House & Lifestyle | 264

Browse one of the largest Vispring displays in the South SEASONAL OFFERS IN - STORE NOW

Tel: 01202 897474 / 893377 Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AL sales@davidphipp.co.uk www.davidphipp.co.uk

Welcome

e weather might be teasing us w h glimpses of ring sunshine but we are not letting that get us down as we embrace ways to make the mo of the season.

With the hope that it won’t be long until we can spend more leisurely days outside, we have collected together some easy ways to spruce up your outdoor living space, so you are ready to relax in style. Plus with our delightful cocktail recipes you can cheers to springtime while you show o your garden to friends and family! Gardening influencer Patrick Vernuccio shares with us his time-saving tips for the busy balcony gardener, so you too can enjoy vegetables and fruit even if you don’t have a whole garden at your disposal. Gino D’acampo in his mission to stop home cooks from wasting food has created some tantalising recipes to encourage us to really think about what we are buying. For the eco conscious we o er inspiration for sustainable getaways that won’t cost you the earth, helping us to consider the planet when making travel plans.

ABOUT US

House & Lifestyle is a monthly magazine with approximately 150,000 readers and available in hundreds of outlets throughout Dorset and Hampshire. Pick up a free copy each month from supermarkets, newsagents, estate agents, theatres, garden centres, shopping centres, health clubs, hotels, train stations, bus stations, bars, clubs, restaurants, garages, doctors surgeries, dentists, cafes, pubs and many other retail outlets. House & Lifestyle magazine is published by GWP Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with the express permission of the publisher. The views expressed in House & Lifestyle are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. GWP Marketing Ltd accepts no responsibility for content and / or advertising copy supplied by third parties.

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CONTRIBUTORS

GARY PEARCE PUBLISHER

gary@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1

ROSS STALLION SALES DIRECTOR

ross@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1

VICKY ANSCOMBE EDITOR

vi @house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #2

ISAAC SMITH ACCOUNT MANAGER

isaac@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1

Landlords, have your mortgage rates gone up? Have you thought of holiday letting your property? We can help treble your rent!

Stallion Property Management are holiday let experts covering Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas. We take care of your holiday let and boost your rental income. Our pricing ranges from 18-24% for a fully managed service of your rental income depending on the circumstances of your property.

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Stallion Property Management - Just WOW! I can’t recommend this company enough, I want to shout it from the rooftops, these guys, Ross and Gary, are absolutely brilliant, professional, dynamic, excellent communication, honest, amazing taste, patient and understanding.

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Contact us now for a free consultation. 01202 287351 contact@stallionpm.co.uk 303 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8BX stallionpropertymanagement.co.uk

If home is where the heart is, the heart is where the kichhen is

POOLE JOINERY The name you can trust

Time-saving tips for the busy balcony gardener

READ ALL ABOUT IT

TRETHOWANS CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION FOR SIXTH YEAR

Leading law firm Trethowans has shown its commitment to Bournemouth Pavilion for the sixth consecutive year, as part of its ongoing drive to support and give back to the Dorset community.

Trethowans support will go towards maintaining the destination’s beautiful art deco Grade II listed venue and ensuring that it continues to be a cultural hub. Built in the 1920s, Bournemouth Pavilion is a key and pivotal landmark in Bournemouth. It hosts more than 350 cultural and entertainment performances every year including musicals, pantomimes, dance, comedy and concerts, as well as being a popular venue for diners, community events and exhibitions.

Kimberley Davies, Partner at Trethowans said, “The Pavilion draws so many people into the town each year with a diverse

TRETHOWANS www.trethowans.com

range of performances. It’s very much a community hub. It’s hugely important to Trethowans to give back and it’s a real honour to be making a difference in Bournemouth to this enterprising charity.”

BH Live is a charitable social enterprise. It runs Bournemouth Pavilion in partnership with BCP Council. Steve Turner, BH Live’s Director of Venues said, “The Pavilion is a place of great joy and year-round entertainment and is one of our town’s greatest assets. Its diverse cultural event programme brings thousands of people together to enjoy shared experiences and special feelgood moments.

“Thanks to Trethowans ongoing support we can reach even more people across the region to experience the joy of live theatre and entertainment.”

£200 RAISED FOR EPILEPSY ACTION AT LANGSIDE SCHOOL

Langside School in Poole marked Purple Day on Tuesday 26th March by holding a tea and cake event for parents to attend in support of epilepsy awareness after its Easter bonnet parade and assembly to mark the end of term.

Langside School is Diverse Abilities’ visionary school for pupils aged two to 19 with profound physical and learning disabilities, and complex medical needs.

Langside School’s pupils, staff, governors, and families joined thousands of others worldwide in dressing in purple clothes to symbolise unity and raising funds to make a difference to those living with epilepsy.

The event was held in memory of Hazel Thomas, who passed away last year. Hazel was the lead nurse at Langside School and specialised in epilepsy nursing and training others across the county. The school raised an incredible £200 for Epilepsy Action, who’s vision is to create a world without limits for people with epilepsy.

DIVERSE ABILITIES www.diverseabilities.org.uk

BARKER LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING ENTERS SPECIALIST HOSPITALITY MARKET

Dorset based Barker, the largest domestic laundry in the UK and a leading Dry Cleaner, has entered the commercial laundry market, with a specialist offering to boutique hotels and airbnb’s across the Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole (BCP) region and the New Forest.

The business’s expansion in the sector comes after significant investment, some 18 months ago, of nearly £1m in new plant and machinery. This led to significantly increased efficiencies, as well as achieving sustainability goals within the business.

MD Matthew Barker advised, “Branching out into the commercial hospitality sector feels like very natural and organic growth for the business and we are so pleased that over the last 2 years our revenue and margin has grown significantly with further exciting growth in the pipeline this year.”

For more information call 01202 291295 or email contact sales@barkergroup.com

BARKER LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

FESTIVAL’S BLEND OF FOOD AND MUSIC IS THE PERFECT RECIPE

Upton House Food and Music Festival is set to get summer off to a tasty start – and it won’t break the bank!

Promising big flavours and even bigger tunes, the popular three-day family-friendly festival is back again this year with the perfect blend of top UK tribute acts and some of the region’s finest food and drink producers in the beautiful grounds of Upton House with its shoreline views over Poole Harbour.

“What better way to celebrate great food from around the world than with a soundtrack of music by some of the world’s greatest artists?” asks festival organiser Serena Wren.

“It’s an amazing site - not too big, not too small – and we’ve got a brilliant line-up of top tributes with even more food and drink, including fabulous local producers. There’s entertainment for kids every day and we’ve kept the prices down.

“This has to be the best value festival out there!

“Our regulars love the mix of great live music and quality food and drink – it’s a proper ‘something for everyone’ event,” adds Serena. “We can safely say there’s nothing quite like Upton House Food and Music Festival!”

Foodies will be able to sample flavours and treats from around the world including traditional Asian cuisine with a western twist from The Bao Bao Beast, the sensational Greekery street food, Montien Thai from Bridport, and amazing Mauritian street food from The Island Box.

To wash it down look out for Poole’s very own marine marvel that is Shanty seaweed botanical vodka cocktail, not to mention the buzzing Zzinga Honey Cider and the hand-crafted organic Pothecary Gin.

The music bill features tributes to Oasis, Bon Jovi, The Killers, Queen, Stereophonics and Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as Foo Fighters, Any Winehouse and Madness. Plus, there’s a strong bill of local acts topped by those ukulele-wielding party starters Mother Ukers and internationally renowned covers outfit The Transitions, alongside ever-popular rock radio stars SOS, stellar local rockers Chris Payn and Jordan Watts, and breakthrough artist Charley Varley.

The site opens from 5pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday.

Pre-paid on-site parking is available and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

PARIS SMITH TO EXTEND SPONSORSHIP

OF MAYFLOWER THEATRE

Mayflower Theatre is trilled to announce the renewal Paris Smith’s long-standing 30+ year partnership with Mayflower Theatre.

A number of years ago, Paris Smith also extended its support to MAST Mayflower Studios, which fosters artist development and promotes youth engagement. The new arrangement follows the fusion of these two wonderful and different venues under Mayflower’s banner, underscoring Paris Smith’s commitment to nurturing the arts and culture for now and for the next generation.

Over the 30 year partnership millions of people will have seen the sponsorship through the famous Paris Smith Logo on the theatre’s fire curtain. Paris Smith has helped make the arts available to people of all backgrounds by funding over nearly half a million free and reduced-price tickets for students, seniors, and families in need.

The sponsorship has also contributed to allowing Mayflower to provide arts education workshops to multiple schools and community organisations, nurturing creativity and self-expression in thousands of children. Paris Smith has helped bring world-renowned dance, musical artists and theatrical productions to Southampton, Mayflower Theatre being resplendent with 2271 seats, the third largest regional theatre by capacity in the country.

The renewal of Paris Smith’s sponsorship reaffirms its commitment to keeping art, culture and creative opportunities thriving and accessible in the community, reaching ever more people.

Huw Miles, Managing Partner of Paris Smith, expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership, stating, “Our relationship with Mayflower Theatre is much more than a sponsorship; it’s a shared journey in promoting arts and culture that enrich our community. Renewing this partnership reflects our dedication to the arts and our belief in its power to inspire and transform lives.”

Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower Theatre and Creative Director of MAST Mayflower Studios, says “The wonderful backing of Paris Smith over the past three decades has been incredible. Their support has been instrumental in our growth and success, allowing us to present the very best productions on our stages and meet the Trusts objective to enhance the arts provision in Hampshire. There is a tangible positive impact on our community through the educational opportunities we are able to offer as a direct result of this partnership. We are thrilled to continue this fruitful relationship and look forward to more collaborative achievements ahead.”

WHITEFOX CHARTERED SURVEYORS PARTNER WITH POOLE PROPERTY CLUB AT SUSTAINABILITY EVENT

Poole Property Club BCP hosted a Sustainability Panel and networking event at The Lighthouse in Poole, partnered by Whitefox Chartered Surveyors. The event was a sell-out success, as the Poole Property Club BCP moves in to its second year and was attended by a diverse mix of businesses and professionals who came together to discuss improving sustainability in the sector.

There was a panel of notable speakers, which was hosted by Poole Property Club Founders Keeley Fox and Heidi Munro. Speakers included Darren Frias-Robes from Whitefox Chartered Surveyors, David Thomas, Vail Willaims, Xenia Kaldy, Ridge, Thomas Leech, Sol Acoustics, Adam Walker, Foundry, Robert Speirs, Stepnell, Lee Merryfield, MSP Capital and Richard Sunnmers, Summers & Boyle.

Whitefox MD, Darren Frias- Robles said, “It was a very productive morning with some great insights learnt by all. It was good to share Whitefox experiences of retrofit & sustainable solutions in our refurbishment projects which include Bobby’s Department Store, Rockwater Sandbanks, Weymouth Brewery and many more. We enjoyed sharing our first-hand experience of finding cost effective solutions that enhance the energy performances of a building.”

POOLE PRIDE

Lighthouse is delighted to announce newdrag superstar Bimini (pictured right) and queer club culture DJ collective Horse Meat Disco (pictured below) are set to bring the party as they headline the evening concert and late-night after-party at the first ever Poole Pride on Saturday 8 June.

“The reaction to Poole’s first ever Pride has been amazing, and Bimini and Horse Meat Disco are just going to take it to the next level,” says Tim Colegate, Head of Programming at Lighthouse.

“Bimini is perfectly placed to work up the crowd and HMD will keep them going well into the night, so bring your dancing shoes!

“Even more importantly though, we want to create an amazing event that all of Poole can be proud of. So, I’m delighted that we can bring these trailblazing LGBTQ+ icons to Lighthouse to really cement the idea that Poole Pride is a safe space where everybody is welcome, and you can come as you are. That is what Pride is all about.”

LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Planned in consultation with a community steering group that includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, Poole Pride will include free-to-see performances and activities throughout Lighthouse, including the outdoor theatre where CBeebies star Chris Jarvis will host a family-friendly talent show ahead of the Proud Pooches dog show. In the Concert Hall, inclusive educationalists Pop’n’Olly will host a daytime crafting session and the Sherling Studio plays host to Life’s A Cabaret with Outspoken, the Pride Slam, Dorsetborn’s Writing Out Loud and the Come on Out Cabaret showcasing local LGBTQ+ artists.

A queer film festival will run in the week leading up to Pride as well as, ‘Wed Didn’t Know if It Was a Party or A Revolution’, a month-long exhibition, presented in partnership with AUB, in association with Bournemouth University and LUSH, honouring influential gay activist John Chesterman who was closely involved in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970 and whose ideas underpin the modern Pride movement.

UTILITA BOWL ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION WITH TRETHOWANS

Utilita Bowl is delighted to announce an extension to their partnership with Trethowans, a leading law firm with offices across the central south of England. The partnership will see Trethowans continue as Official Supporter of Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl for its third year until the end of 2024.

Trethowans is a UK Top 200 law firm and was named in The Times Best Law Firms 2023. Their clients span international and national household brand names, ownermanaged businesses, banks, insurers and major regional and national employers across the UK as well as individuals and their families.

Tom James, Head of Sales and Commercial Partnerships at Utilita Bowl, said: “We are delighted Trethowans have decided to extend their partnership with Utilita Bowl. We share their passion for local community engagement and look forward to building on the positive partnership we have enjoyed together.”

TRETHOWANS www.trethowans.com

BRANKSOME

WEST CLIFF

New seafront development with uninterrupted sea views

This stunning brand new front line seafront development of just 14 character built apartments, all of which enjoy uninterrupted sea views is situated on the West Cliff, just minutes walk from Bournemouth town centre.

The apartments have been finished to an incredibly high standard with designer kitchens, luxury bathrooms and en-suites, balconies enjoying stunning panoramic sea views from all floors and underground parking with electric charging points. Built by award-winning local developers, AJC Group who are renowned for their build quality, the development has just been completed and is ready for immediate occupation.

Viewing strictly by appointment through Winkworth Westbourne.

PRICES FROM £555,000

Adventure awaits! Discover the magic of outdoor learning for your little one.

JOIN US FOR A THRILLING ADVENTURE AT ONE OF OUR EXCITING FOREST SCHOOL NURSERY EVENTS!

Nature Tots: Sessions run every Monday up until 20th May (excludes bank holidays). 10am to 12pm. Suitable for ‘walkers’ up to age 4, just £5 per session!

Open Evenings: Tuesday 14th May 4.30pm to 6.30pm and Monday 10th June 3pm to 6pm. Explore our spacious outdoor grounds and see what we can offer your child.

Forest School Holiday Club: Tuesday 28th May to Friday 31st May, 8.30am to 5pm. For children in Reception to Year 4, £40 per day.

Booking is essential for each of our events so that we can cater for your child. Let us know which event you’d like to attend by visiting our website www.littlecricketsforestschool.co.uk/events

Kitchen House

If home is where the heart is, the heart is where the k en is.

Since their founding in 1987, Kitchen House has provided new kitchens ranging from fixed budget kitchens, right through to larger and more complex, designer projects. Being a local business (without the large scale marketing budgets of a national chain) they have always relied on a good reputation within the area to sustain them. Unlike the big chains, they take the time to make sure that you’re completely happy with what they have installed. A high portion of their work has come from prior recommendation.

A bespoke kitchen

Kitchen House fit full kitchens, including all necessary units and kitchen appliances including everything from a custom drinks bar to a hidden access utility room. Still, there’s more to designing a stunning kitchen than just having all the right components. They o er tailored design advice, based on

each individual space. Say your kitchen is only three metres across, they can design bespoke made worktops and units to utilise your space to it’s full potential and with over 30 years in business, they have seen and done it all. You can put your full faith in their hands when it comes to designing a kitchen that you will love.

The price of a new kitchen

Before you even contact them you’ll probably have an idea of how much you want to spend on a new kitchen. It’s a big investment, especially in the modern financial world. There are some companies who will give you a lower quality kitchen, and others that insist you should spend more. The team at Kitchen House will work their hardest to work with your budget, creating

something that works both financially and atheistically for you. They’ll work with you to make sure that the kitchen you get is personal, e icient and suits your home.

Using the best kitchen appliances and fittings

Kitchens are often in constant use, so it’s always best to invest in the most robust and e icient products. Their extensive range of worktops and ovens are sourced from the leading manufacturers, who use only the most e ective materials. Their appliance suppliers include leading brands like Siemens, Fisher & Paykel and Blaupunkt. With access to these high quality manufacturers your new kitchen can be fitted with stylish and reliable range cookers, ovens, fridges and freezers.

If you have any questions about the service they provide, please feel free to get in touch. If you’d rather take a look at some of the features that they o er in person, then head down to their showroom. Their friendly team will be more than happy to talk it over with you.

LILLIPUT | £1,500,000

NEW INSTRUCTION, One of the most outstanding views in the area is enjoyed from this superb penthouse apartment over the lagoon. Harbour Haze is a development of just three luxury apartments, new in 2014 with direct water frontage onto the blue lagoon, where you can launch your small boat from the jetty, or paddleboard out around the harbour. The property includes a particularly generous balcony (24’1” x 7’10”) with glass balustrade with which enjoys a lovely sunny aspect from where you can watch the sunset over the lagoon. Each apartment has two parking spaces, behind an electronic sliding gate, a large private store opening onto the garden which is a communal area where there is an arti cial grass lawn and raised deck with ramp into the water. This at occupies the entire top oor and is accessed via a passenger lift or staircase. SOLE AGENT. Ring 01202 377377.

POOLE PARK | £1,000,000 SALE AGREED – MORE PROPERTIES REQUIRED

NEW INSTRUCTION. An absolutely immaculate and particularly attractive 1930’s 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom detached family home set in this fabulous location, backing directly onto Poole Park with a private gate from the rear garden. The well planned accommodation includes a lounge with a log burner and attractive bay window, re tted Hale and Murray kitchen with integrated appliances, dining room opening to a double glazed conservatory via full width bifold doors, ground oor cloakroom and garage with remote control roller door. This delightful, traditional home is located in a sought after area being close to and Whitecli Harbourside Park as well as adjacent to Poole Park. SOLE AGENT. Ring 01202 377377.

CANFORD HEATH

| £375,000

NEW INSTRUCTION A well presented three bedroom link detached family home with lovely kitchen/dining room, separate lounge, garage, o road parking for 2 cars and a westerly facing, private rear garden. The property is set in a cul-de-sac location and is extremely private. Bene ts include a modern kitchen/diner with under oor heating, and doors out to the garden, master bedroom with tted wardrobes, modern family bathroom, gas central heating via radiators, and double glazing. The owners have loved living here for the past 13 years and its been a wonderful home to raise their family. SOLE AGENT. Ring 01202 377377.

hinton features

• Real Cast Iron

• Deluxe Real Logs

• Realistic flame-effect

• 1.5kW heater

• Flame-only option

• Backlighting option

• Easy installation

• Authentic look

Whether you’re looking for contemporary or traditional, electric or gas, we have a variety of fires on live display in our multi-room showroom. Visit our showroom in Christchurch where our knowledgeable staff will be glad to assist in helping you choose the perfect fire for any room.

hinton cast iron electric stove

WE CREATE UNIQUE SPACES

Studio 30 Interiors is your premier destination for designer kitchens and wholehome interiors in Hampshire. Our creative kitchen and multi-room design studio, based in New Milton, is dedicated to bringing luxury and style to every corner of your home.

At Studio 30 Interiors, we specialise in crafting bespoke spaces that reflect your individual taste and lifestyle. Our in-house team collaborates with you to design, supply, and install beautiful interiors, including stunning designer kitchens, openplan living spaces, bedrooms and more.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Studio 30 Interiors, Unit 1 Parkland Place, Old Milton Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6DJ 01425 209900 | contact@studio30interiors.com

www.studio30interiors.com

LUXURY KITCHEN SPECIALIST

All our contemporary products are sourced and manufactured in Germany and Italy, but our traditional fitted furniture is supplied and manufactured in the United Kingdom. This allows us to meet our high standards and provide our Bespoke Kitchen Designer New Milton services to a wider audience while offering various products to suit all tastes and budgets, working directly with the manufacturer to save us and you time.

MEET & GREET

Visit our New Milton showroom to explore our diverse range of products from renowned manufacturers such as Pronorm, Novy, Kaelo, Dunavox, Samsung, Fisher & Paykel, Quooker, and many others. Immerse yourself in the world of possibilities as you envision the perfect interiors for your home. You can speak to our expert Studio 30 Interiors designer to discuss your ideas and how to bring your kitchen to life.

*SPRING SALE: Subject to a minimum spend. Offer ends 31.05.24. Terms & conditions apply.

Plus a FREE Samsung S5 Pyroletic Steam Oven on all completed Kitchen orders.*

The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’: What you need to know about helping your child financially

Are you considering offering your child financial assistance to help them get onto the property ladder? Kathryn Loveland-Blockley at Dutton Gregory Solicitors, reveals how you can provide the financial support your children may need and if it is a good idea.

What are we talking about when we refer to the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’?

We’re referring to the receiving of money from parents or a family member. Increasingly young people, particularly first-time buyers, are turning to loved ones and using family loans when buying a home or putting down a deposit. This can help lower monthly repayments and interest rates. Why are more people turning to family members for financial support?

Rises in house prices and living costs are making it harder for young people to save for their first home. The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ has never been busier, with a 2023 report by Legal & General estimating more than half of under-35s receive a gift or loan from their parents, 318,400 house purchases made through their help, and the amount reaches £8.1 billion. How can you provide financial assistance to a family member?

There are several ways you help a loved one financially. You can gift them the money, loan it to them or set up a joint investment. It’s best to seek professional advice to help decide which is the best option for you.

Gifting the money is the simplest choice, but can come with the greatest risk, as you have no say in how the money is used. If you decide to loan them the money, a legal professional such as myself can help you establish conditions to protect your assets, and offer tax-planning advice. You can also agree on how they will repay the personal loan they borrow.

With expert guidance, a joint investment is easy to set up and is a great way for you to help your child buy a home and invest in your family’s future. If the property is sold, you could use the return to help boost your pension savings.

You may also decide to set up a Trust that uses money from your estate, which may have tax planning advantages.

What will I need to consider before agreeing to provide any money?

First, decide how much money you want to pay them. This will depend on what you can afford, why the money is needed and possibly how many other children you have. I always recommend that you should treat each child fairly.

We’re here to help you navigate in the right direction contact@duttongregory.co.uk 01202 315005

Associate Executive

If your child is in a relationship, contemplate asking them to sign a Cohabitation or Prenuptial Agreement before they receive the money. This can help ensure it will be spent wisely and is protected in the event of a divorce or separation.

You should seek help with tax planning and consider updating your Will to reflect the changes to your assets.

It’s also best to speak with your intended lender beforehand, as some banks may not be comfortable approving a mortgage loan that’s been heavily funded by other family members.

Why seek help from a solicitor?

I can provide bespoke legal advice, explain your options, make you aware of any relevant tax considerations and put protections in place, so you can provide the financial support that your child needs.

In our first meeting, we’ll discuss your situation and outline the next steps to make this process simple and stress-free, helping you to make the best decision for your family.

Visit duttongregory.co.uk for more information, or call 01202 315005 to speak with a member of the team. KATHRYN

Willis Way, Fleets Lane Ind. Estate, Poole, Dorset. BH15 3SS.

With small class sizes and a nurturing environment, pupils achieve excellent academic outcomes. BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE IN FEBRUARY 2023

OUR NEXT OPEN EVENING IS ON THURSDAY 23RD MAY

Discover what makes Park School special by booking your place at one of our open events by visiting www.parkschool.co.uk/openmorning

The Roman way

Although currently on trend, Roman blinds originated from the peak of the Roman Empire over 2,000 years ago in Rome. As with many other household items created in ancient times, they were built out of necessity and for a specific function rather than fashion.

Today with so many beautiful colours, textures and patterns of fabrics available to choose from, when dressing a window; if you want to create an opulent, sumptuous atmosphere within your room or home, Roman blinds are the way to go, as you get to see more of the fabric when the blinds are open! Selecting fabrics and appropriate linings, can be a daunting and a costly task, which you want to get right! It’s important to ask advice from an experienced interior designer or curtain maker to guide you.

Our bespoke blinds stand out, thanks to both the quality and prestige of the fabrics used to make them, along with the craftsmanship, time and attention. They are hand finished and intricately detailed, not only in the making but equally when being installed and dressed by our experienced team. If it’s of interest, its easy to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you – Reach out to hello@rpscreativeinteriors.com or on the contact details below: T. 01425 293530 | M.

Moving House?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or in need of a lease extension, let us help you make your property journey smooth and stress-free.

Ways to style up your outdoor living space 9

Warmer days mean a focus on al fresco furnishings, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

You’ve only got to step outside to know there’s something in the air… namely the beauty of springtime blossom encouraging you to spruce up your outdoor space.

Even more so if the long Easter weekend was the catalyst for cleaning, sweeping and scrubbing down your bijou balcony, princely patio or terrace garden.

And with thoughts turning to outdoor entertaining, chances are you’ve noted what was looking a little tired, potential seating area previously overlooked and renewed passion for enjoying the open air.

Spring refresh, here we come…

A brilliant styling tool you can build on, nothing beats a garden bench for seating with benefits.

01. PRACTICAL BUT STYLISH JYSK Garden Bench UGILT W130 x D35 Hardwood, £99.99 | JYSK/PA

02. SET THE MOOD

Animals Of The Savannah Picnic Bag, £47.50, Melamine Bowls, £9.50 each, Beakers, £7.50 each, Side Plate, £8.50 each, rest of items from a selection, Sophie Allport | Sophie Allport/PA

Even if you don’t have far to ferry your drinks and serveware, this safari-themed cooler bag and matching melamine sets the mood for escapism and outdoor adventures.

03. EXOTIC STYLE

Exotic Birds Botanical Outdoor Cushion, Pink & Green, £19.95 each, Annabel James | Annabel James/PA

For a quick fix, these pretty scatter cushions with spoonbill bird print depict a flight of fancy.

04. CALMING ATMOSPHERE

Forest Greens Artificial Living Wall, Green, from £120, (100cm), Blooming Artificial | Blooming Artificial/PA

If you can’t wait for your natural ferns and flowers to flourish, this faux forest greenery not only imbibes a calming sense of wellbeing, but will beautify any open space.

05. GET COSY

M&S Collection Pembroke Firepit, £249, Lois Corner Sofa Set, £449, Cotton Embroidered Bolster Cushion with Linen, Black Mix, £29.50, Marks & Spencer | Marks & Spencer/PA

When it comes to sundowners and snacks, you can’t beat the heat of a real flame. This firepit stands out for its spark guard (no worry of flying ash if the wind picks up), and comes with an ash container and poker. A rattan corner sofa and striking cushion completes the look.

06. THRILL OF THE GRILL

Rowlinson Outdoor Multi Functional Wooden BBQ Servery, £275, Next | Next/PA

A space-saving solution, this serving station will reignite the thrill of the grill with its hooks, adjustable shelving and rustresistant zinc-coated worktop.

07. RELAX IN STYLE

M&S Collection Melbourne Garden Egg Chair £499, Marks & Spencer

A chair for unwinding in, this trendy egg shape is one to cushion you in style.

08. LAID-BACK BRUNCHES

JYSK Garden Table DAGSVAD W90 x L190, £229.99; Garden Chair ILDERHUSE Black, £99.99 each | JYSK/PA

This Scandi-inspired garden table with contemporary metal wicker seating sets the scene for all manner of summer tablescapes and laid-back brunches.

09. ADD A LITTLE AMBIENCE

Core Connect 5m 10 Warm White

Connectable Festoon Lights, £26.99, Lights4fun | Lights4fun/Oliver Perrott/PA

When dusk falls, mood-enhancing brightness from festoon bulbs draped across your balcony wall or tablescape creates an ambient glow… making everything look that much lovelier.

Words by Sam Wylie-Harris

Sway, Lymington

Taking your Home to London

We are delighted to announce that we are exhibiting at the London & Country Property Show, an exclusive, high profile event, which promotes regional property to London and International buyers.

CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL

TUESDAY 14TH MAY 2024

KING’S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON SW3

There has never been a better opportunity to showcase your property, ask your local office for more information

Sway, Lymington

Sway, Lymington

An

£3,250,000

Sway, Lymington

An elegant five bedroom country house with grounds extending to over 13 acres in the New Forest. Presented in immaculate condition having just finished a refurbishment programme and extension to a high specification.

Situated in a secluded location, the property extends to 5207 sq. ft. and is set centrally within the grounds of beautiful mature gardens and paddock land with new stable block and barn.

Energy Performance Rating: D

A superb four bedroom two bathroom detached residence set in gardens of approximately 1/3 acre in the heart of the village of Brockenhurst. EPR: C

Beaulieu This charming family house perfectly combines the traditional and the contemporary in one of the New Forest's most sought after locations. The

Please contact the Brockenhurst office to arrange a viewing Sway, Lymington An elegant five bedroom country house with grounds extending to over 13 acres in the New Forest. Presented in immaculate condition having just finished a refurbishment programme and extension to a high specification. Situated in a secluded location, the property extends to 5207 sq. ft. and is set centrally within the grounds of beautiful mature gardens and paddock land with new stable block and barn. Energy Performance Rating: D Please contact the Brockenhurst office to arrange a viewing £3,250,000

Explore Jet2holidays the convenience of flights from Bournemouth Airport

Your escape to paradise is ju one dire ight away

With Jet2holidays flying out of Bournemouth Airport, your next adventure is just a flight away. Discover the hottest destinations and why using a personal travel agent can make your trip even more special.

Jet2holidays’ flights from Bournemouth Airport are here to whisk you away to sunnier skies, enchanting cities, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a beach bum, a culture vulture, or an adventure seeker, a perfect getaway awaits you. Let’s dive into the ease, excitement, and exclusive destinations that make flying from Bournemouth Airport the intelligent choice for your next holiday.

Why choose Bournemouth Airport?

Bournemouth Airport is a stand-out choice for travellers seeking convenience, e iciency, and a pleasant start to their journey. Easily accessible from the Southwest, it saves time and hassle. With swift check-ins and

CONTACT

T. 07507 723355

E. damon.robbins@notjusttravel.com

M&S voucher when booking your 2025 holiday*

a welcoming atmosphere, the compact size ensures e iciency and friendliness. O ering diverse destinations, personalised experiences, and a commitment to sustainability, it caters to eco-conscious travelers. Exclusive deals and holiday packages make dream trips more accessible, making Bournemouth Airport the ideal gateway for your next adventure.

Your options for 2025 from Bournemouth Jet2holidays introduces 16 stunning destinations from Bournemouth Airport, starting April 1st, 2025. Your dream getaway awaits with direct flights to vibrant cities and serene beaches. Explore sunny Spanish retreats like Alicante, Ibiza, and Tenerife, or opt for enchanting escapes such as Madeira and Corfu.

Discover the benefits of using a Personal Travel Agent

As your Personal Travel Agent (PTA), I handle all planning, saving you time and hassle. With access to exclusive deals and 24/7

WEBSITE

www.damonrobbins.notjusttravel.com www.notjustcruise.co.uk/tc/damonrobbins

support, I ensure your holiday is stress-free and seamless. Enjoy benefits like package deals, time savings, and expert advice on luxury destinations. You can also spread the cost of your holiday with our direct debit options, available for bookings prior to 14 weeks of travel and no extra cost. Plus, with ABTA & ATOL protection, your travel plans are secure.

Ready, Set, Jet2holidays!

I can guide you through booking your ideal escape for the upcoming year. Imagine basking in the sunshine, diving into new cultures, or embarking on an exhilarating city adventure. The possibilities for an extraordinary trip are endless.

Now is the perfect time to act, as our coveted holiday spots for Summer ‘25 are currently available. Or, if you fancy a cruise, then take a look at my dedicated cruise site.

For the latest news follow me on Facebook @bespokedesinations

*Book your 2025 holiday with Damon Robbins at Not Just Travel by the 30th June 2024 and receive a £50 M&S voucher. Terms and conditions apply – subject to availability.

PICTURED

(Left) Damon Robbins at Not Just Travel

Jet2 will base two aircraft at Bournemouth, with its inaugural flight scheduled to depart for Tenerife on 1 April 2025.

Sustainable getaways that won’t cost you the Earth

Inspired by Earth Day, Sarah Marshall looks at some top breaks to ease your eco conscience

Travelling is one of the best ways to discover the value of our world’s wild spaces. Yet increasingly the tourism industry has been criticised for contributing to environmental degradation – from carbon generating plane travel, to overcrowding fragile ecosystems.

Determined to make holidays as eco-friendly as possible, hoteliers and tour operators have worked hard to create sustainable options for travellers, minimising carbon emissions and contributing to environmental protection.

Here are a few getaways designed to put our planet first…

Recharge your batteries in the South Tyrol, Italy

Relax and unwind while unburdening your eco conscience at a spa housed in a CO2 neutral building, using 100% renewable energy produced by a plant and wood heating system. Both the interiors and exteriors of the modern, minimalist FORESTIS building are created using local South Tyrolean suppliers and ecofriendly materials. For every felled tree used as fencing, two more are planted in the surroundings of Italy’s northernmost province.

Located on the southern slope of the Plose mountain, 1800 metres above sea level, the 62-suite retreat makes use of pure spring water recycled within the spa and used to fill non-plastic, refillable bottles for guests. The rejuvenating forest air also contains high oxygen levels.

HOW: Suites start from €800 (£685) per night with breakfast. Visit forestis.it/en.

Unravelling legends in the Isle of Skye, Scotland

Found in the Isle of Skye, the Fairy Pools are a collection of crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls, popular with wild swimmers. According to a legend, they attract selkies – creatures disguised as large seals during the day, who shed their skins to bathe as humans in the moonlight. But scientists are more interested in what else lies within.

Part of a Citizen Science holiday portfolio, Exodus offer trips to the site in the Inner Hebrides, where guests can contribute to research by helping collect freshwater samples. By extracting the eDNA, it’s possible to find out the species of wildlife that have been in a square mile of the water source. Results will form part of an eBioAtlas – a global atlas of the world’s species using cutting-edge technology.

Based in the fishing town of Portree, guests will venture out each day to discover a different part of the island. Hike the Quiraing, a landslip created over millions of years ago, and visit a whiskey distillery on the neighbouring Isle of Raasay.

HOW: Exodus offers a seven-day Walking the Isle of Skye trip from £2,249pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation and meals and transfers as listed. Citizen Science departures on June 2 and 11 August 11, 2024. Visit exodus.co.uk.

Getting off track in Catalonia, Spain

Being sustainable isn’t only about minimising carbon emissions. Specialists in Spain, Pura Aventura make it their mission to reduce overcrowding by taking travellers off the beaten track as much as possible. They also work directly with hoteliers, guides and suppliers, ensuring money funnels directly to the source.

As part of a partnership with TourSpain, the UK’s official Spanish Tourist Board, they have launched a collection of holidays connecting to the UK by rail journeys through Paris. Exploring Catalonia beyond the guidebooks, a new wine themed trip combines a tour of Barcelona with visits to the Cava wine region of El Penedes and Spain’s other Rioja, El Priorat. Highlights include a Choi recital at a fabled Benedictine abbey in Montserrat Natural Park and a stay at a remote winery.

HOW: The seven-night Barcelona & Catalan Wine Route tour costs from £1,850pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, car hire, guided activities and private transfers. International travel by train is extra. Visit puraaventura.com.

Georgia by train

It may be 3539km from London, but it’s still possible to reach Tbilisi by train. The Georgian capital, renowned for its arts, culture, nightlife and cheap prices, is the starting point for a holiday blending an ancient past with a forward-thinking future. Travel through Belgium, Germany, Austria, Romania and Turkey to finally reach the mountainous country at the intersection or Europe and Asia.

Although sustainability is a relatively young concept for a nation that’s been influenced by everyone from Eurasian monarchs and Persian kings to Ottoman Turks and Soviet imperialists, there are many initiatives focusing on preserving its traditional crafts and protecting its unique landscapes and archaeological treasures.

Trek through countryside scattered with traditional villages against a backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, learn to make bread and Georgian sweets, and discover a wealth of social enterprise projects empowering communities.

HOW: Wild Frontiers offers the 13-day Adventures with Purpose: Georgia tour from £2,595pp (two sharing), including all meals, transport, guide and accommodation. Visit wildfrontierstravel.com.

Eco rewards in Morzine, France

Protecting the environment can be rewarding on many levels. Suppliers of mountain holidays in Morzine, AliKats offer up to 20% discount on their luxury chalets to guests who travel by train, opt out of hot tub use, and choose a plant-based menu. In the summer 2023, 33 bookings chose not to use hot tubs, saving 78,000 litres of water and 2.1 tonnes of carbon emissions.

All chalets are powered by 100% renewable energy, including the six ensuite-bedroom Chalet Sarcleret with a cinema room, spacious garden, and terrace and balcony with views across the valley. Take a 15-minute walk into Morzine and visit Montagne Verte, a non-profit second-hand active wear shop or take longer hikes to savour the French Alpine air.

HOW: A seven-night stay from June 23, 2024, costs from €2,600 (£2,219) total for up 14 people sharing on a self-catered basis. Visit alikats.eu.

Words by Sarah Marshall, PA

TOP LEFT

Village of Siurana, El Priorat | Alamy/PA

Tailored excellence: OpenDaws’ Secret to Client Satisfaction

With OpenDaws, your independent and dedicated property expert, navigating the journey to your dream home becomes smooth sailing.

We continue our conversation with OpenDaws, a premier estate agent based in Poole, known for their personalised approach to real estate services.

Continuing from our last discussion, we delve deeper into what sets OpenDaws apart from the competition. Discover how they tailor their services to meet the unique needs of each client, and uncover the secret ingredients that make them a stand-out presence in the industry. Join us as we explore what truly makes OpenDaws different.

How do you ensure a personalised experience for each client?

At OpenDaws Homes, personalised service isn’t just a slogan – it’s our commitment to our clients as we understand that every client is unique, with their own goals and priorities when it comes to buying or selling a property. That’s why we’re committed to providing a personalised experience for each client by truly listening to their needs and aspirations.

When it comes to selling a property, we take the time to understand our clients’ objectives and present them with realistic pricing and expectations. Our goal is to help them achieve the best possible outcome, whether it’s maximising their sale price or selling within a specific time frame.

For buyers, we go the extra mile to find their dream home with our “home buying search” service. We listen carefully to their preferences, from location and budget to specific features and amenities, and tailor our search to match their criteria. Whether they’re looking for a cozy cottage in the countryside or a modern apartment in the city, we’re dedicated to finding the perfect property for them.

In a competitive real estate market, what makes OpenDaws Homes stand out from the competition?

At OpenDaws Homes, several factors set us apart from the competition:

Personalised Service: By understanding our clients’ unique needs and goals, providing a tailored experience that goes above and beyond their expectations.

Realistic Expectations: We believe in honesty and transparency, setting realistic pricing and expectations for both buyers and sellers to ensure a smooth, successful and fast transaction.

Cutting-Edge Technology: We leverage the latest technology, from drone footage and virtual tours to advanced search tools and customer apps, to enhance the buying and selling experience for our clients.

Commitment to Excellence: Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and results, going the extra mile to ensure our clients’ satisfaction and success.

Innovation: We’re not afraid to think outside the box and explore new ideas and approaches to real estate, continuously striving to innovate and improve the way we serve our clients.

Customer-Centric Approach: Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to providing them with the highest level of service and support throughout their real estate journey.

Are there specific strategies or practices that you believe differentiate your agency?

Personalised Consultations: We start by conducting personalised consultations with each client to understand their unique needs, preferences, and goals. This allows us to tailor our approach and services accordingly.

Accurate Valuations: We prioritise providing realistic and accurate property valuations based on thorough market analysis and expertise. This ensures that our clients have a clear understanding of their property’s worth and can make informed decisions.

Comprehensive Marketing: We employ a multi-faceted marketing approach that includes high-quality professional photography, virtual tours, drone footage, detailed property listings, and targeted advertising across various platforms to maximise exposure and attract qualified buyers.

Transparent Communication: We believe in open and transparent communication throughout the buying and selling process. We keep our clients informed at every step, providing regular updates, feedback from viewings, and market insights to empower them to make informed decisions.

Innovative Technology: We leverage cutting-edge technology such as customer and vendor apps, virtual walk-throughs, 3D floor plans, and secure sale services to enhance the client experience and streamline transactions.

Dedicated Customer Service: Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and support, going

above and beyond to exceed our clients’ expectations and ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.

Commitment to Results: Ultimately, our agency is driven by a commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients. Whether it’s securing the highest possible sale price for a property or helping buyers find their dream home, we are unwavering in our pursuit of excellence.

Our conversation with OpenDaws Homes continues in the June issue, be sure to pick up a copy to read more about this team of dedicated property experts.

CONTACT

01202 668800

hello@opendawshomes.co.uk

198 Blandford Road, Poole, BH15 4BH

Affordable new builds, property refurbishment, remodelling and extensions M: 07774 559576 | 07980 564494 E: info@hiprojects co uk

Affordable new builds, property refurbishment, remodelling and extensions M: 07774 559576 | 07980 564494

| 07980

Cocktails to cheer springtime

These stylish serves look as good as they taste, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

Thirsty for something to perk up your palate? When it comes to rustling up a cocktail, seasonal serves with thoughts of the great outdoors are just the ticket – with enticing flavour profiles, from fresh and crisp, to a sense of sweetness to balance that sour.

Here’s what we’re shaking up and steeped in springtime newness…

THE DUBLINER IRISH CAPEL STREET SOUR

With some toothsome honeycomb and caramel in the mix, The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur, Whiskey and Honeycomb (£25.25, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange) promises a smooth ride all the way.

INGREDIENTS

50ml The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur, Whiskey and Honeycomb, 25ml lime juice, 15ml demerara sugar syrup 2:1, 1 dash Angostura Bitters. Mint leaf to garnish.

RIGHT

The Dubliner Irish Capel Street Sour | Dubliner Whiskey/PA

METHOD

Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice: Add the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a Nick & Nora glass, garnish with a mint leaf (gently slap the mint leaf first to release the oils and aromas), squeeze the lime wedge and add to the drink.

MERMAID SEAVIEW SOUR

With some zesty lemon, peppery notes and hint of salt to tickle the taste buds, Mermaid Gin (£41, 70cl, Isle of Wight Distillery) will put the wind in your sails.

INGREDIENTS

50ml Mermaid Gin, 25ml lemon juice, 25ml lime juice, 25ml peach syrup, 35ml orange juice, dash of vegan foamer. Lemon peel and cherry to garnish.

METHOD

Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin and juices, shake vigorously and strain over an ice-filled tumbler. Top with foamer and garnish with lemon peel and a single cherry.

HENDRICK’S GRAND CABARET ROYALE

A new addition to Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Limited Edition Gin (£30.95, 70cl, House of Malt) features stone fruit flavours for added depth, with enticing nuances of sweet herbs among the botanicals.

INGREDIENTS

30ml Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret, 30ml cranberry juice, 15ml lime juice, 15ml simple syrup, champagne or sparkling wine. Cucumber Slice and orange peel for garnish.

METHOD

Method: Add gin, juices and syrup to a balloon glass. Stir slowly, top with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a cucumber slice and orange peel. And there you have it!

ABOVE

Mermaid Seaview Sour | Isle of Wight Distillery/PA

LEFT

Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Royale | Hendrick’s Gin/PA

KAVKA ESTATE NEGRONI

Cited as bold, distinctive and silky smooth, Polish Kavka Estate Vodka (£29, 70cl, Threshers) makes for a delicious twist on this classic cocktail.

INGREDIENTS

50ml Kavka Estate Vodka, 40ml sweet vermouth, 40ml Campari Bitters. Orange peel for garnish.

METHOD

Fill a rock glass with ice. Add the ingredients, sir slowly and garnish with orange peel.

MONKEY SHOULDER CORE BLIMEY

A rich, blended malt which delivers rich, fruity notes, Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky (£31, 70cl, Waitrose) works well in all manner of cocktails.

INGREDIENTS

30ml Monkey Shoulder, 15ml Cointreau, Appletiser. Mint sprig and apple slice for garnish.

METHOD

Add Monkey Shoulder and Cointreau into a wine glass filled with ice. Stir slowly, top with Appletiser and garnish with fresh mint sprig and slice of apple.

Words by Sam Wylie-Harris

We create beautiful CGI’s for some of the best property projects on the South-coast. We’d love to hear about yours.

CULLEN HOMES

PROFIER

www.deanparkdaynursery.co.uk/admissions or call us on 01202 297275 .

Life of Pi

In conversation with actors Divesh Subaskaran and Adwitha Arumugam by Mark Fisher

Divesh Subaskaran will play Pi in the current UK and Ireland tour of life. The role will be alternated by Adwitha Arumugam at certain performances.

What are your backgrounds?

Divesh: I was born in Malaysia and grew up in Singapore. I came to London after I did two years of military service in Singapore. I’ve only lived in the UK for the last four years and I’ve never been to most of the places we’re touring to. It’s so funny because unlike the character of Pi, I’m not a very adventurous person. It took this job for me to see the country and I’m loving it.

Adwitha: I come from Chennai, which is a couple of hours away from Pondicherry where the play is set, and I spent a lot of my childhood there. Playing Pi, I’ve been able to draw on real experiences, real people I know and real images I have in my head. I came to London about four years ago for drama school. I’m really looking forward to going on tour because it’s a great opportunity to see the UK. In Sheffield, for example, we went for breakfast to this quaint café that we wouldn’t ever have gone to if we weren’t in the show – and I had the best iced chai of my life.

With its five Olivier Awards in the West End and three Tony Awards in New York, the show is a proven success. Have you been able to discover the part of Pi for yourself?

Divesh: I definitely feel I’ve found my own way into it. The creative team of Max Webster, Finn Caldwell, Scarlet Wilderink and Lolita Chakrabarti have all worked on the show for so long and have an understanding of what the story is all about and the best way to tell it. But I’ve not felt any pressure to be like another performer. They’ve been extremely gracious to me in letting me figure out this character for myself. You would think they had a formula, but I don’t feel I’m filling the shoes of somebody else. It is super exciting to come at it from my point of view.

Adwitha: There is no space in the play to robotically go through the moves. Yann’s words and Lolita’s words are so beautiful and it is such an emotionally moving play that it cannot be copied and pasted.

What do you bring to the part?

Divesh: As well as reading the novel and the script, I travelled to Pondicherry a month before rehearsals. I spent time living in the French quarter. Obviously, the fact that Pi is out at sea for a year is hard for anyone to match, but I’ve experimented with some things, for example, trying to fast and seeing what hunger feels like. I fasted for a week. The very first bite I had to eat – it was a croissant – was like ecstasy. Every bite after that was kind of average!

Being in India was great – the environment, the people – it’s completely different from where I live in London. There’s a certain freedom of expression. I felt what it was like to be in hot weather, to drink chai every day. Pi is very philosophical and spiritual, so I went to temple, mosque and church. Whenever I would walk past a temple, I would just go and sit in it for a bit and try to surround myself with what the character did. It gives you the confidence that you’ve been to that place and you’ve seen what it’s like. Your sweat is different. The way you experience heat is different.

Adwitha: Obviously, I’m playing Pi as female and that in itself changes a lot of things because it’s 1970s in India and gender roles were quite defined at that point. Relationships change, the way Pi sees the world changes and the perspective on things changes. I’m playing Pi very differently from Divesh, but we have a very collaborative relationship: when I’m doing my run-through he watches it and tells me things he thought worked and things he might apply to his own performance. And similarly when he’s performing, I’m sat there in the front, giving him notes when he needs it because I’ve been through the process. Nobody else knows what it’s like to be in these shows so we’ve got each other’s backs.

Why do you think The Life of Pi has proved so successful?

Divesh: There are a plethora of reasons. It’s a story about survival, human nature and the animalistic side to human beings. To me reading Yann Martel’s book as someone who grew up in a Hindu household, I’m thinking this guy knows his stuff when it comes to all the religious texts. But ultimately it’s a story about survival and how we have this dual nature that comes into conflict sometimes. We are not just one thing; we are multifaceted human beings. And a story about being on a boat with a tiger for a year – what’s not exciting about that?

Adwitha: It’s such a human story. It’s the story of life. It’s what every one of us goes through. Every one of us has a Richard Parker, every one of us has a lifeboat, every one of us has been stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and somehow found a way to a magic island and finally ashore. All of us have been through it and all of us relate to it because it’s a story of family, hope, survival love, belief, faith. These are things that are fundamental to human society.

Is it important for you to know what’s real in the story and what’s not?

Divesh: For me as an actor, it is important. Pi truly believes he was on the boat with the animals. There’s no other version for him. There are discussions in the play about what actually happened on the boat, but they end up believing his story and writing it in the report.

I feel that Pi truly believes this story; it’s not fiction to him. He needs Tomohiro Okamoto and Lulu Chen from the embassy to validate his existence. That’s why those scenes are so powerful – Okamoto is asking about facts and wants to know what happened to the ship and how he survived and he’s telling a story about orangutans floating on a rock with bananas and saving a tiger, but he really believes it.

What is it like working with puppets?

Divesh: The puppeteers do such an amazing job that it is sometimes pretty scary being up there. They do these intense animal studies and a lot of the sounds you hear on stage are coming from the puppeteers. At the beginning it was difficult to know what that relationship was going to be like, but the more you go through the movement patterns, the more you understand the relationship and if I take a step closer, this killing machine will eat me alive. It’s about maintaining that level of tension between myself and the animal. The tiger has been built to look like a real thing and it has a mind of its own. The puppeteers dictate where it goes and it’s not the same every time. We’re playing this game – one night the tiger might actually kill me!

Adwitha: It’s so much fun. It’s almost better than working with human beings. With the tiger puppet it’s so much more alive because there are three human beings bringing it to life. The power and presence of the puppet is so much bigger. Irrespective of how many times you’ve seen the puppet, when the tiger is coming at you trying to kill you, you run!

www.mayflower.org.uk

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W i t h a n e x c l u s i v e c h a r t e r , D o r s e t Q u e e n a l l o w s y o u a

Building control update; What is the HSE/BSR?

MC Plan and Site Services Ltd is a Dorset based Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA), who were formerly known as Approved Inspectors and regulated by the Construction Industry Council up to September 2023. After this date, the building control industry underwent an enormous transitional change, so that the new regulatory body has become the HSE/ BSR (Health and Safety Executive / Building Safety Regulator).

Mark Cook, Managing Director of MC Plan and Site Services, first established the company in 2013. After serving in the armed forces and gaining over 10 years experience in the construction industry, Mark decided to gain a qualification in Building studies, learning and gaining knowledge of the design function, construction, and statutory requirements for building. In 2000 Mark began his Building Inspector career working for a national Building Control company before then joining the Local Authority. After seeing a gap in the Building Control industry, Mark started MC Plan and Site Services. The company has seen significant growth over the past 10 years supporting local communities and householders, and has established strong relationships across the Country with building professionals and national developers.

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Dame Judith Hackitt was commissioned by the government to review the construction industry and all its associated processes with the target of ensuring safer construction and buildings. As a result,

PICTURED ABOVE

Mark Cook, MD

the Building Safety Regulator was formed as part of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure that accountability and competency levels across the industry dramatically improved. Consequently, all building control bodies have been made to register as a Building Control Approver after undergoing a rigorous audit.

The Building Control industry has now been brought under the auspices of the Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive. One of the key changes that all Building Control bodies needed to go through was the Surveyor Registration Process. Each Building Control provider was required to undertake and pass a significant auditing process to practise and manage projects as a Building Control Approver.

Since last September Mark has been carrying out a very proactive campaign within the company to ensure that not only

the company, but his employed surveyors too, became registered within the government’s deadline date of 6th of April 2024. Through his dedicated approach to this new process, compliance was granted from the 1st of January 2024 for both his surveyors and also the company registration, resulting in MC Plan and Site Services being one of the lead achievers in England and Wales.

Mark, who coached and helped his team through the long process, said, “It was a long journey, but I believe as a company we supported and guided all our team confidently, to ensure the process was fully achievable with the best possible outcomes. We’ve welcomed these changes as they mirror the ethos and values of our company; our main priority has always been safety first. We’re looking forward to the future with lots of exciting projects ahead.”

Sitting alongside MC Plan and Site Services Ltd is MC Warranty Services Ltd, which was founded back in 2019 by Mark’s son Jack Cook. MC Warranty Services Ltd offer a personalised, efficient, professional, structural and latent defects warranty brokerage working with homeowners, self-builders, developers, and contractors to source the most competitive quotes regardless of size and value. They act as a ‘One Stop Shop’, encompassing all the structural and latent defects insurance services under one roof in an efficient and competitively priced manner, taking the stress out of the structural warranty process whilst finding the best solution for the client.

MC Warranty Services Ltd work closely with all parties involved throughout the process, including the initial quoting phase, the duration of the build and at completion of works.

As a result of the major regulation changes with the HSE/BSR a key requirement under the new legislation is the role of the Principal Designer. The PD role is to support the design team inclusive of the Client and the Principal Contractor to achieve a safe and compliant building in accordance with the building regulations.

Jack has formed a consultancy practice that is able to support this new role and responsibilities, enabling a smooth construction process through to the completion phase and achieving the final sign off from the appointed Building Control Approver.

Jack said, “With the introduction of the new legislation and working within the design team of the project this should improve both the standards of construction

and competency levels of all appointed professionals and contractors inclusive of the sub-contractors being appointed. Accountability and competency have become the key bullet points within the new regime provided by the HSE/BSR.”

As a company, MC Plan and Site Services has been heavily involved in many different charity and community-focused projects, including re-building a school in Nepal that had been decimated by an earthquake,

744966

PICTURED ABOVE

Image courtesy of KLF Developments

PICTURED LEFT

Image courtesy of Coane Construction

supporting Routes to Roots, a local charity which offers temporary housing to the homeless, and the current community project they are working on is for Michael House, which focuses on providing the key to peoples’ life by reintegration and giving them the courage to become independent.

The MC Plan and Site Services team have prided themselves on working with all types of customers, from homeowners, sole traders, housing developers and national corporations; promoting integrity and providing outstanding customer service to all.

MC Plan and Site Services Ltd is an award winning company and is licensed and regulated to carry out building control throughout England and Wales.

For more information visit www. mcplanandsiteservices.co.uk or telephone 01202 744966.

Inspiration Agency GROWTH BUSINESS

MARKETING

We deliver big business marketing at a price small businesses can afford.

We are delighted with our new e-commerce website. The Inspiration Agency really ‘got’ our brand right from the start, the build proceeded smoothly and nothing was too much trouble. We are already seeing great results in terms of visitors and orders!

Nothing is too much trouble, every deadline is hit and the expert advice we have received on everything from design to digital, search engines to social media has been outstanding. Plus we are getting calls for jobs from new clients and some we hadn’t heard from in a while!

An increase of 160% on impressions and 200% on engagement with our Followers on social media in just two months is amazing! Plus we have seen a significant increase in enquiries from the kind of customers we want to be talking to!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

e mo fantasmagorical musical of all time ies into May ower eatre!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang arrives in Southampton at Mayflower Theatre from 30th April to 12th May as part of a 2024-25 UK Tour. We spoke with its Director, Thom Southerland, about this new production and what audiences can expect from it. Thom is also Artistic Director at the Mayflower Theatre, where the show begun its tour in April.

What can you tell us about the brandnew Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour?

It’s been over 20 years since Chitty Chitty Bang Bang first premiered at the London Palladium and we are now bringing a brandnew production of this well-loved story to stage. For me, Chitty is like an old friend. I used to watch it as a child and was in fact in the audience at the very first preview of the Palladium production, so it’s a show that has always stuck with me and it now feels very special to be putting my own stamp on it.

Ian Fleming wrote the book over 50 years ago and this will be an amalgamation of his original story, the film version by Roald Dahl, and the previous stage production.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be familiar to a lot of people coming to see the show, how will you be bringing a fresh look to such a beloved show?

Although this is a story that is very wellknown and loved by audiences, there are also aspects of the original story which are lesser known and which we will be showcasing in our version. Of course, our show will still have all the wonderful parts that we remember from the film. Caractacus Potts will still have his bamboo stick to dance to Me Ol’Bamboo, and we will be dancing through Scrumptious’s Sweet Factory to Toot Sweets, but we will also be bringing something that feels fresh and new within this story and have even added some new songs.

One thing we definitely won’t be changing, though, is Chitty herself. She will be as spectacular as ever and I can’t wait to see her take flight.

What do you hope the audiences will take away from the production?

I really hope that when people come to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, they simply enjoy a wonderful evening at the theatre. This is a wildly entertaining show which all the family can enjoy. It has beautifully lavish sets and costumes, phenomenal special e ects and, in my opinion, one of the greatest musical scores ever written.

Can you describe the show in three words? Chitty in three words would be extravagant, joyful and, dare I say, fantasmagorical!

You’ve just got into the rehearsal rooms for the brand-new tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, how excited are you to be working with this cast?

I can’t tell you how excited I am to have this team in the rehearsal room. We have a phenomenal cast, as led by Adam Garcia in the central role of Caractacus Potts, who are really helping to create a unique retelling of this story on stage.

I’m also very lucky to be collaborating with the creative team on this show, including Ben Cracknell in lighting, Morgan Large on sets and costumes, our sound designer Gareth Tucker, George Dyer on musical supervision, and Karen Bruce who has been doing wonderful work with the show’s choreography. It’s been a total joy being in the rehearsal room so far, and it’s been a real collaborative process with the entire team, from the creatives to our incredible cast.

You are the Artistic Director at Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, how does it feel to be opening your brand new tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang there?

I’m so excited to be opening Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Southampton. As Artistic Director of the Mayflower I’ve been really focusing on what our audiences love and what they want to see, and I think Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is absolutely made for them. This new production will be specifically made for the Mayflower Theatre before we go on tour around the UK, and it will be an absolute joy to demonstrate the wonderful work we do here for di erent audiences around the country.

www.mayflower.org.uk

BUILDING LASTING CONNECTIONS: FROM WORKOUT BUDDIES TO LIFELONG FRIENDS

Embrace personal growth, connect with likeminded individuals and achieve your fitness goals

Step into Train Elite, and you’ll discover that it’s not just a place to break a sweat and lift weights; it’s a hub for building meaningful connections.

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Our Train Elite members have formed incredible bonds and taken on thrilling adventures together, including Tough Muddler events, park runs, cold water sea dipping, biking groups, mountain walks, and numerous charity events.

Join the Train Elite community today

We invite you to come and experience Train Elite first hand. Step inside our facility, meet our passionate team, and take advantage of our complimentary 3-session trial. Discover a fitness community that goes beyond the ordinary, where personal growth, lasting connections, expert guidance, inclusivity, and fun converge to help you achieve your fitness goals.

T. 01202 017007

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HELPING LANDLORDS

This week a lovely couple came into the o ice with a hand full of properties (from other agents) they had been to look at and wanted to know which of them in our opinion would achieve the best rental prices and would attract good quality people.

One of the first things I noticed was the sales agents had written estimated monthly rental prices, these in my opinion were very top heavy. We sat down with a cup of co ee and looked at ‘realistic rents pcm’ that will ensure their outgoings were covered, meaning anything above was a bonus. Owning Move On for over 17 years and working within the industry for 35 years, I know my ‘stu ’!

1. We are able to provide real data on rental prices.

2. Advise on good areas and not so good areas

3. How long the average tenant rents for

4. What type of tenants for certain properties and areas.

5. Adding in void periods

6. Legal costs such as Gas Safety certificates, Electrical, Legionella, smoke alarms, co Alarms etc

7. Buildings and contents insurance.

8. Block management fees if a flat or leasehold property.

With all the facts and likely expenses, the investors could realise the true return on their money, which automatically cut out two of the properties they had.

With the remaining four properties, we simply looked at the areas that would not only attract good quality tenants now, but would also attract a buyer if they need to or wanted to sell in the future.

Thinking of buying, give me a call 01202 711169 or email sharon@moveon.biz

Sharon

If you are looking to, rent, buy, sell or invest, then choose Move On because it what we like to do best!

Joe Wicks: It’s important to teach our children that exercise can be wonderful and fun

The fitness guru talks to Yolanthe Fawehinmi about the benefits of building healthy daily habits – even if it’s just 10 minutes.

Joe Wicks is obviously a big fan of exercise. But if he doesn’t get it done first thing in the morning, even he’ll start making up excuses.

“What I found about myself is that if I don’t do it straight away when I wake up, excuses come in. I’ll have dinner or a bit of chocolate, and I can’t be bothered,” says Wicks, aka ‘The Body Coach’ – who gained a whole new audience when he started streaming free ‘PE with Joe’ workouts for kids and families during lockdown.

“So I’ve got to do it in the morning, and that really sets me up for a much more positive day.”

When his children – Indie, five, Marley, four, and Leni, 18 months (Wicks and his wife Rosie are also expecting their fourth child this summer) — allow him to get a good night’s sleep, the 38-year-old tries to be up at 6am to complete a 30-minute workout before getting into the kitchen to make breakfast for the family.

He’s a big fan of high-intensity and bodyweight workouts, like pull-ups, press-ups and squats, but also really loves to go cycling and on long walks around Richmond Park, near where he lives in south-west London. And fitness aside, Wicks is also a fan of getting out on his motorbike.

RIGHT

Joe Wicks | Aviva Health UK/PA

“When I’ve managed to carve out some time for myself, I love riding my motorbike as a pastime. I don’t go for long rides, but it helps me to be present because you have to be aware of the situation you are in and you can’t be on your phone. It sounds weird, but that’s very relaxing for me,” says the fitness guru and author, whose books include Lean In 15 and Feel Good Food.

“I also love going in ice baths or having a cold shower, even if it’s for 30 seconds, it releases a bit of dopamine in my mind, it’s great for the skin and also energises me.”

Wicks has now teamed up with Aviva health insurance and fitness tracking app Strava on their 30-day #MoveWithAviva campaign – encouraging the nation to put themselves first and partake in at least 10 minutes of activity a day throughout April to support their health and wellbeing. This could be going for a run or doing a quick workout, or even doing some gardening or a gentle mindfulness exercise.

A survey accompanying the campaign found 69% of people try to take care of their health by exercising but know there’s more they could be doing. When asked what was holding them back, 33% said they were too tired, and 30% said being busy with other priorities was the issue. Around 41% said they lack the motivation, and 15% admitted to being unsure where to begin.

Embracing short bursts of activity is right up Wicks’ street, because as a parent he says he doesn’t really want to be training for hours anymore. “My three kids have just absorbed everything,” says Wicks, adding that he wants to be around for things like story time and bath time. Being active is part of their family life, too.

“They saw me doing PE With Joe every day during the lockdown and know that their parents also exercise together. We do fun stuff in the garden, play ‘stuck in the mud’, hide and seek, go for bike rides, and I’ve even got some boxing pads and gloves we can use,” Wicks says.

“It’s important to teach our children that exercise can be a wonderful and fun thing. I can physically see how it calms them down. I even get them involved in the kitchen when I’m cooking different recipes. What’s more important as a life skill than teaching your children how to cook? You are setting them up for a healthy future.”

As ever, he is keen to highlight that being active and taking care of your wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated.

“The campaign is really about self-belief and doing the small things that will have a big impact. Although it may not transform your life overnight, one thing leads to another,” says Wicks.

“Fitness should be accessible and doesn’t need to be intense or feel like a punishment. Doing exercise for 10 minutes a day can be fun. It’s a tool that can help you release stress and pressures on your body, and boost your mood and energy, it’s so powerful.

“Your fitness goals shouldn’t be so focused on body image, losing inches and the scales – that doesn’t motivate you enough. Focus on trying to get fitter and building strength, especially now that it is warmer and getting lighter in the evenings.

“Ride the wave,” Wicks adds. “When summer arrives, you will naturally have those endorphins and the idea of going for a jog or walk won’t be unbearable. Ride that wave!”

Joe Wicks has teamed up with Aviva Health UK and Strava to launch a new #MoveWithAviva challenge – encouraging people can build healthy habits in just 10 minutes a day. To find out more, visit aviva.co.uk/movewithaviva

Words by Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA

BELOW

Wicks | Aviva Health UK/PA

Joe

Poole Joinery; the name you can trust

Double glazing specialists – windows, doors and conservatory installers

Eighties Britain: “the era of home renovation”. A time of floral wallpaper, bright colours and mirrors in almost every room. But perhaps the most influential, was the introduction of uPVC windows. Since their arrival, the industry has come on leaps and bounds with new and exciting products coming to the market all the time. So, in the hopes of fishing out the next big thing, we visited the experts at Poole Joinery to talk about their family run business and innovative new products.

Who are Poole Joinery?

First and foremost Poole Joinery is a family business, with equal family values. Roy Smith originally set up Poole Joinery in 1994, placing great emphasis on continuous improvement and evolution, to create a company whose customers could rely on them for their expertise, quality products, dependability and an always-friendly service. It is for this reason that they proudly adopted the slogan, “the name you can trust”.

Co-owner (and son) Gareth joined the company in 2001 and with Roy now enjoying his retirement, Gareth assumed the mantle of running Poole Joinery to ensure its legacy, alongside his sister who also works there.

They work only with the best manufacturers to bring state-of-the-art windows, doors and conservatories to homes across the South Coast. For over 29 years Poole Joinery have been building strong working relationships with suppliers, safeguarding

the best products for their customers; “…we buy specialist products from specialist people.”

“Our sliding sash windows for example, come from Roseview Windows who solely make sliding sash windows; likewise with our bi-folding doors, which come from a company who specialise in make this type of door and so on and so forth”, says Gareth.

Windows with you in mind

Gareth and his team are passionate about providing the right solution for your specific needs, dealing with each window, and it’s unique requirements, in it’s own way. There are many reasons why you might decide to upgrade your current windows; insulation, soundproofing, better security, low maintenance or maybe even just for aesthetics. Whatever the case, the team at Poole Joinery takes every detail into account; giving each window it’s own individual assessment and conclusion of what is most suitable.

Triple glazing; know the difference

A lot of people are selling triple glazing under the premise that more glass equals more efficiency, or that three panes are better than two, but in some cases three can be worse. There are some companies out there that offer a seemingly great deal on triple glazing, but what you’re really getting is double glazing with a few more bells and whistles. Allow us to explain…

Windows are given a ‘u-value’ based on the level of insulation they provide. In theory the extra piece of glass awards a further 0.1 to the overall u-value of the window – the lower that value the better – but it’s not just about having extra glass. The problem arises when the extra layer is added to a standard sized double glazed unit. In order to maximise the efficiency of a double glazed unit, the gaps are filled with an insulating gas called Argon. Argon requires an optimum gap (between panes) of 16mm to work effectively and will then reduce the u-value by a further 0.3.

By introducing an extra piece of glass you’re then comprising the 16mm gap and making the gas less efficient. Therefore, you need a 44mm unit – made up of the three 4mm panes of glass and with 16mm air gaps

between – in order for triple glazing t0 be effective. Poole Joinery pride themselves on offering a range of products that have optimal double or triple glazing systems, offering ultimate efficiency.

The Latest Products

For years architects and homeowners alike, have craved the authenticity of real wood windows, but without the up-keep and eventual deterioration. The classic range of foiled woodgrain uPVC was the initial answer to that, but with clientele still demanding a more realistic look, Poole Joinery sought a solution and in the process discovered something really special.

Flush Sash uPVC windows are the best of both worlds. With all the integrity of wood and the longevity of uPVC, these perfectly formed frames are the industry’s latest innovation. Perfect for period homes in need of restoration (and top-grade insulation), these windows include some really interesting design features.

Unlike the uPVC wood replicas of the past, the ‘Heritage’ range is the first to incorporate the seamless timber style joints, giving it a flawless finish. Using revolutionary ‘Seamless Welding Technology’, these windows are

CONTACT

01202 661299

office@poolejoinery.com

built to last. In the absence of bumpy excess welding fluid (usually cleaned from the joint in the manufacturing process, leaving a small residue) dirt and mould have nowhere to linger on the Flush Sash range, ensuring a good-as-new finish for the life of the window.

Available in a wide range of handpicked faux-wood finishes, the likeness is incredible. Everything from the feel of the grain to the look of the façade is painstakingly crafted to give the impression of real wood. Similarly, the design of the frame is entirely authentic with every inch being carefully considered to mimic styles from periods such as the Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian, right through to the present.

Poole Joinery are the area’s leading specialist in windows, doors and conservatories. With a wide range of highquality products and on-hand expertise, they will create the perfect window solution for your home and or business.

Contact Poole Joinery today for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE.

natural stone projects

Contact South Coast Stone to discuss your project...

Call 01202 677188

Email info@southcoaststone.com 3 Cowley Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole, BH17 OUJ

www.southcoaststone.com

At South Coast Stone we specialise in the importation, fabrication and installation of all types of natural and engineered stone and ceramic tiling. Although our manufacturing facility is in Poole Dorset, we install stone and ceramics throughout the UK. With over 50 years combined experience in the industry we are able to manage any project to ensure it meets all of your expectations. *Receive a free Nespresso Coffee Pod Machine with every order placed before the end of May 2024, quote code H&LMAY when placing your order. Terms & conditions apply.

How to create the perfect home office

Secrets to styling a dedicated work space to boost your wellbeing and productivity, according to a pro. By Sam Wylie-Harris.

With working from home so much more than a lifestyle choice, juggling a work life balance has its challenges –and depending on your set-up, where we seat ourselves is at the heart of the matter.

As George Clarke, architect, TV presenter and lecturer puts it: “In today’s evolving work landscape, the home office space has become a vital sanctuary for productivity.

“A well-designed space is not only about aesthetics, but one that is designed with productivity in mind,” highlights Clarke. “The design process should combine style and functionality, setting the tone for enhanced performance and work ability.”

He continues. “The home office space is a powerful tool that can elevate our professional output; therefore its design should reflect that.”

How to position your desk for the best lighting The position of your desk really depends on the activity you’re carrying out – and your personal preference for what you want to see while sitting at your desk, says Clarke.

“For example, I have two desk positions at home. One is for when I’m sketching and drawing architectural plans, the other is when I’m sitting at a computer, writing, or editing photographs.

“My desk for sketching sits in the middle of my home office space, where I get a nice view out to my garden, getting lots of natural light.”

“As much natural light rather than artificial light is best for sketching and drawing,” explains Clarke.

And in his case: “It’s uniform north light which any designer or artist would prefer to direct, and strong sunlight from the south.”

Then there is my smaller desk area for my desktop computer, reveals Clarke. “This desk area is actually a section of worktop built in up against the wall.

“In many ways, it doesn’t really matter about the position of a desk like this as you’re often facing a big screen and facing a wall, but it’s still nice to get some kind out view left or right for your screen.”

Clarke says he can look out of his garden which gives a bit of relief from staring at a computer screen for hours.

“The desk being integrated against a wall provides all of your power points and data cable routes to link up with your computer, so it’s all very practical.”

How to make your small home work space productive Everyone works differently, notes Clarke, but if your home work space is small then you should do the following…

Declutter: “Have as few things as possible in your space. Keep it really simple, and only have the things around you always need to do a day’s work.

“Any other things you don’t need on a daily basis, store them elsewhere. The less clutter the more productive you will be.”

Avoid having took much paperwork: “This means fewer paperwork files in your home office and more information stored online. Online information takes up no space and files are often easier to find. So having all of your information stored on a cloud is more space efficient and more productive.”

Keep the space as calm as possible: “My office at home is incredibly quiet with very little in the way of distractions – and this definitely makes me more productive.”

How to best design your home office

With something as personal as a home office, the best way to ‘design’ it in an existing space is to basically measure the space out – and do some planning as to what will fit in where, suggests Clarke.

“Even doing a quick sketch or drawing will help you decide what works for you and what doesn’t. Take a few measurements of the space, get some graph paper and draw out the available space to scale.

“Then start sketching out a few options including everything from your actual desk, all the way through to shelving, stationary drawers or units,” adds Clarke.

If you’re bringing in a tradesperson such as a carpenter to build your new desk area, he says a simple sketch or drawing will help you communicate to them what you have in mind. “They can then help you refine the design and get it 100% right.”

Furthermore, if you’re thinking of building an exterior office/small structure in your garden, Clarke says the opportunities are endless.

“There are some fantastic companies around that can design and build a new home garden office space for you, to your requirements.”

Sam Wylie-Harris

ABOVE

George Clarke | Ideal Home Show/PA

PICTURED

All other images

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Dru Virtuo Evolve 180

Dru Virtuo Evolve 180

Made to Measure Blinds, Shutters & Awning solutions

Tuscany Blinds & Shutters Ltd has a wide selection of shutters & awnings to suit any situation.

We have over 30 years’ experience supplying and fitting shutters and awnings. Our expert staff can advise you on all aspects of supply and installation, so you can be sure you’ll be happy with the results. We guarantee customer satisfaction! We only source the best products, offering you traditional and contemporary solutions for every taste.

“

Expert advice from David Lee, Garden & Landscape Designer

Many people say to me. “I can’t imagine or know what to do with my garden.” Think about what you want from your garden. What will you do in it? How will the planting and the style you want work with the style of the architecture? And don’t be afraid to change and remove old and tired plants. Thoughtful planting can radically change a tired garden.

With over 25 years of experience in the Horticulture and Landscaping sector, including designing gardens for country houses and wedding venues, I have cultivated a deep expertise and passion for designing and enhancing outdoor spaces. Throughout my career, I’ve seamlessly blended intellectual knowledge of gardens and architecture. As a Freelance Gardener, Landscaper, Estate Manager/Head Gardener, and University Lecturer in Horticulture and Garden Design, I’ve honed my skills in crafting breathtaking landscapes across England and France.

Serving Dorset, Hampshire, and the New Forest, I specialise in creating high-quality gardens. My services encompass everything from designing new garden concepts to revitalising tired spaces with creative planting schemes. I tailor my designs to reflect each client’s preferences and the architectural style of their property, ensuring a perfect fit every time.

From comprehensive consultation to meticulous installation and aftercare services, I am dedicated to delivering stunning outdoor environments that exceed expectations. Whether it’s a small urban garden or a large estate, I bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence to every project.

Time-saving tips for the busy balcony gardener

If you’ve no time to tend your balcony plants, gardening influencer Patrick Vernuccio has some answers.

If you lead a busy life, have a balcony which you want to transform with veggies and fruits but don’t know where to start, Instagram and TikTok influencer Patrick Vernuccio, aka @TheFrenchieGardener, may be able to help.

Half French, half Italian and then living in Berlin, he began his gardening journey five years ago as a complete novice, with just one pot.

He bought a few packets of seeds and tried to grow vegetables on his fifth- floor balcony, sharing his results on social media, which has led to a new career inspiring urban dwellers on how to make use of their outdoor space.

Patrick Vernuccio | Sabine Gudath/PA

Patrick Vernuccio

“A lot of people mention to me that they would love to grow their own food and that they have a balcony full of plants but don’t have the time and that is a barrier for sure, but it is possible to select specific varieties that will require less time for planting and less maintenance,” says the engaging influencer, who left his marketing jobs at PlayStation and Netflix to become a full-time urban gardener and content creator.

Now he shares some time-saving tips for the busy balcony gardener in his new book, Tomatoes & Basil On The 5th Floor.

For balcony gardeners with limited time, he suggests:

Plan before planting

This will save you an enormous amount of time, so you don’t end up putting sun lovers in the shade, or plants which like heavy soil in gravel gardens.

“Analyse your place. If you’ve just moved in, ask your neighbours to give you an idea of how much sun you’ll get in your place.”

Invest in a quality potting soil

The priority is to invest in organic potting soil mixed with compost and it will last many seasons, he says.

Focus on short-growth cycle plants

“These grow in two to three months and are easy to start from seeds or from seedlings that you can buy in garden centres, such as lettuce, radishes – which are one of the easiest to start off with and you can sow them directly into the pots or raised bed.”

Split supermarket herbs

If you don’t have time to sow, but want fresh herbs to last, you could split up your supermarket plants and repot them. “Supermarket basil looks so fresh but after a week it’s wilted and you don’t think you have green fingers. But if you just divide the plant into five chunks of basil and repot them individually into pots you should have lots of basil. The same goes for mint, which is extremely easy to propagate in water.”

Make watering easier

You could invest in a little water pump, connected by drip hoses which have tiny holes that drip water into the soil to water your pots. Some pumps are fuelled by solar energy.

“I place big buckets of reused household water outside (you could also do it if you have a water butt), place the pump in them and programme when the pump will distribute water according to my plants’ watering needs.”

“Mulching will save you a lot of time on watering duties,” he adds. It will help pots retain moisture and reduce evaporation.

It’s also wise to put saucers under your pots to help retain water longer and help your plants stay hydrated in summer, he suggests.

Go for dwarf tomatoes

“If you don’t have much time, maybe I would say avoid growing tomatoes, because they are the divas of the garden. If you have one tiny thing that is not going in the right direction, the plants will suffer.

“However, if you want to grow tomatoes, grow smaller ones, dwarf tomatoes, which are easier. You won’t end up with a plant that is 2m high. It will be 40-50cm high and you don’t need a huge space for them. You can even grow them on a windowsill or trail them.” He recommends the varieties ‘Gourmandise Yellow’ and ‘Tiny Tim’.

It takes less time to tend dwarf tomatoes, he says, although you will need to feed and water them regularly.

“But the growth cycle is so much shorter. You don’t need to keep the plant for four or five months, with all the staking.”

Grow perennials in pots

“Phacelia is one of my favourite plants and among the easiest to grow. Just put 20 seeds in a pot or a window planter and it grows by itself, will reseed itself in the same pot and will regrow again. It’s great for bees and biodiversity.” You can also grow rhubarb in a pot and it will come back every year with virtually no maintenance, he suggests, as well as lemon balm, which is hugely resilient and one which Vernuccio neglects, but which still grows back.

Tomatoes & Basil on the 5th Floor by Patrick Vernuccio is published by DK, priced £14.99. Available now

Words by Hannah Stephenson, PA

ABOVE

Tomatoes & Basil On The 5th Floor by Patrick Vernuccio | DK/PA LEFT Dwarf tomatoes growing in window box | Alamy/PA

MOTORING NEWS

Mark Slack tells us the latest news on all things motoring.

NEW VOLKSWAGEN

ID.7 TOURER IS COMPANY’S FIRST EV ESTATE

The ID.7 Tourer, Volkswagen’s first ever battery electric estate, went on sale at the end of last month (April). One variant will be available initially – the Tourer Pro Match – priced £52,240. Two other versions, the Tourer Pro S and a high-performance GTX version are set to go on sale in the summer.

Unusually in a market dominated by the ubiquitous SUV the ID7 Tourer is a welcome addition of a stylish estate and one of the first electric estates in the upper mid-sized class to go on sale in the UK.

With a potential range, according to Volkswagen, of 374 miles with the 77 kWh battery in the Pro Match version, a larger

86 kWh battery with a projected range of about 425 miles in the Pro S model and the GTX all-wheel drive model will have the 77 kWh battery.

Standard exterior features across the range include LED headlights and LED tail light clusters, roof rails and diamond-cut 19inch alloy wheels. One additional exterior feature of the ID.7 Tourer compared with the fastback is the illuminated Volkswagen logo at both the front and the rear.

Interior features include intelligent automatic air conditioning with smart air vents, and optional award-winning ergoActive heated front seats with pressure point massage, keyless locking and starting, luggage partition net, 30-colour ambient lighting, heated multi-function steering wheel, Discover Pro navigation system, an enhanced augmented-reality head-up display and a rear-view camera.

An optional panoramic sunroof with smart glass is also available and the transparent roof can be made opaque or transparent

electronically by means of a polymerdispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer that is integrated in the glass.

The all-new dash and infotainment system comes with a high-definition 15-inch screen and the latest Volkswagen operating system. The new IDA voice assistant is operated using natural language and voice commands. This enables control of many vehicle functions and it can answer specific questions on a variety of topics, aided by online databases and, in future, AI technology via ChatGPT. Definitely something that tech orientated drivers will find appealing!

NEW MG CYBERSTER - 100 YEARS OF MG CELEBRATIONS AT SALON PRIVÉ LONDON

The dramatic new MG Cyberster electric sports car led celebrations for 100 years of the famous MG brand at the Salon Privé London Royal Hospital Chelsea. It was one of the first public opportunities to officially see the new car up close, ahead of its official market launch this summer.

The new MG Cyberster is the spiritual successor to the famous MGB Roadster of the 1960s. A two-door, two-seater convertible, its all-electric powertrain takes MG into its second century in head-turning style. The Chelsea showcase is particularly fitting as the MG Cyberster was designed just a few miles away, at the firm’s London design centre in Marylebone.

Overseen by chief designer Carl Gotham, the MG Cyberster draws from the company’s heritage with a flourish, with

key features including a low nose and distinctive rear haunches, plus ultramodern touches such as a Kammback tail and striking scissor doors.

The Cyberster will be offered in two guises. Even the single motor version produces 340PS taking the car from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds – performance the original MGB Roadster could only dream of. The range-

topping dual motor all-wheel drive version produces 544PS, for 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds. The MG Cyberster in dual-motor all-wheel drive guise will easily become the fastest-accelerating, most powerful production car ever to have worn the iconic MG badge.

Even the choice of colours will be evocative. The vivid Dynamic Red launch colour will be joined by New English White – a contemporary interpretation of Old English White – plus Camden Grey and Cosmic Silver. There will also be a premium option, an intense Inca Yellow.

The famous Salon Privé London Concours de Vente – where every classic car being judged is for sale – saw celebrity judges including Yasmin Le Bon, Amanda Stretton, Edd China and James Elliott.

BMW IX2 – BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

The original BMW X2’s rather low-slung driving position didn’t really mark it out as an SUV, yet it wasn’t exactly a coupe either. With the latest X2 this arguably problematic identity crisis has been resolved as the new version’s rakish rear roof line make for an undeniable SUV-Coupe. Think of a more diminutive X4 and X6. In its new guise with a choice of petrol, mild hybrid and full electric power, all automotive bases are covered. In iX, all-electric guise, it’s an obvious competitor for the Polestar 2, while in petrol mode Audi’s Q3 and others are likely rivals.

The range encompasses four models, two electric and two petrol, with prices starting from £40,515. As with all BMWs there’s a feeling of driving something premium, a little bit special and even at these prices there are alternatives that don’t possess that ambience. Standard fare includes LED headlights and rear lights, auto tailgate, auto air dual zone conditioning, heated front sports seats, cruise control with brake function, parking assistant and automatic transmission.

The lead-in engine is a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol with mild hybrid assistance developing 167hp. There’s also a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an impressive 295hp and allwheel-drive. In electric power there’s the single motor eDrive20 with 204hp and the dual motor xDrive30 with 225kw/306hp and all-wheel-drive with ranges of 283 miles and 267 miles respectively.

On the road the iX2 offers the promise of a decent range, however as with all statistics conditions such as the type of driving and the weather can all affect the ultimate range. In most cases, according to BMW’s research, EV customers largely charge their cars at home so ultimate range may not be an issue that often. It doesn’t change the fact though that when you need to undertake a long journey the public charging network, while marginally better, still needs major improvement.

Back to the BMW! The good news continues as the iX2 is noticeably lacking in road and wind noise, not always a given with EVs. The ride quality, as you might expect from BMW, is suitably tight and more than capable of being hustled along twisting cross country roads with aplomb.

At the forefront of bold design BMW realise that some may not take to the iX2’s styling, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I can see more than a few drivers falling for the iX2.

LATEST MORGAN PLUS FOUR LAUNCHED BY ICONIC MALVERN CAR MAKER

The latest Morgan Plus Four combines the company’s blend of craftsmanship and engineering to create the latest incarnation of their longest running nameplate, The latest Plus Four features a series of design, dynamic and technological enhancements.

The design has simplified the look of the car with the introduction of new lighting, wings, front splitter, rear diffuser, and floating front and rear number plate plinths.

Many of the new parts have been designed in-house and manufactured exclusively for Morgan. Whilst the changes are subtle, the attention-to-detail and rigorous testing process of the new parts represents the level of detail upon which the company is now operating.

The Plus Four is available in manual and automatic transmission variants and is powered by the latest BMW 2.0 litre engine.

There is a change to the standard suspension consisting of new spring rates and re-valved dampers. In addition, an optional Dynamic Handling Pack – extensively developed alongside suspension experts, Nitron, – will be available from launch.

First introduced in 1950 at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in London, the Plus 4 has proven to be one of the company’s most popular models. Named Plus 4 due to

its increased power over the 4-4 – the first four-wheeled Morgan – which was introduced in 1936.

Like every four-wheeled Morgan produced today, the Plus Four combines a blend of traditional craftsmanship and appropriate modern technology, a philosophy which the company refers to as ‘21st Century Coachbuilding’.

Each aluminium body is hand-formed over an ash wood frame. This body, which is made using age-old techniques handed down through generations, is married to an ultra-modern aluminium platform with the latest braking, suspension, and electronic systems.

At Morgan, there is no ‘bespoke’ department. Every Plus Four that enters production is bespoke as standard. Beyond the almost endless combination of colourways and options available to configure, prospective owners can go beyond this and request additional materials and features for their new Plus Four. This approach ensures that every Plus Four built is a true ‘one-off’.

The new Morgan Plus Four is available to order now, with the first models going into production this month.

NEW MG3 SUPERMINI TUNED FOR THE UK

The all-new MG3 Hybrid+ supermini has been launched and is now available to order.In Hybrid+ SE the range starts from £18,495 OTR with the even more generously equipped Trophy model available from £20,495 OTR. MG also offers a 7-year/80,000-mile warranty.

Both MG3 Hybrid+ models come with dual screen technology, 16” alloy wheels, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, MG Pilot and a reversing camera. MG Pilot Safety includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Emergency Lane Keep Assist (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The Trophy MG3 Hybrid+ delivers more standard equipment including a 360° camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry, privacy glass, rain sensing wipers and LED projector headlights.

At the heart of the new MG3 is its Hybrid+ powertrain which has a larger than average battery (1.83kWh) and high-performance electric motor (100kW) enabling the MG3 to

go fully electric for city driving, which sets it apart from many other hybrid superminis. For longer journeys, there is the reassurance of a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Advanced, smart features of Hybrid+ include a drive and charge system that allows the petrol engine to drive the wheels whilst also charging the battery through the generator. The MG3 Hybrid+ returns economy in the order of 64mpg and 100g/km of CO2.

Drivers can tailor the MG3’s responsiveness with the choice of three driving modes: Eco, Standard and Sport. Combined power is 143kW giving the MG3 a sprightly 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds. Mid-range acceleration covers the 50-70mph benchmark in 5.0 seconds. The MG3 Hybrid+ chassis and

suspension has also been specifically tuned for UK roads – similar to the agile MG4 – by the company’s Longbridgebased engineering team.

David Allison, Head of Product and Planning for MG Motor UK, commented: “There is still a very strong demand for the affordable, practical and fun-to-drive supermini and we believe the MG3 Hybrid+ will appeal to many customers. Like all MG models, it will challenge the established superminis with its competitive price, whilst also delivering outstanding value with no compromises when it comes to equipment. We’re confident that if you simply wish to drive this MG for something other than daily commuting, it will offer a fun and involving experience.”

MERCEDES BENZ C-CLASS – PREMIUM MOTORING

Mercedes Benz has long been at the forefront of premium motoring and its latest range is no exception. My concentration here is the C-Class in saloon form. The range includes saloon, estate, coupe and cabriolet models with plug-in hybrid petrol and diesel. Prices start from £45,180 for the AMG Line which comes with standard features such as LED lights with adaptive high beam assist, keyless start, navigation with smartphone integration, cruise control, automatic wipers, climate control and heated front seats.

My test model was at the higher end of the range, the AMG Line Premium Plus with diesel power under the bonnet and priced at £52,590. While it may carry the AMG name the AMG Line versions have all the styling cues, but the mechanical side of things remains unmolested in terms of power. The 1.9-litre diesel in the test car produces 265 hp and being diesel maximum torque is low down from just 1800-2200rpm. Inside the C-Class you would be hard

pressed to tell it’s a diesel providing the not inconsiderable accelerative capacity. Also the mid 50s fuel economy is impressive for a car of this class.

Inside it makes a pleasant change to find a car, especially a German model, that isn’t graced with a surfeit of sombre tones, most often black or grey. Lightening up my test car’s interior, and adding a dash of additional class, were tobacco coloured centre seat panels and matching door

cards. With the rest of the interior in darker colours matched to the external grey paintwork it made for a nice contrast.

On the road the C-Class is a refined and smooth drive with plenty of power in reserve should you require it. A sleek style, despite being a saloon, makes for a striking look and doesn’t really compromise headroom access to the rear as is the case with many rakish saloons. The suspension draws a nice line between being compliant enough to soak up the bumps but with enough control to deal with twisty tarmac. Add driving modes of Comfort, ECO, Sport, Sport+ and Individual and you can see why it makes for an exemplary sports saloon.

Mercedes has had a reputation of being slightly more sedate than some rival German competitors but has more than levelled the field with the C-Class AMG Line models. It’s also a somewhat more individual choice with less aggressive styling, an altogether more-subtle approach.

NEW WAVE CLUB

Our location within Port of Poole Marina, provides the perfect base for our members. Secure onsite parking, changing facilities, Members Club room and outside BBQ and social area over looking the beautiful Poole Harbour create a perfect way to start and end your sessions. Also situated on the main harbour channel it has the most convenient access in and out the harbour by boat and less than a minutes ride across to the PWC Area.

April Offers

Hayfever Injections

B12 Injections

£100

Bunny Nose

Anti Wrinkle Treatment

£60

Express HydraFacial Back & Shoulder Massage

£90

BioRePeel & LED Mask

£90

Summer Sale

HIFU Treatment

x3 Course

£2400 - £800

Lemon Bottle

x3 Course & Lymphatic

Drainage Massage

£1550 - £1000

POLYNUCLEOTIDES

What is Polynucleotides treatment?

Skin revitalisation to combat general signs of ageing

Polynucleotides are new concept of regenerative medicine, which promote cell turnover, improve skin elasticity and hydration, heal sun damaged skin, and improve photoaging and acne scarring.

Giving a more nourished, healthy, and revitalised complexion.

Private Health

Vaccinations

Blood tests

Prescriptions

Private Persciption Service

Private health consultations

Ear Wax Suction

Travel Vaccinations

Acne

Scarring

Rehydration for dull skin at any age

Rosacea

Loose and sagging skin

Alopecia/hair loss

Hyperpigmentation

Stretch marks

Deep lines & wrinkles

Biotin Vitamin Drip

IV Vitamin Therapy

Flu Vaccination

Fungal Nail

Keravive Hair Growth Treatment

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweat)

Gino D’Acampo: Food waste is a ‘crime to humans’

The

TV chef is on a mission to stop home cooks from wasting so much food.

After over 30 years in the UK, there’s something Gino D’Acampo can’t get used to: the food waste.

“We are used to going to the supermarket and going to places to buy our food – to touch it, to smell it,” the TV chef says of his hometown in Naples, Italy. “In the last 30 years that I’ve been here, I’ve always been thinking: why do these people buy everything in a plastic bag? Why do they buy so much stuff they don’t need?”

For D’Acampo – who is a regular face on This Morning and fronts Gordon, Gino And

Fred: Road Trip alongside Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix – it’s “crazy” to buy your fruit and vegetables wrapped up in plastic.

“It’s crazy to think that anyone would go and buy a bag of peppers, without touching them, without smelling them – and without even thinking what they’re going to do with these backup peppers.

“The majority of people need one or two peppers, but they go into the supermarket, they go into the corner shop and they pick up a bag where there are seven, eight peppers. They use three and then they throw away six.

“I’m thinking: do you really know what you’re doing here? Do you know how much money you’re wasting?”

D’Acampo, 47, isn’t one to hide his feelings, and his outrage about food waste is clear – which is why he’s teamed up with Love Food Hate Waste for this year’s Food Waste Action Week, encouraging people to buy loose fruit and veg.

According to Love Food Hate Waste, 60% of food waste comes from UK homes, which results in 18 million tonnes of CO2. It suggests that the average household of four is wasting the equivalent of £1,000 per year on food that ends up in the bin.

“And yet, we have people in the world who are dying of starvation… How wrong are

we? Sometimes you just need someone like me to slap you in the face and go: wakey, wakey! Don’t you see what you’re doing?”

D’Acampo says.

“It’s insane to throw all this food away – I think it’s a crime to humans, to humanity, to do what we do.”

And according to D’Acampo, the problem is getting “100% worse”. “In the shops, every single thing that you buy is wrapped in plastic,” he says. “Where is the excitement, the spirit of smelling an apple or an orange?”

ABOVE

Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used To Make by Gino D’Acampo (Bloomsbury Publishing, £25) | Bloomsbury Publishing/PA

ABOVE

Gino’s Italian Family Adventure by Gino D’Acampo (Bloomsbury Publishing, £22) | Bloomsbury Publishing/PA

So what can you do to minimise waste in the kitchen? Buying loose fruit and veg is a start, so you only have what you need.

If you think you’re too busy to go to the supermarket or greengrocer to pick out individual veg, D’Acampo has an answer for that too.

“Yes, yes, yes – but you do have the time to go on social media. You do have the time to mess around watching a series on Netflix, movies and stuff like that. You do have the time for drinking in the pub, you do have the time to do millions of other things – but yet you don’t have the time to feed yourself properly.”

For D’Acampo, it speaks to a wider issue about the food ethos in this country.

“It’s like driving a Ferrari and putting the worst petrol you can think of in your car. What’s the point? You have your beautiful car, but when it comes to putting petrol in it, you’re going to choose the cheapest petrol you can get. That doesn’t work, does it?”

For D’Acampo, the issue isn’t just food waste – but home cooks could benefit from paying a bit more attention to the fruit and veg they buy.

“That’s another thing people don’t understand – I always tell them 50% of the job when you cook is about buying, it’s not about cooking. If you buy the right ingredients, you’re 50% there, and the food is going to taste much, much better.”

D’Acampo’s strong opinions around food waste stem from his upbringing. “I didn’t have a family with money, I was brought up on a farm,” he says.

“For me, it’s normal… In my house growing up, there was no throwing stuff in the bin. There was no buying things unless you really needed them. So in my mind, it’s always like: OK, what do I need to do to make sure this doesn’t happen? I want my family, my children, everybody to understand the amount of food the we are wasting.”

D’Acampo’s adds: “The best thing that anyone who is in the kitchen [can do] is to learn recipes that you can use leftovers [in].

“Let me give you an example from yesterday: we had lunch, a lot of roasted vegetables, roasted chicken… Usually, what do you do with the leftovers? You’re going to throw them in the bin, or you’re going to give it to your dogs if you have animals.

“Or, you’re going to come up with something that you can use that with. There are so many recipes, like risotto or a frittata – like a big omelette.

“That’s what I did yesterday, I got old roast potato, vegetables, everything else, [and I thought] I’m going to make a lovely frittata. Because the flavours are already in the vegetables, the flavours are already in the potato – it’s only the technique of putting the eggs together and there’ll be Parmesan cheese on top, then the job was done.”

ABOVE

Turn

|

for

Embrace buying loose fruit and veg to help tackle food waste. Find out more on how to Choose What You’ll Use this Food Waste Action Week via the Love Food Hate Waste website: lovefoodhatewaste.com/fwaw

the page

this pasta salad from Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used To Make by Gino D’Acampo (Bloomsbury Publishing, £25)

Haarala Hamilton/PA

ABOVE

Gino D’Acampo | Will Ireland/PinPep/PA

Haarala Hamilton/PA

INGREDIENTS

400g dried fusilli pasta

150g broccoli florets

100g green beans, trimmed and halved

5tbsp good-quality mayonnaise

3tbsp good-quality shop-bought red pesto

1 large red onion, peeled and finely sliced

1 large red apple, cored, cut into 1cm chunks

8 basil leaves, torn in half

150g cold chicken breast, cut into 1cm chunks

150g thick slice of ham, cut into 1cm chunks

5 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced

4tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INGREDIENTS

8tbsp olive oil

1 large red onion, finely chopped

1tsp roughly chopped thyme leaves

1 large yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped into 1cm cubes

1 large courgette, chopped into 1cm cubes

500g Arborio or Carnaroli rice

150ml dry white wine

1.5L hot vegetable stock, made with stock cubes

200g frozen peas, defrosted

60g salted butter

60g finely grated Parmesan cheese

Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pasta salad

SERVES 4-6

1. Fill a medium saucepan with water, add one tablespoon of salt and bring to the boil over a high heat. Add the pasta and cook for two minutes less than instructed on the packet, giving you a very al dente bite, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, drain in a large colander and rinse under cold water to stop it cooking. Leave to drain in the sink while you prepare the vegetables.

2. Fill the same saucepan with water and one tablespoon of salt and again bring to the boil over a high heat. Add the broccoli and boil for one minute. Add the beans and boil for a further two minutes. Meanwhile, pour the drained pasta into a large bowl.

3. Remove the broccoli and beans from the heat and drain in the same colander you used to drain the pasta. Rinse under cold water and leave to drain in the sink.

4. Place the mayonnaise, pesto, red onion, apple, basil, chicken, ham and half a teaspoon of pepper into the bowl with the pasta. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of salt and mix well with a wooden spoon. Stir in the cooled broccoli and beans.

5. Place the pasta salad on a large serving platter. Sprinkle over the spring onions and drizzle over the extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately, or place in the fridge until needed. Please remember always to serve this at room temperature, to appreciate the flavours of each ingredient.

Recipe from Gino’s Italy: Like Mamma Used To Make by Gino D’Acampo.

Creamy risotto

SERVES 4-6

1. Pour the oil into a large heavy-based saucepan, place over a medium heat and fry the onion, thyme, pepper and courgette for 10 minutes until soft, stirring with a wooden spoon.

2. Add the rice and fry for three minutes, stirring to allow the hot oil and vegetables to coat the grains. Stir in the wine and cook for a further minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

3. Pour in a couple of ladles of hot stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and continue to cook and stir until all the stock is absorbed. At this point, please stay with the saucepan, because you need to keep stirring the risotto.

4. Stir in the peas. Pour in the rest of the stock, a little at a time, cooking until each addition is absorbed before you add the next. It will take 18–20 minutes and you may not need to add all the stock. Once the rice is cooked, take the pan off the heat and add the butter, Parmesan, two teaspoons of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper.

5. Stir all together for 20 seconds, allowing the risotto to become creamy and all the ingredients to combine properly. Serve on warmed plates and enjoy.

Recipe from Gino’s Italian Family Adventure by Gino D’Acampo.

Haarala Hamilton/

Minestrone

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

3tbsp olive oil

2 onions, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery sticks, finely chopped

200g canned cannellini beans, drained

250g King Edward potatoes, chopped into 2cm chunks

200g dark green cabbage (cavolo nero), any coarse stems removed, leaves roughly chopped

400g can of chopped tomatoes

200g French beans, finely chopped

2L vegetable stock, made with stock cubes

120g dried conchigliette pasta (baby shells)

4tbsp roughly chopped flat leaf parsley leaves

Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

60g finely grated pecorino cheese, to serve

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry the onions, carrots and celery for 10 minutes, or until they are just golden.

2. Add the cannellini beans, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, French beans and stock, and bring to the boil.

3. Reduce the heat, half-cover the saucepan with the lid and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove the lid, add the pasta with the parsley and continue to cook over a medium heat for a further 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste (I like to add half a teaspoon of pepper).

5. Check that all the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked and serve immediately in warmed bowls, with a sprinkle of pecorino cheese on top.

Gino’s Italian Family Adventure by Gino D’Acampo is published by Bloomsbury Publishing, priced £22. Photography by Haarala Hamilton. Available now.

Haarala

Hamilton/PA

Wassmuffin Martial Arts Academy;

Sweat your way to a leaner, fitter, more confident you!

Wassmuffin Mixed Martial Arts Gym is widely known to hold the reputation of friendliest MMA gym in town. With a vibe that’s not been paralleled they welcome all levels and all ages.

There’s something there for everyone whether your looking to learn a new skill, get fit, self defence, build confidence, get strong, make new friends, lose weight, add to your social life, or possibly even learn some new dance moves – this is the gym to be at.

We have classes in Thai boxing, bootcamp, boxing and MMA. Mixed classes, ladies only, kids (age 4-9) and juniors (9-15).

Classes are held early mornings, lunch times, evenings and weekends. With six experienced coaches all with a different vibe and style of teaching means there really is something to suit everyone.

The only regret our clients have had is they didn’t start sooner!

We have hundreds of 5-star reviews, and the main comments that come up time and time again are how we feel like one big family, and the fun we have while training hard.

Our new client deal enables you to try 30 days for £30! As well as student membership for £40! And a child membership for £40! Along with sibling and family deals there’s no reason not to try. It could be one of the best choices you ever made.

Wassmuffin Mixed Martial Arts Academy, 686 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, BH7 6BT

Simply the best!

Two AA Rosettes showcasing culinary excellence

Nestled within the serene landscapes of Dorset, The Lord Bute Hotel stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, recently crowned as the Best Luxury Restaurant of 2024 by LUXlife. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the dedication and artistry of Bradley Green, the visionary behind the gastronomic marvel that is The Lord Bute.

LUXlife’s recognition of The Lord Bute reflects the journey of Bradley Green, a culinary virtuoso whose career has been punctuated by remarkable milestones. From prestigious Michelin-starred establishments to his own acclaimed ventures, Bradley’s culinary odyssey has captivated international audiences, setting new standards of excellence along the way.

The allure of The Lord Bute begins the moment one steps through its doors. The transition from practical exterior to understated elegance sets the stage for an extraordinary dining experience. Guided by attentive staff, guests are enveloped

in an ambiance that balances classic sophistication with bold, innovative cuisine.

Bradley Green’s culinary prowess shines through in every aspect of the dining journey at The Lord Bute. Each dish is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients and a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

From the delicate seared scallops with pea purée to the indulgent pan-fried turbot with beurre blanc, every bite is an exquisite revelation. The pan-roasted lamb rump, paired with sage butter creamed potatoes and a rich port and redcurrant reduction, is a symphony of savoury delights.

For those seeking an extraordinary culinary adventure, Bradley Green offers a tencourse tasting menu that is nothing short of magical. From the playful presentation of the cheese course to the whimsical white chocolate apple dessert, each dish is a celebration of creativity and skill.

The Lord Bute is also proud of it’s exclusive partnership with the renowned Champagne house, Pommery, being the only restaurant in Dorset to serve this exquisite champagne, complementing its recent accolade of distinction. Introducing ‘The Pommery Afternoon Tea, by Bradley Green,’ this collaboration unveils a fusion of culinary finesse and luxury, featuring the esteemed ‘Apanage’ range of Pommery Champagne. This elevated offering cements The Lord Bute’s status as a premier destination.

LUXlife’s decision to honour The Lord Bute as the Best Luxury Restaurant in Dorset is a testament to its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. The dedication to impeccable standards of presentation and menu design ensures that every visit to The Lord Bute is an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, The Lord Bute Hotel stands as a shining example of culinary artistry and innovation in Dorset. Under the guidance of Bradley Green, it continues to push the boundaries of fine dining, delighting guests and critics alike. As recipients of the prestigious award from LUXlife, The Lord Bute remains a destination for connoisseurs of exceptional cuisine and unparalleled hospitality.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the Best Luxury Restaurant in Dorset, where every bite is a celebration and every moment is cherished. Book your table now and prepare to indulge in an unforgettable culinary adventure at The Lord Bute.

What’s on IN MAY

With a vibrant mix of countryside, beaches and attractions, there is always plenty to do in Dorset & Hampshire. Here is a selection of events happening across the counties over the coming weeks.

EARLY MORNING

YOGA AND BREAKFAST

01, 08, 15, 22,

29 MAY

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful location whilst local yoga teacher, Sonja Lockyer, guides you through a one-hour yoga session followed by a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by local plant-based chef Wylde Green Kitchen.

The boat will leave the NT jetty at Sandbanks (to the right of the chain ferry) at 08.00. Stay for a while after the Yoga session and savour the moment. You can catch the 10.20 or 11.20 boat back to Sandbanks.

BROWNSEA ISLAND www.nationaltrust.org.uk

CIDER WITH KIRSTY

10 MAY

Award-winning masters of improvisation

The Ciderhouse Rebellion with acclaimed singer Kirsty Merryn showcase their debut album, The Devil’s On the Mast, at Lighthouse on Friday 10 May.

Between stories of wreckers and smugglers, midwives and hedge-witches, snakecatchers and nightmen, the new project Cider With Kirsty reveals the hidden lives that were the historic heartbeat of the country.

Known for creating music through improvisation and instinct, honed over years of working at the highest level and a lifetime of musical study, they continue to produce prolifically and keep audiences enthralled and fully engaged.

LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE’S

CENTRE FOR THE ARTS www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

WICKED

23 MAY - 16 JUNE

This award-winning musical flies back to Southampton. Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Photo credit Matt Crocket

MAYFLOWER THEATRE www.mayflower.org.uk

CAMPING AT FARMER

PALMERS FARM PARK

03 - 06 MAY

Camping at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, available via Pitch Up, has been gaining immense popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in a serene countryside setting, this camping destination offers a unique and family-friendly experience that campers are raving about. To find more information and to book your camping experience, visit our website. Happy camping awaits you at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park!

FARMER PALMER’S FARM PARK www.nationaltrust.org.uk

DISCO INFERNO

16 MAY

For all those who dreamed of going to New York’s Studio 54, Disco Inferno is the spectacular all singing, all dancing celebration of everything D.I.S.C.O. From the smoking hot girls to the guys in platforms, this electrifying show just screams glitter balls and good times.

You’ll be thrilled by pitch perfect harmony, high energy, slick choreography and Disco classics such as Blame It On The Boogie, Car Wash and It’s Raining Men. You’ve all seen Abba, you’ve all seen Motown, but have you all danced to the ultimate UK Disco tribute and sang along to some of your favourites?

MAYFLOWER THEATRE

www.mayflower.org.uk

JURASSIC COAST CHALLENGE

18 - 19 MAY

100km, 50km, 25km, Marathon and 10km.

Spectacular World Heritage coastline, with a start in Corfe Castle, the route heads down to Swanage, and along through Lulworth Cove, past Durdle Door, with ups & downs to Weymouth at half way.

For 100km Challengers, it’s past Portland Bill, Chesil Beach, and on to West Bay’s cliffs (of TV’s Broadchurch) – before a finish line celebration in the vibrant Dorset town of Bridport.

CORFE CASTLE

www.ultrachallenge.com/jurassic-coast-challenge

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK VS THE WORLD LIVE TOUR

03 MAY

O2 ACADEMY www.academymusicgroup.com

TEDDY ROCKS MUSIC FESTIVAL

03 - 05 MAY

CHARISWORTH FARM www.teddyrocks.co.uk

SWANAGE RAILWAY DIESEL GALA

10 - 12 MAY

SWANAGE RAILWAY www.swanagerailway.co.uk

BINGO THATS BONKERS

17 MAY

REGENT CENTRE

www.bingothatsbonkers.co.uk

CHRISTCHURCH

CHEESE AND CHILLI FESTIVAL

18 - 19 MAY

PARLEY EVENT FIELD www.cheeseandchillifestival.com

It is time to TAKE A BREAK

Pop

ACROSS CRYPTIC CLUES

1. Satan (5)

4. Anarchic (7)

8. Seance (7)

9. Teacher (5)

10. Lazy (4)

11. Deceive (8)

13. Copy (4)

14. Headland (4)

16. Annoy (8)

17. Leer (4)

20. Centre (5)

21. Jeer (7)

22. Merit (7)

23. Irrigate (5)

1. Eminent (13)

2. Essential (5)

3. Den (4)

4. Lake (6)

5. Pull out (8)

6. Interweave (7)

7. Blackleg (6-7)

12. Tyrant (8)

13. Dead body (7)

15. Steady (6)

18. Bestow (5)

19. Concoct (4)

“Look no further than Portman Stone for your worktop, brilliant service. The office staff and fitters are very efficient, knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. The worktops look good too, thanks!”

– Robert Hartshorn

“Cannot recommend enough, what an excellent job from start to finish. The guys were so professional and polite.”

– Denny Robinson

“So incredibly impressed with my worktop! Cannot recommend them enough! There was so much attention to detail. All the staff were so friendly! Will be using them in the future and will be recommending to all my friends and family!”

– Nicole Kyne