essence issue 64

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September 2015

Smart move?

It’s a common theme: how the digital age is succeeding in distancing us from our relationship, dependency and interaction with nature. The smartphone recently usurped the laptop as the most popular way of accessing the internet, and so screens increasingly rule life.

The plus side is that it’s far easier to reach people. Organisations such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust can prick our consciousness in a fast changing world about the plight of animals with whom we co-exist. In particular, the elephant… and these gentle giants are in trouble. Perhaps we need a reality check before moving onto the next facebook, twitter, instagram or email message.

In this issue, essence looks at how renowned wildlife artist Dominique Salm’s artworks are aiming to help elephants in Africa and how the island of Sri Lanka is conserving its own Asian elephant species.

In addition, read about how Smart has introduced new models for zipping around town and Hanna Lindon explores the Norwegian fjords.

There’s some stunning seasonal fashion from Cornwall’s Celtic & Co, comment on the Ashley Madison affair from Mundays and in finance we examine the impact of the Chancellor's summer budget.

Finally, as always, essence features a variety of activities for the coming season as we take a look at the best food and events to enjoy.

The essence team

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Travel

Hanna Lindon in the fjords: from summer skiing to kayaking, the Norwegian fjords are one of Europe’s great outdoor adventure destinations. There’s also the chance to pack in plenty of culture and a spot of luxury too.

Motoring

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Euan Johns looks at Smart’s latest version of its nippy little city runaround that has received mixed reviews. Now updated, and in a four door version, fortwo and forfour are serious options to negotiate those crowded urban streets.

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Art

Suffolk artist and designer Laura Hart specialises in the creation of sculptural glass art, and has a particular penchant for exotic orchids and butterflies. Recently an American collector bought her unique butterflies just twenty four hours after they appeared in London’s Vessel Gallery.

Rebecca Peters found out why.

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Leisure breaks Cunard’s Queen Victoria is renowned for her elegance and graceful splendour.

Luxurious marbles, woods and rich fabrics uphold 175 years of history and pedigree of the Cunard line. Rebecca Underwood unwinds on board.

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Contents September 2015

8Conservation

Surrey-based charity The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has partnered with internationally acclaimed wildlife artist Dominique Salm to create a series of paintings entitled ‘Survivors’.

34Food

Crates Local Produce chooses current seasonal offerings, including fennel, butternut squash, blackberries and partridge, with recipes to enjoy.

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Legal

Eleanora Newbury, senior associate at Mundays, examines the human cost and legal consequences of the publication of Ashley Madison’s user list.

42Finance

Simon Lewis looks at the increasing tax burden for investors, small and medium sized business (SME) owners and individuals saving to a pension.

44Education

Michael Connolly, headmaster at Cranmore School, West Horsley, considers the importance of spelling, punctuation and grammar for school pupils.

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Literature

CJ Daugherty is the bestselling Surrey based author of Night School which has sold over half a million copies worldwide and was translated into 22 languages. essence recently caught up with CJ to ask about her career, success, life and new book The Secret Fire.

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Events

Linda Seward’s detailed diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts, sports and countryside over the coming weeks.

Interiors

Jenny Allan from JCA Interiors offers advice on how to keep home interiors on trend this autumn.

Antiques

During the month of September, Richard Gardner Antiques will hold a selling exhibition of the world’s greatest collections of antique dressing, vanity and travelling cases in their Chichester showrooms.

28 Fashion

Celtic & Co celebrate 25 years of British style inspired by the ruggedness of Cornwall. Using traditional handcrafting techniques results in some stunning and timeless fashion.

essence team Acting Editor: Andrew Guilor Contributing Editor: Louise Alexander-O’Loughlin Publishing Manager: Rebecca Peters Production Manager: Linda Seward Designer: Sharon Smith Senior Designer: Jason Mayes, telephone: 01932 988677, email: editor@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising Manager: Andrew Peters, telephone: 07980 956488, email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising Sales: telephone: 01932 988677 email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Executive: Nadine Schioldan, email: nadine@essence-magazine.co.uk Contributors: Hanna Lindon, Michael Connolly, Rebecca Underwood, Eleanora Newbury, Simon Lewis, PJ Aldred, Jennifer Sutton, Naomi Diamond, Euan Johns, Rebecca Peters, Richard Gardner

essence magazine Maple Publishing Limited, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.

Any artwork will be at owner’s risk. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made in writing to the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. essence is posted by Royal Mail to key addresses in Cobham, Oxshott, Esher, Weybridge, Guildford and outlying areas. Properties in all the major private estates, including St George’s Hill, the Crown Estate and Wentworth Estate, receive the magazine 10 times per year. essence is also distributed to selected estate agents and is available at city businesses, London hotels and Heathrow airport lounges.

SEPTEMBER COVER Karl Donoghue Toscana Poncho £480, Fine Knit Merino Crew-neck £65, Stretch Leather Leggings £410. Courtesy of Celtic & Co.

Design and production www.domino4.co.uk © Maple Publishing 2015

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Divine inspiration

www.driveDS.com

All images © David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

essence conservation

“I have always seen the human side in animals: the way they make you laugh or sympathise with them with an action or expression.

I’m often on location, most frequently in Africa, and will spend hours studying each subject. For me, it’s all about capturing a single moment.”

Dominique Salm

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Just cause The killing of Cecil the lion pricked the collective consciousness and starkly highlighted again that ‘big game’ is still under threat.

Fortunately, help is on hand. Surrey-based charity The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has partnered with internationally acclaimed wildlife artist, Dominique Salm, who regularly exhibits in New York and London, to create a series of paintings entitled ‘Survivors’. essence found out more.

Artist biography

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he David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) has worked for over 38 years to protect Africa’s elephants and wildlife. The charity was set up in 1977

by Dame Daphne Sheldrick DBE in memory of her late husband David Sheldrick MBE. He was the founding warden of Tsavo National Park in Kenya and the DSWT has since worked to continue and preserve his conservation legacy.

Award-winning artist Dominique Salm has been a supporter of the Trust for a long time. Her latest series of drawings were inspired by the elephant orphans currently in the DSWT’s care at its orphanage in Nairobi National Park.

The drawing series, ‘Survivors’, was created in honour of a joint exhibition in London to highlight World Elephant Day that takes place on August 12 each year. Five of these drawings will now be for sale at the DSWT’s Harambee Gala Dinner on Friday 25 September at the Landmark Hotel in London Fifty per cent of funds raised from the sale of the artworks will benefit DSWT’s lifesaving conservation work to protect, conserve and preserve wildlife in Kenya, including the orphaned elephants depicted in Dominique’s drawings. essence asked Dominique about the reasons behind her inspiration to produce this unique series of artworks. >

Award-winning artist Dominique Salm is internationally acclaimed and is becoming sought after with requests to show her work in both private and public collections worldwide, including Paris and California.

Her remarkably naturalistic animal portraits have an almost snapshot quality, showing her unique ability to capture the personality, charm and grace of each creature whilst imparting humour and character to many of her pieces.

Dominique was shortlisted for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year in both 2008 and 2010.

She was also the winner of the 2009 BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year, World Mammals category.

Dominique regularly contributes her work to many wildlife charities. In 2010 she was asked to design one of the elephants for the London Elephant Parade which the charity Traffic chose to sponsor and which was later sold at auction for £14,000. More recently, her work has been sponsored by Snow Leopard Vodka which is involved in the conservation of the Snow Leopard by donating 15% of all their sales to the Snow Leopard Trust.

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essence conservation I have admired the work of the DSWT for a long time and so wanted to do something to help the charity. Anybody who has spent time with elephants will realise what majestic, knowledgeable, loyal and emotional animals they are. I can’t bear the idea that anybody would want to hurt them and for such unnecessary reasons.

People tend to take it for granted that these gentle giants will be with us forever, but they don’t realise how bad the crisis is. We need to let the world know and get help to protect them.

Q A Q A

Why did you choose elephants as the subject matter for the artworks and call the series ‘Survivors’?

To support elephants was a natural choice as I have always been passionate about these special animals.

Gala dinner The Harambee 2015 dinner on Friday 25 September will mark the DSWT’s biggest event of the year. Key speakers, wildlife conservationists and special guests will celebrate the work of the DSWT and all that has been achieved for wildlife over the past 38 years.

Dame Daphne Sheldrick and her family will also be travelling from Kenya for the occasion. The black tie event will raise funds directly for the DSWT’s life-saving work to: l Tackle illegal ivory poaching l Offer first class veterinary support to injured wild animals l Rescue and hand-rear orphaned baby elephants in need l Work with local communities to stem human-wildlife conflict Further details and tickets can be obtained from the Gala website at: www.thedswt.org.uk/gala2015

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What was the inspiration behind your artworks?

I have visited The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage in Nairobi several times and have always had an amazing experience. I make it my mission every time I go to Kenya to call in and say hello. My last visit was especially memorable though as I got to spend an entire afternoon hanging out and playing with the infants and their keepers whilst taking photos of them.

Q A

Can you explain the style of the art?

I was watching the elephants in the wild in Kenya on one particular occasion and was marveling at how red they were from rolling and spraying the dust. I was wondering how I could translate that in my work, so I came up with the idea of using the actual earth as a pastel and it worked well! I spend hours taking photos for my pieces and it’s usually a particular photo of a moment in time that captures my interest and inspires me. I like to capture the character of the animals and the idea of the moment. I usually start with the eyes as it’s all about the eyes. l

essence info The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Second floor, 3 Bridge Street, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8BL Telephone: 01372 378321 Email: infouk@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org Websites: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org and www.dominiquesalm.co.uk

“Elephants are simply one more natural resource that is being caught up in human greed on the one hand and human need on the other. We somehow need people to become reacquainted with nature or they can have no clue as to the interrelatedness of cause and effect.”

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n August 12, 2012, the inaugural World Elephant Day was launched to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants. The elephant is loved, revered and respected by people and cultures around the world, yet we balance on the brink of seeing the last of this magnificent creature.

The escalation of poaching, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and mistreatment in captivity are just some of the threats to both African and Asian elephants. Working towards better protection for wild elephants, improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory, conserving elephant habitats, better treatment for captive elephants and, when appropriate, reintroducing captive elephants into natural, protected sanctuaries are the goals that numerous elephant conservation organisations are focusing on around the world.

World Elephant Day asks everyone to experience elephants in non-exploitive and sustainable environments where elephants can thrive under care and protection.

World Elephant Day happens every year on August 12 and enables people to express their concern, share knowledge and support solutions for the better care of captive and wild elephants alike. l

essence info Website: www.worldelephantday.org

Dr. Stephen Blake, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology

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Image © David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

World Elephant Day

Sri Lanka...

KEEPING IT WILD The Serendib isle, in conjunction with international wildlife charity Born Free, rescues orphan elephants and cares for them in its Elephant Transit Home until they are ready to return to the wild. essence found out more about this successful and life-saving project.

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ri Lanka is home to a particular subspecies of elephant unique to the island. The elephant orphanage project at Pinnawala, set up in 1975, was the subject of a report by the Born Free Foundation in 2010 that called into question the animals’ welfare.

Of primary concern was that the elephants became dependent on supplied food and too used to humans therefore making them unable to return to the wild.

A new initiative supported by the Foundation in Sri Lanka is now having greater success reintroducing orphaned elephants into their natural environment.

The Elephant Transit Home in Sri Lanka is run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. It rescues orphan elephants and returns them to the wild when ready, providing a humane alternative to taking abandoned animals into permanent captivity.

The Born Free Foundation supports the general running of the Transit Home and helps make sure the orphans receive the milk, care and medical attention they need. With the help of sponsors, including elephant. co.uk and Land Rover, Born Free has provided the

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Home with life-saving facilities and equipment such as a hospital and intensive care centre, an elephant ambulance and a kitchen. It has also funded research on the behaviour of the orphans after release, radio collars to assist in monitoring them and basic equipment for staff at the Transit Home from Wellington boots to mosquito nets.

When ready, the elephants are released into Udawalawe National Park, which the Transit Home borders, and radio collars monitor their integration back into the herds within the Park. If there are any problems, the elephants are taken back into care for a further period and then released at a later date to try again.

Kuoni Travel has a selection of wildlife safari tours to Sri Lanka, including visits to the Elephant Transit Home and Udawalawe National Park. See www.kuoni.co.uk for further details. l

essence info Websites: www.bornfree.org.uk and www.udawalawenationalpark.com

essence conservation

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essence travel

Biking between Utne and Herand Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik_Fjord Norway

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fjords Fantasy

From summer skiing to kayaking, the Norwegian fjords are one of Europe’s great outdoor adventure destinations.

And don’t worry – you’ll have a chance to pack in plenty of culture and a spot of luxury too, says Hanna Lindon.

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ur boat cruised silently through Hardangerfjord, leaving an arrowhead of rolling waves in its wake. Steep-sided mountains rose to either side of us with mist broiling around their lower slopes and their summits still capped by snow.

Every now and then, the evergreens growing thickly around the shoreline would give way to a hamlet of cheerful, clapboarded houses – some surrounded by vines and meadow clearings, others peeping shyly out of the forest. It felt wild, isolated and downright magical.

The long blue ribbon of Hardangerfjord is just a couple of hours’ drive from the city of Bergen – itself a short British Airways’ flight away from Heathrow – but this mist-wreathed fantasy land is almost as pristine as it was in the days when the Vikings launched their longships from the fjord’s wooded shores. Life here in winter is harsh, dark and lonely; but in summer Hardangerfjord transforms into an outdoor enthusiast’s ultimate paradise. Kayakers, swimmers, sailors and fishermen take to the waters, while the waterfall-streaked mountains draw climbers and walkers from all over Norway. Strangely, though, even with all the publicity the fjords get in the UK, it’s rare to hear a British accent. Almost all the tourists here are local. But that’s

okay – because the Norwegians are almost more fluent in English than we are, and their friendliness is legendary.

Even the staff at the Bergen Airport car hire desk radiated hospitable helpfulness.

“You want to change the driver’s name on the booking?” one of them beamed, as my husband Guy and I stumbled over, groggy from an early morning flight, and started making demands. “No problem at all! You’re looking for an outdoor store? Of course, there’s one just round the corner, please take my map.”

We stopped off in the largest and shiniest outdoor emporium I’ve ever seen to pick up some new walking trainers before hopping back in the car and making for our accommodation in Herand, on the opposite shore of the fjord. Not long into the hauntingly beautifully drive, we’d decided that Norway was at once one of the most scenically exotic places we’d ever been and also strangely familiar. It wasn’t just the fact that everybody you meet, from store clerks to petrol station employees, are hugely welcoming and happy to chat away in English. It was also the weather.

“Shame about the drizzle,” said Guy, turning the wipers up a notch. “At least it’s warm, though, and we’ve got our waterproofs so it shouldn’t rule out plenty of exploring.” >

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Image: Guy Prince

essence travel

“The true highlight, however, is the descent into Herand, where you can freewheel for several kilometres while drinking in the views of waterfalls, wildflower meadows and a stunning secluded lake.” Hanna Lindon

Steindalsfossen Photo: Bjørn Andresen, Statens vegvesen

Somehow, I thought, the rain didn’t detract from the splendour of the scenery.

It certainly enhanced the waterfalls, which threaded the mountains on either side of us like silver ribbons. In Steindalsfossen we stopped off to see one of the most impressive falls in the area: 50 metres of thundering white water with a rocky walkway running right underneath it. Then, after a substantial chandelier-lit lunch at the stately Thon Hotel in nearby Norheimsund, we caught the car ferry from Torvikbygd over to Jondal on the other side of the fjord.

bikes from Kramsjø before hopping on the foot ferry and motoring through the fjord to the village of Utne. A short uphill bike ride from the harbour brought us to Hardanger Folk Museum, a truly fascinating collection of objects that trace the history of Hardangerfjord’s habitation. The signage is mostly in Norwegian, but that doesn’t detract from the charm of ancient fiddles, Biking by the fjord in Jondal Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik, Fjord Norway

Lofty views Accommodation in Norway is pricey in high season, but we’d managed to find a good value cutesy little weatherboarded cabin perched high above the fjord in a tiny town called Herand. It was part of a small cabin complex presided over by an immensely friendly Norwegian family and their regal St Bernard dog. The position was lofty and the views tremendous, but there were still plenty of creature comforts around – including a famous pizza eatery called Restaurant Meieriet in the village below.

The next day, it was time to start the adventure. We wandered down to the quay after breakfast and picked up rental

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displays of traditional Hardanger clothing, ethereal folk art and historical photographs.

For us, though, the major appeal was the collection of traditional houses, imported in from all over the fjord, that are now displayed in an open air museum close to the main building. Each house has been equipped to represent the era it dates from, ranging from a truly basic hall where the inhabitants slept on hard wooden benches

and a central fire released smoke through a hole in the roof to a nineteenth century schoolhouse.

“The rain is clearing up soon,” the kindly desk minder told us as we left. “Perhaps you should try the famous apfelcake at the Utne Hotel before you set off on your bike ride.”

The Utne Hotel turned out to be a charmingly traditional hostelry just a stone’s throw from Utne harbour. A favourite with royal customers, its collection of antique Scandinavian furniture – lovingly added to by each owner since the hotel’s establishment in 1722 – had us writhing with interior design envy. The apfelcake, cider and apple juice, all made from locally sourced fruit, were everything that the lady in the museum had promised. Our stomachs were full and our hearts warmed as we hopped on our bikes and began the 22 kilometre bike ride back to Herand.

With plenty of ups and downs, this isn’t an expedition for the work-shy. If you’re happy on two wheels though, and reasonably fit, it’s an incredible experience.

The road winds through woodland, teeters over rocky platforms with far-reaching views of Hardangerfjord and rolls down into idyllic villages surrounded by vines and soft fruit farms. The true highlight,

Folgefonni Breforariag Photo: Desire Westrate

“High above Hardangerfjord is the Folgefonna glacier, where the permanent ice and snow opens up the opportunity for winter sports even during the summer months” Hanna Lindon

Folgefonni Breforariag Photo: Desire Westrate

however, is the descent into Herand, where you can freewheel for several kilometres while drinking in the views of waterfalls, wildflower meadows and a stunning secluded lake.

We reached Herand harbour well in time for pizza at 6pm, and within a few hours we were recovered enough to chat excitedly about skiing the next day.

Skiing in midsummer? Yes, you did read that right. High above Hardangerfjord is the Folgefonna glacier, where the permanent ice and snow opens up the opportunity for winter sports even during the summer months.

Driving up to Folgefonna from Jondal is a large part of the fun; our car bounced along a single track road for mile upon mile

Kajakk i Jondai Photo: CH-Innovation Norway

Go explore...

with the scenery becoming increasingly barer and more moon-like. With no other cars on the road and the access hardly more than a farm track, this was a world away from skiing in the Alps. We were beginning to think that we’d taken a wrong turning when the track suddenly opened up into a car park and we arrived at a tiny ski resort.

Folgefonna only offers one main run (easily within the abilities of most skiers), but with a huge snow park complete with some of the biggest jumps I’ve ever seen and an atmospheric mountain restaurant, it’s well worth a visit. The views from the top of the button lift are incredible, plus it’s just brilliantly bizarre to be shooting down a snowy slope in the middle of summer.

The best bit, though, is that an hour after you leave the slopes you can be paddling through the calm waters of Hardangerfjord on a kayak. The tourist information centre in Jondal, along with hosting a café packed with homemade offerings, runs kayaking courses and kayak hire. The sun was blazing through the clouds by the time we arrived in the town, and a few minutes later we were drifting serenely through the still water with the spectacular tableau of the fjord laid out ahead of us.

Exploring Hardangerfjord turned out to be exciting, awe-inspiring and quite unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. If you want to add a touch of magic to your next trip abroad, then this is the place to go. l

Getting there: We flew with British Airways from Heathrow to Bergen, with the flight taking less than two hours and costing approximately £100 per person.

Getting around: Hiring a car at Bergen Airport is the easiest option, although there are buses from Bergen (www.skyss.no). A car ferry connects the two sides of the fjord and some tolls may apply for road usage.

When to go: The weather tends to be best between May and October, while winter can see substantial snowfall and access problems.

Where to stay: We booked a selfcatering cabin in Herand with Bakketunet (www.beta.bakketunet.no). Other more luxurious recommendations include the Utne Hotel in Utne (www.utnehotel.no) and the Thon Hotel in Nordheimsund (www.thonhotels.com).

Where to eat: Options are a little limited in rural areas, but Restaurant Meieriet (www.meieriet.no) and the two hotels already mentioned are all good options.

Top attractions: Hiring bikes from Kramsjø (www.sykkelihardanger.no/en), skiing on the Folgefonna glacier (www.folgefonn.no), kayaking around Jondal (www.visitjondal.no), visiting the Hardanger Folk Museum (www.hardangerogvossmuseum.no).

Find out more: www.hardangerfjord.com

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Smart choice?

Innovative smart’s latest version of its nippy little city runaround has received mixed reviews, but there’s no getting away from the quirky funkiness and excellence of the original design. Now updated and in a four door version, fortwo and forfour are serious options for the city slicker who wants something more than a scooter to get about in and negotiate crowded urban streets, says Euan Johns.

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n the sixties, the bubble car enthralled the public with its impossible dimensions and strange looks. Born out of the need to economise on fuel and from its aircraft makers’ backgrounds, it looked like someone had taken an airplane cockpit and stuck it on three wheels. A similar reaction was evoked when the first smart cars arrived almost 20 years ago. The smart car was originally designed by Nicolas Hayek, the man who brought us the iconic Swatch watch design. There are now updates of the smart fortwo and forfour versions.

As you’d expect, the specs are higher and environmental credentials improved. But the models have lost none of their agility and are surprisingly spacious inside. Despite modest proportions, the new smarts are packed with equipment, fitted with £300 of extras including direct steer electric power steering, an automatic start/stop function and LED daytime running lights.

The fortwo is available in two power options: 71hp and 90hp turbo. These are twinned with a new five-speed manual gearbox for the first time. There’s an optional six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that brings quicker gear changes and efficiency. Fuel economy is just under 70mpg for both models in the combined cycle. The forfour uses the same engine delivering similar, but slightly less, figures. The back seats of the forfour fold down to allow bulkier items to be transported. >

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essence motoring

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essence motoring

“Despite increased safety requirements, we have managed to retain the smart fortwo’s unique length of just 2.69 metres. It shares its architecture with the new forfour. We have tailored both of the vehicles to the needs of modern-day city traffic. My team is particularly proud of the turning circle, which sets a brand new benchmark at just 6.95 metres for the fortwo.”

Markus Riedel, head of development at smart

The cars come in three variations: Passion, Prime and Proxy. For the additional £700 payable for the Prime and Proxy models you’ll get 15" five-twin-spoke black alloys, a panoramic glass roof, black leather upholstery, heated seats and lane-keeping assist on the Prime.

The Proxy offers 16" eight-Y-spoke alloy wheels in black, lane keeping assist and the sports package.

Should the whim take you, upgrade with the choice of the Premium and Premium Plus Packages. The Premium Package is available on all model lines of the fortwo and forfour and the extra provides rear parking assistance, a smart media system with navigation, height adjustable steering wheel and heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors.

Those with spare cash can go even further.

Opt for the Premium Plus Package (which

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includes Premium Pack available on the prime and proxy model lines only) and gain ambient lighting, coming home function, LED headlamps with light guide, rain and light sensors and a rear view camera.

So behind all the razzmatazz and myriad of options, what’s the bottom line? Well, if practicality is a prime concern, then it maybe worth thinking twice. The car is a great town runaround, has the expected low running costs and these new versions are well equipped. It’s not a sports car, but who needs that in town, apart for a bit of showmanship? The smart’s handling and tight turning circle will enable drivers to

park on a sixpence in a space not much larger and for that it’s worth considering.

But for those who don’t feel like shelling out the extra (well quite considerable extra £2.5k) it may be worth looking at the VW Up which has the looks and same feel as its larger cousin the Golf. The advantage the smart has over its rivals is its high spec standards. Will we fall quite so in love with the car as the Chinese, Germans and Italians have? Well that remains to be seen. l

essence info Website uk.smart.com

IOTC FP August.indd 1

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essence art

Heart in glass Suffolk artist and designer Laura Hart specialises in the creation of sculptural glass art, and has a particular penchant for exotic orchids and butterflies. Recently an American collector bought her unique butterflies just 24 hours after appearing in London’s Vessel Gallery, Rebecca Peters found out why.

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ith a background in 3D design and animation, Laura Hart has designed large-scale public sculpture for concept artists, stage sets for pop stars and vast props for sporting events, but her true passion lies with hands on creation. Laura first encountered glass art in 2009 whilst designing a sculpture requiring glass components. To better understand the fabrication processes she observed glass artists at work and was immediately captivated.

“The versatility of glass is legion; so many disciplines have evolved to craft this delicious material into infinite forms, I wish I’d discovered it years ago,” she says.

A dedicated arts and crafts revivalist, Laura’s work combines fine art and functionality in true Nouveau and Deco styles, particularly favouring the use of ambient lighting. Her 1,200mm diameter orchid mirror is dressed with three delicate moth orchid flowers set on a gently curving stem, each flower glowing with subtle backlighting hidden behind the mirror. She offers her clients a complete design service, providing virtual images of the commission in situ within their home prior to creation.

Laura continues: “Creating special commissions for someone’s home is a huge responsibility and an exacting challenge, but knowing they will cherish the work all the more because it was made especially for them is superbly gratifying.”

Laura has so far added six orchid species and several lily and poppy varieties to her

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flower anthologies. Emulating the delicacy and ethereal translucency of real blooms, she layers the flower structure as it forms in nature, employing several traditional glass making techniques to meticulously create fine detail. Backlighting reveals every gossamer facet through the petal layers in a diffused spectral glow.

She explains: “The flowers take a while to make, up to fourteen days depending on the level of detail and number of firings required. Much of the process is cold working; grinding the layers in a succession of noisy machines. I spend much of my time in waterproofs and wellies; I look better suited to a fishing trawler!” >

Pansy orchid sculpture

Bee Orchid: Ophrys Apifera Garnet

“These are fully three dimensional entomological specimens with sterling silver legs, antennae and proboscis measuring between eight and 10 inches across. Inside their specially made cabinets they look like they are perching like real insects. The first series of five were months in development to perfect the combination of fused wings and cast bodies.”

Laura Hart Papilio appalachiensis (Eastern Tiger Swallowtail)

All images © Laura Hart

Queen Alexandra birdwing butterfly

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essence art

Flanders’ fields poppy

The Vessel Gallery The authority on contemporary glass Evening star

In a natural progression from exotic flora, for 2015 Laura has shifted focus onto colourful fauna with her Lepidoptera series; painstakingly detailed butterfly specimens from around the globe. Scaled up to an eighteen-centimetre wingspan, the glass insects are created from multiple fused wing-sets, pate de verre cast bodies and sterling silver legs, antennae and proboscis.

Mounted in bespoke wall hanging cases, her first five specimens were exhibited in the window of London’s Vessel Gallery during early May this year. Twenty-four hours later the entire collection was purchased by an American collector and within a week fluttering their way Stateside.

Laura confirms: “I was delighted the butterflies were received so well; it took months of development to get the techniques absolutely right. I wanted them to appear as living creatures as opposed to pinned museum specimens. There were a

Ocean sunset

26 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

few steep learning curves for me: pate de verre casting on a miniature scale and silversmithing, but the only way to progress is by stepping outside of normal comfort zones. I am making only one of each species, some of which are the most endangered in the world. A stark reminder that if we’re not careful, artistic reproductions may be the only evidence they ever existed.”

Laura is busy creating several more unique butterflies in readiness for the prestigious Decorex interior design exhibition in Syon Park, London, from 20 to 23 September. Vessel Gallery is preparing a stunning display of the new pieces for its stand, number B23 for those planning a visit.

In stark contrast to her nouveau style flora and fauna, the Deco-esque flip side of Laura’s creative flair is precise optical geometry, attributing her ‘Picasso’ collection of vibrant bowls and vessels to her love of the great artist’s painting, ‘Ma Jolie’.

“Picasso’s early cubist works were inspirational; suggestive, secretive and playful. My intention was to create functional pieces that reveal their secret when light passes through the layers of colour: casting a ‘painted’ image onto the surface upon which they are displayed,” she says.

Laura’s work is undoubtedly unique, meticulous and strikingly diverse, yet cohesive in its arts and crafts ethos. As she rightly says: “Computer aided design and 3D sculpting are fabulous tools, but soulless.

Art only takes on life when it passes through human hands.” l

Founded in Notting Hill, London in 1999, Vessel Gallery is a major destination for the appreciation of contemporary art-glass sculpture and decorative lighting. From the stunning simplicity of Scandinavian crystal, via flamboyant Italian art glass, to the best of British and international creative talents, all pieces are unique or limited edition and have been carefully edited to show an unparalleled selection of contemporary design and craft.

The Gallery also edits its own editions, and has an ongoing programme working with emerging and established studio artists and designers, producing unique collections of exclusive limited edition art works in glass and other materials. The majority of the collections are handcrafted by the artists and designers in their studios, but also involve collaboration with skilled craftsmen worldwide.

The Gallery also consults for interior and corporate projects, providing the opportunity to have a truly bespoke commissioning service with unique works created in dialogue with a client.

In addition the Gallery is a valuable resource for artists, museums and collectors. Numerous artworks have entered prestigious public collections as a direct result of the Gallery’s exhibitions and advocacy.

essence info Hart Glass Telephone: 01787 282623 Email: info@hartglass.com Websites: www.hartglass.com and www.vesselgallery.com

essence competition

Win a pair of tickets

to see the fusion musical,

DUSTY, at the Charing Cross Theatre

Dusty is a ground-breaking, multi-media ‘Fusion Musical’.

A celebration of the career of Dusty Springfield, this unique theatrical event combines the latest 3D technology and digital media with live performance, music and dance.

E

xperience Dusty’s story through the eyes of Nancy Jones, a childhood friend, and key figures who accompanied Dusty on her journey.

Charting her rise from middle class suburban London to the recording of her seminal album, Dusty in Memphis, Dusty ‘comes back to life’ in this spectacular show.

Don’t miss the world premiere of this new production celebrating the music of Dusty Springfield, the most outstanding female singer of her era.

To win a pair of tickets for a performance of Dusty before 30 September 2015, Monday to Thursday, at Charing Cross Theatre, simply answer the following question at www.essence-magazine.co.uk.

Closing date Friday 18 September 2015.

What was the name of Dusty Springfield’s seminal album: a. Dusty in Darlington b. Dusty in Memphis c. Dusty in Manchester

essence info Dusty Charing Cross Theatre, Villiers Street, London WC2N. Tickets from £20.

Book tickets: online or 0844 4930 650 Website: www.dustytheshow.com Booking until 21 November 2015 Follow on: Facebook: DustyShow Twitter: @dusty_show Terms and conditions apply.

Tickets are valid Monday to Thursday until 30 September 2015. Subject to availability.

Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged.

No cash alternative will be offered.

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 27

Union Jack Throw £150 Coloured Shortie Boots £120

28 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

essence fashion

Cream of Cornwall

This year Celtic & Co celebrates 25 years of British style. Inspired by the rugged county of Cornwall, and using traditional handcrafting techniques, the company offers a range of sheepskin footwear, luxury women’s clothing and soft furnishings.

C

eltic & Co is truly inspired by the world around it. Hints of the Cornish landscape are intrinsically threaded throughout every colour palette and texture of its footwear, fashion and soft furnishings.

The company’s ranges are designed by a treasured inhouse team, based in Newquay, Cornwall, and yarns are carefully sourced from a close-knit network of suppliers based as close to home as possible.

Celtic & Co believe in making the most of nature’s goodness and is proud to exclusively use natural fibres in all products, from its 100% sheepskin boots to the 100% organic cotton tees, and everything in-between.

By continuously striving for supreme quality across its range, Celtic & Co aim to create pieces customers will love for life. l >

Men’s Waffle Cardigan £98 Lambswool Tartan Scarf £30

Organic Cotton Tees £32

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Above left: Dolman Jersey Top £55 Merino Lounge Pants £68 Dita Slippers £45 Above right: Jersey Cowl Cape £55 Leggings £32 Suede Pumps £50 Left: Ladies’ Sheepskin Bootee Slippers £59

essence info Celtic & Co Website: www.celticandco.com

30 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

essence fashion

Long-sleeve Henley Nightie £45 Cashmere Striped Socks £46 Ladies Sheepskin Bootee Slippers £59

Knitted Shortie Slippers £72 Knitted Mules £45

Henley Sleep Tee £28 Organic Cotton Pyjama Trousers £74

New Dita Slippers in Ebony £45

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 31

© credit | Dreamstime.com © Ariwasabi

essence health

How to repair

sun exposed skin Aesthetician Naomi Diamond of The Epsom Skin Clinic advises on how to rejuvenate sun-tired skin.

N

ow that autumn is approaching, it is time to transform sun ravaged skin into a form as glowing as the turning leaves. Here are a few remedies and methods to look out for:

Sunscreen I have mentioned it in several articles, but sunscreen is the most essential part of any home care beauty routine. Come rain or shine, 365 days a year, UVA and UVB rays are out to target skin, depleting vital nutrients and causing premature ageing.

A moisturising SPF will protect and also boost skin hydration. Here at The Epsom Skin Clinic, we recommend Heliocare, a clinically proven product range with moisturising and powerful antioxidant benefits with a version to cater for all needs, even oily skin.

Antioxidants Antioxidants should be a necessity to a skin regime. Free radical damage occurs every day in our skin caused by pollution, stress and the sun (to name a few). Effects can be spots, wrinkles, loss of skin laxity and generally premature aging. An antioxidant helps neutralise free radicals, preventing them from attacking collagen and protecting skin cells from damage.

Working their way through to the epidermis and enhancing the effects of an SPF, they can also help with luminosity and inflammation. Vitamins C and E are the most common antioxidants and my personal favourite products are Obagi Professional C serums. There are three different concentrations depending on skin type and they only need to be used once a day in the morning.

32 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Vitamin A This winter make a beeline for this wonder ingredient. By regulating cell turnover, this product can help with various skin issues such as open pores, pigmentation, spots, thickened skin, fine lines and wrinkles and many more; it also reduces the effects of sun damage and revitalises the skin.

Retriderm serum contains a strain of vitamin A combined with hyaluronic acid which helps with skin rehydration and plumping, leaving the skin smooth and radiant.

Body scrub It’s not all about the face… bodies need a look in too! The mixture of sun cream and heat can make skin bumpy and uneven.

Jan Marini Bioglycolic body scrub blends polished beads and glycolic acid to create a powerful exfoliant that helps eliminate dead cell build up and improve calloused skin. Whilst the beads physically exfoliate the skin’s top layer, the glycolic acid (a sugar cane derivative) gently resurfaces and breaks down the bond between natural oils and dead cells which is untouchable by exfoliating alone. This will reveal fresh, soft and healthy skin which will only improve with use. It can also be used to treat uneven pigment and skin complaints such as bumps of dry skin commonly found on the backs of arms and legs. My favourite tip: massage in a favourite body cream, oil or a rich body butter after treatment for a smooth, silky finish with the important hydrating ingredients able to reach deeper into the skin.

Treatments Sloughing away dry, dead skin cells is a must after summer. We build up a mixture of product, dead skin, make up and sweat

which can make skin dull and uneven, causing blockages and congestion.

To kickstart the process, have a few microdermabrasions, skin peels or even a combination of both. These will refresh the complexion by eliminating dead skin and congestion, improving tone, radiance and encouraging good circulation. eDermastamp is a micro needling machine that penetrates the skin more evenly and comfortably. It creates tiny channels allowing rejuvenating products to penetrate deeper and remodelling the skin by promoting collagen and elastin production. This treatment can help with concerns such as pigmentation, acne scarring and general rejuvenation of fine lines and wrinkles. After treatment it can feel like mild sunburn and appear a little red, so be prepared for some downtime.

Finally, now is the time of year to start permanent laser hair reduction. This revolutionary treatment uses heat to target and destroy cells at the base of follicles that make hair. For the body, around six to eight treatments will be required and for the face it can be anything between eight to twelve, depending on the client. Reducing hair growth by approximately 80%, say goodbye to in-growing hairs, shaving rash and monthly waxing, leaving the body smooth. l

essence info Epsom Skin Clinics Website: www.epsomskinclinics.com Telephone: 01372 737280 (Epsom) or 020 8399 5996 (Surbiton)

© credit | Dreamstime.com © Ariwasabi

essence baking

Chocolate Turkish Delight cupcakes with rose icing Be transported back to the Ottoman Empire with a rich, dark chocolate cupcake, delicately flavoured with rosewater and a secret compartment housing chunks of chocolate covered Turkish delight, topped with a delicate rosewater icing… and, yes, perhaps more Turkish Delight!

Ingredients (makes 12)

Method

80g unsalted butter 270g caster sugar 190g plain flour 50g quality cocoa powder Three teaspoons baking powder 240ml semi-skimmed milk Two eggs One teaspoon rosewater Four chocolate covered Turkish Delight bars

l Beat together the butter and caster sugar until pale and creamy. Add the two eggs one at a time until the batter is smooth. l Add a third of the flour and cocoa powder, followed by a third milk and repeat until a soft batter appears. Fold in the rosewater. l Place in the oven at around 180°C/160°F for around 20 minutes, depending on oven, then remove and leave to cool on a wire rack. l For the icing, place the butter, icing sugar, milk and rosewater in a bowl and mix until smooth and creamy. l Chop the Turkish Delight into small cubes and when the cupcakes are cool, using an apple corer, make an indentation in the cupcakes and then fill each hole with pieces of Turkish Delight.

Rosewater icing 110g unsalted butter 500g icing sugar Four tablespoons semi skimmed milk Half teaspoon rosewater Drop of pink food colouring (if desired)

l Pipe swirls of creamy rosewater icing on top and finish with a chunk of Turkish Delight.

essence info Website: www.jenscupcakery.com Telephone: 07751 553106 Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenscupcakery Twitter: @jenscupcakery Blog: http://ilovejenscupcakery.wordpress.com

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essence food

At their best...

RIGHT NOW

Seasonal and local food offers taste, health and even economic benefits.

Crates Local Produce highlights the amazing seasonal produce available from our region.

rates Local Produce is located centrally within the historic market town of Horsham and bursts with fresh, seasonal food sourced directly from local producers. For more details see www.crateslocal.co.uk. Follow on Twitter @crateslocal or Facebook page Crates Local.

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Florence (or Bulb) fennel Widely cultivated throughout the world, fennel is of the same family as carrots and parsley, boasts medicinal uses, another ancient remedy for snake bites and one of the main ingredients of Absinthe. However, it is mainly the strong flavoured leaves, flowers and seeds of the herb with these benefits, whilst the bulb fennel we use as a vegetable is a far more modest affair and definitely more subtle.

The vegetable still has the same aniseed flavour similar to the herb, so makes a lovely contrast to any salad, but also works very well boiled, steamed and especially roasted. The crisp bulb adds texture as well as taste and works well with other strong flavours such as game. Choose firm, white bulbs and trim off the green tops before preparing. Image Š Margo555 | Dreamstime.com

Butternut squash Far from just an ingredient for soup, this hourglass shaped orange gourd is actually far more versatile. Full of fibre, low in fat, but rich in antioxidants, it also has a lovely buttery texture with a nutty flavour, hence its name. Whilst butternuts certainly make a filling and satisfying soup, this vegetable (although technically a fruit as it contains seeds) is as delicious baked as it is, added to casseroles, curries and adds wonders to a risotto.

Big, heavy with a tough skin, but none of this should put you off.

Accessing the sweet inside is easier than it looks with the help of a vegetable peeler, or just roast it with the skin on and scoop out as required. As with all gourds, the middle is full of seeds so just discard. If peeling, slice through the bottom first to form a stable base and peel away until reaching the rich flesh. Like many squashes, the butternut has a very long shelf life contained in its own packaging and so can be stored out of the fridge.

Image Š Draftmode | Dreamstime.com

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Blackberries Our ancient ancestors were certainly not wrong in harvesting wild blackberries as they would have provided an important source of vitamins, fibre and even Omega 3 which is contained in the seeds of the fruit. One of the many myths that surround these black beauties is that they should not be eaten after Michaelmas Day as the result of St. Michael casting Satan out of Heaven and him landing on a blackberry bush. Satan either spat on the fruits or stamped on the bush depending on what part of the British Isles you are from!

Blackberries have also been hailed as a cure for ulcers or snake venom.

Whilst blackberries are grown commercially, there are few things more pleasurable than foraging these fruits along hedgerows from the end of August (right until Michaelmas Day on 29 September). Choose a rural walk away from busy, exhaust-fume roads and foragers will soon come across an abundance of brambles laden with fruit. They are delicious just as they are, in a pudding, make some of the best jams and freeze really well. Image Š Ian Andreiev | Dreamstime.com

Partridge This is one of the first birds available during the game season and today the most prevalent variety available from game merchants is the red-legged or French Partridge. Originating from southern Europe, this bird is larger than our native grey and is known to roost at night in fruit trees which is thought to have inspired the first line in the Twelve Days of Christmas song.

All partridge are better hung for a few days and many game traders now offer plucked and fully prepared birds making it a really easy buy to just throw in the oven.

Although the red-legged partridge is milder than the grey, it still has plenty more flavour than chicken, but does not overwhelm with a strong game taste. It is leaner and more interesting too and far from expensive.

>

Image Š Cynoclub | Dreamstime.com

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essence food

Butternut squash and spinach gratin www.crateslocal.co.uk Serves four to six Ingredients: Two large butternut squashes 350g fresh spinach 250ml double cream One small onion Three cloves garlic Five tablespoons butter 200g hard cheese such as Parmesan or local Twineham Grange Seasoning to include salt, pepper and quarter teaspoon grated nutmeg Method: • Pre-heat oven to 200°C/gas mark 6 and lightly butter a shallow baking dish.

• Cook the spinach for just four minutes in boiling water, drain thoroughly, rinse in cold water and chop coarsely to then set aside.

• Prepare the squash by cutting off the neck section, peel this and carefully cut into slices of around half centimetre thick.

• Finely chop the onion and garlic and cook in melted butter until soft (keep a couple of tablespoons of butter aside). Add in the spinach, seasoning and cream, stirring all in well.

• Start to layer ingredients into the dish, starting with the sliced squash and then the spinach and onion mix. Continue to layer, aiming for a total of five layers finishing with a layer of squash.

Top this with grated cheese and small knobs of butter.

• Cover with foil and bake for around 30 minutes or until bubbling. Remove the foil and bake for a further five to ten minutes until browned.

Roast partridge with fennel mashed potato www.crateslocal.co.uk Serves two Ingredients: Two partridges Two sprigs fresh thyme Six juniper berries (optional) Two tablespoons butter Two tablespoons oil – rapeseed or olive Four slices streaky bacon or pancetta to cover the breasts (or use foil) For the mash: 500g potatoes (good all rounders or baking) One small bulb fennel or half a large one 100ml milk or milk and sour cream combined Two tablespoons butter Salt to taste Method: • Pre-heat oven to 200°C/gas mark 6.

• Divide the thyme and juniper berries between the two birds putting into the cavities and season with salt and pepper if required. Tie up the legs with string.

• Soften the butter and cover the birds with this together with oil, placing the bacon, pancetta or foil over the breasts.

• Roast in a suitable roasting tin or dish for around 30 minutes or until the juices run clear.

• While the partridges are roasting, trim the green tops from the fennel bulb and slice the main body into thin strips. Place these in a saucepan, cover with half the milk over a medium heat and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer until the fennel is tender.

Blend this until smooth.

• Peel and cut potatoes into even pieces, boil and simmer for around 20 minutes or until just soft. Drain well and mash the potatoes, add in the fennel purée, the remaining milk and salt if required. Heat together and serve hot with the roast partridge.

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Autumn fruit custard www.crateslocal.co.uk Serves four Ingredients: 250g blackberries, raspberries or mix with blackcurrants 200ml cold custard 200ml double cream Two teaspoons runny honey (local & raw if possible) Mint leaves to dress Method: • Prepare the custard, either by making your own or use a good quality custard straight from a carton. Leave to cool fully and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

• Blend together the berries and honey, leaving some fruits aside to use whole to dress before serving. Once blended, sieve the mixture to remove the many pips.

• Whip up the custard with the double cream until it becomes just firm and stir in the fruit and honey mix. Taste and add more honey if required.

• Serve in individual dishes and top with whole fruits and mint leaves.

Blackberry and vanilla vodka www.crateslocal.co.uk Ingredients: 500ml vodka (does not have to be premium) 500g fresh blackberries 100g caster sugar Three vanilla pods Method: • A variation on the various homemade gins that work so well during the seasonal holidays, but now is the time to start this one off, so firstly simply wash the blackberries.

• Sterilise an airtight, wide-necked bottle or Kilner jar. This is easily done in a dishwasher on the hottest setting after rinsing thoroughly.

Alternatively, wash the bottle or jar and place in an oven on a sheet of baking paper on one of the oven shelves, heating the oven to just 140°C/gas mark 1 for 15-20 minutes.

• Once sterilised, it’s all downhill; just fill the bottle with all the ingredients, splitting the vanilla pods lengthways, seal the bottle and shake a few times to mix.

• Place in a cool, dark cupboard, shake a few times each day for around a week and then just once a week. Leave for a minimum of three months to fully infuse.

• Strain through some muslin and present in a suitable bottle.

essence info Crates Local Produce 24a Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1EB Telephone: 01403 256435 Website: www.crateslocal.co.uk Follow on Twitter @crateslocal or Facebook page Crates Local

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essence books

Final Wicket

Test and First Class Cricketers Killed in The Great War

W

hile cricket remains hugely popular with all age groups today, at the beginning of the twentieth century it was the national game. Cricketers were the sporting icons of their age, as footballers are today. The call to arms in 1914 and over the years of war that followed was answered in droves by young men, including Test and First Class cricketers.

In Final Wicket Nigel McCrery has researched the lives, sporting careers and

deaths of 275 top class cricketers who made the ultimate sacrifice between August 1914 and the end of 1918. He includes not just British players but those from countries of what was then the Empire. The enormity of the horror and the scale of wholesale loss of life during The Great War is well demonstrated by these succinct but moving obituaries which are accompanied by images of the individuals concerned. Many died in the mud of the Western Front, but others in the air and at sea across the world.

By Nigel McCrery RRP: £30.00 480 pages Hardback • 250 illustrations ISBN: 9781473827141

Into Touch

Rugby Internationals Killed in The Great War

M

any thousands of men died during the Great War. They came from every place and class.

The very cream of the nation joined up thinking it a great adventure but, all too often, never returned.

This book is dedicated to the memory of an elite few of such men: the rugby internationals who fell in The Great War. Among the hundreds of thousands who served and died for their country were one hundred and thirty rugby internationals.

About the author Born in London in 1953, Nigel McCrery travelled extensively during his childhood as his father was a sergeant in the RAF. They eventually settled in Tonton, Nottingham and Nigel went to George Spencer Secondary School followed by Beeston College of Further Education.

In 1978 he joined the Nottinghamshire Constabulary but had to retire in 1987 due to an injury. He then became a student at Trinity College, Cambridge reading history.

Armed with a degree, he was accepted onto the BBC graduate entry course. In 1992 he moved to the BBC drama department and since then has written or been responsible for a number of highly successful BBC series and films including Silent Witness, New Tricks and All the King’s Men.

38 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

By Nigel McCrery RRP: £25.00 256 pages Hardback • 250 illustrations ISBN: 9781781590874

essence info Both published by Pen & Sword Books Ltd Website: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

essence literature events

Cue September’s literary festivals…

Henley Literary Festival Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October

A

stunning cast comes together in a spectacular setting for the ninth Henley Literary Festival – the biggest, most varied and thought provoking yet.

Over seven days 170 events will include the largest ever array of children’s events, with 50 inspiring escapades for children aged two and up. Stars of stage and screen appearing at the Festival include Sue Perkins, Virginia McKenna, EastEnders’ Pam St Clement, Brian Blessed, comedians Tim Key and Katie Wix, and Barry Cryer.

From politics, the festival welcomes Vince Cable and Kwasi Kwarteng; for spirituality Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Archbishop John Sentamu; for cookery, world blogging sensation ‘Deliciously’ Ella Woodward and BBC Masterchef winner, actress Lisa Faulkner; plus adventurer Ranulph Fiennes and TV’s Peter Snow, with his book on the Battle of Waterloo.

This year’s bill also boasts novelists that include Captain Corelli’s Mandolin author Louis de Bernières, Deborah Moggach – whose books inspired the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film series – and Sex & the City creator Candace Bushnell.

The children’s festival is delighted to announce appearances from the likes of Michael Morpurgo and Charlie and Lola creator Lauren Child, plus a range of free performances from Maisy Mouse, Kipper and friends.

essence info Tickets are on sale at www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk or on 01491 575 948

Write on Kew Thursday 24 to Monday 28 September

K

essence info For more information and for tickets visit www.kew.org

ew Gardens launches its first ever literary festival this autumn. The Gardens will welcome a host of world famous authors and writers from all genres for a series of scintillating talks and events.

Highlight appearances include Margaret Atwood, Mel Giedroyc, Michael Morpurgo, Esther Freud, Neel Mukherjee, Bill Bryson, Iain Sinclair and Ella Woodward.

Stunning surrounds, breathtaking architecture and over 250 years of science and history make Kew Gardens a perfect location for a new London literary festival. Each ticket includes full access to the Gardens for the day, and many talks will take place in Kew’s listed buildings, including the Nash Conservatory and Museum Number 1, overlooking the iconic Palm House.

“We are delighted to be launching a new London literary festival. Kew is so much more than just a botanic garden, and as an organisation with over 250 years of knowledge, creativity and burning scientific passion behind it, I am thrilled to be welcoming some of the world’s best writers and thinkers,” says Richard Deverell, director of Kew Gardens.

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 39

essence legal

Thunderstruck Eleanora Newbery, senior associate at Mundays, looks at the human cost and legal consequences of the publication of Ashley Madison’s user list.

T

he press has been dominated in recent weeks by the story of the hack of data from the infidelity website Ashley Madison. Readers seemed shocked by the sheer volume of people who seemingly sought relationships outside of their marriages and writers speculate that this will lead to an increase in divorce in the UK. However, adultery, or a breakdown in trust like this, is an issue which faces many couples in the UK.

The Ashley Madison affair Ashley Madison is an online dating service specifically for people who are married or in a relationship. It is owned by Avid Life Media which is a Canadian company.

It is reported that on 12 July 2015 several employees at Avid Life Media logged into their computers and were confronted by a message from hackers. The message said that the hackers had stolen personal information about the website’s users and threatened to release users’ names and information to identify them if Ashley Madison was not immediately shut down.

According to reports the message was accompanied by a soundtrack of AC/DC’s 1990 hit ‘Thunderstruck’.

The hackers, calling themselves ‘The Impact Team’ apparently stole details of 33 million accounts of users all over the world with an estimated 1.2 million users in the UK. If that is right then it would amount to about 5% of the married UK population.

On 18 and 20 August those details were put on the internet. The details include the personal information of people who are said to have paid an extra fee for their data to be completely removed from the website. It is undoubtedly a gripping story.

40 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

The hacking itself sounds like a scene from Sherlock or James Bond, and at the moment the motivation of the hackers is unclear.

There is also an element of Schadenfreude.

People who went out of their way to be dishonest to their spouses have been caught out.

To most people, it seems a mixture of bizarre and sad that there would be so much of a market for people who want to have an affair. If people are unhappy or bored with their spouse, why not address that first?

We are relatively familiar with the concept that people can accidentally become attracted to someone other than their partner and then choose to act on that.

However it seems strange that someone would deliberately plan an affair, to the extent of registering with a website to find someone to have an affair with. Here people seemed to be seeking out an affair for the sake of having an affair, rather than for the sake of the other person.

For people who are affected by this though, these are real considerations and they need to now make very hard decisions about their relationships.

Many people face these same issues every day, even if in not such a high profile way. When people find out about affairs, or are told about them, they can feel ‘thunderstruck’. There are examples of spouses leaving the family home with just a note after 30 years of marriage, people receiving text messages sent to them in error or walking into a room at the wrong moment.

They do not know what to do from that point.

What to do if you find out your partner is having an affair The first thing you need to do is to talk to your spouse. An affair, or discontentment with the marriage, does not necessarily mean the marriage has irretrievably broken down. How does the other person feel? Do they want the relationship to end? Do you?

You then need to explore how you feel about the relationship. Rather than deciding quickly that the marriage has broken down, sometimes it can be worth ‘letting the dust settle’ and really thinking about whether you can forgive, and whether they want to do so.

It might well be that you can explore the reasons for the affair which if dealt with could mean that in future you have a successful and fulfilling marriage. It is certainly worth exploring whether there is anything that can be done to help you and your spouse to share and then take practical steps to improve your relationship.

Relate are specialists in helping with this, or there is support on websites such as http://beyondaffairs.com.

Seeing a solicitor If you find that you cannot continue with the marriage then it is worth seeing a solicitor for legal advice.

Many people expect that wives whose husbands’ names appear on the Ashley Madison list will be able to divorce relying on the fact of their husband’s adultery.

However this is unlikely to be the case.

‘Adultery’ is the voluntary sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who are not married to each other but one of whom is a married person. This means you cannot rely on adultery if your spouse has had sex with someone else of the same sex.

© Oneinchpunch | Dreamstime.com

In order to divorce based on the fact of your spouse’s adultery, you need to prove firstly that adultery has taken place and also that you find it intolerable to live with your spouse. The mere fact of being registered on the Ashley Madison website does not prove that adultery has taken place.

In order to prove the adultery, the easiest way to proceed is for your spouse to admit the adultery within the divorce forms. This is relatively simple and straightforward and does not affect your spouse’s financial claims in any way.

If your spouse will not admit his adultery, but has committed adultery, then it is possible to prove this by providing evidence of, for example, cohabitation which shows an opportunity to commit adultery along with an inclination to commit it. The evidence of an enquiry agent could be used.

You also need to show that you find it intolerable to live with your spouse. If you continue to live with your spouse for six months or more after you know about the adultery, then you cannot rely on adultery, unless the adultery is continuing, because it appears that you could continue to live with your spouse. If you suspect, but do not know for sure, then this does not count as ‘knowing’ about the adultery.

For all these reasons, in the situation where spouses’ names appear on the Ashley Madison list, or if your spouse will not admit adultery, it is likely to be better to petition for divorce based on your spouse’s ‘unreasonable behaviour’. You would use the same facts to show your spouse’s behaviour is so unreasonable that you can no longer bear to live with them.

You would say something such as: “On 20 August 2015 I read my husband’s

name on the list of subscribers to the Ashley Madison infidelity website. When I confronted my husband he admitted that he had subscribed to the website which made me feel extremely hurt and angry. I feel I no longer have any trust in my husband and I cannot bear to live with him any longer. I believe that the marriage has now irretrievably broken down.”

A concern many people have is that if they admit to adultery the financial settlement will be affected. However, the Court does not take adultery into account when making financial settlements. This is sometimes quite controversial, because often the injured party can feel it is unfair that a spouse who commits adultery can be rewarded in the financial settlement. The reason for this, however, is that the Court cannot really make moral decisions about the breakdown of the relationship.

If you have decided that the marriage is over and you want to get divorced following an affair, then it really is important to deal with your feelings about the end of the marriage.

Many people hope that Court proceedings will provide them with justice and that they will feel better about the hurt they experience if their cheating spouse gets judged by the Court. It is important to know this will not happen. The Court is only there to divide the assets, including capital, pension, and income, between you to try to reach a fair settlement based on your needs, resources and contributions. People who have not dealt with how they feel about the end of the relationship can spend a lot of money and feel extremely frustrated at the end of the process.

It is very important to see a counsellor and address those feelings, so that you are in the right place to make financial decisions.

A good solicitor will guide you towards a divorce and financial settlement that suits you. This may need to be in your own time and with advice from other professionals as necessary along the way. The main point to remember is that the period of hurt and shock following revelations like this will not last forever. It is good to get good advice on dealing with your situation now so that you are set up well for your future. l

essenceinfo Eleanora Newbery can be contacted on 01932 590500 or at Eleanora.Newbery@mundays.co.uk.

For more information on divorce and family matters or to discover more about the personally tailored service Mundays can offer or Mundays’ mediation service please contact a member of the Mundays Family department.

Mundays LLP Cedar House, 78 Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1AN Telephone: 01932 590500 More information about Resolution, Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration can be found at: www.mundays.co.uk www.resolution.org.uk www.thefma.co.uk www.collabfamilylawsurrey.co.uk www.ifla.org.uk Relate Telephone: 0300 100 1234 Website: www.relate.org.uk

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 41

essence finance

Summer budget

blues (part 1)

Simon Lewis looks at the increasing tax burden for investors, small and medium sized business (SME) owners and individuals saving to a pension. The affluent residents of Surrey are likely to be disproportionately affected.

I

f you are an investor, an SME business owner or simply trying to accrue enough pension entitlement to keep you comfortable to a ripe old age, there is a chance that the Summer Budget was not such good news for you. For many, there will be a painful increase in their already hefty tax burden. It is important to understand what, if anything, these changes will mean for you as there might be steps that you can take now to ease the pain.

The primary changes affect pensions and the taxation of dividends. Both are weighty subjects so I will deal with pensions this time and address the changes to dividend taxation in my next instalment.

The implications for pensions are wide ranging. Of greatest long term significance is the announcement of a Green Paper (a form of consultation) to consider reform to pensions tax relief. It is important that government encourages individuals to finance their own retirement rather than rely on welfare and this has so far been achieved by carrot rather than stick. The problem is that the carrot, in the form of upfront income tax relief, now costs the Exchequer around £50 billion a year. I therefore suspect that the carrot will give way to the stick (probably in the form of compulsory pension contributions) because it is cheaper to yield the stick and will help the Chancellor to

42 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

achieve his promise to balance the nation’s books by the end of this Parliament.

Subject to other considerations, more of which later, there is much to be said for maximising pension contributions now in order to take advantage of what might prove to be a limited window of opportunity. For business owners, it should be remembered that tax relief on both employer and employee pension contributions is under threat.

To complicate matters, it is important to realise that a review of pension tax relief might also revisit the issue of the right to draw a tax free lump sum on retirement.

Although it might be hoped that some form of transitional relief would apply, this should not be relied upon. So as well as there being an incentive to pay more into pensions, there is an argument in favour of bringing forward the payment of pension benefits (usually only permitted from age 55) for those with sizeable pension pots.

“For many Surrey residents, there will be a painful increase in their already hefty tax burden.”

Simon Lewis

For those who are in a position to accelerate their rate of pension saving, a number of barriers have been erected to deter both high earners and those who have already accrued a sizeable pension entitlement.

From April 2016 a tapered reduction in the amount of the annual allowance will be introduced for individuals with income (including pension contributions) of over £150,000 and who have an income (excluding pension contributions) in excess of £110,000.

The rate of reduction in the annual allowance is £1 for every £2 that the individual’s adjusted income exceeds £150,000, up to a maximum reduction of £30,000, creating a minimum allowance of £10,000.

Pension contribution allowances relate to pension input periods, which often do not coincide with the tax year. If you are not sure what yours is, you should check with your pension provider. This is important because all pension input periods open on Budget day (8 July 2015) were closed on that date, with the next pension input period running from 9 July 2015 to 5 April 2016. All subsequent pension input periods will be concurrent with the tax year from 2016/17 onwards. For some, this might provide an opportunity to accelerate pension contributions.

As well as restrictions on what can be paid into pensions, the Budget confirmed further restriction on the amount of pension benefit that can be accrued without additional tax. From 6 April 2016 the lifetime allowance for pensions will be reduced from £1.25 million to £1 million, as previously announced. Pension benefits are tested against the lifetime allowance at the point of ‘retirement’ (and again at age 75 if in drawdown). The rate of tax you pay on pension savings above your lifetime allowance depends on how the money is paid to you - the rate is: 55% if you get it as a lump sum or 25% if you get it any other way, eg pension payments or cash withdrawals. This additional tax is before any income tax due, giving a maximum tax charge on excess benefits of 58.75%.

Transitional protection for pension rights that are already over £1 million will ensure this change is not retrospective and the lifetime allowance will be indexed annually in line with the consumer prices index (CPI) from 6 April 2018.

If you are not a client of PMW, the impact of these important issues on you might not have been evaluated. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a personal consultation. l

essence info Simon Lewis is writing on behalf of Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd (PMW), Chartered Financial Planners, based in Esher. The Company has specialised in providing wealth management solutions to private clients for 46 years.

Simon is an independent financial adviser, chartered financial planner and chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. The opinions outlined in this article are those of the writer and should not be construed as individual advice. To find out more about financial advice and investment options please contact Simon at Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd. Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Telephone: 01372 471 550 Email: simon.lewis@pmw.co.uk Website: www.pmw.co.uk

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 43

essence education

Literacy skills for school and life Michael Connolly, headmaster of Cranmore School, considers the importance of spelling, punctuation and grammar for school pupils.

44 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

I

t is a remarkable fact that English is used in one form or other by a third of the world’s population. If nothing else, this demonstrates that the English language has been flexible for different places and cultures. Of course, within England itself, there are many regional dialects as well as vocabulary and phrases which express the character for that part of the country. More generally, there are styles which have taken hold and crossed international boundaries, e.g. lyrics in American Rap music.

This is nothing new and it is important that children at school learn to appreciate the beauty of the English language and recognise that it does evolve over time which means that new expressions – ‘omnishambles’ – are added to the dictionary. In 1809 George Andrewes published a dictionary on vocabulary used by the criminal fraternity.1 Many of the expressions sound rather quaint today: lully-priggers (linen-thieves), dragsmen (vehicle-thieves) or ken-crackers (housebreakers). One wonders if phrases such as ‘to google it’ will sound equally quaint to the ears of future generations?

Tradition Do pupils really need to acquire the skills of having legible handwriting with accurate spelling? Some commentators suggest that with the rise of the ubiquitous electronic pad such skills will become redundant.

This is simply not the case. Pupils must learn to express themselves clearly and this can be done most effectively if they adhere to the traditional rules for spelling, grammar and punctuation. It is true that certain rules can pass away through disuse, e.g. the split infinitive. However, whilst texting does encourage children to communicate succinctly and at great speed, the heavy reliance on acronyms with little regard for punctuation can undermine pupils’ work in class.

At Cranmore School we put great value in the importance of clear, written English in our pupils’ work from a relatively young age. We believe firmly that they derive great benefits, not only in English lessons but in all aspects of the curriculum where extended writing is important. There was a fad in

education at one time which suggested that pupils’ work should never be ‘contaminated’ through numerous corrections with a red pen. This proved to be a cul de sac in which pupils had little opportunity to improve as they were only being judged on content and not on the quality of their presentation.

Cranmore has embraced modern technology including iPads and other devices. However, like all good schools, we have been careful that these tools do not erode the fundamental importance of handwriting with due attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation. One can only be dismayed by the stories in the press about university departments having to offer basic literacy courses as some school-leavers are ill-equipped to pursue a degree course with a high literary element.

Finally, a word about teachers. The national press recently published a story about a London Academy which had ‘out-sourced’ the reports written by teachers for checking as the teachers did not have the prerequisite skills to ensure these reports would be satisfactory. This is the legacy of having a cohort of teachers who did not receive a good grounding in English when they themselves were pupils. Let us hope that through a rigorous programme for literacy today’s pupils will never end up in such a compromising situation in their professional careers. l

Crystal, David Evolving English – One language, Many Voices p.68 [The British Library, 2010] 1

Confidence While the emphasis might be on written English, at Cranmore we provide many opportunities for children to engage in public speaking, assembly presentations and even formal debates. We have found that this boosts their confidence and pupils who may have been rather reticent by nature become more than happy to become a candidate for our school council. We know employers want bright, enthusiastic, articulate people in their organisation and it is the responsibility of schools to rise to this challenge to ensure all pupils leave school with the essential skills.

essence info Cranmore School Cranmore School has recently announced a programme of change to transform it into a fully co-educational school for pupils aged two and a half to thirteen years.

It is committed to providing a balanced curriculum which can develop each child’s potential. This includes a Forest School so that the youngest pupils from the nursery onwards can experience real ‘outdoors education’.

Telephone: 01483 280340 Website: www.cranmoreprep.co.uk

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 45

essence literature

Writing in the blood

CJ Daugherty is the bestselling Surrey based author of Night School which has sold over half a million copies worldwide and was translated into 22 languages.

Her new book The Secret Fire is published this month. essence recently caught up with her to ask her about her career, success, life and the new book.

C

J Daugherty lives in Farnham with her husband, the BAFTA nominated director, Jack Jewers, and has co-written the first cross-channel YA (young adult fiction) series with French author Carina Rozenfeld. The Secret Fire is her highly anticipated new series about two teenagers, a boy in Paris and a girl in England, who become pen pals and unbeknown to either, are connected by an ancient prophecy. She began life as a crime writer, and then worked in communications for MI6 before becoming a full time writer in the YA genre.

Q A

You trained as a journalist. What attracted you to journalism?

I wanted to get out of Texas. I also wanted to help people. To make a difference. And I wanted to be a writer.

Journalism seemed to bring all those goals together.

Q A

You were a crime reporter and investigative journalist. What made you want to write books?

I have been a voracious reader since I was a child. The only award I ever won at school was for reading the most books in a school year when I was 12.

I read 141 books that year! I suppose, when you consider that, it’s not surprising that someday I would think about writing one myself.

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Q A

Were there any particular events that made a deep impression on you?

I was 22 years old when I covered my first murder. Standing over a corpse while interviewing a detective tends to focus the mind. I remember making mental notes to keep myself focused. I told myself to remember what death smells like.

Remember the detective’s cold dismissal.

Remember how my stomach churned.

There would be other murder victims.

But the first one was the one that stuck.

“My books have gone far more places than I have.

You can buy them in dozens of countries, in 21 languages.

It feels like a miracle.”

C J Daugherty

Q A

Your first books, the Night School series, have been a huge success; did this come as a surprise?

Very much so. My books have gone far more places than I have. You can buy them in dozens of countries, in 21 languages. It feels like a miracle.

Q A

Where did you obtain your inspiration for the storyline of Night School?

I was inspired by a photo I saw in the newspaper of the Bullingdon Club.

Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson were both in the image, which had been taken in the 1980s.

The headline said ‘Prime Minister was in secret society at Oxford’, or something of that nature. And my mind started ticking.

Secret societies? Privileged teens? What can I do with that? And so it began.

Q A

Do you find it surprising that around 55% of YA literature is bought by adults?

It doesn’t surprise me in the slightest, because I read it before I wrote it. I read Harry Potter, like every other right-thinking adult. Later, I read Twilight. I first read the Hunger Games on a long-haul flight to visit family in the US. When my brother picked me up at the airport I said: “Take me to a bookshop. I need to get book two.” I think for adults the attraction of young adult fiction is the pace, the originality of the >

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essence literature

writing and the storylines. These are fastmoving books with hope at their hearts.

Anyone who doesn’t like that, I don’t want to know.

Q

Your new book out this month, The Secret Fire, is co-written with Carina Rozenfield. How did you meet Carina and what made you think the collaboration would be successful?

Carina and I have the same French publisher. Every year I go to Paris to a giant book fair called the Salon du Livre.

Carina and I were seated next to each other at the signing table, and soon we became friends. We started joking about writing a book together set half in France and half in England. I didn’t think we’d ever really do it, and then, one day, Carina sent me a spectacular chapter about a boy jumping off a high roof at gunpoint – a jump that should have killed him. Then he got up and walked away. I knew then we had to write that book. Because I had to know what happened to that boy.

A

Q A

Was it easy coordinating writing the book via email? How did this all work?

We took a laidback approach – Carina would write a chapter or two, and I would do the same. I didn’t know what she was going to write, and vice versa. We liked to shock each other – surprise each other with our plot twists. About halfway through, as the plot grew more complex, we started plotting together more, deciding what would happen next, in order to make sure all the pieces fit into place. It was complex but fascinating. We called it ‘the book of two brains.’

Q A

I presume it helped that your husband is BAFTA nominated film director Jack Jewers!

Hah! Yes. It’s a little like cheating, isn’t it? It’s funny, I think publishing can feel a little like a closed circle when you’re a new author. I didn’t know how to make anyone pay attention to what I was doing – to notice my books. Jack suggested we combine our skills – my books, his filmmaking. That changed everything.

Suddenly, it was hard to ignore us.

Q A

You’re a native of Dallas and now live in Farnham, it’s a lovely town, what attracted you to it?

My husband grew up in Farnham, and we often came down from London to visit friends and family here. I was always impressed by what a friendly town it was.

After London – where I never once got to know a next-door neighbour’s name – Farnham seemed like the England I’d been searching for. We moved here seven years ago and I’ve never looked back

Q

Since you have lived in Farnham has the town changed as it has recently been identified as the place for Londoners to relocate to?

To me, it hasn’t changed very much.

There are a few more houses than there used to be, but it’s just as beautiful and friendly as it was when I first moved here. I love going to the Maltings markets, and the monthly farmer’s market. I do a lot of my writing at Café Nero on Castle Street. To me, Farnham is just home.

A

Q

Q A

A

Q A

You’ve embraced new media and Night School was the first web series on YouTube in the UK. Do you think this has helped engage your audience more?

Absolutely. I love talking to my readers and hearing about their lives. It was the readers who suggested I make more films and expand my YouTube channel, which I’ve done over the last year, and they’ve paid me back by reading the books and watching the films. We’re now approaching one million views! I think being responsive, and creating a place online where fans can talk to each other, helps create a sense of community around a series. And that’s good for everyone.

48 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Have you any further collaborations planned for the future?

My next project is going to be solo, but I never say never! Co-writing a book has been a real adventure.

What’s your tip for being a successful novelist?

Oh, I wish there were tips for that. So much of it is fate. Timing. Luck. That said, I think the key to everything in life is hard work and patience. I’ve wanted to be a novelist since I was 15 years old. It’s taken more than two decades to get here.

I guess my advice, then, would be know your genre, write constantly, read even more. And never, ever give up.

Q

Do you think independent bookshops are important, and how did you come across Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights?

I love independent bookshops. I met Nic, the manager of Mr B’s, at an event hosted by my publisher (Little Brown), and I was impressed by his passion for bringing people together with books they will love.

When I was looking for a bookshop to be the exclusive home for signed copies of the Night School books, Mr B’s was the first place I thought of.

A

Q A

Finally, what is your favourite book, who is your favourite author and why?

You saved the toughest question for last! I have numerous favourites in all kinds of genres. But I have been in love with F Scott Fitzgerald since I first read the Great Gatsby when I was 16 years old. The world that book captures is vivid and seductive – a decadent place filled with Champagne cocktails and careless wealth. Teetering on the brink of disaster. So today I will choose that one. Ask me tomorrow? Who knows? l

essence info CJ Daugherty’s The Secret Fire is published on 10 September (£6.99 Atom) Websites: www.atombooks.net and www.cjdaugherty.com

The quality of the pupils’

academic

achievements is

excellent

- Independent Schools Inspectorate

Cranmore School Independent Preparatory School for girls and boys 2 ½ - 13

SEPT

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OPEN MORNINGS

Friday 25 September & Saturday 3 October 2015 09.30 -12.00

We are delighted to announce that Cranmore is extending its provision for girls by introducing full co-education in stages from September 2016 www.cranmoreprep.co.uk 01483 280340 admissions@cranmoreprep.co.uk West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6AT

essence leisure breaks

175not out

Cunard’s Queen Victoria is known for her elegance and graceful splendour. The vessel’s unique facilities are amongst the most modern and yet she has a special ambience evocative of great liners past. Luxurious marbles, woods and rich fabrics uphold 175 years of history and pedigree of the Cunard line.

Rebecca Underwood unwinds and rejuvenates with a trip on the Cunard’s Queen Victoria.

T

his year Cunard has been celebrating the 175th anniversary since its first ship Britannia set sail on 4 July 1840 from Liverpool to Canada and the United States. Samuel Cunard, accompanied by his daughter, 115 first class passengers and 89 crew members, embarked on a transatlantic voyage that his company would continue to the present day. The small paddle steamer’s cargo included 600 tons of coal, the Atlantic mail, one cow for the provision of fresh milk, a brood of chickens and three feisty cats to deal with any stowaway rats.

Today, Cunard’s three vessels, the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Victoria, are renowned for providing the highest level of comfort and service, reflected in the company’s success in achieving the Daily Telegraph Ultra Travel Awards’ favourite cruise line for seven successive years.

Grand Lobby

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Launched in December 2007 and officially named by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Queen Victoria accommodates 2,014 passengers, served by 900 crew members.

With bulging suitcases we embarked upon the Queen Victoria, sailing from Istanbul to Rome for a fourteen night voyage visiting the ports of Marmaris, Athens, Heraklion, Kusadasi, Santorini, Katakolon and Salerno.

We were more than keen to indulge in the ultimate cruise experience.

Our Princess Grill suite, which measured 335 to 513 ft², included a comfortable seating area with plump sofa and tub chair, twin beds with crisp white linens, a double open wardrobe to house an extensive collection of gowns, a spacious bathroom with bathtub and shower and a generous collection of complimentary Penhaligon toiletries. On arrival, and flagging a little due to the hair-raising Istanbul traffic, we were delighted to discover a chilled bottle of Champagne and a tempting selection of fresh strawberries dipped in delicious chocolate placed in our suite. We sat on our balcony, admired the views across the Bosphorus and savoured the moment.

Princess Grill guests receive priority luggage delivery, embarkation and disembarkation, and are provided with a concierge service and 24 hour room service.

Dining options include in suite dining from the Princess Grill menu or a reserved table in the Princess Grill Restaurant, which is first class. >

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Princess Suite

Royal Court Theatre

Grills Courtyard

Royal Spa

52 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Other accommodations include the lavishly furnished Queens Grill Suites, measuring 506 to 2,249 ft². Each suite features a sumptuous living area, luxurious bedroom and balcony.

Benefits for Queens Grill guests include priority embarkation, disembarkation and luggage delivery, a butler, concierge assistance and 24 hour room service. Dining options include in suite dining from the Queens Grill menu or a reserved table in the Queens Grill Restaurant.

Other dining venues include the Verandah, which presents a wide range of French dishes. For a more casual affair, the self-service Lido displays a selection of elaborate buffets.

All Grill guests are welcome to take advantage of exclusive access to the opulent Grills Lounge and the Grills Terrace, a private deck area furnished with ultra comfortable sun loungers, which was the ideal spot for an afternoon snooze prior to sampling the scrumptious mango and pistachio ice creams and tropical fruit selections served on deck.

Cunard’s traditional afternoon tea is a highlight and served daily in the Grills Lounge and in the Queens Room, a magnificent ballroom. Flurries of whitegloved waiters serve a choice of teas, selections of dainty sandwiches and delicious fresh scones with clotted cream and fruity jam, whilst the delightful strains of the orchestra entices couples onto the dance floor.

We were spoilt for choice when considering evening entertainment. The Royal Court Theatre presents an extensive repertoire of extravagant musical shows performed by the Royal Cunard Singers and Dancers, and an assortment of guest entertainers and musicians.

After the show, we headed for the Queens Room where the sophisticated gala balls are held. The ballroom, awash with glamorous ladies in fine flowing gowns and gentlemen dressed in their finest attire, proved the perfect stage for couples to show off their best dance moves accompanied by ‘live’ bands and there was no shortage of guests eager to display nifty footwork.

For a more laid back experience, visit the Commodore Club at the front of the ship, where the view across the ship’s bow and the ocean below is simply breathtaking. Sink into a leather armchair or plush sofa and enjoy a pre or post dinner tipple.

Or visit the Golden Lion pub, which serves a wide variety of beers, cider and wines, or perhaps order a tasty gastro pubstyle dish. Guests are encouraged to take part in enthusiastic quizzes, Karaoke and sing-a-longs to ‘live’ music. Sports fans are welcome to watch selected sporting events on enormous flat screen televisions dotted around. Or for those wishing to relax in their suite, perhaps view one of the selection of movies or keep up with news from home and abroad via satellite television channels.

For those giving in to the temptations of sweet trolleys and keen to work off calories, take a dip in one of two swimming pools on deck nine, then plunge into one of the four whirlpools or join early morning joggers on the Promenade Deck. For a more sedate affair, consider a Yoga or Pilates class or visit the Royal Spa and indulge in a relaxing aromatherapy massage, followed by a manicure and pedicure, or choose from a wide range of spa therapies and beauty treatments.

For guests needing to keep abreast of business interests and news from family and friends, the on board internet centre is a must. Be sure to visit the library which houses an impressive collection; select a book, head for the Promenade Deck, lie back on a comfy traditional steamer chair and relax. And when the sun sets over the glittering waters of the ocean, reflect on another perfect day on board Cunard’s Queen Victoria.

As Sir Francis Drake said: “It isn’t that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better.” l

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essence events

spotlight on...

RHS Garden Wisley Woking Various events throughout September RHS Garden Wisley is a fabulous place to visit at any time, but during the month of September there are some real treats: Surrey Sculpture Society trail: On show until Sunday 27 September, view around sixty contemporary and traditional sculptures (Peacock Sculpture pictured right) from some of the south east’s finest artists.

Wisley Flower Show: Celebrity chef Mary Berry opens this six day floral cornucopia. Runs from Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 September.

Birds of prey displays: Over the weekend of Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, agility displays take place at 11am and 2pm.

The Art of Nature exhibition: In the Glasshouse Gallery from Tuesday 29 September to Sunday 4 October.

Information: 01483 224234 or rhs.org.uk

Richmond Theatre Richmond Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 September The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde’s much loved masterpiece stars Nigel Havers.

Monday 14 to Saturday 19 September The Shawshank Redemption A new stage production of the short novel by Stephen King.

Sunday 27 September Al Murray Comedian celebrates twenty years.

Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September King Charles III Award-winning future history play.

Sunday 20 September One Night of Queen All the classic hits.

Monday 21 to Saturday 26 September Before the Party Tom Conti stars in a comedy based on a short story by Somerset Maugham.

Tickets: 0844 871 7645 or ambassadortickets.com/woking

Cranleigh Arts Centre Cranleigh Friday 18 September Off the Kerb Productions presents Jo Brand – Work in Progress 2015 Multi-talented comedienne returns to her stand-up roots.

Information: 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org

Tickets: 0844 871 7651 or

Dorking Halls

ambassadortickets.com/richmond

Dorking

New Victoria Theatre Woking Wednesday 16 to Saturday 19 September William Golding’s Lord of the Flies The award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre perform an explosive version of Golding’s classic tale.

54 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Friday 11 September Jasper Carrott’s Stand Up and Rock Veteran stand-up comedian returns.

Monday 21 September Russian State Ballet & Opera House present: La Traviata Verdi’s wonderful opera.

Information: 01306 881717 or dorkinghalls.co.uk

Boy touching Peacock Sculpture at RHS Garden Wisley. Image: RHS/William Shaw. © RHS

theatre

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The Electric Theatre

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Guildford

Guildford

Wednesday 9 September Shappi Khorsandi: Because I’m Shappi...

Comedienne back with a new show.

Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 September Talking Heads Stephanie Cole stars in Alan Bennett’s vintage monologues.

Wednesday 16 September Swinging at the Cotton Club The Jiving Lindy Hoppers and the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra celebrate the 1920s.

Monday 21 to Saturday 26 September Handbagged Olivier Award-winning hit comedy starring Susie Blake.

Farnham Maltings Farnham Friday 2 October Jeremy Hardy Live 2015 The comedian begins his fourth decade in stand-up this year.

Information: 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com

Tickets: 01483 440000

The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema

or yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Redhill Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 September Horrible Histories: The Groovy Greeks and The Incredible Invaders History brought to life using actors and 3D special effects.

Information: 01737 276500 or harlequintheatre.co.uk

Kick Back Comedy Club The Boileroom, Guildford Saturday 3 October The best comedians on the comedy circuit for one night a month.

music The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema Redhill Saturday 19 September Midge Ure and India Electric Co: Breathe Again Ultravox lead performs his 1995 solo album, Breathe, in its entirety along with a selection of his other hits.

Information: 01737 276500 or harlequintheatre.co.uk

Information: 07784 045110 or kickbackcomedy.com

G Live Guildford

Rose Theatre

rosetheatrekingston.org

Saturday 19 September Cara Dillon Distinctive and enchanting folk singer.

Saturday 26 September Squeeze: From the cradle to the grave tour, with special guest Dr John Cooper Clarke One of the most enduring British pop acts around, along with poet and punk godfather Cooper Clarke.

The Secombe Theatre

glive.co.uk

Kingston-upon-Thames Wednesday 16 September to Saturday 31 October The Wars of the Roses Shakespeare’s Game of Thrones, directed by Trevor Nunn, comprising a trilogy of plays: Henry VI, Edward IV and Richard III. Information: 020 8174 0090 or

Nigel Havers as Algernon, The Importance of Being Earnest, Richmond Theatre

Photo: Johan Persson

Information: 01483 444789 or electrictheatre.co.uk

Photo Tristram Ke

essence events

Lord of the Flies, New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Information: 01483 369350 or

Sutton Tuesday 22 September Dickens Abridged A high-speed comedic journey through Charles Dickens’ works.

Information: 020 3771 9055 or suttontheatres.co.uk

Godalming Music in the Park Godalming Bandstand Saturday 12 September, 5pm Proms in the Park A new group, The Heroes Band,

56 www.essence-magazine.co.uk Woodhouse Opera, Holmbury St. Mary

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spotlight on...

Maiastra and The Aidan Woodcock Charitable Trust Mairlot Hall, St Teresa’s School, Effingham

Nicola Benedetti, A Scottish Fantasy. © Simon Fowler

Sunday 13 September, 7.30pm A fundraising concert featuring Nicola Benedetti and Leonard Elschenbroich performing with Maiastra students Arisa Fujita (violin), Soh-Yon Kim (violin), Rosalind Ventris (viola), Tetsuumi Nagata (viola) and Ariana Kashefi (cello) in a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence. The programme also includes a Maiastra performance of Mozart’s String Quartet in G minor K516 and a duo, played by Nicola and Leonard, to be announced from the stage.

The concert is aiming to raise funds for The Aidan Woodcock Charitable Trust whose main objective is the organisation of chamber music courses made entirely free to the student participants. The concerts demonstrate a high level of musical competence with alumni going on to become members of professional groups. Tickets cost £20 to £30, and £15 for under 25s.

In addition, Maiastra will also be performing a short course concert on Wednesday 30 September, 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Cobham.

Information: 01932 868054 or maiastra.org

sponsored by Hart Brown solicitors, support fundraising for the Help for Heroes charity through musical performances.

Information: 01483 523575 or godalming-tc.gov.uk

Guildford Castle Bandstand concerts Castle Street, Guildford Sunday 6, 13, 20 and 27 September, 2–4pm 6 September: Cactus Brass play a varied selection of music.

13 September: Bourne Concert Band, playing light classical to modern.

20 September: band concert tbc 27 September: Saxophony, a saxophone quartet.

Information: visitsurrey.com

Woodhouse Opera Woodhouse Copse, Holmbury St. Mary, Surrey Hills Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, 4pm Falstaff by Giuseppe Verdi One of the leading garden opera festivals in England, this is Woodhouse’s fifteenth year.

Outdoor opera, sung in Italian, at the most beautiful venue, the Lake Amphitheatre, with ensemble orchestra and picnic interval.

Tickets cost £50, with students and children half price.

thelightbox.org.uk

McAllister Thomas Godalming

Information: 01483 444751 or

Saturday 12 to Tuesday 29 September The September Collective Featuring gallery artists.

guildford.gov.uk/guildfordhouse

Information: 01483 860591 or mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

Museum of Farnham West Street, Farnham

New Ashgate Gallery

Tuesday 22 September to Tuesday 20 October 100 Years of Farnham Fashion By the Museum’s own young curators collective, retelling events in the lives of local residents through their outfits.

Farnham

Weyfest The Rural Life Centre, Farnham

surreyheath.gov.uk/centuryofsound

Tickets: weyfest.co.uk

Wednesday 9 to Wednesday 16 September Celebrating the musical talent and heritage in the Surrey Heath area.

Organised by Surrey Heath Museum and locally-based music industry professionals, see website for details.

Information: 01483 737800 or

Friday 11 September to Saturday 10 October The Magna Carta Embroidery A project of twelve unique embroidery panels telling the tale of 1215 and the Magna Carta.

Information: 07917 778010 or

Information: 01276 707284 or

Various locations across Surrey Heath

High Street, Guildford

woodhousesounds.com

Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September A Planet Rock top six and Daily Telegraph top 100 festival, this late summer offering showcases some great acts including The Waterboys, Nazareth, Paul Carrack, Mungo Jerry, Andy Fairweather Low, Level 42, The Christians, Roachford and lots more – far too many to list.

Day and evening tickets available, along with three-day camping weekend tickets.

Surrey Heath: A Century of Sound

Guildford House Gallery

To Sunday 27 September The Ingram Collection: Art and Christianity Works responding to Bible stories.

exhibitions

To Saturday 3 October Fiona Millais: Viewpoint An exceptional new collection.

To Saturday 3 October Sonia Rollo: Hare we go again Hare-themed etchings.

Information: 07805 417957 or

Information: 01252 713208 or

farnhammaltings.com/museum

newashgate.org.uk

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum

The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden

Woking

Ockley

To Sunday 1 November Warhol and the World of Pop Art The artwork of Andy Warhol in a unique exhibition showcasing the highlights of international Pop Art.

Until Saturday 31 October Summer exhibition 140 pieces within a beautiful garden.

Information: 01306 627269 or hannahpescharsculpture.com

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essence events

Cranleigh Arts Centre 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org Farnham Maltings 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com Odeon Esher 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s89/esher Odeon Epsom 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s88/epsom Odeon Guildford 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s92/guildford The Screen Walton 01932 252825 or screencinemas.co.uk The Ambassadors Cinema, Woking 0844 871 6743 or ambassadortickets.com/cinema

Watts Gallery

G Live Beer Festival

Compton, Guildford

G Live, Guildford

To Sunday 1 November The Art of Bedlam: Richard Dadd An exhibition exploring this troubled Victorian painter remembered for his depictions of mystical subjects.

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, 11am to 5pm Heritage Open Days at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village Free entry. Explore the unique history of the Gallery enjoying free tours and activities all day.

Friday 11 to Saturday 12 September Top independent brewers offering seasonal ales and ciders with live music throughout.

Information: 01483 813593 or

foodfestival

Image: A Clarke

cinemas

Hare’s Looking At You by Sonia Rollo. Hare we go again, New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham

Information: 01483 369350 or glive.co.uk

Haslemere Food Festival Lion Green, Haslemere Saturday 19 September, 10am–4pm Demonstrations, tastings and the chance to enter a ‘Bake Off’.

Information: haslemere.com/

wattsgallery.org.uk

festivals Cranleigh Food and Music Festival Cranleigh Arts Centre Saturday 3 October, from 10am With stalls selling locally-produced food and drink, demonstrations, local bands, dance troupes, poets and much more.

Haslemere Walking Festival Haslemere and countryside Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September A collection of varied and rewarding walks during the weekend for all tastes, ages and abilities. See detailed programme of walks on the website below.

Information: haslemere.com

Information: 01483 278001 or

thread...a festival of textiles

cranleighaartscentre.org

Farnham Maltings, Farnham

Farnham Food Festival Castle Street, Farnham Saturday 26 September, 10am–4pm Castle Street will be transformed into a bustling food and drink market, comprising over eighty stalls, with demonstrations, music and entertainment.

Information: farnham.gov.uk

View of Swan Barn Farm Walk, Haslemere Walking Festival

Friday 25 to Saturday 26 September Find artisan fabrics, dressmaking fabrics and patterns, haberdashery, listen to expert talks and take part in a range of workshops and see demonstrations by local guilds.

Finally, be inspired by exhibitions of contemporary textile work.

Information: 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com

58 www.essence-magazine.co.uk Aviation day, Brooklands Museum

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national trust

out & about

National Trust properties offer perfect

Banstead Country Fayre

venues in which visitors can play and

Banstead Woods, Holly Lane

relax. A few are shown here, but visit

Sunday 27 September Fun and activities for all the family presented by Banstead Scouts.

nationaltrust.org.uk for more.

Claremont Landscape Garden

Information: bansteadcountryfayre.org.uk Bat walks, Painshill Park

Esher Sunday 20 September, 10.30am–4.30pm Birds of prey day Learn about the birds and enjoy two flying displays during the day.

Bocketts Farm Leatherhead

Brooklands Museum

Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 September, 10.30am–5pm Elmbridge food festival Discover some of the region’s best food and drink produce, with tastings, demonstrations and more.

Hatchlands Park

Weybridge

Information: 01932 868113 or

East Clandon, Guildford

Sunday 20 September, 10am–5pm Brooklands aviation day Aviation antics and activities.

Sunday 27 September, 10am–5pm Brooklands Great War 100 Marking the centenary of WW1, Brooklands will gather automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, commercial vehicles, buses and aircraft from the period up to 1919.

painshill.co.uk

Throughout September Enjoy a family day out this autumn.

Information: bockettsfarm.co.uk

Information: 01372 467806

Sunday 20 September, 11am–4pm Canine capers Including friendly competitions.

Information: 01483 222482

Polesden Lacey Great Bookham, near Dorking Throughout September 2015 photography showcase Ten winning photographs from Polesden’s photography competition will be displayed throughout the grounds as large-scale installations.

Tuesday and Thursdays in September, 8.30–10pm Bat walks Guided walks looking for bats.

Information: 01372 452048

River Wey Navigations and Dapdune Wharf

Information: 01932 857381 or brooklandsmuseum.com

Surrey Wildlife Trust Chobham Common Saturday 12 (evening) and Sunday 13 (morning) September Finding furry friends Assist on a small mammal survey on the Common. Booking essential on darren.brito@surreywt.org.uk.

Information: surreywildlifetrust.org

The Surrey Game and Country Fair Loseley Park, near Guildford Sunday 27 September Gun dogs, hounds, fishing and falconry combine with rural crafts, shopping, food and drink.

Don’t miss the Surrey County Ploughing Match (same day) at Eashing Farm, Godalming.

sport Reigate half marathon Esher Sunday 20 September, from 9am The second Intersport Run Reigate Half Marathon and 10k are back.

To enter, visit the website below.

Information: surreycountyshow.co.uk

Information: jellyfish.co.uk

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Surrey Hills Wood Fair

Rugby World Cup 2015

Leatherhead

Birtley House Estate, Bramley

Various venues

Friday 25 September Harambee 2015 A gala dinner in aid of the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned baby elephants. Book tickets via:

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, 10am–5pm Stalls with great local produce, beer tent, local bands, horse and wagon rides, animal attractions and more.

Friday 18 September to Saturday 31 October Good luck to all the home nations as they take part in this most prestigious of rugby tournaments.

Information: thedswt.org.uk

Information: surreyhillswoodfair.co.uk

Information: rugbyworldcup.com

Guildford Saturday 19 September, from 11am Wey river festival at Dapdune Wharf Activities all day for everyone and an illuminated pageant at dusk.

Heritage Open Days Throughout Surrey

Surrey Hills

Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 September A variety of venues open across the county free of charge.

See website for details.

near Dorking

Information: heritageopendays.org.uk

Information: 01483 561389

Sunday 20 September, 1.30–4pm Family woodland ranger day Conservation work on Outwood Common. Suitable for ages 5+.

Information: 01372 220644 or nationaltrust.org.uk

Painshill Park Cobham Saturday 12 September, 7–8.30pm Bat walk Walk and listen with bat detectors.

farmers’ markets Camberley Saturday 19 September, 10am–3pm Cranleigh Saturday 19 September, 10am–2pm Epsom Sunday 6 September and 4 October, 9am–1.30pm Farnham Sunday 20 September, 10am–1.30pm Guildford Tuesday 1 September and 6 October, 10.30am–3.30pm Haslemere Sunday 6 September and 4 October, 10am–1pm Milford Sunday 20 September, 10am–1.30pm Ripley Saturday 12 September, 9am–1pm Walton-on-Thames Saturday 3 October, 9.30am–2pm Woking Thursday 17 September, 9am–2.30pm

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 59

essence competition

Win a pair of tickets for La Traviata – Verdi’s Opera

by The Russian State Opera (Sung in Italian with English Surtitles) Large live orchestra, Monday 21 September, 7.30pm, Dorking Halls A love story shrouded in sacrifice and misunderstanding. This haunting tragedy, with its beautiful arias, will transport theatre-goers into the world of French high society in the 1850s.

G

iuseppe Verdi brings the beguiling splendour and gaiety of mid-nineteenth century Parisian life to the stage.

But there is also heartbreak and pathos in this tragic and resonant morality tale in which Violetta, a high-society courtesan with a heart of gold, sacrifices everything for the man she loves.

La Traviata, an undisputed masterpiece, contains some of Verdi’s most beautiful and memorable music.

The score encompasses an astonishing range of moods and emotions, from Alfredo’s aristocratic charms to Violetta’s vivid effervescence, perfectly captured in her toast to life and freewill: “Libiamo ne’ licit calici” (let’s drink from the joyful cups) and “Sempre libera” (always free) – a vocal showpiece to rival any other.

It is a deeply moving opera filled with emotion and strokes of genius. La Traviata is an unforgettable, powerful experience.

To win a pair of tickets for a performance by the Russian State Ballet & Opera House on Monday 21 September at Dorking Halls, simply visit www.essence-magazine.co.uk and answer the following question. Closing date Monday 14 September 2015.

Name the composer of La Traviata: a. Giuseppe Verdi b. Giuseppe Zanotti c. Giuseppe Garibaldi

essence info Dorking Halls Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1SG Box Office: 01306 881717 Terms and conditions apply. Prize is valid for the performance at the Dorking Halls only.

Valid for the performance on Monday 21 September 2015. Subject to availability.

Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged.

60 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

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essence interiors

Autumn style Jenny Allan from JCA Interiors offers advice on how to keep home interiors on trend this autumn.

T

he current go-to theme for interior wall colours is grey: think winter morning grey with a hint of taupe. Its understated and sophisticated shades make it a very versatile colour that works as the optimal back drop for most rooms. Greys can be warmed or cooled depending on the combination of colours chosen and their tone will also vary according to the amount of light in a room.

As an on trend accent colour which can be combined with grey, midnight blue is the ideal companion. Relaxing, calming and sophisticated, midnight blue is the perfect way to add a touch of colour to an interior.

Use it for velvet cushions, decorative accessories or for a bolder look on walls or as a curtain fabric. Other autumnal hues that combine beautifully with grey are rusty orange tones. Think burnt orange, russet or chestnut to add warmth to a space and give a room a cosy, inviting glow.

Warm tones even continue into metallics with copper and brass being the go-to metals this season. They can be implemented in varying degrees from decorative accessories to a nest of side tables or a coffee table depending on the type of interior.

This autumn’s throws, rugs and cushions are plush, sumptuous textures such as faux fur and velvet which combine well with the beautiful blues and stylish greys. Choosing a mixture of soft, warm textures to layer throughout a scheme will add depth to a room. Drape fur throws over the end of a bed or sofa as the finishing touch to a room’s design.

There’s an air of nature about this season’s interior design: think country home with an urban twist. With dove grey, mocha and taupe tones, materials of the moment are rustic and natural such as worn woods,

chunky knits and herringbone tweeds, ideal for a cosy, comfortable autumn interior.

Warm wools and traditional tartan are also very fashionable, ideal for upholstery and will combine well with other on trend pieces. Mulberry Home has some beautiful tartan accessories that will blend with every autumn colour scheme.

Inspired by The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey, art deco furniture pieces with opulent metallic tones are currently in vogue and add a certain glamour to any interior. The bold geometric shapes, often arranged in symmetrical patterns, work well in modern and traditional homes giving an atmospheric hint of the roaring twenties.

Another autumn theme is the statement chair, the perfect place to curl up by the fire and read a good book as days grow colder and nights draw in. From high wing backed chairs to a simple occasional chair, a pair

of statement chairs will create maximum impact and make a fashionable but also timeless addition to any home. Upholster in tartan, herringbone tweed or fine wool to create the ultimate autumnal design piece.

This autumn’s interior trends will suit all types of homes making September the ideal time to redesign and transform an interior. l

essence info Jenny Allan is founder of interior design company JCA interiors.

Telephone: 020 3714 9325 Email: info@jcainteriors.co.uk Website: www.jcainteriors.co.uk

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 63

essence antiques

World’s

greatest collection

Travelling case by Thornhill

Jenner & Knewstub case

During the month of September, Richard Gardner Antiques will hold a selling exhibition of the world’s greatest collections of antique dressing, vanity and travelling cases in its Chichester showrooms. essence found out more.

M

any famous names will be on show at the selling exhibition, including dressing, vanity and travelling case examples by Asprey, Garrard, Aucoc, Jenner & Knewstub, Thornhill, West, Wilson & Co, Edwards, Leuchars and others.

Rare cases will include the Spencer Churchill vanity case by Garrard, commissioned in 1844 for Jane, Duchess of Marlborough, the great-grandmother of

Sir Winston Churchill and the wedding case of the Duke and Duchess of Montpensier

by Aucoc, which was a gift from King Louis Philippe of France to his son, Antoine d’Orleans on the occasion of his marriage to Infanta Maria Luisa Fernanda, sister of the Spanish Queen Isabella II on 10 October 1846.

Also on offer will be an extensive travelling case by Thornhill with silver fittings and fitted with the arms of Davalos

Profile Richard Gardner Antiques has been established for over 25 years and is considered to be one of the last high quality general antiques dealers left in the country.

Having resided in its extensive showrooms in Petworth for over 18 years, the company moved to a four storey Georgian house in the centre of Chichester just over three years ago, where there are over 1,800 finest antique pieces on display, including furniture, paintings, bronzes, boxes, tea caddies, chandeliers, porcelain, Japanese artefacts, chess sets and much more. Richard Gardner Antiques also has a large website where all stock is displayed for those unable to visit the showrooms in person and this has helped build a large international clientele.

64 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

of Castile, Marques del Vasto and Marques Pescuera and a truly outstanding Jenner and Knewstub case with exceptionally fine engraved work to the case and contents, which has to be seen to be appreciated.

All together there will be over 25 examples available to see in a selection that it is doubted will ever been seen again in one place. The selling exhibition will take place between Tuesday 1 September to Saturday 3 October. l

essence info Richard Gardner Antiques Eastrop House, 3 East Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1TR Telephone: 01243 533772 Website: www.richardgardnerantiques.co.uk Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5.30pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Please telephone for an appointment.

Humphrey Munson design and make award-winning and beautiful handmade kitchens. Each bespoke kitchen is handcrafted by a team of the finest cabinetmakers who combine a passion for their craft with expert technical knowledge.

The Nickleby design (shown) embodies the true spirit of the classic contemporary kitchen. Using a combination of painted solid wood cupboards and natural wood accent units, this kitchen features touches of luxury throughout.

www.humphreymunson.co.uk

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