Absolutely Yorkshire August 2022

YORKSHIRE

Yorkshire AUGUST 2022 / £3.95

HEALTH &BEAUTY SPECIAL

Top tips for mental and physical wellbeing

AUGUST 2022

Rise &

ABSOLUTELYYORKSHIRE.CO.UK

SHINE

MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER WITH JOE BROWNS SHEFFIELD

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PLUS JOANNE HARRIS The Chocolat author waxes lyrical about Haworth TIME IN THE SUN Why Bradford deserves to be the UK's City of Culture CREATING A LEGACY How The Grand, York, is revolutionising fine dining

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C U LT U R E AGENDA

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Our pick of the best events across the county in August

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IONICA ADRIANA

The York actor on how her upbringing influenced her career

30 BRADFORD

Why the UK's City of Culture 2025 award was warranted

OUTDOORS 40 WELLBEING WALKS How North Yorkshire Sport are getting us moving

44 FOUNTAINS ABBEY

Exploring the history and what's to come at the landmark

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 66 YORK FASHION WEEK Behind the scenes as the county favourite returns

70 THE SHOOT

Some late summer fashion inspiration in Sheffield

75 HEALTHCARE SPECIAL Everything you need to improve your wellbeing

46 TRAVEL

Visiting two very different destinations in Sicily

FOOD & DRINK 52 TASTING NOTES Tuck into what's on the county's plate this month

54 LEGACY

Fine dining with a difference at The Grand, York

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58 RECIPES

Perfect August dishes to make in your own kitchen

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NTS

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E D I T O R'S

Picks

J OA N N E B I R D

The Barnsley author behind Chocolat welcomes us into her local life and inspirations (p21)

FOOD NEWS

The latest tasting notes from across the county, including three of the best for afternoon tea (p52)

T I TA N I C S PA

INTERIORS 120 INTERIORS NEWS

PROPERTY 145 AGENT INSIGHT

122 LISA DAWSON

146 INSIDE STORY

Rounding up all you need to know for the home

The Instagram superstar on wowing social media

132 COLOUR CODE

Looking at why lilac is the musthave shade in design

139 TREND

Whether it's in cushion designs, or a tasteful rug concoction, stripes are all the rage right now

Fine & Country Leeds on the latest market conditions

Finest Properties take us inside a stunning Georgian mansion

151 PROPERTY FOCUS How Terry's Clock Tower in York has been revitalised

158 MONEY CAN BUY

Beadnall Copley open the doors to Beech View Barn in Leeds, a fourbedroom stone-built barn conversion

We head to Huddersfield as the Titanic Spa takes the lead in our wellbeing special (p76)

A B S O L U T E LY YO R K S H I R E .C O. U K

The online guide to inspirational local living.

O N T H E C OV E R Joe Browns' summer collection, available at their Sheffield store joebrowns.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • THIS MONTH ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AND IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING

LISA BYRNE

Yorkshire YATTER

Lisa Byrne stops scrolling and texting as she seeks spiritual enlightenment in the county’s countryside this month

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his is going to sound totally bonkers, but in a few weeks’ time I will be spending seven days with total strangers huddled in a Victorian house by the sea on an intensive retreat. Among the many rules for this unique residential course are no phones (apparently many people have palpitations when they hand over their beloved mobiles on arrival) or books and there will be numerous periods of group silence (crikey).

Why am I doing it? God only knows, but I think that in a quest to be the best version of myself I need to tackle a few subjects, specifically how to deal with personal bereavement.

I know it’s going to be a very tough week, and it will be forbidden to use everyday MERLIN, PAINTED BY SHANY HAGAN

distractions to block out difficult emotions.

There will be no chance of having a cheeky scroll through Instagram to push away a painful memory or enjoy a relaxing evening sipping a glass of Chianti while listening to music and poring over a good book. But if we want to step away from our regular life and focus on self-improvement, it’s essential to have as minimal distractions as possible.

As I grow older, and have been through some amazing and devastating times, I have become much more curious about spirituality and wellness – and thankfully we are very lucky to have a variety of places in this county where we can connect more with ourselves and nature.

A firm favourite is the incredible Broughton Sanctuary and Avalon Wellbeing Estate, based in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, which hosts an array of holistic therapies and retreats.

Royals and celebrities are among the many visitors, but every guest is treated with equal measure of warmth and compassion.

One of the greatest ways of finding wellbeing is just by stepping outside and spending time in our wonderful countryside.

And what can be better than taking a walk along our majestic coastline, rugged moors, or glorious Dales – leaving the phone behind.

So, if you choose one thing to do this August, choose time outside free from any form of technology. For this I know for sure, a life lived through a small oblong of metal is a life less lived.

Email lisabyrneyork@gmail.com with launches, events etc, and follow on Instagram lisabyrnepr and Twitter LisaByrnePR

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

My highlights for the month of August…

Getting down and Dirrty with Christina Aguilera at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre.

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Indulging in my favourite facial – Guinot Hydra Jeunesse – by incredible therapist Denise Smyth at Canvas in York.

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Hanging a portrait of our gorgeous cocker spaniel Merlin created by world-famous painter Shany Hagan.

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Taking a private tour of the newly renovated medieval Guildhall in York.

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Wish LIST

AQ UA SPLASH Oliver James' lilos are made to be loved.

The first collection includes six luxury upholstered lilos made from durable materials and striking fabrics, designed to be handsome pieces of floating furniture. oliverjameslilos.com

OCEAN FRESH Ocean-coloured Efforia from Prima Donna is available up to an H cup.

Bra £84 and Tanga £40 ameliesfollies.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

ON THE SCENT In Jo Malone London's Wild Flower candle pair, Florescent Honeysuckle & Davana sit with mesmerising Wild Bluebell for a radiant floral fragrance.

In a floral print box by fashion designer Richard Quinn. £100 jomalone.co.uk

ON THE NAIL Chanel's The Sky, The Sun and The Sea collection comprises six luminous shades of nail polish which reflect off the sea with each wave, and melt into a brilliant palette of mauve, green, and lilac. chanel.com

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

COOL BLUE Matilde's Kaleido collection features sustainable lab-grown gemstones in a rainbow-hued representation of love, hope, faith, and luck with each piece crafted from 14k recycled yellow gold. matildejewellery.com

G R E E N D AY H AT S O F F Emma Mulholland on Holiday's Happy Hawaii bucket hat is crafted from cotton and features a larger-than-life hibiscus print. koibird.com

Santorini and Mykonos-themed dresses are part of the vast collection of holiday wear at Aspiga. aspiga.com

CHECK OUT Featuring sturdy textile uppers with mixed gingham patterns and embroidery, the Gingham Block Sk8-Hi Tapered brings an old school Americana look to Vans' classic deconstructed high top shoe. vans.co.uk

S O L A R G LOW Bianca Balti is the face of Dolce & Gabbana's new Solar Glow Collection, which defines, illuminates and enhances the complexion. dolceandgabbanabeauty.com

FA S C I N AT I N G RHYTHM This hat is an accessory you can't get enough of watching.

The curvy silk organza flowers and the flat look of the pillbox complement each other. £645 mervebayindir.com

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ACCESS ALL AREAS: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RACEHORSE

Ruth Carr is another Yorkshire success story and promises guided tours of her horses relaxing and enjoying their day off in the paddocks. There is a chance to chat to Ruth and her team about their unique training methods and some of the past and present equine faces at Mowbray.

Whilst Jo Foster will be doing school and community visits every afternoon of National Racehorse Week, which involves taking a racehorse to meet school children and elderly people as well as the wonderful care workers.

10th-18th September

Have you ever wondered what goes into training a thoroughbred to win a race like the Grand National or the Epsom Derby? In truth, it takes a lot of love, care and attention to detail from a large team of people. From 10th-18th September, you can come and see that first hand at a yard in your area, as part of National Racehorse Week.

More than 150 yards, studs and retraining centres nationwide, will be throwing their stable doors open to the public, so you can experience the inner workings of a racing operation first hand- for free. A great number of trainers and retraining yards, from all around Yorkshire are offering this exciting opportunity to people of all ages to get up close and personal with these fabulous animals. See just how fast a racehorse gallops, how much they eat a day, how they spend their downtime and just how much time and affection goes into caring for a racehorse before, during and after the career. You can ask questions to the wonderful team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to give these horses a happy, healthy life.

24 Yorkshire-based trainers have signed up to welcome the public onto their yards, including talented father and son team, Mark and Charlie Johnston who have been prolific trainers in recent years. Mark was formerly the winning most trainer in the UK and was the first trainer to saddle 200 winners on the flat, in 2009. A feat he has since repeated multiple times.

visit nationalraceorseweek.uk

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The Malton Open Day is part of National Racehorse Week but run by Racing Welfare on 11th September, with unlimited places. Pre-purchase tickets are required to visit any of the 13 yards involved, which include Richard Fahy, Adrian Keatley, John Quinn, Tim Easterby and Sarah Ender.

National Racehorse Week promises a unique and insightful day out for all the family, surrounded by animals and beautiful countryside. These open days will showcase a range of activities which varies from yard to yard, but all will offer the chance to meet racehorses in training, as well as the much-loved stable stars who have retired. Some yards even have purposefully designed equine swimming pools, an activity most horses enjoy and just like with humans, it offers a great low-impact workout. Physiotherapists, chiropractors and farriers (who put the horse’s shoes on) are an intrinsic part of any trainers’ yard, and many open days will offer demonstrations and insight into this allimportant aspect of horse management and welfare.

To book a visit during National Racehorse Week visit nationalraceorseweek.uk

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C U LT U R E

YORKSHIRE DAY 1 August, KEIGHLEY

After a two-year absence due to the Covid pandemic, The Yorkshire Society’s civic celebration of Yorkshire Day will return this year, hosted by Keighley Town Council. Preparations are well under way for Yorkshire Day’s centrepiece, which will be complemented by a number of other public activities and events around the town during the weekend before and on Yorkshire Day itself, Monday 1 August.

Turn over for more on what to expect. theyorkshiresociety.org

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The Agenda

E V E N T S N OT TO M I S S I N YO R K S H I R E

A RT

Emii Alrai Until 4 September T H E H E P W O R T H WA K E F I E L D Emii Alrai creates work that subverts the traditional visual language of museum displays. Alrai weaves together ancient mythologies from the Middle East and oral histories from her own Iraqi heritage in objects which imitate archaeological artefacts. Alrai’s work contrasts the polished aesthetics of museums and the states of ruin which befall archaeological objects and the landscapes they are excavated from. hepworthwakefield.org

EV E N T

Ripon Races TH RO U GH O U T AU GUST, R I P ON RACECOURSE

The action is fast and furious at Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse.

There’s five race meetings to choose from this August with Family Days on Monday 1st and Bank Holiday Monday 29th, evening racing on Monday 8th, the prestigious William Hill Great St Wilfrid on Saturday 13th and afternoon racing on Tuesday 30th. So, whatever you are looking for, there’s something for everyone at Ripon Races. ripon-races.co.uk

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F I L M

Luna Cinema 23-24 August B O LT O N A B B E Y Open air cinema comes to Bolton Abbey this summer with not one, but two recent award-winning film titles.

Watch iconic James Bond in his latest mission or enjoy Stephen Spielberg’s recent hit, West Side Story. Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this majestic location with the ruined Priory will provide the ultimate backdrop for a fantastic night of cinema under the stars. thelunacinema.com

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CULTURE • DIARY

MU S I C

Rachael Sage

21 August AC T O R S ’ W O R K S H O P, H A L I FA X Fresh from her European tour opening for Imelda May, the superb New York singer/songwriter Rachael Sage - along with superb violinist Kelly Halloran - joins up with Yorkshire singer/songwriters Plumhall at this excellent venue. Sage has earned a loyal following for her dynamic piano playing, delicate guitar work, and improvisational audience interaction. actorsworkshop.org.uk

T H E AT R E

3-6 August S H E F F I E L D P E O P L E ’ S T H E AT R E Celebrating 10 years of Sheffield People’s Theatre, this is a new play developed with Stockroom, Sheffield Theatre's intergenerational theatre company for anyone aged 12+, and will be directed

by Tess Seddon. Five strangers get into a lift in Sheffield, and when the doors open, they find themselves in 2116 in the very different city of Sheffuld. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

MEDI A L E

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TH RO U GHOUT AUGUST, YORK ART GALLERY

n exciting collaboration between York Art Gallery and Mediale to bring a series of bold cultural events and activities to York and beyond has been announced.

Family workshops, the Teenage Art School, and ‘After Hours’ openings will be amongst the programme of events planned, which will be themed around and complement York Art Gallery exhibitions Body Vessel Clay and Sin. yorkartgallery.org.uk

CHARLOTTE GRAHAM

This Month’s Must See

CRAIG FLEMING

HOW A CITY CAN SAVE THE WORLD

County

CENTREPIECE What to expect on the official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration on 1 August

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t’s a very special occasion when all the Lord Mayors, Mayors, Civic Leaders and VIPs of Yorkshire gather together to celebrate Yorkshire’s ‘national’ day.

This year’s event will be hosted

by Keighley Town Council, so get ready to get dressed up and enjoy one of the outstanding events of the Yorkshire year.

“We are honoured that Keighley has been selected by The Yorkshire Society to host the 2022 Yorkshire Day civic celebration event,” says Keighley Town Mayor, Cllr Luke Maunsell. “Here in Keighley we celebrate all that is Yorkshire and to host Yorkshire Day on behalf of the county is amazing. Keighley is a truly diverse community with lots to offer and we look forward to showcasing the town, and its wonderful community, at its absolute best.”

The day’s activities start as people set off from Oxenhope Station aboard a special chartered steam train from Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Arriving at Keighley Station, people will be met by a military band and cheerleaders, then all will make the traditional civic procession through the streets of Keighley, past the flags, bunting and crowds who have come to watch, to Keighley Shared Church.

At the church, a multi faith thanksgiving service will be held.

Following the church service everyone will be transported by vintage buses to Riddlesden Hall (pictured) – a stunning National Trust property – for the formal civic lunch, speeches and entertainment, bringing what will be a day to remember to a close.

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FIONA WHYTE

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

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Yorkshire actor and presenter Ionica Adriana is becoming a regular on our screens – and her journey to reach this point is quite the story in itself

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f there’s one thing that Thirsk-based actor Ionica Adriana definitely is, it’s that she’s a hard worker. She’s also incredibly down to earth, infectiously passionate, talented and humble.

Despite the last few years of her career having seen her appear in the hit ITV series Syndicate by the late Kay Mellor, as well as positions at BBC York doing the arts and culture show, starring in All Together Now alongside Rob Beckett, presenting at Countryfile LIVE, and leading roles in pantomimes across the country, Ionica remains modest and, dare I say it, refreshingly normal.

Could this be a result of her start in life? Born in Romania in the 80s, Ionica was adopted from an orphanage at two and a half years of age by her English parents and brought back to Yorkshire for a life in the fields here. “My adoption has never been a secret, my parents have always been very transparent about it,” Ionica smiles wide. “They gave me everything, and it made me realise that you have to work hard in life. It’s also taught me to do what’s good for your soul.”

By BETHAN ANDREWS

Ionica has a real grit and determination when she speaks, and she credits this to her being around such a strong presence and work ethic from her parents as soon as she arrived in Yorkshire. She tells me how she was putting the feelers out for work and contacting agencies relentlessly long before she had even graduated from drama school. Ionica very much stresses her work is like any other, you have to work your way up, learn your craft, understand how the industry works and build your skill set, just like you would if you were a mechanic or a chef. “I took a lot of music videos, low-paid work, and bits-and-bobs jobs in order to make connections before taking on my first bigger contracts,” she says. “I’m a feet-first kind of person and I don’t take anything for granted. When I’m not in acting work, I’ll do lots of other work, waitressing, photography, teaching etc – I’ll always work, no matter what job. Every job has value.”

Clearly, Ionica's humble origins are important to her, and remaining grateful is something that comes naturally to the successful actor. In fact, her commitment to being honest and truthful to her roots

led her to front a documentary with Radio 4 called Ceausescu’s Children, which aired earlier this month. “It’s probably one of the most important jobs that I will ever do in my life,” she insists. “I got to go back to Romania, and I visited the orphanage that I was in. I feel really lucky to have been able to do that as there are a lot of people who would kill for that opportunity. It might not be the happiest thing, but it was incredible.”

Having worked incredibly hard to get to where she is today, I wonder if Ionica feels that Yorkshire is a place that supports the arts. Of course, like with a lot of higher training, she went to London for drama school and to hone her craft. Nonetheless, she speaks highly of there being a lot going on in Yorkshire for those interested in the arts, but she stresses that she goes where the work is. It just so happens, though, that Ionica's first big job was at the Grand Opera House in York. “It was a big deal because I wasn’t a celebrity and I got the principal role,” she says. “Ultimately, it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, if there is someone that is going to champion you, you’ll do what you want to do.”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW SHE IS A CHAMPION OF EVERYTHING YORKSHIRE

Today, you’ll find Ionica doing all sorts of acting, singing and presenting gigs. She was awarded Best Emerging Actress at 2018’s International Achievement Recognition Awards (IARA) and was nominated for Best Female Solo Artist and the NEA Choice Award at the National Entertainment Awards, too. But, despite all this success, she loves retreating back home to Yorkshire and loves working with BBC Radio York, Look North and Yorkshire Cast. So, what does she love most about coming home?

“You never really appreciate what you’ve got until it’s gone and it was only after moving back from London that I realised how lucky I was to have such open spaces and beautiful surroundings,” she says. “I love coming home and that you’re not a stranger. Everyone knows who you are, and even if they don’t, in Yorkshire they make you feel like they do!”

She’s also proud to be able to call herself a Yorkshire-based actor now. “I love representing the north in the acting industry,” she says. “And then when you get northern work like with The Syndicate, it’s so brilliant. BBC Radio York allowed me to champion Yorkshire and the North every week and that’s food for the soul. I’ve always been very proud to be from Yorkshire, but sometimes work just has to be where work is. If I had the opportunity, I would love to have the same work that I have in the city in the Yorkshire countryside.”

Ionica's loyalty, warmth and love doesn’t stop with her career or her love for Yorkshire.

With more still to give, 2020 saw Ionica (with the full backing from her parents) reconnect with her birth mother. “When I was 20, in between drama schools, I went to LA and met one of my sisters who had found me when I was 11,” Ionica begins to explain.

“Then, during lockdown, my mum sent out messages to help me try and find my birth mum, and through some Facebook messages, we ended up finding her. Mum came running up the stairs with her phone in her hand, she’s crying, there’s a woman crying on the other end and I just wave like an idiot!”

Despite her birth mum not speaking a word of English, they spent the next year building their relationship through Google Translate. In spring this year, for her birth mum’s 50th birthday, Ionica decided to surprise her in Sicily, where she now lives.

THE ARTS IN YORKSHIRE OFFER UP PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY

YORK IS A COUNTY FAVOURITE

“I surprised her on her birthday with my sister who had also never met her,” she tells me. “Having that in-person instantaneous reaction meant that it was so much easier to be able to say that I don’t hate her, that it’s incredible what she did and that I only have gratitude for the life that I’ve got now. The reason that she gave me up is the reason I have the life I have today. It didn’t get lost in translation in-person, and I could promise her that there is no resentment.

I just wanted to say thank you for giving me up so that I could have a better life.”

Ionica's grit and passion for living really comes through again as she talks to me about her life and some of that she attributes to the pandemic. “I really didn’t do well with lockdown,” she tells me. “I felt like time was being wasted and that life was just passing me by, so it gave me the momentum to meet my mum. With everything that is going on in the world, it just shows that nothing is ever promised.”

Follow Ionica on Twitter @ionica_official and Instagram @ionica_official_

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SIMON WARD PHOTOGRAPHY

APPEARING AT COUNTRYFILE LIVE

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CULTURE • PROFILE

KYTE PHOTOGRAPHY

Q You’ve had quite the illustrious career as a writer. How did it all start?

A I started off as a teacher in Barnsley and then in Dewsbury in Leeds. I was a teacher for 12 years, and during that time I wrote and published three books. After my third one, which was Chocolat and was very unexpectedly successful, I quit teaching to write full-time. That was 23 years ago and since then I’ve written 20-odd novels and a number of other things such as non-fiction, screenplays and a musical. I’ve also judged a number of literary prizes and I’ve just been made a fellow of the RSL – and, of course, there’s been a movie made of one of my books. It’s been a very interesting time!

Get to know…

JOANNE HARRIS B A R N S L E Y- B A S E D AU T H O R

Interview by BETHAN ANDREWS

Q With Chocolat, did you envisage

the success with the movie and global reader reception?

A I was told it wouldn’t sell because it wasn’t the kind of thing people wanted to publish at the time! It was difficult for me to get a publisher for it so when it was an unexpected success, everyone was surprised.

It kind of came out of nowhere as far as I was concerned. I was writing exactly the opposite of what I was told was commercial.

Q What are you working on at the moment?

A My book A Narrow Door has just come

out in paperback, so I’m in the middle of touring for that, and I’ve got another book called Broken Light coming out next year.

I’ve got a number of other projects going on too – there’s another book I’m working on that will come out the year after next.

I’ve got some musical projects that have started back up again after lockdown, too.

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SHE LOVES THE YORKSHIRE LANDSCAPE

“My favourite memories as a child were traipsing around the landscape”

HAWORTH IS A MUST-VISIT

We have a theatre storytelling show, which is original music and stories from my books, so we’ve got a few gigs lined up for this summer – it’s quite a busy time!

Q Speaking of a busy and exciting time, you were recently awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours. How did that feel?

A I don’t expect any of these things! It’s very nice to be honoured, but it’s not just something that happens to me, it’s something that lifts the whole industry. Authors don’t get honoured as much as sporting people, for example, so when it does, it bumps the

THE FILM ADAPTATION OF CHOCOLAT

whole industry and it’s nice to see that kind of belief in the arts being honoured publicly.

Q You’ve lived in Yorkshire all your life.

What do you love about the county?

A It’s hard to say, really! I think what I love most is the countryside and the fact that we have this astonishing natural resource that I think people outside the county don’t really think about too much. We live in this inspirational landscape that inspired the Brontës and other authors and we tend to be thought of as the industrial north by everybody else, which is wrong.

My favourite memories as a child were traipsing around the landscape on my own, which was something that I was allowed to do and that I took advantage of.

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Q Where are your favourite places in Yorkshire and what calls you home when you’ve been travelling for work?

A I like to go to Haworth and I like to walk

around there. I like to go walking on the moors, although it’s not particularly specific to one area. But where I live now, I can drive for ten minutes down the road and be in the middle of nowhere. I can walk there and I won’t meet anybody and that’s one of the things that I really like about still living here.

I like to enjoy where I am in the Yorkshire countryside, and I live in a little wood, so it’s quite nice to enjoy being at home given that I’m not there for a lot of my time. It’s nice to be out of an urban environment and it centres me, regroups me and I like to work best in peaceful surroundings.

Q What do you think people don’t realise about Yorkshire, and what do you love to share with people?

A Oh, I think there’s a lot of things! People don’t realise how big it is or how enormously varied it is, how massive and varied the landscape is and how accessible that is to people. I also think people don’t realise how much of the arts is going on in Yorkshire and how many theatres there are. Even things like the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which is just next door to me and is so beautiful and I love going there, it’s wonderful to have places like this, but I don’t think Yorkshire is a county that bangs its own drum enough. I think people are surprised when they come and see the wealth of amazing stuff there is here – museums, galleries, theatres. Restaurants have boomed, there’s such a richness of things to do!

joanne-harris.co.uk

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T H R O U G H T H E

LENS As renowned street and portrait photographer Sean Tucker settles in Yorkshire, we sit down with him to chat all things art, life and what brought him to the north

By BETHAN ANDREWS

HERE AND TOP RIGHT, PART OF THE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES

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nternationally acclaimed visual artist Sean Tucker recently made the move from London to Yorkshire, which means that our county is suddenly being cast out to his 350,000 Instagram followers and 500,000 YouTube subscribers in an incredibly striking and beautiful light. That’s because Tucker is a fiercely talented photographer, with years of experience in beautiful product, food, portrait, and headshot photography. But, more recently, having gone out on his own as a freelancer, he now creates a visual scrapbook of his captures out and about - with Yorkshire, and York in particular, featuring heavily.

Although born in the UK, Tucker did a lot of his growing up in Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa, where he started his career working as a pastor. He left the church in his late 20s and, having been doing photography on

HE CAPTURES EVERYDAY YORKSHIRE

“It's about the more philosophical side and journey with the photography” the side of his regular work, decided to chase this as a career instead. “I came back to the UK and moved to London in 2012, which is where I worked as a product photographer for six/seven years while building my own thing on the side,” he says. “I got into portrait and street photography because it was more creative.”

In 2015, Tucker started making videos to put on YouTube and talk about photography. Today, he speaks to his huge following about photography tips and tricks, how to deal with creative block and jealousy. “It’s about the more philosophical side of making and the journey with the photography,” he says. “Something clicked in that and it felt like what I used to do with the church, and that I was speaking to people and trying to inspire them to live better lives.” It clearly clicked with his audience, too, which continues to grow.

I wonder what it is about street photography that Tucker loves so much.

“I’m a bit of an introvert,” he says. “It’s nice to be able to do something where I can just go for a walk, take a camera and see what I see. I’m a less traditional street photographer, which is often shooting people on the streets in human interaction reportage. I’m more interested in capturing light and shadow in spaces out on the street.

If people are in the shot, it’s more to give a sense of scale to the space or interest to the light – it’s a bit more abstract. With

SEAN TUCKER

portraits, I wanted to engage with people one on one and love the challenge of that.”

Despite his huge global success, Tucker takes it all with a pinch of salt. “I don’t trust any of it,” he laughs. “I can see things changing online so I’ve always tried to build out what I do beyond YouTube and social media. The landscape is changing fast, so you have to build a business outside of it, too.” Tucker wrote a book last year called The Meaning in the Making, which weaves personal anecdotes with advice on how to put meaning into your creative work. In other diversifying, he recently ran his first creative retreat in Tuscany, too, and this is something that he hopes to do much more of. In fact, he’s hoping for two or three a year. He’s incredibly grateful for what YouTube has afforded him, though, and he hopes that the platform means that his retreats will be a success. “It’s afforded me some name recognition and I can advertise things to an audience who cares about what I’m doing,” says Tucker.

So, in all of this, what brought Tucker A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ONE OF HIS STRIKING PORTRAITS

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“I love the fact you can walk through a village and there's an abbey that was built in the 1200s”

to Yorkshire? “I started coming up to York for business a few years ago and fell in love with the area and the city of York itself. I’m not really a big city person, but I needed to do London for work,” he says.

“I’m not based in the city of York itself, now, I’m about 20 miles north in the North York Moors. I got to choose somewhere that is just stunning to look at and to be in. I’ve always been someone who likes to get out, take long walks and be in the natural world as much as possible and I can do that here. I couldn’t be happier!”

Tucker tells me that there are an awful lot of things that make him love York and the surrounding areas of the county, but the landscape is a huge part of it and he’s excited to bring his photography to the area and show it off to the world. “The

combination of having these beautiful coastal towns and villages like Whitby, Scarborough and Robin Hoods Bay, as well as the moorlands that are stunning and the forests which are incredible, it’s just amazing,” he says. “I love history as well. I keep posting photographs and people think I’m making it up! You can just walk through a field or a village and pop round a corner and there’s an abbey that was built in the 1200s. It’s absolutely gorgeous, it’s like Harry Potter land!”

When it comes to York, the history has clearly really drawn Tucker in, but what exactly has he enjoyed photographing the most since moving? “It’s early days and I’m still trying to work out my photography, so I’m travelling around the county as much as I can and learning about my local area,” he says. “Village life is really interesting round here, and there are lots of old churches, letterboxes, phoneboxes and then the farmland and nature is really interesting, too. There’s so much to see, so I’m trying to create collections of images in different themes across Yorkshire.”

As we chat through where he’s been exploring since moving, he tells me how aware he is of coming into a new place and learning from those who have come before.

“I’m coming here as someone who is new and I’m aware that there is a long list of good photographers in Yorkshire who have worked in these areas for decades, so I want to bring my sensibility, my visual aesthetic to this area and see what that yields, but I

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Sean Tucker’s favourite Yorkshire pics, in his words I was visiting my local farm shop > just after a storm had passed through and the light was cutting through the low cloud in such a beautiful way, but I had made the rookie mistake of leaving my camera at home.

Thankfully nowadays we all have a camera in our pockets in the form of our phones, so I was able to pull mine out and get this shot anyway.

< I have made a habit of visiting Whitby regularly, especially during the winter off season when it's quiet, because you get some beautiful misty conditions as the mist rolls in and the light softens towards golden hour.

A few months back I drove > into York one night when I knew there would be rain passing through, just to focus on neon light from nighttime restaurants reflecting off the wet cobblestones. There's a lot more to explore here, but I got a couple of shots which showed the potential of this subject matter.

< One of the huge benefits of moving to this beautiful corner of the world is being able to take regular walks in the local surroundings. I always endeavour to have my camera on me because you never know what opportunity will present itself. I am enjoying the challenge of training my lens on new subject matter.

I don't have the tall buildings > of London any more to cast line straight shadows for my street images, but in the absence of skyscrapers I've been enjoying photographing light and shadow as it falls in shop windows in York.

also want to learn from those who have been doing it for ages,” he says. “I’m trying to learn from what’s been done, but also trying to find those things that have perhaps been overlooked. It’s early days, but I’m coming in with humility and understanding that I’ve got a lot to learn about Yorkshire.”

I wonder if there have been any standout moments for Tucker since moving up here.

“Oh, there’s been a lot!” he beams. “There was a night that I went into York earlier in the year when it was pouring with rain.

I just went in to walk around and capture photographs of wet cobbled streets. It was a lovely evening of getting very, very wet and it made me excited to go back as I found the potential for a place I could keep revisiting and develop a rich body of work.”

Tucker talks of how much he has enjoyed photographing the North York Moors and the Hawardian Hills and York itself, how much he has enjoyed venturing into the Dales and also how much love he has found for capturing the coastal areas, too.

“I really need to explore the Dales more, there seems to be plenty going on there.”

And finally, what can we expect from Tucker over the next year? “I’m changing things up a bit so I’m going to combine writing with photography. I’ll be producing more topical zines focusing on particular subject matters and it will be more narrative,” he explains. seantucker.photography A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Why we love…

BRADFORD With the city being announced as the UK’s City of Culture for 2025, we delve into its history and why it deserves such recognition

By BETHAN ANDREWS

CITY PARK

W

ith Bradford having been named as the UK’s City of Culture for 2025, it’s high time people shouted about the many wonderful elements that make up the character of the city today. From world-class museums and Charlotte Brontë heritage, to being home to a trend-setting literary festival, there are a multitude of reasons why the Yorkshire city deserves the culture crown.

It’s the second Yorkshire city to take the title, and just as when Hull won in 2017, Bradford has a lot to gain from proving people wrong. For years, the city has been

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overshadowed by other cities such as York or Leeds. And, it’s often been somewhat misunderstood. But it’s a city that surprises in many ways, from the picturesque rolling hills that surround the urbanity to the deep valleys, there’s plenty of beauty to be found within the man-made, built-up architecture. Once you get under the skin of Bradford, there’s no wanting to leave it behind – there’s grit, determination, history, talent, and culture in droves.

Formerly known as the wool capital of the world, Bradford does well at paving the way and creating firsts and, more recently, the city became the first ever UNESCO City of Film. It has also retained Curry Capital of the UK for six years running. The Bradford you see today eloquently combines its heritage with a

CULTURE THRIVES HERE

bustling food and drink scene, creativity is embedded within the soul of the city, and there’s a real atmosphere of there being more to come from this determined place.

Past to present Historically, the first settlements arrived in Saxon times. By the time the 19th century came around, Bradford was a small rural market town of 16,000 people, where wool

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ILKLEY MOOR

BRADFORD CATHEDRAL

spinning and cloth weaving was starting to become big business. By 1841, there were 38 worsted mills in Bradford town and 70 in the borough, and it was estimated that two-thirds of the country's wool production was processed in Bradford.

Less than ten years after that, Bradford had become the wool capital of the world.

With big business and world notoriety came money, expansion and beautiful Victorian architecture. Bradford became a Yorkshire city in 1897, and today, although the textiles industry has declined slightly, is still a leading destination for textiles, as well as media and technology.

One of the many benefits for tourists visiting Bradford is that the city is relatively small, with many of its main cultural sights within walking distance of each other. Little Germany allows you to see the Victorian history and rich architecture of the city well, and the marked Heritage Trail will walk you from the City Hall along to Bradford Cathedral. The Trail ends at The Wool Exchange, having travelled through industrial Bradford, past the Impressions Gallery, City Park, and The Peace Museum on the way.

“BRADFORD HAS OFTEN BEEN SOMEWHAT MISUNDERSTOOD”

Cultural character The cultural heritage of the city is rich, so it’s not surprising that it won the recent accolade. Bradford’s literary history is long, with JB Priestly, author of the ever-famous An Inspector Calls, hailing from here, along with playwright Andrea Dunbar and home of the Brontë sisters being nearby Haworth.

That’s not to mention that David Hockney put Bradford on the map through his artistic fame, too, and that the city has birthed musical talent such as One Direction’s Zayn Malik, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh and Franz Ferdinand’s Bob Hardy.

The opportunities that present themselves by being a Capital of Culture could change the face of the future. As The Guardian stated on the announcement: “Under-18s account for 26.3% of the

population, making it the UK’s youngest city. Ethnic minorities make up 36% of the population. The year as capital of culture is a chance for the energy of this young, diverse population to be harnessed.”

And harnessing such talent is already happening. Mind the Gap is England’s leading learning disability performance and live arts company, and they’ve been producing cutting-edge theatre in Bradford since 1988. The Bradford Literature Festival, too, is a worldrenowned spoken and written word event, held for ten days over June and July.

As for visiting the city, there really is something for everyone. As you'd expect from a city of film, Bradford is home to the National Science and Media Museum with amazing exhibitions, interactive galleries, historical collections and Yorkshire's first

CLIFFE CASTLE MUSEUM

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“SALTAIRE AND ITS COBBLED STREETS SHOWCASES THE ARTS IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE” SALTAIRE WEIR XXXXXX IMAGE CAPTION XXXXXX

HAWORTH

IMAX cinema. The Alhambra Theatre attracts top shows from London's West End, as well as Yorkshire's biggest panto, and St George’s Hall has been recently refurbished. The Cathedral is beautiful to take in, too, or head to the amazing Waterstones, which is often hailed as the most beautiful bookshop in the world.

Art attack You can’t talk about Bradford and not discuss the impact David Hockney has had. Born in Bradford in 1937, he studied at Bradford School of Art in the 1950s

before going on to become one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

His ties to Bradford are still strong with large collections of his work on display at Salts Mill 1853 Gallery and The David Hockney Gallery at Cartwright Hall.

For those who want a taste of Bradford’s art-heavy history, Saltaire and its cobbled streets showcases it in the best way possible. Saltaire is in the characterful and historic BD18 postcode of the city, which was previously a Victorian industrial city, built by mill owner Sir Titus Salt for his workers. Today, it attracts millions of visitors for its beautiful architecture

and quaint streets, and Salts Mill, which forms the heart of the village. It houses the inspiring Hockney gallery, a selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. The grand Victoria Hall is also worth a visit, as is Salt Beer Factory, the brilliant microbrewery, blending history and contemporary craft beer.

Foodie fever Speaking of beer and indulgence, food is at the heart of Bradford. With over 200 Asian restaurants, it’s not surprising the city has been crowned Curry Capital of

ALHAMBRA THEATRE

SIR TITUS SALT STATUE

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“THE STEEP HILLS AND VALLEYS THAT SURROUND THE CITY ARE INCREDIBLY SPECIAL” BINGLEY FIVE RISE LOCKS

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BRADFORD IS THE UK'S CURRY CAPITAL

What’s on in

AUGUST the UK, and streets such as Leeds Road have really put it on the map as having the finest curry in the country. But, in recent years, Bradford has become so much more than its curry houses, and it has built up a strong name for itself for having an outstanding food and drink offering. South Square Vegetarian Cafe is part of the South Square arts and culture centre in Bradford that creates unique dishes on a daily basis from locally-sourced ingredients.

Award-winning Terrace in Saltaire is worth a visit and authentic Italian Valentino’s is known across the county.

Bringing a taste of the refined coffee culture that has swept across London to Bradford, Emily’s at De Luca Boutique is exquisite and was previously the birthplace of the Bronte sisters.

Back to beer, Bradford is particularly proud of its real ale offering and is home to many breweries, from Timothy Taylors and Wishbone Brewery in Keighley, to the unique Saltaire Brewery and Bingley Brewery. There are many great real ale pubs, some of which are situated in the district's beautiful countryside: The Flying Duck in Ilkley, The Dog and Gun in Oxenhope and Haworth Old Hall just to name a few.

Fields of gold With all this going for it in such an urban environment, it can be hard to imagine that

Bradford has an abundance of greenery on the doorstep. But the steep hills and valleys that surround the city are famed for being incredibly special, and offer up plenty of opportunity to combine city life and town exploring with tranquil escapes.

Lister Park is only a mile outside of the city, home to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery and Mughal Water Gardens, and is 55-acres of manicured, green bliss, perfect for strolling, family fun, and all sorts of other garden adventures – there’s a reason it was once voted best park in the country.

Take a walk up Clayton Heights for an opportunity to view the city from above, or head up to Undercliffe Cemetery for another breathtaking view of the Bradford area. What better way to celebrate and enjoy such a wonderful place?

LISTER PARK

Bingley Weekender

5-7 August See huge headliner acts such as Rag n Bone Man, The Libertines and The White Lies. 

Ilkley Literature Festival Summer Fringe

Throughout August Although the actual event of the longest-running northern literature festival doesn’t take place until October, you’ll find the Summer Fringe events taking place throughout August. 

The Yorkshire Wartime Experience

12-14 August The Yorkshire Wartime Experience is regarded as the North's premier and largest military vehicle and reenactment show. 

As You Like It

17 August Just outside of Bradford at East Riddlesden Hall, take a chair and a picnic and enjoy the sparkling famous comedy, performed against a dramatic backdrop.

Want to know more about Bradford and some of the places mentioned? Head to visitbradford.com and yorkshire.com

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CULTURE • SOCIALS

ABSOLUTELY

ATTENDS ACKWORTH SCHOOL OPEN DAY 2022

O

n the 9 July, Ackworth School was once again able to open its doors to friends of the school including current parents and Old Scholars.

The momentous occasion marks the start of summer and brings the entire school community together to celebrate the end of a wonderful school year.

The centre piece of the event was the complimentary buffet, featuring lemon and dill poached salmon or Scottish smoked salmon with capers and mussels. Also on the menu was goat’s cheese and stilton pork pie, mature cheddar and red onion quiche and a selection of roasted beef, turkey, or gammon meats. These were all accompanied by the summer salad bowl section, all provided by the talented catering team at Thomas Franks. The marvellous weather permitted lunch to be consumed alfresco under the shelter of the marquees.

Drama productions ran throughout the day, showcasing the theatrical skills of the school’s actors – there is little doubt that drama at Ackworth is thriving. The school was also able to welcome audiences back into the Meeting House for the traditional Open Day concert. Both Coram House, the junior school, and senior choirs came together at the end to reprise their performance of No Wars Will Stop Us Singing, which they debuted in the Concert for Ukraine back in June.

Old Scholars certainly took advantage of the Open Day Reunions as they welcomed back two cohorts, one celebrating 50 years since leaving Ackworth School. The day came to an end after the traditional Grand March took place, which marks the end of the summer term ackworthschool.com

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OUTDO ORS

V I EWS F R O M TH E TO P Is there anything more satisfying than an early morning stroll in the Yorkshire countryside, reaching a peak and capturing something Instagram-worthy with your camera? Sights aside, walking full stop is great for your health and wellbeing, something North Yorkshire Sport are keen to get across this month.

Turn over to read more.

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RICHMOND IS COVERED BY ONE OF THE WALKS

Walk this

WAY

A member of North Yorkshire Sport writes about their ambition to get us all to take a ramble, however long or short

By LUCY PSARIAS

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THERE ARE COASTAL TRIPS TOO

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e are a charity that champions physical activity, movement and sport. We want everyone to be as active as they can be and to build as much physical activity into their day as possible. Any movement is good – more is better! As a charity we use sport, physical activity and movement as a driver for positive change, to help tackle inequalities in society and barriers to being regularly active, such as health, deprivation, environment, disability and long term conditions.

We want people to be as active as they can be, to whatever level is manageable and what’s enjoyable to them. As an example, for people living with long term conditions we would say be active on your

“Many underestimate the psychological benefits until they take up a walking activity” good days – just because some days it’s not possible doesn’t mean that should stop people completely. For some people, running 10ks or half marathons is very achievable, for others walking to a bus stop or getting up to answer the door is a struggle. Building movement and physical activity into your day and reducing the amount of sedentary time is really key.

I feel the physical benefits of walking and general exercise are greater understood by individuals such as walking to manage weight, keeping your heart strong and reducing blood pressure etc. I feel many often underestimate the psychological benefits until they take up walking activity, such as assisting to reduce factors such as loneliness and isolation, developing increased feelings of happiness and enjoyment in particular through the many friendships that are created through these walking groups.

The Covid pandemic massively impacted the way we lived our lives for a significant period of time. This included the ways people played sport, stayed active indoors (gyms/leisure centres etc) and outside (organised sport and informal

use of parks and open spaces). We did a range of things in lockdown including supporting clubs and organisations to access resources and funding to survive, and we helped many providers take their face to face activities online to platforms like Zoom / Teams to help people stay connected and active in their own homes.

It was a really tough time for us all, both personally and professionally. Our charity was supported hugely by Sport England and other funders to maintain our operations and functions, and to be able to continue to support others to stay active and build activity into their days and routines. Our staff were amazing and worked tirelessly to continue to do the best we could for the charity despite some personal and family challenges we had with home schooling amongst other things. While it was tough, we came through it a stronger organisation and we learned a lot about just how much impact our work can have – and has inspired us to launch something new.

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks had their national launch at the start of 2022. Within the county, we have since formed the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks North Yorkshire A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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(RWW North Yorkshire) partnership, which includes a number of walking groups. Some of these groups have been operating for as long as 15 years, whereas some are very new and have recently been set up to attract a variety of walkers to get active within their local communities.

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks North Yorkshire are support group walks led by trained volunteer walk leaders. All walks are 30-90 minutes long and over easy ground, so they are ideal if people are new to walking.

We are fortunate within North Yorkshire to have some amazing outdoor space and wonderful scenery. Many walks (for example in Craven, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Masham) operate within the picturesque countryside. Walks often take place near historic sites and along river areas. There are also coastal paths (for example in Scarborough) that are regularly explored through which walkers can soak up some breath-taking sea views.

EXPECT GREAT VIEWS

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“All walks are 30-90 minutes long and over easy ground, so they are ideal if people are new to walking” One of the main benefits of wellbeing walks is activity takes place as part of a group. These walks are a great way to meet new people and generally every walk is finished up with a cuppa and chat in a local café.

There are always things we want to push and promote. Generally, the message about being active every day and reducing sedentary time is one that will never go away. We are soon to be walking the Yorkshire 3 Peaks as a team to raise funds for our mental health focussed work (givey. com/nysdotheyorkshire3peaks). The walk will take around 12 hours and cover 24.5 miles up the three iconic climbs of Peny-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

We are particularly passionate about the positive effect that being active can have on our mental health and this is the focus of our fundraising efforts.

Donations will support the creation of new projects to tackle mental health, or even to provide training to the workforce of coaches and volunteers to recognise and support those with mental health challenges who take part in their activities.

We are delivering an Active at Home programme to help people who have deconditioned as a result of being inactive

over the last two years or so, where a targeted intervention can help improve their mobility, strength and flexibility.

It’s a National Lottery funded initiative for three years and we are working with local referral partners to make sure that people taking part will benefit the most.

And there’s our Together Fund – we are actively looking for new organisations and charities to work with on this project.

The Together Fund was set up in April 2020 as part of Sport England’s support package to help the sport and physical activity sector through the pandemic. We have funding available to help groups that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and where the last 18-24 months has significantly impacted their ability to be physically active.

The four priority audiences that are covered include lower socio-economic groups, culturally diverse communities, disabled people and people with longterm health conditions. We are really interested in hearing from organisations in North Yorkshire and York who support the above priority groups and where we may be able to support them. northyorkshiresport.co.uk

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THE STORY BEHIND…

Fountains ABBEY

A

Cistercian monastery which fell victim to the Dissolution of Monasteries in 1539, Fountains Abbey is now a ruin but has the largest vaulted ceiling in Europe in the Cellarium. Most of what you see there today is from 1250.

It was founded in December 1132 by monks from St Mary’s in York on land given to them by Bishop Thurstan of York, following a dispute over the lax interpretation of the original rules of St Benedict. Leader of the dissenting group – Prior Richard – became the first Abbot.

The Monastery was not sustainable and was forced to seek help from Bernard of Clairvaux in 1133. In so doing the community was admitted into the Cistercian order.

There is so much to see and do today at Fountains Abbey. You have Fountains Mill, built by the Cistercian monks and was fully operational until 1927, and Fountains Hall, built in 1604 by Stephen Proctor. Studley Royal Water Gardens was designed and built

by John Aislabie in the 1720s – after his death in 1742, his son William took over the work.

Open year-round, Fountains Abbey is fantastic for walks and each season brings its own unique delights to see. Watch wildlife awaken in the springtime, catch the colourful wildflowers during summer, enjoy autumnal splendour by floodlight and wrap up warm to see the atmospheric ruins sparkle with frost as winter returns.

On now until October 2022 is a brand new exhibition by renowned landscape photographer, Joe Cornish. Imagine a stillness which will likely never come to this special place again. Through the lens of Cornish, explore the tactile beauty of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal over three years and during the silence of the coronavirus lockdown. nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden

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Sicily S E N S AT I O N A L

Two contrasting villas illustrate the diverse offerings of this beautiful island b y SA N DY CA D I Z- S M I T H

T

he gorgeous island of Sicily sits proudly in the heart of the Mediterranean under the watchful eye of the towering grandeur of snow-topped Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. The island offers a dazzling diversity of landscapes, myriad cultural and historical attractions and a delectable ancient cuisine inspired by its fabulous fresh ingredients. This unique combination of volcanoes, mountains, seascapes and rolling landscapes in shades of green connects the cities and traditional villages that cling precariously to hillsides. It’s a marvel to drive around because of its gravity-defying road systems on stilts and innumerable interconnecting tunnels.

We enjoyed a two-centre stay in contrasting villas chosen from the Villtravellers portfolio.

Our first stop is a short drive from Catania, the ultimate get-away-from-it-all haven deep in the countryside. Casale degli Erei awaits down a dusty road after a journey through a forest and rows of prickly pears standing to attention.

Set on expansive grounds, Casala degli Erei has nine stylish bedrooms and ample living space, including multiple terraces, an outdoor kitchen and a large roof terrace with fabulous far-reaching views. There’s also a relaxing spa with a hydro-massage pool, jacuzzi and sauna and a sparkling outdoor pool with sun loungers.

A peacefully magical place to relax and soak

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IL BORGO DEL BARONE

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OUTDOORS • TRAVEL

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OUTDOORS • TRAVEL

CASALE DEGLI EREI

CASALE DEGLI EREI OUTDOOR DINING

“Sicily is food for the soul – a quite unique setting and culture that tantalises the senses”

up the Sicilian sunshine. There’s plenty to discover nearby, too. We visited Villa Romana del Casale, thought to have been the country retreat of Rome’s co-emperor from AD286-305. Over 3,500 square metres of astoundingly well-preserved multi coloured floor mosaics took our breath away. We retired in amazement to one of the island’s beautiful rural restaurants – Agriturismo Gigliotto – for a traditional feast of Sicilian cuisine, including cheeses, salami, homemade pasta, fish, and local vegetables washed down with refreshing wines produced on-site. An idyllic country escape with the chance to truly immerse ourselves in the island’s history, scenery and flavours.

Refreshed and with our hearts full of love for our newly discovered island utopia, we headed north towards the capital, Palermo, to our home for the second half of our stay – Il Borgo del Barone. This IL BORGO DEL BARONE KITCHEN/DINING

magnificently restored historical villa dates back to the 17th century and is the perfect mix of ancient and modern. There are seven cool and elegant bedrooms with fabulous contemporary ensuite bathrooms.

The villa also boasts stunning views of the sea, a delightful courtyard and an expansive dining area where we enjoyed sunset aperitifs and a delicious dinner prepared by local chefs just for us.

And it’s the ideal base for exploring the beguiling seaside town of Cefalu. Here, the picturesque, cobbled streets are dressed with vibrant ceramic pots overflowing with flowers and full of tempting shops to explore. And they all seem to lead back down to the sparkling azure sea and inviting beach. We indulged in a lunchtime banquet – an incredible array of local fish dishes – in Restaurant ITTICO, set on the water with the bluest of views.

Cefalu is seaside heaven for the food as much as the shopping and architecture.

In fact, Sicily is food for the soul – a quite unique setting and culture that tantalises the senses. And staying in two luxury villas in different parts of the island gave us the perfect opportunity to absorb its diverse beauty and rich history. Not to mention sampling all that delicious local food. It’s an Italian island that has certainly captured our hearts.

T H E V I L L AT R AV E L L E R S EXPERIENCE Villatravellers provide exclusive villa holidays across Sicily. The perfect holiday home is handpicked for every customer from their portfolio of 70 properties. Using their expert local knowledge, the company offers a dedicated concierge service and personalised itineraries to ensure guests enjoy an authentic Sicilian experience showcasing the island’s culture, natural beauty and great food. They can organise a comprehensive range of in-villa (including chefs and cookery courses) and outside-villa experiences and tours to suit your taste. villatravellers.com

IL BORGO DEL BARONE

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Featured property: Laneside House

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FOOD & DRINK

FOOD FOR THE SOUL BOOTHS

The founder of Booths, Edwin Henry Booth, had one simple aim: to sell the best food and drink available, in attractive stores, staffed with first class assistants. Since 1847, they have worked closely with local suppliers from the Northern counties they call home: Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria and Yorkshire – Booths Country. booths.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

TASTING NOTES

The latest launches and news from across Yorkshire

By MARK KEBBLE

This month we're loving non-alcoholic wines

Sprigster Fizz, Wiltshire  £14.50 The newest creation from the team at Pythouse Kitchen Garden is made from ingredients plucked straight from their three-acre English garden. A complex, delightfully dry and refreshing celebratory drink, it is the perfect alcohol-free alternative to champagne. sprigsterdrinks.com

Pale Fox Prosecco, Northern Italy  £21.95 The award-winning fine wine brand, Pale Fox Prosecco, has announced the launch of its first nonalcoholic sparkling wine. It is produced by vinifying a still white wine, separating out the alcohol using reverse osmosis and adding the effervescence. palefoxprosecco.com

Wednesday’s Domaine, France  £12.49 This exciting new wine brand has set out to make an alcohol-free wine alternative that has all the flavour, body and complexity of the real deal.

It has everything you would want from a glass of wine, minus the alcohol, so you'll never have to miss out again. wednesdaysdomaine.com

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In full bloom T H E I V Y H A R R O GAT E B R A S S E R I E

The Ivy Harrogate Brasserie has launched a selection of new seasonal dishes for guests to enjoy during the warmer months.

With an abundance of vibrant flavour and colour, dishes include a Goat’s Cheese and Courgette Tart, with artichoke tapenade, mixed herbs, and truffle crème fraiche sauce, and Pan-Fried Salmon Fillet served with asparagus spears, courgette ribbons, toasted pine nuts, and a chive velouté. theivyharrogate.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

HAVE YOUR CAKE Three for Afternoon Tea Week

DRINK I T I N DUNESFORDE

Wine experts, including English wine champions Oz Clarke and Susie Barrie, have awarded Dunesforde Vineyard’s Queen of the North the accolade of best wine in the region at a lunch held at Drapers’ Hall. Founded in 2016, Dunesforde in North Yorkshire is one of the most northerly commercial vineyards in England and its wines are now appreciated far and wide. dunesforde.com

BETTYS

Flash in the pan HECK!

Bedale burger maker Heck! held an exciting big BBQ Bash recently that included a warm up session for a burger flip world record attempt. Gearing up to beat the current record set in 2012 in London’s Covent Garden by a team of 18 who flipped 1,350 burgers in less than a minute, the Heck! team invited visitors at the event to roll up their sleeves and get flipping with them, with star performers invited to join ‘team flip’ for the actual challenge later in the year. heckfood.co.uk

This just has to be top of the list. No visit to York is complete without a trip to this famous Café Tea Rooms.

With beautiful interiors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner, it’s been making a splash since 1936 – and their afternoon tea is pretty fine, too. bettys.co.uk

DESIGNED

BY N AT U R E BAX BOTANIC S

M I D D L E TO N T E A PA R L O U R Step back in time and enjoy an afternoon tea in this traditional afternoon tea parlour in Pickering.

All their cakes are homemade and the bread is from the Stonehouse Bakery at Danby. What’s more, their china and silverware is all vintage for that authentic 1940s feel. middletonteaparlour.com

Yorkshire-based Rose and Chris Bax have spent decades learning about and experimenting with botanical flavours.

Between them they have over 30 years' experience of consulting in the food industry. They are now using all of their skills to distil a secret recipe of herbs, roots, berries and flowers to create non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails with layers of complex flavours. baxbotanics.com

Sea and land F I S H & F O R E ST

Fish & Forest is a small friendly restaurant serving seasonal and sustainable fish, game and forest foods set on Micklegate in York. Menus take inspiration from the sea, the forest and the Yorkshire countryside. Head chef, Stephen Andrews, creates a small regularly evolving a la carte menu of simple seasonal plates that allow the ingredients to shine. Look out next month for an exclusive interview with him in Absolutely Yorkshire. fishandforestrestaurant.com

C O U N T E S S O F YO R K Indulge your taste buds with one of York's finest luxury afternoon tea experiences, from the comfort of a beautifully restored rail carriage. The afternoon tea menu features freshly cut finger sandwiches, and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves. railwaymuseum.org.uk

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HOW THE

AHMED ABDALLA AT WORK

“I am excited to create a unique, bold, and refined menu for Legacy, bursting with flavour” 54

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

with an overview of the dishes. On that note, we spoke to him to find out more…

Q How exciting is it to be head chef of Legacy at The Grand, York?

A Your first head chef role is everything you dream of when beginning your cooking career. It allows you to demonstrate your skill set and knowledge whilst bringing everything you know together. This new beginning with Legacy offers an opportunity to share my vision, creativity, and perfectionism and is an exciting time for both myself and the team at The Grand, York.

HOW THE MAIN DINING AREA WILL LOOK

BIG PLANS The Grand, York, already excels when it comes to food and drink – but now it’s launching a brand new concept. We find out more

By MARK KEBBLE

T

he Grand, York recently announced the upcoming opening of their new fine dining restaurant, Legacy.

At the helm of the new restaurant is head chef Ahmed Abdalla. He will play a pivotal role in continuing to elevate the hotel’s focus on modern British cuisine with a refined menu made up of a carefully curated collaboration of flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

Abdalla’s professional background includes York restaurant, Skosh, Yorebridge House in The Dales and stages at Restaurant Hywel Jones – Lucknam Park and Whatley Manor’s restaurant – The Dining Room.

Guests will be welcomed in The White Rose Lounge to enjoy an arrival cocktail and canapés before being invited into Legacy for a personal introduction from the chef,

THE GRAND, YORK

Q What is the general idea behind Legacy?

A Legacy was always going to be a fine

dining restaurant; the idea was to create a fine dining environment with a modern and luxurious feel, not only to offer hotel guests an elevated food offering, but to provide locals and food-focused travellers with a new hub of excitement and culinary excellence. The team and I are also passionate about sourcing as locally as possible, from food to styling the setting, this is an important part of Legacy’s identity.

Q How will it complement the dining options already on offer at The Grand, York?

A The Rise Restaurant, the other restaurant within the hotel, is a Brasserie style outlet and serves guests a selection of classic British favourites with a twist. Having recently launched a new menu for this I am excited to now focus on creating a unique, bold, and refined menu for Legacy, bursting with flavour, and oozing with identity.

Legacy will provide the perfect backdrop for those looking to experience something unique and memorable, those celebrating special moments and milestones and those looking for exceptional food and service as guests will be welcomed with arrival canapes and drinks. As well as great food,

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A CGI CONCEPT OF THE BOOTHS AT LEGACY

“Legacy’s interiors will embrace the meeting of an industrial edge with The Grand’s exisiting luxury identity” EXPECT AN EVER-CHANGING MENU

our expert sommelier will be on hand in Legacy to offer the perfect wine pairing.

Q How have you approached the menu?

A The first menu of a brand-new restaurant

is a huge responsibility as it sets the tone and expectations of what’s to come. I have been developing this menu for quite some time and both my experiences and travels have influenced and inspired my choices.

The menu will be ever evolving with the seasons and will combine bold flavours with classic techniques. We are in a very

fortunate position to have such great working relationships with local suppliers, which is another of my focuses for the menu.

Q Can you give us an idea of the type of dishes we can expect?

A One of my favourites at the minute is the Grand Honey Parfait. The key to this dish is the delicious honey that I use, which is made by our very own bees housed on the roof! We have incorporated the honey into a parfait dish to create a well-balanced, memorable, and truly unique dish.

Q Where will you source the produce?

A We’re privileged to have many quality

suppliers within the area, and we’ll be working closely with them to source the best for each season. I work closely with Rich Fowler who supplies us with fish, his expert knowledge is invaluable. Another supplier will be Ripon-based R & J, who are a family-run farmers and butchers that employ a low and slow process and produce is grass-fed or free-range.

Q What can you tell us about the

interior design look of Legacy?

A Award-winning interior designer Faber

has curated Legacy to be a bold yet equally elegant visual experience. Paying homage

56

to the building’s industrial heritage dating back to 1906, Legacy’s interiors will embrace the meeting of an industrial edge with blueprint murals and sculptural lighting with The Grand’s existing luxury identity.

Incorporating rich blues with natural hues and a combination of interesting textures will elevate the dining experience further.

Q How does working at The Grand, York, compare to your previous roles?

A I have always worked for well-established businesses and restaurants, and I believe each role I have held adds to my repertoire.

Working at The Grand offers a whole different opportunity though, as York’s only five-star hotel, meaning that there is, rightly so, an expectation to deliver to an exceptional standard. The kitchen team are a strong unit where everyone is passionate about their role and their work – a group of perfectionists! We all strive and work towards the same goal in all The Grand’s food offerings, aiding memorable and unique experiences for guests, from Afternoon Tea to The Rise and now with the new addition of Legacy. I’ll work closely with our sommelier too, to ensure that the wine is perfectly paired with the food, to ensure maximum enjoyment. I’m proud and excited to take on this new venture, as part of an incredible hotel with a fabulous team.

thegrandyork.co.uk

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A TA ST E O F THE CO UN TRY The relaxed setting. The breathtaking view.

A feast for the senses. A moment to savour.

Dining at Coworth Park.

A S C OT + 44 (0)134 4 8 7 6 6 0 0 D O R C HES T ER C O L L E CT I ON .C OM #DCmoments CoworthPark CoworthParkUK CoworthPark

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Recipes to

EXCITE

Bold, impactful dishes from Ottolenghi protege Ixta Belfrage Wo r d s I X TA B E L F R A G E • P h o t o g r a p h y Y U K I S U G I U R A

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Roasted cabbage

with mango and harissa sauce S E RV E S 4 A S A S I D E

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium Savoy cabbage • 1 teaspoon flaked salt • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced into rounds (optional) • 5g fresh herbs (preferably a mix of dill and coriander) • Greek-style yoghurt, to serve (optional) • lemon wedges, to serve Mango and harissa sauce: • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 4 large cloves of garlic, very finely chopped • 1 mild red chilli, deseeded and very finely chopped • ⅛ teaspoon fine salt • 2 tablespoons rose harissa • 2 teaspoons tomato purée/paste • 100g very ripe, sweet mango flesh, peeled and chopped into 1cm cubes • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

METHOD

The mango and harissa sauce is the star here and couldn’t be easier to put together. It works well in so many contexts: try it with roast chicken, marinated tofu or grilled fish or prawns, or let it come to room temperature and use it as the base for a fish or prawn crudo dish. For a quick midweek dinner, serve the cabbage with fried eggs.

Preheat the oven to 220°C fan/240°C. 2 Separate the cabbage leaves to get 400g of the brightest green leaves (save the rest for another recipe). Cut the leaves in half along the ribs, then cut in half again. Put them into a large bowl with the flaked salt and oil and massage together. Transfer to a large, flat tray and spread out as much as possible – it’s fine if some leaves overlap, as they’ll shrink. Roast for 12 minutes, tossing the leaves halfway, until the edges are beginning to brown and crisp up. 3 To make the sauce, put 1

the oil, garlic, chilli and fine salt into a large sauté pan and place on a medium-low heat. Gently fry for 6–7 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is very soft. You don’t want the garlic to brown, so turn the heat down if necessary. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the harissa and tomato purée/paste until combined, then stir in the mango and lemon juice 4 Spoon the sauce on to a platter and top with the roasted cabbage leaves. 5 Squeeze over some lemon juice, then top with the jalapeño and herbs. Serve warm with yoghurt on the side, if you like.

Brown butter sea bass with tangerine dipping sauce and lots of herbs S E RV E S 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1 x 800g sea bass, at room temperature • 2 stalks of fresh rosemary • 40g spring onions (about 4 thin ones) • fine salt • 1 baby gem lettuce, leaves separated • 5g fresh mint leaves • 5g fresh coriander leaves • 5g fresh basil leaves • lime wedges Citrus butter: • 40g unsalted butter • 30g olive oil • 1.5 tablespoons tangerine juice • 2 teaspoons lime juice

• 3 cloves of garlic, skin left on and crushed with the side of a knife • 1 teaspoon fine salt • about 20 twists of freshly ground black pepper Tangerine dipping sauce: • 1.5 teaspoons pul biber (use red bell pepper flakes if you don’t like heat) • 1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped • 1/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger • 3/4 teaspoon tomato purée/paste • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt • 1.5 tablespoons mild and light olive oil • 40g sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes, such as Datterini, very finely chopped • 4 tablespoons tangerine juice • 2 teaspoons lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon fish sauce or light soy sauce

METHOD

Don’t be put off by the longish ingredients list and method. Read through it once and you’ll realise this recipe is actually very straightforward and requires very little hands-on cooking. This is a great interactive sharing dish; stuff pieces of fish into the lettuce leaves (fresh corn tortillas would be great, too), top with the herbs and dipping sauce and let it trickle down your wrists as you eat with your hands. You’ll need four tangerines and two limes in total for this recipe.

Preheat the oven to 190°C fan/210°C. Pat the sea bass with kitchen towel to make sure it’s as dry as possible. Transfer it to a 33 x 26cm non-stick high-sided baking tray, arranging it diagonally so it fits. The tray shouldn’t be much bigger than the fish, otherwise the citrus butter will burn. Use a very sharp knife to make 1

2

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5 diagonal slits in the fish. Season the cavity with ¼ teaspoon of fine salt, then stuff with the rosemary and spring onions. Put all the ingredients for the citrus butter into a small saucepan and place on a medium heat until the butter has melted. Pour over and around the fish. 3 Bake for 14 minutes (or longer if your fish is larger than 800g), then baste the fish well and turn the oven to the highest grill setting. Grill on the top shelf of the oven for 4–6 minutes, or until the skin begins to bubble and crisp. Keep a close eye, as some grills are much hotter than others. 4 While the fish is cooking, make the tangerine dipping sauce. Put the pul biber, garlic, ginger, tomato purée/paste and fine salt into a mortar and pound with a pestle to a rough paste. 5 Heat the oil in a small saucepan on a medium heat for 1 minute, then pour the hot oil into the mortar. Stir together, then add the chopped tomatoes, tangerine juice, lime juice and fish sauce. 6 Once cooked, transfer the sea bass to a large platter with the browned citrus butter.

Discard the garlic skins. Serve with the lettuce and soft herbs to make parcels with, and the dipping sauce and lime wedges alongside.

Whipped yoghurt: • 150g mascarpone, fridge-cold • 200g yoghurt, fridge-cold • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Whipped yoghurt

with roasted strawberries and peanut fudge sauce S E RV E S 4

INGREDIENTS

Roasted strawberries: • 300g frozen strawberries, defrosted (frozen strawberries will produce a redder syrup, but you can use fresh strawberries – stalks removed and roughly chopped – just make sure they’re extra ripe) • 50g caster sugar • 1/2 lime • 2 cinnamon sticks, roughly broken

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Extracted from MEZCLA by IXTA BELFRAGE (Ebury Press, £26)

Peanut fudge sauce: • 50g smooth peanut butter (I use Manilife) • 1.5 tablespoons cocoa powder (15g) • 75g maple syrup • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari) • 1.5 tablespoons water

METHOD

The lime-roasted strawberries and peanut fudge sauce are essentially a refined combination of peanut butter and jelly, and boy do they sing together!

Here I serve them with a simple whipped yoghurt, but you could serve with plain yoghurt or shop-bought ice cream. If you’re feeling wild, pile the whipped yoghurt, roasted strawberries and fudge sauce on top of a caramelised

roasted crumpet and dust with cocoa powder to offset the sweetness.

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C fan/220°C. 2 For the roasted strawberries, place all the ingredients in an ovenproof dish just big enough to fit the strawberries in a single layer. They should be snug, but not piled on top of each other. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway. Set aside to cool. 3 Place the mascarpone, yoghurt, vanilla paste and maple syrup in a large bowl and whisk together until completely smooth. Keep the bowl in the fridge until ready to serve. For the fudge sauce, whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. You may need to add more water or maple syrup, depending on the thickness of your peanut butter.

You’re looking for a smooth, thick but pourable consistency. In individual glasses, layer the chilled yoghurt with the warm strawberries and the fudge sauce and serve.

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JUST LAUNCHED Discover over 80 exquisite recipes from the royalty of Britain’s finest eggs – Clarence Court. Master classic techniques and unearth dishes worthy of wearing a crown.

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The headline act.

Justifiably extravagant.

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

SPOTLIGHT

PRETTY IN PINK LADUREE Ladurée's has teamed up with Provençal private vineyard Château d’Estoublon to launch the Roseblood collection.

Château d’Estoublon’s organic Roseblood Rosé wine has a beautiful and pale luminous colour and combines beautifully with Ladurée's exclusive Roseblood macarons that combine notes of red fruit, pomegranate and apricot.

laduree.com

CARBON FREE SELFRIDGES Selfridges' new own-brand Earthly Spirits Gin is made using entirely renewable energy and even removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits, making it carbon negative. So help the planet and have a cocktail. £39.99

selfridges.com

QUEEN OF GINS V I TO R I A R E G I A

Popular in South America and set to shake up the UK spirits scene this summer, Vitoria Regia is the awardwinning artisanal organic gin that combines quality handcraft distilling with exotic ‘new world’ flavours.

ginvitoriaregia.com

Behind the bar

Visiting a Sipsmith Garden pop-up in London

By EVE HERBERT

S

ipsmith has transformed The Lensbury Hotel's Rose Garden with a popup bar, stunning floral archway, and deckchairs.

Transporting guests from their everyday lives, the Sipsmith Garden is tucked away in the Teddington hotel’s expansive 25-acre grounds with views of the Thames, its own wildlife pond and the estate’s impressive rose collection.

Gin lovers can stick with the authentic London Dry Gin in a classic G&T, enjoy a citrus G&T with Sipsmith Zesty Orange Gin or try a Spritz served with the Sipsmith Strawberry Smash Gin. The Lensbury is also serving a brandnew Afternoon G&Tea menu, including quintessentially British treats such as finger sandwiches, handmade cakes, and scones with Sipsmith gin infused strawberry jam and clotted cream, as well as a selection of teas with the option to add a refreshing Sipsmith Spritz.

Not only is The Lensbury and the Sipsmith Secret Garden a great spot for locals, the hotel’s close proximity to the capital makes it an ideal choice for Londoners looking to escape the city, whether for an evening drink or an overnight stay. During their visit, guests can also discover the hotel’s first-class sport facilities, including 22 tennis courts, a watersports centre that offers kayaking, sailing, and motorboat hire, as well as a state-of-the-art gym.

The Lensbury has designed an overnight stay package for gin lovers: ‘Gin, Bed and Breakfast’ includes a one night stay with breakfast, a Sipsmith gin cocktail and full access to the hotel’s leisure facilities. Prices start from £170 per room/per night.

lensbury.com

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Wanting to make you home look super stylish?

Feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start?

Our friendly design team would love to help you.

Call us or go to our website to book your complimentary 30 minute discovery appointment at your local showroom

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Pocklington 01759 487437

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FA S H I O N

S HI N IN G L I GH T BERRY’S JEWELLERS

One of the most iconic collections from Scandinavian jewellery brand, Georg Jensen - Moonlight Grapes in sterling silver or gold, combines the Art Nouveau heritage of the house with a bold contemporary style. The jewellery from the collection has a bold and sculptural presence that makes it the perfect choice for women who have a strong sense of their own personal style. Browse the collection at Berry’s Leeds and York. berrysjewellers.co.uk

York Fashion Week 66 • Jewellery 69 • The Shoot 70 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE CATWALK BACK IN ACTION

Q&A

Dressed to

IMPRES S

York Fashion Week (YFW) returned in April after a twoyear break due to the pandemic. Nicky Hayer, the creative director of YFW, reflects on its success and what's next THERE WERE PLENTY OF STUNNING OUTFITS

Q What does a typical day at

York Fashion Week look like?

A It’s very varied as we have the branding,

strategy and logistics to think of. And my role covers the creative element of curating the shows and planning photoshoots. I start the day with checking my emails as we get a huge number of model and brand enquiries. And after that it’s a lot of meetings and planning. We work with brands from across the UK, and in fact in March we even featured Amare Antwerp from Belgium, so it’s a lot of Zoom calls!

We also do monthly networking sessions for the YFW community, so after a day in the office we meet at a venue in town to discuss ideas and areas of collaboration.

Q What is the goal of York Fashion Week?

A Ha – this is a big one. We want to make

an exciting platform for creatives, which is accessible to the grassroots designers and independent brands. Our aim is to support anyone wanting to work in fashion, who might be trying to figure

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FASHION • Q&A

AT THE LAUNCH OF YFW

“OUR AIM IS TO SUPPORT ANYONE WANTING TO WORK IN FASHION”

NICKY HAYER

out their place in the industry. Our focus is to empower anyone who wants to work in fashion, but for whatever reason might think it’s not for them. We want to create opportunity here in Yorkshire.

Q What’s the most important thing to

consider when planning an event?

A The guest experience is everything.

We want our guests to be excited for the shows, dazzled by the creativity and just not want to leave! We’re working really hard to create shows that will stay with our guests and really evoke some emotion.

We also have to be really careful in ensuring that our designers are properly represented. Because some of our shows are collaborative events, it’s a balancing act of creating a really cohesive show that still feels true to the designer’s vision.

Q What were the stand out moments

of the spring/summer show in April?

A The YFW community is really strong and

supportive, so firstly it was wonderful to see everyone back, and actually quite emotional for me. That was my highlight. People from within the network have become such good friends too, so my stand out moment was getting to direct shows with people that I really admire. Everyone was cheering each other on and it was quite magical backstage.

In terms of highlights of the overall show though, I’d say one key thing was our team of models. Our models are real people with real lives and everyday worries, who really owned their moment on the runway, most for the very first time! And some of our models are NHS staff, so after the last two years especially, it felt wonderful to celebrate them.

Another key moment was Warpaint, which is fashion designed for those who might be undergoing treatment. The runway show featured models who are living with illness along with models who represented the network that supports them. It was an outstanding segment.

I also personally loved seeing the brands and business owners who just so bravely put themselves out there. Sonia Schofield hosting a makeup masterclass at Space NK, Kat Atkinson hosting a talk about her career in fashion at No.1 Guesthouse, and Boniface x Eliza Lamb welcomed guests into their studio. These events reached such a mix of guests, and in turn they’ve inspired a new crop of creatives for October.

And, of course, the talented students.

We worked with students from All Saints School, York College, East Riding College, Leeds Art University, York St. John, Northumbria University and more. Students put their work out there in such a brave way, and it felt like an honour to see what the designers of the future are working on and to create a platform for them.

Q What can we expect from

the October event?

A You can expect even more theatre and

even bigger fashion. We’re going big with our shows, and doubling capacity as our runway shows sold out in spring/summer.

We’ve got some fantastic designers travelling into the city from across the UK. And we have some beautiful collections, which I know will leave a lasting impression. It’s going to be a lot of fun and we’re aiming to make a real impact across the city.

yorkfashionweek.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Elegant Enamel Wear something fun this summer B y R AC H E L H O G G

FRY POWERS

BOOCHIER

BEA BONGIASCA

Unicorn Rainbow Silver, Enamel and Topaz Ring, £580 net-a-porter.com

Purple Fruit Hoops Bangle, £9,405 boochier.com

Baby Vine Tendril Baby Blue Enamel Ring, £395 net-a-porter.com

CARRIE ELIZABETH

EMILY P. WHEELER

ANNA + NINA

Eivissa Enamel Ring in Orange, £60 carrieelizabeth.co.uk

Tiered Gold, Enamel, Sapphire and Morganite Earrings, £4,675 net-a-porter.com

Gold-Plated Green Twirl Enamel Hoop Earrings, £60 libertylondon.com

KURT GEIGER

BOTTEGA VENETA

ALICE CICOLINI

Enamel Eagle Bangle in Fuschia, £99 kurtgeiger.com

Enamel and Sterling Silver Triangle Earrings in Wave, £715 matchesfashion.com

Memphis Candy Gold and Enamel Ring, £950 alicecicolini.com

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Beach ready Embrace the summer holidays with the latest from Joe Browns Sheffield and York, which features fresh looks in vibrant colours

J O E B ROW N S .CO.U K

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Your local Bupa care homes in and around Hertfordshire

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Here for you Whether you need to find a care home now or are just starting to look into the options. We can support you and your loved one with a range of needs, from nursing to residential, dementia, and short stay care. Talk to us about how we can help.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY S

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MIND & BODY Never has our physical and mental wellbeing been so important. It's been two years like no other and we are still suffering the consequences of a pandemic that refuses to go away. Work is harder, the days seem shorter, and happiness feels a distant dream for some. Hopefully the following pages will help to put a smile on your face and show how you can relax a little.

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Q&A

WARRICK BURTON

Rock

T H E

B O A T

We head to Huddersfield to open this healthcare special and speak to the driving force behind the eco-friendly Titanic Spa, Warrick Burton

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• XXXXX HEALTH &XXXXXXXX BEAUTY • PROFILE

Q When Titanic Spa opened in 2005, how did you want to be different?

A Back in 2005, sustainability wasn’t as topical as it is now, and it was simply just a passion that we had. Now, lots of businesses are feeling the pressure to be greener, and we’re lucky that we were ahead of the curve in that sense. Building the UK’s first eco spa wasn’t in a bid to be different, it was just something we were all passionate about and wanted to build on.

Q A textiles mill is an interesting setting for a spa. Why is the building perfect?

A Yes! The spa started life as an Edwardian textile mill called Titanic Mill, named so after being launched the same year as RMS Titanic in 1911. The mill was redeveloped into Titanic Spa in 2005, and set new standards in eco builds. The building is ideal for our spa because not only does it draw on the historical roots from the area, but it also meant we were able to ‘recycle’ such a beautiful building. Its positioning on the river also makes it ideal as water is at the heart of ‘spa’, and this means we have our very own natural water source.

Found 100m below the Spa, this was the original water source when the building was working as a mill. Today it provides fresh drinking water and bathing water for our plunge pool, salt regulated swimming pool, showers and ice experience. For an industry that uses lots of energy and water, we knew we’d have to put lots in place to make sure it wasn’t detrimental to the environment.

Q Were you ahead of the game when it came to sustainability?

A I’ve been with Titanic Spa from the very beginning of the project and was instrumental in the development of the build, to ensure it went above and beyond to meet its eco credentials. Whether it was making the decision on the solar panels to power the old Edwardian Mill, digging down to a bore hole to provide the spa with its

THE STUNNING BUILDING THAT HOUSES TITANIC SPA

“The spa started life as an Edwardian mill called Titanic Mill, named as it launched the same year as RMS Titanic” very own natural water source, or simply choosing the finer touches of food suppliers and what vegetable ink to use in marketing materials, I was a key part of the team and did extensive research into every step.

Q Why is sustainability important to you?

A In an industry which has the potential to

be quite damaging to the environment, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to make it as eco-friendly as possible, without sacrificing the guests’ experience, so continually researching new innovations is vital in upholding our reputation. For example, as a business that has high laundry turn around, we use an OTEX laundry system which is leading in energy efficiency and extremely powerful at cleaning too. This not only washes on a cool temperature, but also delivers continuous ozonated water that leaves our linen 100% disinfected. It also means we have no unnecessary transport to and from laundry services. This means our guests get the crisp, high standard of cleanliness they would expect at a spa, without any detriment to the environment.

Q What can you tell us about your collaboration with Born Free?

A It has been an honour to work with the Born Free Foundation this year with our ‘Spa for our Planet’ campaign. Born Free is a charity that works to help endangered animals, as well as environmental

conservation. It is more vital than ever to give back and take action when it comes to protecting wildlife and creating a more sustainable planet. We hope that we’ve helped to raise awareness of the animals in need, and through the ‘Spa for our Planet’ campaign, Titanic Spa have helped to raise funds to protect orangutans, moon bears and lions of Africa. It has been a really popular collaboration with our guests.

Q How would you sum up the spa experience you offer?

A We like to say that Titanic Spa offers a welcoming, guilt free, luxury experience, where the focus is placed an equal amount on the environment as it is our guests.

Q Are there any elements you are particularly proud of?

A I’m really proud of our team and how they make their guests feel happy and welcome.

In terms of our facilities, I’m delighted with our Titanic Heat and Ice Experience as it has something for everyone. Based on the ritual of bathing where the body is heated and then cooled by a series of experiences, the Titanic Heat and Ice Experience area guides your body through a sensory journey with the ultimate aim of inducing deep relaxation. I also love our Rasul Private Mud Chamber, a treatment inspired by ancient Egyptian bathing that helps to detoxify your skin. Guests selfA B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE

THE POOL

“Especially after the pandemic, now more than ever men need to feel confident visiting a spa for an escape” CAP THINGS OFF WITH AN OVERNIGHT STAY

Q What accommodation do you offer?

A With each of our overnight spa break

THE HEAT & ICE EXPERIENCE

apply organic mud to the body and face to help exfoliate and nourish. The herbal steam opens the pores to help draw out impurities, before a gentle tropical rain shower helps to ease the mud away. Idyllic!

Q Do you look to attract men as

well as women to the spa?

A Absolutely, I saw a saddening statistic recently that said 36% of men still believe there’s a stigma attached to them visiting spas, despite a quarter of men wanting to take better care of their wellbeing (22%).

At a time where men in particular are encouraged to talk more about their mental health, visiting a spa can be instrumental in your mindset towards your physical wellbeing. Especially after the pandemic, I think now more than ever men need to feel confident visiting a spa for an escape.

We have lots of couples booking in and our male guests really enjoy the experience.

We have a menu of face and body treatments tailored specifically to men.

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packages, guests receive access to a luxury apartment that includes a kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom. These luxury apartments can sleep between two and six guests across our range of one- and two-bedroom apartments. These self-contained apartments make Titanic an ideal home away from home, and we also provide a continental breakfast.

Q What does the Bistro and Bar1911 serve up?

A Serving brunch, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and evening meals, the Titanic Spa Bistro offers our guests various dining options to suit every need. Guests can end a relaxing spa day with a visit to our Bar1911 Cocktail and Champagne lounge, open from 6pm. We believe our guests should have access to high-quality food that enhances your spa experience and wellbeing. Our bistro offers fresh seasonal menus, dedicated to healthy eating and environmental responsibility. As our chef is vegan, we also offer a range of delicious vegan dishes, and wherever possible, we source organic and fair-trade ingredients choosing locally sourced, in-season produce which helps keep our food miles down

and bring benefits to our local community and the wider environment. Due to this it means our menu is always changing, which means it’s always dynamic.

Q Do you have anything special lined up for the rest of summer?

A We’ve just recently set up a new pop-up bar in our outdoor area, so this is ideal for the warmer summer months, and we are working on some wonderful new spa days and breaks packages for the rest of this year. We are also looking at new local partnerships that reflect Titanic Spa’s goals to work with so look forward to putting some exciting projects together!

titanicspa.com

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Specialists in bone and joint care

It’s why we’re one of the leading independent healthcare providers in the world.

Kindness, compassion, empathy… and knowing what matters most to our patients. These things are ingrained.

It’s what we call “People caring for people”. So from our quality private hospitals to our specialist consultants, delivering exceptional patient care remains at the heart of everything we do.

For fast access to treatment contact 01904 211 667 or visit cliftonparkhospital.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Anti-wrinkle and dermal filler treatments are advanced procedures and are carried out by their doctors who are experienced, expert injectors. Cutting-edge training ensures Dr Aneesha Ahmad and her aesthetic team are well aware of the potential risks and understand the anatomy of these areas, in order to create a safe and effective result.

Laser hair removal, using a revolution in laser technology, the Quanta MT Thunder – the world’s most advanced aesthetic laser.

MEDICAL MARVELS

Huddersfield-based Skyn Doctor offer a host of revolutionary and safe treatments, all delivered by the very best in the industry

S

o many business owners are forever seeking how they can be better than the competition – better product, better service, better features, and better price. This, coupled with the explosion in new cosmetic/aesthetic treatments, equals fierce competition and an abundance of procedures on offer from a multitude of clinics.

This has led to an increase of aesthetic providers and an industry which is shockingly unregulated. The unregulated landscape of the UK aesthetics industry is critical, so training needs, investment, requirements and obligations form an important element of what the experts do.

At Skyn Doctor, based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, they prefer to focus on excellence, expertise and experience,

Exilis Elite is an award-winning, FDAapproved non-invasive treatment with clinically proven technology and outstanding fat loss results; noticeably improving the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin on the face and neck.

The clinic invests in cutting-edge cosmetic technology, first-class equipment and the highest cosmetic training, offering a highclass service in a sophisticated environment.

Combined with excellent customer service and aftercare, and positive outcomes for their clients, they look forward to welcoming you to Skyn Doctor, Huddersfield. skyndoctor.co.uk

which is at the heart of what they deliver.

And, as a doctor-led clinic, they are always researching the latest, safest innovations and best non-surgical technology.

Skyn Doctor offers a distinctive combination of aesthetic, anti-ageing and regenerative treatments and skin solutions – diagnosing and treating routine and complex skin conditions – backed by sound medical advice. Their portfolio of treatments, delivered by a team of highly dedicated, enthusiastic and skilled therapists, includes: HydraFacial, a multi-step technology that brings your best skin to life, in an instant.

HydraFacial uses advanced technology to deeply boost essential nutrients to the skin and delivers powerful anti-oxidants to counteract damage caused by the sun, pollution and stress. It can also help with a variety of skin conditions.

DR ANEESHA AHMAD

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SWIMWEAR

ANDREAS SARDA Coco swimsuit, £182 ameliesfollies.co.uk

PEARL LOWE Venus swim hat, £60 pearllowe.co.uk

BAHIA MARIA Penelope bikini, £255 atterley.com

MAYGEL CORONEL Elcy orange ruffle swimsuit, £255 koibird.com

EDITOR’S PICK ASPIGA Halter neck recycled swimsuit shell marina blue, £130 aspiga.com

PEARL LOWE Ruby swimsuit, £195 pearllowe.co.uk

MAKE A SPLASH This summer's most fabulous swimwear

MASARA

By P E N D L E H A R T E

Coco bikini top, £85 masaramilano.com

CALARENA Bronze Effleuree swimsuit, £200 koibird.com

MEDINA Sunkiss bikini, £315 medinaswimwear.com

VERDELIMON San Juan cover up, £255 koibird.com

EBERJEY Loretta ruffle swimsuit, £220 eberjey.com

MEDINA Orange volley swimsuit, £240 medinaswimwear.com ADRIANA DEGREAS Solid purple bikini, £240 adrianadegreas.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50, £23 clinique.co.uk

KATE SOMERVILLE Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen, £46 katesomerville.co.uk

LA ROCHEPOSAY Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid, £18 laroche-posay.co.uk

GLOW HUB Defend Yourself Sun Silk, £12 glowhub.com

EDITOR’S PICK SISLEY

KIEHL’S

All Day All Year Protective Shield, £304 sisley-paris.com

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense, £40 kiehls.co.uk

SUPERGOOP! Glowscreen SPF 30, £32 cultbeauty.co.uk

SAVE FACE Enjoy the sun, and avoid the damage, we've found our favourite SPFs

GLOSSIER Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen, £20 glossier.com

CLINIQUE Superdefense Moisturiser SPF40, £43 clinique.co.uk

REN SKINCARE Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30, £33 renskincare.com

B SLO T E LY. A BA SO UL TU E LY m aLgOaNzD i nOeNs

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The Huddersfield Hospital 07771990172

Health Group

01484 550491 Birkby Hall Road, Huddersfield, HD2 2BL

Orthopaedic Services • Steroid Injections • Knee Arthroscopy

• Knee Replacement • ACL repair

• Hip Replacement • X-ray and MRI scans

You can also apply to Spread the cost of your treatment interest free for 12 months Dates to suit you

Visit the website at www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/The-Huddersfield-Hospital or contact the hospital directly on 01484 550491 to find out more today CIRCLE.indd 86

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

the day case pathway isn’t for everyone, so if you require an overnight stay then the friendly team at the hospital will continue your recovery on site.

The hospital’s orthopaedic lower limb consultants such as Ben Brooke, Jeya Palan and Neil Hunt have also adopted the hospital model with their anaesthetists, working with the clinical teams on site to complete day case knee replacements in their practice. Ben Brooke, alongside fellow orthopaedic colleague Sameh Sidhom, has also extended the pathway to include day case hip replacements.

THE HUDDERFSIELD HOSPITAL

GAME CHANGER We find out more about pioneering knee replacement surgery, with patients admitted and home on the same day

T

he Huddersfield Hospital – part of Circle Health Group – is a private surgical hospital with on-site consulting rooms, two theatres and 29 en-suite private bedrooms. The hospital, since being taken over from BMI, has had lots of investment including refurbishment throughout and the facilities, combined with the latest technology and onsite services, enable their consultants to undertake a wide range of procedures from routine investigations to complex surgery.

The hospital offers services including cosmetic surgery, dermatology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, general surgery, spinal surgery and urology.

But paving the way for treatment is the hospital’s orthopaedic service. The hospital has pioneered the day case knee replacement surgery alongside renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Graham Walsh.

Back in February 2018, Mr Walsh and anaesthetist Dr Nisha Bhuskute trialled their enhanced recovery pathway for the first time, alongside the nursing, theatre and physiotherapy teams at the hospital. Their patient was the first to be admitted and discharged on the same day, revolutionising the service. Since then, they have carried out hundreds of day case knee replacements, all with astonishing success.

Whilst this recovery pathway has been perfected and embedded within the hospital, it’s important to remember that GRAHAM WALSH AND NISHA BHUSKUTE

WHAT TO EXPECT PRIOR TO SURGERY At your consultation, the consultant will discuss with you your diagnosis and the treatment plan required. If you are a potential candidate for the enhanced recovery pathway, they will talk to you about what it involves and give you some take home literature to read. As a private patient you will have a direct line to your very own contact at the hospital that will discuss your fixed price package and ensure your journey at the hospital runs smoothly.

When you are happy to proceed, and you have discussed dates with your liaison, you will have a pre-assessment to discuss your medical history and carry out any required tests (all included in your package price).

On the same day their physiotherapy team will discuss the day case knee replacement with you and ensure your bespoke recovery package is ready. When signed off fit for surgery, your liaison will go through the next steps and ensure the team get you all the relevant paperwork for your stay.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF SURGERY For a day case knee replacement, you will attend the hospital for a 7am admission and get checked in to your private en-suite room. The nursing team along with the physios, anaesthetist and consultant will all come and introduce themselves and talk you through the day. After surgery the physio team will get started on your recovery straight away. When the team, consultant and more importantly you are happy to go home you will be given all the necessary information and the hospital will schedule check in times to ensure your recovery is going to plan.

For more visit circlehealthgroup.co.uk or call 01484 550491 / 07771990172

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS AT A SUMMER SOLSTICE EVENT

EBRU EVRIM

A F O R

Y E N Y O G A

Yoga's popularity has never been stronger than today. Interested in taking it up?

Here’s where to get started

T

By EBRU EVRIM

he central principle of yoga lies in focussing on the combined inner forces of mind, body and spirit, with several different styles that you can practice to hone your skill. Before launching headlong into having a go, it’s worth exploring some of the options to decide which yoga style will suit you.

These are some of the most popular:

PHOTOS: HEIDI MARFITT

HATHA YOGA The word hatha means force and this style of yoga, dating back to the first century, features physical techniques known as asanas to channel the vital life force or energy.

In practical terms you might expect a hatha yoga class to involve all aspects of the body. Pranayama breathing exercises teach measured breath control through

precise movement into specific positions, to enhance your balance, the alignment of your spine, flexibility and strength.

If you practise hatha yoga regularly you will notice improvement in your range of movement and relief from aches and pains as you ease out your muscles and stretch deep into your tissues in a gradual controlled way.

YIN AND YANG YOGA A very slow-paced style of yoga that involves less exertion than Hatha, Yin follows principles of Chinese medicine.

Involving meditation and inner silence, each asanas position is held still for much longer – up to ten minutes.

Yin concentrates pressure on the connective tissues – tendons and ligaments – to improve circulation in the joints and increase flexibility. Blocks, bricks or bolsters are generally used to help support your posture during each exercise. A guided

session will teach you how to relax, unwind and focus on being present in the moment.

Yang yoga by contrast is more dynamic and flowing with more active movement to increase blood flow with rhythm and repetition. The two styles Yin and Yang complement each other well when practiced together alternately in a session.

ASHTANGA YOGA The physical aspect of this form of yoga makes it appealing to those who are keen to improve or maintain their fitness as it also serves as a form of physical exercise and discipline. However, it is not about pushing yourself too hard or too far as that would go against the very philosophy of yoga to protect and nurture your whole being. It features a flowing sequence of set poses that include standing, seated, lying and inversions to build strength and flexibility in the body and the mind.

Making meditation, yoga and Pilates accessible across the world, Ebru Evrim is an entrepreneurial woman at the forefront of spreading the magic of spiritual wellness. She has opened her second Yorkshire studio this summer in Harrogate, has her own brand of Activewear fashion, runs luxury retreat holidays at home and abroad, and has an enviable Instagram following worldwide @realebruevrim A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TUB THERAPY How installing a hot tub can set you on the way to better health and wellbeing W o r d s C A S P A R D AV I D

S

itting in a hot tub may be a pleasurable way to spend the evening – but there are countless health benefits too. Hydrotherapy is a whole-body therapeutic treatment that can help with all kinds of conditions including arthritis, stress, headaches, diabetes, muscle and joint injuries, bursitis, tendonitis, scoliosis and fibromyalgia. Plus it’s an excellent form of pain relief too.

Warm water helps to stimulate the body and release endorphins. Warmth

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can help your blood vessels to open up and reduce blood pressure, while massage jets stimulate circulation.

Pressure is taken off joints and limbs as you float, and muscles loosen and relax.

For conditions such as arthritis, simply taking the pressure off joints in a hot tub can provide relief. Studies show that hot tub therapy can help with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar, normalising blood pressure, enhancing insulin sensitivity and encouraging weight loss.

Hot water helps create a balance in your nervous system and encourages your body’s

release of natural feel-good hormones such as endorphins and dopamine, resulting in feeling happier and relaxed.

Additionally, the heat can help open up lung capacity for greater oxygen intake and thereby reduce the risk of heart attack.

HOT TUB HAVEN Whether it is for long relaxing evenings beneath the stars, kicking back with a glass of bubbles after a challenging day or enjoying sunny weekends of fun time with the kids, who wouldn’t want a fabulous hot tub in their back garden?

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

“HOT WATER ENCOURAGES YOUR BODY’S RELEASE OF NATURAL FEEL-GOOD HORMONES”

ARTESIAN ELITE AT HOT TUB HAVEN

ORLESTONE OAK HOT TUB GAZEBO

Hot tub owners enjoy significant health benefits. Numerous scientific studies and masses of customer feedback prove that regular use of a hot tub can reduce stress, relieve muscle pain, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, help prevent heart disease, reduce headaches, help in weight loss and even benefit mental health by diminishing feelings of anxiety.

Are hot tubs costly to run? If you buy a cheap Chinese hot tub or an inflatable, you could see your electricity bills soar, but buy a genuine Americanmade, energy-efficient hot tub like the award-winning range made by Artesian Spas in Nevada and it should only cost between 80p and £1 a day in electricity.

Artesian Spas are also among the most eco-friendly and easiest to maintain

hot tubs you can buy; they require no chlorine, just a small amount of the more gentle and user-friendly bromine, due to their built in Ozone sanitizers.

Hot Tub Haven has many years experience in the hot tub industry, and their showroom displays the most popular models in the Artesian range; their friendly expert staff will help you choose exactly the right hot tub for you. hottubhaven.co.uk

MALVERN HOT TUBS A hot tub and gazebo make a practical combination. Putting a roof over your spa gives you privacy, shade and shelter. Malvern's premium gazebos are made from sustainable redwood in a choice of sizes, roof styles and side sections. Personalise your building by adding a bar, louvre screens, painted Hi-Lite roof finish and bespoke clear or marine grade canvas panels.

Malvern Hot Tubs & Spas offer hot tubs and swim spas by four brands – Hydropool, Coven, Aspen and Garden Leisure – to cater for individual requirements and budgets. malvernhottubs.co.uk/hot-tub-gazebos

ORLESTONE OAK Orlestone Oak creates gazebos specifically to go over hot tubs. These structures feature a full handmade oak frame bespoke to customer specification and made up of mortice and tenon joints that are traditionally pegged together.

Just 20 minutes immersed in warm water at around 37oC dilates your blood vessels and improves circulation, which helps move inflammatory substances away from the joints, muscles and tendons. Combining this heat with pulsating hot tub jets is the perfect recipe to relax your muscles.

Today’s advanced hot tubs are even fitted with powerful massage jets that can replicate the petrissage (kneading, knuckling and wringing), effleurage (gentle, flowing strokes), and tapotement (rhythmic tapping using the edges of the hands) strokes a professional masseuse would use to relieve your muscle tension. orlestoneoak.co.uk

MALVERN HOT TUBS

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HEALTHXXXXXXXX & BEAUTY •• XXXXX FOCUS

Press

PAUSE

Dawn Fable, the founder of CBD brand Press Pause, shares her advice prioritising self-care

By R AC H E L H O G G

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

PRESS PAUSE FOUNDER, DAWN FABLE

Q Why do you think so many women struggle to prioritise caring for themselves?

A Well, frankly, because we are too busy looking after everyone else. As women we do it all, and are often so busy ensuring everyone around us is taken care of that we do not prioritize taking care of ourselves. In doing so, we compromise our own health and wellness. The mission of Press Pause is to change this narrative, even if it's helping just one person.

Q What advice would you give to women

“When a woman takes charge of her wellbeing, she impacts everything she touches” Q What separates Press Pause

Q How do you incorporate CBD

trying to build a self-care ritual?

A It is single-handedly the most important thing we can do for ourselves and others. Self-care rituals serve as a reminder that we as women deserve those moments of "PAUSE" to recharge.

When a woman takes charge of her wellbeing, she impacts everyone and everything she touches. In our opinion, a well woman can do just about anything.

from other CBD brands?

A Press Pause is more than a CBD brand.

Not only do we have high-quality lifestyle products that appeal to several important pillars of women's health, but Press Pause represents a movement, a community and advocacy for women's wellbeing. A brand, for women, by women with a very important mission of starting important conversations around important topics.

nature to help a woman throughout her day and life cycle. Our SOOTHE comforting body balm is incredible, I just toss it in my bag and use it throughout my day to help ease sore muscles, inflammation and tension headaches. The SOAK lavender bath salts also make for a great end-of-day relaxation ritual.

Q Who did you have in mind when

Q Can you describe your

Q Do you have any advice for

you created Press Pause?

A I wanted to create a lifestyle brand that addresses a number of issues we as women struggle with as well as educate women about the healing benefits of CBD. Many CBD products, including ours, are crafted to boost women's wellbeing and support us through the different pillars of women's health, including hormonal, sexual, physical and mental wellbeing. Beyond our products, however, I saw the opportunity to create a movement in the power of Pressing Pause.

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personal journey with CBD? A As a working mother of three, drowning in my own beautiful disaster I never prioritized myself. I was introduced to CBD and it had life-changing effects on my overall wellbeing. Like many women, I found myself silently struggling without a safe space to open up about topics that were not being discussed. This inspired me to create a community where I could share my very real and raw struggles as a woman while educating about the healing benefits of CBD.

into your daily ritual?

A Our products are very ritualistic in

nervous first-time CBD users?

A I always encourage others to do their

research, fortunately this industry has come a long way and there are some tremendous resources out there. When considering what brand to use, as there are so many options, it's important to check the credentials and quality of the products.

I always recommend topicals as an easy entry point to experience the benefits.

presspauseproject.com

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Your daughter.

Our priority.

Since 1878.

Our Sixth Formers have been leaders and change-makers since 1878. Be part of the next generation.

Email enquiries@she.gdst.net to book a visit at any time during the year. sheffieldhighschool.org.uk SHEFFIELD GIRLS.indd 95

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OPEN DAY Saturday 24th September 10am - 1pm Book Online www.tranby.org.uk

A T H R I V I N G A N D A M B I T I O U S C O - E D U C AT I O N A L D AY S C H O O L , A G E D 3 - 1 8 Tranby Croft, Anlaby, East Yorkshire, HU10 7EH Tel: 01482 657016 TRANBY SCHOOL.indd 96

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E D U C AT I O N

PERFECT BLEND T R A N BY S C H O O L

Tranby is a thriving 3-18 HMC co-educational day school. They provide a carefully judged blend of academic challenge, pastoral support and extra-curricular opportunity amid the glorious surroundings of the historically significant Tranby Croft. You are warmly invited to join them for their Open Day in September. tranby.org.uk

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ADVENTURE HOLIDAY At a loss how to keep the children busy over the summer?

There’s plenty you can do, while learning at the same time too

By S U E L A I D L AW

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EDUCATION • FEATURE

W

ell, another academic year is over and another long summer holiday stretches ahead.

School is out for everyone. Here at Laidlaw Education, we always have questions from parents about what work and activities will benefit their children through the holidays. In other words, how do we keep the young minds of our children ticking over?

For the Latin scholars amongst you, perhaps the clue lies in the word, “education”. The noun “educatio” can be translated in a number of ways obviously “education”, but also “bringing up”, “training” and “instructing”. All these translations seem excellent starting points for guidance on how to spend the summer holidays.

So, in answer to the question that so many parents consider, the answer is simple

– balance all the wonderful opportunities that weeks of no school can embrace.

You will, no doubt, take them out and about – to the local park, to woodlands, to the seaside – and maybe, at last, to overseas destinations. Outings and expeditions do not have to be planned, children love to explore with you. It may be as simple as playing in the garden, watching a snail, chasing a butterfly, playing in the water sprinkler. All these things are “bringing up” children in the way they should go – and educating them.

I have also written, on many occasions, of the need to let children get bored. In other words, have times when you don’t organise them or make plans. Days of nothing can lead to creativity. I can still remember, as a child, playing in the garden until dusk – our bare feet could feel the evening dampness of the grass. I can remember being told to “put everything away” – the bits and pieces that had formed the obstacle course. It is much the same for my own children – the dog was constantly asked

“Sailing, kayaking, pottery... There is so much around to absorb” to be an active participant in the obstacle course, and the companion in the tent!

All these opportunities are the substance of childhood, and I am sure that so many of you will recall similar happy days.

And of course, there are opportunities for education, hence training. Wonderful opportunities to learn how to sail or kayak or throw pottery, there is so much around to absorb young minds.

It would be naive not to address academic opportunities and, at Laidlaw, we have planned a rich, creative and varied program of courses and lessons.

A morning or afternoon or a few lessons each week is a good balance amongst all the other opportunities and adventures that the summer weeks will hold. The key is to present everything in a targeted and fun way and present academic work creatively. As well as courses and lessons delivered by professionals, you might enjoy a few suggestions of how to present academic work to your children.

My wonderful, non-teacher husband hit the jackpot with our children one summer. He took them on local adventure walks to aid their creative writing – one daughter was taken to the fish and chip shop, bought fish and chips and sat eating them out of newspaper with Daddy, on the church steps. “Smell, taste and listen, and then we will think of all the words that we can think of to describe everything!

You know Mummy wouldn’t approve, so we will tell her when we have finished!”

Such is the fun of summer – and how could Mummy disapprove of that?

Enjoy all that the summer holidays have to offer to your children.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, and her team offer educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall supporting children with special needs, and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Book courses and find out more by calling 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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an unforgettable

y e n r u o j

We are happy.

We are sucessful.

We are Cundall Manor School.

Enquire today about one of the north’s leading independent schools for boys and girls aged 2 to 16. cundallmanorschool.com admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk 01423 360 200

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

FOREST SCHOOL IS KEY AT CUNDALL MANOR

FRESH

START

The new school year will see Cundall Manor welcome a new Headmaster.

Absolutely Yorkshire meets him

By MARK KEBBLE

C

undall Manor is situated in a magnificent 28-acre site in the Vale of York, between Ripon and Thirsk in North Yorkshire. It is ranked in the top 9% of independent schools in the UK. It is a community of committed and enthusiastic teaching staff, visionary governors and supportive parents. Cundall’s aim is simply to ensure that each and every child who goes to the

school is fully prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Head Amanda Kirby will be retiring at the end of this academic year. Mrs Kirby has been at the school for almost 20 years, eight of which as Headmistress. The baton is being passed to Christopher James-Roll who will start with the school in September 2022. Mr James-Roll is joining Cundall from Sherfield School in Hampshire where he currently holds the position of Senior Deputy Head. Here he explains why this was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse.

CHRISTOPHER JAMES-ROLL

Q Can you give us an overview of your career in education to date?

A I graduated from Liverpool University in 1996 and went on to enjoy a career in financial services. I retrained in 2009 to pursue a passion for teaching and have since taught and led schools in both the state and independent sectors. As Head of Physics and housemaster at an independent boys’ school, I realised my passion for developing the whole child; as Director of Science and PE at a large state school on the Isle of Wight, the focus was on academic outcomes. I joined Sherfield School as Director of Teaching and Learning in 2017 and was soon asked to take the reins as Acting Headmaster. Since 2018 I have enjoyed the role of Senior Deputy Head.

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

CUNDALL MANOR

Q Why were you keen to take on the headship at Cundall Manor?

A I have been fortunate to work in many outstanding environments, learning from a wide range of experiences and talented individuals. The philosophy at Cundall Manor School embodies a culture of empowering young people to grow into confident young adults in an environment where they have fun as they learn; the opportunity to lead such an exciting school was one not to be missed.

Q What will Cundall Manor be known for?

A High quality teaching and learning

linked to a broad, balanced extra curricula programme designed to bridge the traditional learning experiences with the development of character education.

Q What opportunities are offered

outside of the classroom?

A Cundall prepares children for life in modern society; the need for emotional awareness anad life-skills is greater than ever. Learning outside of the classroom enriches a child’s experience as they see real-life applications of classroom learning.

As we return to normal after the pandemic, Cundall pupils benefit from learning outside, including in our Wildwoods and across

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“The development of a robust character curriculum will be a particular focus” our 30 acres of parkland to exploring the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, UK and overseas trips, providing challenging and exciting experiences that will help set them up for success in life beyond school.

Q Are you looking to introduce anything new?

A My particular passion is developing all-round, engaging learning experiences, so the development of a robust character curriculum, designed to build children’s skills for the future, will be a particular focus.

Q Is there one thing you cannot wait to be involved in?

A The community. The school is at the

very heart of it; parents of Cundall are passionate about the school and much of the success of a school depends upon the skill, knowledge and passion of the staff. I am keen to work with staff and pupils to be the best they can be. Oh, and the annual Go-Kart race of course!

Q What are your hopes for the new school year ahead?

A I hope schools will be bold as we leave the pandemic behind. Communities must re-connect with confidence to work closely together again. This underpins success at Cundall where diversity is celebrated and kindness is central.

cundallmanorschool.com

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VISIT YARM SCHOOL W HO L E S C H O OL OP E N M O R N I N G S AT U R DAY 2 4 T H S E P T E M B E R , 9 . 0 0 - 1 2 . 0 0 Life at Yarm is a real adventure. If you’d like to feel the warmth of our community and experience what ‘Educating for Life’ really means, register for our Open Morning.

OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC SUCCESS

EXTENSIVE EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

ENABLING INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS

OVER £30M SPENT ON SUPERB FACILITIES

UNRIVALLED SPORTING AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS ISI INSPECTION

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.YARMSCHOOL.ORG/OPEN-DAY-22 Yarm School The Friarage, Yarm TS15 9EJ E: head@yarmschool.org T: 01642 786023

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Yarm Preparatory School Grammar School Lane, Yarm TS15 9ES E: prepschool@yarmschool.org T: 01642 781447

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Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside

Call to arrange a private tour or join us at our next Open Day on 1st October

Welcoming day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from Year 3

Over 80% of our students go on to their first choice university

81% A*/A achieved at A Level

|

Rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI 2019

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate “To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

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EDUCATION • NEWS

EDU CATION NEWS The latest from schools across Yorkshire

Wor thy winner

Full STEM ahead

Ackworth School would like to wish a huge congratulations to pupil Harriet for being awarded the Old Scholar Cup 2022.

Harriet is a wonderful ambassador for the school and a fantastic role model for the younger generations. Her achievements throughout the school have proved what a dedicated, creative, and passionate person she is, coaching junior hockey teams, netball teams, as well as junior athletics. One member of staff records that she will turn up to the ‘opening of an envelope’ in order to show solidarity with her peers. Harriet has overcome significant personal adversity to get through to today. It is rare to see a pupil so devoted to their studies and extra-curricular activities. Staff and other pupils have benefited from her kind, emphatic sensitivity and they all hold her in great respect. ackworthschool.com

Sheffield Girls’ have announced the prestigious appointment of both Head of School, Nina Gunson, and Head of Infant and Juniors, Christopher Hald, to Visiting Fellowships at STEM Learning. STEM Learning is the largest provider of STEM education and careers support in the UK, working to develop and support the expertise of teachers and school and college leaders, inspire groups and communities, and engage employers and industry. The duo will be joining a highly successful organisation with a vision to achieve “a world-leading STEM education for all young people across the UK”. As experts in their field as both science teachers and school leaders, and in their new capacity as Visiting Fellows, Gunson and Hald will support the next phase of development at STEM Learning. sheffieldhighschool.org.uk

F I R ST H A N D EXPERIENCE Yarm School is a co-educational day school recognised for its leading academic success, extensive extracurricular programme, nurturing environment, and unrivalled sporting and performance opportunities.

Recently both the Senior and Prep Schools achieved the highest possible judgements in all categories in its ISI Inspection reports. Both the Prep and Senior Schools met all of the standards for the Compliance Inspection, and both were judged ‘Excellent’ – the highest outcome in the Educational Quality Inspection. If you’re interested in finding out more about what life is really like at Yarm, their next whole school

Open Morning will take place on Saturday 24 September 2022 between 9am-12 noon. As well as a timetable of activities that will take place throughout the morning, including talks, science experiments, dance, design technology, music, drama and sport, pupils and staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide personal tours. yarmschool.org/open-day-22

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WHAT WILL YOU

DISCOVER? OPEN EVENT

Saturday 8th October 2022 (Rishworth and Heathfield Open Morning)

Rishworth is a vibrant independent, co-educational, boarding and day school set in 140 acres of stunning rural countryside. With its own Preparatory School, Heathfield, it offers a continuous education for children from age 3 to 18.

As well as specified Open Day events, we are welcoming families to visit us for pre-booked personal tours conducted at your convenience.

To find out more or to book an appointment, please call

Scholarships & Bursaries available

Flexi & Weekly Boarding available

01422 822 217

or email

admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk

Visit us at www.rishworth-school.co.uk or call 01422 822 217

AND

H E AT H F I E L D P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L

View our virtual tour

Rishworth, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom HX6 4QA. E: admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk

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TOP SUMMER M U ST READ 8+

From an exploration of trees and the inspiring life of Leonardo Da Vinci, to a new edition of a book about the ultimate ‘keel’ hero and a mystery out at sea, here’s our pick of great reads for August

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Life of Invention

by Jake Williams PAVI L I O N , £1 2 .9 9

T

he life of Leonardo Da Vinci is a worthy subject for any age group, but Jake Williams combines context and detail to make the story fascinating for younger readers. It begins with an exploration of the man – reminding us that in his lifetime the world’s most celebrated polymath thought of himself as a failure.

Then the book covers his achievements, dividing them up into The Natural World, Inventions and Work of Art. It’s an inspiring dip-in guide to encourage further reading and exploration of both his life and his inventiveness.

8+

THE RIDDLE OF THE SEA

by Jonne Kramer translated by Laura Watkinson Illustrated by Karl James Mountford PICCA D ILLY, £7.9 9

First published in the Netherlands in 2019, and now translated by Laura Watkinson, Jonne Kramer’s debut novel was nominated for several prizes, including the Dutch Children’s Jury Prize. It’s a gripping yarn centred on Ravian’s search for his fisherman father. Troubled by the stories of The Night Raider and fearsome Pirate Bank, he sets out with his trusty seagull friend Marvin.

The adventure that follows includes an encounter with a bad-tempered pirate, help from a kind boy and epic battles with storms and giant squid.

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EDUCATION • BOOKS

6+

THE YOUNG DESIGNERS

Editor's pick

by Paul Smith illustrated by Sam Usher PAVILION, £12 .99

This is the second book from the iconic British designer Sir Paul Smith detailing the adventures of the famous designer Mr Brown (a monkey) and his assistant Moose. In this story, Moose is put in charge of the office when Rainbow Class schoolchildren come to learn how to be a designer. A madcap trip round London for design inspiration and a mishap with the new-season collection ensue, but all ends well. It’s a fun read, and with delightful illustrations by Sam Usher.

2+

4+

THE WILD GARDEN

All Around Bustletown: Nighttime

by Cynthia Cliff PRE STEL , £11.99

The Wild Garden centres on two distinct patches of land in Mirren. There’s the orderly community garden and, on the other side of the wall, a lush wilderness of trees, meadows and pond. This is where Jilly, her dog Bleu and her grandfather explore nature and forage, so they are unhappy when the community decide to tame the wild place. But a plan is agreed that encourages the best of both worlds – produce to eat and space for nature. Clear text and evocative illustrations make this a great introduction to gardening and the benefits of working together.

by Rotraut Susanne Berner PRESTEL, £9.99

7+

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES

by Ben Lerwill illustrated by Kaja Kajfež

WELBECK EDITIONS , £14.99

This fact-packed book tells stories about the world’s trees – from the ancient Bristlecone Pine in the White Mountains of California to the vast Montezuma Cypress in Santa Maria del Tule, Mexico. Travel writer Ben Lerwill brings a globetrotter’s perspective to the most distinctive trees of every region of the planet. There’s also plenty of scientific information – from trees’ ‘family trees’ to the wonders of pollination and collaborative root systems.

Illustrations by Kaja Kajfež add detail and a sense of place in a book that will inspire budding botanists and geographers alike.

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his new book in the Bustletown series explores life in the busy town after dark.

As ever, wonderfully vivid illustrations by Rotraut Susanne Berner bring a whole community to life.

The large format size and sturdy boards make it a perfect way to engage toddlers with the world of books, with minimal text but lots to explore in each of the seven illustrations.

Each of the scenes can be used to help children identify familiar objects and activities and discuss what’s going on in the pictures.

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

SUMMER DAYS The mama and mini collection from German brand Liilu is inspired by the simple things in life. Made from 100% organic cotton, the brand’s signature muslin is designed to protect little ones’ sensitive skin and each piece is crafted under fair working conditions in Portugal. @liiluorganics liilu.de

In this section:

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Everything you need to get away

•

TRAVEL NOTES

Family friendly destinations

•

TOT GEAR

P H O T O G R A P H Y: E S P E R A N Z A M OYA

The latest parenting launches

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Holiday Packing Carly Glendinning rounds up everything you need to get away with little ones

DRY O F F LIEWOOD

Drying off at the beach or pool is much easier with this poncho towel from Liewood.

Perfect for snuggling up after a long day of splashing and sandcastle making, or for staying out of the sun. £35 liewood.com

Summer Breeze

SHADES OF COOL LONDON

A traditional Indian summer blanket, this dohar from Shades of Cool London is made from three layers of beautifully soft ‘Mul-Mul’ cotton. The layers trap cool air in the summer months, helping to regulate little ones’ temperature as they snooze. £45 shadesofcoollondon.com

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LET’S GO STOKKE

Stokke’s summer collection has everything you’ll need to make travelling with little ones a breeze. From the JetKids™ by Stokke® BedBox for comfy plane travel, to the foldable Flexi Bath® Tub, quick assemble Clikk™ High Chair and easy-to-transport CloudSleeper™ JetKids™ by Stokke® Inflatable Kids’ Bed. stokke.com

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mama TRAVEL

BUYS

5 T R AV E L

E S SENTIAL S Make sure to pack these must-have products

SAND CASTLES

1

OYOY LIVING DESIGN

This beach set from OYOY Living Design is made from silicone, so there’s no need to worry about it taking up too much space in your suitcase. We love the cute moulds it comes with, which are perfect for sand castle building. £41 oyoylivingdesign.co.uk

SLEEP ANYWHERE BABYBJÖRN

Super lightweight but sturdy, this travel cot from BabyBjörn couldn’t be easier to assemble.

The comfy mattress makes it a cosy place to sleep wherever your family travels to. £247 babybjorn.co.uk

Editor’s Pick

Easy Rider

LECLERC

Super lightweight and with a onetouch auto-folding mechanism, the Influencer Stroller from Leclerc Baby is perfect for travelling with your little one. It also fits in most overhead airplane compartments. £378 leclercbaby.com

2

3 54 1. Infantino, Convertible Carrier, £40; amazon.co.uk 2. Tonies, Toniebox Starter Set, £79.99; tonies.com 3. Djeco, Graphic Suitcase, £27.99; tickety-boo.co.uk 4. My Carry Potty, Pastel Green Carry Potty, £26.99; mycarrypotty.com 5. Snoozeshade, Travel Cot Cover, £59.99; snoozeshade.com

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Same base, next stage Same base, next stage Same base, next stage

™ The NEXT system offers ultimate flexibility with fourwith solutions for the fourfour years, ™ ™ offers The NEXT system ultimate flexibility flexibility four solutions forfirst the years, The NEXT system offers ultimate with four solutions forfirst the first four years, convenientlyconveniently using one base for all compatible products. using one base for all compatible products. conveniently using one base for all compatible products. ™ ™ BASE next offers ultimate adaptibility as the foundation of a modular system compatible with ASE next offers ultimate adaptibility as the foundation of a modular system compatible with ™ BASE as the foundation of a modular ™next offers ultimate adaptibility ™system compatible with ™ ™ seat; PIPA™ next, our versatile infant car seat; ARRA ™ CARI next, a carry cot car next, our lie-flat infant next, a carry cot car seat; PIPA next, our ™ versatile infant car seat; ARRA next, our ™ lie-flat infant ™ PIPA next, our versatile infant car seat; ARRA next, our lie-flat infant carry cot car seat; CARI™ next, a car seat; and TODL next, a sleek seat that grows with baby from newborn to toddler. car seat; and TODL™ next, a sleek seat that grows with baby from newborn to toddler. sleek seat that grows with baby from newborn to toddler. car seat; and TODL™ next, a Find out more at Nunababy.com Find out more at Nunababy.com Find out more at Nunababy.com

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ma m a

TRAVEL

TROPICAL FUN H I LT O N S E YC H E L L E S L A B R I Z R E S O R T & S PA

This summer Hilton Seychelles Labriz is launching CampCation – an activity program for kids aged 6-12. Little holiday makers will have the chance to experience different sports and activities while making new friends. hilton.com

mama’s

T R AV E L NOTES

Carly Glendinning rounds up the most exciting family travel destinations we love

SUMMER IN THE CITY

REST & RELAX

ROOM 2

C R I L L O N L E B R AV E

Room 2’s Chiswick property is located within minutes of the area’s leafy green spaces. The hometel provides a calm and adaptable space for families. Independent kitchenettes allow families to cook what they want when they want and are perfect for fussy little ones. room2.com

Picture-perfect Provencal Hotel Crillon Le Brave has introduced French natural babycare brand, Minois, as its new amenity partner. Welcome surprises await little guests upon arrival, including Minois products, bibs, bathrobes, and slippers. crillonlebrave.com

3 d e s t i n a t i o n s f o r FA M I LY W E L L N E S S Quinta do Lago Nestled in the picturesque Algarve region, luxury leisure and lifestyle resort Quinta do Lago has a wide variety of fitness and wellness activities on offer for kids and parents to enjoy.

Wind jammer Landing

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Pamper the whole family with one of the resort's spa packages, which include couples massages for parents, as well as braiding and mini manicures for little ones.

This golf resort has plenty on offer for active families this summer. Your little ones will love the countless pools and kids club activities.

quintadolago.com

windjammer-landing.com

windhamhotels.com

ALGARVE

ST LUCIA

TENERIFE

KIDS FITNESS AT QUINTA DO LAGO

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Your ride. Your way. i-Level™ Recline infant seat

calmi™ R129 car cot*

i-Harbour™ toddler seat

1 base. 3 car seat options. 4 years of ease.

Spin any way from birth to four years with Joie's revolutionary spinning system. Start with i-Base Encore, pick your perfect seat, and spin on, and on, and on!

Available at Boots, John Lewis, Mamas & Papas and Very and all good independent nursery retailers. *Note calmi™ R129 car cot doesn’t spin on the i-Base™ Encore

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share the joy at joiebaby.com

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mam a

TOT GEAR

SLEEP HEROES SERAPHINE

Seraphine has just launched their new Easy Zip Cotton Sleepsuit that aims to make baby changing easier and also reduce waste. The clever design has a two way zip opening as well as roll down arms and legs to enable longer wear, £49 for a pack of three. seraphine.com

TOT GEAR

Inspired kit to make parenting easier

CUDDLE UP

LOVED

by MAMA

by Carly Glendinning

What we’re using for our own babies this month

B I B S K AN GAROO CU D D LE CLOTH

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MOOCHICBABY Designed in London and made in Jaipur, MoochicBaby’s products are handcrafted by the brand’s talented team of artisans using an age-old block printing technique.

We love their super cute muslins, blankets, pyjamas and towels. moochicbaby.co.uk

SWEET DREAMS SNÜZ

The SnüzFino range is a stylish new nursery furniture collection from the designers behind the iconic SnüzPod Bedside Crib. The collection comprises a cot bed, changing unit and wardrobe, which can be purchased as a set or individually. snuz.co.uk

y daughter has recently started nursery and as she only goes part time, it’s taking a little bit longer for her to settle in. The nursery suggested a ‘lovie’ to help her feel more secure, she’s very affectionate and loves cuddling her toys. A new launch for Danish brand BIBS, The Kangaroo Cuddle Cloth has been just the thing.

Made from super soft organic cotton, it has textured kangaroo ‘ears’ that my daughter loves to stroke. It also has a clever pacifier ring and pocket, so that she can find her dummy easily at nap time.

The Kangaroo Cuddle cloth comes in a range of beautifully muted shades, that all match with BIBS pacifiers. It washes beautifully and is perfect for providing comfort for little ones whenever they need it. My daughter has been carrying hers around with her constantly since it arrived and it’s definitely made the transition to nursery a little bit easier.

Kangaroo Cuddle Cloth, £17.50 bibsworld.com

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062204-Hero-Rodgers-AbsoYork-Aw.pdf

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07:58

For modern living g It should always be Rodgers Fabric and leather sofas & chai chairs, beds bed be ds & bed bedr bedroom roo oom m ffurniture, urni ur nitu ture re, dining din di ning furn furni furniture, itur ture e, flo floor flooring, orin ing g, soft furnishings and lighting.

Monks Cross, York, YO32 9JR Tel: 01904 610570 Email: sales@rodgersofyork.co.uk Web: www.rodgersofyork.co.uk Take a break in the Rodgers Tea Room for morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea.

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INTERIORS

N O RT HER N LI G HT HADELAND

The Hadeland lighting portfolio, and in particular the Archive Collection, is rooted in and informed by midcentury influences that speak to a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic.

The heritage and craftmanship associated with the brand ensures an authenticity that is present in every design. hadeland.com

Interiors News 120 • Lisa Dawson 122 • Trend 139 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

LEARNING CURVE DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

Scallop is a two-tone, hand-finished pendant with a scallop-edged detail in a pretty palette of contrasting colours.

Choose your own bespoke version from a ten colour paint palette. Each finish offers a vibrant style that creates a fresh new lighting design. £390 davidhuntlighting.co.uk

A R T I S T ' S PA LE T T E DIPT YQUE

Diptyque continues its expansion into homeware with a new tabletop collection named Artist’s Palette featuring beautiful marbled glass vases and candle jars. The brand has also launched a new range of luxury cleaning products. diptyqueparis.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Coffee essentials KITCHENAID Artisan espresso machine, £449 kitchenaid.co.uk

C AT NAP

LE A N I N MATTHEW HILTON

Just launched at Milan Design Week is Matthew Hilton's reclining Ewelina armchair, a generously proportioned design with ultimate comfort in mind. From £6,739 scp.co.uk

ROUND HAUS

SMEG

Round Haus is a new multifunctional furniture collection designed for cats, from luxury cat accessories brand Cheshire & Wain and furniture designer-makers Lozi Designs. cheshireandwain.com

Espresso machine, £329 smeg.com

KITCHEN CRAFT Stainless steel tamper, £17.99 east2eden.co.uk

VON HAUS Five piece coffee accessory set, £14.99 vonhaus.com

CLEAR WINNER CASA CELVA

SAGE Barista Pro machine, £729.95 sageappliances.com

All handmade Murano glassware at Casa Celva is sustainably sourced from small artisanal suppliers across Europe and are handmade with longevity in mind. casacelva.com

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INTERIORS • INTERVIEW

Homemade

S T A R

Lisa Dawson is known all over Instagram for her incredible styling and interior design of her York home, so we sit down to find out how it all started

F

or York-based Instagramstar and design aficionado Lisa Dawson, her incredibly successful career in the world of interior design and styling has come as something of a surprise – a stroke of luck, as she calls it. I’d argue that it’s because she is undoubtedly passionate, boldly and brilliantly talented, and has all the humbleness and down-to-earth nature to ensure she’s always someone you want to back, support and champion.

Dawson is right that her career in interiors and design was born with the spiralling upward success of Instagram as a marketing platform. But, it was also born out of her beautiful house in the countryside surrounding York, though, and it’s a place that she can truly credit with nurturing her successful career.

It’s maybe no surprise, then, that despite being from London originally, Dawson fully counts herself as an adopted Yorkshire lass, and loves living in the county more than anything.

So, where did it all start and how did the beautiful Yorkshire farmhouse play such a huge role? “We moved up to Yorkshire with my husband’s job in 2013 and only intended to stay for a couple of years, but we absolutely loved it,” smiles Dawson. “We could get a lot more for our money than down south, too, so we bought the house of our dreams. We bought it in 2015 and I had always done lots of photography

By BETHAN ANDREWS

and playing with interiors, so I started posting the rooms on Instagram and it was at a time when there was no real interiors content on there. I started posting and discovered other people who were posting interiors stuff and I was on there at the right time – interiors just suddenly became a thing. It was totally luck that I was there at the right time.”

It might have been the so-called right time but, clearly, Dawson has a savvy business mind and knows an opportunity when she sees one.

She tells me how she took inspiration from America, who are often a little ahead of the game when it comes to social trends. “I set up a hashtag with another couple of girls called #myhomevibe. The Americans had been doing it for years, with blogs, online styling and hashtags, but we didn’t have anything like that online over here. So we set up the hashtag and now it has about 2.5million posts to it.”

It was from here that Dawson set up her blog and, alongside her Instagram account, she grew a huge following and started to get a lot of work from it. In fact, she sort of pioneered the UK interiors Instagram movement. “It was a good time to be on it,” she stresses humbly. “But it has been a lot of hard work, too, and I used to post daily. There wasn’t really anyone doing it so I saw an opportunity to do it properly and go for it. It’s not the same anymore!”

So, with Instagram, algorithms, viewing habits and social media in general changing at A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“I TRY NOT TO BE INFLUENCED TOO MUCH BY WHAT I SEE IN TRENDS” the speed of light, what does Dawson’s career look like today? It’s often hard to imagine what someone’s life looks like when they say their job is Instagram. “I do lots of contributing to magazines and newspapers, but my job is mainly working with brands,” she explains. “I tend to work with bigger brands now on longterm contracts such as John Lewis or Loaf, as opposed to doing lots of one-off jobs. I also do editorial for brands off Instagram and will put together editorial for their marketing. There will also be a place for Instagram marketing as it’s still the best direct marketing tool out there to get someone to see and buy your product.”

On top of the work she does for huge household homewares and interiors brands, Dawson updates her blog every other week

LISA DAWSON

and puts together shopping guides for her loyal followers. She also wrote a book last year, Resourceful Living, which is about how to use what you’ve got and how to invest carefully for the home. “It was great. I got the deal just before lockdown so I wrote it over Covid when all my kids were home though – which was hell!” she laughs. “I have got some ideas for a potential second book, so who knows.”

What strikes me is how impressive it is that Dawson has taught herself everything as she has gone along. “I’ve learned it all along the way,” she agrees. “All the others in my position that have been around in the interiors Instagram game for as long as I have, we’ve all done it ourselves. We’ve picked it up

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from the beginning but, because a lot of our audience have followed us for seven years, we know them really well and know what they like and how best to present it to them.”

Speaking of teaching herself as she goes along, Dawson isn’t formally trained in interior design. Instead, her skills come from renovating and styling her own property and honing her design eye and skills as time moves on. “I try not to be influenced too much by what I see in trends, which is ironic considering I work on Instagram, but I have spent time honing my own core style,” she says. “I’ve now built my house around that and I buy and invest in items that I can use around the house in

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BeautifullyShaded .co.uk

Recreate the atmosphere of the Amalfi coast or a summer in Provence with our stunning Italian designed and made pergolas.

The outdoors becomes a place you love to spend time in.

Whether entertaining poolside or working from home in a setting that inspires creativity. Our elegant pergolas make you long to be outside.

With the very best in Italian design and manufacturing they are a joy to spend time in. Eminently practical and motorised for ease of use they come with a wonderful range of acccessories such as glazing, heating, ambient lighting, blinds and even music.

Experience all seasons in style and comfort from early summer barbecues to a warm Autumn evening in a hot tub. We have a

huge range that has solutions suitable for small and large spaces from a large terrace to a balcony and a stunning range of awnings, sailblinds and Sunbreaker sliding screen to choose from as well.

We can really be said to have it ‘all covered’!

We’re experts and we take pride in our product and the care we take. There are no gimmicks just quality and 5 star service and because we’re a Which? Trusted Trader you can be sure that when you choose us that’s what you’ll get. Expert advice and installation from a family run company. Our premier partnerships with top European manufacturers mean you can be assured of top level design and quality every step of the way.

Browse our range on our website and dowloadable brochures, call us for an appointment at our showroom to see for yourself how a pergola could help you transform your outdoor space this summer!

Make an appointment today to visit us at our showroom in Driffield to browse our ranges!

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www.beautifullyshaded.co.uk

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INTERIORS • INTERVIEW

“FOR SHOPPING, WE ARE SO CLOSE TO YORK, WHICH IS GORGEOUS AND BRILLIANT” multiple places. I look at everything that goes into my house and my ethos is that everything I buy, I have to truly love.”

Where does Dawson get her inspiration from? “Oh, holidays, for sure!” she smiles.

“It’s lovely to be in a different place and get inspiration from somewhere a bit different.

But I also get inspired by American blogs and style. I love pared back Scandinavian style as well, and mixing that with maximalism.”

Dawson has also recently launched an online course on Create Academy. “They are really beautifully filmed courses, and a lot of the course is about sourcing stuff and repurposing things in your house,” says Dawson. “It shows you how to style your home, make it look good and not spend loads of money.”

And for local Yorkshire folk, where would Dawson recommend for interiors shopping?

“We are really close to York city centre, which is so ridiculously gorgeous and brilliant. It’s full of independents, which is great,” she says.

“I love The French House, which is my local French antique shop and sounds posher than it actually is. You can always see something that’s gorgeous and you know that no-one else is going to have it. I also love John Lewis in the Victoria Quarter in Leeds and all the charity shops in Yorkshire are fantastic.

There’s a second-hand shop in York called Junk and Jewels, which is simply brilliant.” lisadawsonstyling.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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We specialise in Aluminium Louvered Roof Gazebos Our Luxury Anthracite Grey Aluminium Gazebos are available in a choice of; Manual Operated Roof System or Electric System with built-in LED Lighting.

With three size options to choose from, you can easily create an outdoor area that works for your space.

Small 3m x 3m | Medium 3m x 4m | Large 4m x 4m Optional Privacy Blinds can be added and a full ‘white glove’ installation service is available!

Come and see us at the Great Yorkshire Show 2022 – STAND 403

Contact us on E: info@persaz.co.uk | T: 01924 566402 | M: 07960 123763 | www.persaz.co.uk

TheYork

Bed Company

Hand making beds for over 40 years Our new premium Handstitched Vegan Calico Pocket mattress supports your body and conscience. Materials are ethically sourced and chemical free.

Mattresses-Bed Sets-Divans-Head Boards

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Traditional Quality

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Unit 10 – Acaster Estates, Cowper Lane, Acaster Malbis, York YO23 2TX, England Yorkbeds.com │ 01904 777 070 Delivery available throughout the UK and Europe

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

Q Is sustainability important to you?

A Being at the forefront of quality, we

wanted to ensure that all of our clients could have the option to shop more sustainably and consciously. This is why we have introduced the vegan calico mattress.

This mattress has zero compromises when it comes to comfort and quality. Being Vegan Society approved means zero worry when it comes to suitability for vegans.

A YORK BED MATTRESS

REST EASY

Why over five decades of experience means the York Bed Company know how to ensure you have the perfect night’s sleep Q Tell us about the York Bed Company…

A The York Bed Company has been making

premium handmade mattresses for over 50 years. Our highly skilled craftsmen take pride in quality and longevity, ensuring every detail is perfect. For this reason, we have built up a reputation of skill, quality and longevity with our mattresses in some of the finest homes and hotels in the UK. We source our materials from the best suppliers in the industry, ensuring top quality is delivered.

We pride ourselves on using the best techniques and skills to construct our mattresses. This way we’re happy knowing we have built something great for you.

Q How would you sum up the service you offer?

A Having over 50 years of experience in crafting bespoke mattresses and bases has allowed us to work out every detail. We can ensure you get exactly what you want with the quality to follow with an unmatched price. If it’s a special fabric that you need to complete your room design then let us know and we carefully cover the headboard and base for you. If you have an odd size antique frame that requires a bespoke base, we can craft one to the centimetre for you.

Having the ability to assist designers and home owners in making their ideas come true has always been a pleasure for us.

We understand we all live busy lives, and that’s why we pride ourselves on getting it right the first time and working around your time schedule. We make sure every step of the process is perfect, our team will deliver to you anywhere in the country and get everything set up for you.

yorkbeds.co.uk A HIGHLY SKILLED CRAFTSMAN

Q Why should we buy a mattress from you?

A Buying a hand-crafted mattress gives you the reassurance that you will own something that will stand the test of time as every detail has been considered to the highest standard.

Q Have you created anything out of the norm?

A The most unusual mattress we have constructed is a gigantic 7’0 x 7’0. We pride ourselves on being able to make something bespoke for our customers and meet their needs, and this individual needed a large bed to fit comfortably in.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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An outstanding range of stoves, fires and fireplaces.

STOVES & LIVING

“New ranges to light up your Summer including the latest electric fires, media walls, stoves and outdoor living. Visit Focus, we’ve been trusted in York for over 30 years - with two stunning showrooms, knowledgeable staff and in-house registered fitters.”

Call 01904 400525 focusfireplacesyork.co.uk

187932

OPEN MON-SAT Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm Closed Sunday & Bank Holidays 5 mins from A64 Monk’s Cross Roundabout (NEXT TO DEANS) The Bull Commercial Centre Stockton Lane, York Y032 9LE

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INTERIORS • FOCUS THERE ARE A RANGE OF GIFT OPTIONS

WARM WELCOME Come rain or shine the Langlands Garden Centres are perfect to stock up on plants, search for gifts, spot some bargains or enjoy a coffee with friends

G

rowing any plants including fruit and vegetables has its challenges, especially in the North. It is best to pick varieties that have been bred and conditioned for this specific climate. At Langlands, they pride themselves on “homegrown plants”. Their six-acre nursery produces over a quarter of a million plants a year supplying their three garden centres across Yorkshire with seasonal bedding plants, herbaceous perennials, herbs, veg, and shrubs.

They are passionate about sustainability, for example using recyclable plant pots and trays, and they are currently trialling peat-free growing media. More than just a simple nursery and garden centres, their stores are also buzzing community hubs very much adored by families, dog owners, nature lovers and ramblers.

Langlands Shiptonthorpe Garden Centre (near York) is nestled amidst the breathtaking rural countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds. It is the foremost garden centre of the Langlands group, having won multiple prestigious industry distinctions awarded by the Garden Centre Association.

Originally established by founder Walter Ducker in 1964, Langlands is now a well-known brand across Yorkshire, a true family business driven by core values related to expertise, responsibility, fairness, and hard work.

If you want to make a day out of a visit, and experience something fantastic and truly unique, the arboretum-like setting in Langlands Loxley (near Sheffield) awaits.

The fine specimen trees, shrubs, and plants stretched out over several levels in the landscaped surroundings will turn this experience into a magical one. The site is home to a rich variety of wildlife which they happily invite in and care for.

Get the most out of your outdoor space turning it comfortable enough to spend more time there with family and friends. Langlands Garden Centre in Whinmoor (near Leeds) will have the right choices for you. And, as for the indoors, the variety of rare, collectable and easy-to-keep plants is amazing and a big hit with most of their customers.

In all of their centres they welcome walkers and cyclists with open arms, and if you have a dog, fear not – they have undercover seating areas for dogs all year round.

If you want to put on a show or just enjoy outdoor living to its full potential, but want to shop from the comfort of your own home, Langlands have you covered. Their webshop has one of the largest ranges of garden furniture and BBQs in Yorkshire, so your garden comfort is just a click away. langlandsgardencentre.co.uk

ALL ARE WELCOME

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PURPLE HAZE A new palette for paint colours includes lots of lilac, with a 1970s feel B y PENDLE HARTE

BENJAMIN MOORE AFRICAN VIOLET, FROM £27 PER 0.94L

F

orget navy and definitely abandon grey. The colour adorning all the most fashionable walls in late 2022 is… lilac. Also lavender, plus darker shades of purple too – with pink as a contrast shade.

According to Mylands, House of Colour, searches for lilac are up 33% on their website. For many years they have witnessed the perennial popularity of its lavender and lilac shades amongst the design community, and believes that consumers are now appreciating the calming and versatile hues as well.

Historically, rich purple shades have been

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associated with wealth and royalty, due to the pigment’s rarity and the high cost of the dye. The colour purple, particularly lighter shades of lilac and lavender, is emerging as an increasingly popular colour choice in both interiors and fashion, with WGSN predicting Digital Lavender as their colour of the year for 2023 and the hue being prevalent on the new season catwalks.

Mylands has long known these soft purple hues to be an enduringly popular shade. Traditional lavender is always a favourite colour choice with interior designers, thanks in part to its association with feelings of tranquillity and youthfulness, but also its versatility.

Lavender and lilac shades are subtle enough to be used as the main wall colours in a room, and the slight pop of colour makes them a more confident (and fun) choice than the alternative whites and greys.

Created by mixing bold red with calm blue, lilac is often perceived as a warm colour, unlike similar lavender shades that tend to be cooler thanks to their blue undertones. Pale Lilac™ No. 246, is a dusty lilac with pink hues that provides a space with subtle warmth and calming energy. Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands, says: “Lilac is traditionally a romantic and feminine

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INTERIORS • COLOUR MYLANDS.COM LAVENDER GARDEN™ NO.30 (FRONT WALL), PALE LILAC™ NO.246 (BACK WALL - W&M MATT)

CROWN COLOUR INFLUENCES CONSCIOUS – SADDLE STITCH WALLS AND CEILINGS EMULSION FROM £18 FOR 2.5L, LEATHERBOUND CRAFTED FLAT MATT FINISH FROM £32 FOR 2.5L

“We’re noticing more and more customers choosing lilac for their interiors” hue, but is increasingly popular for many rooms in the home thanks to its subtlety and adaptability. We’re noticing more and more customers choosing lilac for their interiors because it adds a pop of colour, but isn’t overwhelming or intimidating like other, bolder shades, and its versatile nature means it pairs well with a myriad of colours.”

At Crown, the purple theme expands into a wider 1970s feel. Multi-coloured and expressive, this trend invites playfulness with a revived colour palette of soft eclectic tones, which are sophisticated, yet fun. Combining the avant-garde, through playful artwork and by painting areas that

are often unexpected, this trend allows us to express our creativity through colour and explores unconventional ideas into interiors in a fun and creative way.

“This trend stands for unconventional, multicolour and optimism. Soft, eclectic tones are good for our wellbeing and lift our mood. They combine beautifully with each other and are the perfect accompaniment for gallery walls. This colour palette brings out your inner child,” says Crown colour consultant Kathryn Lloyd.

On another note, the Define trend offers a rich and warm colour palette, the sophisticated deep tones transform

spaces into ambient cosy hideouts.

Taking inspiration from high-end hotels, moody restaurant interiors and historical cinema rooms, it is blurring the lines between day and night.

Define uses a combination of colours to create zones that adapt a space into multiple uses. Colour blocking is the perfect tool for this. Deep rich colours dominate this palette, which pairs beautifully with metallic finishes and plush velvet accessories for a luxurious feel. Think Maximalist style on a minimalist design scheme.

“This colour palette is beautifully warm and with a touch of retro. All colours can be combined with each other and in this way, exciting light-dark colour effects can be achieved. Perfect for designing rooms in multiple colours, for emphasising individual living areas or for dividing rooms into different zones such as the home office, dining area and living room. In these cases, ‘Define’ provides a variety of options,” says Mareike Nacke, Crown colour consultant.

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find the one

We’ve arrived in York!

Create a sofa as unique as you at our brand new showroom at 10 Coppergate SOFA.COM.indd 134 Sofa-YORK-YorkshireLife.indd 1

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

OAK PARQUET SILVER WHITE OILED FLOORING COMBINES THE BEAUTIFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF WOOD WITH A MODERN TWIST FEATURING A LIGHTLY BRUSHED SURFACE, A SUBTLE SILVER WHITE OIL HIGHLIGHTS DISTINCTIVE GRAIN PATTERNS

BEAUTIFUL OAK-AGED PARQUET FLOORING ADDS WARMTH AND TEXTURE TO A LARGE, OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN AND LIVING SPACE. EXTREMELY FORGIVING EVEN IN HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS OF THE HOME DUE TO ITS HIGH DURABILITY, THE REAL WOOD PARQUET FLOOR SETS THE TONE FOR THE WHOLE SPACE, PERFECTLY BLENDING OLD WITH NEW FOR A TIMELESS FINISH

KNOCK ON WOOD

For weekly cleaning, a capful of wood floor maintenance concentrate mixed with water and applied with a damp mop is all that is required. To refresh the look and lustre annually in high traffic areas periodically use a concentrated polish, again applied with water and a damp mop.

One of the many good things about real wood flooring is the variety available in pattern options. From straight boards to parquet, there is an option to suit any setting. Just as when choosing a colour for your walls, choosing the right shade of wood flooring should be based on how large the room is, how much natural light it enjoys and on the overall décor. Smaller rooms benefit from lighter woods, while larger spaces can more comfortably accommodate darker tones such as walnut.

LACQUERED FLOORS GIVE A SUBTLE BOOST TO THE WOOD SURFACE BUT STILL RETAIN A NATURAL LOOK AND FEEL

How engineered wood flooring is a durable solution for all kinds of spaces, says Natural Wood Floor

N

ew flooring gives any room an instant facelift.

The material chosen needs to be functional of course, but such a highly visible surface also needs to have visual appeal. Real wood is an on-trend flooring option that works practically and aesthetically and due to its sheer versatility will blend seamlessly into any style of property.

Engineered wood flooring creates a high-end finish and affords the room the luxury of timber, while being surprisingly simple to care for and highly durable thanks to its construction.

Whereas solid wood flooring isn’t suitable for underfloor heating, high humidity areas and acoustic insulation, engineered boards can be fitted in all rooms, including most

kitchens and bathrooms where humidity may be present. It can also be floated over acoustic underlay in apartments or to insulate games/children’s rooms etc.

An engineered board has up to 11 layers of plywood backing, with each layer glued at a 90-degree angle to the adjoining layer.

The surface layer of a precious hardwood is then glued on top, resulting in a much more stable floor with a robust construction. It can be floated over an existing floor, making it perfect for basements or apartments when damp or noise transfer between neighbours below may be a concern.

Once laid, keeping engineered wood flooring looking as good as new is straightforward too; a combination of dry cleaning to remove dirt and dust particles, and damp cleaning to protect it against scratches is all that is needed for a lacquered or oiled floors.

N AT U R A L WO O D F LO O R naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

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T H R E E D E CA D E S O F E X C E L L E N C E

NEW range of outdoor porcelain tiles available.

MONKS CROSS TILES & BATHROOMS Malton Road, Monks Cross, YORK YO32 9TE Phone: 01904 415527

Porcelain tiles are fade & frost resistant, making them a great option for external areas as they will not lose their visual impact over time. Our showrooms across Yorkshire keep a wide variety of stock ready for you to take away today.

NORTHALLERTON TILES & BATHROOMS Standard Way Industrial Estate, Standard Way, Northallerton DL6 2XE Phone: 01609 781166 SCARBOROUGH TILES & BATHROOMS 8-51 Westborough, Scarborough YO11 1TU Phone: 01723 372334

BATHROOMS | TILES | PORCELAIN STONEWARE thetilecompany.co.uk

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@MonksCrossTiles

thetilecompanyltd

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INTERIORS • TREND DAR LIGHTING Klaxon 1 Light Pendant Ombre Copper Glass, £102 darlighting.co.uk

QUINCE & COOK Hobnail Glass Jug, £75 quinceandcook.co.uk

INSIDE OUT LIVING Melbury Cocktail Glass Amber, £14.99 ioliving.co.uk

WISTERIA TREE Glass Candle Sticks, £14 thewisteriatree.co.uk

CASA CELVA Murano Bud Vases, £32 casacelva.com

MAISON CHERIE Bee Wine Glass in Purple, £8 maisoncherie.shop

ALL CLEAR Gorgeous glass pieces for the home

By P E N D L E H A R T E

ORLA KIELY

DIBOR Coloured Glass Wine Goblets, £14.95 dibor.co.uk

MELODY MAISON

Glass Water Jug, £30 orlakiely.com

Glass Candle Holder, £8.95 melodymaison.co.uk

AROUND THE HOUSE Aditya Retro Brown and White Speckled Glass Vase, £74.95 aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

IDYLL HOME Pink Swirl Glass, £9.95 idyllhome.co.uk

BOCONCEPT Stockholm Table Lamp, £669 boconcept.com

CULT FURNITURE Century Medium Coffee Table, £299 cultfurniture.com

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N.E.S.S. G AT E S & G A R A G E D O O R S LARGE SMALL

ENOUGH ENOUGH

TO COPE TO C A R E

A family business that will take your ideas to design, fabricate and install a system that suits your home and needs.

A family thatgates will take your ideas to design, fabricate install a system that suits your home and Yorkshire needs. YO11 3BY ■ Main Office: Redand Oaks, Cayton Low Road, Scarborough, North Bespoke stylish securebusiness automated and garage doors Bespoke stylish secure automated gates and garage doors • Main Office: Red Oaks, Cayton Low Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 3BY 01723 351133 ■ www.harrogateelectricgates.co.uk 01723 351133 • www.harrogateelectricgates.co.uk NESS_HP_ABS_MAY22.indd 1

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INTERIORS • TREND

CONRAN SHOP Julie-Anne Pugh Watering Can, £85 conranshop.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Lime Stripe Cushion, £120 sweetpeaandwillow.com

ELOISE HOME AROUND THE HOUSE FURNITURE Seki Large Monochrome Stripe Vase, £54.95 aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

Ikat Stripe Fabric in Green, £125 eloisehome.com

ABODE LIVING Ada Stripe Vase, £39 abodeliving.co.uk

WALTON & CO Tuscan Stripe Runner 40x180cm, £19 waltonshop.co.uk

LINES OF BEAUTY

EDITOR’S PICK

ANDRASSY LIVING Stripe Laundry Bag, £16 andrassyliving.co.uk

All the most striking stripes

POOKY Robin Lamp with Candy Stripe, £62 pooky.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E THE RUG RETAILER Multi Stripe Rug, £71 therugretailer.co.uk

MINDTHEGAP Transylvanian Roots Stripe Armchair, £1,500 mindtheg.com

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BOHEMIA DESIGN Milan Stripe Hammam Towel, £42, bohemiadesign.co.uk

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D I S C O V E R WAT L I N G G R A N G E Modern country living This beautiful development of new-build houses and apartments is located just two miles from the centre of Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Set around the landscaped Meadows is a variety of uniquely designed homes with nature right on your doorstep.

All the essential amenities are close by, not to mention everything else that this boutique spa town has to offer. Watling Grange is set off Skipton Road and offers great transport links by road and rail.

MEREVALE £505,000

Plot 206 | 4 bedrooms | Available to reserve

BRETTON £375,000

Plot 58 | 3 bedrooms | Ready to move in now Luxury flooring package included*

T: 0800 030 8888 contactus@yourpersonahome.com | Search Watling Grange CG images are for illustrative purposes only. Prices correct at time of publication. Offer applies to new reservations only and applies only to plot 58. To qualify you need to reserve before 31st July 2022. The flooring is pre-installed, however alternative options are available at an additional cost. The offer is not redeemable for cash or available in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to withdraw the offer from market at any time without prior warning.

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PROPERTY

COLDHILL LANE, NEW MILL, HOLMFIRTH HD9

£1,295,000 GUIDE PRICE

his is an exceptionally large five/six bedroom detached award-winning designed home with many wonderful features. These include an ultra-high specification throughout, superb views and versatile accommodation, with a large lounge/family room with dining area and doors to balcony, breakfast kitchen with views to both the front and rear, and a spectacular upper hall.

T

SIMON BLYTH

01484 689689 simonblyth.co.uk

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www.simonblyth.co.uk Fairleigh House, Birdsedge, Huddersfield, HD8 8XW

Offers around £950,000

IN BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AND GROUNDS MEASURING APPROXIMATELY THREE-QUARTERS OF AN ACRE, THIS LARGE DETACHED PERIOD HOME WAS BEAUTIFULLY BUILT SOME GENERATIONS AGO AND OCCUPIES A LOVELY LOCATION BETWEEN THE VILLAGES OF BIRDSEDGE AND SHEPLEY. WITH STUNNING RURAL COUNTRYSIDE SURROUNDINGS AND HAVING EASY ACCESS TO THE PRINCIPAL ROADS AND MOTORWAY BEYOND, THIS FAMILY HOME HAS BEEN TASTEFULLY UPDATED INTERNALLY WITH THE FITTING OF A DELIGHTFUL KITCHEN AND DÉCOR AND OTHER FITTINGS THROUGHOUT, ALL OF WHICHARE SURE TO PLEASE WHEN VIEWED. THIS SUBSTANTIAL HOME BRIEFLY COMPRISES: Impressive entrance hall, large sitting room with bay window, large lounge with bay window, fabulous dining room/family room, breakfast kitchen, downstairs w.c., three cellars, four bedrooms, all of which are a good size, two house bathrooms, detached double garage, potting shed, mature gardens with beautiful driveway leading up to this impressive, detached stone-built family home lease note there is an ad acent field appro imately one acre a ailable to rent

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BARNSLEY 01226 731730

HUDDERSFIELD 01484 651878

HALIFAX 01422 417000

KIRKBURTON 01484 603399

HOLMFIRTH 01484 689689

PENISTONE 01226 762400

SHEFFIELD 0114 3216590

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PROPERTY • INSIGHT

LAKE VIEW, LAKELAND CRESCENT, ALWOODLEY, LEEDS, ASKING PRICE - £1,950,000

Forward THINKING Fine & Country Leeds manager Louise Lawrence gives her take on the current premium market and what trends she expects to see in the near future

W

e have continued to see price growth in the property market as we reach the midpoint of the year, but are we starting to see some chinks in the armour of the property market begin to appear?

Nationwide reported prices rose 11.2% in the year to May, which is the tenth consecutive month of price growth in the UK. This is, however, lower than the 12.1% growth recorded in April. As well as this we have seen a rise in the number of properties selling with a price reduction, a rise in the average time taken to sell a property and

LOUISE LAWRENCE

impacted by interest rate rises and the cost of living crisis. So, as always, if you’d like to discuss how we can help you move then please get in touch with our Fine & Country team.

WHY CHOOSE FINE & COUNTRY

a fall in mortgage approvals – one of the key indicators of demand in the market.

LOOKING FORWARD

So, does this mean that the boom is coming to an end for the premium property market?

Well, no… it is clear from the national figures that interest in prime markets has continued, with the number of sales of properties priced £1 million or more up dramatically from pre-pandemic levels and the rate of price growth reaching higher levels than the premium market has seen since September.

Because of this, the premium property market is forecast to outperform the mainstream market over the next five years as wealthier buyers are, for the most part, less

Exclusive to Fine & Country, our Bespoke Marketing Suite is designed to maximise the value of your property. We understand the art of successfully selling exquisite, premium properties, and in our experience there are three guiding principles to maximising the sale price of your property and ensuring a successful sale: presentation, exposure and service. Everything that we discuss with you will be one or a combination of these three elements, because when you choose us we are dedicated to valuing the little things that make a home.

F I N E & C O U N T RY L E E D S 2 Shadwell Lane, Moortown, Leeds LS17 6DR 0113 203 4939; sales@fineandcountryleeds.com fineandcountry.com

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BEAUTY & GRACE A delightful Georgian mansion in Northumberland awaits new owners and new beginnings

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T

here is an element of ‘it was meant to be’ in Kate Downs’ account of how she and husband, Michael, found their family home 18 years ago.

“When we viewed the property, it was love at first sight,” recalls Kate. “But the seller decided to withdraw from the market, which was devastating.

I decided to write to them personally and the rest, as they say, is history.”

It was the start of a long-lasting love affair and as the property now comes back onto the open market, it’s easy to see why.

Dating from 1825, Halliwell Dene Hall is a truly splendid Grade II Listed mansion situated in over three acres of generous gardens and grounds with remarkable and expansive accommodation as well as an impressive heated outdoor swimming pool.

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Nestled in the heart of the historic market town of Hexham in Northumberland, the scale and stature of the property is as unexpected as it is magnificent. “We loved that it felt secluded,” reflects Kate.

“But with only a short walk into town, we knew that we wouldn’t ever feel isolated.”

The private driveway gently winds through a leafy corridor of flora and fauna, opening onto a dazzling vista of sprawling landscaped gardens, blooming rhododendrons and an imposing pillared entrance to what is believed to have been the Archbishop of York’s country residence.

An exceptional example of Georgian architecture, the property still bears the marks of its noble past. Once inside you’re immediately struck by the sense of space. High ceilings and grand proportions blend with neutral colour palettes to create a mood that is both

refined and elegant, as well as effortlessly relaxing. The best of both worlds.

There are two formal reception rooms; the drawing room and dining room each have wonderful full-height shuttered sash windows that reach to the soaring ceilings above. “We love entertaining so it’s been wonderful to connect the inside and outside space,” says Kate, gesturing to the shimmering blues of the swimming pool outside. “The windows are large enough to walk through, which is wonderful on a hot summer’s day or when hosting a party.”

The snug is a more relaxed reception room with a modern style. At the heart of the home is the extraordinary open plan kitchen/breakfast room and sitting room.

A dual aspect bathes the space in natural light, highlighting bespoke cabinetry and a central island finished in lovely muted colour palettes. An AGA sits within an inglenook and is complemented by high specification

discreet appliances. There is open space for a table and chairs as the rooms flows around to the sitting area. The room is sure to be a hub for spending time with friends and family.

Double doors lead from the western hall towards the rear of the property. A study is ideally placed to keep home and work life separate, and a generous utility/laundry room adds great practicality. Also off the reception hall is the gym which could easily be reconfigured for any number of uses.

The wide staircase rises with a quarter turn to the galleried first floor landing, with a bright and airy additional sitting room to one side. The principal bedroom benefits from a luxurious en-suite bathroom with an appealing boutique style. A huge walk-through shower is complemented by a freestanding roll top bath, wash hand basin set on a vanity unit and WC, all wrapped in contemporary tiling. There are four further double bedrooms, two with A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“The central hall, with its domed ceiling and period details, is just beautiful”

en-suite shower rooms with the remaining two served by a family bathroom.

There is so much to take in, so we have to ask Kate: does she have a favourite element of the house? “The central hall, with its domed ceiling and period details, is just beautiful,” she smiles. “It’s also large enough to accommodate the most enormous Christmas tree, which has been so lovely for the children over the years.”

How about anything that we may not see with the naked eye? “The grounds,” Kate says, nodding in their direction.

“They feature a secluded area of woodland, which offers a private and tranquil area that is a real haven for wildlife.”

For commuters and families, the property offers convenient access to the city of Newcastle with its cultural hotspots and prestigious private schools.

More locally, it’s just a short walk into the pretty market town of Hexham or a scenic drive to the historic village of Corbridge.

The property is perfectly suited for entertaining friends and family, hosting parties and accommodating guests.

You can’t help but sense that you are in a much-loved family home. The expansive

148

lawns are ideally suited to games of croquet, badminton and cricket, whilst the poolside is the perfect place to luxuriously sip a cocktail or two.

“There’s always somewhere to linger that little bit longer,” smiles Kate. We couldn't agree more.

Halliwell Dene Hall features five bedrooms, four bathrooms and five reception rooms and is on the market with a guide price of £1,600,000. For more details, contact Finest Properties on 0330 111 2266 or visit finestproperties.co.uk

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ELVINGTON R E S I D E N T I A L

P A R K

Fully furnished new homes Part exchange available Bespoke options A higher quality of living near the city of York for the over 50’s Elvington Residential Park is an exclusive development of brand-new park homes in the picturesque countryside of York.

Situated on the outskirts of a quaint Yorkshire village and only 5 miles from the City of York, our park is perfectly located for those looking for a rural setting with the luxury of modern city living.

Spanning over approximately 3 acres of private grounds, this setting is perfect for outdoor lovers with

access to unlimited countryside walks, a series of woodland trails and passage to the River Derwent.

Our homes are contemporary and practical, allowing residents to enjoy the perks of a low maintenance home with all the modern luxuries. We want you to feel right at home with everything you need in one place as part of your new lifestyle and with thoughtful storage solutions, you don’t need to worry about downsizing.

Elvington Lane, Elvington, City of York, England, UK, YO41 4AX 01904 395157 • info@elvingtonresidentialpark.co.uk

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

Golden Opportunity Terry’s Clock Tower is an iconic landmark in York – and now you have a chance to own a piece of history

T

he complex project to convert the famous Terry’s Clock Tower in York into unique homes is almost complete. Over the last 18 months, teams of skilled craftsmen have been painstakingly converting this city landmark to create 21 apartments – each individually designed and each capturing the essence of the Grade II listed building.

The developers, heritage specialists the PJ Livesey Group, have now released the final two penthouse apartments for sale and Anne Haggas, Associate Director with selling agent Savills, says: “Nothing else in the city compares. These properties both offer vast amounts of space within a much-loved historic building.”

Penthouse 801 sits right under the clock with 360 views towards the city and across the Racecourse to Goddards – the original art deco home of Noel Terry and now the National Trust’s Yorkshire headquarters.

Set over three floors, a guest suite, second bedroom and house bathroom are on the lower level with stairs, lit by a huge two storey window, leading up to the bright open plan living/kitchen. The master bedroom comes complete with luxury en-suite and an adjacent study/dressing room and is situated on the top floor.

Penthouse 401 offers three spacious ensuite bedrooms. There is a generous kitchen/ family/dining room and separate dual aspect living room. The apartment is the largest in the development and features an exceptional private roof terrace with far-reaching views.

Both penthouses feature luxury flooring, blinds and lighting throughout, high quality kitchen and bathroom specifications.

Haggas says: “These are two exceptional properties, at the highest end of the market, which I think will appeal to people wanting a unique and luxurious base in the city.

Buying here means you are buying not just a wonderful place to live, but a part of York history that cannot be replicated.

You are investing in heritage and quality.”

The Terry family produced chocolate in York from the 1800s, acquiring the Knavesmere site in 1924 for a huge new factory. Five buildings, designed by J G Davies and L E Wade, were built of red brick with cream sandstone dressing and production on the site began in 1926.

This is where the famous Terry’s Chocolate Orange and All Gold were developed with products shipped all round the world. Production ceased in 2005 when the company was taken over by the giant Kraft Corporation.

The original factory building was previously converted to luxury apartments

by PJ Livesey with other buildings on the estate becoming a care home and offices.

The distinctive four clock faces with the words TERRY YORK were restored and put back in place by Smith of Derby in 2019, and when the residential conversion is complete an intricate “Waiting Train” system clock mechanism will be put in place and once again the Clock Tower will keep time over the city.

Find out more by contacting Anne Haggas, Head of Yorkshire New Homes, on 01904 617 832 and anne.haggas@savills.com

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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME At Finest Properties we believe that every property has its own story to tell. As specialists in the marketing of unique and distinctive properties we can expertly capture the special appeal of your home to secure you the best possible results.

Firmly established as a leading independent agent in the North of England, our reach and reputation for excellence extends across the UK and internationally.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you

Book a Valuation

finestproperties.co.uk 0330 111 2266 | contact@finestgroup.co.uk

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Specialists in the marketing of distinctive property

Mossknowe House N E A R G RE TNA G R E E N | D UM F R IE S & G ALLOWAY

SC A N M E

A magnificent Georgian mansion in a picturesque setting with equestrian facilities and land Magnificent Georgian Mansion | Category A Listed Building | Sweeping Countryside Views Spectacular Gardens & Grounds | Paddock & Equestrian Facilities Fishing Rights on Kirtle Water | Around 7.78 Acres in All | Further Land Available 7.78 ACRES | EPC EXEMPT | OFFERS OVER £1,500,000 9

8

5

0330 111 2266 | contact@finestgroup.co.uk

finestproperties.co.uk

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Forest Lodge KNITSLE Y | COUNT Y D UR H AM

SCAN ME

A magnificent high specification country house with stunning gardens, equestrian facilities and land Stunning Country House | Gorgeous Contemporary Décor | Exceptional Standard & Specification Beautiful Outdoor Space | Impressive Equestrian Facilities | Rural Yet Convenient Three Holiday Cottages by Separate Negotiation | Around 11.01 Acres in All 11.01 ACRES | EPC RATING D | GUIDE PRICE £1,850,000 4

5

4

0330 111 2266 | contact@finestgroup.co.uk

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

MONEY CAN BUY… Visiting a stunning family home in Leeds that offers the best of all worlds WHERE Beech View Barn, Carr Lane, Thorner, Leeds, LS14 3HF WHAT Offering in excess of 4,000 sq ft of living accommodation is this stunning four bedroom, four bathroom stone built barn conversion set in an idyllic location with magnificent and far-reaching views over surrounding countryside. Nestled in between the popular North Leeds villages of Thorner and Shadwell, the property is approached via a private road and has its own spacious gated driveway with open courtyard, parking for multiple cars and double garage.

INSIDE On the ground floor there is an imposing double height entrance hall with Yorkshire stone flooring that opens onto the living space, which briefly comprises of a bright, modern kitchen/diner with glass doors opening onto a formal sitting room, a good size sun room, utility room, separate study, a great size living room with feature fireplace and doors opening onto the patio, dining room/third reception room with double doors opening onto the garden, a magnificent games room, additional w/c and sunny garden room.

On the first floor there is an abundance of period features and original beams, with the stunning master bedroom benefitting from its own dressing room and a luxurious en-suite bathroom, whilst there are three further spacious double bedrooms all with the benefit of en-suite shower rooms.

OUTSIDE Set in an elevated position there are stunning panoramic views on all sides with both side and rear lawned gardens, which are surrounded by mature borders as well as additional patio areas that are ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The property occupies a beautiful semirural position on the edge of the much sought-after village of Thorner. The area is considered ideal for the commuter.

PRICE On the market with a Guide Price of £1,699,950 SELLING AGENT Beadnall Copley 01937 580850 wetherby@beadnallcopley.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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enin a ne Dore or Dales and Peaks Estate Agents Cut from a different cloth, multi award winning Estate Agent, Dales & Peaks, headed up by business owner Tom Currey, has a track record of achieving impressive results for owners of some of the most beautiful homes across the Derbyshire Dales & The Peak District and now brings its forward-thinking concept to West Sheffield, with their recent shop launch in Dore.

Throwing the “old-fashioned” ways out the window, Dales & Peaks was re-imagined in 2017, promising proactive marketing and presentation, through every aspect of the company, like no other. Since then, Tom boasts in excess of £300m worth of sales under his belt, the monopoly of the region’s prime homes, an awards cabinet some agents can only dream of and a business that has seen growth and a marketing reach untouched by any competitor.

“The area truly is a hot spot for buyers all over the country, so sticking to the outdated ways and only employing a local marketing campaign just doesn’t have the full impact, we’re selling hundreds of millions of pounds worth of properties and buyers are coming from far and wide to live in our area, so they need to be reached with informative and impactful marketing that excites them,” he says.

“We can all take nice photos, we can all make a house look impressive, but it’s what we do with that content that sets us apart. Rightmove, as important as it is to our industry, is a completely reactive system and does nothing more than wait for buyer to search specific homes, whereas channels like social media help us launch homes with huge impact, target a range of demographics and can see some homes reach tens of thousands of viewers in just a matter of days. We’re the most followed and most viewed independent estate agent in the area and since bringing this fresh and proactive marketing into our standard day-to-day marketing, we’ve seen results that smash the old ways.

“The industry has a stigma for being full of old men with tweed jackets,” Tom continues. “We’re championing young, passionate people, we’re bringing equality into the forefront of what we do, we have 20 staff of which 17 are females, we have 4 valuers fronting the company of which 3 are females and they’re absolutely thriving after being held back in other companies. We plan to continue breaking the mould, we plan to continue thinking ahead and we can’t wait to showcase what we do in West Sheffield.”

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ester eld

Dore ce | 33 Townhead Road, Dore, Sheffield, S17 3GD | 0114 299 2488 ce | 131 Chatsworth Road, Brampton, Chesterfield, S40 2AH | 01246 567540 Matlock ce | 2 Dale Road, Matlock, DE4 3LT | 01629 700246

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M I D D L E T O N

T Y A S

Wynyard Homes has crafted a collection of 25 homes set in over 11 acres of private parkland consisting of 3, 4, and 5 bedroom properties, each carefully designed with a balance of contemporary and traditional elements providing unrivalled comfort and luxury.

Quality features including porticos and sash windows, echo the classic familiarity and charm of the local surroundings.

Generously specified with premium appliances and quality fittings, every property is assured to exceed expectations.

SHOWHOME NOW OPEN To make an appointment to view, or to discuss your individual requirements in detail, please talk to our Sales Adviser on 07925 138483.

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Kneeton Lane, Middleton Tyas, North Yorkshire DL10 6SF. sales@wynyard-homes.co.uk wynyard-homes.co.uk

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You have a choice of Home Styles from leading Manufacturers Stately-Albion and Omar.

We have Show Homes on site ready to view and available for immediate occupation.

We also have a some availability on vacant plots for you to choose what style home suits you best.

£215,000

So please come down and experience our beautiful setting and explore the stunning Homes on offer.

Either drop into our Marketing Suite, Open Monday to Saturday with appointments available on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

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