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from the

editor

Welcome to our March issue...

toke Park, the luxury 5 AA Red Star Country Club, Spa and Hotel, is delighted to have been awarded the ‘The Ultimate Members Club 2015’ award at the annual 59Club Awards, beating Wentworth Club, Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek to win this prestigious award. In total over 130 golf clubs are assessed for the awards. Brooklands Museum in Weybridge has received a confirmed grant of £4.6 million from HLF for its ‘Brooklands Aircraft Factory & Race Track Revival Project’. This project will transform the Museum’s Grade II listed Second World War Wellington Hangar to house more of the Museum’s outstanding collection of historic aircraft; and restore the Finishing Straight of the Brooklands Race Track, the world’s first purpose-built motor-racing circuit. Painshill 18th century landscape garden is a wonderful place to visit during the spring months. The daffodils look amazing, the Serpentine Lake becomes a hive of activity with goslings and ducklings and there are carpets of bluebells towards the end of the season. The events programme also starts to warm up with a whole host of activities and fun days out. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley offers an array of gardening-inspired activities for all ages this spring. Put a spring in your step with bursts of colour and scent across the garden. Activities for garden lovers and family days out include plant and craft fairs, half-term educational workshops and early morning opening for photographers.

Faye Manning Editor

Get this issue online

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, Essendon, Herts, AL9 6JJ. 0844 800 8439 www.thelifemagazines.com Editor Faye Manning

Fashion Editor Hazel Englander

Accounts Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet

•••••

Editor Assistant Katie Miller

account Manager Anita Hill

Sales James Marshall

•••••

Sub Editor Alex Lux

Design/ Production Emma Andrews

Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

LOVE

LOCAL

We feature fantastic local businesses and exciting nearby events each month

Weddings at Woodcote Park Meadow Hill, Bridle Way, Coulsdon, Surrey 020 8668 2788 www.woodcotepgc.com

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21 March Epsom Garden Society - Spring Show A profusion of spring bulbs and flowers will be on display at St Martin’s Junior School, Ashley Road, Epsom on the afternoon of Saturday 21 March when Epsom Garden Society holds its annual spring show. The spring show is always very popular regularly attracting 250+ entries with a growing number of junior exhibitors eager to enter and show what they can do. Apart from bulbs and flowers there will also be an array of beautiful flower arrangements, photographs and a wide variety crafts and baking on display. In addition the junior members will be demonstrating not only their gardening skills but also how well they can cook, use a computer and take a photograph. The school is close to Epsom Town center and is a fully accessible site. Home made refreshments will be available and there will also be a plant sale and raffle. The show is open to the public from 2- 4 pm. Admission is free and there is lots of free on-site parking. Anyone wishing to know more about the show or Society should visit our website. St Martins Junior School, Ashley Road, Epsom, KT18 7AD

ARTS & events

CALENDAR 21 march Easter Egg Hunt March’s Family Activity at Dorking Museum is an Easter Egg Hunt. Collect a clue sheet and find all the paper eggs hidden over the Museum. Once a complete set of eggs has been found, the letters on each one will spell out a phrase. Every completed answer sheet earns an egg to take home. Dorking Museum’s Family Activity Saturdays are held on the third Saturday of each month. Ideal for families with children up to age ten. No need to pre-book – just drop into the Museum. All materials are provided. All children must be accompanied. A great family afternoon out. 2pm to 4pm Price: Adults £2 Concessions £1.50 Family Ticket £4.50 Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre The Old Foundry 62 West Street Dorking, RH4 1BS 10 MARCH 2015

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PICK

UNTIL 12 APRIL The Surrey Open Photographic Exhibition The Lightbox’s first Surrey Open Photographic Competition was open to residents of Surrey as well as those who work or study in the county and a selection of these entries will be on display. Artists of all levels were invited to submit an array of photographic styles to the competition. Photographs for the exhibition will be selected by a panel of independent judges and a further prize of £250 will be awarded to the winner of The People’s Prize, which will be judged by visitors. 10am to 5pm 11am to 5pm Price: £5 and under 18s free The Lightbox Chobham Road Woking, GU21 4AA

28 march Antiques & Everything Panama Fairs are holding an Antiques & Everything Table Top Sale at Wallington Public Hall (opposite Sainsburys). Open from 10.30am to 3pm, 50p entry (donations to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity). Stallholders can bring antiques and everything to sell (our November event was sold out!). Pay & Display parking behind the hall. Vintage style cafe available all day. Call Annette or visit our website (www.panamafairs.co.uk) for more info and a booking form. 10.30am to 3pm 50p admission Wallington Public Hall, Stafford Road, Wallington, SM6 9AQ

21- 22 March ADULT Painting Water and Reflections in Watercolour

15 march Mothers day Spend the day with your mother in the beautiful landscape. Free to mothers when accompanied by their children. 10:30am to 6pm Painshill Portsmouth Road, Cobham, KT11 1JE

A weekend of watercolour painting at Painshill with expert tutor, Jane Anderson Wood Guidance will be given on composition, colour, preparation for painting, and how to paint water and reflections. This workshop is not suitable for complete beginners in watercolour. Advanced booking required. Call 01932 868113 or book online www.painshill.co.uk. 10.00am - 3.30pm £110 (£100 members) to include buffet lunch (materials not included) Painshill Park, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, KT11 1JE

UNTIL 14 march Winter Reading Challenge Book Bingo Farnham Library is totally delighted to promote the Surrey Libraries Winter Reading Challenge called Book Bingo. Simply pop into the Library to complete your enrolment form, or register online at www.surreycc.gov. uk/libraries , and borrow 6 different titles connected to the themes on a bingo card. Once you have completed a line of six, you will be entered for a competition and a chance to win a bag of books. So its eyes down for a full house and see you very soon for this exciting challenge. Farnham Library, Vernon House, 28 West Street, Farnham, GU9 7DR MARCH 2015 11

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Brooklands Hotel where a rich legacy meets modern design Brooklands Hotel is a contemporary, design-led, four-star property located in the heart of Surrey, on the site of the iconic Brooklands race track.

aking inspiration from its location, Brooklands Hotel has a 1920s, art deco inspired interior, the contour of the world’s most historic motor racing track running through the reception, a critically acclaimed chef and a full service spa, offering the ultimate combination of stylish, state-of-the-art architecture and comfort.

Looking to the past, embracing the future

The Brooklands site is home to one of Britain’s most famous racing heritage circuits and the world’s first purpose-built, real race track. Opened in 1907 by wealthy land owner Hugh Locke King, Brooklands was the scene of the earliest motor racing in the UK during the 1920s and 1930s. The Locke King’s estate bordered and partly included what they saw as the perfect setting for a racecourse, over 300 acres of land where quiet woodlands sloped gently down to an area of flat marshy farmland by the River Wey. Locke King was told that Britain stood no chance in trials and competitions because there was nowhere in this country that British cars could be tested or raced. On 17 June 1907, after just nine months of work, the still unfinished Brooklands motor course opened, with the first official race taking place on the 6th July 1907. 28 – 29 June 1907 saw Selwyn Francis Edge, use the track with his green sixcylinder Napier for a record breaking 24 hours, a record he held for 17 years. The world record for the first person to cover 100 miles in one hour, was set by Percy E. Lambert at Brooklands. A contemporary film of his exploits on that day can be viewed 12 MARCH 2015

from the Brooklands Museum website. Brooklands last ever race happened in 1939, due to the closure of the track during World War II, where some of the track was damaged by enemy bombing.

Brooklands Hotel

Nowadays, the hotel is a testament to modern design but also embraces the rich legacy of the historic race circuit. Every bedroom boasts an abundance natural light and many benefit from their own private outside space with panoramic views over what is now a Mercedes-Benz owned track. There are 120 bedrooms and suites, some of which are the largest of any UK hotel, ‘1907’ a two AA Rosettes winning restaurant, bar & grill offering a chic dining experience, ‘BSpa’ wellness and spa treatment facilities, nine meeting rooms for conferences and large events, fitness area for guests and private membership, and a host of packages for weekends away and short breaks. One of the stand out experiences for visiting guests is the ‘Family Driving Package’, which has taken inspiration from the location’s esteemed racing-car heritage and combined this with an overnight stay and the unrivalled experience of speeding round a race track in an AMG at neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World. Put medal to the metal and visit Brooklands Hotel soon… under starter’s orders, GO! THE DETAILS Brooklands Hotel, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0NY ••••• www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com Tel: 01932 335710

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Couple at orchid display (Image: RHS / Helen Jermyn © RHS)

Visitors walk on Battleston Hill in spring with Magnolia in the background at RHS Garden Wisley. (Image: RHS / Adam Duckworth © RHS)

SPRING EVENTS RHS Garden Wisley Announces Spring Events Programme

he Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley offers an array of gardening-inspired activities for all ages this spring. Put a spring in your step with bursts of colour and scent across the garden. Activities for garden lovers and family days out include plant and craft fairs, half-term educational workshops and early morning opening for photographers. Lindt Daffodil Pot Decorating, 14 March 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 3.30pm Come and see the early spring flowers and decorate a daffodil pot to take away before Mothering Sunday. Mothering Sunday, 15 March Treat mum to a relaxing stroll among the early spring flowers. For a treat, enjoy a two-course lunch or a Wisley rhubarb afternoon tea in the Restaurant (£25.00 per person, available from 12noon–3.30pm). Taste of Wisley Rhubarb Fest 2 February – 3 May Wisley holds a National Plant Collection of the vegetable that thinks it’s a fruit. Come and celebrate our bumper crop of more than100 cultivars of rhubarb. In conjunction with produce from the Rhubarb Triangle in Yorkshire, enjoy the very best of the early forced and maincrop cultivars, which is the only non-ornamental National Plant Collection held by the RHS. The Orchid Society of Great Britain Spring Show, 21 March 11am – 4pm Featuring competitive classes and displays by members and affiliated societies. There will also be unusual species for sale, and advice for all. Orchids in the Glasshouse 28 March – 26 April This display is a celebration of all things bright and beautiful. It combines exotic colour and innovative planting displays to create an oasis for orchid lovers and enthusiasts. This year you’ll find a floral paradise in our

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Glasshouse, a jungle retreat where you can experience new and exciting plants. Cyclamen Late Spring Show 28 March 10am – 4pm Late-spring-flowering cyclamens will be exhibited and on offer along with companion bulbous plants and expert advice. Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt 28 March – 12 April Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious Lindt treat for the hoppiest Easter ever! Bring your family along for a full day of Easter fun every day of the Easter holidays and make an Easter bunny bonnet inspired by Lindt on Easter Sunday. See birds of prey soaring above the garden as well (11 – 12 April). Activities every day; visit rhs.org.uk/wisleywhatson for what’s on when. World of Alpines 29 March 10am – 4pm Enjoy displays of alpine plants and bulbs as well as photographs and pictures of splendid alpines from around the world. Spring Plant Fair, 27 – 29 March A must for all plant lovers. Meet the growers and choose quality plants from specialist nurseries. Plants on sale include many with an RHS Award of Garden Merit. Some specialists will show rare or heritage plants that are not commonly found elsewhere. For garden entry prices and opening times please visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley. THE DETAILS RHS Garden, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB (just off the M25 at J10) Garden entry is free to RHS Members or you can buy a ticket online. ••••• Tel: 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

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‘AN EVENING AT THE RACES’

MADNESS EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE

he Jockey Club Live presents an evening at the races with Madness at Epsom Downs Racecourse on 9th July as part of their Grandslam Madness tour, which runs from May to September 2015, taking in 19 shows at some of the greatest sporting venues around the country, including four shows with The Jockey Club Live at some of the most iconic racecourses in the UK. Having previously played on prestigious stages such as

sport of horse racing since the 17th Century, with the first running of The Oaks taking place in 1779 and The Derby a year later. Since that time the Investec Derby has developed into the World’s Greatest Flat Race and is now part of the unique and vibrant Investec Derby Festival taking place this year on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June 2015 will see eleven fantastic race days including the Investec Derby Festival, an Evening at the Races with Madness and the Family Fun Racing Festival. More

‘An Evening At The Races’ offers a value for money experience unlike any other this summer on top of Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert and at 2012’s London Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, MADNESS’s live show is a perfect fit for Epsom Downs Racecourse. ‘An Evening At The Races’ offers a value for money experience unlike any other this summer. Alongside incredible headlining performances, the action kicks off earlier in the evening with 6 races - giving fans the chance to witness up close powerful equine athletes who are stars in their own right, and enjoy the thrilling drama and spectacle of them racing for glory. Whether you fancy a flutter or a dance with friends and family the event is certain to be an odds on favourite for all, with tickets starting at only £35. Rupert Trevelyan, Regional Director London of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “ We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming Madness back to the London racecourses this summer. They played to a sell-out crowd at Sandown Park in 2013 and we’re very much looking forward to another fun and successful evening.” Joining already announced Kylie (Haydock and Newmarket) and Kaiser Chiefs (Newmarket, Sandown and Haydock), the addition of Madness to the ‘Evening at the Races’ season reinforces The Jockey Club Live as a leading promoter on the UK live scene. The racecourses have world-class customer facilities, featuring an array of award winning restaurants, be it fine dining through to delicious bistro food. Welcoming over 2million people a year for some of the UKs biggest racing events you can be sure of a superb evening - whether you come by foot, car, train or helicopter!

information is available at www.epsomdowns.co.uk. Epsom Downs Racecourse is part of The Jockey Club, which has been at the heart of British racing for more than 260 years. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny The Jockey Club makes it puts back into British racing. More information is available at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

9 july 2015

About Epsom Downs Racecourse Epsom Downs Racecourse has been a venue for the 16 MARCH 2015

THE DETAILS Tickets are on sale now via www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk. ••••• Tickets are priced starting at £35 adults /£20 child (5 to 17 year old). There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets.

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The Science of Cheese Tasting

hy does one person love goat’s cheese and another person hate it? Louisa Mason of Flavour Tastings and Events, a specialist cheese tasting company is frequently asked this question at her events. “Everyone has different palettes and tastes. One of the really interesting things about taste is that one cheese can be heavenly to one person and horrid to another!” Running a cheese tasting company means Louisa gets to try many different cheeses and admits she doesn’t like them all herself! A common misconception is that we have different areas on our tongue responsible for particular tastes. This idea was first proposed by a scientist in Germany in 1901 who claimed there were four basic areas on the tongue each specifically accounting for one of four tastes. Years later Edwin Boring of Harvard University refined the study to include more areas and this was the beginning of the tongue map which widely taught in schools years ago. However modern research has shown this to be untrue and we now know that all areas of the tongue contribute to taste sensations! Now we are wiser we know that there are five primary taste sensations: Sweet, salty, sour, bitter and unami (savoury). These all have a distinct biological role to help the human body get what it needs to survive. Remarkably, each of the bumps on the tongue and throat contain 50-150 taste receptor cells. When we eat foods these receptors are stimulated and can detect all of the five sensations. Chemical compounds in food attach themselves to the receptors and start a chain reaction to the brain, the strength of which depends on how much of the compound is present in the food. Each one of the five tastes has a different chemical

threshold on the receptors. Not only is it easier to detect some tastes over others but our thresholds vary from one person to another! So really something like a goat’s cheese can taste really wonderful to one person, but horrid to another. “Whilst we can train our palettes to appreciate other types of cheese there will always be a variation in what we can enjoy,” Louisa notes. “ At our cheese tasting events we encourage people to try new and different varieties of cheese and love it when people find a new favourite cheese!”

THE DETAILS Louisa will be talking more about the science of taste at two local cheese tastings in Guildford including a Best of British Cheese and Wine Tasting on Wednesday, 11th March and a Cheese and Wine Matching Course on Thursday, 9th April. ••••• For more information or to book tickets see www.flavourtastings.co.uk/events

One of the really interesting things about taste is that one cheese can be heavenly to one person and horrid to another!

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Springtime delights

at Painshill P

ainshill 18th century landscape garden is a wonderful place to visit during the spring months. The daffodils look amazing, the Serpentine Lake becomes a hive of activity with goslings and ducklings and there are carpets of bluebells towards the end of the season. The events programme also starts to warm up

fabulous opportunity to learn how to find species in their natural habitat and have the chance to taste some of them under John’s expert guidance He will also show you how to make a few herbal remedies. If gallivanting around the landscape garden isn’t for you and you’d prefer to sit in the warm, then consider the Painshill Morning Lecture Series* which begins on Thursday 16th April. Hear from Garden and Landscape Historian, Cherrill Sands, about Women Gardeners of the 20th century including Vita Sackville-West and Beth Chatto. Enjoy a short break then sit back for another lecture from guest speaker Rosamund Wallinger about Gertrude Jekyll: Her art explained and restored at Upton Grey. Music and theatre lovers will not be disappointed – Painshill summer programme of events features a 1940s Tea Dance* (Sunday 14th June), Music in the Grotto* (Wednesday 1st July) and William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night* (Saturday 8th August).

Painshill is a haven for wildlife. Every spring the British Trust for Ornithology runs a Bird Song Walk with a whole host of activities and fun days out. Children aged between 8 and 13 years will love the Wild Easter Camp* (Monday 30th – Thursday 2nd April). This activity day camp features bushwhacking, bivouac building, mud sculptures and campfires. Each day is a different wild adventure as children get to explore the great outdoors. Painshill is a haven for wildlife. Every spring the British Trust for Ornithology runs a Bird Song Walk* - don’t worry you don’t need to be up with the larks for this walk but it is a fairly early start at 8am on Sunday 19th April. On the walk you will learn all about how to identify birds by song and by sight. It is also a unique experience to see the landscape garden in the early morning light before opening times. Children over the age of 12 years are welcome. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts may also be interested in the Wild Food and Medicine Workshop* (Sunday 26th April). This fascinating outdoor workshop is being run by John Ryder, previously a chief instructor for Ray Mears before starting his own woodcraft school. The day will focus on identification and uses of both trees and plants with special attention to wild food and medicine. This is a 20 MARCH 2015

THE DETAILS All the events featured require advance booking and ticket prices apply. Please visit www.painshill.co.uk to book tickets or call 01932 868113. ••••• *ticket prices apply

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Brooklands Museum secures Heritage Lottery Fund investment

One of the UK’s most historically significant sites for motoring, aviation and engineering is to undergo a significant redevelopment to bring to life more of its remarkable history, thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)

rooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey, has received a confirmed grant of £4.681million from HLF for its ‘Brooklands Aircraft Factory & Race Track Revival Project’. This project will transform the Museum’s Grade II listed Second World War Wellington Hangar into ‘The Brooklands Aircraft Factory’; build a new annexe (the ‘Flight Shed’) to house more of the Museum’s outstanding collection of historic aircraft; and restore the Finishing Straight of the Brooklands Race Track, the world’s first purpose-built motor-racing circuit. Brooklands Museum Director Allan Winn says: “This support from Lottery players is a real vindication of the Museum’s vision of bringing a wartime temporary aircraft assembly building back to life as the only place in the country dedicated to showing how aircraft are designed and built. This unique exhibition – coupled as it is with a new home for our live aircraft, new workshops and stores, and the restoration of the Finishing Straight of the Race

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Track to its 1939 appearance – will give visitors of all ages an unmatched immersive and imaginative experience. We are now really looking forward to working with our consultants, contractors and volunteers to turn this fantastic vision into an exciting reality.” The project aims to inspire current and future generations to embrace science, technology and engineering, and will include a training scheme for volunteers in historic aircraft restoration and a raft of new activities on the Race Track. Work is due to start in the next couple of months with completion of the Aircraft Factory and Flight Shed experiences due in the summer of 2016. The Museum has already been successful in raising over £1.2million in match funding for the project and is currently fundraising for the remaining £775,000. Including preparation and development work already undertaken, the complete cost of the project will be some £7 million, making it the largest endeavour the Museum has ever embarked on. Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East says: “The Brooklands site has played such an important role in the country’s history. Today’s glitzy Grands Prix and state-ofthe-art airliners can all be traced back to innovation that took place here. The Heritage Lottery Fund’s investment in

this remarkable site will help the Museum create a unique experience for visitors, helping them understand the pivotal role that the UK has played in the field of engineering.” The Brooklands Race Track was opened in 1907 and marked the start of organised motor racing in the UK. Within a year, early experiments in aviation were taking place on the site as well. From these beginnings, Brooklands rapidly evolved into an outstanding centre for the development and operation of racing cars, motorcycles and aircraft. The first person to travel over 100 miles in one hour, Percy Lambert, did so at Brooklands in 1913. The first British Grand Prix took place at Brooklands in

in 1940 on top of the Finishing Straight of the Race Track, it was used for the assembly of Wellington bombers and later for a variety of other industrial purposes. It now houses the Museum’s famous Wellington “R” for “Robert” recovered from Loch Ness in 1985 and restored at Brooklands, and numerous other aircraft. Under the HLF-funded project, the Hangar will be completely restored on a new site adjacent to its current one, allowing the Finishing Straight of the Race Track to be brought back into use for both motoring and aviation activities. Fittingly, in view of its original purpose, the Hangar itself will be presented as an aircraft factory,

Under the HLF-funded project, the Hangar will be completely restored on a new site adjacent to its current one 1926 as well as the first public demonstration of powered flight in the UK in 1909. Early aviation pioneers including A V Roe, Tommy Sopwith and Harry Hawker all tested, built and flew aircraft on the site. Although motor racing ceased at Brooklands on the outbreak of the Second World War, the aviation factories of Vickers-Armstrongs and Hawker were greatly expanded, with Vickers erecting a number of buildings on the track, of which the Museum’s Wellington Hangar was one. Built

its displays showing how aircraft from the earliest biplanes and triplanes to Concorde were designed, built and developed at Brooklands over an 80-year period. The “Factory” will be an interactive learning centre, in which visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of an aircraft manufacturing plant and try for themselves many of the crafts and skills used by thousands of workers in Brooklands’ manufacturing heyday. In a new adjoining “Flight Shed”, the Museum’s active aircraft such as its Sopwith Camel and Hurricane will be kept ready to roll out onto the refurbished race track for static and taxying demonstrations. In the Flight Shed’s lower floor, Museum volunteers will learn and practice aircraft restoration skills in new workshops, and environmentally controlled, purpose-built storage (the first the Museum has had), will protect Brooklands’ internationally significant archives. THE DETAILS Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0QN ••••• 01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com MARCH 2015 23

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Easter is coming Easter is coming, and so are the Easter Eggs! Which one will you choose this year? We went along to visit Chris Bachmann at his multi award winning Weybridge Patisserie in the search of the perfect egg. We asked him, “What makes a Bachmanns Egg so special?”

“A

ll our Easter Eggs and Bunnies are handmade with love on the premises. There are a few reasons why I think that our Easter products are the best in the UK. First, we use one of the finest couvertures in the world, sourced from a small manufacturer in Switzerland. It not only eats well on its own, but marries perfectly with other flavours. Not only is the chocolate perfectly tempered and therefore beautifully shiny, but unlike factory made products, the chocolate is poured into the moulds, allowed to set, and then another molten layer of chocolate is added. When this layer sets, it creates a tension or fault line between the layers, which improves the “snap” of the chocolate when eaten. Last, we also hand sculpt our eggs, adding a final exterior textured layer, and by adding chocolate flowers and hand made buttons, each egg becomes an individual work of chocolate art. It is the repeated lamination that makes the eggs break up delicately before melting in the mouth, and that is what truly sets them apart. However, this takes a lot of skill, and we have a great team here under Wayne Harris our head Chef, and our choclatier Dan Ellis. Filled with either our legendary fresh cream truffles, or packed and encrusted with Crunchy Almond Rochers (baton almonds, macerated in cointreau, toasted with icing sugar over a hot flame, and mixed with melted chocolate and cocoa butter) our Eggs make an exquisite and unique gift for that special someone. We only make and stock our eggs for the three weeks between Mothers Day and Easter- that way we can pack them so that the products are super fresh and tasting their best- you know they haven’t been sitting around on a shelf in a warehouse for months and months. “In fact, a couple of Easters ago, one lucky lady opened her Bachmanns egg to find a diamond and platinum engagement nestling inside. Bachmanns were asked to pack the ring in its box into a truffle filled 800g dark chocolate egg so the suitor could propose in style on Easter day. “I must admit, I was quite relieved to get the ring and the egg back to the owner- it was a gorgeous piece of jewellery and I imagine it was extremely expensive. It was quite a compliment that we were trusted to look after it. I am delighted to say that we got a thank you letter from him and his new fiancé the week later” THE DETAILS Bachmanns, 32 Church Street, KT13 8DX ••••• Tel: 01932 820247 www.bachmanns.co.uk

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18-22 march 2015

Chelsea Old Town Hall, Wednesday, 18th - Sunday, 22nd March 2015

he Chelsea Antiques Fair returns this Spring coinciding with BADA. The newly designed floor plan, launched at the September Fair, will be introduced to the Spring Fair to be able to accommodate more exhibitors offering a wider variety of objects and styles. The five-day Spring Fair will have more late night openings to fit in with the local residents schedules. The distinctive charm of the Chelsea Old Town Hall contributes to the success of the Fair, which attracts connoisseurs as well as collectors of all ages. With price tags ranging from an affordable £50 to exquisite pieces worth thousands of pounds, the boutique-style feel makes this the perfect destination for anyone looking for a great variety of fine art, antiques and design. Around 40 specialist dealers have been chosen for their expertise in each field and paintings specialists will be next to jewellery dealers, furniture beside silver, Works of Art neighbouring glass and ceramics. The date line ranges from millions- ofyears old fossils to early 20th Century decorative art. To enhance the experience, there will be guided tours around the Fair, which will encourage visitors to chat to dealers and learn more about their specialities as well as learn insider tips on collecting art and antiques in general. The Fair will support the local charity, Children’s Hospital Trust Fund, again. It was set up by a team of paediatric doctors in recognition of the fact that sometimes more than NHS funds are needed to maintain the excellent level of care in hospital for children and their families. Based on the advice of the medical trustees, they step in to support the 75,000 babies, children and their families

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THE CHELSEA ANTIQUES FAIR who come to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital every year by funding state of the art medical and surgical equipment which wouldn’t otherwise be available in the hospital; from specialist play equipment for sensory rooms to million pound surgical robots. As Fair Organiser, Caroline Penman said: “Visitors keep commenting how welcoming our Fair is and they admire the fact that there is a lot of choice at reasonable prices. Many locals return to the Fair for several days, but we also get a huge amount of foreign visitors, who all tend to find something to take home with them.” From left: Nicholas Bagshawe Fine Art, Romagnoli - Portrait of Elizabeth (Bettie) Northrup Powell with a crop and an American Boxer. £45,000; Paul Mayhew Fine Art, Thomas Meteyard “Mrs Meteyard in Henry James’ garden at Rye” £20,000; Nicholas Bagshawe Fine Art, Portrait of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte – £15,000; Nicholas Bagshawe Fine Art, Harry Hall “Bon Mot” £9,500

THE DETAILS Open: 18– 22 March, Wednesday 2pm - 8pm, Thursday 11am–7pm, Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm ••••• Admission: £6, but E-Tickets & details on: www.penman-fairs.co.uk ••••• T: 01825 744074 FACEBOOK/ TWITTER (@PenmanFairs)

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Stoke Park

wins the ‘ Ultimate Members Club 2015’ and announces new 7 Day Golf Membership fee!

sports presenter Dan Walker, and the event celebrated the achievements of the very best individuals, teams and venues within the golf industry. ‘We are absolutely delighted to win the ‘Ultimate Members Club ‘award. This wonderful recognition from 59Club is something both us and our members are enormously proud of. These awards are brilliant as every aspect of the venues are assessed through mystery inspections, from customer service to facilities and it is always our aim at Stoke Park to exceed our guests expectations. ’ commented Stuart Collier, Director of Golf, Stoke Park. ‘We have had a fantastic 12 months at the Club, recently winning the ‘Best Hospitality Experience’ Award at the Eventia Awards and also winning some great accolades which include ‘Top 5 Best Golf Courses in the UK’ by Men’s Health and ‘Top 12 Luxury Hotels in the UK’ by The Independent, and this 59Club award is an incredible recognition for us.’ New 7 Day Golf Membership Fee for 2015 Stoke Park is delighted to announce news regarding their pricing for 7 Day Golf membership - as of the 1st

This wonderful recognition from 59Club is something both us and our members are enormously proud of April 2015, 7 Day Golf membership will be adjusted to £3,500 per annum. As one of the most sought after Golf memberships in the country, members will be able to enjoy Stoke Park’s world famous 27 hole championship golf course designed by Harry Colt in 1908, 5 Star facilities and service plus access to the state-of-the-art Indoor Swing Studio, putting green, driving range and short game area and not forgetting Stoke Park’s 7 full time PGA coaching professionals.

THE DETAILS To arrange a show round or for more information please contact the Membership Team on 01753 717179 or email membership@stokepark.com ••••• www.stokepark.com 28 MARCH 2015

LOVE LOC AL

THE SPA GUILDFORD RADISSON BLU EDWARDIAN HOTEL

elcome to a serene urban retreat that gives you everything you’d expect from a London spa, without the trip to London. At this Guildford spa, put yourself entirely in our care and let us put time on hold - time just for you, or time for friends. Immerse yourself in a jet-propelled pool encased in frosted glass, lose yourself in the enveloping mists of our crystal steam room and the calm of our relaxation room and restore your reserves in our spacious gym. From The Spa you will emerge indulged, energised and assured of lasting results. All treatments include full use of the spa’s facilities, including: • Stone oven sauna • Aromatic crystal steam room • Two refreshing showers • Fitness Pool with Contraflow Jets • Relaxation room We invite you to arrive up to one hour prior to your booking to gain the most from our wet spa facilities. This indulgent heat sequence will let you unwind in the elements that make The Spa Guildford so unique and ensure you maximise the effects of your chosen treatments. The spa is offering two exclusive packages that are perfect for Mother’s Day, where you can spend quality time with a treasured family member.

Afternoon Tea and Spa Experience

• Enjoy a 30min or 60min treatment of your choice from an ESPA Facial therapy, Body massage, Manicure or Pedicure. • After your treatment relax and take time to catch up with your loved one over a traditional afternoon tea.

30 MARCH 2015

Perfect peace

• For those mums that are always on the go, treat them to two of our most sought after treatments: a prescribed facial and a full body massage) • This package offers the ideal total body treat. Enjoy all the benefits and results of your personally tailored facial before being drizzled in warm oil for a divinely relaxing full body massage. More information can be found here: www.thespaguildford.com

THE DETAILS Radisson Blu, Guildford, 3 Alexandra Terrace, High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3DA ••••• 020 7769 4030 www.radissonblu.com

See article ‘London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2015 Highlights’ Image courtesy of Burberry Prorsum

HEALTH, beauty

& fashion

H EALTH, BEAUTY & fashion

Spring into

Summer! The impending arrival of Spring always causes a frisson in the fashion world as we all emerge from our winter hibernation and thoughts turn to sun, heat and colour! And this season does not disappoint

akou in West Wimbledon is a specialist independent boutique catering for stylish ladies size 14-30. With striking collections predominantly made in Europe and designed to flatter the fuller figure, we provide an array of colour and choice not seen anywhere else on the high street. Over 10 years’ experience in this field means that each season’s collections are full of beautiful designs for ‘real women’. This season, vibrant oranges, pinks and greens can be teamed with denim blue, the key trend of the moment. A range of stunning prints create unique and stylish looks for every occasion and a good selection of pieces

in more muted tones, along with perennial classic monochrome separates mean that there is something to suit all tastes. With holidays in mind at this time of year, whether you are preparing for a staycation or off to more exotic locations, there are plenty of eye catching pieces to ensure you look and feel sensational wherever you may be. Whether you’re searching for a bit of beach glamour, planning a city break or off to cruise the ocean waves,

With striking collections predominantly made in Europe and designed to flatter the fuller figure, we provide an array of colour and choice not seen anywhere else on the high street Bakou has something to add a touch of class and sophistication to your wardrobe. A dazzling range of distinctive jewellery, handbags and scarves will complete your look and attract much positive attention! To find us, please visit our website www. bakou.co.uk. A small sample of what is on offer can be seen on the website with a vast choice of diverse styles available in the newly refurbished and rebranded store. Good transport links, easy, free parking and provision of refreshments all serve to enhance the whole relaxed and comfortable Bakou shopping experience! THE DETAILS Bakou, 267-269 Coombe Lane London SW20 0RH ••••• info@bakou.co.uk Tel: 020 8947 9797 www.bakou.co.uk 34 MARCH 2015

H EALTH, BEAUTY & fashion

Look your very best Cosmetic Surgery – The Cosmetic Doctors Company offers consultations to those considering plastic or cosmetic surgery. This includes minor surgical procedures such as removal of skin lesions, lumps and bumps. Many skin issues can be treated under local anaesthetic on a ‘see and treat basis’.

Anti-wrinkle injections – reduce frown lines and crow’s feet. With rapid, predictable results.

Dermal Fillers – smooth deeper lines and furrows as well as returning lost volume to the face – the effect is immediate. LED Therapy – uses light to energise and rejuvenate and repair skin. With no irritation or down time. It minimises fine lines and wrinkles, firms skin, evens tone, soothes irritation and reduces acne outbreaks.

Aqualyx – is an injectable treatment for the dispersal of areas of fat. It is best used on troublesome areas that do not respond to diet and exercise alone. It is not a method of weight loss but is used to improve the contour of treated areas. It can be used on hips, knees, thighs,tummy and love handles as well as double chin and jowls. A course of 2-4 treatments may be needed to achieve the best results.

Before

After

Tel: 01372 890 890 36 MARCH 2015

ThermaVein® – A breakthrough process that seals threadvein walls causing them to permanently disappear. No risk of bruising, scarring or pigmentation. Effective results are usually achieved in 20 minutes. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Mesotherapy – a completely natural, anti-ageing rejuvenation treatment that uses a small amount of your own blood to improve your skin’s texture and reduce lines and wrinkles.

6 Esher Park Avenue Esher, Surrey KT10 9NP

Facial Peels – help to return a healthy glow to dull, tired skin. Peels also reduce fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, acne and scarring. INTRAcel – is a more intensive treatment combining microneedling and radiofrequency to improve the tone and texture of skin, reduce wrinkles, tighten jowls and neck.

Advanced Skin Care – Cut out the buzzwords, bogus claims and miracle ingredients – The Cosmetic Doctors Company has a very different approach to skincare. Using ZO Skin Health – scientific products offering rapid results – with concentrated formulas if you want something more than feelgood, smell-nice lotions – Dr Peter Forrester will formulate a unique skincare regime using prescription only products to ensure the best possible results.

Micro-sclerotherapy – a technique used for the removal of surface and spider veins. It involves injections with a very fine needle of a sclerosing drug which irritates the lining of the veins causing the walls to stick together. In most cases excellent results can be achieved.

Discreetly situated just off the High Street

HhEALTH, & fashion ous e &BEAUTY ga r d e n

*** NEW AT JILL ZANDER *** The DNA Defender Facial Harness Nobel prize-winning technology and put a hold on DNA ageing The First UK Facial to Harness TA-65® to Strengthen Telomeres Exclusive to Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic

Launching a brand NEW facial that incorporates enzymes to strengthen the skin’s DNA and reverses the visible signs of ageing, this is the next generation of anti-ageing facials…

DNA & Ageing… Until recently, it has been thought that the damage that UV exposure causes to our skin – brown spots, wrinkles and diminishing of collagen– was irreversible. However, with the advent of biotech beauty, we now know that there are specific enzymes capable of repairing telomeres, the DNA that sits at the end of our chromosomes and directs the growth and repair of our bodies – and skin. The TA-65® compound incorporated in this facial is a Telomerase Activator that can lengthen and strengthen telomeres. As we age, our telomeres shorten and fray, eventually losing their ability to replicate. The length of our telomeres is the barometer of our DNA’s capability to repair and maintain healthy, youthful looking skin. We can improve the integrity of our DNA to prevent and correct the signs of ageing with the DNA Defender Facial… Nobel prize winning science, pioneering product technologies and the most advanced cosmeceutical ingredients comprise this unparalleled anti-ageing facial treatment. The bio-chemists at TA Sciences are the only scientists in the world to hold the secrets to activating cellular telomerase, an enzyme that can lengthen and strengthen the skin’s telomeres which are responsible for maintaining the quality of our DNA. This facial incorporates TA-65® poly-peptides, stem cell technology and telomerase activation resulting in a revolutionary, new generation of anti-ageing.

Call us now for more information on 01372 471448 38 MARCH 2015

****NEW AT JILL ZANDER *** DNA Based Nutritional Programme Beauty from the Inside Out

Age-Defying Super Supplements A new approach to healthcare is emerging through testing your DNA and hormones to design a bespoke nutritional programme. This looks at the underlying causes of ageing and skin dysfunction rather than symptoms. A saliva or blood test provides genetic and hormone information to ensure that you are getting the correct

Email info@jillzander.co.uk

supplements for your individual requirements. Knowing what your body needs allows our highly qualified nutritionist to recommend a personalised and individual programme to slow the ageing process and is a huge advancement in the efforts to prolong youth and longevity.

www.jillzander.co.uk

MARCH 2015 39

HhEALTH, & fashion ous e &BEAUTY ga r d e n

We’ve all felt that sting of tomato soup against chapped lips, or the uncontrollable itch of a body starved of TLC during the colder months. So imagine what it feels like for young skin, that’s so much more delicate than our own? By Claire Spreadbury, Press Association

COOL FOR

KIDS “A child’s skin is still developing, so it’s much more sensitive to dryness,” acknowledges Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, who produce a range of award-winning products for babies and children. “Skin is the first line of defence against infection and dehydration. Newborn and young children’s skin absorbs and loses water more quickly than a grown up’s. It also has a thinner ‘stratum corneum’ - the outermost layer, which shields everything beneath.” Young or old, the drop in temperature brings challenges to skin, as we move in and out of the cold to very dry, heated areas, Jensen continues. “Actively keeping skin hydrated becomes a necessity, to prevent dry flakes or eczema. Moisturisation of all skin areas - even forgotten feet - is important, to ensure skin cells remain hydrated and plump, keeping irritation out.”

SOFT SKIN STARTS FROM WITHIN

“The key to skincare starts from inside,” says Jonna Jalkanen, founder of Sophie La Girafe Cosmetics. “If our stomachs feel well, the rest follows, so focus on clean, basic food that’s not processed. Pure, organic produce can be a real benefit to children in terms of wellbeing.” The 40 MARCH 2015

next step is skincare. “We believe the most essential thing is products which respect the natural lipid bilayer (that protects cells),” she adds. “If your skin feels dry after you shower and it craves moisture immediately, something is wrong. Use a mild cleanser and avoid over-washing children’s delicate skin, and moisturise as often as needed.” Jalkanen advises opting for gentle organic products when possible, and Jensen steers clear of anything containing mineral oils (petrochemical derivatives), SLSs, parabens or artificial colours. She also recommends giving skin and health a natural boost by increasing Vitamin C intake (which helps boost the production of collagen), keeping up the intake of omega-3 fatty acids (through walnuts, oily fish, avocado and olive oil) and eating wholegrains packed with selenium (which helps maintain skin elasticity). For an additional skincare boost, both the Sophie La Girafe Cosmetics founder and Liz Earle, co-founder of the renowned skincare brand, advise combining a cream with an oil for a super-nourishing skin treatment, which can then be used on any part of the body that’s affected.

MOISTURISE

“Apply a moisturiser all over your and your little one’s face, body and hands once or twice a day, to keep skin

TOP 5 BEAUTY BUYS

Get the

in good order,” advises Jensen. “Apply more to face and hands before going outside; red cheeks don’t only mean it’s cold, but that skin is getting dehydrated.” It’s also worth popping an SPF on children’s faces before they go outside, especially if it’s cold or windy. Childs Farm Hand & Body Lotion, £3.99 (childsfarm.com)

look

Sophie La Giraffe Baby Bubble Bath, ocado.com

Ojon Rare Blend Moisture Therapy Conditioner, ojon.co.uk

HELPING HAND

“Hands are very susceptible to getting dry and chapped during winter months, as they’re often exposed to the harsh wind and cold,” says expert dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth. “Use an emollient wash instead of your normal soap and a good dermatological hand cream, as often as possible, with cotton gloves at night if necessary.” E45 Emollient Shower Cream, £5.50 (www.ocado. com); E45 Repair & Protect Overnight Hand Cream, £3.99 (www.boots.com)

2 1

3 5 4

KEEP BATHING BRIEF

Hot baths are really dehydrating, so try to keep the temperature less hot than normal, make them short, use a moisturising bubble bath and apply a moisturiser to skin within five minutes of getting out. Sophie La Girafe Baby Bubble Bath, £10.99 (www.ocado.com)

HAIR REPAIR

The scalp can also be prone to dryness at this time of year, so use a shampoo which is suitable for sensitive skin, and a really thick moisturising conditioner. It’s best to avoid the hairdryer if at all possible, too. Green People Organic Babies Scent Free Baby Wash & Shampoo, £7.25 (www.greenpeople.co.uk); Ojon Rare Blend Moisture Therapy Conditioner, £23 (www.ojon.co.uk)

AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS...

There are always products designed to soothe and smooth parched skin. Here are three I’ve tested out on my own children and highly recommend... Grahams Natural Kids Eczema Cream, £18.99 (www. grahamsskincare.co.uk); Chuckling Goat Break-Out Magic Bath Melts, £6.95 (www.chucklinggoat.co.uk)

E45 Emollient Shower Cream, ocado.com

Chuckling Goat Break-Out Magic Bath Melts, chucklinggoat.co.uk

Tried & tested Our testers put three repairing balms to work on chapped lips... Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight

This lip balm treatment feels thick and luxurious, instantly getting to work on my dry, flaky lips - and I’m delighted to hear it helps fade fine lines and wrinkles too. 5/5 £16.50 (www. philosophyskincare. co.uk)

4/5 Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner

This product gets to work from the first application and glides on beautifully, leaving a pleasant sheen on honeykissed lips, smoothing away any dry edges. £23 (www.jomalone.co.uk)

Lead image: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos; All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

Green People Scent Free Baby Wash & Shampoo, greenpeople.co.uk

3/5 Benefit Posiebalm

This tinted lip balm is a really pretty colour and contains mango butter to help with hydration. It’s great for adding a hint of moisture and colour to lips which aren’t especially dry. £14.50 (www. benefitcosmetics.co.uk)

MARCH 2015 41

H EALTH, BEAUTY & fashion

dentalessence ….gentle dental care Celebrating 6 years of serving the community!

Currently offering free advice entalessence (formerly known as available on St Mary’s Road. on Dental Implants and Oatlands Village Dental care) The team at dentalessence are at the Adult Braces AS WELL was taken over from Dr Gordon forefront of providing patients with oral AS cosmetic Parry by brother-sister team health advice to enable patients to adopt a treatments till 30th Dr Sachin Anand and Dr Shal Anand in more preventative approach to their dental April 2015. March 2009. care. The practice cares for all ages and take Although the original owner Dr Parry still a particular interest in helping people with a works at the practice, The Anands revamped the fear or phobia of dentistry. look and feel of the practice in Easter 2014, changing The practice provides routine general dentistry for its name to dentalessence, to remain in affiliation with their the whole family, but are also providers of dental implants, cosmetic veneers and crowns, invisible and fast braces, a gentle hygienist service and comfortable bespoke dentures. Their fantastic team of UK qualified, experienced Their independent prices are extremely competitive for the dentists will be sure to listen to your needs area, providing all your necessary dental work at affordable prices, in a warm, clean and friendly environment other two practices in Burgess Hill and Worthing. Dr Sachin Anand and Dr Shal Anand invite you to come Their practice manager Annie, and Head Receptionist and join a truly refreshing and patient-orientated practice Lorraine are known for their caring and friendly nature in the heart of Oatlands Village in Weybridge. amongst the other great team members Adelina, Tiff, Siobhan, Amanda and Claire. All staff are trained to the THE DETAILS highest standards and registered with the General Dental Council. 39 St Mary’s Road, Weybridge, Surrey Their fantastic team of UK qualified, experienced KT13 9PT dentists will be sure to listen to your needs and put you at ••••• ease, whilst finding the right dental solutions for you. tel: 01932 857 998 dentalessence is CQC approved, fully digital and email: weybridge@dentalessence.co.uk provides access to disabled patients. Free parking is readily www.dentalessence.co.uk 42 MARCH 2015

Embrace the freedom of dental implants

dentalessence … gentle dental care

FREE CONSULTATION Do you lack confidence due to a missing tooth or teeth? Have you had enough of uncomfortable dentures? Are you having to watch what you eat or are embarrassed to eat in public? WE COULd HAvE AN AFFORdAbLE, SIMPLE ANd PAIN FREE SOLUTION FOR YOU. SPEAK TO OUR TEAM AbOUT dENTAL IMPLANTS.

Discover the benefits of short-term braces You could have straight teeth in just 16 weeks! From £999 or just £80 per month with finance FREE CONSULTATION

Are you embarrassed of crooked teeth? Are you always covering your mouth in photos? Are you worried about not having been for years and are very nervous?

01932 857 998 39 St Marys Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 9PT www.dentalessence.co.uk

HhEALTH, EALTH &BEAUTY BEAUTY & FASHION ous e & ga rden

beauty myths

busted

By Katie Wright, Press Association

Buy it now

tan formula off, to hydrate the skin and prolong the life of your tan,” say Bondi Sands founders, Shaun Wilson and Blair James. Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk SPF 15, £10.99 (available late Feb; www.superdrug.com)

Jetting off to the slopes soon? Don’t forget to pack a heavy-duty sun screen. New from Bioderma, Photoderm Ski is a two-in-one wonder. The tube contains SPF 50+ cream, designed to withstand temperatures as low as -10C, while in the cap, there’s a super-moisturising lip balm. Plus you can clip the whole thing onto your ski pass. Bioderma Photoderm Ski Cream And Stick For High Altitude SPF 50+, £10 (www.escentual.com)

1. Nails need to ‘breathe’ in order to grow “Nail polish can actually help protect the nail from everyday damaging elements, such as drying soaps and general breakage. Ensuring you are hydrated from the inside, by drinking lots of water and using a quality cuticle oil, will help nourish nails and encourage healthy growth,” says Charlotte Knight, creative director and founder, Ciate London. Ciate Beautiful Cuticles, £12 (www.ciatelondon.com) 2. A tan is healthy “A tan is a visible indication of sun damage, therefore there is NO such thing as a healthy tan. Healthy sun exposure should be limited to less than the time it takes to tan or burn. Burning even just once accelerates the risk of developing skin cancers, and can also accelerate the ageing process,” says Nature’s Best nutritionist Keri Filtness. 3. Always apply a moisturiser before your self-tan “Applying a moisturiser immediately before you apply your self-tanning lotion will create a barrier between your skin and the self-tan, resulting in streaky, uneven tan. Instead, try applying a moisturiser immediately after washing your 44 MARCH 2015

4. You only need to wear SPF in the summer “Even winter sun can damage skin, so don’t forget to protect. It is important to wear a cream containing SPF all year round,” says dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall. Witch Mattifying Moisturiser SPF 15, £4.99 (www.boots.com)

5. Rinsing your hair with cold water will close the cuticles “Hair is not a living cell, and so it doesn’t react to cold water any differently to hot. The best thing for glossy soft and shiny hair is a blow-dry oil, to create a gorgeous shine and speed up drying time, to help against over-drying,” says Rosie Binns, stylist at Ethos Hairdressing. Oil Wonders Flash Blow Dry Oil, £12.95 (available in in salons or oilwonders.matrix.com) 6. The more you brush your hair, the healthier it will be “Wrong! Brushing the hair too regularly can encourage breakage on fine or brittle hair, and can further cause damage to the hair’s cuticle. Brushing too regularly can also encourage oil production from the scalp, causing your hair condition to become unbalanced,” says Jean Welsh, director stylist, Dickson Reid Salon. 7. Oils are not suitable for oily skin “Oils actually work in harmony with your skin, as they mimic the skin’s natural process of oil production and help to balance the skin. If the skin feels greasy after using an oil, it’s usually that too much has been applied. One drop of oil goes a long way,” says Kirsty Mawhinney, skincare expert at Bio-Oil. Bio-Oil, £8.99 (www.boots.com) 8. Post-facial breakouts are just toxins coming out of pores “There’s no scientific reasoning to support this. If you suffer from breakouts post-facial, it is more likely to be an

TOP 5 BEAUTY BUYS

9. Juices are great for your skin “Some juices - with lots of sweet fruits or those with added sugar - are actually bad for your skin. Sugary juices can cause ‘glycation’, which damages skin cells and accelerates skin ageing. If you’re looking to improve your skin health, try swapping sugary fruits in your smoothie for vegetables, such as cucumber, carrots or spinach, and favour fruit such as bananas, grapes and pears. These are high in fibre, antioxidants and vitamin C,” says Liz Warom, founder, Temple Spa. 10. Pumping your mascara will get rid of clumps “Pumping your mascara will trap air into the tube, which can force in bacteria and cause the mascara to dry out. Instead, try twisting it out of the tube, which helps keep the formula air-tight and avoids clumping,” says Francesca Neill, Collection make-up artist. 11. You need to have big eyes to pull off liquid liner “This isn’t true, people with all different eye shapes can wear liquid eyeliner. I regular apply a black liquid liner, such as the Collection Fast Stroke Liner, to clients with smaller eyes, to make them look larger,” says Francesca Neill, Collection make-up artist. Collection Fast Stroke Eye Liner, £2.99 (www.superdrug.com)

Get the

look

Collection Fast Stroke Liner, Superdrug

2 1 4

12. Concealer should be lighter than your foundation “Unless you are using a concealer to highlight or contour, your concealer shade should match your foundation. If you’re using a lighter concealer to cover spots, this will just draw attention to them. Try to match both your foundation and concealer to your natural skin tone as much as possible,” says Francesca Neill, Collection make-up artist. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Warm Medium, £4.19 (www.superdrug.com).

Ciate Beautiful Cuticles, ciatelondon.com

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Warm Medium, Superdrug

Bio-Oil, Boots

Oil Wonders Flash Blow Dry Oil, in salon or matrixhaircare.co.uk

Lead image: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos; All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

inflammation as a result of extractions, or due to pores getting clogged from products that are too thick for your skin type,” says Liz Warom, founder, Temple Spa.

TRIED AND TESTED

INTRAcel is a rejuvenating system that stimulates collagen renewal and tightens the skin, it’s non invasive and has unparalleled results. Julie Allen tries…

y skin had started to look tired and dull so I wanted to reduce fine lines and sagginess around the jawline. I was nervous on treatment day, but after anaesthetic cream and some TLC from Doctor

and slightly swollen, there was 3 days downtime where it looked like I had been in the sun, other than that no other side effects. After 7 days what a difference, my skin looked great,felt tighter very much fresher.

I was nervous on treatment day, but after anaesthetic cream and some TLC from Doctor Forrester, I felt more relaxed Forrester, I felt more relaxed. INTRAcel applies dozens of needles over the face and neck area. Uncomfortable on the more bony areas but certainly not painful. After treatment my face was very red

For best effects INTRAcel requires 3 sessions. INTRAcel is available at The Cosmetic Doctor’s Company Esher 01372 890890; www.drforrester.co.uk

MARCH 2015 45

46 MARCH 2015

HEALTH, BEAUTY && FASHION h ous e HOUSE ga GARDEN rden

burberry prorsum

London Fashion Week

Autumn/Winter 2015 Highlights

A world of catwalks, celebrities, and fashion glitz London Fashion Week is always exciting and inspirational and 2015 sees the event’s 61st year, during which more than 250 designers showcased their collections for autumn and winter to a global audience.

he magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the fashion designers’ and fashion stylists ’cutting-edge collections but the media excitement that accompanies them. The allure of the show is exceptional and continues to be the top fashion

event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe. While most of us are thinking about our summer wardrobes, designers were showcasing their Autumn/ Winter 2015 Collections, and it was one of the event’s biggest line-ups yet.

MARCH 2015 47

H EALTH, BEAUTY & fashion

A round-up of some the designers and their amazing collections… BURBERRY PRORSUM

Burberry showed its Womenswear Autumn/Winter 2015 collection, entitled “Patchwork, Pattern & Prints”. British Burberry models and current faces of the brand’s campaigns Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn, came together to see the new collection in Kensington Gardens. Other guests included musicians Sam Smith and Paloma Faith. Previewing a womenswear collection of paisley and floral bohemian prints inspired by Durham quilts, patchwork prints and animal and camouflage printed lace. Introducing The Bucket Bag, The Long Fringe Scarf in check cashmere, the Ponytail boot and The Burberry Round Shades collection of sunglasses.

TEMPERLEY LONDON

Winter ’15 weaves a tale bursting with modern bohemianism and optimism - setting the mood for today’s Temperley London woman. Relaxed and decadent, with tribal and nomadic inspiration –the collection combines elongated and layered silhouettes with languid tailoring capturing the opulent mood of 1920’s Paul Poiret. Colours and fabrics are rich and warm – camel, teal, jet black, turmeric, and hibiscus juxtaposed with shimmering metallics, topaz blue and acidic pops of orange. Textured feather and crocodile jacquards mix with soft, fluid pale silks and sequins for the evening. Knitwear is key with layered knit jacquards and printed knits in tribal and feather inspired artworks. Oversized luxurious coats, relaxed velvet tuxedo jackets, wrap-front trousers and circle legged jumpsuits bring a fresh, confident direction. “This season is both effortless and confident, one collection for all the women of Temperley London” – Alice Temperley MBE

MULBERRY

xander zhou

jasper conran

Mulberry presented its Autumn Winter 2015 Catwalk Collection from its Kensington showroom on Sunday 22 & Monday 23 February. The collection was inspired by “the enticing world of Georgian interiors, known for their elegance, lightness and stylised flair epitomised in the Rococo and neo-classical design elements of architects such as Robert Adam and John Soames.” To showcase the collection, Mulberry commissioned British artist Tom Price to create an ethereal installation based on the theme and inspiration. The resulting five large scale arches with their over spilling ‘blossom’ formed a dramatic backdrop to the showroom. Tom has a background in sculpture and design and much of the work he produces seeks to explore the untapped potential of familiar, everyday materials and their ability to turn into beautiful sculptures. Highlights from the collection include the Dixter Coat and Short Hatton Dress, both hand-painted with a bespoke Filigree design, sporty 48 MARCH 2015

jacquard knits, a contemporary and super-luxe Anorak in the softest leather, a dramatic cape in Mulberry heritage check, and a cool, sexy jumpsuit woven in a bespoke satin jacquard design. The Jamie and Roxette bags play to the two sides of Mulberry: the Jamie with its casual-cool bucket shape, created in miniature for the Catwalk Collection, and the smart uptown Roxette finished in luxurious haircalf.

JASPER CONRAN: AW15 WOMENSWEAR

• Opaque in dark navy • Cashmere and wool head to toe • Glossy shoots of herbaceous green • Punctuate a strict geometry • The tunic dress flutters over a high-necked knit • Blocked pattern and colour in suede and silk • Appliqued, printed, scalloped and pleated in violet, rose madder and moss • Textured velvet and skin in pigment rich tones of yellow and plum • A tumble of petals climb from waist to shoulder

PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND

This collection marks the brand’s 200 year celebrations at the Serpentine galleries. A luxury heritage that is never far from view with inspirations for the collection being drawn from the brand’s birth place. Stunning images capturing the raw nature of the isle of skye , the work produced by Albert Watson are references using colour and organic textures throughout the collection. Nicosia integrally knits beads that would traditionally have been embroidered to mirror the landscape, particularly the mineral grain and rock. Elements of flora and fauna are reflected throughout using a fil coupe with thistle motif, while a

fabrics, slivers of exposed skin, and attitude with which she stalks the runway, make this a polished rather than bohemian interpretation of the sauvage. Print inspiration came from aerial views of the graphic patterns in the desert made by the Bahrain race track; interpretations of these patterns weave through the collection in diverse fabrications and techniques; prints in black, white and red are patch-worked against animal print on an embroidered shift dress, woven and knitted on jacquard coats and separates, and embroidered on hemlines and stone encrusted dresses. Subtle black, white, navy and blue base colours are enlivened with bright red, topaz and chartreuse. The mixing of contrasting prints and patterns is prevalent throughout; a crocodile effect jacquard coat is worn with abstract leopard print trousers, whilst a race track inspired knitted blanket coat is belted over a leopard print top. Patterns are also juxtaposed on the brand’s signature

julien macdonald

Challenging the boundaries of what can be created with knitwear and truly showcasing Pringle of Scotland as an innovative luxury brand

raised wavy jacquard is used to give multiple layers creating a leaf stitch. Prestonfield House Flemish tapestry fades into a floral motif inspired by Gibbons’ woodcarving; this translates through raised macramé and embossed leather. Textured fur almost resembles a silk moiré bark while other pieces are ordained with carved mink argyle, once again giving a nod to tradition. ‘This collection happens at a time not many brands have the privilege of celebrating. Challenging the boundaries of what can be created with knitwear and truly showcasing Pringle of Scotland as an innovative luxury brand’ Technical boundaries are being pushed with 3d printing on complete garments, reinventing traditional techniques by cutting a skirt on the bias and embroidering 3d chain mail with cashmere yarn. Heat formed knitwear is moulded to achieve memory formed shape and rounded silhouettes. The colour palette consists of liquorice, nightshade, regal purple with blasts of ruby red that are calmed by moments of ebony. Blush camel, slates and whites neutralise the collection bringing it back to elements of nature.

HOUSE OF HOLLAND: UPTOWN URCHINS - AUTUMN / WINTER 2015

• Tough Uptown Women. • Trustafarian Street Urchins. • Tough. Kinky. Put Together. • Rubber Applique. Chevron Mongolian sheepskin. • Updated signature tartans. Hazard stripes. • Loose. Oversized. Co-Ordinated. • Ultra-modern Created World.

pieces; a knitted dress features contrasting print panels in leopard and paisley, and a roll neck jersey wrap dress features varying floral prints pieced together to create stepped hems. Differing jersey fabrications are combined to progress the brand’s signature draping; sheer, opaque and shine jersey panels combine in wrap dresses and tops constructed from asymmetric panels that lend a modern fluidity to the silhouette. We can now look forward to the designer trends that will be hitting the high streets for Autumn/Winter 2015, and re-create the look so stylishly presented on the catwalk. “Although you may not wear the exact look that you see coming down the runway on a model, you will pick up little things. There’s always something reflected in the High Street that comes through from London Fashion Week,” says fashion journalist Hilary Alexander. www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

david koma

ISSA LONDON

Issa presented their Autumn/Winter at One Great George Street, London. The brand’s first Collection under the Creative Direction of Jamie O’Hare explores the confidence and sensuality of the Issa woman. Animal prints and fringing allude to her wild side, but the fluid MARCH 2015 49

Tillings CornerHouse now open aT newlands Corner

KITCHENS

& BATHROOMS Showcasing Surrey & Berkshireâ€™s finest collection of Kitchen and Bathroom specialists

Daphene by Oasis at West One Bathrooms www.westonebathrooms.com

property & B ATHROOMS KITCHENS

Traditional meets contemporary at the Chamber Furniture Company Dark Oak with double island display

his luxurious display in Chamber Furnitures large Kent showroom combines two extremes of styles-on one side is the contemporary flush handle-less flat wall, while the other side is more traditional – both in the same dark oak finish. The designs have been refined in order to include LED lights and the worktop is 80 mm thick quartz. The islands have the look of old rectory tables with a contemporary flush gas hobs. The porcelain floor has eight different 600cm square tiles fitted randomly for an eclectic look. The wall tiles are oversized gold ceramic (300x100). Both create a stunning and complementary backdrop to the dark oak furniture. An intriguing mix of traditional and contemporary styles!

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ABOUT THE Chamber Furniture company Chamber Furniture was formed nearly 20 years ago by Jane and Scott Nicholson and they have built an excellent reputation for their superb furniture, service and comprehensive, individually tailored and flexible design and installation service. In the last five years Chamber Furniture have refined their furniture to create the best possible and highest quality product. Thanks to their designers’ enthusiasm for new challenges, they could never say that their portfolio is complete and ensure that your Chamber furniture will always be unique! Their individual and truly bespoke kitchens can be seen in their Kent showroom and state of the art workshop.

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property

Industrial Design Meets

Modern Minimalism

est One Bathrooms is home to many of the world’s exclusive designer bathroom collections. For 2015 we are showcasing the “industrial look” which is very on trend with brands like Agape offering ranges of architectural and industrial inspired design innovations. Monochrome colour schemes with grey tiles, black mixer taps and white tactile matt finish baths, WC and basins really make a statement cutting edge bathroom with an urban minimalist design. This look typifies balancing practical function and contemporary style, with comfort, curvy soft lines and contrasting monochrome colour schemes. This is often balanced with sleek mirrors with ambient diffuser lighting where bathroom accessories are often incorporated within the design of the bathroom look without it being an afterthought of wall mounted additions often overlooked as being just as important as the entire bathroom itself. Our showroom in Oxshott, Surrey, is home to some of the latest bathroom collections to inspire you showcasing the industrial theme for 2015 amongst other collections also on display. Our in-house designers help to create for you the latest in new cutting edge bathroom design where also by appointment they will visit you at home and take you through the full design service by measuring up your bathrooms and producing detailed drawings to help you visualise making your dream bathroom a reality.

Vieques steel Bath – Price – RRP inc vat : from £8,640

THE DETAILS 1 High Street, Oxshott, Surrey, KT22 0JN ••••• T: 01372 841 730 www.westonebathrooms.com Vieques steel Bath – Price – RRP inc vat : from £8,640

4 MARCH 2015

property & B ATHROOMS KITCHENS

LEADING CONTEMPORARY

DESIGNERS

daptations, established in 1999 by Ian Cross, opened their Cobham showroom in the summer of 2012 to showcase their contemporary German handleless kitchens alongside their own bespoke range of furniture made from reclaimed Oak. Since then they have established their reputation as the leading contemporary designers in the area and have completed a large number of prestigious projects in and around Cobham and the surrounding areas. Specializing in high quality German products Adaptations have recently secured the dealership for Eggersman Kitchens, a brand that has been at the leading edge of design and quality for decades. Renowned within the world of architects and designers, Eggersman not only manufacture beautiful kitchens in a huge choice of finishes and textures but are one of the only companies in the world that can produce complete islands in a selection of solid marble and granite stone surfaces. They can make all visible facets of

6 MARCH 2015

the kitchen in the same material including fascia’s drawer fronts and panels. Ian Cross says, we were looking for a high end German brand that would complement our existing ranges and allow us greater flexibility and design options. Adaptations work with architects, designers and developers where the kitchen is part of a larger project such as new builds and refurbishments but also offer a complete installation service for people looking for a turnkey solution and will project manage all aspects of the installation including tiling and flooring, electrical works and plumbing as well as redecoration. THE DETAILS Adaptations are located on Cobham High St, directly opposite Church St. ••••• Please call 01932 584940 to arrange a free consultation with one of their designers.

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property

Discover inspiration at the Art of Living Group The Art of Living Group is one of Camberleyâ€™s little gems. Incorporating four interiors companies - Ceramic Tile Warehouse, Park Street Interiors, Stone Gallery and Simply Flooring - all on one site at the end of Bridge Road, it offers design inspiration, high quality brands and excellent customer service. Ceramic Tile Warehouse

With over one million tiles in stock, including porcelain tiles, mosaics, ceramics and glass tiles, in many different shapes and colours, at Ceramic Tile Warehouse there are beautiful tiles to add the finishing touches to any bathroom or kitchen. Wood-effect porcelain tiles, which are available from Ceramic Tile Warehouse, are set to be a big trend in 2015. With the look of real wood, but the ease of maintenance, they can be a highly stylish and a practical addition to any room of the home.

Park Street Interiors

Park Street Interiors offers a bespoke design service that enables customers to have their dream kitchen or bathroom. From considerations about practicality, to design inspiration that will add the wow factor, the friendly team of expert designers work closely with customers to bring their dreams alive. In 2015 the big trend will be to look to the past to create a timeless space, but with all the modern benefits. Open shelves and traditional cabinets in kitchens, and roll top baths in bathrooms are expected to be popular. With leading brands such as Villeroy & Boch, Aqualisa, Daval, Neff and Miele, as well as quality German made kitchens, customers can be assured that their investment will last for many years to come.

Stone Gallery

Having been used for thousands of years, natural stone can add timeless elegance to both traditional and contemporary buildings. Especially suitable for use in kitchens and

8 MARCH 2015

bathrooms, it can give a sense of getting closer to nature and exudes a calming and relaxing feeling. Organic colours are expected to be popular in 2015, so the earthy tones of travertine and limestone, which are both available from the Stone Gallery, are predicted to be popular choices to bring the sense of serenity that we associate with nature.

Simply Flooring

As the newest member of the Art of Living Group, Simply Flooring offers a wide range of different flooring products, which includes quality carpets, both solid and engineered wood flooring and vinyl flooring from leading brand, Amtico. www.ceramictilewarehouse.co.uk www.parkstreetinteriors.co.uk www.thestonegallery.co.uk www.simplycarpetsandflooring.com

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property

Kitchens are for eating, drinking and socialising, but the heart of the home also speaks volumes about our taste - as a glimpse into the kitchens of Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron and celebrity chef Nigella Lawson recently revealed. By Gabrielle Fagan, Press Association Bip wood and metal floor lamp, Habitat

flap Large black analogue wall clock, Habitat

Hot Pink Pantone three cup coffee maker, berryred.com

Anglepoise maxi pendant; Dual range cooker; Jersey pottery fruits de mer mackerel oval dish, John Lewis

COOKING UP A

STYLISH STATEMENT W hile there’s a homely, eclectic feel to the Downing Street space, with open shelves cluttered with pots and pans and a blackboard on the wall for family messages, Lawson’s made a full-on feminine statement with fuchsia-pink cabinets and drawers, in her new London home. It just goes to show, the recipe for a perfect kitchen is highly personal. There’s no one right ‘look’ - what matters is that this space suits you and the way you want to live. “There are several factors to take into account when choosing a kitchen,” advises Craig Burgess-Allen, UK manager for Rational kitchens. “Consider the style of the rest of your home, especially if you have an open-plan layout with spaces flowing into one another, as you want to avoid choosing a style which jars with the rest of your design scheme. “Equally, don’t feel obliged in a period home to install

10 MARCH 2015

a traditional kitchen. The priority is for a functional space, which is easy to work in and is visually appealing, and modern ranges can be hugely successful as a stunning, calm pared-back contrast, when the rest of the house is highly embellished with flourishes and detail.” A kitchen can make or break a property deal, and it’s estimated that it can add up to 7% to the value of a home. “Bear in mind that adventurous colour choices may look great in the showroom but can be hard to live with, and aren’t generally advisable if you’re considering selling a property,” Burgess-Allen points out. “If you feel colourstarved, play with colour in worktops and tiling. “Always consider the natural light available, and opt for light reflecting surfaces if it’s limited. On a practical note, avoid glossy kitchen doors if you’re house proud and have small children, as they’ll show up every smudgy fingerprint!”

All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

HEMNES cabinet, Ikea

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property

Time to Relax, Indulge, Think and Escape

hen choosing a new bathroom and are looking for inspiration, look no further than Surrey based Walton Bathrooms who this year are celebrating 30 years in the bathroom industry. They have recently refurbished their showrooms with over 60 stunning displays of new products including the latest trends, as well as timeless classics and practical bathroom solutions. Situated in The Hersham Centre, Hersham, Surrey, the immaculate showroom is a perfect place for customers to see the extent of sophistication and luxury that Walton Bathrooms offers. The displays include the new Amadea Royal from Villeroy & Boch with its opulent and classically glamorous splendor whereas their Soho Collection brings together a combination of simple, stylish products which can be easily tailored to suit most bathrooms. The choice is endless with further displays from Keuco, Hansgrohe and Zucchetti plus so much more. Whilst some of Walton Bathrooms displays are styled with space and grandeur in mind, they also offer a number of compact solutions. Burgbad’s Guest ranges offer the styling of the main ranges but in compact versions to suit a small cloakroom or en suite. There is also a dedicated tile studio showing both wall and floor tiles. The comprehensive range of tiles are used in conjunction with ceramic colours and brassware to co-ordinate different schemes along with samples of many different material finishes, from quartz, marble and granite to Corian and glass. Individual samples can be lifted to put next to your tiles or furniture choices to

12 MARCH 2015

assure a perfect look for your complete new bathroom concept, making the process of selection a tactile experience. Having chosen your bathroom, you need to be sure that installation will be trouble-free. Walton Bathrooms offer a complete service, via one of their approved bathroom installation teams. With over 15 years’ experience working in private houses, they know how important it is to give continuity of work and provide a full service to valued clients. If you are looking for premier products, with service to match, this is the one place you must visit. THE DETAILS For more information on Walton Bathrooms visit them at: Walton Bathrooms Ltd,The Hersham Centre, The Green, Molesey Road, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4HL ••••• Showroom Tel: 01932 224 784. Contract Sales Tel: 0208 481 7970 e-mail: sales@waltonbathrooms.co.uk ••••• Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm (easy parking next to Waitrose). ••••• Alternatively you can buy on-line at www.waltonbathrooms.co.uk where many ranges are on special offer.

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property

How to plan your kitchen lighting Essential for preparation and cooking, lighting can also be used to create mood and atmosphere at the flick of a switch.

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

ne 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 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

14 MARCH 2015

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 sensor-operated 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.

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property

CREATE A LUXURY OASIS

e love bathrooms, especially beautiful and spa-like ones where we can create our own little oasis at home. Whether you have your own bathroom retreat or are looking to create a new one, you’re just a few ideas, products, and steps away from the bathroom of your dreams. Bathroom design has come a long way in the last 20 years. Whilst the importance of functionality remains; many more homeowners are now spending time and money to ensure striking aesthetics within their bathroom. Designer bathrooms are a common site in many homes and such a project can add real value to the property. If you are seeking to create a modern designer bathroom look in your home then the tips below will help you achieve that goal.

A stylish bath

The first bathroom suite item to deal with is the bathtub. This is the piece of furniture that you will get the most enjoyment from and it is important to ensure that it provides comfort to the user. However, going for a practical model doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style and there is a vast range of bathroom models, from twin baths that allow two people to bathe side by side, to corner baths that serve to maximise available space. If you prefer the more traditional rectangle shaped bath, there are still options available that provide that designer feel. Going for a separate tap installation also serves to create a unique look.

The shower option

Whether you have enough space to install both a bathtub and a shower, or prefer to just have the latter in your bathroom; your choice of design will have a huge impact on the room. Quadrant shower enclosures that fit into the corner of the room with an arc shaped glass enclosing the two sides, give an elegant finishing look to the suite. If you are planning to splurge on your bathroom and you have the space, you might like to consider a walk-in shower enclosure. Walk-ins give you greater mobility and access, and look grand as well as plenty of space to really relax and unwind. It is a good idea to have glass on as many sides of the shower enclosure as the bathroom allows. This will greatly help to increase the light in the

16 MARCH 2015

room, which will in turn give the illusion of spaciousness.

An appealing basin

Although you probably consider the bath or shower as being the most important of furniture in your bathroom, it is also the basin that acts as a central item in designer bathrooms. This is due to the fact that it will almost always have a mirror placed above it, which immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. As such it is important to install a basin that looks fantastic. One option is to fit a vanity unit, with the basin sunk in so that it is flush with the surface. Alternatively you could add to the aesthetics by mounting the basin on top of the vanity unit and go for an unusual design, such as a funnel shaped basin. However, if you are going for an ultra-modern look and want to keep furniture down to a minimum, then a vanity unit may not be the right choice for you. In such instances a hovering sink with hidden pipes is a good option. If you have a big enough bathroom and enough wall space, you could even decide to go for the double sink, which not only look great, but are also useful in a busy household.

LITTLE LUXURY TOUCHES

Carefully coordinate your towels with the colour of the walls and bathroom suite. Add a stylish looking towel rail electric element to heat up the towels for added luxury, which also comes with an added advantage of warming up your bathroom. Decanting your soap and shower products into matching bottles is a simple way to create a stylish look in your bathroom. Coordinate other accessories such as the toilet roll and toothbrush holder. Get a sleek and stylish cabinet or matching boxes to hide away less attractive products or those you don’t want to show. A well-chosen bathroom rug, a potted plant in the corner, or a framed picture hung on an empty wall; small pieces which can completely revamp the look of your suite. Strike a balance by picking just a few significant pieces of bathroom furniture which will contain a certain colour. Offset it by choosing a neutral or contrasting colour in other accessories. By ensuring that your accessories are attractive and functional, along with some good, soft lighting, you can create a calm and relaxing retreat, right inside your home.

KITCHENS & B ATHROOMS property

Welcome To Granite Transformations Reading Granite Transformations is proud to be a worldwide brand, with many thousands of happy customers you will love the Granite Transformation surface that our product comes with an owners’ lifetime warranty. Transforming your kitchen with granite Transformations Reading could not be easier. Every installation is tailor made to not only fit your requirements, but also to fit around your lifestyle. Book a free, no obligation, design consultation at your home and let us inspire you. Don’t just think kitchens; use Granite Transformations for bathrooms, bedrooms and patio areas. Make your transformation dreams a reality.

ere at Granite Transformations Reading we specialise in creating the kitchen you have always dreamed about, whether it be a makeover of your existing kitchen or working with you to produce your brand new kitchen. In addition to our beautiful granite worktops, we also offer an extensive range of replacement doors and top brand appliances to complete your new kitchen’s look with real style. The good news is that you don’t have to go to the expense of replacing your whole kitchen to get the look you’ve always dreamed of. Our exclusive “top that fits on top” concept makes our transformations incredibly efficient. Granite Transformations is proud to be a worldwide brand, with many thousands of happy customers. Our unique work surfaces are made from the finest Italian granite, Quartz or Eco-chic recycled glass. They are heat, scratch, stain and impact resistant. Each surface is hand crafted to your specifications and diamond polished to a deep shine; our worktops add a magical sparkle that turns the ordinary into extraordinary. Sleek, stylish and unashamedly luxurious, Granite Transformations’ surfaces are the simple way to give tired worktops a lift and your kitchen a whole new lease of life. They are very easy to clean and maintain. In fact, we are so sure that

20 MARCH 2015

THE DETAILS To start the Granite Transformation Experience please call us on 0118 950 8086. Visit one of our showrooms: Reading Showroom: 752 Oxford Road, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 1EJ Open 10am – 4pm Monday to Saturday. ••••• Twyford Showroom Display: Sheeplands Hare Hatch Garden Centre, London Road, Reading, RG10 9HW Open 10am – 4pm Monday to Sunday. ••••• Hook Showroom Display: DH Watergardens, Wildmoor Lane, Sherfield On Loddon RG27 0HL Open 10am – 4pm Monday to Sunday. ••••• New Showroom opening in Wallingford, Oxfordshire this Summer. Parking Available at all locations. We look forward to transforming your kitchen.

property & B ATHROOMS KITCHENS

SUPPLEMENT

TAP INTO THE RETRO KITCHEN REVIVAL

1970s: The 1970s brightened up a little with harvest gold, avocado green and poppy orange as the popular kitchen decorating colours of the decade. Every kitchen and laundry appliance were available in these colours. Kitchen cabinets were made of dark wood to complement the brighter earth tones. Checked wall tiles, curved worktops and cabinets complete the look. 1980s: Fresh, clear colours came into vogue in the 1980s, putting behind two decades of earth tones. Kitchens in the 1980s were decorated in country blue, country pink, cobalt blue or hunter green. Lighter-coloured cabinets, such as oak or maple, were installed to further brighten up the kitchen decor. White appliances reappeared and “country” accessories or decorating themes were hugely popular. Retro Style Furniture Retro style furniture has an abstract feel to it, with each piece almost fighting for the limelight as the focal point of the room. 50’s style American diners are what you need to have in diners are what you need to have in mind when designing a retro kitchen mind when designing a retro kitchen and one of the easiest ways to recreate SO, hOw Can yOu bring a reTrO this look is with a breakfast bar. Breakfast bars are incredibly STyle deSign TO yOur kiTChen? practical and can have a high visual impact when slotted Let’s take a look at some common elements of this energising subtly into the kitchen layout. The high bar stools are an decorating style: absolute must; if you currently have a bright accent colour 1950s: Perhaps the quintessential colour scheme of the then choose your kitchen bar stools in this colour. 1950s was pink and turquoise. These colours were used Curves: Creating features such as curved kitchen on appliances, walls, floors and counter tops, as well as worktops, breakfast bars, dining extensions or fluid on vinyl-covered kitchen chairs with futuristic steel or worktops gives the kitchen an organic look that’s very aluminium legs and coordinating tables. Another popular much in keeping with modern retro styling. If you’re colour scheme in the 1950s was red and white, for the upgrading and including a brightly coloured retro fridge more contemporary American diner of the fifties. freezer, for example, it’s likely to have much more attention 1960s: The 1960s moved towards more neutral colours, such to detail in the lines of the shape than your standard white as earth tones, browns, copper, black and white. Copperkitchen appliance. Carrying on this curvy, sleek look into coloured appliances were the rage, with neutral earth tones moulded and shaped worktops draws the decor together, or browns complementing the appliances. Black and white making your kitchen the true heart of the home, as it’s kitchens were also popular, with snow-white appliances, black supposed to be. In terms of fixtures such as lighting and counter tops and black and white checkerboard-tiled floors. kitchen taps; chrome suits the retro theme quite well whilst Pop art had a firm footing in the 1960s. Artists such as Andy it’s bang on trend for modern kitchens too. Having a retro Warhol and David Hockney with their pop art references to kitchen in your home is the perfect way to create a unique mass culture (soup cans, comic strips, images of icons like kitchen design that differs from the typical modern layout. Marilyn Monroe) crossed over into interiors, and on to murals, Finally, don’t overlook the final details – vintage tea, coffee wallpaper and posters. Whether you choose the hippy ethnic and sugar jars, light fittings, prints, fabrics and tea towels all go look or plastic space age, it will be far out! a long way to finishing off the retro kitchens look. n the interior design world, there’s a lot of hype about traditional, modern and contemporary kitchens but if you’re looking for something with a quirky yet timeless edge, here are a few retro kitchen ideas. Getting the retro style into your kitchen is bang on trend right now as more and more manufacturers of kitchen appliances are including retro-styled items into their range. Large kitchen appliances such as fridge freezers can really set the tone of the retro-styled kitchen, but in order to make the most of the look you really need to match the rest of your kitchen with similar styling. You need to decide on the theme or era you would like your kitchen to be. Some fun ideas are the American diner style 50’s, the mod look of the 60’s, or the bohemian look of the 70’s. A retro style has a fun, lively feel to it, with bright colours, wild designs and an overall sense of “flair”. There’s nothing laid-back or casual about retro-style decorating.

American

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HOUSE

& GARDEN

Image: Hazlemere Conservatories

Bringing you inspirational ideas for your home from Surrey and Berkshireâ€™s finest home interior companies

HOUSE HHOUSE hOUSE ous e &&GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

Copper Blush Dulux

join the blush

rush

Kartell Componibili, Design 55 Interiors

Round Mirror Red, Lladro

Copper glass star votive, Idyll Home

Copper Hanging Pendant, Luma

Mug featuring Marsala, Pantone Color of the Year 2015 Oslo towels, Kingsley Home

All images: PA Photo/Handout

Weber Copper Blush 9 Drawer Cabinet,Out There Interiors

Fling away the paint charts, ditch dithering over bafflingly-named colours and embrace the future - itâ€™s red wine and copper-coloured By Gabrielle Fagan, Press Association

Pure Luxury Faux Fur Cushion (Wine), Dunelm

Newport Sofa (Linso Red), Dunelm

Hammered storage canister, copper, Tesco

76 MARCH 2015

HHOUSE hOUSE ous e && GARDEN ga GARDEN rden

What the Victorians did for us When the Victorians first dreamt of growing exotic plants in glass houses they could hardly have imagined that they were starting a lifestyle trend that continues to this day

oday, the immensely elegant glass buildings of yesteryear are designed from state of the art materials to create living spaces that are used for everything from dining rooms to kitchens, from playrooms to gyms and kitchens to offices. Homeowners have conservatories that are separated by doors from the rest of the house whilst others create vast openings that allow the conservatory extension to blend seamlessly with the home’s interior. Replica Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian models finished with detailed architectural features compete for popularity with stunningly contemporary glass rooms where the emphasis is on creating impact from clean, simple forms. But how exactly do you make the leap from the building of your dreams to the reality you can live in every day? Speak to any homeowner that has embarked on a building project and they will almost certainly be able to regale you with enough horror stories of when things have gone wrong to put you off for good. Certainly building a

78 MARCH 2015

conservatory or orangery is a major building project which is why you need to find a company that has a proven track record, shares your vision, your enthusiasm and, most importantly, appreciates your budget and is prepared to work with you to minimise disruption. Hazlemere Conservatories is a conservatory specialist with showrooms in High Wycombe and Welwyn Garden City with a penchant for helping their customers create distinctive conservatories and so know that the dream doesn’t always match the reality. “During the 80’s and a large part of the 90’s conservatories were being stuck on to what seemed like just about everyone’s houses. Looking at many of the conservatories that were built during this era, you could perhaps be forgiven for thinking they’ve been there far longer. However building materials evolve and in the last 10 years there has been a considerable step-change in the quality of conservatories that are available. Today’s buildings should look good well into the future as long as they are designed and built with modern materials as an

integral part of your home.” According to Hazlemere, one of the crucial keys to a successful conservatory or orangery build is about determining from the outset if you expect to use the room all year round. If you do then heating it needs to be as big a consideration as keeping it cool in the summer. With advances in glass and framing technology it is indeed possible for your conservatory or orangery to provide a snug retreat in the winter and a cool haven in the summer but the specification has to be right. The only way for a company to determine what your conservatory’s exact specification needs to be is to conduct a detailed site survey which will take into account the position of the conservatory in relation to both your home and the

You need to consider how you will heat your conservatory before you begin to ensure relevant works are carried out direction of the sun upon it. Nowadays, specialised glazing is available that reflects the sun’s heat and is particularly useful in South facing conservatories or orangeries. Tinted glass is also an important consideration if you want to use your conservatory to watch television or use a computer. Effective opening vents in the ceiling of the conservatory will allow hot air in the summer months to escape quickly. These essential vents can be manually or electrically operated and some companies offer automatic rain detectors to ensure vents close as soon as it begins to rain. Installing electrics for a fan will help to disperse warm air upwards in the summer but can also be reversed in the winter to keep the warm air down rather than letting it escape upwards. Heat extractors are a highly effective way of removing warm air at the hottest times of the year and help to control humidity. Air exchange systems work in a similar way but with the added benefit of bringing warm air back into the building as well. Opting for air conditioning is always an option although it can be expensive to run and will require more on-going maintenance. The professionals at Hazlemere Conservatories advise that with so much glass in a conservatory (how energy

efficient the specification), some heat loss is inevitable, however by selecting the best type of sealed units available, this can be minimised to ensure that you can use your orangery or conservatory all year round. Just as glass can be specified to reflect the sun’s heat, there are also reflective coatings that keep the heat inside a conservatory which is invaluable in colder north facing buildings. You need to consider how you will heat your conservatory before you begin to ensure relevant works are carried out as the building work progresses. To heat your conservatory you can opt to extend your existing central heating system or you can install an independent heating system just for the new area. If you do plan to extend your existing central heating then you should install individual room thermostats to ensure that you can increase the heat in the cooler conservatory area when you need it without affecting the heating in the rest of the house. If you opt for an independent heating source then consider low level wall mounted radiators or underfloor heating for the best aesthetic effect, both of which are easily installed as part of the main build programme. Whilst the choices to be made are undoubtedly complex, an experienced conservatory company will be able to guide you through the best combination of options for your particular conservatory and ensure that the cost of making it useable all year round is built in to your quote from outset and thus avoid adding ‘extras’ in at a later stage. By taking the time to ensure that you have considered all of the available options you stand a good chance of having your dream conservatory and enjoying the glass house legacy the Victorians left us. THE DETAILS Hazlemere Conservatories is a specialist division of the Hazlemere Group (with its factory and Head Office in High Wycombe), who and specialise in designing, manufacturing and installing high quality, custombuilt double glazed conservatories, glass extensions, orangeries and Loggia in both aluminium and PVCu. Telephone 01344 989938 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk or their Hertfordshire showroom in Welwyn Garden City or Buckinghamshire showroom in High Wycombe, each of which has six conservatories and orangeries on display. MARCH 2015 79

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room at the Copper daisy task lamp, Bhs

inn

George Home Black woven lamp

Autumn floral cushion, Tesco direct Bergen chair, in sky, Next

George Home printed storage boxes, set of 3, Asda

All images: PA Photo/Handout

There’s nothing like an occasion to spur us into action and make us look afresh at decor. And with Christmas only weeks away, there’s no more pressing task than the spare room By Gabrielle Fagan, Press Association

Rochelle floral small chest, Marks & Spencer

George Home Butterfly bath towel, Nile blue, Asda

82 MARCH 2015

Naomi Medium Sofa Bed in Villa Nova Delaware Eucalyptus, Multiyork

• Contemporary Metal door and Screen Specialists • Slim sightlines, Excellent Lead times, Wide range of Colours and Hardware. Full Building Regs Compliance All the versatility of Bi-folds, but much more

Unit 11 Century Farm, Green Lane, Badshot Lea, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9JH T: 01252 315888 F: 01252 316010 E: office@jennyfields.co.uk

Get your garden ready for Summer with

Offers include:

Evergreen Complete 4 in 1 360sqm bag £16.99 Doff Slug Killer Pellets 700g tub £1.99 Melcourt Ornamental Spruce Bark 70ltr £4.99 Westland Multipurpose compost 100ltr £5.99 Ernest Charles All Seasons Bird Seed 12.5kg £19.99 Gardman Compact Walk in Greenhouse £39.99 Dulux White Vinyl Silk Emulsion 6ltr £8.99 Hydrosoft granular dishwasher Salt 25kg £6.99

Plus great offers on shrubs and trees! All offers subject to availability

Nursery opening times: Monday - Saturday 8.30am-5pm

Pantiles Nurseries Ltd

Almners Road, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0BJ Tel: 01932 872195 Fax: 01932 874030 email: sales@pantiles-nurseries.co.uk www.pantiles-nurseries.co.uk

property BIRDSHILL ROAD OXSHOTT | SURREY

A substantial seven bedroom house and highly impressive residence situated in one of the most prestigious estates in the country. Guide price ÂŁ8,850,000

property

Birdshill Road | Oxshott, Surrey

uilt by the award winning Royalton Developments, Clifton House one of the finest homes to come to the market is a substantial seven bedroom house and highly impressive residence situated in one of the most prestigious estates in the country. Designed and constructed to the highest level specifications, quality materials, fittings and craftsmanship are evident throughout the property with no detail overlooked. Luxurious features of the property include under floor heating throughout the ground and first floor, intelligent mood lighting by iLight, indoor swimming pool and an integrated Crestron audio system.

With over 12,000 square feet of accommodation, Clifton House offers not only luxurious family living space but also the potential for grand scale and opulent entertaining. This luxurious home is approached through an electric gated driveway providing ample parking. Situated in the heart of the Crown Estate, Oxshott; a selection of shops and amenities are available locally in and around Oxshott, Cobham and Esher. An excellent commuter location, the towns of Guildford and Kingston upon Thames are nearby as well as the A3, M25, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. There are a number of excellent Private and State schools in the local area. EPC Rating D. Guide Price ÂŁ8,950,000

For further information or if you would like to arrange an appointment to view please call Knight Frank Cobham on 01932 591600 Property reference CBM140110 86 MARCH 2015

KnightFrank.co.uk

The Warren, East Horsley A charming and imposing detached “Chown” house located in one of East Horsley’s premier private roads Entrance hall • Drawing room • Family room • Kitchen/Breakfast room • Dining room Study/Bedroom • Shower room • Utility room • Store room • Master bedroom suite Four further bedrooms • Family bathroom • Garage • EPC Rating E Guide Price £1,999,995 (CBM140129)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Cobham cobham@knightfrank.com 01932 591 600

A substantial family home by Portchester Estates with elegant proportions set on a half-acre plot and situated within the Eaton Park private estate in Cobham. PRICE ON APPLICATION • 9300 square feet of accommodation

• 4 further spacious reception rooms

• Cinema/games room with bar and gym suite adjacent

• Reception Hall with impressive curved staircase

• Master Bedroom suite with dressing room, sitting area, ensuite bathroom and balcony

• Triple garaging with self-contained 1 bedroom staff/granny flat over

• Magnificent kitchen/ family/breakfast room

• 5 further bedrooms and bathrooms

• Mature half acre plot with south westerly backing rear gardens

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

01932 503234 | info@portchesterestates.com