Absolutely Buckinghamshire January 2024

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Buckinghamshire JANUARY 2024

HEALTH & BEAUTY SPECIAL 20 pages of fitness tips and wellbeing advice

JANUARY 2024

Bright new

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START 2024 ON A COLOURFUL NOTE THANKS TO OLIVER BONAS MILTON KEYNES PLUS THE FAST SHOW Dr Michael Mosley unveils his latest diet innovation BIG PREVIEW This year's best events in Buckinghamshire FEEL GOOD FOOD Norwegian goodies at NORSK in Haddenham

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents JANUARY 2024

52

59 C U LT U R E 20 AGENDA

59 HEALTH SPECIAL

20 pages of the best in fitness, beauty and mental health

The best dates for the new year

22

DR MICHAEL MOSLEY

On launching his new wellbeing app

INTERIORS 84 AMECHI MANDI

The designer who we expect big things from in 2024

30 AREA FOCUS

10 of the best events for 2024

FOOD & DRINK 44 TASTING NOTES The latest foodie news

46 NORSK

The Haddenham champion of Scandi food

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 52 THE SHOOT

89 REAL HOME

A property in Fulmer where you can make the most of the countryside

97 TRENDS

9 of the best engagement rings

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

The online guide to inspirational local living

How to add sparkle to the home

E D U C AT I O N 108 TALKING HEAD

Meet the Deputy Head Pastoral and Boarding at Heathfield School Ascot

Bright looks from Oliver Bonas

57 JEWELLERY

46

111

ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL

Digital learning at the Windsor institution

O N T H E C OV E R Oliver Bonas AW23 (oliverbonas.com)

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

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Lawyers for life.

www.bpcollins.co.uk | 01753 889995 London | Gerrards Cross | Thame Business immigration | Corporate & Commercial | Criminal | Dispute resolution Employment | Environment | Family | HR2Help | Property | Wills, trusts & probate

Scan here

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5 LETTER Editor’s

Dr Michael Mosley Why he's picking up the pace this month (p22)

ABSOLUTELY’S January issue highlights

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Amechi Mandi

The interior designer to watch in 2024 (p84)

2

Ten for 2024

Rounding up the hottest events to come (p30)

I

am sure wellbeing means different things to different people. I have an unhealthy – ironically – obsession for keeping fit. In my 20s, I was the fittest player in my football team, and even into my 30s, but now in my 40s I am still yearning after those days, so much so I actually reckon it affects my mental health. Would you believe it.

I am, slowly, starting to accept I am getting older and not punishing myself in the gym (and inevitably injuring myself too). I recently gave a home to a rescue dog and she has given me a totally different focus, and it's true that stroking your pet really does boost the mood. I am also starting to eat different things, moving on from my carb-heavy approach in those gym going days, and as a result my sleep is a whole lot better.

The point is, I am not a big fan of preaching a particular health message to anyone. You choose what makes you feel best. So our health special covers a whole host of different things, and one of those may just help you to start 2024 off on a positive note.

Happy new year!

4 Trend

How to brighten up your home for 2024 (p97)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

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RSPB Big Birdwatch The unique initiative returns for a 45th year (p36)

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Wish LIST

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love

M AT E R I A L GIRL Ahluwalia's Rosie ruffle top showcases the brand ’s innovative approach to reusing surplus material, £470. ahluwalia.world

SHINE ON Mach & Mach’s new collection is an ode to the undersea world, inhabited by mermaids and tritons, a romantic fairytale against the backdrop of breathtaking panoramas, filled with pearl-making oysters, striking corals and iridescent sunlight. brownsfashion.com

GRAPE NEWS These pink wine glasses from Maison Balzac are adorned with bunches of grapes, just as a reminder, £150. koibird.com

ALL THE TRIMMINGS With their detachable ostrich feather trim, these handcrafted party pyjamas are super versatile, £245. libertylondon.com

COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

ON THE NAIL Palette has launched four brand new vegan, strengthening nail paints in dusky hues that strengthen your nails as you wear, supercharged with botanical ingredients, and are also free from 21 common, harmful nail polish ingredients. palettelondon.com

D AT E N I G H T What's more stylish than a Smythson desk diary? A Smythson desk diary in peony pink, of course.

We're choosing the large format Portobello version, £240. smythson.com

ROSE TINT Bold and square, Monc’s limited edition Chiltern specs will have you seeing clearly in 2024, £280. monclondon.com

BAGS O F STYLE

C H E R RY O N TO P H2k Botanicals divine hand wash with rose and brightening black cherry extracts will leave you feeling nourished, £16. ukbathrooms.com

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

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

B E A R COSY Love pink? Love polar bears?

You need Aspiga's stylish jumper made from sustainable merino wool, £155. aspiga.com

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LIAM GALLAGHER

We start January as we mean to go on – by having plenty of fun. We may still be a little fuzzy post-new year's eve, but there's nothing better for the hangover than to start planning ahead for the events you simply cannot miss in 2024. Inside we take a look at 10 events that are a must for your calendar, from local behemoths like the Henley Festival and Pub in the Park, to the best headliners taking to the many music stages, including Liam Gallagher at Reading Festival. Turn to page 30 and open up that brand new calendar.

PHOTO: GAVIN BOND

C U LT U R E

2024 PREVIEW

Agenda 20 • Dr Michael Mosley 22 • Felicity Shirt 27 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda JA N UA RY ' S H OT T E ST EV E N TS

MUS ICA L

Six January 23-28 AY L E S B U R Y WAT E R S I D E T H E AT R E With five Olivier award nominations and a 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score, Henry VIII's love of beheadings have made him one of the most famous monarchs in Britain's history, with the tale of his six unfortunate wives the stock of any school history lesson. Six tells the story of these women via a musical. aylesbury-theatre.co.uk

THE GRASSLAND GELADAS

BY MARCO GAIOTTI, ITALY

PHOTOG R APH Y

Wildlife Photographer of the Year U NTI L 3 0 JU NE , NATU RA L H I STORY MUSEUM

More than 50,000 images are entered into the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition every year, but their panel of judges can only select 100 finalists. A further 25 memorable images from this year’s entries have been shortlisted by the judges and now the public are invited to vote for their favourite. Voting closes on 31 January 2024. nhm.ac.uk

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Chris McCausland 28 January W I L D E T H E AT R E , B R AC K N E L L You might have seen Chris McCausland on Scared of the Dark, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety, QI, Blankety Blank, The Last Leg, and plenty more as well. He’s been called an “overnight success” – even though he’s been doing this for yonks. Chris is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making. southhillpark.org.uk

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CULTURE • DIARY

CO MEDY

Miles Jupp 25 January T H E S TA B L E S Since Miles Jupp’s last tour finished at The London Palladium in 2017, he’s been in The Full Monty on Disney Plus, The Durrells and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? on ITV. Yet one sunny day, in the middle of all this, he suddenly suffered a brain seizure. This led to the discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato. The experience has left him with a story to tell and a few things that he’d like to share. milesjupp.co.uk

MUS I C

MUSIC ICONS

This Month’s Must See

Throughout January/February C O R N E XC H A N G E N E W B U R Y The January-April line up at Corn Exchange includes a diverse list of theatre, comedy, music, dance, and more, from returning classics to exciting new shows. Celebrating music’s most iconic women, West End star Kelly O’Brien will delight with her Dolly Parton tribute The Dolly Show (25 January), and the music greatness continues with the UK Pink Floyd Experience (2 February).

And that's just the music line-up. cornexchangenew.com

I Grew Up 80s

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Best in SHOW

Head to the capital for the finest in art from our doorstep to around the world

LONDON ART FAIR 2023 PHOTO BY MARK COCKSEDGE

The London Art Fair returns from 17-21 January 2024, highlighting a selection of the best galleries from the UK and beyond. The fair will offer both seasoned and aspiring collectors a diverse presentation of modern and contemporary art, alongside curated displays, and an inspiring programme of talks, tours and performances.

In addition, London Art Fair continues to champion and support regional museums through its annual Museum Partnership, which this year invites Charleston, once home to the 20th century’s most pioneering artists, writers and thinkers, to showcase their unique collection of art, textiles and ceramics at the fair.

This year will see the participation of over 120 galleries from around the

PAULINE MARCELLE, TAKE MY PICTURE, 2023.

U NTI L 16 MARCH, DISCOVER BUCKS MUSEUM

et ready to pull up your leg warmers and scramble your Rubik’s Cubes and take a nostalgic trip back to 80s childhood in this exciting new exhibition, I Grew Up 80s. Explore the cultural landscape of 1980s Britain through the eyes of a child – revisiting the colourful vibrancy and innovation that defined the decade, plus the movies that made the decade one of the most exciting in cinematic history.

world, including Japan, Portugal and Turkey, with new exhibitors Bluerider Art, Stowe Arthouse Gallery, Liss Llewellyn and Common Sense Gallery; alongside returning names such as Gilden’s Art Gallery, Jill George Gallery and Jonathan Clarke. The fair will feature work by some of the world’s most renowned artists working across a variety of media, including sculpture, prints, paintings, and ceramics, from artists including Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney. londonartfair.co.uk

discoverbucksmuseum.org

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

APPY

TIMES Since bursting onto our screens, Dr Michael Mosley has become the go-to for weight loss advice - but the Buckinghamshire local wants to speed things up even more

I

t’s was rather apt – or should that be app? – that just as Absolutely was preparing this issue’s health special that an email notification pinged to tell us about the latest innovation from Dr Michael Mosley. For 15 years now, the Buckinghamshire local has appeared on our screens explaining how we can all live better, healthier lives, as well as writing countless books on the subject – and even moving into podcasts along with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey, to give us a double dose of wellbeing advice.

The latest from Dr Mosley is something to quicken the pulses of anyone looking to change their lifestyle. “The app is a nutritionist, a personal trainer, a health coach, a tracker, a community and mindfulness support – all in the palm of your hand,” he says about The Fast 800 app. “It is effectively all the features of the programme that we know our members love, but now more convenient.”

Dr Mosley has been writing about ‘fast’ diets since 2012, but The Fast 800 was a weight loss programme first conceived back in 2018. “Years of research, product development

By MARK KEBBLE

and content development went into originally launching The Fast 800 programme,” he recollects. “Since the initial launch, we have striven to continuously keep up with the science and ensure we are constantly adding value to our members. This is not only through tech developments, but also through new content launches and community events.”

Like many diets promoted by on-screen personalities, there will always be some who question the actual benefits of following particular programmes, and The Fast 800 was not immune to this. What is the biggest misconception Dr Mosley has faced? “The Fast 800 is an 800 diet only, when in fact that is only one of our approaches (The Very Fast 800),” he states. “Our goal is to transition members to the Way of Life approach once they achieve their weight loss and health goals, which is a flexible approach that can be followed for life. Also, that The Fast 800 ‘is just a diet’, when in fact it is a complete lifestyle change package (nutritionist, personal trainer, health coach, goals tracker, mindfulness and community).”

There are certainly many strands to The

Fast 800. “The Fast 800 has three flexible approaches that follow the principles of a moderately low-carb, Mediterranean-style diet,” Dr Mosley explains. “Each approach has variations to suit different circumstances and you can switch easily between each approach as your needs change. Some people start with The Very Fast 800 or The Fast 800 Keto (the 800-calorie plans) if they have a significant amount of weight to lose or to kick start weight loss, while others start with The New 5:2 or the Way of Life for gradual, sustainable weight loss and to improve their overall health.

“Way of Life involves following a Mediterranean-style diet, with no calorie counting or restrictions,” he adds. “It is perfect for those that want to improve their metabolic health and follow a healthy lifestyle, but don’t want or need to limit their calorie intake. This approach is designed to be followed for life and reaching this approach is a great goal to set.

“The New 5:2 incorporates intermittent fasting for gradual weight loss and improved metabolic health. Two days per week A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

WITH HIS WIFE, CLARE

“We have striven to continuously keep up with the science”

HE LOVES THE LOCAL COUNTRYSIDE

are allocated as fasting days, where you only consume 800 calories each day. The remaining five days of the week are nonfasting days, where no calorie limits apply.

We recommend you apply the principles of the Mediterranean-style diet, along with sensible portion sizes across the week.

“And then there’s The Very Fast 800,” Dr Mosley continues. “As with all of our approaches, this follows a moderately lowcarb Mediterranean-style diet alongside a reduced caloric intake. Scientific trials have shown reducing dietary intake to 800 calories per day to be very effective for rapid weight loss, much more so than going 'slow and steady' (The DiRECT Trial, The DROPLET Trial). It is an intensive approach to weight loss, though it’s not suited to everybody.”

Why has he looked to the Mediterranean for foodie inspiration? “There is a big body of scientific evidence to support the belief that a Mediterranean-style diet is great for your physical health and your waistline.

It will cut your risk of heart attack or stroke by around 30%, reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50%, and slash your risk of breast cancer by 70%.

It is also a great way to lose weight.

“Recent research shows it is great for your mental health and well-being too,” he adds, “having a positive effect on mood and helping to ease depression. That’s because the foods that make up the traditional Mediterranean diet (plenty of olive oil, nuts, oily fish, fruit, veg and whole grains, a reasonable amount of full-fat yogurt and cheese, and perhaps even

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CLIVEDEN

a glass of red wine with the evening meal) are packed with the nutrients your body needs.”

All this and more is now at the touch of a button with The Fast 800 app, along with educational articles, exercise plans, community interest groups, and a ‘Changing Habits’ course designed by a team of qualified psychotherapists. As well as the app, this month will also see Dr Mosley back on our screens. “I have made a four-part series for Channel 4, where I help turn round the health of four different families,” he explains.

It’s the latest TV show to his name, which all began back in 2007. “I just fell into becoming a TV presenter,” he says modestly.

“I was asked to present a series called Medical Mavericks, about medical self-experimenters, and that led me to doing more work on TV. In 2012 I discovered that I had type 2 diabetes and rather than start on medication I made a documentary called Eat, Fast, Live Longer, where I invented the 5:2 diet, lost 10kg, and reversed my diabetes. That led to everything else. That is the TV show I am most proud of because it triggered a worldwide interest in intermittent fasting and showed that type 2 diabetes can be reversed through weight loss.”

On top of this, you can expect to see and hear even more of Dr Mosley. “I am also doing a couple more series of my very successful podcast, Just One Thing, and starting in February I will be doing a live tour of the UK [along with his wife], which includes being at the Wycombe Swan on 20 February.”

With so much on his plate (no pun intended), does he get to enjoy much of his Buckinghamshire home? “I love the countryside and the fact that you can go out in the fields and see red kites flying overhead,” he says, suggesting the area is perfect for getting away from the workload. “I swim in the Thames, with my wife Clare, and I also like visiting National Trust properties, including Cliveden.” The perfect complement to the fast (800) pace life Dr Michael Mosley leads. thefast800.com

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PHOTO: COOKHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: MVMAX VIDEOGRAPHY

CULTURE • PROFILE

FELICITY WORKS IN AND AROUND COOKHAM AND MARLOW

GET TO KNOW…

FELICITY SHIRT

C O O K H A M R E S I D E N T A N D F O U N D E R O F H E R OW N B E S P O K E E STAT E AG E N CY B U S I N E S S

Q What inspired you to set up your own bespoke estate agency?

A I knew that some of the standards sellers experience just aren’t OK. Not when you consider how important moving house is to a family, and what a huge responsibility it is for the agent selling it. I think until now there has been a sort of ‘industry standard’ that home owners have come to accept when placing their house on the market.

Not always, but often my clients talk of their past experiences as fairly impersonal, a bit of a numbers game, squeezing in one appointment and dashing off to the next.

Those are the things that have given the ‘estate agent’ a bad rep. It’s such a shame to see, but it does prove that there is so much opportunity to turn that on its head and show a different side to agency.

So I set about doing things differently, because who wouldn’t want that? I decided on an approach where instead of being one of a hundred different clients, my clients would be one of just a handful.

They know they can text me at 9pm on a Friday night and I’ll respond. They know I’m looking after them and have the time to stretch out a viewing or stop for an update. They know they have my absolute focus until the house is sold and beyond, because that’s exactly as it should be.

It’s believed by many in the industry including myself that independent agency will be huge a few years from now. As time has gone by and the way we do business has changed, there is far less need for the high street agent with overheads and offices to pay for, targets to hit and sales records to smash. I’m supported by global agent Keller Williams, which means that I’m in the A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE AREA HAS BEAUTIFUL PROPERTIES

company of hundreds of other independent agents in the UK who have the same ethos and standards. It’s like being part of a family.

Property is about people. Their lives, their goals, their situations. It is and always has been an industry based on relationships and it really needs a personal service, a human being. With the uprise of the self employed model, decent and good estate agents up and down the country are making the lives of home owners easier – minus the clipboard and the cheap suit. It’s exciting and it’s about time this side of the property industry was turned on its head!

Q What properties have you already marketed?

A I deal in sales and lettings, so no two days are the same, but I have marketed a range of properties, some in the Cookham and Marlow areas, which are close to home for me, and some reaching further out into Berkshire and South Bucks. I love the marketing side of things, as I use professionals to provide stunning photographs and video to make the properties really stand out. It’s a lot of fun to do and I love to see my clients’ faces when they see their homes up in lights.

Q You are based in Cookham – a nice area for properties?

A Well I’m biased! Properties range from quaint little cottages to family homes, stunning prime properties and everything in between, but it’s the community feel that I think seals the deal for most people

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“Property is about people, their lives, their goals, their situations” in the area. Cookham is such a pretty village, but we’re lucky because there’s a lot going on too. We have a beautiful High Street with thriving local businesses, and beautiful, rural country homes all within a short distance of each other.

Q How long have you lived there and what do you love best about it?

A I’ve lived and raised my children in Cookham for the past 14 years, and it is certainly one of the best places to live in my opinion. Being a local, knowing the area like the back of my hand, the schools, the walks, the pubs, the transport, the list is endless – so I can confidently say that I’m a pro when it comes to Cookham property and its surrounds!

It’s easy to show Cookham off, as it is with surrounding areas too, as it’s just so pretty and everything you could need is on the doorstep.

Q If you had to choose your three favourite

places in Cookham, or further afield in Berkshire, where would you choose?

A I love a nice walk with a pub at the end of it so that has to count for two, as

we have plenty of both locally. Cookham has the river of course, so I’d say a walk by the river on a nice day followed by a drink at The Crown in Cookham. Number three would be a mooch down the High Street and into the independent shops and cafes we are so fortunate to have.

Q How does your own business fit in with your personal life?

A Perfectly! Another reason for starting up my own business was the flexibility it gives me around family life. I have a 13-year-old and an 11-year-old, so they aren’t so young that they need me in quite the same way as they did as little ones, but I’m able to be around and fit life in with work. In fact, they have been known to help out with the odd bit of marketing (although I think the novelty has worn off for them now!) so perhaps really I should be advertising it as a family business.

07775 940174 / kwuk.com THE CROWN IN COOKHAM XXX IMAGE CAPTION XXX

PHOTO: COOKHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

BY THE WATER IN COOKHAM

PHOTO: MVMAX VIDEOGRAPHY

PHOTO: COOKHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

COOKHAM IS HOME

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Ten for

2024

A Britpop legend, reinvented Balearic beats, pop-up paintings, and opera arias – here’s our top cultural picks for this year B y N ATA L I E L I

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS NILE RODGERS AT HENLEY FESTIVAL 2023

TOM KERRIDGE

“Marlow's celebrity chef Tom Kerridge returns once again with his family-friendly food festival” Pretty Woman: The Musical M I LT O N K E Y N E S T H E AT R E

19-30 March Following its run in the West End, Love Island star Amber Davies joins Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba for the UK and Ireland tour. Based on the tale of unexpected love in the late 1980s, Pretty Woman features original music and lyrics by Grammy Awardwinner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.

A fully fledged musical star in her own right, Amber Davies will play Vivian Ward – the role made famous

by Julia Roberts in the 1990 film. atgtickets.com –

Paul Weller AY L E S B U R Y WAT E R S I D E T H E AT R E

20 April A significant figure on the British music scene since the late 1970s, Paul Weller started his career as an angry teen punk who won critical acclaim with The Jam producing hit tunes such as Going Underground and Town Called Malice. After The Jam disbanded, Weller teamed up with keyboard player Mick Talbot to form a new group

called The Style Council. The Surrey-born artist released his first solo eponymous album in 1992. He lands in Aylesbury in April as part of his 14-date UK tour. atgtickets.com –

Pub in the Park H I G G I N S O N PA R K P L AYG R O U N D , M A R L O W

16-19 May Marlow’s celebrity chef Tom Kerridge returns once again with his family-friendly foodie festival – a celebration of Great British grub, chefs, and pubs. This year organisers are switching it up and replacing their previous regional touring format with four freshly conceived, larger festivals in Marlow, Chiswick, Reigate, and St Albans.

Music acts are yet to be announced, but with previous years featuring chart-toppers like Olly Murs and the Sugababes, we expect pop-pleasers. Chef demonstrations, awardwinning pubs and restaurants serving tasting dishes showing off their signature style plus family fun – we’d say it has all the winning ingredients for a fabulous day out. pubintheparkuk.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD IS SERVED AT HENLEY FESTIVAL

CHARLES AND YOANNA HANBURY AT ROYAL ASCOT 2023

Bucks Art Weeks BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

8-23 June A fortnight’s celebration brings together the work of hundreds of contemporary artists and makers around Buckinghamshire. Each year in June, pop-up exhibitions appear in working studios, galleries, and other venues.

Every type of work is on show – sculpture, glass, jewellery, painting, wirework, woodwork, photography, textiles, and more – for visitors to view, purchase, or commission. bucksartweeks.org.uk –

“It doesn't get more quintessentially British than Royal Ascot”

promoters guarantee five magical summer nights featuring an unmissable world-class music programme of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz set alongside stellar comedy, stunning art galleries and sculpture installations, as well as gourmet dining, dancing, and jaw-dropping fireworks. We’re sold. henley-festival.co.uk –

Madness plus guests E N G L E F I E L D H O U S E , PA N G B O U R N E

19 July 2024 Formed on the streets of Camden in the late 1970s, ska and pop band Madness are back for a huge outdoor show in Pangbourne as part of their extensive summer tour.

With 10 top ten albums and 15 top ten singles to their name, promoters promise a show teeming with hits from

Royal Ascot, Berkshire

18-22 June It doesn’t get more quintessentially British than Royal Ascot, one the highlights of the sporting and social calendar and the place to be seen. More than 300,000 fabulously wellheeled racegoers descend upon this quaint, pretty town in Berkshire for five days.

Royal Ascot, the crowning jewel in Ascot’s racing calendar, which first took place in 1768, has been attended

by British monarchs since its inception.

The Ascot summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911. ascot.com –

Henley Festival H E N L E Y- O N -T H A M E S

10-14 July Suited and booted is the way to arrive at the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, whose past headliners have included Sir Elton John and Nile Rodgers.

With the full eclectic programme due to be announced after we head to print, festival

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BUCKS ART

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

PETE TONG'S IBIZA CLASSICS PHOTO BY DAN REID

the nutty boys' unrivalled back catalogue (Baggy Trousers, House of Fun) along with songs from their new album Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie. Joining Madness on this musical extravaganza are special guests The Lightning Seeds, brainchild of writer, singer, and guitarist Ian Broudie. Celebrating their 35th anniversary in 2024, they’ll revive chart-topping hits like Pure and the iconic football anthem, Three Lions.

Foot-stomping flashmob musical outfit, Old Time Sailors, will open the show, taking audiences back to the 19th century with their immersive experience of seafaring music performed with traditional instruments. axs.com/heritagelive –

Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics with Jules Buckley

and the Essential Orchestra

Retrofestival N EW BU RY S H OWG RO U N D

9-11 August Take a step back in time as Retrofestival is back at Newbury Showground in August and it’s filled with 30s, 40s and 50s fun and classic nostalgia. Relive the music of yesteryear, and there’s family fun for everyone at this epic retro weekender where you can have a whirl on the dodgems, jump and jive at a tea dance, tuck in to a classic afternoon tea, or see some amazing air shows.

Voted the best value festival in the UK, there’s 177 acres packed with over 1,000 classic and vintage vehicles, we all know and love on display. There’s stalls aplenty, not forgetting the three stages, hosting some of the best vintage talent in the UK, plus camping too. retrofestival.co.uk/newbury

E N G L E F I E L D H O U S E , PA N G B O U R N E

20 July Dance legend Pete Tong MBE continues to crank out his timeless classic house tracks, and they’ve been successfully reworked thanks to the magic of Jules Buckley and the Essential Orchestra.

Cementing itself as part of the live music calendar, Pete Tong’s orchestral electronic music event takes centre stage against the backdrop of the magnificent Tudor stately home, Englefield House.

Organisers promise a “unique orchestration with unparalleled electronic production, reminiscent of the White Isle and its musical history”. axs.com/heritagelive

LIAM GALLAGHER PHOTO BY GAVIN BOND

Reading Festival R I C H F I E L D AV E N U E

RETROFESTIVAL

21-25 August “Be there or be square.” Those were the words of former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher as he announced his upcoming appearance at Berkshire’s 53-year-old festival this summer.

Touring to celebrate 30 years of the band’s groundbreaking 1994 album Definitely Maybe, this is without doubt a seminal moment in festival history.

Joining the stellar weekend line-up is Lana Del Rey, Blink-182, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Gerry Cinnamon, Raye, Skrillex, Spiritbox and– Digga D. readingfestival.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TAKING

FLIGHT Returning for its 45th year, find out how you can get involved in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January

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he RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest garden wildlife survey in the world and takes place every January, this year on 26th, 27th and 28th. Participants spend an hour counting the birds in their garden, balcony or local park. Over half a million people took part in 2023, counting more than nine million birds.

This year’s event marks 45 years since the first Big Garden Birdwatch. Starting in 1979, it has become a much-loved annual citizen science event that gives the RSPB a valuable snapshot of how garden birds are doing in the UK. Over that time, 185 million birds have

been counted and nearly 11.5 million hours have been spent watching garden birds.

THE WINNERS AND LOSERS The Big Garden Birdwatch allows a large volume of data about garden birds to be recorded from across the UK, meaning trends in populations can be identified that might otherwise go unnoticed. House Sparrows, for example, celebrated their 20th year as the number one bird spotted in UK gardens in 2023. While nearly 1.5 million were recorded, this species has sadly suffered severe declines. In fact, the number spotted in gardens has dropped by nearly 60% since the Birdwatch first began in 1979.

Over its four decades, the Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. The Long-tailed Tit, a much-loved species, rose five positions in the rankings last year, with numbers 39% higher than in 2022. This species is easily recognised with its distinctive colouring, small body and a long tail, which can be up to 9cm in length. Both males and females are black, white and pale pink, with distinctive white crowns. However, Longtailed Tits are susceptible to harsh weather conditions, with the numbers recorded fluctuating since the Birdwatch began.

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“185 MILLION BIRDS HAVE BEEN COUNTED AND NEARLY 11.5 MILLION HOURS SPENT WATCHING GARDENS” as Trichomonosis. As a result, the UK Chaffinch population has declined by 37% over the last decade, while Greenfinches have declined by 62% over the same time frame.

TIPS FOR FEEDING GARDEN BIRDS During the cold winter months, birds need lots of energy to maintain their body temperature and can struggle to find naturally available food. So, providing food like bird seed, peanuts and fat-based bird food bars helps give them an extra bit of help.

You can also offer leftovers from your own kitchen like apples and pears that are taken by species like Blackbirds and thrushes.

Grated mild cheese (no blue or strong cheese) is a fantastic source of energy and protein, and is loved by Robins, Dunnocks and Blackbirds. Raisins and sultanas can also be put on the bird table, however these dried fruits are toxic for dogs so be careful here.

There are also food items to avoid from our kitchens, such as cooled fats and meat juices that can get into birds' feathers affecting their wings and waterproofing, along with salt which cannot be digested.

Therefore, avoid salted peanuts and bacon rind, along with desiccated coconut, milk and cooked porridge oats.

Your garden birds also need fresh water daily to drink and bathe. Use a birdbath, pond, or a recycled, shallow container with a stone inside so that they can perch upon

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it. To help prevent the spread of diseases, hygiene at garden feeding stations is important. The RSPB recommends bird feeders, tables, and baths are cleaned every week, to help reduce the spread of garden bird diseases. Wash using warm water and ideally a 5% disinfectant solution, then air dry outside. Keep feeders and baths outside to clean, use separate utensils and wear gloves. Always wash your hands when you've finished. It’s also important to monitor how much food your garden birds eat and adjust the amount you put out accordingly – uneaten food can turn rancid, so regularly discard leftovers. During winter, feed twice a day if demand calls for it.

HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH Sign up at rspb.org.uk then watch the birds in your garden, balcony, or local green space for one hour at some point between 26-28 January. Only count the birds that land and record the highest number of each species you see at any one time. Then submit your results, and even if you see no birds at all, it’s all valuable data.

To receive your free Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727 or visit rspb.org.uk/Birdwatch

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CULTURE • SOCIALS

ABSOLUTELY

ATTENDS THE CORAL GOLD CUP

The meeting is the highlight of Newbury’s National Hunt season

T

he Coral Gold Cup weekend at Newbury on 1-2 December kick-started with the Grade 2 Coral Long Distance Hurdle on the Friday, with the prestigious £250,000 Coral Gold Cup contest taking place on the Saturday. With a host of top-class horses on show, racegoers could look forward to another thrilling renewal of the 63rd running of the historical race at Newbury. The £250,000 Coral Gold Cup was won by Datsalrightgino.

Off the racetrack there was plenty for racegoers to enjoy with a host of on-site entertainment and activities to look forward to. The Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade took place after the first race on Saturday featuring stars on the track who have gone on to enjoy new careers in retirement.

Among the famous names to parade included 2016 Hennessy [now Coral Gold Cup] winner Native River and 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree. Joining them in the paddock to parade included Balthazar King, the multiple Cheltenham cross-country chase winner, the former Venetia Williams trained Aso, dual Grade 2 winner Smad Place and the three-time Grade 1 Betfair Chase winner and fan favourite Bristol De Mai. Racegoers embraced the festive spirit at Newbury over the weekend with a free-toride carousel installed on-site, while those who wanted to get closer to the action could enjoy the Racecourse’s ‘Trips To The Jump’ and join an ex-jockey at the last fence to watch the action culminate up close.

Coral were also on-site at the Racecourse hosting their immersive virtual reality racing experience – free for racegoers to try – which places fans in the saddle to get a glimpse of what being a jockey is like on a big raceday.

After the conclusion of the racing on the Saturday, racegoers watched the spectacle of the inaugural Goffs Coral Gold Cup sale of point-to-pointers, which took place in the winner’s enclosure. The boutique sale featured select point-to-pointers going under the hammer with similar sales taking place at Aintree, Sandown, Punchestown and Yorton.

Those in attendance on Friday and Saturday enjoyed live music throughout the afternoon in the Coral Gold Cup marquee to complement the on-track action. Once both days’ racing action was complete, the Coral Gold Cup marquee was then transformed into the location for the famous Coral Gold Cup afterparty, which kept everyone dancing into the early hours.

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FOOD & DRINK

MEETING OF MINDS WOVEN BY ADAM SMITH

Woven by Adam Smith, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Coworth Park in Berkshire, will host a series of guest chef events and winemaker dinners throughout 2024. To kick things off in March 2024, Adam Smith will be cooking alongside chef Mark Donald of The Glenturret Lalique, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Perthshire, Scotland. dorchestercollection.com

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

The latest launches and news from across the county

By MARK KEBBLE

Fizz recommendations for the new year

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Champagne Jules Camuset Brut NV  £26.81 Toasty and lemony on the nose, with fine bubbles and a deceptive lightness of touch, this Champagne is a delicious blend of 55% pinot meunier, 30% pinot noir and 15% chardonnay and the perfect fizz for all kinds of celebrations.

The Society's Celebration Crémant de Loire 2020  £13.31 From the Saumur region of the Loire, there is a large percentage of chardonnay in the blend, which gives the wine its length and delicacy. Light, bone-dry and refreshing, it makes for a delightful aperitif.

The Society's Exhibition English Blanc de Blancs 2018  £28.81 Showing the unmistakable brioche notes that come with age, this 2020 sparkling wine from England's Ridgeview Wine Estate is elegant with great purity.

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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Rated highly THE GREYHOUND

The Greyhound in Beaconsfield has been named as the best restaurant in Buckinghamshire and one of the best restaurants across the UK. Awarded by OpenTable, results are decided by guests through reviews they leave after they have dined within any given restaurant. The restaurant, owned and managed by Daniel Crump and Margriet Vandezande-Crump, serves modern British food in a Grade II listed 17th century former coaching inn. greyhoundbeaconsfield.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES A D D

S O M E

SPICE Atul Kocchar’s three reasons to enjoy Veganuary

Creative Juices THE WOODSPEEN

VA A S U

Happy returns THE ARTICHOKE

It’s going to be a busy new year ahead as 2024 will see The Artichoke’s 21st birthday. The Amersham restaurant have many exciting events planned with local culinary producers, artisans, craftsmen and women working alongside them to bring you incredible lunches, dinners and occasions. Highlights of the Winter Tasting Menus include saddle of local Ibstone fallow deer with celeriac, roast chestnuts, baby pinecones, blackberry, hibiscus, and stuffed cabbage, as well as Chiltern Hill partridge. artichokerestaurant.co.uk

This Marlow favourite is offering a vegan menu for £69 per person, with dishes including Kale Chaat, crispy baked kale, tamarind and mint chutney, sweet yoghurt, and Gatta Curry with Rajasthani style gram flour dumpling. vaasurestaurant.co.uk

The Woodspeen is a restaurant and cookery school set in a lovingly restored 19th century farmhouse in the West Berkshire countryside.

As the seasons change, so too does the menu, overseen

by Executive Chef Peter Eaton. It frees the chefs to flex their creative muscles and get the very best out of local ingredients while they’re in their prime. thewoodspeen.com

H AW K Y N S For £55 per person, Hawkyns in Amersham will have a tasty vegan menu to enjoy. Momo (Nepalese dumpling of spicy vegetable, grilled tomato chutney) and Subzi Kofta Nizami (winter vegetable dumplings, silky onion & cashew nut gravy) are stand outs. hawkynsrestaurant.co.uk

THE NEXT COURSE THE BOXFORD

Spring in its step THE WATERSIDE INN

Steeped in history it may be, but at its heart, The Waterside Inn in Bray is simply a family-run restaurant with rooms, with a steadfast team of staff and dedicated Chef Patron, Alain Roux, at its helm, always looking to the future yet remaining true to its founding principles.

They have their own electric launch, “The Valbonne”, to enjoy a jaunt along the river during spring and summer, and a beautiful outside terrace to admire the views. waterside-inn.co.uk

R I WA Z For £65 per person, the Beaconsfield restaurant will offer their vegan tasting menu.

Highlights include Aloo Tikka Chaat (potato cakes, onion, kachumber, tamarind chutney) and Baghar-eBaigan (Andhra style aubergine steaks with Bhagare gravy). riwazrestaurants.co.uk

WSH Restaurants’ new venture The Boxford in Newbury has enjoyed a hugely successful opening, welcoming over 300 covers on its opening weekend.

Guests enjoyed exploring Head Chef Mirko Privitera’s authentic Sicilian inspired cuisine, including tasty starters, sourdough pizzas, and freshly made pasta, with all leaving positive feedback. theboxford.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CATHRINE AND SIMON

Nordic CHARM

Founder Cathrine Tjore shares the secret to NORSK café’s success and why everyone might benefit from living more Norwegian

By A M Y B O N I FA S

A

sk anyone local to NORSK in Ford End, Haddenham, and their eyes will light up at the thought of this cosy café and lifestyle store. An exceptionally friendly team serve up expertly crafted coffees and authentic Nordic buns (more on these later), against a backdrop of muted tones and well-curated Scandi wares.

A lover of Scandi style myself (show me a Brit who isn’t), the place has always intrigued me. So, when I had the chance to meet NORSK founder and born-and-bred Norwegian Cathrine Tjore, I jumped at the chance.

We meet at NORSK’s summer house just down the road in Long Crendon. It’s the brand’s newest addition and it’s now available to rent for short stays on Airbnb. Inspired by the traditional white

INSIDE NORSK

clapboard summer houses that Cathrine grew up with, the place sits at the bottom of her garden and is a peaceful oasis for anyone wanting to explore the local area.

Inside is an extension of the café’s calm and collected style, with a mix of Scandi minimalism and quirky British finds. There’s a huge dining table that you can wheel across the room for more formal or relaxed dining, and the bedroom is a haven of crisp white sheets, painted wooden floors and natural woven baskets.

But, the road to creating this now beloved brand hasn’t been a simple one. “We opened a café at Haddenham train station 19 years ago,” says Cathrine. “It became popular and we realised how much potential there was for something more here. We walked past this old building on the high street and started dreaming about how amazing it would be to open a café there.”

In 2008, Cathrine and her husband Simon bought the building to launch another café branch – known as the Little Italy Espresso Bar at the time. But fast-forward to 2017, and Cathrine had had a brainwave. “I got ill back in 2016 and had been away from work for a year, getting well. When you’re growing a business and you’re also working on the café floor, time just disappears. So, when I got back, I had a different perspective. I felt like it was time to bring a slice of native Norwegian style to the UK. I just thought, life’s too short, let’s go for it.” Together, they rebranded it to NORSK, which means ‘Norwegian’.

“I don’t like sterile,” says Cathrine. “So, we added a lot of natural wood elements, exposed some of the brick walls and created different flooring heights and tiling to add texture and depth.” The cosy, inky blue of the panelled walls is the same hue as Cathrine’s mother’s kitchen – a happy accident. “I didn’t think about it when selecting it, but it’s exactly the same!”

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“I wanted to sell things that I’d have in my own house, things that aren’t going to go out of fashion tomorrow” Now, as you step from the quiet high street, lined with period cottages, it’s impossible not to feel inspired by the Scandi-cool aesthetic and the amazing aromas coming from the kitchen. No matter the time of week or day, the place is always buzzing with families, groups of friends and solo locals.

Behind the till are tempting rows of freshly baked rye and sourdough loaves, and the coffee is some of the best I’ve tasted in Bucks.

The menu combines seasonal Norwegian and British breakfast and lunch dishes and includes everything from smoothie bowls to Norwegian open sandwiches like the Salmon Smorbord (pronounced ‘smur-bord’).

This month, there are seasonal additions like warming lentil dhal, homemade soups and a new smoked cheddar, mustard leeks and red onion toastie – perfect for fending off the January blues.

Then, there are the Nordic buns, swirled with cinnamon icing. “I took our café manager, Frankie, over to Norway to meet my mum. She gave Frankie the recipe and trained her to make them from scratch,” says Cathrine. “There are lots of Scandi places out there now, but I hope that customers can feel the difference here and know that what we’re serving is authentic.”

It’s true that over the last 10-20 years, the UK has been obsessed with Danish and Swedish cultures and concepts like ‘fika’ and

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‘hygge’, often smushing the cultures together into one big Scandi smorgasbord. But, the unique Norwegian culture is just as fascinating, with its focus on outdoor and mindful living.

“I grew up in Kristiansand – a seaside town on the southern tip of Norway, known for its archipelago where chic Norwegians flock in the summer months,” says Cathrine. “I’d spend whole summers just swimming and hanging out with friends.

“We had a summer house on one of the remote islands, and in the winter we’d drive for two hours to our little cabin and go skiing and hiking. It sounds grand, but lots of Norwegians’ holiday homes aren’t.

Ours didn’t have running water and we got most of our heat from an open fire. The simplicity of it was lovely though – no mobile phones, fishing for crabs and catching your dinner – it’s something that I think a lot of people are craving nowadays.”

Perhaps this is why Norwegians are consistently voted as some of the happiest in the world? “When I look at my friends and family living in Norway, I feel that they’re better at living in the present,” she says.

“They work hard, but they live now to have a good time, making the most of the outdoors and getting active whenever they can.”

It’s this connection to her roots that drove her to make NORSK a laptop-free zone. Well, that and certain work-from-homers coming

in, spending £3 and refusing to budge for hours. “I don’t think people realise that in this industry you need to make money00. In the end, my husband and I were adamant about the policy. We were worried that we’d receive a lot of backlash, but we actually became busier! The whole atmosphere changed.”

And people are coming in to shop now, too. Cathrine and her team are behind the beautifully curated selection of homewares on offer – from artisan candles and handwoven blankets to statement ceramics and kitchen tools. “I wanted to sell things that I’d have in my own house, things that aren’t going to go out of fashion tomorrow,” says Cathrine.

“Some products we spot during our trips to Scandinavia and just have to bring back to the UK. Some are by British makers with a keen eye for Nordic style. We have a fairly small selection, but most things are timeless as we want to encourage a more sustainable way of shopping.”

And it’s this strong sense of vision, passion and genuine love for her team that is Cathrine’s biggest key to success. So, next time you feel like slowing things down or taking a proper lunch break you know where to head.

Visit the NORSK cafe and lifestyle store at 7a Fort End Road, Haddenham. Open Wed–Sun. Discover more and shop online at NORSK’s awardwinning lifestyle store at norsklifestyle.com

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FA S H I O N

BURNING DESIRE BERRY’S JEWELLERS

From the Latin word ‘ruber’, which means red, the ruby’s colour suggests an inextinguishable burning flame, and it has long been said to inspire passion, devotion and faithfulness. It is also believed that the ruby can promote self-care in the wearer and inspire confidence to tackle all aspects of life.

Discover a stunning range of ruby jewellery at your nearest Berry’s boutique or berrysjewellers.co.uk

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BRIGHT HORIZONS

To boldly go… Start 2024 with a burst of colour thanks to the latest from Oliver Bonas in Windsor and Milton Keynes OLIVERBONAS.COM

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

For Keeps Start dropping hints about these standout engagement rings B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

LISTER HORSFALL

JEMMA WYNNE

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Oval cut 0.80ct G VS2 diamond ring set in claw setting, £6,620 listerhorsfall.co.uk

Prive luxe Isadora ring made with platinum and diamonds, £POA jemmawynne.com

Platinum GIA certificated cushion shape yellow diamond halo ring, £97,500 berrysjewellers.co.uk

GRAFF

SHAHLA KARIMI

BRIONY RAYMOND

3.78ct fancy yellow radiant cut diamond ring with yellow pavé diamond surround and band (5.45cts), £POA graff.com

14K yellow gold and diamond ring, £6,100 shahlakarimi.com

Sloan solitaire ring made with 18K yellow gold and a yellow diamond, £POA brionyraymond.com

GROWN BRILLIANCE

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

ARTËMER

18K white gold Milan ring with 8.19 carats of lab grown diamonds, £13,160 grownbrilliance.com

18ct rose gold oval malayan garnet and diamond ring, £7,695 berrysjewellers.co.uk

18K yellow gold, morganite and diamond ring, £4,000 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

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Working together to deliver comprehensive & tailored care DoctorNow & The Beaconsfield Clinic is an established private healthcare provider, offering rapid access to a range of health services tailored to you and your family’s needs. We have extended clinic opening hours to fit around your work & lifestyle, giving access to highly experienced GP’s and Specialist Consultants across a wide range of medical disciplines.

To make an appointment or for more information, contact our team today.

Telephone: 01494 410 888 Email: info@doctornow.org | www.doctornow.org Little Hall Barn, Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2JW

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HEALTH & BEAUTY S

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FEELING GOOD SPA GUIDE

What is January good for? A trip to a spa, of course...

Inside, as part of this health and beauty special, we visit some of the best spas across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire (and close by), and marvel at the many technological advancements they all boast to make us feel a whole lot better. We also look at the art of sleeping, plus take a look at the health trends that if taken on board will mean 2024 truly will be a chance for a new you.

In this sect ion T H E L A N G L E Y S P A 64 C A R P E D I E M 67 H E A LT H Y 2 0 2 4 71 F I T N E S S N E W S 73

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THE LANGLEY -

Beneath The Langley, A Luxury Collection Hotel, you’ll find the world class Langley Spa. With a focus on overall wellness and the pursuit of connecting with both the mind and body, the team have curated a range of treatments and experiences for everyone.

The Langley takes a different approach to wellness, encouraging guests to see their time at the spa as a journey, guided by their therapist and the team, with the destination determined by them. Drawing inspiration from rituals from all over the world, treatments are designed to champion different cultures and give guests the opportunity to travel far and wide without ever leaving the peace and beauty of the Buckinghamshire countryside.

Unwind in exceptional thermal facilities, escape in a unique VIP Suite, or work up a sweat in state-of-the-art fitness facilities, The Langley Spa presents an unrivalled backdrop for both wellness and indulgence.

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marriott.co.uk

& RELAX

Absolutely picks out the spas and treatments that will help you de-stress after the Christmas rush

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

THE SPA AT COTTONMILL -

DE VERE COTSWOLD WATER PARK -

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cottonmillspa.com

waterpark.spa@devere.com / 01285 864 071 devere.co.uk

THE RETREAT ELCOT PARK -

THE MASSAGE COMPANY -

The Spa at Cottonmill is a vision of unprecedented, internationally informed excellence. Conceived as a global leader, its founders have roamed from Utah to the Himalayas and everywhere in between to handpick the best elements from spas both world-renowned and secret. Within the spectacular Cottonmill, there is an inner sanctum called ‘The Club’ at Cottonmill. Here, there are a number of additional spaces, including the spa gardens, whisper room and deep relaxation room.

Home to three secluded outdoor hot tubs, four double cabanas, a central firepit, an infinity thermal pool and an outdoor shower, the spa gardens designed by AnnMarie Powell are a space in which to enrich the soul.

Spa 6 located at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park hotel is a tranquil haven in a beautiful Cotswolds setting. Discover a selection of luxury Templespa treatments from relaxing back massages to cleansing facials. To achieve the ultimate state of tranquillity, try their dry flotation room or ancient Rasul therapy experience. With a range of spa breaks, days and experiences, this hotel offers everything you could possibly need for some wellearned rest and rejuvenation. Spa 6 is also home to a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and newly refurbished Technogym equipment.

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For an indulgent and restorative few hours, look no further than The Retreat Elcot Park, which has been named Britain’s Best Hotel by The Times & Sunday Times. Spa Experiences include a 60-minute massage, plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous spa facilities followed by Afternoon Tea in the Orangery restaurant with a glass of champagne.

The spa features an indoor hydrotherapy pool, a heated outdoor infinity pool, Himalayan salt sauna and an aroma steam room. A range of additional treatments can be added, including a salt flotation tank, for the ultimate in relaxation.

It’s time to discover The Retreat.

Need a highly-effective massage treatment, but don’t have time to spa? The Massage Company in High Wycombe is for you – open 7 days a week and to 9pm weekdays, the team of 15 highly professional massage therapists are all trained in Sports, Deep tissue, Swedish and Maternity massages of 50min or 80m duration. With optional upgrades of hot stones, aromatherapy, scalp massage or our ‘fantastic foot treatment’ you’ll find the solution to your problem with them, or just come and enjoy the relaxation. TMC is the leading provider of massage therapy nationwide, so go and experience the difference for yourself – discounted introductory price of £59.95 available.

retreatelcotpark.com

01494 424646 / massagecompany.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

“The Langley Spa is renowned for its holistic wellness treatments”

T h e

c o m p l e t e

Experience How The Langley Spa offers an all-round wellbeing getaway, from top of the range treatments to luxurious amenities

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estled in the heart of Iver’s countryside, The Langley Spa is a sanctuary of timeless luxury. This awardwinning spa offers an exclusive retreat for those seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation in an unparalleled setting.

As one of Europe’s largest underground spas housed within a hotel, The Langley Spa is renowned for its holistic wellness treatments and world-class amenities. Featuring an indoor pool, Vitality Pools, a Himalayan Salt Sauna, a Salt Infused Steam Room, as well as dedicated female only thermal facilities, The Langley Spa is the ultimate wellness destination to explore in 2024.

The outdoor pool, open seasonally and heated to perfection, allows you to swim and relax amidst the picturesque beauty of the Buckinghamshire countryside. With an accompanying pool bar, The Langley is an idyllic spot to spend the coming summer days.

Members of The Langley Spa can enjoy a complete lifestyle and wellness experience

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with exclusive benefits. These include preferential rates on spa treatments and services, guest passes to welcome your friends and family, healthy food and beverage options in the Spa Lounge, a complimentary welcome hammam treatment and access to a state-of-the-art gym. The gym has the latest equipment and innovative technology for progress monitoring, as well as knowledgeable personal trainers who can provide bespoke programmes suited to individual goals.

The Langley Spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies, from facial treatments using exclusive Sisley facial skin care, to full body massages and traditional hammams. You can experience hand-selected massage techniques from across the globe, all expertly delivered by a talented spa team using the best in luxury products.

Pre-treatment consultations ensure all therapies are designed bespoke to your needs, helping you to meet your wellness goals.

Whether you are looking to start your wellbeing journey, want a relaxing escape or an invigorating workout, The Langley Spa has something to offer everyone.

The Langley Spa is not just about the physical, it’s about complete health and wellness. It’s about finding those moments to take care of your mind and body, restoring your sense of self and cultivating balance in your busy life.

Find out more about The Langley Spa Membership options today. Simply email membership@thelangley.com or call 020 7236 4646 to start your wellness journey this year

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Begin Your Health & Wellness Journey at our Countryside Retreat With a holistic approach to wellbeing, The Langley Spa is the perfect place to relax, recharge and reinvigorate in 2024.

A sanctuary of self-care awaits Exclusive Spa Days and Membership rates available now.

For more information: Membership@TheLangley.com | +44 (0) 207 236 4646 TheLangleyspa.onejourney.travel

Photo by Max Burnett

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Sleep secrets

How to achieve the perfect night’s sleep?

Start with the perfect mattress

By EVE HERBERT

T

he perfect night’s sleep is the holy grail of life. The quality of our sleep defines our day – and a good night will lead to happier, more productive and successful waking hours. But how to achieve it? Most important is, of course, the bed itself. Swedish company Carpe Diem Beds was founded 25 years ago by chiropractor Börje Thuleskär, a firm believer in the importance of sleep for body and mind. He sought out the best mattress on the market, but wasn’t impressed by it. One day he fell asleep on a bed of heather by the sea and discovered that it was more comfortable than any bed. This led him to embark on a quest to build the perfect bed, one that would mimic the feeling of weightlessness he had had on the heather. The quest took thousands of hours and a partnership with the Spinal Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. The final result is Carpe Diem Beds' patented Contour Pocket System, which has a

unique cushioning ability. It gently yields and supports at the same time, instantly moulding to your body’s contours and changing with your every movement. The sensation is unique: almost weightless and quite unlike most standard mattresses. Just like lying on a bed of heather on the cliffs by the Swedish sea, in fact. Carpe Diem Beds has a showroom on Wigmore Street where visitors can experience the company’s ethos first hand, and there are displays at Harrods and Heal’s too.

The store is dedicated to optimising the bedroom environment to create an oasis of calm, and visitors can experience the company’s ethos first hand under the guidance of manger Rui Franca. And while choosing the perfect mattress for you is at the heart of the experience, there’s a strong focus on bedroom design and streamlining, so that the bed you choose can be enclosed in an environment that’s conducive to optimum sleep health. It’s a very calming place and people are encouraged to take their time. The consultation involves trying every bed until you find the one you like best. “We like people to come and spend an hour or two trying the beds. There’s a widespread misconception that a firm mattress is better for you, says Rui. “But we believe that you should sleep in the bed, not on the bed, and our contour pocket system is meant to contour your body so that you feel you’re sleeping on a cloud.”

Top of the range is Vindö, the most innovative adjustable bed that offers automatic lumbar and neck support, with head and foot rests that can be lowered or raised to suit your needs. It has a variety of massage functions that can be controlled via an app, as well as built in under-bed lighting. Skaftö is Carpe Diem Beds’ most exclusive continental bed and its moveable mid-section can be adjusted, with built-in back support customised by remote control. There’s no better single route to wellbeing for body and soul than rest and sleep, and that’s why a Carpe Diem bed is a long term investment in your overall health.

15 Wigmore Street, W1 020 3982 3252 carpediembeds.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Move

MORE Sir Ian Botham's new campaign to save the NHS

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FEELING INSPIRED TO MOVE MORE THIS YEAR?

“Look, if you don’t stay active, you get old very quickly. Whether you’re getting up a mountain or getting out of bed… the important thing is to keep going.”

SIR IAN BOTHAM

H

aving undergone a complete knee replacement surgery in late 2022, Ian Botham dedicated the past year to his personal journey of recovery, rediscovering the profound value of physical and mental well-being through exercise. Inspired by this rediscovery, the sporting icon is now embarking on another mission to get the nation moving. Many of us know Ian Botham as the front-man of England’s greatest ever comeback, “the miracle of Headingley” (1981), so he might just be the leader we need in this push to get our people to Move More.

Whilst Beefy’s Charity Foundation continues to fundraise for the treatment of chronic and serious illnesses, Ian’s ‘Move More’ message is one of prevention before treatment.

Not all trips to hospital are easily avoided, but this initiative is one of self-awareness, asking individuals to consider if they could be doing more to keep themselves healthy, then encouraging them to do exactly that.

“When you were younger, you didn't have to think about exercise because you were exercising every day – out on the sports field and the playground. Nobody thought, 'Oh, I've got to do some exercise', you just did it. As you get older, it gets a bit trickier to look after yourself, so you must be more disciplined,” says Ian. Dr Rob Galloway, A&E Doctor and honorary clinical professor, recently published an article

stating that “doing regular exercise is the single most important thing that anyone can do for their health and thus reduce demand on health care systems”. The same article details concerns about the UK healthcare system, which revolve around its current focus on treating acute illnesses at the expense of prevention, leading to unsustainable demand and potential harm to patients.

In presenting movement as a solution to our healthcare crisis, Dr Galloway refers to exercise as “the wonder drug that every GP should be prescribing”, being that it’s zero cost, zero side-effects, and has a list of benefits longer than any pharmaceutical ever created. Considering the stress our NHS is currently under, Ian Botham’s ‘Move More’ initiative is an empowering reminder to help our healthcare by helping yourself.

THINKING OF JOINING THE MOVEMENT?

The NHS has created a useful tool to guide people who are looking to incorporate more movement into their routine: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ Inline with his ambassadorship for leading wellbeing brands, EthicaCBD and Revitive, Sir Ian Botham has been sharing his physical recovery processes, hoping to inspire his followers to keep striving for better living no matter what it takes. For those of us with added challenges, Ian’s advice for staying active against the odds is rather succinct: “Get out there and have a crack. It’s the only way to keep yourself mentally and physically strong.”

We’ve got exactly what you need.

EthicaCBD are giving away 1 year’s subscription to Move GB and 1 year’s supply of EthicaCBD Sports Gel, an allnatural pain and mobility gel designed to help you get active and stay active.

With your Move GB subscription, you’ll be granted complete access to all the best local fitness venues, activities and instructors, all from one membership.

It’s a comprehensive and complete opportunity to incorporate exercise into your routine and keep things interesting.

All that exercise doesn’t come without a bit of soreness. January is the time where most people join the gym, but many of us don’t stick to it. Fortunately, thanks to your year’s supply of EthicaCBD, your muscles, joints, and tendons will be receiving the very best plant-based care available. If there is any product on the market that could help you make it through the January soreness and commit to a more healthy routine, the EthicaCBD Sports Gel is the one.

Here’s how good their CBD Sports Gel is… in July 2022, Sir Ian Botham hadn’t walked around a golf course in over 2 years. His son gifted him some of this natural gel, in an attempt to boost his mobility by reducing the pain and inflammation he’d long been suffering in his knees and hips. Long story short, it worked. Three weeks later, he was walking around Sunningdale golf course and 3 months later he returned to competitive golfing at the Dunhill Links. When asked on the topic, Ian said: “Without the gel, I wouldn’t have made it around the Dunhill.”

So, enter EthicaCBD’s competition for a chance to win everything you need to get active and stay active this year.

Move more, with EthicaCBD.

E T H I C AC B D O F F E R We've teamed up with EthicaCBD to offer one lucky reader, 1 year’s subscription to Move GB and 1 year’s supply of EthicaCBD Sports Gel, worth £648!

Head over to absolutelymagazines.com/ medicanna-competition/

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

EXERCISING OUTDOORS IS GOOD FOR THE SENSES

STAY ON TOP OF STRESS

MUSSELS ARE RICH IN VITAMIN B12

When stressed your body prioritises where it spends its energies, and nutrients are leached away from less vital areas of the body, such as your skin and hair, and redirected towards key survival organs.

Nutrients that are used up more quickly in times of stress include magnesium, the B vitamins and vitamin C, so look to keep these topped up through diet and if necessary, supplements.

JUST STAYING ON TOP

G OOD INTENTIONS The team at Zen Health Foods in Newbury on how you can make 2024 your healthiest year yet

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hristmas done and dusted and tinsel safely stowed for another year. It’s time to make good on those new year’s resolutions.

Make 2024 your healthiest and happiest year yet with these five easy, and more importantly, sustainable switches…

ONE THING AT A TIME You are much more likely to succeed in your goals if you allow your brain to concentrate on one change at a time; embarking upon a new diet, coupled with daily sessions down the gym (having previously never set foot in one) is unrealistic.

Certain nutrients can also help to boost concentration and support brain health.

Boost your B vitamins – they’re important for managing stress, yes, but they’re also important for healthy brain function. Of all

the B vitamins, B12 is especially important for red blood cell formation and energy release. Having low levels of vitamin B12 will zap your mental energy, your attention span and your cognitive function.

We only need a small amount of vitamin B12, circa 1.5 mcg per day, but because it is mainly found in animal products, vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common vegetarian and vegan diet deficiencies. Foods rich in B12 include mussels, mackerel, soya milk and yoghurt, alternatively a supplement can help.

If you are feeling a little low, St. John’s Wort or Hypericum can help with feelings of sluggishness, low mood and mild anxiety. Scientists believe it works by prolonging the action of serotonin and by increasing levels of melatonin.

COMMIT TO AN EXERCISE REGIME , BUT KEEP IT REAL Finally, moderate, regular exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle; it speeds up the rate at which your body breaks down fat and it’s great for your mental health, better still if you can get outdoors as green space exposure is believed to activate a primitive part of the brain involved with stress regulatory responses. Just 10 minutes a day will help you to feel better and more in control. positive change in the first place.

For further information, visit 73 Northbrook Street, Newbury RG14 1AE, or online at zenhealthfoods.com

IN MODERATION If you want to lose a few pounds, do so sensibly.

There is no magic weight loss pill. Eat healthily and eat regularly. Your brain uses more energy when it’s being asked to exert willpower, and the hungrier you are the harder it is to resist cravings. To combat sugary cravings top up on chromium-rich foods, which can include wholegrains, brown rice and green beans.

GREEN BEANS ARE CHROMIUM-RICH

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Integrated multi-grip pull-up bar

BUILD THE HOME GYM YOU’VE ALWAYS JANUARY OFFERS WANTED Make 2024 your strongest year yet with Fitness Superstore’s January offers on leading home gym equipment! Discover some of the industry’s biggest brands at the best possible prices, get some top home gym advice from our expert team and get to grips with any of our cardio and strength products in-store before you buy.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

THREE HIKING STAPLES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

WARM UP This half-zip top is designed to keep the chills out, making the perfect layer for hiking. Soft and warm, the fabric is treated with a plant seed-based finish to help wick sweat as you climb to your destination, £88. lululemon.co.uk

SUPER

TR AINER

ALL DAY EXPLORING This waterproof hiking boot is designed for all trails, and to withstand all weather conditions.

With excellent heel stability and Missiongrip™ technology, you'll feel secure on the most uneven terrain, £190. on-running.com

STAY WARM Filled with responsibly-sourced down for unbeatable warmth, this jacket is ideal for cold, wet days on the trail. It also has clever FlashDry™ technology, which wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable if you start to sweat, £315. thenorthface.co.uk

Carly Glendinning meets celebrity personal trainer and founder of LDM Louisa Drake

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’s Friday and I’m sitting in the waiting area at UNTIL, home to some of the UK’s top health and wellness professionals. I’m here to meet Louisa Drake, founder of the Louisa Drake Method, and known for training celebrities from Gwynth Paltrow to Rooney Mara. Louisa bounds around the corner, with a huge smile and I warm to her immediately. She puts me through my paces on the reformer Pilates machine and takes me through exercises with free weights, Pilates resistance bands, and a ball.

As I perform each movement, Louisa assesses my strengths and weaknesses, checking which side feels more comfortable.

We discuss my fitness goals and areas I want to improve (I

have a toddler, so it’s my core and pelvic floor). “I’m already making a mental note of which LDM videos will be great for you,” she says as I get ready to leave. The following week, an incredibly detailed fitness plan with nutritional guidelines, as well as notes about my weaker areas and how to improve them, lands in my inbox. Armed with my LDM Total Workout Kit, I’m all set to log onto the LDM platform and start training. With a background as a professional dancer, choreographer, and movement coach, Louisa’s programme is fusion of Pilates, yoga, barre, and HIIT. She’s recommended I aim for three full-body strength and resistance based sessions and two-three HIIT/

cardio sessions per week.

Before meeting Louisa, I think I might have found this a bit daunting, but I’m so fired up after our session that I stick to it and find myself really enjoying it. The videos are led by different LDM instructors and I try a combination of 'Barre', 'Sculpt', 'Refine, Core' and Louisa’s signature 'Shape Changer' classes. I’ve noticed a huge difference in a few short weeks and I'd highly recommend a one-to-one with Louisa to supercharge your routine.

Access to the LDM Virtual Studio starts from £20 a month. One-to-one session pricing on request; louisadrake.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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A B LIS S FU L OA SIS ON YOUR DOORST E P. THE S PA AT COWORTH PA RK.

CoworthPark

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CoworthParkUK #DCmoments

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Q What GP services do you offer?

A I provide a full range of GP services

including Adult & Paediatric Check-ups, Well Man & Well Woman Health Checks, evidence based IV supplementation Drips, Weight Loss clinics, Mens health, and Facial Aesthetics.

Q Does this include blood tests?

A Yes we offer a full range of blood tests

for diagnostics as well as in-depth health checks which includes a full haematology profile, inflammatory markers, lipid profile, kidney function, liver function, thyroid function and diabetes.

Q Who are myhealth checks available to?

A As well as 15 minute and 30 minute

consultations for both adults and children, 1 hour Well Man and Well Woman full health checks can be arranged too.

Q What does a Well Woman or

Well Man Health Check entail?

A A full head-to-toe physical examination DR RAJ DHILLON

PRIVATE PRACTICE Absolutely discovers what Dr Raj Dhillon offers at Berkshire’s CrownWood Medispa

A

s we all know, GP waiting times are increasing in many areas, making it more difficult for people to get essential investigations done in a timely manner.

This means that the process between noticing symptoms, having a check-up, diagnostics and treatment can often take months or even years.

One solution to help patients is to book a private GP and this is now available in Bracknell. The local community can benefit from the expertise of a highly skilled and experienced Medical Doctor, Dr Raj Dhillon, at the CrownWood Medispa, a 5* rated Berkshire practice and avoid the waiting lists.

So, how do private GP services work and what services are available? To help people who may be considering it as an option, Dr Raj has answered the many questions our readers have.

Q How long have you been

a practising GP?

A After graduating from the prestigious

St Georges Medical School in 2014, I have gained over 9 years medical experience and attained membership to the Royal College Of General Practitioners. I have also completed a postgraduate diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine, Nutrition, and have a specialist interest in Longevity and Regenerative medicine.

over 60 minutes includes a discussion on medical and family history, a detailed lifestyle assessment with advice on nutrition and exercise, a detailed bespoke report with your results as well as a heart risk calculation called Q RISK. Following a consultation, I will follow up with a telephone call to discuss blood result findings and a bespoke plan of interventions to help address any findings.

Q How does Private GP service

work alongside NHS GP care?

A A Private GP service aims to complement

the service you get from the NHS, not replace it. However, you can choose to see us for any aspect of your medical care.

Q Can private health insurance be used

for GP appointments at CrownWood?

A It is indeed possible, but health insurance

policies vary widely so do check with your insurance provider about your cover.

To book a consultation readers are invited to contact Lisa, the Patient Care Co-Ordinator, on 01344 300 417 or 07765 333 768 or simply visit crownwoodmedispa.co.uk and go to the Clinical Services page

INSIDE CROWNWOOD MEDISPA

Q Why do you think it is important for

private GP services to be available?

A Having worked as a NHS GP, I know

all too the well the pressure both General practice and the NHS as a whole are under, sadly this impacts patient care in terms of longer waiting lists, and accessibility to see a GP. This is where Private GP services can be beneficial, firstly in providing immediate access to GP services while also taking some pressure off the NHS. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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•FOOD HEALTH XXXXXXXX & BEAUTY• XXXXX

Don't MISS OUT Absolutely’s top tips to enjoy a healthy Veganuary

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f you’re thinking of giving Veganuary a go this year, there are some essential ‘need to knows’ to make sure you don’t miss out on vital hidden nutrients in your food. After all, food is the fuel that makes our biology work for us.

Herts based, award-winning nutritionist, gut health specialist Dr Lucy Williamson, provides some tips on what to look out for if you are dramatically changing your diet in the short term, or plan to remain vegan for the long haul.

“More and more people join the Veganuary movement every year; some people will be converted to veganism by the end of the month, others will revert back to a more flexitarian diet come 1 February,” she says.

“Either way, we all need to make sure that our bodies are fed the necessary nutrients to make them function at their best. There are some nutrients for which the easiest available source is animalbased, but nature is a wonderful thing, and generally a plant-based alternative is available as are natural supplements, which you will need to bridge nutrient gaps.”

OMEGA 3

Fish remains by far our best source of this essential heart-healthy oil, which also protects us from inflammation in our body.

We can get Omega 3 from plants; flaxseed and walnuts are good sources, but our body is much less efficient at processing

Omega 3 from plants, so I would always recommend including a natural supplement like an algal oil in your daily diet.

HIDDEN IODINE IN FISH AND DAIRY

We don’t hear much about iodine, but it’s essential for the unborn baby right through to our senior years. It ensures good brain development during pregnancy, healthy growth in childhood and is needed for our thyroid gland to work well, impacting energy and weight control in adulthood. One glass of cow’s milk gives us half our daily requirement as well as fish being a wonderful source, so when going vegan consider taking a seaweed supplement to boost your levels.

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“Eating a variety of plants is vital for gut health”

BEWARE ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS

There is now an array of plant-based alternatives to animal foods on our supermarket shelves, but make sure to check the labels as many of these foods are also very processed. It’s easy to think we’re doing the right thing by choosing food from the ‘plant-based’ section, but these foods often contain many additives and lose the benefit of a ‘whole food’ – nutrients in whole foods work together to help us absorb and digest them well. Instead, follow some fabulous vegan recipes at home using lovely whole foods like lentils, beans and seasonal fruit and veg.

CALCIUM

We can absorb calcium from dairy better than any other food so when following a vegan diet, always choose a fortified plant drink or better still, enjoy calcium naturally present in food like a dish of overnight soaked oats for breakfast, or including plenty of pulses and brassicas like watercress.

Calcium is of course vital for children during growth and dairy provides them with the protein, iodine and calcium they need for this. Similarly, through the challenges of menopause, low oestrogen leaves us susceptible to poor bone strength, meaning calcium becomes even more important.

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IRON

With high requirements during childhood and teenage years (for puberty), pregnancy and senior age (for muscle strength), it’s helpful to know that iron from plants is very hard for our body to absorb. Food combining can be helpful here – tomatoes with spinach or watercress with pulses for example. Kidney beans, cashew nuts, lentils and brassicas are all good sources, but only if eating Vitamin C at the same time.

This is because Vitamin C converts the plant iron into a form that is more easily absorbable.

NURTURE YOUR GUT

Eating a variety of plants is vital for gut health, but nutrient-rich, minimally processed whole foods, animal or otherwise, have an important role too. These ensure we get all the hidden nutrients in our food, high fibre, low sugar and with few artificial additives like emulsifiers, which play havoc with our gut health. Our gut microbes make some Vitamin B12 for us, but not enough to replace that gained from a flexitarian diet, so for Veganuary, a Vitamin B12 supplement is vital.

So, as we head into Veganuary, follow these steps to make sure your health thrives at the same time as doing some good for the animals and the planet.

Find out more at lwnutrition.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

NOW & THEN

Absolutely finds out more about Doctor Now, celebrating 20 years in General Practice

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octor Now, an established private General Practice in the heart of Beaconsfield, is proud to be celebrating 20 years in practice and we spoke with CEO, Gary Robinson, about the significance of this milestone in context to the shift in patient’s health needs, NHS challenges and the global health issues impacting the UK. “Celebrating two decades of commitment to providing high quality general practice in our community is a momentous occasion that fills us with immense pride and gratitude,” Gary says. “As we reflect on the past 20 years, we are reminded of the countless lives we have touched

possible care. Our key objective is to always provide a personal and tailored service, so patients feel comfortable and have enough time to explore their health concerns.”

The heart of Doctor Now’s success lies in the dedicated clinicians and administrative team, all of whom have an unwavering commitment to patient care, compassion, and continuous improvement. Together, they have faced health and economic challenges (Covid playing a major part), however, during these challenges Doctor Now has continued to build lasting relationships with the individuals and families they are privileged to serve.

“As we commemorate this milestone, we express our deepest gratitude to all our patients who have entrusted us with their health for the past two decades,” Gary adds. “Their support has been the cornerstone of our success, and we are honoured to be an integral part of their lives. We remain committed to providing exceptional general practice and are excited about the future and the opportunity to continue growing, learning, and evolving.” doctornow.org

and the milestones we have achieved together as a practice and a team.”

Establishing a foundation of trust and reliability, Doctor Now’s journey began two decades ago with a vision to create a healthcare proposition that goes beyond conventional medical services.

From day one, Doctor Now’s mission has been to deliver comprehensive, patientcentred care that not only addresses immediate health concerns, but also has a holistic approach to preventative health and overall wellbeing.

“Over the years, our practice has evolved to meet the changing needs of our patients,” says Gary. “We strive to innovate and invest in our team and infrastructure as much as possible to ensure that our patients receive the best A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS

LI NE UP B E N JA M I N M O O R E

For 2024, Benjamin Moore is suggesting that we use masking tape to play with angles and introduce unexpected geometry to coving in a fearless, eyecatching colour such as this Outrageous Orange. Furniture and accessories in the same shade lock the scheme together. benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

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Design for

TOMORROW 84

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

AMECHI MANDI

How African tradition inspired Amechi Mandi to create a very contemporary look for the home Words P E A R L B OY D

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mechi is a design brand founded by Cameroonianborn product and furniture designer Amechi Mandi.

Amechi is an Igbo name from south eastern Nigeria and means “who knows tomorrow” or “only God knows tomorrow”, and Amechi Mandi is of Nigerian and Cameroonian heritage.

As is the case with most creatives, Amechi was creative before he even knew what it was. Around the early ages of four and five in his hometown of Douala in Cameroon, he can vividly remember how he would draw his mum in the best clothes and stop and stare in amazement at his flamboyantly fashionable neighbour. It was some years later that a drawing Amechi showed his mother led her to declare that he could be a fashion designer himself, and so the dream of following in the footsteps of famous fashion designers began.

Fast forward a few decades, Amechi did not become a fashion designer, but would work in the industry for many years – stylist, buyer, founder of a fashion start-up, and creative director at Voo Store Berlin. Eager to try something different, he left Berlin for London and went back to school for a degree in

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furniture and product design. After passing with flying colours, Amechi spotted a gap in the market and set about launching an interiors brand inspired by his heritage. A brand with a huge exploratory focus on traditional African textiles and cultures indigenous to the continent. Cultures and practices that did not come into existence as a result of colonialism, but which evolved and were selfdetermined by the local people over centuries.

The main idea behind Amechi is to explore indigenous African traditions, textiles and cultures and reimagine them with fresh, fun and exciting items that add character to any contemporary space.

After feeling unsatisfied with the range of West African-inspired home décor currently on offer due to its heavily influenced colonial undertones, he decided to look into the region’s pre-colonial history and make that the focus of the brand identity.

Amechi’s first home collection, Kirdi, is inspired by modesty aprons traditionally worn by the Fali people of northern Cameroon and northern Nigeria.

The aprons were woven in glass beads and came in beautiful geometric patterns and naïve flora and fauna motifs. Hand-drawn and digitally illustrated, the Kirdi scatter cushion designs intricately capture the authentic, ancient art of Kirdi bead working and reimagine this art form in bold, colourful and original prints presented in linen, Tencel and velvet.

As a purpose-driven enterprise, Amechi supports the communities where their inspiration comes from. For the Kirdi collection, they are working with Hupjefi, a Douala, Cameroon-based social enterprise who support young women from struggling

“The idea is to explore indigenous African traditions, textiles and cultures and reimagine them” backgrounds escape the inevitable, like prostitution or from being easy targets to violence.

In collaboration with Floor Story, Waves by Amechi Mandi for Floor_Story is a collection of rugs that take the shape of waved forms, recreating the tranquillity of peacefully crystal-clear lapping water but with a playful twist. The clean, undulating lines of each design are brought to life with vibrant sun filled shades of oranges, pinks and greens, harmoniously set against a backdrop of natural sandy tones. Moving away from the traditional rectangular rug outline, the collection sees overlapping abstract shapes creating beautifully decorative rugs to grace the floor or equally a perfect fit for the wall. amechihome.com

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

COUNTRY

LIFE

Absolutely looks at a rare opportunity to acquire an exciting project in Fulmer

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elieved to date back to the late 1800s, Fulmer Gardens House is a fine country house, still retaining the grandeur of a bygone era, showcasing many character features and architectural detailing including stone quoins, impressive high ceilings punctuated with elaborate cornices, decorative wall and ceiling panelling, picture rails, parquet wood flooring and ornate period fireplaces. The property is set in about 10.5 acres and provides over 13,000 sq ft of accommodation, including a self-contained cottage, and now requires a degree of renovation and modernisation, offering potential purchasers a rare opportunity to acquire an exciting project.

On the ground floor, in the main wing of the house, a grand reception hall leads to the impressive principal reception rooms, providing significant and opulent space for both formal and informal entertaining. The accommodation on this side comprises a drawing room with magnificent garden views, formal dining room, library, music room, billiard room, kitchen and utility. On the other side of the house, formerly the servants quarters, further more modest accommodation includes a garden room, snug, kitchen, breakfast room, dining room and utility.

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on this floor with an additional bedroom, bathroom and sitting room in the attic room.

Set in about 10.5 acres, the formal gardens and grounds are a real feature of the property and provide an enchanting backdrop, with expansive lawns, pathways, water garden, hard tennis court and a swimming pool. Of particular note are the abundance of specimen trees throughout the garden, with many trees featuring tree planting plaques commemorating royal visits, with one thought to have been planted by Queen Victoria. Steps from the lawn lead to the walled, stone entertaining terrace adjoining the rear of the house. The house benefits from three gated entrances and three driveways providing ample parking. There is a double garage and a further single garage attached to a double car port. In addition to the main house is a self-contained two bedroom cottage.

Steeped in Fulmer’s history, Fulmer Gardens House was the home of Colonel the Hon Sir Harry Legge from 1883 to his death in 1928. Sir Harry was Equerry to King Edward VII and married the maid of honour to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, so consequently the connection with the Court was strong.

The Queen and her family visited the house over a prolonged period of years. Sir Harry pursued his interest in trees and started his tree collection, planting a profusion of specimens and many of these royal visits culminated in tree planting ceremonies.

Today, through the commemorative plaques, the gardens are testament to those early 20th century visits. As an estate the scale of the gardens was much greater in the 1900s than it is today – the estate had 15 gardeners and even in the 1880s trees were numerous and well developed.

Often described as the prettiest village in South Buckinghamshire, Fulmer has its own cricket team, well regarded infant school, a sought after village pub, The Black Horse, and adjacent farm shop. Gerrards Cross provides a more comprehensive range of facilities, together with a mainline

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station serving London Marylebone. The Elizabeth Line operates from Burnham, Taplow and Slough with trains to Paddington, central London and Canary Wharf.

There are many beautiful walks and bridle paths in the area including those in Denham Country Park, Burnham Beeches, Langley Park and Windsor Great Park.

The county is one of the last to maintain the traditional grammar school system, of which Dr Challoner’s Grammar Schools (boys and girls) and Beaconsfield High School for girls are the closest. Local independent preparatory schools include Thorpe House, Davenies, Caldicott (for boys), St. Marys and Maltmans Green (for girls) and Gayhurst for girls and boys.

“SET IN ABOUT 10.5 ACRES, THE FORMAL GARDENS AND GROUNDS ARE A REAL FEATURE OF THE PROPERTY”

Fulmer Gardens House has a guide price of £4,950,000. For more details, contact Savills Beaconsfield on 01494 731950 or visit savills.co.uk

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

RECHARGE WITH

ORIGIN

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How you can swim into serenity

s we step into 2024, the pursuit of holistic well-being takes centre stage. This year, it’s about not just surviving but thriving in every facet of life. This priority comes in various forms; it could mean creating a family haven for enjoyment or crafting a personal sanctuary for relaxation. Fortunately, Origin stands ready to make your well-being dreams a reality.

Swimming isn’t just an activity; it’s a comprehensive approach to both physical and mental well-being. Numerous studies

have illuminated its profound impact on our health. Regular swimmers have a reduced risk of heart disease, strokes, lower blood pressure, and diminished joint pain.

Remarkably, a SwimEngland study revealed that those who swim regularly felt an average of 12 years younger than their non-swimming counterparts.

Swimming transcends mere exercise; it can also be a source of family joy or relaxation. Whatever your perspective, Origin can transform it into your reality.

Imagine having a sauna and steam room alongside your swimming pool, these spaces offer even more exceptional health benefits, including enhanced circulation, improved heart function, lowered disease risk, and effective muscle recovery. The serene and soothing ambience of saunas and steam rooms provides exceptional stress relief, promoting better sleep, overall wellness, and a mood boost through increased blood flow to the brain and the release of endorphins.

Origin’s legacy of excellence in bespoke indoor pool

construction extends to over four decades.

Their commitment to delivering awardwinning pools has earned them industry accolades year after year. With a wide variety of bespoke projects, Origin possesses the expertise to tailor your indoor pool to your unique needs, providing you with the confidence and freedom to relish the joy of swimming in the comfort of your home.

If you seek to begin your year on a positive note, place your trust in Origin to create an indoor pool aligned with your vision of well-being. Whether that results in a home gym, sauna, juice bar, fitness space or family lounging area, Origin’s team of experts manages every aspect of the process from concept to completion giving you a head start on the relaxation and mindfulness that will fill your home for many years to come.

Limited building slots are available, so contact Origin today and let them make 2024 the year of you. originpools.co.uk info@originpools.co.uk 01895 453996 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

LAP OF

LUXURY Bathroom design specialist Ripples show effortless ways you can add a touch of elegance to your bathroom

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hink of your bathroom as your sanctuary. Creating this sort of haven can be easy to accomplish without having to do too much work. So, if you’re thinking of re-designing your bathroom, then Senior Designer Leanne Robey from Ripples Newbury has a few tips and tricks to consider when making those important design decisions.

LIGHTING

“There are many ways you can subtly add luxury to your bathroom”

Feature lighting would be my first go-to.

This could be simple underlighting or recess lighting up to pendant lights. Choosing great lighting gives a simple bathroom a much more luxurious feel, especially if you can opt for stunning wall lights, or multiple layers of light, which can add additional intrigue.

TILES

A standout tile will always elevate a bathroom. Whether it is the pattern, shape, or material, choosing a tile that complements the room will add a touch of luxury.

Simplicity can often work best when it comes to using tiles to provide a luxury feel. I would suggest choosing one style of tile and using it only in essential areas.

For example, behind the basin and within the shower area really works well and allows you to use most of your budget on components that are of better quality.

BRASSWARE

Special finish brassware really can give an exceptional touch. This style of brassware is generally more expensive than standard chrome; however, if you can find options which are within your budget, these items will elevate a bathroom. I would always encourage you to speak to a designer about special finish brassware as it is important to go for higher quality as it’s handled every day, and you’ll quickly tell if it’s not up to scratch.

HEATING

Underfloor heating would be my big go-to. Providing an extra level of warmth to a bathroom can give a level of comfort to the room.

There are many ways you can subtly add luxury to your bathroom. Strategic and calming lighting will set the overall tone of your room, whereas special finish brassware will add stand-out features whilst being incredibly long-lasting. Tiles will draw attention to specific areas of the room and underfloor heating could be the cherry on top of a beautifully designed room.

Visit Ripples Newbury at 51a London Rd, Newbury RG14 1JN, call 01635 569900, or head to ripplesbathrooms.com for more information A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • TREND MINIFORMS Illo Coffee Table, £520 gomodern.co.uk

BOBBI BECK GINGER RAY

Brown Geometric Zen Garden Pattern Wallpaper Mural, £32 bobbibeck.com

Merry and Bright Dinner Candles, £7.95 gingerray.co.uk

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EDITOR’S PICK

Braided Tulip Basket, £35 roseandgrey.co.uk

SAZY Rosta Stackable Aluminium Chair, £99 sazy.com

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EBB & FLOW Horizon Surface Wall Lamp, £279 limelace.co.uk

Bold colours for a bit of new year cheer

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PALAVA Napkin Set Red Cave, £14.50 palava.co

BODE LIVING Duo Red Photo Frame, £22.50 bode-living.com

VARIER LIGNE ROSET HAY Neon Tube LED Light, £65 skandium.com

Coupole Table Lamp, £184 ariashop.co.uk

Ekstrem Chair in Knitted Velvet, £2,699 backinaction.co.uk

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AIM STUDIO Desk Calendar and AIM STUDIO Wood Stand, £10 A6 Calendar Cards with aimstudio.co Wooden Stand, £15 aimstudio.co

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TRAVEL

SUNNY OUTLOOK THE MAGNOLIA

The Magnolia is a boutique hotel on the doorstep of the Quinta do Lago resort in the Algarve, Portugal. Paying homage to the iconic 1950s motor-hotel, they bring a taste of Palm Springs to the Algarve and offer something you won’t find anywhere else in the region. themagnoliahotelqdl.com

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“THE ALGARVE IS FAMED FOR HAVING 300 DAYS OF SUNSHINE EVERY YEAR”

Sunshine

COAST Carly Glendinning jets off to the Algarve to stay at The Magnolia Hotel in the Quinta Do Lago resort

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POOLSIDE AT THE MAGNOLIA HOTEL

he afternoon we fly into Faro, there’s a very light mist of rain. It seems we’ve brought it with us from London, and everyone from the airport staff to our taxi driver is up in arms about it. The Algarve is famed for having 300 days of sunshine every year. Thankfully, the uncharacteristic rain spell doesn’t last long, and by the time we’ve arrived at The Magnolia Hotel in Almancil, the clouds are a distant memory.

With its Palm Springs-inspired decor, The Magnolia is the perfect escape from dreary London. Think bohemian wicker chairs and neon signage. I could quite happily lounge by the pool all day with a cocktail in hand, but that’s unlikely to be on the cards as we’re holidaying with our toddler.

THE CAMPUS

The Magnolia is, in fact, a great destination for families. The boutique hotel has 74 rooms, and seven cabin-style cottages. We’re staying in one of the cottages, located in a peaceful area of the hotel’s grounds. Our cute little cabin is super spacious inside, with a kitchen / living room area, two bedrooms, and a bathroom with an all-important bathtub. The hotel has set up a travel cot in the second bedroom, and we feel like we’ve got the ideal home-from-home for the next few days.

The Magnolia has the benefit of being on the edge of Quinta do Lago, with access to the resort’s many facilities. Known for its award-winning golf courses, it’s also become a wellness destination thanks to ‘The Campus’, a stylish sports complex, which opened in 2018.

World-class athletes and professional sports teams travel from all over the world to train here and with the extensive facilities and feel of a private member’s club, it’s easy to see why.

During the summer months, the resort has a variety of programmes to keep children entertained – from dance, to tennis, and soccer camps. My two-year-old however, is more than happy to play in the playground with my husband whilst I take a restorative Yin Yoga class and sneak off to the spa.

We have lunch at Dano’s, the sports bar at The Campus. The food is great, with plenty of plant-based options for me and a crowdpleasing kid’s menu. As we enjoy our meal, we notice that there’s lots of young families holidaying with the grandparents. Quinta do Lago is perfect for an intergenerational holiday – with an activity to please literally everyone.

Later, it’s back to The Magnolia for an afternoon of swimming.

During our stay, one of the best things about being able to access the Quinta do Lago resort is the variety of restaurants on offer.

We had a buffet-style continental breakfast every day at The Magnolia, but ventured out of the hotel for lunch and dinner.

The resort is set in 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, so you need a car to get around. We didn’t

hire one, but it was no problem for the hotel to arrange private transfers for us.

We ate at Casa do Lago, an elegant fresh fish restaurant with stunning views of the lake; UMAMI, which is said to be the most refined Asian gastronomic experience in the Algarve; and Casa Velha – Quinta do Lago’s newly refurbished Portuguese restaurant.

The food was incredible at all of the restaurants, and I was especially impressed with the plant-based options at Casa Velha.

With creative flavour combinations, each dish was an absolute treat. The service was also impeccable. Quinta do Lago does offer professional babysitting services, but we chose to bring our daughter with us in the evenings. The staff were amazing with her, and when she had a bit of an overtired meltdown one evening, it was no problem to box up the rest of our meal and order a car to whisk us straight home.

It’s this attention to detail and easygoing atmosphere that makes holidaying at Quinta do Lago so great for young families.

Parents will love the stylish decor and world-class restaurants, and the whole family can enjoy an active getaway with the range of activities on offer. And sunshine is (pretty much) guaranteed too.

THE MAGNOLIA HOTEL

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Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family.

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

scenic trails of the South Downs National Park, perfect for hiking and cycling. For thrill-seekers, the nearby Goodwood Estate, home to the world-famous Goodwood Festival of Speed, boasts a range of activities, including go-karting, horse riding, and even hot air balloon rides.

CULTURAL KICKS

BREAK FROM THE NORM Discover the charm of West Wittering and West Sussex: a perfect destination for the whole family

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est Wittering beach has been a family favourite for generations.

Soft golden sands, a balmy microclimate and ideal conditions for watersports put it firmly on the map of Great Britain’s best beaches.

It’s not just the beach though that has those in the know returning year after year.

Picture chocolate-box countryside dotted with historic towns and villages; a wine region renowned for its exquisite sparkling, often compared to the finest Champagne; rolling hills, endless hiking trails and breathtaking views; and culture in abundance. This idyllic region is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

BEACH DAYS The crown jewel is six and a half miles of beach to explore. Stretching from the National Trust’s East Head, a haven for bird watchers

and dog walkers; through the powder soft sands of West Wittering where families picnic and play beach cricket; and down to the shingle beaches of East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay where kids boogie board in the shallow surf at low tide, and adrenaline seeking kite and wind surfers power through the waves whatever the weather.

ADVENTURE AWAITS Beyond the beach, West Sussex boasts an array of outdoor activities. Explore the

West Sussex is steeped in history and culture, providing endless opportunities for family-friendly outings. Adventure through Britain’s naval past at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard; delight in some jousting at an Arundel Castle medieval festival; battle with the Gladiators at Fishbourne Roman Palace; journey through time at the Weald & Downland Living Museum; be awe-inspired by the architecture of Chichester Cathedral or enjoy some drama at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS Sussex boasts over 50 vineyards, more than any other region in the UK. Each offer visitors a unique experience from wine tasting and fine dining to vineyard tours and learning experiences. The topography, which rivals the champagne producing regions of France combined with the climate, creates perfect growing conditions, hence the huge number of quality vineyards to explore. If you love food with your wine the area boasts a wealth of fabulous pubs and restaurants, serving quality local produce.

LUXURY STAYS To find the best holiday properties to rent in the area, check out Wellies & Windbreaks.

Beach-front, hot tub, large occupancy, pet friendly, couples’ retreats... whatever you are looking for they have something for every occasion. Wellies & Windbreaks are specialists in the area and know each and every property they manage inside out. Amanda and her small team value a personal approach and love to share their local knowledge so you can enjoy an unforgettable family holiday in this enchanting corner of England.

Facebook: @welliesandwindbreaks Instagram: wellies_and_windbreaks welliesandwindbreaks.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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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

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.

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E D U C AT I O N

SET TO SOAR EAGLE HOUSE

Wellington College affords Eagle House pupils with a wonderful opportunity as they are able to share in the excellent resources that the College has to offer. The increasing link between the two schools has opened up a range of new opportunities, which is developing the richness and breadth of education for pupils, including in the arts. Read more about the arts at Wellington College on page 113.

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Flourish Lou Scott, the new Deputy Head Pastoral and Boarding at Heathfield School Ascot, discusses her first impressions

Q What attracted you to working at Heathfield School?

A I met the Headmistress Mrs Rollings on a netball tour when our teams shared a coach many blue moons ago. When this opportunity arose I had an informal chat about life at Heathfield and then booked a visit. I was really impressed with the warmth of the school and the opportunities afforded to the girls. It genuinely has a close-knit community feel and I wanted to be able to contribute to a unique educational environment.

Q How would you describe its setting?

A Idyllic! We may be only a short drive

from London, but you would never know it, the grounds and woodland are super peaceful. I have a miniature schnauzer who has developed a real fondness for the wildlife and loves chasing the squirrels. We often see deer too!

Q What will your role encompass?

A I have oversight of the wellbeing and

care of all students in the school. This includes emotional, social and personal development and involves collaborating with colleagues, parents and external

agencies to create a positive and nurturing environment. I also have a keen interest in colleague welfare and wellbeing; happy teachers make for happy students.

Q What do you see as the value of an all girls’ education?

A It contributes to individual empowerment, gender equality and societal progress. It may seem strange to state that separating girls and boys education helps gender equality, but it allows girls the opportunity to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and removes many barriers to learning.

LOU SCOTT

Q Do you think there is a typical Heathfield School girl?

A Absolutely not. We have a really rich and diverse student population. However, I do think that by the end of their tenure at Heathfield, we would foresee that all Heathfield Old Girls would share a typical set of values; open-mindedness, integrity, empathy, curiosity and a thirst for lifelong development.

Q Tell us about the Flourishing and Positive Psychology Programmes that are already in place?

A In school we teach students how to stay physically safe when we think about things like fire safety, wearing seatbelts, crossing roads etc., so it follows that we should also be teaching them how to stay mentally healthy too. Flourishing and Positive Psychology are embedded in our curriculum as a means of helping students learn about staying well and optimising mental health.

They learn to increase self-awareness and goal set, using the mental health pillars from Dr. Martin Seligman’s PERMAH model of positive emotion; engagement, positive relationships, meaning and achievement. In reality this

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may mean doing things like exploring personal values and character strengths, examining how we build relationships then practising it, or improving our understanding of the importance of sleep.

Q Do you have an idea of initiatives you’d like to introduce?

A We have already introduced some daily activities around the practice of kindness; there is a ‘thank you tree’ at the Chapel, which encourages students to recognise someone who has helped them. The branches have messages left to thank friends, teachers and support staff for things like helping with a project, music lessons, tidying up and kindness.

We are also currently working on the development of an outdoor wellbeing area, and increasing the access students have to some of our many residential pets!

Q How would you describe the boarding options at Heathfield School?

A Heathfield was a traditional full boarding school until relatively recently. We have just conducted a boarding review and were delighted with the way our students highlighted the quality of their experience.

“The girls learn to increase self-awareness, to set goals and how to stay well”

From Form IV (Year 10) upwards, students have an individual room, the Sixth Form benefit from a standalone study centre, and the Upper Sixth take advantage of the opportunity to cook for themselves in their extensive kitchen areas most evenings.

Q What are you looking forward to most in 2024?

A Bringing more of my ideas for Heathfield to fruition!

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

The real W O R L D Lorna Levack, Head of Digital Learning at St George’s School Windsor Castle, explains how they are preparing children for the post digital era

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ith artificial intelligence now ubiquitous and the current generation of young learners immersed in a world where technology permeates virtually every aspect of life, the skills, knowledge and mindset required to navigate the post digital era have changed immeasurably.

Unveiled in September as part of a £30,000+ investment into the faculty this year alone, our new digital learning lab reflects this complete transformation in learning. Fixed rows of computers have been replaced by flexible space for robotics, a retractable green screen and banks of mobile devices, enabling learning to take place both in and outside of the classroom. Fully adjustable furniture ensures the lab is accessible for the whole school, from Kindergarten all the way through to Year 8.

Every year group now benefits from specialist ICT teaching, meaning even those in the youngest years can start developing their coding skills and digital literacy,

experimenting with Beebots, stop-motion animation and visual effects. From Year 3 upwards, all students have their own Chromebooks, facilitating interactive technologies within the classroom such as Google Workspace, which promote student engagement, creativity and real-time collaboration, as well as providing a seamless link between school and home learning.

The school’s 1:1 device policy also supports the transdisciplinary nature of our International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Instead of subject knowledge being taught in isolation, we plan units of inquiry holistically, meaning students explore common themes across multiple areas of study. Such as our Year 4s, who were recently studying Victorian inventions. Alongside researching and constructing models with their class teachers, the students developed QR codes in their digital learning lessons which linked through to a presentation of their findings.

This integrated thinking and use of ‘real world’ technology such as QR codes is vitally important in preparing our students for their life beyond St George’s. In our music

tech lab, our students might use GarageBand to create music for an upcoming school drama production, also learning the skills to operate the sound and lighting on the night.

Rather than teaching broadcasting skills in isolation, our students run their own radio show, Castleside Radio, which is broadcast live every Friday morning before school.

Alongside technical competence, children also need to learn good digital citizenship.

With the proliferation of social media, it is more important than ever before that our students understand digital safety.

Dedicated, age-appropriate lessons on topics such as cyberbullying and hate speech, how to identify fake news and clickbait, help support our students to critically appraise what they encounter online.

There is no doubt that technology is now everywhere. Our aim at St George’s is to make sure that students understand not only how, but also why and when to use this for maximum benefit. stgwindsor.org

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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

“Small places can do big things” Joanna Year 5 Small Class Sizes • Specialist Subject Teachers 11+ Study Skills • Sports at Bisham Abbey Woodland Activities • Holiday Camps • Wraparound Care

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EDUCATION • NEWS

EDU CATION NEWS The latest from schools across the county and beyond

Arts achievement

School arrival

Wellington College is celebrating a Platinum Artsmark Award from Arts Council England. Director of Arts, Simon Williamson, says: “We are hugely proud of the Artsmark Platinum Award, which acknowledges Wellington’s deep commitment to cultural education and our determination to give every pupil access to the arts, as well as providing support and opportunities for the wider community.”

Every Wellingtonian is involved, from the Third Form onwards, in their imaginative and dynamic Arts Programme, which seeks to enflame their creative imagination and to make the very most of their artistic talent and potential. Across Drama, Dance, Music, Creative Writing and Art & Design they offer pupils the opportunity to pursue their cultural passions both within the academic curriculum and through a diverse programme of annual events. wellingtoncollege.org.uk

Pangbourne College has appointed Oliver Knight (pictured below) as Head from September 2024 succeeding Thomas Garnier.

Pangbourne will be Oliver Knight’s fourth headship and he is current Principal of Ark Acton Academy. He is also an author on education, sits on the Board of a MultiAcademy Trust and is an independent-school governor.

Schools are about people and Pangbourne in Reading is proudly a ‘people place’, home to a team of passionate educators with a deep commitment to their students.

Pangbourne isn’t just about those who work and study there, however: parents, grandparents and siblings are equally part of their warm and welcoming school community, and it’s a school where the relationships between parents can grow to be as strong and long-lasting as those between students.

They are a small, independent boarding and day school with a unique history and a bright future. pangbourne.com

Prestigious appointment St George’s School Windsor Castle, an award-winning Windsor prep school for children aged three to 13, has appointed Emma Károlyi as its new Head, effective September 2024. Currently the Head of the renowned Junior King’s School in Canterbury, which was this year shortlisted for the Independent Prep School of the Year award, Emma will bring with her a wealth of knowledge gained over 30 years in education.

Prior to her six years at Junior King’s, leading a 3-13 boarding and day school which sends students to King’s Canterbury in addition to a range of leading schools nationally, Emma spent eight years as Deputy Head and Director of Studies

(Academic) at Loretto Junior School in East Lothian, following a varied career which has seen her become a published author of educational resources, as well as gain extensive classroom experience both in the UK and abroad. stgwindsor.org

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LAST WORD • LOCATION

why everyone is talking about…

Amersham

The picturesque Buckinghamshire country town has been a location for many films and TV programmes in recent times

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xcitement is in the air as Visit Amersham launches its brand-new website section, ‘On Screen’, celebrating the town’s cinematic magic and providing a VIP ticket to explore Amersham’s appearance on the big and small screens.

For more than 60 years, well-known actors such as Hugh Grant, Michael Caine, Dirk Bogarde, Margaret Rutherford, Christian Bale, Andie MacDowell and many more have come to Amersham to film scenes. Four Weddings and a Funeral, Midsomer Murders, and recent productions such as Midwich Cuckoos have all utilised Amersham’s beautiful setting as a location.

Prepare to be captivated as ‘On Screen’ takes you behind the scenes of Amersham’s starring moments in movies and TV shows.

From charming cobblestone streets to picturesque countryside views, this section is a visual delight, offering an immersive experience of the town’s on-screen presence.

Dive into the rich history of Amersham as portrayed in popular films and television series and discover the locations that have served as the backdrop for captivating stories. ‘On Screen’ is not just a virtual tour; it’s a cinematic adventure that brings Amersham’s heritage to life in a way you’ve never seen before.

Nestled in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the charming country town of Amersham has carved a unique niche for itself in the world of cinema. With the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) listing over 50 movies and TV shows filmed in Amersham it is evident that filmmakers recognize the unique cinematic potential the town holds.

The new section of the Visit Amersham website details not just the large number of film and television productions that have utilised the town, but also, thanks to some film buff volunteers, the time points you can see Amersham on screen.

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The rolling hills, lush greenery, and idyllic countryside views boast breathtaking landscapes that have captured the hearts of directors. Despite its modest size and relatively tranquil atmosphere, this picturesque location has become a magnet for filmmakers, attracting numerous movie and television productions that have taken advantage of the region’s beauty, utilising its countryside to depict everything from romantic getaways to thrilling adventures.

The ‘On Screen’ section and accompanying blog articles dedicated to different movie titles filmed in Amersham explain in detail why Amersham has been such a draw for film and television productions alike.

Head to visitamersham.org.uk now and let 'On Screen' guide you through Amersham’s enchanting world of film and television

SOME OF THE TV SHOWS AND FILMS FILMED IN AMERSHAM

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