Cheshire
JUNE 2024 / £3.95
PLUS
The Wirral actor and director on tackling di cult subjects
• ACROSS THE BORDER
Exploring the many wonders of North Wales
•
Francesca Perks on the joy of creating a jewellery collection
Over 40 pages of inspiration and insight SPECIAL
FROM HUMMINGBIRDS TO PINK FLAMINGOS, REBECCA RHOADES EMBRACES NATURE
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17 – 21 July 2024
Members’ Day 17 July
A fabulous day out packed with beautiful blooms, garden inspo & boutique shopping
Tickets from £31.85 plus online booking fee*
Ashley Rudd likes to keep busy over the summer months, so it’s a good job she calls Chester home
Ianticipate spending most of my days soaking up the sunshine and exploring the charming streets of Chester this month, where the cobbled paths lead to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. I can’t wait to wander through bustling farmers' markets before settling into lively beer gardens to soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Top of my list are the breathtaking gardens at Tatton Park and Lyme Park, seen in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. While I may have to forgo the hope of encountering a shirtless Colin Firth emerging from a lake, the beauty
of these gardens promises an enchanting experience nonetheless.
My Dad and I have tickets to see Liam Gallagher at Co-op Live, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the legendary album Definitely Maybe. It will be a night filled with bucket hats, Adidas trainers, and timeless hits like Live Forever,Supersonic, and Cigarettes & Alcohol. With Father’s Day this month, we’ll also take my Grandad and Dad out for a hearty breakfast at a cosy café in the heart of Chester.
As the warmer months arrive, I prioritise self-love and recognise the importance of nurturing a positive body image. That’ s why I’ve invested in the "Body Confidence Course" by Sophie Hughes, a renowned Body Confidence Expert with a wealth of experience and expertise.
With 15 years of modelling and a psychology degree, Sophie brings a unique blend of knowledge and empathy to her work. Her collaborations with brands like Marks & Spencer and Simply Be speak to her credibility. At the same time, her commitment to empowering young girls through school engagements underscores her passion for making a di erence.
I’m eager to delve into the course and learn practical strategies for overcoming body image and self-esteem challenges.
What I’m looking forward to in June
WATCHING TAYLOR SWIFT AT ANFIELD
I’ll be there on Thursday 13 June. I think my soul might leave my body when she plays the Red and Reputation Eras.
HAVING A DRINK AT BOHEMIAN ARTS CLUB
A lovely independent cocktail bar in Stockport owned by Katie and Tom Ogden.
LISTENING TO CASTLES IN CANOPY
Four piece indie band from Manchester, think if The Eagles, Jamiroquai, Oasis and Fleetwood Mac had a love-child.
LYME PARK ASHLEY RUDD
Albaray has teamed up with Wilder & Wren to create a collection of 9 key pieces that celebrate the enduring inspiration of fl owers and nature. Nostalgic prints with a contemporary edge are perfect for the spring/summer season and beyond. albaray.co.uk
Inspired by the botanical treasures of Christian Dior’s Milly-la-Forêt garden, the creations in the Milly Carnivora line are embellished with delicately lacquered fl owers. dior.com
Neill Strain's special gi set includes a Petite Couture design, which displays the blooms in a white glass vase framed with a Clematis vine nest, together with the No.11 fragranced candle, a sweet, floral scent. neillstrain.com
Floral prints are all over this season's swimwear, and we love the selection at boutique Amelie's Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk
Atelier VM's Bloom collection features fl owers and foliage gathered in bunches, reassembled in a laser-cut metal sheet that are transformed into large, luminous and light earrings. ateliervm.com
A vibrant combination of rose absolute and fresh lychee is accentuated with pink champagne and a hint of raspberry to create Nest's effervescent fruity fl oral Lychee Rose fragrance. sephora.co.uk
Creativity, community and comfort are the three Cs that defi ne clothing brand Lucy & Yak's values. These are sustainably produced, easy-to-wear pieces designed to spark joy. lucyandyak.com
Lalique's new collection of crystal vases create the perfect environment for displaying seasonal blooms. This is the Zebre vase with a satin relief fi nish. lalique.com
Spanish sneaker brand Hoff is celebrating its new store with a fl oral collaboration with Morris & Co. The result? Fabulous fl oral footwear, of course. theho brand.com
Really Wild has launched a spring collection with its own exclusive fl oral prints that include this romantic rose. reallywildclothing.com
11 JUNE, MANCHESTER, GORILLA
Alt-pop four-piece Only The Poets have announced their much anticipated One More Night EP is out on 7 June. The EP sees the band at their most captivating, consolidating their electrifying synchpop sound and illuminating the heartfelt emotion in their lyrics. Currently embarking on a massive 30-date tour across Europe and the UK, the band kick that o with the release of new single Gone By Now – a song that has long been a firm fan favourite.
thisisgorilla.com
21 June
JODRELL BANK
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a day of panels, discussions and workshops celebrating novelist Alan Garner, one of the most significant writers of our generation. A long-time resident of Alderley Edge, his work is inspired by its history, drawing on its rooted archaeology and its connections to the larger universe through Jodrell Bank Observatory. jodrellbank.net
June 18-19
CHESHIRE SHOWGROUND
Competitions, attractions, animals, and some of the best food and shopping in Cheshire makes this an amazing family outing, celebrating the Cheshire countryside. In all, the show will feature over 3,000 beautiful animals. royalcheshireshow.org
Until 22 June
VISUAL ARTS CHESHIRE
Visual Arts Cheshire (VAC) is a Northwich-based arts organisation who often come up with fabulous shows and this one in June is no exception, featuring a whole host of animal paintings from selected artists. The aim of VAC is to promote visual arts in Northwich through a variety of initiatives and events including exhibitions and workshops. visualartscheshire.co.uk
Forest Live returns to Delamere Forest with a superb line-up
15 June STORYHOUSE
There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, from their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004 with The Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014. Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent, and a show that leaves people with warm hearts and smiles on their faces storyhouse.com
he start of the muchanticipated series of music events from The Jockey Club Live is almost here, with fans across the country snapping up tickets to experience world-class live music alongside a thrilling evening of racing, held at the venerable Jockey Club Racecourses. Opening the season will be a ground-breaking new show from Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, followed by an evening of nostalgic hits with JLS. thejockeyclub.co.uk
Forest Live is a major live music series held in our nation’s forests. Get in amongst the trees to hear the best live music, connect with nature and discover unique locations across the country. This is the ideal concert experience taking place in beautiful natural woodland arenas every summer. By buying tickets from Forestry England, you are helping to grow and protect our nation’s forests for generations to come. They plant over 7 million trees in England each year and protect trees and wildlife habitats from climate threats. Everyone in England lives within a one-hour drive of one of the nation’s forests.
Forest Live comes to Cheshire this month on 14-15 June. The organisers have announced Sting and Nile Rodgers & CHIC as the first artists performing at its 2024 shows. The legendary Sting will be lighting up Delamere Forest on 15 June with his special My Songs 2024 concert. Accompanied by an electric rock ensemble, My Songs 2024 is an exuberant and dynamic show featuring his most beloved songs, written throughout Sting’s illustrious career with The Police and as a solo artist. Fans can expect to hear Englishman In New York, Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Message In A Bottle and many more.
Musical pioneers Nile Rodgers & CHIC will bring the ultimate party to Delamere Forest the day before with support from British singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor and 80s inspired contemporary pop band Deco.
forestryengland.uk/music
Actor, writer and director Celyn Jones on a directorial debut shining a light on brain injuries, embracing improv, going to the dark side and a love of the Wirral
It’s fair to say it’s a busy time for Celyn Jones. He’s not promoting one, nor two, but three films currently, which includes his directorial debut, a mockumentary about vegetable growing, and a film set in Wales that truly shows his range. It’s amazing he even has time to make this call. Starting with the former that is out now, The Almond and the Seahorse follows an archaeologist and an architect and their fight to re-imagine a future after a traumatic brain injury leaves them adrift from the people they love. Celyn also co-wrote the script with Kaite O’Reilly and plays the role of Joe in the film, a role he played in the original stage production penned by O’Reilly.
There’s plenty to delve into with a film that has an emotional punch, but first of all, why the title? “It takes its name from the parts of the brain that lay down new memories – the amygdala and the hippocampus,” Celyn explains. “They are called the ‘almond’ and the ‘seahorse’ because they are shaped like that. It tells the story of two separate couples navigating
through the emotional debris and the new world they have found themselves in post traumatic brain injury (TBI). It’s about love, and surviving love, and the pain of accepting a new life presented to you. The story’s main focus is on the two characters from each couple who don’t have a TBI, but are the most a ected by it. They are the ones who have to say goodbye to the person they love even though they’re still there in front of them.”
It’s a weighty subject matter, particularly considering this marks Celyn’s debut in the director’s chair. “It’s too important to so many, so I always feel the weight of responsibility. We researched thoroughly and took a lot of advice and guidance from experienced professionals to make sure our lens was correct and we represented these conditions correctly,” he says. “We tested the script and the film with TBI survivors, carers, medics, scientists and more to make sure we were true and accurate. What you quickly realise is that this is a ‘silent epidemic’ and the situations in the film are shockingly relatable to many. Lots of us have experienced love and being forgotten.”
The writing is brilliant, but it also helps to have a top cast delivering the lines. “It certainly is an embarrassment of riches and wonderful to be surrounded by a predominantly female cast, too. It shouldn’t be so rare, but it frustratingly still is. Each of them is so powerful and deft in their craft and so generous with their talent and ideas. Rebel Wilson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Trine Dyrholm, Meera Syal, Ruth Madeley and Alice Lowe all give powerful nuanced performances. A Rolling Stone journalist at a film festival described them to me as ‘Emotional Rockstars’ and I’d totally agree,” Celyn adds.
For a little lighter relief, Celyn also stars opposite Jo Hartley in the Brit comedy Swede Caroline, a mockumentary set in the world of competitive vegetable growing. “It is a really fun and heartfelt comedy,” Celyn smiles. “I play the very lovable, borderline insane, daft Willy who is Caroline’s right hand man, needy neighbour and not-sosecret admirer with a secret. I loved working with those filmmakers and especially acting with Jo Hartley and Richard Lumsden, who are brilliant. Go see it.”
“Lots of us have experienced love and being forgotten”
“I have no problem exploring the darker edges of humanity”
Celyn also stars alongside Louise Brealey and Annabel Scholey in the hotly-anticipated Janis Pugh debut, Chuck Chuck Baby. It had its world premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival recently and premiered at TIFF. The beautifully soundtracked feature, set in a small town in Wales about a group of women working in a chicken factory, shows Celyn’s darker side and this trio of films really showcases his incredible diversity and skills as an actor, writer and director.
“Great film and experience, it releases in July,” he says. “This character is at the polar opposite to the others, a tightly-wound knot of anger, fragility and resentment. He’s a dangerous and pathetic monster and it was my job to find his beating heart underneath that flesh and shell suit. I have no problem exploring those darker edges of our humanity. Janis Pugh has made such a unique film that says so much about class, love, female empowerment and the fragile mask of toxic masculinity. At the
Toronto Film Festival I was constantly attacked by audience members shouting ‘I hated you, you are so mean and so great in the part!’ What can I say… it’s a living.”
Funnily enough, if that’s the right way to describe it, Absolutely first came across Celyn playing Levi Bellfield in Manhunt, the TV adaptation of Colin Sutton’s book about catching the serial killer. “You can’t even contemplate taking on a role like that without considering the very real world consequences of what he did,” he reflects on the part. “It was very well done, the show, and definitely a big leap and responsibility for me as an actor. I think I was the right sort of actor and person to do it. Colin Sutton was really helpful to me and very kind about my work. It’s a tough subject to talk about, never mind celebrate because there are victims and their families, so I just did the work in silence and at the best of my ability.”
Celyn grew up in Wales in Anglesey, but today lives with his family in the Wirral,
which sounds like the perfect getaway from such an imposing workload. “We moved here 12 years ago. The Wirral is a wonderful place and has everything me and my family could want or need and a view of Wales too. My beautiful wife, Kate, is from here and I go where she goes, but I do love it. I adore the sea, the countryside, the people and the independent shops. Good rugby team, too.”
Does he ever have time to really enjoy what it o ers? With a nod, he rattles o : “Go to West Kirby and visit the independent bookshop, the vinyl shop, lateral co ee, Mother Deli, seafood shack and walk around the lake. Also, go and visit New Brighton and the amazing street art and nightlife… it’s inspiring what they’ve done down Victoria Road. The UTS gym is brilliant and I’m a long time member. Port Sunlight art gallery is interesting. Roydon Park and Thors Rock are wonderful. Oh and the old priory in Birkenhead is really atmospheric.”
But with plenty more on the horizon, that free time may be hard to come by. “It’s fun having these three totally di erent films and performances coming out in cinemas so close together, so there’s the promotion of them. I’ve just shot a beautiful indie film by Helen Walsh called On The Sea, I’ve dipped my toe into fantasy in an American show where I play the God of love, aka Cupid, I’m going to do a fun cameo on the Richard Burton film opposite Toby Jones and then it’s directing a film this summer on Anglesey, and straight after that it’s my TV show that I’ve written and will direct… might even make the sandwiches, too!”
The Almond and the Seahorse is out now. Follow Celyn on Instagram @celyn_jones
Why crossing over the border is well worth your time as nature and history awaits in abundance
Exploring North Wales is like stepping into a world where nature’s magnificence meets historical richness. From majestic mountains to stunning coastlines, from ancient castles to vibrant villages, North Wales o ers a diverse range of attractions that cater to every traveller’s taste.
SNOWDONIA
Nestled in the heart of North Wales, Snowdonia National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Home to Wales' highest peak, Mount Snowdon, this expansive park boasts breathtaking landscapes, including rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you’re a
hiker, a cyclist, or simply a nature lover, Snowdonia o ers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
You will also find some unique attractions close by too. Aber Falls Distillery, located on the foothills of Snowdonia in the village of Abergwyngregyn, o ers a premium portfolio of the finest handcrafted whiskies, gins, and liqueurs, using sustainably sourced ingredients and Welsh-inspired botanicals. The distillers take great pride in putting Welsh whisky on the map with their hero product, the Single Malt Whisky. The distillery has established strong partnerships with other Welsh businesses, in order to drive the local economy and help increase tourism to the region. To aid this, the Abergwyngregyn production facility is also home to an innovative Visitor
Centre, where guests can dine in the bistro, take part in Gin Lab experiences, and embark on guided tours of the distillery.
Conwy Castle stands as a majestic testament to medieval engineering and military prowess in North Wales. Built by Edward I in the late 13th century as part of his "Iron Ring" of fortresses, Conwy Castle dominates the skyline with its imposing presence. Strategically positioned overlooking the Conwy Estuary, the castle served as a formidable stronghold during times of conflict. Its massive curtain walls, eight impressive towers, and double-towered gatehouse reflect the architectural sophistication of the time. Visitors can explore the castle’s inner chambers,
climb its battlements, and marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Conwy Castle not only preserves the history of medieval Wales, but also o ers a glimpse into the lives of kings, knights, and soldiers who once called it home. Its atmospheric ruins
and rich historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and castle aficionados alike.
Portmeirion Village, nestled along the picturesque shores of the Dwyryd Estuary, is a whimsical masterpiece that transports visitors to a Mediterranean paradise. Conceived by
visionary architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, Portmeirion is a charming fusion of Italianate architecture, vibrant colours, and lush gardens.
Strolling through its cobblestone streets, visitors are greeted by pastel-hued buildings adorned with ornate facades, arched colonnades, and intricate mosaics. Each corner reveals a new delight, from hidden courtyards to sun-drenched terraces overlooking the tranquil waters.
Portmeirion’s enchanting ambiance has attracted artists, writers, and dreamers for decades, including its most famous resident, author and architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis himself. Today, visitors can explore the village’s eclectic shops, dine in its quaint cafes, and wander through its exotic gardens.
Llandudno, known as the "Queen of Welsh Resorts", is a Victorian seaside town nestled between the Great Orme and Little Orme headlands. Its elegant promenade, framed by a sweeping crescent of golden sand, o ers stunning views of the Irish Sea and the rugged coastline.
Visitors can stroll along the historic Victorian Pier, where amusement arcades and traditional stalls evoke a sense of nostalgia. The town’s charming architecture, with its pastel-coloured facades and ornate balconies, exudes old-world charm and character.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Great Orme o ers panoramic vistas from its summit accessible by tramway or footpaths. Adventure seekers can explore its limestone cli s, ancient mines, and nature reserves, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot seals, seabirds, and even wild Kashmir goats.
With its timeless appeal, Llandudno captivates visitors with its blend of natural beauty, Victorian elegance, and seaside allure, making it a beloved destination for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure on the Welsh coast.
Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled on the banks of the River Seiont, is a formidable symbol of English conquest and Welsh resilience. Built by Edward I in the late 13th century, this majestic fortress showcases medieval military architecture and political power. Its imposing walls and polygonal towers, constructed from local grey stone, dominate the surrounding landscape and command awe and respect. The castle’s strategic position overlooking the Menai Strait ensured control over the
vital waterway and served as a symbol of English dominance over the Welsh. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved battlements, gatehouses, and inner chambers, gaining insight into its tumultuous history through interactive exhibits and immersive displays. From its commanding viewpoints, panoramic vistas of Snowdonia and the Welsh countryside unfold, o ering a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the enduring legacy of Caernarfon Castle in Welsh history and heritage.
Anglesey, located o the northwest coast, is a captivating island steeped in history, natural beauty, and Celtic charm. Connected to the mainland by two bridges, Anglesey boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from rugged cli s and sandy beaches to rolling farmland and picturesque villages.
History enthusiasts will delight in exploring the island’s ancient sites, including Neolithic burial chambers, Iron Age hill forts, and Roman ruins. Notable attractions include the imposing Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its concentric design and stunning views of the Menai Strait. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in Anglesey’s rich biodiversity, with opportunities for birdwatching, coastal walks, and wildlife spotting. The island’s coastal paths o er spectacular views of the Irish Sea and opportunities to encounter seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
With its blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere, Anglesey o ers a peaceful retreat and a perfect escape for those seeking to explore the wonders of Wales' coastal landscape.
Bodnant Garden, situated in the picturesque Conwy Valley, is a horticultural gem
renowned for its stunning landscapes, rare plant collections, and vibrant floral displays. Spanning over 80 acres, this historic garden features a diverse range of habitats, from formal terraces and manicured lawns to wildflower meadows and tranquil ponds.
Established in the late 19th century by Victorian industrialist Henry Pochin, Bodnant Garden showcases an impressive array of plants sourced from around the world, including exotic specimens collected on plant-hunting expeditions. Visitors can wander along winding pathways, explore hidden glades, and marvel at the seasonal beauty of rhododendrons, magnolias, and azaleas in spring.
The garden’s crowning jewel is the iconic Laburnum Arch, a stunning tunnel of golden blooms that bursts into colour during late spring, creating a mesmerising spectacle that attracts visitors from far and wide. With its timeless beauty and botanical diversity, Bodnant Garden is a true paradise for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Swallow Falls, nestled amidst the majestic landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, is a captivating natural wonder that enchants visitors with its raw beauty and aweinspiring power. Fed by the Afon Llugwy river, Swallow Falls cascades in a series of dramatic plunges, creating a stunning spectacle of rushing water and mist. As one of the highest waterfalls in Wales, Swallow Falls captivates the imagination
with its sheer force and stunning surroundings. Visitors can follow scenic walking trails that wind through ancient woodlands and rocky outcrops, leading to various viewpoints that o er unrivalled vistas of the waterfall’s thundering descent. Whether viewed from afar or experienced up close, Swallow Falls leaves an indelible impression on all who witness its natural splendour. With its tranquil setting and dramatic beauty, Swallow Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia.
Nestled amidst the lush woodlands and cascading rivers of Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed is a charming
village that beckons visitors with its tranquil beauty and outdoor adventures, o ering a perfect blend of natural splendour and Welsh hospitality.
Stroll along its quaint streets lined with traditional shops, galleries and cosy cafes, where the scent of freshly brewed co ee mingles with the crisp mountain air. Here you can also explore the enchanting Swallow Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls that captivate the senses.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Betws-yCoed serves as a haven for adventure, with hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and scenic walks that meander through ancient forests and rugged landscapes. Nearby attractions include the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia, historic castles, and picturesque lakes.
With its serene ambiance and breathtaking surroundings, Betws-yCoed o ers a peaceful retreat and a perfect base for exploring the wonders of Snowdonia National Park.
The Conwy Suspension Bridge, spanning the River Conwy, is an engineering marvel that showcases the ingenuity of Victorian design. Completed in 1826 by renowned engineer Thomas Telford, this historic bridge was a groundbreaking feat of its time and remains a beloved landmark to this day.
With its elegant suspension cables and stone towers, the Conwy Suspension Bridge seamlessly blends form and function, providing a vital link between the town of Conwy and the surrounding countryside. As one of the earliest road suspension bridges in the world, it stands as a testament to the advancement of transportation technology during the Industrial Revolution.
Visitors to the Conwy Suspension Bridge can stroll across its gently curving deck. Its historic significance and scenic beauty make it a popular attraction for history enthusiasts, photographers, and travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of North Wales.
Scream Pretty have debuted their jewellery design collaboration with Manchester’s Francesca Perks, called Everyday Maximalist. The collection launched in April and features 10 pieces designed by Scream Pretty’s founder Lucy Lee and Francesca Perks to bring a primary palette inspired collection of chunky everyday forever jewels.
“This collection tells the story of both facets of my style: the everyday and the maximalist,” says Francesca. “I’m known for my maximalist outfits with bright colours, exaggerated proportions layered to high heavens, but the reality is I often find myself in everyday, casual outfits. ‘Everyday Maximalist’ is for everyone to wear in every facet of themselves.
“On my first meeting with Scream Pretty, I was given two valuable pieces of guidance by Lucy,” she adds.
“‘Design the jewellery you’ve always wanted to wear’ and ‘design the jewellery the customer will wear everyday’, and that’s exactly what we’ve created; a 10-piece jewellery
From the outside, this is a collaboration that just screams (sorry) success. Francesca is a content creator with a focus on fashion and authenticity online. An ever-changing style providing inspiration for audiences of over 200,000; one thing that stays consistent is her flair for creativity, pushing boundaries with her styling, and her staple primary colours. A passion for showing trends are workable, fashionable, and chic at any size, she has shown vintage is for everyone and plus size tailoring is absolutely imperative in 2024. With previous lines on ASOS, an edit with a major brand under her belt, and a new jewellery collaboration to announce; she has a growing portfolio to show.
Scream Pretty, meanwhile, is the go-to jewellery brand for those who love adding a playful edge to their everyday style, designed with the ethos ‘Be seen. Be heard’. The brand’s collections of recycled sterling silver and goldplated recycled sterling silver jewellery are curated to be worn individually or stacked up for high octane
“The collection tells the story of both facets of my style: the everyday and the maximalist”
style. Scream Pretty o er a premium, a ordable collection for those who covet sassy, wearable jewels. Signature pieces include must-have huggie hoops, ear cu s, elongated oval huggies, motif hoops, threader earrings, edgy chokers, skinny stacking bangles and mismatched stud sets.
Looking at the ‘Everyday Maximalist’ collection, it is built around signature gold chunky ‘nuggets’ and opens with the ‘Nugget Chain Necklace’. “I’ve always gravitated towards stackings chains, but knew when we started designing that I wanted one that was more-than,” smiles Francesca, “and this is exactly that, elevated with our gold abstract nuggets running throughout.” The matching ‘Nugget Chain Bracelet’ carries the look with an extra-chunky clasp, whilst the open ‘Nugget Bangle’ makes for e ortless layering across the wrist.
Francesca’s love of primary colours takes centre stage in the collection’s signature
piece: the ‘Nugget Heart Pendant Necklace’. This abstract heart pendant adorned with primary gems is a luxurious everyday piece with maximum wearability.
‘Everyday Maximalist’ delivers endless opportunities for ear stacks. The ‘Nugget Hoop Earrings’ are also studded with primary stones, designed to playfully catch the light, whilst the ‘Nugget Mismatched Studs’ and ‘Nugget Stud Earrings Trio’ deliver ultimate versatility. “The Trio make the perfect dainty abstract nugget forms to scatter throughout the ears, or even better yet nestle together in close piercings to create your own abstract shapes,” says Francesca. “Also a little tip on the hoops – stack these up in two lobe piercings with two pairs and see how perfectly the hoops slot together. Yes, we did that on purpose!”
Designed to match the heart pendant, the show stealing ‘Nugget Heart Ear Cu ’ is one Francesca is most excited for people to see. Elsewhere, two rings ‘The Nugget Dome Ring’ and ‘Nugget Stacker Open Ring’ make for statement ring stacks or create an immediate statement styled alone.
“My hope is that anyone can make this collection their own, customising through stacking and layering – as I know that’s exactly what I’ll be doing, seeing as these are the pieces I’ve truly always wanted to wear, and will now be wearing every day,” she grins.
screampretty.com
An exhibition of photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish collection goes on display this month
Sir Elton John’s photography collection is legendary. The singer has been passionate about acquiring photographs by the world’s leading photographers since the 1990s and a new exhibition in London at the V&A o ers us all the chance to see highlights from this private collection that tells the story of modern and contemporary photography.
Showcasing over 300 rare prints from over 140 photographers Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection follows on from the 2016 exhibition The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection at the Tate Modern. This exhibition covers the period from the 1950s to the present day, bringing together an unrivalled selection of the world’s leading
photographers including Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, William Eggleston, Diane Arbus, Sally Mann, Zanele Muholi, Ai Weiwei, Carrie Mae Weems and others.
Marking 30 years of collecting, the exhibition celebrates Elton’s and David’s passion for the medium, reflecting their personal taste and unique eye as collectors. Across eight thematic sections, it explores subjects such as fashion, reportage, celebrity, the male body, and American photography. Portraits of stars from stage and screen will feature, including photography of Marilyn Monroe, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker, as well as iconic images from key moments of history from the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, AIDS activism of the 1980s and the events of 11 September 2001. Also on display will be the very first acquisitions made by Elton, fashion
“THE EXHIBITION CELEBRATES THE DUO'S PASSION FOR THE MEDIUM”
photographs by Horst P. Horst, Irving Penn and Herb Ritts, as well as some of the newest additions to their collection including Tyler Mitchell, Trevor Paglen and An-My Lê.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish said:
“Since we first loaned a selection of Horst photographs to the V&A in 2014, our relationship with the museum has grown significantly. Fragile Beauty takes our collaboration to really exciting new heights, showcasing some of the most beloved photographers and iconic images from within our collection. Working alongside the V&A again has been a truly memorable experience, and we look forward to sharing this exhibition with the public.”
Fragile Beauty runs until January 2025. Discover more at vam.ac.uk
For Strictly Come Dancing champion, former Coronation Street actress and Manchester-born Ellie Leach, and ex-Heartbeat and Casualty actor Jason Durr, the chance to play Miss Scarlett and Colonel Mustard in Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter were roles they both simply couldn’t turn down.
myself out of my comfort zone. A year ago, I would never have expected Strictly, then the Strictly arena tour and now Cluedo 2 happen. I am so grateful as Miss Scarlett is such an iconic character to play.”
As the nationwide tour of Cluedo 2 –The Next Chapter continues, we meet stars Ellie Leach and JasonDurr, along with the show’s director, MarkBell
By CHRISTINE SMITHThe two stars are starring in a major new nationwide UK stage tour that marks the world premiere of this new play, based on the classic Hasbro board game. Written by BAFTA Award winning writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, and directed by the award winning Mark Bell, the Cluedo 2 tour will visit more than 20 venues around the country.
Both actors admit they can’t wait to go on tour. It’s Ellie’s first ever theatre role after she shot to fame playing Faye Windass for 12 years in Coronation Street and then went on to win last year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Meanwhile Jason, who has starred in many TV roles and until recently as Nurse David Hide in Casualty, admits he has long harboured an ambition to return to his theatre roots.
“This is my first stage play and I am very excited to be playing Miss Scarlett,” says Ellie ahead of her stage debut. “It is nerve-wracking as it’s something completely di erent to TV, but I really want to push
Jason adds: “I have done an enormous amount of television, but there is nothing quite like performing in front of a live audience and making people laugh. I am looking forward to going back to my roots, acting on stage, and getting my funny bones going again in the form of this rip-roaring comedy. It’s going to be phenomenal to bring comedy and a classic whodunnit to the stage where the audience get to be the detective.”
As the actors go on to explain, both their roles have been cleverly reinvented to fit in with the new setting of the play in the rock and roll 1960s – something they are both hugely excited by. “At first, Miss Scarlett seems like butter won’t melt,” reveals Ellie. “She is an interior designer and she seems very unassuming. But as the play develops, well… people may not be quite what they seem. Cluedo is, after all, a thriller and murder mystery game!”
Like Miss Scarlett, Colonel Mustard is also hiding secrets. “We are going to be reinventing the narrative,” says Jason. “Rick Black is a rock star in the play and Mustard is his manager. Like Elvis had the Colonel, this chap has Mustard! He thinks he knows what he is doing, but he doesn’t really.”
The icing on the cake, admit Ellie and Jason, is the chance to work alongside the
“IT'S
show’s critically acclaimed director Mark Bell, who is also the director behind the global hit, The Play That Goes Wrong. “Mark is the past master at mishap and mayhem and he has his finger on the pulse,” Jason enthuses. “This is the perfect tonic we need right now in the world we are living in.”
Smiling, Mark insists it’s the play’s writers, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, who should win all the praise. “I am a minor Viscount compared to their Highnesses,” he jokes, before adding: “They are royalty and as soon as I met them, we hit it o . It’s a privilege to be working with them and this great new cast. It’s a new story with new twists and what I love is the fact Cluedo is such an important part of our culture.”
Indeed, for both the new stars of the play and Mark, the Cluedo board game represents such an iconic part of British
heritage. It’s one of the reasons, says Mark, why the first Cluedo play proved to be such a big hit in its stage tour in 2022. “I played Cluedo as a child and I think it’s why we had such a fantastic audience response with the first stage play,” Mark continues. “People enjoy seeing these characters come to life.”
Determined to throw everything into the new production, all three are working hard behind the scenes to make sure it’s another huge success. Jason says he hopes to be sure to steady his stage nerves, whilst Ellie is drawing from her experience performing in front of thousands on her recent Strictly arena UK tour. “All the cast have welcomed me with such open arms,” she says. “Thousands came to watch the Strictly tour and it did give me a sense of what it is like to perform in front of a live audience. It’s going to be also
amazing to take on this new experience and do something di erent to TV, which is practically at the other end of the acting scale. Television is very naturalistic and on stage, everything happens a thousand times bigger. But that’s what is so exciting.”
For all three, touring around the UK can be tough, but each are making sure to balance family life and other work commitments. With other projects also on the go, Mark explains he tries to visit di erent cities hosting the play every fortnight, whilst both Ellie and Jason reveal they are planning to bring their families along to watch. “It’s never great leaving home but you make it work,” admits Jason. “My wife and children will definitely be coming to watch. It will be a chance for us to have a giggle. I think I look rather fetching in yellow!”
Ellie adds: “My family can’t wait to come and watch me in this show. Obviously after going on tour with Strictly, I have now had experience of living out of a suitcase and what is great about this show is I am going to be going back to acting again. I was known for many years as Faye Windass and as amazing as that was, it was then nice for people to find out more about me and my personality on Strictly. Now it’s going to be great to transform myself into a new character. I love how Cluedo 2 is perfect for everyone in the family and it is lovely how, thanks partly now to The Traitors too, people really enjoy murder mysteries!
“When I spoke to Mark about how the play felt a bit like The Traitors, he agreed,” Ellie continues. “He said ‘yes, everyone is trying to suss everyone out!’ I can’t wait for everyone to come and watch it.”
As for what the audience can expect, Mark smiles as he teases: “Cluedo 2 is a really great whodunnit. It’s fast paced, high energy with lots of verbal and visual jokes. This is one for all the family –everyone is going to come out smiling.”
cluedostageplay.com
Nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Stanley Park, the Isla Gladstone Conservatory stands as a beacon of elegance and charm in Liverpool. Beyond its reputation as a breathtaking wedding venue, the Conservatory o ers a myriad of possibilities for your next event.
As a licensed venue for civil ceremonies, the Isla Gladstone Conservatory provides a captivating backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating love. Whether you envision an intimate gathering within the Conservatory itself or a romantic ceremony at the Bandstand amidst the lush greenery of the grounds, every moment is imbued with enchantment and grace. Surrounded by verdant lawns and historic beauty, your event is enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication and tranquility. As a Grade II listed building, the Conservatory exudes timeless charm.
Discover the Isla Gladstone Conservatory: Liverpool’s premier event destination
With a capacity of up to 300 guests, the Isla Gladstone Conservatory accommodates gatherings of all sizes, ensuring that every event is tailored to perfection. Ample on-site parking ensures convenience for you and your guests. Embrace the versatility of the Conservatory with the option for marquees within the grounds. Whether you dream of an al fresco celebration under the stars or a lavish reception within the confines of a marquee, the possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination. For more intimate gatherings or corporate meetings,
“Your event will be enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication”
the café below the Conservatory o ers a charming space for smaller events. Enjoy the convenience of air conditioning and modern amenities while basking in the allure of the Conservatory’s surroundings. At the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, every detail is meticulously curated to exceed your expectations. From the timeless beauty of its architecture to the unparalleled service provided by their dedicated team, your event unfolds with grace and splendour, leaving a lasting impression on you and your guests. Elevate your next event to new heights at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, the epitome of elegance, romance, and sophistication in the heart of Liverpool’s most iconic park. Whether you seek a venue for a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, let the team transform your vision into reality. Book your event today and embark on a journey of unforgettable moments in a setting like no other.
0151 263 0363 / theislagladstone.co.uk
LUCKY CAT
New sake masterclasses have launched at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay Manchester, which will take place at the restaurant’s beautiful central bar.
Here the sommelier will take you through the Japanese rice wine’s fascinating history, explaining how it’s made and the different types of sake that are available. Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is an Asian eating house that opened its first restaurant in Mayfair in 2019. gordonramsayrestaurants
The latest launches and news from across
Wine recommendations for the month
By THE WINE SOCIETY
By MARK KEBBLE
Crémant d’Alsace Cuvée
Julien Dop au Moulin NV
£14.31
This traditional method fizz comes from a house that specialises in Crémant, in the classic Alsace mix of pinot blanc and auxerrois. It's delicate, and easy-drinking, given extra depth by longer bottle maturation. A delicious start to any meal or counterpoint to smoked fish dishes.
The Society’s Australian Chardonnay 2023
£7.50
Made exclusively for The Wine Society by Yalumba, this is a convincing representation of modern Australian chardonnay at a very good-value price point. Crisp, citrus-led and light on the palate, it makes for enjoyable refreshment.
Xinomavro Jeunes Vignes, Thymiopoulos 2021
£13.50
The master of this increasingly modish Greek grape won plaudits from the 2023 Wine Champions judges for fragrance, freshness and sheer personality. Packed with juicy fruit and infused with savoury herbs, it’s eminently chillable too.
Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.
The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com
Leading Italian restaurant group, San Carlo, has announced its new summer menu, available at their Manchester outlet. Menus at San Carlo restaurants will encompass the finest dishes including Gnocchetti Pasta Melanzane e Salsiccia, Sardinian style gnocchetti pasta with aubergine and pork sausage ragu, and Lemon Sole with Clams and Asparagus, panfried lemon sole with sauteed clams and green asparagus. sancarlo.co.uk
Creams Café, who have shops in Manchester and Liverpool, have just launched their loaded shakes. Each shake is loaded to the brim with naughty goodness and is deliciously over the top, including all the sweet goodness of a Creams pudding. creamscafe.com
RESTAURANT BAR & GRILL
Spring cocktails
Lanique Spirit of Rose is a completely natural spirit with aromas of delicate rose, fresh raspberry and cherry, and hints of Turkish delight. Utterly delicious with champagne, look out for it on cocktail menus. lanique.co.uk
At Stereo, a new experimental and vibrant spring menu features aromatic, floral and fruity ingredients. No Ordinary Love is made with Stereogin, rose, Muyu Vetiver liqueur, Campari and verjus. stereocoventgarden.com
Coravin, the global leader in wine preservation, recently launched a World Wine Tour, which made exceptionally rare fine wines available by-theglass in selected restaurants across the UK – including the 2 Michelin-starred and Michelin Green starred Moor Hall Restaurant. The World Wine Tour launched on 1 May.
coravin.co.uk
AIX
Restaurant Bar & Grill has announced its brand-new Thursday o er, where guests can save up to 20% on the most popular steak dishes on the menu, every week, at their Liverpool restaurant. The unrivalled Steak & Malbec o er is an exclusive menu, featuring the restaurant’s best-selling prime steak dishes. therestaurantbarandgrill.com
The Della Vite Paloma Bellini is a zingy mix of the finest Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, homemade sugar syrup, zesty grapefruit soda and Della Vite Superiore Prosecco, the award-winning Vegan premium fizz founded by Poppy, Chloe and Cara Delevingne. dellavite.com
AIX Rosé is the result of dedication and passion to make the best possible expression of Provence rosé. Maison Saint AIX is a family-owned brand that was established in 2009 and has become the benchmark for Provence Rosé. The delicious 2023 vintage is now available at Majestic, £20. aixrose.com
Recipes from the Italian coast
Words AMBER GUINNESS
Serves 1–3
I first came across this quick and easy summer dish when I was lunching with friends in a restaurant in southern Tuscany on a baking hot day. We placed our order and happily carried on chatting and sipping chilled wine, getting hungrier by the minute. A er nearly an hour, the waiter realised he’d forgotten to put our order through. He disappeared into the kitchen and almost immediately reappeared with a frittata di zucchine to apologise and tide us over. Needless to say, the sweet basil and zucchini encased in egg and cheese was delicious. If you’d like to offer this as a main, allow one per person and serve with salad.
• 2 organic eggs sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 25 g (1 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 zucchini (about 150 g/51/2 oz), top removed, sliced into thin discs handful of basil leaves, roughly torn 20 g (3/4 oz)
• Parmesan, finely grated
METHOD
1 Crack the eggs into a small bowl, add a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper and whisk with a fork. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat.
2 Pick up the pan and swirl the fat around so that it goes up the side of the pan to avoid the egg sticking later.
3 Once it starts to sizzle, add the zucchini and gently toss to ensure it is evenly coated in oil and butter. Leave to cook without stirring for 3–4 minutes.
4 Add the basil and toss, turning all the zucchini slices over to brown the other side. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the slices are golden on both sides and the basil has wilted. Make sure the zucchini is evenly spaced in one layer over the base of the pan.
5 Pour over the beaten egg, then gently swirl the pan to allow the egg to evenly coat the zucchini and spread slightly up the side of the pan. Cook without stirring for 2–3 minutes. Once the egg starts to look opaque at the bottom, sprinkle over the grated parmesan, then leave for another minute or so until the bottom is completely cooked, the top is set and the cheese has melted.
6 Using a spatula, gently ease the frittata onto a serving plate, cheese side up. Top with some freshly ground pepper and serve immediately.
Panna cotta al
Pistachio panna cotta
Serves 4
Pistachio cream is a staple of the Sicilian kitchen and is used in many breakfast pastries. It is similar to chocolate spread but is (unsurprisingly) green and tastes gloriously of pistachios. You can find jars of crema di pistachio in most supermarkets in Italy, or it’s widely available online. Mixing pistachio cream with panna cotta is an indulgent twist on a classic, bringing a nutty sweetness to the cream as well as acting as a second setting agent, meaning you need less gelatin. I serve these in cocktail glasses and never turn them out, mainly because their green colour doesn’t look as attractive domed on a plate as it does sitting in a glass topped with chopped pistachios or a few fresh raspberries.
• Handful of unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped
• Handful of raspberries (optional) Panna Cotta
• 2 x 2 g (1/16 oz) gelatine leaves
• 400 ml (14 fl oz) double cream
• 30 g (1 oz) caster sugar
• 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped
• 80 g (23/4 oz) pistachio cream
METHOD
1 To make the panna cotta, using scissors, cut the gelatine sheets into a small bowl and cover with cold water. Leave to soak for 15 minutes or as instructed on the packet.
2 Meanwhile, pour the cream into a medium saucepan and add the sugar, vanilla seeds and pod. Place over a medium heat and gently warm until it almost comes to the boil, then switch o immediately.
3 Squeeze any excess liquid out of the soaked gelatine and stir into the hot cream until it has completely dissolved. Remove the vanilla pod, then transfer to a large bowl and mix in the pistachio cream until smooth.
4 Divide the panna cotta evenly among four cocktail glasses, then chill in the fridge for at least three hours or, better still, overnight.
5 When you’re ready to serve, top each panna cotta with a teaspoon of roughly chopped pistachios and, if you like, a few raspberries.
6 Serve directly from the glass.
Serves 6
This is the signature dish at my friend Anita’s hotel on the island of Salina. Originally hailing from Milan, she and her parents decided to buy a run-down hotel in the place where they spent their summers. It has, of course, taken over their lives. Anita’s husband gave up his job in finance to become the hotel’s baker (his sourdough is legendary) and her mother, Silvana, is now the hotel chef. Dinner at the Principe is a wonderfully convivial affair, conducted on one long table under a pergola overlooking the Tyrrhenian, with the volcano of Stromboli gently bubbling in the distance. Each morning, Silvana writes that evening’s menu on a blackboard in the bar and residents can say whether they would like to join. If they do they are treated to a four-course feast, which regularly includes this delicious fish risotto topped with mullet ragu. If you can’t find red mullet then sea bass is a delicious and slightly more economical alternative. You can also use vegetable stock rather than fish stock, which I find really lets the saffron and the fish ragu sing.
INGREDIENTS
• 20 g (3/4 oz) raisins
• A pinch of sa ron
• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) red mullet or sea bass fillets, skin and bones removed
• Sea salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 small white onion, finely chopped
• 30 g (1 oz) tomato paste
• 30 g (1 oz) flat-leaf parsley leaves or fennel fronds, very finely chopped
• 20 g (3/4 oz) pine nuts
Risotto
• 1 litre (34 fl oz) fish or vegetable stock
• 2 pinches of sa ron
• 80 ml (21/2 fl oz) olive oil
• 1 small white onion, finely chopped
• Sea salt
• 450 g (1 lb) arborio rice
• 150 ml (5 fl oz) white wine
METHOD
1 Place the raisins and sa ron in a small bowl and pour over enough cold water to just cover them. Leave to soak and plump up for a few minutes. Meanwhile, cut the fish fillets into 2cm (3/4 inch) chunks.
2 Season with salt and set aside in a bowl for 5 minutes. Heat the olive oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat,
add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook until translucent. Add the tomato paste, raisins and sa ron, soaking water, and parsley or fennel.
3 Stir well, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the fish and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. At the end, stir through the pine nuts. The fish will break up a bit, which will make it a little more ragu-like.
4 Set aside while you make the risotto. Combine the stock and sa ron in a saucepan over a medium heat until the sa ron dissolves. Remove from the heat as it comes to the boil. In a separate pan, bring 300 ml (10 fl oz) water to the boil, then switch o the heat.
5 Everyone needs a di erent quantity of liquid for risotto, depending on the kind of rice, the size of your pan and so on. This is just a back up – you may not need it.
6 Heat the olive oil in a wide, heavybased frying pan over a medium heat. Once it starts to sizzle, add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the rice and mix until it is well coated in the oil. Increase the heat to high and toast the rice, stirring often, to allow the starchy outer coating to soften and disintegrate; this should take 2–3 minutes.
7 Pour in the wine and stir until it has all been absorbed into the rice and the alcohol has evaporated. Add a ladleful of the hot stock, then stir until the rice has absorbed it all before adding another ladleful.
8 Repeat this process for 18–20 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed. (If you run out of stock, add the boiling water.) Try the rice: it should be cooked but still have a little bite without being chalky. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, depending on how salty your stock is.
9 Remove from the heat. Spoon the risotto onto individual plates and top with a ladleful of the ragu.
10 Sprinkle with a little chopped parsley or fennel fronds and serve immediately.
NADINE MERABI Manchster-based designer Nadine Merabi has launched a new collection that will wow at any formal occasion. ABIGAIL is an elegant, floorsweeping illusion panel maxi dress, crafted from satin with a cowl neckline, seam panel detailing, and a cowl back with crossbody functional ties. nadinemerabi.com
The latest collection from Rebecca Rhoades will put all others in the shade this season
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The latest in luxury makeup and skincare
By CARLY GLENDINNING
Lifestage specific, Opalore’s five creams treat the root causes of ageing and promote good bacteria. A er testing cream n.2, I’ve noticed a more balanced and radiant complexion. From £180. opalore.com
CLIGHTINDERM X SHAVATA BROWS
EMMA LEWISHAM
Emma Lewisham’s new Supernatural Vitale Face Elixir fills and redensifies the skin, targeting cellular ageing. The light formulation feels luxurious, smells amazing, and we’ve noticed plumper skin too, £85. emmalewisham.co.uk
Shavata Singh has teamed up with Lightinderm to o er immediate redness relief after threading treatments at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge. Redness magically vanishes using Lightinderm’s groundbreaking LED technology. Complimentary service with a full face thread or £21 with any other threading appointment. harveynichols.com
hester’s awardwinning and luxurious spa, The Spa at Carden, has been named a finalist in two categories in this year’s Good Spa Guide Awards: Best Hotel Spa and Best Spa for Sustainability. Voting is open now for the public to show their support and the winner will be announced at the award ceremony on Monday 24 June. Widely acknowledged as a beacon of excellence within the UK spa industry, the Good Spa Guide sets the gold standard for quality, innovation and service. Finalists in the Good Spa Guide are judged by a ‘Spa Spy’ who visits the hotel and spa before the winners are decided by public vote. Since its opening in January 2020, the Spa at Carden has held the prestigious 5-bubble luxury spa rating and has since received a wealth of awards. The spa has become the premier hotel spa in the UK, o ering unparalleled facilities and experiences akin to those found in global resorts. Nestled within the breathtaking Cheshire countryside and spanning 1,000 acres, the Carden Park Estate o ers a number of amenities including two championship golf courses, 197 opulent rooms, The Vines fine dining restaurant, private vineyard and a sculpture garden curated by Grant Ford, an expert from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. The hotel and spa stands as an idyllic retreat for those seeking a luxurious countryside spa getaway.
THE SPA AT CARDEN Broxton Road, CH3 9DQ cardenpark.co.uk/spa
THREE FOR IMPROVED SLEEP
PLIABILITY
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EIGHT SLEEP
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Q And finally, if you could share one sleep hack for fitness enthusiasts, what would it be?
A Consistency is the easiest sleep hack. Create a schedule and stick to it, even on weekends. Go to bed within 30 minutes of your desired bedtime every night. Also, make sure the room you sleep in at a consistent temperature throughout the year, a cooler room normally leads to a better night’s sleep.
Pod Cover with Perfect Fit, £2,345 eightsleep.com
In this issue’s special, we sat down with the newly crowned Interior Design Master about her style, future plans and Cheshire. Read more on page 72.
The National Portrait Gallery Shop is celebrating the work of Black British designers and makers this month in a new capsule collection that includes cushions by award-winning designer Amechi. npg.org.uk
FENWICK AND TILBROOK Discover the artistry of Fenwick and Tilbrook. Premium paint made to order in six beautiful finishes. Available in over 150 colours with bespoke colour service available. Priced from £27 for 1L. fenwickandtilbrook.com @fenwickandtilbrook
CULT FURNITURE X A TOKO
Cult Furniture has teamed up with boutique brand A TOKO, highlighting the traditional skills and practices of Indonesian artisans and launching the stylish Kapu Kapu rattan armchair, £499, that also comes in red. cultfurniture.com
MICUCCI INTERIORS
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CLICK STYLE
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HEATHFIELD & CO
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THE NOOK
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SPICER AND WOOD Grid Vase, £30 spicerandwood.co.uk
Heathfield & Co's playful and interactive limited-edition Dusk table lamp collection allows users to easily edit the colours on show with a simple twist of the shade. Colour visionary Amy Moorea Wong is behind the considered, mood boosting palette. heathfield.co.uk
JOHN LEWIS
This bedside table is cra ed from materials that are long overdue a comeback: cherry wood and rattan wicker weave. It's cleverly designed with a small footprint and a finish that will develop an attractive patina with age, £175. johnlewis.com
ROISIN QUINN IS THE CHESHIREBASED WINNER OF THE MOST RECENT SERIES OF INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS. HERE SHE TELLS ABSOLUTELY HOW SHE DID IT
Q Congratulations on winning Interior Design Masters! Has that sunk in yet?
A Thank you so much! But no, it hasn’t quite hit me yet. I’m not sure if it ever will. This achievement doesn’t quite evoke the same feelings as my past victories, because usually that’s a one off win, but this is different, it’s bigger and the excitement hasn’t left. It’s more than just personal success; it feels like a shared celebration, marking a profound shift and growth in my own life journey.
Q Why do you think you stood out for the judges?
A I believe it stems from my innate ability to craft an atmosphere within a space, something that flows effortlessly for me.
Interior design, to me, feels more like an inherent skill rather than something that can be taught. It’s about constant growth and evolution, a journey I eagerly embraced week after week, always hungry to learn more. I believe the judges appreciated my genuine passion for learning.
Moreover, I thrive on conjuring a sense of magic within a space, instilling it with a unique ambiance that resonates. Interior design, I've found, thrives best when approached with a balance of intuition and skill, rather than overthinking every detail.
Q How would you look back on your time on the show?
A Interior Design Masters has truly been a
game-changer for me. At 30, I found myself contemplating the idea of pursuing a degree to distinguish myself in the field of design. However, the show offered me a crash course in interior design, effectively condensing what would have taken me three years into a whirlwind experience. It not only accelerated my learning, but also introduced me to a network of exceptional individuals within the industry, opening doors to a whole new world of opportunities. The show served as a catapult for my career, propelling me forward in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve formed incredible friendships that I cherish forever. It ’s been an invaluable journey, one that has reshaped my trajectory and enriched my life in countless ways.
Q What originally inspired you to apply to be involved?
A I saw turning 30 as a pivotal moment, a time to embrace change and pursue my
passion for interior design. While I had enjoyed my six years in my previous job, which revolved around my love for travel, I felt a sense of stagnation creeping in. Comfort can be a dangerous trap, and I refused to let myself fall into it. It’s far too easy to procrastinate and put off our dreams, a habit I’m all too familiar with. Transitioning to a career as competitive and uncertain as interior design was undeniably daunting. The constant scrutiny and intensity can be overwhelming. However, my passion for interior design had burned within me for years, and I knew I had to take the leap to turn it into my reality. Even if it didn’t pan out, I couldn’t bear the thought of looking back with regret. My greatest fear is reaching old age and realising I let opportunities slip by. I refuse to settle for a life of "that was nice"; I want to look back and think that was a wild ride!
Q Have you always had an interest in interior design?
A Interior design has been a passion of mine long before I even knew it was a defined profession. I found myself drawn to the charm of old buildings, the cosy ambiance of cafes and restaurants. It’s as if this interest has always been quietly guiding me, subtly influencing my choices and preferences. Only recently have I come to the realisation that I can channel this passion into a fulfilling career. It’s like discovering a hidden treasure within myself, a talent waiting to be unleashed.
Q What kind of things have you dabbled in?
A I’ve only ever done residential interiors and with completing all eight briefs on the show it has undoubtedly enriched my
portfolio in remarkable ways. However, my ultimate aspiration lies in venturing into commercial design, particularly in crafting boutique hotels, bars, and restaurants. There’s an undeniable allure to creating spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and revel in the ambiance I’ve meticulously curated. It’s about transcending the boundaries of individual homes and extending my design vision to communal spaces where memories are made and experiences are shared. The prospect of shaping these environments excites me immensely, and I’m eager to embark on this new chapter in my design journey.
Q Was there a lightbulb moment when you felt that, yes, interior design could be a direction for you to go in?
A I think the lightbulb moment was in November 2022, I had just designed my wedding and created my interior design Instagram account, @roisinquinn. It had been on my mind for years, but I hesitated, fearing judgement from others.
To my delight, the response was overwhelmingly positive, igniting a newfound sense of confidence in me. Encouraged by the support I received, I decided to pursue my passion more seriously. Initially, I applied to study interior design at university, believing it would be my first step into the world of interiors. However, fate had other plans in store for me when Interior Design Masters came along, completely altering the course of my journey.
ultimate goal is to craft spaces that transport people, taking them on a captivating journey with each glance. I strive to leave a lasting impression, delivering designs that are truly unique and unforgettable.
Q Now you have had this success on the show, where would you like to go next?
A My aspiration is to establish my own distinguished and high end interior design studio, dedicated to crafting bespoke experiences for boutique hotels, B&Bs, bars, restaurants, and various commercial spaces, as well as handpicked residential projects. Additionally, I envision creating my own signature homeware brand, featuring exquisite wallpaper, fabrics, and other captivating elements.
Q How would you describe your design style to someone new to your work?
A I would describe my design style as refined maximalism. I have a deep appreciation for colour, but I believe in using it in a sophisticated and elegant manner. Intricate and captivating wall coverings, whether it’s a striking mural or intricate trellis work, are a cornerstone of my design approach. I’m passionate about creating texture and depth through these elements, as well as through the layering of luxurious fabrics. My
Q What kind of projects would be a dream to work on?
A I would love to be given the keys to an old building, complete with its original charm and character. Being asked to transform it into a restaurant or boutique hotel would truly be a dream project. It’s a personal endeavour, blending history with modernity to create a space that feels both authentic, enchanting and inviting.
Follow Roisin’s journey @roisinquin
Pelican House’s woven art collection celebrates the artists behind each handcra ed piece. All handmade in India. Prices from £1,000. pelican-house.com
Caribbean Blinds’ louvered pergolas in robust aluminium provide a flexible, adaptable, all-weather outdoor living space. Plus, with the ability to continually add to and extend, infill bespoke or awkward shapes, no area is too large or complex. cbsolarshading.co.uk
H&M Home’s new outdoor tableware is a great buy this season – think tropical motifs and colourful pieces at great prices. hm.com
The Casey Lounge Chair has a strong steel frame wrapped with outdoor weave rope for a durable and comfortable seat. The footstool slots neatly underneath. cultfurniture.com
This bright green shapely lounge furniture will bring an invigorating pop of colour to your garden. And in an ultra-durable textilene fi nish and metal frame, it’s built to last. habitat.co.uk
Every garden needs a hammock. Choose from a range of styles at Ella James –and if you don’t have the right trees, a stand is the solution. ellajames.co.uk
The Riverstone Hot Tub is hewn from a volcanic Basalt Rock boulder originating from the active Marapi volcano in Central Java. Inside, the tub has a silky-smooth finish that contrasts with its rugged exterior. An electric thermostaticallycontrolled heating system and water filtration system provides the bubbles. indigenous.co.uk
Woven from recycled plastic that looks remarkably like jute or hessian, this hard-wearing rug adds a modern rustic feel to the great outdoors. rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Cra ed with meticulous attention to detail, the Desert Lounge chair embodies Ferm Living’s dedication to quality cra smanship and modern aesthetics.
HARLEQUIN Woodland Floral Wallpaper, £89 limelace.co.uk
WISTERIA TREE Willow Floral Vase, £35 thewisteriatree.co.uk
LISA CORTI Cotton Cushion, £49 lisacorti.com
ELOISE HOME Foxglove Fabric, £125 eloisehome.com
MICUCCI INTERIORS Treasures 14 Piece Tea Set, £780 micucci.store
PALUMBO Poles and Roses Wallpaper, £148 petrapalumbo.com
ANNABEL JAMES Auricula Jug, £39.95 annabeljames.co.uk
SIBYL COLEFAX & JOHN FOWLER
90th Anniversary John Fowler Flower Holder, £744 sibylcolefax.com
Three examples of how Charlotte Findlater embraces nature and craftsmanship
“The
portico adhered to our principles of championing local craftsmen and using natural materials”
Featured across these three pages, through each project phase from the oak portico to the shepherd’s hut office, Charlotte Findlater’s approach to home renovation and their dedication to luxury interior design, craftsmanship, and harmonious integration with nature is abundantly clear. This renovation journey underscores their ethos of creating aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable living environments. Here, Charlotte herself takes us behind the scenes of the design process that created three contrasting, but visually stunning outdoor spots that truly make the most of their surroundings.
Many years ago there existed a portico on this beautiful and historic Lakeland home, evident in the embedded lead running across the left wing of the building above the front door.
Considering the building’s setting, deeply immersed within the Lake District, we decided to stick to our ethos of specifying natural sustainable materials selecting locally felled Oak to create this beautiful addition, further enhancing this stunning house. The portico was made locally in the traditional way adhering to our principles of supporting and championing local craftsmen.
CREATING AL FRESCO ELEGANCE with a Luxury Fire Pit
Aligned with our ethos of promoting outdoor living and local heritage, we designed an enchanting fire pit area, inspired by the Lake District’s iconic stone walls. Our clients love to eat and entertain al fresco, so our solution was to design and build this fabulous fire pit and seating around it. A large, raised patio with a protective stone wall running around for shelter from the breeze, also providing a sense of enclosure, serves as the perfect backdrop for the outside dining table. Our clients love to use this space all year round.
Addressing the need for a secluded work-from-home environment, we introduced a Shepherd’s Hut into the landscape, a nod to the region’s agricultural heritage and our ethos of blending functionality with nature.
Insulated with natural sheep’s wool and equipped with essential amenities, this hut represents our commitment to luxury interior design, craftsmanship, and sustainable living. Its versatile design ensures it can evolve with the family’s needs, serving as a testament to our innovative approach to home renovation and design.
Discover more unique projects by Charlotte Findlater at charlottefindlater.co.uk
Absolutely looks into a new collaboration lead by Manchesterborn interior designer, Michelle Ogundehin
Graphenstone Purifying Paints, one of the most widely certified paint brands in the world, has collaborated with Michelle Ogundehin, one of the most influential figures in British interior design, on an edit of 16 soothing paint shades. The new collection, which is out now, lovingly crafted by Manchesterborn Michelle, is designed for wellbeing and selected for ease. It is a foundational palette for the entire home.
The Michelle Ogundehin X Graphenstone Collection is a ‘one stop palette’ providing everything you need for a cohesive, considered selection of colours, deliberately designed so that all the colours work perfectly together.
“I wanted to create a relaxed, soothing palette full of delight”
“I wanted to create a relaxed, soothing palette that felt full of delight, but never overwhelming,” Michelle says. “The core colours spring from the softer side of the green and blue families. However dirty touches stop it becoming too languid, and a dash of the unexpected adds that all important spice.
“When we talk about the pillars of good health, nutrition, exercise and sleep are usually mentioned, with good reason, but we rarely hear the importance of our personal environments discussed, argu-
ably the place where everything comes together,” she adds. “Graphenstone and I share a passionate commitment to help people create environments in which to thrive, because a nurturing, supportive and toxin-free home is the very foundation of wellbeing.”
Patrick Folkes, founder Graphenstone UK, says: “With Michelle’s background as a trained architect, many years as Editorin-Chief of Elle Decoration and Head Judge on BBC1’s Interior Design Masters, coupled with her passion for the environment and how to create a healthy home, our collaboration seemed like an obvious one. We have all worked very hard and closely on the creation of this inspiring range – the colour palette works perfectly with our ‘harm free’ paints made using natural minerals and sustainable raw materials.”
How did Michelle create the palette? “I began by playing around with blues and
greens, the elemental colours of sea, sky and earth,” she says. “I painted sheet upon sheet with samples, blending and comparing, sorting and choosing. Slowly, the mood began to come together. Every shade is designed to work perfectly with any other, which is hard to do! Over several months, more samples were tried, and 16 shades were finally selected.
“To test the combinations, I have an unusual approach,” she adds with a smile, “I make paintings! On canvas. Not walls. Because the colours are inspired by nature, I return them to nature to truly see if they work. If I can paint a landscape with my colours – it works! Truly cohesive and considered. I hope you love them as much as I do.”
The Michelle Ogundehin X Graphenstone collection is available to buy online at graphenstone-ecopaints.store with free colour cards available
Cheshire-based ceramicist Lonn Landis opens the doors to his at-home studio MEET THE
Q When did you first develop an interest in ceramics?
A My first real introduction to ceramics was taking my then 8-year-old daughter to weekend drop-in sessions at a place in Chester called the Funky Aardvark (long since closed). These were wonderfully informal sessions where you could make whatever you wanted to make with clay and learn as little or as much as you liked really – it was more about just having fun. We both made some pretty good pieces, but these were limited to hand-building with slabs or coils rather than throwing on the wheel. I got hooked the more I went – my daughter, not so much, although she did enjoy it and it was a great way to spend time together.
I ended up buying a very small beat-up second hand kiln and kept making in my garage, but all just playing around –making for the fun of it. Then two years ago, my wife bought me a wheel throwing boot camp day (at the Pot Factory in Liverpool) for my birthday. It was my first ever experience on the potter’s wheel and before the day was out I knew that I needed more of this in my life! I told my wife that the course was much more expensive than she thought as now I needed to buy myself a wheel – which I did within a couple of weeks.
Q What is it about creating pieces that you love?
A For me, there’s just something about the need to create. I still get a huge buzz out of looking at one of my pieces and being amazed that I made that. It still catches me off guard sometimes.
But beyond that, I love the way my ceramics combine so many technical and creative processes, most of which involve experimentation and discovery. Most people only think of throwing the piece on the wheel. But my education was in chemical engineering, so this gives me a built in curiosity into the technical side of ceramics. This has led me to learn lots about glaze chemistry and develop my own glazes from scratch. I’ve also developed my own clay mix, which includes clay that I forage from a beach within five miles of my house.
“My glazes are definitely inspired by the sea and nature”
Q What inspires a new creation?
A My favourite way to develop new work is simply to sit at the wheel without a real plan. I might have a theme in mind like ‘throwing tall’ or ‘bowls’, but then seeing where the clay (and my still fresh skills) takes me. My glazes however are definitely inspired by the sea and nature. My wife and I have been scuba divers for many years so the ocean holds a special attraction for us. So two of my glazes are specifically designed to represent the oceans. The first is called ‘Deep Sea Blue’ and is a deep runny blue with lovely flow patterns. It’s inspired by the colour and pattern of the sea when I’m out on the dive boat with no land in sight. It even forms a ‘wave’ where a partial second dip of the glaze runs over the first layer. The second is called Aegean Turquoise. This one always reminds me of the turquoise sea on exotic warm sunny beaches. And the way that this glaze meets the sandy coloured clay creates a real sense of the warm sea lapping onto the beach.
But the other source of inspiration for my glazes is a passion for experimenting with local natural ingredients.
Q How does your local area play a role in the designs?
A The local area is the most fundamental part of my work. Although I’m originally American, I’ve spent more of my life living in Cheshire than anywhere else. There is something about Cheshire, Wirral and
“I can’t tell you how special it is when my work triggers feelings”
North Wales that feels like this is where I’ve always been meant to be. Much of this comes from the proximity to the sea and the Welsh mountains, both of which are incredibly evocative for me.
I guess that’s one of the reasons that I use local materials in my work – to capture a physical as well as emotional connection to the places where I feel most grounded. What this means in my work is that I use clay that I forage locally from a beach within about five miles of my studio to make my own bespoke clay mixture. So in a very real sense, every one of my pieces is a part of the local environment – forever connected to a sense of place, our place.
As well as the clay, I also use mussel shells that I forage from nearby beaches to make one of my glazes – called Mussel Shoals. I grind these up and add them to the other glaze ingredients and when fired, these melt to form little transparent speckles in the white glaze.
My most recent project is to work with rocks collected from North Wales and the Llyn Peninsula. Most glaze ingredients that you buy from ceramics supply stores are simply ground and refined rocks and minerals. So with a little research, you can find similar rocks while out on walks in the hills. I’ve recently collected four different types of rocks and with a lot of hard work I’ve ground these into fine powders and I’m testing loads of different combinations as I write this. They’re in the kiln right now and I can’t wait to see the results!
Q What have been some of your favourite creations?
A I don’t think I have a favourite single piece yet. There are far too many better pieces yet to come! Rather, I think my favourite creations are my glazes, and in particular, the one called Mussel Shoals that uses foraged mussel shells from the beach. Not only is it the one that I’ve spent the most time and energy getting just right, but the result itself is rather special – at least to me. It has a textural quality that I haven’t found in any other glazes – I often find myself just running my fingers over the glaze on the handle as I drink my coffee from the mug with this glaze. And this is always the glaze that triggers memories and emotions in people who buy it. I regularly hear ‘I spent my childhood on that beach’ or ‘my dogs love to play in the sea there’. When you hear those kinds of statements, that’s when a mug or a vase becomes much more than a vessel for drink or flowers.
The fact that my work can trigger those feelings in people when neither the work nor myself have ever met them – I can’t tell you how special that is to me.
Q How do you see your work evolving?
A Technically, as my skills improve, I’m sure I’ll throw bigger pieces. And I’ll play a lot more, experimenting with forms, getting a lot of them wrong, but finding the odd gem in all the mistakes. I’m keen to make my work a bit more ‘odd’ as well. What that means I don’t yet know, but I’m always keen to make something different and unique.
The main area of experimentation is in using natural foraged materials to create new glazes as I described above. I hope this experimentation will lead me to a new range of glazes which continue to evoke powerful responses in those who they come into contact with.
Instagram: @lonnlandis llceramics.co.uk
Roche Bobois reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility
Roche Bobois, the renowned French furniture brand, reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility through its innovative and eco-friendly design practices. With meticulous attention to every detail and a dedication to excellence, Roche Bobois stands out not only for its creativity and quality but also for its ecological consciousness.
Each Roche Bobois piece of furniture is a unique work of art, blending the vision of its creators with the personality of its clients. From the choice of shapes to the selection of materials, each piece becomes an expression of individuality and exclusivity. But beyond aesthetics, Roche Bobois is committed to being a responsible brand, manufacturing all its furniture exclusively in Europe with a focus on respecting materials and the environment. Furthermore,
manufacturing on demand promotes Zero Stock to avoid resource wastage.
A notable example of this commitment is the SetUp sofa, designed by Sacha Lakic. This sofa, part of Roche Bobois’ range of large modular sofas, which not only offers exceptional comfort and stunning design but is also entirely recyclable. Each element of the SetUp sofa is separable and made from recyclable materials, making it a standout example of eco-design in the furniture industry.
In 2006 Roche Bobois created an internal assessment methodology developed in collaboration with the technology institute FCBA, known as Eco8, and is a key tool that guides the ecological design process at Roche Bobois. With eight criteria for environmental impact, Eco8 ensures that each product meets the highest sustainability standards. The SetUp sofa has achieved an impressive rating of 3.5 out of 4, highlighting its commitment to durability, environmental workshop management, efficient energy consumption, and ease of recycling.
Wood is an essential component in Roche Bobois’ collections and a precious resource that requires responsible management. As such, Roche Bobois ensures the preferential use of timber-based products sourced from sustainably managed forests in the product manufacturing process. The two main labels in this respect are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), which indicate the materials used in production are recyclable and sustainably sourced. The symbol also signals that the product passes the council’s high environmental and social standards.
this objective is the Aurea Collection, which is the first collection with FSC™ 100% certification, made with wood from responsibly managed, FSC™-certified forests.
Additionally, Roche Bobois has implemented a series of actions to further improve its environmental profi le, including reducing VOC emissions, obtaining standards and certifications for its suppliers, and implementing an ecological design guide for its designers.
In order to support sustainable forest management, Roche Bobois has committed to manufacture 100% of their new products with FSC- or PEFC-certified or recycled wood as of 2025. A great example of
Roche Bobois continues to inspire through its innovation, savoir-faire, and commitment to excellence, demonstrating that sustainability is fundamental at every stage of the design and manufacturing process. With each piece of furniture, Roche Bobois reaffirms its position as a leader in sustainable design, paving the way for a brighter and more ecological future.
roche-bobois.com
Arighi Bianchi is the North’s most prestigious interiors store, offering an experience like no other
Hailed as one of the most prestigious interiors stores in the North, there is nothing quite like Arighi Bianchi. Whilst the family-run business has a heritage spanning 170years, it offers an unrivalled contemporary lifestyle shopping experience; from carefully curated inspirational room sets to a vibrant accessories lounge filled with designer finishing touches. Equally worth a visit is its stunning Caffè AB restaurant, which offers all-day dining with a seasonal menu for breakfast, lunch or afternoon treats.
From the moment you set foot inside the stunning five storey ‘emporium’ you can’t help but feel the excitement of what’s to come. The iconic building is recognisable to everyone who travels through Macclesfield, with its eye-catching arches and Italianate plate glass windows. Throughout the store there is truly something for everyone, from modern and classic sofas, tables and dining sets to flooring, rugs, blinds and curtains, sure to create talking points in any home.
Many of the designer brands curated by Arighi Bianchi are not available anywhere else in the North of England; it carries luxury furniture and homeware ranges from Cattelan Italia, Calligaris, Ercol, Stressless, Tetrad, Assouline and Paul Smith to name a few.
To enhance the retail experience, Arighi Bianchi has a year-round calendar of exciting in-store events and its globally inspired Postcards from... campaigns, complete with dedicated Caffè AB takeovers featuring exclusive dishes from each destination. This summer, Arighi Bianchi is taking customers closer to its Italian birthplace with a Sicily-inspired homewares collection, which also includes the brand’s first ever food offering, and themed summer events – Sicilian Spritz anyone?!
There are seasonal sales throughout the year offering savings of up to 30% (take note – the summer sales commences on 26 June).
There’s good reason that Arighi Bianchi is still trading 170-years on, and that primarily stems from the best-in-class service it provides. The Bianchi family ensures that every customer feels welcome and valued.
The team understands the importance of guidance when it comes to choosing from a variety of options, whether you’re seeking accessories to add a distinctive touch to your home or investing in a new sofa. Arighi Bianchi distinguishes itself from other interior stores by handling all aspects of your delivery needs. Its delivery team not only carefully transports items to your home, but will also skillfully assemble large items, ensuring a seamless experience, from store to home.
arighibianchi.co.uk
Living in a listed building can have lots of benefits – but beware of the regulations
If you love old houses, you might be thrilled at the idea that your home is special enough to be deemed worthy of protection by Historic England.
After all, only about 2% of the UK’s buildings are considered to be of enough architectural or historical interest to appear on the famous list – that’s about 450,000 buildings, and the majority of them are private homes. The National Heritage List for England is a comprehensive and searchable record of all significant buildings in the country: living in one of them is a privilege that comes with a series of significant responsibilities. In practical terms, this means that you’ll need Listed Building Consent (potentially in addition to planning permission) for any changes that you might want to make, however minor. Doing anything without it is a criminal offence, so this is not something to be taken lightly.
Don’t let this put you off, however. Living in a home of historical interest can be a huge source of pride and a fascinating insight into the past. There are three different categories for listing, and 92% of listed properties are Grade II, the lowest group, while 5.5% are Grade II* and 2.5% are Grade I, for buildings of the highest significance. Age is key: anything pre-1700 is certain to be listed, and anything pre-1840 is highly likely to have been added as well. Any building with a thatched roof is usually listed. More modern buildings can be on the list if they’re believed to have particular significance or are under threat.
The problem is that old buildings are often impractical by modern standards. They can be expensive to heat, leaky, damp and cold. You might want to add a kitchen extension or convert the loft, but any plans will be scrutinised by the local
Living in a home of historical interest can be a source of pride
council’s conservation officers who on the whole take a dim view of architectural additions. It’s not that you’re not allowed to make any changes to a listed building, but all changes will need to be approved for their suitability.
Listing covers a whole building, including the interior, unless parts of it are specifically excluded in the list description. Because all listed buildings are different, what is actually covered by a listing can vary quite widely. Often gardens contain elements which are listed too, so it’s important to check all details before planting anything new. In some cases, grants are available from Historic England towards the repair and conservation of
listed buildings. Anyone buying a listed building should be aware that the cost of repairs and general maintenance is likely to be greater than with a non-listed property, and that some changes might just not be possible. However, it’s still your house, after all, and all sorts of things will get approved if they’re handled sensitively. Historic England claims that:
“The emphasis is squarely on balancing the needs of the home-owner with the historic significance of the building so any changes are sympathetic to both parties” and they will offer advice and information for keepers of historic houses. But, a planning authority can insist that all work carried out without consent is reversed.
Ultimately, the best approach is to find out as much as you can about your house, why it is significant and what materials were used in its construction. Understanding the building and its character will give you insight into how best to live in it, and how to make sensitive and appropriate changes. Living in a historic building can be an enormous source of joy and pride, as long as you stick to the rules.
Displaying artwork is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to reflect your personal style and create an inviting atmosphere but, for anyone new to the art world, it
can be a tricky place to navigate.
Visiting a reputable gallery, such as Clarendon Fine Art, can offer a comforting assurance of quality and authenticity, while making the art buying experience enjoyable. Working with an art consul-
tant, who is passionate about the artwork, but also knowledgeable and dedicated, makes art collecting a joy and a less daunting experience. This allows you to take the time to find the perfect piece of artwork for your space, which can take anywhere from weeks to months, without ever rushing into a decision.
As a first step when choosing artwork, it’s important to understand the space you’re working with and what value you want the artwork to bring. When considering your budget, factors such as the artist’s reputation, rarity, and medium affect pricing, but it’s important to remember that collecting
art is not about the price tag, but the value it brings to your life. Art buying doesn’t have to break the bank and consultants can guide you to great finds. Depending on your budget, you may want to consider an up and coming artist, from young British talents like Tim Fowler and Lee Kaplan, which are often at a much lower price point. Exploring work from up-and-coming artists is a lovely way to start your art collection, as it supports their early careers and can be very rewarding as their prominence grows. Choose artworks that resonate with you emotionally, those that you can’t walk away from without a second look. Art is expressive and should evoke a feeling or a connection. Whether it’s a contemplative beach scene by an artist like Philip Gray, or an explosive piece of street art from Mr
Brainwash, it should be something that speaks your language.
Curiosity is key when it comes to choosing art so, even if you have no prior experience or knowledge of artists, don’t be daunted or put off. Being adventurous and open minded can open unexpected doors and lead to some delightful discoveries. To make the decision easier, the Clarendon teams are always happy to take a selection of artwork to a customer’s home, office or business for a bespoke on-site art consultation – a service which has contributed to their reputation as a gallery that, quite literally, goes the extra mile.
Don’t overlook practical aspects such as space requirements and installation, as displaying your artwork effectively is crucial. Consider the scale of your space – a small painting might look lost on a large wall, whereas groupings or larger pieces can make a bold statement. Artists such as Danielle O’Connor Akiyama and Patrick Rubinstein offer striking diptychs and experimental pieces perfect for larger spaces. Proper lighting can enhance the impact of your art dramatically, so try to avoid direct sunlight and opt for indirect lighting to prevent glare. Again, this is where working with a gallery is beneficial as they can take care of everything from delivery to hanging the artwork, bespoke insurance and anything else you may need, helping to make your art experience a hassle-free experience and one that you will want to repeat again and again.
Sara Hill is Chief Creative Officer at Clarendon Fine Art, who have galleries in Chester, Liverpool, Knutsford and Hale. See more at clarendonfineart.com
ABSOLUTELY PICKS THE ARTISTS WE WOULD LOVE ON OUR WALLS
Mr Brainwash’s art is a vibrant celebration of positivity and the transformative force of love. By fusing elements of pop art, street art, and classical paintings, each unique Mr Brainwash print or original artwork becomes a striking addition to any contemporary art collection.
Sherree Valentine-Daines has earned the title of 'the face of modern British impressionism'. Her remarkable portraits capture the essence of celebrities and even members of the Royal Family.
Fabian Perez art makes a powerful statement. Clarendon’s portfolio includes an unrivalled collection of Fabian’s original works and limited edition prints, which feature a charismatic cast of characters living in the barrios of Buenos Aires. Perez’s paintings and limited edition prints have won the Argentinian artist multiple awards including the Italian Academy of Artists’ Artist of the Year.
The thought-provoking art of The Connor Brothers delves into contemporary issues, including social media, politics, fake news, and the pursuit of pleasure. The Connor Brothers skilfully challenge our assumptions with dry humour, intelligence, and the depiction of beautiful female figures. Their playful and often irreverent approach, coupled with a stylish retro poster style, has garnered them a vast and dedicated global audience.
Christian Hook art caught the public’s attention when he was named Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2014. Hook’s original portraits are held in important permanent collections, and his celebrated sitters include Kristin Scott Thomas, Sir Richard Branson and Sir Ian McKellen. Hook explores the concepts of time and motion using multiple layers of transparent paint to create different perspectives.
MICUCCI INTERIORS
Abissal Crystal Glass Table Lamp, £2,490 micucci.store
LAGOON Gloster Outdoor Table Lamp, £740 vivalagoon.com
ROSE & GREY
Slim Table Lamp with Scalloped Linen Shade, £125 roseandgrey.co.uk
DAVID HUNT LIGHTING
POP Touch Lamp, £198 davidhuntlighting.co.uk
HOUSEOF Sand Rechargeable Table Lamp, £109 houseof.com
OKA X CABANA
Pilastro Table Lamp, £250 oka.com
By PENDLE HARTE
JONATHAN ADLER
Ronchamp Table Lamp, £495 jonathanadler.com
DAR LIGHTING
Picasso Table Lamp, £199 darlighting.co.uk
LAURA ASHLEY
Bramhope Table Lamp, £65 darlighting.co.uk
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Peugeot's iconic Paris salt and pepper mills are the originals and the best. Pick a pair in contrasting colours, or go for a match – either way, the grinds are flawless, £52.99 each. peugeot-saveurs.com
There's no more stylish kettle than the Aarke electric one, which has a selection of temperature settings, a removeable limescale filter and a lovely shiny finish, £200. aarke.com
Kitchen designer and interior architecture specialist Melissa Klink, creative director at kitchen brand Harvey Jones, who have a store in Chester, has shed light on what she predicts will be the biggest trends we’ll see in kitchen design this summer.
Fluted and reeded. Fluted and reeded. Fluted and reeded. It is everywhere. And the best part of this trend is that you can apply the texture in whatever scale you choose. You can have a small portion of the island in a fl uted panel, or the entire run of cabinetry, an accent dresser or coffee station with reeded glass doors or a full wall with fl oor to ceiling reeded fronts. This influence of texture works so well and in any combination.
It was all green, taupes and greiges for the past few years, but this year, the kitchen is getting injected with more colour with all variations of red. Whether cheerful and velvety in lovely pale pink or richly sophisticated in a deep burgundy, or staying more neutral with a muddy maroon or blended burnt orange, these colours feel fantastic on cabinetry. Shades of burgundy and blush are a great accent for burnished brass, the most on demand handle fi nish. The colours work exceptionally well as a monochromatic scheme, pairing a lighter more neutralised blush with a darker more saturated burgundy.
All those everyday life savers like coffee machines, air fryers, and magic bullets. We need them, and we use them often, but we just don’t want to see them out on our beautiful kitchen space. So it’s all about
THIS
tucking away and concealing that day to day functionality. Often it is the items we use most often that cause the most mess and clutter, so designing in a way that makes the everyday use of these items effortless and concealed is understandably on demand. Hello, worktop dressers.
The latest trend sweeping across kitchen renovations is investing in an update to the backsplash. Before we would see clients repainting cabinets or upgrading hardware to showcase the latest trending fashions and now the fastest impact change is swapping over the backsplash. Porcelain is perfectly at home for a backsplash with the ability to bookmatch and control the visual engagement in the pattern. If budget allows for marble, the
backsplash is the best place to put this material with little threat to discolouration. And our popular materials like quartz and granite offer some great materials that enhance the colour palette and vibrancy in a space. Or for a truly dramatic change, a vibrant tile and fresh lick of paint will invigorate a fresh style.
Originating in the world of fashion, we’re hearing quiet luxury mentioned more and
more in interiors. Within the home, we translate this term to focus on the quality of materials selected and allowing them to dominate the style of the room, the blend of unique fi nishes creates spaces that are immediately elegant and softer as a result of the layered combinations. Nothing garish. Think thicker worktop slabs with specialised edge detailing instead of obvious bold and colourful veins of marble.
harveyjones.com
Absolutely visits Mia Stanza to recognise its 25 years in business and see what the plans for the future are
They are renowned for their exceptional furniture
ia Stanza, a familyrun contemporary furniture store in the heart of historic market town Nantwich, is celebrating two milestones
this summer as founders Eric and June Lightowler step into retirement 25 years after launching the business.
What started as a small boutique on the corner of High Street, Nantwich, in 1999 has grown into one of the most popular luxury furniture and homeware stores in Cheshire; moving from their original location to the beautiful twostorey manor house on Beam Street.
Mia Stanza has long been renowned for their exceptional furniture and friendly, first-rate customer service that has seen them gain 100% five star reviews on Trustpilot as well as for their expert eye for interior design and digital innovation.
The Beam Street showroom houses top brands such as Fama, Sits, Calia Italia, Akante, Bontempi, Deknudt Mirrors, Svaja, Peressini, MTE and Complete Colour. What’s more, their in-store simulator allows customers to visualise their sofa design in more than 500 fabrics and endless combinations. Alongside sofas and chairs, Mia Stanza stocks co ee tables, bar stools, dining furniture, mirrors, lighting, sofa beds and art.
Eric has been the cornerstone of the business with 52 years’ experience having launched his furniture career at 21 as a buyer for several large companies. His dream of owning a furniture store was realised when he seized the opportunity presented by a voluntary redundancy scheme and turned his vision of creating a contemporary store o ering something distinct from mainstream furniture outlets into a reality with the opening of Mia Stanza.
Two of the couple’s three children joined them to help run the business – daughter Louise in 2001 to lead the interior design and customer service expertise, and son Nick in 2006 who brought a wealth of fresh ideas and led the digital transformation.
As Eric takes a step back into retirement, Louise and Nick will continue his legacy and uphold his values of integrity, passion and dedication to excellence that are synonymous with Mia Stanza.
Reflecting on the journey, Nick and Louise express gratitude to their parents for the foundations they have laid as a family over the last 25 years. Nick adds: “To celebrate our 25th anniversary and Dad’s retirement we are relaunching our voucher scheme to say thank you to our customers. For every sofa purchased customers will receive a £30 voucher to spend in Nantwich restaurants to support our fellow businesses.”
The showroom at The Manor House, Beam Street, Nantwich is open six days a week. No appointment necessary. Call 01270 628836 or visit miastanza.co.uk
For a stay fit for an emperor, check into Bulgari Hotel Roma
By EMILIA HARRIS“The Bulgari brand is famed for its luxury Italian craftsmanship and the hotel follows suit”
I’m gazing up at the Colosseum, halflistening, as our guide explains the history of this ancient architectural wonder. I’m in awe but distracted. Pre-tour, I’d checked into the Bulgari Hotel Roma and it had made an impression. Would my husband notice if I abandoned the tour to hotfoot it back to our suite?
There was plenty to see back at the hotel anyway: an original Roman sculpture of Emperor Augustus from 1 BC; a view over his Mausoleum, the world’s largest circular tomb; and for a contemporary fix, a display of colourful Bulgari jewels.
I decided to stick with the Colosseum tour; learning about the gladiators was fascinating, but my legs were relieved to get back. The hotel, which opened last year, is the ninth property from Bulgari Hotels and Resorts
(openings in Miami, Los Angeles and the Maldives are planned). The Rome opening was a homecoming of sorts, the Bulgari fashion house was founded here in 1884 and their first store is close by on Via Condotti. The brand is famed for its luxury Italian craftsmanship and the hotel follows suit. Murano designed the glass lamps in the lobby and the stunning porcelain vases are Ginori originals from the 1930s. There’s a lot of marble, but an abundance of potted plants (over 4,500) balance out any coldness. I loved the retro feel of the panelled walls and mustard carpets in the guest corridors, usually a recipe for kitsch, but the low lighting and vintage Bulgari posters made it feel super luxurious.
Our spacious Junior Suite o ered a view of the Mausoleum and a small balcony perfect for a morning co ee. In-room interiors are
mid-century modern inspired and include curved wooden side tables, leather chairs and eye-catching stone topped bar cabinets. Bathrooms are adorned with yellow, red, white, or green marble, a subtle nod to Bulgari’s colourful gemstone jewellery. All rooms have a bathtub and an impressive array of in-room essentials including makeup brushes, a shaving kit, a hairbrush and even a stationery set. Our walk-in wardrobe doubled as a dressing room and the Dyson hairdryer (with styling attachments) helped tame my humidity-induced hair frizz.
Sleep here is taken seriously with sumptuously soft bedding, triple-glazed windows and a pillow menu. We particularly enjoyed arriving back to a thermos of herbal tea each evening, a thoughtful gift from housekeeping and the perfect antidote after a night on the wine.
The Bulgari Suite is the grande dame of the hotel’s 114 rooms and o ers unrivalled luxury across an entire floor. It has a private kitchen, bespoke wall fabrics by Venetian brand Rubelli and a stunning bathtub carved out of a single block of arabesque marble. It will only set you back £32,000 per night.
Dining at the hotel is headed up by Niko Romito, one of Italy’s top chefs and owner of three Michelin-starred Reale in Abruzzo. Il Ristorante on the fifth floor o ers Italian dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The five-course Sharing Menu showcases the best of Romito’s talents and includes an Italian Antipasti, with regional specialities like Lazio beef carpaccio and vitello tonnato, a popular veal dish from Piedmont. The tiramisu was the best we’d ever tried, striking that perfect balance between strong co ee and creaminess. We opted for a wine pairing and the stand-out was a dry and minerally Etna Bianco Superior from Sicily. If you’re looking for a nightcap head upstairs to La
“Low lighting and vintage Bulgari posters make it feel super luxurious”
Terrazza, Bulgari’s spectacular rooftop bar with panoramic views across the city.
Breakfast is served a la carte at Il Café and for guests, it’s served all day… cue lazy mornings in bed and no rushing down for last orders. Nab a table on the plant-filled terrace and settle in with a cappuccino (but not after 12pm, Italians scorn at milky co ee post-noon). The Eggs Royale with Wild Alaskan Salmon is dainty but delicious and the "Manteca" butter, which arrives inside a cheese curd, tastes spectacular smothered on a warm brioche. Middle Eastern and Asian breakfast dishes can also be ordered.
The hotel’s central location in the smart Campo Marzio neighbourhood makes it walkable to top sights, including the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Postexploration head to the Bulgari Spa; the perfect place to unwind. The centrepiece is a huge swimming pool that features eight marble columns, gold mosaics and two fountains. It’s the biggest indoor pool in central Rome and if you fancy doing laps there are swimming goggles and pull buoys to borrow.
The Bulgari is a rare gem of a hotel which seamlessly blends modern hospitality with the timeless recognition of a heritage brand. The Roman Empire might have taken over 1,000 years to build, but the Bulgari Hotel Roma captured my heart in just a few days.
Room rates start at £1,600 per night; bulgarihotels.com
The beautiful island of Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, following Sicily and Sardinia. A relatively short hop (about four-anda-half hours) from London, it’s famed for its exceptional food and wine, fascinating ancient ruins and vibrant towns. And, perhaps most of all, for its ideal climate with an average of 320 sunshine days a year. According to legend, it’s the original island of love, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emerged from the ocean, and it was also once a gift from Roman general Mark Anthony to the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra. Undoubtedly, the island has a rich history, and plenty of love has been lavished on it over the centuries. British Airways have recently introduced direct flights to Larnaca, less than an hour’s drive from our destination: the
sparkly new resort City of Dreams Mediterranean. Opened in July 2023, the resort has more than 500 rooms and is a striking sight dominating the horizon as we approach, and our anticipation builds. It’s a visual masterpiece, making the most of the views across the stunning coastal landscape. From the moment we’re welcomed into the elegance of the marble lobby, we immediately feel enveloped in the Cypriot dream.
We’re soon escorted to our spacious room by our charming hostess. Everything is new and shiny and so luxurious. But the highlight is our balcony, complete with sofa, table, and chairs, and the most spectacular views over the stunning sparkle of the multi-pool complex below and the sea in the distance. City of Dreams is home to Cyprus’s largest pool complex. The four unique pools create an extensive canvas of blue and are designed like a Mediterranean village with interlinking bridges and whitewashed stone arches. There’s a pool for every mood – a wave pool and waterslides for the active-at-
heart, an adults-only area, and even a beachstyle pool with real sand to sink our toes into.
At night, the pools are illuminated with a symphony of lights for a dazzling aquatic display. The hotel, designed around its glitzy casino, which is open 24/7, comes alive after dark with endless entertainment, including musicians, DJs and dancers, theatre shows, and exclusive parties. We love the buzz of the vibrant nightlife that gives City of Dreams a unique energy and sense of fun.
Renu Spa provides the perfect space to unplug and unwind for ultimate daytime relaxation. We enjoyed heavenly massages and time in the sauna, steam room, and relaxation area. There’s also a well-equipped gym and heated indoor pool for serious lengths, where we worked o some calories, which turned out to be a good idea because dining at City of Dreams is a glorious global gastronomic journey.
There are three a la carte restaurants – Anais, which serves gourmet French dishes, pan-Asian Amber Dragon and Mediterranean Olea. There’s also possibly the most staggeringly delightful (and huge) bu et we’ve ever experienced in Aura, celebrating flavours from around the world and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Keen to learn more about Cyprus on our first visit to the island, we visited the fascinating ancient architectural site at Kourion, whose origins date back to the late Bronze Age. We also explored the charming streets and stylish harbour of nearby Limassol, which is lined with restaurants and shops and plenty to discover for a great day out. Both are only a short drive away from our majestic dream resort on Cyprus’ sun-kissed Mediterranean shores. Living the dream indeed.
“It’s a visual masterpiece, making the most of the views across the stunning coastal landscape”
British Airways Holidays, part of International Airlines Group, is one of the UK’s leading, largest, and most trusted holiday companies, working with 11,000 hotels globally.
• Summer rates at City of Dreams
Mediterranean start from 405 euros (approx. £350) per room per night [winter rates from 250 euros per room per night]
• British Airways Holidays offers five nights at 5* City of Dreams
Mediterranean Cyprus Limassol from £599pp travelling in April 2024. This includes flights from London Heathrow, B&B and a stay in a Premier Mountain View room. Book via British Airways
Holidays: City Of Dreams Mediterranean - Limassol - British Airways
• British Airways Holidays offers five nights at 5* City of Dreams
Mediterranean Cyprus Limassol from £850pp travelling in June 2024. This includes flights from London Heathrow, B&B and a stay in a Premier Mountain View room. Book via British Airways
Holidays: City Of Dreams Mediterranean - Limassol - British Airways
cityofdreamsmed.com.cy/en
SWe are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a 2-night stay at the most sought-after exclusive hire mansions in the Lake District
ituated within Fallbarrow Holiday Park in Bowness-onWindermere, this hidden gem Victorian lakeside mansion is the ultimate luxury destination for family staycations and festive gatherings. Fallbarrow Hall, recently renovated, combines timeless elegance with a modern touch.
Located in the heart of Lake District, Fallbarrow Hall, which can sleep up to 36 guests, is within striking distance of some of the area’s stunning walks, as well as local attractions such as the World of Beatrix Potter.
One of the stand out features of Fallbarrow Hall is its exceptional entertainment options. Fallbarrow Hall boasts a 36-seat dining room with lake views, a Cocktail Room, Cinema Room, Games Room, Playroom, Library, two hot tubs, and a private jetty.
Fallbarrow’s team also goes the extra mile to ensure your stay is worry-free, offering guests a curated list of local activities and trusted supplier suggestions, should they be needed; making your experience unforgettable from start to finish.
parkdeanresorts.co.uk/fallbarrow-hall
Readers of Absolutely can enter to win a 2-night stay at Fallbarrow Hall, worth over £4,780! To enter head to absolutelymagazines.com/win
BIRKENHEAD HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY
Birkenhead High School Academy is an allthrough (3-19 years) state funded academy open to all girls of the area, enjoying the support of their sponsors, the Girls’ Day School Trust. The original Birkenhead High School was founded in 1901, and its successor BHSA is and will continue to be a beacon of excellence in girls’ education. Read more over the page. birkenheadhigh.gdst.net
Celebrating the arts at Birkenhead High School Academy
By REBECCA MAHONY
The arts are truly flourishing at Birkenhead High School Academy, as evidenced by the countless opportunities that we provide for our students to explore di erent areas of creative arts including writing, music, drama and art. Our annual school productions and two recent Live Lounge performances are only a few examples of how we help girls of all ages to develop a love and passion for the arts – in the same way that we encourage them to take up and excel in STEM subjects.
The Live Lounge, for instance, aims to provide a nurturing platform for musical talents from Year 7 to 13, and this year’s edition did not disappoint. For me, the most important part of this event is that the Year 13 students are always instrumental and greatly contribute to their success. The students readily
take the lead with organisation and act as companions and role models for the younger students, many of whom are making their debuts on a big stage.
In many ways, the Live Lounge helps our older girls to develop many of the essential leadership skills that they will need to utilise in their future lives and careers such as collaboration and empathy. From helping the younger girls and sometimes their peers to master rehearsals, planning the programme schedule to costumes and sound checks, the skills that they gain when they take part in these creative initiatives cannot be underestimated.
I would also argue that giving our
girls the opportunity to participate in di erent areas of the arts and to express themselves creatively not only broadens their understanding of the world around them, but helps to extend the limits of their future career options, not to mention a huge boost to their self-confidence.
Which brings me to this year’s Birkenhead High School Academy production – the much beloved Annie, but with a unique twist: both junior and senior students took to the stage together to exhibit their acting and singing talents across three evenings. The camaraderie between the youngest and the oldest students was a testament to the
“IT HELPS OUR OLDER GIRLS TO DEVELOP ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP SKILLS”
unifying power of the arts at our school. It was so heartening to see that all the members of the audience were impressed by the quality of the performances. Behind the scenes, our dedicated teachers and sta had worked since September to support and coach the students to ensure that every performer’s creativity shone through. It was an incredible feat to incorporate this love for the arts alongside the daily curriculum and examination preparations. This year, the arts faculty undoubtedly raised the bar in its production of the musical extravaganza and I am so proud of what the whole team was able to achieve for our school community.
On the final night, the cast and audience received quite the surprise when I featured as the supposedly glamorous Miss Hannigan, alongside my extremely talented Year 10 counterpart, Eve Corbishley. Rita, our school’s reading dog, was also persuaded with ample treats to make a cameo appearance during each night’s rendition of Tomorrow! Our school’s decades-long a nity with the arts is also demonstrated by our incredible alumnae. We count Dame Patricia Routledge, who is best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, as its most famous alumna. Her career in musical theatre has
served as an inspiration to budding artists for many generations and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as our most generous benefactor. It was thanks to a donation from Dame Patricia that the school was able to fund this production of Annie In the same week that Dame Patricia was one of the dozen Dames to join Queen Camilla to enjoy the works of Shakespeare, she also found the time to give positive encouragement to everyone taking part in BHSA annual school production. In addition to her uplifting support of our current students, Dame Patricia has also established an incredible legacy to enable the next generation of Birkenhead High School Academy students to pursue a career in the arts. We are hugely grateful and humbled to be in a position to give out the annual ‘Dame Patricia Routledge Award’ for outstanding performance in the Theatrical Arts at the school’s Prize Giving day from 2024.
Rebecca Mahony is the Principal at Birkenhead High School Academy. Find out more by visiting birkenheadhigh.gdst.net
o u r present our f u t u r e our p ast
A love of reading is key to a child’s future success - and it’s down to parents to instil it, says children’s author Camilla Reid
From the moment a child walks into the classroom on their first day of school, a huge emphasis is placed on reading and writing stories. As parents, we quickly accept that this is central to our child’s learning and that a large part of their day will be spent doing one or the other of them. And when they get home, we dutifully help them digest the contents of their book-bags and fill in their reading records. We all recognise that learning to read and write is a vital skill that every child needs to master. But do we ever stop to question why stories – both the reading and the writing of them – are so important to a child’s success at school? And I wonder whether parents realise that school, and indeed life, is all much, much easier, if we can help our kids to love stories and books from babyhood?
From the moment primitive humans had language, parents have been trying
to teach their o spring the ways of the world – to impart its rules, to warn of its dangers, and to open their eyes to its delights. But every child can spot a lesson at a hundred paces, and from cave-kids to our own little darlings, no-one likes being preached to. Of course, the solution that the cave-parents landed on was story. Whether it’s exciting and adventurous, spooky and scary, or funny and silly, a good story has always been the spoonful of sugar that makes the learning medicine go down. A great yarn teaches us about resilience, empathy, tenacity, bravery, patience; it shows us what kind people look like, and what untrustworthy ones are; and stories give us a personal path to follow (with all its twists and turns) to help us drive ourselves towards our goals. In turn, cave-kids would have learned to tell their own internal narratives so that they could start to make sense of the world for themselves – to make order from the chaos, to find their place
within it. And then they, in turn, would learn to communicate those stories back to their fellow humans, so they could express their own desires and needs. Stories work both ways and, put simply, they better ensure our survival.
Cut forward a few thousand years and humans are no longer sitting around campfires telling tales, because now we have the written word and books. And still nothing else competes when it comes to helping us navigate the world for ourselves. Many studies have found that children who read for the love of it – rather than because they’re told to – go on to do better in school (in all subjects, not just English), and are more likely to become happier, healthier, even more financially secure adults. And that’s basically because they’re mainlining stories, which equips them for the world. So if a love of reading is a key to the modern child’s future success, how do we ensure they acquire that love? Well, the answer is that it’s super easy – but it starts, just like our ancestors, with parents. The key is to share books with a child as early as possible, from at least six months old – even earlier, ideally. Setting
up reading to be a positive experience is the main thing, so every time we sit down with a book we feel cosy and relaxed –so preferably with the child sitting on the big person’s lap. It’s essential that reading is associated with feeling safe and loved at this stage. While it’s vital that the child has fun, they also need to see that you’re enjoying yourself too, because at this age they take all their cues from you, and your approval is important to them. So pick books that you both get pleasure from, even if it’s for slightly di erent reasons. Finally, reading needs to become a habit, something that you do together every day. Just five minutes is enough (more is better, naturally), but it needs to become knitted into your daily routine and something that you do without thinking. Just like teeth brushing, only much more fun.
I started writing interactive early years books because I noticed that my own daughters preferred the books which seemed to need them – which had flaps to lift, or sliders to push and pull, or even just simple words they were invited to repeat. I now often put mirrors in my books because it literally makes the kid
“I wonder whether parents realise that school, and indeed life, is all much, much easier, if we can help our kids to love stories and books from babyhood?”
the star of the story – and they adore this when they’re tiny. The point is that, whatever you choose, the child begins to build a personal relationship with books and to see each one as a friend that they trust to deliver fun and interest. It is from this that their love of books – and the path to independent reading – will grow.
Though my children read independently from the age of six or seven, my husband and I also continued to read to them right the way through primary school – and I would heartily recommend this. Not only did it allow them to experience more complex writing but it’s a deeply bonding shared experience, and now that I have teenagers, I’m incredibly glad we did it. Trust me on this!
Camilla Reid is the award-winning author of books including the Pip and Posy stories (illustrated by Axel Sche er) and the Peekaboo series (illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius). Her new titles, Who’s Cute? and Who’s Sleepy? are illustrated by Nila Aye, and Five Little Ducks and Old Macdonald Had a Farm illustrated by Jill Howarth are published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
According to gov.uk, over 80% of young people are eager to take action to help the environment and this may come as no surprise; after all, they are the future custodians of our planet. As educators, it is our role to engage with young learners and to inspire them to protect the natural world around them. This means developing a sound understanding of ecology, as well as providing a platform for meaningful discussion and open dialogue, in a way that helps young people to make informed decisions and to build confidence around taking future action.
Much classroom-based learning is centred around equipping young people with the right skills for future careers. Many of those careers, revolving around preserving our natural world, are in emerging fields. On that basis, it is important that we foster an educational environment where these future roles are discussed and where the right skillsets are nurtured. It’s impossible to overstress the importance of 21st century skills in supporting young learners to analyse complex environmental problems and identify creative solutions. The previous overfocus on IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is shifting, as we make space for both EQ (Emotional Quotient) and CQ (Cultural Quotient). From an educational perspective, it is key that we place increased emphasis on how learners interact with one another when advocating change, the language
“It is our role to engage with young learners and inspire them to protect the natural world”
they use and the consideration they show to others. Promoting this kind of learning environment will furnish young people with the ability to work collaboratively while allowing space for numerous perspectives to be heard, but in a non-judgemental way.
Ultimately, we need to be teaching young people the skills to explore and question the role we play as humans in ecology, as well as how we are connected to other living things. Skills that empower learners as changemakers and future leaders are a growth mindset, flexibility, adaptability, and empathy. Yet educators must also nurture passion, focus and resilience to develop well-rounded learners who are equipped to deal with an ever-changing world. But how can we ensure that ecological learning has a direct and meaningful impact on the everyday lives of students in the real world?
The UN Sustainable Development Goals are a great starting point as they provide a solid foundation within which to learn, action and implement change. For educators, this can be developed further in a meaningful way by bridging the gap between employers and organisations.
For example, it can be useful to reflect on real life scenarios where employers are acting on climate change and also where they have seen successes and failures. Leading practical sessions in an alternative workshop setting can also be inspiring for learners. Having access to hands-on experience and o ering ‘live learning’, not just theoretical in-class traditional teaching, or watching videos about foreign countries and cultures students don’t recognise, helps them to feel more connected to both the issues and the solutions, whether at home or further afield. Likewise, balancing philanthropic projects with activities that deliver immediate results such as local litter picks, and those that take longer such as planting and sowing seeds, helps students to recognise both short-term and long-term environmental planning. At our colleges, we have found that delivering immersive lessons such as poster presentations on creating sustainable cities, or collecting and donating to food banks, really helps to inspire conversation and gives our students positive experiences where they can make a real di erence. It also fosters teamwork helping young people to hone their collaboration and leadership skills.
“Ecology is a sector that embraces a varied skill set and not simply traditional qualifications”
By engaging in hands-on projects like this, young people quickly learn that environmental problems cannot be solved by one country alone; this requires a global approach delivered with passion and intent. Similarly, o ering local and international projects provides opportunities for compare/contract activities, while building bridges and creating international lifelong friendships based on shared values.
Schools that take this a step further and embed these kinds of interactive projects into their curriculum will also create a wider sense of shared responsibility amongst their student community, as well as building a stronger connection to local surroundings and the planet as a whole.
Careers education for younger learners has been given greater emphasis in schools over recent years, but how can educators ensure that learning inspires them to consider a future career in the environmental or outdoor sector, especially when many of these careers did not exist in their parent’s generation? Promoting and providing exposure to diverse career pathways, field trips, guest lectures and mentor programmes are all important aspects of careers education. Being inspired by someone who is actively engaged in the environmental sector will always be the best way to gain early engagement. Educators need to focus on the value and impact of these careers and how meaningful and fulfilling the work can be – as well as consider the opportunity to travel, explore and work in a wide range of settings with diverse groups of people. Ecology is also a sector that embraces a varied skill set and not simply traditional qualifications.
For educators there are several barriers to supporting the next generation of young ecologists. The need for schools to constantly adapt and flex to change in order to ensure teaching expertise is relevant and fit for purpose means continual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is vital. Like any other subject, ecology-based subjects need to be taught by teachers who are themselves passionate, curious and welcoming of environmental debate. The curriculum also needs to keep up with rapid change to ensure that young learners leave school equipped with the skills they need to be successful in today’s world.
We are soon to launch our own Future Ecologists programme across our colleges where our students will have the opportunity to learn directly from ecology experts in a practical setting. Having the opportunity to put real life scenarios into practice and helping young people to make the connection between class-based learning and the real world is ever more crucial. There is a greater belief amongst Millennials and Gen Z that future education will directly empower people to solve the world’s biggest issues, including the climate crisis and human rights. With that in mind, schools and educators have a duty to lead by example, to encourage curiosity, and to help young people to find their voice in a crowded world that needs our protection.
Jenn Harris is an education expert and managing director at BSC Education. See more at bsceducation.com
£1,100,000
A four bedroom detached house situated in one of the most sought after Cheshire villages. Beech House is an outstanding detached house, situated in a prime location within the Tarporley Conservation Area. The property originally dates back to around 1800 and it has been tastefully renovated and extended.
An exceptional country house in a magnificent parkland setting
Street Lane, Rode Heath, Cheshire, ST7 3SW
Boden Hall is an elegant Georgian country house in a delightful setting in undulating south Cheshire countryside.
The front door opens into a porch with double glazed doors into a reception hall with a chimneypiece, wooden floor and moulded dentil cornice. It serves the main reception rooms, being an elegant drawing room with the Irish Georgian white marble fireplace with steel register grate, a morning room/sitting room with hand painted wallpaper, dating back 100 years, to dado height and lovely views over the south garden. The dining room is another well proportioned room and the staircase hall has a French door to the garden. The well-appointed Martin Moore kitchen is situated o the back hall and has an fouroven Aga, an island unit, a dining area and a very attractive glazed garden room beyond overlooking a charming rose garden. The main staircase rises to a half landing with an attractive arched window providing plentiful natural light and onto a large landing with the principal bedroom, bathroom and dressing room. The guest suite has a bathroom, dressing area and walk-in wardrobe and there are four further bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Additional outbuildings include a squash court, laundry, log store and kennels. The gardens provide a wonderful setting for the house and have been cleverly designed with a combination of rooms, vistas and other points of interest. The saltwater swimming pool and pool house are contained within mature hedging and link to the tennis court.
Guide price £6,650,000
SELLING AGENT
Savills Chester 01244 323 232 savills.co.uk
COO, Charlotte Findlater charlottefindlater.co.uk
Q What is your working background?
A For the previous 25 years, I was a Chief Information O cer in the corporate world, delivering global IT systems, living PLC regulations, delivering multiple mergers and acquisitions – and working 24/7!
Q What inspired you to work at your business?
A My wife. Quite simply I had had enough of the corporate world, I had totally lost the work life balance
Over the next few pages, Absolutely meets the men behind some of Cheshire’s finest companies and institutions
and lost who I should be. I had the opportunity to focus on the family whilst contributing to creating a better world through our work as architects, designers and build with a truly sustainable approach.
Q What makes you di erent?
A My people forward approach, my ability to listen, treating people with both fairness and honesty. I believe in empowering people by listening, delegating and trusting our people to make the right decisions. We are a wholly collaborative team, my openness and directness have always stood me in good business stead.
Q How was 2023 for you?
A I joined the business in March 2023 as the Chief Operating O cer, a steep learning curve from my previous roles in the Corporate IT world; however, I can honestly say I have never been happier and healthier in work, life, family and love.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A Our commitment to ‘People and Planet’ is absolutely core in
everything we do and we have chosen to demonstrate this through the most rigorous certification – B Corp. This is letting a big one out of the bag, we have just pressed submit and can’t wait for the verification phase. Our Studio continues to grow organically with like-minded people believing in our unique approach and ethos wanting to work in such an ecologically minded business.
Q What are your hopes for 2024?
A Growing a business that truly demonstrates we can continue to deliver client dreams, with innovative architecture, luxury interior design whilst maintaining a truly sustainable build. Whilst we work all over the UK, I am lucky enough that home is the Lake District. I continue to strive to improve my social and environmental consciousness and am determined to do my bit to leave this fragile planet in a better shape wherever I can help.
Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?
A Whole-heartedly enjoying family time.
@lume.dental (instagram)
@gopinderlalia (instagram)
Q What unique approach or philosophy does LUME Dental bring to dental care that sets it apart from other practices in the area?
A LUME is not like other cosmetic dental clinics. LUME specialises in carrying out hyper realistic smile enhancement using the world’s best techniques. Our patients travel from all across the country to enhance their smile using our layered composite bonding and layered veneer treatments. This results in our patients having the most beautiful, long lasting smiles with zero health complications. Our world class lifelike smiles coupled with the luxury space and exceptional experiences makes LUME in a league of its own.
Q Can you elaborate on the range of dental services LUME Dental o ers and how they cater to the needs of your clientele?
A LUME focuses on cosmetic, orthodontic and implant dentistry. However, I did not want to turn away and build relationships with the local people who just require a general dentistry, which is why I have designed the LUME membership plans. LUME has all dental needs covered with the common theme being exceptional, long lasting quality with minimal health costs.
Q Could you share what initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in dentistry and how your journey led you to LUME Dental?
A As a teenager I was exposed to dentistry early on receiving a two year course of orthodontics. I always admired my dentist and orthodontist. Lucky for me, my strong subjects in school matched up with my desire to become a dentist and I got into dental school. Post graduation I was exposed to aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry early on and fell in love with the field. The impact we can make on our patients is extremely fulfilling. I decided to perfect my craft in cosmetic dentistry focusing on crafting teeth that look imperceptible to natural beautiful teeth. And I wanted to do this without inflicting damage to the patient’s natural teeth.
Q In your opinion, why is it crucial for individuals to find the right cosmetic
dentist, and what qualities should they look for when making this choice?
A There are five signs I feel that allow you to know that you have found the right dentist for you:
• They understand what truly is bothering you about your teeth;
• The treatment options they provide are in line with your goals and ideals;
• They have many examples of similar smiles they have done that you like; You know a friend who has had work done by them and is happy;
• They give you the time to think about what you want to do and don’t pressure you into anything.
Q Looking ahead, how do you envision the growth and development of LUME Dental over the next year?
A LUME is a new business and a new brand. The first part of the
year has been spent setting up the ultra modern clinic, located on Hall Road in Wilmslow, the team and settling into treating our amazing patients. In the second half of year, now that I’m more comfortable with the experience we are able to provide, I will look to grow our patient base. I want to grow the brand awareness and at the same time grow my team incorporating further dental professionals and specialities. This time next year I envision LUME being the place to go if you are seeking an enhancement that is beautiful and completely the opposite of the fake, bulky flat white smile you see in most other clinics. I believe the dental aesthetic market is evolving with more and more people wanting natural, hyper realistic smiles. And LUME will be perfectly positioned to help these individuals.
Founder/CEO, WatchMarketplace watchmarketplace.co.uk
Q Before launching your business, what was your working background?
A I am a watch guy through and through. Both my maternal and paternal Grandfathers were working watchmakers, something that outside Switzerland is very rare, you could say I was destined to be a watch dealer, it’s literally in my blood. My family’s flagship store is Arthur Kays in central Manchester that’s been in the same spot for 127 years, established in 1897. It’s the most famous one in City Centre with the shields. Career wise, I’ve done everything from sitting on a board for Tesco PLC at the tender age of 20 to saving my family retail jewellery business from the brink of collapse and building it back to profitability (the most important success of my career, given what was at stake) post the financial crisis. I was
honoured to receive an award in the leading watch publication (WatchPro) as their Retail Titan in 2015 for this turnaround. I’m probably most well-known outside of my industry and peers for my 2017 appearance on BBC’s The Apprentice, that was a crazy experience from the filming right through to being constantly recognised and photographed on the street, something nothing can prepare you for!
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A I just love watches and have always been entrepreneurial since I can remember. I was literally the kid selling sweets on the school bus, Livestrong/ Nike silicone bands, Ice Watches, you name it. If I could buy for one and sell for two, I was involved.
Q What do you think makes you di erent?
A Some may say I was born in the wrong era, I have extremely high moral and ethical standards, things
that to me are a given (honesty, trust, integrity, transparency and the like) seem to be lost in today’s society. I am on a mission to prove that you can build a successful business and life in this generation with good old fashioned principles and we have already achieved that and more at my company WatchMarketplace. If you check out our reviews online our client’s opinions of what we do can be heard loud and clear.
Q How was 2023 for you?
A Exceptional, it was really a breakout year for WatchMarketplace, we achieved well over a 7-figure revenue and made significant progress to becoming the largest and most revered watch dealer globally.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A More of the same with improvements along the way. We are extremely grateful to serve some of the world’s most interesting and successful people (including a great deal of Cheshire folk), we are a trusted go-to business for all things watches (whether modern or vintage, new/unworn or preowned – we are always buying and consider all part-exchanges in a fair, honest and transparent manner) and help our client’s on the jewellery side too via our carefully selected partners.
The biggest opportunity for your readers is WatchMarketplace Chapter 1, due to popular demand we are seeking investors who like and understand the potential in the luxury watch market. Based on real trading activity and data, we are targeting a net 20% yearly yield on funds invested, over a 5-year time horizon, £100,000 compounds to £250,000. There aren’t many people and asset classes capable of that kind of return. Please get in touch with the team if you’d like to hear more via email (Charles@watchmarketplace. co.uk) or via Phone Call/ WhatsApp (07539 430168).
Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?
A I wanted to prioritise my health and wellbeing this year and have lost 14kg (31 pounds/2.2 stone) so far, my entire lifestyle has changed to focus on being the best version of myself possible all-round.
With golf season just about to start, I am looking forward to playing more and the Inaugural WatchMarketplace Charity Invitational Golf Tournament, if you fancy joining please feel free to get in touch.
Q Before launching your business, what was your working background?
A I entered the world of Personal Training o the back of four years in the Marines and stumbled across it by accident. At the time I was only looking for some part-time work to get me through university, but my life changed course at that exact moment.
Q What inspired you to launch your business?
A An initial ‘job’ turned into a calling and tapped into my extreme passion and desire to see members of the public healthier. From that point I went on to spend over £90,000 in certifications which continues and includes 3 degrees alongside numerous certifications in the field of nutrition, training, health and lifestyle. I literally can’t get enough when it comes to new certifications, methods, training routines and systems. I’m continually looking for more additions to the existing coaching service I o er.
“IT TURNED INTO A CALLING AND TAPPED INTO MY PASSION”
Q What do you think makes you di erent?
A I’m considered to be one of the top PTs in the UK, and most likely o er the highest standard of PT in Knutsford and wider radius of Cheshire and Greater Manchester. That sounds like a grand statement bordering on egocentric. It’s taken years of study and consistency to be confident enough to say that, and it’s not at all to depreciate any other coaches, I know many hundreds of coaches who I respect and admire greatly. For 16 years of my 20year career as a coach I’ve mentored thousands of other PTs across the UK within multi-site gym chain contracts that I’ve secured. I now also mentor the PT Managers who work for me who then mentor the PTs. This whole operation runs out of Knutsford where I still have my small client base.
Q How was 2023 for you?
A With 70+ gym locations around the UK that I recruit PTs for, we did notice some areas heavily hit with cost-of-living challenges which consequently challenged the PTs. Unfortunately, we had higher attrition rates of PTs which I’ve integrated as one of our companies KPIs and for many years has been something we have prided ourselves on. Last year in my opinion was more challenging for the fitness industry than any other year I’ve ever witnessed, including the credit crunch of 2007.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A I’m delighted to have ramped up the support for new PTs wishing to make a start with their PT career. Having travelled the globe attending di erent seminars and certifications I can pack a lot into a 1-day lecture for them. We have a fully online PT Diploma with a lot of additional support elements, and with the PT industry blowing up I’m really expecting an uplift in more individuals looking to study with us. For my own client work I’m loving bringing the advanced assessments and content to the sessions, and I look forward to taking on what we may deem as complex cases. There is a naturopathic solution for nearly every ailment we may struggle with.
Principal, Hulme Grammar School hulmegrammar.org
Q How was 2023 for you?
A A mixed bag, as it was for many. I started o feeling the sort of combination of unsettled, challenge and excitement that characterise the beginning of any change in role. I’d started as Principal at Hulme Grammar School in December 2022, but January 2023 was when the work really started. I had also relocated back to the city of my birth – Liverpool – after living down South for over 10 years. As the year went on, I settled into work, got cracking on the things that needed doing, and increasingly felt the satisfaction of having the impact I wanted and needed to have. I also began to appoint my own team around me and to get to know better the strengths of existing members
of the senior team who had longer histories with the school. Two things that transformed the year for me: finding an amazing therapist who I meet with weekly and a small private gym in Liverpool where I started training regularly. Sustenance for mind and body when things are tough and when they’re going well.
Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?
A We’ve made the big moves we needed to make, so 2024 and the next few years will see us focus on refining, honing and building the educational o er at Hulme even further. The challenge is to remain an attractive consideration for parents looking for the right independent school for their child and the landscape is competitive. Add into the mix future financial challenges from an incoming Labour government who want to whack VAT on school fees
“I FELT THE SATISFACTION OF HAVING THE IMPACT I WANTED AND NEEDED TO HAVE”
and the landscape is tricky. However, we’re focussing our attention on the things within our control
Q What are your hopes for 2024?
A To continue to embed the two lynchpins I mentioned above –therapy and training – into my life. They both require hard work and prioritisation in the calendar, but the investment of time and energy pays dividends loads of times over.
Two other things that strike me as I write this. One, a dedication on a bench in the park where I used to work every day with the dog when I lived in St Albans which read: “In memory of … who trod lightly through this world”. During long, solitary lockdown bumblings with the hound it was an idea I kept returning to. We live in an age characterised by the acquisition of more and more stu , despite being more aware than any generation of the impact of this on the planet. I like the idea of treading lightly through the world and am growing comfortable with the positive notion of making as small an imprint on the world as possible. Also related to lightness, the phrase someone used to me the other day of “sitting lightly to the future”. Easier said than done to focus on the here and now but I like to think I’m getting better at it.
Q What inspired you to set up House?
A After being in the creative industry for 15 years I was ready for a new challenge. Then, meeting my now business partners Christine and Gary Colbert, it felt like the obvious move. It changed my life in many ways. We began the agency with one client, and we are so fortunate to still be working with them. We have worked across so many sectors but have seemed to gravitate toward the jewellery industry, house builders and ecommerce. Most recently we are thrilled to be producing work for Arighi Bianchi (the iconic Macclesfield store) and we’re doing some great things together.
Q How do you think the digital marketing landscape has changed?
A It never stands still, from the early days of the web to web 2.0 and social media, things have always moved fast. This is one of the reasons I chose to work in digital. But with rise of AI I think we’ll see seismic changes in the industry. It’s early days but it will be a wild ride for sure!
Q Tell us about some of your biggest challenges...
A The pandemic was a huge challenge for our business. But like anything, the key to surviving was to adapt and keep positive. The trend toward remote working actually works well for us. It’s strengthened client relationships as we can meet on Teams as often as needed, cutting down travel. New business is a constant challenge for any agency, and we’re no di erent. But having a solid plan can be a game changer. I think one thing we do need to work on is our profile in the industry. It’s di cult to find time to promote your business when your business is promoting others!
Q As a songwriter, how does your love of music dovetail with your work at House?
A I think that music and design are very much linked. Having a good musical sense is useful when creating content for clients. Plus, it’s a great antidote to the stresses of owning a business. I know there are so many designers and creatives who play music and vice versa so there’s definitely something going on there.
Q How do you balance your professional and personal life?
A For the most part my working weeks are fairly structured. We live about ten minute’s walk from the o ce which really helps. So, I can be home to cook dinner and have time with my family. That said, I’m never far from my laptop when I’m needed.
Q What advice do you have for young creatives?
A The industry has changed so much since I started out. It’s much harder in many ways to get a foot in the door. But software has democratised how we all create, making it easier to start designing. In terms of advice, I would say it’s important to embrace the changes, keep learning, and always look for ways to be unique. Creativity is like a muscle, the more you exercise it the more creative you are.
Q On a personal level, where do you escape to?
A Aside from time with my family, my music studio is my happy place.
Q What advice would you give to your younger self?
A Eat good food and look after yourself. Watch your posture. Twnety seven years at a desk can be brutal on your back. Get a good chair and exercise! Finally, pay into your pension and try not to take things too seriously. It’s only work.
Q What does the future look like?
A I’m 48 this month with 27 years in the industry. I still feel like I’m learning every day. I’m very grateful to work doing something creative that I enjoy. I know that is a rare thing. So, for now I’ll keep going!
Q We heard a rumour you’re related to Graham Nash. Please do tell us more...
A The rumour is true. Graham Nash is my uncle and has been a huge inspiration in my creative life. As well as being famous for founding legendary bands like The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, he’s also an amazing artist, photographer, and a pioneer in digital art printing.
Introducing Clonter’s new patron why everyone is talking about…
Clonter has the great honour of announcing and welcoming Sir Mark Elder as their new Patron, taking up the baton from the late Sir George Christie. “It is a special privilege for me to become Patron of Clonter as it celebrates its first 50 years,” he says. “In 1974 I was myself in the very early years of my professional life and as I look through the wonderful list of Clonter alumni I see so many artists who have accompanied me on my path and who have contributed so much both here and abroad.
“The value of the experience and guidance that Clonter can provide to young artists
The arts are not a luxury, they are fundamental to our society
is di cult to overestimate,” he continues, “especially at a time when professional opportunities are contracting rather than expanding. And I know how much joy these artists can bring to local audiences and communities in the North West, where I have such strong roots. We must remember that the arts are not a luxury – they are fundamental to our society, and I urge you to consider how you can help secure Clonter for the next 50 years.”
Sir Mark Elder has been Music Director of the Hallé since September 2000. He was previously Music Director of English National Opera (1979–1993) and Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
From 2022/23 he has taken up the post of Principal Guest Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.
He has enjoyed long relationships with the London Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestras as well as working with leading symphony orchestras throughout the world. He is a Principal Artist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and has appeared annually at the Proms for many years, including – in 1987 and 2006 – the internationally televised Last Night.
He has enjoyed a long association with the Royal Opera House and has appeared in many other prominent theatres including the Metropolitan Opera, Opéra de Paris, Bavarian S tate Opera, Zürich, Dutch National Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, San Francisco and Glyndebourne Festival Opera. He was the first English conductor to conduct a new production at the Bayreuth Festival.
From 2011 to 2019 he was Artistic Director of Opera Rara, and he has made many award-winning recordings in a wide repertoire with the Hallé, including a complete RING cycle, Parsifal and the three great Elgar oratorios.
Sir Mark Elder was appointed a Companion of Honour in 2017, knighted in 2008 and awarded the CBE in 1989. In May 2006 he was named Conductor of the Year by the Royal Philharmonic Society and he was awarded Honorary Membership of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 2011. He is International Chair in Conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music and Barbirolli Chair at the Royal Academy of Music.
