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Painshill park restoration

The most spectacular 18th century folly is now being restored

From the

editor Welcome to our January issue...

iscover Ham House and Garden in a new light this this winter as guided tours of the magnificent riverside property are offered every day from midday. Encounter a variety experiences as each day presents a new way of seeing this iconic National Trust property. Winter Tour tickets are available on a first come first served basis at Visitor Reception and places are limited. Further information on the tours offered each day can be found at Visitor Reception. Ham House and Garden Winter tours and demonstrations change daily so please ring in advance of your visit if there is something specific you would like to see. Visitors can escape into the warmth of the tropical zone in the Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, for Butterflies in the Glasshouse, 14 January to 5 March 2017. More butterfly species than ever before, including 15 never seen at Wisley, will be on display, including blue waves, giant swallowtails and tiger leafwing. Dorking Museum runs guided walks on the Deepdene Trail through the newly rejuvenated and historic Deepdene Estate. Tours last for an hour and a half and take in the grotto, woodland walks, parterre and temples, spectacular views across the Weald and entry to the grade II* listed Hope family mausoleum. Guided walks are also available to see the hidden secrets of historic Dorking. Violet Lindsay was one of the most glamorous social figures of the Victorian period. We are thrilled to announce that Watts Gallery Trust has acquired this beautiful Watts portrait..

Faye Manning Editor

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PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD 26 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1HL, UK www.thelifemagazines.com Editor Faye Manning

Fashion Editor Hazel Englander

Accounts Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet

•••••

Editor Assistant Katie Miller

account Manager Anita Hill

Sales James Marshall

•••••

Sub Editor Alex Lux

Design/ Production Emma Andrews

Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

LOVE LOCAL – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i ma g e : BUTT E R F L I E S IN TH E G L A SSHOUS E AT RHS W IS L E Y

LOVE LOC AL

22 january

Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel Wedding Fair This peaceful ivy clad Victorian manor house is set in beautiful landscaped gardens and mature woodland. It is the perfect venue for a Wedding Fair with it’s large Frimley Suite showcasing the best local wedding suppliers and Bridal Fashion Shows at 12.30 and 2.30 for you to enjoy. Entry and parking are free so come along and start (or finish!) planning your “Big Day”. 11am3.30pm. Free entry and parking. MacDonald Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa, Lime Avenue (off Portsmouth Road), Camberley, Surrey GU15 2BG

[events]

the calendar until 20 january

Sir Norman Wisdom: An exhibition of his life Sir Norman Wisdom, actor, comedian, and singer-songwriter, was best known for a series of comedy films produced between 1953 and 1966. For many years he had a flat in Epsom, and was often seen shopping in the area or eating in his favourite fish and chip shop in Ewell. Bourne Hall Museum has been most fortunate in being able to secure the loan of the official exhibition of his life and work from his family. The exhibition contains theatre posters, handwritten scripts, and film stills. His musical instruments will be here along with the original suit used in the Pinewood films. Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey KT17 1UF 8 january 2017

21 january - 19 february

14 january

Introduction to Paper Making Enjoy a hands-on introduction to papermaking with artist Jane Ponsford. Discover the differences between Eastern and Western papermaking and try out casting sheets of paper using a variety of different fibres from cotton rag to Lokta. By the end of the session you will have made some beautiful sheets of paper. 2pm-4.30pm, £20. The Lightbox Chobham Road Woking, Surrey GU21 4AA

Portrait of Violet Lindsay Violet Lindsay was one of the most glamorous social figures of the Victorian period. We are thrilled to announce that Watts Gallery Trust has acquired this beautiful Watts portrait. Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, Surrey, GU3 1DQ

22 january

Sunday Restorative Yoga Workshops In these mellow yoga workshops experienced Yoga teacher Ruth McNeil will lead the group through the practice of mindful movement, soothing restorative yoga and pranayama. Advance booking is required. 2pm-3.30pm, £15. The Lightbox Chobham Road Woking, Surrey GU21 4AA

*****

EDITOR’S

PICK

2 february

Cirque Enchantment This concert style cirque production features stunning choreography, breath-taking vocals and mesmerising circus performers. With an eclectic musical soundtrack including pop, rock and classical Cirque Enchantment is a stunning show that will delight all the family. 3pm, £15-£18. Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AL

20 january until 29 january

Young Contemporary Talent from The Ingram Collection Part of the newly formed Young Contemporary Talents section of The Ingram Collection, ‘Paper Cage’ by Chloe Chow is a recent acquisition from the MFA fine art degree show at Wimbledon College of Art. Chow’s work creates an atmospheric and immersive installation that invites the viewer to enter the art work. Her final degree piece, the narrative is created by light effects, shadows, and paper cut-outs. 10.30am-5pm. Free. The Lightbox Chobham Road Woking Surrey GU21 4AA

Star Gazing Event Visit the Pop Up Observatory at Guildford Cathedral and meet the knowledgeable members of the Guildford Astronomical Society who will help you understand the night sky, plus children’s activities and a unique talk by Prof David Hughes on “The Star of Bethlehem” . All are welcome to discover the wonders of the universe and explore the scientific explanations for the appearance of a bright star in the sky 2000 years ago. Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7UP

15 january 3 february

Cobham Bric-a-brac Fair Antique & flea minimarket, held on 1st Friday of each month, Selling antiques, toys, glass, china, books, clothes, jewellery, cakes, etc. 9am-3pm, free entry. Catholic Church Hall, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1AA

Milford Antiques Fair Antiques, Collector’s and Vintage Fair showing a wide selection of china, glass, jewellery, paintings and prints, art deco and retro, stanps and coins, curios and collectables from a few pounds to few hundred. Held on the 3rd Sunday of every month in this fine Arts and Crafts style Village Hall opposite the Farmer’s Market (10-1) held on the same day. Plenty of parking and excellent food and beverages served. Set your sat-nav to GU8 5DS. 2 minutes from the A3(M). Milford Village Hall, Portsmouth Road, Milford, Near Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5DS january 2017 9

LOVE LOC AL

Events at Polesden Lacey 12, 16 & 19 january

the GREAT

OUTDOORS

Outdoor events making the most of Surrey and Berkshire

until 31 january

Guided Walks Dorking Museum runs guided walks on the Deepdene Trail through the newly rejuvenated and historic Deepdene Estate. Tours last for an hour and a half and take in the grotto, woodland walks, parterre and temples, spectacular views across the Weald and entry to the grade II* listed Hope family mausoleum. Guided walks are also available to see the hidden secrets of historic Dorking (90 minutes). Book through the Museum website for the walks team’s historic Dorking or Deepdene Trail tours – group bookings by appointment, minimum of 10 people. Booking essential. 10am, price £4 / £3 Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre The Old Foundry 62 West Street Dorking, RH4 1BS

1 february

Winkworths Wednesday Walk Meet at the kiosk for a seasonal guided walk around the Arboretum. Booking Not Needed. 2pm-3.30pm. General Admission Prices Apply. Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4AD

24 january

Tuesday Tree Walk Discover a twigful of garden history and trunkloads of interesting facts about our beautiful trees. Find out more about our interesting trees on an informal tour of the garden with Hilary, our friendly volunteer guide. Booking Advisable. Children are always welcome. Dogs on leads welcome. 11am-12.30pm. Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9JG

Buggyfit ‘Buggyfit’ is the ultimate fitness class for mums and babies. Buggyfit sessions cater for all fitness levels to help women get back into shape following the birth of their new arrival. This post natal exercise program aims to help strengthen and stabilise the post pregnancy body, specifically targeting those weaker muscles. Classes vary each week to always keep exercises interesting and fun in the fabulous fresh air and beautiful groun. Booking Not Needed. 10am-11am

25 january

The Ramblers Walk Come and join us on a wonderful walk around the Polesden Lacey estate. Join our volunteer leader Catherine Williams on a nice stroll around our countryside. It is for anyone and everyone capable of doing an hour and a half walk. The walks take place on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead. 9.30am-11am.

22 january

Trust10 10K runs Are you a regular runner looking for a challenge’ Our 10k trail runs give you the opportunity to train for the next big event, or keep fit whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings of some of our special places. The route at Polesden Lacey will consist of a variety of terrains and will take the runners through Ranmore Common - it will be a real treat for experienced runners and beginners alike! It is not a competitive event and is not timed. Just turn up with f. Booking Not Needed. 9am-11am. All at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, RH5 6BD, Surrey

10 january 2017

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Winter Tours at Ham House and Garden The Details Winter Tours at Ham House and Garden take place until free-flow visitation recommences from Saturday 1st April.

Normal admission charges apply (Free to National Trust members)

12 january 2017

Adult £11.90 Child £5.95 Family £29.70 For more information about our opening times and upcoming events please visit our website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hamhouse

the various architectural changes that created the building that exists today. Ham House’s below stairs rooms are also open from midday on a Saturdays and Sundays, and with this comes the opportunity to learn more about the servants who lived and worked at Ham. Families venturing to this part of the estate will also be able to enjoy a range of art based activities and take home a piece inspired by their visit. This is accompanied by storytelling sessions during February half term, as well as trails to enjoy as a family. Winter Tour tickets are available on a first come first served basis at Visitor Reception and places are limited. Further information on the tours offered each day can be found at Visitor Reception. Ham House and Garden Winter tours and demonstrations change daily so please ring in advance of your visit if there is something specific you would like to see. Ham House’s Orangery café, shop and gardens are all open seven days a week from 10am until dusk (or 5pm). Our formal 17th century garden looks great all year round, and enjoy winter walk around the garden and the surrounding Thames landscape. Enjoy a light lunch in the Orangery café with homemade soups and sandwiches as well as delicious cakes and bakes, or take home a Ham House souvenir from our gift shop.

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Butterflies to create a rainbow of delights at RHS Garden Wisley 15 new species never before seen on display in the Glasshouse • More than 6,000 exotic butterflies in a tropical paradise • From the delicate Glasswing to the striking Blue Morpho

isitors can escape into the warmth of the tropical zone in the Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, for Butterflies in the Glasshouse, 14 January to 5 March 2017. More butterfly species than ever before, including 15 never seen at Wisley, will be on display, including blue waves, giant swallowtails and tiger leafwing. Each of the 50 species offers a visual treat to behold, like the blue wave from Central America, whose sapphire-blue iridescent wings are delicately patterned with white. The giant swallowtail from North America at first looks similar to its cousin the UK swallowtail. It is however, as its name suggests, 14 january 2017

much larger with a wingspan of up to 18cm (double that of the UK species). Tiger leafwings have amazing camouflage, with tiger-like orange upperwings completely disappear when the wings close, leaving the butterfly looking remarkably like a dead leaf. These free-flying beauties will captivate visitors, as they glide around the cathedral-like building which, for a limited time, will be home to thousands of butterflies from tropical areas of the world such as Central and South America and Southeast Asia. “For me, having Butterflies in the Glasshouse is the perfect antidote for the midwinter blues and provides a welcome escape to tropical climes,” says

Christopher J Young, Glasshouse Team Leader, who is responsible for managing the successful operation of the Glasshouse and organising the transition of the butterflies from when they arrive on site in their pupae, to emerging in their colourful glory in the Glasshouse. In the tropical zone, the horticulturists have designed an environment similar to a rainforest that mimics the perfect conditions to allow huge leaves and flowers to grow. Visitors will also find banana plants, bromeliads, palm trees and climbers, as well as aquatic and wetland plants floating in the jungle pool. Visitors can take a tour through the world of plants on display and catch a glimpse of the extensive range of wild species as well as garden hybrids and cultivars. There will be myriad vibrant colours to marvel at, creating superb photographic opportunities. Visitors can also become butterfly experts and learn all about the life cycle of a butterfly in our interactive Education Zone. Children are encouraged to enter our drawing competition to be in with a chance to have their winning design created into a 30 x 30cm metal butterfly sculpture. It will go on display from 11 February – 6 March (the last date for competition entries is 23 January; full details will be made available online). To mark the launch weekend on 14 and 15 January, willow sculptures will be created and visitors will get the chance to decorate them before they go on display in the dry temperate zone in the Glasshouse. There will also be a special sculpture trail throughout the garden leading towards the Glasshouse, created by artist Alison Catchlove. Visitors will get the chance to see Alison demonstrating her extraordinary skills as a sculptor in the Glasshouse Gallery every Friday – Sunday during the event. During February Half Term, 11 – 19 February, there will be a range of free family events focused on Whatever the Weather for Butterflies, with activities such as create your own butterfly watering can, make a bubble-art butterfly or bring in your outgrown wellington boots to decorate and plant up with flower seeds. On selected dates we are running tutored butterfly photography mornings (26 January, 1 &

photography morning, all courses are charged and include early access (spaces limited). Make the most of your day out by selecting a timed ticket to beat the queues and don’t forget to stop by the Glasshouse Café for a tasty teatime treat inspired by these winged beauties, including butterfly-decorated cookies and cupcakes and refreshments. Or the Wisley Gift Shop and Plant Centre for a souvenir to remember your day. Entry to Butterflies in the Glasshouse is free with normal garden entry. Adults £14, Children 5 – 16 years £7. Family 2+2 (2 adults + 2 children) £36. Free for RHS members, for full details visit rhs.org.uk/wisley

“The horticulturists have designed an environment similar to a rainforest that mimics the perfect conditions to allow huge leaves and flowers to grow”

10 February). These workshops are ideal for any budding photographer keen to learn how to capture beautiful images of our tropical butterflies with expert advice from tutor Adrian Davies. On 24 February we will be running an untutored butterfly january 2017 15

LOVE LOC AL

13 january

Ashtead Village Market A friendly market, lovely atmosphere - profits to charityevery 2nd Friday of the month. We sell plants, gifts, products for the home, cakes/chocolates; marmalades/jams; haberdashery; pottery; collectables; hand made products; toiletries and so much more. There are also refreshments - come along and see us. Free entry. 9am-12.30pm. The profits go to 8 different charities. Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, Woodfield Lane, Surrey KT21 2BE

FOOD

& DRINK Tasty food and drink events in the local area

26 january

Curator Breakfast Tour Discover Watts Gallery in a new light with our Breakfast Tours, taking place before the gallery is open to the public. Gain insight into the temporary exhibition Untold Stories: British Art from Private Collections with exclusive access to the gallery, followed by breakfast in our award-winning Tea Shop. 10-11.30am, £15 including breakfast Watts Gallery, Watts Gallery Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Compton, Surrey, GU3 1DQ

“The brewery has been brewing its award-winning ales, using locally grown hops, since 1992”

1-28 FEBRUARY

Guided Tours of the Hogs Back Brewery Visiting the Hogs Back Brewery is a fascinating experience. Hogs Back Road between Guildford and Farnham, the brewery has been brewing its award-winning ales, using locally grown hops, since 1992. An entertaining guide will lead a tour around the brewery, housed in 18th century farm buildings. Learn about the brewing operation, sample a generous range of beers, see the new 3 ½ acre hop garden and finish with a visit to the Brewery Shop. Hogs Back Brewery Ltd Manor Farm The Street Tongham Surrey, GU10 1DE 16 january 2017

16 january - 6 march Taste of Wisley - Flights of Fancy Round off your viewing of the butterflies with teatime treats. Taste of Wisley bakers are making butterfly-decorated cookies and cupcakes. 10am-4pm daily RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB

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28 january

Baby and Children’s Market - Guildford Browse lots of stalls selling excellent quality nearly new baby and children’s items from birth to 9 years, plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby and children’s industry showcasing and selling their products and services, all under one roof. 2pm4pm, adult £1 entry, Kids free. Fairland Community Centre, Fairland Avenue, Guildford, Surrey GU3 3NA

21 january

Mum2mum Market Croydon Mum2mum Market is Nearly new sale for children items. Buy or sell car seat, pushchairs, pram, cot, moses, clothes,toys,books,steriliser, playgym/mat,maternity clothes at fraction of retail price. 10am-12pm. Our lady’s annunciation Church,147 Bingham Road, Surrey CR0 7EN

KIDS’

CORNER

Things to do and see with the little ones in Surrey and Berkshire

13 january

Painting for Under 5s Dress for mess and join us for some painting fun. All materials included. Advance booking required. 11am to 11.45am, £3. The Lightbox Chobham Road Woking, Surrey GU21 4AA

14 january

Young People’s Workshop: Colourful Clay Jewellery Create pendants, key chains, fridge magnets and other trinkets using colourful polymer clay. Take inspiration for your designs from the work of Mary Watts and William de Morgan. 10.30am-4pm, £15 including lunch & materials, ages 11-17. Clore Learning Studio, Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Compton, Surrey GU3 1DQ

28 january

Big Garden Bird Watch at Haslemere Museum Come along to the Museum and have family fun together! Make bird cakes, get hands on with some craft activities and discover all about the birds in both the Museum galleries and grounds. 11am-3pm. Free event – no need to book, just turn up. Haslemere Educational Museum Surrey GU27 2LA 18 january 2017

13-21 january

Peter Pan - A Family Pantomime “It’s panto time again (oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!) and 2017 brings a swashbuckling spectacle of a pantomime – “Peter Pan”. Peter Pan will run for eight performances and is the perfect adventure for children and adults who never grew up! Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they take on the villainous Captain Hook and his band of pirates. Fly away on a magical adventure to Neverland, full of wonderful songs, singing indians and pirates and more than a sprinkle of fairy dust. With all the family fun, glittering costumes and audience participation that you’d expect from a Haslemere Thespians’ pantomime, this year’s production is set to be the highlight of our year once again. Haslemere Hall, Bridge Road, Surrey GU27 2AS

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Hit The Slopes!

CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THEIR NEW CHILDREN’S SKI DEPARTMENT

Images courtesy of Perfect Moment

ake sure your little ones are all wrapped up this winter as Harrods welcome you to their new Children’s Ski Room. The department, which will cater to all of your little ones’ ski trip needs, launches this winter. From super warm outerwear to fashion forward ski accessories, the department will champion collections from a handful of much loved outdoor sports brands. The space will offer ranges from Canada Goose, and for the first season, ski brand Bogner will be available at Harrods for little snow bunnies. As well as this, the space will see the exciting launch

“The space will offer ranges from Canada Goose, and for the first season, ski brand Bogner will be available at Harrods” of two new brands. Perfect Moment, ski clothing that brings fashion to function, and Shred, offering the finishing touch to any outfit with their helmets and goggles built for extreme performance and protection. The Children’s Ski Room will offer collections from 4 – 16 years, and is situated in the Childrenswear Department on the 4th floor. And for you Mums that want to look as trendy as your kids on the slopes, you can stay chic in the snow with Harrods range of designer ski wear and women’s ski jackets from luxury brands including Fendi, Canada 20 january 2017

Goose, Woolrich and Harrods of London. And not forgetting Daddy – he can step into ski season with Harrods designer ski wear and men’s ski jackets from key brands including Canada Goose, Woolrich, Bogner and more. Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL. You can also purchase online at www.harrods.com

LOVE LOC AL

22 january 2017

LOVE LOC AL

Cosmic forces at work in Albury Vineyard

Everyone knows there’s nowt like old fashioned farmyard muck to get roses blooming and crops flourishing. But a single bucketful of cow poo to fertilise a whole 12 acres of vineyard? This is not your average muck spreading spree.

lbury Organic Vineyard on the chalk slopes of the North Downs next to the Silent Pool in Albury, was recently the scene of a fertility ritual. The practice itself only dates back to 1924, but it draws on a concept of harmony in nature that goes back millennia: A pile of clean, hollowed-out horns from female cows lay waiting for a team of enthusiastic helpers to fill them from that one bucket of fresh organic cow dung. This ritual is fundamental to the practice of biodynamic agriculture founded by the Austrian philosopher and social reformer Rudolf Steiner who promoted ‘spiritual science’ in the 1920s. His biodynamic agriculture was the first of the organic agriculture movements and dealt holistically with the whole natural circle of soil, plants and animals, including, importantly, cosmic forces. Nick Wenman is one of a growing band of vineyard owners who believes in the power of biodynamic farming for soil fertility and plant health, though he is a rarity in the UK. However, Tesco is one of several major UK supermarkets which follow the biodynamic calendar when the buyers do their wine tasting. The year is divided up according to the lunar influence into leaf, flower, root and fruit days and fruit days are regarded as the most auspicious for wine drinking. It is believed that the wine actually tastes better on fruit days. Back to those cow horns, each now neatly packed with poo. Nick and his team carried them up through the vines to a pit he had prepared earlier, where they were laid carefully to rest, mouths pointing down so that they did not fill with rainwater and go mushy over the winter. They were covered with soil and the burial finished with a pile of stones to deter animals. And there they will stay until April or May, when they will be lifted out again and their precious contents emptied out. By then, the manure will have a completely different consistency – dark and crumbly and 24 january 2017

according to biodynamic principles, packed with cosmic forces. Finally, cricket ball sized roundels of the dung are dissolved in barrels of water and the liquid gets sprayed on the vineyard. Like homeopathic medicine, a little is said to go a very long way. “We bury horns at three places around the vineyard,” said Nick. “The horns are from female cows as they are the most fertile animals and they absorb the cosmic influences. The best way to describe it is that when we spray it, even though it is only a tiny amount, it acts as a trigger to regenerate tired soil and improve its fertility.” He has seen at first hand in France and Australia the difference between the quality of soil on biodynamic vineyards and that on chemically sprayed ones. It is the difference between living and dead soils, he says. Many of the great vineyards and wineries around the world are convinced by the biodynamic approach, including Domaine Leflaive and le Roy in Burgundy, Culee de Serant in the Loire, Beaux Freres in Oregon, Hensche in Australia and Jean-Pierre Fleury in Champagne. “Biodynamic practices in the vineyard encourage a natural harmony between the earth, the vine and the cosmos as nature intended, without the need to use systemic chemicals. We believe that this results in a more naturally healthy bio-diverse and sustainable vineyard, producing better quality fruit and ultimately better quality wine, with a unique sense or place or terroir.” And what better evidence for the efficacy of biodynamic agriculture than prizes! Albury Vineyard has won two Gold Awards this year for its sparkling wines in the International Organic Wine Awards 2016. These top awards for Albury Estate Blanc de Blancs and Albury Estate Classic Cuvée came hard on the heels of silvers and bronzes in the Decanter Wine Awards and International Wine Challenge competitions. Albury Vineyard, Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey GU5 9BW. 07768 863650 www.alburyvineyard.com

“The horns are from female cows as they are the most fertile animals and they absorb the cosmic influences”

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BRAND NEW PRODUCTION OF AYCKBOURN’S CLASSIC DARK COMEDY COMES TO GUILDFORD

HENCEFORWARD… A BRAND NEW production of Alan Ayckbourn’s classic comedy Henceforward… comes to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre where it will play from Thursday, January 19 to Saturday, January 28

ll alone, high up in an isolated, derelict suburban tower block, avant-garde composer Jerome struggles vainly to complete his life’s masterwork about love. With the help of a deranged android childminder, he hatches a plan to retrieve his source of artistic inspiration, his beloved daughter Geain, from his hostile and estranged ex-wife. But the best laid plans of men and mechanical women… This new revival, directed by the author, stars Bill Champion, Andy Cryer, Russell Dixon, Jessie Hart, Velvet Hebditch, Jacqueline King and Laura Matthews. Ayckbourn first produced Henceforward… in Scarborough in 1987 and subsequently at the Vaudeville Theatre, London in 1988 starring Ian McKellen and Jane Asher, where it won the Evening Standard Best Comedy Award.

“Ayckbourn first produced Henceforward… in Scarborough in 1987” Ayckbourn explains how the idea for his obsessive, creative protagonist came about: “Henceforward… denotes the point in my writing life when the guilt finally got to me; after years of first nights, facing the reproachful stares of close family continually recognising elements of themselves, wives, mothers, children (God, I even stole bits of my children!). “The character of Jerome, although loosely based on feelings of guilt I had at the time, is of course nothing at all like me. After all, Jerome steals bits of people and really doesn’t even care at all; no scrap of remorse, completely shameless. I was never as bad as that!” Infused with Ayckbourn’s trademark themes of people and relationships, this dark comedy takes a critical look at the creative process – and just how dangerous it can be. Tickets for Henceforward… are on sale now! You can book yours by calling the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Box Office on (01483) 44 00 00 or by visiting the website at www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 26 january 2017

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Let the kids go ‘wild’ this half-term at Painshill

his February half-term children aged 8 -13 yrs can enjoy the magical delights of Painshill’s outdoor ‘wonderland’ during their popular Wild Woodland Camp (14th – 16th February). With 158 acres of natural and historic landscape, enchanted follies and a crystal Grotto, Painshill offers children the chance to discover, explore and learn in an inspiring and safe environment over the February half-term. A popular children’s camp in the heart of Surrey, Painshill’s Wild Woodland Camp forms part of their series of ‘wild’ camps run across the course of the year, for children aged between 8 to 13 yrs. The succession of popular camps include their exciting Wild Easter Camp, Wild Summer Camp and spooktacular Wild Halloween Camp, later in the year. Activities during the week are set to have children entertained all day. From campfire making and bush craft to woodland games and wild art – there is lots of fun for everyone. Painshill’s Wild Woodland Camp also features many other new and exciting activities, such as campfire cooking and group campfire making, where children will have the opportunity to toast marshmallows and donuts, as well as make delicious hot chocolate over the cosy campfire. Other highlights of the camp include den building and badger tracking as well as woodland crafts and many more exciting bush craft activities. With the creation of bow and arrows, spears, charcoal, mud sculptures and dream catchers to name a few, Painshill’s Wild Woodland Camp is set inspire, stimulate and educate young minds this halfterm. Together with an exclusive ‘tree-trolls’ making session, children will be able to complete their adventure by creating faces on the trees in landscape using natural materials, as they watch the magic of Painshill and their creativity come to life. Adam Langendoen, Education Manager at

28 january 2017

Painshill comments; “our wild camps are brilliant fun; we make sure there is always lots of hot chocolate and extra helpings or marshmallows around the fire.” He continues; “It is a great way for children to get outside and explore the great outdoors, and the feedback from the children and parents is fantastic”. Painshill’s Wild Woodland Camp takes place during 14th – 16th February (9am until 4pm) and costs just £40 per day. For more information or to book please visit www.painshill.co.uk

“With 158 acres of natural and historic landscape, enchanted follies and a crystal Grotto, Painshill offers children the chance to discover, explore and learn in an inspiring and safe environment over the February half-term”

PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY Groveland Planning Ltd, Surrey UK Investments Ltd. and Wowhaus Design Ltd. have a combined experience of 60 years in the planning, design and property development industries. Your property is of particular interest to us, as we believe it meets the criteria for some exciting opportunities that have arisen, due to current market conditions. We have experience in this area and have undertaken numerous proposals, including the conversion of existing buildings and the complete re-development of properties, resulting in a significant increased overall value. We specialise in identifying development opportunities, offering bespoke design solutions, together with extensive planning knowledge, that can be tailored to individual needs. We have a strong financial framework and business model, created to meet each vendor’s requirements, including an opportunity to agree an “option”, whereby a mutual agreement is made to purchase the property once certain contingencies have been met. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you in further detail at our offices in Cobham High Street. Alternatively, we would be happy to visit you at your property at a time of your convenience. Meetings can be arranged by phone or email. Please feel free to contact us with any possible queries you may have.

1A High Street, Cobham, KT11 3DH

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Expert Business Broker talks New Year Resolution with the SME business owner David Bradbery is Elmbridge’s resident expert business broker. With 10% of business owners looking to sell at any time, here he answers our questions.

How did you get into business brokerage? For over 20 years I worked in banking and dealt with highly complex accounting and valuation issues. By last summer I wanted to use my skills and experience to help address the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. Transworld Business Advisors is one of the largest business brokers in the world and was just launching in the UK. I immediately saw the benefit of their approach for UK businesses. As an international organisation Transworld helps sell thousands of businesses every year. Bringing this expertise and experience into the UK was very appealing. Transworld is hands-on managing the sale process rather than arms-length, supporting buyers and sellers at every step. I wanted to be in an organisation committed to such a high level of service. Their no up-front fees and charging only upon completion of the sale also made perfect sense. It removes the risk of owners incurring unnecessary costs and ensures broker and seller collaborate to achieve the sale. I am excited to have set up Transworld in Elmbridge and be offering something new, unique and valuable to local businesses. What types of people do you work with? Business sellers are of all ages and backgrounds and why they are selling varies. Reasons can include approaching retirement, relocating, starting a new

business, releasing wealth to travel, divorce or wanting more time with family. For them all, their business has been an important part of their lives, often for a long time. The blood, sweat and tears they’ve put in is why my role to expertly broker the sale on their behalf, anticipate problems and mitigate them, is so important How do you value a business? I understand its past performance, future prospects and opportunities for improvement. Assets and liabilities are carefully assessed. Whether the seller is willing to stay for a period and transfer their knowledge impacts the value. Sold prices for similar businesses are obtained and adjusted for the business’s specifics. Ultimately, the true value is the amount the buyer is willing to pay and the seller accept, which is only certain once the sale completes. Until then I manage the negotiations towards reaching agreement. What’s the most important thing that a business owner should do when selling their business? It can take up to a year from when the owner first decides to put it up for sale, to completion. It’s crucial the owner remains focussed on driving the business forward so its profitability remains or increases. Appointing a good broker prevents the owner getting distracted. The broker manages the sale and only involves the owner when required so they can keep their eye on the business.

“Whether the seller is willing to stay for a period and transfer their knowledge impacts the value”

THE DETAILS To find out how David can help sell your business please contact him for a confidential discussion by email on dbradbery@tworld. com by telephone 0203 1264442 or visit his website www.tworldba. co.uk/kingston. In the New Year David is running a free seminar “How to prepare your business for sale”, with expert speakers from a top legal firm and business bankers. Places are limited so contact David to reserve your space.

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A Ghostly Adventure: First Ever Novel Set at Surrey’s Brooklands Museum Released

Mark Richardson’s new novel ‘The Ghost at Brooklands Museum’ builds on the museum’s long standing reputation for being haunted

rooklands is a place known for its firsts. The Brooklands racing circuit, which was operational between 1907 and 1939 was the world’s first purpose-built racing circuit, which in turn played host to the first ever British Grand Prix. Now there is another addition to the list, the first novel set at Brooklands Museum, the institution dedicated to Brooklands’ rich motoring and aviation history. The museum is notorious for being a haunted location and over the years numerous sightings of ghosts have been reported, the most famous being the figure of Percy Lambert. Lambert was the first person in history to travel over 100 miles in an hour, a record he set in a Talbot car at Brooklands in 1913. Later that year, Lambert was tragically killed trying to improve on that record at Brooklands. Dozens of sightings of a ghostly figure resembling Percy Lambert, silently walking the area of the old Brooklands circuit have since been reported. Such ghost sightings formed part of author Mark Richardson’s inspiration for The Ghost at Brooklands Museum. “I’ve been visiting the museum since I was about 10 years old” explains Mark, “but it was only in more recent years when I attended a night-time tour of the museum that I encountered Brooklands’ ghostly past. I’d been toying with the idea of a novel set at the museum, but it was this visit where the pieces for the book clicked together.” Mark has also made the decision that all personal profits from the novel will be donated back to the museum. “Brooklands has a fabulous history and I was lucky enough

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to spend dozens of happy weekends visiting whilst growing up. As such, I think it’s only right that all proceeds from the book go to the museum, helping it to continue the great and varied work it undertakes.” Valerie Mills, Commercial Director at Brooklands Museum said “Brooklands is a rich ground for writing inspiration and we were delighted when we heard about the publication of Mark’s novel. A number of our favourite museum pieces feature in the book, including the Napier-Railton, which holds the all-time Brooklands circuit lap record. Visiting Brooklands Museum has always been an enjoyable family experience. Now we have an exciting new novel to add to that day out!” The Ghost at Brooklands Museum is released by Troubador Publishing. It will be available as an e-book at most major retailers and the physical copy of the novel will be available at Brooklands Museum from early December 2016. The novel is aimed at an independent readership of 10 years+ and is suitable for family reading. All ghosts in the novel are friendly! THE DETAILS Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN ••••• 01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com

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Painshill begins restoration of one of its most spectacular 18th century follies

ainshill, England’s most elegant 18th century landscape garden is delighted to announce that restoration is now underway on The Temple of Bacchus. One of Painshill’s most treasured follies, holding a rich heritage and reputation, The Temple of Bacchus is the pièce de résistance to be completed in July 2017. With works now underway on the restoration of The Temple of Bacchus, Painshill are working closely with contractor Cliveden Conservation (who also restored the Crystal Grotto at Painshill), to reinstate the original vision and concept of the brilliantly imaginative designer Hon. Charles Hamilton. The Temple originally home to a collection of antiques collected by Hamilton during his Grand Tours to Italy, featured a seven foot marble centrepiece statue of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine as well as 12 marble busts of Caesars. And whilst the contents of The Temple of Bacchus were sold in 1797, the original foundations of the temple have been preserved and restored ready for the restoration. An important and historic folly which dates back to 1762, The Temple has been admired throughout history with previous visitors including John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third presidents of the United States in 1786. It was also described by William Gilpin, English artist and landscape designer as ‘One of the most beautiful things of its kind that I have ever seen. Its form is Grecian and in the highest degree elegant and beautiful’. Michael Gove, Chief Executive of Painshill comments; ‘the restoration of The Temple of Bacchus has been longawaited and thanks to the benefit of a private donation, a fine casting from the original Bacchus statue has been gifted to the Trust and we are all very excited to see this housed in the completed Temple’. Restorations are now underway, with estimated

completion in July 2017, where it will be open for public viewing. Painshill Park Trust funds its business and conservation operations from visitor income and other revenue streams, but all restoration to date has been funded through the generosity of individuals and charitable trusts along with the Lottery Heritage Fund. Visit www.painshillpark.co.uk to find out how you can make a donation and be part of this remarkable project.

THE DETAILS Whilst anticipation builds for the restored folly’s reveal, the remaining 158 acre wonderland offering something for everyone, is open to the public 10am – 6pm (Mar-Oct) and 10am – 4pm (Nov – Feb).Visit www.painshill.co.uk to book your visit online. 36 january 2017

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WATTS

200 A Celebration of the Life and Work of G F Watts to mark the Bicentenary of his Birth in 1817

“T

he studio of Mr Watts is not merely a gallery of pictures but a museum of ideas: thoughts struggle into utterance, and artproblems await solution.” J. Beavington Atkinson, English Painters of the Present Day, 1871 Watts Gallery Trust recently announced details of the Watts 200 programme that will celebrate the life and work of the great Victorian artist, George Frederic Watts OM RA (1817 – 1904). To mark the bicentenary of the birth of ‘England’s Michelangelo’ – the enduring epithet conferred upon G F Watts by his close friend, Frederic, Lord Leighton – in 2017 the Trust will encourage new ways of thinking about the artist to explore his legacy and influence today. Launching on Watts’s birthday, 23 February, highlights of the 2017 programme include an unprecedented display of the artist’s epic murals, an unparalleled exhibition of masterpieces by Watts from public and private collections, a concert of music beloved by the artist and his eminent friends, and a conference focusing on Science and Art in Victorian Britain. In his own time, G F Watts was widely considered to be one of the world’s greatest artists. He was not only an outstanding painter, but also a talented sculptor, proficient draughtsman and notable muralist. Watts became a cultural icon who championed a new role for art as a means of symbolically

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“For much of the twentieth century, Watts’s vision of a social role for art seemed old-fashioned” expressing the progress of humanity, and as a tool to assist in philanthropic projects. By 1884, when he was lauded as the first living artist to have a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Watts had achieved international fame. Yet for much of the twentieth century, Watts’s vision of a social role for art seemed old-fashioned and consequently his reputation suffered a decline. This was mirrored in the fate of Watts Gallery, the purpose-built picture gallery that he and his wife, the designer Mary Watts (1849 – 1938), established in the Surrey village of Compton in 1904. By 2005, Watts Gallery had fallen into such disrepair that it was placed on the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ Register. With contemporary artists once again seeking to engage with social and political issues, interest in G F Watts has renewed, and the Gallery and its collections have been saved for the nation thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and many generous donors. Since reopening to the

public in 2011 to great acclaim, the Gallery has been reunited with the artists’ studios, Watts Chapel and the former pottery to create Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, a unique window into the Arts & Crafts Movement and a source of inspiration once again. In 2017 the Watts 200 programme will explore the creative world of G F Watts. The programme includes three special exhibitions: • G F Watts: England’s Michelangelo (20 June – 26 November 2017, Watts Gallery), a showcase featuring a number of the artist’s most important works from museum and private collections brought together at Watts Gallery to celebrate his bicentenary. Highlights will include one of the nation’s top ten favourite paintings – the iconic Choosing (1864, National Portrait Gallery), which portrays Watts’s charismatic teenage muse, Ellen Terry, and the emblematic Good Samaritan (1850), gifted to the people of Manchester in honour of the great prison reformer Thomas Wright. His celebrated portraits of male contemporaries will be represented by such works as the Royal Academy’s distinctive depiction of Lord Leighton (1888), adorned in his magnificent presidential robes, and the eccentric poet Algernon Swinburne (1867, National Portrait Gallery). Other masterpieces – many of which have never before been exhibited at the Gallery – include the prime version of Love and Life (1884), given to the American people by G F Watts and displayed in the White House (now in a private collection) and a newly discovered portrait of Marie Fox (early 1870s), Princess of Liechtenstein – and adopted daughter of the artist’s great patrons, Lord and Lady Holland. • Monumental Murals (28 February – 5 November 2017, Watts Gallery), the first exhibition to showcase Watts’s mural projects. Striving to reach a large public, from early in his career G F Watts was drawn to paint great murals with ambitious subject-matter drawn from history, legend and mythology. This exhibition includes the first public display of Apollo and Diana (1855). •A Life in Art: G F Watts 1817 – 1904 (28 February – 5 November, Watts Gallery) will offer a chronological journey through the artist’s illustrious life, illustrated by some of his finest drawings. By highlighting key occasions in his seventy-year career, this show will tell the story of ‘England’s Michelangelo’ and his rise to prominence, from humble origins to world-famous artist.

philanthropic activities will be explored in a oneday seminar in partnership with Tate’s British Art Network, which will focus on the theme of artists as reformers in British art during the period c.18501900 (August 2017). • Watts was fascinated by the latest scientific discoveries, especially in evolution and astronomy. In several of his late works, the artist aspired to express modern scientific thinking through the visual language of art. A conference, Science and Art in Victorian Britain (October 2017), will investigate the relationships between science and art in the nineteenth century.

“He is one of the most compelling creative spirits of the nineteenth century”

Watts Gallery Trust will also publish a new book as part of the Watts 200 programme. The Art of G F Watts, by Dr Nicholas Tromans, Curator of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village (Paul Holberton, February 2017), will shed light upon many aspects of the artist’s career to place him back at the centre of nineteenth -century visual culture. Dr Nicholas Tromans, Curator of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, says: “Watts was a unique artist. At his best – and we will be showing his best works – he is one of the most compelling creative spirits of the nineteenth century. He had the most wonderfully optimistic hopes for art – he really believed art could change your life and even change society as a whole for the better. He had a kind of mystical belief in the progress of humanity, which he felt art alone could fully express.” “During this bicentenary year, we intend to decisively reinvigorate the artist’s reputation, and to achieve this the Watts 200 programme offers everyone fresh opportunities to enjoy the work of this wonderfully charismatic figure. Our main exhibition will combine colour, cosmos and celebrity to show how G F Watts’s art is mysterious, powerful and experimental. We are really looking forward to inviting as many people as possible to explore it with us.” www.wattsgallery.org.uk; @WattsGallery Facebook/wattsgalleryartistsvillage

Opposite, from top: Apollo and Diana, c.1854-55. Tempera and oil, on loan from the Crown Estate; Love and Life, 1880 1889, Oil on canvas; Above: Self-Portrait In A Red Robe, 1853, Oil On Canvas; Below: Study for the Figure of Life for Love and Life, 1884-85. Sanguine chalk; After the Deluge (The Forty-First Day), c.1885 - 91, Oil on canvas, All by George Frederic Watts (1817-1904) and courtesy of Watts Gallery Trust

The exhibitions will be accompanied by a series of special events which will revolve around three central themes, music & theatre, philanthropy and science: • Passionately devoted to music throughout his life, G F Watts often compared his poetic pictures to pieces of music. An Evening of Victorian Song (24 May 2017), compered by David Owen Norris, will be one of a number of musical and theatrical productions to be held in Watts Gallery during the year. • A lifelong social campaigner, Watts’s january 2017 39

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sculpting from nature Henry Moore at the Lightbox Gallery

From top: Reclining Figure Holes, 1976-78 The Henry Moore Foundation Gift of the artist 1977; Head, 1984; Working Model for Draped Reclining Mother and Baby, 1982; Ideas for Sculpture with Mother and Child, 1980. Main image: Henry Moore (1898-1986), Maquette for Two Piece Sculpture No.11, 1968; Inset: Moore in 1968 working on an etching plate for the Elephant Skull album © Errol Jackson. All images by Henry Moore (18981986) and reproduced by permission of The Henry Moore Foundation

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n 2017 The Lightbox gallery and museum will celebrate its 10th anniversary having first opened its doors on the 14 September 2007. The first major exhibition to mark this milestone will be ‘Henry Moore: Sculpting from Nature’ (21 Jan – 7 May 2017). This new and unique exhibition will feature over 50 artworks by Henry Moore (1898-1986), perceived by many as the greatest British sculptor of the 20th century. The show will include drawings, maquettes, working models and monumental sculptures, plus prints and studio materials. The works are being generously lent by the Henry Moore Foundation, the charitable trust set up by Moore and his family in 1977. The Foundation is based in Perry Green, Hertfordshire, on the 70 acre site that was home and studio to Moore for over forty years. Henry Moore was inspired by the natural world that surrounded him. Moore’s childhood memories of exploring the Yorkshire dales and playing on coal slagheaps contributed to his appreciation of both the rural English countryside and its juxtaposition with industrial Britain. From a young age, Moore collected natural or ‘found’ objects including bones, skulls, flint stones, driftwood and shells which he kept in an orderly ‘library of natural forms’. The exhibition will showcase how these organic shapes were repeatedly used by Moore, even in the creation of some of his most iconic figurative work. “The human figure is what interests me most deeply, but I have found principles of form and rhythm from the study of natural objects such as pebbles, rocks, bones, trees, plants… There is in nature a limitless variety of shapes and rhythms… from which the sculptor can enlarge his formknowledge experience.” Henry Moore

Henry Moore’s ‘Library of Natural Forms’ Henry Moore used this ‘library of natural forms’ to inform and inspire his transformative working process which involved many stages, often not following a linear pattern. A single flint might inspire a series of sketches, or else be incorporated into a maquette through the addition of plasticine. ‘Sculpting from Nature’, will give visitors new insight into Moore’s methods by displaying finished works alongside over 100 of the found objects that inspired them, and the various working models that demonstrate how his sculptural ideas evolved . Highlights of the exhibition include early transformation drawings from the 1930s which chart the process of recording in great detail a huge variety of natural forms. Moore’s series of elephant skull etchings will be displayed alongside the skull he owned, which he considered one of his prize possessions. Central to the exhibition will be the sculpture ‘Reclining Figure Holes’, elmwood, 1976-78, an important work inspired by the human form which was Moore’s last carving, completed at the age of 80. The exhibition will also feature two bronze sculptures, the evocative ‘Working Model for Draped Reclining Mother and Baby’, 1982, and the striking yet simply named ‘Head’, 1984. ‘Henry Moore: Sculpting from Nature’ will be on show at The Lightbox, from the 21 January 2017 – 7 May 2017. For further information please visit www.thelightbox.org.uk.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Top tips to protect your jewellery By NFU Mutual Cobham’

hristmas is a popular time for giving and receiving jewellery, so now is a good time to consider how best to look after and protect these valuable items. NFU Mutual’s Richard Alexander, High Net Worth Specialist at the Cobham branch, provides guidance.

NFU Mutual’s Bespoke insurance for high value homes will automatically increase the level of your cover a month before and after Christmas and other celebrations, and will pay up to £30,000 for damage to gifts belonging to policy holders and any member of their family.

The dos and don’ts of jewellery care • Gently wipe off any make-up and skin oils after each use with a 100% cotton cloth and store in a soft cloth bag or lined jewellery box; • If using a box, keep each piece in its own space, pouch or bag as metals and gemstones that contact each other can cause scratches and scuffs; • Remove light grease, dirt, oils, perfumes and fingerprints by using a soft bristle brush and washing up liquid in warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth; • Avoid using paper, polyester and coarse fabrics to clean jewellery as these can cause scratches; • Avoid using chemical cleaners, as well as any petroleum-based products as these can damage pearls and cause amber stones to ‘melt’; • Ignore recommendations to use toothpaste as a cleaner – the abrasives in toothpaste can damage the surface of metal and soft stones.

NFU Mutual Cobham are organising a free verbal valuations evening in April 2017

Protecting against loss or theft During 2013 and 2014, NFU Mutual paid out over £11million in jewellery insurance claims and this revealed jewellery is 13 times more likely to be lost than stolen. For those who are unfortunate enough to lose an item of jewellery, it helps if the item has been correctly valued and insured. Owners should: • Photograph jewellery and keep authenticity documentation separately; • Check the value of pieces are within an insurance policy’s maximum limit which can be claimed for an individual item; • Consider investing in a home safe or a safety deposit box at a bank; • Revisit valuations every two to three years – precious metals and stones can appreciate steeply over time. 42 january 2017

Whether a jewellery collection includes family heritage pieces, a growing number of bracelets, earrings and necklaces, or an engagement ring, taking care of it in the right way will ensure it stays looking its best. If there is uncertainty over jewellery’s value, and therefore how much it should be covered for, NFU Mutual Cobham are organising a Jewellery Valuations evening in April, at Sandown Racecouse, Esher. Guests can enjoy canapés and Prosecco while discussing their valuable items with a jewellery expert. Contact Rachael_collyns@nfumutual.co.uk for a personal invitation. To find out more, visit us at our offices in Cobham High Street, on week days between 9am and 5pm, or call 01932 289865.

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New Year, New You? Say hello to a slimmer you in 2017 with CoolSculpting, the #1 non-surgical fat reduction treatment. Book a complimentary consultation at the Light Touch Clinic to find out how our body contouring experts can help you look your best.

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The world’s largest LEGO Store opens in Leicester Square The LEGO Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials, has officially opened its new UK flagship store in Leicester Square

he largest LEGO store in the world boasts exciting new experiences, such as a ‘Mosaic Maker’ which offers LEGO fans of all ages the opportunity to purchase their very own, one of a kind, personalised LEGO mosaic portrait. The machine captures your image and in under ten minutes printed instructions and the bricks required to complete the LEGO portrait are supplied to the customer. The London store is the first in the world to make this unique experience available.

“Inspiring creativity and developing the builders of tomorrow is a central theme for the store” Inspiring creativity and developing the builders of tomorrow is a central theme for the store and this is encouraged with unique hands-on interactive brick experiences. These include ‘Master Builder Playtables’, where children will be free to build whatever they can imagine - inspired by iconic London landmarks and a range of exciting LEGO themes. Through a partnership with Transport for London, LEGO has created a life-sized London Underground tube carriage. The tube is the largest LEGO build in the store, is made up of 637,903 bricks and took 3,399 hours to build. The carriage offers fun photo opportunities and is a must see for all the family. 50 january 2017

Other highlights within the new London LEGO Store include: • Build a Minifigure Tower with Talking LEGO Minifigures – includes four different talking LEGO Minifigures including Lester, Royal Guard, Bobby the Policeman and Sherlock Holmes • LEGO Minifigure Scanner – an interactive experience available from outside the store where people can find out which LEGO Minifigure they are • Digital window display - state of the art screens that show LEGO movies and clips • Brickadilly corner – an interactive information centre informing shoppers of in-store event schedules and highlighting retail experiences within the store • Digital endless isle – a digital experience allowing shoppers to browse a digital catalogue of all LEGO sets available in store. LEGO STORE, 3 SWISS COURT, LONDON W1D 6AP. Tel: 0207 839 3480 Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10:00am – 10pm; Sunday: 12noon-6pm. For more news from the LEGO Group, please visit www.LEGO.com

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A Spirited Passion for Spirits C

raig Harris is a man with some history. His family has run a specialist wholesale drinks business since 1986 and over the last 30 years has gained a robust and growing following of trade customers, restaurants, hotels, clubs and bars and a growing number of boutique spirit shops.

DistillersDirect.com

Distilled spirits are Craig’s passion; ‘niche, rare, individual and the more original, the better, is my mission’, he says with a grin, ‘and consumers are becoming more widely knowledgeable, as they are exposed to specialist spirits whilst dining and drinking out, but are increasingly discerning in their quest for unusual, exceptional quality spirits for themselves, at home.’ This passion, and consumer demand, led to the creation of DistillersDirect.com in 2015, which benefits from the established business, with its access to the World’s spirits, a reliable supply chain, variety and availability, especially for some of the up-and-coming brands like Burleigh’s Gin, Compass Box Whisky, Blackwoods Vodka, the list goes on.

Vast Range

Craig goes on to say, ‘we carry a large stock of nearly 1,000 limited releases, rare items and items of exceptional quality, from over 250 brands, with over 120 whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Canada and USA; over 40 Vodkas

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from Russia, UK, USA, Iceland, Poland, Sweden, Holland and Canada; 120 Gins from the UK, USA, France, Portugal, Belgium, Australia, the list really does go on, into rum, tequila, liqueurs, brandy/ cognac and vermouths!’ There’s also a large variety of complementing mixers, cocktail ingredients, lots of offers, even a subscription service and all sorts of interesting gift packs, to satisfy the most cultivated and adventurous tastes.

Guaranteed Delivery

All orders are taken online at DistillersDirect.com, where express 1-2 day, tracked delivery is £5.99 and free for orders over £100. Orders come carefully boxed and wrapped, with air liners, to ensure goods arrive safely. So if you’re someone who enjoys premium drinks at home, are seeking an original gift, or being the ultimate party host, yet always looking to discover new brands and different ways of serving them, Distillers Direct has practically every spirit you’ll need, and a lot more besides.

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New floral concierge service for your home

repared bouquets of flowers all lack one thing; a sense of you. House of Flowers is a luxurious floral concierge service which delivers freshly cut flowers directly to your door. The four bespoke Collections of stems enable you to arrange and rearrange the flowers as many times as you like to suit your style, events, and interior décor. With your choice of delivery every week, fortnight, or month, this unique delivery service allows you to add that special something to your arrangement; a sense of you.

styled with the freshest stems throughout the seasons, you’ll have an endless ability to create something totally original with each delivery.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

From Flower Selection to Delivery

The House of Flowers Collections are categorised according to size. The largest, the Buckingham, is perfect as one showstopping arrangement or divided into smaller creations throughout your home. The Blenheim is both versatile and stunning making it ideal for up to two creations or multiple smaller arrangements. Finally, the Chatsworth and Highclere are abundantly bold and thoughtfully selected so you can create a harmonious arrangement to enhance your décor.

House of Flowers take pride in each step of their service. The floral architects carefully select each of the stems to produce versatile collections. The brand also have their own internal uniformed concierge team to ensure delivery week after week without delay. This attention to detail creates a luxurious experience so you can spend more time enjoying your fine flowers. If you want WOW in your life, you have found it. Covering towns throughout Berkshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire, you can register now to become a member with your choice of weekly, fortnightly, or monthly delivery of floral haute couture direct to your door. Officially launching in January 2017 you can also purchase a gift voucher for that special someone in your life. Start creating and think outside the box with House of Flowers floral concierge, find out more online at www.hof.direct.

Flowers How You Want Them The Collections arrive as a bunch of stems in luxurious packaging, protected by monogrammed tissue paper, ready to be arranged however you would like. Encouraging members to share the results of their creations to inspire others, the floral concierge company also have ideas and inspiration on their website to get you started. While each Collection is 58 january 2017

Everything You Need In addition to offering four beautiful collections of flowers, House of Flowers also have an online shop where members can supplement their deliveries with à la carte stems and supplies. This shop is perfect if you’re looking to extend your creations to more vases or get the perfect container to display the stems.

“Put the WOW and surprise factor back in your life, weekly, fortnightly or monthly!”

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gucci kids T

he prestigious and hugely glamorous Italian brand that is Gucci is without a doubt one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses; known for their luxurious and timeless products worldwide and a famous following from movie stars to royalty. Few fashion houses can boast as much mystique as Gucci. This storied Florentine company, founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the brand blends Italian savoir-faire, leather crafting, equestrian influences and the iconic double G logo for a unique aesthetic that is adored by numerous VIP fans. Gucci has long been inspired by distinguished women of beauty – actresses, princesses and socialites. The brand have honed more than 100 years of experience to create exquisite collections of the most impeccable quality. Elegant and refined, fashion according to Gucci is ripe with an air of luxury. And in 2011, Gucci extended their highly respected, luxury brand to include designer clothes for children, creating exquisitely crafted collections made from the finest quality fabrics and materials - attention to detail, design and exceptional textiles - Gucci Kids is loved for its luxurious Italian styling. Discover their collection of Gucci boys, girls and baby – perfect for a fashion-forward generation. The collection for girls and boys is divided into two age ranges, from 0 to 2 years and from 2 to 8 years, and comprises clothing, shoes, accessories, gifts and sunglasses. Welcome to a children’s wardrobe that is 100% Italian…. London Sloane Flagship: 18 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9NE. Tel: 0207 235 6707; Gucci London Heathrow Airport T2; Hounslow Departure Lounge T2, Heathrow, TW6 3XA. Tel: 0208 976 7790. www.gucci.com; Harrods: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL. www.harrods.com

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Denim single breasted jacket with shearling and mixed patches, £1,080; Booties in silver leather with star and lightening pattern, £260; Red cotton blend tights, £55

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BOY: Margarine, red and green tartan wool padded biker, £485; Sand cashmere long sleeve crew neck with ‘l’aveugle par amour’ and bird patch, £370; Denim pants with mixed embroideries, £350; Red and ivory striped alpaca wool blend hat with snake detail, £160; Slip-on sneakers in tartan fabric with mixed patches, £170 GIRL: Relish, red and bone tartan wool silk single breasted coat with flower trim, £515; Red and navy merino wool, silk and cashmere short sleeve dress with lurex web, £295; Midnight blue and red striped wool hat with pompom, £120

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Caspian cotton corduroy single breasted jacket with red bee and star embroidery, £485; Dimmet and red cotton short sleeve shirt, £145; Cobalt and red merinos cashmere long sleeve cardigan with pied de poul jacquard and web, £260

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SecretS designer dress agency

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HEALTH &

beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i mag e : Bl o n d e b o m b s h ell

H EALTH & BEAUTY

New Year, New You Get in shape with CoolSculpting at the Light Touch Clinic

Overdone it this festive period?

Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolution with the Light Touch Clinic. Book a complimentary consultation to find out how our body contouring experts can make your body goals a reality with CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is the #1 non-surgical fat reduction treatment in the world with millions of treatments performed across the globe. This FDA-approved device is the original fat-freezing machine and uses a process called cryolipolysis to remove unwanted fat for good. No scalpels, no downtime, no scars… CoolSculpting helps you get the body you want without surgery. During the treatment the area of unwanted fat is gently drawn into a vacuum where it is carefully cooled to a temperature low enough to damage fat cells without doing any harm to the surrounding tissues. The damaged fat cells are then naturally removed from the body via the lymphatic system over the coming weeks, leaving you with a slimmer silhouette. As well as removing stubborn fat, we also find that many of our patients are motivated by the results achieved through CoolSculpting to embark on a healthier lifestyle too. 70 january 2017

WHY CHOOSE LIGHT TOUCH? Multi-award winning clinic ••• Experienced practitioners achieving industry leading results ••• Conveniently situated on Weybridge high street with discreet parking ••• Award-winning technologies and treatments ••• Beautiful, friendly clinic with award-winning customer experience

“At your consultation, our CoolSculpting experts will work with you to put together a bespoke treatment plan to help you look and feel your best”

Julie’s CoolSculpting Journey

Jackie’s CoolSculpting Journey

I really didn’t like the idea of actual surgery but post-children I was really unhappy with my body. I was particularly dissatisfied with the stubborn areas of fat on my midriff and stomach. When I heard about this treatment, I did a lot of research. I was attracted to CoolSculpting due to its safety and brilliant results. I am so relieved that I took some action. I feel much more confident in my clothes. The whole experience has been really motivating - I did something positive to change and it has encouraged me to carry on a healthy lifestyle for even better results.

BEFORE

AFTER

I had CoolSculpting on my tummy and also on my axillary puffs - that little bit of bra fat near the armpit. I did a lot of research before choosing CoolSculpting at the Light Touch Clinic. As it’s your body you are taking chances with, I wanted to make sure I was having the treatment done by a professional, qualified practitioner. I found the treatment quite comfortable, I was on a bed for about an hour and even fell asleep whilst having the treatment! I am so happy with the results, I feel so much more confident and bikini ready!

BEFORE

AFTER

Call the clinic on 01932 849552 to book your complimentary CoolSculpting consultation. Could it be your hormones?

As well as experiencing symptoms such as fatigue and hot flushes, it is not uncommon for women to experience weight gain during the menopause. Fortunately, at the Light Touch Clinic we are now able to offer a solution in bio-identical hormone therapy. Distinct from synthetic hormone replacement therapy, bio-identical hormones are 100% identical to your natural hormones and closely replicate their effects to ease menopause symptoms. Book a consultation with Dr Natalie Blakely for more information Left: Dr Natalie Blakely, Bio-Identical Hormone Specialist

THE DETAILS

Light Touch Clinic, 50 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8DS www.lighttouchclinic.co.uk info@lighttouchclinic.co.uk 01932 849552 january 2017 71

H EALTH & BEAUTY

Blonde Bombshell

From icy white to honey-hued, there are endless blonde shades to choose from, so how do you find the one that’s right for you? By Katie Wright, Press Association

“C

olour consultation has really moved on from traditional guidelines, so it’s a bit of a myth that someone with, for instance, pale skin and blue eyes should be one type of blonde, compared to someone with darker skin and brown eyes” says Christel Lundqvist, Founder of STIL Salon (www.stil-salon.com). “Colour is bespoke to every individual, taking into account their personal fashion style and lifestyle as well.” That said, there are still some guidelines colourists agree you should follow before hitting the bottle (or the salon). From selecting a shade to maintaining your mane, these are the pros’ top five tips for achieving Goldilocked perfection...

COMPLEMENT YOUR COMPLEXION “When deciding which kind of blonde would best work for a client, I like to first identify their skin tone,” explains Danielle Llewellyn, UK hair ambassador for eSalon. “Skin tones generally fall into two categories, warm or cool. Warm skin has yellow, golden, or peach undertones, while cool skin tones look pink, blue, or beige. With hair colour, you’ll find the most flattering effect when you complement it with tones opposite of your skin tone. For example, if you have warm skin, try cool blonde colours containing violet, blue, or neutral tones. For cool skin, try blondes containing golden or red tones.” 72 january 2017

DYE-ITYOURSELF WITH THESE AT-HOME HEROES...

1. Schwarzkopf LIVE Intense Lightener 00B Max Blonde, £5.49, Superdrug www.superdrug.com 2. Colour Freedom Cream Bleach, £7.99, Superdrug www.superdrug.com 3. Nice’n Easy Permanent Colour 9.5 Natural Extra Light Blonde, £5.99, Boots www.boots.com 4. L’Oreal Paris Recital Preference Permanent Hair Colour in California, £9.49 FeelUnique.com

3 “Warm skin has yellow, golden, or peach undertones”

2 4

TRIED & TESTED Buy it now

Fashion photographer Sarah Moon has turned her focus on make-up, collaborating with NARS on a stunning capsule collection. Inspired by the 1927 silent film Metropolis, the 15-piece range features cool grey and purple eyeshadows, complemented by a trio of rich red lip colours and nail polishes. NARS Moon Matte Lipstick in Rouge Indiscret, £21; Nail Polish in La Dame En Noir, £15 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk)

Can SensatioNail’s starter kit really turn run-of-the-mill polishes into long-lasting gel? Gemma Dunn finds out... if it’s bright, will often give a more noticeable regrowth line.” Mansfield says: “If you’re an all-over blonde, then always colour your roots before the hair has grown longer than 1.5cm, to get the best colour result and avoid a visible ‘band’.”

LOOK AFTER YOUR LOCKS “A must for every bottle blonde is a purple toning shampoo to counteract brassiness. Toning shampoos work wonders towards reducing unwanted warm or golden tones,” Llewellyn says.

LOOK BEFORE YOU BLEACH “Look around at other people that have similar hair colour, skin colour and eye colour to you, as a reference for what you think will suit you,” advises Schwarzkopf LIVE colour ambassador Lyndell Mansfield. “Most people know what makes them feel good when they wear colour, and generally that is the colour that would suit them best,” says Lundqvist. “Our clients are very aware what suits them, and it’s rare they’re dead set on shades that wouldn’t be suitable - but, of course, we’re there to guide and steer in the right direction.”

ASK THE EXPERTS “Going from brunette to blonde in one sitting can create unwanted damage and hair breakage,” warns Llewellyn. “If you’re thinking of lifting or lightening hair more than two levels, it may be best to visit a salon, so your hair can be cared for under the watchful eye of a colourist.”

REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS “If you’re after a look that’s a little more low-key in maintenance, highlights are great, as the re-growth is often softer when it grows out,” Lundqvist recommends. “A full head of colour, especially

Keep that colour Fresh with... • TIGI Catwalk Fashionista Violet Shampoo, £9.75, and Conditioner, £11.15 (LookFantastic.com) • eSalon Tinted Love Colour Enhanching Treatment, £11 (www.esalon.co.uk) • Mane ‘n Tail Color Protect Shampoo and Conditioner, £6.99 each, Boots (www.boots.com) • Sachajuan Silver Shampoo, £20 (Escentual.com)

“If glossy nails are your thing, but traipsing to the local salon is not, rest assured you can get the perfect DIY home mani (at a fraction of the price), thanks to the clever people over at SensatioNail. Dubious? It takes some effort - a good 20-30 minutes if you want to achieve decent results - but the kit certainly delivers, plus it provides the ideal clear-out solution for any neglected polishes lying around. Essentially, the kit comes with a bottle of ‘magical’ clear gel polish that can be used as a top coat or mixed with a nail polish, in equal parts, before being cured under the nifty LED lamp in just 30 seconds. The results: shiny, smooth, chip-free nails for, in my case, an impressive 10 days. Top tips include using a piece of tin foil to line the mixing pot and opting for opaque colours. If you run out, the little bottle of transformer can be bought separately - hurrah!” SensatioNail Polish To Gel Transformer Starter Kit, £49.99 (www.sensationail.co.uk)

january 2017 73

H EALTH & BEAUTY

Your Time to Sparkle Make an entrance this New Year with Hair and Beauty from Academy Salons

Above images: Hair - Errol Douglas MBE for Balmain Paris Hair Couture; Photography - Jack Eames

HAIR ENVY Treat yourself to a new hair style, cut, colour or added volume.

BODY CONFIDENCE Enjoy some new year pampering – a full body massage and finish with a spray tan, manicure and pedicure.

TREASURE YOUR FACE Shaped brows and added lashes means eye opening and instant de-ageing - also enjoy a full makeup session for that special evening. All the Academy Salons are committed to helping you look and feel your very best for the new year. We believe haircare is an essential part of a tip-top lifestyle. To help us achieve the most beautiful and up to date results we use the best products available in the industry today. Products include Balmain Paris Hair Couture Styling and Care, Alterna, Living Proof, Paul Mitchell and Cloud Nine. We also offer the very best added hair service in the area with Balmain Paris Hair Couture, and are currently the holder of Southern UK Extensionist of the Year. We are also delighted to announce our four new on-trend colours - Smokey Grey, Silver Grey, Slate Blue and Grey Lavender. To ensure the outcome of our services achieve optimal satisfaction - a complimentary, thorough consultation to discuss each client’s individual needs and desires is conducted with every appointment. We then strive to exceed our client’s expectations.

Academy for all your Hair and Beauty needs. • Cut • Colour • Blow Drying • Added hair for length • Added hair for volume • Colour without chemicals • Deep conditioning treatments

• Hair Ups • Bridal Service • Tanning • Nails • Facials • Massage • Waxing

10 The Green, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4HL T: 01932 252 464 ••••• 42 High Street, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3EB T: 01932 864 929 ••••• 105 Hare Lane, Claygate, Surrey KT10 0QX T: 01372 462 724 ••••• 91 High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9QA T: 01372 466 400 ••••• 81 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9UQ T: 01932 852289 ••••• www.academysalons.com www.balmainhair.com Academy Salons - finalists for the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2016.

For all you fashionistas visit any of our 5 Academy Salons and treat yourself to one of the amazing Balmain Paris Hair Couture products currently in stock 74 january 2017

H EALTH & BEAUTY

TRIED & TESTED When it come to concealer, are the most expensive brands always best? Our testers find out...

I was impressed with this coverup. It was less greasy than my usual concealer, with a matte texture, which meant I did need to spend more time blending, but the result was long-lasting. And at £2.50, it’s a steal. Essence Pure Nude Concealer in Shade 20, £2.50, Wilko (www.wilko.com)

Creams, lotions and oils abound in every bathroom, but did you know some of the most effective skincare products are actually of the powdered variety?

This has a very creamy consistency, so I was worried it might be a bit chalky, but it’s much more sheer and subtle when applied. It works really well to hide eye bags and blemishes, and stays put all day. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Sand, £5.99, Boots (www.boots.com)

The ideal find if you’re after a perfectly smooth concealer. The wand makes application easy, while the light and creamy consistency leaves a radiant, dewy finish. Be mindful when picking out the correct shade, however; they lean a little to the pink side. Too Faced ‘Born This Way’ Naturally Radiant Concealer Light Medium, £20, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com)

words: Katie Wright, Press Association

Powder players A

bit like washing powder for clothes but no where near as harsh, obviously - they combine granulated enzymes, botanicals or actives with mechanical exfoliants, which, when liquefied with water, create a sudsy foam that dissolves make-up, dirt and dry skin. Originating in Japan, there are now plenty of powder players on the UK market, ready to add a sprinkle of magic to your cleansing regime...

EASTERN PROMISE Japanese brand DHC’s foaming Face Wash Powder, £9.50, contains the enzyme protease, which sweeps away the dead skin cells that lead to dull-looking 76 january 2017

skin, plus honey and liquorice to soothe and soften (www.dhcuk.co.uk).

FOAM PARTY More of an exfoliator than a cleanser, Kiko Pure Clean Powder, £7.90, lathers up nicely, making light work of make-up and grime, while olive pit and corn starch granules scrub away dead skin (www.kikocosmetics.com).

SODA POP Mixed with water, the Kiko Pure Clean Powder, available from kikocosmetics.com

kind of baking soda you normally find in the kitchen makes an effective exfoliator, but Biore’s Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub, currently reduced to £3.29 from £4.99 at Superdrug, combines the raising agent with cleansing actives to leave skin feeling squeaky clean. (www.superdrug.com).

Dr Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser, available from harrods.com Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant, available from aesop.com

VITAMIN C SHOT Specially designed for darker skin tones, Dr Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser, £45, Harrods, contains a potent blend of enzymes and vitamin C. The soft lather gently buffs away dry skin, reduces oiliness and promotes radiance. (www.harrods.com).

PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

SPOT CHECK

Murad Transforming Powder, available from murad.co.uk

Exfoliation is essential for preventing acne, but it has to be gentle enough not to irritate existing blemishes. Murad Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator, £25, strikes the ideal balance, harnessing salicylic acid, bio-enzymes and pumpkin seed extract to boost cell turnover and prevent breakouts. (www.murad.co.uk).

“Exfoliation is essential for preventing acne, but it has to be gentle enough not to irritate existing blemishes”

SILK CUT Another Japanese import, Sensai’s luxurious Silky Purifying Silk Peel Powder, £55, Harrods, combines exfoliating powder properties with signature ingredient koishimaru silk to deliver gorgeously soft skin. Use two or three times a week in place of your Sensai Silky Purifying usual cleanser. Silk Peel Powder, (www.harrods.com). available from harrods.com

GET THE GLOW Part of the excellent Hydra Sparkling range, Givenchy’s One-Minute Glow Powder, £29.50, Debenhams, is so gentle it can be used daily. Mix a sprinkling of the

powder with a dash of water in the palm of your hand, and massage over your face to reveal soft, purified skin that improves the more you use it. (www.debenhams.com).

TEA TREAT

Buy it now

L’Occitane’s bestselling Immortelle range harnesses the exceptional anti-ageing properties of the ‘flower that never fades’, and now a luxurious new serum bolsters the Corsican extract with a red algae that also grows in the Mediterranean isle. In the Divine Harmony Serum, £139, Immortelle micro-drops are suspended within a Jania Rubens-enriched gel, which acts to plump, brighten, smooth lines and redefine facial contours (www.loccitane.com).

One of the first skincare powders available in the UK, Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant, £27, is comprised of pulverised tea tree leaves, nut shell and purified clay, all crushed to smithereens to produce a twicea-week treatment. Activate with water or your favourite cleanser for a double dose of exfoliating action. (www.aesop.com).

FLOWER POWER The botanical blend of rose petal, jasmine and neroli in Diptyque’s Radiance Boosting Powder, £38, delivers nourishing nutrients at the same time as sloughing away dullness. (www.diptyqueparis.co.uk).

Institut Esthederm Intensive Vitamine C Serum, available from escentual.com

SUPER SERUM An innovative powder serum, Institut Esthederm Intensive Vitamine C Serum, £27, Escentual, needs no moisture to get to work on fine lines and pigment spots, simply tap it lightly over areas of concern. “Vitamin C gets destabilized when put in water, so we formulated a high amount of Vitamin C (15%) in powder form, to make sure it remains active until put in contact with the skin,” explains brand education director Isabelle Benoit. (www.escentual.com). january 2017 77

H EALTH & BEAUTY

Face the New Year in good skin health

re you starting your January cleanse? Many of us make the same promises year after year, to get rid of bad habits, exercise more, eat healthier and indulge less, but how often do we include our skin health in our resolutions? We sat down with Dr Firas Al-Niaimi, a prominent UK Dermatologist and Medical Director at sk:n, the UK’s leading skin clinic to get an expert opinion on the treatments and products that will leave us looking and feeling our best as we face the New Year. Q. What treatments will help to promote healthy, glowing skin as we attempt to detox and recover from the hectic party season? A. A light chemical peel such as a Glycolic Peel would work well at this time of year. The benefits of a Glycolic peel include cell regeneration and collagen production. The peel penetrates beneath the surface of the skin and can help treat fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes as well as sun spots and acne scars. Q. Was it even Christmas if you didn’t overindulge on chocolate and cheese boards?! What effect does excessive amounts of dairy really have on our skin and how can we combat this? A. In some individuals (not everyone) excessive dairy products can cause a flare up of existing acne or lead to the development of few so-called ‘pimples’. The use of an exfoliant wash and a cream which contains vitamin A can help. We offer a range of treatments for the solution to acne, our highly trained practitioners will talk you through the options in your tailored consultation. Treatments include Salicylic acid peel which is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent, and Isolaz which is designed to extract skin debris, bacteria and excess sebum from pores. A Microdermabrasion treatment is also very effective to unblock pores. Q. The weather outside is frightful! And my central heating is on permanently. How do I avoid drying out and irritating my skin without dialling down my thermostat? A. It’s really important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and to use a good so-called “humectant” moisturiser that retains moisture and water in your skin. A particular favourite of mine is sk:n Hydrator for Oily/Blemish Prone skin which is a great hydrator that can be used on all skin types, not just those with oily skin. 78 january 2017

Q. How can I improve the general look and feel of my skin, without incurring any down time? A. The Dermapen revitalise treatment is a type of microneedling that targets deeper layers of the skin for a rejuvenating effect. Tiny needles in a hand held pen device cause microscopic punctures in the skin, prompting your skin into repair mode, encouraging the production of collagen to renew the skin which has experienced trauma. Aside from some redness post treatment there is minimal downtime and one week after your treatment your increased collagen levels will peak; your skin is likely to feel tighter and firmer, plus it will look brighter and fresher. sk:n have opened a brand new clinic on Esher High Street, offering the latest in laser hair removal, tattoo removal, and treatments for rejuvenation and acne. Until the end of January you can receive 50% off your first treatment.* 101a High Street, Esher, KT10 9QE. 01372 238 756. www.sknclinics.co.uk *Selected treatments only. Terms and conditions apply please refer to the sk:n website for more information.

Fast Facts ·sk:n is the largest network of accessible clinics in the UK

·sk:n is the most recommended skin clinic by GPs

·sk:n offers the widest range of clinically proven treatments and products, for the widest variety of skin conditions ·sk:n is the only skin clinic with medical treatment protocols, governed by our Medical Standards Team

sk:n are founding members of Treatments You Can Trust (TYCT), a Department of Health backed register of cosmetic injectable providers

H EALTH & BEAUTY

Has your pool got potential? Owning a pool can be an expensive luxury. That’s why shrewd pool owners optimise their liquid assets in partnership with Sports Generation

ports Generation is a high calibre swimming coaching company, co-founded by Christian Kenny and Christopher Whitworth, who have over 25 years’ collective experience of teaching and running swim companies. “We currently teach over 1200 children, from 3 months upwards, at prestigious health clubs and private residences in Richmond, Chiswick, Wimbledon, Esher, Bloomsbury and Hook. Demand for quality private swimming lessons is high which

is why we have approached residential indoor pool owners to propose a mutually beneficial partnership to meet that demand” explains Christopher.

“We really enjoy working with Chris and Christian at Sports Generation. The guys are very sensitive to our needs as pool owners and ensure that their clients are respectful, and arrive and leave quietly.” Pool Owner, Richmond. “Whilst owning a pool is an undoubted pleasure, its upkeep can be less so”, states Christian. “Often, private pools are used infrequently and can be redundant for considerable lengths of time. Through a rental partnership with Sports Generation, indoor pool owners can capitalise on these redundant periods, which affords many benefits: offsets running and maintenance costs, creates an additional and substantial income stream

80 january 2017

and keeps your pool running optimally, which in turn minimises deterioration”. If you are an indoor pool owner and you are interested in realising your pool’s potential, please get in touch with either Christian or Christopher who would be very happy to discuss this further with you. Christian Kenny: christian@sportsgeneration.co.uk Christopher Whitworth: christopher@sportsgeneration.co.uk Sports Generation Office: 020 8940 3997 www.sportsgeneration.co.uk

Join 4 million satisfied customers who have used invisalign to achieve beautiful smiles

CALL US AT OnE Of OUR pRACTiCES fOR yOUR free inviSALiGn COnSULTATiOn GUiLDfORD: 01483 506 345

Smile 101 Specialist Orthodontic Centre, 118 St Leonards Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 3DG Tel: 01753 832 221 Email: braces@smile101.co.uk

WinDSOR: 01753 832 221

www.smile101.co.uk

Smile 101 Specialist Orthodontic Centre, 57 Quarry Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3UA Tel: 01483 506 345 Email: hello@smile101.co.uk

RY UA

L SA

HOME &

PROPERTY

– A collection of Surrey and Berkshire’s finest house and garden companies, plus stunning homes for sale in the area –

H OME & PROPERTY

Keep your home happy this winter with a Harvey Water Softener

he water that runs through your home is vital to the maintenance of it, impacting everything from your family’s skin, to boiler efficiency. All of this is determined by the area you live in. Rainwater is ‘soft’ but when it flows underground through limestone and chalk it picks up minerals. Hard water then enters your home. Limescale is one of the best insulators and if you live in a hard water area the scale buildup on pipes will prevent the heating system from working as effectively. The most obvious place for this scale is in the kettle, where you can actually see the white residue furring up the heating element. This is happening inside your hot water system too, which results in reduced efficiency, higher energy consumption and maintenance costs.

With soft water

84 january 2017

With hard water

With the cold weather approaching it is vital to keep your heating working as efficiently as possible. Your pipes and appliances buildup cm’s worth of scale over the years. Just 1/16 an inch of scale around your boiler’s heating element can increase your fuel costs by 15%. Once a heat source is scaled up it can’t work as efficiently. The introduction of softened water with a Harvey Water Softener will descale pipes and appliances, making them more efficient and longer lasting. As well as limescale being removed from pipes, with softened water, you will notice that it disappears from your surfaces too. You can spend less time cleaning and more time with your feet up! Softened water lathers better with products, so you are left with softer, more manageable skin and hair. Help soothe your skin by reducing the amount of chemical products you use and if you suffer from dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis you might see improvements there too. Harvey Bowden started up the business when he and his family suffered the effects of hard water first hand, the product you see today has been tested and adapted to be at the forefront of innovation. The UK’s number one twintank cylinder design has been developed in the local factory in Old Woking, Surrey to work with British plumbing systems and fit neatly under the kitchen sink. Harvey’s vision of having softened water in every home grows closer; “every home in the UK would benefit from a water softener, if it makes sense for one person, then it makes sense for everybody. Water is used everyday and softened water does any job better than hard water”. Book a survey or ask for a quote by calling 01483 670498 or visit harvey.co.uk

Showrooms: 78 & 82 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8DL • Telephone: 01932 856850 • www.whw.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

We go through the roof, so you don’t have to.

s house prices continue to rise and homeowners strive to find more value within their property, space is currently somewhat of a commodity. With ‘Improve, don’t move!’ becoming the loudest thought currently running through homeowner’s minds, it is important to know that just simply having your loft space insulated and boarded properly can add nearly £3,000 of value. Having a full loft conversion on the other hand, can add on average a massive 21% on to your home’s value, according to the Nationwide March 2015 House Price Index. The Loft Access Company, with over 14 years of specialised experience dealing with everything related to the loft space, has been adding value to homes through London and home counties long enough to know that the benefits do truly outweigh the costs. Each enquiry received first involves a non-obligatory home survey. Whether it be for a simple loft-hatch enlarging or for a twobedroom and en-suite conversion, the survey involves assessment of capability and which areas need the most improvement. With a continuously growing team of installers and administrators, The Loft Access Company can therefore either create clean, dust-free and bright storage solutions in the home by establishing safe loft spaces, or the perfect extra habitable living area. As many may know, any expansion work done on a home can get complicated, not to mention expensive. The full Architectural Design service provided by The Loft Access Company, however, means that everything from the positioning of windows, to the understanding of structural regulations in place can be handled smoothly and efficiently. This service also includes a 3D design of your new loft, as well as a 3D walkthrough video sent straight to your inbox. Based in Windsor, The Loft Access Company are FENSA registered, with the full seal of approval from the Guild of Master Craftsmen, as well as certified VELUX Window installers. So, from performing balancing acts atop of foot stools, each customer can have peace of mind that their new Three-Piece Timber Loft Ladder will go the distance with 10 Years Guarantee. If you would like to find out The Loft Access Company can improve your loft space, please call them today to discover how you can add value to your home today. Also make sure to keep an eye out for their trade stand in at the local markets and community events!

“Simply having your loft space insulated and boarded properly can add nearly £3,000 of value”

86 january 2017

Dukes House, 5 High Street, Windsor, Berks, SL4 1LD www.theloftaccesscompany.com 01753 840485

H OME & PROPERTY

Which is Best? Double or Triple Glazing? W

hen making your mind up between UPVC double or triple glazing, it is sensible to ask yourself which is going to be the better long term product for your particular property, as genuinely “A+” rated energy saving double glazed replacement window products are more than sufficient for the vast majority of UK properties. Not all UPVC replacement windows are “A+” rated by any means, as to achieve a genuine energy rating that is high enough to comply with the current Building Regulations requirements for greater thermal efficiency, the frame of the window (whether it is made of aluminium, crittall, hardwood or UPVC) needs to be independently tested in conjunction with the sealed unit and gaskets. The current Building Regulations in England and Wales require both home owners and double glazing manufacturers and installers to supply and fit replacement windows with a minimum energy rating of “C” or a maximum combined U-Value of 1.6 W/m2K (a measure of thermal efficiency, where the lower the figure the greater the energy efficiency of a product). As UPVC “A+” rated double glazed replacement windows and UPVC “A++” rated triple glazed replacement are both “A+” rated or better, there is frankly not much thermal difference between the levels of thermal performance. It is really a question of which product will give you the best return on your investment, plus whether double or triple glazing is best suited to your particular property and requirements. Nowadays, although they do cost more, triple glazed UPVC windows, residential doors and French doors are not a great deal more expensive than double glazed products. Properly installed

*Outer frame profile of A++ triple glazed is 10mm slimmer than our A+ double glazed.

88 january 2017

“A+” rated UPVC double or triple glazing offers unrivalled value for money when household energy savings and consequent financial savings are taken into account (i.e. painting and decorating), saving money on maintenance costs year in, year out. However, as triple glazing by definition has an extra pane of glass, each sealed unit is thicker and heavier duty. So not only does the extra glass cost at least 50% more, each window costs more to

transport as is much heavier. One word of warning however, historically time to date, triple glazed sealed units tend to break down/fail thermally more often than double glazed units, so this factor needs to be taken into account, along with the extra costs of triple glazing when choosing between the two different types. Top quality UPVC triple glazing, with a combined U-value of 1.0 W/m²k, can potentially be around 40% more thermally efficient that standard UPVC “A” rated double glazing and 60% more thermally efficient than standard “C” rated double glazing. Even though most UK property owners will find replacement “A+” rated double glazing perfectly adequate for this modern energy saving age, some may still think that triple glazing is worth the added investment as: 1) Triple glazing delivers more thermal efficiency than standard “A” rated UPVC double glazing so energy savings should be far higher. 2) Triple glazed windows further reduce draughts and cold spots in a room that currently has less thermally efficient windows and doors. 3) Triple glazed windows can also further reduce the impact of exterior noise. They do reduce noise, and if the middle pane of glass is a different type of glass to two external panes, this also helps toward acoustic insulation. 4) Triple glazed windows and doors could save each UK home owner many thousands of pounds over the next 20 years, which is not inconsiderable when the rising costs of fuel are taken into consideration.

so insist on having it toughened if you do choose replacement triple glazing. To find out more about the benefits of both double and triple glazing from family owned and run independent double and triple glazing manufacturers and installers Hazlemere Windows, ask for a free no-obligation consultation with one of their experienced experts by calling 01344 989938 or visiting www.hazlemere.co.uk

“Triple glazed windows and doors could save each UK home owner many thousands of pounds over the next 20 years” 5) A 3rd pane of glass, by definition, makes a triple glazed sealed unit much harder to break than a double glazed sealed unit – especially when the middle pane is made of toughened glass. What’s more, many UPVC double and triple glazed windows are internally beaded and the glass unit can only be removed from the frame by a person who is inside the premises. Because thermally efficient triple glazed sealed units keep more heat in, the internal inside pane will remain at roughly room temperature. Similarly, because less heat is escaping, the external pane will remain cold when it is cold outdoors. Therefore the middle pane of glass is subject to very contrasting temperatures i.e. warmth from the internal pane/ cavity and cold from the external pane/cavity, and thermal breakage could occur if standard annealed glass was used. By using toughened glass, the possibility of thermal breakage is all but eliminated, january 2017 89

H OME & PROPERTY

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM

t Steininger, you get everything from one single source. From their complete design service, to manufacturing, to implementation. For Steininger the utmost quality at all stages of the project is of course their top priority. After all, the satisfaction of their clients is both their aim and motivation. Steininger’s designs are uncompromising: the virtually archaic intensity of artistic expression and puristic modernism creates their luxurious yet simplistic results. Steininger’s vision became a reality for the first time in their conception of the concrete kitchen in 2004. Here there are no distractions. Life happens and penetrates all levels of the now. The message seems to be clear, Steininger’s design has an ambivalent dimension to it. On the one hand, the kitchens are more like kitchens than others, but their objects exceed what one understands as a kitchen. Consequently, they are: MAYBE NO KITCHEN AT ALL. Manufacturing all furniture in-house in St. Martin

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Upper Austria, their high-quality standard is also reflected in the materials used: specialist’s woods, the finest natural stone, anodized aluminum or even urban concrete. Steininger kitchens and furniture are characterized as unique pieces of artistic expression with formal means, encompassing the intensity of raw, yet functional living. This is what makes our Timeless Masterpieces. Their designers and project managers support customer projects through to completion and beyond. They coordinate the trades, keep an overview, and take on the role of competent project supervisors for their clients. They ensure that their high-quality standard is maintained throughout all stages of the project – from the initial concept through to final implementation. As a result, Steininger operates on a global scale, from Vienna, to Milan, to New York. Working with the most affluent of clientele from professional Sports figures to celebrities in music and film and even professional chefs. Steininger has projects currently underway in Puerto Rice, Croatia, Hong Kong and in even Lebanon. To say they are international is an understatement. Steininger are a worldwide brand and will take on a project in any location. Anything is possible for Steininger and they accept any challenge. This is reflected by frequent coverage in renowned, international magazines. Creating Timeless kitchen architecture on an international scale is their trademark Steininger also regularly presents their kitchens and furniture at renowned international trade shows, like

the biennial Euro Cucina in Milan and 100% design London. The new Steininger UK Showroom. Located on Goswell Road, situated in the heart of the trendy Design area of Clerkenwell, Central London. You can discover their unique materials, precise design details and innovative manufacturing techniques that make the Steininger brand so special. Call one of our sales team: +44 (0)207 490 7438. THE DETAILS Showroom in London 104-11, Goswell Road, 4th Floor, London, EC1V7DH ••••• london@steininger-masterpieces.com Opening hours: Mo – Fr 9am – 5.30pm T 0044 (0) 207 490 74 38 M 0044 (0) 748 450 70 78 www.steininger-masterpieces.com

Winter

40 UP % TO O FF

Promotion up to 40% discount off on selected models

TAILORED LI V IN G

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92 january 2017

hen it comes to our homes, individuality is something that most of us aspire to have. After all this is where you spend much of your down time with your close family. However the reality is often far from this, be it when we buy a packaged developer house or move into a newly purchased house which has not been designed to cater to your specific needs. This doesn’t have to be the way we live, and often you can look to adapt your home to be truly unique and reflective of your families individual needs. Tailored living is an approach to homes where by the individual and family are at the centre of the process. The house is designed around their everyday needs so it fits like a glove and can be designed to be adaptable to future preempted changes to the family. By doing this you will be investing in how well the house will work for your needs, and not adjusting and compromising how you live to work with the predetermined layout of the house. Your end up with efficient layouts, as well as an uplifting home environment where the family and individual can thrive and grow. There are lots of examples of houses where the design was established by the need of a developer who’s core focus will be profit, and often this can come at the expense of everyday practical needs of the eventual occupier. These houses are dressed to impress and often can be deceptive at first glance. However only once you are in do you realise they lack key aspects such as good storage or family friendly utility room, or where homework can happen now and once the kids get older, perhaps where elderly family members can stay when they visit, or quality if light, flow or room relationships are compromised etc. You can tailor a house that you currently live in, or one that you have just purchased. Either way, you start with the raw product which is the current house and you design it around your individual needs to form a family home which fits snug to your needs. Concept Eight Architects Ltd are an award winning, vibrant design led practice dedicated to the creation of imaginative and innovative buildings. Their strength lies in identifying potential and developing a unique and tailored house to our client’s individual needs and tastes. They aim to design unique homes for unique individuals who aspire to live in something that truly reflects their personality. The practice specialising in only undertaking residential projects and offer the full spectrum of architectural and

interior design services. They have spent many years listening to families who have adapted their homes, and come with invaluable experience in asking the right questions, designing spaces which will reflect the needs of the occupier. The end result can a minor intervention, a completely new extension or a completely redesigned house throughout which has little resemblance of what was originally there. The scale and appropriateness of the change will depend on your needs and circumstance. For an appraisal, why not contact them and pop into their design studio for a chat about your house and how they might be able to help transform it. They will be able to explain their process of design through to completion. Could 2017 be the year you change your current house with its compromised living, and transform it to a home which has been redesigned to fit around your needs perfectly. Our environment can shape and define us, so why compromise in the very environment you spend most of your time in.

THE DETAILS Esc House, South Road, Weybridge, Kt13 9Dz ••••• 01932 809 444 www.concept8.co.uk

H OME & PROPERTY

Habitat House for Habitat Escapes at their eco site at Lower Mill Estate, Cirencester

25 Years

Lounge at Tekels, Camberley

of Interior Design

Esther Bond â€“ Owner and Managing Director

e talked to Esther Bond, owner of Designs For All Occasions, which is celebrating 25 years of furnishing prestigious properties for their many and varied clients. From their showroom in Camberley, Surrey they work on projects throughout the south. From private residences to award winning show homes and commercial projects, whatever interior design service you are looking for, Designs For All Occasions has the specialist skills to design and transform any property. Their work has been celebrated in a variety of influential publications and been featured on several television programmes with Channel 4. Esther has been designing interiors for over 25 years working initially for a major developer, she decided in 1991 to offer her interior designs to a wider audience. With projects ranging from multi million pound homes to beauty spas, show homes, serviced apartments and holiday homes as well as retirement and care homes. Esther has built a reputation for quality within the industry. With her team of designers, she offers each client

a personal service whether its curtains for one window or the complete interior design of a property. She likes to meet her clients initially, either at her showroom or on site to discuss each project over a cup of coffee.

Guinot Paris Spa and Beauticians Training Centre

THE DETAILS

The Lounge at Eton Riverside for Bewley Homes

94 january 2017

Visit their website www.dfao.co.uk 01276 691010 135 Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2PS

• Tree Surgery • Stump Removal • Hedge Trimming & Reductions • Tree & Shrub Planting • NPTC Certified Arborists • Free Professional Advice & Quotations • Qualified, Experienced & Insured • 24 Hour Emergency Call Out • Member of The Arboricultural Association Tel: 01403 753395 Mob: 07787 553175 Email: leigh@surreyandsussextreesurgery.com Website: www.surreyandsussextreesurgery.com

H OME & PROPERTY

interior luxury world, including their own suppliers in China and India, and specialising in custom-made furnishings for people who want something different, special or simply unique. ‘The library of books and samples are enormous ,and if you can’t find what you are looking for, it probably doesn’t exist!’ The interior design service covers everything, including measuring up, estimating fabric, choosing fabrics, trimmings, blinds, poles and tracks. They also make the curtains and blinds in their workroom at the Epsom shop and provide a professional fitting service. An interior design consultation only costs £50 and if your total order is worth

pecialists in curtain fabric, interior design, making up and fitting, Fabric World is a family business that has been established for 40 years, they have two fabric shops in Epsom and Croydon, Surrey. Stocking over 4000 designer fabrics for curtains, blind, soft furnishings and upholstery where their experienced staff will discuss your requirements and advise you on measurements, fabrics, fittings and accessories. Their expert interior designers offer an excellent personal service covering Surrey and London. Designers visit your home with a huge range of designer fabric samples and discuss with you curtains, blinds and your tailor made interior design scheme. Also offering a complete fitting service so that your curtains and blinds are fitted to a professional standard. The Epsom fabric shop has curtain making workrooms where a professional and expert team of curtain makers create all styles of curtains and blinds. They have collectively worked for Fabric World for nearly a century.

Home Consultation Interior Design Service

To make your home really special, a complete home consultation interior design service is offered in Surrey and London. Using mobile design vans, interior Designers will visit your home bringing with them over 1500 samples of designer 96 january 2017

fabrics, 500 samples of wallpaper, paint charts and blind and curtain books so you can touch and feel samples to help you achieve the look that you have always wanted. They share and advise on exclusive curtain, interior design and soft furnishing ideas and listen to your ideas to create your own unique style. Sourcing fabrics from all corners of the

£500 or more the cost is refunded. The Designer works on the curtain and soft furnishing interior design aspects, and also work in partnership with other Designers and Architects who take on complete house renovations and need to outsource to companies such as Fabric World for soft furnishings. With a wealth of experience they have helped and advised thousands of customers who come back repeatedly! Epsom: Tel: 01372 723640 15 West Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7RL Opposite Station Approach (parking for 20 cars) Croydon: Tel: 020 8688 6282 6 – 10 Brighton Road, South Croydon, CR2 6AA