Absolutely Hertfordshire May 2023

Hertfordshire

Inspiration and ideas for your big day

Sunshine GLAM

GET THE SAINT TROPEZ LOOK AT GINGERLILLIE BOUTIQUE IN HERTFORD

PLUS

DILLY CARTER At home with the Tring decluttering queen ROYAL MOMENTS The Dean of St Albans on the cathedral and coronation JOINING THE CLUB What brought acclaimed chef Robin Gill to Cheshunt

GET YOUR SUMMER BODY READY

Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021.  With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the second largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

Look and feel more comfortable with your body concerns in the space of only six weeks. This treatment offers skin tightening with fat and cellulite reduction as well as permanent fat removal for stubborn resistant areas. The next generation, multi-platform transformation bodylift offered exclusively at Medispa Group can combine a number of super technologies depended upon your specific concerns, using the very latest cutting-edge technologies such as Coolsculpting Elite, Exilis Elite, Emsulpt, Morpheus8, BTL Unison and Emerald Laser to make you look and feel fantastic !

EXPRESS YOUR WITH DANISH DESIGN FURNITURE

EXTRAORDINARY

LOCATED AT BATTERSEA REACH, HARRODS, FINCHLEY ROAD, NOTTING HILL, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, WESTFIELD LONDON, GUILDFORD, BENTALLS KINGSTON, FENWICK BRENT CROSS AND ST ALBANS

Discover original and distinctive furniture designs with the latest Scandinavian styles. Customise our furniture to suit your lifestyle with the help of our interior designers and nd the perfect t for your home. Change the size, colour, nishes, con gurations and more. Book your free interior design consultation in-store or in the comfort of your own home. For further inspiration, explore our full collection online and in-store.

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH

ABIGAIL GARDNER

MAGAZINE MANAGER

LOUISE PEARSON

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

STELLA ADAMS, SUSAN BULLOCK

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com

For advertising enquiries please call 07977 195732 or email: abi@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588

Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Follow Us On

Facebook @ABSOLUTELYHERTFORDSHIRE

Twitter @ABSOLUTELYHERTS

Instagram @ABSOLUTELYHERTFORDSHIRE

Website absolutely-hertfordshire.co.uk

The

From top tips on buying your wedding ring to the finest local venues

Meeting the creative mind behind a debut outdoors collection at the Herts

ABSOLUTELYHERTFORDSHIRE.CO.UK

Why stripes are the new stars of the

The Herts school rescuing animals and teaching their pupils at the same time 78

The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

ON

Saint Tropez SS23, found at Gingerlillie Boutique in Hertford (sainttropez.com)

Your Biggest Day, The Smallest Details

Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, London has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. With a history of hosting royals and aristocrats, more than 155 years later, The Langham remains a London icon where the finest events and grandest celebrations take place.

Celebrate life’s milestones in our opulent Grade II Listed Grand Ballroom, rose-filled Courtyard Garden, or elegant private dining rooms. With menus overseen by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr, and a dedicated event specialist to guide you every step of the way, we shall ensure your celebrations are managed to perfection.

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA

T (44) 020 7636 1000 | tllon.weddings@langhamhotels.com langhamhotels.com/london

LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S

In my 44 years on this planet, Queen Elizabeth II was one of the few constants. Of course, there was my family, but then there was also the Queen. In no way would I call myself a Royalist, but there was always something rather comforting about seeing HM The Queen going about her state duties.

The football club I am now the chairman of also had an encounter with Her Majesty. Alan Woodiwiss, the man who founded my club 70 years ago, was the recipient of a well deserved MBE for services to the grassroots sporting community, and the picture of him receiving his medal always takes centre stage at every event we hold. Apparently, he told us, The Queen had great insight into grassroots football. That is what makes this month monumental for so many. With the coronation of King Charles III upon us, it's the dawn of a new era that we probably never wanted to accept was coming. The whole of Hertfordshire looks like it will be coming together over the bank holiday weekend, and inside we have a sneak peek at what to expect across the county.

Elsewhere, we meet the Tring queen of decluttering, the Dean of St Albans and acclaimed chef Robin Gill. May, it seems, is going to be quite the month.

Interiors Trend

Stripes are the stars of the home (p73)

The Dean of St Albans on what makes the Cathedral so special (p20)

Dilly Carter Tring's queen of decluttering (p16)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Wish LIST

BLUE JEAN

Hellessy's fabulous Beatrix denim dress features an asymmetric metallic fringe hem and a square neckline with adjustable straps, £857. hellessy.com

ROYAL ROBE

Orchard Moon's luxury kimono robes are as so as silk but completely cruelty free, made from sustainably managed woodland. They are designed in London and made in Europe, £260. orchardmoon.com

SOLE MAN

Terry De Havilland is a legend on the shoe scene and he's back with a collection of Icons. Expect his trademark platform sandal in a variety of shades and fi nishes. terrydehavilland.com

SKY BLUE

New colours from Nailkind for spring include the delightful Out of The Blue, a pastel lavender blue that's vegan too. nailkind.com

SPRING JOY

Daylesford's gorgeous gardening bunny is a lovely decoration for any kind of celebration. daylesford.com

MARINE LIFE

Nitt studio is a unisex highend knitwear brand, taking its inspiration from the love of animals and nature. Each piece is made with high attention and technology and unique details which makes it timeless and iconic. nittstudio.com

STILL WATERS

Jo Malone London's Waterlily cologne has a dewy freshness that is enhanced with a fl ourish of jasmine sambac and neroli, £115. jomalone.co.uk

BLUE EYES

We're loving the Conran Shop's new cobalt blue iPhone accessories, which include a case, wireless charger and an airpod case. conranshop.co.uk

SHE'S ELECTRIC

Blue is the new summer shade for Rosessence from Aubade, which also comes in black, cream, pale pink and red. Bra £105, tanga £49. ameliesfollies.co.uk

LET IT SHINE

Bergs Potter's petrol-blue glaze makes a beautiful fi nish to the Copenhagen-based brand's lovely pots of all sizes. bergspotter.com

TODDS GREEN, SG1 2JE, HERTFORDSHIRE

3 DAYS6 STAGES80+ ACTS

the finest family-friendly festival, right in the heart of hertfordshire

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

ULTIMATEROCKET MAN

ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE

COLDPLAY SUPERSONIC QUEEN

rick parfitt Jnr & Rpj band spice

hometown glory adele trIbUte

a tribute to the spice girls

abba lush KAZABIAN badness

arctic monkeyz

Definitely could be oasis greendays

beach boyz billy idol uk tribute ELVIS live

CHASING MUMFORDthe sound of springsteen

the jam’dska britannia furnace & the fundamentals

the carpenters songbook Daisy & The Dukes

Meanstreak desert penguins benidorm tom saboteursScallywagsDIRTY HALF HUNDRED

STEVE YOUNG & BAND Andrea Wilde and the Whisky Chasers

magenta slipperzplus loads more the myndset

afterparty in the woods

FRIDAY SATURDAY

judge julespat sharp plus special guests

free shuttle service to train stationfree parking KIDS ARENA

promoting local talent vintage funfair NEW! WELLNESS IN THE WOODS

world street food

bottomless prossecco vip breakfast CAMPING & glamping

tickets available at

CULTURE

GRIFF RHYS JONES

12-13 MAY, OLD TOWN HALL, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

Multi award-winning comedian, writer, actor, and television presenter Griff Rhys Jones is set to embark on his next national stand-up tour this summer with brand-new show, ‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’. Sharing witty observations and rambling comic stories, Griff’s funny anecdotes have covered an astonishingly diverse range of subjects: from TV travel, Welsh family, age, late night trains and nostalgia to the TikTok generation, crocodile smuggling, and opal noodling in Australia. oldtownhall.co.uk

The Agenda

MAY'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

Vitality

UNTIL

29 OCTOBER 2023, HENRY MOORE STUDIOS & GARDENS

In 2023, more than 20 monumental bronzes inspired by natural and human forms will be displayed in the Herts landscape surrounding the studios where Henry Moore developed ideas. Multi-part reclining figures are joined by some of his purest organic abstractions and works exploring his most iconic themes: the mother and child, the reclining figure, and the juxtaposition of internal and external forms. henry-moore.org

EVENT

Hertfordshire County Show

27-28 May

THE SHOWGROUND, REDBOURN

The Hertfordshire County Show is one of our county’s flagship events – a celebration of everything Herts, country living, food and farming, o ering something special for each and every one of the 35,000+ visitors. Enjoy and discover the very best of local shopping with deliciously curated produce in the Food Court and iconic Made in Herts zones with local foods and crafts that showcase the best of Hertfordshire. hertsshow.com

EVENT

Living Crafts

5-8 May

HATFIELD PARK

Living Crafts will be bringing the wow factor to the historical landmark of Hatfield Park with a buzzing festival of contemporary crafts. Don’t miss the ‘Crafts for the Coronation’ display in the Showcase Pavilion, the stimulating brass and jazz bands, and expect plenty of bunting, coronation decorations, celebratory drinks and afternoon teasand of course a large screen TV for a live feed from the big event itself. livingcrafts.co.uk

HENRY MOORE, TWO PIECE RECLINING FIGURE: POINTS 1969. PHOTO BY JOHN CHASE

FAMILY

TACTILE EXPLORERS

27 May

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The Tring museum will be welcoming blind and partially sighted children and their families to this special event. Get hands on with real museum specimens led by trained facilitators. Each event will explore an alternative theme and include di erent specimens, and from foxes to slow worms, the theme this time is British wildlife. After the session you are welcome to borrow their Tactile Bags to explore the galleries - these bags have a variety of items and specimens to bring the galleries to life. nhm.ac.uk

This Month’s Must See

The Tiger Lillies

20 May

THE ALBAN ARENA

After years away touring the world, the Olivier Award-winning godfathers of alternative cabaret, the legendary alternative-rock trio The Tiger Lillies, embark on a tour with their show ‘From the Circus to the Cemetery’, to coincide with the release of their first ‘best of’ album, ‘The Worst of The Tiger Lillies’. With their dark and eccentric underground appeal, Tiger Lillies’ image and style is described as "the macabre magic of pre-war Berlin, with the savage edge of punk", and leaves no deviant theatrics unturned. alban-arena.co.uk

CROWNING MOMENTS

Three special events in Herts to mark the King’s coronation

TASTE OF DESIGN 2023

16 MAY, HATFIELD HOUSE

The Taste of Design 2023 roadshow is provided by a select number of luxury interior design brands, who bring their exclusive roadshow to an interesting location near you. The objective is to provide you with an enjoyable and relaxing environment, as well as the opportunity to view lovely products and services, and meet interior suppliers face-toface in a sympathetic setting. tasteof.design

MARKET LATES, WATFORD MARKET

5 May

Celebrate the King’s coronation at this special market event. You will be able to enjoy live music alongside craft beer, a pop-up bar and delicious street food from around the globe, including Caribbean, Asian and Korean street food. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the ambience of market dining and be treated to a menu of fresh dishes plus drinks in the wonderful covered casual dining space. watfordmarket.co.uk

CORONATION STRUT, HERTFORD CLUB

6 May

Be the guest of DJ Dave and dance to fab tunes and real vinyl, with food on the side from Steve's Fish Bar. Go and join all the fun at a fab historic venue celebrating King records (James Brown), Kings of Ska (Desmond Dekkar, Prince Buster), Kings of Soul (Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett), Kings and Queens of Tamla Motown and this historic dance music over the past 60 years. hertford.club

KING'S CORONATION FESTIVAL

7 May

In celebration of the coronation of his Majesty the King, enjoy "Picnic on the Lawn" at Hertford Castle. Bring along your picnic and pitch up with friends and family to enjoy a relaxed day in the beautiful Castle grounds with music entertainment, garden games, food and drink stalls and a children's 'Kings & Queens' fancy dress competition. A great opportunity to enjoy a street party vibe set in the Castle grounds. hertford.gov.uk

CLEAN LIVING

Tring resident Dilly Carter - a professional organiser, author, and TV presenter - tells Absolutely Hertfordshire how adoption has shaped her decluttering mission

By NATALIE LI

There is no doubt that decluttering your home brings huge satisfaction and order. Reclaiming your home, time and mind is something professional organiser

Dilly Carter is deeply passionate about. “The ability to change someone’s space is so powerful,” 41-year-old Dilly tells me. “I see through the chaos and clutter. That’s where I get joy from.

“After working in so many homes within seconds I know what I am doing,” she continues. “Nothing overwhelms me. It can take longer, but I know and visualise it finished. People struggle with that vision, and it becomes impossible to know how to change your space.”

Dilly’s devotion to decluttering homes has been a lifelong interest. “I’ve always loved organising! From a young age, you’d find me helping neighbours or friends to clear a wardrobe out. My house was always a mess growing up, I found

pleasure in re-establishing order. I take a lot of pride in tidying my own home and I am quite particular. It does calm your mind – it’s a form of therapy.”

This passion for helping others shifted to Dilly’s own personal life when she began to help her mother, who su ers from bipolar disorder, to organise her home and live minimally. It sparked the idea of starting her own company, Declutter Dollies, to help people restore order to their homes.

Today, Dilly, a former personal assistant, runs her home organising and personal styling business with a team that travels across the country to transform homes. “I get a lot of wardrobe enquiries and I talk to my clients about creating a capsule wardrobe, key pieces to buy, and wardrobe cleansing. Declutter Dollies is a one-stop-shop.”

Such a flair for fine detail and an obvious commitment to changing lives won Dilly a spot as an expert on Sort Your Life Out, a BBC TV show that helps families across the UK on a week-long mission to declutter their homes, revamping

them in the process by upcycling and repurposing what they already have.

The Bafta-nominated show is presented by Stacey Solomon and features carpenter and upcycler Robert Bent, and cleaning fanatic Iwan Carrington. “I was discovered on Instagram after someone asked me to share a flyer about the show,” Dilly explains. “I was a bit jealous because I thought there’s a decluttering show out there and I’m not on it! I shared the flyer and six weeks later the producers invited me for an interview. Several interviews later, I got the job.”

Dilly’s engaging and warm personality has won a healthy army of fans, or “dollies”, who religiously watch the show. “I can talk about organising so easily as it’s second nature so joining the show felt natural,” she says. “The team get on so well and it gets better and better. I feel like we’ve known each other for 20 years. People love it, it’s been a hit. Stacey and I love a good sort out o -screen, she needs it more than ever with a growing family. We’ve become good friends.”

During her career as a professional organiser, Dilly has worked with many

“It does calm your mind. It is a form of therapy”

celebrities, from beauty entrepreneur and make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury, Love Island stars and Hollywood actor Liv Tyler. “What I do is credible,” she explains. “I want people to recognise me for what I’m good at and not who I work with. The show has given me a platform to showcase that I’m good at what I do; the way I teach people to let go and change their space.”

How did it feel to become a famous face, I wonder, after years of working behind the scenes for celebrities and high-net worth individuals. “Being famous is bizarre,” she says. “I recently had a book signing and people thanked me –watching me on the show had motivated them to change their homes and mindset.”

O -screen, Dilly loves nothing more than family time with her husband Charley, nine-year-old daughter, Nelly, and Yorkipoo terrier Buddy in Tring, where they moved to in 2012. “I really enjoy my walks with Buddy across Tring Park – it’s my happiest place, it’s so scenic and to think we have that on our

doorstep is such a treat,” Dilly grins. “Champneys in Tring is always a fab spot to go and unwind and walks around Ashridge House. I also love visiting the Natural History Museum. You’ll also find me hanging out at Black Goo Co ee on Tring High Street, run by my sister-in-law, or the Akeman – it’s our favourite pub.

“We always thought Tring was

the perfect place to start a family and we were right. It feels safe and there’s lots of open space. The schools are good and have high standards of teaching. We’re spoilt for choice.”

When it comes to talk of the future there’s plenty in store for Dilly, who is the author of Create Space and has released her second book Change Your Space: Reclaim Your Home, Your Time and Your Mind. “Right now I am happy with where I am and growing my business, but it’d be nice to have a regular slot in a magazine or on TV.”

Dilly is also an ambassador for Adoption UK, which raises awareness of modern adoption and the challenges faced by adopted people – an experience she knows all too well. “I am so proud of this role; to be able to give something back and talk about adoption is so important. Everything I do comes from the heart and experience. I was adopted in 1983, aged three. I remember seeing my neighbours waiting outside to welcome me to the street. I lived on a beautiful cul-de-sac in Shepperton. That is my earliest memory. I was very loved, but I cried for weeks – everything was so alien and probably traumatic.”

As our conversation draws to a close, she reflects: “I thought I had found my real mum, but I don’t know if it was genuinely her. I went down that path and I’m exploring it again soon. I am hoping to film a documentary – there are so many layers to the story. Charley and I couldn’t have a second child and have discussed adoption so to go full circle would be amazing.”

dillycarter.co.uk

“We always thought Tring was the perfect place to start a family”

SHE LOVES EXPLORING ASHRIDGE HOUSE

PIZZAS AT AKEMAN ARE A HIT

Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home

Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home provides the highest standards of family-led nursing & residential care. Our home is luxurious and beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Oakview Lodge feel extra special.

For more information about Oakview Lodge Care Home, please contact the home on 01707 375345 or email oakviewlodge@countrycourtcare.com.

Get to know…

KELLY-MOORE

Q You originally trained as a lawyer - so how did you end up in the Church?

A Since childhood Christian faith has been part of my life’s journey. When I did my Law and Arts degrees I thought one day I would like to study theology. After six years in commercial litigation I had the chance to go back to University to do just that. When I was studying a lecturer asked me if I had ever considered ordination. The rest as they say is history!

Q How do you look back on your time at St Aidan Remuera?

A The decade we spent as a family at St Aidan’s was a very, very special time. We went from two to four in our house! As an urban parish near central Auckland it is a busy multi-generational community and we had the blessing of being with them for the Church’s centennial. It was great fun.

Q How big a role was being Dean of Auckland?

A As Dean of Auckland I led an £8 million capital campaign to complete the construction of the Cathedral, which included the building of a new chapel at the east end of the Cathedral and the installation of a new Cathedral Organ. Auckland is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and it was a joy as Dean to celebrate that in what we did.

Q Were you always planning on coming to the UK to carry on your work?

A No! I had worked in London as a lawyer in the 1990s, but never thought we would come here again. When the project at Auckland Cathedral was finished, a friend in the Church of England contacted me to say ‘I think I have found your next job’. Once again, as they say, the rest is history and before too long I was Archdeacon of Canterbury and we were living in the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral.

Q How did it feel when you became the Dean of St Albans in 2021?

A I felt very privileged and excited. Being a Dean is the best job in the Church and what better place to be Dean than St Albans!

Q What makes St Albans Cathedral such a special place?

A At the heart of St Albans Cathedral is the story of a Roman citizen, Alban, who gave safe refuge to an asylum seeker, the priest we now call Amphibalus. The gift Alban received was his faith. Both men died as a result of this encounter. Our two shrines, and the Roman

bricks in this ancient holy place, continue to tell the story of that welcome and that care, by Britain’s first saint and martyr. It is a message still so relevant today. That is what makes this place so very special.

Q How do you see its role in the community?

A Cathedrals are, by definition, places to serve the community and diocese they are part of. Every day there are community activities happening here, whether it is school or other groups gathering to learn here, pilgrims passing through, children’s and youth groups of all kinds and much more. At the same time sta and congregation members are engaged in a wide array of community service and activities.

Q What do you have planned at the Cathedral for the King's coronation?

A We are looking forward very much to the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort. We are live streaming the coronation in the Nave and inviting everyone to bring their picnic lunch to share. We have the Lord Lieutenant’s Service for the coronation at 4pm on Sunday 7 May and on Monday 8 May we are inviting people to come and volunteer their time to help clean, tidy, garden and generally spruce up the Cathedral. Everyone across St Albans and beyond is welcome to all these services and activities.

Q The Cathedral aside, what else do you love about St Albans?

A St Albans is a great place to live. It is a lively, friendly community where there is always something great happening.

Q And if we were to ask you to pick your three favourite places in St Albans or further afield, where would you choose?

A It is hard to choose just three things! Verulamium Park is an amazing gift to our city and county and there are so many great places to get out into nature across Hertfordshire. There are great options for eating out in the city of St Albans and villages surrounding it. And, I would have to say our Cathedral and our Churches!

Q What are your hopes for the rest of 2023?

A These are challenging times in so many ways. While none of us has the ability on our own to change global issues, what we each can do, and do together, is to care well in our communities and to be good neighbours reaching out in friendship and care to those around us. As in the coronation we celebrate volunteering, may we each also keep an eye out for opportunities where we can serve. In all this, we each make the world a better place.

Visit stalbanscathedral.org and enjoystalbans.com for coronation and springtime events

“St Albans is a lively, friendly community where there is always something happening”

AUCKLAND

ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL

SHE LOVES THE NATURE AROUND HERTFORDSHIRE

We are holding an Open Day on Saturday 20th May from 9am-1pm. If you would like to view our wonderful school and hear from our Head, Mrs Lobo, please visit manorlodgeschool.com to register.

FOOD & DRINK SPECIAL COURSES

FOX & HOUNDS

The Fox & Hounds in Barley is swiftly becoming our go-to for special foodie events. On 25 April they welcomed wine producer Kopke for a fun and informative evening. Chef/owner, Brett Barnes, prepared a five-course bespoke menu to complement the incredible wines. And, due to popular demand, their burger evenings on a Wednesday night continued throughout the month. We look forward to seeing what the summer holds in store. foxandhoundsbarley.com

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE

news

Wine recommendations for the month

By bodegas FAUSTINO

TASTING

NOTES

Hertfordshire's food news and most exciting openings this month

By MARK KEBBLE

A sparkling wine with a clean, bright, pale yellow colour and gold rim. The nose is warm and fruity, with hints of white fruit, honey, apple and floral notes. Pairs well with salted fish, seafood dishes and caviar, along with baked potatoes and mushrooms.

The nose is complex and intense, with red fruit aromas of raspberry and strawberry. The palate is elegant, crisp and fresh with well-integrated acidity and a medium fruity finish. Matches perfectly with cold meat, sausages, pork or chicken, as well as grilled meat and mushrooms, with rice and pasta.

The nose is complex and balsamic with notes of stewed fruit, sweet warm hints of oak and spicy cinnamon. The palate is elegant and structured, with good acidity and a nice long finish of ripe fruit, vanilla and roasted notes.

BODEGAS FAUSTINO

BeFaustino I is the most sold DOCa Rioja Gran Reserva in the world, with nearly 40% of wine sales in its category. Bodegas Faustino is a family of winemakers with a long tradition spanning over 150 years bodegasfaustino.com

Dreams are made of

BRASSERIE

For a dream end to the week with friends or loved ones, guests can enjoy The Ivy’s new Dream Champagne Dinner. Available every Friday from 6.30pm, diners can choose two courses for £45, and three courses for £50, inclusive of half a bottle of the finest French Champagne each. Starters include delicious Malaysian curried prawns, and for the main event, a delicious chargrilled sirloin steak with a flambéed brandy and tru e sauce will be a highlight. Guests can finish o with a zingy lemon sorbet or ice creams.

theivystalbans.com

THE IVY ST ALBANS

Faustino Cava Brut Reserva  £13

Faustino VII Rosé  £7

Faustino I Gran Reserva

Rioja 2019  £17

ROYAL OCCASIONS

Afternoon tea in Herts to mark the King’s coronation

PAST & PRESENT

THREE 9 EIGHT COFFEE BARN

Seasonal feast

The beauty of a weekly changing menu at The Alford Arms in Frithsden is that you can be sure to eat with the seasons all year round, but May is especially exciting as the first of the summer produce comes on line. So work up an appetite with a walk in the beautiful Ashridge Forest, then feast on the freshest asparagus, broad beans, new potatoes, wild garlic and herbs and much, much more. alfordarms.co.uk

On 6 May join this wonderful museum in watching the King's coronation, while enjoying an a ernoon tea filled with delicious homemade sandwiches, cakes, and scones with clotted cream and jam. northhertsmuseum.org

Perfect topping

YE OLDE FIGHTING COCKS

Britain's oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, has fired up its pizza oven to launch a new takeaway menu available through Uber Eats. The pizzas feature a hand-stretched 10" base with seven choices. These include: Margherita; Four Cheese (cheddar cheese, parmesan & goat's cheese); Pepperoni; Rustica (prosciutto, olives & parmesan); Americano (pepperoni, mushrooms & chilli); PrimaVera (goat’s cheese, peppers, olives, red onion & oregano); and Hawaiian. fightingcockssa.com

SOPWELL HOUSE

Celebrate the coronation over the Bank Holiday weekend with this Special A ernoon Tea. Sopwell House’s talented pastry team have created a royal-inspired a ernoon tea featuring some of The King’s favourite cakes including a traditional Victoria Sponge. sopwellhouse.com

This countryside co ee barn is located at the site of a former WWII US Air Force base. Packed full of history and family-friendly, it’s the perfect place to take a break from work and relax with a cup of co ee and fresh cake. Dogs are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friend along too.

three9eight.com

FANHAMS HALL

This Ware favourite is putting on a King’s Coronation A ernoon Tea full of savoury delights. Expect concoctions with Coronation chicken, raisin, coriander, and mango chutney and Scottish smoked salmon, and chive and crème fraîche pinwheel. exclusive.co.uk

FLY BY THE WOODMAN INN

The Woodman Inn is the quintessential rural pub. This hidden gem is surrounded by Hertfordshire farmland and bursting with country charm. You can expect to find a seasonal menu, a well-stocked bar, and fresh handmade pizzas. Steeped in local aviation history, this pub is the perfect place to while away an afternoon.

woodmannuthampstead.com

THE ALFORD ARMS

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE MUSEUM

STARS & STRIPES

Acclaimed chef Robin Gill on Raymond Blanc, tough times and working at Cheshunt’s The Zebra Riding Club

By MARK KEBBLE

PHOTO: ADAM FIRMAN

Q What originally was it about being in a kitchen that caught you hook, line and sinker?

A The creativity, adrenaline and possibilities. Every day is di erent and the first kitchen I worked in was massive with chefs from all over the world. I’ve always wanted to travel so this was an eye opener and made me realise I could go anywhere.

Q Is it fair to say your early career in the industry had its share of ups and downs with your di erent experiences at restaurants?

A Absolutely, my first kitchen experience was met with a group of bullies which I’ve since written about, however I’ve thankfully never experienced it since. Kitchen life and the team are like family so it needs to be fun. There’s no point in working those kinds of hours and not enjoying it.

Q Who would you say has had the biggest influence on your career?

A My old boss Raymond Blanc, he never ceases to amaze me. He came for lunch the other day and he’s like a giddy teenager telling me about all the changes he’s making in Le Manoir aux quat’ saisons. And that’s a reminder of how you can never sit still, he’s brilliant.

Q It was ten years ago that you opened The Dairy in London. How do you look back on that time?

A The Dairy was the foundation for everything we do, how I cook, how I work with people and my love of food. It was a special time with a team that were beyond brilliant, it was all about timing.

Q It proved to be an instant hit. Why do you think it struck a chord?

A It was all about my team: Sarah, my wife, Dean Parker, Richard Falk, Damiano from Tutto Wines, Ben Rand who’s now Exec Chef of Birch. We were all so creative and hard working and encouraging to each other. We were unstoppable.

Q How tough was it to close The Dairy?

A Like losing a family member, it was part of us. Such a shame. It’s still vacant today.

Q Since you opened The Dairy, how would you say you have changed?

A I don’t think I have.

Q When did you first become involved with the Birch Community and why?

A About four years ago. I always wanted to run a place with rooms and land to grow and house animals,

my exposure to farm to table fusing my training has always led to this.

Q How does your partnership with The Zebra Riding Club work?

A I work with Ben, Niall and Taylor to lead the menu and create an experience, from what’s on the playlist to crockery and sourcing ingredients. I don’t micromanage, never have, but I try to create a space for the crew to do something special.

Q How would you sum up the menu there?

A Ten steps back, sourcing directly, and through craft try to get the best ingredients and treat them with respect.

Q Are there a couple of dishes on the current menu you particularly love?

A Fresh peas have just started, so we are doing grilled mackerel from Penzance with a pea Dashi and horseradish. Our lamb is amazing, which we make full use of making a pie with wild seaweed and potato, grilled loin and wild garlic butter, it’s pretty special. And as always pretty proud of our bread from the bakery.

Q You have just launched a Supper Club there. What kind of thing are you looking to o er with these?

A Every month will be di erent, led by nature, but bringing some of my pals to create something unique. The one in May will be held in the courtyard with a couple of lambs cooked over an Asador with magnums of wine flowing, and cooking with Sam Buckley from Where The Light Gets In, Stockport.

birchcommunity.com

“I try to create a space for the crew to do something special, to get the best ingredients and treat them with respect”

THE ZEBRA RIDING CLUB

EXPECT THE FINEST INGREDIENTS USED IN INNOVATIVE WAYS

Online Instant Access

•Variable rate savings account

•Interest calculated daily and added annually

•Minimum balance £100 up to £250,000

•Only available to open via Harpenden Online

FASHION

Renaissance WOMAN

BALMAIN X BEYONCE

This bustier in hammered metal by the sculptor Elie Hirsch comes with matching spiked bracelets and is worn here with a pareo skirt and gloves in black nappa lamb leather. It's all part of Balmain's new Renaissance Couture Collection, with each look inspired by one distinct strand of the overall genius that sets apart Beyonce’s seventh solo album. balmain.com

A Forever Thing

These special pieces will last your loved one a lifetime

By CARLY GLENDINNING

LIBERTY 9k Gold and Diamond Initial Signet Ring, £510 libertylondon.com

DINNY HALL

My

YVONNE LÉON

Mama 9 and 18k Gold Diamond Bracelet, £1,880 net-a-porter.com

SUZANNE KALAN

DE BEERS

18k

Aura

14k

18k

Initial

MATEO

JUDITH PETERHOFF

Vitium

ANNA SHEFFIELD

Gold Aries Charm Pendant With Bezel Set Charm, £763.25 annashe eld.com

14k Gold, Quartz and Diamond Necklace, £1,860 net-a-porter.com

JEMMA WYNNE

Yellow Gold Anniversary Diamond Bracelet, £14,000 jemmawynne.com

Heart Platinum and 0.29ct Brilliant-Cut Diamond Ring, £3,200 selfridges.com

Single Bead Stack Ring with Diamond, £830 judithpeterho .com

Yellow Gold Heart Pendant with 0.2ct White Diamond Baguettes, £2,124 harrods.com

World Large Orb Locket, £320 dinnyhall.co.uk

For a touch of Saint Tropez in Hertfordshire, head to Gingerlillie Boutique in Hertford and look the part this summer season GINGERLILLIEBOUTIQUE.CO.UK

Mystical STYLE

10

THINGS WE

Absolutely LOVE

A wishlist for a perfect wedding

ETHICAL JEWELS

La Maison Couture x Tomasz Donocik's beautiful Busia Collection will raise funds for the Earthbeat Foundation. lamaisoncouture.com

HATS

OFF

Merve Bayindir's new millinery collection breaks bridal boundaries and caters for a new age of brides. All pieces are handmade. mervebayindir.com

FLORAL FASHION

Dried flowers remain the uber stylish choice and Shida Preserved Flowers' wedding collections are exquisitely curated to work with all colour themes and styles. These beautiful natural flowers last up to a year and will make a strong statement on the big day. shida.florist

FAB FIZZ

Our recommendation for wedding fizz? Historic French producer Champagne De Saint-Gall has arrived in the UK and the Premier Cru Rosé is delicious. de-saint-gall.com

ZIP IT

Elizabeth Scarlett's wedding pouches have either ‘bride’ or ‘bridesmaid’ embroidered onto the luxurious velvet base in beautiful script lettering. A great gift for a bride or her bridesmaids. elizabethscarlett.com

UNDER COVER

Eres' Oisive range offers a delicate and refined silhouette. Made of silk satin and Leavers lace, the pieces come in a soft, sunny colour palette: Calcaire, a rosy beige; Canisse, a fresh sand yellow; and Muscade, a chestnut brown. eresparis.com

HIGH LIFE

Authentically handcrafted in Spain, these romantic, satin, striped and embroidered espadrilles have high and mid-height rustic, jute wedges that are comfortable and sure-footed for sandy beaches and lush lawns everywhere. penelopechilvers.com

PRETTY DRESS

Aspiga’s first bridesmaid collection features chic, pretty and understated dresses in this season’s on-trend lilac and navy. They are simple tea dresses designed to be worn beyond the wedding, perfect for all summer occasions. aspiga.com

STONE FREE

Rich in texture, Ella Stern's Molten Sow Ring is set with aqua, pink sapphire, yellow sapphire, citrine and star set diamond sides in 9ct recycled gold. ellastern.com

STEP UP

Everybody knows that the coolest brides wear Terry de Havilland. The classic platform sandal comes in all shades and metallics. terrydehavilland.com

A ring to rule THEM ALL

Baker Brothers o er up their top tips for choosing your perfect wedding band

Choosing the perfect wedding ring is an important decision that will stay with you forever. It’s a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and it’s important to get it right. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect wedding ring. Here are some top tips to help you, from the experts at Baker Brothers Diamonds.

START EARLY

Choosing a wedding ring is not something that you should leave until the last minute. You should start looking for your ring at least three months before the wedding day. This will give you enough time to explore all your options, compare prices, and find the perfect ring that suits your taste and budget.

CHOOSE A STYLE THAT SUITS YOU

Your wedding ring should reflect your personal style. When choosing a ring,

consider what type of jewellery you normally wear. If you prefer something simple and classic, a traditional gold or platinum band might be a perfect choice. If you love unique and bold, consider something with diamonds or coloured gemstones. At Baker Brothers, they o er a wide range of wedding rings in di erent styles, including classic, modern, and vintage-inspired designs.

CONSIDER THE METAL

The metal you choose for your wedding ring will play a big role in how it looks and feels. Gold and platinum are the most popular choices for wedding rings. Gold is a classic choice and comes in di erent colours such as yellow, white, and rose. Platinum is a popular choice for those who want a

durable, naturally white and hypoallergenic metal. Remember, your wedding ring is something that you will wear every day, so it is essential to choose a ring that suits your lifestyle. If you have an active lifestyle, consider a ring that is durable and scratch resistant, such as platinum.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT DIAMOND

If you’re considering a diamond set wedding ring, it’s important to choose the right diamond. The 4Cs of diamonds – cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight – all play a role in the overall quality of the stone. At Baker Brothers, their expert diamond specialists sit and help you choose the perfect diamond for your wedding ring, based on your preferences and budget.

GET THE RIGHT SIZE

Getting the right size for your wedding ring is essential for your comfort and the longevity of your ring. It’s important to have your finger measured by a professional to ensure the perfect fit. Baker Brothers o er free sizing for your convenience, ensuring that your wedding ring fits perfectly on your finger and against your engagement ring.

CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET

Wedding rings come in a wide range of prices, and it’s important to choose one that fits within your budget. At Baker Brothers, they o er a wide range of wedding rings at di erent price points, so you’re sure to find one that fits your

budget and your style. They are also able to work with you to create something unique due to their established connections with renowned UK-based goldsmiths. Choosing the perfect wedding ring is a big decision, but with these top tips, you’re sure to find the right one for you. Whether you’re looking for a classic gold band or a unique diamond ring, Baker Brothers has a wide range of options to choose from. They pride themselves on their commitment to quality, excellence, and customer satisfaction, and they look forward to helping you choose the perfect wedding ring to symbolise your love and commitment.

bakerbrothersdiamonds.com/weddings

“Cut, colour, clarity and carat weight all play a role”

Your Wedding, Your Way!

At Hertford Castle we o er couples affordable ‘Exclusive Hire’ venue, with the flexibility to manage costs and tailor plans to suit personal tastes and budgets, with the advantage of our ‘Dry Hire’.

Our experienced team work closely with our couples supporting them in creating a unique and reflective wedding day.

Dazzle TIME TO

Nazlee Sabahipour, Managing Director at O ey Place in Hitchin, on what to expect when it comes to summer weddings

Summer is our busiest season for weddings and each year we see new and exciting trends emerge. These are some of the trends that we are seeing this year:

THREE DAY WEDDINGS

Three day weddings have been rising in popularity in recent years and for good reason – a multi-day wedding celebration allows for more time to spend with family and friends, and creates a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Rather than organising all the festivities in one day, couples are opting for a more leisurely pace, with events spread over several days.

Multi-day weddings also allow for more flexibility in terms of location and activities. Couples can choose to have a rehearsal dinner, a welcome party, an after party and even a brunch the following day, all in di erent locations. This provides an opportunity to explore new places and add a journey to your day. A really great way to plan a ‘wedding weekend’ is to have an intimate dinner the evening before with close friends and family, getting everyone excited for the special day ahead, and hosting a relaxed brunch for some of your guests the morning after. Another great option is to have a completely separate civil ceremony in a town hall with close family and friends. As civil ceremonies can sometimes feel a little restrictive in terms of their format,

hosting this separately will give you a few exciting options for your wedding celebration – either no ceremony at all or the choice of having a celebrant-led ceremony where you can choose every element of it. You can also have lunch or afternoon tea after your civil ceremony and even hire a photographer to take some completely di erent wedding day photos for you. I love this idea as it takes something that could feel quite restrictive and makes it into its own little celebration.

Overall the rising popularity of multi-day weddings is a reflection of the changing attitudes towards wedding celebrations. Rather than simply focussing on the wedding day itself, couples are embracing the idea of a more relaxed and extended celebration, allowing for more time to create lasting memories with loved ones.

BUBEAR PHOTOGRAPHY

SUSTAINABILITY

As the world grows more conscious of its environmental impact, so do our couples with sustainable weddings becoming increasingly popular.

Sustainability is at the forefront of our modern couples’ minds, and with weddings being wasteful there are always ways to move towards reducing our negative impact whilst still hosting an amazing celebration.

Seasonal flowers are a great place to start as this will allow your florist to give you some options of flowers in season as well as getting the most for your budget – out of season flowers will always be harder and more expensive to source!

Eco -friendly favours are also a great way to give your guests a treat whilst not creating more waste – options such as seeds, potted plants or charity donations are a great way to gift your guests whilst looking after the planet.

Emphasising your catering choices on fresh, local produce is really important with most catering companies moving in that direction – make sure that your chosen company is on board as well. Choose seasonal vegetables and produce to ensure that your guests meals are as fresh as possible.

Hiring and purchasing second is a great way to reduce wastage whilst getting a great deal – this is perfect for decor items, garden games, even your wedding dress and accessories. With so many resell websites and hiring platforms, you can truly find the dress of your dreams second hand.

NATURE

Increasingly, our couples are drawn towards natural elements when looking for a venue, being the grounds and the views. Hosting parts of your day outdoors, or choosing light and airy venues with views that look out onto the outdoors, is the perfect way to add some nature to your day.

Summer is the ideal time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and host an outdoor wedding ceremony. A picturesque background is the perfect place to tie the knot and your guests will love sitting in the outdoors. If an outdoor ceremony isn’t quite for you, an alternative option is to

have an outdoor drinks reception, this way you can incorporate garden games and other fun elements to make your drinks reception a little more dynamic. Another great way to add natural elements to your wedding day is through your decor – elements such as wood, greenery and stones are a great way to add a rustic, organic feel to your summer wedding. Incorporating these elements into your decor centrepieces and table settings will give your wedding a natural and understated elegance.

o eyplace.com

BUBEAR PHOTOGRAPHY

Weddings / Parties / Business Events and so much more...

A choice of historic, traditional and contemporary surroundings, a range of wonderful rooms accommodating 10 to 200 guests, picturesque riverside location, beautiful gardens & superb catering.

Sopwell House is an enchanting countryside wedding venue that o ers comprehensive wedding packages and bespoke wedding services tailored to every bride’s dream day.

The dazzling white 18th Century manor house comprises 12 acres of private gardens, two restaurants, cocktail bar and lounge, award-winning £14m spa, 15 elegant and adaptable banqueting rooms for up to 300 guests, 128 guestrooms and a collection of 16 privately accessed Mews Suites. Originally an old stable block, the 16 Mews Suites surround a stunning botanical garden with an infinity edged hydrotherapy pool with ceramic detailing as the centrepiece of the stunning bespoke and private gardens. Accessible only via private gates and surrounded by two-metre pleached hornbeam, The Mews provides optimum exclusivity for its guests, with some suites also benefitting from their own private courtyards with sunken hot tubs and wicker seating areas.

Taking rest and relaxation seriously for Brides and Grooms, Sopwell House launched Cottonmill to provide the ultimate global spa experience with the team at Sopwell House travelling the world to research, sample and import the best experiences to a UK countryside setting. From Alpine infinity pools and German thermal baths to hillside medi-spas, Himalayan wellness retreats and Moroccan riads to Japanese sleep pods and cli top Californian spas, Cottonmill is a world class facility combining relaxation, connection with nature and restoration of the senses.

The Sopwell House manicured lawns are the perfect setting for a truly unforgettable summer wedding. A Koi Carp pond and charming arched bridge provide the perfect spot for photography, while an enchanting raised gazebo in the centre of the lawns boasts its own wedding license for magical alfresco ceremonies. Dining options include an indulgent hog roast or BBQ on the terrace.

A dedicated wedding co-ordinator and event manager work with guests to plan every detail in the run up to their big day, as well as being on-hand at the wedding itself. The hotel also boasts a private wedding parking area and reception entrance, plus private staircases to wedding party guestrooms.

The hotel o ers bespoke wedding packages on request, and special guest rates. Dry hire of the St Albans Suite seating up to 280 guests with dancefloor is also available for Indian or Jewish weddings.

SOPWELL HOUSE

Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, AL1 2HQ, 01727 864477 sopwellhouse.co.uk

Why Sopwell House is perfect for any type of wedding dream you have

Stretch tent weddings will make that big day beautiful

Love at FIRST SIGHT S

leek, stylish and utterly romantic, stretch tent weddings make your big day truly beautiful. Just one look at your stretch tent’s elegant curves and it just might be love at first sight. And they don’t just look great – they’re amazingly versatile too. They can totally transform any space into a magical world of your own, taking all sorts of obstacles, steps, slopes and landscape or architectural features in their stride. They can even bring the garden or patio indoors, using trees, garden shrubbery, archways, water features and even entire swimming pools to create stunning highlight features. Of course they’re romantic, but these totally versatile stretch tents for hire are also super-strong, robust and supremely practical. And they don’t just look fabulous – they’re amazingly cosy and totally water- and weatherproof too.

But why trust your wedding to Alternative Stretch Tents? Because not only are they madly in love with stretch tents, they’re total stretch tent experts with a first-rate rigging team and a wide range of sizes and packages to choose from. It’s not all about the tent though. It’s about making your day perfect in every detail. So, from the site survey to match the right stretch tent to the setting, to their first-rate rigging team setting the structure and timely delivery of all the crucial extras, their team of stretch tent weddings professionals are with you every step of the way.

Alternative Stretch Tents Hertfordshire have been providing stretch tents for more than a decade now – for hire and for sale, for weddings, festivals, corporate events, clubs, pubs, venues and every other hospitality setting imaginable.

They don’t just give you a greatlooking stretch tent, though. With all that experience under their belts, the team of professional planners and riggers are second to none at delivering complete, perfectly tailored stretch tent solutions alternative-stretch-tents.co.uk

“They can transform any space into a magical world”

Grand OCCASION

Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, London has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. With a history of hosting royals and aristocrats, more than 150 years later, The Langham remains a London icon where the finest events and grandest celebrations take place.

BIG & SMALL WEDDINGS

At the hotel they have several unique private dining rooms that can host intimate weddings ranging from five guests to 26 guests. Enjoy that countryside feeling in the heart of London in their Conservatory, which boasts of an elegant yet rustic feel.

The Grand Ballroom is the perfect setting for a dinner and dance celebration of up to 200 guests. This luxurious and elegant space has been the cornerstone of The Langham since its opening and boasts hand-blown Murano

Glass chandeliers and dramatic renaissance pillars. From spring to autumn it is possible to take advantage of the Courtyard Garden in conjunction with a Grand Ballroom wedding.

YOUR WEDDING JOURNEY

As every wedding is unique, The Langham, London benefits from other luxurious facilities, such as the Chuan Spa, their renowned cocktail bar Artesian, restaurants, cooking school Sauce and a glorious pub that can all be privatised. Whether you seek an intimate candlelit dinner with family or a large a air, they would be delighted to play a part in your celebrations with your nearest and dearest. All menus have been carefully crafted in collaboration with renowned chef Michel Roux Jr.

The Langham, London's wedding menus are sure to delight any palate. Menus can be adjusted to cater for specific dietary requirements, including Kosher and Halal, either in-house or by one of their trusted catering partners.

ENJOY A STAY

With 380 stylishly appointed bedrooms and suites that cleverly combine Victorian charm with discreet modern amenities you can enjoy the day to the fullest, from pre-ceremony pampering to a rejuvenating night’s sleep after the big day.

To coordinate, support and guide, their wedding specialists will be on hand to help you as little or as much as you wish. From the first show-round, to the creative direction, menu tastings, right until the last guest turns in, they will ensure it’s a flawless and spectacular occasion.

For appointments and enquiries call 020 7636 1000 or email tllon.weddings@langhamhotels.com

Why The Langham, London will make your big day one to remember

Planning

FROM THE TOP

One expert trichologist on everything you need to consider when it comes to wedding hair

By TRISHA BULLER

Achieving the best colour relies on optimal hair condition. With this in mind always start with working out exactly when the final colour will need to be arranged, generally 10-14 days prior to the wedding day. This allows the colour time to settle and allow for any adjustment. A hair trial run is a must to be carried out prior to the big day, so start with your hair treatments and style trials as soon as eight months prior to your wedding day.

It’s much easier to adapt a suitable head dress to your hair type. For example, if your hair is fine and density is not in abundance, avoid heavy headwear that will need extra grips and fixings, as your hair may not support securing heavy additions. You need to feel confident, and comfortable. Nothing more daunting than a slipping tiara!

Brides need to consider how wearing their hair di erently for a day can either create confidence, or cause unnecessary stress and anxiety on a day which should be enjoyed and relaxed as much as possible. Work with styles that you feel will hold and remain secure, styles that make you feel a million dollars and shine like a star.

eddings are the fairytale so many people dream o , and planning your wedding hair can be the most important part of your special day.

It’s the image that stays in your heart, mind and soul forever. Sadly, so many people question the importance and cost placed on planning such an important part of your wedding day. You never see photos of cutlery or table centres placed in frames around houses, or

Wposted on social media. It is you and your partner radiating happiness. First and foremost allow your stylist time to plan your wedding hair, working from the planned wedding date, back to the present. This allows you time to access your hair condition, ensuring that it will look glossy and healthy in preparation for the colour you may wish to achieve. In my experience over the years, I have often been requested to achieve a look which doesn’t work with the chosen dress or headdress, and the bride has had to compromise on her choice. This has created unnecessary anxiety and stress, which could be easily avoided with early planning.

If your hair is heavy and coarse, consider smoothing treatments that create hydration and shine, or opt for sleeker styles, as curls may not hold if your hair is too heavy and naturally straight. However, if your hair is coarse and naturally curly then a softer curl would be perfect as this will hold for longer, and would work in harmony with your hair type. For fine hair it is possible to add hair pieces, creating instant volume and length, and is also better for holding curls than naturally fine weaker hair types.

Remember planning is key, so speak to your stylist to discuss all your hair ideas prior to choosing your wedding outfit, especially head wear.

TRISHA BULLER

If you are experiencing hair issues and would like to speak in more depth about any hair or scalp concerns, contact Trisha Buller at trichology@trishabuller.com for a private consultation; trishabuller.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

GET LIPPY

CHANEL

Ultra hydrating and comfortable to wear, Chanel's Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick delivers a concentrated pigment for a matte and luminous finish. The formula contains vitamin E for long wear and colour protection and is available in 20 intense shades. chanel.com

Turn over a NEW LEAF

A Hertfordshire-born nutrition coach on spreading the good word about plant-based diets and why there’s a world of options when it comes to recipes

By LISA MARLEY

I’m a plant-based chef, nutrition coach and recipe developer. This means I don’t use any ingredients from animals, including honey and dairy. You may think that it would be quite challenging, but actually, it's the easiest thing in the world. Initially it required some thought and planning, but not as much as you’d think.

I trained as a pastry chef and I still love to create indulgent cakes and desserts. I have a sweet tooth. To counteract that, I am really interested in nutrition, especially food for healing, gut health and hormones. Food and drink has a huge impact on our health and mental health. What we eat can be the di erence between a fantastic, productive and creative day, full of energy and positivity compared to, say, feeling a bit hungover, having low energy and reaching for ultra processed food and energy drinks.

I also work with ProVeg UK. ProVeg UK is part of ProVeg International, a CIC company with a mission to reduce the global consumption of animals by 50% by 2040. In the UK, our flagship programme is called School Plates. We work with local authorities and Multi Academy Trusts, helping school meals become healthier, more sustainable and inclusive. We do this by adding more plant-based options on the menu. This is better for the children and, of course, better for the environment. Chris Packham is our School Plates ambassador, and has cooked from our free recipe brochure, The Recipes (downloadable from the ProVeg UK website at proveg.com/uk). I train caterers in plantbased cooking and also help run free, monthly online webinars in plant-based cooking.

I’m currently in talks about having my book published, which is all very exciting. I think most chefs and cooks dream of having a cookbook. I love creating recipes and content for social media, and I’m constantly filming.

I’ve only been plant-based for five or six years. The impact it has had in that short time is quite remarkable. My health has improved, my outlook on life, everything. It started by feeling uncomfortable eating meat. I became vegetarian, then stopped eating fish and lastly eggs and dairy. It was a slow process for me. I don’t judge people though, we are all on our journey and everyone is doing the best they can. Even cutting down meat and dairy can have a huge impact on your health, finances and the planet. I would encourage everyone to try it.

lisamarleychef.com

Instagram @lisamarleychef

Feelgood food

Here’s one tasty recipe from Lisa Marley: sticky to ee pudding

Preparation 20 minutes

Baking time 25 minutes

Serves 12

INGREDIENTS

• 480ml of almond milk (I use unsweetened)

• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar

• 425g of self-raising flour

• 450g of golden caster sugar

• 2 tsp of baking powder

• 2 tsp of bicarbonate of soda

• 2 tsp of ground cinnamon

• 2 tsp of ground ginger

• 160g of pitted dates (pre-soaked in water)

• 50g of black treacle

• 120ml vegetable oil

Ingredients for the toffee sauce

• 160g of golden caster sugar

• 65g of coconut cream

• 60ml of oat milk

METHOD

1 Preheat your oven to 180 degrees c and line a 24×24 square tin with grease-proof paper.

2 Place the dates in a bowl of hot water and soak for 30 minutes then drain and blitz to a paste.

3 In a bowl, combine the almond milk with the apple cider vinegar and whisk until combined.

4 In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon and ground ginger and mix.

5 Add the oil into the ‘buttermilk’ and whisk to combine.

6 Add the wet ingredients and black treacle into the dry ingredients and mix. Pour into the tin and bake for 30 minutes.

To make the to ee sauce

1 Place the sugar into a large pan over low heat, stirring continuously until it begins to dissolve, then turn o the heat. Add the coconut cream and stir until the bubbles go down.

2 Add the milk and combine, add back to the heat and warm. Pour into a bowl, cool and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

TOP PICKS

THE BEST KIT FOR BOXING

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

NATURE'S MAGIC

Q How did you come to launch Lab Tonica?

A Prior to launching Lab Tonica I worked in the advertising industry. There was one particular day when I was working late on a pitch and drinking my fifth cup of chamomile tea, when I became struck by how old fashioned and dated most herbal tea packs look. In that moment it became clear to me that there was a gap in the market for a modern herbal brand aimed at a younger, more style conscious audience. With my second baby on the way, it felt like the perfect time to embark on a new direction. My journey also reginited childhood memories of the stories my mum would tell me about her maternal grandmother, Louisa. She was locally renowned in her village as a healer, and she would

“create things in the garden” to help people with their ailments. I like to think that some of her magic and passion has perhaps been passed down to me.

Q What makes herbs so powerful for wellness?

A As humans we are at our most balanced and in tune with the ebb and flow of life, when we work in unison with plants and nature. Living in urban towns and cities removes us from this natural state of being and so I am on a mission to bring back the simple healing power of plants.

Q How are your products developed?

A I wanted Lab Tonica to have the kudos and feel of a boutique perfume brand, but with a more joyful colour palette and down

to earth tone of voice. In terms of product collections, knowing what barriers people struggle with and need natural support with felt very clear to me. We have a huge endemic of stress and sleep problems in the UK, so it was vital I created a collection formulated to support this.

Q How important is sustainability to the brand?

A As a small business it is hard to be the best at everything, but we strive to continuously improve, innovate and evolve. That is why we have zero plastic in our tea packaging, and everything in the box is made from plants. Even the tea bag, inner bag and ‘glue’ that seals the tea bags –everything is compostable. labtonica.co.uk

Kate McEntee is the founder of Lab Tonica, a hand-blended botanicals brand

THE APP

These 'Punch Pods' from Boxx allow you to track your metrics in real time as you train. Includes all tracking and metrics inside the app, £149.99. boxxldn.com

THE WEIGHTS

Bala Bangles are perfect for adding resistance whilst you train. Available in various designs, they can be worn on your wrists or ankles. shopbala.com

THE GLOVES

Fashion meets function in these beautifully handcra ed boxing gloves from Spendore. Sure to make you stand out in the ring, £233. wolfandbadger.com

INTERIORS

GARDEN PARTY

EAST LONDON PARASOL CO

Enhance your outdoor dining area with a beautiful parasol. The East London Parasol Company's stylish creations were inspired by Keralan temple umbrellas, and founder Lucy Ferguson works with local artisans to design a range for exporting. eastlondonparasols.com

HEADING

OUTDOORS

are the opposite of fast fashion, they endure both in quality and look. We pride ourselves on artisan products that are unique and beautifully crafted so that they can stand out in the present day and become beloved family heirlooms in the future. Our ranges cover a little bit of everything, from comfortable armchairs to stand-out sideboards, and statement pendant lights.

Q What does your role involve?

Q Pre-Atkin & Thyme, where has your career in design taken you?

A My passion for design was cemented during my Art degree where I specialised in textile & wallpaper print and fine art. After graduating, I ran my own business designing and printing silk scarves and kimonos before entering the world of interiors. Since then I’ve been privileged to work with some of the most prestigious brands in the industry such as Habitat, Tom Dixon, Heals, The White Company, and now Atkin & Thyme.

Q For those not in the know, what does Atkin & Thyme o er?

A We o er homeware pieces that will stand the test of time and adapt to the evolution of your personal design style. Our collections

A My role involves monitoring trends within design and understanding how people’s lives are evolving in terms of the way they interact with their homes. I travel internationally to visit the big trend fairs and to work with our traditional craftsmen within their workshops to work on our new collections.

Q What projects have you already been involved in?

A In the short time I've worked with Atkin & Thyme, I've been proud to be a part of many 'firsts', including our premier Christmas collection, a new lighting collection, and a new dining collection including super-comfortable upholstered pieces like our Baxter dining chair and the statement Layla dining chair.

Q What’s to come from Atkin & Thyme in S/S23?

A We’ve just launched a new collection of dining tables and chairs that are perfect for hosting season. One of my favourites includes a scoop back chair design that gives a wonderful minimalistic feel and pairs beautifully with a marble table.

Coming soon is our SS23 furniture line which really plays with layers and texture. We're introducing a variety of materials that haven't been used before, along with creative, abstract patterns. A personal highlight for me is our Salvador

We meet Kris Manalo, Design Lead at Hertfordshire-based Atkin & Thyme, to talk about a big new launch

KRIS MANALO

FREYA HANGING DOUBLE EGG CHAIR, £799

ATKIN AND THYME LAUREN DAYBED, £1,149

Dali inspired Abstract Sideboard, which features chunky woods layered together and captured in a monochrome palette.

Q How big a step is the debut garden furniture collection?

A This is our debut collection so it’s a huge step for us. We know that the garden has become the ‘fifth room’ for so many people and that means outdoor furniture has to not only be durable, but stylish and comfortable. We’ve tried to work into our furniture design highlights, for example we’ve created the Lauren woven rope range which features an on-trend lattice design and retro styling. With the collection we focused on all the di erent ways we use our gardens – hosting family and friends, stretching out with a book – and wanted to show how even the smallest of spaces can be transformed. This led to us creating a collection that celebrated all shapes and sizes. Small bistro sets, compact corners and two-person day beds, plus a bar set that really sets the scene for those summer cocktails and morning co ee moments. All alongside adjustable tables, cocoon chairs and larger loungers.

Q Generally, what kind of trends do you expect to see in design in 2023?

A Home is the place where we find comfort, relaxation and can confidently express ourselves and our individualism. Hence, there’s an emerging trend for a much bolder and exciting interior space for 2023. Accent pieces in bright colours are the perfect way to bring this trend to life.

The growing trend to dine out less and in more with family and friends, also means people are continuing to invest more on unique and eyecatching dining furniture items.

Q Atkin & Thyme is a Hertfordshire business – are you a fan of the county?

A We’re very lucky that the studio

is situated in such a beautiful part of the world. We’re surrounded by fields and countryside, so whenever we need to get inspiration flowing we all take a quick walk in the fresh Hertfordshire air and it never fails to give us lightbulb moments!

atkinandthyme.co.uk

“We wanted to show how even the smallest spaces can be transformed”

GRACE CORNER LOUNGE DINING SET, £1,499

INGRID UPHOLSTERED SUNLOUNGER, £399

LAUREN 2 SEAT BISTRO SET, £629

NEW Beginnings

How to refresh your home and garden for spring thanks to the latest launches from BoConcept

Bright, birdsong-filled mornings; sun-dappled afternoons; and evenings that stretch out beautifully – spring is a wonderful time of year. It’s only natural, then, that we should want to celebrate it and capture some of the season with a new look around the home.

With more than 70 years of experience designing and producing furniture, BoConcept have plenty of tips and tricks when it comes to home design once spring arrives.

THE LIVING ROOM

The living room often sets the tone for your whole home, so if you want to invite spring in, there’s no better place to do it. Giving pride of place to spring flowers like dahlias and hydrangeas, in a stylish vase, will definitely bring the outdoors inside.

If you introduce some brilliantly white furniture, not only will you make the most of the spring light, but those flowers will provide

a stunning splash of colour by contrast. And carefully chosen statement furniture can do the same. For instance, you might pair a whitewashed bookcase with a soft green or slate blue armchair. What could be better than sitting back with a book on a spring evening? Whatever additions you make to the living room, white and blue are refreshing colours for the spring. They bring to mind the sea and all things nautical, instinctively relaxing us.

THE BEDROOM

The sun floods in through your window early in the morning – and, as it sets, the sun leaves a show-stopping blend of hues in the evening. Spring certainly shows bedrooms in their best light.

To match nature’s mood outside, you need to make changes inside. It’s time for light colours and materials. Think linen cushions and rounded, carefree forms that verge on the bohemian – nothing too sharp. Of course, rattan furniture is a classic spring look, while lighter, distressed woods also conjure images of spring getaways. Aside from aesthetics, however, there are practical issues to consider. First and foremost is comfort. Higher temperatures mean that you’ll want lighter, more breathable fabrics and throws on your bed, which extends to the sheets underneath. Yet you might want to go the opposite way for your curtains: sunlight flooding in at dawn isn’t always great for a good night’s rest. If you’re a light sleeper (no pun intended), blackout curtains are a must. Don’t worry, they’re not all burgundy or grey; you can find them in all kinds of lighter tones.

THE GARDEN

The flowers are blooming, the weather is fresh, and you can hear wildlife all around – spring really is your garden’s time to come alive. There are countless excuses to enjoy your garden during the spring. Perhaps you’re having friends over for the first barbecue. You could be indulging in a leisurely weekend breakfast. Or maybe you’re simply taking advantage of the weather to work from home in an outdoor lounge. And if you can give your

outdoor space a sizzling springtime makeover, you might never want to go back indoors.

Outdoor furniture serves a whole range of purposes. It might even have to double up as dining furniture and a place to work. After all, many people now find themselves working at the kitchen table, so why not do the same outside? Whatever you need garden furniture for, light-coloured dining chairs, tables, and loungers suit spring vibes better. And white looks especially good in contrast against the deep greens of garden plants, shrubs, and trees. Don’t worry if your favourite outdoor furniture is a darker shade, though – simply swap it all back around once the cascading leaves of autumn arrive.

If you’re lucky enough to have a large outdoor space, there’s no end to the ways you can bring a springy feel to your garden. One of the most fun ways is with the addition of a beach hut-style shed, which will be just as practical as it is Instagrammable.

If you’re thinking a little smaller than that, some understated garden lighting can really make a di erence, while a firepit will add a rustic feel and keep those long spring nights going – anyone for marshmallows? Or, for a more immediate transformation, how about a new side table and a few well-positioned plant pots?

The coming of spring provides us with a welcome opportunity to change up our decor. Outside, it’s mainly about making the space as comfortable as possible – while sprinkling those whites and light shades about, if you can – so that you’ll be outdoors and taking advantage of the spring as much as possible.

Inside, too, lighter hues are the way to go: for furniture, textiles, and any other additions you might make. And if you’re looking for some further advice, BoConcept St Albans’ free interior design service can guide you on the best ways to turn your home into a place where spring lives

BOCONCEPT

BoConcept St Albans

1 London Road, St Albans AL1 1LA boconcept.com

“THE COMING OF SPRING PROVIDES A WELCOME OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE UP OUR DECOR”

ARE YOU READY?

How you can live the life you want with Origin

Thinking about getting a swimming pool? There's nothing quite like having your own private oasis to escape to, but where do you start? With so many options and decisions to make, it can be overwhelming. That's where Origin can help.

At Origin, they do it all. From the initial design phase to construction, maintenance, and even upgrades and refurbishments, they're there every step of the way. They have over 40 years of experience in the industry and have built a reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke swimming pools and spas – plus they’re passionate about swimming.

One of the many things that make it easy to go with Origin is their personalised

approach. They understand every client is unique, and they take the time to listen to your needs and desires. They'll work with you to create a design that perfectly fits your lifestyle and budget, whether you’re looking for family fun or a place of well-being, exercise and relaxation. And if you're not sure what you want, don't worry, they'll guide you through the process and provide expert advice along the way.

But it's not just about the initial build. They also o er comprehensive maintenance services to ensure your pool stays in top condition. Their team of qualified service engineers can tailor a maintenance package to meet your specific needs, whether it's routine maintenance, upgrades, or repairs. If you ever want to make improvements to your pool, they can help there too. They o er a range

of refurbishment and upgrade services, from enhancing the energy e ciency of your pool to upgrading essential features such as pool covers and filtration systems. They'll help you keep your pool looking and functioning like new for years to come.

A swimming pool can not only add value to your home, but to your home life as well and Origin know the importance of the decisions which need to be made along the way. As a future swimming pool owner you get to decide what you need from them. They’ll work with you to create a pool that enhances your life.

So if you're looking for a hassle-free way to get your dream pool, look no further than Origin. With their personalised approach, comprehensive services and passion for swimming and family fun, they make it easy to go with them. Get in touch today and find out how you can live the life you want with Origin.

originpools.co.uk

“THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE HAVING YOUR OWN PRIVATE OASIS TO ESCAPE TO”

PERFORMANCE PROJECTS!

UNLEASH YOUR CHiLD'S CREATiViTY!

Createastory,learnsongsandmakeupdances!

TiCKETS: £175

TiME: 9.30AM - 3.30PM

Week1:Jul24-Jul28

Week2:Jul31-Aug4

Week3:Aug7-Aug11

5-11 YRS WRiTiNG, PERFORMANCE, MOVEMENT & MUSiC

Createtheatre,music,movementandwriting!

TiCKETS: £100

TiME: 11AM - 5PM

Dates: Mon14-Fri18Aug

www.chickenshed.org.uk/workshops

11-17 YRS

THE FOREST £ CO Cotton Stripe Stool, £242 theforestandco.com

THE SECRET LINEN STORE

Sid Stripe Natural 100 Linen Bedding, £115 secretlinenstore.com

ANTIPODREAM Retro Fun Stripe Organic Cotton Duvet Cover, £109 antipodream.co.uk

ELOISE HOME

Ikat Stripe Fabric in Red Pale Pink, £125 eloisehome.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Set Of 4 Colourful Stripe Side Plates, £62 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

FERMOIE Pink York Stripe Small Cushion, £13 fermoie.com

JOULES Stripe Medium Storage Canister, £15 puretabletop.com

LINES OF BEAUTY

By PENDLE HARTE

SOFAS & STUFF Clavering 3 Seater In Flemish Linen, £3,800 sofasandstuff.com

EDITOR’S PICK

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Vertical Stripe Flat Mug, £20 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

COX & COX Blue Stripe Vase, £75 coxandcox.co.uk

TORI MURPHY Tablecloth Scallop Stripe Claret, £175 torimurphy.com

TORI MURPHY Sleeper Stripe Cottage Pleat Harbour Stripe Frilly Cushion, £75 torimurphy.com

ARLEY HOUSE

Colours Of Arley Pickle Bonbon Stripe Fabric 75pm, £75 arleyhouse.com

Availability may be limited in certain age groups or booking patterns

Fun is an essential ingredient at Hertford Barns Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

“AfterseeingHertford Barnspremises,Icouldn’tchoose anyotherplaceformychild.Notonly aretherebrightandbeautifulbigspaces toplay,thesta arealwaysvery supportiveandkind.Themanagement teamisalwaysveryprofessional.Mygirl evenaskstogotonurseryonweekends, thatshowsushowmuchshelovesbeing there and how well she is treated.”

Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

EDUCATION

ROOM TO GROW

HEATHERTON SCHOOL

Heatherton's co-ed Nursery offers outstanding Early Years education for girls and boys from the time they turn three to the start of Reception. Heatherton ensures that every child fulfils their potential in all aspects of their progress and growth. If you haven’t yet seen Heatherton's fantastic newly expanded outdoor space, join them at their Stay and Play event on Friday 9 June to discover more. heatherton.com

Animal MAGIC

The Headmaster of Hertfordshire’s York House School writes about the enduring beauty of farm life

Our school, on the outskirts of Croxley Green, is home to more than 50 di erent animals including donkeys, ponies, sheep, pigs, micro pigs, tortoise, goats and pygmy goats. Our onsite smallholding is a source of pride and joy to all of our pupils and sta who each take an active role in their care. Our animals are also an important part of daily life at school for our children. They are not farmed; they are here until retirement and most of them are rescue animals as part of our environmental and sustainability agenda. None of our animals live alone. We rotate them around several di erent paddocks over the course of each year and our children understand that it is also good for the animal’s mental health to have variety and companionship in their lives. Regular interaction with the animals at York House has developed a sense of calm and self-reliance within our school

community. It is also inspiring curiosity and adventure as our children learn some key life skills and develop a sense of responsibility by caring for the animals.

Animals are some of the best listeners around and, in many cases, they have become valuable companions for a number of our pupils. Our children get the chance to talk to the animals about their day and to share their emotions and thoughts without fear of judgement. We have also found that caring for the animals gives our children an increased level of maturity as they appreciate how much the animals rely on them for their food and general care. This has also translated

By JON GRAY JON GRAY

into the classroom environment with a number of children demonstrating a heightened positive attitude in class after spending quality time with the animals.

We run a regular smallholding club at break times and four after school clubs to allow more children to escape the bustle of the busy classroom environment and engage with the animals one to one, on a daily basis. Experts have long praised the benefits of animal therapy, and in a world where childhood mental health cases are still rising, many children find they can connect with animals more easily than people. For those pupils who need to share their feelings and emotions further, we have also created extra sessions named ‘Donkey Downtime’. This is a structured forum in which pupils can share, reflect and discuss matters during their day at school.

Most recently we have welcomed a new Shetland ram, Mr Jigsaw, into our smallholding as we prepare for another successful year of lambing. Mr Jigsaw is quite shy, and the children have enjoyed building his confidence to the stage where

he will now take feed from their hands. With his mischievous personality, Mr Jigsaw also likes to spend time in the bushes finding the best food, stripping the bark from fallen trees or standing proud on the small mound in the centre of the field. He will always come running over at the sight of food and will even stamp his feet if you walk past without feeding him!

The new ram has been settling into his new surroundings well, and six of our ewes have been tupped. As such, our

pupils are now getting very excited about the birth of the new lambs, which are expected around May this year. We can’t wait to take the children out to witness new life being born and to watch the lambs as they learn to walk, play and feed. In other news, we have also just introduced Ronald, the Lionhead Rabbit into the fold – he has had a huge impact on the children, with his calm, kind nature. We are continually looking for ways to develop our smallholding in the future and to rescue more animals. In spring 2022 we opened our very first trout pond on site. Last year, we also became a release site for injured and rescued animals, so we have seen barn owls, a herd of fallow deer and a sparrowhawk released on the site, alongside a resident small herd of deer inside a large and wooded paddock. These deer are not domesticated, but will

remain as wild animals. Being a release centre for rescued and previously injured wild animals is an exciting development, and a resident herd of Fallow and Chinese Water deer is of benefit to those animals, alongside adding to the experience of children viewing them in a natural, but contained habitat.

york-house.com

“Our smallholding is a source of pride and joy to all of our pupils and sta ”

BUILDING BRIEF

James Nichols, Head of St Francis’ College, on the importance of community, finding balance and nurturing students’ inherent talents

Q How long have you been Head at St Francis’ College and why originally did you want to work there?

A I have been Head since September 2022. I was fortunate to have worked in the College as Deputy Head before that, from April 2021 until Mrs Goulding retired at the end of the 2021/22 academic year. As Deputy, I already knew what a fantastic place the College was and how wonderful the sta , students, parents and sense of community was at the College. As such, it was an easy decision to apply for the role. I was honoured that so many members of our community publicly backed my application and that our new trust, the Inspired Learning Group, had the confidence in me to drive the College forward onto the next stage of its growth.

Q Does St. Francis’ College have a particular ethos behind its teaching philosophy?

A As one of the top all-girls’ independent schools in the country, St. Francis’ prides itself on building intellectually creative minds through rigorous and supportive teaching, with a focus on close individual care. Our academic achievements are outstanding and we have a solid tradition of academic rigour. Our students go on to their first choices of university each year, with between 10% and 20% attending Oxford and Cambridge. However, we believe that academic success should be balanced with personal success in everything the students do. So, we have developed a growth mindset culture (the belief that intelligence and achievement

can grow through e ort, good teaching and experience), which permeates the whole school from prep to sixth form. Our students learn to set their own aspirational targets and we encourage them to nurture self-belief. This means good results happen naturally. And it is this philosophy and approach that has become an essential part of the St. Francis’ way.

Q What role does faith play at your school?

A We are a school with core values which apply to all religions and whilst we do have a Christian history and ethos, we warmly and proudly welcome students of all faiths and those of none at all. We have a weekly assembly in our beautiful Chapel, though this is more reflective rather than religious. We focus on the core values that unite all people

JAMES NICHOLS

SCIENCE

– tolerance, inclusivity, charity, acceptance, diversity and supporting one another. At the end of each term, we do have a special service to mark Easter and Christmas and there is also a Sta Chapel Group for those who want to express their faith with others.

Q Do you often see pupils stay with you from nursery through to Sixth Form?

A We do! One of the highlights of the Year 13 Leavers’ Supper is hearing from those students who have been at the College since they were three-years-old, now leaving to depart for university. Whilst it is great to hear from all students and their journey, there is something special about those who have been at the College for 15 years and how they have come to thrive as a result of being with us for so long.

Q How important is the co-curricular at St. Francis’ College?

A At St. Francis’ we believe that given the right stimulus, the right environment, the right focus and support, and with e ort and commitment, our students can be anything they want to be. A girl’s inherent talents are characteristics that she can cultivate through her e orts, and our talented and dedicated teachers nurture the individual interests our pupils are naturally drawn to throughout our co-curricular programme. This includes enviable opportunities to travel on an array of educational trips, both in the UK and abroad. Regular courses and talks give students the chance to try new activities

throughout the year. So, with independent learning, practice, exploration and creativity all our students have the chance to grow and excel, exceeding their own expectations.

Q What can tell us about the bovarding environment at the school?

A You can board at St. Francis’ from Year 6, and there is the option of weekly or flexiboarding. The Boarding House, which is located

in the main school building, has a lovely family atmosphere supported by experienced boarding sta and academic tutors. We have a superb catering facility with a varied and delicious menu to suit di erent tastes, so boarding really is ‘home from home’. Boarding comes with a built-in social life, which means that girls live with their friends – a recipe for fun! Extra-curricular activities are extensive with numerous opportunities to get involved in new hobbies, developing skills and interests. And, our location between London and Cambridge means there’s always something exciting happening on weekend trips.

Q Is there something in particular that you believe makes St. Francis’ College stand out?

A I would have to say it’s our strong community ethos. From the minute you walk through the front doors of the school you can feel it – a delightful haven of peace and calm. We’re a school with real values that we live by every day. At our heart is a warm and friendly community of teachers and students who really do care about each other and who value the unique qualities of each member. It’s the kind of school where friendships are made for life. In particular, for our students we’re a support network which allows them to feel safe and nurtured, prepared to take risks in pursuit of their dreams, and we’re with them every step of the way. st-francis.herts.sch.uk

“For our students we are a support network. We’re with them every step”

RUTH SCOTT, HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

THE CO-CURRICULAR IS IMPORTANT AT ST FRANCIS’ COLLEGE

Life to the FULL

ABOUT OAKVIEW LODGE

At Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home in Welwyn Garden City, residents enjoy a variety of daily activities led by a team of Wellbeing Coordinators. The Wellbeing team take time to get to know residents and support them to continue to enjoy their hobbies and interests. Daily activities vary from music and movement sessions, arts and crafts, gardening, baking and much more. All these activities are designed to have a positive impact on residents, such as helping with their thinking, feeling, awareness and mood.

Alongside regular activities, they also have their ‘Make a Wish’ initiative, which has seen residents from Oakview Lodge and across the Country Court group enjoy special outings and activities; from boat trips and book launches to o -road driving and lots of family tea parties. They aim to grant as many wishes as possible to create special lasting memories for residents and their loved ones.

At Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home residents enjoy a wide range of nutritious home cooked meals made by the wonderful Chef Manager and kitchen team. The catering team are continuously adapting their menus to accommodate resident’s requests and various dietary needs. The team also go the extra mile to ensure residents celebrate special events in style. Personalised cakes are home made for every birthday or anniversary, and the team are always on hand to create wonderful dishes to match any special occasion. The home has built up a wonderful reputation locally with their families and within the community of Welwyn Garden City and has been rated 'Good' overall by CQC inspectors.

For more information about Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home, please contact the home on 01707 375345 or email oakviewlodge@countrycourtcare.com

ABOUT COUNTRY COURT

Country Court was founded in 1983 by Roshan Bogha and current Chairman, Abdul Kachra, with the opening of their first care home, Beech Lodge in Holbeach, Lincolnshire. The care home’s reputation soon grew, led by kindness, compassion and dignity. A further seven homes were opened by 1990 establishing Country Court as one of the region’s most trusted group of care homes. A combination of nursing skills and a professional, yet homely environment, the model for care continued to expand and today Country Court is both caring for and employing thousands of people across the UK. Through the standard of care and the modern, comfortable homes created for residents, Country Court aspires to provide the kind of care every one of us would wish our loved ones to receive. The group operates 37 nursing and care homes and plans to open a further four homes in 2023. It remains a family-run business to this day, with the company philosophy, “Our family caring for yours”, at the heart of every home.

Go to countrycourtcare.co or follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram

Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home goes the extra mile to ensure residents have a daily itinerary that’s action packed

The Picture House

Absolutely looks at one of Hertfordshire’s most historic properties as it comes on to the market

Ahistoric Hertfordshire property – known locally as ‘The Picture House’ and featuring external panels depicting popular sporting activities – is on the market with a guide price of £895,000.

Brickett, in School Lane, Bricket Wood, near St Albans, was built by architect and philanthropist Frederick Wallen in the late 1880s, originally intended as a summer retreat from his London home.

Often referred to as the ‘The Picture House’ by locals, the colourful external panels are decorated with images of late 19th century sporting activities such as boxing, wrestling, rowing, horse riding, cricket, tipsta , skating and leapfrog.

Wallen – who died in 1917 and is buried in nearby Leavesden cemetery – was involved with a London home for destitute boys and would encourage them to stay and visit Bricket Wood and engage in countryside pursuits in order to escape the city. It is thought the flint panels below the first floor jetty were the result of the collection of flint by the boys as they returned to the house after Sunday School.

Property agent Peter Everett, head of residential sales at Savills Rickmansworth, which is selling the house, says: “Brickett is one of the most striking homes in the local area and has been cared for by just six owners since it was built in the late 19th century.

“The original Arts and Crafts style building replaced an old cottage that was on the site – believed to have been part of a larger estate owned by the Earl of Essex. The scenes on the front and sides of the house depict a variety of di erent sports and certainly make an interesting talking point. The local archives are full of stories from

people who visited the area and remember the house and are fascinated by its history.”

Grade II listed, the original front doors of the property lead into a hallway with mosaic floor and cloakroom. To the front of the house are two reception rooms with high ceilings and original Arts and Crafts style windows. The dining hall leads through to the kitchen with doors to the side garden.

Upstairs two of the three double bedrooms are served by a family bathroom, with the main bedroom with en-suite overlooking the woods beyond. The gardens surround the house on three sides with direct access onto the lane leading directly into the woods which surround the hamlet.

Peter adds: “It’s a rare opportunity for someone to take ownership of a truly landmark home of significant local importance.”

why everyone is talking about…

DRIVEWAY INSTALLATION

Thinking about a new driveway, modernising or improving your front of house?

Our experienced team can provide you with a complete service from the initial design through to the finished article.

RATIO AND GARDEN MAKEOVERS

More than just professional hard landscapers, we provide a complete service that offers garden and patio design. With a free consultation, backed by skilled craftsman, we can create the outdoor space that you have always dreamed of.

THE BLOCK , RESIN BOUND AND NATURAL STONE SPECIALISTS

Having over 25 years of experience within our home improvement sector, we have built an unrivalled reputation for the quality of our installations and the care and service provided to our customers.

As well as experienced and professional driveway and patio installers, we also work alongside leading governing bodies within our industry. Being approved installers of Marshall’s, Bradstone and Brett Landscaping, we are able to give our customers the peace of mind that carrying these accreditations deliver. Our approval status allows us to proudly and confidently service Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London with decades of design ideas. We can offer a vast range of product choices and solutions to all size and manner of installation requirements.

The approved specialist

OTHER SERVICES

We can also add the finishing touches to your new garden or driveway project, including services such as raised kerbing, steps, sleeper walls, landscaping for natural or artificial lawns, and also a range of quality fencing products, to name but a few.