Absolutely Yorkshire July 2022

YORKSHIRE

Yorkshire JULY 2022 / £3.95

C E L E B R AT I N G . . .

T H E G R E AT YO R K S H I R E S H OW The inside story on the county's finest event, plus what not to miss this year

JULY 2022

Hit the

ABSOLUTELYYORKSHIRE.CO.UK

BEACH FREE PEOPLE IN YORK WILL GET YOU SET FOR SUMMER PLUS KATE RUSBY On 30 years in music and her love for Barnsley ON OUR DOORSTEP The best Yorkshire staycations HIDDEN HALIFAX Uncovering gems in the West Yorkshire town

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

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BETWEEN THE SEA AND THE MOORS From £140 per night

R AITHWAITE E STATE SANDSEND ROAD WHITBY NORTH YORKSHIRE YO21 3ST 01947 661661 R AITHWAITE SANDSEND.CO.UK

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C U LT U R E AGENDA

Our pick of the best events across the county in July

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KATE RUSBY

On celebrating 30 years in music and her love of Barnsley

28 HALIFAX

Why there is so much to uncover in this West Yorkshire town

96 FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 96 THE SHOOT Free People will get you looking the part on the beach this summer

GY S S P E C I A L 38 CHARLES MILLS

103 BOUTQIUE BOOST

42 CHRISTINE TALBOT

107 JOANNE WILKINSON

We sit down with the show director of the Great Yorkshire Show

The TV presenter on hosting a new stage at the GYS

How Atterley are shining a light on Yorkshire's fashion shops

The Harrogate local on why she launched a mental health app

58 8 THINGS NOT TO MISS From cattle anniversaries to a royal visit, stand out highlights

OUTDOORS 62 COUNTY BREAKS

We pick out some of the finest places for a Yorkshire staycation

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65 UK HIGHLIGHTS

Four quirky holiday options from around the country

77 THE INNOCENT HOUND Exploring a new way to feed your faithful friend

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NTS

E D I T O R'S

Picks

L I S T E R H O R S FA L L

We head to the official Rolex retailer in Halifax to marvel over five unique designs (p86)

FOOD NEWS

65 INTERIORS 128 LYNSEY FORD

PROPERTY 157 HOT HOME

134 REAL HOME

161 AGENT INSIGHT

The Slaithwaite interior designer wowing us all

AMC Design on a unique, top to bottom project in Ilkley

145 VANILLA INTERIORS How this company became a part of the county's design fabric

155 TREND

It may be the season where we all go a little orange on our hols, but it's also the perfect colour for your home

A stunning farmhouse in Wike opens this month's section

Harrogate-based Gemma Myring on the local market

164 INSIDE STORY

Simon Blyth shows us around a home with views to die for

170 MONEY CAN BUY

Fine & Country present a stunning four-floor mansion house in Chapel Allerton with generous accommodation

The latest tasting notes from across the county, including great feedback for Raffina by Reece Elliott (p80)

TA L K I N G H E A D

We spend time with Donna Holmes, head of the wonderful Huddersfield Grammar School (p121)

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

The online guide to inspirational local living.

O N T H E C OV E R Free People's summer collection, found at Fenwick York freepeople.com

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ABSOLUTELY • THIS MONTH LEEDS, WHERE KAY MELLOR WAS BORN

LISA BYRNE

Yorkshire YATTER

Lisa Byrne dedicates her column this month to the Yorkshire writing legend, Kay Mellor, who passed away in May

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torytelling in all its many forms seems to run through the veins of us Yorkshire folk. Whether it’s sharing neighbourly gossip while scoffing a giant hot dog in Kirkgate Market’s Fat Annie’s or debating friction between TRH Princes William and Harry over high tea in the hallowed halls of Grantley Hall – we all love the camaraderie and joy that a good story gives us. Which is possibly why our county has bred writers who have dominated the art of the written word.

Telling a beautiful story was a gift which Leeds-born Kay Mellor had in abundance.

From Fat Friends to The Syndicate, Kay certainly had the Midas touch when it came to spinning a yarn. And her unique sense of documenting genuine human interaction with all its nuances can only come from someone who struggled in real life, as Kay did when she became pregnant at 16, before taking O levels and A levels once her children reached school age. While our county’s other hugely acclaimed screenwriter, Sally Wainwright, possesses the genius of creating award-

EXHIBITION OF ROYAL TREASURES

winning gritty dramas, Kay’s focus was always on forging a human environment that we could all relate to – laden with heaps of sadness and a great dollop of Northern humour.

Her acclaimed series Band of Gold – about a group of prostitutes – came about when Kay and her husband Anthony took a wrong turn driving to a party in Bradford and a very young girl approached their car, thinking it contained a possible punter. “She could only have been 13 or 14… her legs were bare and completely blue and mottled with the cold,” said Kay. “I just remember being completely in shock as I had daughters that age.” In the 1990s TV companies were hugely reticent about touching a story involving a group of prostitutes, until Granada picked it up – transforming the script into a ratings hit.

Kay was a trailblazer, leading the way for the current crop of talented female screenwriters.

Kay constantly championed Yorkshire, which is why it was a huge shock across the county when this formidable woman, who many felt they knew, died suddenly at the age of 71. Nowhere more was she more mourned than in her home city of Leeds.

I myself am currently working on my first screenplay about the country’s first female member of Parliament (an incredible lady called Countess Markievicz).

And goodness me it can be a hard slog.

So, I salute the incredibly prolific Kay Mellor who has brought so many hours of entertainment and joy into our lives.

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

CROATIA

My highlights for the month of July…

Mixing with our finest criminal minds at Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

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Chilling at the incredible spa at No.1, York by Guesthouse. Their relaxing hot stone massage by therapist Lisa is pure heaven.

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Reviewing Jet2holidays newly opened 5* Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel in Croatia. Seven days of pure bliss.

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Getting my history hit by visiting the incredible Exhibition of Royal Treasures at York Minster’s Undercroft.

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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LIBERTY CAPS Stella McCartney's summer 2022 campaign takes a psychedelic trip into nature, grounded in the notion that mushrooms connect us all. The collection’s palette pulls heavily from nature, blending energetic brightness with earthiness tones. stellamccartney.com

SOFT FOCUS Dr Hauschka's colourful new packaging celebrates a 20year partnership with shea nut suppliers from Burkina Faso. Rose Nurturing Body Cream, £27.50 drhauschka.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

BRIGHT EYES Invoke the hypnotic, spellbinding allure of your inner Carnival Queen with Uoma's limited edition high octane, high impact and highly pigmented color palette. £43 libertylondon.com

B L O C K PA R T Y The large, multi-coloured Block Design Round Tray is exclusive to The Conran Shop, designed for serving drinks and snacks with flair. £35 conranshop.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

GLITTER BUG The Joyful Colours collection is full of colour and joie de vivre. Coeur de Lion's beautiful handmade designs incorporate natural stones and high-grade materials. coeur-de-lion.org

COLOUR RUSH Koibird's resort collection spans sarongs, swimsuits and everything in between for the ultimate holiday wardrobe. koibird.com

LINK UP EDG London's Piccadilly cufflinks derive from hand painted abstract works of art, £85. edglondon.com

SW E E T TA L K The new Candy Kittens Loves celebrate the spectrum of love, using bright dopamineinducing colours to inject positivity and happiness into their customers' lives. candykittens.co.uk

R A I N B O W WAV E With its colorful stripes, opulent details, and the ultimate fit, Marie Jo's Camila bikini is perfect for summer. ameliesfollies.co.uk

M AC A R O N LOV E Laduree's purple Napoleon box of 18 macarons includes six Jubilee personalised macarons, six raspberry and six blue MarieAntoinette Tea flavours. £43 laduree.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C U LT U R E

GATEWAYS FESTIVAL 23-24 July • AIREVILLE PARK, SKIPTON

With the brilliant Jake Bugg and indie royalty The Charlatans headlining Gateways Festival, the end of each night is set to be the cherry on the cake. Add in a dash 90s icons Cast and Ash (pictured), a massive dollop of indie-rock, and not forgetting that much needed sprinkle of girl power with Louise leading out Sleeper, all add to the Gateways recipe for success. Turn over to read more. gatewaysfestival.co.uk

Agenda 14 • Kate Rusby 16 • Harewood House 23 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

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

MU S I C

Yorkshire Dale Proms 22 July A I R E V I L L E PA R K , S K I P T O N This extravaganza will feature special guests including Britain’s best known soprano Lesley Garrett, renowned tenor and Go-Compare Man himself Wynne Evans, West End singer and actress Sophie Evans (pictured) and a host of outstanding young talent from the Royal Northern College of Music. gatewaysproms.co.uk

EV E N T

Gateways Festival 23 - 24 JU LY. A I R EV I L L E PA RK, SKIPTON

Rewind to August 2021 and the highly acclaimed first Gateways Festival brought huge joy to the massive crowds, all enjoying a real feel of freedom in very different times. This year expect big names, more stages and a huge increase in acts on show and an undoubted big step up from their successful inaugural beginnings. With food on the mind, Gateways will bring us a huge selection to eat and drink all weekend, too. gatewaysfestival.co.uk

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EV E NT

Crime Writing Festival 21-24 July O L D S WA N H O T E L , H A R R O G AT E A key date in the literary calendar, the award-winning Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival offers an international audience the opportunity to discover the next big names in crime fiction and hear giants of the genre discuss their work, as part of a programme made up of thrilling panels. harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

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CULTURE • DIARY

H AV I N G A

A RT

L AU G H

Lucy Pittway

1-14 August L U C Y P I T TAWAY G A L L E R Y, YA R M One of Lucy Pittaway’s much-loved collections will be on display this summer with the ‘Houses’ collection taking centre stage at her gallery in Yarm. The 10-piece exhibition will be showcased from 1-14 August, with the original works of art along with stunning Giclee prints. The collection tells of passion, loneliness, and dark empty days; but also highlights moments of enlightenment, desire, and fulfilment using the sun and moon as an emotion. It was this collection that first introduced the world to Lucy Pittaway’s now-famous imaginative style. lucypittaway.co.uk

The best comedy in Yorkshire in July

ROB BRYDON:

A NIGHT OF SONGS & LAUGHTER 6 J ULY HUDDERSFIELD TOWN H ALL

With a hugely entertaining and sometimes brilliantly unexpected selection of songs from Tom Jones to Tom Waits and his famed impressions of the likes of Michael Caine and Steve Coogan, Brydon will regale audiences with hilarious tales from his distant and recent past.

ROB BRYDON

MU S I C

SOMETHING ABOUT GEORGE 8 July K I N G’S H A L L , I L K L E Y Something About George: The George Harrison Story is a truly remarkable tale of one of music’s most understated icons. Featuring such beautiful songs as My Sweet Lord, Something and Handle With Care, the show includes incredible solo material and music from rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest super-group, The Travelling Wilburys – not forgetting more than a few Beatles’ classics along the way. bradford-theatres.co.uk

ED BYRNE:

IF I'M HONEST

14 J ULY HARROGAT E T H EAT RE

One of the UK’s finest observational comics finally continues his nationwide, biggest tour to date as he gets back on the road this summer. Join him as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has any traits that are worth passing on to his children.

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JA N IN E BUR ROWS

The hilarious Sarah Millican is back on tour with a Bobby Dazzler of a new stand-up show. In this, her sixth international tour, you’ll learn about what happens when your mouth seals shut, how to throw poo over a wall, and a surprisingly funny smear test.

U NTI L 23 O C TO BE R. YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK, WAKEFIELD

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able to Tide: A Yorkshire Conversation brings together a new body of work by Yorkshirebased designer, painter and illustrator Janine Burrows. In this exhibition, Burrows explores many endearing and captivating places found in Yorkshire, including some exclusive site-specific pieces created especially for YSP. Burrows creates expressive, textural depictions of British countryside and coastal areas in paint. ysp.org.uk

JIMMY CARR:

TERRIBLY FUNNY PHOTO: RED PHOTOGRAPHY

This Month’s Must See

BOBBY DAZZLER

14 J ULY HU LL C IT Y H ALL

This brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things, including those that might have directly affected audiences and their loved ones.

But remember they're just jokes…

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“The lay of the land, the wildlife and the people of Yorkshire have all inspired me”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

Homecoming

QUEEN As Kate Rusby gears up for Underneath the Stars Festival in her own hometown, Absolutely Yorkshire chats to her about celebrating 30 years in music and her love for the county

By BETHAN ANDREWS

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he’s known all over the world as the first lady of folk, but despite her international success and life on the road, Barnsley’s Kate Rusby always returns home. In fact, she’s never left and, as we speak, she’s revelling in normality and smiling over having a day to wash the school uniforms for her two daughters, catch up on the ironing and return to the cocoon of her happy place.

“You can write songs and all sorts when you’re ironing,” she smiles. “I love returning home and doing normality, doing the mindless things. This side of Barnsley going up to Peniston, the countryside is just beautiful and I’ve lived in this corner of the world all my life so I’ve walked all the fields and forests.

“I love travelling, but I’m an absolute homebird,” she enthuses. “I can never wait to get back to this patch of beauty where the people are like me. Someone once told me that Yorkshire has the highest percentage of people who are born here that stay here,

and it’s not hard to see why.” The landscape and people of Yorkshire have inspired many of Rusby’s most famous songs. “My family on my mum’s side were all coal miners and we have a big link with the brass music scene here, too, so I’ve written a lot about that. The lay of the land, the wildlife and the people of Yorkshire have all inspired me.”

It’s no surprise, then, that her appearance at Underneath the Stars Festival in her hometown of Barnsley is so special to her – made even more special by the fact it was set up by her brother Joe, who was Rusby’s sound engineer, and older sister Emma, no doubt. Having grown up following their sound engineer dad around festivals, the family were bursting with ideas of how they would present their very own.

So, what is she most excited about? “I absolutely adore the festival, and people can understand me much easier at this one,” she laughs. “I’m so proud of my family. It’s just the loveliest festival and all takes place in Big Tops so that people are always safe from the elements, and there are seats to make

the audience comfy. There’s also loads of workshops for kids to pass on traditional skills. It’s got a really safe, family feel and it’s set in the beautiful countryside. I’m excited for Imelda May and Suzanne Vega. It makes me so proud to welcome international artists to this tiny corner of Yorkshire countryside.”

Underneath the Stars is one of many festivals for Rusby this summer, from Glastonbury to The Sidmouth Folk Festival, and she’s particularly humble and excited by the hectic nature of the gig season after the pandemic. “We had two years when we weren’t really musicians at all, so it’s nice to be back at it,” she beams.

And, as well as getting to perform at home, this year is particularly special because it marks 30 years of professional performing for Rusby. Earlier this year she released her album, 30: Happy Returns, which celebrates 30 years of music and features collaborations with artists such as KT Tunstall, Richard Hawley and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

But where did it all start? “In 1992, I A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

UNDERNEATH THE STARS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY FESTIVAL

When I first started out, he asked me to support him on tour, so it was lovely to come full circle and sing with him.”

Rusby’s music made it onto the latest series of Ricky Gervais’ highly acclaimed After Life, and I wonder how it feels to hear her music played across the globe. “Oh, it’s just totally amazing,” she smiles. “Music has the chance to filter out further with streaming and downloads, now. But to hear that Ricky Gervais likes my stuff, that’s amazing!”

So, what’s most important to Rusby with her music? “The reason I love folk music so much is that it is so emotive,” she says.

“Folk music is the music of the common man. We’re still doing everything that folk music is all about, falling in and out of love, going to war (sadly), making peace, working, losing jobs and the trials of life.

I find it so visual, too, I’ve always thought of them as mini films. I like being able to give people a space to just be human in.”

Rusby is looking forward to the next 30 years of her career, doing what she loves and encouraging the next generation of folk artists out into the world. Her biggest advice to budding Yorkshire singers? “Be kind,” she says. “Be kind to everybody you meet, be humble and try to cling on to your own music.”

walked on stage at Holmfirth Folk Festival,” smiles Rusby. “I was nearly sick with nerves, but I hid behind my massive guitar and afterwards there was some little thing where I felt that music had chosen me.”

Rusby is remarkably humble, exudes modesty and has a down to earth nature that beams out of her. As she talks me through how her love for music started from playing in the family ceilidh band and mastering the fiddle from a young age, it’s clear that her Yorkshire roots, family and life in the countryside are incredibly important to her. “Looking back at what we’ve achieved over the last 30 years is amazing, and the music scene has completely changed in that time. For people who didn’t know what we were doing, we’ve done alright,” she laughs.

“And we’ve made a living for everybody in my family all these years with the music my folks gave to me, which is really lovely.”

What have been some of the highlights over the last 30 years. “I toured all over the world,” Find out more at katerusby.com, and Underneath she says. “I went all over the place to India, The Stars Festival takes place from 29-31 July Malaysia, Turkey and all sorts of places. To – for tickets visit underneaththestarsfest.co.uk get to travel so much has been such a highlight. I was just this small girl from Barnsley!” Rusby remarks fondly on her time playing gigs in Edmonton, Canada, and in Winipeg, as well as having the opportunity to meet other amazing musicians. “I’ve played at the Albert Hall in various different gigs, and most recently I played at Richard Thompson’s 70th birthday HER MUSIC HAS BEEN FEATURED celebrations there with ON AFTER LIFE lots of other musicians.

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MONK BRETTON PRIORY, A BARNSLEY LANDMARK

SHE LOVES LIVING IN BARNSLEY

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14-16 Corn Market Halifax HX1 1TH 4 Woolshops, Halifax HX1 1RU 2 The Grove Ilkley LS29 9EG

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SUMMER at HAREWOOD Days out, festivals and acres of play

SAVE AN EXTRA 10% with code ABSOSUMM when you book and visit before 4 Sept.*

Registered charity in England no 517753 *Standard terms & conditions (see website) apply, day visit only; offer not valid on event days.

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With beautiful grounds, outdoor play spaces, a fascinating exhibition and vibrant events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Harewood.

Online booking recommended harewood.org

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CULTURE • PROFILE

Q How long have you been Director of the Harewood House Trust?

A I joined at the end of January 2017, hot on the heels of several years at the wonderful Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield. My move to Harewood House not only gave me an irresistible opportunity to run a beautiful historic house and gardens, but a unique chance to re-imagine what makes a historic house relevant in the 21st century. I feel that my 20 years working with galleries and museums from the Tate, British Museum and Royal Academy of Arts, has prepared me for the biggest role yet.

Over the past five years we have opened more of the landscape and house to visitors than ever before; introduced a new three parks circular walk, a new Treehouse and launched a chain ferry to the beautiful walled garden. Not stopping there, we have launched a Harewood Craft Biennial and we have tackled challenging conversations on Harewood’s history, whilst looking how we can positively contribute to some of the urgent issues of our day from the climate crisis to our health and well-being and ensuring true diversity and inclusivity. We all truly believe that Harewood is, and must remain, a place that can enrich all our lives.

Q What do you look to offer today?

A In five years, our audience has grown

Get to know…

JANE MARRIOTT T R U ST D I R E C TO R , H A R E WO O D H O U S E

from 160,000 to quarter of a million people and our membership has multiplied to 30,000 people coming regularly to enjoy what we offer. The challenge, therefore, is to ensure we have a constantly changing programme to enjoy, no matter what the weather and time of year. Each year we are improving the site and thinking of new ways to introduce play, alongside quieter, yet equally beautiful gardens to walk in.

We strive to work with the best artists in the country to bring contemporary art and craft, both in the house and outdoors, and to ensure we commission artists from many diverse backgrounds and from different stages in their careers. Chris Day is a great example of this, as he was a heating engineer, turned glass artist, who created the most beautiful works we had the privilege to show in All Saints church in the grounds of the house last year.

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PHOTO: EDVINAS BRUZAS

Q As we approach the summer season, what can we look forward to at Harewood?

A We're very proud of our current exhibition, Radical Acts: Why Craft Matters, which explores how craft can tackle urgent issues in society today – such as sustainability, conservation, social justice and human connection. The curator Hugo Macdonald brought together 16 wonderful makers who have used their skills to reflect on these questions, and their work is relatable to all of our lives. Radical Acts, supported by the Arts Council of England, runs in the house and throughout the grounds until the end of August.

The summer also has plenty of outdoor events to enjoy, such as outdoor theatre and cinema, vintage car rallies and concerts from global stars Michael Buble and Bryan Adams. We will be hosting the return of Make It Harewood, a chance for all of us to take part in craft and making, to watch great makers at work and to bask in the sounds of live music and taste the wonderful food on offer in the historic courtyard.

Alongside this, we continue to offer behind the scenes events and workshops for you to try out new skills, explore new areas out of opening hours and come for late evening openings to enjoy the walled garden or a

PHOTO: TOM ARBER

BOLTON ABBEY

THE STUNNING HAREWOOD HOUSE

SHE ENJOYS VISITING MALTON, KNOWN FOR ITS FOODIE DELIGHTS

“We all truly believe that Harewood enriches all our lives”

HAREWOOD CRAFT BIENNIAL 2022

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cocktail or two on the Terrace, eat some wonderful food and listen to live music.

Throughout the year, the changing seasons can be enjoyed through the beautiful gardens, grounds and lake teeming with so much natural wildlife, alongside our incredible collection of endangered bird species, mainly from South America and the Himalayan region. Think penguins and condors, to snowy owls and parrots.

Conservation is the primary reason for housing such a collection, but this does not detract from making a wonderful day out, being so close to such beautiful creatures.

Q Do you live close by?

A Yes, my family live in Boston Spa, a

very beautiful and thriving village.

Q Harewood aside, can you pick out three places you love visiting in the area?

A Our ideal weekends have shifted as our children have grown so it’s very hard to pick three. The galleries and museums are wonderful – in particular The Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, whilst historic sites such as Bolton Abbey always remain a firm favourite. As the years have gone by, we have started to explore the smaller, but still beautiful, places to visit; the newly opened sculpture garden at Thirsk Hall is worth a visit and York Gate Gardens in Leeds is beautiful.

We also went to a fabulous supper club At The Mill in Stillington recently. Indeed, food and all things connected to locally sourced food, great craft and beautiful art will always remain a favourite past time – so Salts Mill, Staithes and Malton will regularly see me as an avid visitor, with my family in tow, of course!

harewood.org

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01.04 — 16.10.22 Visit the New Exhibition

Eveningwear Through the Ages

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A SCENE FROM THE OPENING NIGHT

T he atri c al

F LO U R I S H As Sheffield Theatres celebrates its 50th anniversary, we take a trip back in time to see where it all started and how it looks today

By BETHAN ANDREWS

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CULTURE • THE ARTS

THE BUILDINGS TODAY

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heffield Theatres has been home to three theatres since 1971: The Crucible, the Sheffield landmark with a worldfamous reputation; the Studio, an intimate, experimental and versatile space for getting closer to the action; and the gleaming Lyceum, the beautiful proscenium that hosts the best of the UK’s touring shows.

It’s held the title ‘Regional Theatre of the Year’ on four separate occasions and is known for pioneering progressive theatre and nurturing theatre leaders of the future. With a reputation for bold new work, their adaptation of Life of Pi won four awards at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards and opened in the West End last year. This success followed Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which started life at the Crucible in 2017, before transferring to the West End, embarking on a UK tour and being turned into a feature film. Essentially, STIRRING UP SHEFFIELD INDEED

since its creation, Sheffield Theatres has been leading the way for decades.

Fast forward to its 50th anniversary year and Sheffield Theatres continues to pave progressive moves forward. “The spaces have always been synonymous with innovation and collaboration, sparking new ideas and forging friendships with new audiences,” says Robert Hastie, artistic director of Sheffield Theatres.

It’s incredibly fitting, then, that the family who perhaps know the most about The Crucible managed to pull together a book that had been years in the making just in time for the anniversary.

So, how exactly did Sheffield Theatres start, and what’s the history behind the infamous thrust stage at The Crucible?

CURTAIN RAISER The Crucible and the Studio Theatre all began life thanks to a man called Colin George, the founding artistic director, who was committed to doing things no-one had ever done before. This year, his son Tedd George published a book about the history of the space titled Stirring Up Sheffield.

And stir up Sheffield the renowned theatre did, when Colin George fought to build The Crucible with a thrust stage, a controversial design that extends into the audience on three sides and doesn’t have a curtain or a dress circle. It was seen as radical, ugly in design and a “kind of freak that would be out of date in seven years’ time”.

Many years after leaving his position at the theatre, Colin wrote a manuscript about the making of the theatre. Tedd George finished writing it after his father died in 2016, his sister, Lucy, became the publisher, and this month they won the Theatre Book Award. “The book has drawn us all back together. Sheffield and The Crucible have a wonderful ability of doing that,” smiles Tedd.

He speaks of how much he loves that The Crucible story is a real theatre success story.

What surprises people, however, is how much controversy surrounded it in the beginning.

“They really fought to make the dream come true,” he says. “[My father] fought to have the

AT THE LAUNCH OF STIRRING UP SHEFFIELD, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ROB HASTIE JOINS COLIN GEORGE'S DAUGHTER LUCY GEORGE AND SON TEDD GEORGE

thrust stage, two theatres, a main auditorium and a studio, too. It was crucial to him to have an experimental space next to the main one, despite people thinking he was mad.”

Pushing boundaries and creating change in the theatre industry was central to Colin George, and The Crucible has been hugely influential because of it. “It has the perfect thrust stage and it got the dimensions just right,” says Tedd. “Wherever you sit, you are connected to what’s happening on stage and the audience wraps around you, so it builds an incredible sense of excitement.”

It was also important to Colin George to create a public, open space, for everyone to enjoy. “My dad said he didn’t care if people came in to eat and not watch any theatre, because he said that, one day, they would buy a ticket,” explains Tedd. “It was always supposed to be a community centre and it’s why the ground floor is paving stones because it’s meant to have the idea that you are welcomed in from the outside.”

Tedd loves how much the people of Sheffield have embraced it and made it their own. “I don’t think many people would even know there was this controversy,” he smiles.

Fifty years later and the theatre has come far, and become exactly what everybody wanted it to be – it’s in the real fabric of Sheffield.

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THE HERE AND NOW

DAN BATES

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PHOTO: CHRIS SAUNDERS

One person who is particularly proud of the progress and history made is Dan Bates, CEO of Sheffield Theatres. “We lead an organisation that is open, that people can feel they have a voice within it, and the theatre and its building is reaching its full potential because of it,” he says.

Clearly, it’s still important to bring together a bold, progressive and widely varied programme of events. “We produce and write the plays and bring in the actors, and then the other side is that we present other people’s theatre – we host the best of the best work from around the world and region,” he smiles.

If Bates could sum up what people love so much about Sheffield Theatres and how far he thinks it has come in 50 years, what would he say? “I think, from the start, people have always expected the unexpected with Sheffield Theatres and you never

know quite what you are going to see,” he says. “Predominantly, it’s about great new pieces of work that have cut their teeth in Sheffield and are made and created here.”

An obvious one is, of course, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which has become a cult classic after Sheffield Theatres spent four years developing it. “We were remembering The Full Monty the other day, too, and how it originated here many years ago and how it’s still going,” says Bates. “In fact, only last week, they were filming in Tudor Square for the Disney+ version, which gives it a nice circle of life for that project.

Our audience demands a bit of wow, and there really has been 50 years of wow.”

The openness of the space and inclusivity promoted by Colin George in the very beginning is still present today too, and one way that Sheffield Theatres stands out is in its commitment to diversifying, moving with the times and seeing new opportunities where others might not. For this reason, The Crucible plays host to the Snooker World Championships for two weeks of the year, allowing the theatre to bring in a different crowd, raise its profile, and raise funds.

So, in its 50th year, what is Bates most excited about? “We have become somewhere that pushes boundaries, and Rock/Paper/ Scissors shows that well,” he says about the innovative show that will span all three of their theatres. “Covid has made us a bit braver and to push new ideas, and these all help us to gain a global reputation.”

It sounds like we can expect another 50 years of spearheading theatre up north. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Happy 50th BIRTHDAY WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE SHEFFIELD THEATRES’ ANNIVERSARY YEAR

Rock/Paper/Scissors Until Saturday 2 July 2022 

How a City Can Save the World Wednesday 3–Saturday 6 August 2022 

Much Ado About Nothing

Friday 9–Saturday 24 September 2022 

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Friday 23 September–Saturday 15 October 2022 

The Together Season Festival Thursday 20–Saturday 29 October 2022 

The Contingency Plan – On The Beach and Resilience Friday 14 October–Saturday 5 November 2022 

Standing at the Sky’s Edge Saturday 10 December-Saturday 21 January

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Why we love…

HALIFAX We take a trip around the West Yorkshire town to enjoy history, food and business, with a little help from our friends at Discover Halifax

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FOOD AT LA LUNA

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t’s no surprise heritage is so big in a town built on history, and we are lucky in Halifax to have such a wealth of impressive heritage destinations, all contributing to the area’s distinctive character. Add to this superb food and drink options, and a business hub on the up, and it’s easy to see why this West Yorkshire town is so popular with tourists and locals alike.

Views of the past Historic highlights in Halifax include the 900-year-old Minster; a striking community space hosting music recitals and daily services. Parts of the Minster date back to the 12th century, and by the 15th century the magnificent Piece Hall was the centre of the UK’s entire woollen trade. Displaying rare machines and artefacts like lathes and looms, the Industrial Museum is another must. The breath-taking Town Hall is Grade II listed and topped by a magnificent 180ft spire, with design and interiors by Charles Barry and statues by John Thomas. Don’t miss Dean Clough, once the world’s largest carpet factory and now a vast and impressive home to

THE LIBRARY

various eateries, galleries and businesses.

The Bankfield Museum is popular too: a wonderful Grade II listed historic house with a textiles gallery, regimental museum and gorgeous interior decor.

Even the fabulous Borough Market is a Victorian treasure, and a stunning venue for a host of great stalls. Chocolatey favourites Rolo and Quality Street come from the town, and then there’s the Halifax Building Society too of course – the UK’s largest until not so long ago. Halifax also has the world’s tallest folly in Wainhouse Tower, which started life as a chimney.

If you’re a fan of Gentleman Jack, you’ll feel right at home in Halifax. Two attractions should be top of your list to visit, not just because they’re packed with history and gorgeous to look around, but also because they were significant in Anne Lister’s fascinating life. If you think you’ve seen Shibden Hall before, that’s because it played a starring role in Sally Wainwright’s hit series. Dating back to 1420, this stunning estate was the focus of the BBC drama, and visiting it gives you a uniquely close-up insight into the everyday lives of its characters. The gorgeous estate and restored gardens feature a boating lake,

miniature railway, walking trails, play area and café. Meanwhile, Hope Hall is a fabulous Grade II listed Georgian building, and was once the home of Anne Lister’s arch-rival, the coal merchant, Christopher Rawson.

Plenty on its plate From Jubilee, fashion and heritage events to a busy programme of arts and culture – it’s all happening in Halifax this summer (see page 34). The main message from the team at Discover Halifax is a simple one: come hungry! That’s because food is the glorious theme in Halifax for the next few months.

In recent years the town has gone from strength to strength when it comes to eating and drinking, with a veritable smorgasbord of exciting places to choose between. From waffles, street food and hip new burger joints to a raft of more refined bistros and restaurants serving some seriously sophisticated dishes – Halifax now boasts venues catering for every taste and budget, whatever the time of day.

From Korean and Thai street food to Greek and Italian restaurants, there’s a world of great eating crammed into Halifax.

If you want fresh fish & chips or giant A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE HISTORIC SHIBDEN HALL

“Restaurateurs have been busy behind the scenes, and Halifax now offers more variety than ever in terms of dining” Yorkshire puddings they’ve got those too, as well as the big chains for things like pizza and burgers. Wonderful delis and coffee shops are dotted around town, or you can head to the nearby hills for quaint country pubs serving amazing local produce.

There’s great drinking here as well, whatever your tipple. Traditional pubs and sports bars rub shoulders with hipster micropubs and a popular LGBT show bar. You can mix it up with a cocktail at one of the town’s trendy new venues, or choose from dozens of different gins at various speciality bars.

Relax: the town’s Purple Flag award means the nightlife here is friendly and safe (unlike some of those cocktails).

“Entrepreneurs and restaurateurs here have been busy behind the scenes, and Halifax now offers more variety and better quality than ever in terms of dining,” says Chloe McNeill of Discover Halifax. “Our

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Foodie Trail really makes the most of this, providing an exciting and fun new reason to visit. Whether you’re grabbing a snack, enjoying a family meal or selecting high-quality local produce at our thriving Borough Market, Halifax is now firmly on the foodie map of Yorkshire.”

If you don’t have time to eat in town, don’t worry – Halifax has a superb historic market as well as wonderful independent delis, food shops and chocolatiers to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Or perhaps you just need a quick rest and refreshment break as you nip between big-name retailers and all those independent stores such as Lister Horsfall and Harvey’s of Halifax, boutiques and galleries? No problem: there are coffee shops galore in this friendly town, not to mention cosy pubs, the amazing Gin Lane, and more bars than you can shake a cocktail stirrer at!

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

THE PIECE HALL

THE STUNNING TOWN HALL

HALIFAX MINSTER

Hub of ideas It’s great to see that Halifax is very much on the up. The town has weathered the pandemic better than many, and lots of its businesses, venues and cultural programmes are actually thriving right now. While some of this success is down to natural factors, a major part has also been played by the loyalty of local consumers and the creativity and resilience of business owners. Also, central has been the considerable effort of Discover Halifax; the public-private partnership tasked with promoting the town and supporting its businesses before and during the pandemic.

If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Halifax recently, you might have spotted an exciting new facility. Conveniently located in the Woolshops area, near M&S and other stores, Discover Halifax has opened an all-new information centre called the Discover Halifax Hub. The centre is open to the public every day of the week between 10am and 3pm, and it offers a wide range of visitor information aimed at locals and tourists alike.

Chloe McNeill explains: “The Hub has been popular since the moment we

opened, and people love it that they can pop in for information about virtually anything to do with the town. Our staff are really knowledgeable and have plenty of printed and digital information at their fingertips, but they’ll also go the extra mile to find the answers to any questions if they don’t know them already. Basically, a visit to the Hub is the best way to make the most of any trip into Halifax, and because we know about special deals and discounts available in town, coming to see us can even save visitors money.”

In November’s ballot last year, businesses in Halifax voted for Discover Halifax to continue the hard work of smartening up the town, improving facilities, producing events and promoting Halifax far and wide. For readers like you, it’s great news. It means that Halifax will just get better and better, with more things for all the family to see and do here. It also means the environment and atmosphere in Halifax will continue to improve, with the town becoming cleaner, safer and more inclusive than ever.

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LOOK OUT FOR THE PRIDE EVENT

S u m m er F U N With Halifax open for business and boasting some exciting new events and venues, we take a closer look at the town’s busy summer programme

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ur number one tip is that your first visit of the summer in Halifax should be to individual venues’ websites, or discoverhalifax. co.uk for up-todate listings. Many locations will have their own summer programmes to enjoy, and that could include museums, shops, galleries, parks, libraries, arts and music venues, and even bars. In fact, there’s so much happening all over Halifax that we can’t list it all here.

Also, even though the official event date has passed, there might still be community Jubilee events going on in July and August, so it’s worth looking out for those.

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There’s Yorkshire Day to celebrate too of course, and that’s on 1 August. Discover Halifax will be bringing out the bunting as well as giving away free white roses – the iconic symbol of our glorious county.

Pride is another summer favourite in Halifax, and this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever after a two-year pause for the pandemic. Unofficially billed as a party in The Piece Hall, the event on 3 September welcomes people of all ages and encourages a family-friendly atmosphere.

Watch fabulous performances by various artists and entertainers, with the emphasis very much on inclusivity.

The theme of food is big in town this summer and Discover Halifax has organised a special Foodie Trail

to encourage visitors to literally get stuck in and enjoy the rich variety of international cuisines on offer here.

Participating eateries will be offering diners the chance to win £500 to spend anywhere in town. On top of this, The Piece Hall hosts a Summer Makers’ Market on 5-7 August, featuring local makers selling drinks, street food and various treats from pop-up outdoor stalls.

“With the joyful Jubilee as its starting point, this summer is set to be one to remember,” exclaims Discover Halifax’s Chloe McNeill. “Many of the town’s venues and businesses have new events planned throughout the coming months, and the atmosphere in town will be fun, festive and definitely one that all the family can really join in with and enjoy. Expect a few surprises too!”

Whatever you do this summer, don’t forget to plan ahead and book in advance for ticketed events. Also, definitely try to call in at Discover Halifax’s special visitor information Hub in the Woolshops area of town. As well as free kids’ activities like face-painting on offer there, the friendly staff will tell you about moneysaving discounts and give you plenty of information about what’s on. That includes a copy of its excellent Summer Magazine – your essential printed guide to all the fun and festivities. discoverhalifax.co.uk/summer

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Great Yorkshire Show

EVENT GUIDE ON THE BILL

Get ready for a jam-packed Great Yorkshire Show 2022, set to take place over four days from 12–15 July. The show celebrates agriculture, food, farming, countryside, and more – and inside we take a closer look, starting with an interview with show director, Charles Mills.

Inside this section The history of the Great Yorkshire Show p38 Christine Talbot interview p42 Things not to miss in 2022 p58

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SHOW DIRECTOR CHARLES MILLS

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GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW • INTERVIEW

LEADER of the PACK

As the Great Yorkshire Show gets underway with no restrictions, show director Charles Mills reflects on how far it has come, his favourite memories and what he’s most excited about for 2022

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t’s a tall order being at the helm of what is one of the world’s most popular and well-known farming industry shows, but it’s a job that Charles Mills wouldn’t change for the world.

Having been made show director of the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) in 2015, Mills has thrown himself into ensuring it evolves with the times, honours the legacy of its past and weathers the storms of unforeseen circumstances such as Covid-19.

As we sit and chat, with Mills speaking from his 500-acre working farm in Appleton Roebuck and myself wishing I was amidst the greenery and peace of the York countryside, it’s immediately evident how infectious his love for the Yorkshire landscape and rural community is.

“I fell in love with what the GYS stood for and what the Royal Agricultural Society stood for in the fact that it’s a charity and everything it does goes back into the showround or is given away in grants on the education side, which is a

By BETHAN ANDREWS

huge interest to me,” says Mills. “It was an easy position for me to apply for. I want to try and give something back in life, it’s as simple as that, and I love the job.”

For Mills, taking the role after 30 years of being a council member and chief cattle steward marked the culmination of years discovering how special those involved in the GYS really are. “It’s a true honour and I never thought I’d do anything like it,” he beams. “I’m just an ordinary guy who used to go to the show with my parents in my short corduroy trousers and wellies. I love it and whatever happens in my life from now on, I’ll never regret doing what I’m doing and I’ll certainly miss it when I’m not doing it.”

It’s this very love and passion that has made the GYS what it is today. We’ve all heard of the GYS, but how exactly did it first materialise? It was started in October 1837 by a group of leading agriculturalists and the third Earl of Spencer, who formed the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. It travelled about the county in those days; in fact, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the

Harrogate showground was purchased.

Mills believes this was one of the best moves they made, as it means the facilities have been built up and the show has evolved to be able to give more money to charity.

One of the most important elements of the GYS is to raise awareness of life in the country. The show has made history and a reputation for showcasing the truly relentless work that many in the rural industries commit to. “It’s one of the most important dates in the farming calendar,” smiles Mills. “Some people even come for their holidays! People come back year on year from the far north of Scotland to the far south of England.”

Speaking of history, this year sees an exciting new progression for the show in the form of cattle breeding. The show is to become part of the Charolais Cattle 10-day World Congress Tour as the breed celebrates 60 years and the Shorthorn Breed Society World Congress Tour as it celebrates 200 years of the breed. This means that the show has been chosen as A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW • INTERVIEW LIZZIE JONES WILL BE BACK IN 2022

HM THE QUEEN AT THE GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW IN 1957

the only agricultural event in the UK to host the cattle breeders from all over the globe.

“The breed actually originated in Yorkshire,” smiles Mills. “If you go back to my teenage years, a lot of the cattle were bred in Shorthorn before moving away from it, but it’s come back full circle and people are using them again for breeding.”

To pull together such an incredible event takes a lot of hard work – something that those in the rural industries have become very well known for. And Mills himself is testament to this, as he divides his time between working as a farmer at Appleton Roebuck on his arable land and wedding venue business, as well as spending time at the showground pulling together one of the most famous farming shows in the world.

With dedication comes a real tenacity to ensure the GYS grows with the industry and with the people of Yorkshire. “It’s very different now to what it was then and it reflects the way the countryside is – it is different to how it was in the 1950s,” says Mills.

“Farming then was just farming, but now, so many farms, mine included, have THE FOUNDERS OF THE YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

diversified and the show has had to. Some of the things we have now you would never have seen before, such as celebrities coming to the show for the new stage. These celebrities, in this new world, have highlighted the industry, so it’s nice to have them on a stage and thank them for what they are doing. They are great at spreading the word about what goes on in the countryside.”

It’s an important element of the GYS to raise awareness of life in the countryside, and for the exhibitors of livestock to show what goes into their life. “It’s about communication, full stop,” says Mills. “The industry talks to the public far more than it ever used to, and that’s absolutely grand.”

But what hasn’t changed since its humble beginnings? “The art of showing livestock is still a very proud one, it takes a lot of time, and the fundamental rules of showing livestock, the dedication, is still very much the same as it ever was,” explains Mills.

So, what is he most excited about this year? “In the main ring, we are going down the agricultural route instead of the equine theme this year with some international sheepdog trials, which we have never done, but it will be amazing,” Mills says.

“Lizzie Jones will do a final performance of the National Anthem, which will be very special with the Queen’s Jubilee.”

Mills tells me how last year, post-pandemic, was one of the biggest high points in his time at the GYS. “Without a doubt, it was wonderful,” he smiles. “We didn’t think we could do the show, but we managed it and the amount of enjoyment that gave to people that came – it really set the tone for what is possible. We got the biggest list you could ever imagine of people saying thank you, and that will live in my heart forever.”

If Mills could sum up what it means to Yorkshire and why it has such a big standing in the county, what would he say? “You’re probably asking the wrong person because I’m biased,” he laughs. “But before I became show director, I don’t think I realised how important it really is to so many people. It’s part of people’s social calendar, and I don’t think anybody should underestimate what it means to the county and beyond. Community is a big element of it, it’s a culmination of hard work, and it’s a big highlight of summer and a time to reflect and enjoy before harvest starts.”

And the proudest element of being a farmer and being involved in rural life for Mills? “Oh, we are a very proud group of people. We can influence the way that the countryside looks, and it looks as it does because people have taken a lot of time and effort to look after the land, make it beautiful and look after the livestock. I’m very proud of that.” greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

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Acclaimed Yorkshire TV presenter Christine Talbot on her screen career and being the Parkinson of the Great Yorkshire Show

By BETHAN ANDREWS

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GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW • Q&A

Q You’ve had a varied career in TV. How did you come to be in Yorkshire on ITV Calendar?

A I moved to Yorkshire in 1994 and I’m part of the fixtures and fittings now! I did various things in Yorkshire Television such as presenting my own magazine show for four years, which we had called Tonight. I also launched a health and beauty channel that was one of the first satellite channels called Wellbeing – I don’t think anyone was watching it, but we had a ball! When Christa Ackroyd left, I was pulled in as the main presenter on Calendar and have been there for 20 years.

Q What have you loved about your job as a presenter?

A It’s been varied, exciting, I’ve had a lot of fun and I’ve met lots of interesting people.

I’ve travelled the world and I’ve done things that I never imagined I would have the chance to do. You become part of a family with the viewers when you work in regional television – people get to know you and it’s like being part of a massive village.

Q How did it feel stepping away from ITV Calendar?

A It was really difficult to bring an end to it and I felt like I was jumping off a cliff, but it felt like the right time. The outpouring of love I had, though, I couldn’t believe it.

It was very moving and it meant a great deal to me. With Covid-19, my role on the show was so important to many people.

With an older demographic watching, we were someone they’d known for a long time, talking to them at 6pm every day and reassuring them. Of all the things I ever did, I think it meant the most to me to play that role in people’s lives.

“I know what the Great Yorkshire Show means to people, so to host something new... what an honour” Q What is it about the county that got you hook, line and sinker?

A Oh, I just love it. I have to admit to being a Lancashire lass by birth, but I think because I’ve been here so long I’ve been accepted. Yorkshire is just such a unique place. There’s a robustness about Yorkshire and the people, and there is an honesty whereby the people have hearts of gold – when they love you, they really love you.

I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Q When you’re not working, what are your favourite things to do in Yorkshire?

A One of the places we love as a family is Filey. One of our family traditions since the Millennium is to go very early on new year’s day morning. We get a flask, and we’ll go to the clifftops and watch the sun come up before having a bacon sandwich and a long walk. I live in Boston Spa and the river walks here are just beautiful, and I love anywhere in the Dales.

Q What about for eating and drinking?

A We’re quite homebirds and like to keep

our jeans on and just go local, so we eat in most of the restaurants in Boston Spa and Wetherby. In Leeds, I love going to Tattu and we always go for a drink at the Dakota.

SHE ENJOYS HEADING INTO WETHERBY

Q Speaking of your love for the county, talk to us about your involvement in the Great Yorkshire Show – how did that first come about?

A I was so lucky to be asked to host the new stage! They are building this big new stage, which is sort of like a chat show, and so I’m going to be like the Parkinson of the GYS! It’s right up my street as I love nothing more than chatting to people and we’ve got some wonderful guests lined up – very well-named celebrities all with a light farming edge. The only problem will be keeping to time, as I know for a fact they will be very interesting to interview with loads of stories. I want to ask the questions that the audience wants to hear and get the balance right of people wanting to hear about farming and people just wanting to get the goss from the celebrities.

Q How does it feel to be hosting something brand new at such a significant event?

A I know what the GYS means to people, so to host something that has never been done there in all of its history, well, what an honour. I’m well aware there’s a lot on my shoulders! I hope people feel that they know me well and trust me to ask what they want. I’m excited that the new stage will bring a new element that will appeal to a very mass audience. The guests we have also tap into the desire that has come out of the pandemic to be closer to nature, and to embrace simplicity in life.

Q What do you love about the Great Yorkshire Show?

A I just love the buzz of it and it’s always been a very special event for the region.

I can’t wait to have time to have a little walk around between the interviews. I love that it brings together communities from all over Yorkshire and it’s very uplifting.

Post-lockdown, with less restrictions and more freedom, it’s going to be fantastic.

greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

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BERRY'S LEEDS

All that is GREAT about Yorkshire

THE ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION

BERRY’S JEWELLERS

As well as partnerships with major watch and jewellery designers, including dedicated Omega and Breitling boutiques, Berry’s own jewellery portfolio features stylish and elegant designs by its team of specialists.

To mark their 125th anniversary, Berry’s has launched the special edition ‘OPEIA’ collection. Designed by one of Berry’s inhouse designers, Emily Rose, the OPEIA collection draws inspiration from the five generations of the Berry’s family who have run the business since its first store opened in 1897. This theme runs through each design, with Emily taking inspiration from the night sky. The final portfolio is inspired by shooting stars, comets and other cosmic phenomena that are brought to life in the flowing designs of the range, which is named after the constellation of Cassiopeia.

This anniversary collection comprises of ten pieces: the showstopping OPEIA necklace, a small and large pendant, a pair of drop and stud earrings, three rings, a bangle and a bracelet. berrysjewellers.co.uk

With stores in Leeds, York and Hull, Berry’s Jewellers are an iconic part of the county

L

uxury jewellers, Berry’s, is celebrating a milestone year in 2022 as it reaches its 125th anniversary in the business. With stores and boutiques across the UK and an e-commerce site, Berry’s is nationally known for the quality of its jewellery and exceptional customer service, with a particular expertise in fine watches and diamonds.

A widely respected name in the industry, Berry’s has long established roots in Yorkshire, with Mr Abe Berens opening

the first store in Scarborough in 1897.

Further stores in Southport and Leeds then followed, and since then the family business has enjoyed huge national success.

Berens’ daughter Jeanne took over the business after her father, and it then passed to her son-in-law Jeffrey Walton. Jeffrey, along with his son Simon and grandson Oliver, have been continuing to expand and develop the business ever since: the company now boasts stores in Leeds, Newcastle, York, Hull, Nottingham and Windsor, with plans for further growth this year.

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

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

NEW range of outdoor porcelain tiles available.

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

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

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

BATHROOMS | TILES | PORCELAIN STONEWARE thetilecompany.co.uk

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@MonksCrossTiles

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All that is GREAT about Yorkshire

The TILE COMPANY Exploring the magic of marble with this popular Yorkshire company

T

he word ‘luxury’ is something that means different things to different people. When it comes to domestic spaces, those things we describe as luxurious can range from the comfortable, to the visually beautiful, to gentle subtleties – or perhaps it’s just a personal touch which expresses and reflects our personality perfectly.

Adding a little flair to our homes is a great way to enhance our domestic setting. Tiling can make a huge difference to any interior – and one of the most luxurious tile styles is the marble look. That’s the opinion of James O’Neill from The Tile Company – and he should know. The Tile Company is a family business with more than 30 years' experience,

style. They are eclectic, effervescent and improve your home. The big size tiles, with their exclusive dimensions, open up new design perspectives in the world of architecture and interior design. The different shades of marble tiles also mean that natural light or the lighting you have in your home can be further accentuated by the tiles themselves.”

Whatever the style, The Tile Company offer a free design service. “We take great pride in our design flair, our product knowledge is second to none, so we always make sure customers get bathrooms or tiles which are right for them,” says James.

“We’re also happy, approachable and we offer fantastic customer service.”

In York, The Tile Company can be found at Monks Cross Tiles and Bathrooms and The Discount Tile Depot (both at Monks Cross), plus The Tile and Bathroom Outlet (Stirling Road). Further afield, you’ll find them at Northallerton Tiles and Bathrooms and Direct Tile Importers Northallerton, and also Scarborough Tiles and Bathrooms incorporating Direct Tile Importers.

01904 415527 / thetilecompany.co.uk

with six showrooms across Yorkshire offering the finest natural stone, new generation porcelain stoneware tiles and luxury bathroom products for projects ranging from homes, workspaces and hotels.

“Adopting marble look tiles in your home or bathroom is a great way to turn a space into a really beautiful part of your home,” he says. “The marble look can work really well in shower spaces, around baths or toilets, or as a continuous presence in your bathroom, kitchen, hallway or living room. You can of course align your floor tiles and wall tiles to create a marble marvel. This can help accentuate the space and make it feel larger, airier and just more pleasing all round.”

James says that the Tile Company team has always been at the forefront of tile and bathroom trends: “We have some of the best tiles, many reinterpreted with a contemporary A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT WILL YOU

DISCOVER? OPEN EVENT

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

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

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

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

Scholarships & Bursaries available

Flexi & Weekly Boarding available

01422 822 217

or email

admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk

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

AND

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

View our virtual tour

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

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All that is GREAT about Yorkshire

RISHWORTH SCHOOL Because learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom

F

rom setting foot over their threshold, you immediately sense that Rishworth is more than an ISI rated excellent school – it is a true community. They are a co-educational boarding and day school, taking pupils from the age of three through to 18. Within their impressive Georgian buildings, the teaching facilities are 21st century. Their results in public examinations are excellent, enabling students to progress to first-choice universities and pursue the most demanding courses. This summer, at GCSE they had 100% pass rate and 93% of their students attained grades 4-9. At

A-level they also had 100% pass rate and with nearly a half at A*, more than two thirds at A*-A, and nearly 80% at A*-B. The school was founded in 1724 and sought from inception to deliver an inspirational education. The original school-house is now the private chapel, maintaining the important link with their earliest history. Their identity is characterised by intellectual curiosity and by the ability to be brave enough to be individual whilst also being a wholehearted member of the wider society. They appreciate the benefits of a strong work ethic, but they don’t forget to have fun either!

Rishworth School is set in 140 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside, but

SPORT PLAYS A BIG ROLE AT RISHWORTH

they are only half an hour from the city lights of Manchester. Their boarding houses are cosy and family-centred, the secure havens needed by young people away from home for the first time. The Rishworth curriculum is designed to be exciting, challenging and innovative.

Creativity flourishes throughout Rishworth School, gaining an enviable reputation in their provision of music and the performing arts. They have also established a standing as one of the best schools in the region for sports, with international-standard coaching. They have over 90 different clubs and activities every week and programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh and the Extended Project Qualifications are components of their wider focus on service, leadership and the building of character that helps Rishworthians become well-rounded, productive and successful contributors to a modern society.

They have a number of scholarship and bursaries available, plus generous discounts for Forces families and Clergy.

Please see their website for further details, and do take the opportunity to enjoy an online tour or make an appointment to visit the school in person – at Rishworth they treat every day as an open day. They hope that you and your family will want to join them in the most exciting journey that there is – the growth of the next generation. rishworth-school.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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an unforgettable

y e n r u o j

We are happy.

We are sucessful.

We are Cundall Manor School.

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

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All that is GREAT about Yorkshire

CUNDALL MANOR

Cundall Manor is a thriving co-ed independent school. Absolutely Yorkshire finds out more

C

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

The school believes that children achieve their greatest success when they feel they are in a safe and caring environment, and when they feel respected and supported.

The school aims to establish and maintain a positive, caring ethos that fosters equality,

fairness and mutual respect. There is a real sense of community around the school; an extended family where children of all ages mix together.

Through all aspects of school life, pupils are encouraged to develop initiative, self-discipline, an enquiring mind and an enthusiasm for self-development and support of others, all within the social structures of school life.

A father of two boys and a girl at the school says: “Cundall has something that is hard to describe – there’s an energy about the school, a huge sense of fun, of adventure, combined with truly superb teaching and a culture that is about caring – not paying lip service to it, but a really kind and happy place. Cundall is giving our children a solid foundation alongside their home life to become kind, responsible young adults, thirsty for knowledge, excited

about learning and most importantly very, very happy children. I have recommended Cundall to so many friends who now share our enthusiasm for this very special school.”

Head Amanda Kirby will be retiring at the end of this academic year. Mrs Kirby has been at the school for almost 20 years, eight of which as headmistress. The baton is being passed to Christopher James-Roll, who will start with the school in September 2022. Mr James-Roll is joining Cundall from Sherfield School in Hampshire where he currently holds the position of Senior Deputy Head.

He says: “It gives me great pleasure to be appointed as the new headmaster of Cundall Manor School; my wife, Jessica, and our three children, Arthur, Tabitha and Georgina, are very much looking forward to moving to North Yorkshire and joining the wonderful school community next year. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the school over the past couple of weeks, meeting pupils, staff and governors through a very demanding interview and selection process.

“I very much look forward to working with the excellent teaching and support staff at Cundall when I formally join the school on 1 September 2022. I am excited

by Cundall’s reputation for creating happy, well-rounded children, where academic excellence can sit alongside an individual learning experience.” cundallmanorschool.com

CHRISTOPHER JAMES-ROLL

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The original 'must-have'.

Justifiably extravagant.

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Celebrating the GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW

All that is GREAT about Yorkshire

SHARON BENNETT

HARROGATE AESTHETICS Looking at the expertise and many treatments offered by Sharon Bennett and Anthea Whiteley

I

n 2007, Registered Nurses Sharon Bennett and Anthea Whiteley came together to create Harrogate Aesthetics. Already experienced medical aesthetic practitioners, they wanted to bring their expertise and learning together to create a centre of excellence. Their ethos hasn’t wavered since day one: to deliver a personal service ensuring patients are cared for using safe, evidenced, gold standard aesthetic treatments underpinned by best clinical practice, medical ethics and professionalism. They believe they deliver this and they are exceptionally proud to have won many UK awards.

(JCCP). She is also a Key Opinion leader and trainer for two Global Filler companies, Galderma and Prollenium, teaching the art and science of injectables and how to safely get the best results. Anthea Whiteley has a background in plastic surgery working with many top Yorkshire surgeons and this brings a host of skills and specialist knowledge combined.

They understand the courage it takes to walk through the door or pick up a phone and call, so they have a wonderful front of house team who are friendly, professional and welcoming. Patients want the best results and best delivery of their treatment, so they surround themselves with the tools, the learning and the people to deliver what patients want or hope for. Expectations can be high, patients can be anxious and they understand all of this. They talk and take their time – they will not rush you.

They use clinically advanced and evidenced techniques to ensure optimum results and total patient safety.

Harrogate Aesthetics offer a wide range of medical aesthetic treatments including Skin and Anti Ageing Assessments, Skin Scanning using Skin Observe, Injectable fillers for Facelifting and other indications, Botulinum Toxins, Excessive Sweating treatments (Hyperhidrosis), IPL for hair removal, Pigmentation treatment, Vascular and Skin Rejuvenation, the amazing Hydrafacial MD®, Endymed Radio Frequency ™ and Endymed Intensif ™, Medical Skin Needling, Dermalux®LED, Micro Sclerotherapy (leg veins), Cryotherapy, Acne and Rosacea Management, Skin Peels (light and medium depth), Medical Facials and a variety of advanced skin products such as ZO, Heliocare, Tebiskin and Obaji. They also use HIFU for skin tightening for the face and small body areas.

For more information, call 01423 567567 or email info@harrogateaesthetics.co.uk harrogateaesthetics.co.uk ANTHEA WHITELEY

Their consultation process is rigorous, and they couple their clinical judgement with an holistic approach, considering the patient beyond the odd line or wrinkle and looking at their wellbeing also. Together they share the knowledge and the passion to create the very best results for each and every one of their patients.

Sharon Bennett’s background is Aesthetic Medicine having worked with Cosmetic Surgeons in Harley Street, London. She is Chair of the British Association of Aesthetic Nurses, Clinical Lead for the Aesthetic Journal Editorial board and a Clinical Advisory board member for the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Discover Yorkshire’s best kept secret Rooms is a unique, independent family run furniture retailer in the Yorkshire area, offering all the essential items that you need to make your house into your perfect home.

We have an extensive range of contemporary & traditional sofas, dining ranges, cabinets, pictures, beds & mattresses, bedroom furniture, and a wide range of beautiful accessories available to choose from, perfect to add the finishing touches to your home.

Visit us in-store 3a Flowergate, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3BA T: 01947 899684 Central Garage, Hanover St, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3QJ T: 01535 664480

www.roomsfurniture.co.uk

Come and see our uniquely styled rooms and galleries that are full of inspiration for your home and discover an eclectic mix of hidden furniture gems that are truly one of a kind.

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All that is GREAT about Yorkshire

JUST SHUTTERS Finding out more about the UK’s largest independent shutter company, led by founder Paul Wells

J

ust Shutters is well renowned for installing beautiful shutters around Yorkshire and beyond.

Founder Paul Wells has built an unrivalled reputation for being the number one choice for plantation shutters across our county.

Shutters are the most desirable window covering and it isn’t hard to see why. Firstly, shutters are simply stunning. Timeless style coupled with different finishing options (such as louvres sizes, colours and materials) has seen interior designers fall in love with the product. The team at Just Shutters know all there is to know about shutters – they are all they do! As a result, with the help of the UK’s largest range of

adding another layer of security to your windows. With adjustable louvres giving protection for the sun without compromising light, they offer privacy from passers-by, who will undoubtedly be looking at your windows!

Shutters add privacy and allow beautiful ambient light into your bedroom, for example, and for these reasons they are considered integral in a range of interior design styles. Whether your style is pared down minimalism, a dramatic colourled statement or a natural textured retreat, Just Shutters have some tips to creating the right look for you.

Beautiful designs, colours and styles to fit any size or shape of window, it’s no wonder shutters are the first choice for windows.

From one window to a full house, Just Shutters will deliver and install with their expert installation team plantation window shutters of the highest possible quality, with exceptional value along with a personal end to end service, full lifetime guarantee – and all this from a local family business.

As a complete perfectionist, when you order from Paul Wells you know that you are getting the absolute best in product and service.

For more call 01757 602459 or email paul.wells@justshutters.co.uk justshutters.co.uk/shutters-york

products, their experts will absolutely be able to find the perfect match for your home.

Furthermore, the practicality of shutters brings many great features which include; Child safety: there are no cords, and the slats will not trap little one’s fingers.

Therefore, shutters are perfect for family homes; Durability: shutters are built to last; Ease of cleaning: simply wipe your shutters to clean them; Insulation: installing shutters adds an insulating layer to your windows. As a result, heat is kept in your home and noise pollution is reduced.

Plantation shutters enhance a house as a refuge from climatic extremes, they improve the thermal efficiency of windows by up to 40%, giving a huge saving in these times of rampant energy cost rises. Their shutters are made-to-measure and expertly fitted, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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French Antique showroom and warehouse in the heart of Yorkshire

www.york.thefrenchhouse.co.uk | T. 01904 400 561 THE FRENCH HOUSE.indd 56

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Celebrating the GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW

A PROPERTY ON THE MARKET WITH HOPKINSONS ON DUCHY ROAD, PRICED AT £1,100,000

All that is GREAT about Yorkshire

HOPKINSONS ESTATE AGENTS

Jeremy Hopkinson OBE on evolving in the property market, loving Harrogate and helping direct people at the Great Yorkshire Show Q When was Hopkinsons founded?

A We opened in the recession of September

2009. We offer residential property sales in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and its surrounding villages.

Q Has your offering evolved since you first opened?

A Yes it has because we now recommend additional services that encompass residential lettings, solicitors, energy performance certificate providers and surveyors. Additionally, we now cover a much wider area than we used to on recommendation.

Q Who makes up your team?

A We are a team of seven who work hard

and long hours together to provide the highest customer care levels in the area.

Q How do you aim to make a client feel at ease?

A We listen and carefully understand each client’s individual needs and then help them on their journey buying and selling with Hopkinsons. We have a significant volume of repeat business and have increased our off market sales and purchases by 20% in the last year.

Q Why Harrogate as your base?

A When I opened in 2009 I already had 20

years’ worth of experience buying and selling property for clients in the Harrogate area.

It was a natural choice given the excellent

JEREMY HOPKINSON AT A FUNDRAISING EVENT AT HOTEL DU VIN HARROGATE IN AID OF YORKSHIRE CANCER RESEARCH

range of schools, shops, restaurants and the stunning 200-acre Stray parkland.

Q Do you feel you have built up community support over time?

A Definitely, yes, as we have many loyal repeat clients who have used us again. In fact one client has used us five times! We also have put a lot back into the community with both a huge amount of local charity work, fundraising and sponsorships that aid not just the Harrogate district, but Yorkshire as well.

Q How long have you been appearing at the Great Yorkshire Show?

A We became a main sponsor in 2009 and are delighted to have supported the show continually since. Our distinct flag boards have helped many people find not only programme sales and medical attention, but also the toilets!

Q What do you love about the event?

A It’s a fantastic, diverse four-day

event that sees my family, friends, clients and the farming community come together. It showcases the best of Yorkshire and drives the important Yorkshire economy forward. hopkinsons.net

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

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THE SHOW IS POPULAR WITH THE ROYALS

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things…

Not to miss at the Great Yorkshire Show

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GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW • DON'T MISS

CATTLE BREEDS WILL TAKE CENTRE STAGE

1

FOUR-DAY EVENT

We were delighted to hear the announcement from the Yorkshire Agricultural Society that the Great Yorkshire Show will become a four-day event from this year. A raft of changes were implemented at last year’s show due to Covid-19 regulations. Some of these were very successful, so after consulting with members, visitors, livestock and trade exhibitors, it has been decided to keep them in place. This includes running the show over four days, from Tuesday 12 July to Friday 15 July.

2

THE CELEBS ON SHOW

TV host Matt Baker MBE, Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen and Peter Wright of The Yorkshire Vet, will all be on the Great Yorkshire Show Stage this year. Television presenter Christine Talbot will be hosting a chat show on the new GYS Stage, being sponsored by Daniel Thwaites, on all four days of this year’s show.

THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF SHOW JUMPING

3

SHEEP DOG TRIALS

For the first time ever, there will be Sheep Dog Trials taking place twice a day in the Main Ring with competitors from UK’s four home nations taking part. There will be Junior and Senior Semi Finals taking place from Tuesday to Thursday, culminating in a Championship on the Friday. The trials are being organised by the International Sheep Dog Society, which holds national and international trials every year and a World Trial every three years.

4

LIZZIE JONES

Sporting soprano Lizzie Jones, from Halifax, will take to the Main Ring to sing every day, culminating in the National Anthem at the end of the show on Friday as a nod to the Queen’s Jubilee. This will be accompanied by a wonderful montage of the Queen’s visits to the Showground over the years thanks to the Yorkshire Film Archive.

5

CATTLE ANNIVERSARIES

The cattle rings will see two significant breed society anniversaries, with the Shorthorn Society reaching 200 years and the Charolais Society marking its 60th anniversary. With the Shorthorn Society marking its anniversary this year, the Congress will give breeders from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Argentina the opportunity to see the best example of British cattle in the show rings when they visit on the Tuesday.

6

“THE ANNUAL CHEESE AUCTION RAISES THOUSANDS OF POUNDS FOR CHARITY EVERY YEAR”

7

RETURNING FACES

It will be a bittersweet moment for the new Chief Cheese Steward when the doors open for the return of the classes at this year’s show. Caroline Bell is stepping into the place of her mother, Judy, who died in March. Judy was a dynamic and passionate Chair and Chief Steward of the Cheese and Dairy section, building it up to being a key part of the show, culminating in the annual cheese auction which raises thousands of pounds for charity every year. The Cheese & Dairy Show has been absent for the last two years because of the Covid pandemic.

Caroline says: “Although mum wasn’t very well, we had worked together to figure out how it was going to happen. She was very strongly involved in the background.”

8

ROYAL IN AT TENDANCE

The Great Yorkshire Show organisers are delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will be a special guest at the 163rd show in July. The Princess Royal has visited the show a number of times, most recently in 2014 and in 2018.

As Patron of the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society and of the Shorthorn Society of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, The Princess Royal will attend the Bicentenary Celebration at the Great Yorkshire Show on Tuesday 12 July.

YOUNG SHEEP HANDLERS

EQUINE SHOWCASES

The equine section sees new show jumping classes with Senior Newcomer, Senior Foxhunter and the White Rose Open, all of which take place in the TopSpec White Rose ring. Also new for 2022 are a Sport Horse Breeding in-hand class and Veteran horse and pony classes, which are split into three age categories and affiliated to the Veteran Horse Society.

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

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Made proper in Yorkshire Finest shirts and jackets handmade in Huddersfield from beautiful, natural materials. A traditional and principled approach to manufacturing.

Men’s, women’s, off-the-peg and made-to-measure at no extra cost until September 2022.

Find us at the Great Yorkshire Show, stand 215.

Or available online and by appointment at our showroom.

w: mcnairshirts.com t: 01484 846 666 tw / inst: @mcnairshirts fb: mcnairshirts

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OUTDO ORS

NOT TO BE SN I F F E D AT N O.1 , YO R K

This month's outdoors section is devoted primarily to your summer holidays. Inside we visit some of the best Yorkshire getaways, including No.1, York, where a warm welcome awaits. We also look further afield to UK destinations, plus take a whilstlestop tour overseas for those looking globally.

Yorkshire Staycations 62 • No.1, York 71 • Five Star Collection 73 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE SPA AT THE PARSONAGE

N O PL ACE LIKE

HOME Why Yorkshire comes up trumps when looking at short breaks in the county

62

The Parsonage Hotel & Spa The Parsonage Hotel & Spa is the perfect stay for that perfect staycation, just six miles from the gorgeous city of York – with a direct bus leaving from just outside the hotel, to the relaxing atmosphere of Cloisters Spa. Their 2 Night Signature Package gives you the opportunity to take advantage of both. Built in the early 1840s, the building maintains many of its original features. There are two restaurants within the grounds of the Parsonage Hotel & Spa, as well as the Cloisters Spa, a beautiful Conservatory and elegant Lounges. The Fat Abbot offers hearty food in a more laid back, yet still high quality style. parsonagehotel.co.uk

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OUTDOORS • YORKSHIRE STAYCATION SHIREBURN ARMS

Heatherdene

HEATHERDENE

Guesthouse Hotels

An elegantly renovated Grade II listed home set in the midst of the Yorkshire Dales, Heatherdene is the essence of heart-warming Yorkshire country living and a nature lover’s dream, with sweeping views of the Dales from the sunny south-facing terrace. Located on Wainwright’s ‘Coast to Coast’ trail, near the Pennine Way and with walking trails spreading out in virtually every direction, this is one for the walkers.

Plus, with an AGA, wood burner and underfloor heating, Heatherdene hits the mark for cosy bolthole in these chillier months too. The cottage sleeps six in three bedrooms.

From £1,230 per week (short breaks are also available) through Crabtree & Crabtree – crabtreeandcrabtree.com

GuestHouse Hotels hold onto that nostalgic charm and add to it plenty of very-nice-to-have experiences to indulge in. No.1, York is a charmer of a boutique hotel in the heart of the incredible, kingly-and-queenly city of York.

It’s a best-of-both-worlds idea where luxury is without stuffiness and with plenty of fun and heart.

It’s all about making guests and locals feel happy mixed with the sense of being perfectly at home.

The restaurant at No.1 is a lovely, light-filled room with a relaxed but elegant vibe. The kitchen and bar team cleverly invoke the essence of great British escapes to create flavours that feel familiar and original all at once.

Down in the cocooning warmth of the spa you’ll find skilled therapists with a passion for wellness. guesthousehotels.co.uk

Shireburn Arms

Located in the picturesque village of Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley, the Shireburn Arms is a 17th Century inn offering stunning views, beautiful accommodation and locally produced food. Cosy, contemporary fittings complement original architectural features to create a unique yet homely feel. It’s the perfect base to explore everything that the stunning Ribble Valley has to offer, with the famous Tolkien Trail right on the doorstep and plenty of other stunning walks to enjoy. Takeout picnics are available and, of course, rooms are dog friendly so there’s no need to leave your four-legged friend at home. shireburnarmshotel.co.uk / jamesplaces.com

The North Star Hotel

NO.1, YORK

THE NORTH STAR HOTEL

Located on the dramatic cliffs of North Landing Flamborough, and only a stone’s throw from the beach, The North Star takes advantage of its superb location and breath-taking views.

Within easy travelling distance of many of Yorkshire’s finest attractions, this family-owned 9-bedroom hotel is a perfect base for a complete holiday, weekend getaway or overnight stay.

Open to residents and nonresidents, the North Star restaurant is renowned for its fresh Flamborough seafood and wild game.

Menus include: À la Carte, Specials, Senior Citizen, and Snack menu.

You can be assured of the warm welcome and personal attention this small family business has to offer. thenorthstarhotel.co.uk

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OUR SIGNATURE PACKAGE Two Night Break Enjoy a peaceful 2 night stay: Enjoying Cream Tea on Arrival and a delicious dinner in The Fat Abbot on one evening of your stay (£30 allowance per person).

A hearty breakfast is included both mornings and access to the Spa & Health Club throughout (over 18’s only).

Take advantage of the direct bus route into York to see what this fabulous city has to offer £149.00 per person Sunday - Thursday £180.00 per person Friday & Saturday Book via our website entering code save10 for 10% off www.parsonagehotel.co.uk The Parsonage Hotel and Spa, Escrick, York, YO19 6LF 01904 728 111

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OUTDOORS • UK BREAKS

life

COUNTRY Want to get away to somewhere unique in the UK? Here are four quirky options

BISHOPS ROCK

Bishops Rock

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ocated on the Southernmost tip of mainland Britain, Bishops Rock is one of six adjacent cottages of Lizard Lighthouse that present guests with dazzling scenery and coastal walks right on the doorstep. Rare and beautiful flora and fauna make this cliff top location particularly special. The nearby Lizard Village provides shops, restaurants and a friendly pub only a short ¼ mile distance away. Lizard

Lighthouse is a fully working lighthouse, first established in 1619.

The distinctive two white towers that it is known for today were built in 1751 by private entrepreneur Thomas Fonnereau, and first lit on 22 August of that year. Trinity House gained control of the lights in 1771 and continues to look after its operation to this day. It became electrified in 1924 and then fully automated in 1998. It has a 26 mile light range and an automatic 3 mile

fog signal if conditions are misty.

From cosy country cottages to luxury modern holiday cottages, Cornwall Hideaways have a huge selection of holiday cottages to make your next visit to Cornwall extra special.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday cottage or a break with friends, they have your dream holiday cottage ready and waiting. Whatever you’re looking for, you can be sure they’ll find it. cornwallhideaways.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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OUTDOORS • UK BREAKS

Gardener’s Cottage

G SUFFOLK

ardener’s Cottage is a charming Grade II listed 17th century thatched timber framed cottage, lovingly restored and updated while retaining many of its original features including an inglenook fireplace and exposed beams. It has an enchanting garden at the rear of the cottage with a large terrace, fruit trees and stunning wild flower orchard. The property sleeps four in a double room with en-suite bathroom and a twin room with en-suite wc and basin – each with an individual staircase. Located in the peaceful village of Thornham Magna, the cottage sits on the edge of the Thornham Estate, which offers 12 miles of fabulous walks within the estate grounds through beautiful parkland and ancient woodland. The village also has a cafe, restaurant and photographer’s gallery as well as The Four Horse Shoes, a well-known, popular pub within easy walking distance of the property. suffolkhideaways.co.uk

BRACKEN

Bracken

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DORCHESTER

BUCKLAND WOOD BARN

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ituated in a beautiful and rural area of North Dorset on a working farm, with extensive views of Bulbarrow and The Blackmore Vale, Bracken is one of three unique, detached eco retreats, constructed to an exceptionally high standard in 2020. The light and spacious, open-plan accommodation is all on the ground floor with cosy under-floor heating throughout, courtesy of the ground source heat pump. If the weather isn’t kind, snuggle up around the wood burning stove. When night draws in, open the bi-folding doors and star-gaze in your very own wood fired hot tub. The kitchen is the perfect place to cook up some locally sourced ingredients whilst admiring the view. Sleeping up to six guests in three bedrooms (two with king-size beds and a third with twin single beds), each with their own en-suite shower room, Bracken is an ideal choice for a wonderful Dorset break with family or friends.

Outside, the terrace and garden enjoy breath-taking, far-reaching rural views, not to mention the decadent hot tub. With the Wessex Ridgeway on your doorstep, walking opportunities are endless. If you feel inclined, wander into the village of Ansty via a quiet lane and across a bridleway, where you will find a charming farm shop, post office and good local pub. Ansty can be reached in around 15 minutes on foot, otherwise in around 3 minutes by car. dorsethideaways.co.uk

Buckland Wood Barn

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COTSWO L DS

uckland Wood Barn is a detached Cotswold stone barn, situated at the end of a quarter-mile long hard-surface drive.

The Barn is in the grounds of the 16th century gamekeeper’s cottage, which has some 50 acres including a private wood and stream. It has a lovely, secluded garden where you can sit out and enjoy the peace and quiet. The barn is situated on a hillside a mile above Broadway, and the setting has breath-taking views across the valley (designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) up to Broadway Tower. This picturesque town is often referred to as the “show village of England” due to its beautiful honey coloured limestone buildings some of which date back to the 16th century. From your front door there are some wonderful walks, including the 100 mile Cotswold Way. cotswoldshideaways.co.uk

GARDENER'S COTTAGE

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Handpicked holiday homes North of England | South of Scotland

From cosy boltholes for two to wow factor homes for special occasions Crabtree & Crabtree invites you to reimagine self-catering and define your own luxury with our exclusive portfolio of holiday cottages, set in the very best spots of some of Great Britain’s wildest regions: Yorkshire, Northumberland, the Scottish Borders, Midlothian, and East Lothian. Discover your next greater escape with Crabtree & Crabtree.

+44 (0) 1573 226711 | escapes@crabtreeandcrabtree.com | www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com

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OUTDOORS • UK BREAK CELEBRATING THE QUEEN'S PLATINUM JUBILEE IN STYLE

R A Y O F L I G H T Why Carnaby in London's West End is the perfect go-to destination for one off experiences and products you can't find anywhere else

C “Carnaby has over 100 independent and international retailers, and more than 60 restaurants that span 30 different cuisines” THERE ARE PLENTY OF DINING OPTIONS

arnaby is the go-to shopping and dining destination in the heart of the West End. The area has over 100 independent and international retailers, and more than 60 restaurants that span across 30 different cuisines.

Spread across 14 streets, Carnaby includes the creative hub, the Newburgh Quarter parallel to Carnaby Street with an exclusive and independent restaurant and retail offering as well as famed foodie courtyard Kingly Court, where you can explore 25 foodie concepts. Enjoy the Great British summertime and dine alfresco on one of Carnaby’s 1,500 outdoors dining options.

A brand-new installation to mark this year's celebration for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is now in place. A glistening crown embellishes Carnaby’s Union Flag with two platinum disc arches bookending both ends of the street. The oversized crown sits at the junction of Carnaby Street and Ganton Street above the 3D shimmer Union Flag, which is adorned with 30,000 red, white and blue shimmer discs. Other Intagrammable moments include the oversized colourful bulbs, giant plug and Spirit of Soho mural.

Alongside this, find a Carnaby photobooth located on the ground floor of Kingly Court to capture those summer memories alongside a water fountain to refresh after a long day's shopping. The fountain helps to encourage visitors to refill bottles and reduce plastic consumption – this

DINE ALFRESCO

installation has saved the use of over 100,000 plastic bottles and counting.

Shop and discover some of the new openings such as IKKS Paris or head to NICCE with their immersive store. Gilly Hicks, American Classics, KLORIS and leisurewear brand Just Hype are all new additions to the Carnaby shopping lineup.

Independent and renowned names to shop in Carnaby include Annie’s Ibiza, GANNI, RS No.9 and RÆBURN. Nobody’s Child, Mallet London, The Great Frog and TOAST are all exciting brands to be discovered in Carnaby.

Dine and drink in some of the newest names in the area such as Zahter, which specialises in Istanbulite cuisine, or head to Nightjar for late night jazz performances mixed with delicious cocktails. Leave room for Mamma Pastrama, Marsha and Kanada-Ya. You can taste the flavours of the world without leaving Carnaby; discover a lineup of innovative restaurants in the area which includes Korean Dinner Party, Club Mexicana, Dehesa and Pastaio.

To find out what is happening in Carnaby visit carnaby.co.uk or follow @CarnabyLondon

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Eat, sleep & relax.

No.1 is a 39-bedroomed, charmer of a hotel nestled in the centre of York, just a 10-minute walk from The York Minster. There’s a wellness-targeting spa plus a kitchen and bar team that create dishes and drinks that stir memories and bring joy. All in a gorgeous, Georgian townhouse setting on one of the city’s very best streets.

We have some very special packages that blend the very best of what we offer together, so you don’t have to choose!

Scan the QR code for some very special offers

No.1 York 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

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OUTDOORS • TRAVEL

Be THEIR GUEST

Absolutely Yorkshire takes a trip to No.1, York, and discovers everything you’d want in a short break, from fabulous food to a sustainable spa THEY CAN HELP PREPARE A PICNIC

G

uestHouse hotels hold on to that nostalgic charm and add to it plenty of very-niceto-have experiences to indulge in. It all started with a grand Georgian townhouse called No.15 in Bath. Then a gorgeous northern home, No.1, York, followed.

This happy marriage of treats and downto-earthness lives in contrasts like their fancy Afternoon Tea and their no-nonsense food. That includes favourites like cheese scones with maple bacon, their signature cheeseburger and the oh-so-comforting shepherd’s pie. Their spa menus create the starting point for personalised therapies like targeted massages and organic facials that are too restorative to miss. There are also things like help-yourself pantries and in-room turntables to play records on from their select-your-sounds vinyl library.

That no two bedrooms are the same is a fact they really like. They have five different types of rooms for you to choose from, going from cosy to lofty. Many have fireplaces, lots have leafy views and the two Bootham Suites occupy what used to be a grand drawing room and a luxurious library.

In all of them, you’ll find locally sourced antiques, art and curios that tell York’s

THE MARMALADE LOUNGE

stories in the most charming of ways.

And just a little down the hall from all of them, you’ll find a Pantry full of complimentary treats for the taking.

Their kitchen and bar team cleverly invoke the essence of great British escapes to create flavours that feel familiar and original all at once. Try Afternoon Tea in The Marmalade Lounge or borrow one of their wicker picnic baskets and let them package up your afternoon tea so you can head to one of the many leafy parks in the city for a long lazy afternoon. In the bar at No.1 there’s signature cocktails to try, like the Parkin Old Fashioned that transports you to the fireside after a wintry walk in the dales. Those moments to revel in the wonder of our island’s charms is, for them, something to treasure and share.

Down in the warm, cocooning calm of the spa under the arches, you’ll find their down-to-earth treatment rooms with instantly soothing vibes, including one for shared rituals and an elegantly rustic relaxation room. You’ll also find their skilled therapists with a passion for wellness.

The eco-luxury products used in the spa are formulated and blended in Britain by Pinks Boutique. This expert team believe in more than pure, vegan, organic, sustainablyand-ethically-sourced products; they believe in extraordinary spa experiences.

Accredited by the Soil Association, this means that ingredients that can be fully traced back to the source, so there’s nothing more beautiful, nor naturally effective. guesthousehotels.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SCARBOROUGH

NORTH YORKSHIRE

THE P ER FE C T RE TREAT T O E XP O RE THE B EA UTI FU L C OA ST & C O U N T RY S IDE Luxurious self-catering holiday cottages immaculately presented with modern features and comfortable living space to relax with family and friends.

Extend your experience with a visit to one of our eateries, serving seasonally inspired Yorkshire food and drink right on your door step.

SCAN HERE

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OUTDOORS • TRAVEL EXPLORE WHITBY VIA FIVE STAR COLLECTION

Destinations of

DISTINCTION The many reasons why the Five Star Collection is perfect for exploring the North Yorkshire coast to the max Wo r d s a n d p h o t o g r a p h y b y S TA C Y C A R T L E D G E

“Yorkshire is becoming one of the most sought after destinations in England”

E

ven if you have never been to Yorkshire before, you will probably have a picture in your mind of what it’s like.

Lush green hills, babbling brooks running through picture postcard villages and iconic harbour towns. The truth is, it’s every bit as beautiful as every image you have ever seen of it. Yet somehow, it has managed to escape the attention of the masses – until now. Yorkshire is quickly becoming one of the most sought after holiday destinations in England.

Sandwiched between rugged moorland and the North Sea, the North Yorkshire coast is one of the finest parts of the country. The wild landscape attracts those who want to escape for a walking holiday, whilst the long stretches of golden beaches and picturesque harbours lure those seeking a relaxing escape from every day.

Nestled along the coast, on the outskirts of Scarborough, is the quaint village of Scalby. Here you can find residences in Five Star Stays that have been luxuriously renovated, ready to provide the perfect Yorkshire getaway.

No. 38 High Street is deceiving from the outside. Walk through the front door of this unassuming property and you will find that it is more than you had dared expect. This generously accommodating house is aimed at catering for the ultimate family getaway and has your pleasure and entertainment in mind. It boasts a kitchen large enough to involve the whole family, a games room, a wonderful garden with a children’s climbing frame, four large bedrooms, and ample dining areas.

In the village you will find The Plough, a handsome pub adorned in flower baskets.

Take a seat and you will be treated to a fabulous selection of modern British dishes, made using seasonal Yorkshire produce.

The Yorkshire Tapas are not to be missed!

Venture out into the surrounding area and you’ll find a wealth of Yorkshire’s most beautiful locations just a short drive away.

From the iconic town of Whitby, to lesserknown villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay, Sandsend, Staithes, Thornton-le-Dale and Hutton-le-Hole. However, you choose to spend your time in North Yorkshire, you won’t be short of places to discover and the Five Star Collection will provide the perfect backdrop for those magical memories you’ll cherish for years to come. fivestarcollection.com @whatstacydid / @fivestarstaysuk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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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. With prices starting from £3,500 for a 2 bed, £4,410 for a 3 bed and £4,840 for a 4 bed for 7 nights.

Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR +44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.

Restaurant, Bar & Hotel Located on the cliffs of North Landing, a stone’s throw from the beach, and within easy travelling distance of many of Yorkshire’s finest attractions, The North Star takes advantage of its superb location. The 33-year-family-owned, 9-bedroom hotel is a perfect base for a holiday, weekend getaway or overnight stay. Open to residents and non-residents, The North Star restaurant is renowned for its fresh, Flamborough seafood and wild game. Menus include: À la Carte, Specials, Senior Citizen, Snack menu.

2022 tariff (person/night): •

Four poster or Garden-view room £60

•

Double/Twin £55

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Single £75

Offers: •

3rd night ½ price.

•

Dinner/Bed/Breakfast (November-Easter) from £75 (person/night).

For enquiries, or to make a reservations, please contact us directly on: 01262 850379 | www.thenorthstarhotel.co.uk The North Star, North Marine Road, Flamborough, YO15 1BL

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OUTDOORS • PARTNERSHIP

include Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands with its stunning beaches and delightful Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestoned streets paired with Halki, a tiny island where time has stood still and friendly locals welcome you like long lost friends.

Another addition is Kefalonia, an island brimming with sublime beaches, endless natural beaty and opportunities for infinite adventures twinned with Zante and its golden sands, buzzing nightlife, traditional charm, beautiful countryside and romantic seclusion.

OLD PORT, SKIATHOS

SYMI, DODECANESE

TRUE BLUE Explore the best that Greece has to offer with an Olympic Holidays island-hopping experience

W

hen it comes to choosing a Greek Island escape you are spoilt for choice.

But if you’re struggling to decide on which to visit this year, don’t limit yourself to just one. Why not island hop your way around Greece to experience the very best this incredible country has to offer?

Choose two, three or several islands and explore the different cultures of each while meeting the locals and experiencing warm Greek hospitality.

Whether you’re looking for peace, quiet and reflection in a small, deluxe hotel, some cultural immersion or perhaps you want to try scuba diving followed by partying ‘till dawn’, Olympic Holidays offers a range of bespoke island-hopping holidays with something for everyone.

Destinations include the Saronic Islands (Poros & Spetses) and Dodecanese (Rhodes, Symi & Kos), which are delightfully different and easily connected by ferries and catamarans. The Southern and Cyclades Islands (Santorini, Naxos, Mykonos, Paros & Crete) each with their own unique personality make them ideal for combining into one trip. The Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos & Alonissos) with their fantastic beaches, crystal clear sea and lush green forests as well as the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia & Zante), home to caves and lakes, ancient ruins and windsurfing hotspots plus five-star hotels with Michelin-star cuisine.

New island hops for this summer include their ‘Jewel in the Crown’ which takes in Skiathos, Alonissos and the Pelion Peninsula, a relatively untouched part of Greece which is characterised by sweeping mountain vistas, enchanting villages, local charm and the splendour of a winding coastline. Other new options

Island hopping Olympic Holidays have an award-winning, dedicated island-hopping team to plan your trip

•

EMERALD GEMS

Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonisos A 10-night Island Hop package starts from £1,370pp* including return flights with baggage, premium accommodation, all ferries and private car transfers between the ferry ports

•

SANTORINI, NAXOS & MYKONOS

A 9-night Island Hop package starts from £1,390pp* including return flights with baggage, premium accommodation, all ferries and privatecar transfers between the ferry ports olympicholidays.com/island-hopping *Terms and conditions apply

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OUTDOORS • PETS

CHLOE AND JUSTIN HEATON WITH THEIR LURCHERS

MEAT the Experts

Absolutely Yorkshire uncovers the story behind air-dried dog food by The Innocent Hound

T

he Innocent Hound story began when Chloe and Justin Heaton adopted their first lurcher, Bongo, the inspiration behind this remarkable business.

The Innocent Hound is a family run pet food manufacturer based in Wetherby. In their human-grade factory, they specialise in crafting awardwinning, air-dried dog food and treats.

What is air-dried dog food? Air-drying is a simple and gentle method of removing moisture from the ingredients, whilst protecting the flavour and nutrients. It requires very little processing and no high temperatures, resulting in a delicious and nutritious food. The Innocent Hound’s food is the closest to raw feeding as you can get, without the need to freeze, defrost or soak it. It can be stored at room temperature and is ready to serve from the pack. This food is the perfect solution for dog owners who want the convenience of a kibble, but

with the health benefits of raw food.

Using choice cuts of British meat and healthy fruit and vegetables, the food offers dogs a highly digestible, great tasting, healthy feast. The grain-free recipes contain freshly prepared, raw meat, sourced from British farms with some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, or fish from MSC accredited suppliers.

The ingredients are carefully combined and handcrafted into the different formats to make food and treats. The products are made in small batches with minimal processing, by a skilled team of production perfectionists.

The Innocent Hound has developed a bespoke drying system that is quite unique.

It uses a cool and gentle air-flow, below 40°C, for up to seven days, to carefully remove the moisture from the raw ingredients. The finished products have a texture similar to a chorizo – soft and meaty, rather than dry and crunchy. The foods are sliced and packed ready to send to lucky innocent hounds all over the UK.

The Innocent Hound’s air-dried food won a prestigious award for “Best Dog Food Product” shortly after launching, as it offers a new solution to dog parents.

For those that like the idea of feeding raw food, but for whatever reason it is not feasible, this air-dried food could be the answer. It is extremely convenient – it does not take up any room in your freezer and you don’t need to remember to defrost it; it’s easy to take on holidays, and most importantly, you can be sure you are feeding your innocent hound a healthy and nutritious diet that they will adore.

The company is committed to supporting dog rescue charities. Their zero food waste policy means that food is regularly donated to rescues across the UK – in the last year that has been over 1,000kg of tail-wagging food.

The Innocent Hound’s air-dried food is suitable for puppies and adult dogs.

There are seven flavours available, all of which are single protein, grain-free and the packaging is 100% recyclable.

To find out more visit theinnocenthound.co.uk

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PRESENTS

QIPCO KING GEORGE DIAMOND WEEKEND

Friday 22nd – Saturday 23rd July 2022 The QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend showcases a sparkling cocktail of style, socialising and exceptional racing. The headline act, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes is Europe’s indisputable midsummer middle-distance showpiece and the weekend closes with live music at sunset.

Tickets from £19 Fine Dining from £269+VAT

Book now at ASCOT.COM

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FOOD & DRINK

CHOC HEAVEN NOOJ

Inside this month's section, we have a double dose of chocolate inspiration.

Firstly, we find out more about Yorkshire company, Nooj, who create a smooth and creamy almond or cashew nut paste containing 64–66 % nuts, which can be used to make delicious brownies. We also look at three places to mark World Chocolate Day. Yum. noojfood.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

TASTING NOTES

The latest launches and news from across Yorkshire

By MARK KEBBLE

Wine recommendations for the month

Babele Sauvignon Blanc, Romania  £8.99 The Babele Sauvignon Blanc has the racy passion fruit flavours of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the elegance of a Bordeaux. This zesty white is full of fruit, tangerine and gooseberry flavours and has a lively mouthfeel and a medium body. laithwaites.co.uk

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand  £12.99 Babich Wines of New Zealand has partnered with UK based charity, Frank Water and has made a commitment to sustainable wine growing.

This organic Sauvignon Blanc white wine is fresh and ripe, with notes of stone fruit, lime, and apple. waitrose.com

Codorniu Vintage Cava Brut, Spain  £8 The Codorníu 1872 Vintage Brut is a nutty savoury cava that makes the perfect drink partner for lunch on the grass. It is a fresh, crisp and elegant sparkling wine with attractive flavours of citrus and apple with fine, persistent bubbles. sainsburys.co.uk

Cream of the crop N O OJ

Nooj – an innovative almond or cashew dairy alternative, founded by Yorkshire-based Caroline Barton - has secured its first supermarket listing at Sainsbury’s, which has launched the product in 150 of its stores. Nooj is a smooth and creamy almond or cashew nut paste containing 64–66% nuts. Nooj offers great versatility as a cooking and baking ingredient providing instant creaminess. noojfood.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

CHOCS AWAY Where to indulge on World Chocolate Day

BETTYS

Count the cost

SEE THE SEAFOOD

RAITHWAITE SANDSEND HOTEL

The Crab Shack is a new foodie popup, launching in time for summer, at Raithwaite Sandsend Hotel – offering a delicious menu filled with freshfrom-the-boat fish and seafood, all prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Expect traditional classics such as proper fish & chips and the freshest of crab sandwiches or Thai crab cakes. raithwaitesandsend.co.uk

We love their Yorkshire tea rooms, but Bettys is also the purveyor of fine chocolates. We having fallen in love with their truffles. Champagne, fruity centre or chocolate ganache? If you can't decide, their luxury chocolate selection offers a little taste of everything. bettys.co.uk

B I ST R OT P I E R R E

As we all feel the pinch of increased living costs, French-style Bistrot Pierre restaurant in Yorkshire has launched a deliciously affordable new three-course menu which also includes a glass of its signature wine. The fixed price Menu Soirée is £22 per person and features a selection of its much-loved traditional French classics, paired with a glass of Bistrot Pierre’s signature Cuvée 22 wine. From its classic beef bourguignon – which has been the restaurant’s signature dish for over 25 years – to starters including French onion soup and crème brûlée for dessert, the Menu Soirée also has suggestions of the perfect wines to accompany the plats principaux. bistrotpierre.co.uk

READ THE LABEL HECK

C H O C O L AT E AND TRUFFLES Chocolates and Truffles of Skipton is an independent chocolatier that creates delicious handmade chocolates and truffles. All the chocolates and truffles are made from start to finish by hand using their own recipes to deliver chocolate with an aroma and taste to wow the senses. chocolatesandtruffles.com

Yorkshire food business HECK has extended its carbon labelling across its range, as it continues to help customers base their purchases on how they impact the environment.

Working with Carbon Cloud, a platform which allows food brands to calculate their climate footprint, HECK will initially be publishing the carbon footprint on its popular chicken and pork ranges. heckfood.co.uk

Go to town R A F F I N A BY R E E C E E L L I OT T

It’s been great to see the positive reaction to our story on Reece Elliott last month, as the chef launched his restaurant Raffina in Sheffield. Unfortunately, we listed the wrong address – it is in fact Ecclesall Road, Sheffield – so if you’re looking for a relaxed, refined, dining experience on one of Sheffield’s most bustling streets, look no further. There are a host of menus to enjoy, plus special events, so do take a look. raffina.co.uk

YO R K ’ S C H O C O L AT E S T O R Y Go on a tasty history tour… you will first learn how a simple cocoa bean is transformed into the finest chocolate in a virtual chocolate factory. Also, you’ll discover the history of some of York’s most iconic chocolate brands – take a trip down memory lane and reminisce with some retro favourites. yorkschocolatestory.com

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

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Culinary

DISCOVERY Allium is a unique restaurant concept based at The Vices York. Absolutely Yorkshire chats to head chef, Luke Sanderson, about the ever-evolving menu that is full of surprises

By MARK KEBBLE

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

Q Have you always been interested in cooking?

A Absolutely. Ever since I was young and I would spend time in the kitchen with my Grandma. I loved seeing how she created something from nothing, and how she knew exactly what flavours a dish needed. And I think seeing how it brought the family together really stuck with me. I started to cook for myself as I got older, and found myself obsessing over a dish and how to really perfect it.

Q What experiences do you think have shaped the chef you are today?

A I’ve been lucky enough to work with chefs in Italy and Spain, which was really invaluable and I think it really helped me grow my confidence with new flavours and cooking styles. And, in 2017 I was fortunate to also make it to the final of the Chaine Des Rotisseurs Young Chefs Competition, which really inspired me to push harder with my career, try new things and really push boundaries.

Q What attracted you to the role of head chef at Allium?

A I’ve known [founders of The Vices York] Daniel Curro and Moreno Carbone for a few years, due to Daniel’s background in hospitality. They shared their plans with me about The Vices York, and their ideas around an in-house dining experience. It sounded fantastic and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. We started sharing ideas and concepts, which ultimately turned into Allium.

Q How have you approached creating the Allium menu?

A I wanted to bring some of my signature flavours to Allium, but at the same time, the menu needed to fit into The Vices’ York story. I worked with the team to understand what we want the guests to feel, and created the menu around this.

“The dishes are impactful with individual flavour”

Q What type of dishes will we find on there?

A Allium offers a set six-course tasting menu, which we serve at 7pm. The dishes are impactful with individual flavour, but make sense as a complete journey with every dish complementing the last. It’s an ever-changing menu, but dishes have included Pickled Razor Clam in Spruce Vinegar with Burnt Butter Hollandaise, Rose Petal Parfait with Candied Rose Petal Leaves and Dandelion Coffee, and my signature dish which is Burnt Onion in Lemon Thyme and Wild Garlic with Whey Broth.

Q Where do you source your ingredients from?

A I shop locally wherever I can. I often spend my down time exploring food markets and independent stockists, and so often this can alter my menus. Allium offers a set tasting menu to guests, and these dishes can change on a day to day basis, which is amazing for my creativity!

I can find new ingredients in a deli, or even forage some wild ingredients.

Q What makes The Vices a special venue?

A The Vices is a really incredible space.

It’s a three-suite hotel, with a cocktail bar, wine library stocked with all Italian wines and of course, Allium. It’s special because everything from beginning to end has been considered. Guests arrive and the open plan layout means that they can see me working in the kitchen, and they’re very welcome to pop their head in and say hi. The co-founder of the hotel, Daniel Curro, is a sommelier so the night could be enhanced even further with a perfectly chosen wine pairing. And ultimately, the entire design is beautiful.

The aesthetic is chic and sophisticated and is the perfect setting for Allium.

Q What’s great about being based in York?

A The city has an incredible energy. I love the number of small indie brands that are popping up, and the York food scene has really exploded. We have some amazing talent in the city, which makes a meal out very exciting. There’s always something to explore and try, and I’m honoured to now be a part of it.

Q What do you hope to do with the food offering at Allium going forward?

A I want to maintain the impact we had upon launch, and of course always maintain standards. But also I want to keep innovating the menu and trying new things. A few months back, we launched a Plant-Based Takeover Week and due to the success, this is now a permanent fixture on our calendar. I’d love to explore other takeovers, new ingredients and really keep impressing our guests so they come back time after time.

Luke Sanderson is head chef of Allium, which is the in-house dining experience at The Vices York. Allium hosts only 14 guests and is open Wednesday-Saturday, serving a set tasting menu (£80 per head) at 7pm. The next plant-based takeover is 6-9 July. thevices.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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J E W E L L E RY

SILVER SERVICE KENDALL'S JEWELLERS

Kendall's Jewellers was launched in 2018 in Wetherby. Their range of diamonds and coloured stones provides a wealth of options to suit your needs.

They specialise in a bespoke service focussing on a personal approach to jewellery design and manufacture to create unique items tailored to the client’s requirements. Their ethos is to provide an outstanding client service within an elegant jewellery boutique. kendallsjewellers.co.uk

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Summer T I M E Lister Horsfall is an official retailer of Rolex.

We take a closer look at five stunning watches

L I S T E R H O R S FA L L .C O. U K

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Rolex Day-Date 36 in 18ct Everose gold, the watch features a diamond set bezel, President bracelet and mother-of-pearl diamond set dial.

Model ref: 128345RBR-0028 • RRP £42,900

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Rolex 36 in Oystersteel, the watch features a smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet and candy pink dial.

Model ref: 126000-0008 • RRP £4,650

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Rolex GMT Master II in Oystersteel and Everose gold, the watch features a black dial. The bezel has a two colour cerachrom insert with black and brown ceramic and is fitted to an Oyster bracelet.

Model ref: 126711CHNR-0002 • RRP £12,200

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Rolex Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and yellow gold, the watch features a fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet and golden fluted-motif dial.

Model ref: 126233-0039 • RRP £9,600

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 in Oystersteel, the watch features a smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet and green dial.

Model ref:124300-0005 • RRP £4,850

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Rainbow Gems Colourful jewellery in celebration of the summer B y R AC H E L H O G G

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SUZANNE KALAN

NOMINATION YORK

ROXANNE FIRST

Frenesia Diamond, Rhodolite & Gold Necklace, £770 matchesfashion.com

Lovelight, Necklace in Sterling Silver, £99 yorkcharms.co.uk

Gold Rainbow Sapphire Eternity Ring, £755 roxannefirst.com

MONICA VINADER

WERK

SCREAM PRETTY

Sapphire Huggie Onyx Baguette Charm Earrings, £185 monicavinader.com

Blue Diamond and Platinum Ring, £7,995 jewellersinyork.co.uk

Rainbow Chandelier Stud Earring with Ear Cuff, £45 screampretty.com

TADA & TOY

SEOL + GOLD

SHAY

Ruby Celestial Hoops, £125 tadaandtoy.com

Rainbow Studded Tennis Bracelet, £51 wolfandbadger.com

Dot Dash Rainbow Choker, £11,470 matchesfashion.com

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

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THE ULTIMATE IN PERSONAL DRESSING BESPOKE AND READY-TO-WEAR

Call us to make an appointment or book online 01423 562932 enquiries@juliefitzmaurice.com

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FA S H I O N

CELE B RAT E S UM ME R BERRY’S JEWELLERS

The warm tones of rose gold look great with any skin tone, but especially tanned, summer skin so the new 18ct rose gold pendant from the Berry’s OPEIA Collection is the perfect addition to their special 125th anniversary jewellery range. A celestial-inspired range of elegant diamond jewellery, infused with bursts of light and inspired by shooting stars. berrysjewellers.co.uk

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life’s a

beach Look the part for your summer holiday with the latest from Free People, stocked at Fenwick York FREEPEOPLE .COM • FENWICK.CO.UK

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Award Winning bespoke jewellery in the heart of York Situated in a small, medieval building in the heart of historic York Werk by TCJ Designs has been designing and creating award winning jewellery since 1987.

Our emphasis is designing stunning, original pieces created to an exacting standard.

Whether the occasion is a gift, a wedding or a personal procurement, we guarantee that only the finest quality materials and craftsmanship will be used.

Please visit our website to see a little more of our werk... www.werkbytcjdesign.co.uk • 01904 611366 • TCJ Designs, 16 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS

St Leonard’s Hospice Shops Acomb Colliergate Easingwold

Quality pre-loved finds to support patient care

Fossgate Fulford Haxby Layerthorpe Scarcroft Road Selby Tang Hall

St. Leonard’s Hospice York, is a registered charity, no. 509294 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, no. 01451533

01904 788 777 stleonardshospice.org.uk WERK ST LEO HOSPICE.indd 101

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Exceptional service Exquisite fashions Every occassion Every size 8 -26

196 Willerby Road, Hull HU5 5JW | T: 01482 506953 | e: info@watsonfashion.co.uk | www.watsonfashion.co.uk WATS ON.indd 102

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FASHION • FOCUS

CHRIS TERRY OUTSIDE THE MODERN DRAPER

Contemporary FASHION

How Atterley are shining the spotlight on our finest boutiques, such as The Modern Draper in Beverley

A

tterley.com is a fashion destination celebrating and redefining the boutique experience in one seamless platform, providing access to a community of 400+ independent retailers, shoppable online and in one place.

One of these independent boutiques is a much-loved Yorkshire-based store and Atterley boutique, The Modern Draper. The Modern Draper launched its first location in Beverley, Yorkshire, in 2017 and opened a second location in the same town in 2019.

Owners Chris and Lisa Terry have created a menswear destination with the perfect blend of heritage and streetwear aesthetics, curating brands such as John Smedley and

Norse Projects. “We feel that people should shop on Atterley because not only do they get access to all of these wonderful brands, but they are supporting a local boutique somewhere, the owner, a local economy, and they are the teams that work so hard and with so much passion,” says Lisa.

The team at The Modern Draper have experience in many areas of fashion that help them run a successful boutique. Chris began from the ground up, starting as a sales assistant on the shop floor to working on the brand side as an agent. His 30-plus years of experience is evident – the brand mix at The Modern Draper caters to styleconscious shoppers, stocking premium apparel, footwear and accessory names that Chris and Lisa work hard to curate for their local community. And community is what

both independents such as The Modern Draper and Atterley have in common.

The fashion platform, beloved by influencers and industry insiders alike, puts supporting local communities at the forefront of everything they do. Atterley works with independents to give customers access to new, known and niche labels curated by some of the world’s most talented fashion buyers.

“I encourage people to really think about how they spend their hard-earned money and to support local indies,” states Chris.

“I truly believe that we offer one of the best edits of contemporary and heritage brands available, delivered in a concise way that doesn’t overwhelm the consumer. Most importantly, though, is the fun, friendly service combined with great coffee, good beer and terrible dad jokes.

“I’m proud of our team,” adds Chris.

“We’re also lucky to have some fantastic customers who shop in our physical stores and on our online channels. We get lovely feedback from customers all over the world, and this validates what we do.”

Discover The Modern Draper on Atterley.com, along with other boutiques in cities from Florence and Amsterdam to Bristol and Paris, who curate a thoughtful selection of labels and pieces with a passion for bringing customers the best in fashion A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Duchy Hospital Launches Private GP Service Do you find it difficult to see your GP at a time that is convenient for you?

Dr Jason Jones will be seeing patients at The Duchy Hospital, giving time for concerns to be discussed.

I’m very happy and excited to be joining the team at The Duchy and providing some Primary Care services. Being based within the hospital will also give me access to all the hospital’s facilities, services and consultant colleagues. This should improve the patient journey if any secondary care referrals are needed.

The private GP service is a great addition for our patients at The Duchy. This new service will allow patients to see a GP face to face with easy access to any diagnostic tests, scans or onward referrals that may be required.

Rick Sanders Executive Director, The Duchy Hospital, Harrogate

Dr Jason Jones, General Practitioner

For more information or to book an appointment please call 01423 567 136 Queens Road, Harrogate, HG2 0HF www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/duchy

Dr Jason Jones and Rick Sanders 23686 0033 HOS ADV / 03.2022

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

GET GLOWIN G CHANEL

Chanel is thinking big this summer with these new additions to their Les Beiges collection, designed to get your whole body summer holiday ready. The multi-use products will work wonders to warm up your complexion and give your skin a healthy sunkissed glow, and are applied with ease using the oversized kabuki brush. chanel.com

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LUXURY YOGA & WELLBEING RETREAT CORNWALL ( H A L F B OA RD, 2 NIG HTS/3 DAY IT INE R A RY ) PRICES START FROM £1295 PER PERSON | DATE 16, 17TH AND 18TH SEPTEMBER 2022

As we transition from summer into autumn do something special and consider a luxury yoga and wellbeing retreat in Cornwall this September.

Stay at Rosillian, highly regarded as one of Cornwall’s most exclusive holiday homes, offering stunning sea views of Falmouth harbour, a private sandy beach and hot tub. Enjoy an expanse of beautifully relaxing space, both inside and out. Indulge in delicious healthy meals and experience a bespoke itinerary packed full of restorative and replenishing activities including; 6 yoga sessions, sea swimming and breathworks sessions along with an optional chartered yacht cruise from the house. Yoga across the retreat will range from guided meditation through to energising pranayama and vinyasa flow ending with yoga nidra to encourage a restful night’s sleep.

Mind, Body and Soul..

F OC US ON WE L L BE IN G AN D N OURIS H YOUR

This exclusive retreat holds space for 12-18 guests with single occupancy, twin or double room options and is hosted by experienced professionals.

Contact us to view the full itinerary and book

01872 241 241 | enquiries@cornishgems.com | www.cornishgems.com/yoga

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE JOANNE WILKINSON

WITH HER DAUGHTERS

T H E

E A S I N G S T R A I N

Joanne Wilkinson, founder of mental health app, My Possible Self, on her ambition to help as many people in Yorkshire and beyond THE MY POSSIBLE SELF APP

Q What originally inspired My Possible Self?

A It was wanting to help others after experiencing personal struggles in my own life ultimately. The support of a therapist helped me overcome emotional challenges to transform my life, but it also made me realise support needed to be more accessible to all. My Possible Self has always been about democratising the advice and information I received to help others, and in doing so the app has garnered NHS support, as well as that of world leading independent mental health experts, Priory Healthcare.

Q This was back in 2009 – even in only 13 years, was our approach to mental health different then?

A Most definitely. Back then, I would say mental health wasn’t taken all that seriously.

There’s still a lot of work to be done today as we find ourselves in what is a mental health epidemic, exacerbated by the pandemic, but great strides have been made.

By MARK KEBBLE

It’s great to see more and more high-profile figures speaking out in the public eye about their own personal mental health struggles in showing others that mental health is a serious thing, and also that support is out there. We must continue to raise awareness of mental health issues so that no-one ever feels alone.

Q When did your daughters join the business?

A My daughters Hana and Fleur joined the business in 2016 and have been fundamental in helping us transform the My Possible Self to app to where we are today. I know they share the same joy as I do in knowing it is helping to transform the lives of others.

Q Where would you like to take My Possible Self from here?

A We want to continue to reach as many people as possible, put simply. To reiterate, the app and our wider offering is designed to support anyone regardless as to whether

they would say they are struggling with mental health related issues or not.

It could be the app actually helps them help out a loved one who might be struggling – we want to continue to create and share new content with our community which sparks conversation.

Q You are based in Harrogate – what do you love about it?

A For me it doesn’t get much better than the Yorkshire countryside – there is no end of beautiful places to get out and about walking.

Q During lockdown, were there many spots that helped you get away from it all?

A I think like many others, it was getting out into nature and exploring the parks, gardens and countryside we’re blessed to have that helped for sure. A healthy dose of that famous Yorkshire country air! mypossibleself.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

M A R I N E M A K E O V E R Introducing Sereia Skincare, a brand powered by the sea and all set to nourish your body

S

ereia Skincare is a brand new vegan bodycare range designed to help women of all ages feel good inside and out. The brand wants to change the narrative when it comes to skincare routines and get more people to start nourishing the skin on our bodies as well as on our faces.

Created in lockdown by Charlotte Flather, who has many years’ experience in the beauty industry working for brands including Clarins and Clinique, the range is inspired by her and her late mother’s love of the sea. In fact, Sereia takes its name from the Portuguese word for mermaid.

The products are packed with powerful marine nutrients including seaweed extract and sea buckthorn oil. Rich in

vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they are designed to leave bodies toned, nourished, hydrated and with a healthy, natural glow.

Charlotte says: “I have taken care to develop a range of effective skin nourishing products and tools, to empower women of all ages to take ownership of their skin concerns in a way that feels true to them. I want women to start loving the real skin they are in.

“I’ve focused initially on bodycare because I want to encourage more of us to think about the importance of caring for the skin on our bodies, as well as on our faces. While the majority of us have set facial skincare routines, we don’t know how to look after our skin from the chin down, but the body needs attention and nourishment to thrive.”

With the mantra ‘Feel Good in your Real Skin’, Sereia’s also promoting the

importance of self-care and body positivity.

It has created easy rituals, including a 60 Second Spa, to help an increasing number of women who have developed home skincare routines in lockdown to support both their mental and physical wellbeing.

Charlotte adds: “I believe that beauty starts from the inside out. Every life experience settles somewhere in our body so we need to take care of it. The accumulation of mental, emotional and physical stress can be treated by routine self-care rituals and this is the ethos behind Sereia. I want to help women see that the time we spend on ourselves is invaluable to our mental health, self-esteem and confidence.”

There are currently nine products and tools in the brand new range, available to buy now at sereiaskincare.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Specialists in bone and joint care

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

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

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

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y R AC H E L H O G G

Solar

EDITOR’S PICK

GLOW

D O LC E & GA B B A N A

T

lookfantastic.com

Smooth Operator S E R E I A S K I N CA R E

Sereia Skincare’s unique Smoothing Body Mitt is perfect for creating a sleek silhouette for summer.

The ergonomically shaped mitt is designed to stimulate blood flow, which is great for breaking down lumpy deposits, helping to create smoother skin. Included is an Exfoliating Body Cleansing Bar. sereiaskincare.com

SCIENTIA

If you’re stuck at your desk, but want your skin to look like you’ve been lying on a beach for a week, then this tanning serum by Scientia is the product for you. The serum is packed with hydrating and rejuvenating ingredients, and the naturally-derived tanning actives will leave you with a perfect sun-kissed glow, £21.

BRUSH WITH GREATNESS Sampling the new TANDi Luxury Tanning Brush

Dolce & Gabbana has launched two new additions to its Solar Glow collection, just in time for your next summer holiday. The Illuminating Powder Duo will bring a lovely flush of colour to your skin, while the Radiance Drops give it the perfect sun-kissed glow. You’ll be beachready in no time, from £38.

SUNSHI NE & SEA

FOCUS

he new TANDi luxury tanning brush is a Yorkshire-based, woman owned brand. It was designed by a selfproclaimed tan aficionado who was looking for a better way to apply fake tan to the contours of the face and body. The brush is a chunky, high gloss wonder that can be used to get a flawless natural looking glow with your favourite fake tan or body makeup. The TANDi has already gained the attention of celebrity makeup artists and beauty experts, and is a must have product for your makeup bag this summer. The densely packed bristles hold lotion and mousse on the surface of the brush with less absorption, meaning that more of the product adheres to the skin, giving better coverage from the first layer.

A long, wipe clean, glossy handle helps to prevent tell-tale stains on the hands during application. The large flat brush head feels velvety to the touch and allows for a smooth application of product onto the skin.

The luxury tanning brush allows you to buff tan into the skin for a natural looking, blended result. The TANDi is also stain resistant and is made with cruelty free materials.

The TANDi makes the application of fake tan quick, easy and mess free.

It works wonders on facial contours, hairline, neck, chest, ears, hands, wrists, knees, feet, ankles, armpits, tummy button and bikini line.

TANDI RRP: £20.99; exclusive 10% discount code: ABSOLUTELY10

tanditan.com

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

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Memberships from just £34.99 per month

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Golf at De Vere Wokefield Estate An 18-hole championship golf course awaits...

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Society Days

Members benefit from 20% off all food & beverage, 10% off in the Golf Shop as well as discounted rates on other golf facililties.

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From Sunday Drivers to 3 night breaks with unlimited golf, each of our golf breaks include accommodation in Wokefield Place, dinner and breakfast.

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Each package includes tea/ coffee & bacon rolls on arrival along with a round of golf.

Choose to upgrade to a full English and lunch if you wish.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS MEDITATION ON A RETREAT

T A K E A D E E P B R E A T H Understanding mindfulness, meditation and more

By EBRU EVRIM

W

e have noticed an increase in the number of people taking up meditation and mindfulness as life slowly returns to ‘normal’ after two years of flux due to COVID. ‘Normal’ brings with it all the old stress factors plus a few new ones, but the benefits of mindfulness and mediation are manifold in helping to reduce stress, tension and panic attacks.

Some of the most successful people on the planet are harnessing these tools.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says “mindfulness is simply exercise for the mind, similar to the way we exercise our muscles when we play sports”, while celebs from Oprah Winfrey through to Lady Gaga and Beyonce routinely practice meditation.

It is interesting that many young adults are discovering their inner selves using these ancient techniques practiced by monks and spiritual leaders for centuries and which have now reached the mainstream consciousness. Our lives run in phases, and it seems the late 20s are a pivotal time for many people. Throughout our childhood

and teens we tend to naturally be herd animals, forming peer groups at school and college. By the time we reach 27 though, we begin to develop a new self-awareness as we find our feet in new environments away from those groups. Meditation, particularly guided meditation, helps young adults to grow in emotional stature as they learn how to centre themselves, quiet their minds and find inner peace away from the new demands of working life and social media pressure.

You’re never too old to learn and people of all ages and from all walks of life can discover the physical and mental benefits of mindfulness: • live in the moment • remain calm • practise leaving the past behind • practise not worrying about future scenarios that may never happen • behave rationally not reflexively • be less critical and judgmental of yourself and others • find your own inner peace • enhance your relationship with others • help reduce blood pressure • improve sleep

PHOTO: HEIDI MARFITT

EBRU EVRIM

The key to success with both meditation and mindfulness lies in concentration; focussing on your own senses or something in your environment you might not otherwise study in detail – a leaf, a blade of grass, a rose petal. Early morning is an optimum time, but you can do it anytime and even just two or three minutes at a time can make a significant difference. It’s about open-ness, escaping labels and finding the freedom in connecting with your inner zero point.

If you’re starting out we recommend trying a workshop or class online or in a studio initially, as a guided session will teach you the basic mindfulness and meditation methods you can adopt. Remember it takes time and needs practise to learn the technique as with any other new skill.

EBRU EVRIM Making meditation, yoga and Pilates accessible across the world, Ebru Evrim is an entrepreneurial woman at the forefront of spreading the magic of spiritual wellness. She opened her second Yorkshire studio this summer in Harrogate, has her own brand of Activewear fashion, runs luxury retreat holidays at home and abroad, and has an enviable Instagram following worldwide at realebruevrim

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E D U C AT I O N

ARTISTIC INTENT As children, we all love to draw. In fact, as babysitters, give a child a blank piece of paper and crayons, and you can sit back as they craete their next masterpiece. Yet, as we get older, many lose that inclination to draw, either due to confidence or a lack of opportunity.

Over the page, an education expert writes about why it's key we promote the arts.

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PAINT A PICTURE

Children’s Art Week falls in July, an ideal time to bring out that inner creativity within the younger generation

By S U E L A I D L AW

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or those of you who have young children or, indeed, remember when you did, you will recall, very clearly, the pride that you had in their drawings and scribblings on paper. No toddler says that they can’t draw! However, as children grow a little older things can change. Over the years, it has always saddened me when children claim that they can’t draw. What they mean is that they find it hard to create a representative image on paper. Some go on to say that they “don’t like art”.

Many years ago, I took a Reception class to the National Gallery to see the Wright of Derby exhibition, as part of a bigger project on Light. I still take joy (and a little bit of pride) in proving some of my colleagues wrong. They didn’t think that five-year-olds would be able to cope with such an exhibition, but the children proved them wrong. They sat cross legged on the floor in front of the paintings, mesmerised by the National Gallery education guide who regaled them with stories, encouraged them to really look at each painting and engage in conversation with her about what they saw. They all loved it. In our Laidlaw Education classrooms,

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“What they all discover is an outlet for exploring emotions” we enjoy all the wisdom and creativity of a particularly amazing art teacher – she has just celebrated her 80th birthday. Diana shares her passion for words and art with each child, whatever age, and those who are keen and those who say they don’t like it – or can’t do it! What they all discover is an outlet for exploring their thoughts and emotions. Amazingly, from there emerge wonderful pieces, but it is how they discover a satisfaction and sense of themselves, through Diana’s gentle child-led guidance and teaching that is more important.

Adolescent boys who have previously hated creative outlets are a particular triumph.

So, we come to July and a time when we are celebrating Children’s Art Week.

In fact, it is not a week but three weeks

(29 June-19 July), and is a celebration for children of all ages to enjoy. There will be opportunities to participate and discover so much about the world of art – online, at home, and in museums and art galleries.

For all children who are naturally drawn to art in any form, this is a bonanza to be explored. However, for your children who utter the words of not liking art, exclaim that they cannot draw or simply show no interest, here is a real opportunity to open up new worlds to them, for each of them to grow in confidence, to find new ways of expressing themselves and connecting with their emotions – or simply having fun.

Art is around us everywhere, and I hope that you will have opportunities to explore, with your children, during the course of these exciting weeks.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, who offer educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall supporting children with special needs, and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. For more information, call 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk

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Huddersfield Grammar School

The whole child is the whole point.

At Huddersfield Grammar School, ‘the whole child is the whole point’ and nurturing children to become well-rounded, multifaceted individuals is key. Set in beautiful woodland grounds, our leading independent school provides a future-facing curriculum for girls and boys aged 3-16, offering a rich variety of experiences both within and beyond the classroom.

Get in touch now... to request a prospectus or arrange a personal tour of our school. t: 01484 424549 e: admissions@huddersfield-grammar.co.uk w: www.huddersfield-grammar.co.uk Huddersfield Grammar School, Royds Mount, Luck Lane, Marsh, Huddersfield, HD1 4QX

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

“We believe children achieve academic success when they are happy and inspired” teaching staff, ensure that our pupils truly excel, no matter what the challenge.

Our approach to teaching and learning is premised on the latest educational research, which informs our lesson planning and drives the professional development of our teachers throughout the school.

Strength of

CHARACTER Donna Holmes, the head of Huddersfield Grammar School, on the many different facets to their curriculum that develops the all round individual

Q Are there certain aspects that you believe makes your school stand out?

A At Huddersfield Grammar School our motto ‘the whole child is the whole point’ means that our focus on the all-round individual is every bit as important as our strong academic results. We pride ourselves in knowing the individual, exploring their interests, nurturing their passions, overcoming their challenges, and leading the students to become the best version of themselves. We believe children achieve academic success when they are happy, inspired, and excited by their learning.

Q What are the key challenges facing the younger generation in the 21st century and how do you address them?

A Our world is ever-changing at the moment, as the last two years have shown us.

Developing a student’s character has always been implicitly at the heart of all we do here at the school. Referred to as the ‘HGS identity’, six core values are firmly embedded within our Character Curriculum; we want pupils to be inspired by everything they do both within and beyond the classroom and be valued and developed as individuals. We guide pupils to adopt a resilient approach to

By MARK KEBBLE

Q What does Huddersfield Grammar School offer?

A As a thriving non-selective school, Huddersfield Grammar School offers a nurturing learning environment for both boys and girls from age 3 to 16.

For all our students it provides a ‘home from home’. As an all through school we pride ourselves on our dedication not just to academic success, but also to understanding the needs of the individual.

Q What can you tell us about the school’s setting?

A The school is within easy reach of Huddersfield centre. Set in ancient woodland, the setting provides a safe

haven for students to enjoy their time at school in an environment providing opportunities to fulfil the most inquisitive minds. We have dedicated facilities for art, science, drama and music, as well as access to a variety of sporting facilities.

All our students have access to active learning, be it in Forest School, outdoor learning or our interactive play areas.

Q How would you sum up the teaching approach at the school?

A The modern HGS education features four key elements: academic stretch, character development, a rich vein of kindness and a future-facing curriculum.

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“Active learning is a key part of the Character Curriculum” their academic work, which will serve them well on the exciting and life-long journey of learning that lies ahead. We teach pupils to be inclusive, combining daily acts of kindness with the firm belief that – whatever our age – we can make a difference, locally and globally, right now. We encourage pupils to be selfaware, through learning to recognise their strengths and adapt to their weaknesses, both in learning and in life. Finally, we develop genuine self-belief, as those who ‘believe they can’ will be the leaders and game-changers of the future. Equipping students with these life skills helps them now and with any future challenges they may face.

Q Do you have many pupils who stay with you from Early Years through to the Senior School?

A Yes, we do. Having been at the school for 16 years, I am fortunate to have seen these individuals develop, grow, and excel

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from Kindergarten all the way through to Year 11. Many still return to us for visits and make appearances as guest speakers and are ambassadors for the school.

Q Outside of the classroom, what kind of opportunities does Huddersfield Grammar offer?

A Active learning is a key part of the Character Curriculum, and it has been lovely to have residential trips return for our pupils in Year 3 all the way up to Year 11.

Our younger pupils have also experienced many day trips this year. Students have benefitted from opportunities in the Yorkshire Dales, North Wales, London and Bushcraft at Castle Howard, to name but a few. It will, however, be wonderful to see our overseas programme return in the next academic year, as travel restrictions have now lifted, with visits planned to Austria, New York, Dubai, Spain and Ireland.

HEAD DONNA HOLMES

Q What have been the highlights for you over the past year?

A Kindness and inclusivity were celebrated in all their forms during one of our character development days back in December. From food donations and winter warmer packages to Christmas stalls and a Reindeer Dash, this was a wonderful opportunity to work with charities both locally and nationally to make a real difference to others. Winning national awards with the Independent Schools Association in arts and sport has also been a particular highlight, including a new swim record at the London Aquatics Centre, representing Team North. We are extremely proud of our many talented students in sport, who have shown their resilience during lockdown and now continue to achieve at an elite national level, be this in football, cyclocross, triathlon, open water swimming, cricket or skiing.

huddersfield-grammar.co.uk

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Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside

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Over 80% of our students go on to their first choice university | Rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI 2019 81% of our students achieved A*/A at A-Level

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

“CO2 levels regularly exceed 2,500 ppm in our schools, causing children to lose focus”

Breathe EASY Poorly ventilated schools remain a nationwide problem, says an air technology specialist at Plasma Clean

A

By STEVE KEOGH

recent article in The Guardian estimated that 3.4 million children across the UK are at risk of long-term health conditions and infectious diseases due to poorly ventilated schools.

Children spend a large portion of their lives in school – equating to around 7,800 hours across their educational life. We all generate CO2 when breathing out, and when you combine multiple bodies in an enclosed space with increased temperatures and humidity, this can significantly reduce air quality.

It is known that a CO2 level above 1,000 ppm has a negative impact. Studies have shown it can cause pupil performance

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to decrease by up to 15 per cent, cognitive performance to worsen by 60 per cent and could even lead to a significant (30 per cent) increase in headaches and respiratory issues. According to a February 2019 report, also in The Guardian, CO2 levels in schools can regularly exceed 2,500 ppm, causing children to lose focus.

There are some 32,000 schools across the UK and indoor air quality is a challenge for many of them – most specifically those in older buildings without good mechanical ventilation. However, even newer school buildings put pupils at risk without proper measures to ensure indoor air quality and ventilation. Many believe opening a window is a way of generating a fresh air supply, but it isn’t a practical long-term solution. There’s

also the very real issue of external pollution, such as vehicle emissions – particularly for schools located in some urban areas.

The solution lies in further investment and tighter guidelines for schools to ensure the protection of pupils’ health and wellbeing. Investing in CO2 sensors and air quality technology allows schools to continuously monitor indoor air quality and adapt the ventilation accordingly.

Although the government has begun a £25m initiative to supply over 300,000 CO2 monitors to state-funded facilities, there won’t be enough to cover every classroom.

Moving monitors around is not a viable solution, as this can lead to inaccurate readings. What's more, indoor air quality must be monitored over a sustained period.

At Plasma Clean, we've partnered with the air monitoring company Airthings, to deliver air quality technology to the education sector. This includes nondispersive infrared sensors (NDIR) to monitor indoor air quality (these are recommended by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers).

As well as monitoring CO2 levels, the sensors assess temperature, humidity, radon, VOCs, pressure, light and virus risk – all in real time.

When a problem is discovered, the right solution can be found. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) improves indoor air quality and reduces the risk of airborne infections. It's a proven technology, used by schools for more than 80 years.

From the hallway to the classroom, it is effective for old and new buildings.

Upper room UVC can provide up to 20 air changes per hour in comparison to mechanical ventilation, which generates between two and four changes per hour.

What matters here is the impact: improved air quality has been shown to improve performance and cognitive function – and support young people's health and wellbeing. In addition, it's a vital means to limit the potential for airborne infections.

It's time for the nation's schools to tackle this issue head on because all parents have the right to know that their child’s health and education are not being impacted by poor air quality.

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INTERIORS

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Fancy relaxing in a beautiful pergola in as little as four weeks, with absolutely no compromise on the quality? There is truth in the old adage "buy cheap, buy twice" which is why it is always recommended to buy the best you can afford. yorkshirepergolas.co.uk

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“It's nice to work with something that combines my architecture and interior design”

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

MASTER at WORK There’s no stopping Slaithwaite interior designer Lynsey Ford. Here, she discusses winning on the BBC, juggling motherhood and her local inspiration

I

PHOTOS: K G PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF LYNSEY FORD DESIGN

By BETHAN ANDREWS

t’s been a pretty big year for Slaithwaitebased interior designer and architect Lynsey Ford. Rewind one year and Ford was being crowned winner of BBC’s Interior Design Masters (IDM). In fact, as the final was being aired on the television, Ford was also welcoming her baby girl Poppy into the world.

And the prize for winning the TV show? A contract designing one of the rooms at the renowned Another Place hotel in Ullswater.

So, off the back of her win and with baby in tow, Ford got stuck straight into designing the space. Clearly, she is not one for resting on her laurels. But being a dreamcatcher is something that Ford has always been, from getting her first job in an architects at the age of 16, before training as an architect herself and following her heart all around the world to work, heading off to places like Australia, Canada, South Africa and Uganda.

She likes to push herself, that much is evident, and it was Ford’s unique way of allowing classical design and modern twists to co-exist that saw her win the TV show, and the way she combined upcycling with antique finds and bold ideas to create contemporary

masterpieces. It’s something that is evident in her own home, and in the holiday let Ford and her husband recently built in the garden of their Slaithwaite abode. So, as traditional maternity leave certainly isn’t something that Ford has had, what has 2022 looked like for her so far? “I never really managed to stop working, but I’ve worked a different way. When Poppy has been awake, I’ve been with her and still able to have that quality time with her,” she says. “I used the time at home to convert part of our shed holiday let into a studio, which has been fantastic.”

For Ford, being back in the heart of Yorkshire running her business means that the community around her is central to what she does. It’s no surprise, then, that she’s found a new love for commercial work and, in particular, in working with local independent businesses to help their vision come alive. “I’m really enjoying doing more commercial projects, and that’s the way I think I’m going,” she smiles.

“I’ve been doing people’s homes in some way for 20 years, it’s nice to work with something that combines my architecture and interior design. The commercial stuff really excites me and I think you can be a bit more bold and creative. It’s so lovely A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

working with someone setting up their new business and helping them achieve their dreams. It’s often the case that they have this concept in their head, but they don’t know how to create the surroundings to match the excitement they have for the business.”

Ford tells me how she feels that independent business is coming through more and more since the pandemic and after lockdown. “People love to stay local now and support that,” says Ford. “It’s such a great thing to be involved with and there’s a real sense of community.”

Championing Yorkshire is important to Ford, too.

We chat about how exciting it is to put Yorkshire on the map since IDM, and how nice it is to move the focus away from the capital into the county for a change. As part of this, Ford likes to utilise the incredible talent that is on the doorstep and works with amazing local businesses to see her designs through to fruition. One of those companies is Huddersfield-based Daval, who Ford worked with on her winning Another Place design and on her own studio, too. “I like to use local trades and also lots of local antique shops,” she says.

But where does she get her interiors inspiration from? “I get a lot of inspiration from my travels and from living in different countries, I liked watching how people lived,” says Ford. “I do lots of walking and love the countryside out here in Slaithwaite, the nature inspires me. When you’re out exposed in the fields A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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and the hills, it makes me think about the proportion of our bodies in relation to outdoor space, so I always like to bring the outdoors in and incorporate nature.”

As Ford chats me through her favourite places in Yorkshire, I can’t help but wonder whether there is anywhere in particular that she really loves for its design. Turns out there is, and it’s a place that just keeps on cropping up as everyone’s favourite at the moment. “The Piece Hall is really nice, it’s amazing what they’ve done there. It’s got such a good buzz to it because of the way it has been designed,” she enthuses.

As we wrap up chatting, she’s rushing off to film a top-secret TV project. “I never saw more TV work happening,” laughs Ford. “I went into IDM very naively I think, some people already had agents and I still don’t have one! To have a job where I can work for myself, but my business can do anything from architecture and interiors on Grand Designs-esque houses to working on TV, IDM has really changed my life. I feel really lucky for all the opportunities that have come my way.”

Ford tells me how excited she is to grow the design business now Poppy is in nursery, and to see more of her designs in situ in places such as Another Place Hotel. “Design for me is all about how it makes people feel, and I love hearing from and seeing people use the space I’ve designed,” she smiles.

“The best bit about interior design and architecture is when you see people’s faces using the space. You can change someone’s feeling with the way you design a space.” Perhaps what’s most exciting for the people of Yorkshire is that Ford is planning to sell her beautifully designed home and move into the holiday let they created. Keep your eyes peeled on Rightmove…

“The best bit about interior design is when you see people's faces using the space”

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TOP to BOTTOM

Ann-Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design, explains how she completely transformed this home near Ilkley

By MARK KEBBLE Photography HEIDI MARFITT

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Q Whereabouts in Yorkshire is the property?

A Near Ilkley, West Yorkshire.

Q The house hadn’t been renovated for four decades. Does that in itself throw up certain challenges?

A It meant that the house threw up problems like damp in the dining room and the stairs sloped to one side, as the house had moved. And the slope was highlighted by the tartan carpet, which the client had fallen in love with. There wasn’t time in the programme to rebuild the stairs, so we added lifts to each step to reduce the slope.

Q You were commissioned to give the home a whole new look. How exciting is it to get a brief like that?

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The great thing about a full house project is that you get to explore the different personalities and styles of the whole family and you really get to design a home that reflects the entirety of the lifestyle, from creative activities to sports and pets.

Q Where did you start?

A With every project we start with really getting

to know our client. We talk in detail about their interests, their favourite holidays, their hobbies.

We also talk about where they like to buy their clothes and their favourite restaurants.

Q They do say the kitchen is the heart of the home and it feels that way with your design. What did you aim to offer?

A This home needed to work for the whole family, from a teenager doing A-levels to a younger sibling in primary school, and parents who often worked from home (even prepandemic). On top of that, they have two very beloved dogs who are a big part of the family and extended family often came to stay too.

Q How did you decide on the colour scheme in the kitchen?

A It all started with a pink Kitchenaid, which the client already owned. She loves baking and really wanted her Kitchenaid on display.

In addition, it is a north facing in Yorkshire, so we needed to add warmth, so greys and greens provided the perfect antidote.

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

Q It’s a family home, including pets, so how did you take this into account with some of the materials used?

A Family homes have to have robust materials.

So engineered wooden floors were chosen with a clear lacquer to help withstand the demands of a busy family. All the fabrics chosen had a high Martindale value so that they could be easily cleaned and withstand lots of use. Delicate items were, in general, avoided, or else were used in places where there was no risk of damage by pets or children.

We also thought about how this family would use the space, and how they would use the space when extended family came to stay. It was important that it felt cosy for the four of them, but also could become a sociable space when they are hosting.

Q Is the look of the living room a sign of how you are inspired by artwork in some cases?

A All of our schemes encompass items which the clients love, whether that is furniture they have inherited from beloved grandparents or paintings they bought on holidays. In this case, we were lucky that our clients had bought this painting while on holiday a few years earlier, but hadn’t found the right spot in their old house for it. The double doors from the hall into the sitting room provided a great vantage point and the perfect spot to admire it as you enter the room.

Q How key are accessories like the brass hare lamp?

A It’s so easy to dismiss accessories as being

unimportant or secondary, but accessories make a space come to life and give real personality to the room.

Q How challenging was it to transform the basement?

A I loved working on the basement. Our clients were very clear that they wanted a bar and cinema down there, so we embraced the fact that it is a darker space and made it feel glamorous and moody by using smoked mirrors, bespoke brass bar fittings and rich colours. The wallpaper from Zoffany (Hawksmoor in Indigo) also helped to bounce light around and add interest and glamour.

Q What design touches did you introduce here?

A We added a wall of mirrors over the bar to help

bounce light around and had a bespoke overbar made, to allow for the fact that the ceilings were lower than average. We chose reflective finishes where possible and complemented them with rich colours, like navy, walnut and burnt orange.

Q Did you approach the design of each of the bedrooms in a different way?

A Each bedroom reflected the personality of that person. So the football loving son’s team colours A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

“If I had to choose a room to spend time in, I'd choose the bar. I'd be very happy down there with a glass of champagne in hand” were (gently) reflected in the blue, white and yellow scheme, but in a subtle way so that it wasn’t too obviously themed. Stylised prints from Etsy reflected famous players through the years and meant I didn’t need to accommodate any football strips! In contrast, his older sister wasn’t interested in football, but had a strong sense of her own style and knew that confidence carried into her bedroom and en-suite. The marble tiles made the most of the small en-suite and the black brassware ensured that it had an edge of cool. That carried into her bedroom, where a beautiful metallic paper from Black Edition gave texture and depth to the room.

The master bedroom all turned around the fab Kit Miles paper, and a chair which the husband had made as a young man, which was recovered in a gorgeous vibrant pink fabric from Linwood.

Reflecting their style and their past was really important to ensuring that the project felt like home the minute my team and I finished.

Q What did you introduce into the master bedroom en-suite?

A The master en-suite had previously been a bathroom, so we had plenty of space to work in, meaning we could add a generous freestanding bath and large shower. The teal fan shaped tiles were the star of the show and added glamour, along with the brass fittings. These finishes tied in with the glamour master bedroom next door, which featured an amazing paper by Kit Miles (Birds in Chains).

Q How long did the whole project take you?

A The design phase took about three months. The

builders were on site for nine months, approximately.

Q Do you have a favourite room in the finished home?

A I love the whole house, but if I had to choose a

room to spend time in, I think I’d choose the bar.

The new fire means that it’s the perfect space on a chilly evening, and when the better weather comes, I’d be very happy down there with a glass of champagne in hand, admiring the beautiful garden.

From a design point of view, I love how the bespoke overbar made the most of the space and added the essential sense of luxe. That complements the pragmatic approach of using kitchen cabinets to make the bar units, along with plenty of storage for all the bar essentials. amcinteriordesign.co.uk

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

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

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

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CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME Visit our showroom, no appointment necessary: Boroughbridge Road, Ripon T: 01765 603502 E: info@riponinteriors.co.uk W: riponinteriors.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

Make it WORK Another string to their successful bow, how Ripon Interiors can create that perfect home office to add to their beautiful kitchens and bathrooms

R

ipon Interiors are well known for stunning kitchens and bathrooms, as well as beautiful fitted bedrooms – but did you know this long established, independent business based on Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, is also very experienced in making attractive and practical home offices for their customers too?

Ripon Interiors work with the very best manufacturers of superior quality office furniture to design a bespoke layout to suit your home and specific working requirements. A well-designed desk can go some way towards making paperwork and homework a little more enjoyable – it’s certainly been proven that a tidy desk helps your general wellbeing.

Whether it’s a dedicated home office, a cosy corner in the kitchen or a multi-

functional bedroom, they can help with your home/office integration. Why not combine a spacious home office with a sleeping space by including a built-in fold down bed? Ideal for a spare room solution, these innovative home office suites offer great flexibility and increased functionality for your home, as well as long lasting good looks and reliability.

Graeme Borchard, managing director of Ripon Interiors, comments: “As one of the North’s leading branded bathroom and kitchen retailers, we supply exceptional bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and home office equipment and associated tiles, appliances and accessories. Our design consultants are amongst the best in the business and we invest heavily in helping clients choose the interiors they really want at a price they can afford. Our undisputed reputation for quality and design expertise allows us to provide the very best branded products for any budget to help you create your dream home.”

The state-of-the-art showroom showcases the wide range of products available from premium manufacturers such as Villeroy and Boch, Kaldewei, Keuco, Matki, Kudos, Hansgrohe, Laufen, VitrA, Swadling, Perrin and Rowe, Bosch, Hotpoint, Daval Furniture, Samuel Heath, Imperial Bathrooms, PWS (Second Nature), Neff and Miele.

“We are proud to have a long and established relationship with local tradesmen and contractors who will co-ordinate the installation from start to finish,” Borchard continues. “We also advise developers, architects and builders on specifications and design whilst considering budget and timescale to tailor the specifications to any requirement.”

Visit the showroom to discuss how to create a beautiful place to love or book a bespoke design consultation by calling 01765 603502. info@riponinteriors.co.uk riponinteriors.co.uk

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Visit our showrooms We showcase the latest generation of fitted wardrobes: sliding, in-line sliding, folding & touch to open

HARVAL Bespoke fitted furniture “For 45 years we have fitted beautiful furniture that has enriched thousands of homes in Yorkshire.

Everything we know about design, innovation and quality is encompassed in your fitted furniture.”

Stairs

WAKEFIELD SHOWROOM Horbury Junction Industrial Estate , Wakefield WF4 5ER Open: Mon-Thurs 9am-4.30pm Fri 9am-3.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm Tel: 01924 270121

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www.harval.co.uk

LEEDS SHOWROOM 2 Leeds Road, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6AX Open: Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm Tel: 0113 202 9696

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

HARMONY in the home

How Harval can solve any interior conundrum, offering design solutions perfect for your lifestyle

W

e all look for inspiration when exploring a new project for the home – that special something that makes us feel we’ve made the right choices. Harval are experts in this area. This family business has grown since its beginnings in 1970, but they have remained faithful to maintaining high standards, ensuring that customers receive the best service.

Harval appreciates just how bringing the furniture design, colours, and features together create harmony, as seen as their showrooms in Rawdon, Leeds, and Horbury, Wakefield. At the showrooms you will see many interesting features and exciting ideas. The ‘spare room’ setting demonstrates how flexible a room can be with a foldaway bed, combined

with a working office. A choice of door operation; sliding, in-line sliding, folding, hinged or touch to open can be viewed.

The bedroom can be a wonderful relaxing space, where we can breathe and relax, recharged for the day ahead. Beautiful fitted furniture in pastels and textures display the visual message of your style and expression.

Having just the right place to store those important accessories is so convenient: shoes, scarfs, ties, perhaps a discrete modern built-in ‘safe’ for jewellery or important papers.

Accent exterior lighting, illuminating your fitted furniture, gives a room that special luxurious touch, and interior lighting can be beneficial when organising and selecting your attire. Every room has its own potential and character, whether the desire is for a bold beautiful bedroom, a quiet calming space, or glamorous vibe.

Working from home has become very high profile in recent times, and to enjoy

an efficient day’s work, what better than an office specially designed for your requirements. General storage for seasonal items can be very useful for the smooth running of the household, and keeps other rooms clear for their primary purpose.

Awkward spaces can be maximised to accommodate bulky, or infrequently used items. As manufacturers, absolutely everything Harval produces is made to measure.

Choosing the right décor is not quite enough – you need to ensure it is correctly installed. Harval’s in-house installers are skilled, fully trained and have manufacturing experience, so they fully understand the products they are handling. harval.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FOCUS JAMES HARE

Part of the

FA BR I C Vanilla Interiors are wellknown throughout Yorkshire for their in-depth knowledge of soft furnishings and wonderful customer service

V “They have upholstered a cello for a window display of a prestigious London department store” CAMPDEN BY JAMES HARE

anilla Interiors are housed in a beautiful Grade II listed building in the North Yorkshire Market town of Tadcaster.

Behind the doublefronted Georgian windows, customers can browse through thousands of fabrics with as much or as little help as you need from Vanilla’s friendly staff who will also advise on the many different styles and designs available.

Vanilla’s vast range of fabrics come from around the world, those of Abraham Moon and Ian Mankin are woven traditionally in Yorkshire and Lancashire respectively.

Additionally, Vanilla Interiors have been making soft furnishings for the brochure photographs and for exhibitions for Leeds-based silk specialists James Hare for many years. With so many to choose from it is sometimes easier to see fabrics in your own home, so free swatches of fabrics can be posted to you Their range of fabrics has something to suit most budgets. In addition to fabrics, Vanilla also has a wide range of designer wallpaper to choose from. A full range of poles, tracks and trimmings are also stocked.

In-house seamstresses lovingly craft bespoke curtains on the premises in Tadcaster, reflecting generations of heritage and tradition. Each item is made from start to finish by the same person, giving control over quality and lead times.

Because Vanilla’s hand-made products

are made on-site, the sky’s the limit when it comes to customisation – your product can be totally unique should you choose.

Whilst curtains and Roman blinds are the mainstay, over the years they have been given some unusual requests, such as upholstering a cello for a window display of a prestigious London department store, and designing and making some very large pelmets and curtains for a hotel in Val d’Isère.

It’s all very well having beautiful soft furnishings made, but not everyone is up to the challenge of measuring for or installing them in a way which shows them at their best. Therefore, they offer a professional in-house measure and fitting service.

Quick-fire QUESTIONS… What are your lead times?

Assuming that your chosen fabric is in stock at the weavers, lead times are between 4 and 6 weeks.

Do you remodel existing soft furnishings?

We are happy to advise you on this, but it is something that we do regularly.

What are your green credentials?

Our electricity comes from a green supplier.

None of our waste goes to landfill and we recycle all our cardboard and paper. We are increasingly stocking natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and linen over man made fabric like polyester. We donate our offcuts of fabric to “Tadcrafters”, a local charity making beautiful products which they sell to raise money for deserving causes such as hospices.

Can I get an idea of price without coming to the showroom?

With just rough measurements of your window, we’re able to quickly give you an estimate based on an average priced fabric. vanillainteriors.co.uk

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TWO STUDIO

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & STYLING STUDIO

Commercial design studio based in the North of England, providing an all encompassing tailored Interior Design and Architectural service nationwide.

T: 07845709267

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E: jess@studiotwointeriors.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

LUCIA'S HARROGATE

RUSTIQUE YORK

D E S I G N AT T H E

DOUBLE As Studio Two approach their third anniversary, we look at two recent exciting Yorkshire projects

S

tudio Two are award winning interior designers exploring culture, use of space and human engagement to create distinct environments within the hospitality and residential sector.

They work to offer a seamless transaction of space planning, material selection, product placement and full project management services. With a personable approach to design, they cultivate atmosphere and create enviable environments for the places that people love; sourcing from an exclusive market to find unique, bespoke, and innovative design solutions.

Approaching their third year in business, the design duo and their team are set

to open their first creative Studio in the heart of Harrogate; home to their awardwinning project Lucia’s Bar and Restaurant, and more recently Samson’s Brasserie.

Harrogate the felt like a fitting location for the female founded Northern duo.

With projects also spanning across Leeds, York, South Yorkshire, and Newcastle, Studio Two divulged a little more on stand out projects over the past two years.

LUCIA’S HARROGATE An exciting refurbishment of a three floor Italian Bar & Restaurant in the heart of Harrogate. Studio Two worked alongside their client to create something truly unique and develop the current Lucia brand. Following completion, Studio Two have since redeveloped Lucia Beverley and are currently on site managing the installation of their design for Cut & Craft, the steakhouse brand for the same client.

RUSTIQUE YORK Rustique and its existing French charm lay subdued in the heart of York city centre.

Spread across two floors, including a secluded rooftop terrace, this charming French restaurant now offers a humble yet glamourous experience to its guests. Joinery is meticulously detailed to emphasise the quality of the experience. Finishes, raw and understated, are combined with pattern and French luxe detailing to walls, ceilings, furniture, and drapery.

RESIDENTIAL Studio Two have been commissioned to create an intimate range of luxury residential houses that sit within sought-

CUT & CRAFT

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after villages across Yorkshire. They have paired a charming neutral palette with eye-catching stones, tonal timber joinery and an abundance of texture for an elegant and exclusive look and feel.

Alongside the completed projects the design duo are currently working with large hospitality groups and multiple entrepreneurial clients with varied portfolios. Studio Two are proud to be delivering projects in areas they call home and have grown so fund of.

Directors Lauren Milner and Zoe Coates stated: “Creativity is so important to us.

We are always looking to new experiences.

Sometimes a little observation of the past and the present; the people and the cultures can cultivate some interesting conversations that spark ideas. We are also aware that although interiors are focused on the visual, it’s a lot more than that to us, it’s about how a space can make you feel.

“We detail pretty much every element of our designs from joinery to light fittings, this allows for a tailored design package, which for us is important and believe it these details, combined with our conceptual development and use of colour and texture that makes our spaces successful.’’ studio-two.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

Rest EASY Absolutely Yorkshire discovers more about the family-operated Simply Beds, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year

“For the last 20 years their aim has been simple: to ensure that you sleep well”

S

imply Beds is a true family-owned business and has already smoothly run from first generation to the second generation, and marks its 20 year anniversary this year.

Robert Nemes, the founder of Simply Beds, sadly passed away at the beginning of the year, but he will be proud that his family have grown the business since fully retiring some eight years ago.

Now, the next generation are successfully running the business together. They are unique in that as four siblings (Nicola, Robert, Ashley and Natalie) each having their own skill sets, they bring value to the business in their own personal ways.

For the last 20 years their aim has been simple: to ensure that you sleep well.

Everything they do, they do from the heart and with passion, ensuring they deliver their ‘Good night, Great morning’ spirit.

A good night’s sleep is vital for a good day ahead, and the average human spends nearly one third of their life in bed.

Therefore, the purchase of a good quality and comfortable bed is very important.

They have spent decades perfecting the love of sleep. Over that time, they’ve used two generations of experience to develop new products and services for their diverse range of customer. Time is valuable, the world is busy, and we are a nation of sleep deprived adults. They want you to take a rest and let them guide you.

Their stores are home to a range of beds, mattresses, bedroom furniture, bed frames, divan beds, children’s beds and bedding for you to try, all carefully selected for you.

Keeping up with the latest trends, they offer brands such as Silentnight, Sealy, Harrisons, Hypnos, Millbrook and Mammoth. They are also privileged to work with leading bed manufacturers developing mattresses and divan sets that are exclusive to Simply Beds, proudly handmade right here in Yorkshire.

They also offer many services to make your life a little easier – delivery, assembly and recycling your old bed.

They are always on hand and take regular phone calls offering advice about suitable mattresses. Finding a way to recycle a mattress is no mean feat, especially if you want to dispose of it in a responsible way. The waste company they use strip down all their customer’s disposals and recycle everything they can to reduce minimum landfill. Additionally, they recycle as much as they can in and around their stores; any packaging that can be reused, such as mattress bags are then kept in stock and are reused.

They support our country by buying the best of British and where they can they try to inject money into the British economy. It's no surprise Simply Beds has been such a success story. simplybedsuk.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Malton showroom now open

Great design is made with creativity

TallBoy Interiors are big believers in bringing together antique furniture and pieces from all eras. Great designs, no matter their age, work beautifully together.

Saville House, Saville Street | Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7LL 07725 414743 | tallboyinteriors@yahoo.co.uk | tallboyinteriors.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FOCUS THE IMPRESSIVE OPIUM BED

Tall STORY Absolutely Yorkshire meets Matt Dixon, an antique dealer based in Malton and owner of TallBoy Interiors

Q What is TallBoy Interiors?

A TallBoy Interiors is a decorative antiques

and artwork business set up seven years ago. We specialise in sourcing rare and unusual antique furniture for both private clients and interior decorators. Over the years we have built a strong online presence for showcasing antique furniture in a contemporary way that allows people to use pieces in their homes no matter the age or style. We have been trying to take the stigma away from antiques being old fashioned and pushing all the benefits they have such as their quality, sustainability and value for money.

In addition to antiques, we offer full upholstery on pieces purchased through us as well as an interior design service from simple advice to full projects. Most recently we have opened our first physical showroom in Malton, North Yorkshire.

Q What makes Tallboy Interiors different from the competition?

A I like to think due to the amount of services we offer and our contemporary take on one of the oldest businesses around. We aren’t put off by doing different things to try and carve a new path to go down and we don’t like to rest on our laurels. Over the last seven years we have taken TallBoy Interiors from a garage at my parents’ house to a beautiful Georgian chapel in the heart of the market town of Malton. I am very proud of that, but I am not content so plenty more will be coming.

Q What is the most interesting item you have purchased?

A That’s a tough one! In more recent years we have really tried to find the

most stylish furniture for interior design purposes, but what I have found is some quirkier items actually make some of the best interiors pieces. For me I love Anglo-Indian and campaign furniture, so when I came across a 7ft by 4ft opium bed I had to have it and it now makes a truly stunning coffee table in a beautiful local home. A guaranteed talking point.

Q Where is the most interesting

place to source items from?

A Sourcing is by far the most enjoyable part of the business as we go all over to find our items. Our main buying takes place in Europe predominantly in the South of France as the variety of pieces is unbelievable, plus the wine and food isn’t bad either! But to be honest nothing quite beats hunting round a stately home in the UK. I have been fortunate to see some amazing places and I make sure I don’t leave any areas untouched.

“Some quirkier items actually make some of the best interiors pieces”

Q Why choose Malton for your showroom?

A I will be honest, initially I chose Malton

solely for the building as we are situated in a stunning Georgian chapel. But since being here for two years I really couldn’t be happier. Malton is a town that wants visitors, so it hosts great events throughout the year. It is also situated in a wonderful area for beautiful homes, which suit the antique pieces I sell perfectly. So without writing a pros list as long as this Q&A I can simply say Malton offers a lot, it prioritises independent businesses, which makes it an ideal place to visit regularly as you never know what you might find. tallboyinteriors.co.uk

MATT DIXON

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

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Building I N D I V I D U A L I T Y

INTERIORS • FOCUS

iHus is empowering families to begin a new chapter in their lives, and discover the delights of stylish independent living, with their very own iHus granny annexe

I

Hus has hand crafted stylish new annexes for over 280 families – and they’re proud of every single one, drawing inspiration from seeing generations coming together whilst still enjoying independent living.

Each elegant granny annexe is as individual as the person who’ll live in it. Each annexe is skilfully designed to maximise space and natural light, and every one boasts a wealth of contemporary style and features.

The business’s team of designers provides customers with the freedom to change layouts and add finishing touches – to make each iHus a home to truly call their own. “Freedom to live life to the full in a detached home of your own – yet still be close to your grandkids, that’s what the iHus is all about,” says CEO, Trevor Smeaton. “And it’s what hundreds of families have come to enjoy.”

CHANGING THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT ELDERLY CARE With care home costs continuing to rise, a granny annexe can prove to be a cost-effective elderly care alternative. When compared to the UK average cost for residential care, a typical iHus granny annexe will pay for itself within the first two to three years.

One of the key reasons for downsizing to a granny annexe is lack of companionship. Having family members nearby can provide peace of mind for everyone.

It is a sociable and independent nursing home or elderly care alternative. Releasing equity to buy a granny annexe is not only a savvy investment, but a great way to support the mental wellbeing and safety of loved ones.

CARING FOR ALL CEO Trevor Smeaton adds: “We want today’s grandchildren to grow up in a cleaner, safer world.

That’s why our commitment to sustainable building and ecofriendly materials is tangible in every aspect of our homes. That is why we created Green Hus. “As well as incorporating established eco-friendly techniques in our homes, we found surprising new ways of reducing our footprint.

It’s not always the easiest or quickest solution for us, but Green Hus is the right thing to do.” ihusannexe.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • TREND YES COLOURS Electric Orange 1 litre emulsion paint, £21 yescolours.com

VARIER Ekstrem chair in orange, £2,699 backinaction.co.uk

COLLAGERIE Dipped vase, £90 conranshop.co.uk

ASHLEY JAY KITCHENS Coloured glass splashbacks, £POA ashleyjaykitchens.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

WATERS BATHS OF ASHBOURNE Ellipse Countertop Basin in bespoke orange, £425 watersbaths.co.uk

JOE BROWNS Boho garden parasol, £304 joebrowns.co.uk

BURNT ORANGE

CULT FURNITURE Heather Dining Chair burnt orange velvet brass, £109 cultfurniture.com

Rich shades for summer

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

LOLA & MAWU CASTRADS Mercury four-column cast iron radiator, from £297.60 castrads.com

Decorative Bolga Fan Khamsin in orange, £28 lolaandmawu.com

CUCKOOLAND Lhasa outdoor rug, £54.95 cuckooland.com

TALKING TABLES Orange Glass Candle Holder small, £10 talkingtables.co.uk

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PROPERTY

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

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PROPERTY • INSIGHT

A PROPERTY IN LITTLE OUSEBURN ON THE MARKET WITH MYRINGS ESTATE AGENTS

Being PREPARED The managing director of Myrings Estate Agents on Harrogate’s durability and setting the business up for the future

By GEMMA MYRING

H

arrogate’s ability to ride out national economic storms over so many decades is the stuff of legend. Not for nothing is Harrogate referred to as the ‘Teflon Town’ and we don’t see any significant change in the short/ medium term in our property marketplace.

During the awful Covid crisis and now in its aftermath, there is still ongoing house price inflation as well as an increase in rents, especially for larger family homes with outdoor space/garaging.

Will the iron rules of ‘supply and demand’ be broken here on the back of rising inflation and an increase in base bank rate with its impact on mortgages? We don’t think so. Can

the big builders here, like Barratt, Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Bellway continue to sell their new homes as fast as they can build them on the back rising costs for bricks, blocks, timber and a shortage of labour? Yes, they can and most are taking reservations for 2023.

For our part we believe in future planning and working hard/smart as well as strengthening the foundations of the business to protect against any future downturns as well as responding to changes in the marketplace.

Right now we are refurbing and rearranging our offices to be more inviting to visitors.

Less obvious are the new ‘state of the art’ software systems and most of all, the leading, inspiring, training and rewarding the residential sales and letting teams. We take the view that sales and rentals are just two sides of the same coin. The sales

GEMMA MYRING

team pass on rental leads and visa versa, but share the same drivers to give all our clients – buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, professional associates and tradesmen – a great service, underpinned by the highest professional standards.

Here we would say that although we invest heavily into our website and into social media, we enjoy a great level of business on the back of ‘word of mouth’ referrals from so many previous and existing clients who welcome our non corporate / independent family centred way of working.

My brother Simon and I are both ‘hands on’ in the business every day as indeed are all working directors – Syd, Colin, Clare – and even my dad, Charles! All of us rotate through the business on a daily basis in the sales and lettings departments to maintain the synergies, a way of working which we believe is one of our special advantages over fellow agents in the town.

What of the future? Well, we now run all electric viewing cars, but more strategically recognise that we must do more into rentals as lifestyle changes and the property market reshapes. We stand tall and look forward to more great adventures.

M Y R I N G S E S TAT E AG E N T S 10 Princes Square, Harrogate HG1 1LX 01423 566400 myringsestateagents.com

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THE EDLINGHAM

Best of ALL WORLDS

Absolutely Yorkshire learns more about Harron Homes, who offer luxury properties across the county

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uxury housebuilder Harron Homes boasts a wide variety of stylish properties suited to a range of tastes across Yorkshire. With Harron Homes you too can find your new dream home today.

Handpicked locations ensure that each home is close to picturesque countryside, bustling with wildlife and surrounded by greenery. Fusing country quietness with the convenience of towns and cities, Harron developments have all the necessary amenities you could need nearby. What’s more, their homes can often be found near high-performing schools.

At Harron Homes, they believe that your home should look beautiful inside and out.

Providing you with a sleek and tranquil interior design to relax in, their properties

also comprise a gorgeous external design, wonderful to look at as you stroll up to your own front door at the end of a day of work.

Bespoke, sleek interiors incorporate an array of luxury brands such as Symphony kitchens, Porcelanosa tiles, Hansgrohe taps and showers and Zanussi appliances.

The combination of sought-after locations and flexible designs and layouts make Harron properties ideal for any future lifestyle or career changes. Working from home is easier and more productive than ever. Harron Homes’ properties combine sleek, modern design with spacious rooms full of natural light.

If you are desperate to move and already have a home, why not try Harron’s popular Part Exchange scheme? With the Part Exchange scheme you are guaranteed a cash buyer for your existing property at

a genuine 100% market-value appraised offer. There are no estate agent fees and no property chains to contend with: Harron Homes will even purchase leaseholds, apartments and listed buildings, guided by their friendly Part Exchange Manager.

For a stress-free moving process, you’ll find their Homemover scheme ideal. Let them do the hard work for you and help you to sell your existing property. They’ll even pay your estate agent fees. As soon as you have pre-reserved your new Harron home, they will help to secure a buyer for your old property within six weeks.

Whatever you decide, both their Part Exchange and Homemover schemes will ensure you can move in to your dream home hassle free in no time at all.

For more details visit harronhomes.co.uk INSIDE THE EDLINGHAM

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BEADNALL Copley

www.beadnallcopley.co.uk

Estate Agents | Lettings | Valuers

LETTINGS

RIPON

HARROGATE

WETHERBY

01423 505458

01765 698100

01423 503500

01937 580850

8 Albert Street, Harrogate HG1 1JG

10 Fishergate, Ripon HG4 1DY

8 Albert Street, Harrogate HG1 1JG

3 Market Place, Wetherby LS22 6LQ

Definitive

COLLECTION

Bickerton, near Wetherby 6 • • • •

5

4

24ft 1in Handmade breakfast kitchen Spacious living room leading to conservatory Master bedroom suite with views Triple garage

A truly individual detached family home in stunning condition with gated driveway and exceptional large south facing walled gardens, nestled in the very heart of the picturesque village of Bickerton with ease of access to the nearby A1. EPC: D

Apply Wetherby – Guide Price £1,250,000

Boston Spa, near Wetherby 5 • • • •

5

2

Fantastic ground floor living space Master bedroom with Juliette balcony & view Sat in private gardens of approx. 0.5 acre Early viewing highly recommended

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Occupying a larger than average plot this double fronted family home with stunning gardens and surrounding woodland, sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance from Boston Spa High Street with its plethora of shops, restaurants and bars. EPC: D

Apply Wetherby – Guide Price £1,150,000

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QUITE the SIGHT Simon Blyth shows Absolutely Yorkshire around a beautifully presented family home with wonderful views over Wilshaw Village

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efore you even enter this property in Knowle Top, your breath is taken away. “The first thing that catches your eye are the views,” agrees Simon Blyth.

“The grounds, too, are striking.” Already you sense you are on to a winner with this property.

An attractive entrance door with glazed porthole and glazed panels to either side leads through to the entrance hallway.

This particularly impressive entrance hallway is decorated to a high standard, has a delightful staircase with attractive spindle balustrading, inset spotlighting to the ceiling, a window giving a pleasant view across the garden, high quality flooring and useful under-stair storage cupboard. There is also a large walk-in cloaks cupboard with window to the front, and a downstairs WC.

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The sitting room is a spectacular space.

“It’s so spacious and features plenty of natural light,” Blyth adds. It has two windows to the front and a further window to the side, all of which give lovely longdistance views. There is also a glazed door which gives direct access through to the garden room. This glazed door, and indeed the garden room, floods light into the home.

There are beams to the ceiling, inset spotlighting and particularly attractive flooring. Glazed doors which gently slide to either side, with stainless steel fittings, are particularly stylish in nature and give access through to the second sitting room.

The second sitting room is used as a formal dining room on odd occasions. It has three windows giving spectacular views out over the gardens and rural views beyond over towards Wilshaw on the hills above Holmfirth. This room also enjoys beautiful flooring, and there is inset

spotlighting to the ceiling and beams. The timber glazed door, previously mentioned, gives access through to the garden room. It is an outstanding architectural feature. This high, glazed, cube room enjoys stunning views out over the gardens and beyond and has an extreme amount of light and beautiful flooring.

“It’s very rare,” Blyth says of the ‘cube room’.

“It sets the style for the rest of the home.”

With a continuation of the high-quality flooring from the hallway, the dining kitchen is a particularly flowing room, with four windows giving spectacular views out to the garden/driveway side. There is inset spotlighting to the ceiling, and a range of units with granite working surfaces, a delightful island unit with storage cupboards beneath, an integrated microwave, provision for an American-style fridge freezer with plumbing, integrated dishwasher, and high specification ceramic sink unit by Villeroy & Boch with chrome mixer tap.

The kitchen is dominated by a beautiful Aga in black with the usual chrome hotplates, and an additional LPG gas burner to the side.

The Aga is a four-oven design and there is a delightful granite backdrop and appropriate spotlighting. The room is decorated and presented to a superbly high standard.

The staircase turns and rises up to the spectacular first floor landing. This has a lovely window giving a pleasant outlook to the front. The first-floor landing is decorated to a high standard and gives access through to bedroom one. This beautiful room is of a particularly good size.

It has twin windows with a spectacular view out over the garden’s rural views beyond, attractive beams and timbers on display, beautiful flooring, and a full bank of wardrobes with concealed, illuminated, mirrored dressing area behind. The room is decorated to a particularly high standard and has inset spotlighting to the ceiling.

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“The first thing that catches your eye are the views.

The grounds, too, are striking”

Fabulously appointed, the large en-suite has a bank of three mullioned windows giving a pleasant outlook to the driveway and garden side. There are twin Duravit wash hand basins with stylish mixer taps, mirrored and illuminated backcloth with display shelving, storage cupboards beneath, fixed glazed-screen large shower with superb chrome fittings, concealed cistern WC, combination central heating radiator/heated towel rail, and everything is finished to a particularly high standard and has inset spotlighting to the ceiling.

Bedroom two is another fabulous double room with windows to two sides, beam on display, high quality flooring, and a fold-down loft ladder giving access to the games loft. Bedroom three boasts a bank of mullioned windows with a lovely view out over the property’s gardens and beyond, and bedroom four is yet again a double room with a spectacular view out to the front, high quality flooring and beautifully decorated.

The property’s house bathroom is superbly finished. It has a fabulous amount of highquality tiling to the floor and up to the ceiling height, inset spotlighting, extractor fan, chrome central heating radiator/heated towel rail, concealed cistern WC, stylish broad wash hand basin with beautiful cupboards beneath and a stylish wash hand basin above.

The owners, working for home, have made full use of the hobby pod. It enjoys a spectacular view out over the property’s gardens with long-distance views out over the hills beyond. This, which was built to a high specification, has PVCu windows, PVCu glazed doors, and occupies a pleasant location within the garden yet is private from the views from the home. It is fitted with electric heating and has high quality wall lighting.

The fabulous detached high-quality studio is used as a combination of entertaining

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space, meetings/home office, and often is used on family occasions. This versatile space has wonderful views out over the property’s gardens and rural surroundings.

There are two sets of twin glazed doors and a huge amount of windows enjoying the location, the garden, the elevated views out over the surrounding farmland, the woodland, and Wilshaw village in the distance.

Knowle House is beautifully positioned and set delightfully within its mature gardens and grounds being approached over a long Tarmacadam driveway through attractive stone gate posts with a timber five-bar gate. The maturity of the gardens and grounds can be enjoyed

immediately on entering the garden. With lovely shrubbery and trees, it is a garden of great interest and truly must be viewed to be fully appreciated. Spectacular sitting out areas on the edge of the boundary to the rear and side of the home give wonderful views out over neighbouring farmland and long-distance views out over towards the Pennines. This has been one hugely impressive viewing.

Knowle House is available to buy for offers in the region of £1,600,000. For more information, contact Simon Blyth Estate Agents on 01484 689689 simonblyth.co.uk

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www.simonblyth.co.uk The Grange, Tenter Hill, New Mill, Holmfirth

Offers around: £1,450,000

STANDING IN SUBSTANTIAL GARDENS, THIS REMARKABLY PRIVATE DETACHED FAMILY HOME ENJOYS AN ACCOMMODATION THAT IS BOTH SUBSTANTIAL AND IMPRESSIVE, WITH A FABULOUS DINING/LIVING/KITCHEN OF 37’ X 17’, AND WITH A WHOLE HOST OF OTHER ENTERTAINING SPACE. THIS 5-BEDROOMED FAMILY HOME, WITH TWO EN-SUITES AND DETACHED COACH HOUSE INCLUDING HOME OFFICE STUDIO AND THREE-CAR GARAGE, REALLY MUST BE VIEWED BY THOSE WHO APPRECIATE A DELIGHTFUL AND CONVENIENT LOCATION BETWEEN NEW MILL AND HOLMFIRTH WITH EASY ACCESS TO THE LOCAL FACILITIES INCLUDING PLAYING FIELDS. THE STYLE AND QUALITY OF BUILD WILL BECOME APPARENT WHEN THIS HOME IS VIEWED. IT BRIEFLY COMPRISES: Impressive hallway, sitting room, dining/living/kitchen, second sitting room, study, family room, cinema room/playroom, downstairs w.c., utility room, library sitting area to the first oor landing, fi e bedrooms, bedroom one with large en suite and dressing room, and bedroom two having an en-suite, house bathroom, and all approached down a quiet, private, driveway and en oying a remarkable out of the way location and with high specification throughout

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BARNSLEY 01226 731730

HUDDERSFIELD 01484 651878

HALIFAX 01422 417000

KIRKBURTON 01484 603399

HOLMFIRTH 01484 689689

PENISTONE 01226 762400

SHEFFIELD 0114 3216590

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MONEY CAN BUY… Fine and Country welcome us into a stunning property in Chapel Allerton WHERE Mansion Gate Drive, Chapel Allerton, LS7 4SY WHAT Fine & Country is excited to offer to the market “The Hall” Mansion House. This stunning home is beautifully presented and offers generous accommodation over four floors. The Hall is the only property with access via the original pillared front entrance and leads into a spectacular, carefully restored home.

INSIDE This Grade II Listed home has a private entrance door leading into the property which has incredible high ceilings throughout. To the ground floor is a welcoming hallway with a guest WC, an open plan reception space with a living room with original fireplace and a dining area with double doors leading to the south facing garden. There is a superb modern fitted kitchen with a glass lantern ceiling, under floor heating, and a range of high-quality integrated appliances.

The original grand staircase leads to the first floor landing where two lavish bedrooms can be found, one with fitted wardrobes.

Both bedrooms have spectacular and tastefully designed en-suite bathrooms and there is an abundance of natural light from the tall sash windows.

The second and third floors of the property provides an additional unique bedroom with incredible far-reaching views and a luxury bathroom with marble tiles, standalone cast iron bath and walk-in shower.

The current owner has created the most wonderful versatile space to the lower ground floor with vaulted ceilings and comprises a cinema room with electric feature fire, a utility room, a double bedroom and a luxury shower room.

OUTSIDE Externally the property is accessed through electric gates leading to two parking spaces. There is a private garden via the original entrance with a patio area for outside alfresco dining.

PRICE £950,000 SELLING AGENT Fine & Country 0113 203 4939 sales@fineandcountryleeds.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WATLING GRANGE IN HARROGATE

Welcome HOME A community for all ages, says Persona Homes’ Lee Coan, as we get to know the team behind one of Harrogate’s most exciting new developments

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t Persona Homes, people matter as much as property.

That means both the people of Yorkshire looking for their next homes, and the vibrant faces behind the scenes supporting them. At the Watling Grange development in Harrogate, Lee Coan is one of those welcoming figures helping to find the right home for you.

We speak to him to learn more:

Q What makes these homes different to other developments in the area?

A First and foremost, our homes look different from what other developers are building, with their open plan layouts, vaulted ceilings, and beautiful feature windows. The Elstow is one of my favourite house designs.

Q What is your favourite feature of the new homes at Watling Grange?

A I love the light and airy feel of the houses at Watling Grange. The open plan layout and vaulted ceilings are definitely a hit with me.

Q What kind of people would you recommend the Watling Grange development to?

A I would recommend Watling Grange to everyone. Whether you are a younger first time buyer, upsizing, or downsizing, the development is set to be a community for all ages. The feel of the development with its luscious meadows will surely capture anyone’s imagination.

Q You work closely within the community in and around Harrogate. What’s something interesting to do in the town that you’d recommend to new residents?

A This one is probably not a surprise, but everyone should take a visit to the iconic Betty’s Tea Room. If you are looking for something out of Harrogate there are many beautiful places to see in Nidderdale.

Q How long have you been with Persona Homes?

A I joined the company in November 2020. The company operates in a completely different way to other developers, and there is a real sense of caring for employees and customers, and our new Personify product captures this completely.

Q Persona Homes is owned by Home Group, with profits reinvested into the business. How important is this as a motivation for your work?

A This is a great motivator, not just for myself but colleagues too, knowing that the work we do at Persona Homes is creating revenue to provide the social housing that we so desperately need.

Q What excites you the most about the next steps of the Watling Grange development?

A We are currently brainstorming ideas on how to develop the northern phase of the site. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to get involved with the design and layout of both the development and properties.

There will be an amazing seating area on the northern phase on the edge of the dramatic rockface overlooking the skyline of Harrogate. Where else would you want to be on a beautiful summer evening?

yourpersonahome.com

LEE COAN

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

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

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

MEREVALE £505,000

Plot 206 | 4 bedrooms | Available to reserve

BRETTON £375,000

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

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

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A typical Beal Homes street scene

BEAUTIFUL...

BESPOKE...

Thousands of home owners across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have already bought and put their trust in Beal Homes. Now it’s your turn to bring your dream home to life with our award-winning Design Lounge experts.

Whatever your vision, our enviable range of high quality brands and materials will make your home truly unique to you.

Beverley

To find out more call

01482 977 776

Kirk Ella Goole

1

Welton

2

5 4

3 Hessle

6

7 Hull

Preston

or visit our website

beal-homes.co.uk

Our East Yorkshire Developments: 1. The Greenways, Goole 5. West Hill II, Kirk Ella 2. St. Mary’s View, Beverley 6. Fruit Market, Hull 3. Turpins Chase, Welton 7. Holderness Chase, Preston 4. Pilgrim’s Walk, Hessle

Lincoln

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XXX IMAG PILGRIMS WALK

WEST HILL

Something different

Luxury homes, superb locations and the opportunity to design your perfect space – there’s so many reasons to buy a Beal home

I

f you’re searching for a luxury, contemporary new home in East Yorkshire’s most soughtafter locations, look no further than Beal Homes.

Beal is renowned for creating aspirational communities that offer exquisite home designs in prestigious locations. With developments on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, in the historic market town of Beverley and in leafy suburbs, Beal appreciates that location is key.

Just one example is Turpin’s Chase in Welton – a select development of 52 luxury homes nestled in this delightful village.

With its quaint duck pond, countryside walks and a village pub once frequented by notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, Turpin’s Chase offers a rare opportunity to join an exclusive East Riding community.

an in-demand development of highquality new homes, perfect for local buyers as well as commuters to Leeds, York, Hull and Doncaster, all easily accessible via the motorway.

Sales and Marketing Director Sue Waudby says: “It’s often said that, when choosing a home, nothing is more important than its location. At Beal, we understand how true that is. That’s why our developments are in locations where people aspire to live and why we put so much care into creating superb communities in these places.”

It’s not just location that matters. Beal also appreciates every buyer wants a home that is absolutely perfect for them.

Under Beal’s Design Lounge service, buyers work with Beal’s in-house team to create their dream home – a uniquely personal service that is the essence of the acclaimed “Beal Difference.”

The popularity of Beal’s unique design service is a key factor in the housebuilder’s move to a state-of-the-art new head office now nearing completion in Hessle. The new building will feature an expanded Design Lounge, enabling an even greater range of design and personalisation options. beal-homes.co.uk

If you’ve browsed The Sunday Times’ “Best Places to Live” guide, the market town of Beverley will be no secret. Peppered with independent shops, and boasting excellent food and drink choices, Beverley is the jewel in the East Riding’s crown.

Beal’s St Mary’s View development comprises 90 stunning homes on the edge of Beverley’s famous Westwood pasture and just a short stroll to the town centre.

Beal also has developments in charming villages west of Hull. Pilgrims Walk in Hessle, near the famous Humber Bridge, has a bustling town centre and a good choice of local schools close by. In nearby Kirk Ella, West Hill offers a perfect balance of suburban living with excellent shopping and leisure options, including a Waitrose store within walking distance.

Along the M62, Beal’s The Greenways development has brought to Goole

GREENWAYS

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You have a choice of Home Styles from leading Manufacturers Stately-Albion and Omar.

We have Show Homes on site ready to view and available for immediate occupation.

We also have a some availability on vacant plots for you to choose what style home suits you best.

£215,000

So please come down and experience our beautiful setting and explore the stunning Homes on offer.

Either drop into our Marketing Suite, Open Monday to Saturday with appointments available on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

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CATHEDRAL VIEW

Points of View The Cathedral View development in Ripon is certainly generating plenty of interest. We speak to Ross Maddock, the site manager, to find out more

Q How long has Cathedral View been in the making?

A Some three years we worked closely with the local authority to breathe new life into a vacant and troublesome site.

Q Why was Ripon the perfect area?

A What isn’t perfect about the city of Ripon? It oozes history around every corner, topped off with a fabulous Cathedral. It is surrounded by so many stunning things to see and do.

Q What homes do you offer?

A Detached bungalows with two

bedrooms, two bathrooms and a mix of modern-day open plan living and traditional interiors.

Q How would you sum up the interior design?

A Clean, fresh, bright and vibrant.

Q Who are the homes aimed at?

A They are aimed at the over 50s

who want quiet secure living within a like-minded community.

Q Are they well positioned to

make the most of Ripon?

A Yes. Cathedral View is set in a stunning landscaped location that offers a tranquil setting with a countryside feel, but within walking distance from the city centre with its abundance of amenities, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Q What other benefits do the homes provide?

A Mains gas central heating, modern modular energy saving construction, UPCV double glazing, two parking spaces and a garden.

Q Are you pet friendly?

A Yes we are, but no goats.

Q Can you have your own garden?

A Yes each home has its own garden

sizes vary depending on plot choice.

Q What amenities do the homes offer?

A As well as the aforementioned mains gas, electricity and sewers, there is also fibre optic for broadband and automated gated entrance.

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

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Style doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort.

Visit Our Showrooms WIMBLEDON

WINCHESTER

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67-68 High Street Winchester S023 9DA 01962571136

BATH BERMONDSEY BROOK-GREEN KENT

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Celebrating 125 Years of Berry's Jewellers NEWCASTLE

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YORK

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LEEDS

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NOTTINGHAM

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