Life Magazines (Surrey/Berkshire editions) March 2019

Mercedes-Benz Retail Group New Car Sales Event 14 – 17 March 2019 www.mercedes-benzretailgroup.co.uk

FROM THE

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EDITOR

he multi-award winning Silent Pool Gin will be unveiling an exquisite garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 (21st–25th May) for a second year. Working once again with Garden Designer David Neale and his company Neale Richards Garden Design, the Surrey based Distillery hopes to follow the success of its debut garden in 2018, which won the prestigious People’s Choice award.

Opening in March 2019, Raymond Booth 1929 – 2015: Detailing Nature will combine exquisite paintings and studies to tell the little-known story of one of Britain’s most accomplished botanical, wildlife and natural history artists.

National Treasures Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers have announced a huge nationwide tour for 2019. With their irresistible enthusiasm, An Evening with The Hairy Bikers will be an epic night of cooking and conversation. Join Si and Dave at G Live, Guildford on Thursday 21 March.

The Mini was once voted the Best British Car Ever and over 1,000 examples of this evergreen icon on four wheels will take the limelight at the historic Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey at the annual Mini Day on March 24th.

Four artists from Surrey have been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize, the UK’s leading competition for British contemporary representational painting and drawing.

Faye Manning Editor

THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

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Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.

Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editor Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Nicholas Peter ••••• Fashion Editor Hazel Englander ••••• account Manager Anita Hill ••••• Design/ Production Lisa Wade ••••• Accounts Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Sales James Marshall ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

LOCAL LIFE

– We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i mag e : P O L E S D E N L A C E Y

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UNTIL 28 APRIL

Guided Walks of Historic Dorking Take a trip into Dorking’s history with a guided walk of the town’s many attractions. Choose from an Historic Town Walk, revealing the secrets that lie behind the streets of modern Dorking; a Words and Music themed walk; or a Town Centre Pubs Walk, revealing the history and features of former and current pub sites. Tours last 90 minutes.

Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1BS

[ e v en t s ]

9 MARCH

the calendar

Royal Holloway Science Festival This popular event inspires people of all ages with a packed programme of talks, hands-on activities and demonstrations. We’ll also showcase some of the amazing science research we do at our campus in Egham, Surrey. We have a thriving science community here at Royal Holloway and this is a great opportunity for everyone to come along and discover.

Royal Holloway campus, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX

12 MARCH 2019

24 MARCH

Polesden Lacey - Trust10 10K runs Are you a regular runner looking for a challenge? This 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. Registration is at 8.30am, and the run starts at 9am.

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, RH5 6BD

13 MARCH

Salon du Chocolat This intimate storytelling salon celebrates the relationship between cocoa nibs and forbidden literature…When chocolate was first brought to England in the 1600s, it was considered a taboo substance, enjoyed only by the risque and elite in private salons. Some of our finest literature was also once considered too provocative for public consumption and was heard in similar salon environments by only the boldest of ears. We recreate these intimate environs, combining mouth watering chocolate treats with tales of the secret, banned and scandalous.

The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4SZ

4 MARCH

GET FIT WITH ZUMBA Have fun, improve confidence and get fit, dancing to great music from around the world! All you need to bring is you and a bottle of water and for just £6 you can join the fun! 7.30pm till 8.30pm Warlingham Rugby Club, Limpsfield Road, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9RB

5 MARCH

Water, a Source of Delight in the Garden Water, essential for life itself, is also a magical design element. Large lakes, jets, canals and cascades contrast with enticing rills, reflective basins and water-trick fountains, while swimming pools and wildlife ponds are popular garden installations. We will look at various creations, both private and public, subtle and spectacular. If you have a favourite water feature, please bring along an image.

The Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4LH

UNTIL 16 MARCH

Art & Design Show Featuring work by students from Sir William Perkins’s School, the display includes sketchbooks, paintings, drawings and prints created last year by the students for their GCSE and A–level portfolios. The exhibition demonstrates the wealth of young artistic talent in the area. Tuesday to Friday 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Saturday 11am to 4pm. Free entry.

Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AT

6 MARCH

Cathedral Tots Join us for music, story time, craft activities and free play in the Nave, plus the chance to chat over refreshments. All are welcome to our monthly very informal service for parents and their little ones.

Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7UP

8, 15 & 22 MARCH

Kenley Market This is a friendly indoor market with lots of bargains, jewellery, clothes, toys, bric and more.

Whether you want to come as a customer or a new stall holder, selling off a sortout from home or a craft you love but have too much of,all are welcome,come and find us at Kenley. 8.30am till midday Free entrance stalls £10 Memorial Hall, Godstone Road, Kenley, Surrey CR8 5AB

1-3 MARCH

Camberley Wedding Fair The Square Camberley is holding its first Wedding Fair. From the Friday 1st March to Sunday 3rd March you can visit photographers, get a mother of the bride look sorted or even order your flowers!

The Square Camberley, 5-6 The Square, Surrey GU15 3SL

9 MARCH

UNTIL 25 MARCH

Polesden Lacey Wellness Walk Take time to reflect and recharge on our self-led trail, guiding you to some of the stunning viewpoints around the estate. Drink in the peace and beauty of the landscapes of Polesden Lacey and the Surrey Hills beyond, as you enjoy precious time to yourself.

Polesden Lacey Great Bookham, Nr Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD

Calligraphy Led by Leanda Xavian Calligraphy means ‘the art of beautiful writing’. Learn how to use a dip pen and nibs to create an elegant, modern writing style before inscribing your own name in ink.

Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village Down Lane, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1DQ

MARCH 2019 13

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GAVIN GARDINER LTD AUCTION OF MODERN & VINTAGE SPORTING GUNS & RIFLES THE DETAILS For further information, please visit www.gavingardiner.com or call 01798 875300 You can follow Gavin Gardiner on Twitter @GavinGardiner and on Instagram @gavingardinerlimited Prior to the auction, Gavin Gardiner will be holding a series of valuation days around the UK, including London on 1 March.

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avin Gardiner’s first sale of 2019 will take place in the heart of the gunmaking district of London (Mayfair) and will include a good selection of fine English and European sporting guns.

Among the notable items is a fine pair of 12bore single trigger sidelock ejector guns by highly desirable London-makers Boss & Co, built in 1923. The guns have 28-inch replacement barrels by the makers fitted in 1990 and remain virtually unused since. They carry an estimate of £25,000 to £35,000.

Elsewhere, a fine pair of 12-bore single trigger MX12 SCO single trigger over and under ejector guns, built in 1991 by Italian Makers, Perazzi. The guns have 26-inch barrels and remain little used from new and carry an estimate of £15,000 to

14 MARCH 2019

£20,000.

Another interesting British piece is by John Wilkes. A .358 Win Mag boxlock non-ejector rifle which was built in 1923. The gun is fitted with replacement 26-inch barrels fitted by John Slough of London, and extensively refurbished and refinished at the same time. The rifle has been little used since and carries an estimate of between £3,000 and £5,000.

Overall, the auction of more than 200 lots of vintage sporting guns, rifles and shooting accessories, is the only sale of Sporting Guns to be held in the heart of London’s Mayfair and will have a strong section of 12-bore Sporting Guns

by England and Scotland’s finest makers. The sale will also include a strong section of accessories and more curious items.

Sotheby’s, New Bond Street, London W1a 2Aa

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Go Gaga for The Baby Show!

UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event returns London ExCeL, 1st - 3rd March 2019

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he Baby Show, with MadeForMums, is an essential event for those about to embark on the exciting adventure of becoming a new parent.

A shopping emporium with over 200 exhibitors, expert advice and amazing offers from an unrivalled selection of baby brands - all in one place, it has everything required for bump, baby and you.

The UK’s widest selection of prams, pushchairs and car seats will also be on show for those looking to acquire one of the biggest baby purchases, including the harder to find brands.

Highlights of The Baby Show at ExCeL in London will include: • Over 200 trusted brands offering visitors the chance to thoroughly test and try before buying.

• Exclusive show offers and competitions • The chance to ask advice from the UK’s top baby experts.

• Catwalk shows with all the latest fashions in maternity, baby and toddler wear.

• Dedicated baby facilities ensure visitors have everything they require, including the Tommee Tippee Feeding Area where parents will be able to take advantage of heating and sterilising equipment, complimentary baby food and a

16 MARCH 2019

comfortable space for quiet feeding.

• Changing Area where mums and dads can change their little ones with free nappies and wipes • NCT classes – bookable on site or in advance • My First Ducati Riding Experience with Peg Perego So far headline speakers include TV presenter and singer, Rochelle Humes who will be sharing her parenting journey, breastfeeding expert, Vanessa Christie, author of The Baby Detective, Sarah Norris, Author of The Positive Birth Book, Milli Hill, baby food expert, Annabel Karmel, language development expert, Dr Robert Titzer, and not forgetting sleep experts, Andrea Grace and Lucy Shrimpton (aka The Sleep Nanny©).

The advanced ticket price is £14.70pp* on Friday and £15.70pp* for either the Saturday or Sunday, while on-the-door tickets cost £20pp.

A range of Tommee Tippee Ticket Packages are also available which include a Tommee Tippee product and two standard adult tickets to the show!

For more information visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk/excel. Opening times: Friday 1st March: 9.30am – 5.30pm. Saturday 2nd March: 9.30am – 5.30pm. Sunday 3rd March: 9.30am – 5.30pm

LOC LOCAL AL LIFE LIFE

CELEBRATE PEPPA PIG! T

New cinema release & Save the children’s muddy puddle walk fundraiser his Spring, Entertainment One’s (eOne) beloved pre-school series Peppa Pig will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in the UK and to mark the occasion there are a host of oink-tastic events for fans including a brand new cinema release, Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun, and the annual Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children to raise funds that will help children around the world.

To celebrate the nation’s favourite little piggy, Peppa Pig will be returning to cinemas nationwide this April in an all-new adventure, Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun. Perfectly timed to entertain the little ones ahead of the Easter holidays, the hour-long theatrical release offers 10 brand new and never-beforebroadcast episodes featuring a 2-part festival special, complete with new characters and locations. The release continues eOne’s successful My First Cinema Experience format which offers young children a gentle introduction to the cinema. Little piggies can look forward to snorts and giggles with songs to sing along to and dances and movements to join in with; making it the perfect cinema outing for preschoolers and all the family to enjoy.

Continuing the anniversary celebrations, sees the return of the award-winning fundraising event for little ones – Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children. Last year families and nurseries helped to raise an incredible £225,000 for Save the

18 MARCH 2019

Children’s vital work and since its launch in 2017, has generated a fundraising total of almost half a million pounds. This year the event is sponsored

by The Entertainer (TheToyShop.com) and, to celebrate Save the Children’s centenary in 2019, the charity hopes that even more people will sign up, take part and donate.

Kicking off on 13th May for a week of super fun fundraising, children (and adults too!) can pull on their wellies and set off to jump in muddy puddles – real or imaginary. Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children is a brilliant way to have fun together and enjoy 15 years of Peppa Pig whilst raising funds to help make sure that children in the world’s toughest places get food and medicine if they’re hungry or sick, are protected from danger and get the chance to learn.

So get excited for a year of celebrations with the release of Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun and snort and giggle just like Peppa and George by jumping in muddy puddles for Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children with your family and friends this May. Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun will be released in cinemas nationwide from 5th April 2019. Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk will be taking place from 13th – 19th May 2019.

Sign up your nursery or family now at www.MuddyPuddleWalk.org to receive your free Fundraising Pack

PEPPA PIG: Facebook www.facebook.com/ OfficialPeppaPigUK Twitter www.twitter.com/PeppaPig Website www.peppapig.com

SAVE THE CHILDREN: Facebook www.facebook.com/ SavetheChildrenUK Twitter and Instagram www.twitter.com/ SaveChildrenUK Website www.savethechildren.org.uk

PEPPA PIG’S MUDDY PUDDLE WALK: Hashtag #MuddyPuddleWalk Website www.muddypuddlewalk.org

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SILENT POOL GIN RETURNS TO RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

he multi-award winning Silent Pool Gin will be unveiling an exquisite garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 (21st– 25th May) for a second year. Working once again with Garden Designer David Neale and his company Neale Richards Garden Design, the Surrey based Distillery hopes to follow the success of its debut garden in 2018, which won the prestigious People’s Choice award.

Made with a delicate blend of 24 botanicals and bottled on-site in the beautiful, rural landscape of the Surrey Hills, Silent Pool Gin draws inspiration directly from its unique surroundings. The distillery aims to be as energy efficient as possible with a strong commitment to sustainability. Taking this as inspiration, The Silent Pool Gin Garden 2019 will examine plant technologies and the “greening” of inner city spaces. Working with the University of Surrey, David Neale will be exploring energy generation using plants to create a space that absorbs the stress of everyday life through the senses.

Through the stone boulders at the garden’s entrance, the eye is drawn down the wide stone steps and into the inner space. A large, open ceiling void engages the viewer with the scented rose bed, while a teal, semi-transparent, etched botanical water wall moves the air within this space

and acts as a foil to the planting and single juniper bonsai tree that is positioned within. David Neale and Neale Richards Designs are award-winning designers at RHS Shows. In 2009, David won a gold medal for his Urban Serenity design in the Small Garden category at the Hampton Court Flower Show. Since then, Neale Richards Garden Design has built a further five show gardens at the Hampton Court and Chelsea Flower shows for other designers, as well as his award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden in 2018.

Once again, The Silent Pool Gin Garden will feature in RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s Space To Grow category.

Launched in 2018, this new category showcases mid-size gardens along Royal Hospital Way that offer original ideas, trends and take-home messages.

Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea every May since 1913, RHS Chelsea is the most famous flower show in the world. Showcasing the finest plants, flowers and garden design, one of the biggest attractions is the show gardens, which display both horticultural excellence and innovative landscape design. www.silentpooldistillers.com

“Silent Pool Gin draws inspiration directly from its unique surroundings”

Left: Last year’s garden Above: Design for this year’s garden

20 MARCH 2019

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Raymond Booth 1929 – 2015: Detailing Nature 1 March – 22 April, Watts Contemporary Gallery

BOOTH Raymond, Woodland with Collard Dove, oil on board

THE DETAILS Prices start at £280 unframed.

For further information: wattsgallery.org.uk; twitter.com/WattsGallery; facebook.com/ wattsgalleryartistsvillage

BOOTH Raymond, September Afternoon at the Edge of Adel Woods, oil on paper

BOOTH Raymond, Autumn - A Fox Resting amongst the Fallen Leaves, oil on board (2015)

22 MARCH 2019

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pening in March 2019, Raymond Booth 1929 – 2015: Detailing Nature will combine exquisite paintings and studies to tell the little-known story of one of Britain’s most accomplished botanical, wildlife and natural history artists. The exhibition includes artworks uncovered by long-time friend, Peyton Skipwith – found when clearing Booth’s studio after his death – now on display for the first time.

Seen together in Watts Contemporary Gallery, these works offer an insight into the practice and working life of a reclusive artist, a private man ‘immersed in his own world of poetry, plant cultivation, and [...] natural history’.

Co-curated by Skipwith, expert on Booth and former Director of the Fine Art Society of London, Detailing Nature will tell the story of Booth’s remarkable career, much of which was spent in his private studio at home in Alwoodley – an ‘inner sanctuary’, which no one besides the artist was permitted to enter.

Despite rarely leaving his native Yorkshire, Booth developed an international reputation as a leading botanical and natural history artist. Booth’s meticulous rendering of wildlife, woodlands, meadows and heathland found admiration far beyond the bounds of his beloved Adel Woods, where he spent much of his time studying and refining his technique. A plantsman as well as an artist, Booth would cultivate flowers, plants and botanical specimens at home in the garden before painting them in the studio. It was through this extensive and painstaking process that Booth developed an expert knowledge of his subject, a defining feature of his work.

“Nothing delighted him more than the freedom to put a few basic requirements in a backpack and

explore the countryside, sleeping under hedgerows or in woodland, and developing his intimacy with bird and animal life.” Peyton Skipwith Booth was born and raised in Roundhay, northeast Leeds, and attended Leeds College of Art. After contracting tuberculosis while on National Service in Egypt, Booth was sent to a sanatorium, where he wiled away the hours honing his craft and began producing the botanical studies for which he is now best known. In 1992, Booth published the much-cited Japonica Magnifica in collaboration with American botanist, Don Elick.

Raymond Booth’s work is held internationally in major public collections, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Ulster Museum, The Hunt Institute in Pittsburgh, the Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew, and Leeds City Art Gallery, as well as many private collections in Europe, America, Japan and the Middle East. Booth was represented by The Fine Art Society until his death in 2015.

“Booth developed an international reputation as a leading botanical and natural history artist”

In accordance with Raymond Booth’s wishes, proceeds from the sale of the works from his estate, after all costs, will be divided between The Woodland Trust, Plant Life International and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. These charities represent causes close to the heart of Watts Gallery’s founders, G F and Mary Watts; G F Watts was an Associate of the Society of the Protection of Birds (appointed 1898), and allowed his painting, A Dedication, to feature on an 1899 Society pamphlet against the plumage trade.

Proceeds from the sale of work also directly benefit Watts Gallery Trust’s learning and outreach programme, which has over 29,000 participations each year.

Alistair Burtenshaw, Director of Watts Gallery Trust says: “I am incredibly excited to announce the opening in March of our new exhibition, Raymond Booth 1929 - 2015: Detailing Nature. Part of Watts Contemporary Gallery’s prestigious programme of selling exhibitions, Detailing Nature tells the story of a remarkable yet reclusive talent. From intricate plant studies to captivating landscapes, the magnificent range of Raymond Booth’s artistic ability will be on full show in this comprehensive account of the artist’s career.”

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Country Living Magazine Spring Fair

and onstage demonstrations across the show will allow you to brush up on an old skill or master a new one, exploring everything from crafting to gardening and from wellbeing to running your own business. There is something for all ages to enjoy! Visit: www.countrylivingfair.com to view the programme.

Free talks at the CL Stage will offer expert advice on everything from health, lifestyle and beauty to fashion, families and social media, going green and much more; while The Good Life Theatre will offer insights on everything from bee and hen keeping to tips and tricks for growing vegetables.

For the foodies, the show will present a wide selection of kitchen demonstrations in the CL Kitchen sponsored by Stoves offering tips and inspiration from cooking professionals on how to perfect healthy, nutritious and delicious food.

28-31 March 2019, Alexandra Palace, London

“For the foodies, the show will present a wide selection of kitchen demonstrations in the CL Kitchen”

RELAX

LIFE MAGAZINES DISCOUNT OFFER We have teamed up with the Country Living team to offer you Buy one, get one half price* adult tickets, a saving of £8.

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he Country Living Magazine Spring Fair is returning to the historic Alexandra Palace offering an unmissable shopping experience to kick-start the spring season in style.

Highlights of the show include:

SHOPPING Discover new, innovative ways to introduce country style to your home and garden, and shop from over 350 independent, artisanal brands showcasing everything from jewellery and high-end fashion to home interiors and hand-made accessories.

CRAFT WORKSHOPS, DEMOS & TALKS An engaging and interactive line-up of workshops 24 MARCH 2019

Quote: LIFEFEBHP at www.countrylivingfair.com to save.

Prices: £16 adult, £60 VIP For more information please visit: www.countrylivingfair.com *Not valid on VIP ticket and o­ffer valid on advanced tickets only. Code cannot be used in conjunction with any other o­ffer. A £1.95 booking fee is applied per transaction.

Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY. 020 8365 2121 www.alexandrapalace.com

After a busy day shopping, you can catch up with friends and family while relaxing over a glass of fizz in the Champagne Bar by Viking Cruises or enjoy live music in the CL Spring Garden while sampling new gins and summery cocktails.

With more brands, talks and experts still to be announced, the show is already shaping up to be its most exciting yet!

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Vienna Festival Ballet presents

Giselle Monday 4 March to Saturday 9 March

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lassical ballet takes centre stage again from Monday 4 March to Saturday 9 March when the highly acclaimed Vienna Festival Ballet returns to the Theatre Royal Windsor with their stunning production of Giselle.

The ultimate romantic ballet, Giselle is a tale of innocence, love, betrayal and madness.

With music by one of the 19th century’s best composers, Adolphe Adam, and choreography by the late Nicholas Beriosoff, Vienna Festival Ballet’s traditional staging of this 1841 masterpiece moves from the sunny optimism of Giselle’s idyllic village life to a ghostly, moonlit world of mystery and menace.

Giselle, a young peasant girl, has fallen in love with the handsome Count Albrecht, who has told her he is a villager named Loys. When she discovers that he has deceived her the heartbroken Giselle is driven to madness and death. Vengeful spirits of abandoned brides led by Queen Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis force Albrecht to dance to his death.

Giselle was first performed in Paris in 1841, with choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. Productions seen today were originally choregraphed by Marius Pepita for the Imperial Russian Ballet.

In 1984 Vienna Festival Ballet’s production was choreographed by the late Nicholas Beriosoff (1906-1996), a Lithuanian baller master of Russian descent who emigrated to England. It was indeed a great honour to have Beriosoff often known in the ballet world as Papa Beriosoff, choreograph and coach the company in one of the greatest ballets of all time.

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“The entire show was captivating from start to finish” - Welwyn Hatfield Times

“A truly spellbinding performance’’ - Burnley Express

THE DETAILS Book your tickets at The Theatre Royal Windsor, www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Box Office 01753 853888.

Daily performances at 7.30pm, 2.30pm Matinee on Thursday and Saturday.

With its irresistible combination of a heartbreaking story and exquisite choreography, Giselle is the perfect way to discover classical ballet.

Peter Mallek founder and Artistic Director says of the production ‘Vienna Festival Ballet are committed to bringing the greatest classical ballets to the widest audience. We’re delighted to be returning to the Theatre Royal Windsor for the 10th successive year. Whether you are a ballet fan or an interested observer we have something to offer everyone. Exquisite and lavish handmade costumes, beautiful sets which project colour and vitality to enhance the workings of the dancers, choreographer and the composer. Our productions have all the elegance and extravagance associated with the best of ballet, and of course some of the best ballet dancers from around the world’

FEATURE

What does it take to become a personal travel manager?

Founder of Winged Boots, David Ox, gives us in an insight into providing travel that’s out of the ordinary

28 MARCH 2019

“Winged Boots’ personal travel managers live and breathe the brand and give blood, sweat and tears to every booking”

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ou’ve spent hours scanning the web trying to find that ideal destination with your favourite cocktail on the hotel bar menu and you’ve given up. That’s where luxury travel specialist, Winged Boots, and its personal travel managers step in. However, forget waking up at eight for cornflakes to get to work for nine. Personalising holidays to every individual client’s wants and needs is not a ‘9-5’ job, as founder and managing director, David Ox, tells us…

Originating from a black book of clients, Ox grew the business through providing great service to a small number of clients, who then referred their friends to him after appreciating the benefits of a bespoke experience. He now oversees the 20+ team and networks at a range of events to gain more customers: “A big part of my job is to find new clients and to also keep our existing ones happy, so I spend at least a couple of days a week in the city networking and following up on potential leads,” David says. “Certain people will only deal with me, so while the personal managers handle all the leads, I do still deal with some of the enquiries. No two enquiries, and no two days, are ever the same.”

Another thing to put the personal travel managers under pressure? The average booking window for Winged Boots is only three months! Ox explains: “Winged Boots’ personal travel managers live and breathe the brand and give blood, sweat and tears to every booking. They’re looking after high net worth, demanding clients so these guys have to be on it 24/7. Our job is a lifestyle choice.”

The calendar seems to expand at a quicker rate than places on your travel bucket list, with upcoming holidays and events in the interest of the company’s clients constantly being announced, so the personal travel managers must have their eye on the travel ball continuously. “The team have been busy organising all the flights for the recently announced Anthony Joshua fight in New York on the 1st June so there’s been lots of chopping and changing in the office of late,” David explains. Last minute bookings are how the team here roll. Along with a September wedding in Lake Como, business trips to South Africa and Orlando, and Christmas enquiries already trickling in, being a personal travel manager requires expert knowledge and a lot of juggling.

However, it’s Winged Boots’ pledge of ‘going the extra mile’, which is what Ox says he is most proud of: “We’re willing to do what other agencies are not.

Whether it’s picking up the phone at 10pm on a Friday night to book a flight that departs at 9am the next day or trying to get complimentary upgrades or refunds where they’re due, we work around the clock fighting our clients’ corner.”

You could be wondering by now how you haven’t come across Winged Boots before. Traditional advertising is a no-no here, and all the team’s efforts are drilled into the brand’s original concept lifestyle brochure magazine and events programme, which gives customers a little something extra. “We offer our clients tickets to shows at the O2 arena and host private dinners in London. We organised our first golf day in summer 2018 which was a massive success, so we’re constantly inviting our clients to interesting new events and networking with them,” Ox says. The final question is what are the rewards of the job? “I think it’s 70% enjoyable, 20% stressful and 10% completely unknown - but what job isn’t!” laughs Ox.

THE DETAILS To discover more about Winged Boots visit www.wingedboots. co.uk and to submit an enquiry call the team of friendly personal travel agents on 0203 319 4404.

Fully bonded by ATOL and the TTA, every trip is protected and will be precisely planned to your bespoke request. Call today for your free, no obligatory, quote.

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Mercedes-Benz Retail Group New Car Sales Event 14 – 17 March 2019

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f you’re someone who likes to be ahead of the curve, then you need to know about our latest Mercedes-Benz Retail Group sales event. We’re launching our new number plates early in the spring, and our unmissable event from 14-17 March will give you the chance to be one of the first to own a car with the coveted ‘19’ plates – as well as offering exclusive price reductions across our whole range.

Your local London Mercedes-Benz retailers will be celebrating the number plates’ launch by showcasing some of our latest models and most exciting innovations. Experienced sales executives will be on hand to help you find your perfect car and guide you through every step of the buying process. Make an appointment with your local retailer to book a dedicated time slot and make sure you don’t miss out.

Our extensive range has something for everyone.

There’s the G-Class, our iconic off-road car, with a one-of-a-kind design that’s endured for 40 years. Functional and robust, with rugged uncompromising looks, it’s ready for any adventure.

The new B-Class is more comfortable and safer than ever before, with intelligent assistance and safety systems to lend a helping hand on the road; while the A-Class has a new, intuitive interface, adaptable to your unique driving style.

Our latest launch, the GLE, which will be in showrooms soon, has been designed with just one aim in mind: to give you the most possible space and comfort. With a third row of seats and extended wheelbase, there’s plenty of room to relax.

30 MARCH 2019

And of course, there’s Mercedes-AMG, our boundary-pushing performance vehicles which combine unrivalled technological expertise with a distinctive visual flair that’s sure to get your pulse racing. Crafted in Affalterbach, each and every Mercedes-AMG vehicle offers an exhilarating driving experience, beginning with that unmistakable AMG sound.

All of us have different requirements when buying a car, and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services has designed a range of products to suit your needs.

Whatever you’re looking for, our team of experts

“Our extensive range has something for everyone”

THE DETAILS Appointments can be booked by visiting mercedes-benzretailgroup.co.uk/ vipevent or by calling 0161 975 6925. A full list of our showrooms can be found at mercedes-benzretailgroup.co.uk/ our-locations

Visit our retailers:

will help you to make informed choices about which option is right for you, so you can spend less time on the numbers and more time on the road.

At Mercedes-Benz Retail Group, we’re driven by one simple goal: to be the very best at all things Mercedes-Benz. Our group consists of 14 retail sites across London and the South

East, delivering the highest levels of customer service possible. Upholding the values of Gottlieb Daimler: the best or nothing, Mercedes-Benz Retail has become synonymous with quality, excellence and efficiency. We’re proud of our reputation as the UK’s leading Mercedes-Benz passenger car retailer, and look forward to demonstrating our passion to you at our event.

Brentford Bromley Brooklands Chelsea Colindale Croydon Dartford Epsom Loughton Temple Fortune Watford

MARCH 2019 31

LOC AL LIFE

Collabro: Road to the Royal Albert Hall With Guest Star Kerry Ellis

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fter the success of last year’s huge sellout theatre tour, Collabro are back on the road this spring with a mammoth 51 dates across the UK. The musical theatre group’s Road to the Royal Albert Hall Tour will be at G Live, Guildford on Friday 22 March.

Collabro, the world’s most successful musical theatre group, met in 2014 for their first rehearsal at a London pub, just a month later they went on to rouse the whole of Hammersmith Apollo into a standing ovation in their first ever public performance of Stars for the Britain’s Got Talent judges. Having triumphed in their Semi-Final heat with over 63% of the votes, they then won the overall competition with one of the biggest majorities ever. This subsequently led to them joining Simon Cowell’s label Syco, and hence becoming label-mates with the likes of One Direction, Little Mix and Il Divo.

In the three years since the competition, Collabro have released a Number 1 debut album Stars, followed by Act Two which peaked at Number 2 in the charts in summer 2015. They have performed at the Royal Variety Performance and twice on Britain’s Got Talent. They are now enormously successful internationally. Notably, they have performed for over 30 million people in Japan on Music Station on two separate occasions – receiving a Gold Disc for Best International Artist alongside 32 MARCH 2019

Friday 22 March 2019

“In the three years since the competition, Collabro have released a Number 1 debut album Stars”

Sam Smith and Meghan Trainor.

The boys performed to 7 million people at Soccer Aid 2016 to critical praise and garnered excellent press reviews for their first performance as a four-piece followed by a performance at the 2016 BBC Proms in the Park. March 2017 saw the release of their highly anticipated third studio album Home, a collection of stage classics, fan favourites and also their first original song Lighthouse. 2018 has saw Collabro embark on a sold-out tour of Asia and perform as special guests on Barry Manilow’s UK Tour.

The evening’s support act Georgia & The Vintage Youth haven’t been on the music scene for very long, but at just 22 years of age Georgia has been described as an ‘Essex Girl with a big voice, big blonde hair and a cool little jazz band called The Vintage Youth’, BBC Introducing profile. Her retro jazz/swing style of music is both vintage and fresh, hence the name of the band. It’s contagious and subconsciously gets you tapping your feet. Even Pixie Lott has named Georgia as ‘one to watch’.

Collabro will perform with guest star Kerry Ellis and Collabro Choirs.

Tickets: £47.00, £37.00, £24.00, G Live Friends: Save £3.00, Collabro Diamond VIP Front Row Package: £133.50, Collabro Gold VIP Great Seat Package: £103.50. Booking information: Phone: 01483 369350 (Monday – Saturday, 10am-6pm).

Online: GLive.co.uk

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LONDON SHOOTING & FLY FISHING FAIR 22 & 23 March 2019, Business Design Centre, London N1

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he London Fly Fishing Fair will be hosting their third annual fair in the heart of central London next month. Running in conjunction with the London Shooting fair which is now into its second year it is set to be a great line up of exhibitors, demos and talks.

This year all of your favourite brands will be back at the show such as Fin and Game, Orvis and Patagonia. The show also have a number of new travel destinations such at Restigouche River Lodge and a variety of new destinations from Aardvark McCloed. They have many new local and UK fisheries joining this year which so hopefully will see more people out on the riverbank.

This year they have many new casting demonstrations coming to the show in particular, the Italian style of casting that will be demonstrated on the pool giving visitors an insight to technical casting situations and how to tackle them. There are exciting talks and seminars from some of the most interesting people in the industry such as Charles Jardine, Marina Gibson and James Stokoe. So come and say hello and ask them all your fishy questions.

Their fly tying section this year sponsored by Veniards has over 20 tiers from all over the UK and Europe tying a section of amazing patterns from large predator flies for species such as pike to Trout dry flies, nymphs and of course the beautiful classic salmon flies and modern patterns. Please stop by to speak with them about different pattern, styles and techniques from the very best tyers around.

This exhibition has been set up to really allow the public to embrace the wonderful art of Fly fishing and get a full experience and understanding of all fishing destinations, techniques and skills out there.

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THE DETAILS Follow on Instagram @thelondonflyfishingfair, Twitter @londonflyfish and Facebook at the London fly fishing fair for all updates on the show.

Sign up to their newsletter on the website to receive the latest news and offers at the fair.

For any queries please email Fergus at fergus@fieldevents.co.uk or call 0208 347 8145. www.thelondonflyfishingfair.co.uk www.thelondonshootingfair.co.uk

A great focus at the London Fly Fishing Fair has been introducing new people to the sport from young to old. Here it is easy for unexperienced fly fisherman to get an understanding of casting techniques, fly tying and different fisheries available.

They highly encourage parents to bring along kids to the show to really help them gets a feeling of the sport and community. They believe at the London Fly Fishing Fair that it is really important to get the new generation into the sport and are offering fly entry to children under 14 years old to the show.

It is a great day out with many things to see, learn and buy.

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An Evening with the Hairy Bikers G Live, Guildford, 21 March 2019

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ational Treasures Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers have announced a huge nationwide tour for 2019. With their irresistible enthusiasm, An Evening with The Hairy Bikers will be an epic night of cooking and conversation. Join Si and Dave at G Live, Guildford on Thursday 21 March.

Big hearted, down-to-earth cooks with a love of good food, Si and Dave have been cooking together for more than twenty years. They have created haute cuisine dishes with Michelin-starred chefs and travelled the world in the pursuit of great food.

They’ve also explored the length and breadth of the British Isles to discover brand new recipes and create their own fresh takes on cooking classics.

The stars of several hit television shows, they are the UK’s most popular cookery duo with series including: The Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean Adventure, The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook; Best Of British, The Hairy Bikers’ Mississippi Adventure, Everyday Gourmets, The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour Of Britain and two major prime time series of Mums Know Best for BBC2, all drawing millions of audiences.

The Hairy Bikers have also written over twenty books to date, including the bestselling The Hairy Bikers’ Perfect Pies, 12 Days Of Christmas, Big Book Of Baking, The Hairy Bikers’ Great Curries and four phenomenally successful diet books, The Hairy Dieters: How To Love Food And Lose Weight, The Hairy Dieters: Eat For Life, Good Eating and Make It Easy published earlier this year.

Other recent publications include Chicken & Egg and Mediterranean Adventure accompanying their

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BBC2 TV series. Their new book The Hairy Bikers’ British Classics was released on 1 November 2018.

No strangers to the live arena, The Hairy Bikers performed their sell-out Big Night Out show in theatres across the UK in 2010 and completed another ambitious nationwide theatre tour in April 2013.

If you are a super fan or fancy a meet and greet with these cooking sensations, the On The Road Again VIP Package includes: a top price seat, an opportunity to have your photo taken with the Hairy Bikers, as well as a VIP gift in a commemorative Hairy Bikers tote bag, a VIP laminate and a lanyard! Si and Dave will also take part in a Q&A session with the VIP audience!

Tickets: VIP £102.50, Tickets: £43, £33, £23.

Booking information: Phone: 01483 369350 (Monday – Saturday, 10am-6pm) Online: GLive.co.uk

“The stars of several hit television shows, they are the UK’s most popular cookery duo”

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Mini Madness Comes To Brooklands

Everybody Welcome as over 1,000 Minis expected on Sunday 24th March

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he Mini was once voted the Best British Car Ever and over 1,000 examples of this evergreen icon on four wheels will take the limelight at the historic Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey at the annual Mini Day on March 24th. This is one of the mustattend days of its kind, with Minis of all types filling every corner of the Museum site.

Alongside the iconic Austin and Morris Minis, visitors can expect to see all manner of variants and incarnations of this much-loved car, from the Mini Cooper, Clubman and Traveller through to the less common Mini Mokes, Riley Elfs and Wolseley Hornets to customised vans, Scamps and the modern BMW models. Club attendance is as loyal as ever with the Clubs from the South Coast as well as Scamp Owners, Kent, Bournemouth, Southampton and Ipswich all making the pilgrimage to Surrey.

The restored Finishing Straight and steep ‘Banking’ of the 1907 Race Track will be filled with cars and Clubs, along with the Paddock in front of the Clubhouse and the Motoring Village with its 1930s period buildings and sheds. The Race Bays nearby will filled with traders selling memorabilia,

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THE DETAILS Gates open to the public at 9am and entrance fees (including a voluntary donation) are as follows: Adults £16, Seniors £15, Children (5-16 yrs) £9.00, Children Under 5 FREE, Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £42.

spares and other Mini paraphernalia.

Mini owners wishing to put their cars through their paces can do so, with two opportunities to tackle the famous Test Hill with a session in the morning and one in the afternoon. Those more interested in showing their cars off will be trying to catch the eyes of judges roaming the site to award prizes for the Best in Show, Best Classic and Best Modified Minis.

Visitors to this extravaganza will also get to see the Museum’s incredible collections of classic cars, motorcycles and aircraft, including the only Concorde open to the public in the south east and the Award-winning Aircraft Factory and Flight Shed exhibitions. The 4D Theatre will be running three simulator rides where the exhilaration of racing, flying and driving come to life. The Concorde Experience and 4D Theatre rides require separate booking so to avoid disappointment, visitors are advised to reserve these activities on arrival.

The Sunbeam Café will be open all day but also on site will be extra food and drink outlets to cope with the crowds.

The 4D Theatre rides are approximately 8 minutes long each and are priced at £4 Adults, £2 Children. The half-hour Concorde Experience is £5 Adults, £3 Children.

For full details visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com or telephone 01932 857381.

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LOC AL LIFE FEATURE

Move in Safe Hands with Galleon

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ince 1980 Galleon International have been moving people all over the world, and while the last 40 years have seen huge changes in the way we live, their process and values have remained the same.

Whether you’re moving to a new country or just round the corner, the prospect of upping sticks and going somewhere new can be a daunting one.

This is where Galleon come in. With a wealth of experience at all levels, you will be looked after by your own dedicated Move Manager, from the very first point of contact, right until you are settled in your new home. They will arrange a visit from a specialist Move Consultant, who will spend time discussing your needs, and work out the most effective way to get the job done. Amanda, who has first-hand experience of moving herself a number of times said “I love guiding people though the move process, over the years I’ve learnt that no two moves are the same, but our processes are. This lets me focus on what is important, the people we are moving” Amanda has been looking after clients moves for over 15 years now.

Once this is all agreed, you can sit back and let Galleon do all the work. Safe in the knowledge that they have made the parking arrangements with the local council, they will make sure your home is protected from floors to stairs. Then the packing commences, each room is carefully boxed by their professional staff, making sure everything is labelled, and carefully loaded on to their vehicles.

Can’t face dismantling another bed? Galleon will do it for you. Worried about your valuable art work, or marble table? Galleon will build a crate for that too! Now your possessions are all wrapped, packed and loaded, you can look forward to the exact same service at your new home – just in reverse! Boxes

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carefully unpacked, beds re-assembled, and furniture placed exactly how you want it. They will even fill your fridge for you if you wanted to take advantage of their gold service. And the best part is, this service remains the same whether you are moving to Chelsea, or China. Such is the high standard of the network that Galleon have nurtured over the years.

Having been in the industry for so many years they have been a part of some really interesting projects, The Chairman, Mr David Townsend, recalls moving 130 families to Arizona, USA to work on ground-breaking new technology. “It was a real privilege to have played a part in such an exciting project, that in turn has changed the way we all run our lives today, we’ve been lucky enough to move people to some really exciting places, and look forward to being of service for many more years to come” There is no problem that Galleon haven’t found a solution for, from delivering pianos through tenth floor windows, to making sure that their clients prize British Bulldog arrived safely in Sydney, Australia! But should you have a request that you think they haven’t handled yet, they are ready and waiting by the phone for their next challenge!

Tel: 01708 868068. Email: info@galleon-ltd.com.

Web: www.galleon-ltd.com.

Twitter: @GalleonUK

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Four Surrey artists shortlisted for £20,000 national art prize Artists’ work will be exhibited at Mall Galleries in London 5–17 March

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our artists from Surrey have been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize, the UK’s leading competition for British contemporary representational painting and drawing.

The artists are: • Ewan White from New Malden for his work Mungo No. 7 • Ilsa Brittain from Kingston-upon-Thames for her work Me Too • Andrew Hitchcock from Epsom for his work Hoodie Self-Portrait • Charles Rake from Guildford for his work Night Traveller 81 artists have been shortlisted for the Prize out of 1,191 who entered this year’s competition. This represents the highest level of entries in the Prize’s 14-year history.

The eventual winners will be selected from these works and announced on 5 March at an evening event at the Mall Galleries in London. n Rowley, chairman of the organising committee, said: “This year, we’ve been bowled over by the quality of the entries. There’s a tremendous diversity to the works combined with some very bold approaches and techniques.

“A record-breaking 2,400 works were submitted by over a thousand artists, which shows that representational art in the UK is in better health than the art establishment might surmise.”

The Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize for representational art – art that seeks to capture the real world – offers total prize money of £30,000, First prize in now worth £20,000 plus an

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engraved gold medal; the second prize is £4,000; the young artist prize is also £4,000. In addition to the Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize itself, the competition’s organisers have introduced the Daphne Todd Prize worth £2,000 which Daphne will select from the exhibition shortlist. The Brian Botting Award for outstanding representation of the human form is worth £5,000.

The competition is open to any artist, professional or amateur, resident in the UK and painting or drawing works of representational art and over 18-years-old. The competition aims to promote and support fresh new talent.

Judges for the 2019 competition are: • Christopher Green, artist, winner of the Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize 2017 • Tom Hewlett, director, Portland Gallery • Robin Lee-Hall PPRP, artist • Jennifer Scott, Sackler director, Dulwich Picture Gallery • Benjamin Sullivan NEAC RP, artist, winner of the Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize 2007, winner of the BP Portrait Award 2017 Created in 2005 by The Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers and The Lynn Foundation, the open competition continues to champion the skill of draughtsmanship and representational painting.

The exhibition aims to reflect the breadth of approaches and materials from across the artistic spectrum.

For further details visit www.lynnpainterstainersprize.org.uk

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Discover The Joy Of Collecting Art

Affordable Art Fair Battersea Spring

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he Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park for its annual spring edition from 7 – 10 March. Ahead of their 20th anniversary celebrations at Battersea Autumn in October, the Affordable Art Fair will kick start this commemorative year with a celebration of the use of colour as they host over 100 international galleries, exhibiting 1,000s of original artworks at affordable prices, from £50 up to £6,000.

The fair’s dedicated emerging artist section ‘Platform Projects’ has been expertly curated by Becca Pelly-Fry, Head Curator at London’s thriving arts and culture hub Elephant West. A lifelong supporter of emerging artists, Pelly-Fry regularly exhibits Turner Prize nominees alongside recent graduates, propelling unknown artists into the art world. She says; “We are busy planning for an exciting display of innovative, immersive and large-scale works, perfect for the more adventurous collector looking to find the next big thing!”

New for 2019, photographer Imogen Forte has been selected as winner of the Bridgeman Studio Award by Affordable Art Fair Founder Will Ramsay, YBA Gavin Turk, and founder of the Bridgeman Art Library Victoria Bridgeman. Following her two-week award residency in Cuba, Imogen has created a bespoke tote bag to be sold in partnership with Affordable Art Fair. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bag one for yourself!

Get creative with colour-themed workshops by London Fine Art Studios, from choosing the best artwork for your home to creating your very own from 2019’s most on-trend palette. Join FaberCastell’s ‘Kaleidoscope of Colours’ with illustrator Alice Nyong, or walk away with a bouquet from workshops with the nation’s favourite online florist Bloom & Wild. Get inspired by Mothers Who Make,

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the national initiative supporting mothers who are artists, as they host two panels across the weekend exploring how to realise your artistic ambitions.

NSPCC, Battersea Spring’s official charity partner, will also be hosting a booth of donated paintings, drawings and sculpture, with all proceeds from sales going to the charity - so why not brighten up your home for a good cause! Or attend the Charity Preview Evening from which ticket proceeds will go to the charity.

Those looking for the ultimate post-work release can catch a slice of midweek culture at the Thursday Late View. Visitors can delve into an innovative programme of unmissable workshops with complimentary drinks and a live DJ throughout the evening – open from 5.30 until 9pm.

Finally, don’t forget you can enjoy art alfresco at the pop-up Print Village, a set of shipping containers dedicated to showcasing the art of printmaking. Returning after a triumphant debut at the Battersea Autumn fair, the Print Village will be alongside street food from a selection of unique Feast It caterers.

If you are unable to make it to the fair, you can also browse and buy thousands of contemporary pieces carefully hand-selected from a diverse pool of international galleries on the Affordable Art Fair’s online marketplace all year round.

Discover the joy of collecting art at Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park, 7 – 10 March. Book tickets from £8 - £25, and preview art on affordableartfair.com.

“A wonderful day out! Enormous variety and such a lovely atmosphere!”

Battersea Fair Visitor

offer

Readers can book half price tickets using the code ARTLIFE in the Online Ticketshop now* (*Offer is based on on-the-door prices, excludes Charity Preview, and a small booking fee applies.)

Clockwise from left: Selfies with Bond by Alexandra Gallagher, 59.4 x 84.1cm, edition of 5, £1,250, Contemporary Collective; Coal Tit 1

by Keng Wai Lee, acrylic on canvas, 41 x 38.5cm, original, £700, London Contemporary Art; Happy Dog Pink by Sebastian Burdon, 19 x 30 x 15cm, edition of 25, £1,800, TAG Fine Arts

LOC AL LIFE

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FAMILY LAWYER

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nstructing a solicitor can be a daunting experience and represent an acknowledgement that your relationship is in difficulties. You will understandably be concerned about your future and that of your children. You may have friends who have been through the legal process and have had bad experiences. You may be concerned about who to instruct at this difficult time and how you are going to meet the legal costs.

Listed below are some top tips on how to find the right solicitor for you.

1. Make sure that you consult a specialist family lawyer, not someone who dabbles in different areas of law and preferably one who is a member of Resolution.

2. There are directories such as Legal 500 and Chambers who will give you details of the firms and individual rankings based on extensive research on former clients, experts and peers.

3. Go and see your chosen lawyer at an early stage and if possible take advice before you separate and before your other half has had advice.

4. You and your lawyer are going to work together as a team so make sure you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. If in doubt, change solicitors.

5. Be open and frank with your lawyer and do not bury your head in the sand. They need to have a full understanding of your situation to give you comprehensive advice.

6. Be organised and keep your financial papers in order. It takes time for the solicitor to go through them.

7. Do not be embarrassed to talk about costs.

This should be discussed with you at the first

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meeting, an estimate given and regular updates provided. Many people worry about how they will fund their legal expenses. There are many funding options including litigation loans which your solicitor can discuss with you.

8. Be open to think about all of the different processes for settlement such as mediation and collaborative law. These do not suit every case but should be discussed as an option right at the start.

9. Remember solicitors generally charge by the hour so do not use them as your Counsellor, there are better people out there to provide that service and your solicitor will have people to refer you to.

10. If your case has foreign elements to it or a business or trusts, make sure that your solicitor has experience and expertise in these areas. Resolution has accredited specialists and their details can be found on resolution.org.uk.

11. Although your solicitor should be happy for you to take a friend along to meetings for support remember that it is your solicitor who has the expertise not your friend and listen to the advice that your solicitor gives and use that advice to empower yourself to make decisions.

12. Your solicitor will of course fight your corner but try not to fall into the trap of becoming polarised and unable to see the larger picture. There will come a time when a commercial decision will need to be made. Your solicitor should advise you when that occurs and set out your options clearly to you together with the pros and cons of your choices.

Keep these top tips to hand and hopefully should you ever need to instruct a family solicitor you will be able to get the best out of them and value for your money at this difficult time.

THE DETAILS For further information or to discuss a family law matter, please contact Miranda Green via email miranda.green@mundays.co.uk or telephone 01932 590670.

Miranda Green leads one of the largest and most established Family Law teams in the South East of England, with the team backed by top tier rankings in both legal directories as ‘efficient, professional, considerate and personable with excellent knowledge in the area of family law’.

LOC AL LIFE

BADA 2019

Giltwood sofa upholstered in blue damask, attributed to the workshop of Thomas Chippendale English, Circa 1765. Courtesy of Godson & Coles

20 - 26 March 2019

A pair of mahogany cutlery urns, with boxwood herringbone inlay and boxwood and tulipwood crossbanding. English, Circa 1840. Courtesy of Mark Goodger of Hampton Antiques

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ADA, the British Antique Dealers’ Association, is delighted to announce their return to Duke of York Square for the 27th edition of its annual celebration of fine art, design and antiques, BADA 2019.

Showcasing more than 5,000 objects, spanning ancient antiquity to modern and contemporary, BADA 2019 will offer collectors, curators and art lovers the opportunity to browse and buy exceptional items of incomparable craftsmanship and provenance from 100 of the UK’s finest dealers. Each year exhibitors assemble unique, distinctive and unrivalled collections, featuring works from many of the world’s finest artists and makers.

BADA is proud to be working with The de Laszlo Archive Trust on the loan exhibition Philip de László: An Anniversary Celebration. De László was one of the most famous artists in the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is today celebrated as one of the last proponents of Grand Manner portraiture. His remarkable client list included many members of the royal and aristocratic houses of Europe, two Popes, four U.S. Presidents, and leading figures in politics, religion,

Preliminary study for The Old Footbridge over the River Cole at Yardley Oil on canvas. Frederick Henry Henshaw. Dated 1869. Courtesy of Strachan Fine Art

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Left: George III brass bound ebony veneered table clock by John Everell of London. English, Circa 1740. Courtesy of Tobias Birch Ltd

society and industry.

The breadth of specialisms on offer at BADA 2019 will also include porcelain and ceramics, textiles and carpets, silver and metalware, clocks, watches and scientific instruments, antique and contemporary glass, arms and armour, sculpture, Asian and oriental art, and antique boxes. Every object on display will be individually vetted for quality and authenticity by BADA’s independent Vetting Committee of industry leading experts, meaning visitors can buy with complete assurance.

BADA 2019 will provide an impressive offering of traditional, modern and contemporary art, catering for every taste from Old Masters to Impressionists, and from Portraits to Pop Art. BADA is proud to offer an equally comprehensive range of exhibitors in the field of fine furniture exhibiting displays of the very finest antique British and Continental furniture.

Many of the UK’s finest jewellery specialists will once again be exhibiting, offering an exceptional collection of fine and rare antique pieces including signed items from the world’s leading houses including Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

And in keeping with BADA’s commitment to promote the best of the UK and International fine art and antiques trade, there will be several new exhibitors at this year’s event.

BADA’s 2019 charity partner will be Maggie’s, a national charity that provides free practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, and their families and friends. The first Maggie’s centre opened in 1996 and there are now 22 centres across the UK. The partnership will culminate when Maggie’s host their Secret Garden Party at BADA 2019 on Thursday 21 March, all proceeds will go towards the opening of Maggie’s fourth London centre at the Royal Marsden.

For additional information visit www.maggiescentres.org

A pair of pave diamond drop earrings mounted in platinum. American, Circa 1960.

Courtesy of Sandra Cronan Ltd

THE DETAILS BADA 2019 will be held at Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY For further details and opening hours visit: www.badafair.com

Countess Beatty née Ethel Field 1911 oil on board Courtesy of The de Laszlo Archive Trust © de Laszlo Foundation

LOC AL LIFE

RISING YOUNG SURREY TALENT From Photographer at London Fashion Week to Makeup Artist at The National Television Awards, Emily Keitch-Baker tells us more…

Emily (far left) and the team on stage at London Fashion Week

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’ve always been a creative, even when I was younger I was always painting, drawing, making things and borrowing my Mum’s camera, later studying Graphic Design and Fashion at East Surrey College. With exploration through the arts and going to exhibitions and galleries I discovered photography which is something that I’m truly passionate about, I felt I’d found my creative pathway!

I’m currently studying photography at HND Level East Surrey College. I’m in my second year, which means my next academic year will be my degree at Canterbury University. I love this course, it gives me the time and space to explore a variety of ideas, themes and techniques and to experiment, as well as learn about key figures in photography’s history.

Last year I had an amazing opportunity to photograph the well-known ballet dance group ‘The Balletboyz’ which was truly exciting and challenging.

I was given a day to follow, watch, interview and photograph them whilst they were rehearsing their dance performance. It was fascinating, thrilling and I learnt so much. It has also given me a real interest in dance, which I’m going to be working on for my final piece this year.

In my second year on my HND course I have just been chosen by my tutor as best progression in photography. I’m delighted that my tutors have also chosen the work from my last brief to be put forward to The Photographers Gallery in London to print into a book, this will be sold at The

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Photographers Gallery in London this year. I’ve also been chosen to be behind the scenes at London Fashion week to take photographs, to document the life behind the scenes as well as the glamorous photographs of the models and fashion designers on the Catwalk, which I did all day yesterday.. I’ve never done this before and I can’t wait, I feel so lucky to have been chosen, but I’m also aware that hard work, talent and a passion for what you do will always work for you.

One of my interests has also been makeup.

I’ve always loved experimenting with makeup, it’s another passion and hobby of mine and it’s something that I have experimented with for as long as I can remember. My makeup ranges from working with celebrities to working with other clients. Recently I had the honour to do the makeup of Gillian Taylforth ( Kathy in EastEnders) and Shona McGarty ( Whitney in EastEnders) for the National Television Awards (NTA’s). This was a very exciting day, I travelled with the stylist and hairdresser team to the celebrities homes to do the their make-up, and fortunately just got home in time to watch them on the television that evening!

a creative family Emily’s Mother Amanda Keitch is a successful Couture Milliner who has made and designed hats for Her Majesty The Queen, The Princess of Wales and The Duchess of Kent. She has also made hats for Golden Eye Bond film. The creative streak definitely runs in the family!

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Where happy children succeed

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t George’s School Windsor Castle was founded in 1348 to educate the choristers of St George’s Chapel. For nearly seven centuries, it has been an inspiring story, including, most recently, playing a part in two royal weddings.

However, this is only part of the story. Whilst it remains true to its heritage, St George’s is now a flourishing and forward-thinking day and boarding school for over 300 boys and girls aged from 3-13.

Situated at the foot of Windsor Castle and conveniently opposite the Windsor & Eton Riverside mainline station, St George’s combines the buzz of a town centre school, with the space and beauty of a country prep. Its expansive playing fields and woodlands, set in the grounds of the Castle, are so very important to preserving the magic of childhood.

The new Head Master, William Goldsmith, strongly understands the principle that happy children succeed, and that every young person should leave school every day, week, term, and ultimately, St George’s, with a developed sense of who they are and what they can achieve. “By ensuring we provide just the right environment for curiosity, imagination and challenge in the classroom, a breadth of opportunity across school life, and a culture of instilling confidence and self belief, we are building up a child’s life-long learning power.”

To prepare children for the next chapter that awaits them beyond prep school, learning is fun, yet rigorous and ambitious. The School has a successful record of preparing children for a range of senior schools.

Imaginative teaching is supplemented by trips, visiting speakers, workshops and theme days. There is a choice of over 80 after-school activities during the course of the year; whether it is singing or scuba diving, football or fencing, children are sure to find an activity to develop their existing talents and

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discover new ones.

Music is a vital part of life at St George’s and the sound of children singing and playing their instruments permeates the school corridors. With just under 200 individual music lessons taking place each week, children benefit from specialist teaching across a range of instruments. They have the opportunity to embrace a culture of both live and electronic music in the iMac lab and recording studio.

Physical education lessons include swimming in the indoor pool, athletics, rowing, tennis and gymnastics. From Year 3 every boy and girl has an opportunity to represent St George’s in football, rugby, cricket, netball, hockey or rounders and the School has had many successes and achievements in regional and national competitions.

As the School approaches its 700th anniversary, the fusion of innovation and timeless values established and celebrated at St George’s will ensure our children become the story makers in 2047.

OPEN MORNING Join us at our Open Morning on Friday 15 March 2019.

To register visit www.stgwindsor.org/admissions or call 01753 865553.

LOC AL LIFE

Step into the most exciting school in England “We have had four children through the public school system and I think that Hurtwood House is the only one which has really delivered what it promised”

A

lthough it has all the facilities of a typical public school, Hurtwood House specialises exclusively in the sixth form and the age range 16-18. Changing schools at 16 opens up a whole new world of fresh experiences and challenges and provides the perfect steppingstone between school and university.

Hurtwood House is young, exciting and dynamic and, most importantly of all, it is exceptionally creative with drama, media, art, textiles, dance, music and singing to die for.

Famous former students include Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer (music for Gladiator, Rain Main, Lion King) and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, Gideon’s Daughter) and watch out for Hollywood hot-tip Jack Huston (Factory Girl). Zara Brownless (winner of the first Young Apprentice). But marvellous as the performing and creative arts are, this school is definitely not a one-trick pony. It also caters for the budding entrepreneur, doctor, lawyer, architect, etc etc etc with a range of subjects which, though less eyecatching, are no less successful and inspirational.

Small wonder, then, that the world is beating a path to Hurtwood’s door, and one of the first things to strike visitors is that it has a completely different “campus” feel about it – not like school at all. That’s because there are no juniors – everybody here is 16+ and they all join after they have taken their GCSE’s.

In many ways, it defies definition - more public school than sixth form college, but smaller and less institutional – more boutique than department store.

At the moment it’s in a class of its own but one suspects that one day soon there will be more schools like this, because five years is a long time 56 MARCH 2019

to be in one public school, and so many boys and girls are now ready at 16 for a fresh challenge and a more stimulating life. A lot of parents agree wholeheartedly. As one satisfied customer puts it: “We have had four children through the public school system and I think that Hurtwood House is the only one which has really delivered what it promised.”

Indeed, Hurtwood has a file of letters as thick as your arm from grateful parents, and clearly what they appreciate most is that Hurtwood has given their children the confidence to cope with anything in life and has fired up their enthusiasm. “Her mind was turned on,” says one, “and her appetite for learning is voracious. I want you to know that you lit the fuse.”

Who could ask for anything more?

THE DETAILS Hurtwood House, Holmbury St Mary, Nr Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NU Tel: 01483 279000 www.hurtwoodhouse.com

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty

– Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i ma g e : TH E W OR L D O F L UXUR Y W E L L N E S S

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION “Choose classic polka dots design with a trendy touch, or unleash your inner wild”

we love The bright colours of these luxury merino football scarves. www.retroclasico.co.uk

standing out A must-have for every woman who dares to stand out. Perfect tights to pair with dresses, skirts and minis for a young and fun look. Choose classic polka dots design with a trendy touch, or unleash your inner wild with this fun leopard print! www.leglicious.co.uk

TREASURE TROVE

man bag

The Cash Wrap works on its own to carry cash, cards, notes, tickets, keys and accessories, or as an addition to the original TROVE Wallet and TROVE Swift wallets to carry even more. The Cash Wrap folds around the elastic cardholder with pull tab, or your existing TROVE wallet, to give you quick access to your cards. www.trove.cc

The Vida Vida small leather satchel is the perfect size for an everyday bag.

It can fit an iPad (there is a tough, canvas tablet sleeve inside) and any other essentials that you need by your side. Its vintage-inspired design works so well and it really has all the timeless character of the originals. www.vidavida.co.uk

a touch of the exotic Featuring exotic flamingos on a vivid green background surrounded by tropical palms this stylish Sara Miller pouch is sure to be a must have accessory. It’s the perfect place for you to store your accessories while you are out and is big enough to carry an evening’s essentials. This pouch has a gold metal zip and embossed zip pull. www.saramiller.london

60 MARCH 2019

into spring Winser London’s Cotton Poplin Striped Shirt Dress is our first Spring purchase! This is the most versatile dress: perfect for now, worn open over a slimline jumper and trousers, and later, during the warmer months, worn cinched in with the belt, with trainers or pumps. Simple luxury - you’ll look super chic. £169, winserlondon.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

COSMETIC DOCTORS COMPANY

Do you want to improve skin laxity, texture and fine lines?

Profhilo – An innovative approach to skin rejuvenation

P

rofhilo is an exciting and unique rejuvenation product for the face, neck and décolletage, being unlike any other skin treatment on the market.

Dr Peter Forrester always looks critically at new treatments and never jumps on the bandwagon of new treatments until he has had time to evaluate the exaggerated claims made by some manufacturers and occasionally other practitioners. He has regularly used Profhilo since Summer 2017 and hence has had a good opportunity to evaluate its effects. He is now convinced Profhilo is a safe, effective and innovative product.

Profhilo is designed to improve skin laxity, texture and lines by stimulating collagen and elastin production. This effect combined with increased hydration will produce a subtle lifting and tightening effect.

Although Profhilo is composed of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) it is not a filler and is aimed at achieving a very different effect from all the currently available HA fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm or Belotero. It will not add

excessive volume and hence there is no risk that a Profhilo treatment will result in an obviously filled or ‘pillow face’ look.

It is manufactured by IBSA, a long-established and highly reputable Swiss company and was first launched in Italy in 2015 and subsequently in the UK in January 2016.

Since launch there have been an increasing number of positive reviews and opinions in the media.

A Profhilo treatment is quick and easy. Just 5 small injections of Profhilo are administered to each side of the face. Discomfort is minimal and other than the possibility for a small bruise there is no downtime. There will be an initial increase in hydration, but the main effects will build over the following weeks. A second treatment must be given 4 weeks later to maximise the beneficial effects.

Also Dr Forrester now offers the option of combining Profhilo with INTRAcel, our proven and long-established radio-frequency micro-needling treatment. Together they are an unbeatable combination.

Non Surgical Treatments • Anti-wrinkle Injections - reduce frown lines and crow’s feet.

• Dermal Fillers - smooth deeper lines and furrows as well as returning lost volume to the face.

• Thread Lift - minimally invasive procedure where surgical threads are used to lift and support cheeks, jowls and neck.

• Facial Peels - helps to return a healthy glow to dull tired skin. Peels also reduce fine lines, wrinkles uneven skin tone, acne and scarring.

• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) natural anti-ageing skin rejuvenation treatment using small amounts of recipient’s blood to improve the skin’s texture and to reduce lines and wrinkles.

Dr Peter Forrester and Ms Helen McEnvoy, The Cosmetics Doctor’s Company, 6 Esher Park Avenue, 62 MARCH 2019

Profhilo The new anti–aging approach A revolutionary new injectable skin treatment resulting in increased firmness, hydration and elasticity as well as an overall improvement in skin quality for the face, neck and décolletage.

Dr. Peter Forrester MBBS FRCA

With over 20 years experience in non surgical cosmetic medicine, Peter specialises in minimally invasive facial anti ageing treatments.

Ms. Helen McEvoy MSc MA MBBChir FRCS (Plast)

Helen is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospital and she consults privately from her rooms in Esher.

• Facial Thread Veins – we remove thread veins affecting the nose cheeks and all area of the face.

• Hyperhidrosis – an effective treatment for excessive underarm sweating • INTRAcel – uses radio frequency and micro needling to improve the tone and texture of the skin. It also tightens to reduce sagging, wrinkles and fine lines. INTRAcel helps to improve stretch marks and scarring.

• Advanced skin care - ZO range of concentrated formulas delivers rapid results. A unique skincare regime will be formulated by Dr. Peter Forrester to ensure the best possible outcome.

• Profhilo - For increased firmness and elasticity as well as overall improvement in skin quality . Ideal for face, neck and décolletage.

Esher, KT10 9NP

Jennifer Luyt Jennifer brings to us 40 years experience in the high end beauty therapy industry and, has practiced as a Senior Medical Aesthetician for the last 11 years.

The Cosmetic Doctor’s Company 6 Esher Park Avenue, Esher, KT10 9NP Tel: 01372 890 890 enquiries@cosdocs.co.uk

Discreetly situated just off the High Street www.cosdocs.co.uk

Tel: 01372 890 890 | enquiries@cosdocs.co.uk | www.cosdocs.co.uk MARCH 2019 63

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Academy Awards Salon Directors Salv Mulé and Franco Capozzi

Clayate Salon of the Year

T

he fifth Academy Hair & Beauty Salon Awards celebrating the stellar achievements of the Academy group’s, Claygate, Cobham, Esher, Hersham and Weybridge salons and respective teams took place with suitable fanfare. Hairdressing high-flyer and red-hot London salon owner, Karine Jackson, was the host and compere for the glamorous event held at Stamford Bridge’s glamorous Under the Bridge nightclub, Chelsea.

Karine commented, “The evening was about the Academy Salon’s success not only in cutting hair, but also in perfecting the complete client journey. From front of house and consultation to cutting, colour and beauty services, the strengths of the amazing Academy team were recognised and rewarded.”

Hotly contested awards included those for Record Average Takings; Education achievements, Apprentice of the Year, and several Creative and Beauty Awards. There were three nominees per category, which created a highly charged, but good humoured atmosphere. Trophies were presented to each of the winners by representatives from Academy salons’ manufacturer and brand partners: Balmain Paris Hair Couture, Alterna Haircare, Salon Evolution Group and Ha Ha Training Services.

The award ceremony portion of the fabulous

evening climaxed with the presentation of the prize for the individual Salon of the Year, which went to Claygate. A thrilled Amy O’Halleran of the Hersham salon scooped the Hairdresser of the Year title. Manager of the Year was Claygate salon’s Christine Madigan.

Managing Director, Salv Mulé congratulated all the winners on their hard work, commitment, and contribution to the continuing success of the salons. He said, “It’s evenings like this that make me so incredibly proud of my team and even more passionate about this fantastically creative service industry that we belong to. For the last 20 years Academy salons has been a joy and a journey and long may this continue.”

Best Rebooking Christine Madigan Claygate

Christine Madigan Manager of the Year from Claygate and best rebooking of the year.

Apprentice of the year Sophia Burke Weybridge 64 MARCH 2019

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

The Front of House girls from Claygate, Cobham, Esher, Hersham and Weybridge

Winners Record Average Bill Caroline Milne Weybridge

Compere for the evening Former London Hairdresser of the year and President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Karine Jackson

Academy Education Creative Student of the year Shanelle Beasley, Claygate Academic Student of the Year Sophia Burke, Weybridge Academy Beauty Best Average Bill Carolyn Bell, Cobham Beauty Therapist Danielle Stewart Cobham

Best Reviewed Salon Weybridge

Social Media Master Cobham

Salon of the Year Claygate

Retailer of the Year Leanne Vesey, Cobham Hairdresser of the Year Amy O’Halleran, Hersham Manager of the year Christine Madigan Claygate

www.academysalons.com www.balmainhair.com Winner British Business Hairdressing Awards 2018 and Winner Salon Business Awards 2018

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

presents

Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2019 Collection

“Is it a man or a woman? It’s neither one nor the other – it’s a clown.”

The circus is a magical place.” *

T

he imagination of many artists has been stimulated by the fascination for a world that is both wondrous and raw, poetic and indispensable. Christian Dior enjoyed going to the Cirque d’Hiver, which is where, in 1955, Richard Avedon, who intuitively captured the essence of Monsieur Dior’s style in an extraordinary way, took his famous photo, Dovima and the Elephants , an image that perfectly evokes the wonder and majesty of haute couture. In 1950, British television also covered the House’s show at The Savoy in London with a report titled Dior ‘Circus’ Comes To Town The circus theme reappeared later at Dior under John Galliano’s creative direction. For isn’t a fashion show, after all, akin to the parade that inaugurates a circus show? Great 20th century artists such as Pablo Picasso, Erik Satie, Serge Diaghilev and Léonide Massine joined Jean Cocteau – a regular at the Cirque Medrano, which also counted Federico

66 MARCH 2019

Fellini among its fans – to develop the ballet Parade in Italy between Rome – the birthplace of Maria Grazia Chiuri – and Naples, before presenting it in Paris in 1917.

For Maria Grazia Chiuri, this fantastical creative chaos provided the starting point for the Spring/ Summer 2019 Haute Couture Collection, debuted on 21 January 2019 in Paris in an authentic big top tent.

The presentation began with gymnasts carrying one another down the runway on their backs, shoulders and even upside down, setting the stage for the thematic clothing and accessories that would follow. The visual unfurling of the pieces that compose it represents an unleashing of the memory and the imagination associated with the circus through costumes, fashion and art, extending and the evocation of Cindy Sherman’s work focusing on clowns.

Models in glitter swim caps and mime-inspired eye makeup paraded looks paying homage to the Big

Top. Harlequin-inspired diamond patterns covered gowns, pleated skirts and sheer blouses; and circus motifs including rings of fire, wild animals, sideshow characters and loose ribbons reminiscent of a classic, striped tent made up the bulk of the collection.

The collection consists of a superposition of images: a woman’s tattooed skin, reminiscent of the Victorian circus and its fairground phenomena, becomes a motif-drenched unitard that shapes the body and tells a wearable story under dresses.

Powdery shades that come together and blend into an infinite palette – like those on the curtain painted by Pablo Picasso for the ballet Parade – also symbolise this sense of the worn, of the fine dust that sprinkles stage clothes. Skirts embroidered or inlaid with opaque sequins are shortened as tutus that nod to the circus codes of acrobats, tamers and riders.

Maria Grazia Chiuri employs this broad variety of images to compose her own “parade”, comprising full and very light pants, narrowing at the ankle, which can also become sumptuous jumpsuits. Shorts are paired with sheer white shirts accented with ruffs or ribbons seemingly frayed with the passage of time. There are also leather corsets, sailor stripes, and black jackets inspired by that of the lion tamer. The geometric white clown outfit, whether spare or sumptuous, is reinterpreted through its materials, embroidery and proportions.

The show was animated with performances by

the all-female circus company Mimbre, which, in a constant search for the poetic in the unexpected, highlights the trust and bond between the acrobats’ bodies.

The circus is presented as a place of inclusion in which the clown, through its androgynous and asexual dimension, becomes the expression of a possible equality and an evocation of modernity, one where beauty, origin, gender and age are no longer important, and only technique and daring matter. * Quotation from the book: Le Costume de clown blanc: Gérard Vicaire, la passion pour seul habit by Sylvie Nguimfack-Perault. (Editions Chapitre Douze, 2016).

Available at House of Dior, 160 New Bond Street, W1. Tel 0207 172 0172. www.dior.com and Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL. www.harrods.com

MARCH 2019 67

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Peace of Mind A

t Thames Breast Clinic, we offer patients the peace of mind and assurance that comes with a rapid diagnosis, the very latest and best treatment options and the highest standard of guidance and care throughout the patient journey.

Realistic NHS waiting times for diagnosis and treatment can cause a lot of anxiety and worry, prompting many patients to explore treatment privately.

At Thames Breast Clinic we understand this and can provide immediate access to our local One-Stop Breast Diagnostic Clinics for both insured and selfpay patients. Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with breast cancer in the NHS, we are able to offer treatment commencing in a matter of days.

Our clinics are based in Windsor, Gerrards Cross, Harrow and Harley Street.

The main features of our One Stop Breast Service are: • No GP referral required • Appointments within 24 hours • Thorough family history assessment and complete breast examination • State-of-the art digital imaging and ultrasonography. Where required, this is combined with 3D mammography and/ or a breast MRI • Multidisciplinary evaluation of each case by a team of Consultant Breast Specialists • Breast Care Nurse present throughout all consultations and examinations • If a biopsy taken, results are available within 24 to 48 hours What to expect at the One-Stop Clinic?

The initial appointment lasts about an hour to allow a thorough breast evaluation. This includes seeing a specialist Consultant Onco Plastic Breast Surgeon who will take a detailed history about your concerns as well as your past medical history and will then examine you. A breast care nurse will be present during all examinations. Following this, you will then undergo a breast ultrasound and, if you are over 35, a mammogram as well.

If during your clinical examination or breast imaging, an abnormality is noted, your Consultant may recommend obtaining a biopsy. This is frequently in the form of a specialized needle to sample a very small piece of breast tissue. Local anaesthetic is used to make the area numb before the biopsy is taken. A small cut is then made in the breast and the biopsy needle inserted to take samples. The tissue is sent away for examination and takes 1 or 2 days for the result to be available.

Once you have undergone your imaging (and biopsy if required), you will then again meet with the Consultant, who will explain the findings to you. You will also have an opportunity to ask further questions.

If needed, a follow up appointment will be arranged.

68 MARCH 2019

What if I need treatment for breast cancer?

Fortunately, 9 out of 10 women who come for a breast check can be reassured immediately. For those diagnosed with breast disease, our team of Consultant Breast Specialists work within a Multidisciplinary Team to create a tailor made treatment plan for you. Treatment then commences within days. Importantly we ensure you will always have access to your Consultant during your entire period of care and beyond.

“We can provide immediate daily access to our One-Stop Breast Diagnostic Clinic for both insured and self-pay patients”

THE DETAILS To arrange an appointment please call 01753 439313 or email info@thamesbreastclinic.com Clinics in Windsor, Gerrards Cross, Harrow & Harley Street

What if I have been diagnosed in the NHS and want to be treated privately?

This is very easily arranged as we can electronically import all your records and images across from the NHS (with your permission) and commence treatment immediately. All our Consultants are recognised by the major insurance providers. For patients who are not insured and wish to have part or all of their treatment privately, we have a range of affordable fixed price self pay packages.

Breast Screening: In the UK, all women aged between 50 and 70 are invited to attend breast screening every three years.

However, for women aged under 50 who are in a higher risk group or have a family history of breast cancer, earlier breast screening at the Thames Breast Clinic can help provide reassurance.

We can also provide genetic testing if necessary.

Genetic testing should not be undertaken lightly and we work with counsellors to provide support as you make this important decision. Where appropriate, we will advise you on what risk-reducing measures you should consider.

If you have any concerns about your breasts or would simply like a check up for peace of mind, please call us. Our team would be happy to arrange a consultation at a clinic near you.

20

19

Windsor, Gerrards Cross, Harrow & Harley St

O W & nc inn C (P o o-P er riv sm la o at e st f B e tic ic es He S B t al pe rea th c s ca ial t re ist Aw ar ds )

Are you worried about breast cancer or simply want a full breast check up?

Why wait for an NHS appointment?

Book today for a full check up by Consultant Breast Specialists

• Full one-stop breast check up with Consultant Surgeon assessment, mammogram, ultrasound scan and biopsies if needed • Same day appointments available • No GP referral needed • All insurance plans accepted • For patients not insured, fixed price breast check up and breast treatment packages available from £595 • State of the Art digital mammography • Breast cancer surgery and treatment available for insured and self pay patients • Breast reconstruction & onco plastic surgery

To book an appointment, contact 01753 439313 or info@thamesbreastclinic.com www.thamesbreastclinic.com

• Cosmetic breast surgery For patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are currently awaiting surgery in the NHS, we can offer immediate surgery with fixed price self pay packages.

Please call to find out more.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The desire for the perfect Hollywood smile but at what cost?

C

osmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular, largely as a result of social trends and increased media coverage. With the reality TV stars setting the trend in an industry now worth £2 billion, this understandable desire for the alleged ‘perfect smile’ needs to be tempered with an appropriate awareness of the significant risks associated with invasive cosmetic procedures such as veneers and crowns.

Patients need to be properly informed that elective removal of healthy enamel and dentine can result in pulpal injury and poorer periodontal health in the longer term, particularly if they are young. The duty of candour means that they ought to be informed that aggressive reduction of sound tooth tissue is not biologically neutral and results in structural weakening of their teeth. Less invasive procedures such as bleaching on its own or for example, combined with direct resin composite bonding, can satisfy many patient’s demands, while still being kinder to teeth and having much better fall-back positions for their future requirements.

It is the opinion of the British Endodontic Society, British Society for Restorative Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry UK, Dental Trauma UK, British Society of Prosthodontics and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry that elective invasive cosmetic dental treatments can result in great benefit to patients, but that some aggressive treatments used to achieve them can produce significant morbidities in teeth which were previously healthy. This is a worrying and growing problem with many ethical, legal and biologic aspects, but many adverse outcomes for patients who request cosmetic dental improvements are preventable by using biologically safer initial approaches to treatment planning and its provision.

Dedicated personal, specialist care The Specialist Dental Practice is the leading specialist restorative and implant dental practice in the county and has been setting the standards of specialist dentistry over the last 25 years.

70 MARCH 2019

“The Specialist Dental Practice is the leading specialist restorative and implant dental practice in the county”

The practice was established in 1973 and is conveniently located in the heart of Weybridge, Surrey. We are UK qualified and registered multi-specialist team offering specialist dental care of the highest quality and precision for the complex reconstruction cases involving dental implant therapy, gum disease treatment, root canal treatment, restoration of mutilated dentition and addressing challenges associated with partial and complete removable dentures.

We are delighted to welcome new referrals to our practice from both patients as well as professional colleagues. www.thespecialistdentalpractice.com

Dedicated Personal Specialist Care “Implants are not better than teeth but they are the next best thing! With our specialists, we can really decide whether we can save a tooth or what the best alternative would be�

Advanced Specialist Range of Treatments Leading Specialist Dental Practice in Weybridge Specialist in Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics and Dental Implantology

The Specialist Dental Practice 25 Monument Green Weybridge Surrey KT13 8QW Call us for new patient consultation on 01932 857585 or book online at www.thespecialistdentalpractice.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The World of Luxury wellness Prudence Wade

steps into the world of elite invitation-only fitness class SBC

E

ven if you haven’t heard of SBC, at least 150,000 people have, judging by Russell Bateman’s Instagram following.

He’s behind the cult workout favoured

by Victoria’s Secret Angels Romee Strijd and Taylor Hill, as well as stars like Ellie Goulding and Liv Tyler.

As someone who is interested in fitness and spends an unhealthy amount of time on Instagram, I was aware of SBC so jumped at the opportunity to train with Bateman and find out more about his new super supplement.

More than anything, I was curious. I enjoy working out and do so regularly, but would a Victoria Secret-approved workout push my limits?

Also, I definitely don’t think I’m a classic SBC girl.

72 MARCH 2019

A look on its Insta shows scores of women who are incredibly slim, and the classes are invite-only, which no doubt ensures attendees are all gorgeous, and have six packs. I might be fit but I’m no beanpole, so I couldn’t help but wonder how it would go with Bateman, who is much more accustomed to working with models.

So here’s what happened when I delved into the world of SBC, trained with the company’s founder and tried its new exclusive supplement...

The class...

Bateman is a purposefully elusive figure on social media, so I really didn’t know what to expect on meeting him, but was pleasantly surprised. There’s

no doubt I was worked hard in the gym (let’s just say ‘rest periods’ between sets involved running the long length of the gym and back again) but he was also very attentive and helpful in improving my form. It was similar to other personal training sessions I’ve done - challenging because there’s nowhere to hide, but by no means impossible.

You can’t fault Bateman’s reasons for setting up SBC, which began in 2012 when he posted a picture of his model friend doing lunges on Facebook.

“SBC has always been a female-oriented project,” he explains. “When I was starting out it was a very male-dominated area, and I felt I could really shine a light on strong women who were killing their workouts.

“I come from a strength and conditioning background, and these were the kinds of exercises women and girls were shying away from because they thought it was going to make them bulky or muscly, and they just weren’t.”

This I can totally get on board with, but Bateman is less sure of his answer regarding body positivity in the fitness industry.

“Everyone’s welcome,” he says, after I ask him why the women on his Instagram page are all the same body shape. “Just from my point of view, in a class there are movements which designate a certain level of fitness, so the people who are coming to my classes are already quite fit.”

This didn’t sit entirely right with me - I feel like after smashing a session with Bateman I proved you can be fit without being a size 6. He goes on to say: “It’s more of a performance for everyone else to see,” which suggests SBC is far more of an “inspirational tool” (as Bateman says) than a project on inclusivity.

My session with Bateman might have felt constructive, positive, and more like a normal PT session than I anticipated, but the exclusive SBC classes sound like another world. “It’s constantly evolving, it’s emotional, it’s raw, it’s intense. I never know what I’m going to do in a session, I never know what music I’m going to play, it all depends on the mood, the moon, the stars, the emotions in the class, the personalities of the people in the class,” says Bateman. Make of that what you will.

“It works out at £5 a day - you’d spend that on two coffees, so it’s about prioritising. £5 a day on something that’s genuinely going to upgrade your body and your mind - it’s an investment, and it’s achievable.”

It was repeatedly described as “next level”, although looking back, I’m not 100% sure what the next level actually entails...

The verdict...

I was lucky enough to try LYMA for a month, so did I “level up” as a person? Unfortunately, I couldn’t really tell much difference. My hair, nails, skin and anxiety were all pretty much ticking along as before - I was hoping the inflammatory properties of the pill would help ease my severe IBS, but no such luck. Maybe I would need to take it for more than a month to see any real change.

In all honesty, I felt best after the session I had with Bateman, which is definitely a step up from how I normally start my day. I went in with a lot of preconceptions, and I’m happy to say some of them were smashed.

However, it’s only really when I left the cosy bubble of the brunching with Bateman and Goff at London’s Chiltern Firehouse and listened back to my audio that I realised how wild the whole experience was.

Over the course of breakfast I started talking about the moon’s patterns and referring to things as needing to be “authentic” - no judgement to anyone else, but that’s definitely not me.

It’s a little scary how easy it was to get swept up in the glamour of luxury wellness, but I’m not too worried - I don’t think it’s quite the place for me.

It’s not particularly well-suited to my bank balance either, but it’s oddly tempting to see if prolonged use of LYMA would cause me to “level up” as a human.

For now, I’m just left with the fancy copper pot, which is a pretty good place to store my spare hair ties.

“It’s only really when I left the cosy bubble of the brunching with Bateman and Goff at London’s Chiltern Firehouse and listened back to my audio that I realised how wild the whole experience was”

The supplement...

After the session we met up with Bateman’s business partner Lucy Goff, and soon I was immersed in their world of luxury wellness.

Their supplement LYMA is a high-end product which Bateman describes as “an all-round upgrade”.

That, to me, sounds a little bit like it’s for robots, but by this point I was so caught up in the glamour, I didn’t really notice.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pill, but is meant to help with hair, skin, nails, inflammation, immunity and stress levels. The starter kit complete with a handmade copper vessel to put your pills in - will set you back £199, and monthly refills cost £149. Goff justifies the price by saying: MARCH 2019 73

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Tatler’s Best Doctor for CoolSculpting

BEFORE

AFTER

B

erkshire Aesthetics are very pleased to announce that Dr Selena Langdon, our founder and medical director, was named as one of the best doctors for body treatments in this year’s Tatler Cosmetic Surgery Guide. This is a huge endorsement for Dr Langdon and is in recognition of her personal commitment to the CoolSculpting treatment. As a former Plastic surgery trainee she brings many years of surgical experience to an innovative medical treatment which targets stubborn areas of fat and removes them for good.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a patented technology which was developed in the mid-2000s by Harvard Scientists and which was first approved for use by the FDA in 2010. Since this time the CoolSculpting treatment has been delivered over 6 million times. Importantly CoolSculpting remains the only FDA and CE Medical Mark device so is the only fat freezing technology which is backed by detailed research and clinical studies. While many devices claim to be the same as CoolSculpting it is extremely important that patients understand the risks of using an unregulated device and ensure they are only treated by a suitably qualified medical professional using an approved device.

How does CoolSculpting Work?

CoolSculpting works by freezing fat cells in a controlled cooling process which results in the fat cells dying. The cells are then expelled from the body over several months with the results seen around 16 weeks later. The procedure itself takes as little as 35 minutes and you can return to your normal life 74 MARCH 2019

straight away. With between 20% and 30% of the fat treated removed each time the results are impressive and comparable to liposuction but without the needles, surgery or downtime. Importantly the treatment results are permanent and can target stubborn areas which resist diet and exercise.

Why choose Berkshire Aesthetics?

Berkshire Aesthetics is one of a few clinics in the UK to offer CoolSculpting by a medical doctor.

This ensures not only the highest level of patient safety but the best possible treatment results. At our clinic the treatment is taken to a new level as Dr Langdon has refined the CoolSculpting procedure and developed her own trademarked approach called the ‘CoolCodes’. This is a proprietary system she has developed, similar to the famous ‘MD Codes’ used for facial aesthetics but for body contouring treatments.

What else does Berkshire Aesthetics offer?

Berkshire Aesthetics is a medical aesthetic clinic offering the latest proven treatments for facial aesthetics, body contouring and advanced skincare.

Treatments available include: • Ultherapy • Anti-Wrinkle Injections • Juvederm Dermal Fillers • Skin tightening with Exilis Ultra • Cellulite treatments with BTL Unison • Vaginal Rejuvenation with BTL Ultra Femme 360 • Obagi, ZO Medical & iS Clinical Skincare All treatments are delivered following consultation with our doctor who will personally assess your needs and develop a bespoke treatment plan. www.berkshireaesthetics.com

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

LUXURY KITCHEN &

BATHROOM guide

– Everything you need to create the perfect kitchen or bathroom – I M A G E : A D A P TATIO N S w w w. a d a p tat i o n s . u k . c o m • 0 1 9 3 2 5 8 4 9 4 0

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS

Your Beautiful Bathroom

A

bathroom can be so much more than just a room for hygiene. You can create tranquil areas of relaxation and Cranleigh Bathroom Studios can help your ideas come to life.

With their experience in the industry they can create relaxing areas that will take away all of your worries and woes with ease. As well as giving you those relaxing moments, you can have a fresh bathroom for mornings to get you ready for the whole day ahead. Whatever you have dreamed of can be brought to your home in quick time with matching tiles, furniture and accessories in tow.

As well as full bathroom suites they can install shower enclosures that are effective and attractive.

A wide range of shower enclosures include floor to ceiling glass screens and smaller effective screens depending on your needs. The shower enclosures they supply complete your bathroom and can keep water where it is supposed to be at all times.

If high quality tiles in a wide variety of colours, pattern and style is what you are looking for then you in the right place. With a wide range of superb tiles to choose from you can truly personalise your 78 MARCH 2019

bathroom or build complete bespoke sets to suit your needs and taste.

At the showroom they have various tiles to explore, including mosaic, ceramic and pebble tiles for both flooring solutions and walls. They understand that a bathroom is often a place for relaxing but also needs an element of freshness at the same time. To accomplish this tranquil atmosphere they work with you to build your dream bathroom from top to bottom so that you can really sit back and relax.

Please call in to meet Craig and the team, not forgetting Bryn their Showroom Dog! 246 High Street, Cranleigh GU6 8RL; 01483 272727; www.cranleigh-bathroomstudios.co.uk

Bryn the Showroom dog

As well as giving you those relaxing moments, you can have a fresh bathroom for mornings to get you ready for the whole day ahead

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10% discount when you mention Life Magazines

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS

20th Anniversary Adaptations are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year. At their showing in Cobham (opposite The Ivy restaurant) they showcase a wide range of contemporary and bespoke kitchens and have a number of promotions on offer until the end of February.

For a free consultation with one of their designers please call 01932 584940

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KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS

[NEWS]

KITCHENS TOP BUYS

Ceramic Marble Effect Bowl, The Farthing www.thefarthing.co.uk

Marcello Ribbed Metal Punch Bowl, Artisanti www.artisanti.com

“The perfect way to add a splash of colour to your outfit”

SHAKER STYLE Monochrome Daisy Ceramic Mug, Gisela Graham London www.giselagraham.co.uk

A traditional shaker kitchen design for a period property in Putney. Shaker kitchen cabinets in ‘French Grey’ by Little Greene. Statuario grey composite marble worktops, splashback and island. Copper bulb pendant island lighting with matching copper handles for the kitchen cabinets in traditional cup and knob designs. Waterfall countertop island design with integrated sink and breakfast bar stool seating. A Falcon range cooker and extractor in stainless steel is a central feature of this kitchen design. www.brayerdesign.co.uk

CHEF’S DELIGHT

NAIKA BAR STOOL,VELVET UPHOLSTERED SEAT, Cult Furniture www.cultfurniture.com

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A traditional terracotta casserole dish by Morgan Wright. Made form high fired terracotta to give it its colour and then polished with a semi-precious stone. Ethically sourced and handmade. www.morgan-wright.co.uk

UPDATE YOUR LOOK

If you fancy a change without a complete overhaul, take a look at these personalised tile stickers, vinyl wall mural, and pixerstick stickers. They give the look of tiles without the hassle of replacing. www.pixers.us

[NEWS]

BATHROOMS BEAUTIFUL BLINDS We love these high quality custommade white, beige and cream Parisian inspired patterned roller blinds. They are made to measure and come with a 3 year guarantee. www.englishblinds.co.uk

“The perfect way to add a splash of colour to your outfit”

STYLISH BATHROOM STORAGE

TILE WITH STYLE

Every Porter vanity is meticulously crafted to meet three criteria; beauty, utility and durability. Porter create and curate a considered range of unusual breadth, both in terms of styles and proportions to provide an elegant solution for every bathroom. From the solid birch hardwood frames and poplar multilayer panels used on their painted vanities to the hand-fettled and formed brass used on their Metal vanities every Porter piece is crafted and unique. Porter vanities can be further customised to a clients specification through finish and surface material selection. www.porterbathroom.com

TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN

ADD SOME CHARACTER These ceramic floor tiles have a decorative floral-esque pattern with a slightly aged and weathered design, which adds lots of character!

They’re perfect for creating a statement floor in any room throughout the home, and they have a matt finish. www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

With a handmade vintage feel, the Bronte range has a traditional look but with a modern glossy twist.

Available in rectangular or irregular hexagon shapes. www.londontile.co.uk

Adorne Seville 200x200 is a graceful mixed glazed tile, with a flat texture suitable for the wall and floor that will compliment any kitchen or bathroom. This porcelain tile is available in a matt finish making it a great choice for creating a victorian style. With certain grace and sophistication belonged to the old times, Victorian tiles are versatile and functional, suitable for being in tune with any indoor or outdoor environments. www.tilegiant.co.uk

LITTLE TOUCHES Trust the metallic trend and let Lilo work its transformation magic. Whether you coordinate or mismatch, the Lilo collection is designed with your sleek bathroom in mind. Make your bathroom pop with these pared-back necessities in a choice of metallic finishes. www.made.com MARCH 2019 83

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS

A key bathroom trend for 2019

U

rban industrial is still a popular look for bathrooms. This scheme takes inspiration from warehouse living to introduce handsome, rugged fittings into the bathroom such as cast-iron baths, scuffed brass taps and Crittall inspired shower doors.

But you don’t have to live in a disused factory to embrace this look. Elements can be incorporated into both traditional and contemporary bathrooms to give them an instant update.

Start with the bath. A classic cast iron bath will create a bold centrepiece in any bathroom and add value to your home. It is a myth that the floor in the bathroom needs to be reinforced to accommodate a cast iron bath. A bath full of water and a bather is only the equivalent weight to four people. If you are happy for four people to stand in your bathroom without worrying that they will crash through the floor to the room below, then you can have a cast iron bath. The Brunel cast iron bath from Aston Matthews features a handsome rivet detail, perfect for the industrial look.

Taking inspiration form the metal framed windows found in many old warehouses, the Grid shower panel features a satin black aluminium frame. These versatile panels can be used as a shower screen or to create a subtle divide between the master bedroom and ensuite.

You can’t get more industrial than concrete, so Aston Matthews have included two solid concrete basins in the range, Model One and Model Two are available in natural grey and work particularly well with the Acme range of scuffed brass taps with their unusual wheel controls Complete your industrial bathroom with coordinating accessories such as the Acme range in brass, satin black Nero collection or Alto bronze.

And don’t forget storage to keep your new

84 MARCH 2019

bathroom clutter free. Wall hung units will always make a small room appear larger but, if space allows, consider a chunky wood basin unit such as Timor in reclaimed teak.

Aston Matthews Design Service At its Guildford showroom Aston Matthews offers a bathroom design service. The in-house interiors expert, Louise Home, spends time with new clients to establish their personal style and find out exactly what they want from their bathroom. She then suggests suitable fittings and tiles before producing high quality visuals using a bespoke CAD system. Louise says “Many people struggle to visualise how their bathroom will fit. We are able to show them exactly what their finished scheme will look like. It takes a lot of the stress and uncertainty out of the process.”

Once the scheme is agreed, Louise works closely with the client’s fitters or architect to ensure the final bathroom not only looks good but works perfectly.

Find out more at: www.astonmatthews.co.uk

“Start with the bath.

A classic cast iron bath will create a bold centrepiece in any bathroom and add value to your home”

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS

Ashford Interiors celebrating 35 years Ashford Kitchens & Interiors are a family-owned and run business with two large inspiring showrooms, one in Ashford High Street, the other in Farnham Common, Bucks. Founded in 1984 Ashford are now celebrating their 35th trading year.

What we do We pride ourselves on offering a complete design and fully project managed installation service for kitchens, bedrooms and home offices, utilising high quality cabinetry from leading British manufacturers and a vast range of appliances, specialist worktops, bespoke glass splashbacks, flooring, tiles and lighting. We also offer kitchens on a supply only basis if required. Our service commences with a FREE, no-obligation kitchen, bedroom or home office design and planning service. The result of this will be a full colour, computer generated design that will enable you to visualise your dream high quality kitchen, bedroom or office.

Specialist installation Delivering and installing your kitchen, bedroom or home office should be timely, efficient and most importantly stress-free for you. With this in mind, our highly experienced, professional installers and craftsmen will ensure that they are as efficient, tidy and timely as possible and that you are delighted with the end result. Our specialist installers have many years experience and can cover all aspects including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, gas, tiling, flooring and plastering. We are particularly proud of the quality of our fitters and their workmanship and of course all installations come complete with the relevant Part P electrical or Gas Safety certification.

Our customers matter Being a local, family run business we genuinely care that our customers receive the best possible service and are happy with their experience from the moment you step into the showroom. We have a dedicated team that work closely together to ensure we give you the best service during and after design and installation. Our team’s genuine, friendly and professional approach makes us easy to work with whilst providing a seamless and efficient service.

We are proud to have two large, modern and spacious showrooms in Ashford, Middlesex & Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire. We will be delighted to provide you a warm welcome when you visit our showrooms, where you can view our 86 MARCH 2019

“Delivering and installing your kitchen, bedroom or home office should be timely, efficient and most importantly stress-free for you”

many displays.

Throughout our large kitchen showrooms we display the latest cabinetry from the UK’s leading furniture manufacturers as well as quality appliances and accessories. A visit to one of our showrooms prior to arranging a design visit is highly worthwhile to help enthuse and inspire. We can show you what can be achieved and demonstrate the quality products and expert workmanship we are able to offer.

Ashford Kitchens & Interiors is at 85, Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex and The Parade, The Broadway, Farnham Common. www.ashfordinteriors.co.uk. info@ashfordinteriors.co.uk Ashford 01784 245964 or Farnham Common 01753 642362

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS

How a VIRTUAL bathroom design can become your own bathroom REALITY…

I

n recent years, the process of selecting and installing a new bathroom has become much less daunting a task for the consumer.

There have been numerous developments in bathroom design software which have enabled the Bathe & Beyond bathroom showroom to accurately create a rendition of the proposed scheme for the consumer to become familiar with, easily make amendments to, and confirm that they are happy with, prior to ordering and installation.

Where once drawings and sketches were the norm, 3D imagery has become the standard. This has enormous visual advantage, of that there is no doubt, but often the client has difficulty with the lengthy verbal explanations that go with the design in front of them. Bathe & Beyond has gone one step further, introducing a 4D bathroom design immersive experience where consumers can gain confidence in their choices by really “feeling” the new bathroom before their purchase, and the sense of getting lost during the verbal explanation of the 3D version is eradicated.

Commonly, people have issues with spatial awareness and are therefore not highly tuned in to the issues of spacing between chosen pieces and thus they are not always aware if the bathroom would actually be comfortable to use.

It’s the balance between beautiful to look at and comfortable to use that is often not fully achieved.

Bathe & Beyond’s 4D experience tackles this issue literally “head on” as, when wearing the futuristic 4D headset to view a design, you are transported into your very own new bathroom and are able to open furniture drawers, stand inside shower enclosures, reach for taps and so forth. Instead of looking from the outside in to your design, you are in the design.

The advantages to both client and Bathe & Beyond are various and numerous. Having experienced your new bathroom prior to purchasing it, you are much less likely to suffer what’s known as “buyers’ remorse”. Having tried out the drawers, the lights, the taps etc, viewed different

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“Bathe & Beyond has gone one step further, introducing a 4D bathroom design immersive experience where consumers can gain confidence in their choices by really “feeling” the new bathroom”

colour combinations and eradicated dislikes from the scheme, you are much more likely to have understood and retained the mass of information that is supplied to your during the selection process.

It’s a quick and easy process to substitute pieces, move things around, and judge what benefits and drawbacks those changes bring. Silly mistakes are eradicated, customer confidence is increased, and the bathroom designer can be assured that a correct interpretation of the customer’s brief has been produced.

Try your new bathroom before you buy!

To discuss Bathe & Beyond’s new 4D Bathroom Design Service, using the cutting-edge software

by Virtual Worlds call 01784 426900.

193 London Road, Staines-upon-Thames TW18 4HR. www.batheandbeyond.com

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS

Beautiful Bathrooms Stow Tall Boy

Chester Double

Stow Tall Boy Combining a cool and contemporary aesthetic with a tall and sharp shape, our Stow Bathroom Tallboy is a smart storage centre ideal for bathrooms or even hallways. The unit’s two central shelves offer a wonderful opportunity to display fancy toiletries and candles, whilst two large cupboards, top and bottom, are convenient for hiding unsightly bathroom clutter. A compact drawer is handy for storing smaller items, such as cotton buds and makeup. Easy to slot into small spaces, wherever you choose to place the Tallboy it’s guaranteed to add a fresh and modern angle. www.noaandnani.co.uk

CHESTER DOUBLE The Chester vanity proves that practicality and elegance can co-exist within one considered design.

Ample storage is achieved with a large open shelf.

Vanity includes; base unit painted in moher, carrara stone & basin(s) as standard. Taps, knobs, mirrors &

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Knightsbridge Bath

lights all sold separately. www.porterbathroom.com

Knightsbridge Bath Luxury twin skinned double ended freestanding bath with a matt aluminium finish. www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk

“The Chester vanity proves that practicality and elegance can co-exist within one considered design” River Thames Bathroom Suite, Vintage Reclaimed Wood Furniture This eye-catching reclaimed wood bathroom suite is available with sink vanity, Wall cabinet, Tall dresser and mirror and drawer cabinet, its constructed from reclaimed oak and teak timber used from old boat wood. This is a solid reclaimed with planks from Eco friendly boat wood. The battered look offers a vintage style, whilst the modern day design is built to perfection with original, unique patina. The recycled wood we use is from vintage shipping boats in Bali - its eco-friendly, looks fantastic, and also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with tree-felling and deforestation. Smither’s bathroom Units are handcrafted, offers a good amount of storage, is totally unique thanks to its repurposed materials and will add bags of retro charm to your bathroom. Sporting traditional, vintage mid century panels, the cabinet is an intense and solid design that compliments many other pieces in this range, resulting in an absolutely stunning bathroom suite. www.smithersofstamford.com

FINISHING TOUCHES: Curve Display Shelf Adeluxe range of bathroom furniture crafted from a unique mixture of Quartz and Limestone and a premium matt finish. Choose from the Bath Companion, Cube, Display Shelf and Display Unit – all designed with simple yet sleek curves to elegantly frame your accessories. www.watersbaths.co.uk

Organic Cotton Bath Mat A delightfully luxurious waffle weave bath mat designed to complement a modern, minimal bathroom scheme, whilst still bringing softness and comfort.

The mat can easily be hung from the integral strap. www.whiteblackgrey.co.uk

t: 020 3544 4002 e: sales@ajp-bathrooms.co.uk w: www.ajp-bathrooms.co.uk

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS

How to plan your kitchen lighting E

ssential for preparation and cooking, lighting can also be used to create mood and atmosphere at the flick of a switch.

One of the first things you’ll need to consider when planning your new kitchen is the lighting, as electrics and fittings have to be installed at the start of the project, before plastering, decorating and the fitting. It’s an integral part of any scheme and this is your one chance to get it right.

The key to a successful scheme lies in layering the effects, so you should try to zone the lighting according to its use - working (task), dining and mood (ambient) and creating the wow factor (feature). It’s important to concentrate on all three and consider dimmable solutions for even more flexibility.

Installing ceiling lighting can pose some difficulties, but it is possible to illuminate a kitchen without using any ceiling lights. There is a wide range of spotlights, downlighters, uplighters and strips that can be placed either under or on top of kitchen units. It also means you can be more creative, as it’s possible to conceal fixtures and fittings.

Every kitchen, no matter how large or small, needs efficient task lighting. This is as much from a safety point of view as anything else. You’ll need

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direct lighting wherever any food preparation is taking place - worktops, sinks and hobs - to make sure chopping and cooking can be done safely and without shadows. Undermounted options are perfect for this and be sure to look for recessed or semi-recessed options, as exposed light fittings will collect grease and dirt more easily.

For the hob area, choose an extractor with four or more halogen lights and if the island is to be used for prep, highlight it with pendant lamps combined with recessed downlighters. These should always be controlled on a separate circuit, so make sure you talk to your electrician before any installation takes place.

The latest trend is for easy-to-use sensoroperated products. They’re extremely practical - when preparing food, there’s no need to wash your hands every time you need to flick the switch, simply wave your hand in front of the sensor.

Drawer and cabinet lighting can also be operated on sensors, instantly coming on when the door is opened. Not only do they look great, the lights make it much easier to find that elusive corkscrew or pizza cutter.

Open-plan kitchens with a dining area or those with a breakfast bar need a combination of adequate lighting for eating, with softer lighting for after-dinner conversation. Dining tables and island units will benefit from a series of overhead pendant lamps (rise-and-fall versions can be moved up or down when needed) while lamps and wall lights will create a warm glow that sets the mood.

Mood lighting can change the ambience of the kitchen from practical preparation zone to a chillout or entertaining space. Plinth lighting - especially strip lights - around an island unit or breakfast bar gives the illusion of floating furniture, which can create a magical feel at night and is great for wowing guests.

If you have a period property or interesting features, such as an exposed brick wall, that you’d like to highlight, consider accent lighting that can be used to focus on a particular area or design element in the room.

“Open-plan kitchens with a dining area or those with a breakfast bar need a combination of adequate lighting for eating, with softer lighting for afterdinner conversation.”

HOME &

PROPERTY – Keep it local for everything house and home – I M A G E : S HI N E BRIGHT

H OME & PROPERTY

[NEWS]

INTERIORS Veedon Fleece Carpet Competition Stimulates Creativity

MAGICAL WINE WALLPAPERS

Sip, sip hooray for the magical wine wallpapers that will not only give your home the appearance of a sophisticated wine cellar, they will also give you the illusion of an extra few square metres. From cave-like wine cellars in Porto to grand vaults with stacked barrels, this vast collection has designs for all kitchens and dining rooms looking for that dramatic feature wall. All designs are made to your dimensions and are available on a choice of wallpapers including paste-the-wall and a peel-and-stick wallpaper.

Shop the wine wallpapers at www.wallsauce.com

spring awakening

If you are looking to give your home a facelift this spring with the perfect marriage of cheerful yellows and soothing greens, check out the Ana Jana collection, inspired by India. Each piece is is carefully handcrafted from organic cotton. The result is a range of products that meet the needs and demands of the environment, the high design standards and that sincerely express the joy and life of India. www.chandanwhittle.com

Veedon Fleece is proud of its long association with The Inchbald School of Design in London.

Each year students are encouraged to submit designs for inclusion in this event, with the prize winners having their designs taken through to the finished product. This initiative gives the designers of tomorrow an understanding of how versatile hand made carpets can be and the importance of including them in luxury interiors.

Winning designers are Asmaa Giorgiou, Lucy Russell Hills, Nina Line and Lorna Fletcher. www.veedonfleece.com

we love PERFECTLY ELEGANT

The beautiful New Pearl range is produced in Portugal and made from the finest stoneware. With a contemporary yet elegant design this range comes in a soft white with an elegant beaded rim with a subtle hint of grey. Taking influence from 18th century ceramic design this range has been given a fantastic modern twist. It can be added very easily to any current colour scheme so why not treat your table to some elegance. Prices range from £7. www.layeredlounge.com 96 MARCH 2019

Swoon’s range of bed linen inspired by London’s architecture. www.swooneditions.com

H OME & PROPERTY

The Art of Chinoiserie T

he Asian-influenced decorative style of chinoiserie first flourished in Europe in the 17th century and has gone on to become a staple, striking feature in art and interior design ever since.

The name ‘chinoiserie’ itself comes from a French tongue-in-cheek term meaning ‘a little Chinese’ or ‘Chinese-ish’, denoting the fact thatdespite its clear Asian inspiration- chinoiserie did not originate in China but in France, around the time that Europe first began to trade with the Far East. With its whimsical, Orient-inspired depictions and French roots, chinoiserie is a design style which is truly unique.

Throughout the Regency period, the homes of royal and aristocratic families of France, Great Britain, Spain and Italy were adorned with mock-Chinese and Japanese artefacts, lavish items of chinoiserie and oriental silk upholstery.

Chinoiserie was a significant feature in the designs of the palaces of King Louis XV of France and King George IV of England.

Today, flip through an interior design magazine or scroll through social media to admire high-end properties and you’re highly likely to come across elements of chinoiserie. Some recognisable motifs and features include foo dogs, dragons, nature scenes, traditional Chinese architecture and more.

Brights of Nettlebed is showcasing the romance of this distinctly ‘East meets West’ aesthetic with a range of furniture which truly encapsulates the charm, delicacy and timehonoured traditions

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of chinoiserie.

Each of Brights of Nettlebed’s elaborate pieces of décor requires immense levels of skill and dedication, using techniques which have been perfected over generations – one of the reasons that chinoiserie pieces are so highly sought-after by designers and collectors. To achieve the signature glossy style that chinoiserie is so well known for, craftsmen usually coat the wood with several layers of lacquer. Once the shine has taken effect, further embellishment is created by hand-carving the scenes and imagery on to the wood and inlaying fine details (pictured).

Brights of Nettlebed is the UK’s largest and longest established family-owned classical furniture specialist. In addition to a convenient location on the Kings Road, London, the company provides complimentary transport to extensive showroom settings in the village of Nettlebed near Henley-on-Thames, which comprises more than 30 classically-furnished rooms and garden areas.

If the enduring appeal of chinoiserie would be an ideal addition to your home, then consider visiting these showrooms to view the many available pieces, such as the chocolate chinoiserie Imbuya and hand-painted side cabinet (pictured above) or the gilt and ebonised burl hall chair with hand-painted chinoiserie decoration.

These are just a couple of the many chinoiserie options available at Brights of Nettlebed, all of which would lend themselves beautifully to any traditional, luxurious interior.

For more information visit www.brightsofnettlebed.co.uk

“Brights of Nettlebed is showcasing the romance of this distinctly ‘East meets West’ aesthetic with a range of furniture which truly encapsulates the charm, delicacy and time-honoured traditions of chinoiserie” Images: Chocolate Chinoiserie and Giltwood Hall Chair

H OME & PROPERTY

Private Aquariums & Water Features should be a work of art reflecting the client’s tastes.

Often when we install aquariums into hotels or private parties, I often stand back and take note of how many people stop and stare, I know I have done fine work if most people stand mesmerised by the fish and design forgetting the moment for a while. We once installed an aquarium in Jersey for a temporary exhibit at a private party. The room had magnificent Dali and Picasso paintings hung on the walls – but it was the aquarium that got the most attention out of everything, we incorporated a diamond encrusted Tyrannosaurus rex bone as the main feature.

One of our most ambitious projects was for a Russian client who instructed us to build a trout fishing lake in his garden – we achieved this by building a replica fifty meter stretch of his favourite river – The Test in Hampshire. The pumps we incorporated, filtration system and extensive knowledge of aquatic habitats ensured a successful project. The client used it so often for fishing we ended up building him a bespoke cabin on the side complete with kitchen so he could have his chef cook the trout he caught.

Ben Francis-Woodward FDSc BSc (Hons) CEO of Privaqua.com Leading global designers & installers of private aquariums, water features and lakes discusses these popular luxury purchases for prime and super prime properties.

F

or centuries fountains and aquariums have been the ultimate status symbol for people of high attain, the Romans used aqueducts and head pressure to power fountains in their palaces, the Egyptian Faeroes had tropical fish collections inside their residences.

Lancelot Capability Browne one of England’s most renowned large garden landscapers where possible would always include the reflective nature of a lake or water feature in his designs.

The installation of a fountain or aquarium in a home is one of the most personal commissions you can make, deciding to build or renovate a water feature has to be well thought out as the end result

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Being a fine custodian of an existing lake or pond by renovating it will reward you for many years; quite often properties we visit have silted up ponds and once they are restored to their former glory an abundance of flowers and animals start to appear.

Incorporating water into design no matter how small will become the oasis in the garden or home and will create a sense of magic in your interior or exterior projects. So go ahead, be bold and renovate or commission a fine water feature or aquarium for people to enjoy for years to come. www.privaquacom

“For centuries fountains and aquariums have been the ultimate status symbol for people of high attain”

H OME & PROPERTY

Air Plants:

The new favourite houseplant?

These low-maintenance plants don’t even need soil - and are 100% Insta-worthy.

Air plant expert Andy Gavin introduces Hannah Stephenson to the trend

F

amiliar with air plants? They are set to become the new houseplant craze - with no soil needed and only the occasional mist.

In fact, air plants take even less looking after than the hugely popular cactus, which is still proving a massive hit with home-owners (and Instagrammers).

Wondering how this is possible? Air plants, which come from South and Central America and the Southern States, have no roots to plant in soil.

And they can create all sorts of looks - from trailing foliage, which drapes from shelves like thick silver curly hair, to more structured specimens, whose leaves change colour to fiery red and produce bright flowers.

“There’s a craze with houseplants at the moment, and the thing about air plants is that they don’t take up much space, there’s no mess or soil-borne fungus or gnats. They are structurally interesting and very low-maintenance,” says air plant specialist Andy Gavin, who won a gold medal at every RHS show he attended in 2018 and is due to exhibit for the first time at Chelsea Flower Show this year.

“Air plants are highly collectable. There are around 700 species in the wild, hybrids, and so much variety. You can have one species and 10 different forms of it,” adds Gavin, who runs Andy’s Air Plants (andysairplants.co.uk) from his base in Cornwall.

Curious to learn more? Allow Gavin to introduce you to the mesmerising world of air plants...

Which ones can you buy in the UK? “You can find air plants in garden centres, a few nurseries and a few online sellers in the UK. There

are about 30 species that are easily available, all in the genus Tillandsia,” says Gavin.

Tillandsias are in the bromeliad (or pineapple) family. The ones you are likely to come across include Tillandsia ionantha (which means purple flower).

“Most tillandsias have a very minimal root system, which is just used to adhere to a surface, whether it’s a cliff base or a tree. In the wild, they grow epiphytically (on other plants or surfaces) on cacti or even telegraph wires,” Gavin adds. “The roots don’t take up any moisture or nutrients. That’s all done through the leaves. That’s the critical thing about how air plants grow.”

Do they flower?

“Yes - the bromeliad is a flowering plant family. All members of the species flower, and the flowering is hugely varied in tillandsias. You can have white, yellow, red, lots of lilacs and purples,” says Gavin.

Sometimes the petals are tubular, which then open up, while others have bi-coloured flowers. A few, around 10-15%, are fragrant.

Tillandsia multiflora is one of the many species that changes colour when mature and about to flower. The ionanthas also change colour from green/silver to a fantastic red colour, as though they are blushing.

Where should you put them?

All air plants need plenty of natural light. There are two main categories - the silver ones, which are dry growing, and the green ones, which are wet growing.

Silvery-leaved species require, or will grow better, in higher light levels, so can be put in direct sunlight.

102 MARCH 2019

“Tillandsia multiflora is one of the many species that changes colour when mature and about to flower”

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Species that are covered with fine hairs/scales or trichomes, giving them a soft hairy appearance, and species with fine leaves, need good air movement and quick drying.

“Some of them grow on cacti in deserts, so don’t require humidity like you’d get in a bathroom. The best situations in the house for the silvery types is a south or very bright east or west facing spot. They are sun lovers, and the more sun you give, them the better.”

Tillandsia types which are green or darker in colour, often with wider, shorter leaves and less or no visible hairs or scales require lower light levels, and will grow happily with less air movement in a more humid environment. These would be happy in a bathroom with plenty of light.

Can you put them outside in summer?

“Yes,” says Gavin. “The silver-leaved varieties love being outside in summer, where there’s really good air flow. The green-leaved species, which come from more humid environments like the Florida swamps, prefer more humid conditions, out of direct sunlight.”

Their general hardiness is 4-5°C, so they will need to be inside during the cooler months. Growth rates slow down in less than ideal conditions.

Is there a rule for misting?

Silver types need wetting and drying. The drying is important. They need good air flow around them and once misted, must be dried quickly.

“Give them a little mist in the morning, then they have the day in a sunny spot to dry. Mist them once a week in the winter, but in summer when you have good light levels and a lot of sun, you can mist them more,” says Gavin.

Generally, through the spring, summer and autumn, you should be watering your plants three or four times a week, and only once a week in the winter.

In terms of maintenance, as well as misting once a year you can peel off the oldest dying leaves and maybe trim the ends of the leaves.

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“Air plants can grow freely, just hung on a bit of wire too”

How can they be displayed?

“Quite often, you see them in glass orbs, but it’s not ideal for their growth, as air plants rely on air movement,” says Gavin. “You don’t want to be pushing them into anything. They look good among shells and on shells, but not stuffed into a shell.

“They need to be on things, rather than in things,” he adds - which is why displaying them on wood can be particularly effective.

Air plants can grow freely, just hung on a bit of wire too.

Spanish moss, which drapes down like curly hair, is available in the UK and looks good as a trailing plant. This can just be hung on wire; it only has roots as a seedling but the mature plant just hangs.

“You can arrange them on a table top or a large saucer, like a dinner tray, or I like to tie a bit of wire around the rosette and hang them. You can use colourful aluminium wire, but don’t use copper as they are allergic to copper,” suggests Gavin.

“You can also tie them on to bits of driftwood, which makes for a very attractive arrangement.

“A lot of nurserymen use stockings: They rip off a bit of stocking or tights and use a small strip to tie them on, because the material has flexibility and a bit more give.

As for securing them, he says: “You can use glue - there are some florists’ glues available, but you have to be careful not to put too much glue around the base because quite often, if the plant does want to produce a few roots and you’ve got a big blob of glue over it, that will stop it. You can put glue on the base of the oldest leaves, which can secure it.”

H OME & PROPERTY

SHINE BRIGHT Is your home looking a little lacklustre? Gabrielle Fagan reveals how to hit refresh

homes. The colour’s associated with energy and optimism - we could all do with a dose of that this year - and you can easily play with all its hues, from bright daffodil yellow, through to the palest lemon.

This is also a shade that works well in bold contrast, or blended with similar shades and tones - don’t be afraid to experiment. Another bonus: Pops of yellow will act like beams of sunshine in any room, no matter what the weather’s like outside.

Lantana Orange Ceramic Lamp With Black Shade, £115, Habitat

Misty Armchair, Velvet (Piave) Yellow, currently reduced from £595 to £476, Habitat

Follow the fringe

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f your rooms are look as though they’re suffering a bit of a winter hangover, take heart, as there are plenty of bright, new decor trends on the horizon to welcome spring. You don’t need to rush out and arrange a major revamp - some little touches can be enough to lift a space and provide that all-important refresh. Here are six decor trends that will make a big impression on rooms this year, and could help banish the blues and take your home from drab to fab in no time...

Tell a texture story If you want to give a scheme some ‘wow’ factor, look no further than texture. Layering a mixture of soft fabrics - from fluffy sheepskin cushions and chunky wool throws to cowhide rugs - will not only draw the eye, which is essential in a muted scheme decorated in neutrals that could otherwise look bland, but also add cosiness. Adding texture is all about layering, so have a few key pieces, like a statement rug, a velvet chair, or a leather sofa, and then add smaller accessories and soft furnishings until the room feels complete. Don’t forget that your scheme need never be ‘set in stone’.

Moving or replacing a few texture-rich accessories is an easy way to re-energise and refresh the whole balance of a scheme.

Make it mellow yellow Yellow has crossed over from the fashion catwalks the colour was big news at the 2019 spring/summer shows - and is predicted to make its mark on our

Fringing - think the swishy, flamboyant Charleston dresses of the 1920s - is making a comeback in decor and home styling. You can interpret it elegantly and traditionally, with upholstery fringing on armchairs and sofas, or go for an ethnic, arty vibe with a colourful tribal wall hanging. However you use it, fringing is fabulous.

Touch wood Natural materials, particularly wood, are essential for today’s stylish homes. It’s all about celebrating the beauty of natural materials and craftsmanship think heirlooms and sustainability - and the unique grain of timber. Don’t limit yourself to one piece.

The chic take on the trend is to choose furniture made in different tones of wood, from pale ash to ebony, and let is share a space. Leave it raw and unstained to reveal the gorgeous imperfections of the knots and grain.

Let red rule Let the warmest shades on the colour spectrum rust, red and rose - warm your rooms (it’s cheaper than turning up the central heating!). Our newfound boldness with colour means we’re less timid and more prepared to splash on those bright shades these days - but even used sparingly, these shades will make an impact without being too dominating, especially if you lean towards the brown-based terracotta hues. Experiment with bed linen and accessories to test your enthusiasm, or paint a headboard or feature wall if you want to make a statement. Seeing red can be positive!

Mio Scandi Knitted Cushion, £42, Eclect Design

Pay a floral tribute Nature’s finding its way into more and more interiors, and flowers, potted plants and succulents - both real and faux - are an easy way to bring natural appeal to rooms. Displaying bouquets in clear glass vases can have a transformative effect on a space.

As a transparent vase displays all of its contents, the possibilities for decorative ideas extend beyond flowers, and you could use them for fruit or collections of beachcomber finds too. Change the atmosphere with blooms - a fresh cut bunch from a garden will enhance a country/rustic effect, while an elaborate display of exotic blooms makes a luxe touch.

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Natural Bamboo Stool, £37.55, The Farthing

Belinda Gold Velvet Throw With Bobble Trim, £75, Ragged Rose

Out on a Limb Tree Services Felling • Pruning • Planting • Stump Removal • Hedges Also Fencing, Lawn Laying and Garden Maintenance Free Quotations • Fully Insured

Paul Emberton BSC(Hons) 07958 407 608 01932 856277 paul@paultree.com

41 Chaucer Way, Rowtown, Addlestone KT15 1LQ www.outonalimbtreeservices.co.uk

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Get Spring Clean With Statement Storage

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here’s an old adage that always seems to circulate at this time of year. And whether it was a housewife or Zen philosopher who coined it first, there’s no denying the truth of the matter. A tidy house is a tidy mind and in 2019, we’re leaving the clutter behind.

Before you start eye rolling at the spring clean cliché, we’d ask you to hear us out for a moment.

While one of our pet peeves will always be clutter, contemporary storage is about more than just hiding things away. Done right, it can add architectural intrigue to lacklustre spaces. Let us show you how…

Make A Perfect First Impression They say you never get a second chance at a first impression.

With these striking hall accessories you won’t need one.

From Ligne Roset’s Clara Coat Rack to Porada’s floating Bayus Drawers, each of these functional designs does a lot with a little. So no matter how big your hallway, you can afford to introduce a little style this season.

Use Modern Bookcases as Room Dividers For many interior designers, a modern bookcase presents the opportunity to introduce clean lines into open space. In doing so, you partition the room, gifting privacy while doubling the number of ambients in which to relax. Some of our favourite examples in recent years include B&B Italia’s Jack and Cappellini’s Cloud Bookcase. The former

adds a Crittal-style window effect while the latter a whimsical sense of escapism. Fancy something more minimal? Molteni & C’s Graduate Wall System should do the trick.

Make A Design Statement With A Modern Sideboard Contemporary sideboards are the design equivalent of a stunning soundtrack. While usually regulated to a supporting role, the right one can easily become a focal point. If it’s glamour you’re after, then you’ll want to pay attention to Cattelan Italia’s stylish ceramic sideboards. For the best in glass it’s Fiam, while beautiful wood sideboards will always take pride of place at Porada. Whichever you choose, each packs a serious style punch, while keeping track of your most precious china.

Discover Off The Wall Style If you missed out on David Hockney’s record-breaking auction, fear not, there’s another way to deck your walls this season. Modular wall units are one of our favourite methods for transforming empty walls into stunning works of art. Ranging in size and price from Cassina’s thermoplastic Baleno shelves through to Laurameroni’s glamorous 40/40 system, they’re a practical luxury that adds interest to any space.

Get Acquainted With Our Hosting Heros Our stylish bar accessories are designed to be your partner in crime when it comes to hosting family and friends. From innovative wine racks through to all-singing-and-dancing bar cabinets, they’re your go-to for good times in 2019. Feeling spoilt for choice? Lightweights will love Gallotti & Radice’s Riki Bar Trolley while the more seasoned boozers will take great pleasure in Maxalto’s Alcor Drinks Cabinet.

Bottoms up!

There are many reasons our clients choose to visit us in store. As a one-stop-shop for some of Europe’s leading furniture and lighting brands, we offer a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most exciting designs up-close. It’s also the base for our friendly design team, so if you need a little help planning your living space, why not pop by or make an appointment?

Chaplins Furniture, 477-507 Uxbridge Road.

020 8421 1779. www.chaplins.co.uk 108 MARCH 2019

H OME & PROPERTY

Spring Clean Your Home

with the Konmari Method

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he launch of the Netflix show ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo’ has brought much-needed inspiration on how to declutter and organise the home - namely with the popular Konmari method.

Based on advice from the show’s star, Marie Kondo, Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture Choice shares tips and tricks on how to spark joy in the most relaxing room of the house the bedroom.

Tackle clutter by category Created by Marie Kondo, the KonMari method breaks clutter into five categories - clothing, books, documents, miscellaneous and sentimental items.

Putting everything into one big pile makes it easier to get organised, as it allows people to see how much they really have.

“Tackling clutter based on the KonMari method helps to maintain order and prevents having to purge again,” Rebecca advises. “This also helps on a psychological level, as it reminds us to think about what we need to buy instead of fixating on what we want.”

Keep objects that spark joy Practicing gratitude is an important part of Kondo’s ethos and that comes through in how she suggests working through each category. Her approach is to pick each item up to see if it sparks joy - if it does, keep it, and if not, it’s time to let it go.

“So to know if something sparks joy, hold it in both hands and see how the body responds. You will feel a certain thrill if something sparks joy, and a sense of heaviness if it doesn’t. This is a chance to ‘thank’ an item for its service before moving on, and highlights how to tackle clutter in an organised and cheerful way.”

Using the ‘Fold and stand’ method Finding a home for items that have made the cut 110 MARCH 2019

can be tricky so it is important to keep things in order and easy to identify. Kondo’s method of folding clothing in thirds and then standing them up, takes up less space, so it works equally well in wardrobes as well as smaller spaces such as bedside tables and chests of drawers.

“This method may take some getting used to, but makes it simple to visually keep track of the clothes you have. On top of that, if you wanted to colour code your wardrobe, the uniform look and size of each item means that turning your wardrobe into an Instagram-friendly dream is easily achievable,” Rebecca explains.

“The ‘fold and stand’ method is also perfect for beds with built-in storage - a part of the room that can be easily overlooked. Ottoman beds have ample room for essentials like bedding and towels, and attached drawers that will benefit from this KonMari trick. This can help to create a sense of peace whenever a drawer or cabinet is opened to reveal a tidy and organised space.”

Make use of small boxes Using small boxes for clothing and other essentials is a particularly useful storage tip for the bedroom.

The compact size of the boxes easily fit into drawers and wardrobes and are perfect for clothing or miscellaneous items. This is especially useful for stray items that tend to go missing easily - rings, watches, glasses - and makes getting ready in a hurry a lot easier.

“A good thing to use here might be old gift or shoe boxes - they’re often a great size, and upcycling them is a wonderful way to make use of something that might otherwise be discarded ,” Rebecca says.

“It also allows people to get creative, giving them a chance to DIY the boxes to match the decor or complement their aesthetic. This can be another way to spark joy - bringing together elements of decorating and tidying.”And bonus: it’s also easier to clean and move things around while still keeping everything tidy.”

“Putting everything into one big pile makes it easier to get organised, as it allows people to see how much they really have”