Absolutely Berkshire February 2024

BERKSHIRE

Berkshire FEBRUARY 2024

PLU S

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Berkshire’s most romantic spots

• THE BOXFORD

Visiting Newbury’s hot new restaurant

FEBRUARY 2024

• ON THE MOUNT AT WASING Reading’s quirkiest festival returns

SPECIA L News and views from the county's best schools

Fiona

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THE BRAY COMIC ON SMACK THE PONY’S ENDURING POPULARITY AND HEADING OUT ON TOUR AGAIN ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents FEBRUARY 2024

46

70 C U LT U R E AGENDA

INTERIORS 70 EMMA LOUISE PAYNE

FIONA ALLEN

76

24 AREA FOCUS

81

FOOD & DRINK 34 TASTING NOTES

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L 86 LEGO PLAY

14

Make a date with your Valentine

16

Adding class to ceramics

On the enduring appeal of Smack the Pony

Exploring the psychology of colour

36 THE BOXFORD

Newbury's latest must visit restaurant

TREND

The best in wall lights

10 of the best romantic spots

The latest foodie news

REAL HOME

How schools are introducing fun as building blocks for the future

91

The online guide to inspirational local living

MALTMAN'S GREEN

93 ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL

53 JEWELLERY

103 WELLINGTON COLLEGE

9 designs to leave you star struck

A B S O L U T E LY M AG A Z I N E S .C O M

On a journey of discovery

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 46 THE SHOOT

Add some dazzle with Roman Originals

36

Mind matters at the Windsor Castle institution

On their unique Fragments course

O N T H E C OV E R Fiona Allen

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5 LETTER Editor’s

F iona Allen Hitting the stand up road once again (p16)

ABSOLUTELY’S February issue highlights

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Lego Play

The building bricks of education (p86)

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Ten of the best

Romantic spots in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire (p24)

I

had an incredibly eccentric English teacher at school. Mr Scales (I never knew his first name, is that a school thing?) dressed funnily, always wore a bow tie, and had a penchant for stopping mid-lesson and just staring at the class. At the time, I thought he was a right laugh, but unbeknown to me at the time, what he did worked. A love of language seeped through into my subconscious.

A good teacher is like gold dust, and should be treated with the utmost care and attention. I am sure you can train to become a good teacher, but I personally think it's inside you. I wanted to pursue history for a career, but my A-level teacher - no names here - killed my love for it with dull, rote teaching.

Inside this month we present our education special, and Berkshire and Buckinghamshire certainly have plenty of good teachers who are shaping future leaders. Some of the things our schools are doing are stunning, and coupled with great facilities, are laying the groundwork for inspiring pupils. I am sure they will leave a lasting impression just like Mr Scales did on me.

4 Trend

The pick of the best wall lights out there (p81)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

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Everyone Talking Reading's unique festival prepares to return (p114)

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Wish LIST

N AT U R E LOV E R For SS24, Balmain revealed a collection full of floral shapes and motifs. This petal-like skirt pairs with a leaf-green tailored jacket with contrasting sharp lines. balmain.com

ST I TC H U P Penelope Chilvers' India Hicks Grove suede embroidered boot is handmade from sustainably sourced Italian oiled suede with authentic Western embroidery triple stitch throughout, £369. penelopechilvers.com

PUSH IT Hay's green scalloped-edged trolley is a stylish and useful addition as a bar cart or just a statement side table, £255. selfridges.com

10 things we Absolutely love

GREEN LIGHT Monc's wide selection of spectacles offers the perfect frame for every face shape. From round to square shapes and subtle to strong frames, there is a style for everyone. monclondon.com

EDITOR’S PICK

COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

DIVE IN Housed within a rugged 41mm stainless steel case, the automatic movement inside this expertly crafted diver’s watch is capable of providing aroundthe-clock precision, £1,700. berrysjewellers.co.uk

EYE SPY Messy Weekend's goggles feature anti-fog, anti-scratch coating, 100% UV400 protection and easy magnetic lens change. Choose between the high-contrast XE2 lens for enhanced clarity in varied landscapes or the photochromic XEp lens that adapts to changing weather conditions. messyweekend.co.uk

PA S S O U T If you want to visit the UK’s incredible museums, cutting-edge galleries, and swoon-worthy historic houses, there’s one simple item you need: an Art Pass. artfund.org

BAG O F STYLE From the Mimi Collection by WOLF 1834, this charming handbag is the perfect little accessory for the woman on the go, £119. berrysjewellers.co.uk

NEW DROP Earsass is a small earring brand with gorgeous, 18k gold-plated or plant-based lightweight designs.

The affordable collection is available with clip-on or pierced styles, one of which was recently worn by Princess Kate. earsass.com

IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk

IT'S A WRAP In celebration of 25 years in Japan, Dyson has introduced the Ceramic Pop colourway for the Airwrap and all hair tools. dyson.com

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ORIGIN POOLS BUILDING AWARD WINNING POOLS FOR OVER 40 YEARS

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C U LT U R E

POOR THINGS 2-8 FEBRUARY, CORN EXCHANGE CINEMA

The much-anticipated new film from Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things, remixes the Frankenstein tale into a young woman's journey of self-discovery. Follow the incredible tale of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter's protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. cornexchangenew.com

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The Agenda F E B RUA RY ' S H OT T E ST EV E N TS

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Connor Burns 22 February M I LT O N K E Y N E S S TA B L E S S T U D I O Hot on the heels of his totally sold-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 season, Scottish comedian Connor Burns is set to embark on a debut national tour with his critically acclaimed show.

Vertigo is a punchline-packed show featuring relationships, submarines, and the inevitable family drama. Hilarious, relatable and a bit rude in places, Connor’s quick wit comes to the fore. stables.org

F IL M

Priscilla 16- 18 F E B RUA RY, S O U TH HILL PARK

Teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley, already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar, but someone entirely unexpected in private: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend. A deeply felt and ravishingly detailed portrait of marital loneliness, fantasy and fame. The film features star turns from Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, as Priscilla and Elvis respectively, in a fresh take on a musical legend. southhillpark.org.uk

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CO ME DY

Al Murray 23 February T H E H E X AG O N , R E A D I N G Al Murray is the pub landlord who holds forth on all manner of topics, waxing lyrical about the state of the world with all the skewed logic of a bar room philosopher. Anyone who has spent even the smallest amount of time in a pub will recognise these immaculate observations of British pub culture. The return of a true British comedy great. whatsonreading.com

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EX H IBITIO N

Saul Leiter 17 February-4 June MK GALLERY American photographer Saul Leiter (1923–2013), one of the most important practitioners of the post-war period and a pioneer of colour photography, celebrated for his evocative images of New York City in the 1950s and 1960s, will be the subject of a major survey at MK Gallery opening this month. Leiter photographed every day for 60 years, keenly observing daily life. mkgallery.org

EV EN T

PROFESSOR BRIAN COX

This Month’s Must See

8 February AY L E S B U R Y WAT E R S I D E T H E AT R E Having set two Guinness World Records with his previous sell-out World Tour, Professor Brian Cox is back in regional theatres. Horizons has taken over 250,000 people across three continents on a dazzling journey; a story of how we came to be and what we can become. Using state of the art screen technology, expect galaxies, alien worlds, and black holes. atgtickets.com

The Great Gatsby

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13 - 17 F E B RUARY, THEATRE ROYAL WIN DSOR

ased on F.Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel and set in the Jazz age of the glamorous, roaring 20s near New York City, this play follows the tragic story of mysterious and enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby.

Deceit, murder, obsession and jazz abound as we delve into the illicit source of Gatsby’s selfmade fortune and obsession to reunite with his wealthy, socialite former lover, Daisy Buchanan.

HALF FULL Three very different events to make the most of half term this month

R O L L I N TO H A L F T E R M 12-14 February Get ready for an energetic, threeday half term camp that's sure to captivate your children's imaginations and energise their bodies. RollaDome All Skate is thrilled to offer this special Learn to Skate program, perfect for kids aged 4 to 12, in Windsor, Clewer Mead. The sessions will be structured and fun, honing their motor skills while exploring the dynamic world of roller skating. windsor.gov.uk THE LITTLE MERMAID 14-17 February Disney’s The Little Mermaid comes to Newbury in this colourful community production. This fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Part of Your World. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems... cornexchangenew.com W I N T E R WAG G L E 16 February Join The Pace Centre for some half term family fun at their inaugural ‘Winter Waggle’ dog walk in the grounds of the stunning Waddesdon Manor Estate. There are two wheelchair accessible routes that are 3k and 5k, and all proceeds go to The Pace Centre. For many of the children at Pace just enjoying independent mobility is a huge achievement.

You can help them achieve their goals and transform their lives. thepacecentre.org

theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

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Berkshire actress Fiona Allen has had enough of doing everything for everyone else and is taking back time for herself - by touring the country doing stand-up

By REBECCA PITCAIRN

I

feel somewhat of a kinship with Berkshire actress Fiona Allen. Okay, so I’m no award-winning writer or actress, but I am a mum, a mum who often feels like going on the run.

As star and co-writer of the Emmy and Bafta-winning late nineties/early noughties TV series, Smack the Pony, Fiona is used to making people laugh.

But her most recent venture has seen her step away from the comforts of pre-recorded TV into the tense world of live stand-up.

It sort of happened by accident, she tells me as we bond over our husband’s inability to load the dishwasher neatly, although Fiona admits she has always had itchy feet. As a teenager, she left her hometown of Bury for the bright lights of Manchester and became part of the Tony Wilson empire of the Hacienda nightclub and Factory Records.

When she decided to become an actor, she headed to London and before long had won two Emmy Awards as the star and co-writer of the Channel 4 sketch show, Smack the Pony. The all-female show,

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which Fiona starred in alongside Sally Phillips and Doon Mackichan, ran for four years and became hugely influential.

“I get messaged all the time on social media by people saying how much they miss that show,” she says. “I’ve been posting on my socials lots of the Pony sketches recently and a few of them have gone viral – people love them. I did a show in Southampton recently and there were 20-year-olds there, who wouldn’t have been born when it was on TV, but they said they’d seen it and were huge fans. I think it’s because the comedy doesn’t really date.”

Fiona went on to star in more mainstream TV shows, such as Dalziel & Pascoe, Coronation Street, Poirot, Eastenders, Casualty, Shameless, In Deep, Happiness, Skins, Waterloo Road and Death In Paradise, as well as films including 24 Hour Party People and Fat Slags.

She also had three kids in five years with husband Mike Parkinson (the son of the late Sir Michael). As a working mum with a mad cockapoo and a husband who still can’t operate the washing machine,

life became a whirlwind of work, kids and household chores, with very little ‘me time’.

A few years ago, Fiona decided it was time to figure out what she would like to do for herself. The problem was, a hobby like swimming, yoga or a spin class just weren’t going to cut it.

“As mums, we’re the ones that don’t seem to have the hobbies. When the kids are small, there’s no time. I’m not sure how our other halves manage it, but they seem to still have time for sport and golf, particularly round where I live in Berkshire, where there are loads of courses. But what about us?” she asks. “When the kids get a bit older, like mine are now, it’s the first time as a mum I think you get time to breathe. And then you look for something that you can do for you, but it’s hard to find a hobby if you don’t already have one. I tried all sorts; I joined a gym but never went. I’m not really a swimmer, I can’t be bothered to get wet. At one point, I even Googled ‘evening hobbies for middleaged mums’ and do you know what it came back with? How to make bath bombs. If

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“People message me all the time about how much they miss Smack the Pony”

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BRAY

you ever need a rocket up your backside, it’s someone suggesting you should try hand making bath bombs for fun!”

Essentially, Fiona tells me, it came down to a choice between cage fighting or stand-up. She chose the latter and has spent the last few years honing her talent on the UK comedy club circuit.

Last summer, she took her debut onewoman show, On The Run, to Edinburgh Fringe, more than anything to get an extended break from the monotony of home-life. If she happened to entertain a few people too, that was a bonus, she says. The Edinburgh stint ended up being a sell-out.

“I didn’t think that in my 50s I’d end up doing a show, going to Edinburgh. I just did stand-up for a bit of ‘me-time’, but then I wrote the show and ended up at The Fringe,” she says. “I went up for three weeks, rented a small little apartment so no-one could come and visit, and I swear to God, it took me about three days before I stopped waking up

panicking about all the stuff I’d usually be doing at home. I’d be thinking, ‘I’ve got to get the dog out, sort the washing, do the bins etc’. It becomes a way of life and sometimes you’ve got to break the seal.”

During the show, which she is touring venues around the UK and in March stops in Reading, Fiona shares her thoughts on family, marriage, passive aggressive school mums, supermarket dress codes and more.

She reels off some of the material as we talk, and I can whole-heartedly relate.

“For me, this all started as a way of finding some headspace away from being a mum and wife, but now I’ve found something I love and, if anything, it’s allowed me to prove to myself that I can actually control my itchy feet and concentrate on one thing even if it is just for an hour!”

For tickets to ‘On the Run’ visit fionaallencomedy.com and you can follow Fiona on Instagram @fionaallencomedy

THE BUTCHER’S TAP & GRILL

Bite size Fiona picks out her foodie favourites “I love going out to eat. When I first moved from London to Berkshire, I panicked because I thought I was going to miss out but London is literally just up the road. I joke that the M4 is my driveway. Living here opens up everything, there are so many villages with country pubs for eating out.”

“My favourite spot at the moment, because it’s the cosiest place ever, is The Hind’s Head in Bray. It’s proper olde worlde.

I also love The Butcher’s Tap & Grill in Marlow and the Belgian Arms in Holyport is nice on a sunny day because it’s by a little duck pond. And for coffee, there’s a little place on the High Street in Bray – to be fair it’s the only thing on the High Street – called Bray Cured Local, which is really cute, and bakedd in Maidenhead do really nice coffee and bread.”

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A picturesque country town location, used in many films and television programmes

Nestled in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Internet Movie Database (IMDb) listing over 50 movies and TV shows filmed in Amersham Well-known actors such as Hugh Grant, Michael Caine, Dirk Bogarde, Margaret Rutherford, Christian Bale, Andie MacDowell amongst others have filmed scenes in Amersham

www.visitamersham.org.uk

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excellence in the heart of Berkshire.

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CULTURE • PROFILE

Q In short, what is Artificial Wisdom about?

A Artificial Wisdom is about how far we’d

go to use technology to solve the climate crisis, and at what cost, told through the story of a journalist determined to find the truth about a huge cover-up, no matter what the consequences.

Q What initially sparked your

GET TO KNOW…

THOMAS R. WEAVER AU T H O R O F A R T I F I C I A L W I S D O M A N D BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RESIDENT

interest in exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, political manipulation, and climate change?

A The Brexit Referendum and Trump’s 2018 win were the first major influences on this story, and in particular the suspicions that fell on the Russians and their online manipulation of public opinions in both countries struck me. If it was so easy to make people believe something or vote in a certain way, by appealing to their biggest fears, with just a few hundred people in a bot farm outside Moscow… What would it be like when we actually had something sophisticated, like AI, able to understand at a much more personal level what might make us change our minds on any given issue?

My first written note on this story in September 2019 reads, “Civilisation, splitting apart in polarisation, puts their fate in an AI leader in a Brexit style referendum.”

That’s not quite the story I ended up telling, but it was the roots of it. I’d read an article about how some countries with significant land above a certain latitude (like Russia) were potential beneficiaries of climate change, as it would unlock significant resources. I started to wonder how you could solve something as interconnected as the climate crisis when each country was pulling towards their own priorities.

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OLD AMERSHAM

COOKHAM IS HOME

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

Q Who are some of your literary influences?

A My writing coach and mentor, Mark

Leggatt, heavily influenced my style and taught me how to write from deep within the character’s point of view. I’m very grateful to him and thrilled his new book, Penitent, is doing so well.

Michael Crichton is, for me, the father of technothrillers. As a teenager I was in awe of his work. He’s a bit heavier on the science than I am, but it was the first time I was reading works imagining the world we live in, but in the near future.

I’m in love with and in awe of fantasy author’s Joe Abercrombie’s prose and ability to write horrible characters you absolutely love.

But I was also reading a lot of Agatha Christie when I started to write this book, and love old cosy murder mysteries. I was also a big fan of how Stieg Larsson brought murder mystery into his thriller, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, almost like the centre of an onion with the corporate drama wrapped around it. That all heavily influenced how I wrote the book.

Q Whereabouts do you live

in Buckinghamshire?

A As a teenager, we moved to

Buckinghamshire as a family. When I saw the bridge in Marlow for the first time, I told my parents I could imagine living here. Little did I know, my father had just been offered a job in the town. I grew up in Bisham and Bourne End, going to school in Marlow, so I’ve spent the majority of my life in the county at this

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“I have spent the majority of my life in Bucks” point, only moving away for university and the early part of my career. When we had kids, we moved immediately back out of London, to Beaconsfield. I currently live in Stoke Poges.

I’ve been here 14 years now, and we’re on our second home in the village. Despite having little family connection to the village, or even Buckinghamshire, I recently discovered my grandmother’s grandfather briefly lived here himself in the 1800s, as well as Upton Chalvey (Slough) and Little Marlow. Sadly the road he lived on no longer appears to exist.

Q If you had to choose three of your favourite places to frequent, where would you choose?

A I love the Black Horse in Fulmer Village.

Firstly, the village itself is incredibly small and cute. And the pub is lovely and serves excellent food – plus it has a farm shop. What’s not to like?

I’m also a huge fan of Amersham Old Town. It’s got such a lovely wide street, an old Market Hall, and is full of houses still called things like "the old forge". If we have visitors from abroad, I like to bring them here, and eat in some of the lovely cafes. It’s one of the only places I’ve actually taken the time to go urban sketching for the day.

FOOD FROM THE BLACK HORSE

My third choice is an odd one. I love driving around some of the back roads in the county away between some of the smaller villages and towns. It’s incredible what you can see if you venture away from the main paths.

There’s this abandoned house somewhere between Burnham Beeches and Wooburn which I’d just love to sit and draw and would love even more to look around.

Q As move through 2024, what are your hopes for the year ahead?

A It’s a big year, with the paperback launch of my debut, Artificial Wisdom, in the UK in April, as well as the US hardback launch.

I’m currently trying to get my second book out to beta readers, and I’m hopeful that will come out around October time, too. Meanwhile, my wife Sonia has started an incredible group coaching business, Aida, focussing on working women, so it’s all happening in our house.

thomasrweaver.com THE BRIDGE AT MARLOW XXX IMAGE CAPTION XXX

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10 OF THE BEST

Romantic P L AC E S in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire B y K AT E J O N E S

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CULTURE • 10 OF THE BEST

“Waddesdon is a show-stopping French Renaissance-style château”

V

alentine’s Day is fast approaching, meaning that whether you’re single or in a relationship, now is the ideal time to get in touch with your tender side. Fortunately, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire are blessed with a multitude of fairytale locations, with these constituting the perfect spots to explore with a loved one (or simply experience the romantic vibes). We hope you’ll fall head over heels for our picks…

WADDESDON

WADDESDON MANOR

This show-stopping French Renaissance-style château, situated near Buckinghamshire’s county town of Aylesbury, was constructed

by Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to house his fine art collection and to entertain the fashionable world. It is managed by the Rothschild Foundation on behalf of the National Trust, and it has also been used as a filming location in a number of productions, including the 2020 Netflix film Rebecca. Waddesdon is home to an admirable British portrait collection, with paintings by Thomas Gainsborough and

Joshua Reynolds. There are also Victorianstyle gardens with statues, fountains and seasonal bedding, plus a Rococo-style aviary. waddesdon.org.uk

MARLOW The Georgian town of Marlow in Buckinghamshire has been described as “without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames”. A popular tourist destination with Georgian and Victorian architecture, its list of residents over the years includes T. S. Eliot, Mary Shelley and her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley. The Thames plays an important role in Marlow’s identity, with the town’s key landmark being its suspension bridge over the water (which helps link it to Berkshire). Marlow is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurants The Hand & Flowers and The Coach, which are both part of Tom Kerridge’s restaurant collection.

DONNINGTON CASTLE

Overlooking the Lambourn Valley, the 14thcentury Donnington Castle near Newbury in Berkshire has an interesting history behind it, with both King Henry VIII and Queen A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE HAND & FLOWERS

space’s development stages, with influences by the landscape architect Capability Brown. countryparks.buckinghamshire.gov.uk DONNINGTON CASTLE

Elizabeth I thought to have stayed here. Built

by Richard Abberbury, it was later owned by the Crown, though it was damaged during the English Civil War and Parliament voted to demolish it in 1646 – with only the two-storey gatehouse left standing. Ideal for walks, the castle is under the care of English Heritage. english-heritage.org.uk

“There are plenty of chocolatebox buildings to admire”

BRAY

The village of Bray in Berkshire has previously been selected as one of England’s most beautiful villages. Described as “a pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames”, the Maidenhead suburb is without doubt a charming location, with plenty of chocolate-box buildings to admire. The village also has the enviable status of being home to two of Great Britain and Ireland’s eight three Michelin-starred restaurants – Alain Roux’s The Waterside Inn and Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck. Another of the latter’s eateries, The Hind’s Head, is also located in Bray and has one Michelin star.

SONNING

The village of Sonning near Reading in Berkshire was once described by the writer Jerome K. Jerome as “the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river”. With its pretty brick arch bridge linking it to the hamlet of Sonning Eye (which is actually located in Oxfordshire), it cannot be denied that there’s something of the magical about this place.

Take a walk along the towpath at Sonning Lock, or admire the scenery that surrounds the village. In Sonning Eye, you could also consider a visit to The Mill at Sonning – the only dinner theatre to be found in the UK.

LANGLEY PARK

Langley Park, or Langley Park Country Park, has been described as “one of Buckinghamshire’s best-kept secrets”. The 130-acre park – part of the Colne Valley Regional Park – dates back more than eight centuries, and notable people who have been linked with it include King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. Parkland trees like Wellingtonia, English oak and cedar of Lebanon, plus the serpentine lake next to the mansion house in the park, reflect the

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SONNING

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CULTURE • 10 OF THE BEST

WELFORD PARK

WELFORD PARK

Not only is this country house and estate near Newbury in Berkshire the home of The Great British Bake Off, it also has a past linked to royalty. The site of the current house and church once held a monastery in the care of the monks of Abingdon until the dissolution of the monasteries on the order of King Henry VIII, who kept Welford as his own deer-hunting lodge before granting it to courtier Thomas Parry. The current house is inhabited by James Puxley and his wife and children, with the family welcoming guests during the year for special events.

For decades, Welford Park has hosted thousands of visitors for its snowdrop season, which covers the month of February. welfordpark.co.uk

CHALFONT ST GILES

Located on the edge of the Chiltern Hills and part of the group of villages known as The Chalfonts, Chalfont St Giles is a picture-postcard Buckinghamshire village complete with shops and a duck pond, as well as a village green and a church. It is situated just 20 miles from Charing Cross, and indeed was a haven from the capital for the 17th-century poet John Milton, who came to Chalfont St Giles with his third wife in 1665 to escape plague in the city. The writer completed his epic poem Paradise Lost at his cottage on Deanway, with this property now one of the oldest writer’s house museums globally.

used as a filming location in a range of movies and TV shows. It served as the village of Dibley in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, and it has also appeared in films including the romantic comedy drama Bride and Prejudice. Here, you can admire the village’s charming features, including the 16th-century cottages and the 12thcentury church, and enjoy a drink or something to eat at the pub, The Bull & Butcher. Turville is also overlooked

by Cobstone Windmill, which was used in the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

HUNGERFORD

Hungerford sits alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal, with Hungerford Wharf being a fab location to begin exploring the waterway. However, the Berkshire market town is best known for its CHALFONT ST GILES

TURVILLE Situated in the Chiltern Hills close to the Oxfordshire border, Turville is an idyllic Buckinghamshire village which has been

TURVILLE

antiques shops and fairs, though other unique stores and boutiques can be found in the town centre and a number of pubs, tea shops and restaurants also have the potential to tantalise the tastebuds. Interestingly, Hungerford is also the only place in the country to have continuously celebrated Hocktide or Tutti Day. Tutti Day, held on the second Tuesday following Easter, is Hocktide’s most well-known day, with “Tutti-men” and “Tutti-women” visiting around 100 homes and businesses with poles decorated with flowers, ribbons and an orange.

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19/01/2024 16:20

CULTURE • ART EJ Hill. A Subsequent Offering, 2017 Courtesy the artist

Sh a p e u p A new look at sculpture at the Hayward Gallery

Matthew Ronay. Brontes, Strops, and Arges, 2023.

Basswood, dye, primer, plastic, steel. 28.25 x 19.5 x 7.25" / 71.8 x 49.5 x 18.4cm © Matthew Ronay.

Courtesy the artist and Casey Kaplan, New York.

Photo: Matthew Ronay.

“These sculptures invite a tactile gaze, and trigger physical responses”

W

hen Forms Come Alive is a new show at The Hayward Gallery that spans over 60 years of contemporary sculpture. This exhibition highlights ways in which artists draw on familiar experiences of movement, flux and organic growth.

Inspired by sources ranging from a dancer’s gesture to the breaking of a wave, from a flow of molten metal to the interlacing of a spider’s web, the artworks in When Forms Come Alive conjure fluid and shifting realms of experience.

Undulating, drooping, erupting, cascading and promiscuously proliferating, these sculptures invite a tactile gaze, and trigger physical responses. In an era when our encounters are increasingly digitised and disembodied, these artworks call to mind the pleasures of gesture and movement, the poetics of gravity and the experience of sensation itself.

Palpably dynamic, they proclaim that nothing in the world stays the same, that everything is moving, seething, changing and transforming.

The exhibition features work by 21 international artists: Ruth Asawa, Nairy Baghramian, Phyllida Barlow, Lynda Benglis, Michel Blazy, Paloma Bosquê, Olaf Brzeski, Choi Jeong Hwa, Tara Donovan, DRIFT, Eva Fàbregas, Holly Hendry, EJ Hill, Marguerite Humeau, Jean-Luc Moulène, Senga Nengudi, Ernesto Neto, Martin Puryear, Matthew Ronay, Teresa Solar Abboud and Franz West.

To 6 May, Hayward Gallery southbankcentre.org.uk

Lynda Benglis. Power Tower, 2019. White tombasil bronze.

228.6 x 179.4 x 172.2 cm © Lynda Benglis.

Courtesy the artist, Pace Gallery and Thomas Dane Gallery.

Photo: Davin Lavikka/ Pace Gallery.

Installation view, Ruth Asawa, David Zwirner Gallery, New York, NY. September 13- October 21, 2017. Photo © Laurence Cuneo. Artwork © 2023 Ruth Asawa Lanier Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy David Zwirner.

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FOOD & DRINK

FOOD WITH A VIEW ROUX AT SKINDLES

Roux at Skindles’ typically French brasserie is an informal restaurant with a relaxed ambience where you can choose a single dish or a complete meal. It is a bustling place with a traditional menu typically serving simple, hearty, good value food without higher aspiration. Located on the ground floor, the comfortable, stylish dining room opens onto a riverside terrace with year round seating available to take advantage of the glorious views. rouxatskindles.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

The latest launches and news from across the county

By MARK KEBBLE

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

The Society's Exhibition Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022  £18.50 Central Otago, in New Zealand's South Island, is famed for the quality of its world-class pinot noir. The warm days and cold nights create wines with ripe, full and generous cherry notes, alongside a full structure and vibrant freshness.

This is a prime example.

Domaine Jérôme Fornerot, Saint-Aubin Champ Tirant 2020  £29 Bright and fresh white Burgundy, with appley aromas and flavours. It was barrel fermented and kept on its yeast lees to develop some mid palate weight, and there is good length of flavour for a village wine.

Fiano Mandrarossa  £10.95 Organic Sicilian fiano of great character with apricot and peach flavours and a salty tang on the crisp, dry finish. One for char-grilled swordfish or tuna, simply dressed with lemon juice. The fiano grape, native to Campania, has adapted exceptionally well to the Sicilian climate.

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

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Great taste THE VINEYARD

Located in Newbury, The Vineyard has long been recognised as a leading destination for F&B. This month, the hotel will be taking its unique dining experience, The Tasting Room, to new heights with a delicious winter menu, focused on combining seasonal highlights with nature’s elements within its traditional and plantbased menus. The Tasting Room at The Vineyard offers guests the chance to experience a whole new dimension of cuisine. the-vineyard.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES L O V E A T F I R S T

BITE

Three great local choices for the perfect Valentine’s treat

L I G H T YO U R F I R E RH ENGLAND

S H E L L F I S H C OW

Hop to it THE COCONUT TREE

This popular Reading restaurant wants to give everyone a taste of Sri Lankan family hospitality, with an authentic affordable menu delivering delicious dishes and fantastic flavours combined with fun cocktails and a relaxed island vibe. On Valentine’s Day, The Coconut Tree will donate £1 from every hopper (Sri Lankan savoury pancake) eaten to the children’s charity it supports – Meth Mihira. On top of this, every couple/two people who eat together will receive a free Sri Lankan Love Cake to share. thecoconut-tree.com

Shellfish Cow Restaurant & Bar in Henley isn’t part of a chain, it’s owned and run by two local experienced restaurateurs who simply love good food and entertaining.

Lunch and dinner menus focus on the freshest British shellfish. shellfishcow.co.uk/henley

Nestled in the heart of Oxford, RH England at Aynhoe Park offers plenty for discerning foodie lovers. Dishes cooked on custom Molteni rotisseries, or over Japanese Binchotan charcoal, include fresh-carved Devon White rotisserie chicken and the house favourite, a luxurious wood-grilled avocado with 15 grams of Petrossian Imperial Kaluga Caviar. rh.com

G OAT O N T H E R O O F Goat on the Roof is a British tapas restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Newbury. The menu of British sharing plates uses only the very best in organic produce from local suppliers, and their wine lists boasts over 80 specially-selected wines. goatontheroof.co.uk

Old favourite GILBEY’S

Love at first bite THE OARSMAN

The bistro pub The Oarsman is situated in the riverside town of Marlow. Heading up the kitchen is chef Scott Smith, who has created a menu which honours the very best of British using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that champion small producers. This Valentine’s expect a one off menu devised by Scott: oysters to share; classis fish soup, rouille, croutons; followed by Chateaubriand, crisp potato, tomato & shallot salad for two to share. theoarsman.co.uk

CREAMS CAFE Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s, Galentine’s or Palentine’s, be sure to mark the day in the sweetest of ways at Creams Cafe Windsor. Head to the UK’s ultimate dessert date destination and take your pick from a host of sweet treats, perfect for sharing. creamscafe.com

If you are looking for somewhere atmospheric to dine with your loved one this Valentine’s, then look no further than Gilbey’s. The family-run restaurant since 1975 is located in the heart of Eton and offers up superb food using the best fresh and local ingredients. There is an excellent wine list to suit all tastes and a passion for warm, friendly service. gilbeygroup.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Box of

TRICKS Absolutely spends time in the company of Mirko Privitera, the head chef of Newbury’s hottest new all-day dining destination

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• XXXXX FOOD & XXXXXXXX DRINK • INTERVIEW

“The Boxford is very much about community”

E

ven before entering The Boxford, there is plenty of history to devour about the building and the site just outside of Newbury. It is built on the location that was formerly occupied by ‘The Bell Inn’, a rural roadside inn that captured passing trade on the road to Newbury.

It was in 2023 that work began to reimagine the site, which comprised a Victorian public house and 1980s annexe, much of which had fallen into disrepair. It was the team behind The Woodspeen – the well known restaurant

HEAD CHEF MIRKO PRIVITERA

and cookery school located close by – who took on the project and promised to create a modern and welcoming new community building with sustainability and accessibility at its heart.

“A considerable amount of work went into the design,” says The Boxford’s charismatic head chef, Mirko Privitera, when we visit the completed project.

“The Bell at Boxford was originally a Victorian pub with some later additions, but it wasn’t possible to retain the main building so the project was a partial redevelopment, keeping the newer 1980s annexe and completely rebuilding the prominent roadside aspect.”

The new build restaurant has a matt black façade which recedes gracefully into the landscaped terrace and gardens that surround, while the roof is topped with a cantilevered thatch, hinting at the lofty proportions within. Once through the doors, guests can sit and enjoy a coffee or cocktail in the café bar, or head straight through to the restaurant with its busy open kitchen and warming pizza oven. Cosy booths cluster near the pass for the best view of the action.

“The design team worked with a palette of sustainable natural materials, including our rather splendid overhanging thatched roof,” says general manager Bert Leach, “so that the building sits quite subtly in the context of the village.

Most of the materials were sourced locally, using local skilled craftsmanship during production and construction. We

feel it now has the presence necessary to become a local landmark.”

As much as the building looks fabulous, the landmark suggestion could also be attributed to the fact that The Boxford is for everyone, at any time of the day. “The Boxford is very much about community, so every aspect of the place facilitates the coming together of friends and family,” says Mirko, “from the welcoming coffee bar, open from 9am, and perfect for catching up with friends, to a menu inspired by the Sicilian family values of generosity and sharing. Handmade pizza and pasta are served up alongside delicious British and Mediterranean plates.”

The Sicilian angle is certainly something different. Even though you can order a burger if you wish, the menu is not what you’d typically find in an all-day family dining restaurant.

“Generously handmade pizza and pasta, served up alongside delicious British and Mediterranean plates,” is how Mirko summarises the food offering. “I am Sicilian – these dishes are the story of my heritage – recipes and flavours that have been handed down over generations, and which I have adapted for The Boxford with a unique twist. Arancini, for example, which originates in Sicily often contains beef, but I serve my Arancini ‘truffled’ with mushroom and mozzarella.”

Manager Bert is a local lad, having grown up in Welford and Bagnor. He adds: “I am a huge fan of simple food

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

“I am a huge fan of simple food done properly”

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done properly. Our menu is ingredientled and I believe this shines through in the humble pepperoni pizza. Mirko’s hand-stretched dough, fresh passata, high quality olives and authentic Italian pepperoni combine together to make a quintessentially perfect dish.”

Mirko meanwhile recommends the Tagliatelle Ai Funghi, which is his goto dish every time. “We serve it in a creamy mushroom sauce with truffle oil, and grated fresh black truffle.”

Why did they make the decision to open throughout the day? “It was a decision that balanced the team’s commitment to providing a community resource, with the desire to develop a very different offering to nearby Woodspeen restaurant,” Bert explains. “A stylish coffee bar was a must for local residents, and from there, the

concept of relaxed Sicilian-style all day dining evolved naturally. We’ve quickly discovered that we cater very nicely to a relaxed late lunch, a sneaky 4pm pizza to share, or even a post-schoolrun ice cream as a family treat!”

The response has been unequivocal.

“It’s been an incredibly successful opening, exceeding expectations with nearly 4,000 guests through the doors in the first six weeks of trading,” Mirko smiles. Sitting in The Boxford and enjoying one of his pizzas, it’s undoubtedly another big tick for the Newbury foodie scene. “Newbury has a huge amount to offer the epicurious – from fine dining to farm fare, and a whole host of cuisines in between. The team behind The Boxford are immensely proud to have been a significant part of that story for 10 years and are looking forward to continuing for many more.”

Absolutely has long been a fan of The Woodspeen, who set out to create a restaurant they’d want to eat in themselves.

A place where what’s on your plate depends on what’s growing in the garden. Where the food and service are first class, but the feel is unfussy. Where you can while away an evening sipping cocktails, or drinking in the views. We didn’t think they could improve on things, but The Boxford offers something else entirely. It already has a place in Newbury’s history, but the 21st century version will take some beating. theboxford.com

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VEGAN CHINESE Aubergine, tofu and noodles reign in these flavourful Asian recipes

W o r d s YA N G L I U

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P h o t o g r a p h y K AT H A R I N A P I N C Z O L I T S

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Serves 2 Eggplant (aubergine) is one of the most popular vegetables at late-night barbecue stands in China. In this recipe, we grill the eggplant in the oven with the same seasonings as those used in barbecue dishes. It can be served as an appetiser for dinner or can be eaten as a snack.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 400g (14 oz) long purple eggplant (aubergine) • 60 ml (2 fl oz/1/4 cup) canola (rapeseed) oil, plus extra for brushing • 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 bird’s eye chillies, destemmed and finely chopped • 2 tablespoons chilli flakes • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds • 60 ml (2 fl oz/1/4 cup) soy sauce • 1 tablespoon vegan oyster sauce • 1 spring onion (scallion), roughly chopped

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

Brush a thin layer of the oil on the outside of the eggplant, then place them on a baking tray on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn them around and cook for another 10 minutes.

3 In a bowl, mix the garlic, chilli, chilli flakes, cumin, soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce and the oil. Put the eggplants on a baking tray, cut them open lengthways and flatten, then brush the seasoning evenly over the eggplants. Bake for another 6-8 minutes then remove and scatter over the spring onion.

1

2

Spring Onion Tofu Serves 2 Spring onion tofu is a popular home dish that requires very few ingredients: the tofu is simply simmered in a sauce with lots of spring onion until tender, juicy and full of flavour. It is also one of the quickest tofu dishes to cook if you don’t have much time to prepare a meal.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 3 tablespoons soy sauce • 2 tablespoons vegan oyster sauce • 1⁄2 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch) or potato starch • 60 ml (2 fl oz/1/4 cup) canola (rapeseed) oil • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 10 g (1/4 oz) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) tender tofu, cut into 1.5 cm (1⁄2 in) dice • 3 spring onions (scallions), roughly sliced

METHOD 1 Tofu and spring onion (scallion) are a match made in heaven. Spring onion is almost always needed in tofu dishes, as it brings out extra flavour in the tofu.

2 In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce and starch until well combined.

3 Heat a wok over a medium heat and, once hot, add the oil.

Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds, then add the tofu dice, moving them gently so they don’t break or stick to the pan.

After 1 minute add the soy sauce mixture and stir gently.

4 Cover with a lid and allow to cook for 3-5 minutes, gently tilting the pan occasionally to avoid the tofu sticking. Remove the lid and add the spring onion.

Let it cook until most of the sauce is gone.

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Join us this Valentine’s for a romantic dinner for two This Valentine’s, dine from a luxurious three-course menu and enjoy a bottle of wine set in the gorgeous surroundings of the Mansion House.

Available Friday 16th & Saturday 17th February from 7pm 3 course meal & bottle of wine - £100 per couple To book, please scan the QR code. www.devere.co.uk/wokefield-estate 0118 933 4042 | wokefield.reservations@devere.com

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

“Aubergine is one of the most popular vegetables at latenight barbecue stands in China”

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 2 tablespoons vegan oyster sauce • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds • 1 spring onion (scallion), cut into pieces

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

Stir-Fried Rice Noodles Serves 2

In this recipe, the rice noodles are first cooked then stir-fried together with different ingredients. Check to see if you can find sword beans at your local Asian grocer, but if not, runner beans work just as well for this recipe. You can also add any other ingredients you like.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes

• 350 g (121⁄2 oz) fresh rice noodles, or 200 g (7 oz) dried rice noodles • 120 ml (4 fl oz) canola (rapeseed) oil • 200 g (7 oz) tender or firm tofu, cut into strips • 6 sword or runner beans, cut into 3 cm (11/4 in) lengths • 100 g (31⁄2 oz) tinned bamboo shoots, drained and cut into thin strips • 2 shallots, thinly sliced • 100 g (31⁄2 oz) light-green zucchini (courgette), cut into thin strips • 5 shiitake mushrooms, soaked for 2 hours then cut into thin strips • 5 g (1⁄8 oz) wood ear mushrooms, soaked for 30 minutes then cut into thin strips

1 Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and cook the rice noodles until almost al dente (about 2 minutes less than the packet instructs), then pour them into a sieve and run them under cold water to wash off the starch.

Drain, then soak them in fresh cold water. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, otherwise they will start to break while stir-frying.

2 Heat a wok over a medium–high heat and, once hot, add half of the oil and pan-fry the tofu until both sides are golden and crispy, then take it out.

3 Add the remaining oil and increase the heat to high. Add the sword beans and stir for 1 minute, then add the bamboo shoots and stir for another minute. Add the shallot and stir for 30 seconds, then add the zucchini and stir for another 30 seconds. Add the shiitake and wood ear mushrooms and stir for 1 minute.

4 Add the rice noodles and tofu and stir everything together. Add the hoisin sauce, soy sauce and vegan oyster sauce and mix everything together well, stirring for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce has been fully absorbed by the noodles. Add the sesame and spring onion.

Recipes taken from Vegan Chinese Food by Yang Liu (Hardie Grant, £24)

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The Shoot 46 • Jewellery 53 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • PARTNERSHIP

O N E OF A KIND

Absolutely heads to West Wycombe to spend time with Justine Holliday, founder of Artisan Jewellery Q What initially inspired

you to launch Artisan?

A It came to fruition when my husband found the workshop whilst walking around West Wycombe village one morning after our children had started attending the village school. At the time it was an empty building, but it was the ideal location for a working mum as it enabled me to be close by for my kids, whilst also managing to fit in a whole day’s work.

Q How long ago was this now and what

was the early reaction to what you offered?

A Artisan has been running for 15 years now

and from the beginning it was a really positive reaction from everybody who came in to visit. The workshop has always had a really cosy and warm feel to it, which makes you feel right at home. My customers were both intrigued and inspired to enter a space where you can see unique and alternative pieces being created from start to finish. I think this is what helps Artisan to feel so unique.

Q Describe what we’d find

in the workshop…

A We’re hidden away in the National Trust village of West Wycombe and our workshop is a charming old building in contrast to the exciting and ever-changing jewellery designs that we offer inside. Our customers always comment on the homely feel and we

always try to provide them with a warm and welcoming environment where they experience a highly personalised design service curated by me and the rest of my team of expert goldsmiths. Alongside our high quality pieces, the team and I pride ourselves on our friendly and approachable attitude to our work. The fire is normally lit and the two workshop spaniels can always be found snoozing right in front of it. Whilst the workshop is filled with a variety of gorgeous pieces on display, the main focus here is on the bespoke element of the jewellery and so most of the pieces made at Artisan are commission based and therefore entirely unique.

Q How long typically does it take

to create a piece of jewellery?

A Typically the wait time for a commission is around six weeks, but this all depends on the job and exactly what needs doing. Every piece is unique and therefore has its own timescale.

that plays with organic shapes and soft lines, with a few diamonds set around the band too.

The commissions made here aren’t your typical mainstream designs and many of my customers are excited at the thought of incorporating texture into their designs.

Texture alone can quickly elevate a design, adding depth to create a softer look that is much more tactile. Our customers also choose coloured stones to uplift their designs and 2023 saw a huge increase in the amount of people willing to express their individuality through the many vibrant colours of gemstones that we have available.

A R T I SA N J E W E L L E RY 15B High Street, West Wycombe, High Wycombe, HP14 3AB / 01494 528397 artisan-jewellery

Q Can you give us a couple of examples

of wedding rings you have created?

A Wedding rings come in all different shapes,

sizes and designs, but recently we’ve seen a definite move away from white gold and platinum and an increase in yellow gold and even rose gold too. One of our most recent wedding ring commissions were two rose gold ‘Dimpled Bands’ – a flowing shape of band A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

ECO LUXE SILOU

Silou's elevated active essentials are made from sustainable fabrics including ECONYL®, TENCEL™ and BCI Cotton. The UK brand's pieces are produced in small production runs and they work with sustainable mills in Europe.

Sculpting and comfortable to wear, the designs are so beautiful, you won't want to save them for just the yoga mat or treadmill. siloulondon.com

Fitness Notes 59 • Beauty News 61 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EXPERTS EXPERTS IN IN THE THE NATURAL NATURAL LOOK LOOK TreatTreat a loved a loved one this oneValentine’s this Valentine’s to thetogift theofgift eternal of eternal beautybeauty

Doctor Nyla Doctor is aNyla skin is specialist, a skin specialist, trusted by trusted TV personalities,

by TV personalities, well-known well-known celebritycelebrity figures and figures some and ofsome Britain’s of Britain’s most familiar most faces familiar in the faces media in theindustry. media industry.

FounderFounder and Medical and Medical DirectorDirector of Doctor ofNyla Doctor Medispa Nyla Medispa is a highly is a highly respected respected and much and sought muchafter sought cosmetic after cosmetic Dermatology Dermatology GP and is GPconsidered and is considered one of the one top of cosmetic the top cosmetic doctors doctors in the country. in the country.

Having practised Having practised medicine medicine for over for 20 over years20 and years having andpersonally having personally delivered delivered over 200,000 over 200,000 treatments treatments with trulywith exceptional truly exceptional results, she results, has gained she hasthe gained admiration the admiration of the industry. of the industry.

TRANSFORMATION TRANSFORMATION TM TM FACELIFT FACELIFT

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by Dr. Nyla offers a offers blend aofblend remarkable of remarkable age-defying age-defying treatments treatments curatedcurated to rejuvenate to rejuvenate your your appearance, appearance, making making you lookyou andlook feeland a feel a decade decade youngeryounger within awithin six-week a six-week period. period.

This innovative, This innovative, multi-technique multi-technique facial is facial is available available solely atsolely Dr. Nyla’s at Dr.clinics Nyla’sprovide clinics provide non-invasive non-invasive skin firming skin and firming elevation and elevation that that addresses addresses all signsall ofsigns aging, offrom aging, uneven, from uneven, lifeless skin lifeless to pronounced skin to pronounced lines and lines and sagging.sagging.

TailoringTailoring a regimen a regimen that harnesses that harnesses an arrayan of array advanced of advanced technologies technologies tailoredtailored to your individual to your individual skin needs. skin needs.

Follow Follow us on us on @doctornyla @doctornyla 0162 0162 552 3307 552 3307 or 0800 or 0800 009 6661 009 6661 For a FREE For aconsultation FREE consultation pleaseplease contact contact Medispa Medispa or visitor visit www.doctornyla.com www.doctornyla.com

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AESTHETICS AESTHETICS IN MENOPAUSE IN MENOPAUSE

Menopause Menopause is a signifi is acant signifi stage cantinstage a woman’s in a woman’s life that life canthat bring canabout bringnumerous about numerous physicalphysical and and emotional emotional changes, changes, which Dr which Nyla Dr entirely Nyla entirely understands understands being abeing woman a woman headingheading towardstowards her 50s.her 50s.

Oestrogen Oestrogen and progesterone and progesterone levels decrease, levels decrease, leadingleading to a reduction to a reduction in collagen in collagen production production and an increase and an increase in in fine lines fine and lines wrinkles, and wrinkles, plus a decrease plus a decrease in the skin’s in theability skin’s ability to retaintomoisture retain moisture and protect and protect itself. The itself.

Medispa The Medispa group group offers non-surgical offers non-surgical facial aesthetic facial aesthetic treatments, treatments, which which will address will address skin concerns, skin concerns, boost collagen boost collagen production production and offering and offering tailoredtailored solutions. solutions.

Body fatBody and muscle fat and muscle composition composition can alsocan change also change dramatically dramatically during during menopause, menopause, causingcausing weight gain. weight Drgain.

Nyla Dr is an Nyla expert is an expert in bodyin contouring body contouring and offers anda offers varietya of variety treatments of treatments to lowertoyour lower riskyour of gaining risk of gaining excess weight, excess weight, as well as as well as to streamline to streamline your figure yourwith figure no with downtime no downtime or surgery. or surgery.

PatientsPatients can speak cantospeak the team to the at team Dr Nyla at Dr Medispa Nyla Medispa to find to find out howout to maintain how to maintain a healthy a healthy lifestyle,lifestyle, as well as as nonwell as nonsurgicalsurgical methods methods of removing of removing fat suchfat as such Coolsculpting as Coolsculpting EmeraldEmerald laser and laser Emsculpt and Emsculpt

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W H YW CH HYO O CH SE O O SUER O MUERD IMS EP D A I S PA

The only The Diamond only Diamond “Clinic of“Clinic the year of the year Winner ofWinner the of the The largest The largest The largest The largest PremierePremiere Coolsculpting Coolsculpting clinic clinic 2019/20”2019/20” at the at the prestigious prestigious “BTL “BTL Skin Tightening Skin Tightening Ultracel Clinic Ultracel Clinic London outsideand London the second and the second safety in safety Beautyin Beauty Face of the Face year” of the year”clinic in the clinic in the outside of outside outside of largest Coolsculpting clinic in clinic in Awards. Awards. award. award. United Kingdom.

United Kingdom.London. London.largest Coolsculpting Europe Europe

COOLSCULPTING COOLSCULPTING

EMSCULPT EMSCULPT

Doctor Nyla Doctor Nyla EMSCULPT EMSCULPT is the is the MedispaMedispa have thehave the only procedure only procedure latest technologies latest technologies which helps which helps to help contour to help contour women women and men and men and transform and transform build muscle build muscle the body. the The body. The and burn and fatburn fat CoolSculpting CoolSculpting simultaneously. simultaneously.

Elite is even Elite more is even more In addition, In addition, powerfulpowerful and and EMSCULPT EMSCULPT with larger withsized larger sized provides provides the the applicators applicators to to world’s world’s first nonfirst nonfreeze even freeze more even more invasiveinvasive buttockbuttock fat - the fat results - theare results are lift. EMSCULPT lift. EMSCULPT is basedison based high-on highseen even seen quicker even quicker intensityintensity focusedfocused than traditional than traditional electromagnetic electromagnetic energy.energy.

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CoolSculpting.

One of the Onebest of the things bestabout things about session causes thousands causes thousands of powerful of powerful muscle muscle CoolSculpting CoolSculpting Elite is that Elitewe is can that treat we can twotreat areas two at areassession at contractions contractions which are which extremely are extremely important important in in once. You once. canYou havecan both have arms both treated arms at treated the same at the same improving improving the tonethe and tone strength and strength of your of muscles. your muscles. time. time.

Medispa Medispa Mayfair: Mayfair: 32 Dover 32 Dover Street,Street, Mayfair, Mayfair, London London W1S 4NE W1S 4NE UK CLINIC UK CLINIC OF THE OFYEAR THE YEAR 2019 TO 2019 2020 TO SAFETY 2020 SAFETY IN BEAUTY IN BEAUTY AWARDS AWARDS

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

THREE STRETCHING ESSENTIALS

By CARLY GLENDINNING

ST YLISH SUPPORT Made from recycled nylon, this sports bra from Gymshark's 'Elevate' collection gives the perfect level of support for mobility training. It's also made to handle high sweat levels so you can move with confidence, £40. gymshark.com

FLEX IT

HIGH CUSHIONING The Pliability Mat creates a comfortable and stable surface for your mobility training. With maximum shock absorption, it enables you to hold poses longer and minimises impact and stress on joints, £112. pliability.com

LIGHT AS AIR Super lightweight, these leggings from the new collection at Fabletics are chafe resistant, moisture wicking, and even have UPF protection. The super soft fabric allows you to move, bend, and stretch easily, £84. fabletics.co.uk

I

Carly Glendinning tries Pliability, a fitness app focused on mobility training

’ll confess, I’ve never been that flexible. My hamstrings are so tight that even touching my toes is a challenge. So I was intrigued when I was invited to try Pliability, a fitness app focused on mobility training. Formerly known as ROMWOD, Pliability was originally for CrossFit athletes. Since rebranding, they have expanded to provide daily stretching routines aimed at golfers, runners, swimmers, and gym-goers (like myself). Many people focus on strength and stamina in their training, underestimating the importance of mobility, coordination, and balance.

Endorsed by professional athletes (including golfer

Lee Westwood), Pliability’s routines are a fusion of mobility, yoga, prehab, rehab, recovery, mindfulness, and strength. The first time I log in to the app, I am pleased to see that the daily routines are quite short. Most of the videos are 23-24 minutes, and I can easily fit a session in after I get back from the gym. The app suggests a new video for me to do each day, although there are hundreds to browse. The videos show two ‘models’, who take you through several poses in sequence. The one on the left shows less flexibility and the one on the right shows more.

I am instructed to hold each pose for around 2-3 minutes by the voiceover. You need

very little equipment to do Pliability. All you really need is a mat, although blocks and resistance bands can come in handy if you are less flexible and need to modify the poses. After a few days I find myself really getting into it. It’s satisfying to mark the videos as ‘complete’ and see my progress charted in the app. Holding each pose and really focusing on it also becomes quite relaxing. In a few short weeks I’ve noticed a difference in my flexibility, and who knows, maybe I’ll even be able to touch my toes before too long. £16.95 per month or £169.95 annually pliability.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Reimagine your shape with CoolSculpting - Where confidence meets contour -

• Non-invasive fat reduction technology

Areas treated include:

• Targets and eliminates stubborn fat cells

• Arms • Legs • Thighs

• No surgery, needles or downtime

• Double chin • Stomach

• Backed by science and FDA-cleared

• Love handles/flanks

• Contoured appearance with natural looking results

• Bra fat • Back fat • Knee fat

With 25 years of expertise, The Cosmetic Skin Clinic excels in sculpting, beautifying, and subtly enhancing individuals to reflect their unique personality. cosmeticskinclinic.com | 0330 828 5372 The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, 84 Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4LF. On-site parking is available.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

BLINK BROW BAR

LUSH LOCKS

Dream lash lift/curl and tint

I

R A H UA

Rahua’s new limited edition Lush Pumps are a supersized version (473mls) of their cult favourite shampoos and conditioners – we’re big fans of the Hydration set. From £50. rahua.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

HYDRO HIT O B AG I M E D I CA L

Loved by skin doctors and aestheticians for its nu-gen technology, Obagi raises the bar for cosmeceutical grade skincare. The brand’s Daily Hydro Drops deliver on a cellular level – kickstarting the skin to perform as it once did. £80.

skinstation.co.uk

R OSY G LOW G LOW F O R I T

Giving a guaranteed glow during the gloomy winter months, we love these new Blush Sticks in Fresh Face, Rose Glow, Pinky Promise and Berry Much.

The vegan formulation is buildable and gives the perfect flush. £14.

REVIEW

t’s a bitterly cold Friday morning when I visit the new Blink Brow Bar salon on Avery Row in London. I’m freezing because I’ve worn the wrong coat for the plummeting temperatures, but I soon warm up once inside the cosy and inviting space. With a chic green and gold interior, it’s only been open for a few months, but it’s already a popular spot with beauty insiders.

Blink Brow Bar is well-known for being the authority on all things brows, but I’m actually booked in to see the salon’s expert lash technician for a Dream Lash Lift/Curl and Tint.

Sitting me back on one of the comfy reclinable chairs, she asks if I’d prefer a lift or a curl. As my natural lashes are quite short and stubby, she recommends a lift to lengthen and give me a fluttery lash line.

First she perms my lashes straight, which requires me to keep my eyes closed. There’s a little bit of waiting, but it’s completely painless and the time goes quickly whilst we chat.

Once my lashes are permed, I get to check the progress in the mirror.

My lashes already look amazing, but there’s still the tint to go. The lash technician recommends a blue-black shade, to give me a glossy finish. She explains that pure black can appear quite flat. There’s a little bit less waiting this time, followed by an eye-bath, to cleanse.

The results are very pretty – like I naturally have super long lashes.

Lasting 5-6 weeks, the best bit is there’s no need for eye make-up. I can see this becoming addictive.

BLINK BROW BAR Avery Row, £95

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

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Debbie lost

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“I love looking better, feeling healthier, and ha ving more confidence in everything I do.”

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

“Boutique Whitening is highly effective for enhancing your smile”

Boutique SERVICE How CrownWood Dental in Bracknell can give you that smile you have always craved

A

great smile is a wonderful asset – improving our confidence and making a powerful impression on people.

It can even help us succeed socially and professionally. A good smile increases happiness both in yourself and those around you.

For a leader in teeth whitening, look no further than CrownWood Dental, based in Bracknell. They offer a host of teeth whitening options, such as Zoom! If you’re looking for the best same day teeth whitening, the Philips Zoom Chairside procedure delivers truly stunning results and only takes around two hours. To give dramatic whitening improvements an added pH booster application is applied to the teeth before the whitening gel.

A special offer this month, though, focuses on their Boutique Whitening service. This is a highly effective and safe approach for enhancing your smile.

With Boutique Whitening you will start to see results within a week to 10 days.

What’s more, until 29 February, CrownWood are offering 15% off Boutique Whitening, with the price now £297 (normally £350).

You can benefit from the expertise of their highly rated and experienced teeth whitening team in Bracknell, led by principal dentist Dr Chi-Yuen Wong.

Dr Wong has over 25 years extensive dentistry experience and has helped improve the smiles for thousands of Berkshire residents. One of the best Google rated Berkshire dentists (440+ 5* reviews), who leads a highly experienced and friendly teeth whitening team, you can also expect competitive prices

with 0% finance* available, and quick, stunning and long-lasting results.

Established in Bracknell for over 20 years, CrownWood Dental welcomes all patients, including those with dental phobia, and they promise to make your experience a pleasant and enjoyable one.

They are renowned for having the very best clinical skills and are committed to further post-graduate training for their dental staff. They use modern state-of-the-art dental equipment and the latest technology, together with the very best in sterilisation and cross-infection control procedures.

BEFORE

AFTER

C R OW N WO O D D E N TA L 10 Crown Row, Bracknell, RG12 0TH 01344 482 882 crownwooddental.co.uk *Subject to status. Terms & Conditions apply.

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

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Intelligent & tailored health screening Health & Wellbeing Medicals

Be proactive & understand your health risks At DoctorNow we recognise the importance of individual and tailored healthcare and we are strong advocates of a proactive and preventative approach to health.

Our experience has taught us that whilst conventional medicine plays a vital role in managing one’s general health; proactivity and prevention truly is better than cure. Screening medicals help us to either diagnose the early onset of disease or provide the information required to manage future risk.

Our medicals range from general health and risk surveillance to more complex Men’s and Women’s Health screening, Menopause and Andropause, Cancer screening and Cardiovascular screening. In addition, our Lifestyle Support Programmes are designed to work with you to affect change and help you to achieve your health goals.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

GET SET, GET READY Summer bodies are made in the winter…

Join LighterLife and lose a stone a month

L

aying the groundwork for losing weight in the winter months means you will have plenty of time to meet your goals, create realistic plans and enjoy your summer. At LighterLife they not only want to help you to lose weight, they want to support you in creating a healthy lifestyle for the future too.

They have spent over 30 years developing a nutritionally complete Very Low Calorie Diet for fast weight loss, combined with a unique mindfulness approach, which goes beyond what you put in your mouth and explores how your thinking affects your eating behaviour – providing you with the tools for losing weight and keeping it off.

WHY LIGHTERLIFE? Keto Advantage: Their Totalfast Plan is low enough in calories and carbs to switch your

body into burning fat and suppressing hunger, whilst being nutritionally complete, motivating you toward success by losing up to a stone a month.

CBT Mindfulness Advantage: Their Mindfulness programme looks at the importance of changing how you think – understanding your “why” is one of your keys to change, but knowing your “how to change” is another.

Tracey Rawson, a qualified NLP Master Practitioner, is your local Mentor and offers her free support on your weight loss journey. She runs weekly CBT Mindfulness zoom meetings, as well as supporting clients via the telephone and WhatsApp groups.

Tracey has first-hand experience of successfully losing weight on the plan and is passionate about helping

people to achieve their goals. She will not only help you “find your key for change”, but will also help you “unlock the door” to successful weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.

“If you always do what you always did, you will get what you always got!” (Albert Einstein) Choose to do something different – call Tracey on 07786 268802 for a free, no obligation consultation and start getting summer ready now. tracey.rawson@lighterlifementor.com Shop link for convenience: lighterlife.com/?couponcode=RAWT01&sc-page=home Mentor Code: RAWT01 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

T R A N S F O R M A T I V E

EFFECT

Step into the new year with confidence thanks to the experts at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic

A

s we get 2024 rolling, it’s time to embrace a resolution that goes beyond traditional new year pledges and selfpromises. This year, let your commitment revolve around looking after yourself – body, mind, and spirit. At The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, they believe that achieving your best self involves a harmonious blend of self-care practices, and their state-of-the-art treatments, CoolSculpting and Ultherapy, stand out as your allies in this transformative journey.

FREEZE IT AWAY WITH COOLSCULPTING CoolSculpting, The Cosmetic Skin Clinic’s revolutionary non-invasive fat reduction treatment, is at the forefront of reshaping and sculpting the body without the need

for surgery. Post-holiday indulgences often leave us grappling with stubborn pockets of fat that resist traditional diet and exercise efforts. The CoolSculpting magic lies in the technology’s ability to target, freeze and eliminate unwanted localised fat deposits.

Over time, the body naturally eliminates these crystallised fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fat bulges. CoolSculpting is not just about shedding inches; it’s about empowering individuals to feel confident in their skin.

Imagine stepping into the new year with newfound body confidence, liberated from the constraints of stubborn fat.

TIGHTEN IT WITH ULTHERAPY Ultherapy is the ultimate non-surgical facelift and skin tightening solution. As we age, collagen and elastin – the building

blocks of youthful skin – gradually diminish, leading to sagging and laxity.

Ultherapy employs focused ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, lifting and tightening sagging areas naturally.

One of the standout features of Ultherapy is its versatility. Whether you’re targeting the brow, face, neck or décolletage, this non-invasive treatment offers a personalised approach to skin rejuvenation. No downtime, no surgery – just a gradual, natural enhancement that aligns with your commitment to self-care.

This new year’s commitment goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on treatments that prioritise well-being and empowerment.

CoolSculpting and Ultherapy exemplify this philosophy, providing transformative experiences for you to look and feel your best. With over 25 years of aesthetic knowledge, innovative technology, and experience, The Cosmetic Skin Clinic is dedicated to enhancing your natural features, promoting self-confidence, and ensuring a balanced and unique look through our bespoke methodology and practitioner expertise.

THE COSMETIC SKIN CLINIC For more information call 0330 173 3087 for a consultation. On-site parking is available at 84 Rogers Lanes, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4LF. cosmeticskinclinic.com

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

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INTERIORS

UNDER F O OT L AY E R E D

Layered is a Swedish interior design brand that combines a bold contemporary expression with genuine craftsmanship and sustainable materials. Inspired by contemporary movements in different art forms, they offer a new take on classic minimalism with a collection of rugs that focus on sustainable craftsmanship and natural or recycled materials.

Scandinavian elegance, with an edge. layeredinterior.com

Emma Louise Payne 70 • Psychology of Colour 76 • Trend 81 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SAILING Absolutely meets Emma Louise Payne, an acclaimed ceramicist based in Henley, to discuss inspirations, collaborations and her new collection

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

“I like to enhance the handmade and unpredictable nature of ceramics” Q Were you a creative child?

A Oh yes! My family is very creative. Both

my parents paint and there is a bit of an age gap between me and my brothers, so when they were teenagers I was going to art galleries and theatres with mum and dad. My godmother says she would worry if she came round and there wasn’t something being made on the kitchen table.

We were always crafting and cooking.

Q When did you start to develop

a real interest in ceramics?

A I received an art bursary to a school with

an art assistant who was also a potter, so I had access to a kiln during my GCSEs. I continued with art for A-levels, and then went on to do an art foundation at Camberwell where I stayed to do a BA in 3D design with a focus on making. During this course I did an erasmus in Norway where I studied ceramics for six months. It was here that I expanded my ceramic network and my passion for making started. The people I met during this time led me to ceramic residencies in Denmark and China and which resulted in me doing an MA in ceramics.

Q Where did you study and what

would you say was the most important thing you learnt during this time?

A I did my MA in Copenhagen at an architecture and design school. I miss not having these friends and tutors here in England, but I’m lucky I can still call them up for advice. People are always the most valuable part of travelling and soaking up others' knowledge and wisdom has been crucial to my own growth.

THE BIRCH HOTEL COLLABORATION

Q Would you say your work has

evolved over the years?

A Definitely. My skill levels are constantly improving. I’m also learning about myself; what I enjoy and how to better my ideas.

I can follow trends while putting my own twist on them. This is the fun part, learning new techniques and creating designs that challenge me while also answering a brief.

Q Can you give us an insight

into how you work?

A The phrase “a tidy desk equals a tidy mind”

springs to mind here. I moved into a bigger studio in February – and ironically both my space and mind are a mess – but I know where to find most things, it just might not be obvious to other people! That’s sort of how I think also.

I might go off on a tangent, but I get to the right design in the end! Designing and making is often an elimination of what doesn’t work as well as learning what does work. I used to sketch loads in small A5 books that I always had in my bag. However, I now draw things on a computer so I can edit the size quickly, and then sketch in 3D, before modelling in clay.

Q Tell us about the farm you are based on…

A It’s my parents' farm and we’ve been based

here for 30 years. It’s almost the only home I’ve ever known. My brothers are the farmers, which comes in very handy when I need something big moving. We are on a slight hill and get amazing sunsets and we have a few neighbours so we aren’t totally isolated, but are also surrounded by woodland and fields.

We have apple trees and chickens and forage A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

EMMA LOUISE PAYNE

Q Tell us about London Plane…

A The London Plane collection is my first

ever homeware collection, inspired by the Plane Tree, an English native that is popular on the streets and parks of London. It’s instantly recognisable by its abstract bark patterns with muted earth tones punctuated by violets and citrus greens and yellows. The collection is based on a core colour palette of six tones that are reflected in six repeating shapes. Functionally designed as sculptural objects, as well as being practical vessels, the range is batch produced at my studio.

FROM THE LONDON PLANE COLLECTION

for damson gin and elderflower cordial. We used to have cattle when I was young and I think that’s what made me a vegetarian – I’m an animal lover at the end of the day.

Q Do you think there is an Emma

Louise Payne style of ceramics?

A I think there is a freeness to my designs.

I’m not a perfectionist and I don’t really aim for identical objects. Instead I like to enhance the handmade and unpredictable nature of ceramics. I slipcast, which means the objects are the same – but then I work with unusual glazes which add character to each piece.

Q Can you tell us about 3 bespoke

commissions, which may be really different from each other that really shows what you are all about?

BIRCH HOTEL , CHESHUNT This project was huge for me and was a year’s worth of work where I designed and created over 1,200 objects for the hotel including coat hooks, pendant lights, beer taps, bowls, and vases, as well as setting up a pottery studio on site for guests to have classes in. It was such an honour to work with an amazing end client and my long-term collaborators Red Deer architects who are a joy to work with.

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HOLLOWAY KITCHEN GARDEN Around once a year I get an exciting tiling project where we make bespoke tiles that wrap an object or building. With this project the brief was to create interior and exterior tile cladding to connect the back garden to a courtyard light well within a house. The tiles wrapped corners into the ironmongery of the windows, as well as wrapping and internal bench. Tile size was determined by the London brick of the existing townhouse. I used several green tones to enhance the dappled light of the garden.

PAUL THOMAS FLOWERS I have a few clients that we make regular items for. Celebrated florist, Paul Thomas, is one. We recently made three sizes of a vase which was available in two colours. Paul is a great client and the design process was so fun. It’s lovely to get regular orders from the same people.

Q Do you enjoy collaborating with venues?

A Yes. I like problem solving and introducing

people to ceramics. There will always be a solution, it just might be something we’ve never tried before. That can be a challenge, but most of my clients enjoy the experimentation and conversations involved in getting a truly unique and bespoke piece.

Q How long has this been in the making?

A For the past five Christmases I’ve said

I’d have objects available on an online shop.

This is our first year actually making this happen and it’s been really exciting and I’ve had great feedback. I’m excited to push sales a bit more next year and add in a few more objects into the collection. I didn’t want to put too much pressure on my first collection so I chose an idea that was close to my heart and ultimately had fun with it.

Q Will this be the first of many

homeware collections to come?

A Yes! There are so many more ideas

bursting from my notebooks that deserve to be realised. Watch this space!

Q What are the workshops you

host for the local community?

A When I moved my workshop to a bigger

space I didn’t want to lose my original studio and decided to turn it into a space for teaching workshops and for doing admin. We run lots of classes – from local groups to hen dos and corporate events. In May we will be a part of Henley Arts Trail with 10 other artists and will be activating the studio space for the occasion. I want it to be about all art forms, not just ceramics. Most of my clients are London based and I see this studio being my link to a more local community. emmalouisepayne.com

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

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

“Your Origin pool can become your private oasis”

Swim to SUCCEED Whether your goals for 2024 includes getting fit or spending more time with the family, Origin have the answer with their indoor pools

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s we step into February, we find ourselves transitioning from planning for the year ahead into the implementing stage, taking the initial steps towards transforming our goals into reality and setting ourselves up for success in the new year. Regardless of your definition of success, there’s one common factor that significantly contributes toward it: the environment you create for yourself, and an indoor pool can play a crucial role.

With an indoor swimming pool nestled in your garden or as an extension of your home, you’re not just setting yourself up for success – you’re making swimming an integral part of your daily routine. The ease of having your own pool just steps away transforms your life.

Every morning, you can rise to a world of possibilities, where physical wellness meets mental clarity, as success is not just based on professional achievements, but also personal goals.

Your Origin pool can become your private oasis, allowing you to stay healthy and focused as regular swimming is known to improve physical fitness, reduce stress, and enhance mental wellbeing.

You can also create a space where the family can come together, relax, and bond. These shared moments are invaluable, offering the balance needed to excel in your pursuits.

Indoor pools are designed to be used all year, regardless of the weather outside, you can take a dip or unwind by the pool whenever you need a break.

This consistent access to relaxation and rejuvenation is essential for maintaining energy and motivation year-round.

Origin understands their client’s unique visions and that’s why they lead the way in award-winning bespoke, indoor pool designs.

Each element of your pool can reflect your style, preferences, and motivations.

Is fitness your priority? They can design you a pool house with a home gym or add a swim device to your pool. Want to make family time your goal for the year?

They can design a large enough space for everyone to be together under one roof.

An Origin pool is a catalyst for success. It’s a space where inspiration, well-being, family, entertainment and productivity unite to support your journey towards your personal and professional goals. So, if you’re looking to set yourself up for success in 2024, consider making an Origin pool part of your vision.

Your path to success starts right at home. originpools.co.uk info@originpools.co.uk 01895 453996

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TRERON NO.292 IN THE STUDY

HOUSE S T

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How focusing on the psychology of colour helped to create a cohesive scheme for this townhouse 76

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

SKIMMING STONE NO.241 IN THE MASTER EN-SUITE BATHROOM

OVAL ROOM BLUE NO.85 ON ALL HALLWAYS AND SKIRTING

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sychology of colour was the starting point for the comprehensive renovation and enhancement of this Grade II Listed townhouse.

The main objective was to restore and renovate the tired multiple dwelling townhouse into a modern and functional family home – and the owners wanted to inject vibrant colours to elevate the interior to an exciting new level.

A notable quirky aspect of this project is the use of less common colours from the Farrow & Ball colour library. The clients hired a colour consultant to help select much more statement colours and finishes for each room. By leveraging the consultant’s extensive knowledge of color psychology, current trends and innovative techniques, the clients’ visions were brought to life in vibrant and unique spaces. Another distinctive feature of the project is the bespoke internal joinery throughout the house.

This includes fitted wardrobes, a study bookcase and a breakfast bar unit in the kitchen, adding personalised and functional elements to the design.

The shaker-style open-plan kitchen includes dark timber kitchen cabinets, styled with a few fluted glass cabinets and white marble worktop. Farrow & Ball’s Tanners Brown No.255 was used on all walls, skirting, and window frame. A bespoke built-in shaker style breakfast bar cupboard was created to hide all breakfast essentials. The architrave to the dining space was painted in Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue No.22.

Throughout the house, the timber banisters were restored to their original glory. Oval Room blue No.85 was chosen for all hallways and skirting, enhancing the overall aesthetics. The master bedroom and dressing room features Setting Plaster No.231 on the walls, skirting, and windows. The warm hue of Setting Plaster provides an excellent backdrop for the client’s antique furniture, creating

FARROW & BALL’S TANNERS BROWN ON KITCHEN WALLS AND UNITS, CONTRASTING WITH LIGHT BLUE NO.22

a contemporary feel within a modern home. The room is further furnished with an upholstered bed, Pooky lighting, and doorknobs from Matilda Goad.

For the master en-suite bathroom, Skimming Stone No.241 provides a soothing and clean look that beautifully complements the dark marble tones in the diamond flooring tiles. The bathroom features a bespoke Parker Howley oak vanity with a marble top, solid brass fittings, a freestanding roll-top bath, a bespoke glass shower/screen enclosure with a marble herringbone tiling design, and a heated towel rail.

Treron No.292 evokes a traditional ambiance in the study and complements the client’s antique furniture. Bespoke bookshelves and storage units were created to maximise functionality.

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

HOME T R U T H S

JESS BLAKE

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am on a mission to help you unlock the full potential of your home and embark on a journey to bring more calm and joy to your life. It’s interior design that goes far beyond aesthetics.

We have all experienced that comforting embrace when stepping into a well-loved space, a sanctuary where the chaos of the world outside dissipates. But what is it about our homes that makes them so crucial to our wellbeing?

Imagine walking into a neatly arranged living room after a hectic day – the calming effect is palpable.

Such simple moments are profound reminders of the connection between our surroundings and our mental state.

Creating a home that supports your wellbeing is not a one-size-fits-all scenario; it’s deeply personal. However, certain principles are widely recognised to impact the relationship between our living spaces and our mental health. Take organisation, for example; a clutter-free environment can significantly reduce stress levels and contribute to a sense of order and control in our lives.

Improve your home’s effect on your wellbeing with Jess Blake from Happybeams Another often underestimated factor is the influence of scents on our emotional state.

A home that smells inviting and soothing can have a huge impact on our mood and overall wellbeing. Aromatherapy has long been recognised for its therapeutic effects, and incorporating pleasant scents into our living spaces can create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation.

As we delve into the intricate relationship between our homes and our wellbeing, it’s clear that small, intentional changes can make a big difference. The ability to create a haven of tranquility is within your grasp; it simply starts with recognising the potential that your living spaces have on your day to day life.

With a degree in Psychology, teamed with an Interior Design Certificate and over 100 completed client projects, I created Happybeams & Co., an online community and bank of tools and resources, plus access to professional design advice, to empower you to improve your wellbeing, through simple, cost effective changes.

As a Happybeams & Co. member, you gain access to our exclusive membership portal – a treasure trove of over 30 different resources

tailored to guide you through your interior projects. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your existing space, our portal is your go-to source for expert advice, practical tips, and creative inspiration. From guides on decluttering and organising to tutorials on designing your dream kitchen, there really is something for whatever stage you’re at.

In our private Facebook group, you’ll find a network of individuals on similar journeys, ready to offer insights, share successes, and provide a comforting virtual shoulder during challenges. The sense of belonging and camaraderie within this community means your journey not only involves crafting a beautiful space, but also building meaningful connections too.

Our homes should be more than mere shelters; they should be places where memories are made, where we can be present with our loved ones, and where we can disconnect from the chaos of the outside world. Join Happybeams & Co. and start to create a home that rejuvenates, inspires, and ultimately enhances your overall sense of wellbeing. Transform your living space, transform your life.

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

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THE GERMAN KITCHEN SPECIALISTS

80 High Street | Egham | Surrey | TW20 9HE Tel: 01784 438 557

Email: silvia@das-kuechen-studio.co.uk www.das-kuechen-studio.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

JONATHAN ADLER Rio Two Light Sconce, Brass, £230 jonathanadler.com

J ADAMS & CO Strata 900 Wall Light Antique Brass, £1,275 jadamsandco.com

DAVEY LIGHTING Bathroom Cabin LED Wall Light in Weathered-Brass, £439 originalbtc.com

HOUSEOF. White Flower Sconce Wall Light, £159 houseof.com

DOWSING & REYNOLDS Manston Metal Wall Sconce Antique Black, £84.99 dowsingandreynolds.com

WIRE LESS

TRAINSPOTTERS Opaline Glass Deco Wall Light, £216 trainspotters.co.uk

All the best wall lights

EDITOR’S PICK

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

ORIGINAL BTC Oxford Wall Light, £359 originalbtc.com

ORIGINAL BTC Hatton Wall Light, £439 originalbtc.com

NANOLEAF ORIGINAL BTC Alma Wall Light, £489 originalbtc.com

PRODUCTS WALL LI.indd 81

POOKY Double Twiglet Wall Fitting in Aluminium And Brass, £99 pooky.com

Lines, kit of nine, £134.99 nanoleaf.me

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

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INTERIORS • TOP 5

1

T A B L E T A L K LINENS FOR THE BEST-DRESSED TABLES

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B LO C K PA R T Y LISA CORTI

True to Italian tradition, mezzeri are cotton cloths that can be used both decoratively and practically.

Meticulously handcrafted in India using blockprinting, charming imperfections make each Lisa Corti mezzero unique. lisacorti.com

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F O L K TA L E BELL HUTLEY

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Bell Hutley is an artist and illustrator whose whimsical and romantic designs are inspired by nature and folklore. We love her colourful cotton/linen blend tablecloths in a variety of patternts and shades. bellhutley.com

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RUN IN

R AJ TENT CLUB

This cotton table runner is block printed with pink flowers and cypress trees in a green leafy trellis, from a selection at Raj Tent Club. rajtentclub.com

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4

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FA N TA SY L A N D EMMA J SHIPLEY

The fantastical Lynx linen tablecloth is made ethically in Spain from high quality pure linen and features an engineered print design, with details including antelopes, fantasy palms and curious creatures. emmajshipley.com

5

PRINT RUN TORI MURPHY

The Joy of Print x Tori Murphy linen union tablecloths were designed with the sense of coming together at the very core. These beautiful tablecloths are the perfect backdrop to any occasion. torimurphy.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SPECI A L

ALL’S WELL ST G EO R G E ' S S C H O O L W I N D S O R CA ST L E

The Wellbeing Hub at St George’s School Windsor Castle, complete with cosy teepee, audiobooks, games and occasional visits from school dog Olive, is just one of many initiatives which earnt the school a wellbeing award in 2023. Ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week, the school’s head of safeguarding and mental health shares her top tips on page 93. stgwindsor.org

Inside this section L E G O P L AY & S E N 8 6 CHILDREN'S M E N T A L H E A LT H 9 3 LIVE SCIENCE 99 MUSIC AS AN A-LEVEL CHOICE 101

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BUILDING

BRICKS Lego brick building clubs can be a game changer for neurodiverse children – helping them develop social skills, make friends and have a whole lot of fun

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any parents can testify to Lego’s incredible power to engage children in creative play for hours, even days, at a time. But now the tiny brick’s superpower is being put to educational use in a brilliantly constructive way for neurodiverse young people at Brick Club – a place to build, play and learn among likeminded friends.

Brick Club is the brainchild of Play Included, a Cambridgeshire-based community interest company and a LEGO Foundation partner. The idea began almost two decades back, when Play Included founder and director Dr Gina Gómez de la Cuesta was starting out her Clinical Psychology PhD at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge. She heard about a pioneering Lego therapy methodology being devised in the US by Dr Dan LeGoff to support neurodiverse

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children and young adults – he’d been in touch with the Autism Research Centre to tell them what he was up to.

This tied in with Gina Gómez’ own interests and research specialism and the use of Lego to support play and learning for neurodiverse children became the theme of her doctorate at UEA. Later, she went on to co-author the professional manual LEGO-Based Therapy with, among others, Dr Dan LeGoff. Fast forward to 2018 and she founded Bricks for Autism, now called Play Included.

Gómez and her colleagues at Play Included run an innovative programme for health and education professionals.

Called Brick-by-Brick, it teaches them how to facilitate Brick Clubs. Everything they learn is evidence based, grounded in the thinking and approaches found in Lego-Based Therapy. “Since the company began, we’ve trained 3,886 professionals – teachers, health professionals, play therapists, psychologists, occupational

DR GINA GÓMEZ DE LA CUESTA FOUNDER OF PLAY INCLUDED

therapists and other similar professions – and in 58 countries around the world,” says Gómez.

Brick Club has proved to be versatile, scalable and transferable, working across different age groups, needs

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EDUCATION • SEN

“You’ve got a joint focus on a task, so you don’t have to have forced conversation or small talk” and settings (it’s typically recommended for age five up to adulthood). Recently, the team even undertook small-scale pilots in deprived areas of Mexico and Kenya and were pleasantly surprised by the outcomes. “There are some cultural adaptations and differences you’ve got to think about in different settings, but we’ve had really positive outcomes from those small pilots in Mexico and Kenya.”

What this programme teaches is a method of play facilitation that removes many of the key issues for neurodiverse children in group settings. Sessions at Brick Club are designed so they are flexible, meeting the needs and interests

of the members. Sometimes children can play different roles (known as Engineer, Builder and Supplier). Or they can opt for ‘freestyle’ building in pairs or small groups. More advanced builders can have a go at stop-motion animation, coding and programming. Whatever the activity (and there are lots), they have the opportunity to take charge and start making decisions together.

What underpins Brick Club is, of course, the simple idea of play. This comes easily and naturally to most children, and it’s important for social and emotional development, but we know play is not easy for everyone. But one

of the many clever things about Brick Club is that neurodiverse children often come into their own with Lego bricks. “A lot of the kids already know Lego and they feel like it’s something they are good at,” says Gómez.

“Often these kids are used to being told that they’re not very good at this or that and have to have extra help – but here is something that they are good A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SESSIONS ARE LOW STRESS AND FLEXIBLE, REMOVING MANY OF THE BARRIERS NEURODIVERSE AND ANXIOUS CHILDREN CAN FACE IN SOCIAL AND PLAY SITUATIONS

“For facilitators to be able to say ‘wow, you’re really amazing at this’ is so positive”

at.” So children who turn up for Brick Club are not faced with what Gómez describes as that same old round of “negative stories”. Rather than being that child in need of extra help, Brick Club is highlighting what they can do. “This comes at it from a positive – it’s building on their strengths and what they like.”

While building things together is the fun bit, there’s a broader goal behind it. Brick Club helps children socialise

without those challenging moments inherent in so many other organised and spontaneous activities – the things that raise their anxiety levels. “You don’t have to have that face-to-face communication.

You’ve got a joint focus on a task – a physical thing – and you’re all looking at the instructions, so you don’t have to have forced conversation or small talk.”

For many children, this is a game changer – and so Brick Club is described as a low social anxiety situation for very good reason. It’s turn up, agree a task and get going. Gina Gomez remains impressed by the sheer skill demonstrated when they do get going. “The visual strengths of these kids are brilliant,” she says. “And for facilitators to be able to say ‘wow, you’re really amazing at this’ is so positive.”

Of course, along the way, children are building all sorts of useful life skills – teamwork, sharing, meeting new people, accepting different opinions, not getting upset when things go wrong. Building with bricks also builds strong friendships.

“They feel like they belong to the Club, that they’ve got friends who share similar interests. It’s just a natural way to play and work through developing these skills, using a skill they already have,” says Gómez.

“Sometimes, Brick Club is the only positive thing that has happened in their week.”

For free play resources designed for neurodiverse children you can try at home, visit playincluded.com

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Godstowe

Discover something special

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

J O U R N E Y

O F

Discovery Tracking the application process at Maltman’s Green - and ultimately what they will offer their girls

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ndependent schools are an increasingly popular choice among parents for the multitude of advantages they provide. At Maltman’s Green they pride themselves on providing academic excellence, a nurturing environment and diverse extra-curricular opportunities – all enclosed in state-of-the-art facilities and 12 acres of beautiful Chiltern countryside.

Maltman’s Green is an independent girls' school with an impressive 85% success rate at the 11+ examination. Maltman’s offers not only academic achievement, but also growth in a myriad of other areas like sports, arts and leadership – and it all begins as early as age two.

When applying to an independent school like Maltman’s, there is a general process to follow. Start with an open day – these provide an accurate impression of the school’s ethos, values, staff, students and amenities. You get the opportunity to listen to insightful talks from the headmistress and the head girl. A

tour of the premises follows, which provides an opportunity to get a first-hand look at what life at Maltman’s looks like. Casual chats with Year 6 pupils prove incredibly valuable in helping prospective pupils understand what it means to be a 'Maltman’s girl'. Their next open days are 2 February and 23 February.

When you know a school is right for your child, you then register your interest. Many independent schools like Maltman’s often have a demand surplus; hence it is wise to secure your place early. Schools usually charge a registration fee and your child might also undergo informal assessments or interviews before being granted a place.

At Maltman’s the youngest learners join them in 'Little Malties' from the age of two and they also regularly welcome girls into Nursery and Reception. If you are interested in other year groups they do sometimes have spaces available, so do get in touch.

The entire application process might appear complex, but independent schools like

Maltman’s have dedicated admissions teams that guide you at every step. At Maltman’s, Mrs Day, their Registrar, is always ready to assist you with everything you need to know. Reach out to her through kday@ maltmansgreen.com to learn more about the application process or to schedule visits.

The crucial takeaway from the admissions process is that selecting the right school involves much more than looking at brochures or navigating through websites. A visit can paint a more accurate picture of a school’s ethos and approach to education. It allows you to find a setting where your child can feel comfortable, grow and ultimately thrive. Choosing an independent school, after all, is about providing your child with the best opportunities to discover their talents and capabilities. So why not begin this exciting journey with a highly accomplished independent school like Maltman’s Green? maltmansgreen.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

reducing activity in the nervous system, having the ability to pet a furry friend is thought to bring wide-ranging benefits. Our school dog Olive is certainly popular with students and staff alike.

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Mind A T

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Ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week, Ally Onions, mental health lead at St George’s School Windsor Castle, shares her top tips

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he 5th-11th February marks Children’s Mental Health Week, a national initiative which this year focuses on the theme “My Voice Matters”.

Evidence shows that empowering children can have a positive impact on their wellbeing, with organisers Place2Be confirming young people who feel that their voices are heard – and that what they say makes a difference – have higher levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem. Something greatly needed in a world where Action for Children report one in six 5 to 16 year olds are now likely to have a mental health problem – a figure which has gone up by 50% in the last three years.

While the annual event helps shine a spotlight on this crucial topic, actions year-round can make a huge difference, such as: Encouraging mindfulness – at St George’s, all students take time to pause and ground themselves in the form of Brain Breaks throughout the day.

Creating a ‘safe space’ – somewhere cosy and informal to chat, play and relax. Perhaps a reading corner with comfy seating and cuddly toys, or a garden den or treehouse.

The teepee recently added to our Wellbeing Hub has been a big hit!

Considering a pet – from regulating breathing, relaxing muscles and

“EVIDENCE SHOWS THAT EMPOWERING CHILDREN CAN HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEIR WELLBEING ”

Building a support network – having a parent available to listen to a child’s worries without judgement is a huge source of comfort; however, there will be times children prefer to speak to someone closer to them in age, perhaps a sibling or friend.

Our team of Peer Listeners help facilitate this at St George’s.

Accessing professional help – if you have concerns, we would always advise seeking support. The pastoral team at your child’s school is often a good place to begin and can signpost local services and support. At St George’s we have professional counsellors who come into school to work with children where needed. We would also suggest seeking support through a GP. To find out more, childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk provides excellent resources for parents. We also encourage people to consider becoming Youth Mental Health First Aiders. The certified course, which we are offering to St George’s parents throughout the year, helps people to identify the early signs of mental ill health and signposts ways to mitigate issues which may arise, hopefully leading to healthier, happier and more fulfilling life-long health for our young people.

To find out more about St George’s School Windsor Castle, visit stgwindsor.org

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

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Lo u d a n d C L E A R

It's your voice, it's their belief: a new chapter begins at Thorpe House Sixth Form

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horpe House School in Gerrards Cross is making waves. As this historic institution celebrates its centenary, a groundbreaking transformation is underway. Take a look at the co-educational Sixth Form, a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence and education focused on the individual. Launching in September 2024, this pioneering initiative embodies two core values: your voice and their belief in nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to shape the world.

The Sixth Form curriculum ignites passion.

Forget 'one-size-fits-all'; your interests and aspirations guide the way. Dive deep into the subjects that resonate with your future – be it the intricacies of physics or the power of persuasive writing. This isn’t just learning; it’s a personalised journey of progress with your unique potential at the helm.

But knowledge is more than academic ability. Thorpe House champions inclusivity, welcoming girls for the first time and fostering

diverse perspectives. This co-educational environment isn’t just about enriching learning; it’s about preparing you for an interconnected world where collaboration and empathy are key.

Imagine brainstorming a science project with a future engineer or debating historical theories with a passionate and committed social justice campaigner. This vibrant exchange of ideas isn’t confined to classrooms. You’ll have a voice here, shaping the Sixth Form itself through student societies, initiatives, and leadership roles. This isn’t just a learning environment; it’s a dynamic community where your confidence soars and your ideas leave a lasting mark.

But whilst their provision for you is focused on your individual interests, aspirations and needs, your journey doesn’t go solo. A dedicated support system ensures your well-being and academic success. Tutors become mentors, guiding you through challenges and celebrating triumphs. Bespoke university and career guidance prepare you to navigate your next steps confidently, whether it’s prestigious universities, high level degree apprenticeships, professional paths, or uncharted territories.

At the heart of it all lies Jake Burnett, the

Headteacher, whose vision is clear: exceptional education tailored to every student. He emphasises a "pioneering curriculum, life skills, pastoral care, and university and career guidance", allowing you to explore your interests with curiosity and confidence.

And Thorpe House doesn’t exist in a bubble.

Situated on Gerrards Cross High Street, the Sixth Form fosters active engagement with the local community. This isn’t just about learning within school walls; it’s about being an active contributor to the town’s social fabric.

This is more than just a Sixth Form; it’s a vibrant community where your voice matters. Take the lead in choosing facilities, participate in open evenings, and engage with social media – your choices shape the future. The school warmly welcomes current Year 10s and 11s, external applicants, and families to join this exciting journey.

To find out more about Thorpe House School’s brand new co-educational Sixth Form, book a place at their Open Evening on 22 February. See more at thorpehouse.co.uk

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G r o w i n g

Evidence Two major long-term studies will provide important data on both UK education and growing up during and after the pandemic

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e are surrounded by ‘pop’ surveys – headlinegrabbing findings that make lively news, but often don’t give us much in the way of reliable information.

Good then to have two major longitudinal studies into education, beginning this year and designed to provide a solid base of evidence about what it’s like to be at school in the here and now.

‘Five to Twelve’ and ‘Growing Up in the 2020s’ are being undertaken by the National Centre for Social Research and have been commissioned and funded by the Department for Education (DfE).

There will also be collaboration with the National Children’s Bureau and National Foundation for Educational Research.

The studies run concurrently and span primary and secondary education over a five-year period. Importantly, data will be gathered from independent schools as well as the state sector.

Longitudinal studies are, of course, a very different beast from their snapshot cousins as Jules Allen, senior researcher on ‘Five to Twelve’, explains. “The

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main benefit of a longitudinal study as opposed to a single wave (which we call a cross-sectional study) is that, because we collect data at repeated intervals over time, researchers who use the dataset can identify developments and changes in the population that we’re studying,” she says. “You can look at causation rather than just correlation.”

GATH E R I N G DATA Longitudinal studies require careful design. “We definitely do not start these studies with what we want to say, we start with what we want to find,” says Jules. What is under the spotlight here is understanding more about education outcomes and inequalities – why some children do better than others and the multiple factors shaping these outcomes.

The groundwork for ‘Five to Twelve’ began in summer 2022 and a ‘dress rehearsal’ took place in spring 2023.

While many longitudinal studies begin by randomly sampling postcode files, the target here is specific – children in schools – so both studies began with the DfE central database of all children in school. That database was then used to randomly select children via their schools.

As study parameters include insights into the independent sector (where there’s no such central database), the research team asked independent schools to opt in. From there, they were able to gather a random sample of pupils for the study.

For ‘Five to Twelve’ participating children have annual cognitive exercises until Year 6, when they respond to questions. For their parents, there’s a mix of face-to-face and online or phone surveys annually. For ‘Growing Up in the 2020s’ it’s an initial face-to-face survey and then phone or online surveys in succeeding years. Teachers are asked for input too, with an additional

“IMPORTANTLY, THE LONGITUDINAL STUDIES WILL SPAN NOT JUST THE STATE SECTOR, BUT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS”

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EDUCATION • FEATURE

‘FIVE TO TWELVE’ WILL MONITOR PROGRESS AND AREAS SUCH AS WELLBEING

element where headteachers respond to describe school ethos, culture, and so on.

This body of evidence gathered over time requires buy-in and commitment from all those involved. Jules says they are delighted so many have responded so positively. “People are quite enthusiastic. In particular, we’ve found that children really enjoy the cognitive exercises. And teachers too – despite how busy they are – we have found that they respond to the survey.”

We should be grateful to these thousands of participants for their time

because their input will provide a seam of really useful data in the public domain. It might be used to draw comparison with earlier or later surveys to see differences over time, or to gain closer insights into different educational experiences – and educational inequalities. It will also give us insights into areas such as wellbeing.

Then there is the impact of Covid – never far from the surface in any current debate. “All of the children who will participate will have lived through Covid – particularly children in the

‘Growing up in the 2020s’ study, who lived through it during a critical time in their education,” says Jules. “Although we can’t compare Covid with past studies, we can look at outcomes and differences.”

These twin surveys are surely worth the effort involved for this element alone. In a little over five years’ time, findings will shine a light on the longer-term impact of pandemic restrictions on our children. This will inform future thinking on how to manage both ingrained inequality and events that impact young people’s access to school.

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Enjoy the journey Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years NACE & IAPS Accredited School

Register now for our Virtual Open Morning at 10am on Saturday 24th February.

With high academic standards, high calibre staff and excellent pastoral care, Upton House children blossom and have a zest for life, continually learning and developing their abilities, interests and talents within a caring and supportive environment. Our children thrive in the modern world and we invite them to think outside the box.

Our enhanced curriculum is rich with cross-curricular digital innovations and our pioneering live-streamed events run by our Broadcasting Club share our activities with our global family online. A proven track record with outstanding scholarship success each year.

01753 862610

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

S

A

t Pangbourne College in Berkshire, live science is firmly in the mix – and with plenty of space allocated for practical work, such as the outdoor classroom, which is a recent addition. Head of Science and Physics, Dr Katerine Richard, says this is particularly useful when extra space is required for experiments such as 'whirling bung'. It’s also useful for messy jobs such as planting peas. “We place great emphasis on practical equipment being ‘old fashioned’ – rulers, stop watches, and so on, through to cutting edge (such as Vernier motion analysis software and Globisens data acquisition modules). This is because we know that pupils need a range of ways of interacting with the taught content,” she says.

This flexible approach to tap into children’s learning style extends to learning opportunities beyond the classroom. There are whole-year-group trips to broaden

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How do schools deliver science and engineering subjects relating to real life? Absolutely visits Pangbourne College to find out everyone’s exposure to science. Useful, says Dr Katerine, whether they go on to be research or citizen scientists. “At the other end, we provide opportunities from external competitions, speakers invited to chat and answer questions with a single class to going out to support teaching of science in primary schools. We place great emphasis on opportunities being cross-curricular.”

There’s a vibrant extra-curricular programme designed to work alongside academic study. Opportunities develop up the school, starting with Science Club for Year 7 and evolving into CREST Awards and the STEM Ambassador programme in Sixth Form. These pupil ambassadors support the Science Department in promoting careers and other opportunities and assist with the school’s annual Science Week.

There’s lots of joined-up departmental thinking at Pangbourne – for instance a joint KS3 Science and Geography trip to see wind turbines and solar farms at

work, followed by a visit to a nearby town to do a sustainability survey.

Students at Pangbourne also acquire 'maker doer' skills via the comprehensive Design Technology facilities and teaching.

The large mixed media workshop has metal, wood and plastics processing machines, plus large format laser cutter 3D printers and a CNC router. Tools develop basic hand skills in lower years, with increasingly sophisticated applications as students progress.

Fun DT-inspired and engineering-related projects at the school include the design and manufacture of an electric car, but also popular classic car restoration projects.

The KS3 Challenge Club in DT enables pupils to enter national competitions and resolve design-based problems.

Everyone is looking forward to the national competitions promised in the future by the school’s emerging Electric Car Club. pangbourne.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • INSIDER

POWER OF MUSIC

The Director of Music at Queen Anne’s School on why Music A-level is a sound choice for building skills and diverse career pathways

“THE UK’S MUSIC INDUSTRY, CONTRIBUTING £4 BILLION TO THE ECONOMY IN 2021, IS ONE OF OUR BIGGEST EXPORT INDUSTRIES”

I

n the ever-evolving landscape of education, the value of A-level Music should not be underestimated, offering students a unique and enriching path, not only to academic success, but also a fulfilling career. The skills acquired during A-level Music studies span a wide spectrum, making it an exceptional preparation for life’s challenges and further education.

Music at this level is a gateway to honing analytical skills that are essential across various domains of life, as students undertake in-depth analysis of the intricate world of complex musical compositions and learn to dissect scores and extract pertinent details.

This skill becomes a valuable tool for problemsolving and effective data management.

In an increasingly data-driven world, this ability is an asset in any career path.

Universities worldwide recognise the value of this subject when reviewing applications.

Even in seemingly unrelated fields such as medicine it is recognised. It gives students good ‘soft’ skills, including empathy, teamwork and discipline, that are indispensable in healthcare and many other professions. It also challenges

A QUEEN ANNE’S SCHOOL MUSIC STUDENT

students to delve deep into their studies, fostering a love for learning and discovery.

A recent study has ranked A-level Music as the sixth most challenging subject, underscoring its intellectual rigour. Engaging with such demanding coursework prepares students for the requirements of higher education and the professional world. It cultivates resilience and determination – qualities that are vital in any career.

SCHOL ARS H I P AWAR DS Music scholarships for Sixth Form not only celebrate outstanding musical talent, but also dedication to learning and a commitment to contribute to the musical community. Schools such as Queen Anne’s recognise this dedication and offer an array of performance opportunities, support, and a nurturing environment. With more than 45 concerts and events throughout the year, including at prestigious locations such as Westminster Abbey – and with opportunities on international tours – scholarship students receive a well-rounded musical education.

Beyond musical proficiency, A-level Music

equips students with the essential skill of managing performance anxiety and tension.

This skill is not confined to the stage; it is a transferable asset in the professional world, enabling individuals to handle high-pressure situations with grace and confidence. The qualification does not just lead to a career as a performer or teacher, it opens doors to a whole range of careers in business, events management, studio production, television, film and gaming industries. The UK’s music industry, contributing £4 billion to the economy in 2021, is one of our biggest export industries.

Recent graduates from Queen Anne’s School have secured scholarships at esteemed institutions – including Berklee College of Music in the USA – and gained admission to prestigious universities such as Oxford, Durham, Southampton, Trinity College of Music, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Music A-level is a path to a harmonious and promising future. Its importance should never be underestimated.

J O H N PA D L E Y Director of Music Queen Anne’s School A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

F R A G M E N T S

of TIME

What connects Queen Elizabeth II, F Scott Fitzgerald, space exploration and Jack the Ripper? Wellington College pupils are about to decide for themselves…

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ellington has launched a new academic extension course for Fourth Form (Year 10) pupils that they can choose instead of an HPQ (Higher Project Qualification).

Fragments is an innovative and bespoke exploration of culture, brought to life by Deputy Head (Academic), Benjamin Evans.

The course acts as intellectual glue, pulling together seemingly disparate elements of the curriculum in order to cultivate deep and broad general knowledge.

Each of the unique Fragments courses has a loose theme designated by the teacher, with the aim of being both interesting, and that it will stretch the pupils’ thinking beyond the standard curriculum. Having launched in September 2023, it is being

taught over 30 weeks with an emphasis on flexibility and free-flowing discussions.

Inspired by the quote ‘these fragments I have shored against my ruins’ from T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, the concept is for each class to pick up fragments of culture and examine them in order to form connections between the worlds of art, technology, literature, architecture, history, philosophy, music, film and more. Free from the constraints of an examined syllabus, pupils will be learning about things that have endured for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and making links between classic wisdom and modern culture.

Benjamin Evans says: “In our modern world in which AI will play an increasingly significant role, it is vital that we promote the fundamentally human skills of creativity, problem-solving and debate. It has never been easier to find out information, but the ubiquity of information is confusing. Sometimes we A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s 103

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

need to go deeper. Our hope is that every pupil who takes a Fragments course discovers at least one thing that stays with them for life.

We are building the cognitive architecture that develops great storytellers and we are giving pupils the confidence to connect with others through shared interests and curiosity.”

The ten courses were chosen from a selection of proposals submitted by Wellington teachers. Dr Emma Ramsey, teacher of Classics and Director of HE, Careers, and International Universities, created a Fragments course based on the theme of ‘Lives’ exploring how and why lives are recorded. The pupils are looking at biographies, obituaries, paintings, statues and other art forms as well as discussing

the evolving role of AI in digital legacies.

Dr Ramsey has given pupils ownership to explore their own interests and question what they would want their own legacy to be. Rather than a formal assessment, she has tasked students to develop a lesson plan based on what they’ve learnt, to be delivered in any format they want.

Dr Ramsey says: “I have had a very positive response from pupils who are not only interested in the fragments of culture we are examining, but who also understand that they are developing and testing skills that can be used in other subject lessons.

The concepts we cover are wide ranging, spanning centuries, and they prompt pupils to reflect on what constitutes a life and to consider their own aspirations and goals.

It’s one of the most exciting and thoughtprovoking courses I’ve taught in my career.”

Religion and philosophy teacher, Goulwenn Vincendeau, created a course around ‘Roots’ that incorporates botany, gastronomy, heritage, mathematics and music. His group started by looking at oak trees, in literature and in the school grounds, and they are now watching the progress of their own mini oak tree grown from a Wellington acorn. Next, they will explore the notion of home towns and how we show our roots through pop songs, books and personal experiences.

Throughout his Fragments course, Goulwenn has incorporated creative elements including songs, poems, art and

visual images. At the end of each unit, he asks every pupil to submit an image representing what they’ve learnt. In summer, at the end of the course, each student will amalgamate their images to create one final and very personal visual representation of ‘roots’.

Goulwenn says: “Fragments is an incredibly refreshing and stimulating class to teach.

I’m not limited by the scope of my usual subject area, or by the rigidity of an exam syllabus. I can incorporate my personal interests into the classroom, allowing me the freedom to be more interesting and individual as a teacher. It is good for the pupils to see us as human beings who are passionate about more than one thing. The course involves a lot of collaboration between pupils and presentation of their ideas. As a result, they are already showing considerable maturity and pride in their work.”

Find out more about Wellington College at wellingtoncollege.org.uk

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‘EXCELLENT’ IN ALL AREAS

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It's your Future It's our Guidance Thorpe House School is opening a brand new co-educational Sixth Form in the heart of Gerrards Cross in September 2024, offering young men and women first class teaching with an emphasis on academic achievement, the development of key life skills, leadership and exploration, extended pastoral care, and bespoke university and careers guidance.

Discover more at our Open Evening

Thursday 22nd February 2024, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Scan the QR code to find out more and book your place.

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Thorpe House School Whole School Open Morning For boys aged 4-16 Wednesday 13th March 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

19/01/2024 11:14

LEAH NAMUGERWA’S STORY IS DRAWN BY NATASHA NAYO

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EDUCATION • FEATURE

Change

MAKERS

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Emma Reynolds’ graphic novel tells the true stories of 16 youth activists from around the globe and their mission to create a better planet

here’s no doubt Drawn to Change the World is an ambitious book.

Some three years in the making, it brings together the voices of 16 youth activists on environment and climate change, with the stories of their campaigns told by 16 artists through a graphic novel format. For author Emma Reynolds, this has been a labour of love – all-consuming work.

While Greta Thunberg is among the stories told, she is somewhere in the middle because Emma has drawn out a longer seam with a global reach. “It was important for me to show people that although she’s

IQBAL BADRUDDIN JAMAL’S STORY IS DRAWN BY ANOOSHA SYED

EMMA REYNOLDS

done incredible work, she didn’t start it,” says Emma. “I really wanted to highlight indigenous activists. There are activists of colour, people of colour from all over the world who have been fighting for this not just since 2018, but for decades.”

The book is organised as a loose timeline and begins with Autumn Pelter, who began a campaign for clean water for Canada’s First Nation communities when she was just eight-years-old. Activists include Melati and Isabel Wijsen, sisters who began the Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement in Bali, and Leah Namugerwa, the young Ugandan who devised an internationally successful tree planting initiative. Emma has also included

brave young people who face very real threats in their home countries by the mere act of speaking up on environmental issues.

Researching and speaking to all the youth activists was complex. Emma read and researched, also reaching out direct – often via social media – and interviewing the activists to hear their stories. She is grateful, she says, for the “amazing team” at HarperAlley (HarperCollins’ graphic novel arm) who supported the project with the mountain of admin required in liaising with the 16 artists around the globe.

The artists get star billing alongside the activists. From Indonesian Ann Maulina and Ghanaian Natasha Nayo to American A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE

Join us for an Open Morning on Saturday 23 March Book your place today at stgwindsor.org

A place where children may find their ‘happy ever after’

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EDUCATION • FEATURE

ACTIVISTS MELATI AND ISABEL WIJSEN – THEIR STORY IS DRAWN BY ANN MAULINA

“It was really important to me to have the book make young people feel that they have agency” illustrator and author Derick Brooks, each one has a mini biography within Drawn to Change the World. As an artist herself, Emma was determined to give their creativity exposure. “It’s inspiring for kids to see people who look like them and think: ‘I could do that when I grow up’,” says Emma.

“This book was a massive team effort,” she adds. “I know it’s got my name on the front, but it’s a humungous team effort.”

While Emma trained as an illustrator, she spent some six years working within animation as a character designer for children’s TV before switching to her dream author/illustrator role.

Her background, and storyboarding skills, were useful when it came to translating interviews into storylines. These were then “reverse engineered” into a workable script so that each of the artists could draw their youth activist story.

The graphic novel format works brilliantly here, packing in information in a succinct and compelling way – telling us not just about the campaigns, but also the campaigners, their world and their motivations. “Picture books

and graphic novels are my favourite books to read. I just think they are such a unique art form,” says Emma. “Really good for tough topics as well.” And climate change is a tough topic – especially for this 8-12 age group who have seen and read so much grim news in their short lives. This is where Emma came in with the whole idea – she wanted to counter the forces of what she calls “doomism”.

Readers can also find out more about what each youth activist is doing now, choose to follow them on social media or via their websites. This, along with further material on climate change – timelines, background detail, further reading and glossary of terms – add up to a handbook to inspire the next generation of change makers.

Emma, who has form on this herself as founder of global illustrator campaign #KidLitForClimate, says positive messages are vital. “It was really important to me to have the book make young people feel that they have agency,” she says. “I’m not saying we have to put everything on their shoulders and they have to fix it. It’s that they do have agency.”

Drawn to Change the World

by Emma Reynolds is published

by HarperCollins (£8.99).

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St Bernard's Preparatory School (nursery, reception, prep)

Open Days Thursday 22nd February 9am-11am Saturday 24th February 10am-12pm

Excellent in all Areas Independent Schools Inspectorate 2023

Book online or call 01753 521 821 Private tours also available www.stbernardsprep.org

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EDUCATION • NEWS

EDU CATION NEWS The latest from schools across the county

New era begins Flying high

Ascot-based Heathfield School – an independent secondary boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, rated ‘Excellent’ across all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate – is delighted to welcome Richard Willis MA as its new Head of Sixth Form. Richard has 17 years’ experience working in numerous prestigious independent day and boarding schools, most recently as Head of History and Head of Year 12/13 at Sir William Perkin’s School, Chertsey.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard says: “Previously, as Head of Year, I’ve experienced the pastoral highs and lows of Sixth Form life from the student’s point of view, and as head of an academic department, from a teacher’s perspective too. I believe this has prepared me well for role of Head of Sixth Form.

I’m looking forward to joining a community where each individual is supported so they can thrive.” heathfieldschool.net

Year 5 students at St George’s School Windsor Castle were delighted to learn that Toronto-based mixed-media artist, Andrew Wang, had provided glowing feedback on their recent art project. His work, which uses intricately folded origami birds to tell stories about journeys and migrations, was used as inspiration by the students for their own origami assemblage.

Upon seeing the students’ work, Andrew Wang commented in an email: “Wonderful! I love the colour layout and that some of the birds’ wings are down giving the impression of wings flapping. I’m honoured that my artwork was able to inspire you from halfway around the world.” stgwindsor.org

Master cooks The Beacon School’s 2024 MasterCook Competition is underway. Open to boys in Years 4-8, this provides a unique opportunity to create a recipe, plan and practise their cooking and compete against their peers. The focus of the annual competition is to develop boys’ skills and passion for cooking, utilising knowledge gained from their Cooking & Nutrition lessons and eating healthily.

The Beacon MasterCook Competition is adjudicated by renowned chefs from two local award-winning restaurants.

Deputy Head Simon Detre says: “At The Beacon it doesn’t matter whether your strengths are on the rugby pitch, on the stage, or in the kitchen. The Cooking & Nutrition curriculum enables boys to

develop essential life skills and perhaps discover a new passion too. We also have a “Come Dine with Us” evening, when parents come to school for dinner cooked by their sons. Bon appétit!”

The Beacon School, is a leading Independent Prep School for boys aged 3-13 located in Amersham. beaconschool.co.uk

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Senior School Open Event rd Thursday 23 February 2023 18:00 - 20:00 Junior School Open Event Thursday 09th March 2023 10:00 - 12:30

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Herries Co-Ed Preparatory School & Nursery from ages 2 - 11, Cookham Dean, Berkshire

Herries Prep School & Nursery Join us for a tour and have a glimpse into an exciting day at Herries!

Call 01628 483350 or email admissions@herries.org.uk www.herries.org.uk

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LAST WORD • EVENT why everyone is talking about…

On The Mount At WASING

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The new concert series returns for a second year at the spectacular woodland amphitheatre

ollowing on from a hugely successful first year, On The Mount At Wasing, the concert series set in a spectacular woodland amphitheatre in the gorgeous Berkshire countryside, has announced its first acts for 2024.

Australian rock icons Crowded House will kick off the shows on 17 June, while London electronic duo Jungle will perform with their explosive full live band on 27 June, and dance icons Underworld will headline on 29 June. Wasing Estate will also present Solstice At The Mount on 20 June; an immersive celebration of world music and culture with headliner Nick Mulvey, and further artists to be announced.

On The Mount At Wasing’s inaugural year in 2023 was a huge success, featuring shows from the likes of Gabriels, Jack Johnson, Sigur Ros and more. Set on Wasing Estate, The Mount is a stunning enclave right in the heart of the countryside. From the woodland trail arrival into a unique and mindful space to the wildflowers awaiting concertgoers within the amphitheatre, this is a truly transportive venue to see defining live acts, fully immersed in nature.

Ollie Rosenblatt and John Empson of Senbla, promoters of On The Mount At Wasing, said: “Last year was a huge success, and we feel that we have a real gem in the UK’s summer live music calendar.

When you’re watching an act surrounded by the amazing treescape that appears after you’ve walked the trail through the spectacular woodland into the venue, you get a truly soul-nourishing experience – all of the artists commented how beautiful and unique it was performing at Wasing.”

With a career that spans almost 40 years, Crowded House have enjoyed worldwide success. They have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide and, in 2016, the band was inducted into the ARIA – Australian Recording Industry Association – Hall of Fame.

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CROWDED HOUSE

UNDERWORLD

Jungle are one of the hottest names to emerge in British electronic music for the past decade. The duo comprising Josh LloydWatson and Tom McFarland were shortlisted for the 2014 Mercury Prize with their debut self-titled album. Their fourth album ‘VOLCANO’ was released to critical acclaim earlier this year alongside a feature-length film of the same name. The single ‘Back on 74’ became a huge hit, going viral with over a billion views across TikTok and Instagram.

Underworld are a true one-off, who are just as at home headlining the world’s biggest festivals and events, playing underground techno clubs and warehouses, sound-tracking theatre productions or taking over art galleries.

See more details at wasing.co.uk/themount

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

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19/01/2024 11:16

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For more information contact Stephen Donnelly on: 07739 514350 01892 579937 steve@sjd-projects.com

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19/01/2024 11:16

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