Life Magazines (Kent editions) August 2017

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AUGUST ISSUE THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Ben Jones ••••• Fashion Editor Lewis Casserley ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• business development managers Tim Lees, Lisa Westerman ••••• SALES Vanessa Lane, Anita Hill ••••• ACCOUNTs & admin Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

15

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

43

HOUSE & GARDEN

59

FOOD & DRINK

75

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best A collection of Kent’s finest interior companies Bringing you updates on the local food and drink scene

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i m a g e : S P IRIT O F TH E DAN C E AT TH E OR C HARD TH E ATR E

OUT & ABOUT

7 AUGUST

Tracking and Trailing Join our wildlife expert for a family nature walk to explore the Bore Place trail looking at all things wild that make the farm, meadows, glades and ponds their home. We’ll be learning about tracks, signs and scats left behind by some of our more secretive wild animals, checking the trail camera for evidence of nocturnal mammals, playing stalking games and making a walking staff to help us along the way. This session is most suited to children aged 6-11 years. Older or younger children are welcome to attend if parents/carers wish to book. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult (who can come for free!)

Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent TN8

[events]

the calendar

6 august

Sweetbriar - Open Garden for NGS An average sized back garden transformed into an exotic jungle paradise, full of fabulous foliage and tempting tenders. A real plantsman’s collection of many rare hardy and tender exotics to transport you into a lawn free tropical oasis.

The front garden is a traditional cottage kitchen garden combining flowers and vegetables with fruit and herbs. Newly installed meadow drive.

Sweetbriar, nr Sandwich, Kent CT3 2AX

UNTIL 6 AUGUST

Scotney Castle - Summer walks This wildlife centered walk is perfect for all ages.

Meadow butterflies, patrolling dragonflies, wild flowers, trees in full leaf as well as historic landscape features will be pointed out by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic estate guides. Booking not needed.

Dogs on leads welcome. Meet at the front of the main house.

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN 16 AUGUST 2017

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN for the kids 9, 16, 23 & 30 august

Roman Food and Feasting Find out all about Roman food and feasts. Make a Roman “sweet” and your very own Roman feast menu card to take home. Sessions at 10.30am and 2.00pm. For up to 11 year olds. No booking needed.

Children to be accompanied.

Entry £4 per child.

Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 8AF

30 august

Woodland Crafts and Campfires A fun filled day for the family in beautiful ancient woodland, with activities based on Forest School principles. Make a campfire; Learn to light a fire without matches; Make your own shelter from man-made or natural materials; Toast marshmallows and fruit kebabs on the fire • Make a willow craft item to take home Booking Essential. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 10am- 3pm Price per session: £25 per child,1st adult free, up to 4 children per adult.

Denstead Wood, nr Chartham Hatch, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7NT

8 august

Teddy Bears’ Picnic If you go down to the woods today... Younger children will have a wonderful morning exploring our vegetable garden to spot the hiding bears amongst the seasonal produce and harvest some cucumbers and tomatoes. To prepare the picnic, they will make fresh sandwiches with our harvest (or even with some Bore Place honey, bears love honey!) and bake delicious scones. While the scones bake we will meet our herd of dairy cows and then enjoy our picnic together with our bears (and a story or two) in the Green Man Glade. This session is most suited to children aged 3-6 years. Older or younger children are welcome to attend if parents/ carers wish to book. Adults and teddy bears come free! Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please arrive from 9.45am for a prompt 10am start. Child £15.

Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AR

19 AUGUST

Live! On The Green Join Hobo and the Hippies and their invited guests to enjoy a chilled fusion of music, live on Westerham Green 4pm-9pm. With No17 Pop-Up Tapas and cocktails; cider and soft drink tent and Sea Cadets’ BBQ. Westerham Green Kent TN16 1AS

UNTIL 3 SEPTEMBER Summer Fun at the Farm Treat the kids to some extra special fun at The Hop Farm Family Park this summer! We have all the popular attractions including bumper jungle boats, outdoor adventure play area, 4D cinema, indoor soft play. And NEW features including the HOVERMANIA ARENA and new arrivals in Hopper’s Animal Farm! Indoor and outdoor entertainment shows and more. £1 per person The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY

5-29 AUGUST

Herne Bay Festival 2017 A whole month of summer fun by the sea! Run by local community groups and individuals to a very high standard.. Keep an eye out for individual events and attractions as they are announced.

Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5EB

18 august

Dartford Farmers Market Dartford Farmers Market held on the third Friday of the month offers a variety of local produce including meat, bread, seasonal fruit and vegetables, jams and preserves, eggs and much more 10am to 2pm. Free Entry.

Dartford High Street, Dartford Kent DA1 1DR, Kent DA1 1DR

19 august

UNTIL 29 AUGUST

Winston and other animals family trail Follow our family trail around the garden and woodland. Our family trail leads you around the garden and woodland. Can you spot some of the animals who lived at Chartwell’ Booking Not Needed. Dogs on leads welcome.

Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS

Westgate Hall Market Discover and enjoy locally produced food, drink and artisan crafts. Meet friends in the Hall’s cafe. Car parking and a few minutes walk from Canterbury West station. 11am-3pm.

Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2BT AUGUST 2017 17

OUT & ABOUT

SPIRIT OF THE DANCE Q&A WITH PRINCIPAL DANCER JOE MILLER

How long does it take to learn the Choreography for the show?

We put new cast members into three weeks of pure Irish dance technique rehearsals before they even begin to learn the steps. Spirit Of The Dance expect perfection from every single dancer so the show looks tight and clean as we all dance as one. After the Irish rehearsal comes the learning of the show itself. This takes usually two weeks and then the third week is just cleaning the routines and making sure they all look great!

Have there been any particular challenges for the dancers?

Sometimes someone could get injured during the show, so as dance captain I have to re-block the show as it’s actually being performed! Luckily I have a superb cast who can think and act fast on their feet and rearrange themselves so the patterns and

blocking look clean and precise.

“It feels fantastic to dance completely in unison and to dance as one!”

How does it feel to dance in perfect unison with so many other dancers?

It feels fantastic to dance completely in unison and to dance as one! Irish dance has been extremely popular over the past 20 years and it’s always the same sections in the show that get a great round of applause - the lines! When we are dancing in one straight line with every single dancer shuffling, kicking and tapping at the same time, it feels amazing!

Are you looking forward to coming to The Orchard Theatre?

I am looking forward to coming to Dartford! I’ve toured the world with Spirit Of The Dance from Israel, Branson, Las Vegas, South Africa, Europe, South America, Hawaii etc, but there is no place like home!

Spirit Of The Dance, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, Mon 11 – Sat 16 September. Book online at Orchardtheatre.co.uk. Ticket Office 01322 220000

18 AUGUST 2017

OUT & ABOUT

A JUDGEMENT IN STONE Ahead of their visit to The Orchard Theatre in September, we interviewed cast members Sophie Ward, Chris Ellison, Antony Costa and Shirley Ann Field about the Ruth Rendell thriller, A Judgement In Stone.

What attracted you to the production of Ruth Rendell’s A Judgement In Stone?

Sophie: I’ve always loved Ruth Rendell’s work and I’ve been lucky enough to be in a film adaptation (A Demon in My View) and a TV adaptation (A Dark Adapted Eye).

Chris: Well everyone likes a murder mystery!

Antony: I love a good murder mystery so when the opportunity came up for me to be a part of this show I was delighted.

Shirley: It’s very mysterious, and at the end of the day the murderer could be any one of us.

How would you sum up the plot of A Judgement In Stone?

Sophie: It’s a psychological thriller. The audience know that the Coverdale family have been murdered at the start of the play and gradually, through flashback, and with the two detectives, you learn how and why.

Tell us a bit about your character.

Sophie: I play Eunice Parchman, the family’s housekeeper. Eunice has arrived from London where she was living alone after the death of her parents. She’s an outsider and she’s had a hard life, the world is a difficult place for her to navigate, but she makes one friend in the village, the eccentric local postmistress played by the brilliant Deborah Grant.

Chris: Vetch is a hard bitten old school cop in a long line of such men.

Antony: My character Roger Meadows has always been in trouble, he’s a bit of a “jack the lad” with a bad past.

Shirley: Eva Balham; You never quite know whose side she’s on. I hope the audience can work it out!

Shirley: A sense of mystery. It’s a good ‘whodunnit’ and Ruth Rendell is such a great writer. We also have a terrific cast!

Sophie: It’s a fun evening, with plenty of good humour, as well as being quite shocking. And Ruth Rendell has a very personal message about power structures and society.

Are you looking forward to coming to The Orchard Theatre, Dartford?

Sophie: I am! I have never worked there before so it will be all new to me.

Chris: I have never played the Orchard Theatre so I’m also looking forward to it.

Shirley: Absolutely, I used to come to Dartford a lot, raising money for Breast Cancer. I am very much looking forward to performing at The Orchard Theatre.

Antony: I’m looking forward to coming to Dartford and I hope the audiences enjoy the show!

A Judgment In Stone The Orchard Theatre, Dartford Mon 25 – Sat 30 September Book online: Orchardtheatre.co.uk Ticket Office 01322 220000

What are you most looking forward to about the tour?

Sophie: Going to all the beautiful theatres in the UK. Shirley: Visiting the theatres, towns and cities. I have never seen so much of the UK since doing this tour. Everyone is so welcoming and we are having a terrific time.

What can audiences expect from the show?

Antony: The audiences can expect a tense thriller from start to finish.

20 AUGUST 2017

Photos include previous cast

“It’s a psychological thriller. The audience know that the Coverdale family have been murdered at the start of the play and gradually, through flashback, and with the two detectives, you learn how and why”

OUT & ABOUT

Three broken hearts, one Soho hang-out, and the only man who could ever help them‌ W elcome to the Preacher Man, the swinging 1960s Soho joint where the kids danced the night away to the latest crazes and dared to dream of love, while the legendary owner, The Preacher Man himself, dispensed advice to cure the loneliest of hearts.

Only, that was a long time ago and all that remains are the memories, the stories and the myths. Until now, that is, when three random strangers, generations apart but all in need of help with their hopeless love lives, are inexplicably drawn to the site of the original venue. The Preacher Man is long gone, but his son, with help from the wonderful Cappuccino Sisters, might just find it in himself to channel the spirit of The Preacher Man and once more give these three lovesick strangers the look of love.

Featuring the greatest hits of Dusty Springfield, including The Look Of Love, I Only Want To Be With You, Spooky and of course, the classic Son Of A Preacher Man, this sparklingly funny and sweetly touching new musical play by internationally-renowned writer Warner Brown will have you laughing, crying and singing your heart out to some of the greatest songs ever written.

Directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood and starring Diana Vickers (Little Voice, Rocky Horror Show, The X Factor), Debra Stephenson (The Impressions Show, Bad Girls, Coronation Street) and Ian Reddington* (Benidorm, Shameless, Robin Hood), Son of a Preacher Man comes to Bromley for one week only.

22 AUGUST 2017

OUT & ABOUT

The LLondon Riviera ondon B ridge , S E 1 U

ntil the end of October the area around City Hall near Tower Bridge has been transformed into The London Riviera - London’s favourite pop-up bar and street food experience - open every day from 10am to 10pm.

Inspired by the over-the-top beachfronts of Miami and the effortless chic of the French Riviera.

Anyone wondering where to eat will find a haven in this riverside relaxation spot, all with stunning sundown views of Tower Bridge and the Thames.

The London Riviera Pop Up serves up the very best in summer cuisine, sunny cocktails and cool beer, this is al fresco dining London partygoers will love!

There is a jam packed schedule of live entertainment daily until 31 August including..

• DJ Club Nights • Comedy Nights • Swing Dancing and Classes with The Swing Patrol • Film screenings of The Lego Movie, Johnny English and Finding Nemo • Live screenings from the Royal Opera House • Live action from Wimbledon Championships 2017 on the giant screen!

• Enjoy a Brazilian samba, dance and music spectacular with a 50 piece band

24 AUGUST 2017

“There is a jam packed schedule of live entertainment daily”

• An interactive street-style circus show by the Flying Seagulls Project.

Welcome to the London Riviera!

More London Riverside by City Hall, Tower Bridge , SE1 2AA. For the full listing of events visit www.thelondonriviera.com

l rd u r rd i s t a f o o hfo om rbi sh A s A w ro t o o t e o ta sh ing es ov ial m str du

in

Visit one of our distinctive showrooms to discuss your project, we can see it through from conception to completion and all carried out by our own employed team.

Ashford: Otterpool Lane, Sellindge Nr Ashford, TN25 6DB. Tel: 01303 813870 Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 4pm Tunbridge Wells: Unit 5, Wallcrouch Business Centre, High Street, Wallcrouch, Wadhurst TN5 7JR. Tel: 01580 201392 Open: Tues - Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 4pm

www.thebarn.co.uk

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info@thebarn.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Judge & Priestley Launch New Chislehurst Office Judge & Priestley will be providing conveyancing as well as wills and probate services from their Chislehurst office. To take advantage please contact one of their solicitors based at the Chislehurst office:

Mark Oakley, Madelaine Henwood and David Chandra speaking about the firms plans

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udge & Priestley solicitors celebrated the opening of their new Chislehurst office at 30 High Street BR7 5AS, with a successful launch evening at the Bulls Head earlier this month. The office, which was acquired as part of the recent deal to purchase the business interests of Preston Mellor Harrison, has been extensively refurbished and upgraded.

Amongst the guests were existing clients as well as local contacts, businesses and representatives of charitable bodies. They all came along to find out about Judge & Priestley’s services and meet with the solicitors and partners of the firm.

Partner Mark Oakley introduced Judge & Priestley to the guests before David Chandra (Head of Private Client Services) and Madelaine Henwood (Head of Residential Conveyancing) outlined their plans for the new Chislehurst office and its role in their strategic vision for the growth of the firm.

With its head office in Bromley town centre, Judge & Priestley has been established for more than 125 years. Over that time the firm has built an enviable reputation across South East London and the neighbouring counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex for its expert, professional and friendly service.

Judge & Priestley offer a full range of legal services for private individuals, the self-employed and businesses large and small, including residential conveyancing, lease extensions, Wills and trusts, probate, elderly client services, family law, landlord

26 AUGUST 2017

and tenant services, private and commercial dispute resolution, employment law, company / commercial law, commercial property and property development services. The business continues to go from strength to strength and currently employs over 170 staff.

Nita Newsome, Marketing Manager commented “We are delighted with our new office in Chislehurst. Our central location on the high street will make it convenient for local residents to come and visit our solicitors. It also signifies Judge & Priestley’s commitment to future growth in Kent and across the South East.”

Nita added “We want to get involved with the local community of Chislehurst as much as we can and there will be plenty of activities over the coming months which we plan to support.”

Jeanette Awadzi Residential Conveyancing Solicitor Telephone: 0208 290 7328 Email: jawadzi@judge-priestley.co.uk

Peter Taylor Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitor Telephone: 0208 290 7420 Email: ptaylor@judge-priestley.co.uk Guests from Kemnal Park finding out about Judge & Priestley’s services

OUT & ABOUT

Fly like a bird over London this summer!

Zip World London is open until 28th September

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ave you ever wondered what it would be like to soar across the London skyline like a bird? Well wonder no more, as Zip World London is giving Londoners never-seen-before views of the capital’s most prominent landmarks this summer.

The double zip line - the biggest and fastest of its kind in the world - will see riders travel at speed, giving unparalleled views of the capital’s skyline, including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Gherkin, Lambeth Palace and The Shard.

Designed to give an exhilarating ride in the heart of London, the adventure is perfect for children from 8 years old, thrill-seeking adults, and groups who want to experience the majesty of the UK’s capital from an extraordinary perspective this summer.

Zip World London starts on a tower 35 metres above the ground, with a 225-metre descent will be part of a 40-minute experience that includes a safety briefing and kit-up, just south of the River Thames.

Tickets for the event are expected to sell out within weeks, making this one of the most sought after events of the summer.

This is the first urban adventure from Zip World London, a partnership between Zip World and The City Zip Company. Zip World have been instrumental in transforming north Wales into the UK’s adventure capital. Across Zip World’s current three sites, they offer 10 amazing adventures including the world’s fastest zip line, Britain’s only

28 AUGUST 2017

MORE INFORMATION Tickets are on sale now at www.zipworld.co.uk.

Tickets start from £22.50 for a standard adult ticket (over 16 years old).

Please see below for full ticketing options.

Alpine Coaster and extraordinary underground adventures.

Zip World London aims to bring the exhilaration associated with out of town zip wires into the city for the first time.

Barry Shaverin, founder of Zip World London, says: “Giant zip lines and the greatest cityscape in the world - it seemed such an obvious idea to put the two together. And Archbishop’s Park is one of London’s best kept secrets - we really want to help it get the attention it deserves.”

“The adventure is perfect for children from 8 years old, thrillseeking adults, and groups”

Individual Ticket: £22.50 Student: £18.50 Child: £16.50 Group (5+): £18.50 per person Family of 4 (minimum 1 adult): £58.95 Velocity Package: £49 (includes two rides, action photo and a T-shirt) Open daily: 10am – 7pm Visitor Access Info: Archbishop’s Park Lambeth, SE1 7LF Nearest Tubes (Lambeth North, Waterloo, Westminster)

OUT & ABOUT

All aboard!

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uilt in 1869, Cutty Sark is one of the world’s most famous ships, and the fastest of her day. Having travelled the world, the ship has found a permanent home in Greenwich, where she has been meticulously preserved to tell the stories of life on board. Delve into the adventures of this iconic ship and her crew in an immersive experience that brings her fascinating history to life.

Join us on board this summer for a special voyage of discovery full of sea creatures and sea people.

Take part in our family workshops (selected dates only*) and catch flying fish, design your own sea monster or finger puppet, or join a flotsam weaving workshop – all free with admission to the ship!

Meet characters from the ships past: Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Emma Louise Ray, the mother of a young sailor aboard Cutty Sark, Nannie the ship’s figurehead, and the ship’s cook James Robson – all there to share their incredible stories.

Learn more about the ship’s extraordinary history by following our free family explorer trail. Or borrow an under 5s back pack, navigate the ship on the interactive steering game and climb into the bunk beds where the crew used to sleep.

Explore interactive displays that evoke the sights, smells and sounds of life at sea, enjoy sweeping views of the Thames and end your visit with a lovely Cutty Sark-inspired cup of tea underneath the ship’s gleaming copper hull.

Start your adventure at rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

30 AUGUST 2017

Visit Cutty Sark this summer and go on an adventure for all the family

*Summer workshops: • Sat 5 and Sun 6 August: Sea monster puppets • Weds 9 and Thurs 10 August: Floating sea creatures • Weds 16 and Thurs 17 August: Once I caught a fish alive!

• Weds 23 and Thurs 24 August: Sea people finger puppets • Sat 2 and Sun 3 September: Flotsam Weaving

About Cutty Sark Built in Scotland in 1869, Cutty Sark was designed to carry tea from China to England as fast as possible. The record-breaking ship travelled the globe and visited every major world port.

Now on terra firma in Greenwich, Cutty Sark has been raised three metres above the ground, allowing you the jaw-dropping experience of walking directly underneath and touching the ship’s original hull planks and iron framework.

OUT & ABOUT

Enjoy a Summer of Family Fun at Hever Castle

Visit Hever Castle & Gardens this summer to enjoy an entertaining programme of events and activities set amidst award-winning gardens.

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iscover 700 years of history in the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The splendid rooms of the double moated castle contain fine furniture, tapestries, antiques, an important collection of Tudor paintings and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn herself.

The Knights of Royal England will once again delight crowds with the annual Summer Jousting Tournament that take place on 12 & 13; 19 & 20; 25 – 28 August. Spectators will be treated to exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. For one weekend only (19 & 20 August), witness the Royals v’s Rebels as anti King Henry mercenaries’ battle it out in a thrilling Jousting Tournament against ‘the establishment’ and stage a medieval living history encampment in the grounds.

Throughout the summer kids can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval time during Knights & Princesses School (until 28 August). Knights in training will learn how to prepare and protect armour and discover the best way to arm and disarm their master before battle.

Princesses are shown the correct way to give a proper and perfect curtsey.

Children are encouraged to get into the spirit by coming in costume. At the end of each session they can take part in a fun sword practise before receiving their Knight School Certificate and being officiated as knights and princesses of Hever.

Other attractions to enjoy over the summer holidays include the Water Maze, the 100-year old Yew Maze and there’s ‘Have-a-Go’ Archery* and boating* on the 38-acre lake (*additional charge).

Opening in August is the Tudor Towers adventure playground which is a 9 metre tall castle.

It is bigger than a four bedroom house with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets.

Aimed at children 7-14 it features three slides and two poles and lots of interactive elements split

32 AUGUST 2017

into three houses named after three of the most significant owners in the evolution of the Castle: Boleyn, Waldegrave and Astor.

Visitors to Hever Castle’s Handmade & Homegrown Festival (1st – 3rd September) can get inspiration from a whole host of stalls selling gifts and crafts, sample food and drink from local producers as well as see demonstrations of basket weaving and wood carving.

The event also incorporates the popular annual Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition. Members of The Quilters’ Guild from across Kent, Surrey and Sussex will showcase their talents with an impressive display of patchwork quilts and wall hangings.

They will also hold daily sewing demonstrations for children and adult beginners.

“At the end of each session they can take part in a fun sword practise before receiving their Knight School Certificate” For those looking for an overnight stay there’s the stunning five star accommodation which is located in the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing of Hever Castle, an Edwardian Wing attached to the Castle.

For a full list of activities and events go to hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on.

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OUT & ABOUT

LORD’S

The Home of Cricket

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Lord’s has long been seen as the game’s spiritual ‘headquarters’. But its importance is not merely historical. In practice it remains, to this day, perhaps the most important single place in world cricket

ts owner, Marylebone Cricket Club, remains the guardian of both the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket, and MCC sides (which play around 500 games a year) perform a key role in promoting cricket - in Britain and elsewhere.

In addition, Lord’s is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as well as the European Cricket Council (ECC).It is also the setting for the state-ofthe-art MCC Cricket Academy, the unrivalled MCC Library and the world-famous MCC Museum.

Above all, Lord’s is the setting for some ofthe best cricket in the world .It hosts Investec Test matches and NatWest-sponsored one-day internationals plus most of Middlesex’s home games, some historic fixtures (such as Oxford v Cambridge) and the village and club finals.

The Lord’s 2017 fixture list is available to view on their website www.lords.org/fixtures/fixturesandtickets.

There is a Tour of Lord’s where you will begin in the MCC Museum, home of the famous Ashes urn. The museum brings the fascinating story of cricket is to life. Paintings, photographs and artefacts, covering 400 years of cricket history, reveal the game’s development from a rural pastime to a modern, increasingly international sport. The museum also boasts bats, balls and kit donated by great players like Mahela Jayawardene, Glenn McGrath, Rahul Dravid, Paul Collingwood and Shane Warne -as well as from past greats such as

34 AUGUST 2017

Victor Trumper, Jack Hobbs andDon Bradman.

Additional attractions at Lord’s include the Tennis Court where Real Tennis, ‘the game of kings’ (famously enjoyed by King Henry VIII), is still played, and the MCC Cricket Academy - where many future Test and county stars hone their skills.

Founded in the 1970s, it soon produced some of the world’s finest cricketers, including Sir Ian Botham, Martin Crowe and Angus Fraser. Regular users include Middlesex players, MCC’s Young Cricketers and international cricketers preparing to appear in major matches at Lord’s.

Members of the public are welcome too.

Facilities include a 19-yard run-up for bowlers, a variable speed bowling machine forbatsmen, two-way simultaneous video recording equipment, aSupergrasse playing surface - especially for cricket, a bar & coffeeshop for spectators (for tired players!) with coaching availablethroughout the year.

Lord’s is also an ideal venue for meetings or conferences, exhibitions, wedding receptions, dinners, parties or any celebration.

From the Victorian elegance of the Pavilion to the striking lines of the J.P. Morgan Media Centre, Lord’s offers a wide range of facilities that allow for flexibility and creativity. Its ideal location in the heart of London and stunning vistas of the hallowed turf make Lord’s a unique and popular choice for any event.

For more information about Lord’s visit the website at www.lords.org

“Lord’s is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board”

Venue images courtesy of MCC Above: picture courtesy of Sarah Williams

OUT & ABOUT

Foodies Festival, the UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink returns next month and this year is set to be the best yet! Alexandra Palace, 26, 27 & 28 August 2017

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ighlights of the show include some introduced to new food and flavours from around of Britain’s top chefs showcasing their the world. There will be fun science inspired kids culinary skills and inspiring the audience cookery, outdoor activities, simple crafts, toys, with their delicious dishes in The Chefs bouncy castles and trampolines, giant Jenga, chess Theatre. The star studded line-up includes: and garden games.

• Rosemary Shrager – Judge on BBC’s The Big Expert mixologists and sommeliers, including Neil Family Cooking Showdown Phillips and Charles Metcalfe, will host masterclasses • Atul Kochhar – Twice Michelin Star Chef at on wine, whisky and champagne and cheese tastings Benares each day in the Drinks Theatre. There’s a Beer for • Gary Angler – Michelin Star Chef at Angler That will be leading craft beer and food pairings, so • Richard O’Connell – Tom’s Kitchen there’s something for everyone.

• Tony Rodd – Well Dressed Plates & Foodies Festival attracts street food vendors MasterChef Finalist 2015 from around the world with Japanese, Great British Bake Off 2016 Thai, Malaysian, Argentinian, Turkish, LIFE MAGAZINES winner Candice Brown, master Indian, Korean, Mexican, French READER OFFER chocolatier Fiona Sciolti and top and African just some of the local cakemakers and patisserie flavours to feast on.

We have teamed up with chefs will offer practical baking A red carpet welcome.

Foodies Festival to offer our masterclasses in the Cakes and The VIP experience offers readers 2 tickets for the price of 1 Desserts Theatre. There will champagne tasting sessions, + goody bags & show guide. be the Chocolate, Cake and a complimentary glass of fizz Quote ref FOODIES241 Dessert Village with freshly courtesy of Borgo Molino, a when purchasing tickets. baked breads, tarts and desserts. new deli and gourmet snacks area Afternoon tea, handmade cakes and and complimentary Foodies Festival scones will be served in the Vintage Tea VIP goodies. Live music will add to Room. visitors’ luxury experience and make their time Foodies Festival has launched a new focus at Foodies Festival all the more memorable. on the art of healthy eating, wellbeing and For more details and to purchase tickets, balanced lifestyles. ‘Free-from’, organic and visit www.foodiesfestival.com; gluten-free products continue to soar in Facebook:@foodiesfestival; Twitter: popularity, and chefs will be demonstrating how @foodiesfestival Instagram: @foodiesfestival to cater for food intolerances. There will also be yoga classes, meditation and talks from the UK’s top nutritionists, health food bloggers and healthy cooks.

The whole family can join in at the kids Zone and kids Cookery School where children are

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OUT & ABOUT

HRH The Prince of Wales launches new Royal Parks charity About The Royal Parks Charity The Royal Parks is a charity to manage and fundraise for 5,000 acres of Royal parkland across London. The Royal Parks are Bushy Park, Richmond Park, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park. The charity also looks after other important open spaces in London, including Grosvenor Square Garden, Brompton Cemetery, Victoria Tower Gardens and Canning Green.

Every year 77 million visitors enjoy London’s eight Royal Parks for their unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of London.

St Jasmes’s Park

O

ne of the UK’s largest conservation charities to be launched in recent years has been unveiled by its new patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

During a visit to London’s Hyde Park, the Prince formally launched The Royal Parks charity, which supports and manages 5,000 acres of Royal Parks stretching from Greenwich Park in the east to Bushy Park in the west.

As part of his visit, the Prince saw the charity’s £5million flagship nursery project. The football pitch-sized glasshouse - currently under construction - will provide about 98 per cent of the 500,000 plants and shrubs needed across the capital’s eight Royal Parks. It also boasts a Wimbledon-style, climate controlled roof - the largest production greenhouse in the UK to use this innovative technology.

The Prince also got to learn more about efforts

by The Royal Parks to tackle diseases among its 170,000 trees, visit a giant story-telling snail as part of its £600,000 Mission: Invertebrate programme and ride a carriage pulled by two of the parks’ oldest shire horses, which usually provide education courses and manage grass and bracken.

During a launch reception with staff, volunteers and apprentices, the Prince shared fond memories of visiting Richmond Park with his great grandmother, Queen Mary, and paid tribute to the “unsung and unseen” staff who look after London’s parks.

38 AUGUST 2017

He said: “The parks I remember as a very small child, being taken around Richmond Park with my great grandmother Queen Mary in her wonderful old, upright green Daimler. As a result, those parks, in particular Richmond Park, are imprinted on my childhood memory in a very special way, which is why I have always felt that children should have the opportunity to experience parks at a young age. I want to pay special tribute to all those who make these parks what they are. To all the marvellous staff who do all the hard work; grow all the plants; look after this new, swish, all singing, all dancing nursery, and of course all the volunteers and special people who give up their precious time to do so many of the tasks that are absolutely essential..”

The new charity’s Chairman, lifelong arts and heritage enthusiast Loyd Grossman CBE, described how he was committed to ensuring the Royal Parks remain the finest parks in the world.

He also welcomed HRH The Prince of Wales as the charity’s patron, saying: We are absolutely determined that these parks will always remain the best parks in the world for future generations. We are extraordinarily grateful to the Prince of Wales for becoming our first patron, and also for his tremendous knowledge and understanding of what we do, and we are thrilled, delighted and honoured that he is today launching our new charity.

For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk.

Registered charity number 1172042 The parks are owned by the Crown with their responsibility resting with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

The Royal Parks charity manages the parks on behalf of the government.

OUT & ABOUT

Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace, 1-3 September 2017

The world’s rarest cars in one of the world’s most exclusive settings

T

he Concours of Elegance proclaims itself to be “the most exclusive car park in the world”; a typically understated label for one of the classiest and most incredible motoring events on the global calendar. The venue this year is the breath-taking grounds of Hampton Court Palace; a royal setting which – with its incredible history and beauty – is the perfect pairing for the collection of rare automobiles set to arrive as part of the Concours this September.

The focal point is a gathering of more than sixty unique or extremely rare cars, many of which will never have been seen before in the UK – let alone

all in one place. And, just like the palace itself, each car has a story to tell; the 1896 Arnold Benz Motor Carriage on display, for example, was the first car to ever receive a speeding ticket. The driver, Walter Arnold, was travelling 8mph in a 2mph zone and his car wasn’t preceded by a man on foot carrying a red flag – a legal requirement at the time. A policeman gave chase on his bicycle and fined Arnold for his recklessness.

From 1922 is a Bentley 3 Litre, which was the first to ever race at the Le Mans 24 Hours race, kickstarting a run of wins for Bentley in 1924 and again in 1927 to 1930. Then there’s the Porsche

“The focal point is a gathering of more than sixty unique or extremely rare cars, many of which will never have been seen before in the UK”

40 AUGUST 2017

917K, famously driven in the Steve McQueen film, Le Mans, and winner of the Daytona 24 Hours and Monza 1000km races in 1971.

The Le Mans 24 Hours theme continues with a celebration of Jaguar’s legendary 1-2-3-4-6 finish in 1957, securing the Jaguar D-Type a place in history

READER OFFER

Full day adult entry tickets to the Concours of Elegance cost £40 but readers can get £15 off by going to www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/ tickets and entering LIFEVIP. Alternatively, call 0844 338 0338, quoting LIFEVIP.

MORE INFORMATION One of the main aims of the Concours of Elegance is to raise money for charity, and this year’s event will be generating funds for Marie Curie and Springfield Youth Club Hackney. So far Concours of Elegance has raised more than £1,000,000 for its charities.

books and magazines, only to be discovered again in 2015, 60 years after it was first built. It’s been recommissioned to run again, but its appearance is key to this totally original car.

There are, of course, plenty of modern masterpieces on display, too. In total, more than a thousand vehicles will enter the grounds of Hampton Court Palace from 1-3 September, including the very latest high performance rarities, including the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato and Pagani Huayra. Founder of evo magazine and the Harry’s Garage YouTube channel, Harry Metcalfe, will be bringing together a collection of these incredible modern performance cars.

Over the course of the weekend many of the vehicles on display will start their engines to drive through the grounds of the palace and up onto the all-new central stage. Visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of some of the most important cars ever produced, while a team of experts enlightens the audience as to what exactly makes these vehicles so special.

COMPETITION One reader can win a pair of VIP tickets to the Concours of Elegance for either Saturday 2nd September or Sunday 3rd September. The VIP experience includes a three-course lunch, Champagne reception, afternoon tea and preferred parking. TO ENTER: Send your contact details to competitions@fishmediagroup.co.uk quoting Concours of Elegance VIP in the subject box. A winner will be picked at random.

as one of the greatest racing cars ever. For the first time, the three podium-finishing D-Types will be gathered together at Hampton Court Palace, alongside two further D-Types with Le Mans history.

Away from the world of motorsport, the Maserati A6G Gran Sport, complete with faded paintwork and dented panels, is maintained as a reminder of its past. Only four of these cars were ever built, and this particular example had been hidden away in a French barn under a pile of

AUGUST 2017 41

DesignsOnDiamonds

We have a stunning collection of beautiful high quality diamond jewellery set with exceptional diamonds F Certified F Diamond F Earings

diamond Engagement Rings

Wedding and Eternity Rings

and Pendants for Bride, Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids

Visit us @ www.DesignsOnDiamonds.co.uk Contact: Jacqui@DesignsOnDiamonds.co.uk or 07747 824898 Instagram | Facebook

fashion, HEALTH

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

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION WEARABLE ART Elisabeth Riveiro is a passionate jeweller who hand makes her pieces in her studio in France using ancient and traditional techniques such as lost wax casting, planishing, chiselling and enamelling. She has been working for more than thirty years translating the designs of Enesto Riveiro inspired by ancient civilisations with an emphasis on geometric, zoomorphic or symbolic patterns. They are small wearable sculptures made from bronze and then gold gilded or silver plated.

Bracelet “Olympe” by Elisabeth Riveiro, L’Atelier Natalia Willmott, £105, www.nataliawillmott.co.uk

HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL This Samantha Holmes best selling design is now available in a light mix of Linen and Alpaca for summer. Versatile for all occasions. This is the perfect travel essential for long flights, summer evenings outdoors or simply at home in the garden as the sun goes down. For the perfect gift add one of the ivory gift boxes with mulberry tissue, story tag and branded silk ribbon. £110. www.samanthaholmes.com

“Nude pieces are a fashion statement to be made any time of year”

KEEPING IT PERSONAL This beautiful bag will go with anything this summer and add a personalised touch to your wardrobe – making it a perfect talking point or gift for a good friend or loved one. Nude pieces are a fashion statement to be made any time of year, and this stunning personalised nude leather clutch bag will do just that. £59.99. www.prezzybox.com 44 AUGUST 2017

VINTAGE STYLE Give your lips the tender loving care they need with this gorgeously decadent Kellogg’s 50’s Vintage Lip Balm. Made from the most beautiful Tuberose And Jasmine scents and containing only the finest moisturising ingredients, your lip balm is perfect for all weathers and will have your lips feeling beautifully soft and silky in no time.

Kellogg’s 50’s Vintage Lip Balm - English Rose, £4.99, www.prezzybox.com

Dominic Walmsley on commissioning a bespoke piece of jewellery.

Ever wondered where jewellers get their ideas from and how you start the process of commissioning a piece of jewellery? We asked local, bespoke jeweller Dominic Walmsley to reveal all and found inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places!

Q

So where do you get your inspiration from when a customer asks you to design a special piece?

Jewellery has been used throughout history to mark special occasions and this still applies today, so usually your occasion is the starting point of any design. As an example, a recent commission was for a ring which, for all intents and purposes, was discussed as an eternity ring, but the customer did not want a traditional simple band of diamonds.

Often ideas come to me from simply talking to my clients and on this occasion I felt that this ring was a celebration of their life together so far, which made me think of champagne and bubbles. The organic, natural formation of bubbles in champagne are undoubtedly mesmerising and I thought, whilst admiring the diamond-like effervescence in my glass, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to incorporate this fluid irregularity into something as constant as precious metals and stones!”

Q

So once you have the design idea how do you get that idea over to the customer?

With the idea fresh in my mind, I start sketching out variations of that design idea until the vision in my head is translated down onto paper. Hand drawing the designs is a little-used practice in the modern age, but we feel it adds a real personal touch to the process and to the final piece.

However, we often combine this technique with modern technology, using computer aided design

software to produce a 3D image of the design that allows our client to get a real feel of how their jewellery will look.

Q

Will the customer know how much the commission will cost at this stage?

Once we have the design accepted we are able to give an accurate quotation on the finished ring.

Sometimes the customer has given me a guide to what they would like to spend, so I tailor the design to that, but otherwise I am able to give the customer a good idea of what the commission is likely to cost before we move too far along the design. Once the customer has accepted the quote we can get started on the ring.

Q

Will you see the customer again before the ring is finished?

Oh yes! After 25 years of experience I know how important it is to keep the customer involved in the development of the design. We will have a fitting stage so that the customer can see how the ring is progressing and if there are any adjustments needed to the design, we are able to do this without too much re-working. The beauty of bespoke is that we are making it purely for you and we are able to make it exactly as you want it.

Being so involved in the process from start to finish makes the new creation so much more than ‘just’ new jewellery. The customer was delighted with this contemporary ring; a piece like no other!

3 The Square, Riverhead, Sevenoaks 01732 779 555 www.dominicwalmsley.com

AUGUST 2017 45

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

These potent powders must be activated with water in order to release their glow-giving powers.

Did you know that some skincare products are a lot like vegetables? Hear me out on this one…WORDS: Katie Wright, Press Association

UP

BRIGHTEN I

n the same way you should steam carrots instead of boiling them in water to preserve the vitamin content, some formulas are packed with powerful, but delicate nutrients that have to be kept dry to maintain their potency.

These powder-based serums need to be mixed with liquid so that the vitamins and actives can penetrate your skin and deliver maximum benefits.

And the benefits can be truly remarkable. Use an activated product as a temporary booster treatment over a few weeks and you can expect to see a clearer, calmer and altogether brighter complexion.

So keep munching on those veggies to soothe your skin from the inside, and complement your five-a-day with a pick from this nutritious selection...

Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C With 10% vitamin C, this is the highest concentration of any product from the brand. One vial gives you seven days of serum (to be mixed with your regular moisturiser), so it never loses its glow-giving potency. £58, Clinique

No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence New from the ever-reliable No7, this twice-daily serum, which contains 5% vitamin C, has had impressive clinical trial results: after two weeks, 91% of women said their skin looked more radiant. £19.50, Boots

Sarah Chapman Stem Cell Collagen Activator Duo Focusing on firming and smoothing, this dual formula mixes powdered stem cells with a peptide-rich serum, the pair combining to boost collagen production. £149, Space NK

46 AUGUST 2017

Vitamin C 10 Day Glow Boosting Concentrate Drop the vitamin C powder into the an aloe vera-rich serum to create a super-strength booster, but be sure to use it within a week when the actives are at their peak. £17, The Body Shop

Radiance Boosting Powder Mix this powder with water in your palm to create a gently exfoliating cleanser that comes with added nutrient extras by way of rose petals and jasmine. £38, Diptyque

Skincare Rejuvenating Powder Serum Packed with vitamins and minerals, this powder, which can be mixed with any moisturiser, promotes younger-looking skin. £32, Bath Spa

Advanced Renewal Infusion Serum Delivering an intense burst of hydration via a patented hydrogenbased Energy Complex, this fourweek treatment should be used a few times a year when your skin needs it most. £210, Perricone MD

White Balance Click Oxy-R If pigmentation is your primary concern, you’ll love the brightening effects of oxyreservatrol, which is found in this small, but mighty solution. £59, Medik8

3 in 1 Maca Mask With vitamins derived from Baobab fruit, this clay-based mask soothes and revitalises at the same time, and can be mixed with water or natural yoghurt. £20, Odylique

Main image: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

AUGUST 2017 47

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

AWARD WINNER

Welcome to Appearances Aesthetics, a multi award-winning permanent makeup and skincare clinic in Chislehurst Kent. Gillian Huntley is now a proud Gold Award WINNER in the Kent Health and Beauty Awards for the Overall Contribution to the Health and Beauty Industry 2017!

H

aving achieved a highly successful and recognised business over 30 years, I believe I am unique and have set myself apart in the industry, with my awards, dedication, professionalism and experiences.

My experience ensures I deliver dedicated, passionate, VIP/Red Carpet bespoke services, in a safe, hygienic environment.

My latest awards for 2017 include Winner of the Kent Health and Beauty Award for Overall Contribution to the Health & Beauty Industry, SemiFinalist of CIBTAC / BABTAC, Kent Aesthetician of the Year. I am so proud of what I have achieved.

I help people with serious illnesses such as cancer, alopecia, Trichotillomania, vitiligo, and people who have suffered burns injuries, to improve their confidence so they lead happier lives.

I hold open sessions for Cancer, Alopecia and Trichotellomania patients, offering a monthly free treatment as part of “giving back”. I am honoured and privileged to help people undergo remarkable transformations making a huge positive difference to changing and improving lives.

I am always striving to pioneer and help people with the use of my skills, expertise and qualifications. I hold an unparalleled portfolio of non-surgical procedures in the fastest growing industry. Apart from being outstanding in all the “normal” life changing treatments that I perform, through working with an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I have been able to introduce a revolutionary new tattooing procedure, which I perfected on his patient who has a congenital disfigurement of her toes. My treatment was published in the British

48 AUGUST 2017

Medical Journal in 2015.

I train with top Educators in UK, Europe and USA, ensuring my treatments are the highest standard. I continually attend training courses to ensure I keep up to date with the latest developments in my industry – I have recently completed 2 Advanced Sterex Academy Courses for Advanced Electrolysis and Advanced Cosmetic Procedures in which I achieved 100%. In attending regular training courses, I stay at the forefront of the developing treatments in my field, ensuring my treatments are always up to date and relevant.

I am passionate about giving back to my clients and the community. I fundraise for several charities especially Breast Cancer, having raised over £25,000.

I also volunteer for the Look Good Feel Better charity, a female cancer support charity that run free of charge skincare and make-up Master classes for women undergoing treatment for, or living with, cancer. I am also seeking to expand my volunteering services; I am awaiting the development of the Macmillan Cancer Centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup, where I seek to volunteer in a similar way with patients living with, or recovering from, cancer.

I am delighted I have earned trust with my Micro pigmentation, gaining a very high profile client Dame Kelly Holmes. I have also been on Local Radio and filmed for Sky TV performing Eyeliner Micro pigmentation.

I work alongside doctors, nurses and surgeons who refer patients to me, sometimes removing the need for further surgery. I am proud to hold endless glowing testimonials, from clients, doctors, surgeons and Industry professionals.

Gill Huntley

Appearances, 20 Berens Way, Orpington, Chislehurst BR7 6RJ 07711 067789 www. appearancesaesthetics.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Sevenoaks Pilates Studio

Sally and the team at Sevenoaks Pilates Studio are enjoying the renewal of energy that the Summer brings.

A

s summer approaches and the weather improves, our thoughts generally turn to becoming more active. Pilates at Sevenoaks Pilates Studio can be a wonderful way to improve health and fitness and create a sense of wellbeing. It will improve core strength as well as increasing muscle conditioning and flexibility. Pilates can also create long and lean

Pilates at Sevenoaks Pilates Studio can be a wonderful way to improve health and fitness and create a sense of wellbeing muscle tone and complement other activities such as sport or dance.

In Sally’s 12 years experience as a Pilates teacher, Sally has had experience teaching a broad range of clients of all ages and abilities.From clients wanting to improve their general wellbeing or enhance their dance/athletic ability through to those with specific needs including pre and postnatal clients, those with musculoskeletal conditions or recovering from surgery, injury and strokes.

At Sevenoaks Pilates Studio Sally has created a fully equiped apparatus Pilates Studio with world class Balanced Body machines, and an extensive range of small equipment and mats. This allows the team to offer individually tailored sessions to all of our clients, irrespective of age and ability.

The studio offers a comfortable, friendly and calm environment, with safe exercise taught by our expert and highly trained Pilates Foundation certified teachers.

The Team at Sevenoaks Pilates Studio are members of the Pilates Foundation, which is the UK’s only not-for-profit organisation dedicated to quality and excellence in the practise of the Pilates Method.

The extensive benefits of Pilates at Sevenoaks Pilates Studio include enhancing pre and postnatal health, improved posture as well as improved balance and coordination. It can also provide pre and post-operative support, gentle rehabilitation after injuries and help reduced stress.

For more information call 01732 451 439 Or email sevenoakspilatesstudio@gmail.com www.sevenoakspilatesstudio.com Facebook: Sevenoaks Pilates Studio

50 AUGUST 2017

“Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.”

- Joseph Pilates

28a London Road, Riverhead Sevenoaks, TN13 2DE, Kent

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

HARRODS ANNOUNCES SALON

A

haven for fragrance connoisseurs, with an alchemic array of haute perfumes for both men and women - the expanded salon will offer a number of worldwide exclusives from brands including Penhaligon’s, Armani Privé, Burberry, Sospiro, Frédéric Malle, Bond No.9 and Floraïku. These new boutiques 52 AUGUST 2017

will join those of Chanel, Clive Christian, Dior, Ex Nihilo, Guerlain, Henry Jacques, Kilian, Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, Tom Ford and Xerjoff.

From 27th July - 31st August – in celebration of the expansion – masterclasses, events and personalisation will be offered, including an evening with Clive Christian learning about the Absolute

DE PARFUMS EXPANSION extraction method of Enfleurage, and a chance to discover the meaning behind the gemstones adorning Armani Privé bottles.

Penhaligon’s will be providing custom fragrance services. Also, an exclusive scent that is part of the Portraits Collection – The Remarkable Success of Mr. Harrod – will debut in September.

Armani Privé will present an immersive “Privé experience” combining fragrance, light and music to create a relaxing atmosphere. There will also be exclusive perfumes available, including Charm, the Couture Edition fragrance inspired by the fashion house’s SS17 collection. Created by Alberto Morillas, the fragrance includes notes of iris and guaiac wood. 100ml, £550 Burberry will showcase the Burberry Bespoke collection, inspired by the British countryside: a Bloomsbury garden, coastal settings and a lush Scottish heath. “Fragrance discovery” appointments will also be available, during which bottles can be

“Sospiro’s new space reflects the philosophy of the brand. A wall of butterflies – the symbol of Sospiro – welcomes you to the boutique”

including monogramming, as well as an exclusive limited-edition travel case, part of Editions de Parfums’ collaboration with French goldsmiths Goossens.

Bond No.9 will launch its first UK boutique, which will feature custom fragrance blending as well as Private Bond, the world’s first mix-at-home fragrance system. Bond No.9 Swarovski will also be available.

Floraïku Salon de Parfums is home to the worldwide launch of this Japanese fragrance brand.

The boutique will be home to exclusive fragrances, including I See The Clouds Go By, One Umbrella for Two and Sleeping on the Roof. The fragrances can be personalised with a letter, kamon or emoji.

The intimate retail experience allows customers to explore some of the world’s finest and rarest scents, some of which are exclusive to Harrods.

From traditional perfumes that have stood the test of time, to the newest creations, your signature scent is waiting to be discovered.

The Salon de Parfums is located on the 6th Floor of Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL; www.harrods.com

monogrammed with up to three initials. From £225 Sospiro’s new space reflects the philosophy of the brand. A wall of butterflies – the symbol of Sospiro – welcomes you to the boutique; and two exclusive fragrances – Verde Accento (100ml, £165) and Diapason (100ml, £265) will be available.

Verde Accento is refined and bright, with notes of mandarin and hesperidic bergamot, jasmine, and pink pepper, layered with amber and sandalwood. Diapason includes top notes of Bulgarian rose and geranium, middle notes of guaiac wood and atlas cedar, and base notes of amber, Haitian vetiver and musk.

Frédéric Malle will present a range of home, bath & body products alongside its fragrances. The boutique will also offer personalisation services AUGUST 2017 53

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Recent studies suggest that people who experience hearing loss could be more likely to develop dementia than those without, leading researches to believe that Hearing loss and dementia are becoming inextricably linked. The majority of people with dementia are over the age of 70, coupled with the fact that nearly three quarters of people over 70 have some degree of hearing loss.

Link Between Hearing Loss And Dementia

E

vidence shows that mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, with moderate hearing loss leading to three times the risk, and severe loss can increase the risk by up to 5 times! Having a problem with your hearing can accelerate the rate of cognitive decline by about 36%.

It is often hard to separate the signs of hearing loss with those of dementia, especially when one problem may mask another. For example, struggling to follow a conversation. This could be symptomatic of either dementia or hearing loss. This can lead to issues of misdiagnosis of either or both conditions.

So, for example hearing loss can be misdiagnosed as dementia, or mistakenly make the symptoms of dementia appear worse than they really are.

Why is there a link?

We now know that hearing loss increases the risk of dementia in older people, but research isn’t clear as to why. One leading researcher believes the most likely reasons are: • When the cochlea (hearing nerve) sends a garbled signal to the brain, which is what happens when we develop a loss in our hearing, the brain has to work much harder to try and decode it. This increased ‘cognitive load’ makes it harder to concentrate and think.

• Hearing loss may lead to structural changes in the part of the brain that handles our sound processing, causing shrinkage in some of the regions most affected by dementia. The same part of the brain is also important in respect of other cognitive functions such as memory and language.

• One of the negative impacts of hearing loss is ‘social isolation’, it is now thought that this may speed up mental decline 54 AUGUST 2017

How widespread could the problem be?

One in six people in the UK, or 11 million, have some form of hearing loss. It is suggested that 6.7 million people could benefit from hearing aids, but only 1.4 million (around 20%) use them.

People who have a hearing problem should get their hearing tested. Typical indicators of hearing loss could be: • Asking people to repeat themselves • T.V is louder for you compared to others • Misunderstanding conversation, saying yes when it should be no • People appear to mumble • You find it harder to hear in background noise • You start to watch people lips more closely to understand what they are saying.

Evidence suggests that proper diagnosis and management of hearing loss can reduce the risk of dementia and also its impact, more notably in the early stages. In particular, the latest evidence suggests that wearing hearing aids actually helps by improving working memory – the short-term memory that we use in completing everyday day to day tasks. Hearing aids can also help prevent some of the other associated risks and conditions with dementia such as depression and falls.

To book a FREE hearing consultation then contact Langley Audiology on: Tel: 020 8663 6187 Email: hearing@langleyaudiology.co.uk or visit our website www.langleyaudiology.co.uk

SLICK

STYLE 56 AUGUST 2017

Smooth and sleek or artfully undone – take your pick with this catwalk-inspired style.

WORDS: Katie Wright, Press Association

F

rom the catwalks to the red carpet, slicked back hair has been EVERYWHERE this season. And no wonder - the sleek style is equal parts edgy and polished, and because the rest of your hair is down it’s much easier to achieve than a complicated updo.

At the SS17 shows, hair stylists went down two routes.

There was the perfectly preened and smoothed look, as seen at Balmain, Carolina Herrera and Marchesa, or the artfully messy wet-look vibe seen at Markus Lupfer.

Can’t decide which to try? We got the lowdown from the experts on how to create both...

Charlotte Riley at the Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards 2017 held at Festival Hall at Southbank Centre, London

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

WET AND WILD Embracing a natural, unpolished feel, the slicked back hair created by Bumble and Bumble at Markus Lupfer SS17 was effortlessly cool.

Get the look: 1. Wet the hair thoroughly with primer from root to tip.

2. Apply styling cream heavily on the roots, all the way down to the ends. Create a slick, heavy side parting and use a diffuser to blow-dry the hair.

3. Pull the hair back into a low quiff while keeping the side parting deep and defined. Ensure the hair is slick with product on the sides and slightly lifted on top.

4. Wet the hair down further with gel and finish with a spritz of hair spray.

Products: BB Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer, £20.50, and BB Don’t Blow It H(Air) Styler, £23 (LookFantastic.com); BB Curl Anti Humidity Gel-Oil, £25, and BB Cityswept Finish, £23, Space NK (www.spacenk.com) Both image: models backstage at Markus Lupfer SS17, image courtesy of Bumble and Bumble; All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

SLEEK AND SHINY

Hair by Sam McKnight Easy-Up Do Texture Spray, available from Liberty

Sam McKnight created this smooth, straight look at the Balmain SS17 show.

Get the look: 1. Lightly spray the hair with texture spray to prep, and apply a mousse to the roots for hold.

2. Create a sharp parting on the left side of the head to the crown with a pin tail comb.

3. Straighten the hair using a straightening iron, then apply gel on both sides and on top of the head and comb through.

4. Using a flat bristle brush, smooth the lengths, brushing from the top of the head, to seal in flyaways.

5. Finish with a moisturising cream for a sleek, wet look and set in place with a strong holding hair spray.

Products: Hair by Sam McKnight Easy-Up Do Texture Spray, £25, and Hair by Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray, £22, Liberty (www. libertylondon.com); John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse, £5.99, Superdrug (www.superdrug.com) Above: A model backstage at Balmain SS17, image courtesy of Sam McKnight; right: Gigi Hadid backstage at Balmain SS17, image courtesy of Sam McKnight

Hair by Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray, available from Liberty

BB Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer, available from LookFantastic.com

BB Don’t Blow It H(Air) Styler, available from LookFantastic.com

John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse, available from Superdrug

BB Curl Anti Humidity Gel-Oil, available from Space NK

BB Cityswept Finish, available from Space NK

AUGUST 2017 57

Saturday 2nd September 2017 Invisalign promotional day Want straight teeth without ugly braces?

We know there are many people who would love to have a beautiful smile, and straight teeth. We are setting aside a day – Saturday 2nd September – for a limited number of patients to receive up to £1300 worth of savings. You will be able to come in and meet with Arman, our specialist prosthodontist and the team who will explain how these work and show you some samples.

“I would thoroughly recommend their services to anyone”

Invisalign will help you achieve a beautiful smile with no ugly brackets or wires, and minimal irritation. Invisalign teeth aligners are not just more discrete than traditional metal braces.

They’re also more comfortable, more hygienic and less disruptive.

You don’t need to change your eating habits, your speech is not affected, and the treatment is virtually pain-free.

Arman our specialist dentist has had official Invisalign accreditation and has been trained extensively in delivering the best possible service.

“both of my girls loved the results given by your orthodontist”

SAVE UP TO £1,300 When registering for full treatment 3 £750 OFF the Treatment costs 3 Free consultation (save £125) 3 Free home whitening (worth £400) 3 Free removable retainers (worth £150) 3 LOw FInance OpTIOnS avaILabLe* * t&c apply

www.offer.hwilliamsandassociates.co.uk/invisalign reception@hwilliamsandassociates.co.uk 183 petts wood road, Kent br5 1JZ Follow us on:

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To avoid Disappointment

01689 823636

OUTDOOR LIVING

HOuse &

garden – A collection of Kent’s finest house and garden companies – I M AG E : s u mme r ’ s to p i n t e r i o r t r e n d s

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS Desert Chic Style at Cult Furniture You don’t have to endure sky high temperatures heat to enjoy the warmth of a desert home.

Modern desert-chic interiors have us truly caught up in their sandstorm! Whether you live in Arizona or Anglesey, a desertinspired home is only a few steps away. Visit Cult Furniture to get a handle on a few key elements of this visually compelling look.

Opt for warm metallic hues, rich woods and playful patterns. Keep the theme grounded and ultramodern with a neutral fabrics and cool dashes of marble. www.cultfurniture.com

FLORAL NOTES Whether you adorn your walls with blossom or style your sofa with water lilies – transform your home into a floral paradise with a range of cushions, wallpaper, mirrors and dividers from the new Eastern Alchemy collection. We love this double sided cushion which shows colourful birds sitting on blossom and branches with a sky blue background. Finished off with pink piping. www.arthouse.com

Bloomingville Sooji Palm Print Ceramic Mug; £7

Cult Design Moda Armchair CD1 Copper – Grey; £89

POSTER POWER Interest in Brutalist and modernist architecture is undergoing a major revival. This stunning collection of poster art created by an architect turned illustrator will thrill fans of architecture and London alike. From the National Theatre on the Southbank, to Willow Road in Hampstead, Sarah Evans, the architect and designer behind Oscar Francis, has captured the patterns and textures that make Brutalist and modernist architecture so intriguing, creating images that celebrate the pure aesthetics of these forwardthinking, utopian designs. Reproduced with stunning clarity and on high quality paper, these pullout pages will make ideal wall decorations for anyone who loves modernist architecture. Oscar Francis is a Londonbased studio creating bold graphics inspired by the city founded by architect turned illustrator Sarah Evans.

Release date: October 15, 2017 60 AUGUST 2017

Bloomingville Cactus Square Reversible Cotton Cushion; £29

THE BARN

H OUSE & GARDEN

If you are looking to fuel your imagination why not visit one of our extensive Hetas approved showroom just outside Ashford Kent or Tunbridge wells.

We stay by your side and can provide a comprehensive before and after sales service, including design and building of flues and chimney systems

Ashford: 01303 813870 Tunbridge Wells: 01580 201392 info@thebarn.co.uk www.thebarn.co.uk 62 AUGUST 2017

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e have travelled throughout Europe to source a distinctive range of fires, with world class environmental accreditation alongside our wood-burning, multi fuel stoves and our extensive range of gas fires.

Our range includes the classic Clearview stoves, The unique Harrie Leenders ceiling mounted rotatable stoves, M-Design double and triple sided stoves and the perfectly styled free standing Hase and Rais stoves. We are a family run company that strives to offer the very best service from either of our showrooms right through to the installation, carried out by our own employed engineers.

Planning your visit to one of our showrooms, Our Sellindge showrooms in-between Ashford and Folkestone on the A20 and approximately 5 miles from Junction 11 of the M20 with ample free parking, disabled access to all the main areas of the showroom. Our Wallcrouch Showroom on the

B2099 near Wadhurst East Sussex is approximately 4 miles from the Flimwell crossroads on the A21, and approximately 10 miles from the Centre of Tunbridge Wells.

We cover all of Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London. So whether you’re from Broadstairs, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Folkestone, Canterbury, Margate, Brighton, London and the surrounding areas, you are more than welcome to come into one of our showrooms.

Appointments can be made via info@thebarn.co.uk or calling 01303 813870.

You can meet one of our team to discuss your requirements where we can act as your consultant or advisers to work alongside builders, designers, and architects.

Our help and support starts at the outset. We stay by your side and can provide a comprehensive before and after sales service, including design and building of flues and chimney systems........the list goes on.

BRAND NEW ShOWROOM OPENS 1ST AUGUST

11 SUNDRIDGE PARADE PLAISTOW LANE BROMLEY BR1 4DT hELLO@ARkkhOME.cOM WWW.ARkkhOME.cOM

H OUSE & GARDEN

Enhancing the Home with an Indoor Pool Paul Green and his wife had always wanted an indoor pool, a dream that was made possible when they moved to a new home and had the space to extend.

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hey began researching companies in the area that would be able to meet their requirements. Keen to use a well-known firm that was reputable and a specialist in the area, the couple wanted to find a company that had the capability to manage the whole project, removing the need for individual contractors. The Green’s research and local connections led them to Origin, the UK’s original luxury indoor pool company.

64 AUGUST 2017

Origin is the way Forward

Paul contacted Origin and arranged a meeting. “It was really good to see the owner of the business taking a personal interest. He said all the right things and the advice he gave was great. They organised an onsite visit for us so that we could get a feel for the work they had previously done. This really solidified our decision to choose them”. Paul also had a local contact who lived in the area and had experience with Origin. He gave the company a glowing recommendation.

Getting it Right Origin worked alongside the Green family to design their dream pool. It was going to be an extension of their home and needed to match the exterior of

“Origin worked alongside the Green family to design their dream pool. It was going to be an extension of their home”

Life with Origin

the house. It was essential it didn’t stand out but internally, they wanted a high quality, modern and contemporary style.

Paul adds: “We drew a lot of inspiration from pictures of other high end pools and I used these to demonstrate to Origin and the architect what we wanted.”

The couple wanted a bright and spacious area.

Colour changing lighting and iridescent tiling which reflects the light perfectly, both provide the feel of luxury.

In addition to creating a relaxing space with a spa pool, it was also important to Paul that he could use the pool to maintain his fitness. The space to build an Olympic sized pool wasn’t available, so Paul decided to install swim jets that create resistance as he swims, providing a more challenging exercise regime.

Brilliant Builders During the project, the couple were kept up to date with progress. The Origin team were available to chat through the project whenever they wanted, including regular meetings to discuss finishes and make other important decisions as they went along.

Paul was extremely impressed with the construction team. Despite undertaking a huge build project, they kept disruption to a minimum and didn’t knock through into the Green’s property until it was essential. This helped to keep the property secure throughout. “The team were great, they kept the site as clean as they could and they were all extremely friendly. Once you get over the mental hurdle that your property is going to be a bit chaotic for a few months, this is a really exciting part of the project as you begin to see your pool take shape”.

Paul and his family couldn’t be happier with the space they have created: “I’ve always used swimming as a form of exercise.

I used to visit a local hotel three times a week before we had our pool installed and this proved difficult if I was working late.

Now, I use the pool five times a week and when the rest of the family visit, they have a fantastic space for leisure and relaxation.

Especially our granddaughter, she’s three years old and just loves splashing around when she visits.”

Paul looks at it as more than a pool though; it’s an extension of his home: “The good thing about the space is that it’s a room in its own right. Although my wife and I may have slightly different agendas when it comes to the pool – I primarily use it for fitness and she will use it for leisure. It’s also a very pleasant space to, relax and do things such as have a drink or read a book. Our friends are amazed by the complexity of the design!”

So, would the Green’s recommend Origin? “Absolutely, they were honest, realistic and clearly experienced – they had the whole package.”

Origin has over 35 years’ experience building award-winning swimming pools. The company can work with you to build your dream pool house, just like they did for Paul and his wife.

To speak to the Origin experts please contact 01895 453996

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Summer’s top interior trends words: Gabrielle Fagan, Press Association

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interest is the site where decoristas love to lust over luxury. Gabrielle Fagan discovers its style winners and inspiring ideas If you’re rocking a Seventies vibe by piling on the pot plants for an outdoor/indoor theme, working a boho vibe with a high-back rattan peacock chair, or keeping it simple with eco-friendly pared-back kitchen designs, then you’re ahead of the decor game.

Those are the fashion-forward trends identified

by Pinterest, the social media site where millions find inspiration for their homes, and which has recently revealed its new Best of Pinterest UK Interior Awards, whose judges included designers Matthew Williamson and Kelly Hoppen.

“Pinterest is the ideal tool for creatives,” says Hoppen. “I only wish this inspirational and informative platform was around when I first started in design 40 years ago. It’s so interesting to be able to look at the trends and styles of people worldwide and how each individual, culture or country interpret those.”

We’re all getting braver about experimenting in our homes according to Adele Cooper, UK and Ireland country manager at Pinterest. “The Interior Awards highlight that people are adventurous with their home decor ideas and confident to experiment with colours, textiles and even DIY to personalise their living spaces.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT SHAPES & SIZES

Here are the key trends that emerged from the awards...

DREAMY & DIY Sustainable home decorating is on the rise, with Britons growing more confident about DIY and making the most of inexpensive materials and discovering plywood kitchens (which recorded 182% more saves than last year). Homes are no longer running with one colour scheme, with printed wallpaper recording 250% more saves than last year and navy bedrooms up 182%.

GET THE LOOK: John Lewis’s scooped Best Dream Bedroom award with its blue setting featuring its Croft Collection Skye Bed Frame, Double, £699; Croft Collection linen bedding collection, from £20 to £135, and House by John Lewis Jersey Bedspread, Navy £40. Plywood’s a favoured choice for those who want a ‘green’ living style. Sustainable Kitchens is one of the companies specialising in eco-friendly design. Its kitchen, featuring plywood cabinetry, starts from £25,000, and was a runner-up for Best Kitchen.

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“John Lewis’s scooped Best Dream Bedroom award with its blue setting”

Maths may not be your strong point but featuring geometric shapes is essential if you want your home style to add up, according to Pinterest. Hexagons featured 93% more than last year, with herringbone tiles running a close second, and circular mirrors third.

GET THE LOOK: Throw some shapes with Topps Tiles’ Hexagon Rustic Travertine Tiles, £65.22 per

INTERIOR LUST-HAVES Some pieces just hit the right decor sweet spot and the outright winner of the Pinterest Lust-have award was a Loaf Thankster sofa, from £1,195 with the runner-up an Oliver Bonas Luxe Round Bamboo Drinks Trolley, with marble top, £395. A Penn desk, £399, with matching wall shelves, £99, from Made.com won the best workspace idea award. A lightfilled space with Velux windows was chosen by Pinterest users in Glasgow as one of the regional winners of the awards.

“Hexagons featured 93% more than last year, with herringbone tiles running a close second, and circular mirrors third” square metre. Alternatively, show off all the angles with a Green Oversized Geometric Wall Mural from Murals Wallpaper, which also has a stunning Neutral Shades World Map Wallpaper Mural, both from £25 per square metre. All murals are custom-sized and made to order. If money’s no object, a Jonathan Charles Geometry Cabinet, £4,719 from Sweetpea & Willow, is a masterclass in marquetry and conjures an optical geometric illusion.

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Emmanuelle Armchair in Natural Rattan with its characteristic high rounded back, £654.50, Hutsly. Spin the vinyl on a GPO Ambassador record player, £110.

HOME FAKEOVERS

BRING OUTDOORS IN Houseplants - the hip decorating statement of style from the late Sixties and early Seventies - are back in vogue and create a lush outdoor/indoor vibe.

They’re particularly popular for living rooms and for conjuring an exotic, steamy atmosphere in a bathroom, especially hanging plants in a shower (up 302% on last year). Houseplants are in tune with our current passion for embracing nature and its colour palette - green is leading the colour chart this year and Pinterest research showed it’s a favourite for tiles.

GET THE LOOK: Classic Victorian green tiles are having a moment as they’re a favoured choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Original Style has a square Victorian Green Field Tile, £84.95 per square metre.

If you’re not green-fingered, there’s an array of maintenance-free faux plants to choose from. A Succulent Arrangement With Pot, £80, Sweetpea & Willow.

TURN BACK THE CLOCK Vibrant colour choices are also inspired by the Seventies - think mustard, orange, greens and even splashes of red. They bring interest and character and help shake up spaces dominated by neutrals.

According to the research, there’s also a revival for shag pile rugs, record players and that boho retro piece, a peacock chair.

GET THE LOOK: Lounge back in a Peacock 68 AUGUST 2017

If you’re on the move - a renter rather than an owner - you need savvy, temporary solutions to smarten a space. Reusable wallpaper (up 344% on last year) is a home decor hero and can stun as a statement on one wall, glam up a chest of drawers, and is becoming a firm favourite for children’s rooms. Bulky wardrobes eat space but simple clothing racks, rails or ladder storage are slimmer, and your favourite clothes can become an eye-catching display. Turn on the style cheaply by jazzing up a room with new legs for a sofa or handles for cupboards, and use vintage trunks and baskets for storage.

GET THE LOOK: Florals are an easy way to add colour and pattern and Rosentapete by Coloray has a design of bold pink blooms on its self-adhesive reusable wallpaper, £96.73 a roll, DaWanda. One of my favourite wallpaper companies is Sian Zeng and it has a London Tree fabric sticker, £195, which would please adults or children alike. Functional, stylish storage is a staple at Ikea and its Elvarli white bamboo storage units, two sections £347, is a winner. Pretty up a cupboard with dragonlfly Glass Cupboard Knobs, £4.20 each (reduced from £6), L’Atelier Natalia Willmott.

“Reusable wallpaper is a home decor hero and can stun as a statement on one wall”

fiveways fires & stoves

743-745 sidcup rd, new elthaM, se9 3sa (located along sidcup Bypass)

Stay warm with our stunning range of fires and stoves experienced, friendly & family run showroom. hetas and gas safe engineers.

Multi fuel stoves all defra approved, gas fires and Mantles, the new optimist range of electric fires and stoves. open 6 days a week: 10 until 6.

0208 127 4747

www.fivewaysfires. co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Back to nature There’s a whole world of color out there that could transform your home. Gabrielle Fagan talks to leading stylist Hans Blomquist about using everything from woods to weather as decor inspiration

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ometimes nature knows best, but who’d have thought it also holds the answers to home decorating? Looking to the skies and the changing colors of the landscape is the newest (and highly welcome) alternative to struggling with perplexing paint charts, and it’s the method used by one of the world’s leading stylists.

Hans Blomquist, renowned for his work as an art director with major home brands, including Ikea and Harrods, reveals that looking up to the skies whether sunny blue, stormy or rain-lashed horizons - as well as noticing the seasons, is his perfect inspiration for winning interiors.

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“It’s easy to take color for granted. We forget to appreciate the amazing, dazzling world that surrounds us, full of a million different shades that have the power to lift our spirits or soothe our mood,” says Blomquist, whose beautifully illustrated book, In The Mood For Colour: Perfect Palettes For Creative Interiors, is a guide to seeing color in a completely different light.

“Nature is my starting point for any project.

For my job, I’m lucky enough to travel the world and color surprises me wherever I go - I’m often transfixed by the different colors and lights I’ve experienced in different parts of the globe. Most of my inspiration comes from the colors of the natural world. There is beauty to be found nearly everywhere you go and nature always inspires me with its wonderful color combinations.”

The perfect palette is out there just waiting to be seen, he says, and the easiest way of finding out what appeals is to take photos on your phone, of whatever catches your eye, over a period of time.

“Next time you leave your house, whether you’re passing through familiar landscapes or visiting a different country, look around and marvel at the variety of colors that surround you. You’ll end up with a collection of pictures which display a wide range of different colors and textures that will be a rich source of inspiration and help you refine your taste.”

“The easiest way of finding out what appeals is to take photos on your phone, of whatever catches your eye” BLUE SKIES & BLUE JEANS Blue’s a color that works especially well when you layer up different shades to create a tone-on-tone effect, and Blomquist promises it will result in a harmonious interior with a sense of depth and calm. “I consider myself a ‘blue’ person. Painting walls a deep blue will give you a sense of summer all year round, and you can add warmth with natural objects and colors,” he enthuses. “Denim blue, greyish blue, duck-egg blue, shades of blue that veer towards green, and anything in between are all favourites of mine. There’s nothing more comfortable to wear than denim, and it’s just as comfortable to live in a moody blue interior. Shades of denim can range from the deepest indigo to the palest, soft grey-blue.”

DIP INTO BLUES: Anything goes with deep moody blues - light or dark, muted tones or bright clear, spring-like shades. In an interior, dark blue works as a neutral and looks brilliant either covering walls or used as a grounding accent in the form of textiles and decorative objects. Try layering different shades of blue from darkest navy to washed-out cornflower.

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H OUSE & GARDEN

every other hue sits so well against them, especially the bright green of spring leaves,” he says. “While you may be reluctant to repaint a room pitch black, I’m sure you would be pleasantly surprised if you did, as it’s such a chic, comfortable colour to live with. I wish I had more dark colours in my home.

A dark backdrop can have such an impact and create a sense of drama, yet at the same time give a very calm and cocooning feeling. It also makes any other colour stand out beautifully, whether it’s a single flower, a branch of spring blossoms, or a piece of furniture.”

DIP INTO GREYS AND BLACKS: If painting a whole room seems too much, start with one wall or ceiling. Create a tonal wall by painting one solid colour of matt paint in a dark colour and then, using a sponge, apply a wash of diluted lighter paint over it. Repeat until you get the desired effect.

Choose from deepest indigo, inky black, thunder grey and earthy brown shades.

In The Mood For Colour by Hans Blomquist is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £16.58. Available on www.amazon.co.uk

WASHED, BLEACHED & WEATHERED Natural colour schemes have a depth and softness to them, says Blomquist, and feel so unmanufactured and true in their shades that they’ll always bring a sense of integrity to your home and make it feel warm, inviting and relaxed.

“I’m always collecting pieces of wood from the beach and the forest. I use some to light the fire, but the sculptural pieces usually end up on display and inspire me in my choice of colours,” he explains. There’s nothing like the faded colours of smooth driftwood, washed vintage French linen, or antique grey painted furniture. I love everything about these soft, warm tones. I like to mix vintage and new, textural wood playing off shiny porcelain, and if you feel the whole is too bland, introduce some greenery - a single leaf or a pot plant can be the last extra touch needed.”

DIP INTO PALE SHADES: If you have plain white walls, add layers of texture and introduce different shades of soft white to make a room more inviting.

Layer textiles in different weaves or colours, hang a panel of vintage fabric as a work of art. A collection of vintage mirrors will reflect and accentuate any light in the room and is particularly effective in making a small space appear larger.

STORMY DAYS Towards the end of summer vivid hues begin to fade and moodier colours appear along with dark stormy days and autumnal earthy colours; this is a palette Blomquist recommends for atmospheric rooms. “Even though I don’t like rainy days, I love it when dark, thundery rain clouds roll in because their deep tones are astoundingly beautiful, and 72 AUGUST 2017

Woodburining Stove SpecialiStS

SuMMer SavingS inStore only. terMS & conditionS apply

Polhill Garden Centre, London Road Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7AD TeLePhoNe: 01959 532444 eMAiL: info@kelvinfireplaces.co.uk www.kelvinfireplaces.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK – Bringing you updates on the local food and drink scene – i m a g e : 6 f a b u l o u s f i zze s f o r s u mme r s o i r ee s

FOOD & DRINK

[NEWS]

FOOD & DRINK THIS MONTH WE LOVE…

Balcony BBQ, £39.95

KITCHEN CLASSICS Tonfisk Design is one of Finland’s leading Scandinavian contemporary design brands. The WARM Tea & Coffee Series is a design classic – as early as 2006, design bible Wallpaper introduced it as one of the 10 best design items of the decade and later featured it in their 20th Anniversary Edition - ‘Design that defined the moment’ – celebrating the trends of the past 20 years. This contemporary kitchenware range uses porcelain and wood to create beautiful, functional products for your home that will stand the test of time. Prices start from £29. www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk

DELIVER IN STYLE We love these new trays, made from Birchwood Ply… www.andshine.co.uk

Watermelon Keg Tapping Kit, £19.99

KEEP IN TIME Personalised Large Cocktail Glass, £12.99

All available from www.prezzybox.com 78 AUGUST 2017

Turn up the tempo in the kitchen with a melodic musical timer from Dutch design pioneers Kikkerland. This new kitchen timer alerts the cook to when the chicken has fully roasted with a few bars of Mozart. The gadget, topped with a bust of the composer, bursts into the lilting Rondo alla Turca, the third movement of his Piano Sonata No. 11, when the time is up. This off-beat piece of practical kitchen kit should bring some jollity to the kitchen, and is sure to cheer a highbrow cook.

Mozart Kitchen Timer: 17.50 euro (free UK delivery) www.kikkerlandeu.com

Rushmore Hill, Pratts Bottom, Kent BR6 7NQ Whats on...

AUGUST 2017 4TH 11TH 18TH 25TH

RICKY’S DISCO ROUGH JUSTICE LIVE JUKE BOX NIGHT SAM NIGHT

‘The hidden jewel in norTh KenT’s crown’

SEPTEMBER 2017 1ST 8TH 15TH

KATIE SPARKES LIVE MUSIC JUKE BOX NIGHT SAM NIGHT & FISH NIGHT

17th CENTURY PUBLIC HOUSE

01689 852 553 | www.thebullsheadpub.net | info@thebullsheadpub.net

FOOD & DRINK

Pop the corks:

6 fabulous fizzes for summer soirees

Champagne and sparkling wines for summer entertaining. words: Sam Wylie-Harris, Press Association

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ho doesn’t love that heaven-sent hiss when the cork’s pulled and millions of feisty bubbles burst onto the scene, where they can finally flow freely and enjoy the limelight? Glasses at the ready for the gift of effervescence...

Whether you’re styling up your spread, making a happy announcement (after all, celebration has always been part of champagne’s DNA) or simply ‘just because’, here’s how to sip through summer with a steady stream of sparkle to mark that special occasion...

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1. Taittinger Brut Champagne Prestige Rose NV, France Too delicious for words, if you can judge a rose champagne by its colour, then Taittinger’s shimmering salmon pink with bronze reflections mirrors the wild strawberry and raspberry flavours.

Fresh and elegant, with enticing aromas of red summer fruits, it’s a fitting choice for a rose-themed garden party or engagement. (£49.99, Waitrose)

4. Magot Pinot Nero, Spumante, Oltrepo Pavese, Castello di Luzzano, Italy If you want to inspire thoughts of a carefree, alfresco lifestyle, this ‘pale and interesting’ spumante makes a delightful alternative to prosecco. Lighter than champagne and scented with aromas of orange blossom, the pearly-white, tiny beads of bubbles offer crisp orchard fruits for aperitivo drinking. (£17.50, Berry Bros & Rudd)

2. Brown Brothers Sparkling Brut NV, Australia Bringing more than a level of luxury to the party, your friends will think you’ve gone to town if you serve this impressive champagne-style sparkler from Down Under. The name may not be so familiar, but Brown Brothers is Australia’s most awarded nonvintage sparkling wine, which carries some serious clout. Full-bodied with a beautiful roundness, enjoy with canapes. (£17.99, Sandhams Wine Merchants)

5. Luc Belaire Luxe, Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine, France Luxe by name and luxe by design, fashionistas will love this dazzling white and gold-trimmed bottle, which pairs perfectly with this season’s floaty white shirt dresses. Made from chardonnay grapes from Burgundy, the fresh, fruity balance of tropical fruits with a ripe, sweet nose of apricots ends on a lively, effervescent finish. Gift it to the bride and groom or better still, keep it for yourself. (£22.95, 31 Dover)

3. Les Dauphins Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, France For a sense of joie de vivre, the striking ‘MoulinRouge’ style labels that adorn Les Dauphins Cotes du Rhone wines are not their only merit - they made an appearance at the French Ambassador’s London residence this summer to celebrate Bastille Day. And this fun, fruity fizz is the latest addition to their lineup. A blend of classic Rhone valley grapes, its fruit forward, peachy freshness will go down a storm. (£12.99, Waitrose)

6. Jenkyn Place Blanc de Noir 2010, Hampshire, England Garden parties, marquees, and a VIP guest list... why not impress with home-grown English fizz which is right on trend this summer. English winemakers are winning more medals than ever and this 50/50 blend of pinot noir and meunier has complexity from 42 months lees ageing. Lime scented with a hint of herbs, there’s a zesty acidity to the pristine apple and pear fruit. (£219, case of 6, £35.50 per bottle, Jenkyn Place)

FOOD & DRINK

Charcoal:

Why it’s going in food, and what you need to know Activated charcoal is all the rage in foodie circles - but what’s the fuss about? WORDS: Ella Walker, Press Association

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harring your toast to a cinder, forgetting about your roast chicken until it’s gone black and crispy in the oven, or fishing a singed sausage from among the barbecue ashes, are all considered culinary no-nos. So why has charcoal itself become such a huge food trend?

You can now get charcoal ice cream, smoothies and lemonade; water bottles that come with ‘purifying’ shards of it floating in them, while vitamin-type charcoal detox capsules abound in health-food shops.

And don’t get us started on the unappetizinglooking charcoal burger buns doing the rounds on Instagram - not to mention charcoal toothpaste, teeth whitening kits, face masks and soaps.

It’s not just any old charcoal though, it’s ‘activated charcoal’.

This charcoal, being used in treatments and foods - even pizza - is touted for its health-giving, detoxifying benefits, and is not the kind you used in art class at school.

“Activated charcoal is simply charcoal that has been heated or treated to expand its surface area,” explains nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed.

“It’s been used for many years as a treatment for overdoses and poisonings, as the charcoal is able to bind to substances in the stomach and prevent their absorption.”

The benefits are probably not as groundbreaking as you may have been led to believe though.

“There are only certain substances that activated charcoal [AC] will bind to and therefore its use as a ‘detox substance’ is unwarranted,” explains StirlingReed.

“There is research that suggests that, alongside its benefit from a medical sense in overdoses, it may also contribute to reducing excessive flatulence after eating,” she concedes, but adds: “There are many

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outlandish claims made about activated charcoal and its use as a supplement - however, it’s important to remember that most of these claims do not have any evidence behind them.

“For example, many recommend using activated charcoal to ‘detox’ the body or help with hangovers,” she explains. “There is no evidence that AC can help with either of these and, importantly, our bodies do a really good job of eliminating toxins on their own. Unless you have a medical problem, they do not need the help of activated charcoal.”

And so far, it’s largely the supposed positives of activated charcoal being talked about, rather than the negatives.

“Having too much may cause stomach upsets,” says Stirling-Reed, “but other than that, we know little about the concerns of taking activated charcoal.”

There is a suggestion that taking AC can impact on other medication you might be taking. Earlier this month, gastroenterologist Patricia Raymond told Women’s Health: “Activated charcoal is given to people who take too much medication because charcoal is so absorbent and can counteract an overdose.

“But if you’re drinking it and you also are on any meds, even birth control pills, the charcoal is likely to absorb the drugs. So you risk having them become ineffective.”

So the life-enhancing properties of charcoal have been somewhat blown out of proportion.

“Yes, to some extent. Charcoal is possibly another money-making fad. You’re much better getting advice from a registered nutritionist, dietitian or your GP on improving your health,” says Stirling-Reed. “I would recommend only taking activated charcoal if your GP/doctor recommends you do so.”

“Many recommend using activated charcoal to ‘detox’ the body or help with hangovers”

FOOD & DRINK

Expert tips for surviving a conversation with a sommelier in a Michelin-starred restaurant words: Sam Wylie-Harris, Press Association

Here, Charlotte shares her insider’s guide to save you from any awkwardness when talking to that fancy sommelier...

1. Remember they’re there to please “Just know that sommeliers want the wine to shine as much as the food and service do, so it’s their job to help you choose a wine that’s right for you.”

2. Be honest “It’s a sommeliers’ dream to find the perfect wine for each and every customer, and that will only come from a customer’s feedback, so tell us what you think - we like that.”

C

harlotte Logan-Jones, sommelier at Mayfair’s Bonhams Restaurant, shares her insider secrets. Great food and great wine go hand in hand. But, if you’ve had your fair share of fine dining and still feel a teeny-weeny bit intimidated by a fine wine list, you’re not alone.

Most of us are more comfortable ordering food than the tipple to go with it, especially if the sommelier’s swanning around in a white dinner jacket and - eek - the ‘helpful’ wine list turns out to be anything but (Holy moly; the wines are split into country rather than style?!).

All that expertise you’ve mastered with a go-to glass of something ‘crisp and fruity’, or ‘earthy and savoury’, can be very limiting when faced with an innovative wine list.

But rest assured, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Today’s somms want to enhance the dining experience, relax the customer, and create a trusting relationship.

84 AUGUST 2017

3. There’s nothing wrong with not liking a wine “Most sommeliers actually do understand that wine is very subjective and something that one person loves, the next may really dislike.”

4. Say how much you want to spend on a bottle “Us sommeliers like to show off how many wines we actually know, so test us. Give us as much info as you can. What you’re looking for and what you’re not looking for, including budget (they’ll thank you) - and watch us get to work.”

5. And you are allowed to order something that’s not wine too!

Even somms have a guilty pleasure: “I’m a cocktail girl, and do love an Aperol Spritz, although you can’t beat an incredibly spicy Bloody Mary - a little horseradish always does the trick for me.”

We caught up with award-winning sommelier Charlotte Logan-Jones, who started her career as a wine specialist for Waitrose, to quiz her on her insider secrets.

And she’s certainly the woman for the job Charlotte’s introduction to the world of fine dining came during her four years at London’s landmark Bibendum restaurant, where she worked her way up to head sommelier.

Following a stint in Australia, Charlotte now oversees a 2,400-bottle wine cellar at Michelinstarred Bonhams Restaurant in swanky Mayfair.

“Charlotte now oversees a 2,400-bottle wine cellar at Michelin-starred Bonhams Restaurant in swanky Mayfair” The list ranges from good-value house wines (a fine restaurant will invest time and effort sourcing their house wine - they need to be versatile to go with a variety of dishes, and exclusive so customers can’t find them anywhere else), to some magnificent labels and vintages.

For more info, visit Bonhams Restaurant (www.bonhamsrestaurant.com). Along with Charlotte’s recommendations, Bonhams offers free corkage to diners every Wednesday night, and exclusive access to the auction house’s own wine sales.

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FOOD & DRINK

A WARM WELCOME AT MING

O At the Ming restaurant you can be sure of a warm welcome and fantastic Chinese food.

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“Much thought and appreciation has been given to the art and presentation of the authentic dishes�

ur set menus are specially designed to create a balanced Chinese meal which alternates the fine flavours, sharp, hot, bitter, sugary and salty to the full. The various dishes which constitute the meal follow the organised scheme of colour, flavour and scent.

Much thought and appreciation has been given to the art and presentation of the authentic dishes.

The restaurant has special tables available for your special celebration or business fun and we can cater for groups. The manager on duty at this restaurant will be pleased to assist you with full details.

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FOOD & DRINK

Candice Brown:

The Bake Off champ does comfort food perfectly in her first cookbook Still pinching herself to check she’s not dreaming, the baking queen tells Ella Walker all about it. words: By Ella Walker, Press Association

C

andice Brown won the Great British Bake Off last year, and now has her first book out. Let’s just say, she’s still trying to get her head around these really quite delicious facts.

“It’s funny saying that... ‘My book!’” she says, with a small, bemused laugh.

Winning Bake Off, the ultimate show for those who pride themselves on the quality of their lemon drizzle and the sturdiness of their pie crust, would, you’d think, prepare a person for automatic cookbook domination and a tasty TV career.

However, 32-year-old former PE teacher Candice is still utterly gobsmacked.

In fact, when she got the call confirming her book deal, she was wandering around Fortum & Mason, staring at the meat in the butcher’s section - and had to hang up to gaze, stunned, at the carcasses for a while longer, while the news sunk in.

Three manic months of writing, cooking, developing (and very little sleep) later, and the result is Comfort, a collection of Candice’s tried-andtested home classics: “The sort of things you want to stick your face in, grab a spoon, dive straight in and worry about burning your mouth later”.

Squidged between snaps of her pug Dennis, the recipes are huge, decadent and sometimes borrowed treats - think an enormous, bubbling shepherd’s pie, sausage rolls the size of bricks, and her beloved nan’s boiled fruit cake. “Everything has a story,” explains the London-born baker. “I’m so proud of it - it’s big flavours, it’s big pots.”

Piecing all the recipes together was something of a challenge though, as Candice admits she’s “bloody awful at writing them down”.

“Liam [my boyfriend] would always say to me, ‘Are you writing that down?’ And I’d go, ‘YES, YES!’, knowing full well I’m not writing anything down at all, because I do what I call a ‘guess-a-cake’ - I just whack everything in and hope for the best.

But then, if it works really well I’ll be like, ‘Argh,

88 AUGUST 2017

what did I put in that?!’”

And if it goes horribly wrong? “Don’t worry about it,” she says. “You either don’t tell anyone and start again, or you turn it into something else and say it was supposed to look like that - that’s how I get by a lot of the time.”

Minor mishaps aside, Candice, who started baking before the age of 5, considers it “one of the only things that comes naturally to me”, but still doesn’t fully comprehend how she won Bake Off. “I don’t think I was the best baker in the tent,” says the pub landlord’s daughter, without artifice. “Some days I still don’t know how I did what I did, because I hadn’t been able to do it at home. Dad always said I was the same at university and school. I’d say, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do it’, then the pressure would hit, and I’d get my head down and do it.”

In the end, and (controversial) lippy intact, she beat finalists Andrew Smyth and Jane Beedle to the crown. “It’s crazy, it’s stressful, intense, it’s tiring - but I’d do it a hundred times over,” she says, recalling how demanding it was manning an oven while at the mercy of Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood’s taste buds. “I was going to work and, on lunch breaks, going down to town either to buy ingredients or popping into antiques shops [for props].”

Then she was coming home, baking until the early hours, snagging a few hours sleep and then going back to her teaching job come morning: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

And yes, she will be watching the new series on Channel 4. “It’s always been my favourite programme - it’s going to be so funny. Prue [Leith] is a culinary legend, then you’ve got Paul who’ll just give that ice stare and wind everyone up.

“And you know what? The breaks are just going to give you time to go for a wee and get a cup of tea.” Cheers to that.

Comfort: Delicious Bakes And Family Treats by Candice Brown, photography Ellis Parrinder, is published in hardback by Ebury Press, priced £20. Available now.

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FOOD & DRINK

A TASTE OF SUMMER How to make Lope Ariyo’s hibiscus and coconut cake.

By Ella Walker, Press Association

Method:

T

he cookbook competition winner shares her recipe for a British-Nigerian fusion cake. To crown a showstopper of an afternoon tea, or to present as a standout special occasion cake, this two-tier coconut concoction is sure to wow.

Ingredients:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas mark 4. Grease two round 20cm cake tins, then line them with baking paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground egusi seeds or ground almonds, hibiscus petals, ground cloves, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda and salt.

3. In another large bowl, cream the coconut oil, groundnut oil and sugars together. One by one, add the eggs until well combined. Add half of the dry ingredients to the bowl, followed by half of the coconut milk and mix with an electric hand whisk or stand mixer until well-combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Repeat to add the remaining dry ingredients and coconut milk and mix to thoroughly combine.

Finally, add the vanilla extract and lemon juice, folding in gently.

4. Transfer the batter into a large measuring jug

and evenly distribute it between the two cake tins. If you prefer less washing up, roughly measure by eye.

Bake the cakes for about 30 minutes. When they’re ready, a skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

5. To make the drizzle, mix the icing sugar with the coconut milk to get a thick drizzle, then add the coconut and vanilla extracts. Trickle over both layers of the cooled hibiscus cake.

6. For the frosting, whisk all the ingredients together to create a fluffy purple cloud. Make sure the colour is consistent throughout. Spread half the frosting over one of the cakes and place the second on top. Spread what’s left of the frosting over the top layer and sprinkle over the desiccated coconut and hibiscus petals to decorate.

Hibiscus by Lope Ariyo is published in hardback by HarperCollins, priced £18.99.

Available now.

(Serves 12) 180g plain flour 60g ground egusi seeds (ground melon seeds, available from Amazon) or ground almonds 80g fine-cut dried hibiscus petals, plus extra for decorating (available from Amazon) 1tsp ground cloves 1tsp baking powder 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 1/2tsp salt 90g coconut oil, softened 60ml groundnut oil, plus extra for greasing 100g caster sugar 80g light brown sugar 3 large eggs 1/2 x 400ml tin coconut milk 2tsp vanilla extract 2tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice Desiccated coconut, to decorate For the coconut drizzle: 120g icing sugar 4tbsp coconut milk 1/2tsp coconut extract 1/2tsp vanilla extract For the coconut frosting: 300g cream cheese 2tbsp coconut milk 80g icing sugar 1tbsp fine-cut dried hibiscus petals 90 AUGUST 2017

“To crown a showstopper of an afternoon tea, or to present as a standout special occasion cake”