Affinity Luxury Lifestyle Magazine September 2021

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PRICELESS

www.affinitymag.co.uk AFFINITY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 123

Japandi A Scandi look combined with rustic Japanese minimalism. We show you how to style.

Autumn in Paris

at Boutique Hotel Castille Paris – Starhotels Collezione WWW.AFFINITYMAGAZINE.CO.UK

There’s a Pilates class for everyone

NEW STYLE FASHION Biker Chic Shirt Dresses Love of Loafers Naturally Beautiful

ISSUE 123

Bright & Glowing Best Face Exfoliators for autumn skin

Leading Pilates expert Korin Nolan shares her top tips for everyone.

Around the Med

Bring sunny destinations to the UK with a selection of our favourite wines

Magical Mykonos

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LETTER EDITOR’S

This issue we’re bursting with inspiration for the change in season, from adding a little Japanese Inspo to your interiors (page 35) to the latest styles you need to add to your wardrobe (page 21), we have it all.

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Our recipes are so easy to make and are perfect for those autumn evenings when you can’t be bothered to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner (page 30) and if we twist your arm you can always open one of the wines from this months’ selection (page 33).

September is all about walking into a new season, transitioning from summer to autumn, although I do question if we even had a summer this year, odd days of sunshine, mixed with storms and chilly temperatures, means I’m sure that many of us are hankering after warmer climates. If that’s the case take a look at our sunshine getaways to The Maldives (page 54) and Spain (52) and let us know how quickly you’re planning on booking!

Dare I say the ‘C’ Word? Of course, I dare, and I am so excited to announce our Affinity Traditional Luxury Christmas Market taking place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November, a wonderful way to start the festive season. Discover unexpected gifts for him, extraordinary treats for her and special treasures for little ones. An exceptional line up of talented individuals and small businesses await. Immerse yourself in a wonderful shopping experience, for more details turn to page 2.

Until Next Month

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Jane x

1. Laurent-Perrier Butterfly Robe Champagne, £79.99, Selfridges 2. 9ct Gold Chain & Flower Necklace, £89.50, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com 3. Merino Alpaca Cable Jumper, £165, www.celticandco.com 4. Diamante Heeled Ankle Boot, £185, Dune London 5. Kate Spade Big Apple Bag, £295, www.katespade.co.uk Don’t forget to join us on social media, we love getting to know you!

www.affinitymag.co.uk

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facebook.com/AffinityMag

Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 07507 602401 Advertising: Stewart Hedges affinitymagstewart@gmail.com 07595 894557 Graphic Design and Photography: David Zita dave@affinitymag.co.uk

@affinitymagz

All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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Contents 48 Affinity

31

September 2021

10 13 17 22 25 28 31 36 40 43 46 54 58

How to be a Winner Hot Picks Bright and Glowing Biker Chic Loafing Around Foodie News Wild Mushroom Recipe Japandi Comes Home Glass Class Slip & Slide Autumn in Paris Bednobs and Broomsticks Weekend Starts Here

24

On The Cover Tu

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What it Takes to be a Winner As summer comes to an end, and we head into what I’m sure we will all hope is a much more normal autumn I thought it would be a good time for a bit of reflection.

For any sporting fans it’s been a heck of a summer, Euros (pain and pleasure, and a heart stopping moment as Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch), Tour de France, golf, cricket, rugby and of course the Olympics and Paralympics. I must confess I’m not much of a sports fan but there were moments in the Olympics that reduced me to tears as the years of hard work paid off for many or ended in bitter disappointment for others.

The stories from the Olympics showed it’s not just about winning or even just the tournament, their victories are hard won usually with years of arduous training, living away from home putting all sorts of other parts of life on hold to pursue their dreams.

So, what can we learn from these sporting ‘heroes’?

Success doesn’t usually come quickly or easily The emotional moments of triumph on the podium are there for everyone to see. But getting up early on dark mornings to train, missing out on social or family events, the continued discipline, hard work and focus that builds success, these are not usually visible to the world.

Falling is part of the journey Learning and trying to improve will inevitably lead to falling at times. When that happens we have a choice, we get up and try again, or give up. But falling is usually a mark that we are making progress, indeed if we stop falling we’ve probably stopped improving.

Someone else winning doesn’t take away from your success There is part of competitive sport that involves comparison, obviously, medals come in gold, silver and bronze. But there is also that part of ‘winning’ that means doing better than you’ve ever done before and I’ve often heard people say that even though they might be disappointed at not receiving a medal, a personal best can also be a ‘win’. Also, how many people even get to be an Olympian so just getting that far is massive ‘win’.

Your worth doesn’t depend on your wins In some ways to be prepared to compete (not just in

sport but in any field) means you must have a certain level of confidence as there is always a possibility you will lose – that is an inherent risk. Usually our level of confidence is tied into our sense of self-worth. Winning can increase confidence but it’s the process that usually increases confidence as well as the actual win!

You have to have a passion Let’s be honest if you weren’t passionate about a sport it would be jolly tough to put in the hours of practice that are necessary to practice relentlessly, sacrificing all sorts of other aspects of life at least for a time.

Again, this is not just about sport. When it comes to any kind of dream or goal if we have passion we are more likely remain motivated to keep going even if seems at times that the odds are against us. This can be true in business, in relationships, in any kind of challenges that we face or set ourselves.

Don’t be afraid to dream Sometimes dreams seem like dreams as in they are not related to reality. Things that somehow inhabit a different realm. But we do all have dreams, we may not be honest about them but I bet there aren’t many people who don’t have some kind of dream.

Be brave We all experience moments of fear. As humans some of us respond to fear by backing away, others will face that fear and find ways through it. Either approach is fine. But I’m betting that people who ultimately achieve the things they want will have had to face moments of fear. We all have a different approach to risk and I must say I was amazed at some of the bravery shown in events like skateboarding, and I found myself wondering how many times they must have fallen off and hurt themselves in practice. Imagine falling off, breaking a bone but then deciding to give it another go when healed. That is what facing our fear is all about.

If this article has resonated with you then why not visit the Facebook group All About You for more help and support on ways you can achieve a happy, balanced and fulfilled life? www.facebook.com/groups/AAYGroup/about

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BEAUTY UPDATES Day & Night Vitamin C The Vitamin C serum duo from RoC Skincare’s Revive & Glow range is the perfect Autumn tonic to awaken the skin and illuminate the complexion. A true vitamin C shot, dermatologically tested and clinically proven and formulated with a patent pending vitamin C complex to illuminate the skin and ensure an incredible glow.

The duo includes RoC Multi Correxion Revive & Glow Daily Serum (£35.99) and RoC Multi Correxion Revive & Glow Night Serum Capsules (£35.99) both available from www.rocskincare.co.uk.

Hair Day Monday MONDAY Haircare is making luxury more inclusive, with award-winning, salon-quality haircare at affordable prices. With four targeted lines, each with a shampoo and conditioner which can be paired together or mixed and matched based on your hair goals. Having a focus on natural ingredients – including panthenol, vitamin E shea butter, coconut oil, hydrolyzed rice protein and ginger root extract – to guarantee more good hair days.

Formulas include; SMOOTH: ideal for frizzy, curly and coily hair, VOLUME: ideal for fine and lifeless hair, MOISTURE: ideal for dry and coarse hair, GENTLE: ideal for normal to delicate hair and scalps.

All available from Beauty Bay or Tesco with a RRP £4 - £8.

English Pear & Freesia The new luscious Jo Malone London fragrance English Pear & Freesia is inspired by orchards awash with golden sunshine. When you smell English Pear & Freesia, you’re instantly transported to an orchard where juicy fruit mingles with blooming flowers. There’s something unexpected about the combination of key ingredients with a freshness and elegance.

The collection includes a special-edition Cologne and Home Candle as well as an extra-large Body & Hand Wash. All available from www.jomalone.co.uk

Bath-Time Bliss Ted Baker’s new bath and body range – The Fusion Collection is designed for the refined, this exclusive-to-Boots collection of scintillating signature scents and luxurious bathing products carefully considers every detail with an unswerving focus on quality, premium packaging inspired by the fashion house’s latest collections, and expertly blended scents infused with the daring finesse. The collection features over 13 different products, ranging from a Raspberry & Orange Blossom Body Lotion to a Violet & Bergamot Body Scrub and a Rose & Cassis Body Wash.

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9ct Gold, Rose and White Gold Earrings, £250, www.beaverbrooks.co.uk

Cartwright & Butler White Chocolate, £12.50, www.cartwrightandbutler.co.uk

AFFINITY HOT PICKS

Ted Baker Sunglasses, £76, www.worlddutyfree.com

Green Blazer, £66, Lipsy

Giraffe Velvet Jewellery Box, £30, John Lewis

Butterfly Name Necklace, £69.99, www.abbottlyon.com

This month’s must have gifts and accessories

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watch, £1,550, www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Floral Embroidered Cardigan, £59.50, Oliver Bonas

Plantable Seed Growing Card, £3.95, www.theseedcardcompany.com

Radley Handbag Scarf, £39, www.radley.co.uk

Les Ottomans Velvet Cushion, £88, Amara

Heine Bag, £89.99, Freemans

Yankee Candle Glass Candle Holder, £19.99, www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Sara Miller Mindfulness Journal, £18, John Lewis

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Pilates on Your Mind?

Leading Pilates expert and founder of Power Pilates UK, Korin Nolan has shared her top tips for anyone thinking of trying Pilates, and the benefits it can have on not just the body, but overall lifestyle as well.

There’s a Pilates class for everyone!

Pilates has such a varied array of classes and has evolved over many years. For those who think they’ve tried Pilates and it’s not for them, I always say you’ve just not found the right class for you. Beginner Pilates can be slow, and you may find yourself losing motivation, but learning the basic principles is super important. I teach a very ‘dynamic’ style of Pilates both on the mat and on the reformer, and you will most definitely come away having worked your butt off!

Pelvic floor for posture and flatter tummy A flatter tummy starts from within! In Pilates, pelvic floor muscles are in constant use. These help to improve your posture and give the illusion of a slimmer shape, it also helps you to connect with your deepest set of abdominals; the transverses, which wrap all the way around the spine. By working these muscles, rather than your superficial rectus abdominals (AKA the six pack), you will achieve far greater results in terms of strength for your body shape.

PS. stronger pelvic floor muscles can also help improve your sex life too!

It doesn’t have to be high impact to be high intensity Low impact exercise may sound like a bit of a cop out to

some, but believe me, you can still get your sweat on without injury-risking high impact jumps. By using light weights and choosing full body combos which use multiple muscle groups gets the heart rate up and brings the burn. Focus on good technique and have fewer rest periods to make things more intense.

Listen to your body Pilates offers a great alternative to high impact forms of exercise. If cortisol (stress hormone) levels are already high, then super high intensity exercises might make things worse and increase them. This can leave you feeling fatigued and burnt out. This is not to say you shouldn’t exercise if you’re feeling stressed. Exercise can absolutely help to reduce stress, it’s just about choosing the right type – less intense forms can help de-stress and reset body & mind.

Manifest the s**t out of life!

As a successful business owner and mother of three, I can honestly say I believe that I’ve visualized all my greatest achievements. If you want to feel the full benefits of Pilates, I’d recommend using the power of the mind to help you achieve what you want out of life.

Manifesting is more than just thinking positively, it’s taking action on the things you want out of life, as if they will 100% happen. Anyone who’s successful to any degree, be it in business, relationships or money will have visualized what they wanted, intentionally or unintentionally.

For more tips follow @korinnolanpilates

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Midlife Madness One of the things I love about some comedians is they don’t just say it as it is – it is actually me they are talking about! Situations I’ve found myself in – honestly. In fact, to me that is the mark of a good comedian that I can relate.

The rage I feel when some twit doesn’t indicate or pushes in the queue, be honest, we’ve all been there! Hopefully most of us have stopped short of grievous bodily harm, but actions which, when not rattled would be unthinkable, seem entirely reasonable when behind the wheel and someone upsets us. We sort of morph into monsters. But listening to the comedians reassures me, clearly, I’m not the only one or others wouldn’t be laughing!

And they have covered every scenario possible. One of my personal favourites are the ones about holidays. I know many of you are wracking your brains trying to remember what a holiday is, but it used to involve cramming lots of clothes you’ll never actually wear into a suitcase and flying off to sunshine (yes, I do appreciate there is more than one type of holiday but let’s go with the majority here). Once there, most of us would eat too much, drink too much, spend too much - oh and get too much sun! But hey we all love it don’t we!

Another one of my favourites is our TV habits, you know the way we’ll all totally binge on a box set – not too many problems if there are only 2 or 3 seasons but if it’s something like Greys Anatomy with 17 seasons, then the ‘I’ll just watch one more’ could see a person literally age before the TV.

But I’ve also heard comedians wax humorously about relationships, things such as the selective deafness of many partners and the ability to wear a totally new outfit and convince a partner you’ve had it for ‘simply ages’ things we’ve all done!! And as for parenting, well where do I start the bond that can be created with someone you

don’t even know talking abut the antics of children and the common challenges of parenting. In a very simple sketch they can somehow draw on these common experiences and make them hilarious, which trust me they usually aren’t in real life. Everything from lack of sleep, children who won’t eat or follow very simple instructions.

But when they are reflected back at us with humour somehow the ‘pain’ of those experiences vanishes with a good hearty laugh.

So, it stands to reason that comedians have had an important role this last year as we struggled through a pandemic. Apart from the fact that we all wish we’d invested in zoom, we can laugh at the way (after the jigsaws paled) we’ve taken up learning a language, or craft or started a home project, got a sourdough starter or whatever. We can swap notes on good box sets to binge on and even share the guilt about how much actual time we have spent bingeing! We’ve shared how many of us stopped getting properly dressed, opting to live in pyjamas and if there were on line meetings slipping on a top or using the ‘my camera isn’t working’ excuse to avoid having to do hair and make-up!

Many have been able to share the pain, and for some pleasure, of home schooling. For many experienced with a sense of frantic chaos, understandably as it was often occurring at the same time as working from home, trying to ensure children still had some fun and continued important habits like eating and sleeping while all sharing limited living space and multi purposing any table or flat surface in the house!

But we know that humour relieves tension and knowing that others are experiencing similar situations is very comforting. When we can also laugh about those experiences, and at ourselves a little it’s all to the good! I wonder what we’ll find to laugh about next!

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Bright & Glowing

Using face exfoliators is the key to a healthy glow, they unblock pores even out skin tone and makes your skin feel refreshed and glowing.

Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream, £71, Sisley Paris

Kate Somerville Exfolikate, £21, Cult Beauty Dr. Roebuck's Byron 2-in-1 Mask & Exfoliator, £26, Revolve

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, £34.50, www.elemis.com ESPA Optimal Skin Pro-Cleanser, £45, www.espaskincare.com

Bobbi Brown Radiance Boost Walnut & Orange Exfoliating Mask, £34, www.bobbibrown.co.uk Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, £26, Kiehl's

Summer Fridays Overtime Mask, £39, Cult Beauty

Trish McEvoy Daily Exfoliator Pads, £45, www.libertylondon.com

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Sleep Better This Summertime

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Your smile can have a huge impact on your appearance, and poor dental health can increase your perceived age.

In fact, research has shown that a better smile can make people look at least five years younger.

So, what steps can we take to turn back the clock on our smile?

Broaden your smile “As we age, our teeth keep moving and jaw bones change in shape and density. This may create an uneven and more narrow smile”, explains aesthetic dental expert Dr Kamala Aydazada. “A broad smile is very youthful, while a narrow smile, when predominantly the front teeth are visible, can be very ageing. By 40-50, our lower face proportion starts changing. Our upper lip starts pushing down and covering the teeth and the side and back teeth are pushed inwards. When you smile, the corners of your mouth look like black holes, because the teeth that are there can’t be seen.”

Dentists call this scenario “narrow buccal corridors”.

“Adding more volume and structure to the mouth is key to creating a broader smile”, says Dr Kamala, founder of Kensington Cosmetic Dentist. “This is one of the most common reasons why you should treat someone with veneers. Porcelain veneers can add more structure and visibility to your smile, making it more even and eyepleasing. Some people have slightly more teeth visible on one side, and by adding different thicknesses of the veneers on these teeth, your smile will become more symmetrical, and will in turn provide more symmetry to your face, which is considered to be more youthful.”

Add volume to your teeth “By fifty, our teeth are quite worn down, because we've been using them every single day for half a century”, says Dr Kamala.

occurrence as we get older. “As we age, our teeth get darker naturally as enamel thins, while smoking, tea, coffee, wine and juices can also stain your teeth over time.”

Dr Kamala and her teeth advocate professional teeth whitening for those who want to enhance their natural teeth. However, for some veneers are a great longer term solution. “Veneers are more resistant to stains than your natural teeth. If your teeth are naturally prone to accumulate more stains and your diet contains a high amount of staining foods and drinks (such as coffee, cola, red wine to name a few) then veneers may be a great solution for you. Porcelain Veneers are less prone to be affected by your dietary stains and acids, keeping your smile looking young and white. Of course it is still paramount that you visit your dentist for regular check ups and hygiene appointments to take care of those stains accumulation around the veneers and your natural teeth and gum surfaces.”

“They don't have all the changes that natural teeth would have with age. So, if you have your teeth now, if you take a quick snap of your teeth and you look at it 10 years later, you see a massive difference in the shape of your smile and structures of your teeth because you do literally wear them every day. With veneers, they don't wear down as much and the surfaces look pretty much similar ten years down the line.”

The evolution of veneers Dr Kamala explains how veneers have changed over the last decade, moving away from an overly white, uniformed look and heavily shaved down teeth to natural, healthy looking smiles:

Dr Kamala explains the role enamel plays in teeth looking young and healthy. “Tooth enamel tends to wear away with ageing, making the teeth vulnerable to damage and decay”, explains Dr Kamala.

“For decades, veneers were more like crowns, and they would require a lot of preparation of the tooth. They would cover broader tooth structure, simply because they would need to be held mechanically on the tooth surface in order to withstand force from chewing and all the stresses that are going on in our mouths while we function.”

Adding volume with composite bonding – where a tooth coloured resin is moulded to the tooth and hardened with UV light – can create a fresher appearance, says Dr Kamala. “It could make you look ten years younger to be honest, it makes a massive difference to the lower face proportions, creating a white and more voluminous smile.”

Dr Kamala concludes: “Veneers will make you look decades younger, and will recapture your youthful smile, while adding volume to your lips and face.”

“Teeth get shorter, they look chipped, they get yellower as well, so all that contributes to people wanting a younger look. It’s also the age when you get more wrinkles, your skin becomes saggier and because of that, you lose the support that you had from your teeth on the lower face.”

Combat tooth staining Noticed your teeth looking more yellow in the mirror or on Zoom calls? Dr Kamala says this is a common

“However, as the years progressed over the past decade, an evolution took place in dentistry. Now the cosmetic standards of the dental materials have greatly improved. Also, with new and better bonding agents we can bond directly on the tooth, which allows the veneer to be glued to the surface of the tooth as opposed to relying on mechanical retention of the structure of the tooth. We can now cover anything aesthetically unpleasant on the surface of the tooth by just adding a perfect layer over the tooth structure.”

For more information, visit: ww.kensingtoncosmeticdentist.co.uk

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FASHION

Sonder

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Biker Chic

Channel your inner rock chick look with a biker jacket - a throw-on layer that will see you through season after season.

Tan Leather Biker Jacket, £299, Mint Velvet .

Grey Suedette Biker Jacket, £44.99, M&Co

Camel Suedette Biker Jacket, £30, Matalan

Ted Baker Caramel Biker Jacket, £350, John Lewis

Black Leather Biker Jacket, £250, Monsoon

Mint Green Biker Jacket, £44.99, M&Co

M&Co

Spice red Suede Biker Jacket, £303, All Saints Blue Biker Jacket, 119.99, TK Maxx

Pale Yellow Biker Jacket, £255, All Saints

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Get Shirty From popular printed designs to versatile black or white, shirt dresses are perfect for taking your style from Summer to Autumn

Denim Shirt Dress, £69.50, Oliver Bonas

Midi Shirt Dress, £19.99, Mango Linen Shirt Dress, £59.50, FatFace Mint Velvet

MAJE Shirt Dress, £139.50, Selfridge

Mid Brown Shirt Dress, £65, White Stuff

Utility Shirt Dress, £35, Very

Broderie Shirt Dress, £69, Phase Eight

Silk Shirt Dress, £375, Make it British

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Naturally Beautiful Soft shades of creams and ecru are the one colour along with black that you definitely need in your wardrobe this season.

Cream Blouse, £32, River Island Belted Mac, £169, Hobbs

Cream Jumper, POA, River Island Primark Cream Blazer, £75, River Island

Bag, £160, Dune London

Ted Baker Chain Bracelet, £65, Next Ankle Boots, £155, Dune London

Faux Leather Skirt, £14, George

Puff Sleeve Dress, £18, F&F

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Loafing Around With a vintage style that transcends the seasons, women’s loafers keep things classic - but with a twist. Chunky heels, suede, tassels and pearls they come in all colours and styles, be sure to update your wardrobe with a pair or two!

Black Leather Loafers, £99, Mint Velvet

Snake Print Loafer, £79.95, Moda in Pelle

Lipsy Metal Bar Blue Loafers, £122, LK Bennett

Golod Star Loafer, £85, Dune

Berry & Stone Loafers, £85, Dune

Kate Spade Sequin Loafers, £210, John Lewis

Suede Loafers, £49.99, Mango

Tassel Loafer, £28, Linzi

GUCCI Pearl Loafer, £805, Selfridges

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food & drink

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FOODIE NEWS Buy a Brownie, Give a Meal

BOBBIE’S Brownies (www.bobbiesbrownies.com) has launched with a range of gigantic, indulgent brownies, freshly made to order for delivery nationwide. BOBBIE'S is the brownie company with a conscience: for every brownie bought, BOBBIE’s provides a meal for a child in education across the globe in partnership with Mary’s Meals (www.marysmeals.org.uk).

Expect a weighty, triple chocolate brownie, drizzled with melted white and dark chocolate with a deep, rich flavour, pleasing crunchy exterior and a soft, gooey middle. Choose from the Classic 6-Pack, Classic 3-Pack and The Slab, with a whopping 1.4kg of wall-to-wall brownie, topped with white and dark chocolate.

Best Of British

If you’re looking for the very best British produce to take your seasonal entertaining to delicious new heights then look no further than the exceptional range of carefully curated BBQ Boxes and Picnic Hampers from Dukeshill (www.dukeshillham.co.uk) the home of luxury fine foods, most famed as holders of the Royal Warrant to HM The Queen for their cured hams, has everything you need for stress-free September, whether you’re looking for a celebratory centrepiece, sizzling BBQ selection or for the perfect addition to your picnic party.

There’s a box or hamper for everyone including Luxury BBQ Feast Box, Family BBQ Box, Staycation Box, Cheese & Ham Hamper, Afternoon Tea Hamper as well as The Savoury Hamper where you’ll find a stunning selection of savoury treats packed into a wicker hamper. The Family Pork Pie features the best British pork, tasty jelly and rich crunchy pastry whilst the traditional pork pâté included is made especially for Dukeshill in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Smoked mackerel, cheese, crackers and chutneys provide the finishing touches and the centrepiece – a renowned Dukeshill ham.

Gin O’Clock

The Cotswolds Distillery’s Cotswolds No. 3 Wildflower Gin (£34.95, www.cotswoldsdistillery.com) is the latest addition to its Wildflower Gin collection. This new expression is a blend of hand-picked genepi, mint, yarrow and other select botanicals layered over a classic London Dry gin. Inspired by the wildflowers growing in the ‘glorious grasslands’ of the Cotswolds, it has been created by marrying premium botanicals with the gin, bringing zesty, citrus flavours to the palate.

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Creamy Chicken and Roast Radish Casserole “A delicious, colourful dish that’s perfect for family and friends”

Ingredients

15g butter 1 tbsp Yorkshire rapeseed oil 1kg chicken thigh fillets, skin on 2 banana shallots, finely chopped 100g pancetta, diced 1 clove garlic, crushed 20g plain flour 300ml chicken stock 14 radishes, trimmed and halved 150g asparagus, cut into 3cm pieces 5g tarragon, leaves finely chopped 100ml crème fraiche 100g fresh peas 250g broad beans Salt and black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Gently melt the butter and 1⁄2 tablespoon of the oil in a large casserole pan. Season the chicken thighs, add to the pan and cook on both sides for 4 minutes per side until the chicken is browned. Remove the chicken from the pan with a slotted spoon.

Add the shallots to the pan with the pancetta and fry for about 5 minutes, until the shallots have softened. Add the garlic and cook gently for a minute.

Sprinkle over the flour, lower the heat and cook for a minute, then add the chicken stock, bring to the boil and return the chicken to the pan, skin side up. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the radishes onto a small baking tray with the remaining oil. Place on the top shelf of the oven and roast for 12–15 minutes, until tender. Add the asparagus to the baking tray when there are 8 minutes remaining. Remove the lid from the casserole and simmer for 5 minutes uncovered, until the sauce reduces slightly.

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the tarragon and crème fraiche, then add the radishes and asparagus, along with the peas and broad beans.

Simmer gently for 5 minutes and check the seasoning before serving.

Serve the casserole with some creamy mashed potato.

Recipe from: Amanda Owen, The Yorkshire Shepherdess

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Wild Mushroom Soup with Wood Sorrel and Hazelnut Pesto “A delicious soup full of textures and tastes, perfect for an Autumn evening” Method

Ingredients

2 tbsp Yorkshire rapeseed oil, plus extra for garnish 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 large clove garlic, crushed or grated 450g wild mushrooms, such as yellow chanterelle, roughly chopped 50ml madeira or sweet sherry 850ml hot vegetable stock 3 sprigs fresh thyme 200ml double cream 1 tsp mushroom powder salt and black pepper Pesto 25g chopped toasted hazelnuts 1 small bunch wood sorrel 2 tbsp olive oil 10g Parmesan Garnish Handful of wild mushrooms

Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the onion and garlic and fry gently for 5 minutes, until softened but not coloured. Next, add the mushrooms and fry on a medium heat for 8 minutes, until they are golden. Pour the madeira over the mushrooms and cook on a high heat for about a minute until the alcohol evaporates.

Lower the heat and pour in the hot stock, then add the sprigs of thyme. Bring to the boil then cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, blitz with a hand blender or in a liquidizer until the soup is smooth. Return the soup to a clean pan, stir in the cream and sprinkle over the mushroom powder, then season the soup and gently reheat over a low heat.

Meanwhile, place the pesto ingredients into a small food processor and blitz for a few seconds until combined. Add extra oil if the pesto is a little thick and season to taste. For the mushroom garnish, drizzle some oil in a small frying pan and gently fry the remaining mushrooms for a couple of minutes until golden.

To serve, ladle the soup into warm bowls, scatter over the whole fried mushrooms, and top with a spoonful of pesto.

Recipe from: Amanda Owen, The Yorkshire Shepherdess

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Rhubarb and Custard Crumble Cake “You can never go wrong with a crumble and when you make that into a cake, it’s even better!”

Ingredients 250g Yorkshire rhubarb, cut into 2cm chunks 50g caster sugar 50g plain flour 25g butter, cut into cubes 40g chopped mixed nuts 25g demerara sugar 170g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 85g caster sugar 85g soft brown sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 170g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 30g custard powder Icing sugar to dust Custard to serve

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 21cm round springform cake tin.

Put the rhubarb into a saucepan and sprinkle over the caster sugar. Heat very gently until the sugar dissolves into a syrup.

Simmer for 6–8 minutes until the rhubarb just begins to soften.

Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile make the crumble. Place the flour into a mixing bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in the chopped nuts and sugar.

Next make the cake. Beat the butter, caster sugar and soft brown sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract with 2 tablespoons of the flour, beat for a minute until combined, then fold in the remaining flour, baking powder and custard powder.

Drain any excess juices from the rhubarb and discard the syrup, then gently fold the cooled rhubarb through the cake mixture.

Transfer the cake batter to the prepared tin and gently smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the crumble over the cake and press down lightly with the back of a spoon, then bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 40 minutes, until the cake is golden, firm to touch, and when a skewer is inserted it comes out clean.

Allow to cool slightly in the tin, then transfer to a plate.

Dust lightly with icing sugar before serving warm with custard.

Recipe from: Amanda Owen, The Yorkshire Shepherdess

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Around the Med Bring sunny destinations to the UK with a selection of wines from Tesco – curated to transplant you to the vineyards of France, hills of Italy and beaches of Spain and Portugal.

Tesco Finest Primitivo Terre Di Chieti This inky Primitivo is bold and complex, with juicy black berries and fig flavours, savoury spices and a long rich finish. Pair with rich stews, grilled veg or juicy burgers. £7.00

Tesco Finest Provence Rose Made with the grape Glera, used in Prosecco, and Pinot Noir, this light and refreshing Prosecco rosé is full of fresh ripe red berries and citrus fruit flavours with a delicate and elegant mousse. Serve chilled for a perfect celebratory drink, as an aperitif or with light desserts. £8.00

Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut Champagne Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes with extra long ageing in bottle.

This extra maturation makes for elegant flavours of citrus, green apple and brioche with a fine mousse. Serve with canapes or fish and chips. £21.00

Tesco Finest Provence Rose Delicious stone fruit flavours are balanced with notes of fresh strawberries and redcurrants to create this crisp, delicate and dry wine with its signature pale pink colour. Pairs perfectly with seafood and antipasti. £9.00

Tesco Finest Primitivo Terre Di Chieti From the high plains on the banks of the Duero river comes this modern expression of the Tempranillo grape. The extreme temperatures give intense red fruit flavours, while maturation in oak barrels for a minimum of 7 months provides structure and delicate spice notes. A versatile food wine, try it with roast pork or wild mushrooms.. £12.00

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interiors

Rose & Grey

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Japandi

Japandi inspired interior has started to storm through the interior world. Japandi interior features a Scandi look combined with rustic Japanese minimalism. Use light wood, natural fabrics and warm neutral colours to achieve this look.

Globe Light, £179, Nedgis

Large Modica Vase, £49, Cult Furniture

Rattan Room Divider, £150, Habitat

Stoneware Table Vase, £26.99, Wayfair

Hand Painted Silk Panel, £645, Shimu Textured Cushion, £16, Habitat

Drum Floor Light, £495, Tom Raffield

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Colby Armchair, £805, Sweetpea & Willow Lantern, £59, Idyll Home

Set 4 Bowls, £59.99, Coffee & Cloth Ltd

Round Natural Jute Rug, £75, Bellybambino

Natural Bamboo Tray, £25, Home Luxe Co

Linen and Cotton Cushion Cover, £18, Walton & Co

Rattan Wing Back Chair, £255, www.blossomandbuttercup.co.uk

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Glass Class Coloured glass tumblers are making a comeback, what ones will you choose?

Amber Glass Tumbler, £11, Abode Living

Casa Celva, £20, Liberty London Blue Glass Tumbler (Set of 4), £19, ProCook

Gardenia Tumbler, £6.99, Dobbies

Green Glass Tumbler., £10, Know & Love

Handcrafted Glass, £13, Fy!

Navy Murano Glass Tumbler, £40, Rebecca Udall

Pink Murano Glass Tumbler, £40, Rebecca Udall

Set of Two Coloured Glasses, £22, Spicer and Wood

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Fry’s Footie Corner The season is very much underway and at Peterborough United, we are enjoying life in the Sky Bet Championship. It is a hugely competitive division, as we knew it would be, but we worked so hard as a club to get promoted last term, we have to enjoy the challenges that we will face this term.

Away from the Championship, the big recent story, certainly at the time of writing this column, was the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United. I think I spoke in this column a few months ago that the pandemic would have a massive impact on the transfer window, but bizarrely those at the top seem to be awash with cash.

First it was Manchester City purchasing Jack Grealish for a reported £100m and then Lukaku arrived back at Chelsea for another hefty fee. Harry Kane flirted with everyone he could by the looks of it, but has stayed put at Tottenham Hotspur and then Ronaldo was due to follow Grealish to City.

However, it appears that Sir Alex Ferguson swayed Ronaldo as he was soon

announced as a United player. Although he is coming to the end of his career, there is no doubt that he is a massive signing for United. He will score goals in the Premier League. He is probably exactly what they need. I am certainly looking forward to United with him in the side.

In Europe, Lionel Messi left Barcelona and has joined PSG for unbelievable money and it looks like Mbappe might be joining Real Madrid for over £150m. It is incredible what has happened in the transfer market this summer.

Back to us at the Weston Homes Stadium, and the advantages of being a Championship club is the fact we have international breaks. We might not yet have many players leaving us for international exposure but that will come make no mistake of that. Harrison Burrows and Ronnie Edwards will be representing their country very soon. Look out for them!

Barry Fry

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Slip into the new season with

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TRAVEL

Switzerland

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Summer into Autumn in Paris Looking for inspiration for a luxury city break in Paris?

Castille Paris – Starhotels Collezione is here to provide a handy guide to making the most of the French capital this summer. Located on Rue Cambon within Paris’ 1st arrondissement and next to the iconic ‘Maison Chanel’, Castille Paris is a boutique hotel where Parisian couture & Italian chic meet. Here is a quick guide to what guests can expect during their stay at Castille Paris this summer and into the autumn.

Le Chic Picnic – for fashionistas and romance seekers Castille Paris is a five-minute walk from the Jardin des Tuileries and the hotel can equip guests with a wicker basket full of everything they need for a Chic Picnic in the great outdoors. The picnic includes chilled champagne, chamomile smoked salmon, quiche Lorraine and a salad of stracciatella di Bufala cheese, Datterini tomatoes, basil oil and fresh basil leaves. Lunch is finished with strawberries with whipped cream and chocolate. A vegetarian option is available. The Chic Picnic is available for Euro 150 (GBP 128) for two people or Euro 250 (GBP 213) for four people.

Free Museum Pass - for art lovers Castille Paris is walking distance to many of Paris’ most beloved museums and galleries. To celebrate their reopening to the public, guests booking a room at Castille Paris through Kirker Holidays will have a two-day Paris Museum Pass included in their stay, which gives free entry to over 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris, including the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay

Kids Stay Free at Castille Paris – for the whole family At Castille Paris, two children under 16 stay for free if sleeping in a room with at least one adult. The hotel has plenty of accommodation options for families, from the Family Room accommodating up to four, to the Dolce Vita

Apartment, a luxury two-bedroom apartment with a large living room, and the option of an adjoining 20-sq.m private room, that can accommodate up to eight guests in total.

Children under three dine for free from a special menu of dishes thoughtfully prepared to bring lots of tastes and colour to mealtimes. Other children’s amenities include a welcome kit of treats and surprises, bath-time toys, high chairs, cradles or cribs, a stroller for days out and bottle warmers.

Paris by the Sea – for beach lovers The annual Paris Plages event is now in full swing, transforming the city into a seaside resort. The banks of the River Seine, La Villette canal and the Trocadero Gardens have been turned into sandy beaches dotted with parasols, palm trees and deckchairs. Visitors are invited to take a dip in La Villette canal basin or take part in watersports on offer or relax with a book or board game.

Michelin-Star Cuisine Under the Stars – for gastronomes No trip to the City of Lights would be complete without a gastronomic experience. L’Assaggio, the gourmet restaurant run by Michellin-starred, Chef Ugo Alciati, at Castille Paris combines French gastronomic traditions with Piedmont cuisine. During the summer months, guests can dine al fresco on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace with its Roman fountain and frescoed walls, choosing from a summer menu including dishes such as White Fish Carpaccio, Confit Tomatoes, Capers & Taggiasche Olives and Pastificio Mancini Fusilli with Zucchini, Mint and Botarga. Castille Paris’ new Dolce Vita package includes overnight accommodation for two in a Deluxe Room, along with Parisian breakfast and a three-course dinner for two at L’Assaggio Restaurant with two glasses of champagne and coffee and is priced from Euro 420 (from GBP 358) per night based on double occupancy.

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BOOK IT

Kirker Holidays offers a three night short break at Castille Paris in September 2021 from GBP 1,247pp including Eurostar in Standard Premier class, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants and sightseeing, a two-day Paris Museum Pass, carnet of Metro tickets, Seine sightseeing cruise and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book opera, concert or museum tickets, arrange private guided walking tours and excursions, or reserve a table at a recommended restaurant.

The Eurostar terminal at Gare du Nord is a 15-minute taxi ride away from Castille Paris.

To book, call 020 7593 2288 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

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The Fellows House Opens Its Doors in

The Heart of Cambridge The Fellows House Cambridge doors are now open, marking the first Curio Collection by Hilton in the idyllic city and Hilton’s ((NYSE: HLT) ) second property in Cambridge. The 131-room apartment-style hotel joins the global portfolio of more than 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, each handpicked for its distinctive character and unique charm. The hotel will host Cambridge’s discerning clientele, as well as international visitors seeking somewhere to eat, drink and stay in style.

Located a short walk from the city centre, and a stone’s throw from the River Cam and Jesus Green, it is the perfect base to explore Cambridge’s famous colleges, the Bridge of Sighs, the University of Cambridge museums and Botanic Gardens. The hotel will provide a range of carefully curated experiences designed to unlock the history of the city and showcase its full offering from the authentic perspective of a local.

The hotel will feature unique pieces of artwork and sculptures, all designed locally in Cambridge. The room types are all named after people associated with the city and notable Cambridge fellows such as Kipling, Newton, Gormley and Attenborough. This includes king rooms, studios and one-bedroom apartments, together with Fellows Duplex apartments split across two levels. All

studios and apartments have fully equipped kitchens, ideal for relocation, project workers and extended stay alongside workcation-style getaways. Families can comfortably stay in a one-bedroom apartment or in the two-bedroom The Fellows Family connecting room.

Steve Cassidy, managing director, UK & Ireland, Hilton said: “We are thrilled to open this unique property in the historic city of Cambridge. It has something for everyone, offering the perfect base to return to after a long day of exploring, working or studying. As we all look forward to travelling again, we’re delighted to be giving guests more choice, with 14 new properties opening across the UK this year, extending our world-renowned hospitality.”

Julian Hudson, general manager of The Fellows House, Curio Collection by Hilton, said: “The Fellows House is ideal for short city breaks and extended stays, and has been carefully designed to ensure it is accessible to all guests.

Situated in the heart of Cambridge, our exciting new opening is ideally located to experience the entire city, alongside offering an indoor spa and courtyard area and a delicious café, restaurant and bar.”

The signature restaurant, The Folio Bar & Kitchen, will serve plant-based dishes and British comfort classics with

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locally sourced ingredients, from roasted cauliflower steak to beetroot wellington. The Sage of Cambridge, a coffee shop by day will offer colourful, health-conscious options including wraps, smoothies and vegan salads, as well as freshly baked breads and pastries, transforming into a vibrant wine and aperitifs bar after 5pm.

Guests can make use of the ample onsite car park, which includes multiple electric car charging ports, as well as the indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room and bicycles for hire. The hotel’s Hawking Suite boardroom seats up to 10 people and doubles up as an event space and private dining room with natural daylight and direct access to The Fellows Garden and The Observatory.

The Fellows House Cambridge is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

For more information, please visit thefellowshousecambridge.curiocollection.com

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Karma La Herriza Karma Group announces New Hotel in Andalusia, Spain Karma Group has announced its latest acquisition in Andalusia, Spain. Set within a state forest in the Sierras, Karma La Herriza will comprise over 30 large suites, restaurants, bars and an outdoor pool with mountain views. The beautiful country estate will undergo renovations shortly, with a timeline to open in Easter 2022 making it the Group’s first operating property in Spain.

Nestled in 25 acres of natural woodland, at more than 600 metres above sea level, Karma La Herriza is a tranquil oasis, perfect for those wanting to relax in unspoilt Spanish nature, away from the hustle and bustle. However, the hotel is also in prime location for exploring the heart of the real Andalusia with Natural Parks, Castles and charming white villages.

Nearby is the postcard perfect white-walled village of Gaucin, with a host of fine restaurants and attractions, as well as the beautiful hill town of Ronda. The "Parque Natural de los Alcornocales" is also close to Karma La Herriza, where a 16 km track takes visitors through the forest, leading to a local road for the white village of

Ubrique, world famous for its leather crafts.

Iconic beaches just 45 minutes away, include the Costa del Sol and the vibrant town of Marbella. Other Andalusian treasures including Seville and Jerez are only a short distance further and the airports of Gibraltar and Malaga are easily accessible.

John Spence, Chairman and Founder of Karma Group commented: ‘Having a resort in Spain is a true pleasure for Karma and myself given the history of my time in this magnificent country. I know all members and guests will truly love this property’.

The addition of Karma La Herriza will bring Karma Group’s impressive portfolio to over 40 hotels, with 35 currently operating in 11 countries, six under development and excitingly more resorts to be announced.

For more information please visit www.karmagroup.com

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WOW!

SIYAM WORLD, MALDIVES TAKES ALLINCLUSIVE BEYOND THE BUFFET

The tired world of all-inclusive will be shaken from its torpor this 28 October, as the highly anticipated new Siyam World, Maldives throws open its doors and unleashes WOW! 24hrs Premium All-Inclusive - a revolutionary retake on the hackneyed holiday hustle. A natural, carefree playground promising to transform the monotonous Maldivian holiday mold, Siyam World is poised to call time on the days of back-to-back buffets with a next-gen concept that consigns the all-too-familiar all-inclusive clichés and caveats to the past.

Forging its own maverick path away from the Maldivian mainstream, Siyam World is on a mission to bring guests the broadest offering of unique experiences and pioneering concepts ever seen in the Maldives. Guests will be freed from the usual all-inclusive shackles of set menus, surcharges and venue restrictions; this lush natural island’s 54 hectares are home to 14 restaurants and bars including four different specialty restaurants for dinner, all of which are included in the WOW! All Inclusive package - together with an unlimited medley of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Siyam World’s WOW! factor doesn’t stop there – also included is a wild weekly Grand Beach BBQ; the roaming gaadiyaa, an authentic Maldivian food cart surprising guests with sweet and savoury snacks, soft drinks and tropical fruit each day; plus, a spa bar serving

up fresh healthy juices, smoothies and herbal infusions.

At Siyam World, all-inclusive isn’t just a meal plan either; it’s an ever-expanding A-to-Z of WOW! experiences too from aqua aerobics to kids Zumbini classes, via dance shows, pool parties, group wellness sessions, sunset cruises and snorkelling safaris… not to mention unlimited access to Siyam Water World, the Indian Ocean’s biggest floating water park. Kids and teens will be in their element with an array of excursions and activities, plus family programmes focused on fun-filled learning and mindfulness at the Little Explorers kids club for children aged 3 to 11. With a world-class spa, wellness and sports facilities, along with some of the region’s best dive sites just metres away, Siyam World is set be a game-changing new island of unlimited choice and endless escapades.

A standalone brand under Sun Siyam Resorts, Siyam World, Maldives is an all-embracing five-star all-inclusive island resort that offers fun-loving, open-minded couples, romance seekers, families or larger groups of friends the freedom to roam, socialise and engage in an island community. Uncompromisingly quirky with a fun-loving attitude, a deep-rooted soul, and a unique approach to everything, this is one of the largest natural islands in the Maldives to boast a resort and show-stopping residences:

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a 54-hectare haven blessed with more than four kilometres of white sandy beaches and six kilometres of house reef.

Siyam World shows off an enticing variety of 21 accommodation categories ranging from 89 to 3,000 square metres with up to six bedrooms, from lush Pool Beach Villas, expansive Beach Suites and breath-taking Beach Residences to the playful Over-Water Villas – complete with irresistible water slides. An exclusive enclave, The Beach House Collection, also features stunning Grand Water Pavilions and the magnificent Palace. All accommodation types overlook the pristine Maldivian waters, come with direct access to the ocean and feature generously proportioned indoor and outdoor living spaces with private pools.

Contemporary yet tropical architecture will blend seamlessly into the island’s paradisiacal surroundings.

Interiors boast a neutral colour palette, mixed with bold splashes of Maldivian hues, soft textures and wooden accents; a calming environment that allows the vibrant shades of the Maldivian surroundings speak for themselves.

Located in the popular Noonu Atoll, a mere 40 minutes’ direct seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, and also accessible via a 30-minute domestic flight to Maafaru Airport followed by a 10-minute speedboat trip.

For more information, visit www.sunsiyam.com.

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Time to Start Believing Aren't we due a bit of magic in our lives? Dianne Pilkington thinks so. She is staring in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and she, for one, is thrilled to be dreaming of the impossible again.

scary side but there has to be a joy in her too. There's a real relish in being an apprentice witch."

The show, which opens at Milton Keynes Theatre on Wednesday 15th September, is the first ever stage adaptation of the 1971 Disney favourite. Pilkington says the production is every bit as ground-breaking as the movie, with its famous blend of live action, animation and musical numbers.

She is, though, determined to make the part her own: "I'm a huge fan of hers but I'm not like her at all. Also we're in a different time. I've tried to come it at it from a modern point of view, even though it's still set in wartime."

"It's my first theatre job back," says the Wigan-born actor who plays Miss Eglantine Price, the trainee witch. "It is fun, it is full of magic and it takes you on a different journey from the adventure we've been on for the last year and a half. It is what the world needs right now."

"The film was doing something new and innovative, and so are we," says the West End star, whose roles include Glinda in Wicked, Donna in Mamma Mia! and Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein. "It is faithful to what people love about Bedknobs and Broomsticks but this creative team never make the obvious choice. They have an amazing creative brain."

Set in the darkest days of the second world war, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is about the three Rawlins children who have been evacuated from London. Finding themselves in the fictional Dorset town of Pepperinge Eye, they are put in the care of the eccentric Miss Price who is less interested in looking after them than in completing her studies in magic.

Before they know it, she is casting spells on their bed and sending them skywards on a magical adventure.

"She's very quirky," laughs Pilkington. "She's a woman who has lived on her own for a long time and has not had much love for a really long time. We've been exploring the

Long before she got the part, Pilkington was an admirer of Angela Lansbury who immortalised the role of Eglantine Price on film. She'd even got the merchandise.

"One of the first masks I bought at the beginning of the pandemic was Angela Lansbury in Murder She Wrote," she says. "The rest of the cast think it's hilarious but I didn't buy it for this – it's just mine!"

When she wants to check she's on the right lines, Pilkington has the perfect audience on hand. Her sounding board is her eight-year-old son. "I've been practising on Hugo," she says. "I've shown him my magic tricks and he doesn't know how they're done, which is gratifying."

She adds: "He's convinced the broom is on rocket boosters and he could be right – who will ever know?"

As well as the original score, the show features Sherman brothers songs that were dropped from the film, plus new material by Neil Bartram who has worked closely with Brian Hill on the stage adaptation. With the additional songs, it has become a full-blown musical. "Substitutiary Locomotion is one of the best numbers I've ever sung," says Pilkington. "I get so excited, I actually do believe I'm magic and casting a spell. When you're in the middle of that on stage it’s fabulous."

Bringing her up to speed on the art of magic is co-director Jamie Harrison. He is the man who created the stage illusions in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and once had to perform a magic trick for JK Rowling herself.

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He has also worked on Charlie on the Chocolate Factory in the West End and Pinocchio at the National Theatre, as well as all the shows for Vox Motus, the Glasgow company he runs with the other co-director, Candice Edmunds.

"At the core of Harry Potter is the human being," says Harrison. "What I learnt was that magic really works if it's part of the personality of the character who is performing it.

That's something we're working with in Bedknobs and Broomsticks. We wanted it to feel charming with a sense of childhood imagination, but at the same time be allowed to take flight."

Candice Edmunds says the fantasy emerges from the stress of the poor children who were evacuated during the war.

"Using fantasy to bring respite from trauma is really timely," she says. "It feels more than ever we want something to lift us out of our situation. The children are in the depths of a traumatic upheaval and fantasy helps to offer relief from all the dark forces closing in around them. It's very cleverly written to show the way a small child would imagine solutions to problems."

Edmunds, who grew up in Australia and South Africa before moving to Glasgow, can't believe she has the chance to direct a show that played a formative role in her childhood. "When I was about eight, we spent some time in a small town called Maun in Botswana where my aunt lives," she says. "There wasn't much to do there except raid her VHS collection.

Pretty much the only kids' film she had was Bedknobs and Broomsticks. My sister and I watched it over and over again.

It has a really special place in my heart."

In making the switch to the stage, Bedknobs and Broomsticks has become what Harrison calls "an emotionally powerful journey about belonging, commitment and family". It is a shift in emphasis that made Pilkington more determined than ever to get the part. "When I first read the script, I bawled my eyes out for the last ten minutes to the point when my husband was quite worried," she says. "What they’ve done with the story is incredibly moving."

The Addams Family is appearing at Milton Keynes Theatre from Wednesday 15th to Sunday 19th September 2021, tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com

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STARS Manish Kumar Arora (K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant) reveals what’s in store for you this month

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) The theme for achieving success in this month revolves around honing your ability to work fairly, maintain group cohesiveness or team spirit, and to compromise, adjust or negotiate diplomatically with others.

Cultivating good social skills and utilising charm and grace in your interactions with others can take you places. Favourable events and tendencies will dominate in your family life and relationships with close people during this month.

Favourable Dates: September 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Green

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Libra (23 September – 22 October) An energetic month is in store for you. You want to have fun, and you might find you’re pouring a lot of energy into your hobbies, children, and recreation. Romance moves forward, and you’re ready to take the initiative when it comes to matters of the heart. You are keen on sharing your personal philosophies with others and are especially intrigued with other points of view.

Favourable Dates: September 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: White & Green Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) It’s time to be prudent and to review your budget rather than spend. Follow the dictates of your heart this month. In general, collective interest in learning more about balance in relationships, legal rights, social skills, psychology, and soft skills can be observed. Conditions in your close partnerships may begin to feel confining now and demand a major overhaul. Travel related to education and change of place is also foreseen for some.

Favourable Dates: September 1, 9, 10, 18, 19, 27 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow.

Sagittarius (22 November -21 December) It’s an excellent period for productivity on all levels, even if the lure of chit chat with friends is strong..You are feeling remotivated after some lack of enthusiasm in recent past.

Those in business will have an upper hand in their partnerships, with courageous planning and bold steps taken towards growth. In personal and intimate relationships, you will be very warm and generous, however you may have to watch out for sudden impulses of anger.

Favourable Dates: September 1, 9, 10, 18, 19, 27 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) It’s a time when exciting professional and travel opportunities could arise, seemingly out of the blue. Love and appreciation are easy to attract this month. Your desire to learn, share ideas, and improve your skills is powerful.

You will share your skill, expertise and time for charitable and philanthropic causes. Strong energy for new beginnings in close relationships is with you in the last week of the month.

Favourable Dates: September 5, 6, 14, 15, 23, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & Blue Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) This is a happy month with glad tidings, expansions and promotions, and all-round growth. The time is good for investment purposes with chances of excellent returns. Your mood in love is mostly adventurous, and your charm is quite natural now. A more positive and forward-looking attitude wins you many admirers now. Your home will resound with continuous activity, chatter and laughter of guests that include friends, extended family and business associates.

Favourable Dates: September 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colours: Red & Purple

Pisces (19 February – 20 March) You will be busy harmonising and balancing your personal lives, relationships and partners. Some of you might enter into new relationships, both marital and romantic ones.

Encouraging results are predicted for new business partnerships and nascent enterprises. You will find immense fulfilment in marital relationships and couples involved in romance will be planning to take their relationship to the

next level. Home life would be animated, busy, and involving.

Favourable Dates: September 4, 8, 13, 17, 22, 26 Favourable Colours: Yellow & Blue

Aries (21 March – 19 April) This month propels you along a new path. Adventure, travel, and higher learning call to you. You are setting your sights on the future instead of worrying about the past and aiming high. Your spirit for adventure runs high, yet you are especially busy with work obligations. You might have a cultural or religious revival in your lives and may also be engrossed in the activities connected to religion and spirituality.

Favourable Dates: September 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colours: White & Green Taurus (20 April – 20 May) This month will turn out to be a clearly positive time, which will be literally full to the brim with meaningful events, positives, and also having conflicting situations. Those who seek to maintain peace and harmony will be richly rewarded in personal and professional relationships. Marital and conjugal life would be satisfactory. Better bonding is expected with near and dear ones.

Favourable Dates: September 1, 9, 10, 18, 19, 27 Favourable Colours: Blue & Green

Gemini (21 May – 20 June) Planetary environment promises to bring quite unusual events. Mostly those will be pleasant surprises that will happen exactly to you. During this period, you might disclose new abilities or you’ll get tremendously lucky in business sphere. You will give your superlative performance and receive admiration and appreciation from your team members. Friendships are especially rewarding this month, and new feel-good connections can be made.

Favourable Dates: September 2, 6, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Blue & Yellow Cancer (21 June – 22 July) This is a highly favourable time for self-employed professionals and family businesses. The innovative approach and go-getter attitude fetches excellent returns as profits pour in continuously. Using persuasive skills, imagination and accurate assessment about existing trends, you can conduct excellent business administration. This month is also favourable for students, people in research and development and personnel involved with training and capacity building.

Favourable Dates: September 5, 7, 14, 16, 23, 25 Favourable Colours: Green & Yellow Leo (23 July – 22 August) This would be a month of hyperactivity, both on a mental and physical level as you attend to hectic work schedules, business meetings and conferences, social gatherings and entertainment programmes and simultaneously spinning the thinking wheels and carrying on the internal brainstorming non-stop. For those in romance, time is favourable. Those in family life, might either have health issues connected to their spouses, or ego issues resulting due to brusque behaviour.

Favourable Dates: September 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favourable Colours: Red & Yellow

manishastroconsultant manish@manishastrologer.com

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Weekend Starts Here....

The Heights by Louise Candlish A nail-biting story of tragedy and revenge. He thinks he's safe up there. But he'll never be safe from you.

The Heights is a tall, slender apartment building among the warehouses of Shad Thames, its roof terrace so discreet you wouldn't know it existed if you weren't standing at the window of the flat directly opposite. But you are. And that's when you see a man up there - a man you'd recognize anywhere. He's older now and his appearance has subtly changed, but it's definitely him.

Which makes no sense at all since you know he has been dead for over two years.

You know this for a fact.

Because you're the one who killed him.

The Nest (Film) Rory (Jude Law), an ambitious entrepreneur and former commodities broker, persuades his American wife, Allison (Carrie Coon), and their children to leave the comforts of suburban America and return to his native England during the 1980s. Sensing opportunity, Rory rejoins his former firm and leases a centuriesold country manor, with grounds for Allison’s horses and plans to build a stable. Soon the promise of a lucrative new beginning starts to unravel, the couple have to face the unwelcome truths lying beneath the surface of their marriage.

Release Date: 27th August Dream Horse (DVD) Jan Vokes, a cleaner and bartender, recruits her reluctant husband Brian and local accountant Howard Davies to help her bring together a syndicate of villagers to breed a foal – which they raise on an allotment and name Dream Alliance.

On the racetrack, he proves himself to be more than a match for the multi-million-pound race horses he comes up against – a true working-class champion, taking on the establishment at their own game. But much more than this, Dream begins to alter the lives of everyone in the syndicate, not least Jan’s. He is everything to her: friend, confidant and an escape from a life of always putting other people’s needs first.Dream Horse is a classic story of triumph against adversity, and a tale of how a woman strives to make her dream a reality in a place where hope is thin on the ground.

Release Date: 13th September

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