-of-the-art premium health & wellness facility.

Additionally, there will be ample underground parking, with the facility for electric charging units, whilst 24-hour security will be present across the site. There will also be a courtesy shuttle bus service in operation, exclusively for residents, from Newland Park to local commuter stations and popular shopping destinations.

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Over in Bushey, with prices starting from £610,000, the last available apartments at Royal Connaught Park, a sensitive mixture of partially restored and new-build homes set on a 100-acre private gated site, have been carefully designed to be flexible, with large open spaces that offer supreme functionality so they can be freely arranged by their owners to match their modern lifestyle demands.

Set within a collection of five new-build blocks, the remaining apartments within The Nova Collection comprise a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 900 sq. ft. to 2,164 sq. ft. with some homes mezzanines or spaced across two floors. The majority of units also provide ample outside space in the form of private gardens, balconies and terraces, most of which are south-facing and benefit from direct sunlight throughout the day.

Residents of Royal Connaught Park are privy to around the clock access to amenities which include: a state-of-the-art gym and spa complex with jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, as well as an indoor heated pool. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, the vast countryside, woodland as well as private parkland and private gardens provide the most desirable setting and environment.

Another of the residential development’s selling points is its convenient access to local transport, which is supplemented by a residents’ bus that operates each morning through to the early evening and provides direct links to key local shopping destinations – all within a stone’s throw from a collection of popular shops and dining locations. For commuters, the bus also stops at Bushey Station where regular trains offer a 15-minute journey into London Euston.

THE DETAILS For further information on the first phase at Newland Park or to register your interest and sign up for an exclusive pre-launch tour of the Marketing Suite and Show Homes, contact the Comer Homes sales team or sole agents Hamptons on 01494 506 364, Email: info@newlandpark.com or visit newlandpark.com For further information on the last remaining homes for sale in The Nova Collection, please contact the sales office on Tel: 01923 222292 or Email: info@thecomergroup.com

H OME & PROPERTY

Is it time to invest?

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s we’ve seen the world heading slowly back to the normality we once knew, the property market has seen a significant rise and demand on property searches that are within easy access of train stations. With working from home for part or majority of the week also being the new norm, commuters are seeking that perfect work life balance that suburban towns have to offer, being within easy access of the city whilst still having the countryside right on the doorstep has proved to be the most favourable location in the current market.

Average rents currently vary from £825 to £1,800 pcm depending on property type with average yields of between 4 – 5 %. Zoopla are predicting that average rental prices across the country could rise by another 4.5 per cent in 2022.

Here at Imagine over the first quarter of 2022, we’ve had just under 2,500 new potential tenants contact us so you can see how this ‘landlord’s market’ is very much relevant locally. While we’ve seen a high demand vs a low supply of rental properties on the market, it’s driving landlords to look to expand their portfolios.

Many landlords are on the hunt for properties in the suburban towns outside London with greater outdoor space, larger living areas, off street parking and cheaper than London price tags, while still remaining within close proximity of good transport links. Renowned for their high specification and meticulous attention to detail, multi award-winning developer, London Square, are proud to present their first development in North Watford; London Square Watford. This exclusive gated development is perfectly placed for commuters and boasts spacious interiors and private patio areas. A luxury London label, with a Watford price tag. London Square Watford offers a stylish collection of one and two bedroom apartments in a first-class location, not far from the flourishing town centre, and with parking. All these homes offer spacious living featuring a high specification kitchen with integrated appliances and designer bathrooms. Pricing from £309,995.

The sales and marketing suite is available to view by appointment only.

Book your appointment by calling Imagine Land and New Homes on 01923 608373.

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H OME & PROPERTY

Matthew Williamson

on being inspired by English nature for his new homes collection and his love of painting

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Sam Wylie-Harris chats to the designer about his favourite pieces and why creativity is his happy place.

amous for his flamboyant fashions on the catwalk, bold designs and feather peacock prints, interior designer Matthew Williamson says his latest collection for John Lewis feels like a lovely tick.

“If you were to say, ‘What would be your dream job?’ One would be the John Lewis collaboration because I think it really sort of cements what I’ve been trying to do for a few years.

“It’s a solid proposition with a very respected, known brand,” says the Manchester-born designer.

It’s been two years in the making, “So a reasonably long, very enjoyable, creative process for me,” notes Williamson. And it’s the largest designer homeware collaboration of its kind for the department store, with 90 artfully curated pieces spanning a variety of homewares, from cushions to bedding to mirrors and lighting – decorative, eclectic and joyful.

“The brief was really open to be honest,” reflects Williamson. “Obviously, I’ve been in design my whole adult life, and fashion into interiors more recently.”

He closed the chapter on his 20 year plus fashion career about seven years ago when he decided to take the leap and fully immerse himself in the world of interior design.

“So there’s quite a lot of history,” he continues.

“There’s a sort of rich pot if you like, and I think it’s that they [John Lewis] were drawn to, as they recognised it’s quite a different DNA to their DNA. I think they saw I could bring a much more decorative element to the John Lewis table, if you like,” he observes.

The collection is inspired by the great British outdoors, but also further afield. The 50-year-old – who lives with his partner Joseph Velosa and their daughter Skye – in Mallorca, says he’s often drawn to different cultures and countries that have a very rich palette.

“You know, ornate decoration, so strangely or not, I decided with this collection to stay rooted in the UK and therefore, look at what I started to say in my head was ‘doorstop design.’

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“So whether that be an English meadow or foraging in a hedgerow, or looking at a starlit sky at night, or the quintessential English country garden, all those very sort of English touch points of nature were my inspiration.”

Despite being in Spain for the majority of lockdown, Williamson says, “I’m England born and bred, so it wasn’t too much of a leap to imagine. So yeah, an English-based design collection, but I did it in Spain.”

Alongside beautiful blooms, signature peacock prints, butterflies and floral meadows to inspire and leave a lasting impression, there’s also a focus on woodland themes, hacienda-style textiles and exuberant touches such as leopard print and exotic bedding sets.

“I’ve lived in Spain for six years now. So during that time, my work has definitely had a more shall we say, rustic approach. A more sort of authentic Spanish quality to it.

“If you’re going to generalise I would say India, Spain and the UK are the three consistent places in the world I look to for inspiration. I love that melting pot of those three countries.”

With the aim to create an artistic interplay between stand-out pieces and Williamson’s eclectic aesthetic, all the products (priced from £16 to £250) prompt a second look – and can effortlessly be introduced to existing schemes to elevate the every day, or by combining colour with comfort.

“There’re two mirrors I love in particular, ” says Williamson. “One’s like a gilded peacock mirror.

It’s sort of a gold frame. It’s pretty large scale and

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“He closed the chapter on his 20 year plus fashion career about seven years ago when he decided to take the leap and fully immerse himself in the world of interior design.”

it has two ornately carved peacocks. So that’s a real statement piece that would elevate any space. It’s kind of grand, it’s a talking point. It’s a little bit whimsical – it’s definitely got a real character.”

He says he also loves another mirror made out of a cast iron frame and finished in a glossy pillar box red.

“It’s made up of a sort of arrangement of twigs, metal twigs, and it’s such a cool, contemporary, modern piece. So those two mirrors are definitely on my list of things I want to have myself.”

“I’d probably say the lights as well. They’re these gorgeous dome, sort of spheres that you’d see in bars all around the world, quite classic glass domes.

I reworked those into a mint green colouration and they’re also a favourite.”

And as he points out, then there’s the bedding within the collection, as well as lots of cushions and quilts and so on. “I definitely would have one of those printed bed sets to enliven a bedroom.”

Today, Williamson is slowly but surely building his portfolio and spends 50% of his time on interior design projects, commercial and domestic, and the other half designing homeware goods.

“Whether that be wallpapers with Osborne & Little or various other licenced partners I have across the homeware ranges,” he explains.

The designer has also recently returned as a guest judge on Interior Design Masters, and a recent addition to the brand is his beautiful artwork on his website and online boutique, Matthew Williamson Design, where he sells some of his paintings which he describes as, “Actually putting my paintbrush out as it were”.

Like most creatives, he finds it difficult to switch off when it’s time to relax.

“The switch off button is not an easy button for me to find.” admits Williamson. “Not good at it at all. So it’s a good job I love what I do, because cliché as it might sound, I guess I’m relaxed when I’m working.

“I love painting. I have a studio in Spain where I suppose that’s not necessarily work but it would be to paint, you know, creativity is my happy place.”

“So that’s going really well and I’m enjoying those pockets of time which are rare with a sixyear-old. But when I can get time, that’s what I do to sort of tune off from work, but I am really busy. And there isn’t much downtime.”

The John Lewis + Matthew Williamson Homeware Collection is available now.

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