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Life Magazines (Hertfordshire editions) October 2020

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MacConnal-Mason Gallery has been established for

over one hundred and twenty years spanning four generations. Based in London, although with roots in the north of England, MacConnal-Mason have two galleries in Duke Street, St. James’s, the heart of London’s Art and Antique district and moments from the Ritz, St. James’s Palace and the renowned Clubs, Boodles, Whites, The Athenaeum and the Carlton Club. MacConnal-Mason present the finest paintings and sculptures of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries over six floors of exhibition space. From Pre-Raphaelite and High Victorian paintings, through Impressionist paintings, represented by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Eugène Boudin to Modern British works by Laurence Stephen Lowry, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, and Marine paintings by Montague Dawson, the gallery’s exhibit a continually changing collection of works.

MacConnal-Mason have been instrumental in forming some of the most important collections of Fine Art in the United Kingdom and abroad. Being at the forefront of the Art Market for many decades, the gallery has dealt with many of the most important Nineteenth Century European paintings to appear on the market, including the record breaking “The Finding of Moses” by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, that subsequently sold for a sum approaching thirty-six million dollars.

The ethos of the gallery has always been, and remains the case today, to source the finest paintings and sculptures, be they by artists of the Nineteenth or Twentieth Century and to make them available to the gallery’s clients and museums. The most important and principal reason for acquiring a painting or sculpture should be that it resonates with the viewer, causes an emotional reaction and one that will last. Ideally the acquisition will prove to be a form of wealth management, but it is the desire to own and enjoy a painting that is paramount, again, ideally one will be living with this for a long period of time. As previously mentioned, MacConnal-Mason have six floors of exhibition space in St. James’s but in addition, have always been delighted to show paintings at the home of clients and potential clients. In the present circumstances, this has also included gardens, garages and greenhouses! The process serves a useful purpose, it can be difficult to visualise a painting ‘in situ’ when seen hanging on a gallery wall several miles or several hundred miles away from home. To hang the painting ‘in situ’, at no obligation of course, is a means of facilitating the whole decision making process.


Lighting is a further matter on which the gallery is more than happy to advise, all paintings need light, whether it be natural light, spotlights or frame mounted picture lights, circumstances and position dictate the solution and the gallery has vast experience in such matters. As one of the foremost galleries in the United Kingdom, MacConnal-Mason exhibit widely, at prestigious art fairs in London, and abroad at the world renowned The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht, perhaps the largest and finest Art and Antiques Fair worldwide. In New York, along with London, the centre of the Art Market, and home to a myriad of collectors, the gallery exhibits at the Seventh Regiment Armory, a spectacular and iconic building on Park Avenue. The gallery frequently produce catalogues of recent acquisitions to accompany the fairs.

MacConnal-Mason also organise exhibitions inhouse, one of the most significant such exhibitions being what was described as the finest exhibition of works by L. S. Lowry in the past twenty years, this in the same year as the major Lowry retrospective at Tate Britain in 2013, for which the gallery organised the loan of one of the principal works, which was also included in the Macconnal Mason exhibition.

The gallery has a wealth of experience under the Chairman, David L. Mason, O.B.E., along with Directors, David M. Mason, Marcus Halliwell, Sue Palmer and Gallery Manager, Richard Pikesley. They can muster approaching two hundred years of art market experience, connoisseurship, and present day market intelligence, and above all have a true passion for their subject.

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on panel

Sir Alfred Munnings KCVO, PPRA

20 ½ x 27 ¼ in

Lord Astor’s High Stakes with Sir Gordon Richards up at Newmarket Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) was perhaps the foremost painter of equine subjects since the eighteenth century painter, George Stubbs. The present work, High Stakes, is the most important in a series of paintings of The Start on which Munnings embarked in the early 1940’s, and continued until his death. Here the beautiful setting is Newmarket, and unlike the majority of the series, the horse, jockey and owner are all named. High Stakes was by Lord Derby’s 1933 Derby winner, Hyperion, out of the 1929 Oaks winner Pennycomequick. Sir Gordon Richards was one of the finest ever jockeys, and along with A.P. McCoy, the only jockey to be knighted; he was flat racing champion twenty six times. Lord Astor was a renowned owner and a great patron of Munnings. Museums: London, Tate Britain; Collection of HM The Queen; Liverpool, Yale

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on board

22 ½ x 30 ¼ in

Edward Brian Seago RWS, RBA Boats in the Harbour, Dieppe

Edward Seago (1910-1974) was a keen sailor, and a friend of the Duke of Edinburgh, himself no mean sailor, he accompanied him on trips to Hong Kong and Antarctica on board The Royal Yacht, Britannia. Seago’s first boat Endeavour, served as a floating studio, his second, Capricorn is the green hulled vessel in the above work. Seago sailed frequently to the Continent, often painting the Port at which he moored. Seago was an extremely popular painter in his lifetime; lengthy queues would form at the gallery opening of an exhibition such that tickets would be issued to prospective buyers, who would be limited to one painting each. Museums: Collection of HM The Queen; London, Norwich, New Brunswick

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

25 3/8 x 39 in

Franz Richard Unterberger Rio del Ognissanti, Venice

Looking east along the Rio del Ognissanti , beyond Ponte Trevisan, we see Santa Maria del Rosario on the Zattere, known as I Gesuati, the dome of which is in the centre of the composition, one of the finest Eighteenth century churches in Venice, the ceiling being by Tiepelo. Franz Richard Unterberger (1838-1902) is regarded as one of the foremost Nineteenth century painters of Venice, capturing the beauty of the city, the life and light for his Grand tour patrons. Museums: Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria; Venice, Amalfi, Troyes

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

23 x 31 ½ in

Eugene de Blaas On the Balcony 1893

Eugene de Blaas (1843-1932), the son of Karl, Professor of the Academy in Venice, was renowned for his paintings of beautiful Venetian women seen, as here, in a narrative context, contemplating an unseen admirer. He married one of his models, Paola Prina, and it is she who is seen looking over the balustrade at the admirer below. Museums: Vienna, Belvedere Museum; Melbourne, Sydney, Bournemouth

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on panel

8 ¾ x 6 in

Laurence Stephen Lowry RA, RBA, LG, NS Three Figures

L.S. Lowry (1887-1976) was undoubtedly one of the great observers of humanity. The present family group is well dressed suggesting relative affluence and their slight stoop indicates they are in something of a hurry. By layering paint Lowry almost carves the outline of his figures, embedding them in their surroundings, thus imbuing comparatively simple works such as this with complexity and impact. As he concluded, “You don't need brains to be a painter, just feelings”. Museums: London, Tate Britain; New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art; Manchester, Nottingham

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

24 ¼ x 30 ¼ in

Dame Laura Knight RA Three Spanish Jugglers

From Nottingham School of Art in the early 1890’s, Laura Knight (1874-1961) was created a Dame in 1929 and in 1936 was the first woman elected as a full member of the Royal Academy, over 200 years after its foundation. She was drawn to subjects where women were seen and judged as equals, Theatre, Ballet and the Circus. She would become very involved in her subject, travelling with the Circus and here capturing the intensity of the performers. Museums: London, Hull, Brisbane, Detroit

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

27 x 28 in

Walter Richard Sickert ARA Barnet Fair

Barnet Fair first took place in 1588, and was for centuries a horse, cattle and livestock Fair. By the time Walter Richard Sickert (1860-1942) portrayed the Fair, here circa 1928-30, it had increasingly become a Fair of traditional fairground entertainment, with horse trading taking a minor role, and referred to in the painting by the horses grazing beneath the trees. This an uplifting painting, a tented children’s theatre awaiting the arrival of the crowds streaming through the distant gates, by an artist regarded as one of the founders of the Modern British Movement. Museums: London, Tate Britain; Edinburgh, National Galleries; Liverpool, Brisbane

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

18 x 24 in

Henry Moret

Le Guilly, Port de Pêche

Born in Cherbourg and a disciple of Gaugin and the Pont Aven School, Henry Moret (1856-1913) spent much of his career painting the coast, fields and forest of Brittany, but it was above all the coast and fishing communities that were the focus of his work. Gradually, Moret’s style evolved to become, as in this composition, more impressionistic with the silvery light and flecks of colour and smaller more delicate brushstrokes. Museums: Paris, Musée d’Orsay; Boston, Museum of Fine Arts; Washington, National Gallery; St. Petersburg, The Hermitage

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

28 x 42 in

Montague Dawson RSMA, FRSA The Chariot of Fame, Stunsails Pulling

An iconic subject for Montague Dawson (1890–1973) shows The Chariot of Fame under full sail, forging through a wave while spray is whipped from the crests by the following wind. Chariot of Fame was built in Boston in 1853 for the White Diamond Line, voyaging to Liverpool, Acapulco, San Francisco and Valparaiso. Sold in 1857 to the White Star line following the financial crisis of 1857, she ended her days abandoned in 1876 on a voyage from the Chincha Islands off Peru bound for Cork. Museums: London, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Newport

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

29 ¾ x 41 ¾ in

Montague Dawson RSMA, FRSA

Brisk Weather off the Needles, Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight and the three chalk stacks forming the Needles, at the western extremity of the island, serve as an iconic backdrop to this composition. Dawson (1890–1973), who had served in the Royal Navy during the First World War, lived in Milford on Sea, opposite the Needles. The Solent was a body of water that was a constant source of inspiration to the artist, and as a lifelong sailor Dawson was familiar with all of its characteristics. Museums: London, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Newport

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


D AVON P OR T N a t u r a l l y

D i s t i n c t i v e

I n t e r i o r s

Experience Classic


1 Moneyhill Parade, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 7BQ Phone: +44(0)1923 773906 | celia@moneyhillinteriors.com moneyhillinteriors.com


FROM THE

T

EDITOR

Radlett Premier Bathrooms

he Ivy St Albans Brasserie is delighted to be adding a number of delicious and heart-warming dishes to its already extensive menu this autumn season. Created by the brasserie’s talented food team, each dish has been carefully made with seasonal ingredients to help shape a mouthwatering flavour on the pallet. After much anticipation, the Land of the Tigers habitat is now open at Paradise Wildlife Park. The Land of the Tigers habitat will be the first of its kind in the UK. No other Amur tiger habitat in the UK features a pool deep enough for both tigers to be fully submerged under water. Moreover, we have built a viewing area where you can come face to face with our beautiful tigers while they swim. This has never been done for the Amur tiger in the UK and we cannot wait to give you this totally unique experience. Bill’s Restaurant & Bar has announced a brand new partnership with best-selling cookery writer and nutritional therapist Madeleine Shaw. Born out of a shared passion for produce, delicious ingredients and seasonal recipes, Madeleine has created a bespoke menu of three vegetarian dishes, exclusive to Bill’s. Always bursting with British flair, Bill’s launched its new and dedicated menu on World Vegetarian Day, Thursday, 1 October, with all three dishes available for six weeks only.

Faye Manning Editor

Editor Faye Manning Editorial Assistant Katie Miller Sub Editor Nicholas Peter

business DEVELOPMENT manager Kelly Pauling Design & Production Lisa Wade SALES Lewis Casserley Accounts Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

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Specialists in Fine Wine, Craft Beer and Spirits. offering high quality drinks at affordable prices. Free Same Day Delivery across West Hertfordshire 7 days a week when ordered before 4pm National Delivery also available

Harpenden Station, Station Approach, Harpenden AL5 4ST Berkhamsted Station, Lower Kings Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 2AJ @platformwinesharpenden

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out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AGE : THE HERT F ORDSHIRE WAY


OUT & ABOUT

The Land of the Tigers Now Open A

fter much anticipation, the Land of the Tigers habitat is now open at Paradise Wildlife Park. We want to take this opportunity to say thank-you for our supporters’ and visitors’ patience during the last few months. We are sure that you will not be disappointed and will be worth the wait! In the wild, Amur Tigers are constantly under threat due to negative human impacts, including habitat destruction, poaching, the illegal wildlife trade and many other issues. Paradise’s Land of the Tigers habitat focuses on the illegal logging trade where the unsustainable and unlicensed mass destruction of forest leaves the wild Amur Tiger endangered to extinction (as classified by the ICUN.) Paradise has structured the new habitat around themed shipping containers that would be comparable to those used to transport chopped down trees within the illegal logging trade. Not only does Paradise want Land of the Tigers to be a fun day out for the family but also a tool to help raise awareness for Aleena and Siberia’s wild cousins who are struggling in the wild. The Land of the Tigers habitat will be the first of its kind in the UK. No other Amur tiger habitat in the UK features a pool deep enough for both tigers to be fully submerged under water. Moreover, we have built a viewing area where you can come face to face with our beautiful tigers while they swim. This has never been done for the Amur tiger in the UK and we cannot wait to give you this totally unique experience. Aleena and Siberia are sisters and were born at Paradise’s sister site The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent. The two sisters were then brought to Paradise in 2013 when they were just over a year 2 4 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

old. Since then they have outgrown their previous habitat so the team at Paradise decided to build them a totally new home, complete with expanded space, a brand new off and on show den and even a pool! Paradise Wildlife Park / The Zoological Society of Hertfordshire is situated 20 miles north of London, 7 miles from Junction 25 on the M25 and approximately 25 minutes from London Liverpool Street by rail. pwpark.com

“The Land of the Tigers habitat will be the first of its kind in the UK”


OUT & ABOUT

Step into England’s Story “Kenwood is now in great beauty. Your uncle is passionately fond of it. We go thither every Saturday and return on Mondays but I live in hopes we shall now soon go thither to fix for the Summer.” – Lady Mansfield in a letter to her nephew in 1757.

O

n the edge of Hampstead Heath surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, Kenwood is one of London’s hidden gems - with a remarkable house come remarkable stories of the people who lived here. Kenwood House, was probably first built in the early 17th century, and equally probable, was a brick structure built by John Bill, King James I’s printer, who bought the estate in 1616. His son and grandson owned it until 1690, when it was sold to Brook Bridges for £3,400. The house, was significantly modified, possibly by Brook Bridges’s son, William, who owned Kenwood from 1694 to 1705. He then sold it to John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, in 1712. In 1754, William Murray acquired Kenwood for £4,000 and when in 1776, he was created 1st Earl of Mansfield he commissioned Scottish neoclassical architect Robert Adam to remodel the house. Changes included the addition of a new entrance and modernisation of the existing interior. Mansfield’s nephew, David Murray, succeeded to the earldom in 1793 and began to make significant changes which included a new road diverting Hampstead Lane away from the forecourt, to provide the house with more privacy. His son, David William Murray, 3rd Earl of Mansfield then inherited Kenwood from his father

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at the age of 19. During the 19th century the Mansfields preferred to live at their Scottish estate. The 4th Earl, William David Murray however, spent three months of the year at Kenwood and in 1906 The 6th Earl of Mansfield, Alan David Murray inherited Kenwood House from his brother.. From 1909 it was rented out to tenants including Grand Duke Michael Michaelovitch, second cousin to the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II and his family lived there until 1917 and were followed by American millionairess Nancy Leeds until 1920. In November 1922, Lord Mansfield sold off the contents of the house, including some original furnishings in a four-day sale. By 1925, however, Kenwood’s future was secured when Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, bought the house and 74 acres surrounding it. The Kenwood Preservation Council purchased land including the ponds and ‘Ken Wood’, and vested it in London County Council.

“Kenwood House, was probably first built in the early 17th century, and equally probable, was a brick structure built by John Bill, King James I’s printer, who bought the estate in 1616”


OUT & ABOUT

MORE INFORMATION COVID 19 restrictions are in place for the health and safety of visitors and staff following all Government guidelines, for full details visit english-heritage. org.uk/visit/reopening The garden shop and a temporary shop in The Orangery is open for you to browse safely and purchase a range of chutneys, wine, accessories, plants and garden items. The Iveagh Bequest Act of 1929 stipulated that Kenwood should be open free of charge to the public with the ‘mansion and its contents…. preserved as a fine example of the artistic home of a gentleman of the eighteenth century’ including the display of 63 of Lord Iveagh’s outstanding collection of Old Master and British paintings by artists including Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Reynolds. In 1949, realising the need for significant repair work, the Iveagh Bequest Trustees handed it over to London County Council. English Heritage took over in 1986 with an extensive repair and conservation project in 2012, part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Kenwood re-opened in 2013. Today, the magnificent grounds and breathtaking interiors of Kenwood Estate are open for everyone to enjoy for free Roam the meandering paths around Kenwood through 112 acres of glorious parkland and explore the ancient woodland , fascinating dairy and discover the beautiful sculptures and sham bridge.

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By late October, nature puts on her marvellous display of changing colours with thousands of trees providing a spectacular sight as the yellows, browns and reds blend across the skyline. Kenwood became what would be described in 1838 as ‘beyond all question, the finest country residence in the suburbs of London’.

Explore the places where history really happened. Visitors need to book an arrival time in advance, with visitor capacity reduced by a third. Demand for tickets is high, so only book if you’re sure you can make the date and time of your visit. Book your visit at englishheritage. seetickets.com/timeslots/ kenwood-house Kenwood Estate, Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR


OUT & ABOUT

125 years of the

National Trust

T

he National Trust has come a long way since it was founded by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley in 1895. The founders believed that nature, beauty and history are for everyone and so set up the Trust to look after the nation’s coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces. Octavia Hill, a radical social reformer and cultural philanthropist, saw the preservation of open spaces as crucial to improving the lives of the urban poor. Their aim was not only to save important sites, but to look after them for everyone to enjoy in the years to come. From this trio of environmental pioneers, the National Trust was created. Initially, one hundred people paid 10 shillings each to get the ball rolling forming the National Trust into an independent Charity. And their original values are still at the heart of everything the charity does 125 years later. The National Trust welcomed more than

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27.9million visitors over 2018/19. Vast coastlines, land, historic houses , castles, ancient monuments, 250 gardens and parks and nature reserves – with 9 lighthouses, 56 villages, a gold mine and 39 pubs including the George Inn in Southwark, featured in Dickens’ Little Dorrit. The National Trust’s first house was Alfriston Clergy House in East Sussex, a dilapidated medieval meeting house, acquired in 1896. The National Trust’s historic houses and stunning landscapes have also provided backdrops to some unforgettable moments on the small and silver screen from Harry Potter to Poldark and from Tarzan to Wolf Hall, via Game of Thrones. Stourhead House in Wiltshire was the inspiration for Lady Penelope’s residence in the original Thunderbirds puppet series in the 1960s. And you don’t need to leave the bustling, lively streets of London either. With thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all including

Above: Hatfield House; Below: The George Inn, Southwark

“With thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all including Morden Hall Park and Ham House and Garden”


Morden Hall Park, Ham House and Garden, 575 Wandsworth Road, Fenton House and 2 Willow Road in Hampstead, Carlyle’s House in Chelsea, Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard in Hackney and the last remaining galleried Inn in London - The George, built in 1677. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has been President for the past 25 years and in a special anniversary edition of the National Trust Magazine, The Prince has written a foreword acknowledging the vital role of its members and volunteers. This extract clearly displays his passion for the National Trust and what it has and always

will, stand for. “This year marks the 125th anniversary of the National Trust. It also happens to be my 25th year as President of this great British institution which, with your valuable support, continues to play a vital role in our national life. When our three founders established their new organisation it would surely have seemed impossible to them, or indeed anyone else, that a membership of

“His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has been President for the past 25 years”

Polesden Lacey House

Hampstead Grove, Hampstead

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OUT & ABOUT

Claremont Landscape Garden

Claremont Amphitheatre

millions of people would one day own and support 250,000 hectares of farmland, 780 miles of coastline and more than 500 historic properties, together with glorious gardens and spectacular Nature reserves. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those pioneers and to everyone whose support over the years. Your membership is much more than a pass to beautiful places: every penny you spend helps keep these places alive and special for the future, and open to all. The global spread of coronavirus is challenging society in a way that we have not experienced for generations and as a direct impact it has of course, necessitated the temporary closure of the National Trust’s properties, parks and gardens too. While this was undoubtedly a great shame, I know the anniversary will not be overlooked and I shall do whatever I can to play my part in celebrating this important milestone – however remotely. I can only say how enormously privileged I am to have watched this remarkable institution grow over the last 25 years and hope you will look forward, as much as I do, to seeing the next chapter unfold” The National Trust reopened more than 130 gardens and parklands last month.. To ensure the safety of their visitors, staff, volunteers and local communities, they have reduced the number of people they can welcome at one time and you’ll

Hatfiield House

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need to book your visit in advance. ​Last year over 65,000 volunteers devoted in excess of 4.8 million hours of their time to support The National Trust and thanks to the generosity of their supporters they received almost £97.8 million in fundraised income during 2018/19.

THE DETAILS For further details of The National Trust, re-opening dates and to become a member visit nationaltrust.org.uk

Clandon Park House, Guildford.


OUT & ABOUT

Ben Climbs for the Community B ishop’s Stortford College Pre-Prep pupil, Ben H, who is registered legally blind, has raised over £1,000 for local charities by embarking upon a sponsored climb. 5-year-old Ben was diagnosed with Nance-Horan Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disease, at just 2 weeks old. As a blue badge holder and formally registered as severely visually impaired in both eyes, Ben has undergone multiple eye operations in his lifetime at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Ben and his parents are incredibly grateful for all the medical care they have received from many specialists over the last 5 years at not only Addenbrooke’s but Moorfields, Hertfordshire, Lister and Great Ormond Street Hospitals. Ben wears special contact lenses to give him a focus range of approximately 70cm; without them he can only see light. Having received specialist care and support throughout his lifetime, Ben’s older sisters, 8 year-old Alice and 10 year-old Jessica who attend Bishop’s Stortford College Prep School, are dedicated to helping their brother and have supported him every step of the way. At the start of each new academic year, PrePrep pupils were given the opportunity to choose a charity to support for the year as part of their School Voice initiative. Pupils were keen to show their support for the local community, especially the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank and think of ways in which they could help. Inspired by his sisters, Ben decided to take on a climbing challenge in aid of the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank to kickstart the Pre-Prep fundraising. Over the weekend Ben visited Clip’n’Climb, Cambridge, and completed his sponsored climb with his sisters; the first climb he has ever done. Encouraged by his sisters and family, Ben climbed to the top of 10 different walls a total of 30 times. Ben’s visual impairment means that a lot of this was done through touch alone. To date Ben has raised over £1,000 with the support of his family, neighbours and friends. Miss Callow, Head of Pre-Prep, commented, “Ben has been an inspiration for us this term in completing the climbing challenge and has made a significant start towards our fundraising for this year. He responded so quickly to the plight of others that we had been talking about, and gave himself a real challenge to show his support and raise money. We are extremely proud of his achievements and look forward to an important year of raising money to support our chosen charities.”

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HOW TO DONATE For anyone wishing to donate to Ben’s fundraising efforts, visitjustgiving.com/fundraising/ liz-hardy3.


OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

Bill’s Restaurant & Bar collaborates with Madeleine Shaw

B

Launching bespoke, vegetarian menu this World Vegetarian Day - Until 12 November

ill’s Restaurant & Bar has announced a brand new partnership with best-selling cookery writer and nutritional therapist Madeleine Shaw. Born out of a shared passion for produce, delicious ingredients and seasonal recipes, Madeleine has created a bespoke menu of three vegetarian dishes, exclusive to Bill’s. Always bursting with British flair, Bill’s launched its new and dedicated menu on World Vegetarian Day, Thursday, 1 October, with all three dishes available for six weeks only. Brunch-goers will be able to enjoy Madeleine’s pea pancakes with smashed avocado and herby poached eggs, watercress and a zingy lemon drizzle (£9.95), available daily from 8am. For those looking for a lighter lunch or dinner option, Madeleine has created a miso roast sweet potato and ancient grain salad with baby kale, roasted pistachios, cranberries and a lemon dressing (£12.50), whilst guests looking for something a little more warming as we move into the colder months will be able to enjoy a creamy spinach dahl with spiced roast chickpeas, greens and a side of delicious coconut rice (£12.50). An established voice on the UK wellness scene, Madeleine posts inspiring content across her

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“Brunch-goers will be able to enjoy Madeleine’s pea pancakes with smashed avocado and herby poached eggs, watercress and a zingy lemon drizzle, available daily from 8am”

channels, helping her fans to ‘get the glow’ by taking a balanced and holistic approach to their health. Her delicious, fail-safe, recipes, combined with her nutritional knowledge and health tips, have meant she has become a go-to resource for hundreds of thousands - in the UK and beyond. Madeleine Shaw says: “Changing my diet to be mainly plant-based is one of the best things I’ve done and I’m so pleased that Bill’s has given me the opportunity to share my recipes with its diners. Using seasonal ingredients, I hope these new dishes will prove that vegetarian options can be just as exciting, wholesome and delicious.” To book a table or for further information, please visit bills-website.co.uk


COVER STORY

Autumn at The Ivy St Albans Brasserie T

he Ivy St Albans Brasserie is delighted to be adding a number of delicious and heart-warming dishes to its already extensive menu this autumn season. Created by the brasserie’s talented food team, each dish has been carefully made with seasonal ingredients to help shape a mouth-watering flavour on the pallet. Guests and visitors alike will be able to try the new roasted butternut squash risotto, with grilled goat’s cheese, sage and watercress (£12.95), beetroot carpaccio, with Cabernet Sauvignon dressing, horseradish sauce, blackberries and hazelnuts (£7.50), The Ivy tiramisu featuring, coffee and marsala soaked savoiardi biscuit with mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa powder (£7.95), and the fig and pistachio Feuilleté with hazelnut financier, crispy pastry top, yoghurt sorbet and cream (£9.25) to name but a few. Ewa Jordan, General Manager at The Ivy St Albans Brasserie says: “As we enter a brand-new season and the colours of autumn start to appear, The Ivy St Albans Brasserie adapts its menu to reflect the change in temperatures and times. We have added some wonderful new dishes to both our a la carte and dessert menus and look forward to welcoming local guests and regulars into the brasserie.” theivystalbans.com

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BUY LOCAL | BUY FRESH | BUY BRITISH

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


OUT & ABOUT

The Hertfordshire Way T

A waymarked long distance footpath

he 3rd edition of our guidebook “The Hertfordshire Way� released in August 2017, builds on the popularity of our previous two editions which have sold over 5000 copies. In this guide there are a number of changes to the previous edition which address safety concerns and avoid planned housing and highway developments. We have made the guide more user friendly and refreshed the appearance with a complete new set of colour photographs and some delightful sketches by a local illustrator who has walked the route.

The Friends of The Hertfordshire Way Although originally inspired by the Ramblers 60th Anniversary celebration walk in 1996, The Friends of The Hertfordshire Way was formed as an autonomous group in 1997. It is a voluntary 4 2 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0


OUT & ABOUT

The route is divided into 16 legs varying in length between 9 and 15 miles. The route is way marked in both directions but the book has been written to describe the route in the counterclockwise direction.

organisation, affiliated to the Ramblers and HF Holidays, and acts to promote and maintain the route. We keep a regular check on the condition of the paths, stiles and kissing gates, as well as the waymark signs, replacing damaged signs as necessary. Our walking group meets once a month on Mondays. Walks are led by our members and are generally between 10 to 12 miles with lunch at a pub onThe route. Forguide our current walking programme offical to a 195 mile fully waymarked footpath around the welcome visit fhw.org.uk Non-members are very of Hertfordshire to join picturesque these walks county at no cost, however if you decide to stay with us then we ask you to join The Friends of The Hertfordshire Way. Children and vulnerable adults must be accompanied by a responsible adult. This is the Third Edition of the official guide to a 195 mile circular walk around the picturesque County of Hertfordshire. Starting in Royston, the

route goes west to Tring, south to King’s Langley and Cuffley, east to Bishop’s Stortford before returning northwards to Royston. It takes in St Albans, Hertford and many delightful towns and villages along the way. Copies of the book are available online from: fhw.org.uk or from bookshops. (ISBN 9781901037241

cover03_Layout 1 23/04/2017 21:21 Page 1

Bert Richardson / Ian Hirst

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The Hertfordshire Way

www.fhw.org.uk hertfordshireway@gmail.com

The Hertfordshire Way A waymarked long distance footpath

Edited by Bert Richardson and Ian Hirst

Leg 1: Royston to Wallington 11.1 mi. Leg 2 : Wallington to Little Wymondley 12.2 mi. Leg 3: Little Wymondley to Codicote 9.3 mi. Leg 4: Codicote to St Albans 12.6 mi. Leg 5: St Albans to Markyate 11.0 mi. Leg 6: Markyate to Tring 11.4 mi. Leg 7: Tring to Kings Langley 15.4 mi. (can be divided into 2 legs) Leg 8: Kings Langley to Shenley 12.5 mi. Leg 9: Shenley to Cuffley 11.5 mi. Leg 10: Cuffley to Hertford 12.6 mi. Leg 10A: Cuffley to Broxbourne 12.0 mi. Leg 10B: Broxbourne to Hertford 12.6 mi. Leg 11: Hertford to Widford 13.6 mi. Leg 12: Widford to Bishop’s Stortford 10.3 mi. Leg 13: Bishop’s Stortford to Hare Street 10.5 mi. Leg 14: Hare Street to Royston 12.6 mi.


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


OUT & ABOUT feature

Ebay seller wisely seeks expert advice after bidding strikes on Chinese ‘plant pot’

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Chinese porcelain bowl, that generated great excitement when recently listed on eBay, comes for sale at Sworders’ in November fully catalogued with an estimate of £12,000-15,000. The early 19th century bowl, previously used as a plant pot, had been in the same family for over 50 years. Unaware of its significance, the owner had been surprised at the level of interest after briefly listing it for sale on eBay with a £200 starting price. When bidding sprawled into the thousands, the seller sensibly chose to withdraw it from sale and seek professional advice. Sworders’ specialist Yexue Li immediately recognised it as a yellow-ground famille rose medallion bowl with a six-character mark for the emperor Jiaqing who reigned from 17961820. Alongside the Eight Buddhist Emblems, the archaic characters painted in blue in circular roundels read ‘wanshou wujiang’ translating as boundless longevity. The bowl will now be included in a specialist auction of Asian Art with

“When bidding sprawled into the thousands, the seller sensibly chose to withdraw it from sale and seek professional advice”

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an estimate of £12,000-15,000. In 2019 Sworders sold a Qianlong (1736-95) famille rose wall vase on behalf of a vendor who in similar circumstances - had listed it on eBay with only a cursory description. Pulled from sale after a deluge of bids and enquiries, it was taken to the auctioneers for a fuller appraisal, later selling for a life-changing sum of £380,000. sworder.co.uk


OUT & ABOUT

Shopping and more, is back at intu Watford

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reat news! Shopper confidence is coming back, your favourite retailers are open, new movies are hitting the cinema screens and the bowling alley is fired up once again. Slowly but surely, there are positive signs of life returning to normal at intu Watford. Since non-essential shopping was given the thumbs up in July, intu Watford has seen more and more visitors returning to get some much-needed retail therapy, meet with friends for a drink (with safety measures in place, of course), and take advantage of the leisure facilities at the shopping centre. Whilst the new shopping experience might feel slightly unfamiliar – wearing a face covering, sanitising hands and keeping socially distanced whilst out and about is now second nature for most – meaning people can get back to enjoying the many pleasures in life that intu Watford has to offer. Now operating with almost 100% of its shops open, intu Watford are beginning to welcome new retailers into the centre. Brand-new luxury watch brand, Tag Heuer, opened their doors in July – and will be followed by the launch of a new boutique coffee shop, Bloomsyard, on Saturday 26 September and popular clothing brand, Joules at the end of October. Hugely exciting news for Watford is the announcement that a huge Next Beauty & Home store will be opening in the centre this autumn! Next Beauty & Home – which is set to open in the previous Debenhams unit – will offer a range of leading beauty brands, including Benefit, Elemis, ghd, The Ordinary, By Terry and many more. Alongside beauty products, the new store will

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also stock a selection of Next homeware. From furniture and home furnishings to an abundance of Christmas decorations, Next will stock everything you need to get your home in order ahead of the festive season. Leisure facilities within intu Watford – including Rock Up climbing centre, Cineworld and Hollywood Bowl – are also back to doing what they do best, allowing families and small groups to enjoy their favourite activities safely. To complete your day out at the centre, restaurants and cafes are also welcoming more visitors week on week. Popular eateries that are now open again include The Florist, Meat & Shake, Las Iguanas, TGI Friday’s, Pizza Express, Fridays, Wrapchic and Yo Sushi. So as the chillier months begin to roll in, plan yourself a fun day out (booking online where possible) and get back to enjoying life at intu Watford.

THE DETAILS For more information on opening times, operating brands and more, visit intu.co.uk/watford.


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

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OUT & ABOUT

Waggies Wonderdogs Waggies Wonderdogs are experts in dog training, behaviour, and exercise. Waggies Wonderdogs provides various services and ongoing support to ensure your dog is a happy member of the household. All training is done using positive reinforcement.

“Barrie has worked with many dogs over the years dealing with simple training up to various behavioural issues” A dog is never too old to be trained and Waggies Wonderdogs offers various training packages as well as a tailor-made service depending on your requirements. All services provided are private 1-21 sessions ensuring high level personal care. When it comes to behavioural challenges Waggies Wonderdogs will perform a free assessment to discuss and observe first hand the challenges you are having and work out the best potential solutions. All dogs thrive with both mental and physical stimulation so Waggies Wonderdogs offers exercise services from private dog walking to basic agility training. Waggies Wonderdogs does not believe in a ‘one off ’ training session which would then leave the onus on the owner; they work together with you and your dog providing ongoing support for as long as is needed. waggieswonderdogs.co.uk

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aggies Wonderdogs is owned and run by Barrie Gotch based in Elstree, Hertfordshire. Barrie has always had a huge love of dogs and developed a real passion for dog training after he rescued an aggressive Rottweiler which had been abused and was about to be put down around 16 years ago. Barrie took a course in dog training and behaviour and never looked back, following it passionately as a hobby. Barrie has worked with many dogs over the years dealing with simple training up to various behavioural issues. Recently with the sudden surge in people buying dogs during lockdown, Barrie decided to turn his passion and hobby into a professional business, Waggies Wonderdogs! 5 0 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0


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FEATURE

The Hertfordshire Cook Book

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elebrating everything the county has to offer, The Hertfordshire Cook Book takes you on a journey across the county’s food and drink scene from distilleries to farm shops, discovering the independent enterprises that make this area far more than the commuter belt it can be dismissed as. The newest addition to Meze Publishing’s eagerly anticipated ‘Get Stuck In’ series of regional cook books, The Hertfordshire Cook Book, is filled with the region’s favourite independent restaurants, cafés, pubs, shops and suppliers from cover to cover. It dives deep into everything that St. Albans has to offer in particular, without neglecting the rest of this beautiful county. Travel from the unmissable selection of craft beers at the Beer Shop in Hitchin to the picturesque village of Welwyn, visit Laura Kate to indulge in bespoke cakes that are almost too pretty to eat, and then come back over to discover Puddingstone Distillery, the home of Campfire Gin. There is something for everyone in the county and this book follows in those footsteps, boasting options for meat lovers, vegans and veggies. From the Chilli Bar & Kitchen in St. Albans, who modernise classical Indian flavours, to the pop of colour that Tara’s Vegan Treats adds to the historical market, this book is a gastronomical guide for foodie fans throughout the region. Tara shares her thoughts on being part of the book: “Being a part of the Hertfordshire Cook Book

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is one of the most exciting things I have done with my start-up so far. To have a milestone as tangible as a cookbook is quite surreal, and I’m chuffed for Vegan Treats to be printed alongside some of St Albans’ best independents. I can’t wait to sell copies at my street food stall!” Market stalls like Tara’s are just the beginning of the community feeling of this book. It explores the eccentricity of the three wheeled coffee van that allowed Charlie’s Coffee & Company to grow into their sustainably-fuelled shop and discovers the wonders of The Bishops Cave, a bar encouraging everyone to indulge in the finer things, dreamt up on a golf course by father and son Steve and Dan. Johnny Shepherd of The Pudding Stop in the heart of St. Albans takes care to run a business grounded in community and ethical choices. He is proud of the locals who supported them from their beginnings in a small van affectionately christened the ‘Pudmobile’ to their shop in the city which is still jam packed with the same delightfully drizzled handmade puddings. As he puts it: “It was food that first brought me to St Albans, and food is the reason I’ve chosen to make a home here. Where there’s good food there’s usually a good story, and this book is full of both.” The likes of The Fleetville Larder, Chiltern Oils, The Cobbled Kitchen and The Secret Truffletier are just a few of the unique and wonderful businesses that The Hertfordshire Cook Book opens the doors to, and they are not to be missed.

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


ExpErts in Dog training, bEhavior anD ExErcisE.

A happy dog means a happy home. All our services are private 1-2-1 sessions ensuring high level personal care.

Please visit our Facebook page for more information, photos and videos @waggieswonderdogs www.waggieswonderdogs.co.uk phone - 07743 012804 email - info@waggieswonderdogs.co.uk

Zero Waste Shopping in Hertfordshire Bring your own containers to our store and refill from a wide range of whole foods - from staples such as pasta, rice and nuts, to treats like vegan sweets and delicious chocolates. Our liquid refill section offers an array of shampoos, conditioners and body washes as well as household cleaning products All our products are ethically sourced, local, or organic goods, so as well as avoiding single-use plastic, you can feel great about the products themselves! 26 London Road, St Albans, AL11NG Tel: 01727 800111 Email:mailbox@therefillpantry.co.uk www.therefillpantry.co.uk


education


EDUC ATION

Back to school

It is back to school but not as you know it, Lara Péchard, Head of St Margaret’s School in Bushey takes a look at how pupils have coped with the first few weeks of term.

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s we welcomed pupils back this September it was an experience as shiny and new as a year 7s pair of Clarks. Pupils and staff (and dare I say, parents) were energised by school being re-opened, impressive given the sheer volume of guidance and communication we have had to all get through to be here. As everyone has settled into the term I must admit it is wonderful, for now, to be able to enjoy some of the ‘normal’ aspects of school life. Children aren’t complaining about missing out, but when you talk to them there are few aspects of school life that those new to a senior school in particular feel short changed by. Families and schools might want to help their children recreate some of these experiences. Lockers: Any child new to year 7 looks forward to their locker, their secret little patch of school where their stuff can be unseen and their character can flow. I remember the excitement of 6 0 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

this as I started secondary school, it was beautiful chaos with posters out of Smash Hits taped to the sides. Bizarrely with all the social media that can be personalised children still get excited about lockers and it is the number one on their missing list. Seeing the whole school together: For a child joining a new school seeing the whole school together in the beginning of term service, prize-giving or assembly means you quickly feel part of a bigger community. There is a pride that comes with this and a sense of place. There is also the magic of looking up to older children and seeing yourself projected a few years on. The inability to mix year groups as pupils are separated by year bubbles impacts a school and child greatly. We are recreating this opportunity through virtual assemblies, student councils and co-curricular clubs (as well as putting them on in year groups) so that children can mix with others of different ages. In order for our older pupils, like our prefects and peer mentors, to lead younger


pupils we are also creating online opportunities. For now mixing with other year groups in person can only happen in very socially distanced fire practice or on a school bus. Certainty: There is so much that is altered that children are operating in a more fluid school and school year. Pupils are being taught in a particular quarter of the school, and whilst we are fortunate to have a 60 plus acre site, it still means they see less of the school than normal. They are being taught differently and for those in examination years it is unclear what might happen to exams and assessment. With the possibility of circuit breaks and local lockdowns there is always the possibility of having to return to virtual learning. Some schools excel in these times, there is a deepening commitment from teachers who feel responsibility to their pupils and their vocation. Pastoral care sets good schools apart. The excellent tutor really is the child’s X factor at this time. There is so much that is impressive about how schools are responding. However, we cannot take away the fact that children might find anxiety in the lack of certainty. After all the school day, year and end of course assessments are all subject to change. How do we

support children in this time? By offering a chance to talk through what worries them and trying to find the carefree time for them. Also by making sure for those in public examination years that there is a continuous evidence trail of common assessments to support grades should they need to be given. A steady approach, where children feel safe, secure and listened to as ever is crucial to help our young come through this time well. Schools and families can also ensure that they have some fun and new memories and traditions. stmargaretsbushey.co.uk

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EDUC ATION

Felsted School

‘Shortlisted for Boarding School of the Year 2020, Prep School of the Year and Sport School of the Year 2019, by Times Education Supplement

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Felsted School education has become the popular choice for many families wanting a safe, countryside education for their child. Families also appreciate the school’s focus on pupil wellbeing, small class sizes, dedicated teachers and modern boarding options. Based on a stunning village campus 15 minutes east of Bishops Stortford, Felsted places as much emphasis on each student’s emotional development as on their academic progress. From the moment a child joins Felsted’s supportive and close-knit community, they will be welcomed, nurtured and challenged. Highlights include: • Global Outlook: as a member of the Round Square network of schools worldwide and with a diverse pupil body of over 30 nationalities, pupils get stuck into global debate, networking and exchanges. A highly acclaimed international summer school also delivers an outstanding global studies and English programme each year. • Leading University Entry: Felsted students are offered places at some of the best universities around the world, in countries as diverse as Canada, the Netherlands, USA, Italy and of course the UK, with offers from Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Warwick, UCL, Bath, Exeter and City University, among others. • A Broad Curriculum, including Spanish, Music, Forest School and PE in our Early Years curriculum, through to a full range of subject choices at GCSE, A Levels and the IB Diploma in the Senior Form. Superior provision for the very able, plus experienced learning support for those that need some extra help. 6 2 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

• Extensive Co-curricular & Leadership Programme, including fun and progressive Clubs & Societies, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh and Combined Cadet Force Programmes. • Superb Sporting & Creative Arts Pathways: Professional partnerships with expert coaching, mentoring, facilities and performance opportunities and fixtures. • Superb Care Team: a 24/7 medical team, wellbeing centre, tutors, matrons and house parents provide market leading mental health and wellbeing support. Member of the BSA Safe Schools Initiative. • Scholarships and awards: in Academia, Music, Art, Sport, Design & Technology and Drama, worth up to 20% off the fees. Awards may be supplemented with a means-tested top-up bursary. Find out more on felsted.org with a full range of Virtual Tours & Videos. On-site Open Morning Experiences also available.

“Felsted places as much emphasis on each student’s emotional development as on their academic progress”


EDUC ATION

BACK TO SCHOOL – THE NEW NORMAL

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have never looked forward to the start of term so much as this year. It is fantastic to have all the girls back and see the school buzzing again. We were fortunate to be able to welcome some of the Year 10s and 12s in for a short while before the end of the Summer Term. Not only was it a great pleasure to see them, but it also gave us the opportunity to rehearse some of the new health risk reduction measures that we have put in place. Of course, it is not possible to ensure a totallyrisk free environment but we have introduced proportionate protective controls. In doing so, we have followed UK Government guidelines as well as those from other advisory bodies such as the Girls’ School Association and the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). Queenswood is a proudly international community, with pupils living in time zones from Texas to Tokyo. Due to travel restrictions in some countries, it is not be possible for all of our overseas girls to return to school for the start of term. We are therefore continuing to provide a robust remote learning programme for those girls, making use of video-conferencing software and collaborative documents. We also offered a quarantine option on site for two weeks before the start of term for a small group of overseas boarders. The main thrust of the Government’s guidance is for us to keep pupils in segregated groups or ‘bubbles’. Each year group at Queenswood has now temporarily become its own colour-coded bubble. This inevitably changes some of the normal workings of school life and will doubtless

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feel a bit strange for the girls to begin with, but I am convinced that we will all get used to the new ways of doing things very quickly. We are offering a host of new co-curricular opportunities, both online and in person, and our Chapel services and Assemblies will continue in virtual form. At heart we are still the same wonderful ‘Q’. As soon as we can relax measures and gradually get back to normal then we will, but I am determined that we will not compromise either the safety of our pupils or the integrity of the learning we provide. Jo Cameron, Principal, Queenswood School queenswood.org

“Queenswood is a proudly international community, with pupils living in time zones from Texas to Tokyo”


EDUC ATION

A warm and vibrant community for the next stage in their lives. At St Columba’s Prep we aim to form wellrounded pupils through our varied curriculum and strong pastoral care programme. We build an excellent community with our parents, and this begins with communication. This year our remote learning programme has been a great success with parents and pupils. Our dedicated staff utilised a range of resources, including Microsoft Teams, to deliver interactive and engaging lessons, following the normal timetables. We continued our provision of strong pastoral support through regular communications with the children and their families as they adapted to remote learning.

“We help instil a dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking mindset”

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t Columba’s Prep School is a warm and vibrant community in the heart of St Albans. We educate children aged 4 to 11, offering them a stable sanctuary where they can flourish and be themselves. In January 2021 we look forward to welcoming girls into Reception and from September 2021 into Year 1 and Year 2 so they too can benefit from all that St Columba’s has to offer. Head of Prep, Mr Richard McCann says, “We are a close-knit and happy family, underpinned by strong values. At the heart of these are the three Cs of St Columba’s College: Courage, Courtesy and Compassion. “We help instil a dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking mindset, which enables the children to thrive in an intercultural and fastmoving world whilst retaining the fun and creativity associated with being a child.” For most of our pupils, their educational journey starts in St Columba’s Prep then continues into our Senior School at age 11 before entering our Sixth Form at 16. We then send them out into the world fully equipped with the skills they need

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Admission to our Lower Prep School is by an informal assessment where your child will spend approximately an hour with us, and will be put at ease and made to feel very welcome by our staff. Admission to the Upper Prep School (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) is by age-appropriate Maths, English and Reasoning assessments, plus a reference and the latest report from your child’s current school. Do get in touch with us. We’d love to meet you in person for a private visit or a video chat. stcolumbascollege.org


EDUC ATION

Register to Attend the

Bishop’s Stortford College

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Virtual Open Mornings

ishop’s Stortford College is a coeducational independent day and boarding school that takes pupils from 4 – 18 years with the aim of building confidence for life. One of the region’s top performing independent co-educational schools and consistently among the top 100 independent schools in the country. The College received the ISI headline judgements ‘excellent’ in all 4 sections of their March 2017 Inspection – the highest accolade achievable. As three schools in one, we are large enough to provide an exceptional range of opportunities, whilst each part is small enough for pupils to be known, valued and nurtured as individuals. The infectious enthusiasm, imagination and dedication of College staff, in partnership with parents, enables pupils to grow into happy, wellrounded, skilful and caring young people equipped and ready for the adventures and opportunities life has to offer. Breadth of experience is naturally woven into daily life. Pupils can, and do, pursue high academic standards whilst enjoying and succeeding, in many other interests. Bishop’s Stortford College is proud to be a founding

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member of the Bishop’s Stortford Educational Trust see bishopsstortfordeducationaltrust.org.uk. Designed for those considering entry to the Sixth Form in 2021, this year’s Sixth Form Virtual Open Morning will take place on Saturday 10th October from 10.15am. In addition to introductory talks and live presentations, there will be the opportunity to watch a virtual tour, hear from current Sixth Form students, and the Sixth Form Management Team and Heads of Department. The Prep School Virtual Open Morning, for 7+ to 11+ entry in 2021, will take place on Saturday 7th November from 9.45am. As well as a live presentation from the Head of the Prep School, Bill Toleman, including a Q&A session, interested families will have the opportunity to hear from current parents, watch a virtual tour of the Prep School and meet key members of Prep School staff through pre-recorded content. Families can register to attend one of these Open Mornings by visiting the ‘Admissions and Open Mornings’ page on the College website: bishopsstortfordcollege.org

“As three schools in one, we are large enough to provide an exceptional range of opportunities, whilst each part is small enough for pupils to be known”


C ARE

THE LANDSBY LIBRARY

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lysian Residences and bookseller Foyles have opened the first Elysian library, curated by Foyles, located in the developer’s new urban retirement village, the Landsby, in London’s Stanmore. Designed by leading London architect Collado Collins, the Landsby’s architectural style deliberately references the Art Deco period seen in the local area and provides 101 oneand two-bedroom private apartments including ten penthouses set within leafy surroundings. Features include the entrance canopy and foyer, feature brickwork, curved walls, polished pillars, large windows and generous covered balconies. The grand double height entrance lobby and new library span the entire depth of the Landsby with the library finished in beautiful American Walnut wood. Curated by Foyles, the extensive library offers a number of sections covering biographies, novels, classics, gardens, travel, sports and children’s books for the homeowners’ grandchildren. The ‘living library’, with over 750 books, will be updated according to the interests of the homeowners

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and new books can be ordered from Foyles via the Landsby’s concierge. Homeowners will be able to either browse and read books in the luxurious library or adjoining bar, or in the privacy of their home. Homeowners can also benefit from Foyles’ order-on-request service providing access to specialist foreign language books; music recordings; and DVDs.

“The grand double height entrance lobby and new library span the entire depth of the Landsby”

Elysian Residences Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Stein, says: “Libraries are an important cornerstone of a vibrant community, offering visitors a place of relaxation, learning and discovery. The new Elysian library, curated by renowned bookseller Foyles, is part of our approach to provide our homeowners with their own luxury home with everything on hand to enjoy an active and enriched lifestyle.”

THE DETAILS Limited apartments are still available to purchase at the Landsby. Prices start from £480,000 for a one-bedroom, £695,000 for a two-bedroom and £1,210,000 for a penthouse apartment (other fees also apply): all providing private outdoor space. For further information on the Landsby Tel: 0203 813 3861 or visit: elysianresidences.com


fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : AUTU M N B EAUTY TRENDS


FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[ NE W S ]

FASHION & BEAUTY A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME…

get the glow The secret to deep, spa-level cleansing is Foreo Luna 3. Made from medical grade silicone, Luna 3 sends 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations (sound waves) per minute through your skin to deep clean your pores. It’s waterproof so we are using it daily in the shower and skin is noticeably more radiant, smoother and firmer. Deeply cleansed and glowing! The Sonic waves increase circulation and exfoliate with no pulling or harsh abrasions, stimulating skin at a cellular level. One charge lasts over 650 uses so its perfect to take away or to the gym too!. foreo.com/luna-range

regal beauty

add some sparkle

taking flight These luxury leather butterflies are elegant and tactile. A lovely little accessory to be enjoyed everyday, they make a wonderful gift and are make ideal stocking fillers, housewarming presents and thank-you gifts. tovisorga.com 7 6 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

We love this amazing shoe buckle. Take your favourite pair of pups or court shoes and add a Hangisi clip Jewel embellishment and statement shape you can be sure to get more from your favourite shoes. Easy to add and remove and arrives in a lovely velvet pouch. mimisedit.co.uk

Throughout history and different cultures, birds have had a deeper meaning. Some tie birds to the spiritual realm while others consider them to be messengers and still others consider them to be symbols of transformation and freedom. We love this gorgeous Bird And Nest pendant, handmade in sterling silver. aringaday.co.uk

ON YOUR HEAD A faulous piece of headwear for the new season! A unique accessory that can be worn in various ways. Cross over for an open turban style or as a large knot or flower shape for more of a statement look. Made with a flexible wire inside, it will comfortably stay in place all day and makes it easy to wrap around and shape it in your own way. coffeeandcloth.co.uk

This exclusive Elizabeth I scarf is inspired by a portrait of Elizabeth that hangs in the Deanery of Westminster Abbey. Elizabeth holds a glove in one hand and a feather fan in the other, which can be seen in the center of the scarf. Tudor roses and fleur de lys that surround Elizabeth I’s ornate tomb can also be seen in the design. shop.westminster-abbey.org


FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Case Study: EYES on St Albans

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ounded by Jez Levy, Eyes on St Albans in an independent practice in St Albans that is style and fashion-driven. The practice is described as, “Obsessive about bring you an unrivalled collection of eyewear…. finding unique designers”. Jez says: “Eyes on St Albans has been 35 years in the making, from when I was 16 and started to work for a frame company.” Jez went on to work at For Eyes where he says he learnt all about customer service. He explains: “This should be about doing everything you can for the customer who walks through the door. It’s the customer who pays your rent or mortgage, who puts food on your plate.” Jez went on to join Inspecs, the first importers of Alain Mikli and Jean Paul Gaultier eyewear. “Quality eyewear entered my blood,” he continues. “We were picking the right opticians to stock the products. That taught me the only way a collection will sell is by stocking it correctly, with 40 pieces not just a couple.” Jez came out of optics in 2000 to look after his son who is autistic, but returned six years ago to bring all his experiences together in the new practice. He says: “I was aiming to offer the finest eyewear and the best service.”

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

When stocking the practice, Jez advises: “The key to fashion eyewear is stocking the correct collections, not High Street brands. With High Street brands, discounters undervalue the collection and you get into a pricing war. You lose margin, you lose kudos. The eyewear at EYES on St Albans speaks for itself.” Alongside the fashion-focussed approach, Jez ensures the practice offers an all-round experience. “We offer great coffee, and a beer or prosecco after the test. It’s all about excellence; it still has to be there when I’m not in the practice. Its is the most five-star rated independent optical store because we give the best to everyone”. To ensure that both the stock and the practice look stay on trend and change with each season, Jez has developed a timeless design with brick walls and mirrors behind the frames which will not date. He says: “We have 50 to 60 pieces for each collection at any one time. The designers keep me up-to-date with what is coming in the next three to six months. I take out frames that might date and return them and swap in something new as well as topping up what we have sold.” “There is a reliance on the designers – this wouldn’t work with some big brands. We also have collections which are timeless and won’t date, others where we swap in new colours. This environment is multiple-purchase, so you have to be seen to be freshening it. In the drawers I have overspill collections so I can refresh what’s on display.” To see an online tour of the store visit eyesonstalbans.com – Antiona Chitty BSC (HONS), MA, MCOPTOM, MCIPR is ABDO head of communications and author of 20 books on business, health and special needs.


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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Autumn Beauty

Trends

Katie Wright reveals the key looks of the season ahead.

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utumn is here, and that means it’s all change in the fashion and beauty departments, as we wave goodbye to summer and say hello to the newseason collections. The AW20 catwalks brought us a bounty of fabulous hair and make-up looks, and there’s something to suit everyone – from sparkle and shimmer to moody hues, and the re-emergence of some classic techniques. Here are the most important beauty trends of the season…

Metallic shine Another look that’s destined for the dance floor, mirror-like flashes were a favourite at London Fashion Week, with models at Preen, Simone Rocha and Erdem all adorned with metallic foils. In shades of silver, gold and red, the chocolate wrapper-like textures were placed in an abstract manner, giving an antique, worn-in vibe.

Winged eyeliner Mastered the feline flick? Then it’s time to take it up a notch with one of the edgy black winged liner looks seen on the catwalks, from the cut crease flick at Stella McCartney, to the bold double-wing designs at Valentino and Miu Miu. Alternatively, the crisp mini-wing at Richard Quinn is a good starting point for newbies.

Golden eyes Already looking forward to festive season? We’ve got the perfect party look for you: golden eyes, as seen at Tom Ford, where shimmering shadow was paired with kohl liner, and Gabriela Hearst, where a warm golden tone was topped with a sprinkle of glitter. 8 2 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

Gothic vibes Pale skin, black cherry lips, kohl-rimmed eyes, or all of the above – that was the brief at a whole host of AW20 shows, from Rodarte and Anna Sui


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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Statement hair

“A perfectly painted scarlet lip never goes out of style, but this season, matte red makes way for something with a bit more shinE” in New York, to Gucci and Max Mara in Milan. While going full-on goth with that make-up trio might seem a bit much, a deep berry lip is a softer way to try the trend.

Pops of colour The brightest make-up hues are usually reserved for spring, but there were some welcome splashes of colour on the autumn catwalks. Pink was particularly popular, with bubblegum pink eyes at Matty Bovan, fuchsia mascara at Off-White, and Eighties-style eyeshadow at Rixo.

Red lips A perfectly painted scarlet lip never goes out of style, of course, but this season, matte red makes way for something with a bit more shine. We’re not going so far as to say gloss is back – aim for a soft satin finish, as seen at Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander. 8 4 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

Hair stylists went all out for AW20, creating some spectacular catwalk looks, from huge, wide wigs at Matty Bovan and sculpted braids at Ashish, to colourful stencilled locks at Emilio Pucci and slicked-back silver tresses at Erdem. Obviously, these aren’t the kind of styles you can easily replicate at home, but the chic twisted knots and braids seen at Fendi and Rixo are a lot more wearable, while still offering plenty of wow-factor.


FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Depression:

Truthfully anybody can get depressed “I did escape... in fact my life is far better after decade of depression than it was before my depression”

epression. Many of us will experience this low mood, bewilderment and melancholy at some stage in our life. Occasionally it can be related to a discernable happening but come from nowhere.

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• Eat too much or eat too little • Drink too much alcohol or self-medicate with non-prescribed drugs • Some make mistakes at work or even miss work altogether.

People struggling with low mood may experience: • Moving lethargically • Persistent headaches • Finding it very difficult to get out of bed • Uncertain speech • Loss of libido • Poor concentration • Poor memory • Aches and pains • Waking up early • Tiredness and lack of energy • Stomach pains and upsets Depressed people might: • Abandon hobbies and avoid social activities • Snap at family and lose interest in friends

People often avoid admitting to themselves and to others that they might be struggling with an emotional issue like depression. It often feels like an inevitable never-ending catastrophe and people become genuinely frightened. Some refuse to accept depression, because it doesn’t fit in with their self-concept. I, myself, never thought I’d be depressed, but it happened to me. When I was deep in depression… when I was in that hollow, dark, hopeless place, I didn’t believe that I’d ever escape its grip. I did escape... in fact my life is far better after decade of depression than it was before my depression. I realised that before, I was ‘being’ a person that actually made me ill. I got help… I’ve changed and I’m closer to the real me. Now, I never feel low… honestly.

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THE DETAILS Shane Lutkin, Lead Therapist at counselling & psychotherapy practice, emotionalskills.uk Offering Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, & FaceTime appointments and as lockdown eases, face-to-face work. Call: 07986 488690 Email: info@emotionalskills.uk. Visit: emotionalskills.uk.


FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

THINK PINK

Top beauty buys that give back Stock up on skincare, make-up and more this October. Katie Wright reveals her top picks.

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t’s time to think pink again as Breast Cancer Awareness Month returns with a tempting line-up of beauty products that not only help you look good, but raise funds for worthy charities too. This year, as the importance of health is more relevant than ever, you can show your support by picking up limited-edition pink products throughout October. Here are seven of the best BCA buys… 1. Estee Lauder Limited-Edition Pink Advanced Night Repair Synchronized MultiRecovery Complex with Pink Ribbon Bracelet, £82 Beloved of beauty buffs everywhere, who know it simply as ANR, this serum has recently been

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reformulated, giving it even more youth-preserving potency. Packed with ingredients that promote firmness, hydration and radiance, the limited edition bottle also comes with a pink ribbon bracelet, with 20% of the purchase price going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), not just in October, but until June 2021. 2. GHD Helios Professional Hair Dryer in Powder Pink, £159 In need of a new hairdryer? GHD’s latest high-tech offering, the Helios, delivers a sleek, salon-worthy blow-


FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

dry, but is designed to be quieter and lighter than regular dryers. For every sale of the new powder pink edition, £10 will go to Breast Cancer Now. 3. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Limited Edition Supersize, £115 When it comes to moisturisers, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. For every bright pink extra-large pot of the algae-powered day cream sold, £10 will be donated to Breast Cancer Now.

4. Bobbi Brown Powerful Pinks Luxe Matte Lip Color Duo, £38 Update your make-up wardrobe for the new season with this dynamic duo of matte lipsticks in two universally flattering shades, Boss Pink and

Razzberry. For every pair sold, the full RRP (minus VAT) will go to BCRF, from now until the end of June next year. 5. Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne, £100 One of Jo Malone’s best-loved scents, Peony & Blush Suede is a fruity floral symphony that combines notes of crisp red apple, delicate peony and soft suede. Throughout October, for every 100ml bottle sold, £20 will go to BCRF. 6. Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Shampoo and No Scent No Colour Conditioner, £20 each Philip Kingsley’s No Scent No Colour range was designed by the famed hairdresser for his wife to use when she was battling breast cancer. Part of an ongoing charity initiative, 50p from every regular-sized bottle of either shampoo or conditioner sold, is donated to cancer charity Look Good Feel Better. 7. Origins Blooming Sheer Lip Balm in Pink Blossom & Blooming Shine Nourishing Lip Glaze in Rose Blush, £36 Get glossy, gorgeously smooth lips with Origins’ Blooming Lip Duo, which brings together a sheer pink balm and high-shine gloss, with 100% of proceeds going to BCRF.

“This year, as the importance of health is more relevant than ever, you can show your support by picking up limited-edition pink products” 9 0 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0


FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Tried and tested:

mascaras

Our testers get to grips with some of the year’s biggest make-up launches.

Urban Decay

Hourglass Claire Spreadbury tried: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, £29 Hourglass’ latest release comes with lots of big promises – intense length, lift, definition, the look of extensions, while also being filmforming and smudge-proof, yet easy to wash off. To be honest, I don’t listen to a lot of the hype when it comes to mascara. We all have personal preferences, but my biggest bugbear is the black bits that sit underneath my lashes and ultimately result in panda eye. I struggle with it so much that I’ve resorted to wearing waterproof mascara on a daily basis. On first application, I did have a few speckles of black beneath my eye, but after that, I didn’t. I’ve worn it all day and night and not needed to wipe away dark smudges at all. The wand itself is easy to use and the mascara goes on nicely and stays put – but most importantly, the film-forming technology really does work – I’m impressed! 9 2 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

Huda Beauty Sarah Marshall tried: Huda Beauty Legit Lashes, £24, Boots This isn’t the easiest mascara to apply, but with a bit of effort, it does deliver dramatic results. There are two brushes: one thick wand designed to build layers of volume and another finer, curved applicator to finish the look. I’m generally slap dash when it comes to make-up, so it took me a few attempts to master a tidy, clump-free finish. I found the volume brush slightly too chunky and unwieldy, but it does thicken lashes after only a few flicks, allowing you to work quickly before unsightly spider legs form. For me, the curling wand was a revelation. Along with coating tips for that doe-eyed Bambi effect, it’s excellent for catching tricky corner bits and thinner lower lashes. I used it alone on these areas to get the best fluttery finish. Capable of creating multiple looks, this has to be one of the most versatile mascaras out there.

Liz Connor tried: Urban Decay Lash Freak, £21 As someone with blonde and fairly unremarkable lashes, I’ll take any extra help I can get in the eye department, and Urban Decay’s latest launch promises to do the trick; the cult beauty brand claims it can behold the wearer with 23.6 times more volume and up to 40% more visible lash length. The beauty of this mascara lies in its asymmetrical brush – rather than having bristles all over, the wand is smooth on one side to help hit every nook and cranny of your lash line. The bristled tip is designed to define and separate lashes (even those fiddly annoying ones in the inner corners), while the curved side adds lift at the lash root. I was genuinely impressed at how quickly I could build a false lash effect with just a few swipes of the wand – although I did find that one too many gave me a bit of a clumpy Sixties look, so my advice would be to go gently, as a little of this product goes a long way. That being said, I’m pleased to say that this mascara lived up to its 20-hour guarantee – I wore it all day and managed to avoid looking in the mirror to find either flaking or raccoon eyes. This is a great purchase for anyone looking to amp up their eye look this season.


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H OME & PROPERTY

[ NE W S ]

INTERIORS PLANT A BLOOMER ‘Woodland Friends’, a stunning set of 6 greeting cards featuring sparkling forest creatures from the British Isles. Each greeting comes with a detachable, plantable woodland animal. Delicately lasercut from a unique seed paper, the animals are embedded with gold and silver mica flakes and wildflower seeds. When ‘planted’ the paper breaks down into the soil — and the seeds germinate to produce seedlings! plantabloomer.co.uk

COSY AUTUMN COLOURS Though Autumn brings colder days and darker nights, Garden Trading’s indoor living collection blends seasonal swathes of colour with soft textiles and tactile accessories; adding warmth to create inviting and welcoming spaces. Drawing on the vibrant personality and origins of the houseplant trend, this new collection finds its expression in colourful textiles, ceramics and hand-woven cane and bamboo furniture. gardentrading.co.uk

really retro The Rydell Radio is heavy on 60s style but plugged into 21st century tech. It carries MW, LW, FM and SW frequencies, allowing you to listen to your favourite stations any time of the day. It includes rotary style buttons for tone and volume settings. gporetro.com

LOOK NO ARMS! Sofa Beds can be a great way to make the most of your space in your living area or guest bedroom. Bring ultimate comfort into your space with the Launceston 2 Seater No Arms Sofa Bed from Darlings of Chelsea. Choose from a range of fabrics from stain-resistant house wool to easy-clean plush velvet. A variety of colours available like Dew, Terracotta and Coral. darlingsofchelsea.co.uk 9 6 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

GOING GREEN Giving homes a natural healthy boost, the latest collection of ontrend indoor greenery at Dobbies have added green credentials, being planted up in sustainable coconut coir pots.seeds germinate to produce seedlings! dobbies.com


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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

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H OME & PROPERTY

Summer doesn’t have to be over! Endless summers are here to stay with Origin new ways of having fun, spending precious time together as a family and even making astaycation more appealing. When it comes to swimming pools, Origin does it all. Building pools is a specialised field, it’s unlike any other building project and requires a holistic approach with all the key elements working together from the beginning. Origin has all the design and engineering expertise necessary and manage the whole building process process for you, from initial concept, planning and design to completion and beyond, eliminating the need for you to employ separate companies. Access to a pool right on your doorstep means it’s easy to swim everyday in the privacy of your own home, either to maintain a healthy lifestyle or simply as a space to relax and in times like these when outside space has become a precious commodity, what’s better than knowing your family is staying safe and healthy at home?

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f September’s heatwave has taught us anything, it’s that summer doesn’t have to be over. In fact, with an Origin swimming pool it can be summer all year long. As an activity swimming has many benefits, as well as the obvious it improves quality of sleep and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and remains one of the most popular activities across the country, with its physical and mental health benefits exceeding expectation. 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 can become a centre of wellness. In these unprecedented times many people are looking to create a new space at home, somewhere that could become a new social hub for everyone in the family to enjoy. Origin’s swimming pools can be completely tailored to your needs, they’ll work with you to build the perfect pool house adding a gym, lounge area or even a juice bar to ensure it fits your families needs. Whilst taking the plunge can seem daunting, making the decision can bring measurable benefits, a swimming pool can not only add value to your home but to your home life as well. A new pool from Origin provides

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“Building pools is a specialised field, it’s unlike any other building project and requires a holistic approach”

Origin pride themselves on their ability to do it all, delivering on a project from concept to completion whilst also being able to offer a wide variety of choice in design. So, during this period where we’re spending more time than ever inside, you can plan the perfect staycation with Origin.

THE DETAILS originpools.co.uk info@originpools.co.uk @originpoolsuk


H OME & PROPERTY

Beautiful Furniture from Laskasas at Sweetpea & Willow

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e are thrilled to announce a new exciting collaboration of super brands Laskaksas and Sweetpea & Willow. Consumers are now able to purchase jaw-dropping designs from this beautiful Portuguese brand at Sweetpea & Willow. Captivated by its beautiful craftsmanship and exquisite designs, the founders of Sweetpea & Willow fell in love with this brand in Paris a few years ago, and are delighted to now introduce customers to Laskasas as the latest addition to the list of wonderful handpicked brands partnering with Sweetpea & Willow. Laskasas is a luxurious interior design brand that produces and sells unique, elegant and memorable handmade furniture and home decor, including gorgeous upholstered sofas, beds and more, lovingly-crafted furniture and stunning lighting. For over 15 years, Laskasas has been creating beautiful handmade pieces in Portugal using high-quality materials, outstanding craftsmanship, and excellent machinery and techniques. Laskasas offers an extensive range of fabrics, including gorgeous velvets, leathers and linens that are easy to clean, breathable and durable. It also offers a selection of stunning furniture finishes, such as various luxury woods, marbles and metals. 1 0 0 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

As each and every piece is tailor-made to order, customers can order any piece from the collection to their desired specifications and have their bespoke item made within 8 weeks. The brand is dedicated to bringing dream homes and spaces to life and offering the highest quality and service, and we are so thrilled to be working with them. sweetpeaandwillow.com

“Laskasas is a luxurious interior design brand that produces and sells unique, elegant and memorable handmade furniture and home decor�


H OME & PROPERTY

Autumn outdoors I

Three timber builds to enhance your garden all year round

f you’re guilty of retreating inside as soon as the days start to shorten, stop right there – outdoor living and play isn’t just for the summer months. Be inspired with handmade builds from Timberman&Co that will encourage the whole family to embrace everything that the changing season has to offer.

About Timberman&Co Founded by former marine and master carpenter, Charlie Lowe, Timberman&Co offers cool creative carpentry inspired by Charlie’s love for exploration, the beauty of the natural wilderness and embracing a simple way of life. On a mission to get more people to spend time in the great outdoors, builds take inspiration from Scandi design and culture and are designed to encourage people to get back to nature, whatever the weather.

Little World Play Den Outdoor imaginative play doesn’t need to stop when the temperature dips. In fact, at this time of the year nature serves up an abundance of ingredients that will fuel children’s imaginations for hours on end. From conkers and mud pies, to bustling hedgerows and crisp fallen leaves there’s no reason to play inside. Providing the perfect HQ for Autumnal exploring and play, the Little World Play Den from Timberman&Co is inspired by Scandi outdoor living. Built to last with a combination of responsibly sourced (FSC) rustic felled timber posts and and feather-edged cladding, pitched timber roof, hanging slate chalk sign and open shelving - perfect to home all their foraged finds. Each product is made to order to suit each individual space – the most popular size is 1m x 1.5m.

ages. Built using a range of locally sourced rustic timbers, chunky wooden legs raise the hideaways into a canopy of nature with felled timber posts individually hand-notched together to create a solid space to escape. Rustic feather-edged cladding forms a perfectly pitched apex roof. Sizes start from 1m x 1.8m.

Outdoor Living Space

Log Cabin Hideaway and Little Hideaway Let their imagination’s run free with a cosy outdoor hideaway that provides the ideal base for endless childhood games. From teddy bears’ picnics, super hero HQs, story time corners, dens and so much more – the Log Cabin and Little Hideaway from Timberman&Co offers outdoor play and escapism for children of all 1 0 2 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

Families in the UK have spent more time outdoors this year than ever before but the onset of Autumn doesn’t mean that has to end. Offering shelter from the elements and a versatile rustic backdrop – outdoor living spaces from Timberman&Co provide a blank canvas to embrace life outside. From wood burners, lights and cosy blankets to pared back minimalism, create your own outdoor retreat to eat, socialise and relax this Autumn whilst appreciating everything the season has to offer. Made to order, designed and installed to compliment nature and your surroundings, not impose, Outdoor Living Spaces are built from a range of hard and soft wood (budget dependent). Responsibly sourced felled timber posts create an impressive frame with feather-edged cladded walls and rustic beams individually notched and braced to support a farm-style pitched roof. Statement fixings and hand-made timber plugs produce highend results. Integrated flooring is optional using reclaimed or new timbers.

Each creation is made to order and completely bespoke. Every build is handcrafted on site using natural materials and high quality timber and are designed to ignite imaginations (young and old) and a passion for outdoor living for years to come. For more information about Timberman&Co please visit instagram.com/timbermanandco


HERTSLIFE


H OME & PROPERTY

Wonderfully Wooden

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hen we are thinking of the most important factor in choosing furniture, storage has got importance. Wardrobes have an upper hand when it comes to storage options. Wooden wardrobes have always been the favourites of people for decades. We can’t see a household without wooden furniture as most people like the comfort it provides. Solid wood wardrobes are the most popular among home-owners around the world because of their classic style, functionality and longevity. They are versatile in style and functions. Here we are discussing how to choose the best wooden wardrobe for your home.

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What are the advantages of wooden wardrobes? Wood is one of the sturdiest materials one can have for their wardrobes. Despite its strength, the wooden wardrobes are sold at an affordable price. Along with wooden wardrobes are strong enough as they can be used for many years. If you care for your furniture then you will be able to enjoy your wooden wardrobes for a long time. Look and feel: Wooden furniture can also go a long way to creating a sense of the natural world indoors. If you live in a high-density apartment block in a city, you may wish to foster a sense of nature in your living space. Wood is the perfect way to achieve this, through both its wide-ranging colour spectrum and the fascinating patterns of grains and fibres. Wood can also immediately bring warmth to otherwise sterile surroundings. Easy Maintenance: Although completely weather-resistant, wooden wardrobes are quite easy to maintain. They can be gently wiped with

a soft wet cloth to remove dust and dirt from the surfaces and abyss of the wardrobe. Also, to want the long-life of these beautiful furniture units, keep it away from the direct sunlight in the bedroom because they might degrade the finish of these pieces. Versatility: When compared to other materials wood is certainly versatile. No matter whether the design is modern or contemporary wood could certainly create an impact on that. They could be easily customised and derived just according to your bespoke needs Eco Friendly: Wood is the best example of an eco-friendly wardrobe. They are 100% safe and do not have any harmful effects at all. Strength and Durability: Wood is, of course, abiding and robust material and is the perfect choice for anyone looking for longevity from their wardrobe. Whether you opt for hardwood (oak, teak) or softwood (pine, maple, walnut), there is inherent stability and reliability to a wellmade wooden wardrobe for clothes. Inspired Elements have a premium range of wooden fitted wardrobes that can be customised according to the space you have whether you have a big bedroom or a bedroom which only has space around a corner or space around the windows or a loft-style bedroom. Their wooden fitted wardrobes come with a superior finish, soft to the touch smooth finish, which is also hard-wearing. Every individual has their own interests while thinking of a wardrobe, we have no limitations in creating unique and aesthetic wardrobes. The ease of maintenance makes them popular among customers and that’s why Inspired Elements is known as the best bespoke wooden Fitted wardrobe manufacturers in London. inspiredelements.co.uk


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homecountiesloftladders.co.uk


H OME & PROPERTY

‘The Benefits of using Rickman Properties

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ack at the start of 2001, when ‘Rickman Properties’ was in its infancy stage, people thought it was just another ordinary ‘Estate agent’ in Kensington! But little did they realise that after 12 years they are firmly established as NOT just an ordinary ‘Estate agent’ but an agent who has a reputation for being “Internationally Respected, Locally Renowned” in their profession. Founded by Kieran Ryan, who previously co-founded & established another successful four office agency based in West London called ‘John Spencer’ which he sold. John Spencer’s final acquisition was Kensington’s oldest established Independent Estate agent ‘Lawson & Herman’ based in Abingdon road. (We still use their same telephone number)! It was here that the admiration for the Royal Borough was firmly cemented in Kieran’s mind. It was at this juncture that ‘Rickman’ was formed as Kieran felt that there were too many corporate agents, all offering the same old routine service without any actual professionalism, personality, and effectiveness in Kensington & Chelsea. 100% independent, Rickman has grown in statue in the Royal Borough with many vendors, Tenants, Landlords & Purchasers using our

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services whether it be either selling or letting their home, servicing the requirements from purchasers & tenants alike, managing a large proportion of residential landlords property and offering a first class acquisition service. Being members of National association of Estate agents, The Association of Residential Letting agents, the property ombudsman scheme and are the ONLY members of the Guild of Independent Estate agents representing Kensington, you as a client are fully protected. Here at Rickman we feel we go that extra mile on providing you, our clients, a first-class service which we are sure you will not be disappointed with. In this edition of Life Magazines we have included only a few of our recent successes which proves that we are ‘pro-Active’ and not re-active’ in this extremely competitive marketplace. If you are only considering selling or letting your home, then please feel free to call our office to provide you with an up to date free market appraisal or if your property is currently on the market then we can offer you a totally independent opinion. (However, we recommend that you read your current agents Terms & conditions) We look forward to hearing from you. 020 79379777 info@rickmanproperties.com

“100% independent, Rickman has grown in statue in the Royal Borough with many vendors, Tenants, Landlords & Purchasers using our services”


Do you ever dream of owning your own pool or spa to enjoy on hot summer days? At Crystal Leisure Pools in Bedfordshire we make it a reality for homeowners every day! Based in Shefford, we work across most of England installing pools and supplying spas and hot tubs to private homes, we also carry out commercial swimming pool installations to health clubs and sports centres. We provide a comprehensive service helping design and plan your new pool with you. As well as carrying out a complete installation to the highest quality standard including extras like lighting, solar covers and supply of pool chemicals.

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

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


H OME & PROPERTY

Studio Daydreame: A new photo Collection by Desenio

“Take these memories and tuck them away, like secret letters to be read again someday”

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esenio offer a wide range of stylish posters and prints showcasing the latest interior design trends – and always with great prices and high quality. With their wide assortment of primarily Scandinavian art designs, we understand the effect good wall art can have on a home. This autumn Desenio is launching their new Studio collection, Daydreamer. The photo collection tells a story of a summer that must inevitably come to an end. The transitional moments between seasons where we must let go of the past, not knowing what the future will hold. Shot by a creative team from our Design Studio, this collection was created in the picturesque Scandinavian countryside at a time when nature was in full bloom. The lush meadows, open fields and mirrored lakes made for the perfect backdrop to tell this story. Studio Daydreamer is a wistful story set at the time where summer transitions into autumn. A moment in time when we want to hold on to the easier lifestyle that summer brings, the beautiful summer flora and those golden hours that never seem to end, says Executive Creative Director Annica Wallin. The colour scheme used when creating the collection features some of autumn’s biggest interior trends, such as cypress green mixed with softer earth colours such as brown and beige. When you look at the interior trends of the

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“A moment in time when we want to hold on to the easier lifestyle that summer brings, the beautiful summer flora and those golden hours that never seem to end”

season, a key trend is creating a calm and relaxing space that is free from clutter. Making conscious choices when it comes to materials and furniture is more important than ever. We believe this art collection really conveys the feeling of treasuring life’s precious moments, says Annica Wallin. This collection of 32 photo art prints portrays the transitional moments between seasons, with bittersweet endings and new beginnings. Studio Daydreamer is the perfect collection for those who want to add a romantic feel to their home. It’s a collection for all the daydreamers out there, and for those who enjoy decorating their walls in beautiful art inspired by nature, says Annica Wallin. desenio.com


After waiting 3 months for their new windows to be installed Mr. & Mrs. Glancy are now delighted. Mr. Glancy explains “Kingsbourne Windows started the work in March but had to stop because of covid19, then the excellent fitters Nathan and Dan returned in June to complete the installation. We were so very happy that Kingsbourne Windows were covid19 aware on social distance and cleanliness that we would certainly recommend them to our family and friends.


H OME & PROPERTY

Tye Architects : Case study

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ettled in the open countryside in Buckinghamshire this house is nestled in a secluded rural location, reflecting its surroundings of mature woodland. The setting and elegant simplicity were paramount to the design of this house. The brief was to provide a dwelling which responds to its context in materiality. A simple palette of carefully selected materials includes the use of stone from the earth on the lower level and timber on the floating box of the upper level, enhanced by a green tinted series of panels to provide transparency and reflect the surrounding plot-scape. With clean geometric lines, the floating first floor cantilevers and balances on the ground floor, providing long reaching views from the master bedroom and several short distance views of the plot from the other bedrooms. This architectural element pulls you into the site and allows you to marvel at its geometry and weightlessness. The lower floor is grounded by the strong stone element; the roofing detail of the first floor floats, gliding with the frameless glazing. Approaching the house, the glass enhances the large open spaces. The open plan ground floor connects from the front entrance area through to the rear garden and a horizontal expanse of glazing connects the rear living spaces to the garden-scape to the rear. Vertical electronically controlled louvres to the windows provide solar shading and privacy shading

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to the bedrooms. Wooden sliding door panels, some recessed and hidden in the walls allow for areas to be discretely closed off. The house is fully equipped with a home cinema room and an outdoor amphitheatre. A sunroom in the garden provides an area for outdoor living where you can sit outside in a sheltered area at different times of the day and enjoy the views of the house and the landscaped garden. This project is energy efficient and environmentally friendly with ground source heat pumps providing the heating and hot water. To further reduce the carbon footprint, the house is also equipped with solar panels and low energy lighting. This dwelling was designed to create an elegant, contemporary family home with an open plan layout that is an environmentally sustainable, contextually relevant and timeless concept. tyearchitects.com

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


H OME & PROPERTY

Safe and stylish bathrooms from BMAS W

hen you think about mobility bathrooms, you might be imagining a clinical, plain look, certainly not something stylish that will fit in with the rest of your home. The Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) Hitchin always create a safe bathroom tailored to meet your specific needs. But your bathroom can still be an attractive space that reflects your personal taste. One way to achieve this is to choose from the Multipanel range to decorate your bathroom walls, now installed by BMAS. These British-made wall panels are the modern alternative to tiles and have so many benefits. The panels fit seamlessly together, are waterproof and easy-to-clean (no grout means no mould). They also offer a range of design possibilities with luxurious finishes that draw on the natural world, including marble, stone and wood. There are four Collections to choose from: the Linda Barker, Heritage, Classic and the new Neutrals. The Neutrals are minimalist and

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contemporary colours reminiscent of painted walls with a smooth eggshell finish. Delicate tones such as Dove Grey and Creamy White work well on their own and give the illusion of space in smaller bathrooms. Equally they can be the perfect complement to bold feature wall panels to give a pleasing combination of textures and shades. By pairing the subtle with the dramatic, you can create a design that is truly yours. To view the Multipanel range that is installed by BMAS, visit their showroom at 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1DB, open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday. Or call 01462 889 097 for more information.

“These British-made wall panels are the modern alternative to tiles and have so many benefits�


H OME & PROPERTY

All is Calm... All is Bright...

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osiness and comfort creates wellness and contentment; and with people staying home more this year, self-care and wellness have definitely been a focus. If you are currently working from home for the foreseeable or even are just finding yourself in the house more often at the moment, focussing on scents and light are ideal to inject into your humble abode. Scents can soothe or enliven our senses in minutes, and adding hand-crafted candles into beautiful sconces and candleholders can create a cosy and homely setting from your space in seconds. Here, we’ll show a selection of our favourite candles, sconces and incense from The Shop Floor Project...

Hand Beaten Light The Shop Floor Project is proud to be the exclusive UK stockist of the work of Swedish artisan Malin Appelgren, who dedicates her life to magnifying that something special about candlelight. We call her collections Swedish Light because each one of her objects amplifies candlelight in the most beautiful way. Her work is a perennial favourite at The Shop Floor Project and we often develop new ideas with her. Last Christmas season we added a wall sconce version of her pressed leaf designs - all hand beaten and stamped with the makers mark. This season, we have added the beautiful Moon Sun Candleholder, new for 2020. This brass candleholder on an ash base moves delicately in the breeze and would look beautiful as a pair on the mantlepiece.

Cast of Characters This characterful collection of folk art inspired 1 1 4 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

candleholders by British artist Ellen Hayward, exclusively for The Shop Floor Project, have a snowy, wintery feel and are available in both monochrome and blue colourways; each with varying characters.


Misted up sealed units? discoloured door panels? original company no longer trading? Let us Put it riGht!

15,000 local customers can’t be wrong!

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

BARRY BOLTON WINDOWS

01727 866678 01438 771736 www.barryboltonwindows.co.uk


H OME & PROPERTY

Getting Ready for Christmas! Stubby Beeswax Candles Winter Light sets the mood just right... and nothing beats a cosy corner when it’s frosty outside! Our traditional tapered wick-joined stubby pair of natural beeswax candles are hand dipped in Cumbria. Each one should burn for 3.5 hours if kept out of draughts and they fit perfectly in our Cast of Character candlesticks - as seen below!

Coloured Candles At The Shop Floor Project we’ve searched far and wide to find coloured candles in just the right shades and with exceptional quality. The search ended when we sourced these dinner candles from an artisan candle-maker in Cornwall who use traditional methods including Drawing, Pouring and Moulding. They create their own unique blends of natural mineral and vegetable waxes to ensure a consistent and superior burn quality.

We have a wide variety of Christmas gifts and decorations from pomegranates to paper garlands and patterned crowns. You can view our Christmas Gifts here, our Christmas Crafts here and our Christmas Decorations here to download more of these images. Below is just a peek!

Deck the Halls, Walls and anywhere else you can think of! Our Paper Chain Garland Kits come in ten different patterns and colours. They can also be mixed up together for different combinations and, as each one is ‘lined’ in a pattern, can be turned inside out too - the options are endless! Each pack contains enough to make 10 metres,

Bah Humbug! Wrapped in gold waxed paper with crimped edges, our hand-blown glass sweet baubles are made in a traditional workshop in Egypt. With small holes for ribbon, they can be hung on the tree, or equally, they would make a fantastic display dotted around the Christmas table.

Ripe for the Picking Our fruit baubles proved very popular last year this year we have glass grapes, pomegranates and figs available. They can be hung on the tree or grouped on the table for a Baroque inspired stilllife display. theshopfloorproject.com

Scent of an Abbey What could be a better gift than filling your recipient’s house with the smell of three calming, atmospheric scents, blended by The Benedictine Monks of Prinknash Abbey - the older major incense burners in Europe! We know that pausing for just ten minutes each day has a powerful effect on our mind and body. We will also have some clever incense matches that burn for exactly ten minutes, releasing scent to soothe or enliven our senses for those precious minutes. 1 1 6 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

“Our hand-blown glass sweet baubles are made in a traditional workshop in Egypt”


AIR CONDITIONING KEEPING YOU COOL, CLEAN & GREEN COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC AIR CONDITIONING

REPAIRS

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• 35 years experience • Refcom registered • City & Guilds / F-Gas registered • Domestic specialists • 7 year warranty available • Checkatrade approved • £10m public liability • Installation, service and maintenance • Free site survey and advice • Bespoke design and consultancy • DBS Certified staff for our contracts with local schools

Tel: 07931 266 566 or 020 8090 9566 Email: sales@abcaircon.com ABC Air Conditioning, The Cool Hut, 2 Vera Avenue Winchmore Hill, N21 1RA

www.abcaircon.com


H OME & PROPERTY

INTRODUCING WILDLIFE BOTANICAL BEE WALLPAPER COLLECTION about lola design

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ola Design are excited to present their Wildlife Botanical wallpaper collection. Embodying Lola Design’s bestselling and loved botanical bee design, this debut wallpaper range includes the launch of eight beautiful designs in a variety of fabulous colours to suit any room in any home. The colours range from ‘Dark Lush Blue’ (as seen below) to ‘Pale Dusky Pink’. With various other colourways including ‘Luxurious Black’, a deep ‘Dark Green’, a gorgeous ‘Golden Mustard’ and an elegant ‘White’. All eight designs are printed on sustainably sourced FSC paper in the UK. If you are looking for something “Just Beautiful” for your home, come and see the wonders that await with Lola’s Wildlife Botanical wallpaper collection.

BOTANICAL INSPIRATION Inspired by a love of flora and fauna the botanical bee wallpapers are a natural extension of Lola’s signature art collection that is uniquely Lola Design. ‘We are so excited to begin our venture into home decor, we wanted to create a wallpaper collection that combined our signature bold florals with contemporary colourways that will suit a multitude of homes. It was important to us that we incorporated our beautiful botanical bumble bee as it is one of our most loved designs.’ – Amanda Mountain, Artist and Co-founder. 1 1 8 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

“Inspired by a love of flora and fauna the botanical bee wallpapers are a natural extension of Lola’s signature art collection that is uniquely Lola Design”

Lola Design is a design-led lifestyle brand founded by British artist Lola and her husband Frank based in York in the United Kingdom. Known principally for the Wildlife Botanical collection, Lola draws her inspiration from the natural world and love for animals, often incorporating floral imagery into her work. Starting out as a Freelance artist working on other leading creative brands, Lola and her husband then decided to join forces to establish Lola Design as a brand in its own right, with single-minded focus on bringing joy through beautiful design. From early conversations around the kitchen table, Lola Design has evolved into a boutique design brand and producer of greeting cards, art and gift items, winning critical acclaim through multiple industry award nominations. Lola Design greeting cards and art are now stocked by a number of leading UK retailers such as John Lewis along with many boutique independent gift shops and galleries. All Lola Design art, greeting cards and stationery are printed in the UK to the highest standards, using sustainably sourced FSC papers sourced where possible from the Lake District. loladesignltd.com


H OME & PROPERTY

Squires Park by Heronslea Bushey’s fastest selling development launching October 2020

Imagine Land & New Homes team are about to launch one of Hertfordshire’s most exclusive village developments, Squires Park in Bushey. Built by leading multi-award winning Hertfordshire developers, Heronslea Group; Squires Park is proving to be an attraction for purchasers, offering the perfect balance between town and country living. Ideal for those seeking village life whilst still being extremely close to all local amenities, transport links and excellent schools.

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his sought-after 7-acre development is a collection of 55 luxurious family houses and apartments situated in the heart of Bushey, and with over 40% already reserved ‘off-plan’ and a sales & marketing suite opening in October and a show home available to view from November, we’d recommend booking your appointment straightaway. Squires Park is set behind gates and surrounded by woodland and green space. It offers modern living in a delightful rural setting. Each of these desirable properties have been carefully designed to the highest specification with sleek modern kitchens and luxurious bathrooms offering the ultimate in contemporary living, whilst incorporating traditional external features in-keeping with the historical feel of the area it sits within. Jason Rishover, CEO of Heronslea Group comments: “Since we came out of lockdown, demand for quality new homes is thriving in and around Hertfordshire. Places like Bushey have become sought-after especially now working from home is the new normal, as it represents much better value for money than homes in London, yet has great commuter links for those that are still travelling into the capital. We have had a lot of interest in these homes, so we are delighted to be launching in the autumn market. Squires Park is our latest flagship development and very special indeed - there is nothing else like on the market. Buyers here will get a feel of being close to nature, yet in the heart of Bushey with all its wonderful amenities, while enjoying life in a luxurious new Heronslea home.” Consisting of beautifully laid out 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with parking, private gardens,

terraces and balconies, along with stunning 4 and 5 bedroom houses with sun rooms, gardens and character brick and roof finishes; these properties will appeal to a wide range of buyers. All beautifully designed, each home has its own charm and character, benefiting from the traits that have become synonymous with the award winning Heronslea brand. Bushey is a highly desirable place to live and bring up a family, start a journey on the property ladder or downsize and relax during retirement, as well as benefiting from direct links to the M1, M25 and A41. The area is blessed with leading schools including Queens, and the Bushey Academy. You can enjoy a wide choice of dining within Bushey Village High Street and Bushey Heath’s High Road with different cuisines covering Chinese, Indian, Italian, Kosher and Turkish. St James’ is a very popular local restaurant with great quality food. Not forgetting a real mixture of Gastro and old family pubs, such as The Swan and The Kings Stag, with some great beer gardens. For the golfers among you, there’s Bushey’s renowned golf course at Hartsbourne Country Club. To register for the launch of this development, or to make an early appointment to view the plans in advance, call Imagine Land & New Homes on 01923 608373.


H OME & PROPERTY

World’s first Sky Pool arrives in London “Once you swim off, you can look right down. it will be like flying” – Brian Eckersley, Director of Eckersley O’ Callaghan, Sky Pool structural engineers

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he stunning aquarium-style pool at Embassy Gardens ‘floats’ between two luxury residential skyscrapers suspended at the tenth storey – allowing members of the development’s exclusive Eg:le Club to glide between buildings 35 metres up in the sky. Teams of architects, engineers and consultants have been busy developing the pool structure in its factory in Colorado. The innovative pool pushes boundaries in the capability of construction and is a feat of engineering, never seen before. The Sky Pool, designed by HAL Architects, is entirely transparent, 25m long, 5m wide and 3m deep with a water depth of 1.2m – it will be filled with over 32,000 gallons of water and planned to open Spring 2021. The sky deck at the top of the two buildings incorporates a spa, summer bar and Orangery for residents to relax and take in the views of London icons which include the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye There’s no other pool like it in the world.

About Embassy Gardens: Embassy Gardens sees the creation of nearly 2,000 new homes, stunning landscaped gardens, vibrant new bars and restaurants providing a variety of al fresco spaces and shopping space. One and two bedroom properties offer residents luxury living in the heart of the Nine Elms regeneration area, with prices starting from £1million. 1 2 2 OCTOB E R 2 0 2 0

Construction on the final residential building at Embassy Gardens is under way with prices starting from £695,000. The development is just a 10 minute walk from Vauxhall Station providing prime connectivity with the capital and beyond. Transport links will undergo further improvement with the extension of the Northern Line, seeing the opening of two new stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station. For more details visit embassygardens.com sales@embassygardens.com

“The innovative pool pushes boundaries in the capability of construction and is a feat of engineering, never seen before”


Livingstone Court, Barnet

Livingstone Court, Barnet Weston Court, Whetstone Hertswood Court, Barnet


RETIREMENT SPECIALISTS

Hertswood Court, Barnet

contact us for your retirement needs.

1 bedroom from £200,000 and 2 bedrooms from £300,000 Weston Court, Whetstone

The Studio | Highstone House | 165 High Street | Barnet | Herts | EN5 5SU Tel: +44 (0) 20 8441 6000 Email: barnet@andrewward.co.uk Web: www.andrewward.co.uk


£1,549,999

H a d l ey H ig H s to n e , Barn e t, e n 5

Detached House

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A three/four bedroom link detached Grade ll listed period home that has been thoughtfully refurbished throughout.

tHe owners love ‘’The Garden and House has given us enormous pleasure whilst living here’’

‘’Colourful landmark of Hadley Highstone history’’

‘’Great location’’

sophie Henry

Branch Manager Barnet Office F re eHold

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


£1,200,000

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Semi-Detatched House

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Situated on the south side of a tree lined avenue is this extended five bedroom Semi-Detached family home, boasting a southfacing garden and ample off-street parking. tHe owners love “The location of the house to the High Street has always been a benefit. All amenities are close yet you do not hear any noise form the bustle of the shoppers”

“Off-street parking for over four vehicles has always been a benefit to family and friends”

“Woodside Park tube station is a 7 - 10 minutes’ walk, giving access to central London”

craig thompkins

senior Branch Manager North Finchley office

F re eHold

T: 020 8445 2222 E: N12@martyngerrard.co.uk


£900,000

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Semi-Detached House

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An extended four bedroom Semi-Detached family home, boasting off-street parking and measuring over 1500 sq. ft.

tHe owners love ‘’Our street and location in the lovely village of Whetstone for which we would not contemplate moving if we were staying in the area’’

‘’Our large and private back garden, where we have spent many a happy summers evening’’

‘’The open, bright and spacious living area which is great for entertaining’’

stewart willerton Manager Whetstone Office

F re eH old

T: 020 8446 2111 E: StewartW@martyngerrard.co.uk


£650,000

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Maisonette

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A unique split-level two double bedroom maisonette with a fantastic open-plan living, dining and kitchen space within the Officers Mess Development. tHe owners love “There are so many green spaces where you can sit and read, take in the view or have a picnic; it gives the development a really tranquil feel and doesn’t feel like you are in London!”

“How close our house is to Mill Hill East tube - just a quick 5 minute stroll down the hill and then you can be in town in 25 minutes”

“The community feel of the development - everyone is so friendly and there is a real neighbourly feel”

gregg cruder Manager Mill Hill Office

le aseHold

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


WHY SO SERIOUS...?

H OME & PROPERTY

F

Investing in Fine Art isn’t so crazy…

ine art does more than just add a dash of elegance or ‘Je ne sais quoi’ to your décor. In fact, with returns of up to 64.4% you would be mad not to take it more seriously. This year when financial investment opportunities are becoming increasingly precarious, the world of art is thriving as it runs completely in a league of its own. The increased demand of individuals moving their money out of the financial asset classes and stepping into the exciting world of art, are discovering that their money is more secure than ever. Now, investing in art doesn’t just mean it has to be a ‘Blue Chip’ master such as Andy Warhol, Banksy or Pabalo Picasso. It is good to learn and discover the new and emerging artists of our generation, who can give back a significant return for the future. Dealing with a Fine Art Gallery

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who you can trust to guide you through the different tiers of art investment is a MUST. Here at Gallery 1066 Fine Art, we have been guiding our clients for over twelve years towards the right investments for them, depending on their budget, aesthetic preferences and longevity of their return. Our portfolio of artists stretches from Spanish artist Salvador Dalí who is one of the most celebrated surrealist artists of the 20th century, to the renowned and collected masters of the 21st Century such as Fabian Perez, Todd White, Sherree Valentine Daines alongside many other celebrated names in our portfolio. By investing in art and sculpture, you will not only uncover a great joy in discovering an artist you love you can also be as eclectic as you wish; there are no limits in the art world. gallery1066fineart.com

“The increased demand of individuals moving their money out of the financial asset classes and stepping into the exciting world of art are discovering that their money is more secure than ever”


DEADLY SCENT BY DIRTY HANS

2020’s foremost investment Speak to the UK’s leading independent fine art gallery for the best in contemporary and modern art.

www.gallery1066fineart.com info@gallery1066fineart.com


bathrooms of distinction

The art of bathrooms: from inspiration to installation

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

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


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

M : 07738469691


bathrooms of distinction

The art of bathrooms: from inspiration to installation

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

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


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