Life Magazines (Hertfordshire editions) September 2020

Griggs Homes launches stunning show apartment at Hanstead House.

D A VONP 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

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Radlett Premier Bathrooms

EDITOR

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

Celebrating 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.

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

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M A G E : R e o p e n i n g d at e s F OR S t A l b a n s M u s e u m + G a l l e r y, V e r u l a m i u m M u s e u m a n d S t A l b a n s C l o c k To w e r

OUT & ABOUT

What’s on at Paradise this October?

Land of the Tigers

3rd October 2020

Land of the Tigers is its first of its kind in the UK! It is the first ever tiger habitat in the UK to house Amur tigers with a pool viewing area. The pool is deep enough for both tigers Aleena and Siberia to be fully submerged underwater. We have installed a bespoke underwater viewing area so that you can watch both tigers swim and play underwater!

The whole habitat is centred around the illegal logging trade, complete with large containers for visitors to walk through and view the tigers in. We hope it brings some awareness to how devastating deforestation and the logging trade is to the wild population of Amur tigers, with less than 500 left in the wild. All ages welcome.

Dinos After Dark

Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2020 After the huge success of our World of Dinosaurs, Dinos After Dark Virtual Tour, the team here at Paradise Wildlife Park thought we would give you something a little special. Lit by torches and lanterns, we will be taking you around a magical tour of our World of Dinosaurs and see the dinosaurs come to life by moonlight. Packed full of all the best dinosaurs, your family will be in for an experience like never before. Wait, is that your cup of water shaking to the thud, thud, thud of heavy footsteps? Who knows what may lie in the World of Dinosaurs forest and what might 14 SEPTEMBER 2020

be ready to meet the modern world? Dinos After Dark will be the latest event to come to Paradise Wildlife Park. You can turn back time and walk amongst dinosaurs as the sun starts to come down to dusk. All ages welcome. £12 but may be subject to change

Halloween at Paradise Wildlife Park

Saturday 24th October to 1st November

Halloween hits Paradise once again! Over this half term, we will be putting all the tricks and all the treats your little monsters could ever want. From creepy crawlies to howling with the wolves, we will make sure this autumn half term is one to remember. All ages welcome.

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA pwpark.com

“We have installed a bespoke underwater viewing area so that you can watch both tigers swim and play underwater!”

OUT & ABOUT

The Virtual Herts 10k and Half Marathon Sunday 4 October 2020

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ennie Grove Hospice Care’s biggest fundraising event is back this October, ​ but not in the way you might expect...

To celebrate 15 years of the event in a safe and responsible way, we’re inviting you to join us and take part in our Virtual Herts 10K and Half. Because hosting the race in Harpenden in October 2020 will no longer be possible, we’re inviting you to join us virtually and run either a 10k or a half marathon in your area.

We’re hoping you can start your race on Sunday 4th October, the day the race should’ve been in Harpenden, and join us for the zoom call at 10:00am however, if you can’t make it to join us then, you’ll have the rest of week to complete your 10k or half marathon distance.

What you get for signing up By signing up, you’ll still receive a race pack including a medal and t-shirt, but you’ll also get support from us in your training, on-the-day participant activities and fundraising advice.

This event has been a cornerstone of funding for Rennie Grove Hospice Care for 15 years, and while we won’t be able to see you in person, we hope you can still join us in running and fundraising for this important local service to 16 SEPTEMBER 2020

some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

On the Day We’d love you to join us and the rest of our running community for a pre-race zoom warm up. There’s also an app which you can share with friends and family to track you live on your run, a leader board of results and a virtual wall of fame! We’re encouraging the younger generation to take part in our event and there will be a Junior Division for the virtual Herts 10K. This will be for ages 12 – 16 years. If you’re under 12 years old, don’t worry, we simply need parental consent for you to take part.

Why The Herts 10K and Half needs you more than ever During lockdown, Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s seen record numbers of more than 600 patients being cared for. This unprecedented demand for our hospice at home service has been twinned with a funding crisis. Shops have been closed for months, and all events were cancelled. If we’re to meet this growing demand, we need you, now more than ever.

So sign up, take part, and give it your best shot to fundraise for a local charity that needs you!

THE DETAILS To register or find out more about the event please visit herts10k.com

FEATURE

Local Girl shows us all her strength in Lockdown… to suffocate her, she stabbed in the stomach with a compus, punched in throat and threatened that she will get ‘beaten up’. Not knowing who she could trust out of her ‘friends’ she ended up poorly her mum took her to the doctors and were referred to hospital. Olivia did not want to live she couldn’t understand why this was happening. Thankfully it all started to calm down some what with help of a couple of supportive teachers and her parents constantly contacting the school fighting for a better school life for olivia. Through counselling

“A charity like Young Minds UK is very close to Olivia who struggles with her own mental health”

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livia Lynn is 14 years old and from Luton Bedfordshire. Ever since she could make noise she was singing.

Her first solo was at nursery singing twinkle twinkle and even then her family knew she could sing. She is beautiful, smart, confident, funny, articulate and has a heart of gold, but she still got bullied so terribly she was in and out of school constantly due to it which affected her attendance. She endured not only physiological bullying such as name calling, whispering and nudging into her as she went past and starting horrible rumours about her but also physical too.

Someone tried to put a black bin bag over her head

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and support from family and friends her family started to get the old Olivia back. Then lockdown happened at first it was perfect as Olivia always felt safest at home until her social media took off and she became ‘TikTok’ famous with over 100 000 followers, with that came so much love but also so much hate and unfortunately Olivia could only seem to focus on the hate. Why would strangers be so unkind? Calling her ugly? Saying she can’t sing?

Hate pages made about her too. She unfortunately started to spiral down again into her dark place but thanks to her love of singing and music as cliche as it sounds she had a purpose especially a song so relevant to her too. The lyrics of strong and it’s purpose mean so much to her and to support a charity like Young Minds UK is very close to Olivia who struggles with her own mental health, anxiety and has ocd tendencies due to the bullying.

Olivia is so proud to be involved in Strong the song by Generation Z and hopes to bring awareness to those who need help like she did.

To help make children realise it’s nice to be nice as you do not know what people are dealing with on a daily basis. And to show ANYONE can be bullied for MANY reasons some we may never understand.

THE DAY HAS ARRIVED! STRONG IS AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD TODAY. Money raised goes to young minds uk and grief encounter Available: Apple Music / iTunes Spotify Amazon Music YouTube Google Play

OUT & ABOUT

Hertfordshire BACK OPEN FOR BUSINESS THE IVY, ST ALBANS

THE REFiLL PANTRY

Frederik Foey, General Manager at The Ivy St Albans says “As the summer draws to a close and we welcome in a new season, The Ivy St Albans is pleased to be launching its new autumn menu on the 16 September; dishes included a warming white onion soup with cep tortellini, onion Lyonnaise, black truffle, crispy shallots with fried sage and a delicious roasted butternut squash risotto with goats cheese. We are excited and confident to welcome locals and new friends alike, into The Ivy St Albans. theivystalbans.com

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

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Rowan at OSPREY HOME

SMALLFORD FARM SHOP

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

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

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

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

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

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Fashion ‘n’ Fabrics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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HERTFORDSHIRE FIREPLACE GALLERY, POTTERS BAR

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

9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar En6 2Qx 01707 657070 hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 21

OUT & ABOUT

The ART of Attraction T

he days of browsing the high street and finding things you had no intention of buying seem to be disappearing. Online is now becoming our go to and targets us directly, all thanks to the world of cookies (and not the choc chip kind!). The internet now suggests what we want or what we need, tailored for a completely unique online experience.

However, the fundamental rules still apply, we are ALL unique and we ALL have different tastes from the clothes we wear, the food we eat to even the colour of our sofa.

We practice our subconscious likes and dislikes every day and they propel every action we make, and ART is no different.

Our unique taste is what makes us different to the next person. It is personal.

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Above: Andy Warhol by Zinsky Below, right: Intertwined II, Jennine Parker Below: Snowy Path II, by Philip Gray

Art is simply a reflection of this, an extension of your personality and may even inspire others, creating lasting impressions.

Surprise yourself, finding a piece of art which resonates with you will show more about your character than anything else. Art is a luxury to invest in and enjoy forever.

The art world may look like a minefield and confusing where to start and drop the pin; but by talking with a reputable gallery can guide you on your journey.

As one of the leading UK galleries, we are happy to lend a hand. We offer in-person gallery experience and an online service. However, online does not mean impersonal, we can call or FaceTime you around our Galleries and offer complimentary virtual art interior design for your home or workspace.

With two beautiful galleries in the heart of Baldock you can see, touch, and get up close to an eclectic portfolio of ever-changing works of art and sculpture.

So, drop the pin and visit Baldock for a fine art experience. gallery1066fineart.com

OUT & ABOUT

Sopwell House Reopens For Summer Welcome back to the Hertfordshire countryside

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

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

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

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

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Garden Getaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURE

Princess Beatrice marries in vintage: How to choose the perfect pre-loved wedding dress The royal wore an upcycled gown lent to her by the Queen.

P

rincess Beatrice has married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a surprise ceremony, but what’s more unexpected was her choice of wedding dress.

Instead of enlisting a top designer to make a gown from scratch like so many royal brides before her, Beatrice opted for a customised

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vintage dress.

For her big day, she dipped into the Queen’s archives and found a Peau De Soie ivory taffeta dress by Norman Hartnell, trimmed with duchess satin and encrusted with diamantes.

The Queen wore the gown to the premier of Lawrence Of Arabia at the Odeon Leicester

Square in December 1962, and again to the State Opening of Parliament in 1966.

Beatrice had the Queen’s senior dresser Angela Kelly and designer Stewart Parvin remodel the dress to make it appropriate for her wedding day, adding delicate capped sleeves. She topped off the outfit with another loan from the Queen – the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, which Elizabeth II also wore on her wedding day in 1947.

Over the last decade we’ve seen royals get married in pieces by top designers from Alexander McQueen to Givenchy, so Beatrice’s vintage choice is quite unique. The outfit was well received on social media, with one Twitter user writing: “Adorable couple and could not have picked a more perfect wedding dress for her than that elegant/whimsical, yet very vintage, sentimental ensemble she wore.”

Beatrice has also been praised for choosing a more sustainable option for her big day. Not only is re or upcycling an existing dress eco-friendly, but people often turn to pre-loved wedding dresses as they can offer something a little different to more modern designs.

“Princess Beatrice’s choice of wedding dress marks a point in the royal family’s iconic fashion choices, taking steps towards mindful consumption even on such an important day,” says Victoria Prew from rental platform HURR Collective (hurrcollective.com).

So if you’re looking to wear a vintage outfit on your wedding day, these top tips may help you find the perfect outfit…

Be open-minded and set aside plenty of time You might have your heart set on a particular designer from a certain era, but Prew warns against this. “Try not to be too focused on the designer; there are incredible options out there without the labels,” she says.

Head of pre-loved at eBay (ebay.co.uk) Emma Grant recommends you commit a fair amount of time to the hunt, saying: “The nature of vintage clothing is that you’ll need to have a good scroll before that one-of-a-kind gown catches your eye.”

Be targeted in your search “Try and find the best vintage sellers online, starting with Etsy or 1stdibs,” advises Prew.

To make life a bit easier for yourself, Grant says: SEPTEMBER 2020 27

OUT & ABOUT FEATURE

altered at the time of buying to fit the owner, so you may have to size up or down to get the fit that works for you. Always get in touch with the seller to check the specific measurements.” As well as tailoring the outfit to fit, Grant recommends shortening hemlines or streamlining waists to give your vintage look a modern touch.

Search for accessories You might not have the Queen’s tiara handy for your wedding, that doesn’t mean you can’t take inspiration from Beatrice and hunt for vintage accessories to go with your dress.

“Vintage is also great for crowns and earrings,” says Prew. “Going vintage means you can guarantee your choice will be ‘timeless’ rather than ‘trendy’ – it’s your day, so make a statement.”

Consider its condition “While a few buttons or sequins missing shouldn’t put you off investing in a great quality, pre-owned wedding dress, more significant signs of wear and tear require further thought,” Grant says. “Don’t risk your money on items that are fraying, holed and stained as, chances are, trying to repair a gown and get a good colour match will be trickier to get away with. If the dress hasn’t been professionally cleaned by the seller, consider getting this done yourself.”

“If you’re looking for a particular cut, style or era, be specific in your search. Naming brands or eras that are associated with the style you’re looking to emulate will help you narrow down the search to the most relevant items.”

Plan in advance Vintage wedding dresses tend to be one-of-a-kind, so it’s unlikely you’ll find a dress that fits you like a glove. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear it on your big day, but you’ll have to be a bit smart with planning. “Make sure there’s enough time to have your perfect piece altered,” says Prew. “Get the dress, then get it altered to perfection.”

Grant also says you should be flexible with sizing: “As it’s pre-loved, it might have also been 28 SEPTEMBER 2020

“Make sure there’s enough time to have your perfect piece altered,” says Prew.

“Get the dress, then get it altered to perfection””

Cream of Royston

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nce you know your son or daughter is getting married a wedding is just the excuse you need for dressing up. Bride aside all eyes will be on the mums.

Cream of Royston has been trading in Royston for 44 years and is predominantly a special occasion store. The extensive stock on two floors is colour co-ordinated for ease of selection. Everything is available from outfits (sizes 6-24) to shoes and bags, hats, fascinators and lingerie. Brands stocked include Condici, John Charles, Ispirato and Ann Balon.

Less formalwear from Isabella, Frank Lyman and Gina Bacconi is ideal for a day at the races, wedding abroad or guest at a wedding.

Mothers usually purchase their outfits four to six months before the event and customers are given the option to change it if they see something they prefer later, but they rarely do. Once everything gels and you have that wow factor you have found the outfit. It is usual for mothers to co-ordinate with the wedding party. Many brides have a colour scheme for bridesmaids and mens suits and it is a good idea to either blend or contrast with this. It

is very important to be comfortable with what you are wearing. A shift dress with a jacket is always a popular choice because you can take the jacket off in the evening when things warm up. Elegant and slightly understated always works and a hat should complement the outfit. They have to be happy with the final look.

Whilst the outfit must be perfect for the occasion it is important to have the correct lingerie underneath which can alter the whole look of a garment. Cream has a well stocked lingerie department which can be tried with the outfit. A free alteration service is available on all full priced outfits bought in store a fitting being carried out one month before the event, thus ensuring a perfect fit.

Shoes and bags are made in different heel heights in Spain in beautiful leathers and Rainbow Club can be dyed to match the outfit. Feel free to pop in or book an appointment. The Sale shop Occasions for less located adjacent to Cream offers mother of the bride, shoes, bags and hats from previous seasons all at fantastic prices.

Why not pay Royston a visit? There is something for every occasion and budget.

Cream, John Street, Royston. We are following government guidelines and the store is covid secure. Opening hours are 11am – 4pm

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM SPECIALIST Condici • John Charles • Ispirato • Izabella • Ann Balon • Linea Rafaelli • Gina Bacconi • Lewis Henry • Luis Civit

SEPTEMBER 2020 29

OUT & ABOUT

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie The Ivy St Albans Brasserie says: “I myself and all of the staff are extremely excited to be open once again. We can’t wait to welcome back our regular guests and members of the community who we have greatly missed over the last few months. The team are also excited to be united again on the restaurant floor and in the kitchen, whilst maintaining a safe distance at all times.”

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

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he Ivy St Albans Brasserie is excited to announce it is now open again in the heart of St Albans. Offering the ultimate dining experience in a beautiful yet safe environment, diners can enjoy a host of exciting, creative cocktails and delicious dishes once more, all set against a backdrop of tranquil surroundings, vibrant fabrics and greenery.

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

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

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

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

www.platformwines.com

FEATURE

The Hertfordshire Cook Book

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUT & ABOUT

Hatfield House W

Now reopened

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

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

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

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

Some of our forthcoming events have either been postponed or cancelled. Please visit our website event listings for all the latest information. We 34 SEPTEMBER 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT

Turn your house into a Home

T

he process of making a house a home can be a time-consuming endeavour, especially if you’re starting from scratch; a new build, a recent renovation, or whether you just haven’t got around to it – and before you know if you’ve been moved in a year! The daunting mass of blank walls can leave you feeling uninspired, which pushes the task of putting the finishing touches to your home to the bottom your to do list. This is where Gallery Rouge can help; they’re much more than an exhibition space for you to view artwork.

They understand the nuances of each and every home and can help you identify what will suit your space and taste.

Gallery Rouge are art advisors with a difference, offering clients a wide variety of

services, all of which are intended to make the process of buying beautiful fine art as relaxed, enjoyable and simple as possible.

With a wealth of experience to draw upon, a strong portfolio of internationally collected artists, and over 13 years’ worth of happy clients, Gallery Rouge can help you identify what you need to make your house a home. Whether you want to make a statement, introduce something to colour match your interiors, or if you’re after a more minimal aesthetic, they can take you through a consultation service to match your tastes to the perfect selection of artwork.

From contemporary to classic, abstract to photorealist, landscapes, seascapes and everything in between – Gallery Rouge will have something for you.

They also provide corporate artwork, assisting businesses in the acquisition of art for their office space – particularly useful

GALLERY ROUGE ST ALBANS: 27 Chequer Street, St Albans, AL1 3YJ | stalbans@galleryrouge.co.uk | 01727 860401 GALLERY ROUGE HARPENDEN: 78 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP | harpenden@galleryrouge.co.uk | 01582 760332 36 SEPTEMBER 2020

“They understand the nuances of each and every home and can help you identify what will suit your space and taste”

galleryrouge.co.uk for clients who are looking to add quality art to their professional environment, whilst keeping an eye toward investment.

Their Home Consultation process is easy and must be one of their most valued services; there’s nothing like a fresh pair of eyes to see how you can reinvent your space.

Simply book in with one of their experienced consultants and together identify a selection of pieces and a time that suits you, and they’ll bring it over – at no expense – thus giving you the invaluable opportunity to see pieces in your own home before you make any decisions. It allows you to take advantage of their passion for fine art and their experience curating interiors, gives you that all important

peace of mind before you invest in something that you’re going to live with for some time.

“It’s a match making service pairing the perfect piece in its forever home, and something we at Gallery Rouge take very seriously! Whatever you introduce to your space needs to create the exact right impact and balance with your unique aesthetic; no two homes are the same and we want to help you find artwork that is as individual as you are.”

Whether you’re new to buying art or a seasoned collector, see how Gallery Rouge can help you. Give them a call or pop along to one of their impressive galleries and get the ball rolling today.

“They also provide corporate artwork, assisting businesses in the acquisition of art for their office space – particularly useful for clients who are looking to add quality art to their professional environment, whilst keeping an eye toward investment”

Art as unique as you

Bringing homes to life since 2007 SEPTEMBER 2020 37

OUT & ABOUT

Reopening dates St Albans Museum + Gallery, Verulamium Museum and St Albans Clock Tower

F

ollowing the successful reopening of the café at St Albans Museum + Gallery in July, St Albans Museums is delighted to announce the reopening of the rest of the service.

St Albans Museum + Gallery is now open every day 11am – 5pm. Verulamium Museum is also now open, Monday – Friday 10am – 4.30pm and Saturdays 11am – 3.30pm.

Following government guidance allowing the reopening of museums and galleries, the museum team has been hard at work putting in place safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.

St Albans Clock Tower, which would usually have opened from Easter to September, will reopen for a weekend to celebrate Heritage Open Days.

Visitors will be able to climb the 93 steps to the top for breath-taking views across St Albans on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 11am – 4pm.

To ensure the safety of all visitors, numbers within each building will be restricted to allow for social distancing.

All those wishing to visit are therefore encouraged to visit the St Albans Museums’ website to plan a visit and to ensure they are fully

38 SEPTEMBER 2020

informed of the new ways of operating.

As a larger venue, St Albans Museum + Gallery will be able to accommodate a greater number of walk-in visitors. Visitors to Verulamium Museum however are encouraged to pre-book.

All visitors will need to complete a short registration form, either when they pre-book online or when they arrive on site. This is to assist with the track and trace scheme.

All visitors will be required to wear face masks in order to comply with the latest government guidance.

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Heritage and Public Realm said, “we’re so pleased to be reopening our museums fully for people to experience in person once again.

“We hope visitors will be reassured that we have a range of measures in place to ensure our spaces are safe for everyone. Although some of the much-loved interactive elements have been temporarily removed to reduce the risk of Covid-19, the museum team has worked hard to ensure there are still elements to keep all the family entertained during their visit.”

Families can borrow an explorer pack to help them discover the museum and complete a heritage trail that covers the history of the building and the surrounding city centre area.

Exhibitions on display when St Albans Museum + Gallery reopens will be the Handley Page: a history of the Radlett Aerodrome, which tells the fascinating story of the planes made there and the people who worked on site.

In the Weston Gallery, visitors can go back in time in our pop-up St Albans Picture House and experience the early films made by St Albans film pioneer, Arthur Melbourne Cooper.

A number of other exhibitions and displays, including Mechanical Marvels and 175 years of SAHAAS, will be displayed at St Albans Museum + Gallery later in the year. stalbansmuseums.org.uk

OUT & ABOUT

42 SEPTEMBER 2020

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE SE P TE M BER 2 0 2 0

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN your area

EDUC ATION

THE bEsT sTaRT I n 2014, we formed an alliance with Merchant Taylors’ to create, for the first time in the Northwood area, a through school for boys aged 3 to 18. This has generated much excitement in the local community and beyond, and has enabled us to provide a seamless education from prep school through to senior school.

Our Pre-Prep department, for 3 to 7 year old boys, is a vibrant and dynamic part of our school, where the pupils are educated by professional staff that provide a nurturing environment in which each pupil is valued for himself. We pride ourselves on instilling values, such as compassion and respect, and learning dispositions, such as perseverance and independence, at the same time as ensuring the highest standards of academic achievements.

If you come to visit our school, you will see happy and confident children who are excited by the stimulating curriculum that we provide.

Through these aims, we believe that education is

48 sEPtEMbEr 2020

about promoting intellectual curiosity in which children are motivated by and fully involved in their own learning. mtpn.org.uk

“Merchant Taylors’ Pre-Prep for 3 to 7 year old boys is a vibrant and dynamic part of our school, where the pupils are educated by professional staff that provide a nurturing environment in which each pupil is valued for himself”

‘Every child is different, how does the school help pupils fulfil their potential?’

THE DETAILS

Head Master James Hodgson: At Bedford School we recognise that every single boy is different, and, indeed, we are proud to observe that there is no one ‘Bedford boy’.

Instead, with both inspiration and support, we seek to nurture each boy’s individual interests and encourage him to develop them as far as he can take them; but, like our parents, we are devoted

to ensuring each boy loves his childhood because he only gets it once. We aim for balanced, outward-looking, forward-thinking, kind and sociable young men who are comfortable in their own skins. And when it is time to take the next step, each boy leaves us as a good man, secure in his values, happy and ready to take his place in the world.

School name: Bedford School Address: De Parys Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2TU Website: bedfordschool.org.uk Established: 1552 Pupil no: 1,115 Ages: seven to 18 Boarding/Day: Boarding and day pupils Girls/Boys: Boys

SEPTEMBER 2020 49

EDUC ATION

PREPARE YOUR CHILD (AND YOU!) FOR STARTING SCHOOL Making the transition to primary school is a huge milestone in children’s lives - here’s how to make it a smooth one. By Lisa Salmon. written down, it’ll help them take responsibility for their own belongings - otherwise you risk a lot of lost possessions over the next school year.

She suggests playing games, ordering the letters in their name, making labels for their book bag, creating a bedroom sign for their door, or moulding it with play dough.

S

tarting primary school for the first time involves more planning than just buying a new uniform (if their school has one) and pencil case. Getting a four or fiveyear-old ready for the huge transition from home, childminder or nursery to ‘Big School’ needs plenty of preparation and support.

This is something early years specialist Claire Russell and nursery teacher Suzanne Roberts know all about.

As Russell, founder of playHOORAY! (playhooray.co.uk), which provides play ideas and prompts for young children, says: “When it comes to preparing your child for school it’s not all academic, it’s about supporting and preparing them from a social, emotional and general wellbeing perspective too.

“Parents shouldn’t panic or put any pressure on themselves or their young children,” she adds.

“Don’t forget children will pick up on your own anxieties about them starting school, so it can be really beneficial to prepare together for the new chapter in both of your lives.”

Russell and Roberts have compiled these 14 tips to help parents and children navigate the transition and sail through starting primary school...

Recognising their name It’s not necessarily about children being able to write their own name, says Russell, but about them recognising their name, as it will be on their belongings. If they can recognise their name

50 SEPTEMBER 2020

Counting Counting doesn’t mean reading, writing and ordering numbers one to 10, as that involves a lot of skill for a preschooler. Instead, practise counting through songs and stories, and try playing with numbers and noticing them when out and about - on doors, buses and price tags, etc.

Practise wearing the uniform Suzanne Roberts, teacher and manager at Burgess Hill Girls Nursery in Sussex, says children should practise wearing their uniform and PE kit, and just generally dressing themselves. “Lots of parents forget this and then expect their child to be comfortable on their first day,” she says.

“Uniforms can be very different to what your child is used to wearing. Children of this age can be sensitive to change.”

“Practise counting through songs and stories, and try playing with numbers and noticing them when out and about - on doors, buses and price tags, etc”

No laces Roberts suggests parents should avoid buying new school shoes with laces. “Your child has to become more independent, so help them as much as possible by either buying shoes with Velcro straps or slip-on trainers or plimsolls.”

Toileting independently Ensure that when going to the toilet, your child is able to undo his or her trousers, wipe their bottom and wash their hands.

Tidy tots Help them become more independent by encouraging your child to hang up their own coat and bag on arrival at nursery or at home. Ask them to do some little chores at home, too. Prepare them by teaching them to put their shoes together at home, or putting some of their own belongings away. “By helping them to be more independent, you’re helping them to feel confident and selfassured,” explains Roberts.

Eating independently “Don’t expect miracles, but do encourage your child to use their cutlery correctly, eat independently, and try clearing their plate away when finished,” suggests Russell.

Read school information If you haven’t already done so, it may be too late to visit the school, but make sure you read any information the school has sent.

Practise the school run Practise taking the journey to school, so it’s not so alien. Use it as an opportunity to talk about any anxieties your child may have.

Play taking turns games A lot of children in one space means they’re going to have to learn to share and take turns. Russell advises that parents help children practise by playing lots of games together as a family or with friends, to help them learn to wait for their go.

Read bedtime stories Most schools will send home books or even homework, so it’s a good idea, if you don’t already, to build books and reading into the bedtime routine now. Try books like Topsy And Tim Start

School by Jean Adamson, Starting School by Allan and Janet Ahlberg, or Harry And The Dinosaurs Go To School by Ian Whybrow.

No comforters Leave special toys - comforters, blankets, or teddies - at home.

Don’t linger Explain to your child that they’re going to have the best time ever - implanting this idea is very powerful, stresses Roberts - and that you’ll see them later. If you forget to tell the staff something, don’t go back into the room; pop to the reception desk and they’ll pass on a message.

Hide your emotions Starting ‘Big School’ can be a very emotional time for parents, but don’t show your child you’re upset on their first day. “If they see you upset, they’ll think they should be upset too, and this is very unsettling,” explains Roberts.

SEPTEMBER 2020 51

EDUC ATION

‘Magic’ thrives at new Nursery on the Green Day Nursery, Redbourn

W

hen you are on a mission to give children the best possible start in life absolutely nothing stands in the way according to the team at the new Nursery on the Green Day Nursery in Redbourn and that includes a pandemic.

Against a backdrop of robust Covid-secure operating procedures and cleaning throughout the day and overnight, ‘magic’ flourishes in the ageappropriate, protective ‘bubble groups’ inside the nursery in South Common and in the large garden with its tree house, complete with slide; music area, mud kitchen and bike and scooter track.

The new day nursery is part of employee-owned Childbase Partnership – winner of a Princess Royal Award for its bespoke teaching programmes – which has 44 day nurseries in England safely operating throughout the pandemic.

Manager, Carli Toal, in her 26th year as an Early Years educator, said: “Our approach is simple. We recognise that each child from six weeks to four years of age is unique and actively seek ways to celebrate that. Confident, secure and happy children are open to new experiences and when you get that 52 SEPTEMBER 2020

right, it is just a case of introducing as many different opportunities as possible to capture their imagination and see where their learning journey takes us. In the current climate that has never been more important.”

Budding artists are born in messy creative play where paint and recycled materials are transformed into works of art, and fledgling scientists, armed with magnifying glasses, can study inhabitants in garden ‘bug hotels’ and monitor the growth in planting beds learning simple maths, science and the importance of good nutrition and exercise to healthy lifestyles.

Like all Childbase Partnership settings, Nursery on the Green is powered by electricity from renewable sources, like the sun and wind, and sends zero waste to landfill.

Parents considering local early years care and education can book an appointment for an ‘out of hours’ socially-distanced tour of the nursery if they wear protective masks during their visit.

Cleansing will take place between appointments and parents can view a bespoke children’s book on nursery safety on Vimeo.com/418776750/7ed46d098b.

Manager, Carli Toal

“Our approach is simple. We recognise that each child from six weeks to four years of age is unique and actively seek ways to celebrate that”

EDUC ATION

A Springboard to Success

L

ockers Park is a day and boarding Prep School for boys with a Pre-Prep for boys and girls nestled in 23 acres of woodland in Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead. A traditional prep school with a progressive outlook, Lockers Park prides itself on high academic standards and excellent pastoral care. “The school provides a warm, supportive environment where every pupil counts,” observes a current parent.

Academic excellence Lockers Park’s kinaesthetic approach to learning particularly suits the needs of boys, incorporating experiential teaching techniques and structured sport every day. This mindset reaps dividends when it comes to pupils’ academic achievements.

Summer 2020 once again saw a 100% pass rate for Common Entrance examinations, with pupils progressing to top senior schools including Bedford, Harrow and Rugby. Underpinning these results, sought-after scholarships to Aldenham, Milton Abbey School and St Albans School were awarded for academic, sport, music and entrepreneurship success.

Co-curricular opportunities Lockers Park provides a rich palette of co-curricular opportunities allowing pupils to enhance their learning and develop a diverse range of talents and skills. Sport, Science & Technology, Music, Art, Drama, Cubs and Scouts, Chess and Debating are just some of the activities on offer.

Free wraparound care The school has a unique approach to wraparound care: it is free-of-charge. This offers a real sense of belonging and security to pupils and parents alike.

Prep School pupils can be dropped off as early as 7.30am and collected as late as 7.30pm, while for Pre-Prep pupils the provision runs from 7.30am to 6.00pm. There is no need to pre-book and pupils enjoy a cooked breakfast and supper as part of their school day.

54 SEPTEMBER 2020

THE DETAILS Find out more at the next Open Morning on Saturday 10 October or book a personal appointment by visiting lockerspark.herts.sch.uk/admissions.

EDUC ATION

Abbot’s Hill School A

bbot’s Hill School is a happy and thriving community in which pupils are encouraged to aim high, to grasp opportunities, enjoy learning and make lasting friendships. The school offers an all-round education for girls aged 4-16 years, and the Day Nursery & Pre-School caters for girls and boys from 6 months. Abbot’s Hill’s historic campus offers modern facilities in a magnificent country setting, situated in over 70 acres of beautiful parkland.

Abbot’s Hill has a strong record of academic success. Excellent teaching, small classes and personalised support ensure that everyone is inspired to exceed their potential and to shine. In a recent ISI inspection, Abbot’s Hill was judged as ‘excellent’ in all areas – the highest rating possible and our Nursery setting was judged to be Outstanding for the second time in succession.

This is testament to the expert and dedicated staff who skilfully support, stretch and challenge learners.

56 SEPTEMBER 2020

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

Extra-curricular clubs offer a lively balance of sport, performing and creative arts, science and technology, journalism and problem-solving. Finding out who you are has never been so much fun.

At Abbot’s Hill, there is a great focus on pastoral care. Staff work in partnership with parents to know, understand and support their daughter so that she can achieve her very best.

Girls don’t just gain qualifications here; excellence is measured by so much more than this: a broader spectrum of intelligence, conscience, resilience and adaptability matter and you will see these qualities woven through the school. Our pupils flourish throughout their time at Abbot’s Hill. Our girls leave as confident, compassionate and creative individuals.

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

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

EDUC ATION

Remote learning: time to reflect

Merchant Taylors’ School Deputy Head (Academic) Robert Garvey looks back at the experience of remote learning in the summer term

A

fter over a term of remote learning, it is apposite that we reflect on lessons learnt. Perhaps the most obvious thing we have learnt is that remote teaching, however good, is no substitute for face-to-face lessons. Teaching is not the same as imparting information; the best teaching comes from a professional who knows their pupils and guides each individual to a richer understanding of the subject, ironing out personal misunderstandings, provoking further reflection and challenging the pupil to go deeper. This is best done face-to-face, with the support of peers and without the delay of a glitchy internet connection.

This personal interaction has been the hardest thing to recreate remotely.

But alongside that truth, we have also discovered a huge number of new opportunities to learn digitally and we are keen to build on the experiences we have had since March. Using Microsoft Teams for each class as well as for clubs and societies, and perhaps in due course sports teams too, seems an obvious next step.

The ability to interact rapidly, share resources and ask questions is a far better outcome than boys resorting to informal Whatsapp groups for help. There are clear opportunities to develop independence, organisational skills and collaboration through these platforms.

‘Teams’ also provides an opportunity for us to reflect on how we set work, how we feed back on it and how we assess prior learning or progress in a lesson. The quiz functions have proved popular and the linked Class Notebook has provided an excellent place for students to collaborate on preparing draft responses to questions, or to show their work in real time, all in a forum where the teacher can also offer their expertise.

Online learning has also provided the opportunity for us to think about efficiency.

Some departments are planning to trial digital textbooks this year and others have found that pupils submitting work online avoids the problems of lost work. ‘The dog ate my iPad’ excuse seems a bit far-fetched and the ability to submit work as soon as it is complete could well help with 58 SEPTEMBER 2020

organisational challenges. Staff too have found that sharing documents electronically has saved hours and hours of photocopying time and the environmental impact of this is an additional incentive.

Staff have enjoyed the opportunity to watch each other’s lessons and share best practice, without the intrusiveness of physically sitting in a colleague’s lessons. Sharing expertise has never been easier, and short explanations of topics can be recorded and pooled for use by the whole department, perhaps as part of a homework task. Should teachers be away from school for a training day or a school trip, they now feel more confident in recording tasks and using Teams to make a ‘cover lesson’ as effective as it possibly can be. Equally, a pupil who is unable to attend school may now find it much more straightforward to catch up than before.

Finally, perhaps crucially, this period of lockdown has been an opportunity for us to embrace the values the school holds dear: innovation, bravery, confidence, inspiration and joy. We have certainly all been innovating and had to be brave as we do so; we have developed confidence in our new-found skills and have been inspired to develop them further still. And if the lockdown has meant we’ve not found as much joy in our lives as normal, then at least we have the prospect of a return to school to look forward to after the summer. mtsn.org.uk

“We have also discovered a huge number of new opportunities to learn digitally and we are keen to build on the experiences we have had since March”

EDUC ATION

An education of the head and heart

S

t Columba’s Sixth Form is a thriving ‘College within the College’, where our students become the fine young adults that we are so proud to send out into the world. The wide range of subjects, extra-curricular experiences and leadership opportunities on offer means that our students emerge with the skills, qualifications and attributes for the next stage of their lives.

Head of Sixth Form, Mr David Waters says: “Here you will find a sanctuary of academic rigour and personal growth, a lively environment in which students can take their place at the head and heart of the school, aspiring to their very highest potential and serving others to become leaders and citizens with a global view.

“There are Columbans forging successful and worthwhile lives in every field imaginable: we know, because they come back and tell us, passing on their experience and sharing their passions.

“From September 2021 we look forward to welcoming girls into our Sixth Form, when they too can benefit from all that a Columban education has to offer. A co-educational environment provides an ideal transition from school to university life and will prepare our young people for 21st-century society.”

Located in the heart of St Albans, St Columba’s

60 SEPTEMBER 2020

Sixth Form has modern and well-equipped facilities, including a café and seminar-style classrooms. A Level studies are supplemented by supervised study time, and all students follow an Enrichment Programme, incorporating Young Enterprise, Certificate/Diploma in Financial Services, Religious Education and the Extended Project Qualification.

The Sixth Form Stretch & Challenge programme broadens our students’ intellectual experience, and it empowers them to independently explore new avenues.

Our Careers department operates an open-door policy for Sixth Form students to use its wide range of resources and seek advice and support on higher education and career opportunities.

Personal contacts, workshops, a work experience programme and significant input from our Alumni help the students navigate the choices that lie before them.

The range of Sixth Form leavers’ destinations are testament to the opportunities for our students to excel in their chosen field. From Oxbridge to the Royal College of Music, Russell Group to Harper Adams, our young people go on to pursue further learning and vocational training at some of the best establishments in the world. stcolumbascollege.org

“The Sixth Form Stretch & Challenge programme broadens our students’ intellectual experience”

EDUC ATION

A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a School

A

s we approach a very unusual school open day season, parents could be making decisions about schooling based on virtual experiences and peer recommendation. Lara Péchard, Head of St Margaret’s School in Bushey shares some advice on how to select your child’s next school.

As a parent and child going through the process of choosing a school there is always an element of fit. This year, even though open days are likely to be virtual or socially distanced, the same basic principles apply. If you can visit, you should feel that buzz and excitement; a sign that your child would be happy and thrive. Other parental feedback is helpful, but there is always room for gut feeling, it must work for you!

need to be sure that the next school for their child will manage further uncertainty well and that, in all eventualities, their child will have continuity of education and care.

Right fit

Don’t be scattergun in your approach.

If your child is a world class gymnast, has a specific learning need or struggles with motivation, it is important that the school can provide for this. Ultimately can you see that your child will be happy here. Be sure to listen carefully to your child and their responses to the school. If you are still not sure, ask for another visit.

Understand my child Parents ultimately want schools to ‘get’ their child. Do they understand them, can they respond to both academic and pastoral needs?

Will they remember that they are grieving the loss of their grandmother, or that they are nervous about joining because they have been bullied at a previous school?

Child and family first Increasingly schools understand that they are not just there for the child, but also the family around the child. Busy parents should expect to see how the right school is making life for you and your child easier. Does the school have a good reputation for communication? Be sure to look for a school that reaches out to parents.

How have they handled Covid?

Many parents have chosen to move schools this summer, unhappy about how a previous school has handled lockdown. Now there is even more to consider, what is the school’s reputation since lockdown and how has the school handled this time? These are important questions. Parents 62 SEPTEMBER 2020

How do they respond to my questions?

When choosing a school keep in mind how you feel you have been treated through the admissions process. Have all your questions been answered? This first point of contact, like the open day, is an important test. If you feel that the school have listened and gone that extra mile, it is a good sign. They have taken you and your questions seriously and they will do the same when your child starts.

There is much to consider, so avoid making it harder by applying to schools that you know don’t work, for whatever reason; applying to 2-3 schools is enough. Don’t put your child through entrance tests where you know it would too much of a reach or where you think the academic benefits could be undone by the lack of pastoral support. In short, keep your child at the centre of your thinking. stmargaretsbushey.co.uk

“Be sure to listen carefully to your child and their responses to the school”

EDUC ATION

John Lyon School, Harrow-on-the-Hill

J

ohn Lyon is an academically selective independent day school in Harrow-on-theHill.

Having educated boys for the past 145 years, from September 2021 the School will become coeducational, welcoming girls into Year 7 for the first time.

Academic excellence is at the very heart of what pupils who study here seek to achieve. Pupils’ academic standards and personal development were both rated the highest possible ‘excellent’ in our recent school inspection.

Pupils gain a good grounding in all the major academic subjects. Dedicated teachers work to develop learning skills, creativity and the ability to apply learning in all areas of life. Pupils perform well from the point they join — whether at 11+, 13+ or 16+ — and achieve excellent results at GCSE and A-Level. Most gain places at leading UK universities and move into the workplace in a huge and varied range of valued professions.

A John Lyon pupil also gains from time spent outside the classroom. There is a strong reputation

64 SEPTEMBER 2020

for Music, Art, Drama and Sport. Add to this an exciting co-curricular timetable focusing on each pupil’s sense of community, achievement and wellbeing, a range of more than 70 extra-curricular activities, and pastoral care that is second to none, John Lyon is a school designed to nurture highachieving and happy children.

John Lyon is well-connected by bus, tube and rail. Our closest station is Harrow-on-the-Hill which has fast, direct services to and from London Marylebone, Uxbridge, Aylesbury, Watford and a number of other stations on the Metropolitan Line and Chiltern Line. We are also well served by the Piccadilly Line at South Harrow station.

School in Action Throughout September, October and November John Lyon will host 30 School in Action days, allowing prospective boy and girl pupils and their parents to see the School on a normal working day, tour the School site and speak to pupils and teachers. Full information and registration at johnlyon.org/schoolinaction

“Academic excellence is at the very heart of what pupils who study here seek to achieve.

Pupils’ academic standards and personal development were both rated the highest possible ‘excellent’ in our recent school inspection”

EDUC ATION

BACK TO SCHOOL – THE NEW NORMAL

I

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”

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

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fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m ag e : c h a n e l

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

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FASHION & BEAUTY AUTUMN ESSENTIALS The Billy Ruffian Chelsea Boot, durable and desirable. Hand crafted and blake stitched in either fine European leather or rich calf suede. Available in various colours, with full leather lining and double leather sole. billyruffianshoes.co.uk

slumber in style

ONE OF A KIND Hoda silk kimonos are hand made by highly skilled tailors from a family run business in Rajasthan, India. Created from recycled wedding sari silk, each one is totally unique. Perfect holiday ‘beach to bar’ cover-up, sleepwear, loungewear or for adding a glam pop of colour to your jeans and basic tee. £55 from FABRIC - new fashion boutique in Old Amersham. fabricfashionstore.co.uk

This mask is naturally gentle on the delicate eye area, and made from Mulberry 22 Momme silk.

Eliminates harsh light for a perfect night’s sleep. chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk

LONDON STYLE Inspired by fashion and style on the streets of London, this beautiful silk square features original illustrations by Emma, framed by an orange coral and leopard print border. 100% silk twill finished with hand rolled edges. 90cm x 90cm. just-add-style.com

we love This Morris Blue Fruit Silk Tie by Fox & Chave. 150x8cm. foxandchave.com

KEEP YOUR COOL Don’t let the coming colder weather dampen your style - make a statement or keep it subtle with these cosy knitted jumpers. In four of our most popular designs, the reverse of each jumper features one of Sophie’s striking animal illustrations. sophieallport.com 70 SEPTEMBER 2020

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

A brief history of the cardigan, from The Queen to Taylor Swift

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The humble cardi is becoming cool again. By Katie Wright

o mark the release of her new album Folklore and first single Cardigan, Taylor Swift took the unusual step of selling an actual cardigan alongside more traditional merchandise, like hoodies and T-shirts.

A replica of the one Swift wears in her Cardigan video – a thick cable knit V-neck sweater in cream with black stripe edging, that has three stars on each sleeve – has already sold out on the singer’s online store.

Famous fans including actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia have

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posted photos on Instagram wearing the cardigans, they’d been gifted by the singer.

It’s surprising to see such a wintry garment gaining popularity in summer, but the cardigan has a way of popping back into fashion just when it seems to have gone for good.

From its earliest origins to the present day, here some of the faces who have helped make the cardigan famous…

7th Earl of Cardigan The knitted sweater takes its name from the 7th Earl of Cardigan, James Thomas Brudenell,

“The cardigan has a way of popping back into fashion just when it seems to have gone for good”

a lieutenant general in the British army. Lord Cardigan, famous for leading the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, was known for wearing a short, woollen sleeveless waistcoat to keep warm during the failed offensive in the 1800s.

It is thought to have been trimmed in fur.

After the war, the practical knitwear item reportedly became rather popular outside the military, and cardigans began to be widely produced.

dresses for formal occasions, when it comes to off-duty style, Her Majesty is all about cardigans.

Usually teaming a blouse and pleated skirt with a loose, open cardigan in a muted hue, the Queen has been pictured in button-down sweaters for decades, most recently when the monarch met her newest great grandchild, Archie.

Kurt Cobain

Coco Chanel Credited with popularising cardigans for women in the 1920s, it’s said that French fashion designer Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel preferred a button-down sweater because she didn’t like the way traditional pullovers messed up her hair when she put them on.

Inspired by the legendary designer’s early work, cardigans and knitted jackets are still seen on the Chanel catwalk and in boutiques today.

“The Queen has been pictured in buttondown sweaters for decades”

At the other end of the style spectrum, rock icon Kurt Cobain introduced a whole new generation to the cardigan in the Nineties. The Nirvana frontman took an item of clothing usually seen on grannies and grandpas and made it cool, wearing moth-eaten chunky knits with band T-shirts and battered jeans.

One of the singer’s most famous cardigans, worn for the band’s 1993 MTV Unplugged gig, sold at auction for $334,000 (£260,000).

Queen Elizabeth II

Michelle Obama

While the Queen favours brightly coloured coat

Preppy, fine-knit cardigans from brands like J. Crew were a mainstay in Michelle Obama’s wardrobe as First Lady, reportedly leading to a spike in sales as fans sought to emulate her elegant style.

On the night Barack Obama was elected as President in 2008, the First Lady wore a black cardigan over her red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress.

Taylor Swift Now, with the release of Folklore, Taylor Swift has put the cardigan back on the map once more.

Given the pop star’s huge reach (she has 137.5 million followers on Instagram) we predict we’ll be seeing more cosy cardis in the shops once autumn rolls round.

SEPTEMBER 2020 73

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.

www.eve-and-adam.com 01727 854483 @eveandadamboutiquespa

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Optimise your life and be your true self

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any people rush around, pushing and shoving and trying to squeeze as much as they possibly can into their years on this planet. Often these same people feel guilty about sitting still or not ‘doing’ something. My colleagues and I spend many hours with clients who are trapped in acting as a ‘human doing’ when they are also a ‘human being’. In this modern world both doing and being are essential but getting the balance right is sometimes difficult. There are things we need to do, but we should carefully consider what we really want to do and not just hurry past these valuable elements in our life at the expense of our personal wellbeing and the relationships we have with people who are close to us.

There is a psychological comparison with always being busy and how some people live a certain way because they think they should, must, have to or ought to rather than in the way they authentically want to.

There is also a faction amongst us who think they are born in a certain way and cannot alter. I believe genetics is responsible for an undeniable quantity of our makeup, but our environmental conditioning is what really makes us who we are

76 SEPTEMBER 2020

and dictates our way of being.

Try stepping out of your automatic pilot mode and into awareness or a contemplative state. Then think long and hard about your life and answer this question as honestly as you can, “What are the things and who are the people in this world that are truly most important to me?” Try and ask yourself, “How do I feel deep down when I answer this question?” Usually the reaction to this emotional enquiry is a short list of interests and a small number of people.

Very often the clients we talk to have created a life where these ‘most important things and loved people’ come second or are neglected altogether.

In a distortion of their actual desires some people are living a sort of false life and in reality, they are ignoring the things that they genuinely enjoy and upsetting the people they love.

Poor relationships, stress, irritation, low mood and emotional fatigue can all result from not being in touch with and following a lifestyle which is genuinely in line with your true self.

THE DETAILS Shane Lutkin is lead Therapist at counselling and psychotherapy practice, Emotionalskills. Call 07986 488690 or email info@emotionalskills.uk.

Visit emotionalskills.uk.

Emotionalskills offer online therapy nationwide using Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp and FaceTime and as lockdown eases face to face work.

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Our clinically tested, 8 week ProLongevity programme helps people to lose weight, improve wellbeing and avoid or reverse diabetes. We use new technology to monitor real-time blood sugar levels. We provide personalised advice based on your body’s unique data. We then combine these to help you make changes to your diet and lifestyle.

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

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HERTSLIFE

AFTER

BEFORE

Sun awnings and blinds Recovering existing outside awnings and blinds Roller shutter garage doors Social distancing in operation

Tel: 01708 755667 • www.drathmore.co.uk

HOME &

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– Keep it local for everything house and home – I M A G E : TYE ARC H ITECTS

H OME & PROPERTY

[ NE W S ]

INTERIORS LITTLE EARTH With plenty of us spending more time indoors, the home is increasingly the place to entertain and impress. This beautiful and bespoke curved cabinet is a stylish focal point. Whip up a drink and gather nearby with your loved ones. littleearthdesign.co.uk

FRENCH FANCY The French Bedroom Company collections of French furniture, contemporary lighting and quirky accessories are for those who want a bit of sassy French style in their bedroom. Born out of a fascination of French designs, textures, craftsmanship, heritage, and history, the collections are fun and feminine - with quality at the core. Beautifully made French designs combine with quirky and contemporary lighting and accessories to create interiors that are eye-catching, elegant, inspiring, chic and most importantly, unique! L-R: Mulberry Silk Bed Linen by Gingerlily; Pom Poms on Parade Bed Linen set. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Christmas is coming Hallway happiness is so simple when you’ve a beautiful setting to come home to! You too can create your own special Christmas magic using festive wreaths and garlands. lights4fun.co.uk

STYLISH STORAGE Spice up your humble abode with a unique sideboard or media unit from Housecosy. If you are planning on a spring clean in your home, sideboards and media units are always a great addition for introducing that extra bit of storage that your hallway, bedroom or living room craves. housecosy.com 80 SEPTEMBER 2020

WALL TO WALL The Shop Floor Project are excited to launch new collections of original paintings, textiles and prints, all framed by the wonderful framers in Cambridge. theshopfloorproject.com

The drivewayS and paTio company www.hertfordshiredriveways.com

Come home to quality...

driveway inSTallaTion

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

Driveway anD patio Design anD installation!

Free surveys anD quotations!

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

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

The approved specialist

paTio and garden ServiceS

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

oTher ServiceS

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

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

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

H OME & PROPERTY

Origin’s Eco-Swim range Features: • Contemporary design • Eco friendly credentials • Low energy LED lighting • Modern and hygienic pool finish The ‘Eco Swim’ range presents the opportunity to upgrade your swimming pool with Origin’s sports pack, adding counter current swim devices to give you an endless swimming experience.

Owning an Origin pool is about more than just the pool itself, it’s about the lifestyle that comes with it and with the ‘Eco-Swim’ range you get all that and more. Your swimming pool and pool house will become a centre of wellness and exercise for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a space to completely relax in, Origin understand this can take a different form for everyone and will tailor your pool to your needs, whether you need an entertaining space, a bar area or somewhere for the children to play.

Origin have been helping customers realise their dreams for over 40 years, let them help you with yours.

T

he team at Origin have been hard at work and are excited to announce their highly anticipated indoor pool ‘EcoSwim’ range. This modern and hassle free style aims to give you a variety of choices and sizes that show the best of Origin, bringing your dream of owning an indoor swimming pool to life. The stylish ‘Eco-Swim’ range offers an amazing fully heated indoor pool with a state of the art pool lining system and contemporary internal finish.

An Origin natural timber building is made from fully renewable sources and blends beautifully into a garden setting, helping you feel at one with nature. They’re also putting their best green foot forward and incorporating sustainable and eco friendly elements, making the ‘Eco Swim’ their most economical design yet. This new design is not only good for the environment but it will save you time and money in the long run due to its excellent insulation values. The pool comes with an easy clean filtration system to keep the water sparkling, with a low chemical sanitation system that gives you clean, warm water perfect for everyday swimming. The pool house includes fully porcelain tiled floors, giving you that feeling of luxury every time you step out of your pool.

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

H OME & PROPERTY

[ NE W S ]

OUTDOOR LIVING BEAUTIFULLY BRIGHT Give your home and garden that truly mediterranean feel with these bright artisan plates & Cushions by Le Botteghe d’Arte of Sardinia. With free UK Delivery. charltonisland.com

Have a Spooky good time this Halloween Season Logi’s Firepits are perfect for the Halloween season, something to match your lit-up pumpkins. The days are getting longer and the evenings colder and we have the best thing to keep you warm. Light one of our firepits, get cosy and toast some marshmallows with your kids just in time for Halloween! Or get together with friends and family to celebrate the spooky season and have your very own bonfire. It is the perfect centrepiece for any party to keep everyone warm but most importantly to wow your guests. logifirepits.com

a perfect pair The special edition “keep your cool” champagne bucket has been paired with a waterproof picnic blanket to create stylish and very practical musthave picnic accessories. heating-and-plumbing.com

PLANTING THE SEED Create a green and colourful space in your patio or balcony with the House Doctor Pho set of planters. The planters are made of ceramic ware, and they come with a gorgeous, unique glaze where you will not find two identical items. vivalagoon.com 84 SEPTEMBER 2020

WE LOVE This Dotty Small Watering Can. beaumonde.co.uk

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

Secrets for a stylish and organised home office I f you find yourself sitting at your home office desk shifting through loose paper or feel that your space is home to more clutter that creativity, it might be time to get organised. Here are The Wooden Furniture Store’s secrets to a stylish and organised home office.

The right desk The right home office furniture can make a huge difference to your outlook on working and productivity. The trick is to find the desk that’s right for the job and that’s why we have desks to fit all sizes of spaces and all with storage and clever features. From innovative hidden home office desks that allows you to disguise your computer and tidy everything out of sight, to simple and stylish laptop desks which have wireless charging and bluetooth speakers.

Make it feel like home A home office can showcase not only necessary things like the computer and office chair but can also be a place for different colours to keep you 86 SEPTEMBER 2020

balanced, textures that make you comfortable and furniture items that support your workload and decorate the space. Think about adding a rug, a statement desk light, flowers and a throw to make the space comfy and cozy.

Keep storage open A well ordered work area, encourages clear thoughts and maximum motivation.

Taking advantage of vertical space in a room with shelving units that line the office wall. Open shelving is not only an efficient and typically inexpensive way to sort, display and store your files and books but can also make a space feel lighter, bigger and more open.

Filing doesn’t have to be boring Organisation is key to starting every work day fresh and also helps you manage your time. Using baskets, boxes and colourful organisers for files and documents could not only save you valuable time, but create the order you need. wooden-furniture-store.co.uk

“A well ordered work area, encourages clear thoughts and maximum motivation”

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

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15,000 local customers can’t be wrong!

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01727 866678 01438 771736 www.barryboltonwindows.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Autumn Wall Decor Colours I

ntroducing an original marbled range of wallpapers and prints made in the traditional Japanese Art of Suminagashi, meaning ‘floating ink’.

Each piece is unique and colours are chosen for individual interiors and seasons. For Autumn 2020 colours are chosen in burnt orange, luxe blues and warm metallics such as bronze & gold.

The process of Suminagashi involves colours being placed on the water surface, which then begin to expand on the water. They are only encouraged to move by air, nothing else disturbs the surface. The colours move in an organic way when a dynamic pattern has been shaped, Natascha makes a print by placing and moving the paper on the water.

Both wallpaper making & paper marbling have been listed as an endangered craft by the Heritage Crafts Association. Driven to preserve these crafts, Natascha brings them alive on larger pieces, as abstract paintings. Therefore making them contemporary and accessible. natmaks.com

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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

A place to call home for those who place lifestyle high on their list

L

ater living is becoming a lifestyle choice.

No more so than at 23a Leyton Road, Harpenden. Located between Harpenden Village and Rothamsted Park and designed exclusively for the over 60’s, the stylish collection of one and two bedroom homes by later living specialist Pegasus, are where it is at, putting health, wellbeing, exceptional service and way of life at their heart.

23a Leyton Road is about much more than just bricks and mortar. From the elegant and sociable resident’s lounges, an on-site Lifehost, wellness area with treatment rooms, beautifully landscaped courtyard garden, to the Park Café kitchen style restaurant and guest suites for when friends and family come to visit, this is low maintenance comfort and independence on a whole new level.

Designed by award winning architects, RCKa, the development evokes the town’s associations with the arts and crafts movement with the attention to detail and thoughtful design seen throughout.

Set around the verdant courtyard, each of the apartments at the development offer spacious open plan living and large windows which allow light to flood in. All have delightful Juliet balconies with views onto the courtyard.

Such enviable living does not end there as owners at 23a Leyton Road will love the sense of community. Whether enjoying a coffee in the Park Café with its sunny terrace that looks out towards

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Rothamsted Park or in one the lounges and hobby room which open sociably onto the central courtyard making it easy to enjoy the company of fellow owners and friends. Or perhaps the appeal lies in the sheer indulgence of being able to spend an afternoon in the wellness area to enjoy a relaxing treatment and enhance wellbeing without setting foot outside.

With the thriving town centre of Harpenden a pleasant stroll away, offering a range of restaurants, boutiques and cultural events and the stunning Chiltern Hills on your doorstep, Pegasus’ 23a Leyton Road is a place to call home for those who place lifestyle high on their list of priorities.

Life at the new development is designed to offer the perfect balance and the kind of exclusive, boutique later living community that will help redefine retirement living, offering unrivalled locations, service and lifestyles.

THE DETAILS The sales suites are once again open for viewings from Tuesday to Saturday by one to one appointment.

For further information or to speak to a member of the Sales Team please telephone 01582 228 075 or email parkhouse@pegasuslife.co.uk.

Prices start from £530,000.

CALL FREE: 0808 301 9552

homecountiesloftladders.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

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

AFTER

before

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

92 SEPTEMBER 2020

AFTER

before

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

– Customer base in Ruislip

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

Job was finished to a high standard.”

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

QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS FROM

DREAM DOORS

Simply replace the doors and worktops!

Our showroom is open now. Visits by appointments only.

20% discount

until 15/09/2020

DO yOu DREAM Of A nEw kitchEn?

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

H OME & PROPERTY

style up your home wine and cocktail game

W

ant to take staying in to the next level? Sam Wylie-Harris shakes things up with the snazziest stemware and home

bar accessories.

Thanks to social distancing, quarantinis and staycations, we’ve become a dab hand at fixing our own drinks and mixing up a storm at home.

We’re buying more wine online, spirit sales are still soaring and we’re making the most of the change of bar scene.

So much so, lavishing time and money on our drinking rituals at home has become much more of an affordable luxury, with cocktail equipment and ‘atelier du vin’ for every mood and budget.

Sip in splendour with these stylish buys…

John Lewis & Partners Swoon Raine Bar Cart – Gold (above) This Art Deco style bar cart mixes up white and pink marble with a brass finished frame and bottom wooden tray, garnished with bottle holder rings to prevent slipping and sliding. Ideal for luxurious gatherings, it’ll add some cocktail theatre to late-summer soirees when the sun goes down. £449, John Lewis Artland Tropical Leaves Glassware With their exotic palm leaf print and mirrored silver finish,. these gorgeous glasses will glisten when they catch the sunlight, or soft glow of a storm lantern. They’ll make everything you serve 94 SEPTEMBER 2020

taste a touch more exciting too.

From £20.50 for Set of Two DOF Tumblers to £25.95 for Set of Two Gin Glasses, Wine Glasses, Champagne Saucers and Martini Glasses, Not Just Jugs

“These gorgeous glasses will glisten when they catch the sunlight”

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

H OME & PROPERTY

Yvonne Ellen Cocktail Hour Cheetah Glass Ice Bucket & Wood Lid – Clear/Natural Glamorous and wild, this decadent ice bucket, with its Art Deco inspired design, makes a striking addition to cocktail trolleys and hints at the high life. £30, John Lewis Hudson Living Verna Drinks Trolley – Bronze (above) One of the things we love most about this trolley is you can get a lot on it! With an antique gold finish, smooth casters and toughened glass shelves, it’s a cocktail-lovers cabinet on wheels. A high roller, it can hold magnums of wine or spirits and won’t groan under the weight of a whisky decanter or fancy implements. Cheers! £369 (other items from a selection), Very

be beautifully styled – much like a dressing table – with all our hero labels, crystal and decorative drinking decos. This stylish circular one has two glass shelves and can be wheeled with ease. £375 (other decos from a selection), Graham & Green

Pink Martini Gin Glasses – Set of 4 A treat to toast, deluxe drinks, such as a legendary martini, deserve these chic glasses, which scream jazz age, flapper dresses and cocktail couture. £39.95, Audenza

Kara Circular Drinks Trolley Cocktail trolleys are timeless and trending bigtime, from boutique hotel bars to our very own front rooms. Part of the appeal is that they can

Forge De Laguiole Sommelier – Olivewood Premium Box If you’re prepared to shell out to keep up with the somms – and master the art of good wine service – this professional bottle opener deserves your finest vintage. £179, Farrar & Tanner Aldsworth Wine Store – Spruce This stellar chest with a galvanised metal top has the capacity for 32 bottles of vino (angled so the cork stays moist), along with two upper drawers with storage for wine preservers, coasters and dining accessories. £350, Garden Trading 96 SEPTEMBER 2020

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

H OME & PROPERTY

your new Hertfordshire bathing mobility specialist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then let us take care of every aspect related to 98 SEPTEMBER 2020

creating your perfect, safe easy-access bathroom.

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

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

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

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

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

H OME & PROPERTY

Island Living Kitchen islands design advice from Brandt Design D

o you love to entertain at home?

Are you a keen home chef or is it a necessary chore? Who do you cook for? How often do you use your kitchen - is it just an additional room in the home or is it where you spend most of your time?

Once the whys and wherefores have been figured out, you and your kitchen designer will know what island layout best qualifies for your space allowance and lifestyle needs.

Entertain Me - If you love to socialize at home, then err towards a Multi-purpose island unit or Peninsula design, which are designed to accommodate casual dining through to full-scale entertaining. Designs include practical seating areas, integrated wine coolers, generous bar–style countertops and statement extractor fans that work hard to keep your kitchen space free from grease and fumes. It’s also worth thinking about accent lighting, setting the mood with a range

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of different LED’s and if you like to cook when entertaining, consider a series of pendent ceiling lights to provide the right amount of targeted light on the island alone.

Family Friendly - Practical design is key in a family kitchen environment, so a multi-purpose island unit that caters to different needs is your best option. Think about how you can add function and what design features and appliances will help you get the most out of the island space.

Keen cooks may want to include user-friendly features like integrated chopping boards in the island, interior drawer solutions that organize cutlery and utensils, plus instant hot taps for quick food preparation and instant hot drinks. If you have a big family, I recommend a double-bowl sink with pull-out rinse, alongside induction hobs that cool down almost instantly and slim line dishwashers for quick, hygienic dishwashing: the options are endless!

Space Saving - If space is at a premium, then an Island Table is the perfect solution to provide a dedicated space to sit and dine without needing a full-sized dining table! To further define the cook zone from the eating area, two-tier designs are creating practical breakfast bars that can be set to the right height for dining, as well as create a recessed area to ensure plenty of legroom and space to store your bar stools when not in use. If you want to control the flow of your kitchen and avoid potential obstacles, then you can also opt for a Block Island design, to allow free passage around the entire unit.

THE DETAILS For further information on Brandt Design, please contact: brandtdesign.co.uk Hatch End: 431 The Broadway, Uxbridge Rd, Pinner, Herts HA5 4JR t 0203 758 4455 Hampstead: 489, Finchley Road, West Hampstead, London NW3 6HS t 0208 194 7888 Stevenage: Oxleys Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 9YE t 0143 872 9062

H OME & PROPERTY

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KITCHENS Kitchenware brand VonShef merges onto VonHaus.com Launching VonShef products onto VonHaus.com will allow for a more cohesive shopping experience for customers. It is a natural development for these two brands to work side by side, providing a complete range of categories for the home. vonhaus.com

MARVELLOUS MONOCHROME This stunning tableware is made in Portugal from terracotta and each piece is painted by hand giving a beautiful rustic contemporary feel. Whether mixing up the designs in one colour, or playing with the accent colour elements, this is a great range to use as the base for a funky contemporary table setting. abodeliving.co.uk

GUILT-FREE Storage Introducing our new reusable Linen Produce Bags, available in a very handy set of three, for storing fresh produce and dry goods. Hand printed in Cornish studios using water based inks, these breathable bags are a great plastic-free alternative. helenround.com

raising the bar The Ella Frosted White Glass Bar Table is a fabulous alternative to traditional dining tables.

Perfectly suited to smaller spaces with a frosted glass surface and sleek white frame. danetti.com 102 SEPTEMBER 2020

H OME & PROPERTY

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

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

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

Homeowners and visitors should expect a fivestar service from the moment they walk through the Landsby’s doors. Our amenity spaces on the ground floor encompass the art-deco glamour from our original designs and concepts, with a double height entrance, chic bar and brasserie restaurant. When we were first thinking about the Landsby we wanted to create a sense of community for those living there, offering as much or as little involvement as they wished, with choice being the driving factor. With the library, the bar, the restaurant and fitness space, our customers can live life as they prefer, on their own terms, whilst benefitting from being just moments from their private apartments. Designed by an award-winning architect, these apartments are unlike anything in the local area. With 44 different designs to choose from we have ensured there is variety to meet the differing requirements of our customers and avoided the basic box shaped living spaces of many other developments. Each apartment offers outdoor space and state-of-the-art designs and 106 SEPTEMBER 2020

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

In your opinion, what stands out about the Landsby?

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

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

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

H OME & PROPERTY

Reservations already taken at exquisite Hanstead House

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eading luxury developer Griggs Homes recently launched the stunning show apartment at Hanstead House located in Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire.

This collection of just 11 elegant two bedroom apartments is situated within a historic house which is set within 5.8 acres of private communal gardens.

Hanstead House sits within the lush 55 acres of Hanstead Park and was originally built in the 1920s for Sir David Yule, one of the wealthiest men of his time. Latterly it became a training centre for HSBC, and more recently was purchased by luxury house builder Griggs Homes who have restored the magnificent original house to its former glory.

Chris Griggs, Director of Griggs Homes comments: “Hanstead House is a truly special place and we are delighted to have created eleven impeccable apartments. The development represents a unique opportunity to live in a historic country house with all its character and charm but with the benefits of the very best of luxury 21st century living.

“Each home will be complete with an extremely high level of specification with individually designed kitchens featuring integrated Miele appliances, bespoke fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, underfloor heating throughout, Control4 home automation and private terraces which overlook the mature landscaped parklands, formal gardens and sunken garden.

“The luxury development is ideal for those looking to downsize from larger properties but who don’t want to compromise on quality or style.”

Hanstead House is reached via a tree-lined

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avenue within the beautiful Hanstead Park which has its own lake and parkland. The secure gated entrance leads to the grand neoclassical house with its imposing entrance hall and grand staircase.

Hanstead House is perfectly situated in Bricket Wood, an idyllic Hertfordshire village with a vibrant community feel. Residents of the village benefit from a host of amenities including butchers, greengrocers, a pharmacy and dental surgery as well as a church and community centre.

Hanstead House is ideal for those who require convenient transport links as its location offers easy access to St Albans, Watford and London as well as the M25 and M1 which are located close by.

Bricket Wood station is within walking distance, with a journey to London Euston taking circa 35 minutes.

Prices at Hanstead House range from £695,000 to £1,350,000.

THE DETAILS For further information or to book an appointment to view the show apartment which is open every Thursday to Monday between 10am to 5pm contact selling agents Preston Bennett on 0208 954 8626 or Lumleys on 01923 853 366. Alternatively visit griggshomes.co.uk/ hanstead-house

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�

£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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3

2

E

A three/four bedroom Grade ll listed period home offering a triple aspect lounge, located in the heart of Hadley Highstone and Barnet’s amenities. 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

ravensda l e ave n ue , nort H F i n cHl e y, n 1 2

Semi-Detached House

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2

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E

Situated on the south side of this tree lined avenue is an extended five bedroom, semi-detached family home boasting a south-facing 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 from the bustle of the shoppers”

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

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

craig thompkins

senior Branch Manager North Finchley office

F reeHold

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

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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