Indulge | April 2015

ISSUE 2 • April 2015 •

Discover Chelsea Flower Power

A Guide to Festivals

Spring Trends

• Culture • Fashion • Homes • Food • Beauty • Travel •

HERTFORDSHIRE’S COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL, THE PERFECT VENUE FOR EVERY OCCASION.

Cottonmill Lane St. Albans Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ T +44 (0) 1727 864477 E enquiries@sopwellhouse.co.uk www.sopwellhouse.co.uk

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Publisher Adrian Hawkins Jabbercoms Ltd

Tel: 0330 9001 777 Email: hello@jabbercoms.com Twitter: @jabbercoms www.jabbercoms.com

Contributing Photographer Contributing Photographer Contributing Photographer

Laura Reid Shardaine Seaton Lacole Chalkley

Indulge would like to include you in the conversation.

Submit a letter to the editor sophie@jabbercoms.com for the chance to be included in the next edition.

There are many ways for advertisers to reach out to our valued readers. Please get in touch.

T: 0330 9001 777 Twitter: @indulgemag_ Email: jamie@jabbercoms.com

.....................................................................................................................................................

Editorial Operations Director Darren Isted Editor Sophie Lemm Deputy Editor Jamie Laing Creative Director Kate Ling Contributing Graphic Designer Mitchell Wilson

Welcome It gives me great pleasure in presenting you with issue two of Indulge. I am over the moon with all the positive feedback and support we have had from businesses and the public after the release of our first issue. We are proud to have reached and interested so many people in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.

Our team give you the key to a seasonal package filled with useful features, exciting promotions, events and spring/summer 2015 trends. This is the number one local lifestyle magazine you need to get your hands on. I think to myself what would I want to know and what would I want to read about? Expressing creativity through the pages of a magazine is what our team at Jabbercoms are passionate about, supporting our local businesses and promoting them through design and communication.

Within issue two we celebrate and allow ourselves to be indulged by this bright and cheerful spring. Everything looks so beautiful and the sun makes more of an appearance (sometimes) creating positive vibes all round.

Discover springtime colours and style on the street to home inspiration and upcoming books.

The Chelsea Flower Show and festivals are a strong theme in this issue to get you in the mood for summer and get planning.

We are ready to inspire you with current trends, expert tips and beautiful imagery to indulge your minds.

Sophie Lemm Sophie Lemm Editor

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CONTENTS

5.

6-7.

8-9.

10-11 12-13.

14.

HOME

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS TO TAKE NOTE OF

KITCHEN

COOL, CALM & COLLECTED

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2015 FLOWER POWER

FASHION TREND REPORT SPRING

STREET STYLE CATCH THE LATEST STREET STYLE TREND

STYLE IS A WAY OF SAYING WHO WE ARE WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEAK WANT HER DRESS

15.

16.

17.

18-19.

20-21.

JEWELLERY SET TO SIZZLE JULIE COLE

NAIL IT BEAUTY

A GUIDE TO BEARD MAINTENANCE BEAUTY

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

4

23.

24-25.

FESTIVAL FEVER

LATITUDE

WHY GO TO THE BAR WHEN THE BAR CAN COME TO YOU? BAR STOP

26-27.

28-29. SUMMER

TREAT YOURSELF PREP AND PRIME YOUR SKIN SILKY SMOOTH THIS

30-31.

32.

CHAMPNEYS

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU WANT ON THE HIGH STREET? AMRON’S HOUSE OF FASHION

CINEMA

COMING UP ON THE BIG SCREEN

35.

36-37.

BOOK CORNER

39.

BE INSPIRED

HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR 2015 MUSIC FESTIVAL?

LETCHWORTH FOOD AND GARDEN FESTIVAL DON’T MISS THESE UPCOMING ART EXHIBITIONS

HOME Interior design trends to take note of A MINIMALISTIC COLOUR SPLASH When using shades of white or magnolia to make your home look more spacious, it can be tricky to keep a room from appearing cold. This issue, we look to inspire you to introduce colour to a room while keeping the right balance between neutrals and brights for a minimalistic look.

Add coloured cushions or lamps for a subtle look but still introducing some interesting design.

Investing in some furniture will turn Put a bright sofa or

bright coloured your room around. table and chair

set in neutral surroundings, which will look modern and exciting. This is a daring option but allows you to keep a spacious and fresh feel to the room

with

neutral walls.

Rich woods and metals become colours in a neutral surrounding and add a feeling of warmth to the home. If you are nervous of bright colours this may be a solution.

5

dĂŠcor

6

COOL, CALM & COLLECTED Want to freshen up the look of your kitchen? Maybe you’re building a new home from the ground up, or interested in a complete kitchen remodel. Or perhaps your budget only allows you to change a few key details in your existing kitchen. If you’re updating your kitchen in any way, before you spend any money, it pays to be informed.

As white is one of the freshest neutral, it’s a colour that makes perfect sense in the kitchen. Think simple, clean, uncluttered and un-fussy — with appliances that blend into the cabinets as if they were an

Planet Furniture is a family run business with

extension of them.

a showroom and workshop both based in the beautiful market town of Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Warm, inviting kitchens hold universal appeal. If you

Established in the year 2000, they have built a

find your kitchen in need of some warm accents and

desirable reputation for designing, manufacturing

details, warm-coloured metals are one possible way

and installing high quality bespoke and unique

to give the room an inviting glow.

furniture.

Exciting changes are taking place at Planet Furniture. They are now offering a new competitive range called The C Collection. It offers great versatility due to its vast range of door styles, colours and cabinet sizes which are all made to order. The collection is available in 28 beautiful colours from muted to vibrant so whatever your taste there’s sure to be one to suit you.

Look out for the new displays in the showroom.

These will include country and contemporary style kitchens, storage, bedroom and home office furniture, once again demonstrating the versatility of this beautiful range.

Planet Furniture The Crocodile House 9 Bridge Street Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 2DE Email: info@planetfurniture.co.uk Telephone: 01462 452233 Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

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CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2015 MAY 19 - MAY 23 The RHS Chelsea Flower Show has become the most famous flower show in the United Kingdom and perhaps the world, attracting visitors from all continents. Attended by 157,000 visitors each year, all tickets must be booked in advance. Located in London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea, the show has become a key venue for emerging garden trends, much like fashion week.

These are the award categories to look out for: • Flora gardens and floral exhibits • Hogg exhibits of trees • Knightian exhibits of vegetables, including herbs • Lindley exhibits of special educational or

scientific interest

• Grenfell exhibits of pictures, photographs, floral

arrangements and floristry

• All the show gardens have been built from

scratch in just 19 days and are dismantled in

only five days.

• Today the show’s exhibitors are inside a pavilion,

but until 2000, they were housed under a giant

marquee which was named in the Guinness

Book of Records as the world’s largest tent.

• Until 2013, gnomes were banned from the

show – but exhibitors would often try and

smuggle them in.

Get some inspiration for your garden from the beautiful exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show. It will be aired on BBC if you are not attending the event. If you cannot get last minute tickets, why not book in advance for next year. You can buy tickets from the official RHS website, or by calling 0844 338 7502.

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9

FASHION TREND REPORT

SPRING

For spring 2015 we are bringing you our top 3 picks from the colours of the catwalk. We have noticed shades of vibrant beach yellows, ice cream pinks and classic royal blues. Watch out for these colours filling the shops and being available in different styles such as in gingham, bohemian, and pinstripes.

Paul by Paul Smith Applique vest Amelie boutique Paul by Paul Smith Jaquard mini skirt Amelie boutique Marie Sixtine Elerina dress Amelie boutique

Marie Sixtine Tiare skirt Amelie boutique

Amelie 264 High Street, Berkhamsted Hertfordshire, HP4 1AQ Tel: 01442 873960 www.ameliefashion.co.uk

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The Dressing Room 6-8 High Street, St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4EL Tel: 01727 853577 info@the-dressingroom.com www.the-dressingroom.com

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STREET STYLE

CATCH THE LATEST STREET STYLE TRENDS We at Indulge went on a trend hunt in Hertfordshire and took some snaps of people wearing something we loved.

Photographing fashion on the streets is how top bloggers predict future trends and create their own style.

Take some fashion inspiration from these street style snaps and create your own look.

MEN’S SPRING 2015 FASHION TREND: 1970S While the 1960s have, until recently, been dominating fashion, menswear is set to soon shift its focus to the fringed suede and floral prints of the 1970s.

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SPRING 2015 FASHION TREND: Consider this the perfect time to start drafting your spring ‘15 wish list. The season’s best bags give us some new looks to consider — and the return of a few old favourites. Thankfully, the ease of the bucket bag and our trusted crossbody carryalls aren’t going anywhere, while the tote bag just got a fresh coat of paint.

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STYLE IS A WAY OF SAYING WHO WE ARE WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEAK - RACHEL ZOE

We’re encouraged to ‘never judge a book by its cover’ but it’s human nature. We take less than seven seconds to form a first impression and over 55% of that opinion is non-verbal, so our clothes and what they’re saying are a huge part of that initial encounter.

If you’re now asking yourself if you really know what your clothes are saying about you, have you considered how a personal stylist might be able to help?

A stylist will empower you to look and feel fantastic every time you get dressed, ensuring that your clothes are a true reflection of you and your values. Banish those ‘I’ve got nothing to wear moments’ while gazing at a full wardrobe, saving you time and money when you shop!

Carol Hanson Want Her Dress www.wantherdress.com Hitchin

14.

JEWELLERY SET TO SIZZLE With hot new looks emerging every season, keeping on top of what’s hot and what’s not has become harder than ever. So if you want to know the must-have new designs and the exciting new accessories that are making waves right now look no further. Julie Cole, Independent Stylist talks us through this season’s key trends.

Blue is a hot colour for jewellery this season and it compliments the denim trend.

Timeless and feminine, floral jewellery is in bloom – especially in pastel.

Stella & Dot is the perfect Tribal jewellery is set to become a big fashion statement this summer.

finishing touch to your summer look, all the jewellery and accessories can be purchased exclusively at a home jewellery party or online. If you wish to share the style and are interested in a flexible career, then you can become a stylist too. For more information contact Julie Cole, Independent Stylist.

JULIE COLE If you’re looking for something to wear every day, or a standout piece for a special occasion, Julie Cole, Independent Stylist, is committed to helping you learn how to look your best, feel more confident with your choices, and a great way to get an instant refreshed wardrobe that supports your lifestyle, goals, and personality.

w w w. s t e l l a d o t . c o . u k / j u l i e c o l e

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BEAUTY

NAIL IT

Nail the lastest trends with our favourites

CLASSIC CAMEL TROPICAL NAIL ART BOLD BLUE AND WHITE STRIPES TRIBAL BRUSH STROKES CRACKED GOLD AND WHITE CLEAN WHITE WITH A SINGLE GOLD STRIP 16

A GUIDE TO BEARD MAINTENANCE

PRODUCTS

FIND YOUR STYLE

A beard trimmer: this is essential if you want to

The only way you are going to learn how to

save money in the long run. You can find some

manage your beard is through trial and error.

good deals and this will save you going to the

Learning what suits you and what looks good will

barbers frequently to maintain your beard. It also

take some experimenting as it grows in length,

lets you find a professional look and is quicker

you may find a fuller length doesn’t suit your face

and more efficient for trimming, rather than

shape.

shaving by hand with foam. Buzz your whole beard on full and then work down the numbers to

Look at photographs of people with different

trim the surrounding areas. Fade your neckline for

styles of beard and copy the ones you like.

a more natural look.

Hairstyles are all based on photo templates to

Buzz completely under your Adam’s apple,

start with and a beard is no different.

leaving a fade effect down two inches from your jawline.

Make sure you have a manageable routine.

Remember you will need to keep it up for it to

Don’t forget the basics such as shampoo and

stay under control. Even the ‘lazy’ look needs

conditioner. You need to keep your beard clean

some maintaining.

so wash it however often you wash your hair.

Use a beard balm to give it a healthy finish or beard oil to daily soften it.

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Dates For Your Diary

Comedy Al Murray: One Man, One Guvnor

Music

Broxbourne Civic Hall Fri 15th May, 7:30pm £25.50

Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage 20th May, 7:45pm £23

As well as celebrating the 20 year anniversary of The Pub Landlord’s King of Common Sense tour, this show will be taking place a week after the results of the 2015 general election are announced.

Whether or not the Guv and his Free the United Kingdom Party (FUKP) have been successful in running against UKIP’s Nigel Farage to become MP for South Thanet, this will be a masterclass from Britain’s most successful satirist.

Join great British icon Georgie in celebrating the 50th anniversary of his most famous hit ‘Yeh Yeh’ reaching the top of the charts. For six decades he has been releasing influential albums and this show also features some of the UK’s best musicians in The Blue Flames. The show will feature a unique blend of pop, rock’n’roll, jazz, rhythm & blues and swing for an unforgettable night.

Events Stevenage Day 14th June St Albans Custom, Classic & Food Show 21st June Tring Summer Carnival 27th June Harpenden Larks in the Park 28th June

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Theatre

Poetry

NT Encore: The Hard Problem Screens including Hertford Theatre 4th June, 7pm £15, £12, £10 for schools

Doctor John Cooper Clarke Alban Arena, St Albans Sat 20th June, 7:30pm £22.50, £19.50

It’s a bit naughty to recommend a screening Hugely influential, John has been vital to the arts in this here, but Tom Stoppard’s first play for the country. His collection ‘Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt’ stage since 2006 and Nicholas Hynter’s last was the bestselling poetry book of the 80s and is often production as artistic director of The National reprinted. A seasoned live act who has supported The Theatre was a great event. The chance to see it Sex Pistols and The Clash, the 66-year-old still averages somewhere local is too good to miss. over 100 shows a year worldwide and regularly plays to thousands. This is a rare opportunity to see a national treasure at the top of his game.

Markets and fairs Letchworth Farmer’s Market: third Saturday of each month Berkhamsted Arts, Crafts & Vintage market: first Saturday of every month, 4am-10pm; third Sunday of every month, 10am-2pm Harpenden Arts, Crafts and Antiques market: 23rd May Rickmansworth Little Fox Market: Sat 16th May, 13th June, 11th July St Albans The Grand Vintage Fair: 9th May, 4th July

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Have you booked your 2015 music festival?

TOP LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVALS 2015 20

Here is a list of some great local music festivals coming up this year – there is something for everyone.

SLAM DUNK

STANDON CALLING

SUNDAY 24TH MAY THE FORUM, HATFIELD

31ST JULY-2ND AUGUST STANDON LORDSHIP

This festival features a mixture of

The independent music festival

up and coming and established

and themed summer party

18TH-20TH SEPTEMBER HAWTHORNE THEATRE, WELWYN GARDEN CITY

bands, based around punk,

returns to the grounds of a 16th

For a more relaxing and intimate

metal and ska.

Century Hertfordshire manor

approach, Herts Jazz Festival

house and promises a unique

is great for newcomers to the

chance to see some hotly tipped

genre. Based inside a theatre,

acts, in an intimate festival

this is a very different approach

setting. There is fancy dress

to a festival, so no need to be

theme each year and this is the

getting muddy in wellies here!

only festival to boast a heated

This festival presents the best of

swimming pool.

contemporary British jazz.

RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD 20-21ST JUNE THE PRIORY, HITCHIN Entirely led by volunteers, this is an annual festival of world music, dance, arts and cuisine.

ROTW is a two day event, and non camping. People of all ages are welcome. Families are an integral part of ROTW, which features a dedicated family area specifically for young children.

LATITUDE 16TH-19TH JULY HENHAM PARK, SOUTHWOLD, SUFFOLK

EASTERN ELECTRICS SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST HATFIELD HOUSE Eastern Electrics is an event that embraces the cooler side of dance. This is great for those who want to check out the European and American DJs on the scene. A great one for escapism with a holiday vibe.

V FESTIVAL

music, theatre, art, cabaret,

22ND-23RD AUGUST HYLANDS PARK, CHELMSFORD

poetry and politics, this festival

This festival is held at two

provides a more creative and

separate locations but this is our

drama focused weekend. A great

most local. The acts perform on

one for family and those who

the Saturday and then switch

want a full festival vibe and are

to the other location on the

not so focused on music alone.

Sunday. There are a wide range

With a mixture of comedy,

HERTS JAZZ FESTIVAL

of genres featured, but this is one for pop fans of all ages.

STANDON CALLING

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Spread the word Fizz Friday

Every

There are many ways to reach out to our valued readers.

Friday A bottle of

Prosecco

only ÂŁ20

sales@redcoats.co.uk www.redcoats.co.uk

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FESTIVAL FEVER

Deep in the magical forests of rural Suffolk, Latitude’s adventure of eclectic music, theatre, film and creative arts will be more exciting than ever in 2015, as the festival celebrates its 10th birthday.

Latitude’s earthy vibe gives it an other-worldly magnetism that pulls in a quality of artists that would be enough to carry the festival on its own, with representatives of rock, pop, indie, folk and electronic music enthralling crowds every July.

But the joy of Latitude is that it doesn’t stop with the music.

Instead, it bounds on to theatre and the performing arts, stunning film premieres, craft-workshops and enormous children’s play areas.

Pointing out that Latitude is multi-award-winning doesn’t capture the intimacy of the venue and programme, but it’s not hard to see why it has been so universally acclaimed for the last decade. It’s almost impossible to be there and not stop smiling.

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EVENTS

Why go to the bar when the bar can Everyone loves a fun event to go to

Why go to the bar when the bar

especially now spring is here and

can come to you? Barstop are

summer is on the horizon! We are all

the top mobile bar specialists in

getting in the mood for socialising,

the UK, producing a variety of

sun and upcoming events. You may

world beers, fine wines, bespoke

be thinking about planning a private

cocktails along with rare spirits &

event, whether that be a gala dinner,

liqueurs, and the widest selection of

sporting event, fun day, product

refreshments. With excellent reviews

launch, award ceremony, summer ball

and recommendations Barstop cater

– the list goes on. When organising

for all kinds of events in the UK and

an event a bar is essential. If you are a

internationally.

business looking to socialise, Barstop are here to help.

‘Our speciality is our ability to cater to anytime, anyplace, anywhere.’

These are our top points on why

organising a corporate event will

For a party perfect event Barstop will

benefit a business:

provide excellent service and keep a

•

Teambuilding is important and

wide variety of drinks flowing.

allows everyone to get to know

each other on a more personal

level, with no work stress clouding

this judgment.

•

Commitment and loyalty from

current employees will be higher

as it will be associated as being fun

and beneficial to work for. Events

such as awards make employees

feel special and appreciated.

•

It will bring the team closer

together (especially after a

few drinks!)

Visit www.barstop.co.uk for more information on Barstop mobile bars, ensuring first class products and service for your big day.

t: 0800 458 0012 Email: admin@barstop.co.uk

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come to you?

25

TREAT YOURSELF Easter has passed and you may still have your easter eggs laying around. Eating one easter egg after another can become dull, so why not use them to make a delicious dessert for the family.

Try our beaut chocolate brownies!

INGREDIENTS 200g butter 250g sugar 2 tablespoons of vanilla essence 3 eggs 50g self raising flour 350g chocolate (white and milk chocolate can create an amazing marble effect) 60g cocoa powder Pinch of salt (optional) If you have any mini or wrapped caramel eggs these are perfect to finish off your delicious brownies. These can be put in before cooking or used as a decoration after they have cooled.

METHOD Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease your tin with butter and line it with baking paper.

Break the chocolate into a bowl and melt over a pan of hot water (or in a microwave on medium power).

Melt the butter on the hob, or in the microwave.

Using a mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together, add vanilla, flour, cocoa, salt (optional) and the melted butter and chocolate. Mix this together and gently pour the mixture into the tin.

Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes at 180°C. You can test if the brownies are cooked through by inserting a wooden skewer into the centre of the tin. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to be taken out of the oven.

Dust the brownies with icing sugar after they have cooled and decorate.

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PREP AND PRIME YOUR SKIN SILKY SMOOTH THIS THE PERFECT PREP AND POLISH PACKAGE TO BUFF YOUR BODY BEACH READY Treat skin for your summer holiday with the Champneys Citrus Blush professional home spa range including two new products bursting with hints of lemon zest, subtle tones of orange peel and calming cardomom.

Citrus Blush provides that little extra help to boost our skin for beach ready radiance. With the right products and perfect routine you will be ready to shine this summer. Champneys have created the perfect professional home spa range with two new products for body beautification in summer 2015.

THE PERFECT 3-STEP PRE-HOLIDAY ROUTINE

PREP AND POLISH

body scrub stimulates dull and lifeless skin, leaving it feeling smooth and moisturised. With aromatic lemon and moisturising shea butter, your skin is left soft, glowing and silky smooth.

RRP: £12.00

Buff your body bikini ready with the Luxury Body Brush. Dry brush using upward

BATHE YOURSELF BEAUTIFUL

sweeping motions, starting from your

Let new Citrus Blush Bubble Heaven’s treacle-

ankles and working

smooth elixir transform bath time into bubble

your way up the

heaven, whilst at the same time

body. This luxury

leaving skin moisturised and soft.

body brush helps to

With a zesty blend of lemon oil,

stimulate circulation,

orange peel and cardamom this

improve skin texture and banish cellulite.

will give an uplifting pampering

RRP £10.00

experience that will linger on your skin after bath time.

RRP: £12.00

Exfoliate naturally with

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new Citrus Blush Salt

Refresh and revive your senses with

Scrub with the use of

spa treatment Citrus Blush Candle’s

sea salt and the uplifting

zesty aroma highlighting lemon, orange

aroma of cardamom and

and cardamom. Sit back and unwind as

lemon, especially designed

you bring the relaxation of being at a

to boost circulation and

spa to the comfort of your own home.

remove dead skin cells. This

RRP £12.00

SUMMER

For bath time bliss add the Luxury Bath Pillow, sit back and relax in the bath with the pillow under the neck at the base of your head to ensure your neck and head are completely relaxed.

RRP: £7.00

HYDRATE, MOISTURISE AND GLOW Citrus Blush Body

For the ultimate holiday finish

Butter’s zesty

use Mediterranean Shimmering

blend of lemon

Body Oil to create a sumptuous

oil and orange

holiday glow. This skin conditioning

peel extract are

dry body oil with a subtle gold

combined in

shimmer is designed to leave skin

a moisturising

looking radiant. Nourishing jojoba,

body butter

sesame seed oil and rice bran oils

that will give you an uplifting and pampering

ensure skin is soft and conditioned,

experience that will sweetly linger on your skin.

while the blend of sensual ylang

The combination of sweet almond oil, shea

ylang, calming sandalwood and exotic patchouli

butter and cocoa butter make this an indulgent

essential oils encourages feelings of wellbeing

moisturising treat you can use daily.

and tranquillity.

RRP: £10.00

RRP:£10.00

www.champneys.com | 0843 316 2222

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Amron’s House of Fashion is concerned with the design and construction of garments that are structured, stylish, glamorous, classy and unique. Technical designs, the combination of bold colours and diverse fabrics are used in all designs. Our aim is to design clothes that appeal to the confident modern and stylish woman, who craves the ‘fashion air’ of exclusivity.

Tel: 0744 5705673 41 Station Road Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 3BQ

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POK

www.amronshouseoffashion.co.uk

BES

amrons.hof@gmail.com

EC OUT

URE

BE YOU

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU WANT ON THE HIGH STREET? THEN DESIGN YOUR PERFECT DRESS Custom-made clothing seems an unobtainable luxury, the preserve of A-listers, bonus-laden city bankers and extravagant brides for whom off-thepeg simply won’t do. Yet for our grandparents, handmade clothing was not so unusual, whether home-stitched, bought from a local seamstress or ordered from a big department store.

And now a new breed of high street boutique is

Inspired by nature Our planet, which is in equal parts eclectic and exuberant, is an inspiration to our clothing. The beauty and spirit of exotic birds, in particular, motivate us to stay consistent in our attention to detail. The Amron ethos is to ensure that every garment be the best it can be.

making custom-made fashion easy to buy once

Design techniques

more, and more affordable than it’s ever been.

In producing our collection, we have used techniques including the manipulation of folds,

So although the perfect outfit sounds like a

pleat darts and more. We are particularly proud

pipedream – seams that perfectly capture the

of our own pleat inspired by the macaw. These

contours of your body, the waist placed just so,

designs appear wide on one end and then taper to

sleeves the ideal length and not an out-of-place

a narrow seam (more like a dart).

fold to be seen – Amron’s House of Fashion offers an exclusive service for the modern, confident and

amrons.hof@gmail.com

stylish woman who craves exclusivity at affordable

www.amronshouseoffashion.co.uk

prices.

Tel: 0744 5705673

Bespoke couture Amron’s House of Fashion design and tailor garments and aim to make everything we do both stylish and unique. By combining bold colours and diverse fabrics, our designs appeal to the confident modern woman.

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CINEMA

COMING UP ON THE BIG SCREEN May 1st Avengers: Age of Ultron

Marvel is back with this amazing concept that is suitable for families, couples or friends. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for a global adventure.

Jurassic World

July 1st

June 12th Following the popular classic Jurassic Park, twenty two years later, Isla Nublar now features an entire dinosaur theme park named Jurassic World. As a new attraction is created to spark visitors interest, it goes horribly

Magic Mike XXL

wrong! This is not one to miss!

................................

June 26th Ted 2 With crude but witty humour, this follows on from the first film that introduced us to the mischievous talking teddy bear.

One for the ladies! Magic Mike is soon to be back on the screens starring a very oiled up Channing Tatum. Following three years after the first film, the strippers take a road trip from Tampa to Myrtle Beach for a stripping convention and give one final blow-out performance. This American comedy makes a great trip to the cinema with friends.

................................

July 10th Minions

................................

May 29th Insidious: Chapter 3

For horror fans, this is the one you’ve been waiting for this spring. This is a prequel to Insidious 2, before the haunting of the Lambert family. It reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural.

................................

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Newlywed couple Ted and TamiLynn want to have a baby. In order for this to happen, Ted needs to have a donor but first must prove in court that he’s a person and so capable of being a parent.

................................

This family comedy is a must see if you have young children. The story begins at the dawn of time.

Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. The trio embark upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill, the world’s firstever female super-villain. They travel from Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind.

................................

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BOOK CORNER The pick of the next few months in publishing, for you to check out in your local independent bookshop.

NON-FICTION Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the

aloud, and suitable for ages three and above.

Importance of Imagination

HOTLY ANTICIPATED FICTION

J. K. Rowling, Joel Holland

A God in Ruins

14th April

Kate Atkinson

Little, Brown

7th May Doubleday

In June 2008, J. K. Rowling

Atkinson returns

was given an

with a novel

honorary degree

set in the same

by Harvard

universe as

University. On

2013’s bestseller, Life After Life,

that day she

which won the Whitbread book

addressed

of the year award, the Costa

graduating students, dispensing

novel prize and had Atkinson

the wisdom that her rise, a story

named Waterstones UK author

as charming and inspiring as

of the year. This time, the focus

those she has written, had given

is on Teddy, the beloved younger

her. Now it is being published,

brother of ‘Life’s heroine Ursula,

with illustrations by Joel Holland

as he navigates the perils and

and with proceeds benefitting

progress of the 20th century. A

Lumos, Rowling’s own charity for

God in Ruins explores the loss

disadvantaged children.

of innocence, the transition from war to peacetime, and the pain of

CHILDREN’S FICTION & PICTURES Mr Mistoffelees: The Conjuring Cat T. S. Eliot, Arthur Robins 2nd April Faber & Faber Following Arthur Robins’ critically acclaimed picture book Macavity! The Mystery Cat the illustrator turns his attention to another mystical T. S. Eliot invention: the magical Mr Mistoffelees. The original conjuring cat is great to read

being misunderstood.

The Green Road Anne Enright 7th May Jonathan Cape Described by the publishers as ‘darkly glinting’, this novel is classically Enright in its exploration of family relationships and west Irish setting, although the latter is notable for its extension to Dublin, New York and Africa. For fans of tightly

written fiction that encompasses family, faith and love.

Go Set a Watchman: Novel Harper Lee 14th July Harper The literary world was set alight earlier this year, with the news that universally beloved author of To Kill a Mockingbird will be releasing a follow up novel, a surprise when it was long thought that Harper Lee would never publish another book. In fact, Go Set a Watchman was written before ‘Mockingbird’, as Lee’s original submission to her publishers. In this light, it is unsurprising that it features many of the same characters and does so twenty years on, close to the age that ‘Mockingbird’s Scout is narrating from in the classic text.

Thankfully, rumours that Lee’s publisher coerced her to allow them to publish the story have been all but quashed after formal investigations by her home state of Alabama, allowing us to enjoy, guilt-free, what will undoubtedly be an instant classic.

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LETCHWORTH FOOD AND GARDEN FESTIVAL PROMISES A FEAST SAT 16 - SUN 17 MAY 2015 “Celebrating letchworth life”

If you are interested in holding a stall, a demonstration or sponsoring the event please get in touch.

Limited spaces are available. Email: foodfest@loveletchworth.com

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SAVE THE DATE… The Letchworth Food and Garden Festival will take place on Saturday 16th May and Sunday 17th May. You do not want to miss out on the event of the summer.

Featuring local food heroes showcasing local produce, and celebrity chef JeanChristophe Novelli cooking up a treat, plus activities such as apple pressing.

There will be three parts to the festival; the main demonstrations will take part on the main stage, an Eastcheap stage which will feature local cooks and bands, and a kids area on Leys Avenue. Watch out for more emphasis on garden features this year, including demos such as how to grow fruit and your own trees. Take a wander through the streets to discover all that’s on offer, and pop in to a few of the local shops while you are there.

Transforming into a foodie heaven with cookery demonstrations and plenty of stalls offering tasty treats, Letchworth streets will be bustling. The festival will feature a children’s area with a cookery school, funfair, picnic areas and local buskers.

Celebrate Letchworth and the summer approaching with this fabulous two day event. Don’t miss out on unmissable treats, and a mouthwatering array of activities, demonstrations and fun!

The festival will take place in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire between 10am and 4pm each day. Admission is free. www.letchworthfoodfestival.co.uk T: 01462 486999 Facebook: LoveLetchworth Twitter: @LoveLetchworth

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BE INSPIRED

DON’T MISS THESE UPCOMING ART EXHIBITIONS VARIOUS ARTISTS – PAINT Hertford Theatre Gallery April - May Curated by the Courtyard Arts & Community Centre, this is a diverse collection that reveals much of the innumerable ways in which paint can be worked. Added intrigue comes with the works’

RUNNING WILD – FRANCES KEARNEY

variety of themes, asking the question as to how far necessary it is that form and content are interlinked.

Museum of St Albans 30 May – 12 July, 10:00 - 17:00 £10 Acclaimed artist Frances Kearney returns with a new exhibition of large-scale (4ft x 5ft) colour photographs. Her work has been praised for simultaneously seeming like stills from a dystopian epic and an impressionistic portrayal of youth.

This series combines a romantic approach to the landscape – as each image is staged outdoors – and a fascination with the way we engage with a wild, yet urban environment.

ABSTRACTION - TABITHA WILSON Foyer Gallery, Letchworth Arts Centre Mon 1st June – Tue 30 June, Mon-Fri 1-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm £Free Award-winning abstract landscape painter Tabitha Wilson is associate lecturer at North Hertfordshire College’s Centre for The Arts. She says that “My influences are initially from landscapes: in particular a fleeting moment in an open space. I take inspiration from my environment and am constantly searching and looking to capture something specific.”

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The full-flavoured heritage of Redcoats Farmhouse makes staying at the family-run hotel & restaurant like being treated to a sumptuous dinner party at a friend’s house.

Our head chef is winning plaudits for his creative menu with local produce and foraged ingredients.

Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel & Restaurant is the dream location for a romantic weekend or to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or family reunions.

d e r u o v a l F l l e u g F erita H Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel & Restaurant Redcoats Green, Near Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 7JR

T: 01438 729500

sales@redcoats.co.uk

www.redcoats.co.uk