Absolutely Hertfordshire May 2024

Inspiration and

COTTON TRADERS HITCHIN LEADS THE WAY THIS SPRING

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EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH

ABIGAIL GARDNER

MAGAZINE MANAGER

LOUISE PEARSON

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

MEDIA CONSULTANT

LEANNE LAWRENCE

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, 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

latest events in Herts to enjoy

co ee shops and cookbooks

the

of Berkhamsted

meet the head chef, Nitin Pawar

feast of St Albans returns

stunners from Berry's Jewellers

Traders Hitchin's latest collection

From trimming roses to trying yoga poses, you can do it all at Millfield Green

We believe staying active and staying connected is essential for our wellbeing, especially in our later years. That’s why we’re launching Active for May at Millfield Green. Whether it’s trimming roses or trying yoga poses, swimming or gardening advice, afternoon rambles or film nights, there’s always something for you to do and people to do it with.

But keeping active and making connections isn’t just for May, it’s the Millfield Green lifestyle. If you’re thinking about making a move in retirement, we’ll make things even easier with up to 2 years’ FREE service charge* along with our stress-free move packages.

Join like-minded people who love to keep busy, but always have time to make you feel at home.

Ready to take action? Rental options are available. Call us to book a visit | millfieldgreen.co.uk | 01582 787 361

LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S May issue highlights

It is one of my biggest disappointments in life: I can't cook. Maybe I can, but I just don't have the patience or know-how to rustle up a stunning dish that leaves guests desperate for more. I have tried to follow recipes, but all the little bits you have to do – measure this, cut that – I just don't have the desire to go through with it all.

All of which makes it a little odd that I love MasterChef. I can't remember when I first started watching it, but when John Torode and Gregg Wallace return with a new series, I am once again hooked. The skill involved is remarkable and some of the food created leaves me salivating and just wishing, for one second, that I could do that before reaching for the Deliveroo app.

One man who has been there and done it is Hertfordshire's Theo Michaels, a former semifinalist on the show. He has gone on to great foodie things, from a wonderfully quaint coffee shop in Harpenden, to releasing eight (and soon to be nine) cookbooks. I was more than happy to let him do the cooking when we caught up this month

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Weddings

We open this special with our top picks (p42)

Theo Michaels Rustling up a treat in Harpenden (p18)

The Shoot Spring fashion from Cotton Traders (p36)

Wish LIST

10 things we Absolutely love

PEACHY KEEN

Kayll's beautiful prints are all handdrawn by textile designer Jessica Kayll, who worked with a tailor to create a collection of fl attering robes and cover-ups inspired by the Japanese kimono. kayll.com

INDIAN VIBE

Estee Lauder's new Sabyasachi lipsticks come in gilded cases emblazoned with the Bengal tiger in celebration of India. Our current favourite? Apricot Silk, £53. esteelauder.co.uk

ZIP IT

handy

Take Monday's clever packing pouches are designed by an all-female team to aid an organised life. We love the handy clear liquids pouch made from robust vegan leather and biodegradable TPU, £36. takemonday.com

EDITOR’S

SOCKS UP

We are all about bright socks at the moment, especially these orange ones from Penelope Chilvers, set of three, £35. They're made of organic cotton and feel as good as they look. penelopechilvers.com

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Leonardo's adorable wood and glass Buoni Amici vases are all designed as cute characters – this is Pino. leonardo.de

BLOSSOM FRENZY

Orange blossom is absolutely our favourite scent, and there's no better version that Diptyque's iconic Eau des Sens, from £95. diptyqueparis.com

SWEET SYRUP

TikTok sensation Hair

Syrup's collection of oils are designed to tackle every kind of hair problem, from dryness and oiliness to slow growth and breakage. And they smell fantastic too. hairsyrup.co.uk

CORAL REEF

With fl oral embroidery that extends up the straps and onto the back, Aubade's So essence underwired half-cup bra is comfortable and beautiful. ameliesfollies.co.uk

FEELING GOOD

Neom's new Feel

Good Vibes candle features ylang ylang for relaxation, mandarin for upli and jasmine as an all round mood booster. neomwellbeing.com

SECOND SKIN

Our favourite glasses are always aviators, and the Radical pair from Bloobloom comes in a range of beautiful colours, including this lovely Marigold. bloobloom.com

Whole School Open Day 8th June

CULTURE

Back to Black

1-6 MAY, THE ODYSSEY

Celebrating one of the most iconicand much missed - homegrown stars of the 21st century, painting a vivid, vibrant picture of the Camden streets she called home, Back to Black is Amy Winehouse’s story. Starring Marisa Abela as Winehouse, the film follows the remarkable woman behind the phenomenon and the tumultuous relationship at the centre of one of the most legendary albums of all time. odysseypictures.co.uk

The Agenda

MAY'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

EXHIBITION

Women doing everything…

Until 4 July

VERULAMIUM MUSEUM

This exhibition, ‘Women doing everything, everywhere, all at once…’, provides a unique opportunity to meet the female archaeologists who helped uncover Roman Verulamium in the 1930s and four significant Roman and Iron Age women with links to the town. The most famous of these female archaeologists was Tessa Wheeler who pioneered a new method of lifting mosaics and managed the dig and its budget. stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Garden Show

4-6 MAY, KNEBWORTH HOUSE

Whilst enjoying a visit to Knebworth House, Gardens and Park from 4-6 May you can attend the Hertfordshire Garden Show at no additional charge. This year the Hertfordshire Garden Show is celebrating their 30th year at Knebworth Park. There will be plenty of inspiration for the spring and summer months ahead supplied by the exhibitors attending the show, with a wide variety of goods on display and for sale.

knebworthhouse.com EVENT

Slam Dunk

25 May

HATFIELD PARK

Slam Dunk - the UK’s biggest independent rock festival - has for 18 years been serving up a line up packed with the biggest names in pop punk, rock, alt, metal and more. This year’s line up includes You Me At Six (their final UK festival appearance), I Prevail, Waterparks, Mallory Knox, State Champs, The All-American Rejects, The Interrupters, The Wonder Years, and Funeral for a Friend plus plenty more slamdunkfestival.com

At Home Farm

Until September

HOME FARM, RADLETT

Step into At Home Farm’s enchanting meadows and fairy-lit woodlands this summer for a fresh new season. Starting in April, At Home Farm will be presenting a unique programme of enriching wellbeing activities alongside its live music, wild banquets and family events. These experiences are designed to leave visitors nourished and recharged. Whether guests want to learn a new skill, unleash their creativity, or simply relax and unwind in nature - there is an experience to suit. athomefarm.live

SWEET Sounds

Discovering more about charity, Music24, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year

MUSIC LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

12 May

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

This month, the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra (dHPO) are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Hertfordshire’s annual music festival, Sonic Herts, for a celebration of epic music from the giants of the big screen. The orchestra gives their rendition of the 60-year-old classic score from Elmer Bernstein for The Great Escape. Audiences can also expect to enjoy landmark works from smash hit films such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Wars. herts.ac.uk

This Month’s Must See Hertfordshire County Show

With showjumping, equine classes and livestock competitions, entertainment and amazing stunts, Hertfordshire County Show is loved by everyone whether you’re an enthusiast, competitor, or excited spectator. With over 450 stalls there’s something for everyone to enjoy from delicious local produce to craft liqueurs and garden accessories. hertsshow.com

Music24, a leading community music charity, has been transforming lives in Hertfordshire through the power of music for ten years. O ering regular music-making opportunities to socially isolated and vulnerable adults across the two counties since April 2014, the charity’s 10th anniversary will be celebrated this summer at a pivotal moment in its history.

Sustained by ongoing fundraising, the support of donors and Arts Council England, the charity was also recently awarded a National Lottery Community Fund grant to help push vital work forward over the next three years, benefitting hundreds of people living with disabilities and ill health. The charity already facilitates inclusive and friendly groups across Hertfordshire, including Welwyn, Watford, Cheshunt, Broxbourne and Stevenage, and plans to expand the services to more locations in the near future. In these sessions, participants enjoy activities led by highlyskilled Music Therapists and Community Musicians. Singing, writing songs, playing the drums and other percussion instruments, even dancing if they want to, enables participants to explore the world of sound in a safe and non-judgemental environment. The charity’s 10th anniversary will be marked with a series of special events. music24.org.uk

25-26 MAY, THE SHOWGROUND, REDBOURN

Something COOKING

Ten years ago Theo Michaels competed on MasterChef, the beginning of a fruitful career in food, as Absolutely discovers

At the time of writing, the 20th series – yes 20 – of MasterChef was in full flow on the BBC, as would be cooks race the clock to create dishes that they hope will impress John Torode and Gregg Wallace. It may have left its teenage years behind, but the show has lost none of its youthful zest for rustling up culinary masterpieces.

Succeed on the show and a career in food invariably awaits you, something that Hertfordshire’s Theo Michaels knows only too well. He didn’t win the show, but reaching the semi finals opened doors that, till then, were just pipe dreams. “I’ve always had a love for food and even before MasterChef I remember saying to friends that one day I’d love to have a little restaurant or cook for a living,” he recollects, “but my path went in a very di erent corporate direction. I ran my own recruitment business for 15 years and eventually sat on the board for a PLC – until MasterChef, which helped me find a di erent route.

“Without the show I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Theo continues. “I think MasterChef is a bit like taking your driving test. You pass your test and then spend the next few years actually learning to drive, and that was the same; doing MasterChef gave me a chance to follow a passion, but like most opportunities in life, sometimes you need a bit of luck for a door to open. Then it’s up to you how far

you want to walk through it and how hard you’re willing to work to keep going.”

For inspiration, look no further than Theo. Whether it’s writing cookbooks or running a hugely popular co ee and wa e shop in Harpenden, to executive chef gigs and o ering an online meal service, he has grabbed the opportunity a orded to him by MasterChef with both hands. His cookbooks – eight and counting – have been particularly popular, and number nine is heading out way later this year. “I’m excited by this one,” he smiles. “My next book is Cypriana – this is going back to my Greek Cypriot roots; so lots of family recipes and other dishes inspired by the flavours of Cyprus. It’s really about championing Greek Cypriot cuisine, but making recipes accessible and easy to follow. Food is intrinsically woven into the fabric of Greek culture and it’s something I take great pride in being able to share through the recipes and also some of the stories within it. But I can’t help myself and always want the stories to bring a smile to the reader. I’m not a fan of taking myself too seriously!”

Writing cookbooks to deadline is a serious process, though. “There is a romantic notion of whiling away the hours seeking inspiration, and sometimes you get that but you’ve always got a deadline looming,” he nods. “I remember my first Greek book, Orexi – as soon as I heard the publisher wanted to go ahead I had visions of travelling around Cyprus. Then you get the contracts through and think ‘oh! I haven’t got time for any of that’!

THEO’S FAMILY KITCHEN BY THEO MICHAELS, PUBLISHED BY RYLAND PETERS & SMALL (£20) PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOWIE KAY © RYLAND PETERS & SMALL

“What I do love is you get to submerge yourself in food and the process is very organic, it’s laced with failure and success,” Theo adds. “You create a dish from an idea and it’s awful! It shouldn’t be, but it is so you start playing and out of the mosh pit of failures you are suddenly inspired and something (hopefully) delicious is created. But you can’t short cut it, you need to go through that process. Rarely (for me anyway!) do dishes come out perfect first time when you’re trying to create something new.”

He is also behind FiveDinners.com, an online meal planning service. “Members sign up, specify their preferences and then every week our system generates a meal plan specifically to your preferences with a one-click shopping list so you know exactly what you need to get for the week ahead,” Theo explains. “We’ve got over 20,000 members and get great feedback. It saves people money on food shopping, reduces

“MasterChef is a bit like taking your driving test”

food waste and – the big one – everyone loves it as it takes away the headache of deciding what to eat every week. Plus it’s free!”

The creation of the cookbooks and running an online dinner service sit side by side with his passion project in Harpenden. “It’s been a massive learning curve opening Lazy Bear,” he says on his co ee and wa e house, “but we’ve got a brilliant team, have a lot of fun, work hard and most of all I think we’ve managed to create a really chilled place for people to get together and have one of the best co ees around. Plus I am lucky enough that my wonderful wife Anna designed the whole interior, which we get lots of compliments on. If it was left up to me it would look like a teenager’s bedroom with Marvel posters on the walls!”

It’s a delightful place and another big tick for Hertfordshire’s foodie scene. “I think it’s great and getting better,” Theo says on the county culinary scene. “Partly we have

some brilliant chefs and produce, but also think our proximity to London (the food capital of the world as far as I’m concerned) means a lot of people in Hertfordshire want London quality food experiences, but not always have to traipse into town to get it. Ultimately when you’ve got an audience that appreciates good food and is willing to try new things it gives chefs the chance to be creative and that’s when the magic happens.

“I’ve lived in Hertfordshire on and o most of my life with stints in London (I was born in north London), Bournemouth and America,” he adds. “I love that it only takes me 25 minutes to get into London, but within a five minute walk I can be in open fields dodging horses and walking the dog. We’re big fans of the Silver Palate in Harpenden, enjoy whiling away an afternoon in St Albans, especially when the market is on and there are lots of independent food stalls, or taking the odd walk through Heartwood forest, which is beautiful, or jumping on a boat in Broxbourne and playing about in the river.”

Life, then, is good for Theo Michaels, all thanks to a BBC cookery show. “I’m forever grateful for the opportunity that MasterChef created for me and the people I met and friends I’ve kept.”

fivedinners.com

lazybearco ee.co.uk

HE'S A FAN OF HERTFORDSHIRE'S COUNTRYSIDE

THEO ENJOYS THE FOOD AT SILVER PALATE IN HARPENDEN

HE LOVES A WANDER AROUND ST ALBANS

CYPRIANA BY THEO MICHAELS, PUBLISHED BY RYLAND PETERS & SMALL (£22)

Why we love… Berkhamsted

The Hertfordshire town that packs plenty of history into its modern day attractions

Berkhamsted boasts a rich and varied history that spans over a millennium. From its humble beginnings as a Saxon settlement to its prominence in medieval times and its transformation into a modern commuter town, Berkhamsted has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of England.

The earliest recorded history of Berkhamsted dates back to the late 10th century when it was known as "Beorhamestede", meaning "homestead among the hills". During this time, it was a thriving Saxon village located on the ancient Roman road of Akeman Street,

which connected London with the Roman town of Verulamium (modernday St Albans). The strategic location of Berkhamsted made it an important centre for trade and commerce.

In 1066, the Norman Conquest ushered in a new era for Berkhamsted. Following the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror rewarded his loyal supporter, William de Berkhamsted, with the manor of Berkhamsted. William de Berkhamsted built a wooden motte-and-bailey castle on a prominent hill overlooking the village, establishing Berkhamsted Castle as a symbol of Norman power in the region.

Over the centuries, Berkhamsted Castle played a significant role in English history. It served as a royal residence for monarchs such as Henry II, who

“The castle has played a significant role in history”

spent considerable time there during the 12th century. The castle witnessed numerous historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Berkhamsted in 1154, which e ectively ended the civil war known as the Anarchy.

During the medieval period, Berkhamsted continued to prosper as a market town and became known for its wool trade. The town’s economy thrived, supported by its fertile agricultural land and proximity to London. The construction of St Peter’s Church in the 13th century further solidified Berkhamsted’s status as a religious and cultural centre.

In the 16th century, Berkhamsted experienced a decline in its fortunes with the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII. Many of the town’s religious institutions were disbanded, and their lands were seized by the crown. However, Berkhamsted’s strategic location ensured its resilience, and it remained an important stop on major travel routes.

The industrial revolution brought about significant changes to Berkhamsted in the 19th century. The construction of the Grand Junction Canal (now known as the Grand Union Canal) in the early 1800s facilitated transportation and trade, further stimulating the town’s economy. Berkhamsted also saw the arrival of the railway in 1834, connecting it to London

and other major cities, which led to a surge in population and urbanisation. By the 20th century, Berkhamsted had evolved into a thriving commuter town, attracting residents seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling capital. The town’s historic charm, coupled with its convenient transport links, made it an attractive destination for commuters and tourists alike.

Today, Berkhamsted retains much of its medieval character, with its winding streets, historic buildings, and picturesque surroundings. The castle, though now in ruins, remains a prominent landmark, serving as a reminder of the town’s rich heritage. Berkhamsted continues to evolve, blending its rich history with modern amenities to create a vibrant community that honours its past while embracing the future.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

From exploring ancient landmarks to enjoying leisurely walks and making use of innovative businesses, there are plenty of things to see and do in this charming town.

BERKHAMSTED CASTLE

Start your exploration of Berkhamsted with a visit to its most iconic landmark, Berkhamsted Castle. Visitors can wander through the remains of the castle walls, climb to the top of the motte for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and learn about the site’s rich history through informative displays.

CANAL WALKS

Take a leisurely stroll along the Grand Union Canal, which runs through the heart of Berkhamsted. Lined with picturesque

towpaths and charming narrowboats, the canal o ers idyllic scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely walk or hire a bicycle to explore the scenic towpaths, stopping at quaint waterside pubs and cafes along the way.

ASHRIDGE ESTATE

Just a short drive from Berkhamsted lies the stunning Ashridge Estate, a vast expanse of woodlands, meadows, and chalk downlands managed by the National Trust. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the numerous walking trails that crisscross the estate, o ering breathtaking views of the Chiltern Hills and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Ashridge House, a stately home set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.

ST PETER'S CHURCH

Explore Berkhamsted’s rich religious heritage with a visit to St Peter’s Church, a historic parish church dating back to the 13th century. Admire the church’s impressive architecture, including its medieval tower and beautiful stained glass windows. Take a moment to wander through the tranquil churchyard, where you’ll find ancient gravestones and peaceful green spaces.

BERKHAMSTED ARTS AND CIVIC CENTRE

Immerse yourself in Berkhamsted’s vibrant cultural scene by attending a performance or event at the Berkhamsted Arts and Civic Centre. This community hub hosts a diverse range of concerts, plays, film screenings, and exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing local talent and national

ASHRIDGE ESTATE

BERKHAMSTED ARTS AND CIVIC CENTRE

performers alike. Check the centre’s calendar for upcoming events and make sure to book your tickets in advance.

YATTA STUDIO

For health aficionados, Yatta Studio o ers a transformative experience in their boutique studio in the heart of Berkhamsted. A bright and intimate space that o ers small group Reformer Pilates with core-strengthening, musclelengthening and body-sculpting workouts, Yatta o ers a range of di erent classes to suit all levels of ability. Yatta, meaning "I did it", is their core belief. They want you to observe your transformation and celebrate a healthier and happier life.

TOBIAS OLIVER INTERIORS

Tobias Oliver Interiors are a highly creative multi-award-winning and fully accredited interior design studio, providing design solutions that meet and often surpass clients’ aspirations.

“The culinary scene is sure to delight food enthusiasts”

They work on a multitude of projects; their interior design scope caters from luxury residential to commercial boutique, for private and development properties both nationally and internationally. They are always excited to receive new clients, and the challenges they present them with. They draw upon their far-reaching knowledge of suppliers, craftsmen and artisans to produce luxury interiors that are totally unique and, more importantly, reflect the lifestyles of their clientele. They adopt a personable approach - being polite, respectful and accommodating, working closely with clients to turn their dreams into reality.

WHERE TO EAT

Berkhamsted o ers an array of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From cosy cafes and traditional pubs to upscale restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, Berkhamsted’s culinary scene is sure to delight food enthusiasts. Here are some top recommendations on where to eat in Berkhamsted:

THE GATSBY

Step into The Gatsby for a taste of classic British cuisine with a modern twist. This stylish restaurant, located in the heart of Berkhamsted, o ers an elegant dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere. Sample seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, such as pan-seared sea bass with sautéed

greens or slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary jus. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as The Gatsby’s decadent sweets are not to be missed.

THE HIGHWAYMAN

Nestled in the picturesque countryside just outside Berkhamsted, The Highwayman is a quintessential English pub o ering hearty pub fare and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Pull up a chair by the fireplace or soak up the sunshine in the beer garden as you enjoy classic dishes like beer-battered fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and ploughman’s lunch. Pair your meal with a pint of local ale or a glass of wine from the extensive drinks menu for the ultimate pub experience.

GIGGLING SQUID

Experience the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine at Giggling Squid, a contemporary restaurant located on Berkhamsted High Street. Inspired by the street food markets of Thailand, Giggling Squid o ers a diverse menu of small plates, curries, and stir-fries bursting with authentic Thai spices and ingredients. Share a selection of dishes with friends or family, such as crispy salt and pepper squid, fragrant green curry, and spicy beef salad, for a memorable dining experience that will tantalise your taste buds.

YATTA STUDIO

A PANORAMIC VIEW OF BERKHAMSTED CASTLE

TOBIAS OLIVER INTERIORS

FOOD & DRINK

FINDERS KEEPERS

THE WOODMAN INN Hidden between Barkway and Royston, The Woodman Inn in Nuthampstead is a rare find. Once surrounded by a WWII American airforce base, it remains the UK's sole pub with such history. Offering typical comfort classics and daily specialty dishes, it’s the top-notch service that makes this large family-friendly destination pub worth the visit. woodmannuthampstead.com

Crab with Granny Smith apple sorbet steals the spotlight on our Summer Menu. Its combination of delicate crab meat and refreshing apple sorbet is a symphony of flavours perfectly suited for the warmer months.

ON A PLATE Art

We head to St Michael’s Manor in St Albans to discuss cooking philosophies with Head Chef, Nitin Pawar

Discover culinary excellence amidst the picturesque gardens and lake vistas of St Michael’s Manor. Head Chef Nitin Pawar is renowned for his innovative cuisine and flair for seasonally inspired dishes. Having honed his craft at esteemed establishments like The Cavendish in London, Nitin brings a fresh perspective to St Michael’s Manor, where vegetarian and vegan specialities shine alongside contemporary twists on traditional favourites.

Absolutely sat down with Nitin to talk about the gastronomic journey filled with plant-based masterpieces and modern interpretations of classic flavours o ered at St Michael’s Manor. Welcome to a world where dining is an art form, and every meal is a celebration of taste and innovation.

Q What inspired you to work at St Michael’s Manor Hotel?

A Embarking on culinary adventures is a constant pursuit for me, and St Michael’s Manor presented an exciting challenge. Its reputation as a premier wedding venue made it the perfect canvas to showcase my culinary prowess, especially through crafting exquisite banqueting menus.

Q How would you describe your cuisine?

A My culinary philosophy revolves around the belief in fresh, seasonal ingredients, and modern and contemporary culinary trends deeply inspire me. Each dish I create is a harmonious fusion of innovative techniques and classic flavours.

Q What’s your favourite dish available on the Summer Menu?

A Without a doubt, the Devonshire

Q What other dishes are you looking forward to showcasing?

A I’m thrilled to introduce our Watermelon and Feta Salad paired with chilled gazpacho – a vibrant celebration of summer produce. Additionally, our Mango cheesecake with passion fruit sorbet promises to tantalise taste buds with its tropical indulgence.

Q What do you aim to offer through your menus?

A Through our menus, I aspire to highlight my culinary expertise and elevate our guests' dining experience. By sourcing ingredients locally and infusing each dish with a modern twist, I aim to create unforgettable culinary journeys that delight the senses.

Q Do you source your produce locally?

A Absolutely! We take pride in sourcing the finest ingredients from local suppliers such as Mimran Valley for our meats and Sparshotts for our fresh produce. Supporting local suppliers not only ensures the quality and freshness of our dishes, but also allows us to stay connected to our culinary roots.

stmichaelsmanor.com

CHEF NITIN PAWAR

Foodies Festival returns to Oaklands College, St Albans, from 31 May-2 June, with brand new features and a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including Blue, Sister Sledge and the exhilarating Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra with live vocals and DJ.

Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event will feature live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake O and Great British Menu.

QUITE THE FEAST

Lovers of good food, drink and music rejoice as the Foodies Festival is returning

“Celebrities will create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks”

Stars appearing include MasterChef judge, TV presenter and award-winning author, Theo Michaels; ITV This Morning celebrity chef, Omar Allibhoy; MasterChef 2023 finalist, Omar Foster; MasterChef: The Professionals finalist and Head Chef, Scott Barnard, from Michelin recommended Crockers Tring; TV presenter, chef and author, Ursula Ferringo; chef and BBC radio host, Shahnaaz Ayub; and award-winning private chef and MasterChef contestant, Sonia Gallo.

Showcasing the best of Hertfordshire and beyond, many of the region’s most-highly acclaimed Michelin and multi-award-winning chefs will also appear. In the Chefs Theatre, celebrities will create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst in the Cake & Desserts Theatre, star bakers whip up showstoppers and o er tempting sweet treats.

In the Kids Cookery School, Foodies SuperChefs make cooking fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which they can take away and enjoy. Masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre include tutored Champagne, Beer, Cider, Cocktail and Wine-tasting.

Browse the latest food trends in the Shopping Village, meet local producers in the Artisan Market and taste exotic and unusual new dishes in the Feasting Tent.

New for Fridays: the festival launches brand new features taking place throughout the live theatres and extended opening hours until 10pm. As the sun goes down, the legendary Symphonic Ibiza will present an unforgettable fusion of dance anthems, live vocals, a sensational DJ and an exhilarating live orchestra.

Other new features and attractions include: TV Chef battles, Fire Pit Stage, Silent Disco, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Chilli Eating competitions, fairground rides, and family-friendly areas.

FOODIES FESTIVAL ST ALBANS

Tickets from £4 (child) and £21 (adult).

Under 6 go free

Weekend tickets from £42 (3-day) foodiesfestival.com

Use code foodies30 for 30% off tickets

FASHION

NEW beginnings

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Capturing the exuberance of spring, the beautiful and vibrant Emerald is the perfect birthstone for May. A symbol of rebirth and a life-affirming stone, the Emerald opens the heart chakra, calms the emotions and is believed to grant the wearer foresight, good fortune, and youth.

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

The Shoot 36

TRADING UP

Dress for the spring season thanks to the latest from Cotton Traders Hitchin

Cross OVER

Kate Halfpenny’s exquisite and highly distinctive pieces transcend the world of bridal and have become coveted by the fashion elite with impeccable red carpet style. Her new Speak collection is a case in point (pictured here is the Tra Tra Dress and Kerry Lace Veil). halfpennylondon.com

KATE HALFPENNY

THINGS WE 10

Absolutely LOVE

NEILL STRAIN FLORAL COUTURE

Neill Strain loves using roses in his wedding creations. With their variety of shapes, textures, tints and tones, roses create beautiful texture and depth. Plus they're available all year round, so perfect for a wedding at any time of year. neillstrain.com

Ten of the best syulish

accessories

for your wedding day

Hill house HOME

Hill House Home's bridal collection includes the Jacqueline dress, which features a flattering v-neck and corset-inspired paneled bodice that falls into a full, pleated a-line skirt. hillhousehome.co.uk

Aspiga's gorgeous collection of summer maxi frocks make lovely summer wedding guest or bridesmaid options – and the selection is vast. aspiga.com

NOBLE MACMILLAN

Personalised gifts at Noble Macmillan include this luxurious leather backgammon roll. Engraved with a couple's intitials, it'll definitely be a keeper. noblemacmillan.com

JIMMY CHOO

Jimmy Choo offers an exquisite collection of bridal heels and shoes for your wedding day, from timeless icons including the Saeda and Azia families to uniquely embellished bridal shoes from a made-to-order service. jimmychoo.com

LIHI HOD

Lihi Hod's Jackie is a stylish three-piece bridal ensemble featuring crepe trousers, a blazer, and a chic transparent corset with visible boning and intricate lace detailing. lihihod.com

Inna Voronova

The new 2024 "Sensuelle" collection will turn heads with stunning silhouettes, various necklines, delicate details and dream-worthy materials. Sensual and sometimes sexy, there’s something for all types of brides. inna-voronova.co.uk

KRONE

This South African traditional method vintage-only sparkling wine is an excellent choice for a summer wedding and the 2022 rose cuvee brut is succulent, crisp and berry-flavoured. krone.world

PENELOPE CHILVERS

The limited-edition Gemma platform was designed by Penelope Chilvers for her daughter's wedding. It's a chunky design in light cotton with a fabulous 70s print. penelopechilvers.com

TOP 10

Wedding locations

Sophie Hewitt, from Visit Herts, picks out the venues that truly will make your big day extra special

While the flowers, the dress, the guestlist and the photographer are all in the top ten when it comes to wedding planning, it has to be said the thing that will make all of those elements shine is the venue itself. Call us biased, but we think Hertfordshire has some of the most spectacular locations for weddings, be it a 200-person all out celebration, or an intimate get together for your nearest and dearest. From manor houses to gardens, these top ten romantic spots are sure to set the scene for the happiest day of your life. It’s time to say “I do”…

HATFIELD PARK

hatfield-house.co.uk

A dreamy spot in the Hertfordshire countryside, Hatfield Park is the ultimate fairytale venue, sporting the very palace where Queen Elizabeth I spent her childhood, 250 acres of beautiful parkland, and manicured gardens. What’s more, this stunner has been recognised by location scouts for its pictureperfect settings, serving as the magnificent venue for Tilly’s wedding in Netflix series, One Day. Whether you choose the Old Palace, The Riding School or The Parkland for your special day, Hatfield Park’s team of experts promise experiences and memories that will last long after the cake has been cut.

ROTHAMSTED MANOR

rothamstedenterprises.com/ rothamsted-manor

Another of our gorgeous manors chosen by film-makers for its picturesque qualities, Rothamsted Manor most recently appeared on Sky series Mary & George as the location for Mary and Thomas Compton’s wedding. Your own starring role could be set right here in the Grade I listed manor house, following a photoready entrance up the sweeping driveway. Enjoy drinks overlooking uninterrupted rural views, a wedding breakfast of locally sourced, sustainable produce, and truly treat yourselves and your guests with exclusive hire and make the manor your home for the day.

DOWN HALL

downhall.co.uk

Just on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex, Down Hall o ers a luxurious location for your big day. With wedding co-ordinators on hand to guide you through the arrangements, exceptional attention to detail, plus rooms ranging from magnificent 190 guest suites to intimate 32 guest settings. Expect views across the landscaped gardens, plenty of historic touches and the freshest local produce in your dream day with friends and family. And with 98 individually designed rooms for you and your guests to retreat to at the end of the evening, your dream day could even turn into the dream weekend.

TEWINBURY FARM HOTEL

tewinbury.co.uk

If your ideal day includes rural views, a warm welcome and plenty of character, Tewinbury’s 700 acre, family-run estate might be just the spot to tie the knot. The Tythe Barn boasts exposed beams, rustic charm and space for up to 160 guests to be part of your special day, and with a riverside setting and even its very own maisonette balcony, just think of those photographs! While nearby Kingsbridge is another showstopping venue, o ering manicured gardens, quirky accommodation, exclusive use of the house and grounds, and the perfect space to pitch up your dream marquee or fun, festival wedding.

ASHRIDGE HOUSE

ashridgehouse.org.uk

Ashridge House is an award-winning venue, with 190 acres of gardens and previous residents including King Henry VIII and Princess Elizabeth I. Think palatial

TEWINBURY FARM HOTEL

DOWN HALL

architecture, uniquely designed ceremonies, sweeping staircase entrances and rooms built to impress. Hosting up to 180 guests across their magnificent spaces, some with gold leaf ceilings, others with marble fireplaces, Ashridge House will ensure yours will be the wedding to remember. And, as with many of our top Hertfordshire locations, the food served at your wedding breakfast will be seasonal, local and delicious. Once you’ve danced the night away, settle into the 190 bedrooms, before soothing sore heads and aching dancing feet at the swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna the next day.

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

knebworthhouse.com

Another Hertfordshire icon, did you know Knebworth can host your wedding day?

Choose from five di erent venues, be it the Jacobean Banquet Hall in the Tudor house, one of the beautifully restored barns, or even out in the formal gardens and parkland that has hosted so many famous festivals and concerts. With room for between 50 and 150 guests, Knebworth o ers that fairytale day, taking you from the ceremony and drinks, right through to the wedding breakfast and evening reception for up to 300 guests. And with your very own wedding co-ordinator and those many breathtaking locations, Knebworth o ers endless opportunities to make the day truly yours.

WARE PRIORY

warepriory.co.uk

Ware Priory is a picturesque Grade I listed building, founded in 1338 o ering a variety of character rooms, comprising of historic features in a beautiful setting. They o er a very personable service and the catering options are second to none. The site is easily located and accessible, yet once there, the intimate surroundings makes it your own exclusive venue for the perfect day. Couples can hold their ceremony in one of their

character rooms such as the Priory Hall. Holding up to 100 people, it features original stained-glass windows and French doors which open up to picturesque gardens. The Conservatory o ers a bright and spacious interior with easy access to the riverside gardens. It is an ideal place for your wedding breakfast or reception and can accommodate up to 120 seated guests and 150 for a party. Alternatively, the Riverside Suite o ers a much more contemporary feel and really is a blank canvas for couples to put their own, unique stamp on their day. It can hold up to 200 people for a ceremony, 160 seated guests and 200 for the evening party. It’s own decking area overlooks the stunning River Lea. The riverside grounds provide the perfect backdrop for beautiful photographs.

“Choose from five di erent venues at Knebworth House”

WARE PRIORY

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

ASHRIDGE HOUSE

ST PAUL’S WALDEN BURY

stpaulswaldenbury.co.uk

Once the home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, St Paul’s Walden Bury is a true hidden gem. The 18th century stately home is surrounded by gardens worthy of an Insta-dream wedding with 50 acres of hedge avenues, temples, statues and lake, making for the perfect backdrop for a marquee reception. Ceremonies can be hosted in the house’s historic rooms or one of the temples, and as for the reception, small or large celebrations are welcome for up to 800 guests.

PENDLEY MANOR

pendley-manor.co.uk

A Victorian manor, immaculate lawns, stunning gardens, resident peacocks and that all important magnificent staircase, we’ve got another dream wedding venue for you here. Say “I do” in the oak beamed ceremony room, get those first pictures as a married couple in the rose garden, and join your 150 to 600 guests in the splendour of the brand-new Rose Garden Grand Suite for the wedding breakfast. As Pendley Manor can be exclusively hired, you and the wedding party could even take over the Grade II listed manor for the ultimate wedding celebration.

HOME FARM GLAMPING

homefarmglamping.com

Home Farm Glamping o ers a dreamy outdoor venue in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside. With only a limited number of weddings hosted here each year, you’d best get your name down quick to secure this beautiful location. You and your wedding party will have exclusive use of the four-acre glamping site, so 53 of your closest friends and family can dance the night away and then settle in for the evening in the yurts.

“It's an Instadream wedding with 50 acres of gardens”

PENDLEY MANOR, HERE AND LEFT

HOME FARM GLAMPING

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.

Moments SPECIAL

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

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.

HOUSE

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Glow Getters

THE LIGHT SALON Putting LED treatments on the beauty map, The Light Salon has introduced a new monthly membership scheme offering regular treatments and personalised skincare advice at Selfridges or Harvey Nichols in London. We tried the Collagen Boost Facial with NanoDermabrasion and left with brighter, glowier skin. The Light Salon Membership is priced at £120 per month (worth £245). thelight-salon.com

D-Day 80th Anniversary event

To find out more, call 0330 822 1933.

To attend Knebworth’s event please email paula.brown@careuk.com

To attend Snowdrop House please email jade.rackham@careuk.com

Join us for our next event

D-Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration

Knebworth care home, Woolmer Green

Thursday 6th June, 3pm - 7.30pm

Snowdrop care home, Ware

Thursday 6th June, 2pm - 5pm

Join us in celebrating the peace and freedom given to us through the bravery and sacrifice of so many.

Trusted to care.

Growing GAINS

Trisha Buller reports on an innovative breakthrough for hair growth treatment

H“The therapy aims to replace lost dermal papilla cells”

WHY BANK NOW?

Cryopreserving tissue freezes the clock of biological ageing. Younger cells retain better health and regenerative capacity. Also, a single extraction procedure provides enough cells for multiple treatments.

airClone cell therapy is the latest sciencebased technology being developed for androgenic alopecia hair loss su erers. Researchers have successfully found a technique to grow dermal papilla cells from banked follicles.

HairClone’s cell therapy aims to replace lost dermal papilla cells in miniaturising hair follicles in order to, one, rebuild and thicken hair and, two, to reprogram follicles to be DHT insensitive.

HOW FOLLICLE BANKING WORK

Around 100 hair follicles are removed by a professionally qualified surgeon and placed in preservative before being cryopreserved in the UK. These samples are kept under carefully controlled conditions until required by the donor.

This is an exciting time in androgenetic hair loss with hair transplant surgeons using this technology alongside hair transplant surgery. It will facilitate a treatment pathway for later in life and can work well alongside other treatments such as PRP (plasma replacement procedure), LLLT (low level light therapy), minoxidil oral and topical and Finesteride.

There are many di erent types of hair loss, so to ensure you have received the best possible treatment for you, a thorough consultation with a professional qualified trichologist, dermatologist or hair transplant surgeon is essential.

For more information on androgen hair-loss please contact Trisha Buller MIT SRSH at trishabuller.com. Trisha is also a member of the British Association of Hair Transplant Surgeons (BAHRS), a retired board director and a member of The Institute of Trichologist (MIT) and on the accredited standards authority register (PSA)

REFILL NOT LANDFILL

On 12 April, Carpenders Park Care Home, near Watford, was o cially opened by the Chairman of Three Rivers Council, Raj Khiroya. Cllr Khiroya cut the ribbon together with Home Manager Claire Masterson and Country Court Co-CEOs Al-Karim Kachra and Alykhan Kachra. Carpenders Park Care Home is the latest care home to be opened by the award-winning Peterborough-based care home operator and will provide residential and dementia care for up to 76 people.

Throughout the weekend visitors were welcomed to the care home, which sits in the scenic countryside, on the outskirts of Carpenders Park. The opening of the care home by its new operator Country Court has been highly anticipated in the local area. Country Court has 47 nursing homes across the UK with a 40-year track record of providing luxury person-centred residential and specialist dementia care.

GRAND UNVEILING

Councillor, Raj Khiroya, opens Carpenders Park Care Home

Chairman Raj Khiroya said: “I am delighted to be invited today to witness what a wonderful addition this care home will be to our local community near Watford. I am so proud of what this care home has to o er, and I can safely say that this home will be nothing but a success.”

On the day, sta were delighted to o er tours, food and live music to visitors from the local community. One visitor commented: “It’s wonderful to finally see this magnificent building in use and to see how beautiful the facilities are. It’s like a 5-star hotel inside.”

Alykhan Kachra, Co-CEO of Country Court, commented: “The warm and friendly response from our local community was wonderful this weekend. We were delighted that we could finally showcase our beautiful facilities to our local community who have been eagerly awaiting this grand opening. We look forward to working closely with all our new connections to enrich the lives of our residents.”

Claire Masterson, Home Manager at Carpenders Park, added: “I want to thank everyone for attending and supporting our Open Day. It’s been wonderful to see so many new faces from the local community. We can’t wait to set in motion our plans for events and other opportunities to support our community near Watford in any way that we can.”

Carpenders Park Care Home will promote a lifestyle for residents that will o er a luxurious environment with exceptional personalised care. Residents can enjoy catching up with friends over a cup of co ee in the Bistro Cafe or socialising in the varied day spaces, indulge in pampering sessions at the hair salon and enjoy homemade food in the wonderful lounge and dining areas.

If you would like to take a tour of Carpenders Park, please get in touch with Tracey Hewett, Customer Relations Manager, on 07540 412858 or email tracey.hewett@countrycourtcare.com

INTERIORS

POP UP

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

Launched at London Design Week, David Hunt Lighting's Pop is a cheerful and charming collection. Offered as a single pendant, three light cluster pendant, wall light and a touch sensitive table lamp, they're available in 17 colours, including Juniper Green, Marmalade and Blush Pink. Perfect for adding a simple pop of colour to any space. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

LIVING Modern Day

Absolutely explores a stunning home in Dane End, Ware, which has been finished to a high standard

This outstanding family home has been extended and modernised by the current owners to provide amazing living space with the bulk of the reception areas opening onto the gardens via bi-fold doors. This has created a stylish and unique entertainment area yet well configured for family living.

The entrance hall of the house provides access to the principal reception area, the first floor and the dining room. To the side of the dining room is a bespoke home o ce. The central hub of the house is provided by the open plan kitchen/family living space, which is a huge area currently configured to provide a dining area under the orangery, a snug/TV space and a further less formal area adjacent to the kitchen.

The kitchen itself is a bespoke handbuilt range of wall and base units with an island. The appliances are by Gaggenau. Sunken into the floor and revealed by a glass topped motorised lid is the feature spiral wine

cellar. The drawing room is a separate room just o the kitchen, itself of a good size, with a feature wood burning stove. There is also a utility/boot room that has access to the side of the house. The main bedroom suite is to the rear section of the house and is a stunning and bespoke area with a sumptuous bedroom, bespoke fitted dressing room and en-suite bathroom.

Heading upstairs, the house is currently configured to provide four substantial bedroom suites. All of these have fitted wardrobes and two are ensuite. One room has a mezzanine study/ bedroom area and two of the rooms have vaulted ceilings. In addition there is a good sized family bathroom.

Outside, the house is set behind a deep gated driveway with a turning area in front of the house. There is a large area of formal lawn with shrub borders. The leisure facilities include a tennis court, heated swimming pool and a gymnasium that forms part of an outbuilding including a single garage. This may have potential for conversion into a self-contained annexe if required.

To find out more, Absolutely chatted to Justin Godfrey, Director at Savills Bishop’s Stortford, to get his take on the property.

Q What can you tell us about the area this property is based in?

A Green End is a lovely peaceful rural hamlet within the heart of the commuter belt. It’s quite remote, but you’re just under 10 miles from both Ware and Hertford,

so not too far from larger villages and towns. Interestingly, the neighbouring hamlet of Standon Green End is notable for being the final landing point of the first hot air balloon flight in England in 1784.

Q Is it close to many local amenities?

A Neighbouring Dane End has a pub and village store, while Hertford and Ware provide lots of shopping and leisure facilities alongside mainline railway services into London Liverpool Street and King’s Cross. There is also a good selection of schooling for all ages – including St Edmunds College and Heath Mount, which are both popular private schools.

Q Approaching the property, what is the first thing that strikes you?

A The house is quite tucked away, so what’s nice is that when you first go through the gates it initially comes as a bit of a surprise. You can’t see what’s behind them until you continue down the driveway.

Q How much outdoor space is there and how is it currently used?

A The property is set in a plot of around 1.4 acres. The front garden is currently used as a children’s play area, with a trampoline and football goals alongside a tennis court. It’s completely enclosed and walled o , so it’s nice and safe. The

back garden meanwhile is a great space for entertaining, with a large terrace that runs along the rear of the house and a swimming pool looking out to areas of lawn.

Q How much have the current owners changed with the property?

A The current owners have lived in the property for almost 15 years and in that time they’ve carried out a thorough programme of renovations – extending the stunning open plan kitchen and family room, creating a sumptuous main bedroom to the rear of the property with an amazing dressing room and fabulous en-suite, and installing a very smart wine cellar. They’ve completely modernised the house and brought it completely up to date.

Q What would you say has been the most valuable addition?

A The open plan kitchen and family room is superb – connecting to the rear terrace and swimming pool through expansive bi-folding doors gives a real Mediterranean feel.

Q Entering the property, what greets you?

A The hallway is very impressive. There’s an immediate sense of grandeur and space as you open the front door, with access to the principal reception area, dining room and rest of the first floor.

Q How would you describe the design throughout?

A It’s ultra-modern, with finishesof the highest standard.

Q Is there a stand out feature in the home?

A The kitchen includes a glass topped spiral wine cellar with motorised lid, which is very special.

Q Do you have a favourite room – and if so, why?

A Definitely the kitchen/family space that I’ve mentioned previously. It’s the heartbeat of the house and an incredibly light and bright space, with a lovely aspect over the terrace and swimming pool. It’s easy to see yourself entertaining family and friends.

Q Is there much potential to extend the property?

A Not a huge amount. The extent and quality of work already completed means there’s not much need for anything else.

Q Who would it be perfect for?

A It would be perfect for someone who wants a modern family home that’s easy to look after and very stylish. Someone who has a desire for countryside living, but still wants to be close to amenities. We’ve also had interest from a buyer who’s looking to move back to the UK after being overseas and wants a base within easy reach of London with manageable outside space.

Green End, Dane End, Ware, SG12 0NY is on the market with Savills Bishop’s Stortford, o ers over £2,750,000. For more information, call 01279 756800 or visit savills.co.uk

In the SHADE

SWR Home & Outdoor have just what you need to make the most of spring

Spring is finally here, so why not utilise your patio or decked area come rain or shine, by fitting an elegant awning. If you purchase your awning from SWR Home & Outdoor before 31 May, you’ll get FREE installation worth £600, meaning you won’t have to break the bank to get set for summer.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

SWR have an extensive and fully equipped showroom in Hemel Hempstead, where you can pop in or book an appointment to put your preferred awning to the test. Choose from a manual or electric model and select your fabric from a range of options. Then relax and enjoy a co ee while their friendly sales team arrange a survey to measure up for your beautiful new outdoor accessory.

Once your order is placed, you can expect delivery within approximately 8-10 weeks. Their home team will call to arrange a convenient time for the installation of your fabulous new awning.

PRODUCT SUSTAINABILIT

“Utilise your patio area come rain or shine”

SWR Home & Outdoor take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and ensure that all of their manufacturers, including Weinor and Markilux, have sustainability at their heart. Weinor, for instance, launched in 1960 and have grown steadily to become one of the largest European awning manufacturers. What’s that saying, if you had the formula, you’d bottle it? Well, Weinor have gone one step further by utilising recycled bottles to create a unique awning fabric. The end result is a robust, striking awning material that blocks out more than 93 per cent of UV rays.

Markilux have been around for over 50 years, so you are in equally safe hands, if you choose one of their awnings. They have won many awards for design and innovation and have developed a formula for an awning fabric that has a UPF of 50+.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

So, now you’ve invested in this amazing bit of outdoor kit, how do you look after it?

Cleaning only needs to be completed once a year. However, before you begin, do check the weather forecast. You’ll need a warm, sunny day to allow your awning to dry fully before rolling it back up. Test a small area with your detergent before setting to work on the whole awning. Then use a bucket of lukewarm water containing a gentle eco-friendly detergent, along with a soft bristle brush to gently smooth away any grime. You could even use a pressure washer on a very low setting to clean the fabric or book a professional company to clean it for you instead.

Your awning comes with a 2-year installation ‘no worries’ warranty from SWR, coupled with a 5-year manufacturing and parts warranty from the supplier. So, order that awning before 31 May, 2024, to get FREE installation and get summer party ready.

To discover more, visit their website at homeandoutdoor. co.uk. View their range by scanning the QR code. (*T’s & C’s apply)

THE BASKET ROOM Safari Woven Storage Baskets, from £27 thebasketroom.com

FARROW & BALL

BASALT & DUNE

GISELA

COLOURS OF ARLEY Sweetheart Stripe Cushion, £75 coloursofarley.com

EDITOR’S

GISELA GRAHAM Stoneware Creamer Jug, £7.49 giselagraham.co.uk

ANTIPODREAM Mallorca Stripe Tablecloth, £125 antipodream.co.uk

Honeycomb Paper Egg Decoration, £6.99 giselagraham.co.uk houseof.com

GRAHAM

RAJ TENT CLUB Palm Springs Chair with Coral and Cream Stripe Cushions, £350 rajtentclub.com

HOLE STORIES

How to store your winter knits and win the battle against moths

When it comes to the wardrobe seasonal swap, and putting away knitwear, here are five tips to prevent clothing moths and extend the life of your jumpers.

1 THE BIG TURNOUT

Use the end of the season to have a cull. Go through your winter woollies, and be ruthless. Only store pieces that you love. Think about when was the last time you wore it and if it’s not seen the light of day, swap it with friends, sell on a second hand-site or give to charity.

2 CLEAN ALL YOUR KNITS

Never put away dirty knitwear or clothes. Food, sweat, hair and skin are loved by moths. So either wash or dry-clean before storing.

3 SPRING CLEAN YOUR WARDROBE

Light some candles, throw the windows open and take everything out of your wardrobe and wash, dust and vacuum. Try the gorgeous Natural Anti-Moth Linen Spray which has been specially formulated to protect your garments from moths and keep your wardrobes fresh.

which catches the boys, and the Moth Decoy which stops the mating game.

5 STORAGE

4 PROTECT FROM MOTHS

Refresh out of date anti-moth products, throw them away if they have been in the wardrobe more than a year and replace your sachets. Try the Pheromone Moth Trap,

Pack knits away in a breathable bag or box, in Acid-Free Tissue or an old pillowcase or wrapped in a sheet. Don’t leave them exposed to the air as moths will find them.

PICTURE PERFECT

Investing in a Pullman Editions’ poster will not only add the wow factor to your home, it o ers a modern glimpse into the past too

Pullman Editions designs, commissions and publishes striking original posters which capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Their newlycommissioned posters feature glamorous travel destinations around the world, winter sports in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles on the road and track.

The last few decades have seen enormous growth in the vintage poster market, with prices growing steadily as demand increases for a product with only a finite supply. In the field of vintage Winter Sports posters for example, good posters from the 1920s and 1930s comfortably achieve five-figure sums at auction.

Posters – once described as ‘a visual shout’ – proved an attractive, e ective means of promotion and ‘at-a-glance’ display. Poster display was never more inspired than in the Art Deco period when posters, largely produced by Swiss and French railway companies, graced station platforms and billboards to persuade a uent and adventurous travellers to enjoy the newly-fashionable modern luxury travel. The vast majority of these classic posters were destroyed when replaced by other posters – it is the handful of surviving vintage posters that today fetch such dramatic prices.

Pullman Editions’ modern take on these Art Deco classics provide a more a ordable way to decorate your home. Evoking memories of holidays and special occasions, their posters also make super original gifts. Having recognised the demand for stylish, decorative yet a ordable posters, Pullman Editions is committed to designing and publishing new artworks to provide a modern alternative to the costly original Art Deco posters produced 'in-period'. Executed by leading poster artists, their editions combine originality with the quintessential heritage and dramatic imagery of vintage posters.

Available in strictly limited editions of 280, the posters are printed using traditional techniques on the finest quality 100% cotton fine art paper. They are signed, hand-numbered and bear Pullman Editions’ embossed stamp of authenticity.

Each poster is approximately 97 x 65 cms (38 x 26 inches), and they are supplied unframed in robust tubes, which can be shipped worldwide. A framing service is also o ered for personal shoppers at the Chelsea gallery. Priced at £420 each including VAT (unframed), the limitededition posters may be ordered online at pullmaneditions.com, or collected in person at the gallery near Sloane Square.

“They are modern takes on Art Deco classics”

SCENTS

SET THE MOOD EYM

For a constant backdrop of 100% natural fragrance, Eym’s diff users are available in all seven mood-boosting fragrances. Good vibes and good smells around the clock, £58. eymnaturals.com

TO THE LAKE ACQUA DI COMO

The Aqua di Como signature candle features the fl oral scents of the lush gardens blended with the fresh notes of the lake breeze, which will immediately transport you to the magical atmosphere of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. senseofl ake.com

BLUE LINES

AUSTIN AUSTIN

Made with no synthetic fragrances, scent boosters or binders, Austin Austin's Cedar Atlas & Ylang Ylang candle comes in a stoneware clay tumbler that has been slip cast and hand dipped in a high gloss cobalt glaze, £85. austinaustinorganic.com

MIDNIGHT OIL TOAST

Toast's Japanese bamboo charcoal incense is subtly scented with organic and natural plant oils. The bamboo is fi red at a very high temperature to create the charcoal, and the oils provide purifying and deodorising qualities. toa.st

CHERRY PICKED DIPTYQUE

Diptyque's Fleur de Cerisier (cherry blossom) candle embodies the scent of spring: it's a fl oral pink fl ourish tinged with fruity notes and so , enveloping musks. diptyqueparis.com

Artists at Home is delighted to invite art lovers to its annual Open Studios. Running over Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14-16 June, the event showcases an eclectic mix of talented artists across Chiswick, Shepherds Bush, and Hammersmith. They welcome visitors into their home studios to give people an unrivalled opportunity to see work and the context in which it was created.

This year, a total of 92 artists will open their homes and studios to the public. All these venues are within a three-mile radius in West London and many visitors walk or cycle from studio to studio. It’s easy to use the website to research artists, find the ones to visit, and plan your journey at artistsathome.co.uk.

There are 13 new members showing for the first time, and here’s just four examples to represent the range of works:

NUPUR NARAIN DETAR

Nupur Narain Detar’s main influences are her Indian heritage and world cultures. Inspired by nature, her aesthetic is evolving constantly. Her hand building technique enables her to make individual, functional, and food safe ceramics.

FRANK WALTERS

ART for ALL

Artists At Home’s ‘Open Studios’ returns in June, with something for everyone

Frank Walters is a watercolourist and art teacher. He uses traditional techniques with a sophisticated lightness of touch. His work is mainly of towns and landscapes often created ‘en plein air’.

CRISTINA LORENZET

Cristina Lorenzet makes ceramic sculpture inspired by architecture and the landscape. She observes the environment to identify architectural details, fragments, materials, and other clues to ways of constructing her works.

HANNAH GILMOUR

Hannah Gilmour creates handmade pieces from fabric remnants from India and using luxury, eco-friendly yarns. Her work celebrates traditional artisan crafts including wood-block printing, hand-embellishment, and embroidery.

Kathryn Davey, Chair of Artists at Home, says: “We are thrilled to welcome so many new artists this year and we are grateful to our sponsor Horton and Garton estate agents for their continuing support. I’m constantly amazed at the amount of talent in our local area, and perhaps that’s why Artists at Home is the oldest open studios event in the UK.”

To find out more, visit artistsathome.co.uk

ARTISTS AT HOME new members 2024

NUPUR NARAIN DETAR: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/311/nupur-narain-detar

DOUGLAS FRY: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/309/douglas-fry

HANNAH GILMOUR: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/304/46-stitch

JULIEN HIPEAU: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/299/julien-hipeau

JANE JURITZ: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/312/jane-juritz

JOSIE JURITZ: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/313/jocie-juritz

CRISTINA LORENZET: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/308/cristina-lorenzet

TINA PRENTIS: artistsathome.co.uk/ artist/278/tina-takako-prentis

DEREK SIDDLE: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/280/derek-siddle

ANN THEAKSTONE-OWEN: artistsathome.co.uk/artist/296/ ann-theakstone-owen

AZELLE THOROWGOOD: artistsathome.co.uk/artist/310/azelle

FRANK WALTERS: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/275/frank-walters

MIHAELA WISEMAN: artistsathome. co.uk/artist/300/mihaela-wiseman

NUPUR NARAIN DETAR

FRANK WALTERS

PHOTO: ANNA KUNST

YOUR AMBITION IS OUR AMBITION

Ignite your curiosity today with a visit to Habs Boys and Habs Girls.

MAKE A PROFOUND IMPACT

EDUCATION

HAPPY DAYS

ST MARGARET'S SCHOOL

St Margaret’s School in Bushey is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18. As well as day places for all ages, they offer a range of flexible boarding options for both UK and international pupils from the age of 11. They are a place for the open-minded and warm-hearted, with an outward looking ethos that aims to encourage both an enthusiasm for learning and an ability to independently explore subjects beyond the classroom. stmargarets-school.org.uk

Quite the Adventure

The Head of York House School writes about maximising value from school trips

By JON GRAY

School trips are a valuable and exciting extension to classroom learning and they also give context and meaning to the curriculum. Likewise, visiting new places and creating new experiences opens children’s eyes to a wider world beyond their normal learning environment; fostering wonder by imprinting memories and creating a far deeper level of understanding than class-based studies alone can do.

To be successful, trips must be wellresearched and relevant to the curriculum, highlighting and extending classroom learning and being well-matched to the children’s age and level. The best trips will spark and fuel genuine interest in the subject matter, creating the desire to know more and leaving the pupil feeling significantly more knowledgeable. Planning high value trips requires enthusiastic educators who have a passion for extending their subject beyond the classroom. Organising school trips requires significant time, e ort and energy, so sta will need support and recognition for what is usually a personal choice – to lead an experience which benefits the pupils. In the same way that ‘location, location, location’ is a popular mantra for property-buying, ‘recce, recce, recce’ is the equivalent wisdom for planning a successful school trip.

A considered recce should inform a robust risk assessment which addresses any areas of concern and mitigates against them. Risk assessments should always be seen as ‘dynamic’ by the adults in charge on the day, as being flexible and able to deal with situations calmly and sensibly as they arise

is key to providing e ective pastoral care especially when sta are responsible for pupils outside of the usual school setting.

From a learning value perspective, hosting a cross-curricular visit can be an excellent way of squeezing the most learning out of the day as pupils get to approach the subject from a number of perspectives. Specialist teachers can often o er a valuable learning experience at the venue without the extra costs of a guide. Fostering good relationships with places of interest and other schools can create opportunities for excellent cost-free visits and workshop sessions.

By attending school trips, children learn how to apply the classroom-based skills of observation, listening, problem-solving and interpreting information in the ‘real world’. They naturally begin to make links across subjects, ‘joining the dots’ as it were, across their learning. Getting used to articulating

“Children learn how to apply the classroom-based skills of observation, listening and problem-solving”

and presenting their opinions, expressing views and analysing and interpreting their knowledge in a public environment is an invaluable life-skill. Conversely, pupils bring back an enthusiasm and deeper level of understanding to the classroom, making school trips very much of symbiotic benefit.

Of course, there are always those trips that should be avoided, such as ‘novelty trips’ which might have the wow factor, but are often irrelevant to the curriculum and devoid of any real educational benefit to the pupils. Obviously, fun and enjoyment should always be factored into a successful trip, but it should be kept in mind that any hours spent away from classroom learning must be of real, quantifiable benefit to the pupil.

Another key consideration when planning school trips is location. UK trips are usually the most cost-e ective and easy to organise for schools, but the occasional opportunity to travel abroad is an exciting way to broaden horizons and experience di erent cultures and languages. Impressing upon a young person that there is a bigger, wider world out there to safely explore (which is o -screen) and fostering confidence in being away from the safety net of home, are key factors in a child’s development, giving real value to the inclusion of educational overseas trips.

At York House, our strapline ‘Adventure Awaits’ describes the embedded ethos of encouraging pupils to embrace opportunities and to recognise that there is a wider world to explore. This value is echoed in our diverse and exciting trips programme which o ers pupils from all Key Stages a balanced and broad range of o -site experiences across the curriculum. Our pupils visit art galleries and museums, palaces and places of worship; they participate in hiking, kayaking and fishing, and get to exercise their survival skills in the Scottish Highlands. There is the opportunity for pupils to spend a week in France immersing themselves in the culture and language they learn about in lessons.

There are so many valuable learning opportunities to be had from trips. Our heads of department also lead informative and fun excursions to Bletchley Park, London theatres, Windsor Castle, a crosscurricular trip to the Imperial War Museum, pupil-led presentations on artworks at the Tate Modern and many more. In summary, the most successful school trips are all about feeding into an ever-expanding and multi-layered, culturally and experientially rich learning journey for pupils.

york-house.com

HEAD JON GRAY

EXPLORING THE WOODS

Meet the HEAD

Absolutely Hertfordshire heads to St Hilda’s Harpenden to interview Dan Sayers

Q What inspired you to work at St Hilda’s?

A St Hilda’s is a family community as well as a school, inspiring me to establish the values of kindness, respect and independence in the school as Head.

Q Can you give us overview of what St Hilda’s educational philosophy is?

A St Hilda’s is special. We seek to inspire all who enter its doors and nurture lifelong learners. It has a unique character and provides a successful blend of challenge and adventure. It is a school that radiates happiness, warmth and belonging, all qualities of a genuine family community. For me, our banner slogan – caring, curious and confident – summarises our vision. In all we do, St Hilda’s mission is

to provide an outstanding education and a holistic, rounded learning experience for all. Only when a child feels cared for and secure can they truly realise their potential. Our caring approach is matched by high expectations and in ensuring that learning is optimised, accessible to everyone and, most importantly, fun.

Q What do you think makes you different?

A I hope people would describe me as a caring and compassionate leader. I am committed to providing the best educational experience for each of the pupils in my care. Every child is unique and their needs must be celebrated. I believe in providing unique

experiences for my pupils, whether enjoying di erent trips or activities in or out of school. Life is short and we need to embrace every moment.

Q How was 2023 for you?

A It was the year when Covid finally stopped a ecting everything we wanted to do. It took a long time to reach this point. Covid has a ected everyone and we need to build up resilience, both in children and parents.

Q Are you introducing anything new for 2024?

A Wellbeing is a big focus at the school and we continue to blend new initiatives into our daily practice to provide the best possible opportunities.

Q What are your hopes for 2024?

A That the world can be a happy and safe place. We see so many things that bring sadness to many, we need to count our blessings.

Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?

A My wife and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage in July, and the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, remembering to thank those who have helped us along the way.

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