Absolutely Berkshire November 2023

BERKSHIRE

Berkshire NOVEMBER 2023

S PEC I AL Stylish decorations and gifts galore

NOVEMBER 2023

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GET SET FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON AT DUNE LONDON READING PLUS

RENÉE CULLEN Why the Cookham singer is one to listen to SOARING HIGH Meet the new headteacher at Eagle House in Sandhurst TAKE THE LEAD The best dog walks in Berkshire

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT 20/10/2023 12:52

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents NOVEMBER 2023

70

36 14

C U LT U R E AGENDA

75 WEDDINGS

RENÉE CULLEN

INTERIORS 103 FALCHI INTERIORS

One local expert offers up some top tips for your big day

The best events this month across the county

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The Cookham singer you need to hear

The founder of the Windsor company on her American influences

36 CHRISTMAS

A preview of what to expect over the festivities

FOOD & DRINK 60 TASTING NOTES

The latest from the county's foodie scene

62 THE FIVE ELMS

Why the Weedon pub is taking us by storm

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 68 JEWELLERY Gems to make our ears sparkle

70 THE SHOOT

The latest from Dune London

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107 ORIGIN POOLS

How they can help your child develop

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REAL HOME

A new venture is unveiled, along with a stunning home in Cookham Dean

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

The online guide to inspirational local living

E D U C AT I O N 119 TALKING HEAD

We head to Eagle House, a part of Wellington College

122 ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL Mental health at the Windsor institution

O N T H E C OV E R Dune London AW23 collection (dunelondon.com)

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Lawyers for life.

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5 LETTER Editor’s

Renée Cullen

The Berkshire singer set to make it big (p17)

ABSOLUTELY’S November issue highlights

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Real Home

A stunning modern home in Cookham Dean (p111)

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Area Feature

Christmas past and present in Newbury (p27)

W

e all like a surprise, don't we? During the early years of my career I often went to see gigs hoping to unearth the next big thing. I was always intrigued to know how music writers of the past could tell a band would be big before anyone else, leading the way rather than following blindly behind. I saw some great bands, none of which came to anything sadly, although I did write about Amy Winehouse pretty early in her career (she sang at an awards ceremony and literally the whole audience were dumb-struck by what they heard).

The search goes on. In this issue we feature a local singer who certainly has all the attributes to go onto big things. Renee Cullen describes her sound as country pop/country rock, and it's certainly of the catchy variety. You can catch her at several local venues before the end of the year is out, so check her out. I am always ears –sorry – when it comes to local talent, so if you know someone who deserves to be in these pages, please do drop me a line.

Talking surprises, in this issue we also have an early sneak Christmas preview featuring pantomimes, light shows and, of course, plenty of unique presents for all the family. It's our gift to you. Enjoy!

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C hristmas Gifts Top picks for all the family (p40)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

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PetsPyjamas

The top destinations for you and your furry friend (p22)

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N E W WAV E S

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love

Oliver James makes the finest inflatable Lilos. These are pieces that stand the test of time and look great, with no punctures, no mould and not even any colour fade. Doubles from £1,385. oliverjameslilos.com

ELECTRIC BLUE New from Dyson is the Blue Blush range, a fabulous matte shade for the world's best hair tools.

The Ultra-Blue was built on the intense hue of the lapis lazuli semi-precious stone and it's a true showstopper. dyson.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

TO P TUCK Designed in a nonchalant, relaxed fit in refreshing pale blue, Whistles' Nancy top features a gathering detail around the neck and a drawstring detail at the hem, making it a minimal yet playful silhouette. whistles.com

SOLE MAN Terry de Havilland's metallic leather block platform sandals are just as fresh today as they were in the 1970s. This is Zia, with a lightning flash on the heel. terrydehavilland.com

COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

TRUE BLUE It's not time to give up on sunglasses yet, and we are loving the collection of frames in various shades of blue at French eyewear boutique Bloobloom. bloobloom.com

HOME OF STYLE The indulgent deep blue tones of the mesmerising topaz gemstone are put on full display in this exquisite gemstone ring design from Berry’s Jewellers, £2,395. berrysjewellers.co.uk

T H E I TA L I A N LOOK Borbonese is a historic Italian brand of bags and accessories. Founded in Turin in 1910, the brand is universally recognized for its Eye of Partridge Suede, capable of attracting an elegant and cosmopolitan clientele. borbonese.com

LIGHT UP SECOND SKIN

Hay's stylish candles and candle holders come in a variety of shapes and colours.

Kit yourself out for autumn evenings. hay.nl

Marie Jo's Jane Italian brief comes in a beautiful Velvet Blue shade with intricate embroidery and a feminine vibe. ameliesfollies.co.uk

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

FILL IN Les Mondes de Diptyque is the brand's first scented candle collection offering refills with an assortment of accessories. diptyqueparis.com

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PENELOPE WILTON

LUKE EVANS

The extraordinary story of The Queen Mother and her most loyal servant

Written by

Directed by

MARCELO DOS SANTOS

MICHAEL GRANDAGE

until 27 january

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C U LT U R E

WINDSOR GREAT PARK ILLUMINATED 16 NOVEMBER-2 JANUARY

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is returning for a third year to light up the festive season with its award-winning light trail. Following the success of last year’s event, this year’s illuminations promise to be even more spectacular, with the addition of exciting new installations as well as the return of firm favourites, in the stunning surroundings of Windsor Great Park. windsorilluminated.com

Agenda 14 • Renée Cullen 17 • Newbury 27 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda N OV E M B E R ' S H OT T E S T E V E N T S

EVENT

Christmas Market 25-26 November T H E G R A N G E , SAU N D E RTO N Santa Claus will be coming to the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Christmas Market at the charity’s southern training centre, The Grange. Adults and children alike are invited to join them for unique, good-quality gifts, food, mulled wine and entertainment. A visit to Father Christmas in his grotto is included in the entry price. hearingdogs.org.uk

T H E AT R E

Jesus Christ Superstar U NTI L 4 NOV E MBE R , MI LTO N KEYN E S THEATRE

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar’s iconic 1970s rock score was originally released as a concept album and opened on Broadway in 1971. The original London production ran for over eight years - by the time it closed, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. atgtickets.com

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T H E AT R E

Beauty and the Beast 24 November-31 December C O R N E XC H A N G E N E W B U R Y Magic, mayhem and mystery lie ahead this Christmas in Beauty and the Beast at the Corn Exchange Newbury. Making her return after starring in Cinderella in 2021, Chloe Gentles plays Belle, whilst Nathan Shaw stars opposite her as the Beast. With roaringly funny jokes, beastly amounts of magic, and a hit list of songs for all ages, this fantastic production is not to be missed. cornexchangenew.com

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CULTURE • DIARY

EVEN T

Wild Wendover 5 November W E N D OV E R W O O D S Nice Work Races is exploring the connection between running for mental health and how that is amplified when immersed in nature.

Runners will experience forestscapes and natural woodlands, providing a healthy dose of ecotherapy.

Wild Wendover (November): Hills, hills and… you guessed it, more hills! Set in the gateway to the stunning Chiltern hills, runners can choose distances including a full marathon, half-marathon, 10k and even a one-kilometre dash. nice-work.org.uk

MUS I C

11 November H E X AG O N Musical maestro Jools Holland and his revered Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are heading out on a run of dates with special guests for their 2023 autumn/winter UK tour. The tour will take in 30 shows across the UK including two dates at London’s Royal Albert Hall, plus this gig at Reading’s Hexagon. Renowned as one of the UK’s most popular tours, this year the show will feature The Selecter’s Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson as special guests. whatsonreading.com

This Month’s Must See

PHOTO: INEZ GORDON

JOOLS HOLLAND

WINDSOR Contemporary Art Fair

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24- 26 NOV E MBER, ROYAL WIN DSOR RACECOURSE

ooking for that unique piece of art? Well this may just be the answer, bringing together over 160 artists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists, and selected galleries from the UK and Europe. There will be artwork for sale, from £40 to £4,000, all housed within a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere. One for art lovers and those with just a passing interest alike.

King OF THE Castle

There’s a new addition to Marlow’s flourishing art scene

Castle Fine Art have opened their new gallery in Market Square, Marlow. The specially curated collection of both original and limited edition artworks have been selected for the art-loving town.

Managing director, Ian WeatherbyBlythe, says: "We have been looking for a gallery space in Marlow for some time, as we know that it’s a location where residents have a particular passion for fine art. We have finally found the perfect location for the new gallery and are really looking forward to becoming part of the community."

The Marlow gallery will display works by Bob Dylan and Billy Connolly; artists only available at Castle Fine Art. The second edition of Johnny Depp’s

Friends and Heroes collection, exclusive to Castle, will also be available.

With an extensive curation of artwork, residents can discover pieces by Pop Art pioneer James Francis Gill, street art icon Richard Hambleton, elusive artist James McQueen and landscape artists Paul Corfield, Paul Kenton and Lawrence Coulson. There are also pieces by acclaimed re-creator of Old Masters John Myatt, artist and fashion photographer Raphael Mazzucco and Richard Rowan, master of painting on glass, plus art

by Dan Lane, Whatshisname, Nic Jolly, Shazia, Jon Jones, Robert Oxley, Pascale Taurua and Scarlett Raven. castlefineart.com

contemporaryartfairs.co.uk

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CULTURE • PROFILE

Q When did you first realise you had a talent for singing?

A My mother was a country music singer and she would compete regularly all over New Zealand. I used to go along with her and watch her perform and that inspired me to start singing. My first performance on stage was as a four-year-old and I sung a song called “Delta Dawn”. It wasn’t the most appropriate song for a four-year-old, but I must have liked the song, so my mum let me sing it.

GET TO KNOW…

RENÉE CULLEN S I N G E R /S O N GW R I T E R B A S E D I N C O O K H A M

Q How do you look back on your singing career to date – and what have been the highlights?

A The “Small Town Girls” album launch party at the iconic Half Moon Pub in Putney was definitely a highlight of my career.

One of my producers on the album, Rob Castell’s band supported me and they are super talented musicians. We only had one practice a few days before the launch. My family came over from New Zealand for the launch and I got to sing “Karakia” from my album with my sister Gina, who also wrote the song. That was very special.

Q How would you describe your sound?

A It’s a country pop/country rock album.

Some of the songs could definitely cross genre between pop and country, but the heart of the album is country.

On the new album, you’ll find a collection of stories from my life. When I write my music, I like it to tell a story and there is definitely a theme that runs through the whole album.

I grew up in a small town in New Zealand and then moved to one of biggest cities in the world, London. It was a huge culture shock A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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COOKHAM IS HOME

SHE IS A FAN OF THAI FOOD

for me, but I absolutely loved it. Ultimately the album is about a small town girl travelling the world, but always holding those small town morals and values close to her heart.

For me, it’s very important to remember where I came from and to always keep my feet firmly placed on the ground. It’s a coming of age album and I definitely changed a lot through the process of writing it. I left my home and family, I met my husband and I became a mother to my four beautiful kids. The album resonates all of this.

Q What has the reaction been like to it?

A I know my children, my family and my

friends are very proud of me and this is what matters most to me. I wanted something that I had created so that I could share that with my children and hopefully their children too.

So overall, I am super happy. Looking at the album on a wider scale, the reception has been hugely positive! I have people I’ve never met contacting me saying they love a specific song on my album, which is really touching. When people I don’t know relate to my music and my lyrics, it makes me want to write more.

Q Whereabouts are you based in Berkshire

and what do you love about it?

A We live in Cookham and I am so glad we chose the village as a place to bring up our children. We moved out of London 12 years ago and Cookham is beside the river with lots of beautiful open green walking tracks. It also has amazing restaurants and pubs, plus it’s so close to London. It’s the community that makes Cookham such a special place to live.

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“When people relate to my lyrics I want to write more” Q What music and entertainment venues do you love around Berkshire?

A Norden Farm in Maidenhead is such an amazing venue for live music events. We are also very lucky in Cookham to have The Odney Club and the many local pubs that offer live music including Bel and the Dragon and The Kings Arms. I definitely have to give a shout out to our local Pinder Hall – we have had some cracking band nights there and these local halls are so important in bringing the community together.

Q When not singing, is there somewhere you love visiting to get away from it all?

A Morzine in the French Alps is my home away from home. You’ll find me there on the slopes in winter and drinking “Hugos” at one of the many mountain restaurants in summer!

for fine dining and date night. Out of town, Caldesi in Bray is our favourite dinner spot.

Q How about an outdoor spot?

A We love impromptu drinks at The Crown in

Cookham and The Kings Arms in Cookham has a huge beer garden for larger gatherings.

Our favourite outdoor eating spot, with a stunning upstairs bar and terrace, is Roux at Skindles, by Maidenhead bridge.

Q What’s next for you?

A I will be recording a live acoustic video of

my entire album which should be out at the beginning of next year. I’m also hoping to play at a few music festivals next summer.

Before Christmas, you can catch me at The Kings Arms in Cookham on Wednesday the 29 November, The Cookham Village Christmas Concert on 2 December, and on 3 December at The Cookham Christmas Street Fayre.

Instagram: Reneecullen.music Facebook: Reneecullenlondon MORZINE

Q Do you have a favourite local restaurant or pub/bar?

A Our favourite places to eat with the kids in Cookham are Anong Thai, Peking Inn and Maliks Indian. Bel and the Dragon for an alfresco lunch with friends. The White Oak

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PAWS for thought Exploring the National Trust’s Pooch Passport around Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

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ogs and their owners are being encouraged to explore the top National Trust places for dog days out, with the arrival of the new Pooch Passport. Launched in partnership with natural pet food maker Forthglade, the Pooch Passport has been unveiled exclusively at 29 National Trust places across London and the South East, including Cliveden, Stowe, Basildon Park, Greys Court, Hughenden and Waddesdon.

The 29 places have been specially selected because they have been awarded a two pawprint or three pawprint rating, which means that they provide good or very good facilities for visiting dogs. This may include dog-washing areas, drinking stations, dog zones in cafés, waste bins and downloadable

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walks for dog walkers. Pawprint ratings can be found on property web pages and in the National Trust Handbook.

Until 29 February 2024, dogs who enjoy walks at participating properties can have their Pooch Passports stamped.

Once they have collected unique stamps from six different places they’ll receive a special Forthglade treat.

And if they visit 12 locations they’ll receive a second Forthglade treat.

National Trust Dogs Welcome Project Manager, Ceinwen Paynton, says: “We’re delighted to be able to say ‘thank you’ to our dog-loving supporters in London and the South East with our Pooch Passport, developed in partnership with Forthglade.

We know how much it means to people to be able to bring their dogs when they visit our places and not leave them home alone. Our paw print rating makes it

easy to plan a visit with your dog, and the Pooch Passport provides the perfect reason to explore new places with them.

“However, we’re also aware that not everyone loves dogs,” Ceinwen adds. “Our Pooch Passport includes Canine Code tips to help dogs and their owners behave responsibly and courteously, and the access information provided by the pawprint rating will be of help to all our visitors.”

Bucks resident Koda, a cavapoo, and his owner Emma were two of the first to snap up a Pooch Passport at their local DOGS LOVE FORTHGLADE TREATS

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CULTURE • WALKS

KODA AT STOWE

National Trust place, Stowe Gardens.

“Stowe is ideal for exercising and playing with Koda. We feel very welcome there; there’s lots of dog-friendly space to roam in – on the lead of course,” Emma says.

“The facilities are also really good with dog waste bins and water bowls, and I recently heard there’s a monthly dog walk to socialise with other dog owners and even a dog wash and dog first aid kits. It’s great that there’s an area for dogs next to the cafe inside so that we can get a drink or some lunch after our walk. The Pooch Passport is a great idea and it’ll definitely get us exploring further afield.”

Here, we ask experts at local National Trust sites about why they are spot on for dog walks.

STOWE GARDENS

BY MELISSA PARRY Dogs are very welcome at Stowe! We ask that you keep them under close control and on a lead everywhere. At the New Inn your dog is welcome in the shop, Parlour Rooms, and second-hand bookshop. Dogs are also allowed in all outdoor café seating areas and the indoor seating area in the corridor next to the main café. For the moment we’re keeping the following areas dog free (except for assistance dogs): the main café and the vegetable patches in the Farmhouse Garden.

We’ve got a whole range of facilities and experiences for you and your pooch to

enjoy. On top of the 250 acres of gardens and 750 acres of parkland, you’ll also find dog water bowls, dog bins, a dog wash, treats and accessories from the shop, dog first aid kits, dog ice cream, and a monthly dog walk to join. Every visit will enable your dog to sniff out new smells, explore different routes around the garden, and meet other dogs and dog lovers alike.

BASILDON PARK

BY JOHN KENDALL Basildon Park is a great property for dogs to visit with their owners. There is a variety of walks available, from a 40 minute amble through Pheasant park to exploring the Hidden Valley, further afield.

There is plenty of space to exercise, and paw-friendly parts of the tea room to cool off (or dry off!) after a long walk. While there are some places at Basildon that are

“There's lots of dogfriendly space to roam in” not suitable for paws, including the show rooms of the mansion, the main servery of the tea room and the play area, there is plenty of space to explore, including the extensive parkland and beautiful gardens.

GREYS COURT

BY JOHN KENDALL Greys Court is a popular property for dogs and their owners to visit, offering peaceful walks and spectacular views of the Thames Valley. Sir Felix’s Gentle Walk is a particular favourite, taking in the parkland and spinney in around 40 minutes. Dogs are welcome in parts of the tea room, the large tea room courtyard, as well as the shop and wider gardens and parkland. We don’t allow paws in the house or the Cromwellian exhibition space, or the walled gardens or play area. nationaltrust.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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P Friends F u r r y

PetsPyjamas: the dog-friendly travel experts offer up their top UK destination picks

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etsPyjamas are proud to be the UK’s no 1 dog-friendly travel experts creating amazing experiences for all furry friends and family at thousands of truly dogfriendly hotels, houses and cottages with exclusive packages you just won’t find anywhere else.

And with PetsPyjamas, dogs travel free saving you up to £25 a night, with 24/7 Vet Line, and access to their Priority Paws VIP club for fabulous treats, offers and upgrades.

They are the fastest-growing unique travel and lifestyle brand putting people and their pets at the heart of everything they do, and they’ve won awards for their service, innovation and content.

By way of example, here’s their 2024 guide to the dog-friendly UK hot spots:

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

YORKSHIRE DALES The Dales are known for their stunning landscapes, historic towns and rich cultural heritage. Spend the day exploring Bolton Abbey and the banks of the River Wharfe before enjoying their ‘12 Days of Christmas’ festive trail. Don't miss sampling “Yorkshire Tapas” at Harrogate local eatery, or head to the plant-to-plate experience at dog-friendly Paradise Food.

Try the Devonshire Arms Hotel Taste of the Dales feasting experience with homegrown fruit and vegetables from their kitchen garden, as well as being the ideal place to stay.

NEW FOREST Escape to the New Forest this winter to discover all the magic it has to offer. Grab your unique festive gifts at the Lymington Craft and Gift Market showcasing the creations of local makers, before enjoying a warming mulled wine at the Ship Inn on the cobbled harbour. Paddle to meet Santa with Christmas Canoeing in Beaulieu on a wonderful guided tour.

From the doorstep of The Montagu Arms Hotel, the perfect place to stay, explore miles of beautiful forest trails, before settling in for a cosy evening at The Terrace.

LAKE DISTRICT This beautiful North West gem has an abundance of magnificent views, glacial lakes, and history, including stone circles and world-famous literary figures.

For fit dogs and humans, scale the Old Man of Coniston trail for fabulous mountain scenery and views, or stargaze under the night sky at the Cumbria Dark Skies festival at a series of events in November, including a full moon swim for the brave.

Add to the itinerary a trip on the iconic ‘La’al Ratty’. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is dog-friendly and one of the oldest heritage steam trains in England.

Explore the delights of the Lake District from The Coniston Inn. Try their delicious seasonal menu, a former resting stop for Charles Darwin!

FALMOUTH Serene sunsets and quiet beaches await this winter in Falmouth. Flanked by St Michael’s subtropical gardens, Gyllyngvase Beach is a jewel for sunrise walks, and cold water swims before Cornish-grown breakfast at Brasserie on the Bay. Stretch your legs along the stunning coastal path from Falmouth to Maenporth. Look out for the shipwreck in the sand at Maenporth. Visit the magical Trebah Gardens for the Creatures of the Night Trail and Fish and Chip Fridays on various dates.

Throughout December, join the celebrations at the Falmouth Christmas Tree Festival. Local community groups each decorate a tree with the theme of “peace and joy” with the grand switch-on party on the 3rd. PetsPyjamas recommend a stay at St Michaels Resort & Spa.

STROUD Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Stroud is the perfect place to explore the enchanting patchwork of quaint villages and rolling hills.

Selsley Common is home to the Bronze Age burial mound ‘the Toots’, but it’s the view over the River Severn and Malvern Hills into Wales that will take your breath away.

The Batsford Arboretum is home to some of the world's most beautiful and rare trees, and from 1 December, the Elves are on the run, so be sure to take part in their big Elf Hunt!

Every Saturday peruse the awardwinning Stroud Farmers' Market, and make sure to check out the lineup at the Sub Rooms for everything from Flamenco Classes to Kim Wilde’s winter tour.

End the day with a hot chocolate and a homemade cake in front of the log fire at The Bear of Rodborough, where you should also rest your weary head.

The PetsPyjamas Promise A truly, dog-welcoming experience Expect your dog to receive as warm a welcome as you!

•

VIP benefits including FREE NIGHTS!* Because you and your dog deserve a treat.

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Donation to an animal welfare charity from every booking All dogs deserve a happy and healthy life.

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Dogs stay Free Saving you up to £25 a night.

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Exclusive PetsPyjamas Packages From doggie afternoon tea to dog-friendly spa breaks. *T&Cs apply Explore the Pet Edit for top winter beach walks, a family gift guide, and a chance to win £500 PetsPyjamas travel vouchers.

SPECIAL OFFER: PetsPyjamas’ treat to Absolutely Readers.

5% off your first booking Quote Code: 5%OFF See website terms for full Terms and Conditions.

Visit PetsPyjamas.com or call 020 3642 3162 to browse and book over 20,000 curated dog-welcoming hotels, cottages, lodges & B&Bs

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

ROSIE HOLT

GLIMPSE into the future

Don’t miss the incredible shows coming to the Corn Exchange Newbury in 2024

T

his month Corn Exchange Newbury have announced their fantastic new season of shows for spring 2024.

With some returning favourites, family fun, a laugh-out-loud line-up of comedians, plus some incredible music and tribute acts, there’s fun for all ages in this fabulous season of shows.

Corn Exchange Newbury’s spring line-up includes the return of much-loved The Dolly Show (Thursday 25 January), the perfect introduction to theatre Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out (Wednesday 7 and

Thursday 8 February), family fun with Nick Cope Family Music (Sunday 24 March), spectacular theatre from Vamos Theatre with Boy on the Roof (Thursday 7 March) and several hilarious comedians bringing their shows to Newbury’s stage, including Chris McCausland – YONKS! (Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 February), Rosie Holt: That’s Politainment! (Friday 12 April), Andy Parsons: Bafflingly Optimistic (Saturday 27 April) and so much more.

There is also plenty for film fans to enjoy with many much-loved classics and sparkling premieres gracing the Corn Exchange’s cinema screen. There will also be two award-winning National Theatre

“There's fun for all ages in this fabulous season of shows” Live performances available to watch on screen at the Corn Exchange with Dear England (Thursday 25 January) and Vanya (Thursday 22 February). This gives you the chance to see these incredible sold out performances right on your doorstep.

All of these wonderful shows and so many more will go on sale to Corn Exchange Newbury Members on Thursday 2 November with general sale opening a week later, on Thursday 9 November. Book your tickets at cornexchangenew.com or call the Box Office on 01635 522733.

You can become a Corn Exchange Newbury Member for just £35 per year so you can secure your tickets early for live shows and films and get the seats you want before someone else snaps them up. As a member, you will also receive a number of other fantastic benefits like getting 10% off in the Corn Exchange Café Bar, free ticket exchanges, resales and more.

You can find out more about becoming a Corn Exchange Newbury Member or join today by visiting cornexchangenew.com/support/membership

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

“In 1644, Donnington Castle was reduced to a ruin”

Christmas

PAST & PRESENT

Visit Newbury take us back in time to investigate the town’s illuminating history - before looking at a modern day event that is the perfect next chapter

THE PAST

N

ewbury enjoys an idyllic location in the very heart of rural Berkshire, perfectly positioned at the crossroads of Southern England. A beautiful market town steeped in history and surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, you can walk in almost any direction from the town centre and be immersed in rolling countryside and canal-side splendour within minutes.

And yet Newbury is less than an hour from London by train, and a little over an hour from the Welsh border by car. You can also venture here easily from both north and south.

Newbury’s fabulous location, historic market town feel, and independent culture make it a great choice for days out. It’s the home of Newbury Racecourse, Donnington Castle, Greenham Common, and the Corn Exchange and Watermill theatres, all worthy of visiting for a day trip or during a weekend break. Newbury is also the ideal base from which to explore the North Wessex Downs and Chiltern Hills (not to mention nearby Downton Abbey!) during longer staycations.

For nearly 1,000 years, since the days when William the Conquerer sat on the English throne, Newbury has been recorded as a town with the right to hold a market and a fair.

During the late 15th century Newbury came to prominence for manufacturing highly regarded cloth, and in 1596 Newbury was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I. The two battles of Newbury took place during the English Civil War. In 1643, the First Battle of Newbury was fought in what is now Wash Common, with the Earl of Essex and his men overcoming King Charles’s army after they ran out of gunpowder. In 1644, Donnington Castle was reduced to a ruin following 20 months of being besieged by the Parliamentarians in the Second Battle of Newbury.

In the 20th century, Newbury rose to prominence for horse racing with the construction of Newbury Racecourse, activity at Greenham Common, and the Newbury bypass protests. During World War II, Greenham Common served as a

training ground for the 101st Airborne Division in preparation for Operation Market Garden. In the Cold War era, Greenham Common transformed into an American nuclear bomber base and later a Cruise missile base, housing a formidable arsenal of 96 fully operational cruise missiles.

In 1981, the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp emerged as a powerful protest against the deployment of cruise missiles.

These courageous women, known as “the Greenham women” or “peace women”, staged a remarkable 19-year-long protest that captured global media and public attention.

In 1996, the clearance of woodlands for the A34 Newbury bypass garnered international focus yet again, marking one of the largest anti-road protests in European history.

Yet, Newbury is no stranger to the global stage. Highclere Castle, the iconic backdrop of Downton Abbey, is a familiar image for many, while Greenham Common found renewed fame as a filming location for Star Wars films, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

MARKET PLACE

For the Young and Young at Heart

NEWBURY RACECOURSE

THE PRESENT

W

hen it comes to Christmas festivities, not many places have it all wrapped up like Newbury does. It all starts from 18 November with an event to remember.

Experience the Magic

 Brace yourself, for the 2023 Christmas Lights Switch On Festival is back, and it promises to be nothing short of spellbinding. Following the resounding success of last year’s event, this one-day extravaganza guarantees an unforgettable experience for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. So, mark your calendars for Saturday 18 November, and prepare to embark on a journey of holiday enchantment that will warm your heart and ignite your holiday spirit.

“Enchanting street performers will weave their spellbinding talents”

 The Christmas Lights Switch-On Festival in Newbury has something for everyone, regardless of age. For the young and young at heart, there’s a captivating array of free workshops and activities that will spark your creativity and ignite your imagination. Whether it’s crafting beautiful ornaments, decorating gingerbread cookies, or creating your own personalised holiday cards, these activities are designed to make your heart swell with holiday joy.

But the magic doesn’t stop there.

Enchanting street performers will weave their spellbinding talents throughout the festival, and as you wander through the town centre you may even encounter the ethereal Ghost Caribou. The streets will come alive with Christmas characters who bring timeless tales to life, with musical acts and buskers performing throughout the day to provide a festive soundscape to your day out.

THE FORCE AWAKENS SHOT SOME SCENES IN GREENHAM COMMON

A Day of Delights

 As you step onto the picturesque streets of Newbury, you’ll instantly find yourself surrounded by an atmosphere brimming with holiday cheer. The festivities commence at 10am with an all-day market gracing historic Northbrook Street, the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in holiday shopping, finding that special gift for your loved ones or indulging in a little something for yourself.

And what’s a holiday celebration without the thrilling excitement of a funfair?

Head over to Bartholomew Street, where you’ll discover a whimsical funfair.

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A sensory journey like no other NOW OPEN

A five course tasting menu designed to take you on a journey from our winery in California to the home of The Vineyard in Berkshire.

The Vineyard | Stockcross | Newbury | RG20 8JU 01635 528770 | www.the-vineyard.co.uk

AD - VINEYARD.indd 29

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Illustrations by Armadillo Images

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY PLESTED BROWN AND WILSHER PRODUCED BY CORN EXCHANGE NEWBURY

Fri 24 Nov – Sun 31 Dec

WWW.CORNEXCHANGENEW.COM/PANTO | BOX OFFICE 01635 522733

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• AREA • XXXXX CULTURE XXXXXXXX FOCUS

CHILTERN HILLS

HIGHCLERE CASTLE

Meet Royalty and the Jolly Old Man

 For those with dreams of meeting royalty, the festival has a special treat in store. Princesses Anna and Elsa, the beloved sisters from Disney’s Frozen, offer the chance for the little ones (and the young at heart) to experience the magic of Disney up close and personal.

And of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without the grand arrival of the one and only Santa Claus. He’ll be taking up residence in his festive grotto, ready to hear the wishes and dreams of children and adults alike. It’s an opportunity to whisper your heart’s desires to the man in red, who embodies the spirit of giving and joy during this special time of year.

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

“The Market Place comes alive with a warm, festive glow” The Grand Finale

 Perhaps the crowning jewel of this enchanting day is the Christmas Lights Switch On ceremony itself. As twilight blankets Newbury, families and friends gather in eager anticipation. The Market Place comes alive with a warm, festive glow as the official start of the holiday season is welcomed in. In that moment, as the switch is flipped, Newbury transforms into a wonderland of shimmering lights, illuminating the town’s historic architecture and creating a breathtaking tapestry of colours.

KENNET & AVON CANAL THROUGH NEWBURY

A Festival of Wonder and Joy

 What makes the Newbury Christmas Lights Switch On Festival truly extraordinary is that it offers families the chance to create magical holiday memories absolutely free – so head to Newbury and begin to unwrap the magic of the season.

For more details and to plan your visit, head to visitnewbury.org.uk/newburychristmas-lights-switch-on A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Chiltern Jaguar & Land Rover Specialist

WE CATER FOR ALL YOUR JAGUAR & LAND ROVER NEEDS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICING AND REPAIRS. MOT’s • A/C Regassing • JLR Diagnostics • Key Programming

MON - FRI 08:30 - 17:30 Unit 1 Independent Business Park, Mill Road, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 3TP

01442 832932 | service@chilternltd.co.uk AD - CHILTERN OF BOV.indd 32

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

SAY BUY, NOT BYE

I

How can you stop your house sale falling through?

t can be frustrating when your house sale falls through, particularly when you want it to happen before the end of the year. Caroline Sugrue, B P Collins’ residential property solicitor, examines the reasons why this frequently happens – and how to avoid it in the future.

MORTGAGE SETBACKS Mortgage issues are quite common when selling a house. Lenders sometimes value a property at less than the buyer has agreed to pay. This is known as a down valuation, which means buyers face the possibility of either renegotiating the house price with the seller or finding the extra money to make up the shortfall. Sellers should ask for valuations from several estate agents before listing the property.

At other times, mortgage offers can collapse due to the buyer’s mortgage offer running out or a change in circumstances, meaning they can no longer borrow as much as they require.

Sellers should ensure that their estate agent

has checked sufficiently that their buyer can provide evidence that they have the finances available before accepting their offer.

CONVEYANCING HOLDUPS Delays in the conveyancing process can result in buyers looking elsewhere and sales falling through. The legal practicalities of buying a house can take some time – either due to delays in documents arriving, slow local authority searches, or an unresponsive lawyer elsewhere in the chain.

When selling a house there are also a large number of standard forms that all sellers need to complete. This can be a lengthy process. If you instruct a solicitor at the same time you instruct your estate agents, you have the opportunity to work on these key documents, rather than having to do it quickly when a buyer is found and will allow more time to get everything in order.

A BREAK IN THE CHAIN A property chain is when a series of house

transactions are linked together, and just one seller or buyer pulling out can result in the whole chain breaking and causing the people involved to lose money. Chains can collapse for a whole variety of reasons, including changes in circumstances, mortgage offers falling through or a problem with one of the properties.

Experienced residential property lawyers and proactive estate agents should ensure the chain keeps moving. However, you can only control your own actions, so always choose a reputable property lawyer, promptly provide all documents when required and address any queries as soon as you possibly can.

LOCK-OUT AGREEMENTS Buyers can be unpredictable, which is why a seller can ask for a payment from an interested party to grant exclusivity, known as a lock-out agreement. But this is not as straight-forward as it seems, as it can involve adding another level of negotiations that focus on whether the payment will be non-refundable or only returned under certain circumstances – such as a down valuation or if the house survey has found problems. In any case, it cannot guarantee the sale of a property and negotiations around this could distract both parties from moving forward with due diligence.

Nearly a third of all house sales fall through at least once before completion. To help avoid this happening to you, or if you require advice on any residential property matter, contact B P Collins’ at enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk or call 01753 889995; bpcollins.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Christmas S

P

E

C

I

A

L

Under the TREE

Looking for Christmas gift inspiration and get ahead of the crowds? Inside this mini festive special, we pick out the perfect gift ideas that cover all the family.

In this sect ion G I F T S F O R H E R 37 G I F T S F O R H I M 40 G I F T S F O R F O O D I E S 43 G I F T S F O R G A R D E N E R S 45

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Full of SURPRISES

Opening up our mini Christmas special, Absolutely rounds up the best in local festive entertainment and uncovers some top tips to select your Christmas tree

36

Corn Exchange Newbury

 This Christmas season at the Corn Exchange Newbury, enjoy a fun-filled pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, from Friday 24 November–Sunday 31 December. Plested Brown and Wilsher take us on another epic adventure: expect magic, mayhem and mischief!

Their next free outdoor event is the annual Festival of Light on Sunday 10 December at 4.30pm. Join them as the community comes together to watch hundreds of twinkling lanterns travel through Newbury Town Centre, accompanied by live music.

In their 40-seat cinema, come see some Christmas classic films such as Elf and The Polar Express and treat yourself to some wintery hot drinks from the Café Bar to help you get in the festive spirit. Head over to The Base for a variety of winter workshops such as Silk Printed Christmas Cards or experience a Festive Découpage Day. Find out more at cornexchangenew.com or call 01635 522733

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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP ELF WILL BE SCREENED AT CORN EXCHANGE THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Home Comforts As well as all the theatre fun, you need to get the festive feel at home right - so here Stubbings Nursery offer their top tips on buying the Christmas tree

Reading Rep Theatre

 This year Christmas at Reading Rep Theatre is bigger and better than ever before, with not one but two shows.

Kicking off with a great family offering, the longest running West End, Olivier Award nominated, Potted Panto comes to Reading. Why see just one pantomime when you can see seven? In this wonderfully absurd festive treat, one dastardly double act will try and tell seven of the most beloved Christmas tales. From Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin to Dick Whittington – this might not be the traditional pantomime you’re looking for, but it’s the pantomime you need! Running from 27 November-31 December.

Or perhaps you fancy something different.

Based on the critically acclaimed 1946 Frank Capra movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, this intimate theatre show brings Bedford Falls to the stage. It’s A Wonderful Life follows down-on-his-luck banker, George Bailey, who feels life has passed him by. So when his guardian angel pays him a visit, George is amazed to discover what life in his beloved town would be like without him in it…

Maybe it’d be a little less wonderful after all?

Running from 30 November-30 December.

Tickets start from just £5. Family Offer: Get four tickets for the price of three, two ticket holders must be under 16. For readers of Absolutely Buckinghamshire & Berkshire Magazine, book before 27 November and receive 10% off. Just use the promo code XMAS10 in your basket.

Book at readingrep.com or call 0118 370 2620

Watermill Theatre

in search of the magical Wizard to help her find Toto and return home. However, her journey is fraught with danger as they are followed by the scheming wicked witch Westly, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dot’s all-powerful magic shoes...

With bravery, brains, and heart, will Dot and her friends find Toto and make it back home to Auntie Em? This brandnew musical adaptation from Marietta Kirkbride (Five Children and It, The Egg), featuring an original score, will sweep you and your class away to the Emerald City!

Find out more at watermill.org.uk

Theatre Royal Windsor

 Make all your panto wishes come true and join Windsor’s favourite threesome on a magical (carpet) ride of adventure and fun. The nation’s favourite fox Basil Brush is back for his tenth Windsor panto, alongside Windsor favourites Steven Blakeley, Kevin Cruise and Anita Harris. Joining them this year is star of the Real Marigold Hotel, Patti Boulaye, plus TV Trickster Paul Zenon.

Featuring Theatre Royal Windsor’s traditional pantomime comedy capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes and a sprinkling of magic – you won’t want to miss this ‘Genie’-ous show!

Tickets start at £18.50, with family tickets also available. Schools and youth group tickets from £15. Book now at theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk or call the Box Office team on 01753 853888

W

ith so much choice, it is difficult sometimes to decide where to buy your Christmas tree and whether or not it is better to buy real, artificial or potted. Stubbings Garden Centre, to the west of Maidenhead, only sell sustainably sourced Christmas trees. The team recently travelled up to Scotland to meet their main grower and see for themselves the eco-credentials as well as hand pick a fine Christmas tree crop for this year’s range.

The Stubbings Christmas tree collection is reputed to be the finest and largest in the area and, having supplied local households for over 25 years, has become the go-to destination for quality and choice. This year, you’ll find six different varieties for sale with the entire range available to purchase instore and online.

Unlike artificial trees, real trees are biodegradable and are a renewable resource. Real trees have a very small associated carbon footprint and benefit the environment by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing clean oxygen. However, pot-grown trees are also a good option because, after the season has finished, these trees can be planted in your garden.

No visit is complete without a trip to the Stubbings Christmas Boutique – a treasure trove of festive decorations and lights with products from designers such as Gisela Graham, Giftware Trading and many more. The Café and Garden Centre are both open seven days a week.

Find out more and book tickets at stubbingsnursery.co.uk

HEAD TO STUBBINGS FOR GIFTS APLENTY

 Be swept away to the Emerald City this Christmas in a fresh new take on The Wizard of Oz, from 17 November-31 December. Dot is a dot of a girl stuck in a nowhere place in a nowhere town with nothing but big dreams and her little dog Toto for company. Toto disappears and a desperate search through a storm transports Dot to a strange and miraculous land full of witches and wizards and unusual creatures.

Meeting new friends Tinman, Scarrow and Lionel, Dot heads to the Emerald City A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Lingerie

* Swimwear

* Nightwear

New Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm T: 01494 725711 | E: info@odettelingerie.co.uk | www.odettelingerie.co.uk 21 Market Square, Old Amersham HP7 0DG ODETTE_HP_ABS_BB_NOV2023.indd 1

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

AEYDE Elijah Earrings, £125 aeyde.com

SMYTHSON Envelope Cross Body Bag, £595 smythson.com

DIPTYQUE Candle Lantern, £65 libertylondon.com

PENELOPE CHILVERS

THOMAS SABO

Wyoming Cotton Socks, Three Pack, £35 penelopechilvers.com

Fine Jewellery Piercing Studs, from £175 saboteur.world

JULES B Christmas Tree Print Long Pyjamas £45 julesb.co.uk

PENELOPE CHILVERS Goldie Embroidered Cowboy Boot, £329 penelopechilvers.com

Gifts for

HER

EDITOR’S PICK

PERL COSMETICS Nourishing Lash Oil, £22 perlcosmetics.com

All she wants for Christmas

By PENDLE HARTE

RENNE JEWELLERY 2.5mm Classic Bangle & Honour Feather, £130 rennejewellery.co.uk

LEILA SWIFT JEWELLERY Lila Necklace, £105 leilaswift.com

SILHOUETTE Fuschl in Black, £265 silhouette.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS ALESSI Parrot Sommelier Corkscrew, £50 alessi.com

EDITOR’S PICK

MARSHALL Major IV Headphones, £129.99 marshallheadphones.com

RAPHA Logo Socks, £14 johnlewis.com

BERLUTI Peak Point Leather Boot, £1,880 berluti.com

Gifts for

HIM

What do men want this year?

Here's our edit

By PENDLE HARTE

HARLEQUIN X SOPHIE ROBINSON Sherbet Stripe Robe, £95 johnlewis.com

GANT Checked Pyjama Set, £100 gant.co.uk

ONITSUKA TIGER Track Top, £150 onitsukatiger.com

MOSCOT Sheister Sunglasses, £325 moscot.com

BROOKLANDS WATCH COMPANY CREP PROTECT Ultimate Shoe Care Gift Set, £35 johnlewis.com

40

PAUL SMITH

Triple-Four Racing Chronograph, £5,754 brooklandswatches.com

Early Bird Scented Candle, £65 paulsmith.com

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

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BBC THREE COUNTIES BREAKFAST SHOW PRESENTER

MARTIN DODD FOR UK PRODUCTIONS PROUDLY PRESENTS

as MUDDLES

as PRINCE FREDERICK

SOAPSTAR and STRICTLY COME DANCING’S

ANDY COLLINS JAMES BYE

PANTO FAVOURITE

LEON CRAIG as DAME DILLY DONUT

RHIANNON CHESTERMAN LYNDSEY GARDINER as SNOW WHITE

as QUEEN GRIMELDA

FRI 1 DEC ’23 – WED 3 JAN ’24 atgtickets.com/aylesbury*

*Fees apply.

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

BOBO WINES Wine in a box, from £39 bobowines.co.uk

THE FRENCH HOUSE

PRAWN ON THE LAWN

French Champagne Coupes, £15 each thefrenchhouse.co.uk

Fish and Seafood to Share by Rick and Katie Toogood, £22 prawnonthelawn.com

ORIGIN COFFEE Feature coffee subscription, from £10.95 origincoffee.co.uk

LE CREUSET Le Creuset cast iron casserole, Rhone, £345 johnlewis.com

HARPER COLLINS Imad's Syrian Kitchen, £26 harpercollins.co.uk

FARHI Caramelised nut selection, £34.99 farhi.co.uk

ANTHROPOLOGIE

CARLUCCIO'S

Festive Bistro Tile Salt & Pepper Shakers, £20 anthropologie.com

Pandoro Classico, £19.95 carluccios.com

FOODIE Gifts

Presents for chefs and gourmands

ST JOHN

By PENDLE HARTE

Pig ashtray, £15 stjohnrestaurant.com

BLOOMSBURY A Splash of Soy by Lara Lee, £19.80 bloomsbury.com

DISHOOM

CLARIDGES

Dishoom coins, from £10 store.dishoom.com

JOHN LEWIS

EDITOR’S PICK

The Cookbook, £30 shop.claridges.co.uk

Pasta machine, £35 johnlewis.com

OUR PLACE Always Pan, large, £155 fromourplace.co.uk

FERM LIVING Beer ornament, £9 fermliving.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS ANNABEL JAMES Solar Powered Globe Garden Light, £49.95 annabeljames.co.uk

SPARKLE LIGHTING Solar Garden Lanterns, £38.95 sparkle.lighting

RORY HUTTON Orangerie Garden Scarf, £95 roryhutton.co.uk

BLOOM & WILD Mini Christmas Tree, £40 bloomandwild.com

ANNABEL JAMES Peter Rabbit Children's Garden Tool Set, £29.95 annabeljames.co.uk

HAWTHORN HANDMADE Garden Embroidery Kit, £22.95 hawthornhandmade.com

GARDEN STORIGRAPHIC Watering Can Wooden Pin Badge, £6 storigraphic.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Gifts

Presents for our green-fingered friends

REX LONDON Gardeners Tools and Twine In A Tin, £8.95 rexlondon.com

By PENDLE HARTE

BERGS POTTER Ada Pot, £37.50 royaldesign.co.uk

ANNABEL JAMES Garden Caddy, £24.95 annabeljames.co.uk

DOBBIES Gardeners Mate Garden Shears, £14.99, dobbies.com

REX LONDON Grow Your Own Bee and Butterfly Garden Kit, £14.95 rexlondon.com

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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP

C O U R T

DRAMA Absolutely chats to Marcelo Dos Santos about his new play, Backstairs Billy

Q This is your first West End production. Tell us about the play?

A Backstairs Billy is a comedy about the unlikely friendship between The Queen Mother played by Penelope Wilton, her infamous butler William (Billy) Tallon, played by Luke Evans, and the elaborate and frankly camp court they created at Clarence House. Set in 1979 just before the Winter of Discontent, it blends high comedy with human drama, pathos as well as politics.

THE QUEEN MOTHER (PENELOPE WILTON) AND HER LOYAL SERVANT WILLIAM "BILLY" TALLON (LUKE EVANS)

Q What was the appeal in writing about The Queen Mother?

A I was primarily drawn really to the dynamic between The Queen Mother and Billy. They were together for 50 years and their relationship weathered a number of scandals. I wanted to explore what drew the working-class Billy into that orbit and what the ties were that kept binding them to each other. It felt like a really interesting way of exploring quite big issues like class but in a playful and engaging form with the potential for a lot of farce and fun along the way.

Q Are you involved in the

rehearsal process?

A Yes, I've been in the initial first week of rehearsal and will now pop in and out. At a certain point it's useful for the writer to get out of the way.

Q You won last year’s Fringe

MARCELO DOS SANTOS

First award at Edinburgh – what was that like?

A That was amazing. The whole thing was a ride. The show is called Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen and it was produced by Francesca Moody, who produced the original productions of Fleabag, so we knew we were in good hands – but its almost immediate success was just lovely.

It's a one-man show starring Samuel Barnett (History Boys, Dirk Gently) about a self-deprecating, permanently single

“Exploring quite big issues like class but in a playful and engaging form”

gay comedian who finally meets his Mr Right and then does everything wrong. And there's lots of twists which I won't give away. The show is coming to the Bush Theatre in London this November and December as well.

Q What are you working on next?

A A BBC drama commission and a couple of

other things I probably shouldn't talk about yet.

Q What drew you to become a playwright?

A I've always loved theatre and it's one of

the most collaborative mediums. I'm not very good at just sitting on my own in a room, which is a problem for a writer. With theatre you get to be part of a company and create something together, which is tangible but also ephemeral because it's primarily about the live experience.

Q What does a working day look like for you?

A A lot of procrastinating, unfortunately,

but I'm trying to develop better routines.

I try and get up early, go to my workspace, go to the gym and then eat chocolate the rest of the day, because... balance.

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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP

JAMES_BYE_ RHIANNON_CHESTER JAMES BYE AND RHIANNON CHESTERMAN

THE CAST COME TOGETHER

IN FRONT OF YOU

I

The excitement builds as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs heads to Aylesbury for panto season

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for most families the most wonderful tradition is to enjoy a pantomime together – oh yes it is!

The mirror mirror on the wall says Aylesbury Waterside’s panto has it all this Christmas, and you’re invited to join the festive fun. Perfect for panto lovers young and old(er!)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs from 1 December-3 January.

Eastenders’ James Bye will be swapping the borough of Walford for the market town of Aylesbury to star as the Prince and is in good company with panto favourite Andy Collins back due to demand playing Muddles.

James took up residence in Albert Square back in 2014 playing Martin Fowler and has since remained a familiar face on the square tackling a variety of storylines

with his iconic roots based in the long running soap’s history. Last year he added another string to his princely bow, taking part in the 20th series of primetime TV contest, Strictly Come Dancing, with professional dance partner Amy Dowden.

He is no stranger to the Waterside panto having previously supported fellow EastEnders’ actors Danny Walters (Beauty and the Beast, 2019) and Davood Ghadami (Aladdin, 2022) when they trod the Waterside boards. He said of the annual production: “I jumped at the chance to be part of the madness having heard such positive things from Danny and Dav. I’ve brought my family for the last few years and seen them totally hooked. It’s going to be an absolute riot, and I’m 100% here for it!”

This year’s show promises a magical adventure complete with plenty of song

and dance numbers, masses of audience interaction, sparkling sets and a Wicked Queen set to conjure the evilest of plans!

Ready to deliver magic and trademark silliness, the cast includes Leon Craig ready to tickle ribs as Dame Dilly Donut, Rhiannon Chesterman as Snow White and a delightfully dislikeable baddie will be delivered by Lyndsey Gardiner who plays Wicked Queen Grimelda.

Join Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for the ultimate escape this December.

Whistle while you work, and book while you remember to make sure you don’t miss out on this timeless theatre tradition.

“This year’s show is going to be epic – you won't want to miss it!” says Andy Collins.

Tickets for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are on sale now. Book early for the best seats at the best rates, and remember the theatre also offers Audio Described, Captioned, Relaxed and Signed performances as part of their commitment to theatre for all.

JAMES BYE IS PRINCE FREDERICK

For more information visit atgtickets.com/Aylesbury Box Office: 0844 871 7615 Facebook: @aylesburywatersidetheatre Instagram: @aylesburywaterside.theatre TikTok: aylesburywaterside X: @thewaterside1

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E N J OY A N U N F O R G E T TA B L E CHRISTMAS BESIDE THE THAMES Situated on the banks of the River Thames just outside Windsor, The Runnymede promises the perfect base for all manner of festive get-togethers.

Whether you choose to treat yourself to an indulgent Christmas escape with spoiling spa treatments or simply pop by for our festive Champagne afternoon tea, our riverside bolthole has everything you need for a memorable visit.

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That

festive feeling Why St Albans is the must visit Christmas destination

G

et in the festive spirit and shop for everyone on your list this Christmas in stunning St Albans. With an array of charming independent shops, cafes and restaurants and lots of festive things to do, it’s the perfect Christmas destination.

Wander the pretty streets adorned with lights and decorations and discover unique independents with items that you simply can’t find online. Head to Chloe James Lifestyle for stunning accessories and gifts, Amalily for unique jewellery, The Dressing Room for designer fashion and Empire Records for specialist vinyls. Or drop by one of the well-known chains like Anthropologie, Sweaty Betty and Le Creuset for the perfect item.

When you need to refuel, the city is a standout centre for food and drink. Try independents like HATCH or Nkora Coffee for a quality blend, and The Deli on Verulam for a delicious breakfast or lunch on the go. For an end of the day celebratory meal, head to The Ivy St Albans Brasserie, or THOMPSON St Albans and get in the festive spirit with a Prosecco, cocktail or mocktail at MUST Wine Bar, The Bishop’s Cave or Old Tom’s Bar Bistro.

Along with fantastic shopping and hospitality, the city delivers a wonderful calendar of events throughout the festive season. Kickstart the season at the Christmas Cracker, a magical street festival including family entertainment, delicious street food and a great place to shop with festive market stalls selling homemade gifts, savoury treats, Christmas decorations and more (19 November 2023).

Head to the city centre for the Gingerbread Trail, brought to you by St Albans BID. This fun, free, family-friendly activity leads you through the festive streets in search of ten Gingerbread sculptures housed in shop

ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL, PHOTO BY TOBY SHEPHEARD

“Discover unique independents with items that you simply can't find online”

THERE IS PLENTY OF SHOPPING INSPIRATION

windows. You can pick up a trail map from St Albans Museum + Gallery (17-23 December).

Get in the ‘swing’ of the festive season and jazz up those jingle bells with the brilliant Big Band At Christmas event at the Alban Arena on 20 November.

And absorb the magnificent atmosphere of St Albans Cathedral with a variety of celebrations this Christmas including Carols on the Hour on 16 December, Crib Service on 24 December and New Year services from 8am on New Year’s Eve. Find festive inspiration at EnjoyStAlbans.com

HEAD THE GINGERBREAD XXXON IMAGE CAPTION XXX TRAIL

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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP

Full of SU RPR IS ES De Vere Wokefield Estate will ensure this Christmas is one to remember

F

or a festive season like no other, De Vere Wokefield Estate has plenty of surprises in store. From Christmas party nights to family afternoon tea, there are lots of magical events taking place to get you in the Christmas spirit.

With a mix of historic and contemporary interiors, De Vere Wokefield Estate provides a wonderful backdrop for your Christmas celebrations, whether you’re partying with your friends or making memories with family.

Their Party Public Nights are the ideal celebration for smaller groups of colleagues and friends with all the ingredients for a memorable night. Begin the festivities with a glass of fizz, and then sit back and enjoy a delicious three course meal. Finally, dance the night away to entertainment from a live band followed by their resident DJ. Escape to De Vere Wokefield Estate and celebrate in style with a private Christmas party, exclusively for you and your guests.

Begin with a drinks reception before dining from their sumptuous three course festive menu. Then get ready to party with their Christmas disco through to the early hours.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Join them on Friday 22 December for a wonderfully magical tribute night full of cheer. Enjoy a delicious three-course festive meal and then dance the night away to classic Michael Bublé tunes performed by their tribute artist (left). Then the resident DJ will continue the party into the early hours with your favourite dancefloor hits.

Their Festive Afternoon Tea is a perfect excuse for a catch up with friends.

Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, whilst dining from the delicious Afternoon Tea menu featuring festive sandwiches, warm scones and tasty sweet treats.

Indulge in a magical afternoon tea for all the family set in the gorgeous Mansion House this Christmas season. For fans of The Grumpy Green Villain, visit on 3 December or be transported to the Kingdom of Arendelle with The Huggable Snowman and The Snow Queen on 10 December. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa and a gift from the man himself.

Then welcome in 2024 with an incredible gala celebration. Your evening will begin with a Prosecco reception and tasty canapés before you’re seated for a sumptuous five-course feast. The night will continue with live music from their fantastic party band followed by a disco until the early hours. Merry Christmas indeed.

D E V E R E WO K E F I E L D E S TAT E Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, Reading RG7 3AE 0118 933 4030; devere.com

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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP

Lighting t h e WAY The Christmas build up starts here as Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns

“MYTHICAL CREATURES AND DANCING FAIRIES BLAZE THE WAY”

PHOTO: MIKE WILL

W

indsor Great Park Illuminated returns for a third year to light up the festive season with its award-winning light trail. Opening on 16 November 2023 and running until 2 January 2024, this much-loved light trail is set to captivate visitors throughout the holiday season with dazzling lights, breathtaking projections and flood-lit fountains.

The famed Park will transform into a wondrous adventure-land as guests follow a path through woodland awash with colour while mythical creatures and dancing fairies blaze the way. There will be cosy rest spots along the trail where visitors can enjoy mouth-wateringly good food, mulled wine and hot chocolate, not forgetting being able to toast marshmallows at one of the firepits.

You can also expect plenty of returning favourites such as the Fairy Disco, Laser Symphony and Dancing Fountains across the iconic Obelisk Pond. There will be a host of brand new installations, including new for this year projection displays in the Enchanted Wood and across the water. There is also a brand new Alpine bar to enjoy a winter warming drink in the cosy timber framed lodge, as well as delicious award winning street food vendors at the Festive Village. What's more, they are dog friendly too, meaning your furry friend doesn't miss out.

Windsor Great Park has witnessed countless events throughout history, dating back to pre-Saxon times, each of which has left its own distinctive mark on this impressive landscape.

There is a long line of Royal heritage at

Windsor Great Park. From William I using the landscape as a hunting ground a thousand years ago, to the original planting of the Long Walk by Charles II, Queen Victoria entertaining on the shores of Virginia Water, to the stewardship of The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as Ranger of Windsor Great Park for nearly 70 years.

Windsor Great Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, but Windsor Illuminated is arguably the jewel in the crown. Popular dates for this very special light trail sell out quickly, advance booking is strongly recommended to secure the day and time of your choice.

Book tickets for Windsor Great Park Illuminated via windsorilluminated.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Situated in the heart of Wokingham Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Town Hall,

Chalk Restaurant is a magical place to celebrate Christmas.

This winter, we invite you to come and experience your local restaurant at its best, with a whole host of special things happening just for you. Join Chalk Restaurant for our 3rd year of Christmas Celebrations with a complimentary chilled glass of Pommery Brut Champagne with every festive menu

from 27th of November until 30th of December.

31st DECEMBER : ‘NO TIME TO DINE’ NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Family Early Seating 5:30pm - Ticket at £49.95 per adult | Face Painting, Magician, Caricaturist, (Kids menu available) Party Late Seating 8:30pm –Ticket at £129.95 per adult | Dinner and Full Entertainment

To book any one of our festive dining experiences or private parties, Call 01189 798 805 or Email enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

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FOOD & DRINK

CALIFORNIA DREAMING THE VINEYARD

The Vineyard Restaurant in Newbury boasts world-class cuisine with an impressive wine list to match. The food has taken inspiration from the hotel’s California heritage. Talented executive chef, Tom Scade, has created a menu that is ever-changing and tailored to the seasons, creating a truly unique dining experience. the-vineyard.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

The latest launches and news from across the county

By MARK KEBBLE

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Cutio Macabeo, Carineña 2021  10.50 A textured, round Spanish white which has floral fruit and an appealing nuttiness from lees ageing. This comes from a small family project which is now run by third generation Jorge Nevascues.

The Society's Australian Cabernet Sauvignon 2021,  £8.50 Made for The Wine Society by Yalumba, one of the great names of Australian wine, the nose is juicy, generous and bright with blackcurrant notes.

The palate is full-bodied and fresh, with black and red-fruit character and great structure.

The Society's Celebration Crémant de Loire 2020,  £13.50 This elegant, refined sparkling wine is made for The Wine Society by Gratien & Meyer. It comes from the Saumur region of the Loire and uses a large percentage of chardonnay in the blend, which gives the wine its length and delicacy. Light, bone-dry and refreshing, it makes for a delightful aperitif.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers.

Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

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Take this away COTE WINDSOR

Côte at Home, the home delivery of the very best of quality French cuisine, has launched its mouthwatering autumn menu.

The luxury delivery service has established a reputation for its range of premium steaks and meats, prepared in its own butchery and expansive selection of artisan French cheeses. The new value boxes are all combinations of the new dishes, but as two or three courses (all with dessert, some with starters). cote.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

Just

DESSERTS Three local favourites to mark British Pudding Day on 9 November

Tea time ROYAL BERKSHIRE

Full bodied THE OARSMAN

The Oarsman BistroPub & Wine Bar has announced its autumn menu, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious dining. Under the expert guidance of head chef Scott Smith, The Oarsman embraces the philosophy of "nose to tail" cooking, exemplifying a dedication to culinary excellence that leaves a minimal ecological footprint. In an era where sustainability is paramount, The Oarsman stands at the forefront of responsible dining practices. theoarsman.co.uk

H AU T E D O LC I Indulge in the art of desserts only at Haute Dolci. They take immense pride in their handcrafted selection of desserts, from cakes, cheesecakes, fluffy pancakes, indulgent cookie dough, to other exquisite confections. hautedolci.co.uk

What better time of year to get dressed up on a wintry afternoon for a decadent afternoon tea? With festive decorations and fireplaces crackling away, a warm and inviting atmosphere awaits for your indulgent afternoon tea at the Royal Berkshire.

Available throughout December, make sure to book in so you don't miss out, £42 per person. exclusive.co.uk

CREAMS CAFE Embodying the fun, colourful and delicious, Creams Reading offers the ultimate wow-factor experience.

At the centre lies an unmissable selection of mouth-watering, freshly made desserts, from waffles, crêpes and sundaes, to cakes and sorbets. creamscafe.com

CHART TOPPER SIREN CRAFT BREW

Good sports THE JOLLY SPORTSMAN

Publicans Debs Wilbee and Ben Stenning of The Jolly Sportsman in Chesham received Punch Pubs & Co’s award for Best Entertainment and Sport at their Oscarstyle ceremony recently. Passionate about creating a sense of community, The Jolly Sportsman was recognised for being an all-round favourite for both entertainment and sport. From weekly quizzes to their popular reggae BBQ, the Chesham local has heaps of personality. thejollysportsman.co.uk

H E AV E N LY D E S S E R T S Designed to delight your senses, the menu at this Slough institution continues to innovate dessert dining using only the finest ingredients.

With flavours ranging from classic to contemporary, their desserts deliver a dining experience like no other. heavenlydesserts.co.uk

Reading-based Siren Craft Brew has donated £10,000 after achieving its unique ‘Lumina Hour’ goals. The brewery set out to get its Lumina Session IPA pouring in 1,000 venues across the country and aimed to trend on UK Twitter/X. Donations have been made to Make A Wish Foundation, Launchpad Reading and Lymphoma Action UK. sirencraftbrew.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“We want people to see a little bit of our personality when they come in” TOM MOODY AND ANDREW HELMSLEY

Ones to

WATCH Head chef, Tom Moody, and hotelier Andrew Helmsley have teamed up to put the Five Elms in Weedon firmly on the map

By A M Y B O N I FA S

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I

t’s been five years since head chef Tom Moody made it through to the semi-finals of MasterChef: The Professionals. Under the hot lights of the cameras, he channelled his Michelin-starred experience and surprised the judges with ambitious dishes and punchy flavours like veal and sweet bread with salted blackcurrant and roasted turbot tranche with seaweed.

Back then, Tom was at the Minster Mill Hotel in the Cotswolds, where he achieved three AA Rosettes. He worked alongside his friend and now co-owner, Andrew Helmsley, who has spent the last 20 years managing some of the country’s finest hotels. It was here that they first thought about pouring their energy and passion into something all of their own.

“We’d always spoken about taking something on ourselves – as a joke!” laughs Andrew. “But, we’d been through Covid and we’d reached a point where we were happy to keep putting in the hard work, but

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

wanted to do something more on our terms.

Then, we found this little gem that popped up round the corner from where I live.”

The ‘gem’ is a Grade II listed thatched country pub called the Five Elms in the heart of the Chilterns. Dating back to the late 18th century, its beautiful leafy frontage, quiet terrace and period fireplaces make it one of the most inviting spots in the area.

“I asked Tom what he thought. We were both tempted by the opportunity to spend more time with our families, so we weighed up the risk factors and it seemed like the perfect time to make the leap,” says Andrew.

The pair’s vision is simple and is all about making people feel welcome and relaxed as soon as they step through the door. “We wanted to create a local hub that could also represent the community on a broader scale,” says Tom. “Everyone wants to build a reputation for having good food, drinks and hospitality, but we also wanted to create somewhere where we’d genuinely want to go ourselves.” Their winning formula has been a hit with the community and is now bringing national recognition. Most recently, the Five Elms was selected as a new entry and number 80 in the top 100 Estrella Gastropubs 2023.

Chosen for its quintessential Chiltern charm and Tom’s intriguing menu focusing on local ingredients, the recognition is well-deserved. “It was a big surprise to be selected and felt like a reward for all the hard work we’ve put in,” says Andrew.

“When we started, our customers were local – and they’ve supported us fantastically well. But, you can’t expect locals to be eating with you five days a week! Now, more people are coming from further across Bucks and London, which is only a good thing.”

The draw that keeps people coming back, from near and far? “Consistency,” suggests Andrew. “We want people to see a little bit of our personality when they come in – we’re just ourselves, this double act, doing what we love.

“We also stick to our guns,” adds Tom. “People often try to do too much of everything, and it can be distracting.” For him, the focus of being a head chef has also changed. “When I worked in hotels, I also found that I didn’t do as much cooking as I’d have liked,” he says.

“It was more about keeping everything and everyone ticking over like a metronome. Now I get to concentrate on keeping ourselves and our customers happy.” And of course, the amazing dishes he consistently serves up. The menu is succinct and simple, but with plenty of surprises. It changes weekly, depending on what’s fresh and in season, so you can expect something new every time you visit.

“It’s all about big flavour, being as seasonal as possible and keeping things intriguing,”

says Tom. Though his style is multi-faceted, his food boils down to simple ingredients and ambitious techniques. “I like to play on comfort food and experiment with the things you might have enjoyed as a child growing up.”

And this has definitely hit the mark for me when I’ve been lucky enough to visit. I remember Tom’s bubbling jacket potato and crispy bacon soup. The dish transported me right back to my Grandma’s table, where she’d serve up my favourite cheesy jacket, with lashings of butter.

Other big-hitters on the menu have included delectable snacks like homemade crumpets with beef and onion butter, Tandoori veal sweetbreads and heavenly risottos stirred through with rich, local cheeses. “We’ll have venison on in November” says Tom. “And parsnips, pumpkin and squash – I like to use them in unexpected places like desserts, too.”

To drink, Andrew is in charge. Beers and ales are mainly local from Vale Brewery to Chiltern Brewery and the wine list is fresh and exciting. He’s all about helping customers try unique drinks that complement the big flavours of their food. “I want people to get amazing quality wines for their money, and keep up with changing tastes and curiosities,” he says.

Good things come from people having a good time together. “We really just want to keep loving what we do, and hope that customers keep wanting to hang out with us,” says Andrew. And with that sentiment, I can’t see them going far wrong. fiveelmsweedon.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Beautiful handmade kitchen, bedroom & bathroom furniture.

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FOOD & DRINK • PARTNERSHIP

COMFORT and JOY

At the end of an intriguing blue corridor is Yü, The Retreat’s pan-Asian restaurant, a taste of the East in West Berkshire. Guests can indulge in a two-hour dining experience with a mouth-watering taster menu, or choose from lunch and supper menus.

Essential to every country retreat, the Signet Spa includes a heated outdoor infinity pool, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, a superb gym and tennis court. Spa facilities are available to guests and members, while a whole host of treatments – including the area’s only salt flotation chamber – are available to all.

In the Courtyard – a lively hub for locals and guests – you’ll find a Hair & Nail Salon, a wine cellar and TV chef Clodagh McKenna’s Signature Store.

A visit to The Retreat at Elcot Park is a real treat, whether you pop over for lunch and wander around the grounds, or spend a couple of nights in one of their individually-styled bedrooms and suites. retreatelcotpark.com

Why The Retreat at Elcot Park is the perfect destination for a memorable Christmas

A

t the end of a winding gravel driveway is a Georgian country house with a rich history; reimagined as The Retreat at Elcot Park, reviving its former splendour with a playful modern twist. Nestled between the historic market towns of Newbury and Hungerford in 16 acres of glorious grounds, The Retreat has won several high-profile awards and become a hit with everyone from international travellers to the local community.

Christmas will be magical at The Retreat, with delicious festive food, wonderful seasonal escapes, spectacular parties and events for all, including The Great Wreath Workshop, A Christmas Ball and a fabulous Christmas Market with over 50 brands.

The hotel is the perfect festive destination – cosy and welcoming, brimming with rural charm and perfectly located for a crisp, Boxing Day ramble. Guests will be immersed in festive traditions, with flowing drinks and plenty of seasonal cheer, culminating in a fantastic New Year’s Eve Party to celebrate the arrival of 2024.

The Retreat boasts two stunning restaurants, both open to non-residents as well as guests. The laid-back 1772 Brasserie offers a contemporary choice of seasonal dishes showcasing locally-sourced ingredients, with contemporary British and international influences. A festive Christmas menu is available throughout December, perfect for intimate catch-ups with friends or for a tailor-made Christmas party. For a festive afternoon tea or relaxed drinks, the travel-inspired Atlas Room, with its plush sofas, backgammon boards and imaginative décor offers escapism and relaxation.

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FA S H I O N

STYLE SEEKER BERRY’S JEWELLERS

The new Nouveau diamond jewellery collection from Berry’s Jewellers is a striking and versatile range that is perfect for both day and night.

Including a choice of matching pendants, bracelets and interchangeable earrings, this collection allows you to create a number of different styles.

Discover the collection at your nearest Berry’s showroom or berrysjewellers.co.uk

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Ear Candy

Perfect earrings for curating an artful ear stack B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

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BERRY'S JEWELLERS

RENNE JEWELLERY

ITA

Georg Jensen Mercy 18ct Yellow Gold Drop Hoop Earrings, £785 berrysjewellers.co.uk

18 Carat Gold Plated Jump Hoops, £145 rennejewellery.co.uk

14K Yellow Gold Triple Ray White Diamond Ear Cuff, £1,730 itajewelry.com

JEMMA WYNNE

MELISSA KAYE

KARMA EL KHALIL

18K Yellow Gold Escalator Ear Cuff, £670 jemmawynne.com

18K Yellow Gold Lola Needle Earrings, £2,150 melissakayejewelry.com

18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Sunrise Ear Cuff, £25,963 karmaelkhalil.com

OLIVER BLANDI

MILAMORE

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

18K Gold Diamond Burst Single Threader Earrings, £1,331 (single) oliverblandi.com

18K Recycled Yellow Gold and Akoya Pearl Earring, £1,338 (single) en.milamorejewelry.com

OPEIA Nova 18ct Yellow & White Gold Diamond Interchangeable Earrings, £4,095 berrysjewellers.co.uk

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Add some

GLOSS AW23 at Dune London - found at their Reading and Milton Keynes stores - is all about shimmer, sequins and sleek highshine with a focus on high impact pieces DUNELONDON.COM

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JUST I M AG I NE A stunning mansion house.

The beautiful backdrop. The people you love.

A perfect moment. A day to remember.

Weddings at Coworth Park.

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A S C OT + 44 (0)134 4 8 7 6 6 0 0 D O R C HES T ER C O L L E CT I ON .C OM #DCmoments CoworthPark CoworthParkUK CoworthPark

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SPECI A L ISSUE a b s o l u te l y - w e d d i n g s .c o . u k

Modern classics

LIHI HOD

Lihi Hod is known for her rich, artisanal details, romantic flair and timeless designs.

Her wedding dresses combine couture-quality techniques with classic silhouettes and luxurious textures, focusing not only on the bride’s look, but also on her comfort, confidence and ease. lihihod.com

In this sect ion B I G DAY TO P T I P S 76 LI T T LE W H I T E B O O K 79 H O RWO O D H O U S E 81 B U R N H A M B E EC H E S H OT E L 8 3

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Planning

makes perfect

A Buckinghamshire-based wedding expert on everything you need to consider to make your big day go swimmingly

By ISABEL SMITH

O

nce the initial excitement over your engagement dies down and you start to think about the wedding itself, it’s really common to start getting completely overwhelmed. After all, if you’ve never planned anything like a wedding before (how many of us have?) then how on earth are you supposed to know where to start?

The truth is, the first phase of planning can be a bit of a puzzle, and putting it together can spark more frustration than excitement – but hang in there, it does get good!

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GUESTLIST

Food and drinks are going to be amongst the biggest expenses, so knowing how many people you’re catering for will help you both plan your day, and budget for it. Start by working together to make a list of absolutely everyone you would invite if cost and venue size were no issue, grouping guests into ‘essential’, ‘ideal’ and ‘would like to have’. Don’t worry about addresses or details for the moment.

Now is the time to have the ‘children or no children’ conversation as well as determine how much (or little!) involvement you want your parents or other family members to have. Weddings can get really political (“well if we invite cousin Jane, we have to invite uncle Vik”), and parents can make this worse – especially if they are contributing

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WEDDINGS • FEATURE

to hash this out up front. Broadly speaking, the more formal and fancy, the more expensive, so if you want fairy-tale, you might need to whittle down your guestlist (or opt for a 2+ year engagement so you can save up).

Again, family might have their own ideas about what a wedding ‘should be’, so if you want a more relaxed day with a buffet versus their traditional sit-down meal, get in agreement before involving others. If you are struggling to agree, think about the sort of wedding which will really reflect you as a couple. Are you formal? Do you like to party late into the night?

Are you foodies? There is usually a compromise to be made, and there is nothing wrong with thinking outside the box. If you’re early bird introverts then how about a midday ceremony followed by brunch for 50? If you’re social butterflies with hundreds of friends then a later ceremony and evening party with buffet works.

Mega glam but on a tighter budget? Go for ceremony, cocktails and canapes only. Anything goes these days as long as you two love it.

BUDGET

to the wedding costs. So the two of you need to get on the same page about anything potentially controversial and create a united front in case of political pushback.

CEREMONY

This is another area that family can sometimes get pushy about, so again, make the decision together regarding whether you are going to have a civil ceremony or a religious one so you can present it as a ‘done deal’. The rules about where you can legally marry in the UK can get a bit complicated so there’ll be some research and legwork to come, but for now, the main thing to be clear on is whether or not there is a specific venue that you aim to marry in (e.g. your regular place of worship or local Register Office) since this will influence the search area for your reception venue. You really don’t want guests to have to travel more than 20-30 minutes (including traffic) from one to the other on the day.

If you want your ceremony and reception to take place in the same location, you can search for a legally registered venue anywhere, but you still might want to bear in mind how far particular loved ones (like your older guests) can reasonably travel to and from their homes in a day.

This is the big one of course. How much can you (or do you want to) spend? Try to think practically and ‘cut your coat according to your cloth’ as my mother likes to say. What have you got in savings? What can you realistically afford to put away each month? If family might be willing to contribute, are there any strings attached?

Once you have some sort of figure in mind, do your research to break it down into specific wedding costs (ceremony, reception venue, food and beverage, photographer etc.). Be realistic and include a contingency.

If the maths just doesn’t work, you can go back to your guestlist, re-think your style of wedding or push the wedding back as needed. Important as your wedding is, it really isn’t worth taking on heavy debt for.

Isabel Smith is the founder of Wed-Start (wed-start.co.uk), which gives couples a head start to their perfect wedding

STYLE

If you’ve always dreamed of an informal ‘backgarden-style’ wedding, but your partner wants the ‘fairy-tale castle’ vibe, you’re going to need

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WEDDINGS • PARTNERSHIP

YOUR STORY

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE

LIT TLE

White Book N

YO U R S TO R Y

A trio of local businesses who will make your big day extra special BUCKINGHAMSHIRE R A I LWAY C E N T R E

D

id you know you could get married at the stunning heritage railway centre in Quainton, Buckinghamshire?

The beautiful glass-roofed venue at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre makes for the most amazing wedding venue like no other. Spacious, light and relaxed, it really is a wonderful venue with a difference. They hold a marriage licence, can seat up to 150 for a sit-down meal or buffet, and offer a fabulous permanent dance floor and plenty of parking, which all make it the perfect choice for your wedding.

Email Emma to arrange a visit or for a brochure: functions@bucksrailcentre.org Instagram: @railwayweddings

FLAXMAN FINE JEWELLERY

A

t Flaxman Fine Jewellery they offer an extensive range of handmade wedding bands and bespoke diamond eternity rings. They pride themselves on their luxury product alongside the highest standards of customer service and expertise. For over 15 years, Flaxman Fine Jewellery has been buying and selling fine antique and modern jewellery dating from the Victorian era to the late 20th century. They undertake repairs and commissions and re-design.

Visit their boutique shop at 50 Peascod Street in Windsor or head to the website at flaxmanfinejewellery.com

estled in Marlow’s Liston Court, Your Story is a luxury bridal boutique that promises an unforgettable experience.

From its exclusive, appointment-only service to its carefully curated collection of wedding dresses, Your Story matches modern style with timeless elegance.

Your Story features pieces from incredible designers including Sassi Holford, Evie Young and Watters, all bringing something different, but with a contemporary feel threading through everything.

Boutique owner, Natalie, recognises that finding the dress that feels just right is something brides will remember for the rest of their life. She says: “We focus on each bride’s unique identity, making them feel at ease and appreciating that everyone’s arrival at the perfect dress will look different.”

01628 963363 yourstorybridal.co.uk

FLAXMAN FINE JEWELLERY

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WEDDINGS • PARTNERSHIP

Say ‘I DO’ At Horwood House, your place in the country

B

uilt in 1911, Horwood House boasts history everywhere you walk.

Set in the heart of Buckinghamshire, this idyllic location is perfect for weddings.

With the movie-worthy driveway, it really brings the wow factor to your special day.

The stunning Grade II-listed Horwood House has over a century’s worth of memories and stories to tell and is the perfect place for a show-stopping wedding day. Fresh from a £6 million restoration, the property offers breathtaking interiors, expansive manicured gardens, a beautiful lily pond, a tree-lined approach, and beautiful historic features.

You will be spoilt for choice. Horwood House now offers several different areas inside and out for couples to tie the knot.

And to ensure no detail is overlooked, the dedicated wedding team is on hand to help

you plan your day to perfection. Whether the lily pond is what you visualise or inside the Manor’s drawing room, your day can be personalised to fit what you most desire.

Horwood’s 38 acres of countryside draws couples from all over the UK, but is particularly appealing to couples wanting a country wedding close to the city of London. Horwood House can also accommodate large wedding parties in beautifully decorated suites. Luxury suites in the Manor House and beautiful, refurbished bedrooms in the Hotel, all offer an even more sumptuous experience for guests.

Horwood House is an idyllic countryside venue, with historic charm, set in a magnificent landscape.

What could be more romantic?

H O RWO O D H O U S E H OT E L Mursley Road, Little Horwood, MK17 0PH horwoodhouse.co.uk

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12 CASTLE STREET, GUILDFORD, SURREY, GU1 3UW 01483 566845 | THEMADHATTERMILLINERY.COM

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Credit: Tell Your Story Photography

Luxury mansion house wedding venue in Berkshire The Grade II listed Mansion House at De Vere Wokefield Estate provides a beautiful backdrop for your wedding day.

With period features, ornate chandeliers and stunning views across the lawns, say I do surrounded by opulence.

If an outdoor wedding is your dream, the wedding pavilion on the lawns of the Mansion House is perfect.

To arrange a show round or to find out more about packages & prices, please contact the Wedding Team on the details below. www.devere.co.uk/wokefield-estate 0118 933 4019 | wokefield.weddings@devere.com

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WEDDINGS • PARTNERSHIP

THE NEXT

Chapter If Jane Austen did weddings…

The period wedding venue without the drama

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urnham Beeches Hotel is an 18th century Georgian Manor House, an architectural jewel in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Nestled amongst the beech trees of a protected nature reserve, it is an outstanding and grand setting to make your vows and confirm your love for each other.

Built in 1727 and originally used by royal hunting parties from nearby Windsor, the magnificent house still enjoys 10 acres of private gardens and grounds with a beautiful wedding pavilion burrowed into the perfectly striped, green lawns.

The indoor spaces are equally romantic, from intimate suites for you and your closest guests, to an entire take-over of Burnham Beeches Hotel for a wedding no-one will forget.

Whatever option reflects your style, you and your guests will be taken care of by an experienced and friendly

hospitality team, who are bursting with personality and kindness. They understand that you and your guests have high expectations from the day, and they’re here to exceed them.

Soothe the pre-wedding nerves in the luxury, heritage bridal suite.

Spend the night before (or as long as you like!) in the sumptuous suite, designed to be a calm oasis for making preparations. Floor to ceiling period windows let the light flood in – perfect for the hair, make up and capturing some candid shots.

There’s a roomy lounge for the wedding posse, plenty of space for the Champagne and nibbles, and they’ve even installed a wedding dress hook.

Practicality as well as comfort!

Your guests have come to witness you both making a lifelong commitment to each other, but they are also expecting to be fed well too! Where possible, ingredients are locally sourced to the highest quality and then freshly made for your celebration. They offer an extensive

menu of delightful dishes, but they can also accommodate individual tastes and creative options such as al fresco BBQs and fun-filled drinks packages.

But Burnham Beeches is so much more than a wedding venue. Why settle for just one spectacular day with them: they’d be delighted to host your rehearsal dinner, the bridal shower or even hen party. Their elegant Tea Room and perfectly placed event suites are ideal for an afternoon tea, or enjoy fine dining in the Oak Restaurant.

Their leisure facilities are also at your disposal with a pre or post wedding pamper in the SOUL Spa Treatment Rooms or a dip in the indoor pool.

Whatever you’re planning as you approach the big day, they will help you make a collection of happy memories. While some grand venues can steal the limelight, this beautiful unassuming Manor House is a frame for your photos with you and your guests the stars – Burnham Beeches Hotel is simply the supporting cast. burnhambeecheshotel.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

HAIR HEROES MONDAY HAIRCARE New Zealand-based brand MONDAY Haircare has launched their first shampoo and conditioner range since landing in the UK. CLARIFY banishes excess oil and build-up, and REPAIR rescues dry and damaged hair. All of the brand's products are free from nasties and the packaging is recyclable, £5 each. lookfantastic.com

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Get ready with Dr Nyla for the festive season

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 and 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.

follow us on @doctornyla | 0162 552 3307 | 0800 009 6661 For treatment or FREE consultation please contact Medispa or visit www.doctornyla.com

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WHY CHOOSE MEDISPA Winner of the prestigious “BTL Face of the year” award.

The largest Skin Tightening clinic in the United Kingdom.

The largest Ultracel Clinic outside of London.

The only Diamond Premiere Coolsculpting clinic outside London and the second largest Coolsculpting clinic in Europe

“Clinic of the year 2019/20” at the safety in Beauty Awards.

T R A N S FO R M AT I O N FAC E L I F T ™ The Transformation Facelift™ is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible antiageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla.

This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity. The treatment programme can combine a number of super technologies dependant upon your specific concerns such as Ultherapy, Exilis Elite radio frequency, Morpheus skin needling as well as tweaking with injectable enhancements where necessary, To give immediate & long-term results with minimal downtime. The skin will begin to

feel smoother and tighter after the first treatment and results will continue to improve for up to six months.

The skin ageing process happens to everyone, and is a completely natural process. However, it can be very difficult for some people, and make them lose confidence in their appearance. As we get older, the production of collagen and elastin in our bodies slows, causing the common signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • HAIR

HAIR ESSENTIALS ALL YOU NEED TO KEEP YOUR LOCKS IN CHECK 1

ONE AND DONE GHD

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This miracle all-in-one tool uses ground-breaking technology to dry, smooth and add shine to hair without damaging it.

Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler, £379. ghdhair.com

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THINK STRONG THIX

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Thix is a gender-neutral hair care brand whose caffeine shampoo and conditioner feature a combination of optimal proteins and vitamins for thicker, stronger and healthier hair. All packaging is plastic-free and infinitely recyclable. thixhair.com

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H Y D R AT E I T

E L E V E N AU S T R A L I A

A blend of Aloe Vera and White Mulberry Leaf to restore and treat lost moisture, this antioxidant rich formula will leave hair feeling strong and hydrated. eleven-australia.co.uk

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IT' S A WRAP SILKE

This 100% silk hair wrap shields hair against the nightly friction and moisture absorption of bed linen that causes breakages, frizz and split ends… all while you sleep. silkelondon.com

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SCALP AID AC T + AC R E

New York based Act + Acre was founded by board-certified trichologist and celebrity hairstylist Helen Reavey, who has patented the Cold Processed® technique to create clinically tested plant-based scalp products. actandacre.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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S700 Elliptical 22 digital resistance levels 31 pre-set workout programmes

GET YOUR DREAM HOME GYM AT AN UNBEATABLE PRICE

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With the help of Fitness Superstore, you can design a personal workout haven that’s tailored to your own needs and budget. Discover some of the industry’s biggest brands at the best possible prices, get some top home gym advice from our expert team and get to grips with any of our cardio and strength products in-store before you buy.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

THREE PIECES FROM KHLOÉ KARDASHIAN X FABLECTIC S

By CARLY GLENDINNING

FRAME SCULPTING Reflecting Khloé's personal style, this frame sculpting bra delivers on high fashion and high performance. It's made from Fablectic's signature fabrics: designed for high sweat, ultimate comfort, and flexibility, £44.

G R AC E F U L

MOVES

CARGO ST YLE In shades of terracotta and St Tropez coral, this Cargo jacket perfectly reflects the collection's desert-inspired theme. With daily utility in mind, it's big on versatility, style, and – of course – wearability, £139.

BUNGEE LEGGINGS Designed to complement form, these high waisted leggings are made from Fabletics' signature Motion365+ fabric – the brand's highest sweat fabric that's cool to the touch, £89.

All available at fabletics.co.uk

Absolutely stretches and sculpts with Chrissy Sundt's online platform Silver Linings

A

s a time-poor toddler mum, getting out of the house to do exercise can be tricky. Anything beyond the gym days I’ve preagreed with my husband is a challenge at the moment, so I always appreciate being able to exercise at home (squeezing in a quick training session during nap time is a dream!). Doing the same videos day-in-day-out can get dull very quickly though.

So I was excited to discover the Silver Linings platform, which has new content added to it regularly. Silver Linings was founded by Chrissy Sundt, a classical Pilates, Yoga and barre instructor who also has a passion for holistic wellness.

Chrissy has been teaching for over 20 years and combines

education with her ongoing work as a choreographer. After eight years of training at the Royal Ballet School and a dance career that saw her dance with both the Royal Ballet and the Birmingham Royal Ballet, an ankle injury led her to discover the rehabilitative benefits of Pilates. After teaching in multiple boutique studios across London, a series of trips to Kamalame Cay (the postcard-perfect private island in the Bahamas) inspired her to launch her first Silver Linings Wellbeing retreat. Two channels on YouTube: ‘SL By Chrissy’ and ‘Silver Linings @Home’ aim to bring the benefits of her retreats to a wider audience. The athome classes deliberately avoid expensive equipment, and users only need a mat to participate.

Classes are delivered by a roster

of brilliant practitioners – with specialisms from Yoga to mediation, HITT, barre, core, and more. What I’ve really loved is the varying length of the classes – with quick 12 minute workouts and more in-depth 45 minute-long classes (perfect for those with demanding schedules).

The way the classes combine different disciplines is also refreshing, and all the movements can be modified, depending on the level you’re at. As an ex-ballet dancer myself, I've really enjoyed Chrissy's choreography and pacing as well. All-in-all it’s safe to say I’m hooked already, and the best bit?

There's no negotiations about leaving the house. silverliningswellbeing.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

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

FOCUS

WINTER SKIN SOS

WILD FLAME

Dr Selena Langdon of Berkshire Aesthetics on defeating the chill

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E A R L O F E A ST

Carrying the brand’s classic ‘Wildflower’ scent, this limited edition candle from Earl of East transports you to a meadow in full bloom – with a blend of jasmine, gardenia and rose geranium, £50. earlofeast.com

CURL UP R A H UA

This deeply nourishing and reparative leavein styling treatment strengthens hair follicles and adds hold and weight for perfect bouncy curls. It also smells delicious – infused with tropical Guava and coconut, £48.

rahua.uk

S KI N TR E AT IPSUM

This melt-into-the-skin body balm absorbs quickly, leaving no residue. The deeply nourishing formulation is packed full of natural antioxidants, gentle AHAs, and soothing anti-inflammatories, £58.

EDITOR’S PICK

inter skin routines can be challenging as we spend more time indoors, particularly with central heating, which can be very drying on the skin. Not only does this impact the skin’s moisture levels, but the temperature contrast with the outside can lead to the skin being prone to flakiness, dullness and irritation. Going from warm to cold causes blood vessels to dilate, making redness appear much worse. To combat the lack of humidity, which causes dryness making it harder for the skin to maintain its immune function, trying a humidifier or sauna can help. Using products with a higher concentration of Hyaluronic acid is also beneficial, my favourite is Reparative Moisture Emulsion (IS Clinical). As for winter skincare, I recommend that my patients pay extra attention to moisturising during the darker, colder days. Switching to a thicker lipid-rich moisturiser will help to combat the environmental effects, a popular choice being Hydrate Luxe (Obagi). One question that always comes up in the clinic is whether SPF should be used in winter, and the answer is absolutely!

Do not be fooled by the gloomier, dreary winter days as the sun’s harmful UV rays do permeate the clouds and still cause skin damage. During the festive period, our lives do become busy, and attention moves to our families, but we should not forget that a little bit of self-care can really help to keep our energy up. I find my skin routine a nice way to prepare for the day and wind down in the evening.

BERKSHIRE AESTHETIC S info@berkshireaesthetics.com 01628 202028

berkshireaesthetics.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • REVIEW

SEEING STRAIGHT The trouble with choosing glasses is that you can’t see without glasses. Absolutely has found a solution: the virtual try-on

T

By PENDLE HARTE

here are lots of lovely frames around, I can see that. A whole room full of them, a vast collection.

Do I want black ones? Or clear ones? What about green? Subtle differences in shape and dimensions make a huge difference to how they sit on your face. I know that the right pair for me is there somewhere. There’s just one problem: I take my specs off to try them on, and I can’t see.

It’s the paradox of buying new glasses. They look great on the shelf, but remove your old ones to try them on, and those of us most in need of visual assistance find ourselves pressed up against a mirror squinting. Contact lenses are an option, of course, but we’re told to abstain for several hours before a sight test. Bringing a friend is another solution, but even the best of friends struggle to care beyond the third option – and I want to try on everything.

Happily, there’s a new way: the virtual try-on.

I thought that I was a problem case due not only to my extremely poor vision (myopia, presbyopia and astigmatism), but also my weirdly small face.

Bloobloom has a huge selection of frames – and the website allows you to filter by fit. I choose ‘narrow’ and that eliminates all but nine styles, and from there I entertain myself for some time with the virtual try-on that uses my camera to show each frame on my actual face. It’s very accurate, even over my existing glasses.

I could have ordered five pairs for an athome try on, but why bother when the virtual way is so good? I upload my prescription and within a week I am the proud wearer of new specs that fit me perfectly. Boom.

Or more accurately, Bloobloom.

Frames from a selection at bloobloom.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND CHANTECAILLE Bio Lifting Eye Cream, £196 chantecaille.co.uk

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ROMILLY WILDE Eye Believe Serum, £66 romillywilde.com

GLOW RECIPE Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask, £41 cultbeauty.co.uk

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DR. HAUSCHKA

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS The Cosmetic Skin Clinic offer up their top tips to be ready for party season

T

he Cosmetic Skin Clinic are a multiaward-winning clinic specialising in nonsurgical aesthetic treatments that sculpt and re-contour the face and body.

Figuring out when to get treatments ahead of time for the festive season can be confusing. They have taken the stress away in the big countdown to non-invasive treatments with their ultimate timeline.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

FOREVER YOUNG BBL

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Morpheus8 is a revolutionary collagen induction treatment. This microneedling radiofrequency energy device tightens

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The ‘injectable moisturiser’ Profhilo tightens, moisturises and strengthens skin. Enjoy hydrated, revitalised and dewy skin results that will make everyone want a bit of your glow.

1–3 MONTHS BEFORE

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ULTHERAPY Ultherapy reboots the skin to create more collagen, meaning tighter and firmer skin on the jawline, neck, mouth, cheek and brow area. Who better to treat you than the UK’s number one Ultherapy clinic for the 9th year in a row?

With over 25 years heritage, The Cosmetic Skin Clinic have a strong foundation of aesthetic knowledge, innovative technology and experience. With their bespoke methodology and practitioner expertise, you can trust them to create a balanced and unique look. Relax and celebrate this season knowing you can trust their team and enjoy long-lasting results that will see you into the summer of 2024.

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

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E X C E P T I O N A L B AT H R O O M S DESIGNED AROUND YOU.

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INTERIORS

PA ST E L SH A D E HOUSE OF

The Stripe printed shade is perfect for updating existing light fittings without having to worry about hard wiring new pendant lights. Hand drawn, digitally printed onto 100% cotton canvas and hand assembled in the UK, the new range of fabric shades supports local designers and industries. houseof.com

Falchi Interiors 103 • Origin Pools 107 • Real Home 109 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H O M E L I V I N G I N S P I R AT I O N Visit our showroom to discuss your next project marlowstoves.co.uk | 01628 290 142 | info@marlowstoves.co.uk |

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INTERIORS • PROFILE MARION FALCHI

A M E R I C A N D R E A M The Windsor-based founder of Falchi Interiors on nearly two decades of her business and how New York proved to be quite the inspiration

I

By M A R I O N FA LC H I

first developed an interest in interior design when I was living in New York. I worked for an internationally renowned handbag designer. We moved to a new showroom; it was the first time the real importance of lighting and display hit home. Even now when I dress a house, the lighting and ‘display’ have to be spot on. It was New York circa 1980s – fast and exciting – and Ralph Lauren interiors were the thing. Lots of layered textures and prints, overstuffed rooms, hardly a wall space without a painting. It was luxurious and abundant, the way the American saw the traditional English look.

Creating a dream home was suddenly within the reach of anyone. This awareness influenced my outlook on interiors and the direction I was to take in the future.

When I returned to the UK, initially I opened my own soft furnishings company. I had three young children and interior design is so much more than a 9-5 job. Over the following years, I was asked by my clients to take on more and more interior design projects and gradually the business became more about interiors and less about soft furnishings.

The ethos of Falchi has not changed over the 20 years or so we’ve been in business. We offer an open book policy. We are very clear on each phase of a project. Once the design has been agreed and budgets set, it is essential to get the right contractors in place, agree timelines, costs and manage expectations – basically being open and clear from the get-go.

We are not the same company we were in 2006, the size and demands of the projects we work on have grown. We now work on complete renovations, drawing up plans, working with structural engineers, creating tender packages, engaging contractors.

We also now offer a turnkey service, overseeing the whole project, working alongside the contractor’s site manager and adhering to the schedule of works, supported by weekly updates with the clients.

To sum up what we try to achieve, it would be a unique, cohesive interior making the most of the light and space available. I like clean, contemporary lines, designs that work and are functional. The result should be a great background ready for the clients, if they want, to add their own touches. falchiinteriors.com

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INTERIORS • PROFILE ETON PROJECT

Three of the best Marion Falchi on the local projects that stand out for her

MAIDENHEAD

Modernising a 1980s home The client wanted a crossover between a contemporary interior and a unique, social space for entertaining.

The original house was a labyrinth of small rooms, it was very dark. We completely gutted the ground floor and moved almost every wall. We removed all the windows and replaced them with a contemporary version. We then added large sliding doors in the dining, living and family rooms. The kitchen and family room we opened as one and made a great central space.

On the first floor, we gutted all the bedrooms and installed new wardrobes.

Over the garage we created a gym.

SUNNINGDALE PROJECT

S U N N I N G DA L E

MAIDENHEAD PROJECT

A total home refurbishment We were asked to create open-plan living bringing the garden into the home and addressing the clients love of entertaining.

This house had walls in the wrong places and doors where there shouldn’t have been doors. Far too many of the windows and the ceilings looked very low.

When we removed all the windows at the back of the house and fitted floor to ceiling crittall style doors that opened onto a large deck, the sun then filtered into this room and it changed the entire feeling of the house.

The next step was to create an entrance that matched the exterior.

To do this, we created a downstairs cloakroom, removed yet another wall and opened up the small hallway into a large open plan space with enough room for a fitted window seat and huge coat storage. It was a game changer.

When you entered the house you could see straight through to the garden.

We then moved the ground floor study to the back of the house and designed a small private sitting room, wood-burner and all, to the front. The top floor we gutted – only removing one wall (!) to create a much larger master suite – and decorated.

What had once looked like a very disjointed house became a much larger home with great views and entertaining space.

E TO N

A luxury apartment renovation Designed for three generations of one family to live in, our client requested traditional interiors with panelled walls and open-plan living.

This was difficult to refurbish, as the building management would not allow any skips or rubbish of any kind on the premises. However, we managed to remove walls and create an open plan kitchen, dining and living space that allowed the whole family to be together in one room. Bespoke joinery created a lot more, well-needed storage space.

The entrance had two doors, so we closed one and turned the extra hallway into a small utility room and a larger cloakroom for guests.

We stripped out all the bathrooms and installed underfloor heating. The guest bedroom needed to double as a study so we designed a bespoke pull-down bed with storage and a desk with shelving above it that could also be used as a dressing table.

The overall look was enhanced by the Thames flowing outside: the colours that came from the river influenced the colour schemes. We kept the woods natural and then added black joinery, such as the bar, to bring in a bit of drama. The clients loved it – they had not seen it as they lived in Australia.

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Contemporary and traditional styles designed for modern living

Celebrating over 40 years of affordable

luxury, quality & style...

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Call us now for a no obligation consultation www.kbstudios.co.uk 43-45 Mayflower Way, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 1UG AD - KBS.indd 105

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

“Swimming together creates bonds, memories and a sense of togetherness”

LIFE

changer How Origin can set you and your family up for a positive future with an indoor swimming pool

I

n today's fast-paced world, swimming stands out as a golden opportunity to promote physical fitness and valuable life skills in children. Recent research from Griffith University reaffirms that swimming is not just a sport, it’s a life-enhancing experience.

The research shows children who engage in swimming from an early age reap a multitude of benefits.

This, combined with Origin’s commitment to family values, highlights the significance of introducing children to the world of swimming early on. An indoor swimming pool from Origin will not only enhance the value of your home,

but your home and family life as well.

Spending time as a family is one of the most valuable experiences of a child’s life.

Swimming brings people together, an activity those of all ages can enjoy and research from Griffith University shows children who learn how to swim at a young age reach many developmental milestones earlier than those who don’t. As well as achieving physical milestones faster, children also scored significantly better in visual-motor skills and many mathematically-related tasks. Their oral expression was also better as well as in the general areas of literacy and numeracy.

The research also suggests children who develop a passion for swimming are

more likely to maintain an active lifestyle as they grow older. This lifelong love for swimming can lead to improved overall health and well-being. Origin recognises the value of a healthy lifestyle and encourages families to embrace swimming as a way to stay active together. It creates bonds, memories, and a sense of togetherness.

Children who learn to swim early on are not only safer around water, but also feel more empowered to enjoy swimming. It instils confidence and a sense of accomplishment, leading to improved social skills and boosted self-esteem. These emotional benefits extend far beyond the pool and the vital skills learnt will last a lifetime.

As we navigate an ever-evolving world, let’s remember that some traditions, like teaching our children to swim and spending time together as a family, remain invaluable.

By embracing swimming and family values, we empower our children to lead healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives. Let Origin help enhance your family life with an indoor swimming pool. originpools.co.uk info@originpools.co.uk 01895 453996 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

Built to

LAST Delcor- The finest furniture hand crafted in Northumberland

D

o you remember what you were doing in 1978?

Grease was the must-see film that year. The Ford Cortina was the UK’s bestselling car. Kate Bush was in the charts with Wuthering Heights.

In Spring, 1978, Alison from Whitley Bay visited the Delcor showroom in Newcastle to buy her first sofa. She recalls: “We were impressed by the design, the comfort and the fact the furniture was made for you”.

Looking back this time, Alison said “My husband Andy and I had trawled round all the shops in Newcastle. Up until then we had made do with hand-me-downs and secondhand furniture. We didn’t believe in buying cheap items - we saved up (as you did in those days) and then bought something we thought would last.”

Here in Northumberland, Delcor has been

ALISON ON HER SOFA WITH DELCOR'S CHRISTOPHER HOPKINS

Sofas of distinction since 1967 SEATON DELAVAL SHOWROOM, 1970S

creating handmade upholstered furniture – sofas of distinction - to our customers’ individual specifications since 1967.

One of our early marketing lines described us as “the manufacturer who sells direct to the customer.”

We soon became well known throughout the Northeast. Later, through other showrooms in the UK, Delcor solidified its reputation as a high-quality specialist manufacturer and retailer of the very best furniture.

Alison recalls choosing the sofa and a matching chair, and then waiting for them to be made while her lounge was decorated. She had her first child in 1981 and moved to a larger home. She loved the sofa and chair she had but wanted to enlarge the set, so they returned to Delcor to purchase another chair.

We have always offered a refurbishment service for older Delcor furniture. People

come back to us to have their wellloved Delcor furniture fully restored.

Alison reflected “The suite lasted very well, in 2020 my husband died, Covid came, and life stopped. At the beginning of this year, I decided to redecorate, I realized my wonderful Delcor settee was really looking like it needed renewing as the fabric was starting to show its age.I must admit I won’t need my new sofa bed to last another 45 years but now I’ll have a fantastic piece of furniture to leave to my children knowing it will give many years of good service.”

“I was so well received during my visit. I felt like I’d come ‘home’. I knew your products were excellent and really didn’t need any persuasion to think about buying from you again.

Visit our showrooms in Seaton Delaval, Stamford, London, Altrincham or Witney. delcor.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s 109

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We offer a complete and comprehensive range of construction services.

• New builds • Extensions • Garage Conversions • Refurbishments • Knock throughs/Steel installations • Bi-folds/Doors/Windows/Lanterns • Kitchens/Bathrooms • Landscaping/Walling/Patio/Features.

Call now for a free, no obligation quote : 07779 305305 | lewinconstructionltd@gmail.com | www.lewinconstuctionltd.co.uk

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

INSIDE WISTERIA COTTAGE

BUDDING BUSINESS Absolutely chats to Felicity Shirt about her new bespoke estate agency and her excitement to list Wisteria Cottage in Cookham Dean

Q What inspired you to set

up your own business?

A For years I worked in estate agency for other people and I got to see how high street estate agency works and I wanted to do it very differently. I can safely say that, for me, independent agency is the best thing that ever happened to the industry. I think it’ll be huge. It allows good, hard working estate agents to own their own businesses, give their clients a whole new level of service with no office targets, no short, rushed appointments, and no more feeling like just a number.

I also get to raise my family and have the freedom of being my own boss. I decided to do all this with the backing of

Keller Williams, the world’s largest estate agency, who offer me all the support I need and an amazing community of fellow business owners to reach out to. It’s the perfect combination of offering my own unique service, but with a huge network to extend the reach of my marketing.

Q How excited are you about marketing the Cookham Dean property featured here?

A Very! Wisteria Cottage is special.

The lovely sellers have built this house from scratch and thought of absolutely everything. I don’t think it gets much prettier than Cookham Dean and this house offers modern family living, amazing

entertaining space and is in one of the most sought after villages in the area. We have an amazing house, amazing sellers, and there is now the opportunity to find our amazing buyers to make it a hat trick.

Q What can you tell us about where it is located?

A Cookham Dean is a pretty, peaceful countryside village, with that quaint ‘chocolate box’ feel. You walk out of the front door of Wisteria Cottage and immediately you’re on the most beautiful countryside walk. A short stroll of less than ten minutes would see you to the nearest country pub and village green with its cosy community feel; in fact the village has A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SBI Ltd has been providing all of your shelter and shading requirements, since 1998

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

been used as a film location many times due to its idyllic countryside position.

Nearby is the pretty village of Cookham itself and the town of Marlow; a bit of a foodie’s paradise with Michelin recommended restaurants and an abundance of shops and beautiful riverside walks.

Q What’s the first thing that catches your eye when entering the property?

A Space! Space, light and the beautiful modern design.

Q How would you describe the interior design?

A The property very much flows. It’s largely open plan, with two living areas, stunning kitchen – very much a house for entertaining. The design has been cleverly thought out with storage in places you wouldn’t expect and a very sleek, modern feel.

Q When was it built?

A The current owners built the house in

2016. It was a labour of love; every single detail has been carefully thought about with a view to creating the perfect space.

It’s the sort of house that gives you a wow, but feels warm and welcoming at the same time. It’s a home to pique your house-envy!

Q What kind of entertaining

spaces are there?

A Well, as soon as I walked in I spotted the stunning island, wine fridge, sonos entertainment system throughout.

Personally I was sold at that point! Huge bifold doors open across the back of the house and open the whole thing out, so the inside flows to the outside terrace, which is a fab entertaining space. It very much feels like an extension of the inside. It’s a perfect spot for socialising and totally private. The sun moves from one side of the rear garden to the other, so you’ve got the sun all day and evening long.

Q How many bedrooms are there and what do they offer?

A This depends on how the new owners want to work it. Currently, there is a huge master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite, and two further double bedrooms. The owners were very mindful when building the house that their needs might be different to others, so the dressing room has been designed so that adaptation to a fourth bedroom is simple and straight-forward.

There is also a downstairs room that is currently a great office, which could also make a fifth bedroom, especially since the roomy upstairs landing offers the perfect office space under the skylight.

Q What outdoor space is there?

A The house is detached and so as well as

the lovely terrace, there is a lawned garden and another lower patio, set up with funky

inset lighting that looks amazing at night.

Gated side access with shed and further seating area leads you into the side of the house should you wish to go in via the boot room after all those countryside walks!

Q Do you have a favourite part of the property?

A I love the outdoor entertaining space. It’s so welcoming and the little touches with the lighting make it a very cool space. The owners know I am also fairly obsessed with the kitchen! It’s really beautiful. As an advocate of working from home I love the office set up and, of course, houses in this location don’t come up all that often.

KELLER WILLIAMS To find out more about this property, contact Felicity on 07775 940174 or email felicity.shirt@kwuk.com

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SE LA PT U EM NC BE HIN R G 20 24

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

Discover more at our Open Evening Tuesday 21st November 2023, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

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E D U C AT I O N

HAPPY DAYS ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE

St George’s School takes pride in being a happy and caring community in which the welfare of each child comes first and all members of the community are valued and respected.

Fundamental to this are special working relationships built up between their children, staff and parents. Absolutely takes a closer look at the work they do on page 122. stgwindsor.org

Crosfields School 116 • Talking Head 119 • Education News 127 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Tackling

Stigma Crosfields School has welcomed its first Mental Health Practitioner to help pupils combat the pressures of the modern world.

Absolutely discovers more

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C

rosfields has welcome Mrs Yadava, its first Mental Health Practitioner (MHP), to support pupils with their wellbeing and to further develop wellbeing services at the school. School-based mental health support can have a significant positive impact on pupils and supporting this is vital in helping each individual thrive.

Mrs Yadava works primarily with pupils on a one-to-one basis in a designated space within the medical centre, helping them to understand their emotions and feelings.

She helps pupils develop coping skills that will enable them to deal with any situations in a healthy way. Teachers and parents are also supported and guided through this to ensure a 360 degrees approach.

Group sessions are held daily where all pupils have a chance to explore topics such as the ‘healthy use of social media’ or ‘positive relationships’. This pro-active approach arms Crosfields’ pupils with the emotional confidence to tackle what may lie ahead.

Parents or guardians play a key part

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

in a child’s wellbeing. It can be difficult to know how to support a child if they are struggling with mental health. Young people may need different support from their parents at different times, whether that be practical support or just listening while they learn to cope.

“I am excited to join the Crosfields community,” Mrs Yadava says. “Schools which take this approach to improve pupil wellbeing, attendance and attainment, give their pupils the best possible chance to fulfil their potential. Through a systemic approach change can be achieved through exploring relationship patterns and understanding how they impact on children, as well as educating young people in how to manage their anxiety and regulate their emotions.

“By systems I mean lots on inter-related, inter-dependent parts working together as a whole, all influencing each other,” she continues. “If we take a family system, for example, the individuals within this system are influenced by their shared beliefs and expectations around behaviour and communication. Systemic practice sees all behaviour as a communication to others and seek to find meaning to behaviour.

“The traditional way of viewing problems has been that they are located within the individual, (i.e the person is depressed due to a hormone imbalance in their brain). It assumes that there is a cause and a solution as a result of knowing what the cause is. We as Practitioners do not think of the problem as belonging solely to the individual, but reflect on how the individual experiences the problem within the relationship they are in. We also need to provide the right support for children, families and communities.

It vital that we start to shift the balance of how we think about mental health and particularly in relation to young children.

This is best achieved through a trusting, supportive and non-blaming relationship and teachers will also be supported and guided in supporting the young child within the school environment as the school empowers pupils to identify for themselves how they can develop, grow and flourish.”

What tips does she have for parents?

“Encourage children to talk through considered use of language such as ‘what happened?’ rather than ‘why did you do this?’. This can help them feel more comfortable talking about their experiences and alleviate any

worries that they might be judged.

“Young people may need different things from you at different times.

Sometimes practical support is what’s needed or helping them to find support.

Equally important though is to just listen, accept and be there for them while they learn to cope. Realising you can’t just fix things can be one of the hardest things for parents, and getting support for yourself can help you to do this.

“Remember,” Mrs Yadava adds, “recovery can take time, but things do often get better as young children continue to mature towards adulthood.”

What are the plans for wellbeing services at the school? “Currently we have a referral system in place for teachers to refer pupils or pupils to self-refer. Within the next few months, we will be working on promoting tools and techniques for pupils on how to manage exam anxiety, building on self-esteem, diversity and inclusion, kindness and educating them on the impact of social media.”

Read more information about the school’s pastoral care at crosfields.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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

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

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

01753 862610

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|

registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk |

@UptonHouseSch

20/10/2023 14:11

EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

ED VENABLES

High FLYER Absolutely catches up with Ed Venables, the new head of Wellington College’s Prep School, Eagle House

By MARK KEBBLE

Q What attracted you to Eagle House?

A I have been a parent at Eagle House

for 15 years and so I know the history, the culture and so much of what makes the school special. Having worked at Wellington College for 15 years, the opportunity to remain within the Wellington family and to be responsible for the sharing of ideas between the two schools was hugely compelling. We are also lucky to have wonderful grounds, facilities and staff and so it is a special place to work. Of course, most importantly the children here are amazing!

Q How would you describe what

the Prep School offers?

A I would use the words ‘so much’, but a

better answer is to say that we provide an education that prepares children to flourish

and be successful for the rest of their lives. This means everything that enables a child to be academically intrinsically motivated with a high level of academic attainment, to be pastorally happy and comfortable in their own skin and to have a character that recognises that having the courage to try new things is entirely beneficial to them. The foundations of this are built in our nursery and then developed through to the end of Year 8. My knowledge of the senior school admissions process (and all the stresses involved), from my days as a Director of Admissions, mean that we can prepare the children for entry to any senior school in a way that is educationally beneficial and not simply focused on standardised testing. I could talk about this for pages though!

Q What are you looking forward

to most in the role?

A I am looking forward to watching every

child find out who they are, to watch them developing over the course of their time with us and then to seeing them leave with me being entirely confident that they are going to flourish in their senior schools and beyond. My lunches with the children, visits to the Year 1 classrooms, mixing with the children at break, watching concerts, plays and matches all make every day wonderful and, genuinely, the most rewarding of my career to date. I have learnt already how to build the perfect den in the woods!

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Q Do you feel privileged to be in your role?

A I used these exact words when speaking to

new parents of Eagle House about 15 minutes after I had returned from my former senior school headmaster’s memorial service. In conjunction with an immense feeling of responsibility, I really do feel that this is a huge privilege. I take great pleasure now in staying in touch with many of the boys (now men) to whom I was housemaster. I will really look forward to hearing of the onward journeys of all Eagle House girls and boys.

Q What happens in a typical classroom?

A This is changing rapidly. You will expect

to see an array of carefully thought-through learning activities in our Junior school.

You will see bright, modern, safe and welcoming spaces. You might also see our well-being hub. In the Upper School you will see children with personal devices asking questions about their learning,

perhaps starting to use an AI programme or working on a project. You will see collaboration and the beginnings of proper independent learning. You might, of course, also be in one of our outdoor learning spaces and then you could see anything!

Q How important is what happens

outside of the classroom too?

A So much critical character formation

happens when the children are appropriately challenged in either sport, creative arts or via our amazing Golden Eagle programme that incorporates service, well-being and outward-bound elements. It is also critical to say that so much learning (not least of kindness) happens at supervised break times too. The work of a modern prepschool teacher really is all-encompassing.

pupils for what comes next?

join us. The initial transition is from the traditional ‘pre-prep’ at the end of Year 2 into Years 3 and 4. We include this in our ‘Junior School’ concept although the Years 3 and 4 children are physically located adjacent to the Upper School children at this stage. This allows us to prepare the children carefully for the transition into the Upper School and to allow them to flourish once they get into Year 5 (when the senior school pressure starts to build).

In our Upper School, we are aware of the changing educational provision and needs of a modern senior school and we are preparing the children for that. This includes academic rigour, digital literacy, project based learning and executive functioning skills to name a few. However, it also includes knowledge of oneself, an understanding that seeking help if you need it is a strength, a genuine desire to be inclusive and a desire to seek new opportunities. All of these will allow the children to make the most of (and appreciate) the enormous privilege that is an education at a modern senior school.

from the very first moment the children

eaglehouseschool.com

Q What boarding provisions do you offer?

A We have a vibrant boarding community

at Eagle House. We have a core group of full boarders who stay with us for two weeks before going home or to guardians for our ‘leave weekends’. Then there are a large number of flexi boarders who add additional volume and joy to the boarding house during the week. Every night the staff offer a busy programme of activities (including necessary downtime) and so the children really love the experience. Parents love the pastoral care and the increased sense of independence that the modern boarding experience brings.

Q How do you aim to prepare A This is in a sense what we are doing

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Academic Excellence

Reddam House Berkshire is an independent co-educational school for children aged 3 months to 18.

www.reddamhouse.org.uk

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A Mind over Matter

Ally Onions, St George’s School Windsor Castle’s Head of Safeguarding and Mental Health, explains the school’s latest award-winning initiatives

place where parents ‘may find their child’s happy ever after’ is how The Good Schools Guide recently described St George’s School Windsor Castle.

And with very good reason. Against a backdrop of growing global concern around the general decline in children’s mental health, St George’s has long been blazing a trail with initiatives that put the wellbeing of students firmly front and centre of all that we do.

The headlines certainly make for decidedly sombre reading. According to Action for Children, one in six 5 to 16-year-olds are now likely to have a mental health problem, a figure which has gone up by 50% in the last three years. The lasting impact of the pandemic and a proliferation of social media usage are oft cited causes, but the charity also considers the demands of school life to be a key contributing factor.

This is why, at St George’s, we have dispensed with the traditional tunnel-vision on exams, endless homework and a win-at-allcosts mentality. Instead we focus on providing an education which builds life skills as well as knowledge, is rooted in a firm belief that every child can enjoy academic success and actively prioritises mental wellbeing alongside attainment. After all, happy children learn!

Throughout the day, our students have time to pause and ground themselves in the form of Brain Breaks, part of the school’s long-standing mindfulness programme that also teaches children about how the brain works. At break and lunch times, they have access to our dedicated Wellbeing

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

“We focus on an education that builds life skills as well as knowledge, and prioritise mental wellbeing”

Hub. Relocated and expanded over the summer, complete with audiobooks, teepee and resident toy monkey hanging from the faux living wall ceiling, it provides a cosy and informal space to chat, play, read and relax. For some, a welcome retreat from the excitement and busyness of the playground.

The Wellbeing Hub also plays home to Olive, the school’s standard poodle, introduced after the pandemic in response to research which confirmed the positive physiological impact of interacting with a furry friend. From regulating breathing, relaxing muscles and reducing activity in the nervous system, having the ability to pet a dog is thought to bring wide-ranging benefits within a school setting and offers companionship to both our students and staff alike.

Olive is not the only new member of our Wellbeing team in recent years. In

September 2022 we introduced a Peer Listening programme, with senior student volunteers professionally trained in skills such as active listening and open questioning, to provide support and an additional friendly face for those in need.

Not only do peer listeners provide another avenue for children to turn to, their role also encourages increased interaction between different year groups, further enhancing the friendly feel of St George’s, something often remarked upon by visitors to the school.

The skills learned throughout the process, including via a workshop with the Charlie Waller Trust, will also stand the peer listeners in good stead for the future. Perceptiveness, empathy and kindness, as well as having the courage to offer assistance and advocate for those in need, are all very well aligned to our school vision of preparing children to be ‘Real World Ready’.

This academic year we have also introduced a new counselling service. For immediacy and continuity of care, rather than referring people to outside agencies, we are now able to offer families on-site access to two external counsellors. This specialist support, using play based therapy, is available two mornings per week helping

children deal with a range of concerns including anxiety and bereavement.

While providing this expert professional assistance enables us to quickly address issues if they arise, we are equally keen to continue to support our wider community in spotting the early signs of mental ill health to try and play our part in reversing the growing number of young people in distress. Having qualified as a Mental Health First Aid England Instructor earlier this year, I will be offering our wider staff body, our parents and our local state school partners the opportunity to become certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders.

Over a two-day course, anyone who signs up will be provided with an indepth understanding of factors that affect wellbeing, practical skills to spot triggers and the confidence to reassure and support the young people in their care.

The course also signposts appropriate external support and, equally importantly, provides tools to help attendees look after their own mental wellbeing. Something of vital importance to us all.

For more information about St George’s School Windsor Castle, visit stgwindsor.org

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

RICK CROSS

Tomorrow's

T E A C H I N G

A

t Reddam House, we have been thinking about what it means to be living through the fourth industrial revolution. This term, coined in 2016 by the founder of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab, attempts to understand the changes in our global society and economy that are emerging in an age of cyber-physical systems – big data, artificial intelligence, breakthrough materials – all of which involve entirely new capabilities for people and machines.

Academic excellence is core to what we do and learning traditional ‘tech’ linked subjects like science and maths will continue to be essential. It is not surprising that computing A-level saw the biggest increase in national entries in 2023, up 16.7% (a trend we have also seen at Reddam House), but how do we also develop the character for further success?

The Principal of Reddam House in Berkshire, Rick Cross, on the fourth industrial revolution Learning is diverse and complex and cannot be truly effective if we simply rely on subject silos – nor will it be successful if we view education purely as a means to develop the skills to churn out economic units to fill roles awaiting in the future. The Future of Jobs Report suggests the most important core skills future workers will need are analytical thinking, creative thinking, curiosity, technological literacy, resilience and flexibility.

These skills must be acquired in a variety of ways and an outstanding education creates opportunities for students to develop as rounded people. This is why we are now embracing the outdoors more than ever at Reddam House. Underpinning every change we make at our school is a focus on the individual child. We now enhance learning through our own bespoke Virtual Metaverse School and use Inspired AI in all core subjects, tailoring it to individual needs and accelerating students' learning (also reducing teacher workload, a nice double win).

We are also fortunate to live on a 125-acre estate with woods, wildlife and a lake. With these facilities, children will have timetabled lessons of RAD (Reddam Adventure Department), offering opportunities to collaborate, create, build, plan, cook, succeed, and fail. By being outside in nature, they will also enhance their wellbeing and deepen their appreciation of the environment, which in turn completes the loop back to employability.

After all, according to the World Economic Forum, the strongest net job-creation effect will be driven by investments that ‘facilitate the green transition of businesses’.

So, we will continue to learn on our devices, continue to roll out our AI learning tools, and teach children computing literacy. But we will also develop their creativity, curiosity and flexibility in other ways too – by putting them outside their comfort zone among the trees, the colours, the bats and the deer. reddamhouse.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • NEWS

EDU CATION NEWS The latest news from schools across the county

P L AY I N G B A L L

S LOW M OT I O N Pre-prep pupils at York House, an independent prep school on the outskirts of Croxley Green, have been developing their understanding of phonics and maths through early years outdoor learning sessions with the school’s onsite animals. The pupils, who are aged between three and four years, have been enjoying ‘Tortoise Time’ every Thursday, where they get to read stories to the schools’ resident tortoises in a bid to help them develop their language and speech as well as learn other key life skills such as empathy and friendship. The onsite farm, which is home to more than 50 different animals, has been a source of much enjoyment and wonder for the school’s youngest pupils. As well as participating in outdoor animal hunts, where they explore the local wildlife, they have also made new friends and have enjoyed building independence. york-house.com

“They read stories to the school’s resident tortoises to help their speech”

Students at Heathfield School, Ascot – an independent secondary boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, rated ‘Excellent’ across all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate – have helped provide the trip of a lifetime for a team of underprivileged young footballers from India, taking part in the OSCAR Foundation’s UK School Tour 2023. Over the past year, Heathfield students raised £5,000 towards sponsorship for the trip, and on 8 October, hosted the U16s team, organising a football masterclass and a friendly match with the visitors.

Heathfield students raised funds to help make football dreams become a reality for the OSCAR beneficiaries. Head Girl, Theodora Kirby, explains: “Our fundraising activities included a dance-a-thon, a colour-run, and our inaugural Caritas Ball.”

See more at oscar-foundation.org

“Heathfield students raised £5,000 towards sponsorship for the trip to host young footballers from India”

S PAC E TO G R OW There has been considerable excitement at St George’s School Windsor Castle this month, thanks to the opening of the new Senior Prep Common Room. Available on a rota for students in Years 7 and 8, the room is equipped with a pool table, table football, large screen TV, library and a much coveted tuck shop. Situated in the Elizabeth Room, named after the school’s late patron HM Queen Elizabeth II, the new space affords the school’s oldest students even greater levels of independence as they prepare for their transition to an array of senior schools. stgwindsor.org

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SIAMS OUTSTANDING

Good Rating

INSPIRING LIVES FOREVER

Best Academic Progress in Berkshire Fully Co-Ed Since 1993 “if you want a well rounded child, then this is the school to choose.”

Please contact us to book onto the next Open Day to view our wonderful school!

CALL 01494 727206 EMAIL office@coleshillceinfant.school www.coleshillvillageschool.co.uk

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

Registration, Scholarships and Bursary Application Deadline

Apply now for Herries 2023

Friday 17th November

Join us for a tour and have a glimpse into an exciting day at Herries!

Take a look around www.leightonpark.com/visitus

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

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

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk

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ISI INSPECTION REPORT ‘EXCELLENT’ in all areas

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ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE

Join us for an Open Morning To see upcoming dates and book your place, visit stgwindsor.org A place where children ‘may find their happy ever after’

‘Excellent’ in all areas ISI Inspection, Nov 2022

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Independent Prep School Boys • Aged 3-13

PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE ‘EXCELLENT’ IN ALL AREAS ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2022

www.beaconschool.co.uk The Beacon | Chesham Bois | Amersham | Buckinghamshire | HP6 5PF

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LAST WORD • EVENT why everyone is talking about…

The City of

Codes & Light Festival Absolutely head to Buckinghamshire for a four-day extravaganza of innovation, art, science and technology

T

he City of Codes & Light Festival, held in Milton Keynes in early October, exceeded all expectations, offering a captivating blend of creative workshops, educational symposiums, thought-provoking talks, and awe-inspiring performances.

This year's festival took attendees on a journey through history, art, science, mathematics, technology, and sustainability.

Milton Keynes Central Library served as the vibrant heart of the festival, featuring the interactive installation "Relax and Release" by international Spanish artists Maria Almera and Nestor Rubio. This installation skilfully navigated the mental health challenges faced by young people, providing an immersive and thought-provoking experience.

Workshops run by 1001 Inventions took school children through the history of culturally diverse artists, mathematicians, and scientists, paying homage to their contributions, from the golden age of Muslim civilization to the groundbreaking Enigma code breaking work of Alan Turing at Bletchley Park during WWII. The final day of the festival saw speeches given by Mayor Mick Legg and MKIAC Patron, The Countess Elizabeth Howe among others, highlighting the importance of bringing diverse communities together to celebrate art, science, maths and technology.

In a grand finale, Milton Keynes Central Library was lit up by a mesmerising illumination showcasing "Echoes from the Golden Era" by Limbic Cinema. Children carrying colourful ornate lanterns led a captivating digital light parade with 7,000

attendees, joined by Inko’Nito’s enormous luminous puppets “Celeste” creating a spectacular celebratory procession that wove its way to Campbell Park.

The parade culminated in a dazzling celebration featuring the electrifying beats of The Old Savoy Jazz Band, fusion ensemble Symphonica, and Mr. Switch, accompanied by a mesmerizing laser light show. This captivating blend of jazz, classical orchestration, and dance beats had attendees on their feet and dancing the night way.

MKIAC, the driving force behind this incredible festival, is an award-winning national charity that champions Islamic arts, heritage, and culture. They have earned NPO status and are a crucial part of Arts Council England's Investment Programme 2023-26. MKIAC's commitment to using the arts and creativity to bridge societal divides and foster a sense of community is evident in the success of the festival.

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