Life Magazines (London editions) January 2020

Sunday 29th March, The O2, London

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FROM THE

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EDITOR

rom miniskirts and hot pants to vibrant tights and makeup, discover how iconic fashion designer Dame Mary Quant launched a fashion revolution on the British high street. Over 200 garments accessories, cosmetics, sketches and photographs are on display, including unseen pieces from the designer’s personal archive.

London’s premier classic car event returns at its new home of Olympia in Kensington, marking the next chapter in the history of the London Classic Car Show. Now in its seventh year, the show is firmly established as the must-attend event for discerning classic car owners, collectors, experts and enthusiasts.

London Fashion Week is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers alongside Paris, Milan and New York. It presents an unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent, with the schedule packed with shows, presentations, showrooms, events and parties from the best and brightest names in the industry.

Planet Earth II Live in Concert, from BBC Studios and the acclaimed BBC Natural History Unit that created TV sensations, Blue Planet II and Dynasties, has announced a UK & Ireland arena tour for Spring 2020.

Experience sensational footage from the BAFTA and EMMY® awardwinning BBC series which guarantees to bring audiences closer to the planet’s spellbinding animals, landscapes and wildlife dramas than ever before.

The UK’s leading and longest running pregnancy and parenting event celebrates reaching adulthood with an exciting new collection of features and partners. The Baby Show is the one-stop-shop for everything pregnancy and parenting.

Faye Manning Editor cover: Credit line: Copyright David Willis. Copyright notice: Copyright David Willis

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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Nicholas Peter ••••• Fashion Editor Lara Accison ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew, Lisa Westerman Anita Hill ••••• ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

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LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE

59

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

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We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area and investigate beautiful homes and properties From gifts to venues, we’ve got the big day covered The finest independent schools in the UK

THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE

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FASHION & BEAUTY

153

health & fitness

173

HOUSE & GARDEN

203

LUXURY bathroom GUIDE

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Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world Fashion and beauty news to keep you looking your best Everything you need to keep fit, healthy and happy A collection of London’s finest interior companies Everything you need to create the perfect London bathroom

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www.thelifemagazines.com

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AG E : T H E L O ND O N C L A S S IC CAR S H O W

OUT & ABOUT

MARY QUANT AT V&A Museum Until Sunday, 16 February 2020

The whole point of fashion is to make fashionable clothes available to everyone.”

– Mary Quant

THE DETAILS

The exhibition runs until 16 February 2020.

Tickets from £12 www.vam.ac.uk Social Media Twitter: @V_and_A Instagram: @vamuseum Facebook: @ VictoriaandalbertMusuem

Top Left: Mary Quant photographed by Ronald Dumont, Circa 1967. Image: Getty Images Top Centre: Model holding a Bazaar bag, Circa 1959. Image: Mary Quant Archive Right: Satin Mini-dress and shorts by Mary Quant, Photograph By Duffy, 1966 © Duffy Archive

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rom miniskirts and hot pants to vibrant tights and makeup, discover how iconic fashion designer Dame Mary Quant launched a fashion revolution on the British high street. Over 200 garments accessories, cosmetics, sketches and photographs are on display, including unseen pieces from the designer’s personal archive.

Inventive, opinionated and commercially minded, Dame Mary Quant was the most iconic fashion designer of the 1960s. A design and retail pioneer, she popularised super-high hemlines and other irreverent looks that were critical to the development of the ‘Swinging Sixties’ scene. V&A’s fashion collections include examples of her famous designs from across the 1960s and 1970s.

The exhibition explores the years between 1955 and 1975, when Quant revolutionised the high street, harnessing the youthful spirit of the sixties and new mass production techniques to create a new look for women. Quant personified the energy and fun of Swinging London; and was a powerful role model for the working woman. She popularised the miniskirt, colourful tights, and tailored trousers – encouraging a new age of feminism. The mini skirt would go on to become an icon of the time and spark a new creative scene in London and beyond.

The beginning of the exhibition sets the scene of post-war London for the opening of Quant’s experimental shop Bazaar, on Chelsea’s King’s Road in 1955. It will show how her designs, often based on schoolgirl pinafores or masculine tailoring, brought an entertaining slant to fashion, soon noticed by fashion editors and newspaper journalists in the burgeoning media of the day.

At Bazaar, loud music, free drinks, witty window displays and extended opening hours created a

‘scene’ that often kept going late into the evening.

Young women travelled to Bazaar to enjoy shopping for ‘something different’ in a much less formal environment.

Quant’s tiny boutique grew into a wholesale brand available in department stores across the UK and her designs made for chain stores and mail order companies in America.

Dame Mary Quant said: “The V&A is such a precious and iconic organisation for which I have the utmost admiration and respect, and it is a huge honour to be recognised by them. It was a wonderfully exciting time and despite the frenetic, hard work we had enormous fun. We didn’t necessarily realise that what we were creating was pioneering, we were simply too busy relishing all the opportunities and embracing the results before rushing on to the next challenge! I am enormously grateful to so many talented people whose contribution to that ground-breaking, revolutionary and memorable era will also be recognised.”

OUT & ABOUT

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

MELTDOWN announces Grace Jones as curator for 2020 S

outhbank Centre has announced that the next curator and headliner of its awardwinning Meltdown festival, the longestrunning artist-curated festival in the world, will be the international icon of music, fashion, art and film, and inimitable singer, songwriter, producer and performer, Grace Jones.

From 12-21 June 2020, Jones will take over the UK’s largest arts centre with her defiantly unique creative vision and a ten day playbook of her creation. At her invitation, global names and new talent, artists who inspire and have been inspired by her, and special one-off collaborations will take to the world-class stages of Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room, and the remainder of Southbank Centre’s 17-acre cultural quarter on the banks of the River Thames.

Grace Jones is one of the most recognised figures of contemporary culture. After taking the world by storm as one of the first black supermodels, Jones signed to Island Records in 1977 and with her first few singles - and mouldbreaking fashion - became a star of New York City’s Studio 54-centered disco scene. The 1980s saw her move to a new-wave hybrid of reggae, funk, pop and rock, as she worked with superstar producers such as Trevor Horn and Nile Rodgers and released a string of internationally acclaimed and enduring albums including Slave to the Rhythm (1985). The decade also saw her big-screen takeover with leading roles in hit movies such as Conan the Destroyer (1984), A View to a Kill (1985), and Vamp (1986).

Her bold, androgynous image defined the visual

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landscape of the 1970s and 1980s making her a muse to the most exciting artists and designers of the era from Issey Miyake and Thierry Mugler to Andy Warhol. Through her enduring influence on countless artists from Björk to Lady Gaga, and with her status quo-defying attitude, her legacy is one of fierce individuality and fearless self-expression. She continues to perform globally, captivating audiences with her musicianship, extravagant outfits and wild performances.

Jones joins a roll-call of world-changing artists to head up the festival, including David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Nick Cave, Lee Scratch Perry, M.I.A, and Robert Smith, and takes the baton from her former collaborator Nile Rodgers, who delivered the most critically acclaimed Meltdown to date in 2019.

She returns to Meltdown having previously performed in one of the most legendary examples of the festival’s reputation for staging once-in-alifetime musical experiences: in 2007 she completed an all-star line-up of Nick Cave, Shane MacGowan, Pete Doherty and Jarvis Cocker to sing Disney songs under Cocker’s curation. She returned the following year for her own two-hour Royal Festival Hall set at Massive Attack’s Meltdown.

Grace Jones said: “I am honoured to be curating next year’s Meltdown festival. Year after year, the festival continues to spread its colourful wings, allowing its curators to bring together an array of diverse talent not seen anywhere else. It’s about time I was asked to curate Meltdown darling, don’t you think?!”

THE DETAILS Grace Jones’s Meltdown: 12-21 June 2020 Southbank Centre, London SE1 For more information go to www. southbankcentre.co.uk/meltdown.

Join the conversation: #meltdownfest @meltdownfest @southbankcentre www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ meltdown

OUT & ABOUT

Planet Earth II Live In Concert 2020 UK and Ireland Arena Tour Sunday 29th March, London O2

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lanet Earth II Live in Concert, from BBC Studios and the acclaimed BBC Natural History Unit that created TV sensations, Blue Planet II and Dynasties, has announced a UK & Ireland arena tour for Spring 2020. Experience sensational footage from the BAFTA and EMMY® award-winning BBC series which guarantees to bring audiences closer to the planet’s spellbinding animals, landscapes and wildlife dramas than ever before.

In this spectacular, audiences across the UK get to rub shoulders with our acrobatic primate cousins in the steaming jungles of Madagascar, race alongside fearsome hunting lions in the remote sandy deserts of Namibia, face stormy Antarctic seas with a family of penguins and feel the raw tension as a baby iguana tries to escape the clutches of deadly racer snakes. And they will no doubt tap their toes along with dancing grizzly bears and be swept away by the bravery of a mother snow leopard.

Following on from the recent success of the 2019 Blue Planet II Live In Concert tour, these not-to-be missed live concerts will feature breathtaking, specially-selected footage shown in 4K ultra high-definition on a gigantic LED screen, as the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted

by Matthew Freeman, play the remarkable music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea & Jasha Klebe for Bleeding Fingers Music. The arena tour will run from 26th March until 4th April 2020, including a London Matinee performance at 2.30pm

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and Evening performance at 7.30pm on Sunday, 29th March.

Zimmer is renowned for his work on the likes of Gladiator, Interstellar and Blade Runner 2049, but said that the landmark BBC series stood out amongst his work. “Planet Earth II is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been involved in: some of the greatest action scenes ever put on film, some of the most emotional, epic, fragile scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Filmmaking at its absolute peak.”

The Planet Earth II Live in Concert arena tour will be hosted by science and natural history TV presenter Liz Bonnin. With a masters in wild animal biology, Liz has presented over 40 primetime programmes including Blue Planet Live, Super Smart Animals, Galapagos and Horizon. Looking ahead to the tour, Liz said, “I am so honoured to have the role of host on the Planet Earth II Live in Concert arena tour.

The TV series included some absolutely breath-taking sequences - who can ever forget the marine iguana fighting for its life as it escaped those racer snakes?

I will be just as thrilled as the audience to relive such magnificent scenes on the giant screen, accompanied by a spectacular 80-piece orchestra - it will certainly be an experience to remember!” Book now – last few tickets remaining.

THE DETAILS Tickets are available from www.planetearth2live.uk All children under 14 entitled to a £10 discount per ticket (Excluding London Evening and Dublin show).

O2 Arena, Address: Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0DX Sunday, 29th March Shows starts 2.30pm and 7.30pm Tickets: (£40/£50/£60) www.planetearth2live.uk www.axs.com Tel: 0844 856 0202

OUT & ABOUT

THE BEST CLASSIC CARS ON SHOW AT OLYMPIA 20-23 February 2020

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ondon’s premier classic car event returns at its new home of Olympia in Kensington, marking the next chapter in the history of the London Classic Car Show. Now in its seventh year, the show is firmly established as the must-attend event for discerning classic car owners, collectors, experts and enthusiasts.

Not only will visiting classic car collectors and connoisseurs have the opportunity to view and purchase over 500 desirable cars, they will also be treated to a brand-new selection of carefully curated features and celebrations of some of the most exotic and exquisite marques from throughout the decades.

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2020 sees the introduction of an exciting new ‘Car Stories’ stage featuring six of the most iconic and interesting cars in the world, presented by industry personalities and previous owners, delving into the history and heritage that makes them special. Car Stories will be hosted by classic motoring expert Max Girardo and will give visitors the chance to go under the bonnet of such illustrious cars as the 1987 Rothmans Porsche 962C, the Maserati 250F driven by Sir Stirling Moss in 1954 and the Lotus 49 rebuilt by Adrian Newey.

2020 also marks the 50th anniversary of one of the UK’s greatest cars, the Range Rover. The benchmark 4x4 continues to be the utility vehicle of choice amongst those who appreciate the finer things in life and The London Classic Car Show will be celebrating 50 years of the car marque from the first prototype through iconic ‘challenge’ versions to the Range Rover of today.

So, whether you’ve got a penchant for the classic, are a serious buyer or simply want to dip your toe in the water and admire these beautiful vehicles, make your way to Olympia, London from 20th – 23rd February 2020.

Standard and Premium tickets available plus the opportunity to attend the Thursday evening exclusive Preview Night and Icon Awards presentation.

Tickets available online at www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk

“2020 sees the introduction of an exciting new ‘Car Stories’ stage featuring six of the most iconic and interesting cars in the world, presented by industry personalities and previous owners, delving into the history and heritage that makes them special”

OUT & ABOUT

London Fashion Week Preview Autumn/Winter 2020 Collections. 14th - 18th February 2020 A world of catwalks, celebrities, and glamour…

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ondon Fashion Week is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world – and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers alongside Paris, Milan and New York. It presents an unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent, with the schedule packed with shows, presentations, showrooms, events and parties from the best and brightest names in the industry.

The magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the fashion designers’ and fashion stylists’ cutting-edge collections but the media excitement that accompanies them. Celebrities swarm to attend the fashion event of the year – past attendees include Ellie Goulding, Yasmin Le Bon, Cara Delevingne, Eva Herzigova, , Daisy Lowe, and Samantha Cameron.

While most of us aren’t even thinking about our Spring/Summer wardrobes yet, designers will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2020 Collections.

It’s a week where designers are free to create at will and experiment with new trends - whether colourful, crazy or controversial - the world is watching as fashion history is made.

Luxury designer brands will include: Victoria Beckham, Pam Hogg, Temperley London, Felder Felder, House of Holland, David Koma, Aspinal of London, Burberry, Halpern Tommy Hilfiger, Zandra Rhodes, Anya Hindmarch Central Saint Martins and Molly Goddard.

Designer Showrooms, located at The Store X, 180 Strand, is home to over 150 British and international designers. The international element of the showrooms illustrates that the doors to London are truly open, with designers worldwide descending on the capital.

Go behind-the-scenes of the London Fashion Week Hub to discover an immersive innovative

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THE DETAILS For more information about London Fashion Week including up-to-date schedules, news, and tickets go to www. londonfashionweek.co.uk BFC Venue: The Store X, 180 Strand, London WC2R 1EA Follow on @LondonFashionWk and join the conversation #LFW

Naomi Campbell & Penelope Cruz at the Burberry show

experience which includes Designer Catwalks; Creative Installations; the DiscoveryLAB: an experiential space where fashion meets art, technology and music and a #PositiveFashion Designer Exhibition where the creative work of progressive designers explores the most compelling stories around sustainability, community and ethics.

Fashion retailers, hotels, restaurants and bars across London join in the celebration of London Fashion Week by hosting special events and promotions both in-store and online.

The allure of the show is exceptional and London Fashion Week continues to be the top fashion event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe.

Henry Holland

OUT & ABOUT

BBC Studios and Immersive Everywhere present

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he show will be based on global hit series Doctor Who and gives fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures like never before! From the team behind The Great Gatsby, the UK’s longest running immersive show, Doctor Who Time Fracture will premiere in late 2020 at a London location to be announced.

This ground-breaking immersive adventure puts you at the heart of the story, plunged into a journey across space and time. Featuring amazingly realised worlds - the universe as we know it is at stake.

Audiences will discover a great challenge lies ahead and that it’s time to be a hero, step up, and save the planet!

Audiences can purchase Gallifreyan Coin tokens prior to general on-sale. Each token purchased equates to one ticket and will provide priority access to book for the date and time of your preferred performance.

You will receive a code for each token purchased which can then be redeemed for your ticket(s), as well as an exclusive pin badge given to you at the venue on the date of your chosen performance.

Further details will be announced shortly.

After a year-long gap, Jodie Whittaker and Co returned to our TV screens on New Year’s Day for the first episode of the 12th series, guest starring Stephen Fry. Other stars to look out for this season include Lenny Henry, Anjli Mohindra and Laura Fraser, Robert Glenister and Goran Višnjić.

Bradley Walsh, speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, warned that some of the monsters set to do battle with Jodie Whittaker and co this series are somewhat on the scary side.

“I’ve got to say, be prepared for the monsters,” he said. “Because there are some monsters that will absolutely make your hair curl. There’s a couple of monsters that they’ve come up with that are absolutely terrifying – and I mean terrifying.”

Tokens are available at: www.immersivedoctorwho.com immersivedoctorwho.com. Twitter, Facebook & Instagram: @DWTimeFracture #immersivedoctorwho

About Doctor Who Doctor Who is one of the longest running action adventure television series in the world spanning 55 years and winning over 100 awards. It has been honoured by Guinness World Records as the longest running science-fiction series in the world.

Doctor Who has a proven trackrecord in consumer products and live entertainment with over four and a half million Sonic Screwdrivers sold in the past eleven years, over 13 million action figures sold since 2005, over 19 million DVDs sold globally and over one million tickets sold for live events.

About Immersive Everywhere Immersive Everywhere is the highly anticipated partnership between Olivier Award Winning Theatre Producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook with formidable West End Production outfit Showtime Theatre Productions. Their inaugural production of Doctor Who Time Fracture will be a statement of intent from the company that Immersive events are here to stay

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OUT & ABOUT

SEVEN WORLDS, ONE PLANET

- LIVE IN CONCERT UK Premiere Performance.

Sunday 24th May 2020, London O2

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reath-taking, moving, harrowing – David Attenborough and the BBC play us like pianos – and at this point in the evolution of natural history TV, they are maestros. Prepare to weep.”

The Guardian The latest BBC Studios series ‘Seven Worlds, One Planet’, which has become BBC One’s mostwatched factual TV show for 2019, will celebrate its UK premiere live concert performance at The O2 Arena in London. This spectacular one-off event will present the very best footage and music from the highly acclaimed television series.

When this landmark series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, was first broadcast in the

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“This spectacular one-off event will present the very best footage and music from the highly acclaimed television series”

UK on October 27th 2019 it took viewers on an epic journey that not only celebrated the diversity of life on each of the seven continents, but also highlighted the many challenges faced by nature in a modern world dominated by humanity.

Seven Worlds, One Planet Live in Concert presents a selection of the most spectacular scenes from the television series displayed on a giant state of the art 4K Ultra HD LED screen. The series took a staggering 1,500 people over 4 years to make, including 92 film shoots across 41 countries.

During the concert, the audience will be taken on a journey of discovery through the ‘seven worlds’ - from the colourful paradises of South America to Asia’s vast wilderness; from the unforgiving deep freeze of the Antarctic to the searing heat of Africa; from North America via Australia to wildlife closer to home in Europe.

Accompanying the footage on screen, the series hugely emotive score, written by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and Jacob Shea for Bleeding Fingers Music, will be performed by the renowned City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. The score also features the series captivating song ‘Out There’, produced specifically for the series by Zimmer and the multi-award winning artist SIA. The documentaries produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit have inspired generations and helped shape people’s view of the planet.

Featuring stunning, never-before-seen visuals, these programmes bring the miracles of the natural world to viewers all over the world, inspiring them to reflect on the power of our planet and have a positive, long-term influence on human behaviour.

The live concert format for these breathtaking television programmes has already proved hugely successful over the past two years, with over half a million UK & European fans having already attended concerts for the outstanding Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II series.

Tickets available from www.seven-worlds-one-planet-live.co.uk and www.axs.com

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OUT & ABOUT

The Baby Show celebrates its 18th year as it returns to ExCeL London T

Friday 28th February - Sunday 1st March 2020

he UK’s leading and longest-running pregnancy and parenting event celebrates reaching adulthood with an exciting new collection of features and partners.

The Baby Show with Lidl is the one-stop-shop for everything pregnancy and parenting. Tried, tested and trusted by the nursery industry and over one million parents and parents-to-be, The Baby Show offers the largest selection of leading and boutique brands, advice from world-renowned experts, plus exclusive show offers that are not on the high street.

The Weaning Kitchen hosts top foodie experts including Annabel Karmel, Charlotte Stirling-Reed and Michela Chiappa who will be cooking their own recipes and providing step-by-step guides on how to wean your baby.

A new Sleep Clinic offers one-to-one expert advice from the nation’s best sleep experts including Lucy Shrimpton, The Sleep Nanny® and Rachel Fitz-Desorgher.

Leading pregnancy and parenting experts will take to the Live Talks stage to offer advice and support, plus celebrity mums and dads will be sharing their own unfiltered experiences of parenthood. The UK’s No.1 Parenting Influencer, Louise Pentland will be chatting all things motherhood, plus visitors will hear from lactation consultant and author of The Baby Feeding Book, Vanessa Christie, Infant Researcher Dr. Robert Titzer, midwife Marley Hall and many more.

Experience baby shopping heaven and compare, try and buy from the industry’s best-loved brands; iCandy, Stokke®, Pregnacare (vitabiotics), Milton (sterilising products for baby and home), Sweet Dreamers (multi-award-winning baby sleep products), Infant Learning Company (early learning company), Nuna (Dutch design baby gear) and Tommee Tippee to name a few. Plus, new boutique

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and eco-friendly brands such as Junior Jones, The Washable Nappy Company, Mama Bamboo and innovative, hi-tech brands such as Nanit, and Bluebell. The show remains the UK’s largest buggy showroom, incorporating the all-new-terrain MadeForMums Buggy Testing Track. Visitors can also take advantage of the free Shop & Drop and Collect-by-Car service to lighten the load.

The show offers family-friendly facilities including a dedicated Baby Feeding Café, complete with complimentary baby food and quiet feeding area, plus Lidl’s Lupilu Baby Changing Room, provides a clean, safe environment to change your baby and complimentary nappies and wipes.

Launching for 2020, a new VIP ticket will enable a limited number of ‘Very Important Parents’ to have a premium show experience, exclusive access to the VIP Lounge, afternoon tea, a pampering session and a luxury goody bag.

THE DETAILS For more information visit thebabyshow.co.uk/excel

FEATURE

The Billmyer Equestrian Collection: An Incredible Collection of Hippological History worth £100,000, available exclusively from rare bookseller Quaritch

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eading London bookseller Quaritch has released a unique collection of antiquarian books relating to horses, riding, and veterinary science. And with prices ranging from under £100 to over £5,000, horse experts, hobbyists and collectors of notable, rare print are set to clamour to own a piece of hippological history. An illustrated catalogue of eighty selected items will also be published this month.

The first books in the Billmyer–Conant library were bought in Europe during the Second World War, where John Billmyer, a conscientious objector, was serving with the American Red Cross. Along with his wife, Mina Conant, he built the collection over the next half century. On inheriting the library in 2000, his eldest daughter added her substantial hippological collection, which has continued to grow since. With books on riding, racing, hunting, and horse-training, the Billmyer library has a rich selection of over 150 works of equestrian interest, from horsewhispering and veterinary homeopathy to early satires of riding manuals, guides to riding ‘for ladies’, and a rare horse-skin binding. Highlights include: • Nicolas Beaugrand, Le mareschal expert (1640) - A very rare edition of a popular work proposing horse remedies based on the zodiac.

• Gervase Markham, Markham’s MaisterPiece (1643) – Title engraved by Renold Elstracke. Markham was prolific on equestrian books and is known to have lived as a farmer and also published poetry, prose, and plays with some success (there are rumours of rivalry with Shakespeare). Renowned for his ostentation, he

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entertained Elizabeth I with his feats of horsemanship.

• Jacques de Solleysel, The compleat Horseman (1696) – The first English edition of one of the most influential works on horsemanship.

• Delabere Pritchett Blaine, The Outlines of the veterinary Art (1802) - The first history of veterinary science, and the first book to use the word ‘veterinary’ in the title.

The most extensive area of the collection covers the development of farriery into veterinary science over the past 500 years, from the first riding manual printed in 1550 to works on racing published in the mid-twentieth century. The books show advances in the field from the sixteenth century, when Carlo Ruini’s observations of the circulation of blood in horses predated Harvey’s discoveries in humans by thirty years, through the controversial establishment of the Royal Veterinary College at the end of the eighteenth century, to scientific treatises in the nineteenth, including an essay by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Alongside the veterinary works of modernising practitioners are popular farriery manuals spanning three centuries, derided by many as the work of ‘quacks’ but fascinating as a record of farriery as practiced by horse-owners before the establishment of the veterinary profession.

The full collection is available exclusively at Quaritch. Visit Quartich in person at 36 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4JH, or their website at www.quaritch.com and find them on Twitter (@Quaritch) and Instagram (@quaritch1847).

“The most extensive area of the collection covers the development of farriery into veterinary science over the past 500 years, from the first riding manual printed in 1550 to works on racing published in the midtwentieth century”

OUT & ABOUT

‘The Murdér Express’ An Unforgettable Journey Journey back to 1930’s and climb aboard an ornate train carriage for the ultimate theatre experience!

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mmersive dining experts Funicular Productions are transporting passengers back to the glamour of the 19th century, with the return of their 5 star show ‘The Murdér Express’. Guests are invited to the mythical Pedley Street station in Shoreditch to sample an array of delectable cocktails at the station’s ‘Seven Sins’ bar before boarding a lavish train carriage destined for the fictional town of Murdér in France.

Whilst on board, passengers are treated to a delicious four-course meal created by MasterChef finalist Louisa Ellis whilst playing witness to a playful murder mystery!

‘There’s a special kind of thrill that comes with train travel in the 19th century. The practice is in its infancy, and therefore passengers ride for pleasure, not necessity’.

Guests on ‘The Murdér Express’ will enjoy all the decadence of the era, with lavish surroundings and an indulgent four-course meal created by Louisa Ellis. Praised for her creativity, inspiration & skill, Louisa has designed a menu fit for the noblest 19thcentury passenger.

On their journey, guests will also be joined by an East End costermonger, a music hall star, a widow in search of adventure and a local antique dealer.

Follow the story and it’s down to the passengers to decide who is guilty of such a heinous crime!

Funicular Productions are an award winning collective of creators specialising in creating truly immersive experiences. Co-founded by entrepreneur, actor and scriptwriter Craig Wilkinson and production director Ed Borgnis, the Funicular team boasts years of experience bringing events and theatre to life all over the world.

Funicular Productions ‘The Murdér Express’ runs until 26th April 2020. For more information please visit funicularproductions.com

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OUT & ABOUT

London Calling

Connect – The Independent Art Fair Thursday, 30th January - Sunday, 2nd February. Mall Galleries, St James’s SW1

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he Fair provides a wide platform with no overall designation of genre or era other than the criteria being good vetted quality at sensible prices. The 34 dealers will be showing a wide array of all styles, from the traditional qualities of the 16th century to the current contemporary, with a good backbone of the much loved 20th century schools - from St Ives to British Abstract with a sprinkling of Scandinavian mid-century modern.

THE DETAILS For more details please visit www.connectartfair.co.uk instagram @connectartfair The Mall Galleries, The Mall, St James’s, London SW1 Winter Fair: 30th January - 2nd February 2020 Summer Fair: 24th June - Sunday, 28th June 2020

Clockwise from top left: Fifties Art -Edward Wesson London River from Waterloo; Gwen Hughes, Shephard - District Line; Robert Eagle Fine Art; Gwen Hughes, Winner - Telephone Box

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The event brings dealers from as far afield as Dartmouth, Totnes, and Malvern to exhibit in the central London venue. Visitors can expect an excellent mix of dealers providing something for everyone’s taste with prices averaging from £500 to £20,000, with plenty of works from as little as £100 and a top price tag at £100,000.

The inaugural Connect Fair was deemed a success and declared ‘the friendliest fair in London’ by visitors and dealers alike. As a result most dealers who exhibited at the first Fair have signed up for this one with some new additions as well as some smaller stands especially tailored to the ‘Up and Coming’ new young dealers to give the next generation a helping hand!

The Fair will provide a rare chance to buy from well-established London dealer Elizabeth HarveyLee. Elizabeth will bring etchings and engravings covering a huge range from works by Albrecht Dürer (1471 -1528) to modern artists. An original etching by Canaletto will be for sale for £3,000, while an original aquatint by Terry Frost R.A. will be available for £1,000.

Sarah Colegrave and Kaye Michie are joining Connect this year with their turn-of-the-century watercolours and drawings. London dealer Gwen Hughes Fine Art will bring some of her best London works by various British and international artists – linocuts, screenprints, lithographs and etchings – with prices ranging from £300 to about £2,500.

Panter & Hall will be showing works by some of their best contemporary artists, including Ian Houston, who is one of the great surviving twentieth century landscape painters. He is considered the sole artistic heir to his friend and mentor Edward Seago and has travelled in his footsteps from East Anglia to the Mediterranean and Hong Kong. Ian’s paintings are collected worldwide and admirers include HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Prices for his oils start from £1,650.

TONY FANDINO

Of all the places I have visited I am inclined to say the Islands of ancient Greece have delighted me most. In the evenings on Skiathos we would finish the day at the Bourtzi, an old fort in the bay, sipping ouzo and watching the last bit of daylight disappear behind the town.

Heady scent of the pine trees and quiet lapping of the water below has on more than one occasion entranced me. Having read the Iliad as a boy I felt the Greek Gods moving about silently. At a London Gallery recently I watched a lady peering at my painting for some while. I said to her ‘As you walk out of a pine forest you come upon this hot sandy track.’ Never taking her eyes off the painting she smiled. ‘Then one descends to a lovely beach called Asselinos. I always visit there when in Skiathos, it’s beautiful.’ Smiling she said ‘I know, I feel like I’m there now.’

What a delight to convey the emotion Greece has for me – to another person.

Why not visit the Parallax Art Fair, Feb 14-16 at Kensington Town Hall, London? I will be displaying three paintings.

Or visit my website: tonyfandino.com

OUT & ABOUT

PAKS Gallery

- a very special gallery

D

irector of PAKS Gallery Heinz Playner curated gallery and museum exhibitions, but also many biennials such as the Fine Art Cannes Biennale parallel to the Cannes Film Festival, Contemporary Art Biennale Basel during the Art Basel period, wrote several books about the art market and discovered many outstanding international artists.

In 2020 the PAKS Gallery will show art from the 20th and 21st centuries. With the locations in Vienna, Castle Hubertendorf in Lower Austria and in Munich in Germany, the PAKS Gallery is one of the relevant galleries in Europe. 9 exhibitions will take place in locations of the PAKS Gallery in 2020. Curator Heinz Playner selected particularly remarkable international artists for these exhibitions.

With the International Contemporary Art Biennale Basel (June 19-21, 2020), International Fine Art Cannes Biennale (May 15-17, 2020) and exhibition at the Carrousel du Louvre (October 23-25, 2020), the PAKS Gallery is showing in cooperation with MAMAG Modern Art Museum and MOCAMAG Museum in 2020 selected artists to the large audience during the time of the world’s most important cultural events such as Art Basel, fiac and Cannes Film Festival.

The Basel and Cannes Biennials include works by 20th century artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, but also great 21st century artists such as pop art artist Mel Ramos, pop art artist Tanja Playner and Spanish artist Monica Jimeno.

With over 2 million impressions for her posts, pop art artist Tanja Playner not only creates an exceptional presence in social media, but alongside Banksy she is one of the few living artists who have shown their art at the Musee du Louvre Paris and during the La Biennale in Venezia 2019 were present with their performance. The grandson of Ferdinand Porsche - Ernst Piech was also impressed by her works of art and dedicated a solo exhibition to her.

In July 2017, Tanja Playner was ranked 11th out of

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“In 2020 the PAKS Gallery will show art from the 20th and 21st centuries.

With the locations in Vienna, Castle Hubertendorf in Lower Austria and in Munich in Germany, the PAKS Gallery is one of the relevant galleries in Europe”

more than 320,000 artists alongside Damien Hirst, Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein among the top 300 artists worldwide on artnet.

A remarkable artist is also Monica Jimeno from Spain. The exhibitions in the PAKS Gallery include portraits by Gustav Klimt, Gerhard Richter, Paul Klee from the collection “My Trip from Impressionism to Modernism” in the interpretation

by Monica Jimeno.

The PAKS Gallery exhibits works by Australian artist Sergio Arcos, Armen Sarvazyan from the USA, Elisabeth Freund-Cazaubon from France, Sinikka Elfving from Norway, Yitzhak Weissman and Michal Avrech from Israel, Mihaela Bobirnac and Heather Lynn from the United States, Jeannette Canale from Chile. The exhibition also features sculptures by artist Pari Ravan, who was born in Iran and lives in southern France. At a young age, Pari Ravan’s artistic talent was awarded an art prize by the then Iranian Queen Farah Pahlavi. Some sculptures by Pari Ravan are shown in the exhibitions of the PAKS Gallery.

For more info: www.paks-gallery.com

Call us before the 31st January 2020, quoting LIFE to receive a 10% discount on your membership.

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OUT & ABOUT

Assembleº 20 Cornwall | London

T

regony Gallery is delighted to present its second roving exhibition in central London at 54 The Gallery, Mayfair., London.

Assembleº 20 will introduce our impressive contemporary artists to a new audience and share our distinctive vision and approach to curating and collecting art.

Assembleº 20, curated by Brian and Judi Green, who have built a powerful bridge between Cornwall and London since running Tregony Gallery from 2015. They embraced the opportunity and started a major re-branding and repositioning of its identity and direction by building relationships with artists and collectors, culminating in an artist run gallery focusing on distinctive figurative painting.

After thirty five years working in the creative industries, Brian and Judi came with the ability to spot artists that have something different in the way they see and interpret the world.

Assembleº 20 brings together a group of artists for whom observation is the touchstone of their practice and is rendered through their diverse perspectives and modes of expression. Distinctive approaches,

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“ The enterprising way in which artist Judi Green and her partner Brian took over the well established but quite traditionally orientated Tregony Gallery some five years ago and turned it into the very model of what good contemporary gallerists with a bit of venture and commitment in their bones could hope to achieve in the promotion of what I like to call ‘proper painting’ !”

– Nicholas Usherwood, Galleries Magazine 2019

THE DETAILS Assembleº 20 Cornwall | London January 21 - 1 February 2020 54 The Gallery, Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London W1J 7QX

structural compositions and deeply layered planes of colour and a natural radiance drawn from a deeper well than simply the technical ability to reproduce an object, person or place.

The gallery’s artists are divergent but share a common sensibility to their work; a natural sensitivity that enables the viewer’s direct engagement with their subject and intangible influences that led to the creation of each work.

Exhibited international artists will include Jennifer Pochinski, Dean Fisher, Josephine Robinson and ceramicist Sara Ben Yosef. Newly represented painters June Collier, James Bland, Clare Haward and Henry Jabbour, members of the prestigious artist collective The London Group, faculty and alumni from the Slade School of Fine Art, Camberwell, Royal College of Art and the Royal Drawing School. Cornish artists Virginia Bounds, Mark Dunford, Dana Finch, Kay Vinson, John Brenton, Judi Green, Karen McEndoo, David Moore, Bridget Macklin and invited guests.

Exhibition Monday - Friday 12 noon-7pm Thursday 30 January 12 noon-9pm Saturday 11am-7 pm. Sunday by appointment.

For further information please contact Brian or Judi Green Telephone: 07496 953471 Email: info@tregonygallery.com All works may be viewed online and are available to purchase www.tregonygallery.co.uk “Finalist best Art Gallery in Cornwall ‘Muddy Stilettos’ second year running”

Clockwise from top: Mark Dunford, Creek Evening Spring Light; Henry Jabbour, My Infinite Dreams Live; Dana Finch, Wild Blue Yonder

property

The Listed Property Show Olympia London – 8 & 9 February 2020

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re you one of the 1.3 million listed building owners in England & Wales?

If you are maintaining, renovating or conserving your listed home – or even looking to buy one – The Listed Property Show is not to be missed!

The Listed Property Show, organised by The Listed Property Owners’ Club (LPOC), is back at Olympia for the 14th year on 8-9 February 2020.

The biggest collection of specialist conservation suppliers and experts will be all under one roof, so whether you need advice on damp, energy efficiency, planning, law, house history or you simply need a conservation architect or contractor for a restoration project, they’ll all be there.

There will even be a team of independent conservation officers on hand to give free advice on any plans you may be considering. Find out more in one weekend than you can through months of personal research!

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“Specialist conservation suppliers and experts will be all under one roof” Show features include: • Over 150 of the country’s leading suppliers and experts for listed buildings – from conservation architects, caring builders to lime plastering, and surveyors to window restorers.

• Independent Conservation Officers for stress-free one-to-one conversations.

• Advice on plans to alter your building and how best to engage with the planning and conservation officers.

• Meet with The Listed Property Owners’ Club experts and gather information about buying, unauthorised works, VAT, grants, maintenance, mortgages, insurance and law.

• Exclusive “Ask the Experts Panel” of leading industry professionals.

• Practical demonstrations including plaster and lead work, window restoration, lime mortar, master carvers, brickwork and paint.

• A full interactive talk programme including subjects as damp, surveys, house history, energy efficiency and historic garden design.

• Specific advice and expertise for the owners or managers of flats/apartments within a listed building, including management companies, and commercial listed buildings.

THE DETAILS Tickets cost £10 in advance or £15 on the door.

For full information on the show, visit www.lpoc.co.uk/ the-listed-property-show-london Two Show Tickets + One Years Membership to The Listed Property Owners’ Club for just £48!

To book tickets or upgrade to membership visit www.lpoc.co.uk or call 01795 844939

T 020 8852 7343 | www.createforyou.co.uk

property

MATA Architects’ transformation of a mansion block flat in Marylebone

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nmodernised properties hold incredible opportunity for transformation.

Looking past the enclosed and often compartmentalised spaces typical of turn of the last century buildings it can sometimes be difficult to imagine an alternative, more layered and flowing organisation of space.

MATA recently completed an extensive refurbishment and interiors fit out of a disused flat in a striking red brick Marylebone mansion block, originally constructed at the turn of the last century. The works included substantial structural modifications, altering the flat’s layout and introducing new bathrooms and services throughout.

The owners of the flat, a couple with two teenage children, both at or starting university, were downsizing from a large house. They wanted to transform the existing 4 bed flat into a flat of the highest quality. As collectors of art and antiques, the owners brief centred on the desire to create space (wall & floor) to display and enjoy their collection in their day-to-day lives.

From the outset MATA saw an opportunity to be unlocked with the large hallway. On the one hand it was grand in scale. On the other, however, it was an internal ‘room’; windowless and dark, a long corridor functioning solely as circulation space. By removing a small section of wall at the end of the hall, the designer’s effectively extended the living room blurring the boundary between it and the hall.

The hall ceased being a corridor and was treated as an additional room that benefits from ‘borrowed’ natural light and views through adjacent rooms and out to the street Dan Marks, director of MATA said ‘This was a great opportunity to transform a grand apartment.

The basic ingredients were already there; great proportions and large windows facing South and East capturing exceptional light. However, the flat had been vacant for some time and in a state of disrepair, having been unmodernised in over 40 years.

The sensitive transformation involves the strategic demolition of key walls to create flowing sequences and a new layering of spaces, more accommodating of our client’s lifestyle.

We enjoyed a close working relationship with Neil & Jackie. The carefully crafted result is borne out of a close collaboration with them and the full design team.’

MATA Architects is an RIBA chartered architecture practice based in Westminster, Central London. The practice was founded in 2015 by Dan Marks as a collaborative studio to develop projects at a range of scales; from bespoke furniture to new build homes. www.mata-architects.co.uk E: info@mata-architects.co.uk T: 020 37948128

‘Dan Marks and the whole MATA team achieved excellence on the major refurbishment of our apartment in Marylebone. As the founder of Flannels, I knew what I wanted, but needed clear guidance through the process. Dan achieved the right balance, always on hand, resolving any issues constructively, ensuring the experience was efficient and enjoyable on a challenging project.’

– The owner, Neil Prosser.

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PROPERTY

Luxury care homes redefined at Signature Wandsworth Common S

ignature Wandsworth Common sits on the crest of East Hill, making the most of lofty views over much loved Wandsworth Town and the bustling cityscape beyond.

Such a coveted location could only be appropriate for the most desirable of care homes, providing the rare combination of peaceful living and a convenient South-West London address that makes it that much easier for loved ones to visit.

As the culmination of an uncompromising vision that drives the Signature Senior Lifestyle design team, Wandsworth Common is breaking down the traditional perceptions of care homes by offering luxury living whilst delivering a full spectrum of care services, from assisted living to nursing and those living with dementia. Every aspect has been designed with complete resident comfort in mind, creating a five-star hotel feeling and somewhere everyone would be proud to call home.

The luxurious interiors and spacious individual apartments convey a sense of independence, with each apartment having its own en-suite, air conditioning with personal heat controls, front door and letter box.

The hotel style internet TV allows residents to access information about the many home activities, order in-room dining and book the chauffeured Mercedes shuttle for excursions into town, as well as keeping up to date with family and friends.

The wide, well-lit hallways take you to an elegant resident area with a restaurant and cafĂŠ, while an array of exquisitely furnished amenities including a cinema, spa, hairdressers, and private dining room, provide convenience that walks hand-in-hand with luxury. The fabulous roof-top Sky Lounge offers stunning city views and a refreshing space for alfresco dining, while the courtyard garden provides the perfect place to sit back and relax to the sound of a soothing water feature.

The five-star feeling also extends across the dining experience, with menus crafted under the experienced eye of Jane Devonshire, 2016 MasterChef winner. From the indulgent banquets to those occasional nibbles, the quality of food on

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offer is just too tempting to resist!

Signature Wandsworth Common is impressive at first glance, but the true beauty is in the small details. The structural and technological innovations work seamlessly with a carefully designed layout and subtle environmental adaptions support any sensory or cognitive impairments.

Above all, it’s the award-winning care and nursing expertise that remains at the heart of Signature Wandsworth Common. We are dedicated to treating every resident with the respect, dignity and individuality they deserve. From assisted living to nursing, dementia and end of life care, our full care pathway approach ensures all needs are met discreetly, as and when required. Tailor-made care plans are designed around individual needs, and our skilled staff focus on supporting independence as much as possible to enable active and fulfilling lifestyles for all residents. This is all supported through our electronic care planning which provides additional peace of mind for family and friends.

Don’t take our word for it, come and view for yourself the best in luxury care homes that London has to offer. Opening in March 2020, we are now taking reservations for our fabulous penthouse apartments, with stunning views of the London skyline! Pop in and reserve your preferred apartment today! Our Client Liaison Managers can show you around and provide advice on which is the right apartment and level of care for you or your loved ones.

For further information and to register your interest visit www.signature-care-homes.co.uk/ communities/signature-at-wandsworth or call 020 8108 9649

Now taking reservations for stunning Penthouse apartments with views of the London skyline.

30% already sold!

property

Retirement Living and Care Information Event Tuesday 21st January. Lost Society, Battersea, 2pm – 8pm

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hoices in retirement living or elderly care have, until recently, been relatively limited between staying in your own home, downsizing to a retirement apartment or moving into a care home. Staying in your own home may not be as easy as it sounds; dealing with stairs and the upkeep of a larger house and garden maybe becoming too much work. Retirement apartments may solve the problem of stairs and typically being smaller properties are easier to manage but few offer the sort of communal facilities and services which encourage an active social life and solve the problem of isolation.

Eden Court Retirement Village and Care Home in Battersea which is due to open in late spring 2020 offers a solution to all these problems. The luxury retirement village will provide one and twobedroom retirement apartments set in a friendly sociable community with luxurious facilities and extensive services to help you enjoy and maintain your independence. These include a restaurant, bar, activities studio, fitness studio and hair and beauty salon along with a number of services to make life easier such as private transport. There is also the reassurance of a care home within the complex offering a wide range of care services and with the fit and finish of a 5-star hotel.

To help people understand more about this outstanding new facility for London, Eden Court are holding an information open day on Tuesday 21st January at the Lost Society (339 Battersea Park Road, Battersea SW11 4LS), 2pm – 8pm.

Commented Zoe Williamson, general manager of Eden Court, “This event will give visitors the opportunity to view floor plans and computer generated images of the properties, plus talk to the team about the wonderful services and facilities on

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offer.”

The open plan living apartments include an ergonomically designed kitchen with granite worktops, built in wardrobe within the main bedroom and stunning shower rooms. For additional peace of mind, each apartment has a 24-hour emergency call system which links to the on-site team. Apartment prices range from £400,000 - £750,000.

The exceptional care home includes en-suite rooms along with a small selection of care suites, ideal for couples or those who are looking for more space. The care home will provide nursing and residential care along with a dedicated community for those living with dementia.

For more information contact Eden Court on 020 3627 1547 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/edencourt

“Eden Court are holding an information open day on Tuesday 21st January at the Lost Society”

LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE – From gifts to venues, we’ve got the big day covered – i m a g e : T H E HUR L INGHA M C L UB

WEDDINGS

[ S H O P P ING ]

weddings perfect peonies Our gorgeous peach peony rose stems are simply stunning and add a really pretty pop of colour to your home. Artificial flowers are a great home accessory and nowadays look as good as the real thing, style simply as a three or mix with other stems and foliage for a fuller, more dramatic floral display. www.myglamorousplace.com

SAFE KEEPING Letters are powerful. They are unique in their ability to capture history and convey love. My Billet Doux™ (pronounced bee-yay-doo and literally translated as ‘sweet note’) brings the lost art of letter writing back to life in an utterly charming way. We make beautiful handmade silk cushions and they are available in two designs. Love cushion with a discreet pocket on the back to store a notebook and pen that come with it. Ring cushion with an envelope style opening to keep letter pressed note cards and a pen, and display you rings or jewellery pieces. The cushions are decorated with a vintage ribbon, each with a story of its own and some dating back to the 1800s. www.mybilletdoux.com

WE LOVE These fabulous gold leaf napkin rings. An understated way to add a touch of glam to your wedding table décor. www.audenza.com

FLORAL NOTES This classic and elegant bouquet is expertly tied with our most popular and fragrant David Austin roses; Keira, Juliet and Patience all grown on our Fairtrade Kenyan farm. www.realflowers.co.uk 60 JANUARY 2020

TAKE A SIP A pair of hand-hammered silver-plated entwined heart champagne flutes. A lovely engagement or wedding gift and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Beautifully gift boxed. www.annabeljames.co.uk

WEDDINGS

a london wedding

sparkling chandeliers, sweeping staircases, double height ceilings and spectacular fireplaces, leading out to a secluded outdoor Courtyard which is a sheer delight for taking scenic photographs, alfresco soirées and receptions. The other distinctive privileges we can offer you is private access to the stunning adjacent St James Square gardens which make a spectacular setting for photographs and the option of a late license so you can enjoy the dancefloor longer! Then to continue your celebrations you can enjoy the opulence of reserving additional bedrooms for your guests to enjoy and spend your special night in our luxury bridal suite.

From beginning to end, our impeccably trained team will ensure that every aspect of your event is executed seamlessly. The quality and value offered by our Club are second to none.

Telephone: 0207 8275723 or email: weddings@theinandout.co.uk or our website is: www.theinandout.co.uk

E

ntrust your perfect day to the In & Out (Naval and Military Club) which is a sanctuary in the heart of London, centrally located in a private corner of St James’s Square. This Grade II* listed building provides a magnificent venue offering an impressive range of grand staterooms which are licensed for both Civil Ceremonies and Partnerships for up to 300 members and non-members. The grandeur of the club offers an array of luxurious rooms filled with history, large windows, beautiful paintings,

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“This Grade II* listed building provides a magnificent venue offering an impressive range of grand staterooms”

The Lansdowne Club is a haven of tranquillity, where 18th century grandeur and stylish art deco meet 21st century vitality. As soon as you step through the door of the Lansdowne Club you will feel instantly at home and comfortable in this beautiful and welcoming environment.

The Lansdowne Club offers everything you could possibly need for your special day all under one roof – licenced rooms for your civil ceremony, a beautiful Courtyard for an al fresco champagne reception and those all-important wedding photos, stunning spaces for the wedding breakfast and evening party and accommodation for you and your guests on-site.

The Club also boasts sports facilities and an art deco swimming pool!

There are 2 licenced rooms for civil ceremonies.

The intimate Robert Adam Drawing Room, suitable for up to 80 guests, boasts intricate and ornate Adam architecture, a working fireplace and a gorgeous chandelier.

The Ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests for a civil ceremony and or/wedding reception with its ambient lighting and stunning barrelled ceiling and minstrel galleries.

Offering bespoke and standard packages without the Mayfair price tag, we cater for your personal Wedding requirements: • Ceremony and/or reception for 50-150 guests • 73 newly refurbished bedrooms and stylish suites • Secluded landscaped Courtyard and Winter Garden • In-house catering from our award-winning team of Chefs • Experienced and dedicated Wedding Coordinator

Weddings & Events: 020 7318 6117 9 Fitzmaurice Place, Mayfair, London W1J 5JD

Quote YLW19 LB20 to receive a 10% discount on our Wedding Packages

WEDDINGS

THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW: T Everything a couple needs to plan their dream wedding in one exciting event ry, buy, book and hire everything you need for your special day at the ultimate day-out for the whole bridal party. With hundreds of wedding specialists from boutiques and florists to jewellers and wedding venues, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate shopping experience.

A day’s visit will save you months of planning stress and leave you with endless ideas and inspiration for your big day. From trying on and buying your dream dress from the thousands on offer, to hiring your venue, ordering your cake, booking your photographer, choosing your stationery and lots more, it is the destination for wedding planning.

But most of all a fun way to spend time with your friends, family, bridal party or fiancé!

Visit the show this spring and enjoy: •The Catwalk will showcase a selection of dresses from designers to high-street names. Inspiring you with all the ideas you need to achieve your ‘wedding day look’, pairing beautiful dresses with on-trend hair, makeup and accessory ideas.

•The Champagne Bar – Celebrate your engagement and a successful day wedding planning with a glass of bubbly.

•The VIP experience – treat the bride tribe to the VIP experience for exclusive bridal benefits including all-day access to the VIP lounge, a complimentary gin & tonic, a tote bag filled with goodies, fast-track entry, latest edition of Confetti magazine and guaranteed catwalk seating!

Plus, more to be confirmed!

Find out more at www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

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All images: The Nobles Photography

Diary Details: The National Wedding Show at London Olympia Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th February 2020 10am-5pm ExCeL London Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th April 2020 10am-5pm

WEDDINGS

Marry in the finest Kentish Manor

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estled in the Kent countryside, only an hour from London, picture your perfect day in a quintessentially English 14thcentury manor house; an idyllic setting for the most romantic wedding.

Perhaps one of Leeds Castle’s most charming venues, the newly restored Battel Hall was voted the UK Wedding Awards ‘Newcomer’ Winner for 2019.

Emerging from an extensive two-year restoration, Battel Hall has been meticulously refurbished and is a fine example of Kentish architecture of the middle ages. Whilst retaining its historical splendour, the venue embodies a modern luxury and classic, country-house style.

The oak-panelled dining room is perfect for intimate ceremonies and wedding breakfasts, whilst the drawing room and De Gournay room are ideal spaces for celebratory receptions. Upstairs, Battel Hall features five exquisite bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms; each room having a different outlook over the garden, with stunning views across the North Downs.

A venue for all seasons, Battel Hall’s garden is an equally memorable space for your wedding, with the opportunity to say ‘I do’ under an old English Bower. Enjoy your first romantic walk as a married couple on the quiet meadows overlooking the Castle, before celebrating with your family and friends. Couples can also invite up to 100 guests to celebrate on the marquee terrace beside the enchanting wisteria vines that climb the walls.

Wedding packages include a 3-night stay at Battel Hall for up to 10 people, from Friday to Monday, with exclusive use of the house and gardens. Couples are given a devoted Wedding Coordinator who ensures the

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THE DETAILS Visit www.battelhall.com or email battelhall@leeds-castle.co.uk for more information. For all other Leeds Castle venues and to book an appointment at the next Wedding Showcase visit www.leeds-castle.com/weddings or email weddings@leeds-castle.co.uk.

Weddings at Battel Hall start from just £3,500.

planning process is as smooth and stress-free as possible, helping to suggest external suppliers to them such as musicians and photographers that match their requirements. There’s even an in-house Floristry Team led by the award-winning Louise Roots, who create all the floral arrangements; from bouquets and to vibrant table décor and flower arches; all part of the exceptional service.

We invite you to meet with one of our experienced wedding co-ordinators for a private tour; alternatively book for the next Wedding Showcase on 18th and 19th January to explore the many spectacular wedding locations that Leeds Castle has to offer, from Battel Hall, to the fairy-tale Castle; you can experience the venues dressed in all their wedding finery.

WEDDINGS

Your perfect day at

Hever Castle H

ever Castle an eclectic selection of opportunities for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Whether it’s the stately grandeur of the Castle itself, the country house atmosphere of The Astor Wing or the stunning lakeside location of The Italian Garden, Hever Castle offers a wedding venue to suit all your wedding day dreams.

The Astor Wing is a private wing of Hever Castle created in Tudor style by William Waldorf Astor in 1903. Offering peace, tranquillity and seclusion, The Astor Wing offers an exclusive use venue in one of the most historic and beautiful settings in England. The oak panelled Tudor Suite Sitting Room, overlooking the Castle and formal lawns, provides the perfect ambience for an intimate ceremony for up to 60 guests. Reception drinks are taken in The Music Room, or, weather permitting, on the Tudor Suite Terrace overlooking the croquet lawn and moat. The Tudor Suite Dining Room, shrouded with oak panelling and boasting a magnificent fire place, can accommodate up to 60 guests for a wedding breakfast. The Moat Restaurant can be transformed into spacious venue for music and dancing for up to 120 guests There is the possibility to incorporate function rooms within the Castle itself, the Inner Hall and Castle Dining Room are available to hire for wedding ceremonies and receptions. There’s an impressive minstrel’s gallery, a fine collection of antique furniture, original paintings and a splendid working fireplace for

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a roaring log fire.

Summer months see the Award Winning Italian Garden come to life as weddings take place under the beautiful arched columns of the Italian Loggia overlooking the 38 acre lake. This magical lakeside location, accommodating from 100 – 180 guests can also be extended to your drinks reception where guests can take in the views from the stone piazza complete with our very own inspired Trevi fountain.

A short walk away is the Guthrie Pavilion. Extensively refurbished in Palladian style, the vaulted ceilings and full length arched windows make for a light and airy atmosphere keeping the romantic backdrop of the lake and gardens. With a license until 1.00am, the Guthrie Pavilion is also suitable for evening receptions and discos or live bands to round off your special day.

And a recent edition to the wedding opportunities at Hever Castle is a beautiful vintage sailcloth tent on the Winter garden Lawn, offering stunning views across the moat to the Castle. Its simple yet stylish structure offers something unique and different from a marquee, with timber poles blended with a traditional canvas creating a vintage look set within Hevers stunning private grounds.

Five star luxury accommodation is available to book as part of your wedding at Hever Castle.

The Winter Garden Lawn, located next to the Castle is available for a marquee wedding for up to 600 guests. www.hevercastle.co.uk

“A recent edition to the wedding opportunities at Hever Castle is a beautiful vintage sailcloth tent on the Winter garden Lawn”

WEDDINGS

A Necker Island Wedding…

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ecker Island is one of the world’s most romantic spots for newlywed couples wanting the ultimate luxury for their honeymoon – picture yourselves together holding hands with your toes in the sand on the most luxurious island in the Caribbean! Sir Richard Branson’s private island may be his home and favourite hideaway, but he doesn’t mind sharing a slice of his paradise. He arrived on his island for his wedding clinging to the struts of a helicopter... now that’s making an entrance!

Necker Island is one of the world’s most secluded spots for those wanting the ultimate luxury, in privacy.

Perched at the island’s highest point, the Great House is where people come together, to dine, party or just relax. The house has a wraparound terrace with hammocks and sofas, and this being Necker Island, naturally you can expect a fully stocked bar.

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Up on the roof you’ll find a cosy Jacuzzi – perfect for sipping champagne as you watch the sun set.

Necker Island’s 74-acre estate has all the ingredients for a honeymoon of a lifetime. Guests can look forward to up to nine hours of sunshine a day with temperatures reaching up to 31°C between July and October.

Right on the island main beach, the Beach House sits in between the island’s two tennis courts and the Caribbean Sea. With an impressive bar, space for games tables and an enormous 26-foot sofa, the Beach House is the place for relaxed lunches and enjoying the sea breezes in between dips into the crystal clear waters. The Beach Pool has a freeform infinity pool complete with a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy a drink. There’s also a huge Jacuzzi right on the beach with space for more than 30 people.

Turtle Beach is the perfect spot for relaxing….in

“The Beach House is the place for relaxed lunches and enjoying the sea breezes”

luxury personified a hammock of course, and for the more energetic there is always the sunken trampoline! You can take to the waters from the new Watersports Pavilion and have a go at anything from kitesurfing to paddle boarding, water skiing to kayaking and snorkelling.

For a wedding or special occasion, Necker Island can host weddings for as many as 200 people. They can work with your wedding planner and organise a marquee and accommodation with neighbouring resorts.

Following the wedding ceremony there are many options to choose from for your reception. They can organise a six-course gala dinner or a more informal gathering on the beach with the sound of the waves breaking on the shoreline. The Beach Pool Pavilion alongside Main Beach has a Jacuzzi for up to 30 guests, so the party is sure to continue late into the night!

They can also help you with all the trimmings, from hair stylists and flowers to entertainment and fireworks – the sky really is the limit!

Necker Island is used to ‘unusual’ requests, and because every wedding is by definition unique and personal, they will tailor each request especially for the Bride and Groom. This is your chance to let your inspiration run riot, as they delight in pulling off the seemingly impossible!

wedding ceremony • Steel band at the ceremony playing as the bride walks down the aisle • 90 minute couples massage for the bride and groom and a 30 minute bespoke skin polish

WEDDINGS SUPPLEMENTS These are applicable on the day of your wedding only and added to the nightly exclusive use accommodation rate. The Wedding supplement rates include ceremonial costs: Marriage License ($110) and Ceremony cost ($100)

THE CLASSIC WEDDING Covers all the fees to get married at Necker Island and includes a few essential extras…

• Personal assistance in obtaining your marriage licence and all the associated fees and transportation of the local pastor to the island • All the ceremony arrangements in your preferred location including decorations based on beach, garden or formal theme • Spectacular wedding meal in your preferred location • Selection of canapés after the ceremony • Pressing and steaming of all resident guest outfits prior to the ceremony • An extra special turndown service on the wedding night for the bride and groom, including a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne and breakfast in your room the following morning • 60 minute couples massage for the bride and groom

“They can also help you with all the trimmings, from hair stylists and flowers to entertainment and fireworks – the sky really is the limit!”

Classic Wedding: $3,600 Premium Exclusive Wedding: $11,450 Experience Necker Island better than ever before, while experiencing all the luxuries that come with staying on one of the most exclusive and idyllic islands in the world. Can you think of a better place to get married than Necker Island?

Please contact reservations for more information on 0800 716 919 (toll free) or +44 (0) 208 600 0430 or visit www.virginlimitededition.com for more details.

THE PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE ...includes everything from the Classic Wedding as well as the following…

• Bouquet of 24 white roses for the bride and a boutonnière for the groom • 3-tier wedding cake prepared by the Necker Island chefs • Five-hour photography package • Selection of extra wedding accessories including keepsake fans, parasols and place cards for individual seats at the tables • Case of Dom Pérignon to be served after the JANUARY 2020 73

WEDDINGS

Get married on the luxurious

Longleat Estate L

ocated in Wiltshire, Longleat boasts heritage, picturesque photographic opportunities and alternative entertainment to ensure you have a truly bespoke wedding.

The elegant Estate has been the home to16 generations of the Thynn(e) family, spanning nearly 440 years. It was the venue of choice for The Viscount and Viscountess Weymouth, Ceawlin and Emma’s wedding in 2013. Now, you can follow in their footsteps and celebrate your wedding within the historic Grounds and Formal Gardens of the 900-acre Estate.

Longleat House The Grade I Listed, Elizabethan Longleat House features an impressive Great Hall, retaining original 16th century features and gorgeous Green Library with an exquisite chandelier, housing over 4,000 rare books mainly collected by the 2nd Marquess.

Both rooms can be used for ceremony and wedding breakfast. You could then follow with your evening reception in the atmospheric stone-vaulted beer cellars beneath Longleat House.

If you are looking for a venue for a small gathering, then the Lord Bath’s Banqueting Suite may be the choice for you. This venue is suitable for 12 to 35 guests starting from £180 per person. The eccentric suite, located in the penthouse apartments of Longleat House, is available as a package which includes venue hire, catering, VIP Safari Park Tour in 4x4s for all guests on the day and more.

Further venue choices on the Estate Nestled among the beautiful Formal Gardens, you’ll 76 JANUARY 2020

find the Orangery, circa. 1807. This location offers a truly romantic ceremony and reception looking out onto the Love Labyrinth or you could host an outdoor blessing within the beautiful Secret Garden.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for more of a contemporary feel, there’s the option of a marquee on the bank of Half Mile Lake, or the blank canvas option of The Longhouse where your creativity can flourish.

Fulfil your wildest wedding day desires The Estate is most famous as the UK’s original Safari Park with a wide range of wonderful animals that can be part of your big day. You and your guests can feed sea lions, observe the gorillas and spot the hippos on a private boat tour on Half Mile Lake, marvel at the big cats with your own, exclusive Safari Bus. Or, extend the celebrations with astonishing VIP Experiences before or after your wedding day.

Let your imagination run free with the range of entertainment that can add astonishment to an already unforgettable day.

THE DETAILS Every wedding at Longleat is bespoke so get in touch if you want to find out more. Browse the possibilities at longleat.co.uk/weddings or call 01985 844328.

WEDDINGS

Royal Museums Greenwich

Queens House

striking views across the north lawns towards the Thames, where Greenwich Palace once stood. The high ceiling of this perfect 40-foot cube-shaped hall features a magnificent contemporary work in gold leaf by Turner Prize-winning artist Richard Wright.

The Orangery - the reception THE DETAILS Contact events@rmg.co.uk 020 8312 8517 Royal Museums Greenwich: National Maritime Museum Cutty Sark Royal Observatory The Queen’s House

Bathed in southern light with breath-taking views up to the Royal Observatory, the Orangery and South Parlours offer one of the most stylish locations in London for small wedding ceremonies and boutique wedding breakfasts. For your reception, open the south door and take full advantage of our lawns with vistas across one of London’s oldest royal parks; the perfect location for toasting your marriage. Celebrate among fine art from the great masters, including Willems van de Veldes and John Everett.

Undercroft – the party

D

esigned by the pioneering architect Inigo Jones, the Queen’s House is a masterpiece of seventeenth-century architecture. Conceived as a ‘House of Delight’ for James I’s wife, Queen Anne, this exquisite former royal residence is set in the leafy surroundings of historic Greenwich Park, with spectacular views of the River Thames.

The House was designed as a place of celebration; a tradition that continues today, making this stylish royal retreat the ideal venue to host your special day. From drinks on the lawns, unforgettable wedding ceremonies, elegant dinners in the striking Great Hall and dancing in the atmospheric stone arched Undercroft; part of what makes the House so unique is its adaptability.

The Great Hall – the ceremony The Great Hall with its iconic Tulip Stairs and original black-and-white geometric marble floor provides a spectacular setting for wedding ceremonies, breakfasts and dinners. Follow in the footsteps of former royal residents and enjoy 78 JANUARY 2020

Continue your celebrations into the night in the Undercroft beneath the Great Hall. These vaulted chambers create an atmospheric party space for dancing and after-dinner entertainment, with room for a DJ or band, a bar and a lounge area. With a capacity of 120, prices starting from £3000.

WEDDINGS

Leeds Castle, Exclusively Yours

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nly an hour’s drive from London, Leeds Castle in Kent is an idyllic countryside setting for the most romantic weddings; making it the perfect location, whatever

the season.

Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, the private property of six medieval queens and even a palace owned by Henry VIII. In the early 20th century, it served as an elegant retreat for the rich and famous when Lady Baillie, the last private owner, entertained high society guests down from London.

Today, couples have the opportunity to take over the entire Castle Island and all its luxurious bedrooms, with flexible use of the Castle and Maiden’s Tower as well as the croquet lawn in front of the Castle. Say ‘I Do’ in the beautiful Ceremony Room adjoining the Library, before enjoying a wedding breakfast in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, with breathtaking views across the moat.

Leeds Castle offers further stunning venues in which to hold your ceremony and celebrations, including Battel Hall – a beautiful manor house nestled in the Kent countryside. Couples can marry in the oak-paneled ceremony room, before moving into the welcoming drawing room and De Gournay morning room or exchange their vows under a romantic old English Bower and celebrate with up to 100 guests on the marquee terrace beside enchanting wisteria vines. Battel Hall boasts

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five individually decorated en-suite bedrooms and wedding packages include a 3-night stay for up to 14 people, Friday to Monday.

Also available is the 17th Century Fairfax Barn overlooking the Castle moat, suitable for bigger parties of up to 200 guests.

One of the most unique parts of a wedding at Leeds Castle is the dedication and care of the Hospitality team; with a tailored in-house service for every couple, the Hospitality team ensure that every wedding is as magical as the Castle itself. Couples are given a devoted Wedding Coordinator who ensure the planning process is as smooth and stress-free as possible, helping to suggest external suppliers such as musicians and photographers that match their requirements.

We invite you to meet with one of our experienced wedding co-ordinators for a private tour; alternatively book for the next Wedding Showcase on 18th and 19th January when the venues will be dressed in all their wedding finery.

Be it the stately grandeur of the Castle, the intimate atmosphere of the Maiden’s Tower and Battel Hall, or the timber-framed Fairfax Barn; Leeds Castle is the perfect setting to create longlasting memories that can be treasured forever.

Wedding packages start from £9,150. For further information or to book a viewing, call Leeds Castle on 01622 767877 or visit leeds-castle.com/weddings.

“Today, couples have the opportunity to take over the entire Castle Island and all its luxurious bedrooms”

WEDDINGS

Artistic Inspiration insight into the artist’s working methods from 1947 to the present day, as well as Continuum (1963/2005), the only three-dimensional work that the artist ever realised.

Spanning 70 years of Riley’s work, this exhibition offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience powerful and engaging works by one of the most important artists of our time.

This exhibition is organised by the National Galleries of Scotland in partnership with the Hayward Gallery.

Stylist Natalia Willmott created a black and white wedding scene for the York Wedding suppliers inspired by the work of this celebrated British artist.

She called their couple Bridget and Riley and used textile designs of the 20’s. spots and stripes on linen and ribbons and cushions, white roses and candles with optical art labels to represent the feel of her work. The model wore a beautiful bridal gown but changed in a lovely black and white dress and was photographed the backdrop of disco lights inspired

by Bridget Riley’s artwork.

THE DETAILS The exhibition on at The hayward Gallery is on until 26 January, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Photographs are ofthe Bridget Riley Inspired Photoshoot styled

by L’Atelier Natalia Willmott www.nataliawillmott.co.uk

H

ayward Gallery presents a major retrospective exhibition devoted to the work of celebrated British artist Bridget Riley.

Developed in close collaboration with the artist herself – and in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland – it is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of her work to date.

Tracing both the origins and the evolving nature of Riley’s innovative practice, the exhibition brings together the artist’s iconic black-and-white paintings of the 1960s, expansive canvases in colour, early figurative works and recent wall paintings.

Alongside Riley’s best known canvases, the exhibition will also include rarely-seen drawings, studies and preparatory materials that offer an

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WEDDINGS

Romantic Florals

speaks to Alana Watts, Owner and Floral Designer of Petal and Wild.

The company specialises in wild, pretty and romantic wedding floral design covering, London, Essex and surrounding areas Josephine Stevens

delighted to say it reignited my creative fire and reminded me how much I love working with natural materials. It was totally fate looking out for me and I’ve never looked back.

I created Petal and Wild flowers to appeal to the bride who wants something completely unique and elegant on their wedding day. My style is romantic and natural, like flowers just picked from a country garden. I enjoy working with a loose brief so I can really be creative and design something stunning and enchanting for the big day.

Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

I’ve always been creative and loved the outdoors.

As a child I’d spend hours outside in the garden helping my parents prune the roses and plant tulip bulbs. I trained at Italia Conti Academy of theatrical arts and performed in West End shows as a singer/ dancer for a number of years. I was frequently sent the most beautiful bouquets during the run from a florist stand outside the theatre on Seven Dials. Once I left the theatre world I struggled to find something that gave me the same passion.

By chance a leaflet was popped through my door advertising a floristry course at my local university which caught my attention. I enrolled and am 86 JANUARY 2020

Where do you get inspiration from?

I get inspiration from so many sources, including the natural beauty of the English countryside.

Pinterest and Instagram are great online tools too as they give you access to amazing floral designs from around the world.

What is your favourite part of being a wedding florist?

I love the early morning trips to Covent Garden Flower market shopping for my blooms and the excitement to see what’s new in and what is in season.

I also love seeing the bride’s reaction to her flowers on the wedding morning. It’s such a wonderful feeling after months of planning to know you’ve been a part of making someone’s special day look beautiful.

What plans do you have in the future?

More weddings and more beautiful flowers! I’ve got some gorgeous weddings booked for next year at amazing venues, it’s a privilege and I’m very grateful to work with such lovely brides. www.petalandwild.co.uk; 07976 881505

top tips for brides Let your florist know your budget from the very start.

It’s much easier to advise on designs and flowers to achieve the look you are after if we have this information. If you love expensive flowers such as peonies, ask your florist to use them in your bouquet and find a more economical substitute for the table flowers if your budget will not stretch.

Ask your florist to choose flowers that are in season, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily cheaper but means they are better quality and at their best. It will also help to encompass the time year you have chosen to get married in.

Choose a few larger arrangements, rather than lots of smaller vases or jars if you really want to make an impact on your wedding day.

Pedestal arrangements and pew ends can be re-used from the ceremony and repositioned in the reception area afterwards to help make the most of your flowers.

Suppliers: Photographer:Terri & Lori Planner:Hayley Jayne Weddings & Events Venue:The Railway Barn Caterer:Gather & Feast Events Cutlery/Tableware Hire:CMA Florist:Petal & Wild Furniture Hire:Anthology Vintage Hire Silks:Silk & Purl Makeup:Belle’s Beauty Hairpiece:PS with Love Dress Supplier:Turner & Pennell Bridal Gallery Model:Jess Bradshaw

Fox Wedding Cars and Limousines Established over 21 years .

Wedding Cars, including Royce Royce Phantom 2 Series, Vintage Cars.

Limousines for Hen and Stag Parties, Airport Runs to all major airports to take you to your Honeymoon in Style.

Wedding Cars or Fleet 0208 406 3758 or 0844 856 5466 info@foxlimousines.co.uk www.foxlimousines.co.uk

BELSIZE CAKES WEDDING CAKES

Contemporary wedding cakes, specialising in marble, texture, wafer flowers, and hand-painted art. We offer both bespoke wedding cakes and our newly launched signature wedding cakes that you can order online.

We are versatile in styles (offering all buttercream, ganache and fondant finishes) and flavours. We offer tasting consultations or alternatively post our cake sample box and follow up over the phone and email. We deliver to London and surrounding counties.

LINO PIANI Bespoke ladies couture, and Bridal wear

Bridal Wear We believe making your dream wedding gown should be a unique and special experience that you will treasure as much as the dress itself. designing your wedding day celebrations is one of life’s most enjoyable journeys.

We hope our skill, expertise and meticulous attention to detail can help you along the way. Besides crafting your bespoke gown, we can organise the day itself in a fantasy setting on the italian riviera, Tuscany or the italian lakes.

1 Fashion Street, London E1 6Ly

To enquire, please email us at hello@belsizecakeshop.co.uk or visit us at www.belsizecakeshop.co.uk or @belsizecakes

e-mail lino@linopiani.com www.linopiani.com

WEDDINGS

Bath’s Historic Venues Roman Baths & Pump Room • Assembly Rooms • Victoria Art Gallery • Guildhall

R

ecognised as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Bath is the only city in Britain to enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. It is the perfect location for a wedding, with its stylish combination of beautiful architecture, breath-taking scenery and luxurious accommodation. Only 90 minutes from London, Bath is both an exceptional and accessible city.

Bath’s Historic Venues are integral to the city’s history and include some of the country’s most iconic buildings:

Amy Sanders Photography

THE DETAILS

Bath’s Historic Venues: Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LZ bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 477786 bathvenues.co.uk/life www.facebook.com/ BathsHistoricVenues @bathvenues (twitter) @bathshistoricvenues (instagram)

Roman Baths & Pump Room The award-winning Roman Baths and Pump Room, brimming with romance, history and atmosphere is a truly unique wedding venue. There is nothing like it in the world and this magical location is perfect for those seeking something a little quirky that will wow their guests.

Not only will the setting and service create an unforgettable day, the beautiful backdrop for your wedding photographs will be treasured for years to come.

Exchanging vows on the ancient paving alongside the thermal waters is an incredible experience.

You can enjoy an outdoor wedding by flickering torchlight with the security of being undercover, always safe from the unpredictable British weather.

Celebrations can continue in either the elegant Georgian Pump Room, which was a favourite haunt of Jane Austen’s, or on the more intimate enclosed Terrace, overlooking the baths.

Whether you would like a small wedding for two with minimal fuss, or a larger ceremony for up to 300 guests, a Sunrise or Sunset Wedding will provide a truly romantic start to married life.

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Bhavesh Chauhan Photography

Lee Niel Photography

Assembly Rooms The Assembly Rooms is one of Bath’s most prestigious venues and has been at the heart of the city’s social life since the 18th century. This awardwinning venue houses stunning crystal chandeliers, impressive architecture and everything necessary for a stylish city wedding. There are four inter connecting rooms of varying size providing versatile space for weddings with 50-300 guests.

Searcys, our esteemed in-house caterer at the Pump Room and Assembly Rooms, have an enviable reputation. Since 1847, they have been one of the UK’s most prestigious catering companies. With a passion for quality and an ability to execute an event to the very highest standards, they have developed a world-famous reputation for catering and hospitality at their iconic, exclusive venues which include Blenheim Palace, the Gherkin and St Pancras Grand.

“I know everyone says it’s the best day of their lives, but it was and this is down to the beautiful venue, amazing staff and perfect food. You don’t deliver a wedding; you deliver an experience of a lifetime!”

– Gemma Davidson Wedding ceremonies and receptions can also take place in the Guildhall and Victoria Art Gallery, both in the heart of Bath.

For further information about all of our venues, visit our website: www.bathvenues.co.uk/life.

Co-educational Prep School for girls and boys aged 3 - 11

Saint Christina’s School You areYou warmly invitedinvited to ourtoEarly Years Open Morning on are warmly our next Open Morning Tuesday 21st10th January 2020, 9.15am 11.00am. on Tuesday March 2020, 9.15 ––11.00am.

Please place.

Please get in touch to book your place.

25 St Edmund's Terrace, St John's Wood, London NW8 7PY Email: office@saintchristinas.org.uk Tel: 0207 722 8784 www.saintchristinas.org.uk

INDEPENDENT

SCHOOLS GUIDE – The finest independent schools in the UK –

i m a g e : AC S HI L L INGD O N IN T E RNAT I O NA L S CH O O L

EDUC ATION

Kensington Prep wins ‘Innovation in Teaching and Learning’ Award Fulham school’s transformation wins another award.

K

ensington Prep School in Fulham has won the Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award for its Creating Spaces for Growing Minds programme. Judges praised the design of the powerful new learning spaces, imaginative Explore Floor and spacious classroom breakout spaces. Kensington Prep also received a commendation in the award category for pupil experience.

The Education Estates awards, supported by RIBA and the Department of Education, consider multi-million pound projects from large institutions including universities and colleges. The school won through against particularly strong competition.

Kensington Prep is about growing great minds. Girls achieve outstanding results through a nurturing ethos where exam success is almost a byproduct of everything else the school does.

The school’s transformation and ground-breaking spaces encourage more independent exploration and collaborative learning. The imaginative design of the high-tech Explore Floor sparks children’s curiosity.

It’s a wonderful immersive space with multi-screens, a floor projector and colourful lighting. It gives pupils the chance to work in small groups and be more independent in their learning. Flexible furniture and write-on walls mean the girls can be much more creative in their research, thinking and learning.

Classrooms too have a new forward-thinking design and open up to spacious breakout spaces.

The latest development in the school’s Creating Spaces for Growing Minds programme is the transformation of the library to put reading at the heart of the school. The library is now an inviting child-friendly space with cosy corners, soft cushions, low-level bookcases and a sweeping new mezzanine level. ‘Most adults read in comfortable places, so

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why not make a cosy environment for children too’, says head Mrs Caroline Hulme-McKibbin.

The school worked with architects ArchitecturePLB to design the transformation of the school spaces. Kensington Prep now has some of the best facilities of any prep school in London.

The school was named Independent Prep School of the Year in 2018.

Kensington Prep School in Fulham is an independent day school for girls age 4-11 and part of the GDST family of schools. Entry is selective by assessment. Girls can be registered for 4+ entry from birth up to 12 months before the year of joining at www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net.

EDUC ATION

Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School opens in September 2020 N estled in the heart of Kensington, a stone’s throw from some of London’s most acclaimed institutions, Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 3-11, is due to open its doors in September 2020.

State-of-the-art science laboratories, music and art studios and an amazing ‘maker space’ are some of the innovative redevelopments underway for the project; highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and character development.

The school will also have direct access to both a wonderful garden space to the rear and Hyde Park, surrounded by the inspirational museums along Exhibition Road.

It demonstrates the emphasis of the school’s teachers for nurturing a global perspective in their pupils and preparing them for the exciting challenges that life can offer through a myriad of activities.

Alison Melrose, Headmistress, told The Life Magazines about their exciting plans to renovate four Victorian townhouses at 10-13 Prince’s Gardens. “This is such a tremendous opportunity, which places the school firmly in the academic hub of London. We want our pupils to relish all that school life has to offer so that they leave us confident and excited about their future.”

The rigorous and wide-ranging curriculum draws

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on the school’s access to London’s museums and outdoor spaces which serve as fantastic stimuli for collaborative learning projects and creating the next generation of independent, curious children.

Details about the plans will be held at an information event on Tuesday 3rd March at 10am on the premises of the Royal Geographical Society.

Go to www.princesgardensprep.co.uk to reserve a place at this event.

“A tremendous opportunity, which places the school firmly in the academic hub of London”

EDUC ATION

READY FOR THE FUTURE Martin Hall,

W

Head at ACS Hillingdon International School

hen I speak to parents about what they want for their children, the most usual answer is simply to be happy. They also want to know, however, that their children will leave school ready for the future with the aptitudes they need to thrive.

But what are those characteristics and skills?

Recent research from the World Economic Forum asked executives from the world’s leading companies what they thought would be the most important job skills in 2020. They cited complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and emotional intelligence as the top five aptitudes.

Education must give young people the foundations of literacy, numeracy and scientific knowledge plus a broad range of skills readying them for university and beyond.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programmes are two such qualifications that successfully marry academic rigour with the development of a global mindset and other valuable life skills; all nurtured here at ACS International School Hillingdon.

The IB allows students to select a wide range of topics to study across the sciences, arts and languages, ensuring they graduate with a mix of skills rather than the comparatively narrow subject areas of A Level study for instance. The AP is a qualification widely respected by universities internationally and in the UK, allowing students to 98 JANUARY 2020

select specific subjects from across the curriculum and complete them in one year. By offering AP and the IB, ACS Hillingdon is able to provide tailored education for each student, relevant to their passions and learning style.

Both qualifications encourage students to develop an inquiring mind and critical thinking, then apply their knowledge to the world around them.

Importantly, in our globally interconnected world, the IB and AP approach all subjects with a cross-cultural perspective. Subjects are studied in the classroom from multiple viewpoints and, coupled with a class comprising of many different nationalities, students develop a broad appreciation of different ways of thinking.

For us though, it is not enough that students are simply ready for the world beyond the school gates, we want all our ACS graduates to have confidence to pursue opportunities wherever it may take them, make waves and change things for the better.

This means encouraging students to embrace creativity, take action on meaningful issues such as the climate change protests, and dedicate time in service to their wider community. Just two recent examples include the five students who took part in internships with multi-national eyecare charity such as Orbis UK or those who spent the last year fundraising and then visiting for the ACS Hillingdon’s partner school in Kenya.

In an effort to develop students who are intellectually, creatively and physically balanced, our students, emerging global citizens, work hard on gaining a deeper understanding of social and environmental responsibility and their ability to create positive change within these areas.

It’s certainly a very exciting new world that awaits our graduates each year, and they depart our school equipped not only with the necessary skills they need for higher education but also to break boundaries, no matter what their future holds. www.acs-schools.com

“The IB instils in students a curiosity and it is through this curiosity that we get a passion for learning – discovering new things, understanding how the world works around us and ultimately a sense of taking a risk to learn new things.”

– Isabella Rose, ACS Hillingdon alumna

Don’t miss the opportunity to arrange a visit

Contact Nicky Carter or Viki Cryer via admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org if you have any questions

EDUC ATION

Developing full potential at St Benedict’s School L ondon’s leading independent Catholic coeducational school in leafy Ealing enables children to benefit from a seamless education, which can begin at the age of 3 and continue through to the Sixth Form St Benedict’s combines strong academic standards with excellent personal development.

This year, Benedict’s pupils achieved some of the school’s best ever examination results: in GCSE, 58% of pupils were awarded grades 9 to 7, and in A level 72% achieved A* to B. Inspirational teaching, tutorial guidance and exceptional pastoral care are at the heart of the education they offer.

Their new Nursery and Pre-Prep Department, opened in 2017, provides the youngest pupils with a first-rate learning environment. Sharing excellent facilities with the Senior School, which is on the same site, helps to ease the transition at 11+ when the children move up to Year 7.

At St Benedict’s, there is a vital focus on personal development, and their outstanding co-curricular programme helps pupils to thrive by enabling them to find and develop their unique gifts and talents.

St Benedict’s has a distinguished sporting tradition:

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many boys and girls train and compete at county level, and everyone is encouraged to enjoy sport.

Music and Drama are both excellent, with a strong choral tradition, many instrumental ensembles and regular drama productions including Macbeth and Les Misérables.

St Benedict’s encourage principled leadership, resilience and character in their pupils, and promote the Christian values of integrity, fairness and generosity to others. This is a hallmark of the School and there could be no better way of equipping young people for the future.

St Benedict’s School is unique. Visit and you will see what they have to offer.

the Details For more information about St Benedict’s School telephone 020 8862 2254 or visit the website at www.stbenedicts.org.uk

THE LUXURY

travel GUIDE

– Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m a g e : NAT UR E T R E K

LUXURY TRAVEL

Dive into SHARM EL-SHEIKH

With flights resuming to the world famous Egyptian resort, now is the time to go, says Sarah Marshall.

R

egarded as one of the world’s best diving locations, Sharm el-Sheikh once enjoyed a booming marine tourism industry. In 2008, numbers were at their peak, with around 100,000 divers certified each year.

But Egypt’s last turbulent decade has impacted heavily on business. Following the revolution in 2011 and the Russian plane explosion in 2015, visitor numbers started to decline. The final blow happened in 2016, when the UK banned flights to the resort town on the Sinai Peninsula.

In October, however, that flight ban was lifted, and operators are rushing to return. TUI will resume flights in February 2020 and specialist dive operator Regaldive is promoting tours once again.

According to specialists from PADI (Professional Association Of Diving Instructors), next year could be the best time to visit, and give the industry a much-needed boost.

“The decline started in 2016 after the flight crash,” says PADI regional manager Ahmed Sayed.

“People had other options, so Greece and Turkey benefited.

“A lot of the hotels were up for sale, many dive centres went out of business and instructors left.

Most centres used to run 14-15 boats each day with 50-60 divers. Now they offer only one.”

Although economically damaging, reduced tourism footfall has had a positive environmental impact.

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“It gave the Red Sea a chance to recover,” explains Sayed. “In Egypt, they are environmentally aware, but having 20 boats on the same dive sites will always have an effect.”

Now, he says the sites are better than ever.

“It’s much cleaner for a start and we have more species than we did before. For example, we hardly heard of whale sharks in Sharm and now we see them almost weekly. There are more dolphins and the reef is a lot more colourful.”

Committed to maintaining the health of the Red Sea, authorities have also introduced new regulations allowing only certified divers to go out on boat dives and restricting learner and ‘try’ divers to the shore.

Yet this is still one of the best places to learn to dive.

“Visibility is consistently good and there is always clear water,” says Jonas Samuelsson, PADI EMEA territory director. “The water temperature is warm and there’s not really any current. Add that to the number of very experienced instructors, who are now returning, and it’s a brilliant place to learn.”

Price, too, is likely to draw in tourists. A drop in the Egyptian pound against sterling means Brits will get almost twice as much for their money compared to 2015. Discounting by dive centres and hotels is also likely to continue in 2020.

The main appeal, however, is the destination itself, which will be much easier to reach.

As Sayed says: “People come here for Ras Mohammad National Park and the wrecks. We have some of the best diving in the world.”

For more information on learning to dive, visit padi.com.

“The water temperature is warm and there’s not really any current. Add that to the number of very experienced instructors, who are now returning, and it’s a brilliant place to learn.”

LUXURY TRAVEL

Destinations 2020

Discover your next adventure with

Thursday 30th January - Sunday 2nd February, London Olympia

D

estinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, the UK’s leading and longestrunning travel event, is returning to Olympia London for the 27th year. With a diverse range of travel companies exhibiting, alongside expert speakers, cultural performances and global flavours, the show is set to provide visitors with unlimited travel inspiration.

Over 600 brands and 70 global tourist boards exhibit in London, on hand to provide visitors with in-depth knowledge and expert advice of destinations and travel experiences.

There will be an eclectic array of new exhibitors, alongside regular favourites such as Trailfinders, Flight Centre, Viking River Cruises, Explore! and Thai Tourism. New exhibitors already confirmed for London 2020 include: China Tourism, Cosmos, Crystal Cruises, That Wild Idea, Authentic India Travel and Coral Expeditions.

From activity, adventure, off the beaten track and sustainable travel to culture, cruise, tailor made and safari, the shows offer a broad variety

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of holiday and travel options to destinations near and far. With secret gems in popular destinations sitting alongside epic adventures in exotic locations, and the added benefit of fantastic travel offers, Destinations is the start of many journeys.

Rob Debenham, Show Manager, says: “The Destinations Shows are back for 2020, bigger and better than ever before. Visitors flock to London to be inspired and plan their next adventure – wherever that may be. We have something for every traveller, from escorted tours to intrepid independent explorers. Destinations has a diverse range of exhibitors offering a variety of holiday and travel options with a fantastic opportunity to glean in-depth knowledge from their experts as well as superb travel offers, making it the ideal place to tailor-make trip your travel itinerary.”

For more information visit www.destinationsshow.com/london.

Open Thursday until Sunday 10am – 5.30pm.

Tickets are £11* in advance, £15 on the door. *£1.50 transaction fee applies for advance booking.

“The Destinations Shows are back for 2020, bigger and better than ever before”

LUXURY TRAVEL

REVOLUTIONISE YOUR EUROPEAN SKI HOLIDAY

Invigorate your winter sports break with one of these great ideas, says Sarah Marshall.

O

ld favourites and flashy new resorts are set to woo winter sports fanatics, along with a raft of innovative new tours and training aids. From forging better connections on the slopes, to arriving at your destination in good time - here are three of the most fun developments in store.

Connecting with nature on the slopes Proof skiing doesn’t always have to be an adrenaline-fuelled activity, a new course at French ski resort La Plagne aims to introduce some mindfulness to the slopes through sophrology (a relaxation technique). Ski instructor and sophrologist Karine will lead a 1.5 hour course in Montchavin Les Coches, encouraging skiers to appreciate nature and their own wellbeing.

Students will leave with greater self-confidence, refined mental focus and improved physical strength. Afterwards, everyone will enjoy a Serenity Afternoon Tea in an altitude restaurant.

Visit montchavin.evolution2.com.

A green route to the white stuff Snow sports enthusiasts with a focus on efficiency should consider a trip to Austria this season, where a new Alpen Express sleeper ski train is set to slash

journey times and carbon footprints. Operating from the Netherlands and Cologne, the direct overnight train serves almost 100 ski resorts in Austria, including St. Anton, Alpbach, Kitzbuhel, Soll, Mayrhofen, Ischgl, Solden, Westendorf, Kirchberg in Tirol, and new Zell am See-Kaprun.

Friendlier to the environment, the trip also produces 80% less carbon emissions. According to to Best Foot Forward, part of the Anthesis consulting group, a one-way journey by plane from London to Zell am See-Kaprun generates 111kg of CO2 per passenger and a one-way road journey 256kg per car. Rail journeys meanwhile generate just 23kg of CO2 per person. Visit alpen.express/en.

The perfect digital coach Imagine having your own ski instructor permanently by your side? Launched two years ago, the Carv app fulfils that role - and a new 3.0 version promises to be even better. Using two thin footbeds packed with sensors, which are worn in ski boots, the technology is able to accurately assess a user’s ski skills. Information is transmitted to a ski tracker and then sent to smartphone via Bluetooth, with real-time audio feedback communicated through headphones. Competitive types can also monitor their performance compared to other users. Visit getcarv.com.

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“Snow sports enthusiasts with a focus on efficiency should consider a trip to Austria this season, where a new Alpen Express sleeper ski train is set to slash journey times and carbon footprints”

The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, Florida

Discover pristine beaches, outdoor adventure, and a relaxed island paradise on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Take advantage of every second of sun in Southwest Florida and find the right pace for your holiday. Slow down on the beach, go full speed in the water, get in touch with nature, or watch the beautiful sunset and plan a night under the stars or downtown lights.

In Southwest Florida, warm Gulf waters surround you with endless things to do. Find seashells on miles of white-sand beaches, or venture away from shore for fishing and water sports, like kayaking around Sanibel and the barrier islands.

Activities abound just outside your door in some of Florida’s most natural landscapes.

Protected coastlines, mangrove estuaries, inland pine forests and preserved islands add to our balanced ecosystem and everything in it. Especially you.

Sometimes even the most relaxing holidays require a change of pace. When the spirit moves you from the beach to downtown, indulge in historic attractions, dining, nightlife and cultural pursuits that will satisfy you inside and out.

Book your holiday this month for great savings to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel with Purely America, Specialist fully ATOL bonded tour operator, call us on 0844 80 444 80 or visit www.purelytravel.co.uk/fort-myers-and-sanibel Follow us on Instagram for travel inspiration, offers and competitions - @purelytravel

LUXURY TRAVEL

Discover Capital Region USA

I

mmerse yourself in the authentic American experience by visiting Capital Region USA. From the memorable monuments of Washington, DC to the beautiful beaches and majestic mountains of Maryland and Virginia, history and natural beauty abound.

Begin by checking out the inspiring memorials and hip and historic neighbourhoods of Washington, DC, where history is made every day.

Feel the power in the seat of America’s government, marked by the striking architecture of its monuments and museums. A visit to one or more of the famous Smithsonian Museums is a must, and with free entry, it’s no wonder the world’s largest museum complex is one of DC’s top attractions.

Across DC, sample the work of some of the country’s most celebrated chefs and afterwards, cap off the evening with an after- dinner drink in one of the city’s high-energy clubs.

Across Virginia and Maryland, significant

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Travelling to the Capital Region Just 26 miles west of Washington, DC, Washington Dulles International Airport is centrally located in the Capital Region USA and convenient to all destinations and activities across Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. Fly nonstop with British Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

“Follow a scenic byway through Maryland and Virginia and discover the charms of the Chesapeake Bay” US historic landmarks and cultural attractions converge with awe-inspiring natural beauty, from warm sandy beaches and lakes to national parks and magnificent mountains. Follow a scenic byway through Maryland and Virginia and discover the charms of the Chesapeake Bay or the quiet solitude of Shenandoah National Park, two of America’s greatest natural wonders. Along the way, quaint small towns like Williamsburg and Annapolis will surprise and delight you while history buffs will marvel at the region’s collection of historic attractions and Civil War driving trails.

You’re never far from one of the region’s 400+ wineries - earning awards and accolades from visitors and critics around the world. Wine trails, festivals and local brew pubs make it easy to plan your own tour and tasting itinerary.

Come and enjoy a taste of Capital Region USA.

Road Trips and Trails Take a road trip along one of these fun and fascinating trails connecting notable parks, waterways, wineries and historic landmarks:

Wine Trails: Sip & Savour

Ridge Mountains in Virginia and welcomes visitors with some of the most scenic vistas in the eastern US. The park offers more than 500 miles of hiking trails including portions of the famed Appalachian Trail and countless opportunities for wildlife spotting and bird watching.

Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in America and one of the Capital Region’s natural wonders. Explore the waterways and vibrant historic waterfront villages of this rich and diverse landscape along the 85 mile long Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway in Maryland. Charter a boat, dine on the freshest seafood, and explore historic sites and museums along the way.

Purely America is a fully ATOL bonded specialist tour operator to Capital Region USA. With competitive airfares, car hire, 8 pre-planned but flexible self-drive tours, 4 rail tours, escorted coach tours, Washington, DC city breaks, spa & golf breaks, and hundreds of hotels to suit every budget, no other UK tour operator offers you a wider choice of holiday options to Capital Region USA. Our Taste of the Capital Region USA 7 night self-drive tour including flights, car hire, 2 nights Washington, DC, 2 nights Blue Ridge Parkway, 2 nights Williamsburg and 1 night Annapolis starts from just £999 per person based on 2 sharing.

Special discounted airfares into Washington Dulles International Airport are now available with our airline partners British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines so there has never been a better time to book your holiday to the region. Call us today to speak with someone who has been there, let us inspire you and help plan your dream holiday to this exciting, historical & stunning region. www.PurelyCapitalRegion USA.co.uk Call us on 0844 80 444 80.

Follow us on Instagram for travel inspiration, offers and competitions @purelytravel

With more than 400 wineries, it’s easy to sip your way around the region. Virginia was named one of the top 10 wine destinations by Wine Enthusiast magazine. More than 20 wine trails wind through the state’s picturesque small towns, scenic mountains and beautiful countryside. In Maryland, wine trails meander from hills and valleys to the Eastern Shore.

Skyline Drive The Skyline Drive, part of Shenandoah National Park, runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue JANUARY 2020 121

LUXURY TRAVEL

Looking to avoid the crowds and visit the “real” Florida?

C

ome explore Martin County, this small county is ideally located almost halfway between Orlando and Miami. Here warm waters meet perfect waves, miles of uncrowded beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snapshots. The great outdoors still feel natural, and time is not the only thing preserved. Here you’ll find every kind of activity to tickle your fancy, from rodeos to high-end shopping, art galleries and one-of-a-kind museums to eco-friendly sea turtle adventures and worldclass fishing. Building restrictions have limited structures to four stories, preserving breathtaking views throughout the county. The natural beauty and attractions here offer up a treasure trove of activities—minus the crowds of our popular nextdoor neighbors.

The easy-to-get-to-area encompasses the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island, over 100k acres of conservation land and 77 parks ready for exploration, unlimited outdoor adventure, golf and a region overflowing with culture to welcome visitors. Located just off A1A and accessible by a plethora of scenic avenues, Martin County is 45 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, an hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 90 minutes from Miami International Airport and two hours from Orlando International Airport.

The word fresh takes on new meaning with most Martin County restaurants utilizing locally-sourced produce and freshly caught fish, served alongside ingredients from several local and organic farms, to please one and all. As the sun sets, relax at one of Martin County’s host of lodging options, from the newly-opened Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa to brand name hotels to one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts. Rest easy at familiar chains like

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Courtyard by Marriott, Best Western and Hampton Inn — even the Hutchinson Island Marriott which offers a resort-style setting. Or, choose from one-of-a-kind boutique properties such as the Old Colorado Inn, the Historic Seminole Inn and Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina. Smaller bed and breakfast properties and independently rented villages and cottages set the scene for romance, while RV and camping facilities –– spell family fun.

The area offers up charming collection of communities with colourful buildings, locally owned stores and restaurants, and diverse lodging establishments. Stuart, is the first and only town to be named America’s Happiest Seaside Town! So whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, Martin County is the perfect add-on to a Florida trip. www.discovermartin.com

LUXURY TRAVEL

It’s love at first sniff when Abi Jackson visits San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges, tucked away in the forests and mountains of Italy’s South Tyrol

A luxury Italian retreat

A

rriving at San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges’ main clubhouse (essentially a humongous timber lodge in the Italian South Tyrol), as soon as that first warm woody inhale hits my system, I can feel the tension flowing from my body. It’s often said that smell is the most powerful sense for evoking emotions, and this is love at first sniff.

Although, turning on the spot to take it all in, San Luis is an absolute feast for the eyes too - from the mighty wood rafters criss-crossing high above, to the soul-pleasing geometry of the wood-tiled floor. Flickering candles and lily-filled glass vases sit artfully atop rustic-industrial coffee tables next to giant linen sofas - not to mention the huge log fire crackling away.

It’s a perfect harmony of style and soothing. I’ve not even reached the check-in desk and already I’m under a San Luis spell, dropping my bag to warm my hands by the fire, feeling far too much at home.

This is exactly what the Meister family was hoping for when they first opened San Luis back in 2015. It’s the family’s second hotel - they’ve run Hotel Irma, in the nearby town of Merano, for multiple generations since it opened in 1924 - and there are clear similarities between the two.

Both embody traditional Tyrolean hospitality and impeccable standards and style, both are spas, and both have that personal touch that chain hotels can never quite match. But that’s where the similarities end.

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An Alpine oasis Despite the name, San Luis isn’t really a hotel at all, rather a 40-hectare Alpine oasis nestled at around 1,480m above sea level on the Avelengo/Hafling plateau, a two-hour drive from Verona Airport. (I flew from Gatwick, but airports across the UK and Ireland offer direct flights.)

Instead of rooms, guests stay in their own private chalets or ‘tree houses’ on stilts; some scattered around the resort’s 5,800-square-metre lake, others sat a little further back, hugged by the forest beyond. There are currently 26 chalets and 16 tree houses, from romantic two-sleepers for couples (or empowered singletons), to six-sleepers for groups and families (although San Luis only allows kids aged 12 and over and there are strict spa and restaurant curfews to ensure a peaceful, grown-up atmosphere).

Guests can choose from romantic treehouses for two, to bigger chalets on the lake (San Luis Retreat

Hotel & Lodges/PA) Each has its own kitchen, lounge, hot tub and mini sauna, and some have steps right down into the lake. At the heart of it all is the clubhouse, which leads onto the spa on one side and the restaurant and bar on the other.

A spa with a view Here for a weekend, I’m keen to make the most of the chance to relax, so I head straight for a spa treatment. If there was any hint of tension left in my muscles after that Alpine-aroma hit, it’s all gone after 80 minutes with Steffan, who intuitively tailors my massage to the areas that need it most, masterfully kneading the knots from my tight, deskworker shoulders. Spa treatments start from £38 and booking ahead is advised.

However, there’s no doubt a big chunk of the spa’s therapeutic magic lies simply in its setting and design. There’s a well-equipped modern gym, a generous steam room and sauna - but a swim at San Luis is next level. The indoor pool, cocooned in that bewitching timber goodness, has a roaring fire at one end and gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows with views onto the lake at the other. A sliding glass door lets you swim out to a heated infinity pool, where after a few dreamy laps, you can clamber out for an invigorating dash down the jetty to the Jacuzzi on the lake.

The ultimate nature-fix The South Tyrol is a nature-lover’s dream with miles of trails to explore - and it’s those hills, trees and the fresh mountain air that works the biggest wonders on your wellbeing. Forest-bathing may now be a wellness buzzword, but mountain folk have always

LUXURY TRAVEL

Taste of the Tyrol

been tapped into Mother Nature’s healing powers.

San Luis guests can grab an e-bike and cycle around the winding valley roads, or head out on foot for a hike. The trails are well marked and you can pop to reception to grab a map and chat through suitable routes. We take a three-hour meander through the forest up to Wurzer Alm (wurzer-alm.com), a secluded mountain hut with pigs, goats, ponies, rabbits, hens, cats and peacocks, where cyclists and hikers can refresh and refuel.

Host Ulli gives us a traditional dumpling-making masterclass (E150/£129 for a group, which you can book in advance through San Luis), and we spend a merry hour-and-a-half sipping prosecco with elderflower and mixing chunks of stale bread, eggs, milk and flour with our hands (you can pretty much add whatever other ingredients you fancy; our veggie version has spinach, nutmeg and garlic), before moulding it into balls. After 10 minutes in simmering salted water, our dumplings are served steaming and coated with melting Parmesan, alongside piles of crunchy chopped cabbage, and we all find ourselves reaching for seconds and thirds.

The following day, we stretch our legs with a 45-minute walk to Knottnkino, which translates to ‘rock theatre’ - a rocky clearing on the hillside where rows of seats have been installed, so ‘theatre-goers’ can sit and watch the spectacular ever-changing scenery.

We’re treated to a show of wispy cloud wrapping its way around the endless layers of peaks stretching across the horizon, while meadows in the valley below are green and glossy from the morning rain.

It’s only really in recent years that UK tourists have started to cotton on to the Alps and Tyrol regions being great year-round destinations, and not just for ski holidays. While magical under blankets of snow (at San Luis, you can skate on the lake when it freezes over too), each season offers its own rewards, and even in heavy mist, the scenery is spectacular in its earthy, autumnal splendour.

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Of course, another treasure of the Tyrol is the food, particularly this sliver of northern Italy, which has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-star restaurants in the world. At San Luis, breakfast arrives at your chalet or tree house in a hamper each morning (you select your options from a menu when you check in - but expect a generous spread of granola, yogurt, fruit, eggs, breads and pastries galore).

The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, where you can tuck into a sumptuous salad buffet alongside a daily-changing a la carte or six-course dinner menu, with meat, fish and plenty of veggie options, and a cheese table of dreams to finish things off.

Here, sustainability isn’t a trend or buzzword but simply the way of life; meals often come with a hearty dollop of community connections (the Meisters have been working with the same family bakery for generations, for example), and rich with free-range, organic, seasonal goodness.

Their traditional Schlutzkrapfen - a butter and sage ravioli - is Italian simplicity at its finest, so good that I order it twice in one weekend, and find room for dessert and cheese (yes, even after all those dumplings). Well, all this luxurious R&R is hungry work..

San Luis offers chalets and treehouses from £263 per person on a half-board basis. Visit sanluis-hotel.com.

“Guests can choose from romantic treehouses for two, to bigger chalets on the lake”

LUXURY TRAVEL

Escape to the Château B

eautifully nestled in the unspoiled vineyards of the Languedoc in France, the lovingly restored Château Les Carrasses is an intimate and stylish property boasting 30 self-catering residences, firstclass hotel facilities and a relaxed, private members’ club vibe.

It’s also a place where family-led activities go hand-in-hand with elegant design and attentive service. The chic Brasserie serves traditional Mediterranean fare, complete with a dedicated menu and early sitting options for younger diners, while the wine bar, infinity pool, kids’ club (during the school holidays), tennis courts, orangery and gardens ensure families will want for nothing during their stay.

The various accommodation options at Château Les Carrasses range from stunning one-bedroom suites to spacious villas, complete with private pools, which sleep up to eight – perfect for large families who are travelling together. Each of the individually designed residences combine a calming contemporary colour scheme and traditional French country flair for a boutique feel. Children and parents alike will have the time of their lives at this beautiful, spoiling chateau.

Your days can be spent soaking up the sunny Mediterranean climate by the pool before working up a sweat on the tennis, pétanque or volleyball courts..

The concierge team are on hand to ensure guests get the most out of their stay and can help organise horse riding, kayaking and rock climbing, too.

For parents craving a bit of grown-up time and the chance to sample some of the Château’s own vintages, drop the little ones off at the exciting kids’

club (for children aged four to 12 years) run by a team of English-speaking staff. Overflowing with creative activities that focus on nature, children will be safely looked after and return worn out, having refined their archery skills and made dens in the woods. The children’s weekly supervised dinner parties are popular, too, and help to cement new friendships, while a fully referenced babysitting service can also be provided. Already picturing yourself with a glass of Rosé in hand? It’s time to enjoy a memorable family-friendly holiday the Château Les Carrasses way.

For more information visit www.lescarrasses.com 130 JANUARY 2020

“Your days can be spent soaking up the sunny Mediterranean climate by the pool before working up a sweat on the tennis, pétanque or volleyball courts…”

LUXURY TRAVEL

John’s Camp, Mana Pools National Park

African Adventure T here is no holiday quite like an African safari. Nowhere else can you experience so much spectacular wildlife in such unspoilt and stunning landscapes, all while relishing world-class service and luxurious accommodation. A safari is also the perfect family adventure, with many lodges offering a delightful programme of activities for children, allowing adults the option of joining in or simply enjoying the experience at their own pace.

Africa is the world’s wildest continent, and offers a wonderful variety of potential destinations, each with its own unique appeal. From the famous big cats of Kenya’s Masai Mara to the vast Elephant herds of northern Botswana, and the White Rhinos of Kruger National Park to the Leopards that thrive in Zambia’s breathtaking South Luangwa Valley, nature abounds here in every corner. The range of potential accommodation is almost as varied as the wildlife, with everything from small, boutique ecocamps to supremely comfortable top-end lodges.

Wherever you’re staying, the daily plan tends to be similar. An early wake-up call, accompanied by coffee and biscuits, precedes a dawn game drive with an expert naturalist guide. You return to camp by mid-morning, in time for a delicious brunch, before spending the heat of the day at leisure in the lodge’s beautiful surroundings. A second game drive typically commences in the late afternoon; then after a couple of hours your guide will stop at a scenic spot and you will be served drinks while marvelling at one of Africa’s remarkable sunsets. Often, your journey back to the lodge will be in the dark, offering the chance to spot an exciting variety of nocturnal wildlife such as owls or even big cats on the hunt. Finally, back at camp, an exquisite dinner is often served outside, illuminated by candlelight and the most perfect starry sky you can imagine.

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Children are welcome at most lodges, and a family safari is sure to produce some wonderful memories. Many camps offer a programme of activities specially for children, including picnics, arts and crafts, and bush walks – these provide a more engaging and interactive experience than is often possible from a vehicle. Adults are free to join in, or to enjoy their own activities in peace. Of course, all activities are optional, and you may prefer simply to relax by the pool, or make use of the excellent spa facilities common to many high-class lodges.

The accommodation in such lodges is always magnificent, offering levels of luxury that seem out of place amidst the surrounding wilderness. For families wanting an extra-special experience, some camps offer exclusive houses, set away from the main lodge, and complete with private safari guide, chef, staff, and even butler! If you’re looking for the family holiday of a lifetime, you need look no further.

Naturetrek designs superb tailormade wildlife holidays, including for families. If you’d like to discuss your next trip, whether to Africa or elsewhere, please email Georgie Head at georgie@naturetrek.co.uk, call 01962 733051 or visit www.naturetrek.co.uk.

Safari in South Luangwa, Zambia

From top: Tubu Tree Camp; Mkulumadzi Lodge; Dinner at Kuthengo Camp

om .c ter l ai lla6 as em yvi ve E unt m usi co x@ cl is e* la x d d re or e 10% co f

You Deserve a Reward.

Treat yourself to a luxury villa holiday.

Visit somewhere you may not have thought of, The Western Algarve.

Nestled into a hillside in an exclusive Spa resort with the benefit of a 24 hour reception and completely remodelled in 2019, this is luxury at a price you can afford.

relax@myvilla6.com | www.myvilla6.com Follow us on

myvilla6.com

Discount only applies to 7 or 14 night stays booked Saturday to Saturday arriving on the 4th April or the 11th April, offer based on first come first served.

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Escape to Sir Richard Branson’s

Island paradise Necker Island announces ‘Celebration Weeks’ for 2020

S

2020 ‘Celebration Weeks

ir Richard Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Islands - Necker Island, may be his home and favourite hideaway, but he doesn’t mind sharing a slice of his

paradise.

Necker Island’s 74-acre estate sits in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches. It has all the ingredients for a holiday of a lifetime, from private tennis lessons with a resident professional coach and top-class water sports, to simply relaxing on the beach or enjoying the tranquillity of the island.

Picture yourselves with your toes in the golden sand, the glorious sun on your face and the sparkling waters on the most luxurious island in the Caribbean. Guests visiting in 2020 will be among the first to see the fully completed Necker Island, following more than two years of reconstruction after Hurricane Irma. Experience Necker Island better than ever before, while experiencing all the luxuries that come with staying on one of the most exclusive and idyllic islands in the world.

The private island is mostly available for exclusive use bookings but during selected weeks of the year, the island opens up ‘hotel-style’ to allow for guests to book individual rooms on the island, perfect for those extra special getaways without having to book the entire island.

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19th – 25th September 2020 – 7 nights, adults only 26th September – 3rd October 2020 - 7 nights, adults only 17th – 23rd October 2020 – 7 nights, family weeks 24th – 30th October 2020 (7 nights, family weeks

What’s included?

THE DETAILS For bookings please call 0800 716 919 (toll free) or +44 (0) 208 600 0430 alternatively or visit www.neckerisland.virgin.com for more details.

• Accommodation • All meals and drinks (including all alcoholic beverages) • Return launch transfer from Virgin Gorda or Beef Island airports • Dedicated team of staff • Two freshwater infinity pools and a huge hot tub on the beach • Two floodlit tennis courts • Water sports equipment so you can go windsurfing, kite-surfing, water-skiing, sailing, snorkelling and even SCUBA diving plus much more • Wireless internet throughout the island • BVI accommodation tax

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Luxury Lodge Holidays in the Derbyshire Peak District

There is no better place than the Derbyshire Peak District to enjoy a short break or a family holiday

T

he Peak District is ideally located in the Heart of England just 2 hours from London and is bursting with majestic landscapes, stunning views, stately homes and unique family attractions.

Award winning Landal Darwin Forest is situated between Matlock and Bakewell and combines luxury self-catering lodges with fantastic onsite facilities. Whether you want peace and tranquillity on a romantic break, action packed adventures or fantastic local attractions for entertaining friends and family, our lodges provide the perfect base from which to explore.

The luxury lodges at Landal Darwin Forest are nestled within a 47 acre woodland paradise. The parks 135 lodges are sympathetically interwoven into the forest, which enables you to get back to nature and enjoy the picturesque environment. We have created a holiday park where children can explore, and young and old will feel carefree and relaxed.

There are several types of accommodation options to choose from which will keep the whole family happy. Most popular are our spa lodges that include a private hot tub on the veranda and really enable you to appreciate the serenity of our forest setting. We also have a number of pet friendly lodges.

At Landal Darwin Forest we have created the perfect setting for you to relax, enjoy your holiday and leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life far behind.

Landal Darwin Forest is the perfect destination to enjoy a family holiday. Our fantastic onsite facilities include Evolution Health & Fitness, which

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has a swimming pool, spa, gym and beauty rooms.

For the younger members of your family, Little Monkeys indoor play centre will provide hours of fun and entertainment. The Activity Den is perfect for older children with pool tables and a games room to keep them entertained.

We also offer a range of fun activities onsite that are suitable for children and adults. Let our qualified instructors train you in the art of archery or the skills of fencing. The more adventurous could experience the thrills of bodyzorbing, waterwalkerz or snorkelling! For all the family to enjoy, we have a tennis court, mini golf and an abundance of footpaths and cycling trails.

If you want to give yourself a break from cooking you can enjoy a coffee and lite bite at the Explorers cafe or you can visit the Foresters bar and restaurant which has an extensive menu serving fresh, locally sourced produce.

Many families enjoy celebrating Christmas or New Year at the park, or gathering the family together for a birthday or anniversary. No matter what the time of year, we are confident your friends and family will have a fantastic break. www.darwinforest.co.uk

“Let our qualified instructors train you in the art of archery or the skills of fencing. The more adventurous could experience the thrills of bodyzorbing, waterwalkerz or snorkelling!�

fleewinter Private & Tailor Made Tours to Cuba

Beautiful Beachfront Boutique Villas Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos Islands

Expert knowledge and honest advice Adventure & unique experiences Full protection & bonding with ABTA & ATOL www.fleewinter.com/cuba Tel +44 (0) 207 112 0019

For more information call (+1) 649 941 4358 or visit www.villarenaissanceturksandcaicos.com

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A slice of paradise

P

aradis Plage is the perfect destination to escape the European winter. At just a few hours flight from the main European cities, Morocco remains the perfect destination to get some winter sun.

A tropical oasis located right in the epicentre of some of the best world surf spots, Paradis Plage is the ideal home away from home. Surf all day, join any of our fitness programs or just relax at the beach bar.

With a three-mile beach at its front and rolling hills to the rear, the resort showcases 103 suites, bungalows and villas. All are spacious with large living spaces and a breathtaking view, some even with private garden and/or private beach access decorated with local crafts and other custom-made pieces.

While the overall feel is like a quiet South African beach resort, its design is distinctly modern Moroccan.

Nestled amongst tropical gardens with palm trees, olive and orange trees, the resort is the perfect environment to relax and unwind. However, it also

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provides other areas, like the Surf House which is perfect to enjoy the sunset over a drink and around the bonfire or even an outdoor cinema!

If you’re looking to indulge your taste buds, you have pretty much anything you can wish for!

With 3 restaurants onsite, you have a spot for every occasion. From fresh pokebowls and salads at “Le Chiringuito” right on the beach, to our “à la carte” evening restaurant “Le 27” which offers Moroccan traditional cuisine and other international dishes.

Le Lounge serves snacks and some fresh dishes like salads and pasta, perfect for a quick lunch by the pool. All of our restaurants offer a wide range of vegetarian options, and we may cater for every dietary requirement if needed.

Paradis Plage offer plenty of activities to ensure a healthy active holiday such as surf, fitness, yoga and spa amongst many others. With its Rip Curl Surf School and its Surf House with direct access to the beach, its toes-in-the-sand Yoga shala, and a brandnew fitness facility, these activities are combined to perfection to offer unforgettable experiences.

Additional facilities include a kids’ club, a zen garden perfect for relaxation and meditation, a heated pool, a kids’ pool and a semi-private beach.

The ethos of this independent resort is a testament to sustainable harmony with nature and conscious wellness for guests.

In fact, Paradis Plage Resort has been set up to offer you one of the most exhaustive and unforgettable experiences. It is a real sunny haven of peace during winter season. www.paradisplage.com

“Paradis Plage offer plenty of activities to ensure a healthy active holiday such as surf, fitness, yoga and spa amongst many others”

LUXURY TRAVEL

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE BY AGUAS ARRIBA LODGE

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rekking in a very remote and secluded place, in an ancient and pristine forest, enjoying magnificent views of its surroundings in solitude, are only some of Aguas Arriba signature experiences.

Ivor and Patricia, the owners, built a wooden and luxury “ hometel ” where there is so much beauty to be found. They love people and nature and in their ecolodge, they invite you to share with them this majestic place in the heart of Patagonia.

You will arrive at El Calafate airport, where it is worth stopping for a couple of days to visit the iconic and unique Perito Moreno Glacier. It takes you two hours by car driving through the Patagonia steppe to arrive to the enchanting mountain village of El Chalten, built at the foot of the Majestic Fitz Roy Mount. From there, heading north, you will drive one more hour through a scenic route of 37 km of gravel road, by the Rio de las Vueltas, and crossing nine rivers born in the hanging glaciers.

The flora in the forest becomes taller, dense and thick, as you approach the emerald green Lago del Desierto. The boat will be waiting for you to take you to the lodge with a 15 minutes navigation along

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the shore. For trekking lovers, the property is also accessible by a 3 hour hike through the forest.

You will probably believe it is not real.. you being alone in the heart of that pristine place, just you and the forest, waterfalls, glaciers, a hidden and charming house facing the west margin of the lake invites you to be part of it for the following days during your stay. You will discover the living room, with its fireplace, its 7metres high window to enjoy magnificent views of the lake and the Vespignani glacier situated just in front of the house. The dining room is another charming place in the lodge.

With huge windows overlooking the lake, mountains and glaciers, it will welcome you every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner to enjoy the home made and fine gastronomy, taking care of the different food restrictions and preferences of our guests.

Meeting with the trekking guides and owners in the living room will be the next step before starting this unique adventure. A map from the area will be enough to show you where you are, in this remote place in the middle of Patagonia, in an ancient lenga forest…The guides are excited to show you the different hiking options that could last from 1 to 8 hours. We leave at 9.30 AM for our first hike and come back for lunch. In the afternoon we go out again to continue discovering new hidden places with magnificent views all around.

Staying for 3 or 4 nights is the ideal time to make the most of your stay. Hiking, relaxing, fly fishing, enjoying nature with friends or family. Our only five rooms with capacity for ten guests allows Aguas Arriba Ecolodge make you feel at home, sitting close to the fireplace , sharing with other guests a glass of Patagonian wine and your trip stories.

A unique experience indulges the senses with its nature, simple gastronomy and adventure. www.aguasarribalodge.com

“With huge windows overlooking the lake, mountains and glaciers, it will welcome you every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner”

LUXURY TRAVEL

The last frontier of virgin rainforest – Manu, deep in the Peruvian Amazon

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limate change, airline collapses and the destruction of the planets last great wildernesses are making travel a much more thought provoking process in 2020.

Peru Safari are a specialist guided 4x4 adventure tour operator based jointly in the UK and Lima, who have weighed these concerns for some years. Their original Inca Tracks Adventure to Machu Picchu was an overnight success when it was introduced in 2016, and a self-drive vehicle undoubtedly gives you unprecedented access to the rich culture, scenery and wildlife of this vibrant country.

Peru Safari are now operating four routes that take in the Deserts, The Andes and the Amazon.

However, it is perhaps the new Jaguar Tracks trip to Manu that excites the most.

With recent devastation that man- made wildfires have brought to the Amazon this last outpost of virgin rainforest has thankfully been spared.

However, fire is not the only threat.

We are living in the most dramatic era of road and infrastructure expansion in human history.

Thousands of projects are opening up many of the planets remaining wild areas and it is little surprise that illegal road projects are now threatening Manu National Park. There are some places so special and biologically irreplaceable that they should be spared the Pandora’s Box of disruption that roads bring. Travel within Manu is by boat. Uncontacted indigenous people still live here, and still no road runs through Manu. That’s changing. An, with an illegal road being cut into the mouth of the Manu River to allow illegal loggers, and gold prospector’s access.

The deep chorus of howler monkeys in the

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morning pounds through your chest and over 800 species of birds fill the trees. Alligator-like caiman slide into the river, while critically endangered giant otters gather in playful gangs. Jaguars are almost common here—some 6,000 of the giant cats are thought to prowl about the Park. Manu National Park is the only park in South America that protects the entire watershed of a major Amazonian tributary.

Despite the outcry, the fatal road’s expansion will continue to assault this tropical Eden of Manu unless the world wakes up to this threat.

The fact is however, that Manu remains the world’s most virgin untouched rainforest. This land of uncontacted tribes is the last preserve for many species.

For sure, a 4x4 adventure in Peru is not for everyone. It’s a full- on travel experience, taking in some of the world’s more spectacular roads, at heights that exceed Everest base camp on occasions. However, the Peru Safari team have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the country and are always on hand with friendly assistance.

THE DETAILS Contact Peru Safari on info@perusafari.com or call 07522 776160. Trip Costs from £3,980 (all inclusive “in country” does not include flights) www.perusafari.com

Escape to the Country W

hat makes Fowey Cottages, Pella and Long House so special for your holiday, is that not only do you have your own private garden to enjoy but a further 12 acres of grounds.

The rural setting and woods are the perfect place for kids to be kids, build dens and have their own Cornish adventure. We have often sat at the edge of the woods in the evening with a G&T and watched the wild deer and badgers at play while Kestrels hover lazily above. For dog owners it is paradise, your dog can have all the exercise it needs without leaving the grounds. Yet you are only a stones throw away from the coast and the restaurants of Fowey.

When it comes to choosing your home away from home, Fowey Cottages offer some of the finest holiday cottages in and around Fowey.

A family owned business based in the heart of the town, Fowey Cottages have a wide range of properties. You can choose to relax and unwind in a stunning townhouse with views across the harbour, or escape to a peaceful rural hideaway.

So if you are planning your next escape to the country look no further, Fowey Cottages is guaranteed to have the property for you. www.foweycottages.com

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LUXURY TRAVEL

The Adventure Travel Show Olympia London, 18-19 January 2020

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ow in its 24th year, the UK’s only event dedicated to experiences off the beaten track brings together specialist travel companies and experts under one roof.

Providing leading tips, advice and once in a life-time trips for those who love to travel outside of the mainstream.

THE DETAILS General show tickets cost £11 in advance or £14 on the door, under 13s go free.

Weekend tickets are also available for £20 advance or £26 on the door.

For full details, talk timetables and to book tickets please visit www.adventureshow.com

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Meet the specialists Get face-to-face with 120 specialist adventure travel companies, offering small-group adventures, exclusive expeditions, solo journeys, ethical trips, luxury expeditions and everything in between.

There is something to suit every interest. And there are more than 70 talks from renowned explorers, industry experts, guidebook writers and expedition leaders in four dedicated theatres.

Specialist Seminars Sit down face-to-face with the world’s leading experts in specialist seminars taking place alongside the exhibition, off the show floor.

These include: • Cicerone’s cycle touring and trekking workshops which cover everything from how to make a success of a multi-day trip to preparations for global expeditions.

• Experts from Wanderlust Magazine explain the key facets of successful travel writing, photography and film-making, ranging from how to get started to how to monetise skills.

• Overland planner, expedition leader and author, Chris Scott, shares his know-how on how to tackle the major trans-continental overland routes.

Everything from choice of vehicle to life on the road • Adventure by motorcycle seminars by Austin Vince and author and adventurer Lois Pryce over a choice of two sessions, one for beginners and one for those travelling beyond Europe.

Seminar tickets are individually priced, from £22.50 - £30.50.

The Adventure Travel Film Festival - On Saturday, enjoy a smorgasbord of independent adventure travel films and shorts, concluding with the evening’s main feature ‘Going the Distance’ and a Q&A with the film’s protagonists - husband and wife adventurers Mike and Alanna Clear. The couple spend their first three years together testing their marriage to destruction, travelling by motorcycle and sidecar from Alaska to Argentina.

LUXURY TRAVEL 20 Years’ Experience Providing Inspirational Adventures in India & The Himalayas

Enjoy toy trains in the hills, Taj Mahal or Houseboats on backwaters of Kerala with us.

Independent Travellers, Couples, School students and Charity groups have a rare insight to India and the Himalayas with Expedition Leaders.

We plan tailormade and cultural tours with Railways, Walking, Trekking and Cycling activities from last 20 years. All our guests also plant a tree or more in local villages to support local schools and communities, as we travel through different regions of India and the Himalayas.

Our guests speak for us: “Such an incredible time with Expedition Leaders in India. Definitely check them out if you are looking to do India.

Loads of adventures available.”

– Dr Alex George (Love Island)

5* Rated on Responsible Travel 150 JANUARY 2020

Thank you for such brilliant organising. I was amazed at how somebody turned up at every location and we were never left floundering. I must admit I hadn’t really expected that and was not fully aware that the itinerary you had put together included such close attention. But everything went like clockwork and was very much appreciated.

– Richard Woollard Nov 2019

“Expedition Leaders have looked after us so incredibly well. Never have I met such a kind person like Puran.

Your delight personality alongside, your beautiful “dimeana” has made me fall in love with India.”

– Georgia Toffolo (Winner I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2018) Web: www.expeditionleaders.com | Email: contact@expeditionleaders.com

stunning staycations

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ooking for a cosy getaway this winter? Or are you planning a memorable staycation as the new decade dawns? Wigwam® Holidays offers luxury glamping cabins, campfires and the chance to unwind in complete comfort.

Where are our sites?

Wigwam® Holidays has sites across the UK, the nearest is just a mere 90-minute drive from Central London. Other locations include Cornwall, Wales, Yorkshire, the Midlands, Cumbria, Northumberland and throughout Scotland.

Winter in a Wigwam® Cabin…?

As the temperatures drop, the cosiness of a cabin is all the more appealing! Our handcrafted cabins are made from sustainable timber, are fully heated, well insulated with comfy mattresses, secure doors, Velux® windows and many cabins are also en-suite.

What can I expect from a Wigwam® Holiday?

A warm welcome, spotlessly clean cabins and the majority of sites accept four legged friends. More and more sites are also featuring blissful hot tubs for your enjoyment.

Who can go?

Go with friends, family or both… enjoy quality time with a loved one or savour some solo travelling.

Some of our sites are also offering the brand new accessible cabin, perfect for those with additional mobility requirements along with their carers.

What is unique about Wigwam® Holidays?

Affordable luxury in comfy cabins throughout the year, offering great holidays in the great outdoors.

Wigwam® Holidays - What will your story be? www.wigwamholidays.com

“More and more sites are also featuring blissful hot tubs for your enjoyment”

Photos used for illustrative purposes.

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A family business providing exclusive valet parking at Gatwick Airport since 1992.

Try our hotel…

Have your car collected from the Terminal Forecourt and walk direct into check-in. On your return your car is delivered to the Forecourt and you can drive straight home.

No Buses – No Waiting Our customised car park is only 3 minutes from The terminal enabling a prompt and reliable service. Car Park vetted annually by Surrey Police and holder of Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ award.

Book online at: www.tudorrose.co.uk or telephone 01293 822844

10% Discount Code TRLM010

fashion &

beauty – Fashion and beauty news to keep you looking your best – i m a g e : TO P DRA W E R

FASHION & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

FASHION & BEAUTY OFF THE CUFF We love these gorgeous cufflinks from Fox and Chave.

Made in Britain. www.foxandchave.com

all wrapped up WEARABLE ART We simply love these clothes and jewellert pieces by Top Drawer. Jewellery designer Hila finds inspiration working with raw industrial materials not naturally associated with jewellery. Materials that are often perceived as rough and unrefined are transformed into stunning wearable art that is both feminine and chic.

And brand One Hundred Stars aims to create beautiful, universal, affordable and ethical garments to flatter all. This kimono is just gorgeous! www.topdrawer.co.uk

SPLASH OF COLOUR Lovely opulent and stylish Brazilian Agate drop earrings. The golden hoops hug the earlobe as the Orange Agate stones dangle, giving them great support. www.mosaicojewellery.co.uk

PAMPERED POOCHES Your personalised bag is made from supple black Italian leather, with your breed silhouette and dogs name printed onto soft yet robust canvas fabric. This personalised bag has a comfortable webbing shoulder strap and a secure zip closure, which makes it ideal to wear every day. www.binkyandmills.co.uk 154 JANUARY 2020

sunshine style Cheer up your look with this sunshine yellow pouch, hand screen printed with a floral bird print. It is fun and functional, with a sturdy cotton twill lining and a leather pull. It’s the perfect size to house all your essentials - pop small change, cards, keys and your phone in there, makeup or use as a travel wallet. www.postcardshome.co.uk

Wrap yourself in luxury with the Mineheart scarf collection.

Featuring 10 designs, made from a blend of silk and modal fabric - a super soft fiber made from beech trees, for a supple and lightweight fashion accessory. Showcasing a range of artistic styles and techniques, these designs will work flawlessly with your favourite outfit. Featuring art work “New World Damask - Grey & Blue”.

Inspired by modern symbols, icons and vector art to create this stylish scarf. www.mineheart.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

Why celebrities choose The Whiteley Clinic T

he Whiteley Clinic has an international reputation for excellence in treating veins. Not only varicose veins of the legs, but also pelvic varicose veins (pelvic congestion syndrome), haemorrhoids, thread veins and veins of the face and forehead.

Not surprisingly, celebrities such as Chris Evans and Kate Lawler have publicised their treatment at The Whiteley Clinic in the media. Also, having been featured in Tatler for the last 11 years, countless other celebrities have chosen Prof Mark Whiteley and his colleagues for their vein treatments.

So why is The Whiteley Clinic different?

Simply, unlike any other UK vein clinic or centre, all of our consultants follow a research proven protocol (The Whiteley Protocol®), and all scans

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are performed by The Whiteley Clinic trained and audited vascular technologists. Also, unlike any other UK vein clinic or centre, we publish our results proving our long-term successes.

Not surprisingly, medical companies bring their new vein devices to The Whiteley Clinic first in the UK. In 2019 we were the first in Europe to perform Endovenous Microwave Ablation (the technique Chris Evans had and featured). Also, we performed the first commercial Sonovein (high intensity focused Ultrasound - HIFU) treatment for varicose veins in the world.

Both of these new techniques are currently exclusively available in the UK at The Whiteley Clinic.

Of course, we also have all of the other venous techniques available such as endovenous laser, ultrasound foam sclerotherapy, TRLOP, pelvic vein embolisation and indeed, we monitor all of these techniques to ensure optimal results.

We have also joined the College of Phlebology Venous Registry, so that all of our results will be open for anyone to review in the future.

If you have varicose veins or any venous condition such as pelvic congestion, thread veins or venous leg ulcers, why would you choose anywhere else for your treatment? www.thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk

“Not surprisingly, medical companies bring their new vein devices to The Whiteley Clinic first in the UK”

FASHION & BEAUTY

style it up: PRETTY PINAFORES

The ribbed fabric is having a fashion moment, says Katie Wright.

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hile floaty floral dresses - and a certain spotty frock - dominated summer, now that winter is in full swing, we’ve got the perfect solution if you’re looking to switch up your style.

Corduroy is a major trend for right now and there’s one item we’re loving more than any other: the cord pinafore.

This cute but cosy dress is the answer to many a winter wardrobe conundrum, and there are so many gorgeous options in the shops right now.

While corduroy has traditionally been a bit of a fusty fabric, associated with the archetypal ‘geography teacher’ fashion faux pas, these days

“The cord pinafore is a prime example of how the tactile texture has had a modern makeover”

it’s become as cool as leather or suede.

The cord pinafore is a prime example of how the tactile texture has had a modern makeover - no wonder it’s become a fashion blogger fave.

So, how to style it? The coolest combo is a pinafore with a rollneck or funnel neck top, which will keep you warm on wintry days.

For something a bit dressier, team your pinafore with an off-the-shoulder knit.

With most cord pinafores coming in autumn leaf and night sky colours, you could add something tonal such as tan or moss green, or lighten your outfit with a cream or white top.

Complete your look with a pair of heeled hiking boots - the season’s hottest footwear, FYI - and your outfit is complete.

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new Beauty app in london

expert Beauty services at Home, office or hotel

Download our app and get ÂŁ10 Discount coDe on all our services for 12 months. Discount code: liFeMaG10 www.spa-concierge.co.uk

FASHION & BEAUTY

Love Handles - AAARGHH!

Dandelions on your lawn. Gremlins. Those are both things that are notoriously hard to get rid of. But not quite as hard, I think, as getting rid of love handles…

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f you’ve tried losing weight, it’s quite likely that you’ve slimmed down all over – but those bulges around your gut are still there, spilling over the tops of your jeans and making it hard to wear fitted clothes. It’s similarly possible to whittle away every ounce of spare body fat through exercise – and yet still keep your love handles.

They are usually the last thing to go, and for many people, never go at all.

Why ARE they so incredibly difficult to shift?

Two reasons.

First of all, some people simply have a genetic predisposition to storing fat around their love handles – just as others are predisposed to storing fat around their tummies or thighs. That’s their natural body shape, and it has nothing to do with weight. You can be extremely lean, but you still have to store fat somewhere.

Often, hormones are a factor too. High levels of oestrogen are associated with body fat being stored around the love handle area - in men as well as women.

Second of all, it’s impossible to target your love handles with specific exercises, like you might target your arms, glutes or abs. Sure, you can do exercises that burn fat all over your body – but if your love handles are where your body likes storing fat, they’re not going anywhere.

I know how frustrating this is from personal experience. I played squash at competitive level, was

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very careful with what I ate and yet my shirts never fitted me right because I just could not get rid of my love handles.

I cannot tell you how many times I considered giving up my exercise and diet, because after all that effort – and despite being very fit – I still didn’t like my shape.

Ultimately I realised that my love handles were not going away on their own, and that the only solution was to get some help from aesthetic medicine. (I chose Vaser, but as you already know, there are terrific non-surgical options.)

If you, too, have tried diet and exercise but are still plagued by your love handles, it may be the best solution for you as well.

If that is an option you would like to explore further, why not book a consultation with me at our Harpenden or London clinic.

We will take a medical history, discuss what kind of results you want to achieve, and review the options to find the treatment that best fits with your goals, lifestyle and budget. If you’re already pretty sure you know which procedure you want, we’ll confirm you are a suitable candidate and put together your bespoke treatment plan.

We are more than happy to work with your personal trainers as well to optimise your outcomes.

We also have our in house personal trainer Ros Jaffa who will help you put together a long-term plan to maintain your results – and get the most out of any treatment.

Dr Ravi Jain

THE DETAILS For more information visit my informative website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk and subscribe to my email list.

Or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of my aesthetic doctors call 01582762877 to book in.

Do you have a friend that is looking to revitalise their skin? Do you know of anyone that is uncomfortable with their body but doesn’t know where to turn?

When you refer a friend to us, you can both receive

10% off

your next visit.

All you need to do is ensure your friend quotes your name when they are booking a treatment and we’ll do the rest.

If you’ve got any questions, please talk to reception or contact us: Reception@riverbankswellness.com 01582 762877

FASHION & BEAUTY

GORGEOUS WINTER NAILS Keep your nails looking strong and healthy with these top tips, says Katie Wright.

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rying to keep your nails from breaking is difficult at any time of year, but in winter, it’s almost impossible.

During the cold months the elements combine to dry out your nails and make them more brittle, flaky and prone to chips than usual - it’s particularly annoying when you want your nails to look pretty for party season.

The good news is, there are several ways to counteract the effects of the cold - and we don’t just mean getting back to back gel manicures.

vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, along with pro vitamin B5. Simply paint the treatment onto nails at night and let it work its magic. Rinse clean in the morning with water and voila, healthy and revitalised nails.”

Cienna Rose Overnight Success Revival Mask, £10

Here, Carla Opoku, founder of cruelty free and vegan nail brand Cienna Rose shares seven top tips to strengthen your nails in winter.

Give your nails a break “We all love shiny salon style nails, however gel manicures can really dry out the nails. So, take a much-needed break from the gels once in a while and give yourself a pretty DIY mani.”

Mavala Scientifique K+ Nail Hardener, £14.85, John Lewis

Hydrate with an oil “We use oils on our face, body and hair so why not use them on your nails too? Cuticle oils hydrate the cuticle, skin and nail area and as they penetrate deeper, are great at giving brittle nails and dry skin a mega moisture boost.”

Barry M Nail Shot Avocado, £3.99, Superdrug

Exfoliate regularly “Nails have layers of dead cells that become dehydrated and damaged. Exfoliation helps buff away build-up of dead skin and maintain strength and good health. Massage a scrub on the surface of your nails in gentle circular motions to smooth and brighten beds.”

Don’t forget your base coat “Always wear a base coat even if you don’t have time for a full on manicure. Applying a hydrating and strengthening base coat can prevent nails from peeling and becoming weak but make sure you use a natural formula without any harsh chemicals.”

Cienna Rose Inner Strength Nail Hardener Treatment Base Coat, £10.50

Boost your B vitamins “Bumpy, ridged nail beds are not a pretty sight and could be caused by a vitamin deficiency. Try increasing your vitamin B9 intake, otherwise known as folic acid, which helps repair cells and promote overall nail health. Also try boosting your diet with foods like beans and wholegrains that are rich in folic acid.”

Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Care Base Coat, £10.72, Amazon

Try a nail mask “Transform tired and brittle nails while you sleep with a treatment such as the the Cienna Rose Overnight Success Revival Mask. Combining a synthetic crystalline protein that’s super effective at rehydrating and seaweed, a brilliant source of 162 JANUARY 2020

Ditch the acetone “Acetone packed nail polish removers can be very harsh on nails and can instantly dry them out, leading to splitting and peeling, so go acetone-free.

“Massage a scrub on the surface of your nails in gentle circular motions to smooth and brighten beds.”

Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

The Woman Whole P

eople are raving about The Woman Whole, recently featured in Tatler Magazine, Vanity Fair, Brides, and House of Coco. This self-love boutique specializes in luxurious crystal yoni eggs, organic yoni steams, herbal infused oils, massage tools, & resources for women who wish to connect with themselves on a more intimate and sacred level. Receiving a package from this shop is truly a magical experience. Every order is prepared with great love, and it shines through in every detail!

So what exactly is a yoni egg? A yoni egg is a sacred object that is carved from a healing crystal (such as Jade, Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz, or Black Obsidian) into the shape of a small egg. The word yoni is a Sanskrit term that refers to the macrocosm of divine feminine energy as well as the microcosmic lifeforce of the female reproductive system. The egg is a symbol of transformation, rebirth, purity, creation, and fertility. The yoni egg is used internally through various meditations and exercises to infuse, strengthen, and activate the yoni with this powerful energy!

Women all over the world are becoming keepers of the cosmic yoni egg and are experiencing multiple benefits such as greater control and strength of the pelvic floor muscles, symptom-free moon times,

quicker recovery after childbirth, a deeper connection with the divine feminine, personal and spiritual growth, the release of emotional trauma, an increased awareness of the mind-body-soul connection, cultivation of self-love, the creation of supportive female alliances, heightened sensation and pleasure, expressions of creativity, and so much more!

Discover The Woman Whole at www.yoniegg.life.

There you will find hundreds of spectacular five-star reviews, videos, articles, recommended books, and other resources to inspire your journey of selfdiscovery. Be sure to shop their self-love boutique and find the perfect treasure to honor your inner goddess!

THE DETAILS You can also find The Woman Whole on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/ TheWomanWhole, and follow @thewomanwhole on Instagram.

If you wish to email The Woman Whole directly, feel free to connect at thewomanwhole@yoniegg.life.

The Woman Whole is a self-love boutique specialising in luxurious crystal yoni eggs, organic yoni steams, herbal infused oils, massage tools, and resources that inspire a deep connection with your inner goddess.

Visit www.yoniegg.life to discover more!

You can also find The Woman Whole on Etsy at thewomanwhole.etsy.com and be sure to Follow @thewomanwhole on Instagram.

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Proper self care is key, and at 303 Face | Body, founder Marci Lundy makes certain that her line of skincare and wellness products helps others create and maintain a balanced self care journey.

“Self care is paramount. We all have to make sure that we take time each day to pamper ourselves, and my skincare and wellness line is designed to do just that,” Marci states.

“Whether you are taking a moment to center while creating a ritual/regimen in the morning or evening while cleansing your skin with the Rose Tonic Facial Astringent by 303 Face | Body, or enjoying a delightful loose leaf tea blend from the SubtleTEAS line by 303, the focus is on bringing forth your best, healthy self.

Made for you. Made for someone you love. A line of lush body oils, moisture rich creams, youth serums, purifying astringents, soothing loose leaf teas, and healing bracelets can all be found at 303 Face | Body.

303facebodyorganics.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

HOT

HOISERY W

An LBD and some snazzy tights are all you need for the perfect night out.

Boux Avenue Heart Tights, £10

Charnos Sparkle Star Tights, £11.99, UK Tights

hile some fashionistas have sworn off tights for good (no matter how cold it gets), Katie Holmes makes a strong case for embracing hosiery with her latest red carpet appearance.

Attending back-to-back events in New York, the 40-year-old actor looked stunning in an all-black ensemble of long-sleeved Saint Laurent dress, sheer spotty tights and suede court heels, which promptly landed her on all the best-dressed celebs lists.

Teamed with a bold red lip and a glossy blow-dry, the mum of one channelled Eighties style but in such a chic, understated way.

The former Dawson’s Creek star has been killing it on the fashion front, and this is one look that’s a cinch for anyone to copy.

You’ve probably already got a favourite little black dress and court heels in your wardrobe, so all you need is a pair of on-trend tights to complete the look.

Hot hosiery is easy to find on the high street right now, with spots, stars and sparkly embellishments making them the perfect addition to your LBD. Plus, if you’re feeling self-conscious about your pasty legs in winter (us too), patterned sheer tights give you a bit of coverage but are still subtly sexy.

We’re also loving the return of another Eighties favourite: Fishnet tights. They are great for creating a smooth silhouette and are less likely to ladder than delicate 10 denier types, which is a bonus.

Marks & Spencer Collection Marl Star Opaque Tights, £8

Falke Blackout Women Tights, £36 Heist The Fishnet, £22

Calzedonia Animal-Patterned Tights, £11

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River Island Black Polka Dot Tights, £6

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS DRAGO (@milosdrago) | STYLIST: NYEELAH LEWIS (@nyeelahlewis) MUA: TRACY MC GRADY (@traydamirbeauty) | MODEL: TEYA HELENE (@teyahelene)

For more information, contact iurish@hotmail.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

My

Red Valentine “M

y Red Valentine” is a beautiful colour coordinated collection of personal accessories created by Heating & Plumbing London.

Shades of red are blended across the collection of personal accessories that are the perfect gift for that someone special in your life. Each item is beautifully designed in London and made in the British Isles, with the exception of the Champagne bucket and the dress socks, which are made in France.

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Alpaca Checked Throw The combination of soft Alpaca and strong breathable Merino wool makes this gorgeous throw a perfect design accessory for your home and will keep you warm and cosy around the house. The blend of the two creates a warm and lightweight blanket. £145

Luxury lounge socks in British alpaca Made from 75% British alpaca (the alpacas are farmed in the West of England) and 25% wool, these lounge socks are knitted in Britain. These soft & comfy socks are perfect for cosy winter nights.

They will keep your feet toasty and warm in bed or for when lazing on the sofa. £22.50

Red checked pure new wool picnic rug with dark grey waterproof backing and handmade red carrying leather strap.

Our luxury waterproof picnic blankets will make your picnics comfy, dry and stylish! Each rug is large enough and ideal for several adults, but rolls up into an easy-to-carry bundle with a slim elegant strap that can hook onto your backpack or bike for a day out. Truly designed for the unpredictable British weather, with a soft top layer of pure new wool lined with durable waterproof backing, these rugs are gloriously comfortable to sit on. £125

Red striped dress shocks Designed in London and made in France.

78% cotton / 20% polyamide / 2% elastane for additional comfort. One size. £12.75

The Little Explorer This blanket with waterproof backing is the perfect walker’s companion. It’s light and easily fits into a bag and will bring a great element of comfort and cosiness to your picnics and walking explorations.

The collection is available in organic cotton or pure new wool and in 6 colours. £39.50

British Folding Umbrella Our folding umbrellas are lovingly made and assembled in England. Our canopies are manually cut and each umbrella is hand finished. All the components come from reliable and skilled suppliers. The scorched maple crook handle is made in Italy, while the polyester fabric is sourced from Japan. The sturdy auto open frame makes this compact umbrella an essential accessory for the city lover. Each umbrella comes with matching sleeve. £89

Champagne bucket range Our “Keep Your Cool” champage bucket was created for those summer evenings spent on the beach or in a local park with a picnic and a nice bottle of rosé or champagne that needs to be kept cool while enjoying the sunshine. The base of the champagne cooler is shaped, so that your bottle is slightly tilted and can be nicely covered with ice and remain very cold. We paired a white bucket with a gorgeous red leather strap. £48.50 www.heating-and-plumbing.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

Question: How do you turn a whole load of rubbish into life changing jobs, well-made useful products and vital childcare for some of the world’s most vulnerable children?

Answer: You create a Cycle of Good!

T

hat’s exactly what a Staffordshire based charity has done. The Krizevac Project, trading as Cycle of Good finds opportunities in waste materials such as your old inner tubes, by sending them to Malawi in South East Africa, and having them carefully crafted into useful items such as wallets, belts and bags. All surplus generated by the sale of the PETA vegan approved, eco-products is 100% re-invested into the Malawian children’s centre built in 2012; it offers vital care to children who are at risk and living in chronic poverty. Over 10,000 children and their families have been helped so far.

Cycle of Good began by creating Elephant Bike, the first charity “buy one, give one” bike. They lovingly restored 5,000 of the former British postal bikes, which were destined for landfill, and pledged to send another bike to Malawi for every bike sold in the UK. Elephant Bikes are still available for sale in the UK and are perfect for shopping and commuting. But they are a limited edition and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

The success of this model- turning trash into treasure- inspired the charity to look at what other materials could be saved from landfill to be turned into useful stuff. Cycle of Good have collected coffee sacks, lorry curtain siding and are now looking for suppliers of tents and parachutes. All the materials are shipped to Malawi along with the donated bicycles, so they don’t add to the charity’s carbon footprint. The project employs twenty tailors, all paid living wages with access to childcare, paid holiday, pensions and subsidised health insurance; all of which is rare and essential in Malawi, a country with no welfare state and one of the poorest in the world.

Cycle of Good are so passionate about minimising their impact on the planet, they’ve invested in a huge solar installation which powers all of the sewing machines along with the other enterprises in Malawi that the charity supports.

The products may all be made from waste, but that hasn’t stopped the charity considering the whole-life impact of the items they create. Cycle of Good are now offering a life time guarantee on all tailored products your bag gets a rip, it will be lovingly repaired so that it can serves its purpose for years to come. Now that’s what we call a Cycle of Good!

To support this amazing initiative by buying an Elephant Bike, a wallet or by donating waste materials, you can visit cycleofgood.com

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health & fitness

– Everything you need to keep fit, healthy, and happy – i m a g e : K E E P CA L M AND CARR Y O N ?

H EALTH & FITNESS

Keep calm and carry on?

Can you work out if you are under the weather? Well first and foremost, it depends what type of cold you have, as Prudence Wade discovers.

I

t’s that wretched time of year when getting a cold feels almost inevitable, as your colleagues, friends and family get struck down one-byone with the sniffles. It’s called the ‘common’ cold for good reason - but just how much does a cold have to get in the way of your regular routine? We’re talking specifically about exercise. You might want to continue with your gym schedule as normal - after all, colds aren’t generally a serious ailment - but is it wiser to rest?

“For the most part, exercise helps to keep us healthy and boosts our immune system against all kinds of diseases,” says Dr Diana Gall of Doctor4U. But there are exceptions of course, and sometimes taking a rest is just what the doctor ordered. So what’s the deal with colds?

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What type of cold do you have?

Ease back gently

According to Gall, this is important: do you have a head cold or a chesty cold? A head cold has “symptoms such as a sore throat and runny nose”, she says, while the chest version involves “a chesty cough, body aches and a raised temperature”. (You might, of course, have both if you’re really unlucky).

With a head cold, Gall says: “It’s usually safe to carry on with exercise, even if you need to lower the intensity while you’re under the weather. “If you’re suffering from a chesty cold, working out could worsen your symptoms and make you feel even more unwell, as well as putting you at risk of injury, so a rest in these circumstances can often be better than a workout.”

If you’ve had a sickness-induced break, it’s also a good idea to introduce some mobility stretches.

“Sometimes, if you have been ill and had a couple of days off work, you can feel a bit stiff and immobile,” says Katie Anderson, trainer at yoga and low-impact studio FLY LDN. Anderson suggests three simple stretches to get some mobility back and the first is a supine spinal twist. She says: “Lie on your back and bring your knees to chest. Start to drop the knees to one side of the body, keeping your shoulders pressed onto the ground. Stay here for a breath and using the core, rotate your knees to the other side of the body, repeating on the other side.” The second stretch is cat/cow. Begin on all-fours, Anderson explains, and “begin to undulate the back, tucking the chin to chest. Take a breath and then begin to undulate in the the opposite direction, engaging the back and sliding the tailbone to the sky as the chin and chest lifts. Repeat with slow and controlled inhales and exhales.”

Don’t overdo it Even if you are safe to go to the gym as normal, it’s probably not advisable to lift your heaviest weights or go on a 10km run. “You should avoid straining yourself too much - keep your exercise routine lighter than usual and take note of your symptoms day by day,” Gall recommends. “If you wake up feeling much worse than the day before, or have developed any additional symptoms, it would be wise to avoid the gym until you start feeling better. “The good news is that ‘exercise’ is a broad term,” she adds. “If you usually go running or do cardio workouts at the gym, it’s probably not the best idea to carry on with these whilst you’re ill. But lower-intensity exercises, such as going on a walk, some basic yoga, or resistance band training could keep you active even while you have a cold.” It’s also important not to dive straight back into an intense regime as soon as your symptoms clear-up. “If you exercise regularly and take some time off due to illness, try and ease back into your routine with the same amount of time you took off,” Gall says. “For example, if you took five days off due to illness, spend five days easing in and working back up to your normal routine.”

“It’s also a good idea to introduce some mobility stretches”

Lastly, a downward dog to long lunge will help your body get back into action.

“Starting with the hands and feet flat on the ground with hips high, shift your body into a high plank, taking one foot forward to the outside of your hand,” Anderson explains. “Taking a breath here to release the hips, exhale and send your body back into downward dog. Take another breath and repeat to the other leg. Depending on how your body is feeling, you can take this slowly or you can move through it a little speedier.”

H EALTH & FITNESS

PROTEIN POWER

How much do you really need, and is meat protein always better?

Liz Connor finds out.

T

he old saying goes that abs are made in the kitchen - and it’s protein, specifically, that holds a big chunk of the key to a leaner, stronger you.

For years, health-conscious dieters have been following the simple rule that to tone up and shift fat, you just need to eat fewer calories. But this overlooks some major factors - including the fact that your body needs protein to build and repair the muscle cells that are damaged during a workout.

Plenty of us are now waking up to the idea that looking and feeling great isn’t just about cutting down, but also means making sure we’re eating enough of this vital macronutrient, with healthy and delicious meals that don’t scrimp on calories.

But, what actually is protein, how much should you be consuming, and will it turn you into the Incredible Hulk overnight? We called in the experts...

Why exactly is protein important?

Think of it like the Lego bricks of your body.

“Protein is needed in every cell of the body - for growth, repair and structure,” explains Ruth Tongue, nutritionist at Foga (foga.co). “Not only is it an essential building block for muscle, skin, bones, teeth, blood and cartilage but it also makes up enzymes and hormones, all of which are essential for everyday functioning.” When the muscle fibres becomes damaged during exercise, they need protein to rebuild and repair. Like carbohydrates and fat, protein is a macronutrient, which means you need relatively large amounts of it in your diet to stay healthy. Protein also replaces worn-out cells and transports various substances throughout the

176 JANUARY 2020

body. Good sources include eggs, fish, seafood, chicken and turkey, soya, milk and nuts and seeds.

Is there a difference between plant-based and meat protein?

“Yes absolutely,” says Tongue, “and there are benefits to both.”

James Collier, head of nutrition and co-founder at Huel (uk.huel.com), explains: “All proteins are different, in that they consist of different amino acid chains. Amino acids are the simple units that make up proteins - nine of which we have to obtain from our diets. “There are misconceptions about plant-based proteins, in that people claim that they are inferior to meat, eggs and dairy proteins, which isn’t the case,” assures Collier. “Although the amino acid profile of a single plant-based protein source may be inferior to an animal protein, this is easy to get around simply by combining more than one source of plant protein in a meal.” For example, Collier explains that beans and rice both contain good amounts of protein and together provide an amino acid profile that’s just as good as animal proteins. With a bit of planning, you can get just as much protein from a vegan diet as you can a meatbased one, but you need to do some homework and plan ahead to make sure you’re getting enough.

Should you supplement your workout with protein shakes?

It depends what your gym goals are. “For anyone who’s eating a balanced diet with protein sources at each meal, it’s not at all necessary to supplement with protein shakes, unless they’re really struggling

to maintain weight or they’re keen to increase body weight,” says Tongue. “The only people who may benefit from protein supplementation are hard-training strength athletes, but even these folk don’t need anywhere near as much as is often recommended and consumed,” says Collier. Plenty of boutique gyms and studios will sell protein shakes or smoothies and they can be a convenient

way to increase your intake protein, which is needed to support muscle growth. However, Collier adds that protein shakes aren’t superior to good protein intake from food, so it’s always better to opt for the real deal if you can. “If you are opting for shakes or powders, I would recommend choosing products that have a reasonable amount of protein in them but have no added nasties or sugars,” says Tongue.

How much protein should the average adult consume?

“This is a question of much debate,” says Collier.

“While protein helps us to stay feeling full, we know that if we eat too much of it, without cutting back on other calories, it will be converted to fat”

“Both the EU and the US recommended daily intakes of protein are just 50 grams per day; this is the absolute minimum and it’s a level that’s relatively easy to consume.” Typically, most people who consume a varied diet manage to consume more than this amount. As Collier explains though: “The problem with a simple figure is that it doesn’t relate to anything in respect of protein quality; there are essential minimum intakes of each of the nine essential amino acids set by the World Health Organisation. “There are different methods of looking at the quality of protein, and the most validated ones look at the breakdown of amino acids and how readily the proteins are digested and absorbed,” he adds. “Proteins with the highest scores are animal-based, mainly because individual plant-proteins tend to have lower amounts of one or more of the key amino acids. However, a combination of more than one plant-based protein source also gives a perfect score.” Consuming good amounts of protein can help maintain an optimal body composition, a healthy metabolism, and good athletic performance. “As a rule of thumb, you should aim to get between 20-30% of your total energy intake from protein,” says Collier.

Can you eat too much protein?

“Yes definitely,” says Tongue. “While protein helps us to stay feeling full, we know that if we eat too much of it, without cutting back on other calories, it will be converted to fat. “In addition to this, if we’re getting this protein from animal sources, in particular red meat, it could raise our risk of certain cancers, high blood pressure and heart disease,” she adds. “People who have any underlying kidney conditions should also avoid excess protein, as this will increase pressure on the organ.” Collier reassures though: “The level of protein that would lead to health issues in healthy individuals is huge, and would usually only be brought on by an overlyexcessive calorie intake.” If unsure about your nutritional needs and intake, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified health professional.

JANUARY 2020 177

H EALTH & FITNESS

Enjoy Some guilt-free snacking!

D

o you want to eat something naughty but know you shouldn’t? Are you looking for a delicious healthy snack that tastes like an indulgent treat? Then look no further because Pulsin have the answer!

Introducing “tastes naughty” but is actually very good for you snack bars that you can eat every day!

Yay, every day is treat day!

Pulsin’s vegan Raw Choc Brownies are the ultimate guilt-free snack, available in five delicious flavours: Salted Caramel & Peanut, Super Berry, Peanut Choc Chip, Cashew Maca Bliss and Almond & Raisin. They’re a fantastic replacement for high sugar chocolate snacks and as they are a healthy energising treat, they can be enjoyed at any time of day.

The award-winning Salted Caramel & Peanut flavour is a balance of premium cacao, sea salt and natural flavourings, so you can snack happy knowing it is the perfect blend of flavour, whilst also containing magnesium, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Whilst the Peanut Choc Raw Choc Brownie is also sure to be a hit! With delicious dairy-free choc chips and crunchy peanuts you can snack on this best-selling brownie knowing you’re also fuelling your body with the good stuff.

Packing a nutritional punch at around 150 calories and 9g of natural sugar per bar, they have

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the added benefit of being free from gluten, dairy, soya, refined sugars and are non gm. Made with all natural ingredients, these handbag friendly brownies will not only help you curb your sweet tooth, but will also provide you with enough energy to keep you powered through the day.

Since launching in 2007, Pulsin have shared the view that all people, of all ages should be able to eat healthy foods without compromising taste. Pulsin’s goal is to create tasty nutritionally balanced products to suit everyone’s needs; be that for health, dietary intolerance or lifestyle to help each person be their best self. Made using renewable energy at their Gloucestershire HQ and following a 0% to landfill policy, Pulsin is strictly no nasties and no nonsense!

Check out Pulsin’s full award-winning range of tasty, nutritious products all created to help fuel your day. From delicious Raw Choc Brownies, Protein Booster Bars, Fruit & Nut Bars and Kids Fruity Oat Bars the whole family can enjoy, to Protein Powders and Supershakes for shaking and baking; Pulsin can help you feel fuller for longer, help maintain energy levels and increase your protein intake. There is something for everyone in the versatile and extensive range.

Enjoy 25% off your first order when you sign up to Pulsin’s newsletter at www.pulsin.co.uk.

“The award-winning Salted Caramel & Peanut flavour is a balance of premium cacao, sea salt and natural flavourings, so you can snack happy knowing it is the perfect blend of flavour, whilst also containing magnesium, fibre, vitamins and minerals”

Awareness Is Power Early detection can save lives.

If you have any concerns you would like to discuss, I am here to help.

Fast access to a one stop clinics offering assessment and diagnosis of all breast symptoms Any breast lump, nipple discharge, dimpling should be investigated and management is offered for problems with breast pain, family history, breast feeding Also provide screening and a second opinion Miss Tena Walters, Consultant Breast Surgeon MBBS, FRCS, MS 22 years experience in Breast Surgery For appointments please call 01622 873058 For more details call Tena’s PA Helen on 07982 249612 Or email tenakerrywalters@gmail.com

H EALTH & FITNESS

Latest Advanced Therapy for Prostate Cancer Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment

BIOGRAPHY Dr Yong Du has treated the largest number of patients with Lutetium-177-PSMA in the UK and practises at Cancer Centre London, one of only three hospitals in the UK that offer this treatment.

Dr Yong Du graduated from Shandong Medical University. He was awarded a PhD in Cancer Sciences at the University of Southampton for his work on lymphoma and completed his nuclear medicine specialist training at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College Hospital in London. Dr Yong Du also has extensive experience in radionuclide targeted therapy.

He is interested in combining the fast advancing functional imaging technology with multidisciplinary expertise to help develop and optimise radionuclide targeted therapy for cancer patients.

Dr Yong Du is a Trustee of the British Nuclear Medicine Society.

He was the first recipient of the UK HEFCE Clinical Senior Lectureship award in the Nuclear Medicine speciality. He lectures in national and international medical conferences regularly.

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What is Lutetium PSMA Therapy?

Lutetium Prostate Specific Membrane (PSMA) therapy is an innovative targeted therapy used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. Lutetium PSMA therapy aims to reduce the size of the prostate cancer metastases and stop them from spreading.

This results in a decrease of the symptoms that people may get with metastatic prostate cancer.

“Lutetium PSMA is most often used when the disease has metastasised�

How does Lutetium PSMA Work?

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type of protein found on the prostate cancer cells. When someone has prostate cancer there is an increased amount of PSMA protein on the cell. PSMA will also appear in other parts of the body where the prostate cancer has spread or metastasised. Lutetium-177 PSMA Therapy uses a molecule which attaches itself to the PSMA receptors on the cancer cells. Before it is administered, the PSMA molecule is bound with Lutetium-177, which releases beta radiation, a destructive type of radiation that damages the cancer cells when it is in close proximity to them, with minimum damage to healthy cells.

Prior to starting the therapy, a diagnostic scan is performed (Gallium 68 PSMA PET/CT) to highlight areas that have high levels of PSMA and

ensure the radiation will target the right areas during treatment.

Who should have Lutetium PSMA Therapy?

Lutetium PSMA is most often used when the disease has metastasised and when other therapies are poorly tolerated or have stopped working. This therapy aims to reduce the size of the cancer and stop it from multiplying, as well as to ease the symptoms that people may get with metastatic prostate cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated this treatment to be highly effective in a significant number of patients. A substantial number of patients have experienced long term remission after PSMA therapy.

How will this improve quality of life?

Patients undergoing Lutetium PSMA therapy often experience a noticeable relief from pain caused by mestastic prostate cancer, especially in the bones. A number of patients who have had Lutetium PSMA therapy have also experienced long term remission.

With the reduction in symptoms, patients can carry on with their activities of daily living and enjoy time with family and loved ones.

There are very few side effects from Lutetium PSMA therapy. Some patients may experience a dry mouth, tiredness and a brief decline in the production of blood cells. Blood tests are performed intermittently to ensure the radiation is not damaging healthy tissue. .

To book an appointment call: 0208 247 3428 Email: info@cancercentrelondon.co.uk www.cancercentrelondon.co.uk

H EALTH & FITNESS

GO HARD-CORE FOR 2020!

Want a washboard stomach? Liz Connor shares a handful of moves for keeping your core in shape.

3. Wheel roll-out

You’ll need to get your hands on an abs wheel for this exercise - an inexpensive but invaluable piece of home kit that will help to strengthen your core over time.

How to do it: On your hands and knees, hold the bars on either side of the wheel and roll forward along the floor. Once extended, hold the position for two to three seconds, and then use your core strength to pull yourself back up. Try to keep your back straight as you roll forwards.

4. Mountain climbers

W

hittling your midsection to a chiselled six-pack is many people’s end goal in the gym, but having a strong core does more than just look impressive in your Instagram photos.

Core strength can help you to maintain a better posture, which is essential if you’re hunched over a desk all day, and it can help eliminate lower back pain too.

The single most important tool that you need in order to develop your abs is diet - make sure you’re eating healthy, balanced meals with plenty of protein - but the other non-negotiable is having a routine of go-to exercises that can help to condition your core.

Here are a handful to try next time you’re stuck for inspiration in the gym...

1. Plank The plank is the don when it comes to stomachblasting exercises, because it works all of the muscles in your core.

How to do it: Start on your hands on knees on a mat. Place your hands directly under your shoulders and step your feet back. Try to maintain a straight line from your heels to your shoulders, being careful not to arch or cave your back. Squeeze the muscles in your bottom, thighs and core and hold for 30 seconds.

2. Russian twist The precarious balancing act involved in this V-sit move engages your core like no other, as you brace your abdominal wall.

How to do it: Sit on the floor, raise your legs into a bent position in front of you and lean back slightly until you feel your core engaged. Clasp your hands together and twist your torso from side to side without moving your legs. You can make this exercise more challenging by holding a weight or a medicine ball in your hands.

182 JANUARY 2020

This explosive, compound move is guaranteed to leave you in a puddle of sweat after just a few rounds.

How to do it: Starting from a plank position, with your core braced and arms extended, move one knee towards your chest, then return it to the starting position. Repeat the movement with your other leg, then continue, alternating legs throughout.

“The single most important tool that you need in order to develop your abs is diet - make sure you’re eating healthy, balanced meals”

H EALTH & FITNESS

Calories don’t Count and Cholesterol is good for you! (Yes Really) A s a community pharmacist I’ve spent the last 35 years focused upon helping people to get the best from their medication, after all that’s what we spend all those years at university training to do.

But over the last five years something dawned upon me. It seems like half the country is taking statins and the other half is taking anti-depressants (and of course many people take both!). In short we are medicating an entire society and, much as I make my living from it, it has never felt right. Now having worked a lifetime in the NHS I’m a huge supporter of it, but the trouble is we spend so little on prevention and so much on treatment. Why are we always locking the door after the horse has bolted? After all we’re not really curing anything: stop taking your statins or your blood pressure medication or your anti-diabetic medication and the problem simply comes back.... we are simply masking the symptoms. So I got to thinking what if there’s a single root cause that links many of our problems? Type2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, dementia, cancer etc etc. After all we don’t see these problems on anything like the scale in the “primitive” hunter-gather tribes like the Hadza whose lifestyle hasn’t changed for 40,000 years. What if our problems are mainly lifestylerelated not genetically pre-determined after all?

I was on a journey and a couple of years ago a couple of famous doctors, Aseem Malhotra and Robert Lustig, wrote a superb opinion piece in The Pharmaceutical Journal titled “ The Calorie and Cholesterol Hypotheses are both Dead”. You can find it at: www.tinyurl.com/rfp4ean It argued that we’ve been looking through the wrong end of the telescope, obsessing about cholesterol and how many calories we are eating (rather than the quality of our food) while the truth has been hiding in plain sight: a diet high in sugar, carbs and processed foods is driving all these illnesses.

In fact I’ve recently published a response which might be of interest. You can find it at www.tinyurl.com/qwlobkg The food industry, which has conducted most of the research into diet obviously wants us to continue eating highly processed food because that’s where it makes most of its profit. And likewise the pharmaceutical industry relies on the multi-trillion-dollar statin market for a substantial part of its income. The food industry is never going to invest in trying to convince us to eat LESS food, anymore than the pharmaceutical industry is going to invest in getting us to take fewer drugs.

And from all of this, over the course of five years, ProLongevity was born! www.prolongevity.co.uk

184 JANUARY 2020

“The trouble is we spend so little on prevention and so much on treatment.

Why are we always locking the door after the horse has bolted?”

Graham Phillips

Live Your LiFe To The FuLL GOOD HEALTH IS

20% GENETIC AND 80% LIFESTYLE

Our philosophy is that good health isn’t about taking pills…prevention is better than a cure.

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

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

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

H EALTH & FITNESS

BORN TO RUN P

ounding the pavements on a long outdoor run is one of the most exhilarating ways to blow off steam at the end of a working day. But as the nights draw in earlier, running in the dark can present a new set of challenges in itself.

Heading outdoors on a winter evening can feel a little daunting, but the change in seasons shouldn’t put you off running altogether. A bit of smart thinking can help to keep you street safe...

Wear reflective gear First up, think about your running uniform. Dark winter evenings can make you vulnerable to cars, even if you’re running on an adjacent path towards the traffic. Invest in some pieces that will help you to get noticed by oncoming vehicles in low-lit environments, which means plenty of reflective strips and hi-vis materials. Try the Lumi Women’s Reflective Water Resistant Jacket (£34.99, trespass.com).

Ditch the loud music A great playlist can help to supercharge your run, but if you’re running in the dark, you’ll need your ears to stay alert and aware of your surroundings the last thing you want is to be caught off guard. If you do use headphones, keep the volume low so you can hear the sounds of cars and other pedestrians.

Have a GPS tracker Most smartphones have an option to share your GPS location with a friend, via maps or messaging 186 JANUARY 2020

Even if you’ve smashed a marathon, no runner is invincible. Liz Connor shares advice for running happy this season.

platforms like WhatsApp. If you don’t like to run with a phone, you could also invest in a Vodafone V-Sos band (£78, Vodafone.com). Push the band’s SOS button for four seconds and it will send a signal to four emergency contacts, along with your exact whereabouts.

Wear a headlamp

“Running with a friend can boost your confidence during evening running”

If parts of your run aren’t well-lit, it’s a good idea to take a head torch so you can always see the track ahead of you - you never know when the ground might become unsteady. As well as safeguarding against potential trips and falls, it will also alert oncoming traffic to your presence.

Run with a buddy As the old saying goes, there’s safety in numbers.

Running with a friend can boost your confidence during evening running, especially if you live in a quiet area. If don’t have any pals that run in your postcode, try to find a running group so you’ll always have a big bunch of people to join at night.

Always tell someone you’re going for a run Staying safe starts with letting others know that you’re leaving for a run in the first place. A simple text to a friend or family member before starting your route can help to act as an extra level of security when it’s dark outside. Make sure to include details of your route and how many miles you’ll be covering.

H EALTH & FITNESS

Is Pain Affecting Your Life?

Dr Ralph Rogers, Consultant Regenerative Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine at Highgate Private Hospital on Regenerative Medicine

Shockwave Therapy - is an innovative nonsurgical therapy that uses an acoustic wave to deliver focused energy to painful inflamed tendons and other soft tissues in order to promote regeneration.

How can regenerative medicine relieve my pain?

From ongoing sports injuries to arthritis, many people could benefit from regenerative medicine.

Lipogems, PRP, Cellular Matrix and Shockwave procedures are non-surgical and therefore less invasive. They have fewer complications and sideeffects allowing patients to get back to the hobbies they love – free from pain much quicker than surgery might allow.

Where can I go for treatment?

I

t can come as a shock to find you can no longer take part in the activities you enjoy the most. What’s more, people underestimate how much pain can affect life, from stopping you from performing simple everyday tasks to achieving your goals.

Often, people will take the fastest route to relieve pain, grabbing pills and potions in the hope of a quick fix. While this may be okay for short-term sports injuries, it may not be the best solution if pain is consistent or severe.

Visiting a GP should always be the first step in understanding the cause of pain. It could be a simple sports injury which requires rest, but it could also be a symptom of arthritis, osteoarthritis or something more serious.

The positive news is that once the source of pain is determined, innovative treatments are available in the form of regenerative medicine. Often not offered through the NHS, these treatments need to be performed by doctors specialising in orthopaedic or sports medicine.

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So, what is regenerative medicine?

Regenerative medicine uses advanced treatment methods to replace, engineer or regenerate, cells to restore normal function to cells or damaged structures. Once these structures have healed, pain is significantly reduced, and patients can get back to their normal routine.

Dr Ralph Rogers explains, “Regenerative medicine can be used as a cure for many clinical health conditions, including injuries and chronic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, and back pain.”

But regenerative medicine isn’t just one treatment, it’s an umbrella term for various nonsurgical and surgical procedures designed to relieve pain. The four most common types of regenerative medicine are: Lipogems – this is a therapy option that uses a patient’s own fat reserves (Adipose tissue) injecting precisely back into the areas causing pain.

This injected fat stimulates a regenerative microenvironment whilst supporting the body as it heals, significantly reducing pain.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – is a treatment that relieves pain by promoting long-lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. In this treatment, platelet-rich plasma is injected into injured tissue, stimulating the same healing response that the body provides but in a much more potent form.

Cellular Matrix - is a combination therapy of PRP and Hyaluronic Acid and is another option in treating such conditions as early osteoarthritis and problems with your joints.

It’s vital patients who wish to undergo regenerative medicine find qualified consultants in sports and regenerative medicine fields.

At Highgate Sports & Regerative Clinic Dr Ralph Rogers is a Consultant in Regenerative Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine who uses pioneering new treatments such as Lipogems, PRP, Cellular Matrix and Shockwave Therapy to help patients regain a pain-free lifestyle, give them back their confidence and get them back to the best that they can be!

Why Dr Ralph Rogers?

As a leader in his industry, he has a number of achievements: • He has been practising regenerative medicine for over 12 years.

• He worked as 1st team doctor for Chelsea Football Club, and is currently Medical Advisor to both the National Basket Association and TopDoctors UK. • The first to perform Lipogems treatment in the UK and has performed over 300 cases to date.

To book a consultation with Dr Ralph Rogers call 020 8108 7031 or email enquiries@highgatehospital.co.uk

H EALTH & FITNESS

Treating the most common skiing injury: a torn rotator cuff

A

ccording to a recent study by the Division of Sports Medicine at Stanford University, the most common injury from skiing and snowboarding is damage to the rotator cuff - whether a simple strain or tear. This is typically as a result of falling and crashing or incorrect pole planting.

King Edward VII’s Hospital orthopaedic surgeon and specialist in shoulder surgery, Mr Peter Reilly, explains how you’ll know if you’ve torn your rotator cuff and the possible treatments.

How to tell if you have torn your rotator cuff Symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include pain, weakness, restricted motion, clicking or catching when moving your shoulder.

The intensity of the pain can depend on your level of activity. For instance, reaching above your head or behind your back can result in sharp pain.

You are also likely to experience pain during routine activities such as combing your hair. Sleeping on the affected side may also hurt.

However, it is possible for someone with a torn rotator cuff to experience no pain, only weakness in the joint. It is important to seek medical advice if you feel weakness in the joint after a fall on the slopes.

190 JANUARY 2020

Treating a rotator cuff injury without surgery If you do not regularly perform strenuous exercise with your shoulders, anti-inflammatory medicines and steroid injections can help to relieve the pain while you strengthen the joint with physiotherapy.

However, treatment without surgery is not usually appropriate if you’re an active person, which you probably are if you ski.

Treating a torn rotator cuff with surgery Rotator cuff surgery is recommended if you use your arm for overhead work or sports or if the pain or weakness persists after non-surgical treatment.

The procedure delivers a number of benefits, including pain relief, improved shoulder stability, increased strength and range of movement and increased ability to use the joint It will take some time before you are able to use your shoulder again properly. But you should be able to return to work in around 4 weeks (if you have a manual job, you may not be able to return to work for 4-6 months). You should be able to drive again after 8 weeks.

If you’re going skiing this year, we hope you’ll enjoy an injury-free trip. If the worst happens and you need expert advice, contact the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AA. www.kingedwardvii.co.uk; 020 7467 4344.

“Rotator cuff surgery is recommended if you use your arm for overhead work or sports or if the pain or weakness persists after non-surgical treatment”

H EALTH & FITNESS

A leading centre for

K

ing Edward VII’s Hospital is one of the UK’s leading centres for urology, bringing together an exceptional multidisciplinary team of consultant urologists who are all leaders in their specialist field.

Collaborating to offer an integrated service, and with the very latest in diagnostic and surgical technology at their fingertips, the Hospital’s specialists work together to provide outstanding personalised, patient-centred care at the cutting edge of modern medicine.

Conditions treated include prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, stone disease and benign diseases of the prostate.

The Hospital was the first in the Harley Street area to acquire the da Vinci xi© robot, allowing

192 JANUARY 2020

its expert surgeons to perform precise, minimally invasive robotic procedures. At the forefront of diagnostic and surgical technology, and with specialist urology nursing, it can deliver the very best end-to-end care to patients no matter what their condition.

The most advanced diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer Focal therapy and robotic surgery at King Edward VII’s Hospital offer patients the most advanced and minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment available.

In the UK, approximately 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

It can be confusing for men to know whether

“The Hospital recently welcomed the London Urology Specialists to the team. Learn more about our amazing consultant urologists at kingedwardvii.co.uk”

urology in the UK

they should be checked for prostate cancer, and having any symptoms that might be related to prostate cancer can be worrying.

If you’re concerned about prostate cancer, there are tests that can be carried out by your medical specialist to check for any signs of the disease including MRI, Ultrasound and biopsy.

If a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer is made, there are many treatment options and while this might feel bewildering, the wide range of options represents a chance to choose the right one, along with your medical team, to successfully treat or manage your cancer.

King Edward VII’s Hospital brings together a team of internationally renowned prostate specialists and has invested in cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical technology to facilitate the highest standards of diagnosis and minimallyinvasive treatment for prostate cancer.

Focal therapy for prostate cancer Focal therapy is a treatment suitable for men who have medium (intermediate) risk prostate cancer, ideally in one part of the prostate. As it treats only the cancer, and a small area around the cancer, the side effects of treatment are much less than those for traditional prostate cancer surgery or radiotherapy. This treatment option requires a careful assessment of the prostate using MRI and biopsy information.

For men who are suitable, it is done as a day surgery procedure. Follow up includes careful monitoring using MRI scans and sometimes biopsy.

In many cases it allows men to continue to have good sexual and urinary function, whilst treating the cancer. As it’s a small treatment, it can be repeated, and if necessary, surgery or radiotherapy can be used at a later date.

There are a number of different energies used in focal therapy for prostate cancer, including ultrasound (High Intensity Focussed Ultrasound, or HIFU) and electroporation (or NanoKnife, passing an electrical current across the tumour to treat it). King Edward VII’s Hospital is one of the few private hospitals in the UK to offer these cuttingedge treatments.

Robotically assisted prostate surgery Prostate surgery is offered to men with prostate cancer that hasn’t spread further than their prostate, or that has only spread a short distance. It aims to cure prostate cancer by completely removing the prostate and all of the cancerous cells.

King Edward VII’s Hospital has recently invested in a da Vinci Xi© robot which enables your surgeon to perform minimally-invasive surgery with an advanced set of instruments. Surgeons using the da Vinci Xi© are able to remove the prostate gland through a few small incisions (cuts).

The benefits of this advanced technology include smaller scars, a shorter hospital stay, less pain after the operation and a greater likelihood of sparing the nerves around the prostate which control erections and urinary continence.

THE DETAILS If you are concerned about your prostate health, or you have received a diagnosis for prostate cancer and are considering private treatment, call a member of the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital to discuss your options: 020 7467 4344 Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm www.kingedwardvii.co.uk

JANUARY 2020 193

H EALTH & FITNESS

ACTIVE

R E C O V E R Y Make the most of your downtime with these gentle and restorative activities, says Liz Connor.

G

oing from a hard and heavy weights session one day, to lying on the sofa the next, can sometimes feel paradoxical.

While it’s true that your body needs to rest so your muscles can repair, that doesn’t mean you have to be totally sedentary on your rest days.

Active recovery can be a helpful tool between exercise; it basically involves engaging in lowintensity exercise and movement between training sessions, and can actually help to reduce fatigue and uncomfortable post-workout soreness.

Want to give it a go? Here are a few rest-day ideas to get you started...

Swimming A few laps in a local leisure centre isn’t just a great way to wash away stress - it also offers a low-impact, total-body workout that’s great for stretching out stiff limbs. Swimming allows your body to be completely weightless too, which takes the pressure off painful or fatigued joints.

Self-myofascial release This sports-massage technique releases tension in the muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia after strenuous exercise, making it a great habit to get into on your rest days. You can use a foam roller or a lacrosse ball to target painful trigger points, massaging the glutes, hamstrings, back and shoulders with firm pressure.

Bikram yoga This popular active recovery technique is a great way to work on your flexibility and promote blood flow around the body on your rest days. Many of the positions in hot yoga also engage the muscles, tendons, and fascia around the joints that typically seize up after a high-intensity workout.

Tai Chi This martial arts technique is a good way to work on your balance and strength, while giving your body a day off from intense body-weight work. Tai Chi involves combining slow, flowing movements with breathing techniques, helping both your body and mind to recover from the stress of an intense workout.

Although active recovery has many benefits, it’s always important to listen to your body and give it a break if it needs one. If you’re overtraining or feel like you’re at risk of injury, it might be more appropriate to take a couple of sofa days until you’re ready to get back in the gym.

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H EALTH & FITNESS

Party season is here:

B

uying new shoes can be tricky — often they hurt, flare up pre-existing foot problems and have the potential to ruin a night out. Professor Ros Miller, renowned Foot and Ankle surgeon at King Edward VII’s Hospital, has some advice on picking the perfect party heels.

Consider the shape of the shoe If you suffer from foot problems – choosing the right shape of shoe can make a big difference.

A rounder toe with a wider fit will help if you have conditions like big toe arthritis (Hallux Rigidus), ball of foot pain (Metatarsalgia), toe problems (Hammer toes, Claw Toes), nerve pain (Morton’s Neuromas) or swelling of the capsule of the foot (Bursitis).

If you have bunions and wear a pointed shoe — this can make the pain worse. Make sure there’s room to manoeuvre.

What type of heel is best for your feet?

The higher and more narrow the heel, the more your body weight is forced forward onto the ball of your foot.

This can exacerbate any existing foot issues, particularly ball of foot pain or Morton’s Neuroma

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(this is where a nerve in your foot is irritated or damaged). It can also be uncomfortable if you struggle with heels anyway or rarely wear them.

High and narrow heels also mean more force is put through a small area in the heel of your foot. This can exacerbate plantar fasciitis — inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

Closely related is tight Achilles, which can be very painful if you develop an Achilles tendinopathy (Painful Achilles). If you always wear high heels, this can cause the Achilles tendon to become tight.

If you suffer from either foot or ankle problems, chose a heel which spreads the weight more evenly — such as a wedge, platform or lower-heeled shoe.

A broad heel helps you to take the weight back onto the back of your foot and let the tendons and ligaments around the ankle work more effectively.

Weak ankles If you have weak or torn ligaments outside of the ankle, you may be more likely to roll your ankles or have wobbly ankles when you walk. This can cause pain, or repeatedly going over on the ankle. Long term this can cause you to develop wear and tear of the ankle joint and in some cases ankle arthritis.

“If you suffer from foot problems – choosing the right shape of shoe can make a big difference”

are you wearing the right heels?

Boots are great for ankle niggles, as long as they come up above the ankle and fit properly. If they’re too loose or low, they won’t support the ankle. If you’re wearing dressy shoes, a reasonably thick ankle strap is your best bet — so that it can essentially mimic the ligament of the ankle.

Measuring for the perfect heel height If you want to get an idea of the heel height suitable for your feet, this quick exercise can give you a starting point: 1. Remove your shoes, sit on the floor and stretch one leg out, straight in front of you. Make sure your foot is relaxed.

2. If you find that your foot is at a right angle to your leg and does not dangle, then you may have issues with mobility in the talus (the bone that makes up the lower part of the ankle joint). You may be better off opting for some beautiful flat shoes, rather than high heels.

3. If the top of your foot falls forwards so that it’s more in line with your outstretched leg — heels may be easier for you to handle.

4. To get an idea of the right heel height for you, ask a friend to stretch a tape measure from where the heel would sit on your foot, parallel to the floor.

Then, place a pencil at the ball of your foot, at a right angle to the tape.

5. Measure where the pencil hits the tape to get your ideal heel height.

Ultimately, finding the right shoe is about finding a style that’s comfortable for you. Take these tips into consideration before parting with your cash and you’ll be partying from dusk till dawn.

“Boots are great for ankle niggles, as long as they come up above the ankle and fit properly.

If they’re too loose or low, they won’t support the ankle. If you’re wearing dressy shoes, a reasonably thick ankle strap is your best bet”

THE DETAILS If you are concerned about your feet, or you have received a diagnosis for a painful foot condition and are considering private treatment, call a member of the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital to discuss your options: 020 7467 4344, Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm www.kingedwardvii.co.uk

H EALTH & FITNESS

Rapid Access Knee Clinic

Meet our Consultants

Mr Martin Goddard is a Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon specialising in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and ACL reconstruction.

Mr Goddard has published clinical research articles on ACL reconstruction in leading orthopaedic journals. He was awarded the ISAKOS Scientific Research Award in 2013. Mr Goddard lives in Wimbledon and is an expert skier with a particular interest in assessing and treating skiing related knee injuries, as well as returning patients to the slopes.

What is the Rapid Access Knee Clinic?

It provides a specialist service for patients who have recently injured their knee playing sport or through other activities.

Who is it for?

Anyone who has a painful swollen knee from an injury sustained during sport. For example a skiing fall where the knee twisted and swelled, or a twisting injury playing football. Typical injuries include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and meniscal injuries.

What happens in the Rapid Access Knee clinic?

Your assessment will be fully completed in a couple of hours, including your imaging. We will discuss your symptoms as well as the mechanism of injury. You will have a full clinical assessment where your knees are examined and the ligaments tested, followed by an MRI scan to determine the exact nature of your injury. After that, you will meet again with your knee surgeon to discuss the imaging. You will leave the clinic with a diagnosis and treatment plan.

198 JANUARY 2020

What are the benefits?

The greatest benefit is your assessment, imaging, review appointment and diagnosis are all completed on the same day. Treatment can be started immediately and you will have a clear idea of the severity of your injury, the likely recovery and when you can return to sport. Traditionally patients would have had separate appointments on different days to be assessed, scanned and then reviewed. Not only is this physically challenging with a painful knee but it is also a time of great anxiety waiting to find out how severe the injury is, and how long recovery will take. Streamlining the process into a couple of hours makes the journey simpler, faster and gets the best evidence based treatments started straight away.

Why did Parkside Private Hospital set up a Rapid Access Knee Clinic?

We appreciate a knee injury is an unexpected and significant event and believe that the Rapid Access Knee Clinic is the first positive step to helping a patient recover from an injury and return to an active lifestyle.

Mr Giles Heilpern is a highly experienced specialist knee surgeon and he performs all aspects of knee surgery including ligament reconstruction, meniscal surgery, realignment osteotomy and robotic partial and total knee replacement. Mr Heilpern is widely published with a particular emphasis on soft tissue knee surgery and ligament reconstruction and regularly teaches other surgeons techniques of ligament reconstruction, meniscal repair and knee replacement. Mr Heilpern will ensure a fast safe return to the piste or the sports pitch avoiding surgery wherever possible.

For an appointment please call: 020 8971 8026 or email info@parkside-hospital.co.uk www.parkside-hospital.co.uk

H EALTH & FITNESS

Guidelines on cervical screening are changing A

smear test (cervical screening) is when the health of the cervix (the opening to the womb from the vagina) is checked.

A sample of cells is taken form the cervix to look for abnormal cell changes. Abnormal cell changes if left untreated can lead to cancerous cells, which can potentially lead to cervical cancer.

Human Papilloma Virus or HPV is a group of viruses that infect the skin and cells lining the inside of the body. Some types of HPV can lead to cell changes in the cervix which can then lead to cancerous changes.

The UK National Screening Committee has recently changed its guidance and now recommends that patients should receive a high risk HPV (HRHPV) screening before smear testing. At present, the sample is taken in the same way as a smear test.

The changes have come about because a randomised controlled trial has shown that HRHPV is more sensitive than cytology (examination of cells under a microscope) at picking up potentially precancerous changes. So this is now thought to be better protection against cervical cancer.

200 JANUARY 2020

Once you’ve have had your screening test, if HPV is shown as negative, no further testing is needed at the time and your doctor will recommend when to have repeat screen.

However, if HPV results come back positive (HPV is found), then cytology is performed on the sample to determine why the results are abnormal.

If cytology is abnormal, the recommendation is that those patients will be referred for colposcopy.

Colposcopy is when the cervix can be looked at in more detail and samples can be taken from any abnormal areas and treatment can then be given if necessary.

These changes have come into effect in most private practices and in some areas of the NHS. HPV vaccine is currently offered to girls aged between 12 and 13 years on the NHS, and in now some areas the vaccine is also being offered to boys.

If the vaccine is missed you can still speak to your doctor about getting a vaccine.

To learn more about health screening, or to arrange a HPV test please contact the London General Practice on 020 7935 1000. www.thelondongeneralpractice.com

“These changes have come into effect in most private practices and in some areas of the NHS”

House &

garden – Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AG E : w i n te r wa r me r s

SPONSORED BY

Expert property solicitors for all aspects of residential conveyancing. www.slatergordon.co.uk/property

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS

MAKE IT MAXIMALISM

LIGHT AND BRIGHT

An all-white interior creates the illusion of a room being lighter, brighter and larger. As useful as it is, white is not an emotional colour, so you’ll need layers of texture and tones to bring depth and comfort. Use nuanced shades, from cool to warm, for a softer, more flattering look than a single, pure white,” says Annie Sloan. “If you’re a fan of the modern rustic aesthetic, white-painted reclaimed timber creates a wonderfully cosy look. www.anniesloan.com

HYGGE HOME, HAPPY HOME

Share a little happiness with Shekåbba this Winter.

Whether you are looking to recreate the hygge of a Danish home or the chic style of a Copenhagen kitchen, start with Shekåbba. www.shekabba.com

BEST OF BOTH

If your humble abode lacks space and style, opt for the Norbury Sofa, also available as a sofa bed. This sofa would inject light into a smaller living room or guest bedroom. Versatile with sleek designs, this sofa offers design and comfort all in one! www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk 204 JANUARY 2020

Audenza is derived from Latin, meaning to be audacious, daring, bold or courageous. Which is exactly how the ladies behind Audenza feel you should approach decorating your home.

“Maximalism exudes the true Audenza spirit. A spirit that celebrates the love of colour, texture, contrast and above all, exuberance. An homage to a glamorous and exciting way of living, with that essential touch of quirkiness for added pizzazz.”

– Amelia Brooks, co-founder of Audenza www.audenza.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Magical Monochrome A FINE LINE Breaking convention, Original BTC was the first brand to use bone china in lighting, paving the way for its pioneering investment in British manufacturing with the 2002 purchase of a struggling Stoke-on-Trent ceramics factory. Today, the factory is Original BTC’s lifeblood, producing the bone china components synonymous with many of its best-loved designs.

“We have often been asked to introduce colour and detail to our bone china shades, but maintaining their clear, white glow is integral to both aesthetic and function,” explains Original BTC founder Peter Bowles. “While block colour would impact on bone china’s translucency, classic stripes by their nature maintain the quality of light emitted”, continues Director Charlie Bowles. Hand-cast inhouse in Stoke-on-Trent, the Circle Line and Linear pendants, table and wall lights are hand-painted with crisp, clean black lines of varying widths, bringing graphic interest to the timeless Hector and Drop collections. www.originalbtc.com

PLAYFUL PRINTS This monochrome hand screen printed wallpaper is a curated selection of letterpress characters. Each character has been assembled and hand printed with letterpress icons and wooden type at the Hello Print Studio in Margate. Thiss range is named ‘Hello Prints’ in honour of the studio.

A playful collection of cats, robots and nose pickers make this a fun addition to homes, especially children’s rooms!

NAT MAKS is Natascha Maksimovic: a German designer and illustrator based at Resort Studios in Margate, Kent. Natascha studied at Camberwell College of Arts and followed on to work for Ridley Scott within the film industry. She has since set up her own illustration and print studio working on various commissions, creating paper and homeware products, all made in England.

Natascha explores the concept of patterns, using different print and ink techniques including marbling, watercolours, lino and screen printing.

These pattern studies are then brought to life on murals and wallpapers. www.natmaks.com 206 JANUARY 2020

Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses and elevated platforms.

Commercial & International commissions welcomed

TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452 www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

WORK the

COLOUR The duo behind destination decor brand Rockett St George have delved into colour in their new book. Gabrielle Fagan takes a look.

C

olour has well and truly invaded our homes. In fact, no interiors scheme is complete these days without at least a dash of a punchy shade!

That might sound pretty scary, though, if you’re still clinging to neutrals and quaking at the thought of plunging into the dizzy array of colours on offer.

Step forward self-confessed colour-addicts Lucy St George and Jane Rockett, the duo behind chic interiors destination, Rockett St George. They’re on a mission to help us transform our homes with a host of hues, and reveal their secrets and personal inspirations in their new book, Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors In Colour.

Colour is emotional, says the pair - “Think peaceful pastels, and sexy reds, creative greens and happy yellows” - and it’s important to consider the meaning of colour and how it affects your emotions, if you want to create a home that feels right for you and harbours the right mood.

Rockett and St George visited homes around the world bursting with bright, bold and brilliant ideas, and looked at the colour rules - and how to break them! - for conjuring successful schemes.

clear thinking and quick decision-making.”

Their own favourite shade on the yellow spectrum is mustard, which they describe as “an earthy hue that’s both sophisticated and a wonderful way to inject an uplifting spirit into your home”.

Work the colour: Black can make a perfect neutral backdrop for strong colours like yellow or orange. “It makes them pop and allows furniture, textiles and artwork to shine through and become the stars of the show,” they explain.

If bold sunny shades seem too vibrant and make you want to reach for your sunglasses, consider opting for more subtle sandy-yellow shades as an alternative to creams.

Considering the effect of light on colour is also key, they caution. For instance, a cool-toned lemon yellow can feel hard and unwelcoming in the colder light of a north-facing room, making it more suitable for south-facing rooms.

• Lighten the mood with a flash of yellow Yellow accessories pack a punch, and Rockett and St George note how a yellow chair or piece of art “brings energy to a room without overwhelming it”.

Check out their guide to four of the most fashionable shades for rooms...

Pinks are enjoying huge popularity in decor right now - particularly the soft, pale tones. “The gentler shades of pink encourage calmness and love, while stronger shades, such as hot pink, go hand in hand with feelings of joyfulness and creativity,” enthuse the duo.

Our passion for pink is nothing new, they point out, as the shade has

Let the sunshine in “A splash of yellow will catch the eye, set the heart racing and make you smile”, declare the pair.

“Yellow’s associated with feelings of joy, optimism, happiness and warmth. It can lift your spirits like a sudden ray of sunshine and is believed to promote 208 JANUARY 2020

Seduce with pink

“The gentler shades of pink encourage calmness and love”

H OUSE & GARDEN

been a constant favourite as a decorative choice throughout the decades, from ice-cream pastel pinks in the Fifties, to the hot pinks of the Eighties.

Rockett and St George took inspiration from earthy pinks characteristic of Moroccan homes for the pink shades in their paint collection for Craig & Rose. Their nude/pink shades include Broderie, Gladstone Grey and Bohemia (Chalky Emulsion Paint, £35 for 2.5L).

Work the colour: For living rooms and bedrooms, the duo recommend “nude and pale pinks with warm undertones to make you feel nurtured and safe”. Work or studio spaces, meanwhile, are the perfect place to experiment with “brighter pinks, which are flamboyant and expressive, ideal for creating impact”.

• Sizzle with pops of pink Declare your passion for the colour with the prettiest pink pieces that will take you from hot to blushing...

Go green and gorgeous “Green is fabulously versatile. Whether you prefer soft sage, rich emerald or deep forest green, this crowd-pleaser of a colour can be adapted to suit just about any style of interior,” the decor-lovers declare.

Green is said to evoke feelings of balance, tranquillity and renewal, and studies have shown that it’s the most restful colour for the human eye.

It’s totally synonymous with the ‘green’ movement and eco initiatives that are on the rise right now too.

Work the colour: Dark greens work wonders in living rooms and bedrooms, or anywhere else in the home where you want to relax and have “a little respite”, advise the colour gurus. “Brighter punchier greens are perfect for energising a busy area such as the kitchen or hallway,” they also suggest. “Green 210 JANUARY 2020

accents in the shape of plants or cacti will bring your decor to life and - added bonus - act as a natural air-refresher for the home.”

• Bring on the balance with a touch of green Green accessories can add a sophisticated touch and enhance those soothing vibes...

Dive into blue “Blue is the coolest of all the colours in the spectrum and conjures up feelings of reliability and stability,” says Rockett. “Due to its associations with nature - think of clear summer skies and turquoise ocean - blue can also inspire feelings of serenity and contentment.”

Blue, she points out, is a stress-busting colour with a masculine edge (a recent study found that 42% of men chose blue as their favourite colour), but that doesn’t mean blue is just for boys, of course!

Work the colour: Bold blues, the pair suggest, particularly suit home offices, children’s playrooms, hallways and bathrooms. Darker blues project a sense of sophistication and tranquillity, and can work as the perfect backdrop for art collections and decorative displays.

• Splash out on blue details Give your space a stress-busting edge with one or two blue buys...

THE DETAILS Extracted from Rockett St George: Extraordinary Interiors In Colour by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, photography by Catherine Gratwicke, published

by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99. Available now.

H OUSE & GARDEN

Oak Antique Brown Lacquered

Engineered Oak Clear Lacquered

THE NATURAL WOOD FLOOR COMPANY T he wood flooring experts

W

ood is the first choice for many when it comes to flooring. It has timeless appeal, is easy to maintain and is available in an abundant choice of styles, designs and colours. With so many products of varying quality on the market, it definitely pays to buy from a reputable company with an established reputation.

Founded 27 years ago, The Natural Wood Floor Company is a family owned and run business which has grown to become one of the leading wood flooring manufacturers and suppliers in Europe.

Run by three brothers, the company now employs 1,450 staff at its Wandsworth warehouse and European manufacturing centre.

“We hold over 20,000 square meters of wood in stock in London” explains Director Peter Keane, “so we can deliver flooring to projects running to extremely tight deadlines. There’s plenty of choice too, with over 100 different designs on offer.”

In terms of styles, you can’t beat a parquet floor. ”Parquet has always been popular”, says Peter, “but it really is flying off the shelves at the moment.

Our range caters for all tastes, from our aged blocks with tumbled edges to larger contemporary parquet in 400 mm and 600 mm lengths” Antique floors are another popular option. The Natural Wood Floor Company manufactures several products to create this look, which are sealed with mid brown tones to produce a rich, warm patina.

At The Natural Wood Floor Company, you are buying direct from the experts. With the specialist advisors’ time at the company averaging 13 years, they know everything there is to know about wood flooring. So if you want to find the perfect wooden floor for your home, The Natural Wood Floor Company is the place to go.

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With environmental issues high on their agenda, The Natural Wood Floor Company’s products are all FSC certified.

The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG. 020 8871 9771. www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

“Founded 27 years ago, The Natural Wood Floor Company is a family owned and run business which has grown to become one of the leading wood flooring manufacturers and suppliers in Europe”

H OUSE & GARDEN

“From the 1750’s on we see the introduction of serve-yourself wining and dining accessories, many of which we use and take for granted today”

Bottoms Up B

y the middle of the 18th century excessive drinking at the dinner table, particularly by the young and affluent, had become a serious problem.

Not so much from a health point but because loosened tongues allowed indiscretions which resulted in blackmail by waiting-on staff. Part of the problem was Service a la Francaise wherein there were nearly as many servants as guests.

The solution was an option to stop drinking so much or dispense with the staff as soon as the food had been delivered to the dining room.

Obviously it was no race and from the 1750’s on we see the introduction of serve-yourself wining and dining accessories, many of which we use and take for granted today.

Cupboards with metal lings to keep things hot or cold, - a sort of Chippendale Hostess Trolley idea - cheese trolleys which could be wheeled up and down the table, wine labels to identify the contents of decanters which now stood in

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decanter stands to protect the table and its cloth, and a small three-tiered table on tripod base with castors which held additional cutlery, napery and small plates. This could be passed behind the guests like a mute servant and was called a Dumbwaiter.

An invention of the time. In all there are 32 different antique accessories connected with wine drinking that stem from this period. Some are more practical today and therefore more popular than others among which is the decanter.

The latter half of the 18th century saw the development of the domestic glass industry in Britain and decanters reflect this in their shape, style and decoration. It seems hard to believe that an 18th century decanter, with all its character and history can be less expensive than a new one.

And you never know, the antique one you are holding might have been held by a famous person, so buy one to start the New Year and ‘Bottoms Up’ I say.

THE DETAILS John Bly Antiques: 24 High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 5AH email john@johnbly.com; www.johnbly.com

“Good old fashioned British service. That’s what we asked for and that’s what we received. Well done.”

Mr Darcy, Knightsbridge

H OUSE & GARDEN

A stylish show home

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M

Y Furniture’s products were recently chosen to dress a luxury five bed show house in Bramcote, Nottingham. Their furniture, lighting and accessories have been used harmoniously throughout the property, to create a stylish family home; sit back and enjoy as we take you on a tour of this exclusive development.

Appointed by Willmark Homes, interior designer Nykke Jones selected a variety of key pieces from MY Furniture’s extensive range to compliment this sleek, contemporary show house. Inspired by the architectural features of the property, Nykke wanted to create a sophisticated yet edgy feel using a colour palette of soft taupe’s and creamy beige’s, combined with pops of peacock blue and burnt orange.

Striking black and luxurious metallic elements were used to create a sense of drama throughout this new build.

In the kitchen, two of MY Furniture’s Alveare modular pendant lights hang side by side over the island where their graphic, honeycomb pattern complements the minimal kitchen design beautifully.

A sociable kitchen seating area has been created

with the use of the Alveare counter stools in smoke.

The downstairs living area features a variety of furniture pieces, lamps and accessories that were carefully selected from MY Furniture’s various collections to create a cohesive design space.

Seating, storage and practical tables with brass detailing have been combined to create a stylish yet usable living area.

Upstairs is just as impressive with five bedrooms all beautifully styled from MY Furniture’s bedroom collections. Each of the schemes features an upholstered bed, bedside tables, dressing table and seating as well as wall lights or table lamps, as detailed above.

Showrooms MY Furniture have an exciting 30 square metre pop-up showroom in Chelsea Creek where their most interesting, unique and beautiful items can be viewed. New for MY Furniture, the aim of their pop-up shop was to display a variety of finishes with a cohesive palette, which best represents their current style direction. www.my-furniture.com

timber • aluminium • crittall

Always great quality and price Precision-made, factor y-painted Fast, reliable deliver y and fitting

KS Windows, 22 Notting Hill Gate, Suite 396, London W11 3JE +44 (0)208 391 2854 | info@kswindows.co.uk | www.kswindows.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Tracing the History of your House H

ave you ever wondered how old your house is, or perhaps who lived there before you? Whilst an official ‘listing’ for an old property (Grade II, Grade II* or Grade I) might provide you with a rough construction date, you can undertake your own research online, and in historic records in libraries and archives, to uncover the rich social history of your property.

Many people love the idea of owning a small piece of history, or want to find out who was responsible for the interior decorations! There’s a more practical benefit as well – it’s been shown that houses with an interesting story sell more quickly (and sometimes at a higher price) than those without.

First, bring together everything you know about your house, and start to plot key dates on a timeline. You may want to see if there is a local historical society – they may already have conducted research on your house, street or village – and chat to older residents in the area who may have stories, documents, or photographs.

You can trace how the local area changed over time by looking at historic maps. You can download old Ordnance Survey maps from various commercial sites, though print copies are usually available at your nearest local study centre or archive (where you might also find old photographs). If your house appears on one map but not on an earlier version, this suggests it was built in the intervening years.

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There are a range of sources that will help you construct a timeline for your house from the middle of the nineteenth century onwards, providing details of the owners and occupiers. These include electoral lists, trade directories, rate books, census returns and official government surveys. When researching, work from the present day back to the past to ensure that you are tracking the right house; house numbers or even street names will change over time. You should therefore tackle these resources in the order in which they have been listed.

Having constructed your timeline of owners and occupiers, you now have information that will enable you to search earlier periods, as well as add detail about the lives of former residents and expand your knowledge of the local area.

These include conveyances and title deeds, land tax returns, old newspapers, sale particulars, estate records, wills, inventories, insurance documents and personal papers in archives and libraries. However, you may encounter records written in Latin before 1732!

Happy hunting – becoming your own house detective will leave you feeling as though you are the curator of a piece of history, rather than just a homeowner; and you will soon feel a connection with the people who lived within its walls before you.

For further information, contact admin@house-detectives.co.uk or visit www.house-detectives.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

NEW Scandi-Raw Wallpaper by Elisabeth Fredriksson T

ransform any room ahead of 2020 with a custom-made wallpaper from the new Scandi-Raw collection by Swedish artist, Elisabeth Fredriksson at Wallsauce.com.

The celebrated Scandi simplicity of these wallpapers embodies the top colour choices for 2020: dark navy, blush pink and grey, ochre and turquoise - all adorned with metallic golden-bronze touches. These stripped back works of art are raw and embrace texture rather than the bold, harsh colours seen in 2019. These stylish wall murals will instantly update any room in your home.

“Elisabeth is inspired by the beauty in everything she sees: from a grain of sand to the entire universe” Elisabeth Fredriksson is a Swedish artist whose love of art began from a very young age. Her childhood home was adorned with her mother’s oil paintings and as a teenager, she began to capture photographs of everything that inspired her. Soon, she went to art school where she developed a passion for graphic design. Elisabeth is inspired by the beauty in everything she sees: from a grain of sand to the entire universe.

This 10-piece collection is available in three types of wallpaper material including peel and stick wallpaper. Add calming, subtle colours and textures to your home this new year with a Scandi-Raw wallpaper by Elisabeth Fredriksson. www.wallsauce.com

220 JANUARY 2020

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Rugs@29, 1st Floor, 29 Bell Street, Reigate RH2 7AD 01737 247 888 | 07771 448 956 | rugss29@gmail.com www.rugcentre.co.uk

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The Rug Centre

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ORIENTAL RUGS COLLECTION

Hingstons Of Wilton Purveyors of Antiques and decorative items (est. 1976)

T: 01722 742263 E:nick@hingstons-antiques.co.uk The Old Bell House, 2 Shaftesbury Road, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0DR

www.hingstons-antiques.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

ARE YOU FED UP OF THE DAILY COMMUTE? DO YOU WISH THERE WAS A SIMPLER SOLUTION? by 2020.

The benefits for employers and employees alike are considerable: • A reduction in office costs and spiralling rents • Increased staff retention • Environmental benefits • Higher morale • Wider talent pool • Better work/life balance • Less stressful

I

t is a surprising statistic that the average daily commuting time has risen from 48 minutes to an hour, and that one in seven commuters are now spending two hours or more each day travelling to and from work, so it’s no wonder that commuters are now looking at alternative solutions to get their work life balance back in check.

Are you fed up of early starts, train delays or worse, cancellations, having to find alternative routes to get to work and then having to stay late to make up for the lost time?

If the answer is yes, then believe it or not, the solution is simpler than you may think especially as data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the number of UK workers who have moved into remote working has increased by nearly a quarter of a million over a decade.

Thanks to changing attitudes and everimproving network capabilities it is expected that half the UK workforce will be working remotely

224 JANUARY 2020

It is clear that the working economy is in a period of great change as more people opt to find working methods that offer them a better work-life balance, and this is where a SMART garden office can provide you with the ability to create your own perfect space, away from the house, set up exactly as you want it, with no interruptions and constant distractions.

With six beautiful ranges available in over 60 sizes alongside a whole host of optional extras and upgrades, there is a SMART to suit every taste, every garden size and all budgets.

A SMART garden office is usable 365 days a year and installed in as little as 2-3 days. Boasting full thermal insulation, double glazing and professional installation, prices start from as little as £7,788.

Every SMART comes with a peace of mind 10 year structural warranty and finance options available, so a garden office could actually cost you less than your monthly commute and provide you with the life you previously only ever dreamt of.

So, if your 2020 resolutions included changing your job, saving money and creating a better work/ life balance, then don’t delay, give the SMART team a call and start planning your very own garden office today.

Tel: 0800 242 5559 Web: smartgardenoffices.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Winter Warmers

There’s a chill in the air and it’s time to hibernate at home.

Gabrielle Fagan hunts the hottest buys to warm up rooms.

colour - orange and green are this season’s front runners - for a winning winter combination.

Raid nature’s colour palette Embrace the warmth of the autumn colours as an antidote to the creeping chill in the air. Rich reds and russets star on the hedgerows and trees, and adding those hues in accessories will have the same effect in a room.

Change the view

O

ur homes really need to be snug sanctuaries at this time of year, so we can retreat, relax and escape the cold.

So, shake up your style to suit the season, splurge on a few treats and you’ll banish the winter decor blues and create a haven where you can rest in comfort.

Go pale but interesting Chilled out Scandi-style, with its neutral palette, endures because its classic good looks never date and it’s easy to add subtle new touches to suit a new season. The addition of a sheepskin rug (pampering for the toes), a throw, and plenty of cushions covered in tactile fabrics like velvet or wool, are all that’s needed to create a cosseting winter sanctuary.

Harvest some style Treat yourself (and a room) to accessories that are all about chic comfort, which you can move around to suit your mood and the temperature. Think furry pouffes and fluffy beanbags.

Be cost-conscious and cosy It’s all about setting the scene with a cosy focal point at this time of year. If you’re lucky enough to own a fireplace, this is the perfect time to take advantage of it and enjoy that beautiful wood smoke smell and orange glow - it’s pure autumn joy. An empty hearth can be made just as appealing with a little imagination. Simply decorate with a cluster of pine cones and add a collection of candles for flickering light.

Bag a high-street hero Supermarket homeware ranges are such a high standard now (and trend led) that you’re missing a decor trick if you don’t check them out. A trolley full of purse-friendly bargains can refresh a room without breaking the bank.

Add some va-va-velvet Velvets are one of the biggest ongoing trends in interiors. Pair their touch-me textures with a rich 226 JANUARY 2020

There’s nothing like a bleak, boring view to lower the spirits, especially in winter, but window film or blinds can work wonders on that outlook. Both can make a feature out of an otherwise dull window and ensure you feel boosted, even on dark days.

Lighten the mood Lighting is key in the dark, winter months, and table lamps illuminating focal points and areas in a room will make it look interesting and inviting. Show off your playful side and introduce quirky lights, which will make you smile and turn a neglected surface into a feature.

Tell a texture story You don’t have to abandon glamour in the bedroom when the temperature drops - instead, layer with soft fabrics, from fluffy sheepskin cushions to silky throws. They won’t just be a visual treat, and are essential in a muted scheme, decorated in neutrals that could otherwise look bland. They’ll also add a sexy, sensual cosiness.

Add some fur-fabulous accessories Go wild with faux fur, but keep it feminine with a blushing pink theme. It looks fabulous on moody black or blue bed linen, or go for a full-on icemaiden effect with a snowy white set.

Security doors, windows and panic rooms

Truly bespoke - freedom of choice regarding design, materials, colour, finishes and features.

Security - incredibly durable doors and windows with bulletproof or triple glazed security glass.

Listed buildings - we have a track record of replicating existing doors for high profile clients.

Peace of mind - our doors have been tested and certified and our products have a warranty.

Free consultation at home - our showroom is near Kings Cross station Full service - we design, manufacture in the UK, deliver, install, and service your new doors and windows, whilst removing and recycling your old ones.

www.magnificentsecurity.co.uk Jacques du Preez | 07804 456965 jacques@magnificentsecurity.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

fine tuning

at COUNTRYWIDE PIANOS

C

ountrywide Pianos has been proudly serving both the local and wider community and we have developed from small beginnings to become the ultimate premier showroom in the South- East of England.

The piano’s magical sound is created by the player pressing any one of its 88 keys, which creates a note. This happens through a complex hammer-on-string mechanism, which needs to be perfectly regulated and tuned. In the 1900’s a piano which played by itself, by reading a punched out paper roll, was all the rage. Today pianos are sophisticated musical instruments, which may not only play themselves but can be enhanced by full orchestral and vocal parts – in essence providing a live orchestral performance in your own sitting room. Today the punched out paper rolls have been replaced with the very latest digital technology, incorporated within a real acoustic piano, which can be played as a regular piano. Seeing, however is believing and a visit to Countrywide Pianos for a full demonstration is recommended.

Our showroom is an array of both new and pre loved pianos with a price range to suit all pockets -from the upright piano to the very largest of full size concert grand piano, self player pianos, ‘Silent’ Yamaha pianos, together with recognition of being a Kawai real and digital Piano Selection centre you really will find it fun making your choice and for those who may need assistance there is always help and advice on hand.

Being perfectly located just 35 minutes outside of London with our own FREE car parking right outside the door, shopping is made easy and enjoyable. We will arrange delivery and collection together with onsite tuning and 24 hour event support. With all of this to offer and our specialist

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THE DETAILS 194 Penn Road, High Wycombe HP15 7NU. 01494 813388. www.countrywidepianos.co.uk

knowledge, it is little wonder that we have become first choice for many major events anywhere in the UK. At Countrywide Pianos, our in- house team of piano specialists include, piano technicians to piano tuners, piano polishers to our own piano logistics team, we offer a service next to none. A traditional service, which holds on to the best but moves with the times. Countrywide Piano Centre www.countrywidepianos.co.uk is as traditional as the piano itself.

West of London

O N A PI ON Ry W UA O N EN JA SAL

Countrywide Pianos

Over 100 Pianos. Largest choice of quality New & Used upright & grand Pianos for London and the Home Counties. All pianos delivered and set up anywhere in the UK. Easy Free Parking – Only 25 miles from London.

Showroom open 7 days a week. Well worth a visit.

Showroom: 194 Penn Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 7NU www.countrywidepianos.co.uk | Tel: 01494 813388

H OUSE & GARDEN

Reclaimed Encaustic Tiles from Floors of Stone

F

loors of Stone are excited to launch their new collection of Reclaimed Tiles.

We’ve worked with experts to source and collect the very best tiles to offer to our customers, true treasures in amazing condition and in a myriad of beautiful patterns and colours.

These exquisitely unique tiles have been rescued from Spain; tracked down, salvaged and given a new lease of life. They are so special and full of personality, perfect for injecting a little character into any home.

Every tile has a story to tell, gently aged and weathered from years of people walking across them, the odd nick or missing corner, despite being carefully excavated. Each has character and a patina that can never be recreated. Some of these tiles come from long-forgotten buildings, joyously unearthed and brought back to life. They might be the only ones of their kind in the whole world – how amazing is that to think they could have a new life in your home, sharing their history and creating new memories in their patterned faces.

The possibilities of these tiles are endless – they are such a fun way to be creative! Although the

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patterns are ornate they are still classic and have longevity, they’ve already grown old gracefully, waiting to become a much-loved feature in a new home. You could use them in a porch, a boot room, downstairs loo, as a splashback, fire hearth, feature border, even a whole kitchen floor if you’re brave enough! Each 200x200 tile is a little work of art in itself.

There is so much beauty to be found in these tiles, from the depth of colour in some to the more pastel tones in others. Some covered in intricate patterns, others with only the subtlest of touches. The authenticity of these tiles can never be recreated, the flaws only adding to their charm.

You can see a selection of our Reclaimed Tiles displayed on our website and you can also come and view our stock at our Cotes Mill showroom.

As we hold the stock here in the UK, we can have them delivered to you within a matter of days.

Alternatively, follow us on Instagram where you can see our new batches as soon as we get them in. www.floorsofstone.com

“There is so much beauty to be found in these tiles, from the depth of colour in some to the more pastel tones in others.

Some covered in intricate patterns, others with only the subtlest of touches”

LUXURY

BATHROOM guide

– Everything you need to create the perfect London bathroom – i m a g e : M AT K I

LUXURY B ATHROOM GUIDE

[NEWS]

BATHROOMS “Because the right lighting solutions can really finish a bathroom, the exclusive Porter designed range offers real depth of choice and variety�

FLEXIBLE FRIEND As well as using as a towel, our hammam towels are perfect for taking to the beach or on a family picnic. They can also be used as a lightweight summer throw, a yoga mat and a soft scarf. This elephant design features a range of elephants on a light grey background with a striped reverse. www.sophieallport.com

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Porter understand the sensory importance of lighting and their carefully coordinated collection bears this out. Each piece is cast from solid brass and is IP44 tested and rated. Because the right lighting solutions can really finish a bathroom, the exclusive Porter designed range offers real depth of choice and variety. Every element is considered, from the frosted glass shades, which temper harsh illumination to the fabric shades composed of fine natural fibres. www.porterbathroom.com

wonderful wood

Wide oak flooring by Jack Badger is created using a unique and long unused approach. Hand planed and left undulating the oak flooring is laid in bays as it was laid predominantly pre 19th century. This results in a much more interesting oak floor and is entirely unique from any other floor in the world. www.jackbadger.co.uk

frame it function and style

This pretty cabinet offers ample storage space while giving your bathroom a natural charm. The large drawer keeps everything in order and accessible; and 3 height settings of the shelf behind the door for items of different sizes. www.songmics.co.uk 234 JANUARY 2020

For an understated finish to the bathroom, the brand new Framed Showerwall, part of the newly launched Merlyn Black collection, features a simplistic matt black frame, with equal impact. Its impressive 2000mm height and concealed fittings showcase its unparalleled quality and high-end look. www.merlynshowering.com

020 7354 8958 www.amberth.co.uk

kitchens bathrooms interiors

LUXURY B ATHROOM GUIDE

C

GOING GREEN from tile to tub

olour trends come and go but the huge interest in all things green seems a little different. Any shade of green is the perfect complement to a neutral pallet and it works so effortlessly with so many different styles – slow living, biophillic, Scandi and Japandi.

It’s a colour that feels sustainable and connects us to the outdoors – and we think it’s a keeper.

There’s a green for every style and occasion; soft gentle shades, like sage and Tranquil Dawn; oxygenated Neo Mint; bottle greens and opulent emeralds. All of these shades are essentially natural, so they work with everything, from rich toned walnuts and bleached blonde woods, to luxe metallics.

Green can be introduced in lots of ways - in bold colour blocks, through gentle layers or very subtly, through fabrics, ferns and fronds. Our perfectly imperfect glazed terracotta tiles, in Agua Marina and Verde, are two of our favourite greens, whilst our Oxidised Copper Tub and Basin steals the show – bringing a blast of verdigris indoors that’s fresh and very elegant. www.indigenous.co.uk

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“All of these shades are essentially natural, so they work with everything, from rich toned walnuts and bleached blonde woods, to luxe metallics”

LUXURY B ATHROOM GUIDE

All the Curves

Introducing Mind Blowing Curved Glass Shower Enclosures – the latest Innovation from Matki

L

eading British luxury shower designer and manufacturer, Matki, have announced the launch of a brand new range of designer frameless shower enclosures with a twist, the show-stopping new curved EauZone Plus Radius-20.

The beauty of Matki’s EauZone Plus Radius-20 enclosure lies in its minimal, almost-didn’t-see-it design. Engineered from a single sheet of 10mm glass, expertly curved to achieve an incredible softened edge, with a tight 20mm inner radius, the EauZone Plus Radius-20 is a complete innovation in frameless luxury showering.

Elegance of form and outstanding functionality; characteristically designed with the striking grandeur of 10mm solid Safety Glass combined with the

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refined proportions and steadfast reliability of the EauZone Plus Hinged Door design, the EauZone Plus Radius-20 stands alone with its uniquely curved style and superior quality finish.

Featuring a vast range of sizes and setups, EauZone Plus is the perfect fit for your bathroom.

Enclosures are available with door hinged from the wall or from a hinge panel, closing onto the single piece Radius-20 side panel. Sizes range from 900 to 1600 across the front with a choice of 800, 900 and 1000 Side Panel sizes.

There is also the option of a Wet Room panel, engineered from a single sheet of 10mm glass expertly curved to achieve a softened edge, the EauZone Plus Radius-20 Wet Room Panel is both contemporary and practical; offering a return for extra splash protection, whilst avoiding the need for UV bonds and aluminium corner profiles.

Priced from £3100 for a full enclosure excluding installation. Installation is priced from £700 with the Matki Installations team.

To find out more visit www.matki.co.uk or call 01454 322888.

“The beauty of Matki’s EauZone Plus Radius-20 enclosure lies in its minimal, almost-didn’t-see-it design”

LUXURY B ATHROOM GUIDE

GLASS TRENDS Frameless showers, bath screens, sliding doors, glass splash backs, mirrors, interior glass doors.

G

lasstrends has a wealth of experience in the supply and installation of frameless shower enclosures steam and sauna screens, glass doors and decorative wall

cladding.

The company employs its own specialist installation teams to manage each project which ensures work is completed on time and to the highest possible standard.

Working closely with leading specialist processors, Glasstrends can supply the widest possible range of glass products.

A forward thinking team of professionals passionate about the use of glass in interiors.

Glasstrends products are refined, elegant and always a step above the rest. Attention to detail, superior product quality and excellent customer service is what positions Glasstrends as a market leader.

FULL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION SERVICE Glasstrends offers a full design service to ensure showers integrate into bathrooms in a stylish and functional manner. With our bespoke service, space is never an issue. Our experienced staff are also happy to work with architects, specifiers and interior designers as part of larger project teams.

THE PROCESS Supply and Install. After listening, discussing and advising Glasstrends will provide you with a quotation and installation detail. Upon acceptance of the quotation and receipt of a deposit payment they will attend site to finalise fixing details, obtain working dimensions and ensure all details are as you expect them to be. They then manufacture the glass and return at a specified time and date to 240 JANUARY 2020

carry out the installation using their own in-house professional installers.

Supply Only. For customers who do not require our Supply and Install service simply contact the company and they will discuss your requirements, provide you with a quotation and manufacture the shower to your own dimensions.

They will then arrange delivery of the shower to your property.

Contact Glasstrends where their experienced advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

You’ll be amazed at the difference a stylish frameless shower will make to your home.

THE DETAILS Glasstrends GUARANTEE quality and durability. All Glasstrends showers are professionally installed and covered by a 10 year guarantee.

Call: 020 7223 4017

LUXURY B ATHROOM GUIDE

Adding texture through

tiles From golden wood effect tones to stunning terrazzo styles, there is plenty to choose from in Original Style’s refreshed Tileworks collection.

Each new addition has been carefully selected to reflect the most recent trends in interior design, with a whole host of formats and finishes for a multitude of settings.

Pietra Lombarda Terrazzo is becoming an increasingly popular interior trend which makes Pietra Lombarda an exciting new addition to Original Style’s Tileworks collection. These tiles are a replica of the ‘Ceppo de Gré’ style of natural stone which features large flecks and rich detail. Available in two colourways; ‘Off White’ and ‘Grigio’ and two large format sizes; 900 x 900 and 600 x 600, these stunning tiles are a must-have for creating a statement wall or floor.

Mediterraneo

Inspired by the Mediterranean cliff landscapes, these large format stone-effect tiles offer a light texture and a rustic feel in two new colourways ‘Soft Beige’ and ‘Grey’. The tonal variances are unique within the market and are perfect for creating an earthy, natural ambiance within an interior setting.

Available in a 900 x 900 format, matt or polished – two distinctive looks can be achieved.

Nord Ris & Twist Off Road Capitalising on evolving trends in concrete-effect surfaces, the blend of concrete & terrazzo within these tiles has a contemporary appeal and would work well in hallways & kitchens. These ranges boast three colourways in neutral tones of white & grey and are all in a 600 x 600 format.

Bianco Oro

The gorgeous gold veining immersed in pure white marble creates a striking effect. Bianco Oro is a highly polished glazed porcelain tile available in two large format sizes 900 x 900 & 1200 x 600 for minimal grout lines and ultimate impact. For those wanting to create a bold, luxurious space, pair Bianco Oro with the forest tones of ‘Boreal Natural’ – another new addition to Original Style’s Tileworks collection within their wood-effect range.

St Martin St Martin’s subtle marble veining and sophisticated grey shades fashion an opulent smooth design.

This highly polished glazed porcelain is available 242 JANUARY 2020

in a 1200 x 600 format for an almost seamless appearance and works impeccably with ‘Portland Stone’ on the floor for an unremitting look.

Fusuma The Fusuma range features wall tiles with distinctive textured plaster appearances that emulate contemporary style. Available in two neutral shades; White & Ivory and a gorgeous décor option, Fusuma offers a modern twist on plaster and fabric effects.

Boreal Boreal is an innovative selection of 1200 x 200 wood-effect plank tiles available in two finishes; ‘Natural’ and ‘Mix’. ‘Natural’ is lighter in colour with consistent golden tones whereas ‘Mix’, has a more rustic, multi-tonal appeal. The light tones of Boreal ‘Natural’ co-ordinates well with the gold veining of the new ‘Bianco Oro’ whilst ‘Mix’ is a highly variegated combination of pine, fir, beech and birch woods over 63 different faces for a spectacularly realistic appearance over a large area. The 1200 x 200 format works well on walls and floors, making it a great choice for hallways and bathrooms. Created with the latest inkjet technology, these amazingly realistic wood-effect tiles capture the depth and colour of natural wood while providing the practicality and durability of glazed porcelain.

To see Original Style’s entire Tileworks collection, visit originalstyle.com