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Issue 83 | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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contents Issue 83 | JULY/AUGUST 2017

6 | Interview | LARA LEMON

International award winning actress Lara Lemon talks to Louise Alexander about her role as leading lady in the thriller Strictly Murder, currently on tour and at the Rose Theatre Kingston in September.

14 | Travel | ASSAM

6

Interview | LARA LEMON

"I knew Joanna Lumley was the right one. She is good to look at, witty, charming, feminine and elegant but can knock you through a plateglass window."

Zest

THE LATE BRIAN CLEMENS, OBE ON THE CASTING OF PURDEY, THE NEW AVENGERS

for acting

Subhasish Chakraborty looks into a silent revolution that’s taken place in north-east India’s tea country.

International award winning actress Lara Lemon talks to Louise Alexander about her role as leading lady in the thriller ‘Strictly Murder’, currently on tour and appearing at Rose Theatre Kingston in September. The play is set in the 1930s, penned by the late Brian Clemens OBE, and directed by his son Samuel Clemens.

22 | Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Q Lara, tell me about Brian Clemens and how you achieved the leading lady role in Strictly Murder?

A Brian was not only a lovely human being, he was a prolific writer and was the brains behind The Professionals, The Avengers, The Persuaders, Thriller and many more television series and films. He was the reason for the strong women in The Avengers – Joanna Lumley and Diana Rigg – and throughout his work there are strong female characters. He had seen my work and before he sadly passed away a couple of years ago, he told his son, actor-director Samuel Clemens, that he thought I would make a great Suzy in Strictly Murder. Therefore, when Samuel was asked to direct the play last year, I was his first choice.

Emanuela Alladio of Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design shares her top ten tips for creating a stunning garden worthy of an RHS show in our own homes.

Q How did you feel when you were asked?

A I was absolutely ecstatic. I’d read the play a few years earlier and I’d distinctly remembered Suzy being a great part. The actress playing her gets to run the whole gamut of human emotions.

26 | Motoring | VOLVO

Volvo’s sponsorship of Sky Atlantic was aimed at changing consumer perception of the 90-year old brand from not just being safe, but also contemporary. So does the Volvo XC60 deliver this? Euan Johns thinks the answer is an emphatic yes.

30 | Men’s fashion | NEW & LINGWOOD

New & Lingwood’s spring/summer 2017 collection is as colourful as ever, with contemporary striped boating blazers, bright cotton chinos and louche linen separates out in force.

Q What’s the plot of Strictly Murder?

A It is set in Provence in 1939 in the shadow of World War II where an English couple Peter (Gary Turner) and Suzy (me) are living in idyllic isolation. Their peace is suddenly shattered by a stranger from Peter’s past who unearths secrets from a buried and hidden life. It is a very clever thriller and there are so many twists and turns with a few laughs thrown in for good measure. Brian was the king of the thrillers, so you’re in for a good night! >>> Lara Lemon in Off Piste PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JACK IN THE BOX FILMS

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 7

14

Bihu festival in Guwahati PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MICHAL KNITL | WWW.123RF.COM

40 | Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Rare one-horned rhino, Kaziranga National Park PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANDREY GUDKOV | WWW.123RF.COM

LAHE LAHE LAND It’s said that the easy going and laid back nature of the Assamese people is an effect of the wet, humid climate of Assam, Land of ‘lahe lahe’. This weather induces a soporific tendency amongst its people and therefore life itself is a slow, unhurried and laidback affair.

Subhasish Chakraborty looks into a silent revolution that’s taken place in north-east India.

46 | Artisan Food | OCKLEY FARMER’S MARKET Shirlee Posner finds a perfect example of rural food retailing in the modern world in the depths of the Surrey countryside.

Josh McEvoy, Solicitor at Mundays Solicitors, gives consideration to some of the issues arising for separated parents when planning summer holidays.

57 | Tax | EVERFAIR

cater to the exacting demands of the modern traveller. Rooms were impeccably furnished with colonial style architecture and matching décor.

The wooden floors, high ceilings and spacious verandahs all rekindled the nostalgia of the British Raj. In all there are five exclusive colonial bungalows spread over an area of 22 lush green acres. The Wild Mahseer Bungalow is the principal property catering for international guests, as well as those from mainland India.

The best part of being a guest of Wild Mahseer was the fact that apart from educational tours to surrounding tea gardens, there were also a range of activities such as fishing and river rafting in the swift flowing Bhorelli River. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Nameri National Park can be a very rewarding experience with all adventure activities arranged by a group of professionals from RJBI.

O

Stephanie Brookes, foodie expert and BBC Radio London contributor, offers her pick this month: NOPI on Warwick Street.

52 | Legal | MUNDAYS

Travel | ASSAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILD MAHSEER

ver recent years tea tourism in Assam has played a significant role in changing common perceptions by offering a completely new experience to the usual tourist haunts. Traditional, well-trodden routes include the capital city of Guwahati with its list of must visit sites such as the holy Kamakshya, Umananda and Nabagraha temples, along with The Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra cultural centre to which can be added a visit to Manas National Park.

Our week long trip to the area was organised by the professionally run River Journeys and Bungalows of India, or RJBI company, one of the first to open up this area formerly off limits to the tourist at large.

Gone are the days of ‘hotel-sightseeing and back-to-the-hotel’ experiences that my family and I were so used to. Instead of being guests of centrally located star hotels, for the first time we embraced the sheer fascination of staying at a colonial tea garden bungalow in one of the remotest tea gardens (Addabarie, Balipara) of Assam.

The Air India flight from Calcutta was on time and after reaching Guwahati we drove straight to Balipara. We covered the distance in six hours with comfort stops on the way. As our coach entered the garden premises, the sight of a beautifully appointed colonial bungalow caught our attention. This was to be our home away from home for the next two days.

The staff of RJBI informed us that this centuries old bungalow – ‘The Wild Mahseer Bungalow’ – had been thoroughly renovated in order to

Traditional Bihu festival in Guwahati PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MICHAL KNITL | WWW.123RF.COM

Most of the bungalows run by RJBI, which are well spread out throughout Assam, are situated in close proximity to the river Brahmaputra, which adds to the spirit of adventure.

The Bhorelli River is ideal for fishing with the ‘Barbus Tor’, popularly called the Mahseer, one of the largest freshwater and perhaps greatest fighting fish in the world. I personally found angling for Mahseer an exciting challenge, every cast could be a potential strike. Once the fish strikes, yards of line are tugged and the fisherman could easily snap the rod or be pulled in. Angling equipment can be hired from the bungalow.

The genesis of launching tea tourism by converting the Victorian style managers’ bungalows into heritage properties was the brainchild of Ranjit Barthakur, CEO of RJBI. According to Barthakur: “Tourists here can experience the joy of staying in the luxurious colonial ambience of the Raj >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 15

30

Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax offers advice on how to ensure tax affairs are in order.

60 | Venue | HUNTSHAM COURT

Chantal Borciani discovers a Devon country pile, perfect for celebrating special occasions, that’s unstuffy yet elegant.

62 | Leisure breaks | FUERTEVENTURA

Recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009, Fuerteventura attracts visitors keen to explore its protected area. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can also take advantage of the year-round favourable climate.

66 | Events | SURREY

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

78 | Interior style | JONATHAN ADLER

Potter, designer and author Jonathan Adler is on a mission to bring modern American glamour to homes across the globe.

80 | Charity | THEIR FUTURE TODAY

Lynn Stanier founded charity Their Future Today after the Asian tsunami of 2004 devastated areas of Sri Lanka. Recently she was awarded an MBE for her community services in the country.

62

Leisure breaks | FUERTEVENTURA Cactus and windmill, Fuerteventura PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANNA IVANOVA | WWW.123RF.COM

LA ISLA BONITA – the island of eternal spring TOP TIP: FUERTEVENTURA FLIGHTS Thomas Cook Airlines, recipient of the 2016 World Travel Award for Europe’s Leading Charter Airline, offers low fares, simple check-in procedures and a high level of on board comfort and service. For more information visit https://www.thomascookairlines.com.

Fuerteventura donkey PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NITO500 | WWW.123RF.COM

Fuerteventura, located only one hundred kilometres from the coast of North Africa, covers 640 square miles and is the second largest of the ‘Islas Canarias’. Recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009, Fuerteventura attracts visitors keen to explore its protected area and hordes of outdoor sports enthusiasts take advantage of the year-round favourable climate, writes Rebecca Underwood.

K

nown as the ‘island of eternal spring’, Fuerteventura is not as developed as the other Canary Islands and has retained its charm and natural volcanic beauty. This island may be small, but it offers more than one hundred kilometres of pristine coastline. Water babes will be rewarded with gorgeous white sandy beaches, tranquil spots for uninterrupted leisurely dips in the sea and it’s a surfer’s paradise due to the Atlantic Ocean’s considerable swells reacting to the summer Trade Winds.

For golf fans, the Salinas de Antigua 18-hole golf course, designed by world champion Manolo Piñeiro, is a popular attraction, and the surrounding hills and winds demand a tactical approach to the round. Volcanic and sand bunkers, lakes, natural vegetation and areas of desert will surely challenge the most experienced, and the par 4 11th hole tests the player’s skills as the ball must be played over the water.

La Oliva in the northern sector is a charming and serene village and was Fuerteventura’s political centre from the seventeenth to the mid nineteenth century. Fabulous beaches, turquoise blue seas and a slow, sedate, pace of life is there to experience.

Art lovers will be enchanted by La Oliva’s Casa de los Coroneles, a traditional stately home, once the residence of the island’s colonel. Thought to have been built in 1740, the property has been sensitively restored and reflects the AndalusianCanarian architectural style perfectly. The imposing façade of the upper floor features eight windows >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 63

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4 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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22

IMAGE COURTESY VOLVO CAR GROUP

IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, TWICKENHAM PRIVATE GARDEN, 2017

60 PHOTO COPYRIGHT: EVOLVE PHOTOGRAPHY

essence 83 COVER: LARA LEMON IN STRICTLY MURDER

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: TALKING SCARLET PRODUCTIONS

essence team

Editor: Andrew Guilor Contributing Editor: Louise Alexander 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 Contributors: Louise Alexander, Euan Johns, Shirlee Posner, Josh McEvoy, Chantal Borciani, Gillian Everall, Stephanie Brookes, Naomi Diamond, Rebecca Underwood, PJ Aldred, Jennifer Sutton, Linda Seward, Jane Pople, Subhasish Chakraborty

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.

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26 Tea and lemons Without wishing to sound like Mary Poppins, tea and lemons are two of my favourite things and both can claim an association with India’s Assam region. The tea connection is well known, but perhaps not so obvious is that lemons are thought to have been first grown in Assam. There’s not a bad word to be said about either as both have wonderful uplifting qualities. Tea is an integral part of ‘Britishness’, and lemons can further lay claim to having saved the English navy, courtesy of one James Lind. Like her fruit namesake, talented actress Lara Lemon has distinctive qualities of her own. Lara is a proud champion of women actors and Louise Alexander interviews her about her lead role in the late Brian Clemens’ thriller Strictly Murder coming to a theatre nearby soon.

Also in essence this month, at 90, Volvo still has a reputation for being safe and solid. Over recent years, the marque has added a bit of dash to the mix, and this is certainly true of the new XC60, as Euan Johns finds out. If recent weather in the UK has left readers casting off and then reverting back to woollies, then Fuerteventura offers respite with its constant climate.

Foodie expert and BBC Radio London contributor Stephanie Brookes visits NOPI on Warwick Street and explains the gravitational pull she feels towards Yotam Ottolenghi’s restaurant. The Chelsea Flower Show offered the opportunity to see some perfect, aspirational gardens. But how to go about emulating these? Emanuela of Alladio Sims Landscape Design shares her top tips with essence readers, while gentleman’s outfitters New & Lingwood’s summer collection offers plenty of bold colours.

Huntsham Court in Devon looks pretty much the perfect venue for a big celebration: classy and informal with lots to do, catering for all tastes. essence also introduces Jonathan Adler, a multitalented individual who is a man on a mission as he brings a taste of American glamour to home interiors.

As the holidays are upon us, essence has beauty, legal and financial advice on offer, together with the pick of activities highlighting food and events to enjoy and places to go during the long summer days.

The essence team

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 5

5pp_Interview_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:13 Page 1

"I knew Joanna Lumley was the right one. She is good to look at, witty, charming, feminine and elegant but can knock you through a plateglass window."

THE LATE BRIAN CLEMENS, OBE ON THE CASTING OF PURDEY, THE NEW AVENGERS

Lara Lemon in Off Piste PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JACK IN THE BOX FILMS

5pp_Interview_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:13 Page 2

Interview | LARA LEMON

Zest for acting International award winning actress Lara Lemon talks to Louise Alexander about her role as leading lady in the thriller ‘Strictly Murder’, currently on tour and appearing at Rose Theatre Kingston in September. The play is set in the 1930s, penned by the late Brian Clemens OBE, and directed by his son Samuel Clemens.

Q Lara, tell me about Brian Clemens and how you achieved the leading lady role in Strictly Murder?

A Brian was not only a lovely human being, he was a prolific writer and was the brains behind The Professionals, The Avengers, The Persuaders, Thriller and many more television series and films. He was the reason for the strong women in The Avengers – Joanna Lumley and Diana Rigg – and throughout his work there are strong female characters. He had seen my work and before he sadly passed away a couple of years ago, he told his son, actor-director Samuel Clemens, that he thought I would make a great Suzy in Strictly Murder. Therefore, when Samuel was asked to direct the play last year, I was his first choice.

Q How did you feel when you were asked?

A I was absolutely ecstatic. I’d read the play a few years earlier and I’d distinctly remembered Suzy being a great part. The actress playing her gets to run the whole gamut of human emotions.

Q What’s the plot of Strictly Murder?

A It is set in Provence in 1939 in the shadow of World War II where an English couple Peter (Gary Turner) and Suzy (me) are living in idyllic isolation. Their peace is suddenly shattered by a stranger from Peter’s past who unearths secrets from a buried and hidden life. It is a very clever thriller and there are so many twists and turns with a few laughs thrown in for good measure. Brian was the king of the thrillers, so you’re in for a good night! >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 7

5pp_Interview_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:13 Page 3

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: WOLF MARLOH

8 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

5pp_Interview_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:13 Page 4

Interview | LARA LEMON

Lara Lemon and Andrew Fettes in Strictly Murder PHOTO COPYRIGHT: TALKING SCARLET PRODUCTIONS

Lara Lemon in The Pugilist PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JACK IN THE BOX FILMS

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BEE SMITH MILLINERY

Q You are working with some big names in the industry.

How did that make you feel?

A I was nervous but determined to show them what I could do and to match the high standard. Luckily the cast is incredible and we make a great ensemble. I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Brian Capron, Corrinne Wicks, Gary Turner and Andrew Fettes.

They are inspirational.

Q Has Samuel changed the script since his father wrote it?

A Yes he has. Samuel was very excited as Strictly Murder is one of his favourite plays his father had written and he’d always wanted to direct it. Samuel’s directing background is in films and he is extremely visual. There are a few moments in the play that Sam has made more dramatic and shocking. He’s an excellent director and it’s been a real pleasure working with him.

Q Give me an example of something Samuel might have amended from the original script.

A Oh, that would be telling! I can’t really tell you anything without giving too much away.

Q Tell me about Suzy?

A I love Suzy because if she were alive today she would most definitely be a feminist. She is independent, feminine and strong.

She’s not just the girlfriend!

Q Brian Clemens must have thought you were like Suzy in some ways to want you to be his leading lady. Why do you think that was?

A Brian knew that I am a strong supporter of ERA (Equal Representation for Actresses), an organisation that wants to see women on screen, TV and theatre in equal numbers to men. Currently

Strictly Murder poster PHOTO COPYRIGHT: TALKING SCARLET PRODUCTIONS

women are systemically under represented. This does not accurately reflect our society: it distorts our view of the real world and some of the statistics are frightening. Brian clearly thought I was strong minded and obviously feminine (Lara laughs) and independent.

Maybe that’s why.

Q Have you always wanted to be on the stage?

A I was painfully shy at school, so much so that I was given the part of a ‘statue’ in a school play. I’d already lost out on Angel Gabriel as I wasn’t loud enough. However, I just knew I wanted to be on the stage – even if it was just being a statue.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 9

>>>

5pp_Interview_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:13 Page 5

Brian Clements and Diana Rigg PHOTO COURTESY ARTANDHUE.COM AND STUDIOCANAL

Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford PHOTO COPYRIGHT: WASIN PUMMARIN | WWW.123RF.COM Lara Lemon with director of Strictly Murder, Samuel Clemens

Lara at The Southampton International Film Festival with (left) Jed Tune, producer Off Piste and right Glen Kirby, director Off Piste

Q So how did Lara Lemon find her voice?

A I joined the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre when I was 17 and loved it. From there I joined the National Youth Theatre. I then went on to a year in a repertory company in Reading before venturing out into the industry.

Q Strictly Murder is on at the Rose Theatre in September. Are you excited to be performing there?

A Yes, hugely excited! I have actually worked there for several years now and they have been very supportive when it comes to me going off for work. It’s a great theatre and it’s a second home for me, but I’m already full of butterflies...excited butterflies!

Q How passionate are you about your career?

A Incredibly. I love the arts and in particular the theatre. I’m going to share with you something that very few people know. I spend all my money on going to the theatre and I have seen over 650 plays to date. Don’t laugh when I tell you, but I have a little book (well, books...) in which I have been writing since I was 19. After each play, I put in the book a flyer and ticket and write a review on each play.

It’s hilarious to read them back – especially the ones I wrote when I was 19 – I was so precocious!

Q Who do you most admire?

A There are so many actors and actresses I admire. The list is endless, but Julie Walters and Olivia Coleman always spring to mind as a couple of very strong women who are exceptionally diverse and talented.

Q Tell me about your awards?

A I was lucky enough to be awarded Actress in a Leading Role for ‘Off-Piste’ at the Southampton International Festival and Best Supporting Actress at the Chelsea Film Festival in New York. I was up against Fiona Shaw at the Southampton awards and I am still pinching myself about winning.

10 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

MR AVENGERS: THE MAN WHO LIBERATED PURDEY

Brian Clemens OBE (30 July 1931–10 January 2015) Brian Clemens was born in Croydon, the son of an engineer, and was related to American writer Mark Twain, being his great great nephew.

Always wishing to write (aged 12 his father gave him a typewriter), Clemens said his national service transformed his rather frail demeanour, having had pneumonia as a child.

Clemens was a prolific writer, whose scripts always had an element of humour. It is no exaggeration to say he influenced many of the most popular TV series (including The Avengers and The Professionals) of the 60s, 70s and 80s, both in the UK and America. Clemens was awarded an OBE in 2010.

Q How was the experience on Off-Piste?

A We shot the main bulk of the film in the French Alps so it was a beautiful place to work. It was the director’s, Glen Kirby’s, first feature so it was very exciting and his passion for the project was shared by the whole team. I played a small part in his next film ‘The Pugilist’ too. Jack in the Box Films is definitely a company to watch out for.

Q What was your first professional role?

A It was in a tiny pub theatre where I played a waitress in the comedy ‘Shakers’.

Q Comedy vs drama. Which do you prefer acting in?

A There are pros to both. Comedies are so much fun and the buzz you get from the audience reaction is unbeatable. Then again dramas are rewarding in a different way and there is always a chance to carry on discovering different layers. But both have their challenges.

Comedy isn’t as easy as it seems and drama can be emotionally exhausting. In Strictly Murder there is a lot of crying, but it feels cathartic in a way. I love the challenges of both.

Q Do you have an ugly cry?

A Definitely. I have the ugliest cry face. I’m taking inspiration from the amazing Claire Danes who might have the best ugly crying face in the business!  essence INFO See Lara Lemon in the gripping thriller Strictly Murder at Rose Theatre Kingston from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 September 2017 Website: www.rosetheatrekingston.org Telephone: 020 8174 0090

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Q U IN T E S S E N T IAL LY

T RAV EL

4pp_Travel_New_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:16 Page 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILD MAHSEER

LAHE LAHE LAND It’s said that the easy going and laid back nature of the Assamese people is an effect of the wet, humid climate of Assam, Land of ‘lahe lahe’. This weather induces a soporific tendency amongst its people and therefore life itself is a slow, unhurried and laidback affair.

Subhasish Chakraborty looks into a silent revolution that’s taken place in north-east India.

4pp_Travel_New_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:16 Page 2

Travel | ASSAM

Bihu festival in Guwahati PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MICHAL KNITL | WWW.123RF.COM

cater to the exacting demands of the modern traveller. Rooms were impeccably furnished with colonial style architecture and matching décor.

The wooden floors, high ceilings and spacious verandahs all rekindled the nostalgia of the British Raj. In all there are five exclusive colonial bungalows spread over an area of 22 lush green acres. The Wild Mahseer Bungalow is the principal property catering for international guests, as well as those from mainland India.

The best part of being a guest of Wild Mahseer was the fact that apart from educational tours to surrounding tea gardens, there were also a range of activities such as fishing and river rafting in the swift flowing Bhorelli River. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Nameri National Park can be a very rewarding experience with all adventure activities arranged by a group of professionals from RJBI.

Rare one-horned rhino, Kaziranga National Park PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANDREY GUDKOV | WWW.123RF.COM

O

ver recent years tea tourism in Assam has played a significant role in changing common perceptions by offering a completely new experience to the usual tourist haunts. Traditional, well-trodden routes include the capital city of Guwahati with its list of must visit sites such as the holy Kamakshya, Umananda and Nabagraha temples, along with The Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra cultural centre to which can be added a visit to Manas National Park.

Our week long trip to the area was organised by the professionally run River Journeys and Bungalows of India, or RJBI company, one of the first to open up this area formerly off limits to the tourist at large.

Gone are the days of ‘hotel-sightseeing and back-to-the-hotel’ experiences that my family and I were so used to. Instead of being guests of centrally located star hotels, for the first time we embraced the sheer fascination of staying at a colonial tea garden bungalow in one of the remotest tea gardens (Addabarie, Balipara) of Assam.

The Air India flight from Calcutta was on time and after reaching Guwahati we drove straight to Balipara. We covered the distance in six hours with comfort stops on the way. As our coach entered the garden premises, the sight of a beautifully appointed colonial bungalow caught our attention. This was to be our home away from home for the next two days.

The staff of RJBI informed us that this centuries old bungalow – ‘The Wild Mahseer Bungalow’ – had been thoroughly renovated in order to

Traditional Bihu festival in Guwahati PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MICHAL KNITL | WWW.123RF.COM

Most of the bungalows run by RJBI, which are well spread out throughout Assam, are situated in close proximity to the river Brahmaputra, which adds to the spirit of adventure.

The Bhorelli River is ideal for fishing with the ‘Barbus Tor’, popularly called the Mahseer, one of the largest freshwater and perhaps greatest fighting fish in the world. I personally found angling for Mahseer an exciting challenge, every cast could be a potential strike. Once the fish strikes, yards of line are tugged and the fisherman could easily snap the rod or be pulled in. Angling equipment can be hired from the bungalow.

The genesis of launching tea tourism by converting the Victorian style managers’ bungalows into heritage properties was the brainchild of Ranjit Barthakur, CEO of RJBI. According to Barthakur: “Tourists here can experience the joy of staying in the luxurious colonial ambience of the Raj >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 15

4pp_Travel_New_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:16 Page 3

ASSAM HISTORY

Assam, a name some scholars claim was derived from the Sanskrit word ‘asoma’ meaning ‘peerless’ or ‘unparalleled’, is located south of the eastern Himalayas and is the home of the son of Lord Brahma, or Brahma-putra, which perhaps accounts for the Brahmaputra River being the only male river in India.

The Brahmaputra’s long, verdant valley had never previously been a possession of any outside entity until the nineteenth century collapse of the Ahoms. That event led to the Burmese invasion, followed by a swift transfer to British hands in 1826 after their victory in the first Anglo-Burmese War. Almost immediately the territory became central to the economic prosperity of the Raj, as the first oil wells in Asia were discovered at Digboi and Assam became the world’s largest and most profitable tea-growing territory.

Long after India’s independence in 1947, ‘undivided’ Assam retained its colonial-era form, encompassing what is now Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram, with its capital in the highland city of Shillong. That all changed in 1972 with the hill regions cut away. Soon protests began across the newly defined state, led by increasingly popular movements for government action against illegal migration, especially from Bangladesh. The troubles that ensued were resolved in 1985 following the Assam accord, but there have been occasional flare ups between indigenous people and immigrants since then, notably in 2012 when around 400,00 people were displaced.

“One sip of this (tea) will bathe the drooping spirits in delight, beyond the bliss of dreams.”

JOHN MILTON, ENGLISH POET, 1608-1674

Tea garden PHOTO COURTESY OF WILD MAHSEER

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Travel | ASSAM

“Tea tourism is not new in the industry, but most places offered only a couple of rooms for tourists.

This was the first full-scale and serious effort to open the area up for tourists.”

RAJIV TAKRU, DIRECTOR–PLANTATIONS, MCLEOD RUSSEL

era and savour the hospitality that was previously the prerogative of the British tea garden managers.” An eternal optimist, he visualised the creation of 1,000 top-end colonial heritage rooms in Assam, North Bengal and Dooars. Barthakur is also a prominent spokesman for Assam’s natural heritage, especially Kaziranga, where he advocates development that is: “carbon-negative, energy-positive, water-positive and free from land, air and water pollution.”

The entire tea industry of Assam, North Bengal and Dooars regions has woken up to tea tourism. Renowned companies such as Tata Tea, McLeod Russel, Glenburn Tea Estates and more have shown tremendous interest in this novel form of tourism.

Leaving behind the Raj era ambience of Balipara tea garden, we set off for Guwahati. The drive there was beautiful as we came across quaint Assamese hamlets as well as green rolling tea estates. Embracing the shores of the turbulent Brahmaputra, Guwahati is the gateway to the northeast and is at its festive best during the month of April in time for the all important ‘Rongali Bihu’ festival. This is the most popular festival of the people of Assam, the colourful Bihu dance at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra was wonderful. The beating of the drums and the melodious tunes of the ‘Pepa’ reverberated in the air. The sight of beautiful Assamese women in traditional ‘Mekhela Chader’ was absolutely gorgeous. The Rongali Bihu is a tribute to Mother Nature and all the Bihu songs are basically love songs.

No visit to Guwahati is ever complete without a visit to the holy Kamakshya Temple perched atop the Nilachal Hills. After offering Puja at the sanctum sanatorium of the temple, one can admire the uninterrupted view of the city which appears like a multi hued carpet. The sight of the majestic and mighty Brahmaputra River ceaselessly flowing makes for a kaleidoscopic vignette.

As the gateway city of the north-east, Guwahati has indeed come of age. Trendy multi cuisine restaurants, neon lit bars, deluxe hotels and a youth brigade constantly evolving to the demands of the new age are characteristic of the city.

For shopping, Guwahati has numerous centrally located markets such as the Fancy Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Ulubari, Ganeshguri and GNB Road. A popular haunt of tourists to Guwahati is the Assam State Emporium where bamboo and cane products are extremely popular, along with shawls, wall hangings and fancy Assamese hats. Assamese silk is world

Crimson Sunbird PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MANAS PARAN | WWW.123RF.COM

Heritage Bungalow PHOTO COURTESY OF WILD MAHSEER

famous and a must buy item for any new age woman is the quintessential Assamese ‘Mekhela Chader’.

After Guwahati we proceeded to the world famous Kaziranga National Park: a six hour journey to our rooms (booked well in advance) at the hugely popular Wild Grass Lodge (a sister concern of RJBI) where a traditional Assamese welcome awaited.

The Wild Grass Lodge is ideally located in close proximity to the National Park. Architecture is ethnic and designed in an eco-friendly manner sympathetic to the surroundings. Within the Lodge’s premises there are a variety of endangered tree species and well over two hundred species of miscellaneous flora.

The multi cuisine restaurant offered delectable Indian, Chinese and continental food. Try traditional Assamese cuisine such as the Kamrupi Biriyani, Thekera Dia Maasor Tenga, Masor Jhool and Xoriohor Maasor Jhool all of which are perennial favourites with visitors. Assamese food is predominantly cooked in wood fire imparting exceptional flavour.

Experience jungle activities such as safaris and elephant rides inside the Park, with a team of professional naturalists who have years of experience arranging bird watching and visits to neighboring tea estates.

An early morning elephant ride is a great way of exploring the varied charms of Kaziranga which is the last bastion of the rare and elusive onehorned rhino. Apart from rhinos as many as 35 species of mammals have been spotted, with at least 15 on the verge of extinction. As we went deeper inside the forest, we spotted varied species such as Hollock Gibbons, >>>

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“Guests can even join in the tea plucking if they wish to” RAJIV TAKRU, DIRECTOR–PLANTATIONS, MCLEOD RUSSEL

Capped Langurs (they are cute), Bristly Hare, Sloth Bears, Swamp Deer, Sambhar and Barasingha. If in luck, visitors might even spot the elusive Gangetic Dolphins that are a treat to watch. As far as big cats are concerned, a few exist here, but it is very difficult to spot them.

The beauty of Kaziranga lies in the fact that it is covered with tall grassland and there are small streams and reservoirs (bheels) spread throughout the contours of the Park. The Savannah woodland, deciduous forest, marshy water bodies and swamps only add to its beauty.

As we were guests of RJBI, they had made arrangements for us, in cooperation with a local tea garden manager, to experience an early morning trek along the border of Hathikuli tea estate which belongs to Tata Tea. We were accompanied by a naturalist from RJBI and the manager of the garden, Joydeep Singh, and were treated to the breathtaking sight of hundreds of tribal women plucking tea leaves on to their cane baskets.

Following this, we went to the factory where the finished tea is produced. The manager educated us on the characteristic features of Assam tea and took pains to explain that the first flush has a very rich aroma, while the second flush is ideally suited for the famed ‘Tippy Teas’. Tippy Teas, we were told, refers to Black Tea with its quintessential golden tips.

True to its promise to offer an Assam we never knew existed, the RJBI team at Kaziranga Wild Grass Lodge insisted on a tribal tour of a neighboring Karbi village. We hopped in to our four-wheel drive Scorpio and in half-an-hour reached the tiny village.

The Karbis are a colourful lot. Traditional Karbis live with a belief that there is a King of their own and they await his return on earth. The hill Karbis live in traditional huts and floors are raised several feet above the ground. Karbis are very hospitable as we were to discover. Each of us was offered one gourd of liquor (Hor), which we were told is the greatest respect shown to a guest in the house of a Karbi.

The manner in which the liquor was served to me was humbleness personified with the right hand of my host stretched out as the left hand held the elbow of his right hand in a salute to me, which I had to reciprocate. At the time of drinking, it is customary to throw some liquor on the ground in the name of ‘Hemphu’ the greatest god of the Karbis.

We found women weaving on traditional rude wooden looms, with one end tied to the middle part of the body of the weaver while the other end is stretched by the legs. They are known to dye threads with indigo (Sibu). As a souvenir, we bought an intricately designed Karbi shawl to the delight of the Karbi household.

The Ministry of Tourism originally spearheaded an assessment of the British era bungalows strewn across the entire north-eastern belt, including the Dooars region. The

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Buffalo crossing a river in Kaziranga National Park PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEVEN PRORAK | WWW.123RF.COM

GETTING THERE

Guwahati is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India.

Air India offers regular flights to Guwahati from Delhi and Kolkata and the city is also well connected by rail, linked to Delhi by Rajdhani Express and North East Express. There is also a direct express train linking Guwahati to Mumbai, the Dadar Express, to Chennai by Coromandal Express, to Calcutta by Kamrup Express and Saraighat Express.

ACCOMMODATION

In Assam there are as many as 600 tea gardens spread throughout the state, but only a limited number offer bungalow accommodation to tourists.

Tea pickers PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANDREY GUDKOV | WWW.123RF.COM

result is that tea tourism is now a niche segment in a competitive international tourism market. The RJBI company, having been one of the first, remains at the forefront offering a truly special experience.

After a history of troubles (see page 16) Assam is already a traveller’s bonanza, waiting to become global. If peace remains, the state can expect a sustained tourism boom.  essence INFO Wild Mahseer Balipara, Assam, India Balipara Division, Addabarie Tea Estate, P.O. Lokra, Sonitpur, Assam 784102, India Website: www.wildmahseer.com, www.assamtourism.gov.in Telephone: +91-3714-234354 / 234379 Mobile: +91 9435197650 E-mail: wildmahseer@gmail.com

NEWBY TEAS ULTIMATE SUMMER ICED TEAS Summer Berries and Green Lemon from the award-winning Classic Tea Bag collection.

• Perfect for garden parties, long summer evenings and elegant picnics in the summer social calendar • Newby’s teas and tisanes preserve the fruits’ natural sugars and make a luxurious iced brew which can be drunk without added sweetener • 25 varieties available from the Classic Tea Bag collection available online at Newby’s e-boutique (www.newbyteas.co.uk).

There are 25 individually wrapped bags in each box.

Newby Teas’ Classic Tea Bag Collection Newby Teas’ Classic Tea Bag Collection is a selection of 25 varieties including black teas, Oolong teas, green teas and herbal and fruit tisanes picked and preserved from the world’s finest prime-season teas. Newby Teas strives for excellence in every cup. The company’s well-loved blends are presented in convenient tea bags, individually wrapped and tech-sealed for an exceptionally full and fresh flavour. The 25 varieties in the collection have each been illustrated by a different detail taken from the private collection of vintage Indian pashminas owned by the late Chitra Sethia, wife of Newby Teas founder, Nirmal Sethia that have been lovingly preserved by the Sethia family for over two centuries. Each design meticulously reflects and complements the character of the corresponding tea.

THREE OF THE BEST SURREY TEA ROOMS Pennyhill Park Hotel Bagshot www.pennyhillpark.co.uk • 01276 486150 Woodlands Park Hotel Cobham www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/Woodlands-Park • 0845 458 0901 Oatlands Park Hotel Weybridge www.oatlandsparkhotel.com • 01932 847242

IOTC DPS July.indd 2

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SHOW GARDENS

OF OUR OWN Emanuela Alladio of Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design shares her top ten tips for creating a stunning garden worthy of an RHS show garden in our own homes.

1. Frame the view: most gardens are viewed from the house and in order to work they need to relate back to it. Key details of the architecture of the house need to be repeated within the garden and views out should be nicely framed and lead the eye, inviting exploration to discover the garden.

Framing the view – when designing a garden, it is best to think of how it will be viewed from the house, and to try and create a long view or an interesting path to lead the eye and invite exploration

2. Keep it simple: material choices should be kept to a minimum. For instance, one type of stone used in different finishes for inside and out or for areas of the garden with different characters, and use repetition in the planting too to create a sense of harmony.

3. Create a private haven: introduce a secluded area that feels intimate and tranquil where a glass of wine can be sipped or where it is possible to sit and relax. Introducing vertical elements such as a semi transparent screen, a wall or a tall hedge works wonderfully, creating an unexpected space that breaks down the emptiness of a garden and spurs us on to walk and discover what’s beyond.

4. Create something that looks good in every season: June is the month of the year where every garden looks at its best, with lavender, geraniums, alchemilla, roses etc. all flowering and in prime condition. Yet these plants can fade quickly leaving an empty gap for many months to come. Try and avoid planting plants that fade so quickly and choose instead a good backbone of evergreen shrubs and perennials that offer a long season of interest and maybe even some pretty seed heads for the winter.

Create a secluded space – whether it’s a gin and tonic terrace or a quiet corner to sit and relax, every garden needs a screen, a wall or a hedge to create a bit of privacy

Every garden needs plants to enjoy all year round. For a prominent planter, choose unusual evergreens that are low maintenance and

5. Disguise the ugly bits: every garden has a view or wall that shouldn’t be looked at. Use plants and paths to lead the eyes away, encouraging focus elsewhere.

6. Boundaries are key: use hedging to frame a sharp and clean lawn or a well-defined border. This will produce neat shapes that help keep maintenance to a minimum and make the garden look crisp and fresh.

7. Let the plants speak for themselves: don’t overcrowd, but give them space to breathe and become established. Think about it in terms of layers of vertical interest and bring some taller perennials towards the front to break the mould and create a dynamic border and more interesting look.

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always look good and tidy

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Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS Disguise the messy bits – don’t forget that storage is paramount in any garden, big or small, so try to incorporate bespoke built-in sheds to make the best use of the space available

Jon and Emanuela in the show garden they created for the Istanbul Flower Festival in 2016

Profile: Alladio Sims Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Ltd was established in 2015 after Jon Sims and Emanuela Alladio collaborated on a Silver Gilt winning show garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The two directors continue their collaborative approach throughout their practice with Jon’s background in interior architecture giving distinctive spaces and Emanuela’s passion for plants and photographic eye adding great texture and contrast.

Be bold – here the table and wall sit quietly in the background while the contemporary colourful chairs make a positive statement. Although a

When planting, don’t be afraid to use more than one specimen of

bright colour, the orange sits harmoniously in this space, highlighting the

each species – planted en masse these alliums are much more

rusted metal screen and red cedar cladding in the rest of the garden

effective and make this border stand out

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, TWICKENHAM PRIVATE GARDEN, 2017

Use grasses to soften hard elements – grasses are low maintenance, hard working plants that provide movement and elegance and are

8. Be bold: choose more of the same thing, so for instance put together two plants of the same colour (such as bronze fennel and black phormium) to create a good textural foil for the rest of the garden. A similar result can be achieved by repeating similar shapes at different levels (such as round pots, round lawns, allium heads etc.).

interesting to touch

9. Don’t be afraid of grasses: grasses add a softness and a texture that is invaluable to any garden and they have very good longevity too, especially the ones with interesting seed heads.

10. Use splashes of colour to draw attention: but keep the overall picture harmonious by restricting the colour palette. The effect to be achieved is pleasing and not a muddled mix! 

essence INFO Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Limited Regional office: Lower Bourne, Farnham, Surrey GU10 3RE Website: www.alladiosims.co.uk Email: Hello@alladiosims.co.uk

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Outdoor cooking | INDIAN OCEAN

OUTDOOR

KITCHENS

In any expertly designed garden, the ultimate way to elevate the outdoor living experience is by the addition of a fully functional, sleek outdoor kitchen.

Indian Ocean, purveyors of inspirational outdoor furniture, offer advice.

O

utdoor kitchens are increasingly being seen in the design of high-end homes both in the city on urban roof terraces, as well as in the leafier parts of town and country. The concept of utilising the garden as a place to relax and entertain as an extra room of the home is now well established. Consequently a longerterm view is now being taken by both homeowners and property developers who are realising that how we cook outdoors has evolved.

With an outdoor kitchen the entire food preparation process is revolutionised as it can be moved completely outdoors, along with storage of all essential equipment, so no more dashing back inside for tools and forgotten items.

It’s essential to choose marine-grade stainless steel cabinets, specifically designed for use outdoors, which have magnetic seals, are waterproof and are impervious to dust, insects and bugs.

It is also important to choose an integrated grill, designed and manufactured to commercial standards, which incorporates illuminated controls and task lighting within the grill. Make sure every element is best in class – look for brass burners and ceramic briquettes to ensure even heat distribution to allow cooking of an entire roast, not just a few sausages!

Outdoor kitchens are often more luxurious than the conventional indoor kitchen as space limitations can disappear. As a result teppanyaki plates, warming drawers and cocktail stations become feasible luxuries.

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If space and budget allow, an outdoor fridge or even dishwasher can be incorporated and of course there must be the kitchen sink too! Mains water, gas and electricity connections can be taken from either existing points or run from the main property.

The aesthetic of the outdoor kitchen should be tied in with materials used in either the hard landscaping of garden design or the architecture of the property. Cladding in stone, slate or render to match the property should be considered. Granite provides the most practicable work surface as it can handle the heat of the grill and the vagaries of the climate.

Alternatively, for a quick solution avoiding water and gas installations, choose a ready to go, modular, freestanding outdoor kitchen designed with fewer appliances and fueled by bottled gas hidden within one of the steel cabinets. With a granite surface, contemporary HPL (High Pressure Laminate) finish and hermetically sealed cabinets, Indian Ocean’s Island Outdoor Kitchen has the added benefit of being able to be transported and easily relocated when moving home.  essence INFO Indian Ocean offers a comprehensive process to design, build and install an outdoor kitchen from initial concept to completion, or choose the new Island FreeStanding Kitchen, pictured, price £14,995.

Website: www.indian-ocean.co.uk Telephone: 020 8675 4808

SENSO.COM.AU

4pp_Motoring_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:14 Page 1

“We’re incredibly excited about the brand new XC60. Not only does it bring all the style and advanced technology from our larger cars to our best-selling SUV, it is the latest step in Volvo’s transformation.”

JON WAKEFIELD, MANAGING DIRECTOR, VOLVO CARS UK ALL IMAGES COURTESY VOLVO CAR GROUP

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Motoring | VOLVO

A QUALIT Y

PRODUCTION Volvo’s sponsorship of Sky Atlantic was aimed at changing consumer perception of the brand from not just being safe, but also contemporary with a cutting edge and therefore increasing the brand’s appeal. So does the Volvo XC60 answer the question at the start of the advertisement?

What makes a quality production? Euan Johns thinks the answer is an emphatic yes with the new XC60 SUV.

T

hat Volvo Cars is a premium carmaker there is no doubt, and this month its new XC60 mid-size SUV becomes available in the UK. By a happy quirk of fate, the first XC60 left the Volvo factory 90 years ago after the Volvo ÖV4 saw the light of day on 14 April 1927.

The new XC60 replaces one of the best-selling models in Volvo’s 90 year history.

The original XC60 became a phenomenon, with climbing sales every year since its introduction in 2008. Seven years after it was revealed, it became the bestselling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe, and in its ninth year it is still the best seller. The XC60 today represents around 30 per cent of Volvo’s total global sales, and this month the number of original XC60s produced will surpass 1,000,000.

Looking through the engine choices of the modern fare on offer these days can leave even the most nerdyminded a little bewildered due to the choice that’s available. Thankfully the XC60 removes that chore and provides two options: the D4 and D5. Both are two litre diesels, with a petrol option as well, the T5, which provides 250bhp and is a little punchier than the more powerful of the two diesels, the D5, which runs up 232bhp. The only drawback is that fuel consumption (up >>>

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“Volvo is very proud of its history. The past 90 years have been exciting, but the 10 years left until the 100-year anniversary may be even more exciting as industry focus shifts to autonomous driving, electrification and connectivity.

The new XC60 is in many ways the embodiment of these trends.”

HÅKAN SAMUELSSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, VOLVO CARS

to 39 mpg) is far worse than the diesel options (51 mpg and 54 mpg).

Later this year a T8 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid will be available.

As far as the ride is concerned, the XC60’s aptly labelled ‘comfort’ setting allows drivers to glide over speed bumps, but go over one of the many large potholes in today’s poorly maintained highways and byways and there’s a distinct jolt, more so than from the XC60’s competitors: the Audi Q5 and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Handling well, the XC60 is not sports car standard, but that’s not what is expected from an SUV. About town it’s a great car to drive, easy to manoeuvre and as with all Volvos feels stable and safe at high speeds.

Inside, the XC60 is all neat and tidy with good visibility. The slightly niggling thing is the lack of buttons and as (seemingly) everywhere else touchscreens lead the way which can be a bit irritating and fiddly.

Perhaps it’s my nostalgia creeping in, together with a natural clumsiness.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system is also standard, but my finger fumbling applies to this as well, the buttons are a little small. The system has all the usual suspects – map updates, real time traffic management and access to popular cloud based apps.

As expected, there’s plenty of room inside with five seats standard at this level, but the Land Rover does have

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Motoring | VOLVO

90 YEARS OF VOLVO

Volvo, Latin for ‘I roll’, was born on April 14 1927 when the first car ‘Jakob’ left the factory in Gothenburg, Sweden. Founded by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larsson, the company was formed on a background of quality and safety, a concept that still applies to the cars today.

Assar Gabrielsson had seen an opportunity for car manufacturing in Sweden having observed the growing auto industries in the US and Europe. From his position at the Swedish ball bearing maker SKF, he managed to convince the firm to invest in a spin-off car business called AB Volvo, pointing out Sweden’s readily accessible steel, cheap labour and skilled engineers.

the option to take seven with additional seating which could be useful on occasions.

Overall the second generation of the XC60 is a great all round car, not as quiet as rivals, but when opting for a Volvo it’s accepted that it is one of the safest cars on the road – true to its heritage. With the XC60 Volvo is well in the SUV game and knocks another nail in the coffin to end its reputation as a maker of boxy, conservative and dullish cars that an accountant might drive.

This time round though it comes at a little more of a hefty price tag than before. So, if trading in from a first generation car, make sure the bank manager’s number is to hand, or better still the accountant’s, although don’t ask him what car he drives. essence INFO The XC60 is available to order now priced from £37,205 for the entry level Momentum version.

Website: www.volvocars.com

The first mass-produced Swedish car was quite a conventional vehicle, with elements of American car design, a wooden frame made of ash and beech, a 1.9-litre side-valve engine and artillery wheels with wooden spokes. Like Ford previously, only one colour combination was available: dark blue with black fenders.

The fledgling company produced both closed top and cabriolet models of their new four-cylinder OV4 and PV4 models, which were constructed to better withstand the harsh Swedish climate than contemporary US imports. Both carried the Swedish symbol for iron attached to a diagonal piece of metal on the front grille – another aspect of Volvo’s heritage that can be seen on today’s models.

In 1929 a six-cylinder PV651 model was introduced, longer and wider than the Jakob.

Its success helped the company to purchase its engine supplier, buy its first factory and by the end of 1931 return its first dividend.

The production milestone of 10,000 Volvos was reached in May 1932 and it was not long before Volvo dealers were asking the company to develop a more inexpensive car ‘for the people’: this was the PV51 model of 1936.

Volvo’s first sports car, the ‘Sport’ or P1900, launched in 1956, but this had a short production run and was replaced by the hugely successful P1800 in 1960. Considered to be an excellent touring car with sleek coupé lines, the P1800 went on to find fame in ‘The Saint’ television series with Roger Moore behind the wheel.

Despite all the changes over the past 90 years, one thing has remained constant at Volvo: the company’s commitment to making the world’s safest cars.

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Bruce double breasted jacket cream £595 Starling trousers brown £275 Tailored poplin double cuff shirt £95 30 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

Men’s fashion | NEW & LINGWOOD

Taplow single breasted jacket £595 Stretch cotton chinos gold £155 Easthampton classic shirt £125 Double Paisley tie £95

Multi block long socks £35 Co-respondant Oxford shoe £395 Stourton single breasted jacket navy £595 Pineapple Hawaiian shirt burgundy £125 Bruce trousers cream £295

PERFECT GENTLEMAN New & Lingwood was founded in 1865 by Miss Elisabeth New and Mr Samuel Lingwood and remains one of London’s longest established and most respected English gentleman’s outfitters, supplying bespoke and ready-to-wear shirts, hosiery, finest pyjamas, footwear and silk accessories.

New & Lingwood’s spring/summer 2017 collection is as colourful as ever, with contemporary striped boating blazers, bright cotton chinos and louche linen separates out in force.

essence INFO

New & Lingwood 53 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6LX Telephone: 020 7493 9621 Website: www.newandlingwood.com

>>>

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Bruce trousers cream £295 Merino crew neck sweater navy £125 Hand plaited belt black/royal £125

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Fashion | WHITE AND WHITE

DRESS UP OR DRESS DOWN Made in London, each of the six designs in pure Italian cotton or silk are a work of exquisite detail. Hand finished French seams; pure silk cuffs; delicate pearl buttons and finite pintucking add that touch of luxury.

White and White’s shirts cost between £250 and £375.

essence INFO

whiteandwhite.co.uk

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THE WORLD NEEDS MORE YOUNG HEROES CANYON HAS DEVELOPED ITS FIRST EVER RANGE OF KIDS’ BIKES. BEARING EQUAL LEVELS OF TECHNICAL REFINEMENT AND ADVANCED FEATURES THAT SET ANY CANYON BIKE APART. THE CANYON KIDS’ RANGE COMBINES SHARP DESIGN WITH ELEMENTS THAT BOOST A CHILD’S CONTROL, COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE.

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CANYON BICYCLES

Look the age you feel on the inside

Nita’s Story Age 67, Mallorca, Spain Concept™ Facelift, Neck Lift & Earlobe Repair (left to right) Before Nita’s surgery and one month after Concept™ Facelift, Neck Lift & Earlobe Repair

Since turning 60, I have felt that everything suddenly started

stayed by my side to hold my hand and she and Amir chatted

to change with my appearance. In particular, over the last few

to me throughout to soothe any fears and keep me calm and

years I have become very unhappy with my jowls and wrinkly

entertained!

neckline. I knew a surgical facelift was the only way to address Despite a little swelling, there

the issue.

I live in Spain so it was difficult to come to the clinic for a consultation in person, but Amir was really helpful and arranged a live video consultation.

Before my surgery I met Amir

I would absolutely recommend Amir to anyone who is interested in a cosmetic procedure, my experience at Bella Vou was fantastic and the results were everything I hoped for and more.

again and he went through

was absolutely no bruising, which is an absolute miracle as I bruise like a peach.

I couldn’t believe how well I felt just an hour after undergoing a full facelift operation; thanks to the local anaesthetic I didn’t feel at all groggy and I didn’t need to

everything with me and answered all my questions. I was a

stay in hospital, which was a big relief.

little apprehensive about the local anaesthetic injections, but really it was just like I’d experienced at the dentist getting a filling. Throughout the procedure, one of the nursing team

I was so excited to see my results once the surgery was completed, and I was certainly not disappointed!

Amir Nakhdjevani MBBS, MRCS, FRCS

#1 Cosmetic Surgeon in the UK Top 100 Cosmetic Surgeon in the world Before you consider any procedure you should consult with a physician to check your medical suitability. The above information is only a brief overview and typical of most patients’ experiences. Errors and omissions excepted. © 2017 Bella Vou Ltd.

01892 257 050

Text 07800 007 028

www.bellavou.co.uk

Facial skin care | CHERRY WOODS

Dare to bare Make-up free skin in the full glare of summer sun is not an easy look to pull off without a little care and attention. However, it can be done. Renowned celebrity facialist Cherry Woods of Cherry Woods Skin Clinic shows us how to prepare skin for summer to perfect that glow.

W

hether commuting to work or hitting the beach, ditching the make-up bag on hot, sticky summer days can be a refreshing break for the skin as we look for that perfect, natural, healthy glow in the summer sun. Of course, we can all use iridescent highlighters to imitate glowing skin, but even better is to get that dull, lacklustre skin working hard by using skin rejuvenators and smart moisturisers.

Choose products with ingredients such as clever pearl peptides which optimise hydration levels. Check labels for words such as ‘soft focus technology’ or ‘light reflecting properties.’

These products allow light to bounce off the skin and result in a make-up free, skin-friendly, highlighted look.

Here are some of my favourite tips to achieve perfect summer skin: • Cleanse skin with a cell-boosting HydroPeptide Exfoliating Cleanser.

• Use Environ’s Intensive Revival Masque for a few minutes after the cleanse. It contains skin brightening AHAs to kick start those skin cells into turbo-drive whilst lightening and brightening for extra impact.

• Use a cool cloth after cleansing to take any heat out of the skin before applying serums and moisturisers. Great for make-up free days, but a good habit all year round as it helps make-up ‘sit’ better and last for longer.

• Relax and soften those little wrinkles with HydroPeptide Power Serum (line relaxing peptides).

• HydroPeptide’s Power Lift Cream with skin brightening and light reflecting technology can make the light really dance off the skin. Apply make-up highlighters over the top of this on warm, summer evenings and it will reinforce and intensify the glow and dewy look of the skin, giving a supercharged, highlighted look.

• One of my favourite tips for obtaining a bright, glowing, dewy complexion is to drink pure pressed carrot juice daily. Inside out skin preparation! The juice is an awesome source of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene: vital for skin health and an amazing antioxidant.

• Take a good, daily Omega 3 supplement which not only helps support the skin’s immunity, but has been shown to diffuse redness and reduce blotchiness whilst boosting lipids in the skin. I recommend ‘Skin Omegas +’ by the Advanced Nutrition Programme. For me, it’s the equivalent to swallowing a moisturiser, allowing the skin to hold on to water for longer.

The result is truly hydrated, glowing skin. essence INFO

Cherry Woods Skin Clinic 19a King Street, Richmond, Surrey TW91ND Website: www.cherrywoodsclinic.com Email: info@cherrywoodsclinic.com (clinic), cherrywoodsclinic@gmail.com

CHERRY BY LINA (HAIR) AND AMY (MAKEUP)

Profile: Cherry Woods Cherry Woods was named in the top ten facialists by InStyle Magazine in April 2017. Cherry is a multi-award winning facialist, best known for her hi-tech, anti-ageing treatments combined with holistic massage. Her much talked about ‘Bloom Facials’ have had rave reviews from beauty editors and clients.

Cherry is also an experienced media commentator on all things skin and is regularly featured in national, local and specialist media publications.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MICHAEL SIMONS | 123RF.COM

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Cosmetic surgery | BELLA VOU

Post natal procedures This month Mr Amir Nakhdjevani, consultant plastic surgeon at Bella Vou Pantiles Clinic in Tunbridge Wells, outlines the various cosmetic procedures available to help mothers regain their pre-pregnancy bodies.

A Lead surgeon Amir Nakhdjevani

s any mother will know, being pregnant is an exciting and miraculous experience, but it certainly impacts on the body in all sorts of ways.

For the lucky few whose bodies bounce back immediately after childbirth, there are many more that suffer with longer-term effects such as a slack tummy, stretch marks or loss of breast volume.

Naturally, this can damage self-confidence and many mothers understandably long to regain their pre-pregnancy bodies. It doesn’t help that we’re constantly bombarded with images of new celebrity mothers in the media, who somehow manage to spring back into shape within a matter of weeks of childbirth. Trust me when I say, most of these ‘yummy mummies’ aren’t able to achieve this remarkable transformation without help!

The good news is that there is a range of cosmetic treatments that can help to address problem areas, if plenty of exercise and healthy eating isn’t getting close to the desired outcome.

Being realistic in this regard is important as the body won’t be the same after multiple pregnancies: some stretchmarks and lax skin is completely normal, but for those whose pregnancy has left them with very visible folds of slack skin that no amount of exercise or diet will correct, then they may be motivated to explore surgical options.

Breast augmentation or lift

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: FAMVELDMAN | 123RF.COM

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After pregnancy and breastfeeding it is common for women to lose breast volume, leaving breasts smaller and looking droopy or ‘deflated’.

Breast augmentation, through the use of implants, allows the fullness of the breasts to be restored, while regaining lost shape and volume. Other women find that whilst they still have enough breast tissue and do not need an implant, they would benefit from an uplift to restore the breasts to their natural position.

Breast and tummy reshaping procedures can often be performed together as part of a ‘Mummy Makeover’ package, to reduce the overall recovery time and achieve dramatic changes under one general anaesthetic.

Beauty | EPSOM SKIN CLINICS PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MICHAEL SIMONS | 123RF.COM

Planning procedures Treatments for the tummy

Hormonal changes that come with pregnancy and lactation cause women’s bodies to store excess fat, particularly in the abdomen, thighs and buttocks.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat to reshape and contour the body.

Liposuction is frequently combined with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), a surgical procedure that removes loose skin and excessive fat from the lower abdomen, as well as tightening and repairing abdominal muscles which separate during pregnancy resulting in back pain and poor posture. A tummy tuck will improve the contour and tone of the abdomen. However, it is best to postpone surgery until no more children are planned and the client is at or near her target weight.

It’s difficult to choose which skin treatments are best, so aesthetician Naomi Diamond of Epsom Skin Clinics helps out with this handy guide to what can be a difficult choice.

It’s always worth bearing in mind that consultations are important for all beauty treatments, from regular facial treatments to plastic surgery. Clients need to know the minimum and maximum that can be achieved for their skin, so do ask your therapist or doctor to lay out all options available so a plan can be agreed in advance and informed decisions made.

Thread facelifts

Thread facelifts offer a non-invasive procedure that can take between 30 to 60 minutes to complete and are carried out under local anaesthetic. Results can be immediate as the thread gives an instant but discreet lift to the face. The skin’s own natural collagen production is also stimulated, adding more volume gradually to last approximately eighteen months.

Vitamin drip Treatments to improve stretch marks

Stretch marks are very common in women as the result of pregnancy or rapid weight gain or weight loss. They often appear on the breasts and stomach, as well as the hips and thighs. At Bella Vou we offer non-surgical derma roller treatments which offer a simple yet successful stretch mark treatment at a fraction of the cost of other cosmetic treatments such as laser therapy.

To enquire about treatment options or to book a consultation, talk to a member of Bella Vou’s friendly team today.

essence INFO

Bella Vou Pantiles Clinic 45-47 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TE Tel: 01892 257 357 Website: www.bellavou.co.uk Twitter: @Bellavou

Most of us have heard of IV drips for the ‘hangover cure’, but how about the vitamin drip? The Canadian originators of this treatment began in 2011 and it is now widely available in the UK. The drip’s unique blend of vitamins and minerals can be tailor made to each individual based on lifestyle, diet, exercise habit and more, all of which are carefully determined by a questionnaire completed prior to treatment. Products used can help treat a range of concerns from rejuvenation to immune support to athletic performance. Vitamins and minerals are placed in a drip and delivered intravenously resulting in 100% absorption.

Fans include everyone from sports personalities to arthritis sufferers. Take a look and treat yourself from the inside.

Eyes and lips

Two of the more noticeable areas that tend to show our age the most are around the eyes and mouth. Those tell tale eye bags, crows’ feet and pout lines give us away!

Previously, the eye area was too sensitive to treat, however, the Enerpeel Eye and Lip treatment is a chemical peel that uses two different acids and the patented Enerpeel technology which contains acid activity until it has been absorbed. This allows the peel to focus on remodelling the skin from the inside, encouraging natural collagen, elastin production and improving skin laxity.

R20 tattoo removal

Not so much a new treatment as a unique method! Throughout the last couple of years, tattoo removal has become more recognised and is proving a common talking point in the media. Conventional laser tattoo removal means carrying out one pass over the whole tattoo with the client returning six weeks later for the next, and so on, for around 18 to 24 months. However, the R20 technique allows multiple passes in one day, leaving a twenty minute gap in between each pass to allow the skin to calm and frosting to disappear. This innovative technique reduces total removal time and allows clients to live without regret as it shatters the ink in the dermal layer of the skin.

Skin rejuvenation

There is always something new on the skincare market and products are continually advancing, especially in the prevention of ageing and rejuvenation.

Now that summer is here, many of us are focusing on pigmentation and sun damage accumulated over years where sun exposure has damaged skin.

I always say sun protection is essential to any homecare routine, however, there is available a range of products that contain vitamin C, an antioxidant and anti inflammatory that promotes collagen and elastin production, as well as brightening, along with pigment lightening ingredients for the prevention and early stages of ageing. Obagi CRX combines all of these with exfoliating ingredients to give skin back its luminosity, prevent premature ageing and lighten the initial signs of sun damage.

Booking a consultation with one of our therapists at the Epsom Skin Clinics could start a treatment plan to inspire confidence this summer.

essence INFO

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

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID P MACDONALD

MY MONTH IN FOOD Stephanie Brookes, foodie expert and BBC Radio London contributor, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month: NOPI, situated on Warwick Street, London.

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s I navigate my way around London’s culinary scene, there’s always that one restaurant I return to time and again. It has a kind of gravitational pull which keeps me coming back, sometimes twice in two days! This is a rarity for me as my state is one of food fickleness, as I like to take advantage of the incredible variety of cuisine on offer here in London, yet there are some restaurants that just have a certain magic ingredient. NOPI, situated on Warwick Street, is such a place and a sanctuary from the hustle of nearby Regent Street.

NOPI will require very little introduction for its legendary owner, Yotam Ottolenghi, is the undisputed master of Middle Eastern cuisine, and along with head chef, Ramael Scully, has created a menu that highlights the freshest, seasonal ingredients, allowing vegetable dishes, in particular, to really shine through.

They are the kind of dishes that could tempt even the most ardent meat-eater to convert. Yet, the meat dishes are also lovingly prepared, and perfectly complement their vegetable counterparts.

As you enter the restaurant it has what can only be described as a feeling of ‘light’, which is why the few tables by the beautiful large windows are much coveted. I would suggest making a reservation for this area of the restaurant, and the very helpful staff will certainly do their best to accommodate.

Now, the first thing on the agenda at NOPI is ordering one of its expertly mixed cocktails. For a restaurant rarely talked about for its drinks, it has a well-thought out cocktail menu that would impress even the most ardent connoisseur. If, like me, the more herbaceous cocktail is preferred, I would highly recommend the Coriander and Ginger Martini, made

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with fresh lime, vodka, ginger and baby coriander. The cocktail offers a fresh, clean start to proceedings which I feel for certain will lead to the ordering of a second swiftly after.

If NOPI was to have a signature, it would be its bold, striking flavours that may or may not have been encountered before. Chefs take the simplest of ingredients, yet create the most sensational flavour combinations – the kind of which makes diners wonder how to possibly recreate at home. In terms of the actual eating, it’s all about tapas-style dishes which is not a concept I’ve ever been too comfortable with (I’m far too greedy), but at NOPI you really want the person you’re with to share in the experience with you.

I suggest ordering at least three of the vegetable dishes, including the Roasted aubergine, tamarind yoghurt, pistachio and pickled lemon, which is my current favourite offering on the menu. The charred, slightly chewy outer later of the aubergine combined with the delicately spiced yoghurt, crunchy texture of the pistachios and the final burst of bright, zesty lemon is quite simply the only way ever to eat an aubergine.

And not forgetting the Grilled Romano peppers, ricotta, tomatillo salsa and pineapple, as well as the highly moreish Crispy potato, dashi onions, truffle oil and pecorino. They’re the kind of dishes that starts the ‘we could actually be vegetarian’ conversation, if only there was someone to make these dishes for you every day.

The main dish of Twice-cooked baby chicken, lemon myrtle salt and chilli sauce, I was told (by the lady on the table next to me) was so delicious she had ordered a second serving for her and her daughter. The portion itself is clearly enough for two, but if dining

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Food reviews | STEPHANIE BROOKES

ALL IMAGES PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NOPI

NOPI interior

NOPI's Chickpea pancake Twice-cooked baby chicken

in a larger group, I would suggest opting for the slightly more expensive Whole-cooked baby chicken.

The coarse, aromatic salt further enhanced the crispy chicken skin, and the moist, tender flesh paired with the spicy, chilli sauce was promptly devoured. For the ultimate vegetarian plate, the Chickpea pancake, spiced peas, tomato and yuzu is a satisfying dish. The fluffy chickpea pancake acts as a foundation for the fresh salad, with sweet tomatoes and delicate citrus from the yuzu making for a vibrant plate, and perfect for these warm, summer months.

You may find yourself contemplating ordering the same plate again, and my advice is not to hesitate, or in any way feel that tinge of embarrassment for wanting more – that’s just what is to be expected at NOPI.  essence INFO To make a reservation, contact: NOPI 21-22 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NE Websites: www.ottolenghi.co.uk and www.stephaniebrookes.com Telephone: 020 7494 9584 Email: contact@nopi-restaurant.com Twitter: @stephbrookes

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GROUND-BREAKING BAKERY CHOOSES SOHO FOR ITS SECOND SITE

Since its opening two years ago, the much raved-about South Kensington-based Maître Choux (@maitrechoux), has sold out almost every single day. The world’s first choux pastry specialist patisserie has amassed a cult following among locals and celebrities alike who have been queuing in front of the rainbow-coloured display.

From private celebrations through to A-lister events by way of iconic institutions such as Fortnum & Mason, Chiltern Firehouse, and Blakes, the freshly-made wondrous eclairs, choux and chouquettes have surprised and delighted all who sample them.

In a move set to delight the fans, Joakim Prat, the three Michelin star-experienced chef behind Maître Choux, is opening a second location on Soho’s Dean Street this October.

A bigger site than South Kensington, Maître Choux Soho will also have a more spacious seating area, allowing additional guests to accompany their confection with a cup of the finest quality tea and coffee, or a thick hot chocolate made from a legendary Basque recipe provided

by Joakim’s grandmother.

Maître Choux Soho will offer the same core range of hand-crafted, MAÎTRE CHOUX – THE WORLD’S FIRST CHOUX PASTRY SPECIALIST PATISSERIE decadent, one-of-a-kind designs featuring show-stopping eclairs 15 HARRINGTON ROAD • SOUTH KENSINGTON • LONDON SW7 3ES like lemon meringue & bergamot, Spanish raspberry and hazelnut & MAÎTRE CHOUX SOHO OPENING OCTOBER milk chocolate treasure, as well as 60 DEAN STREET • SOHO • LONDON W1D 6AW Orders taken for bespoke designs, both corporate and private.

WWW.MAITRECHOUX.COM

SilentAD_Layout 1 26/01/2017 09:13 Page 1

WINNER

Food and Drink Innovation

AWARD WINNING GIN FROM THE SILENT POOL IN SURREY Now available at Majestic and Waitrose stores nationwide. www.silentpooldistillers.com

Food_Crates_Layout 1 07/07/2017 11:56 Page 1

Crates 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.

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.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DIMA SOBKO | WWW.123RF.COM

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: LEYLA ISMET | WWW.123RF.COM

Globe artichoke

Cherries

The spiky globe artichoke derives, unsurprisingly, from a species of thistle plant. Totally unrelated to the Jerusalem artichoke which is a tuber grown in the ground, the globe bud grows tall and proud, but it is generally only the base (heart or choke) that is eaten together with the ends of the bud leaves. More of the leaf parts can be eaten if the artichoke is a small, young variety and these also lack the more inedible ‘bearded’ part of the choke.

A luxury vegetable of the ancient Romans and Greeks, the Dutch were the first to introduce artichokes to these parts in the sixteenth century where they were a favourite of Henry VIII. Today artichokes are grown throughout the world and known for their antioxidant qualities.

Whilst they seem a difficult vegetable to tackle, artichokes can be simply prepared by boiling or steaming, serving with butter or vinaigrette, with diners sucking the flesh off the base of the leaves where, after discarding the bearded choke, the tasty heart can be found. Artichokes are also delicious just cut in half to be grilled or barbecued.

The cherry usually has a relatively short season between July and August and can vary widely in taste and quality, but we are set to see one of the biggest and longest English cherry seasons this year.

Britain is now growing some of the best cherries ever due to producers having invested heavily in young trees protected under polytunnels replacing tired, lowyielding orchards.

Cherries are not the best fruit to keep for long, but if they are plump and tasty keeping them should not be an issue as they will disappear quickly from the family fruit bowl. The fruit is also a great addition to cakes, jam and many desserts, including ice cream and sorbet, and can complement sweet dishes with a degree of tartness.

Source them locally and look out for firm, glossy fruits with green stalks.

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Food | CRATES LOCAL PRODUCE

Barbecued or grilled artichokes from Crates Local Produce

Cherry parfait from Crates Local Produce

Serves 4

Ingredients: 600g fresh cherries 250g jam sugar (with pectin) Quarter of a lemon Two teaspoons of brandy Half pint of frozen yogurt or ice cream Half pint of whipped cream or crème de fraise

www.crateslocal.co.uk

Serves 4

www.crateslocal.co.uk

Ingredients: Two medium or four large globe artichokes One lemon, cut into wedges Eight tablespoons of olive or rapeseed oil One tablespoon of fresh, chopped herbs such as rosemary, oregano or thyme Salt and pepper, to taste Method: w Heat the oil and herbs together until warm and allow the herbs to seep in the warm oil while preparing the artichokes. w Prepare the artichokes by snipping away the pointed tips of the leaves with scissors. Whilst trimming, rub the cut edges with lemon juice. Peel the thick outer layer of the artichoke stems and trim them to around five centimetres from the base. Discard the top one and a half centimetres of the artichokes, cut them in half and scoop out the bearded part of the chokes and the small inner artichoke leaves. Rub lemon juice all over the inside. w Boil around an inch of water at the bottom of a large pan with a steamer rack, reduce the heat to medium and place the artichoke halves, cut side down, on the rack. Cover and steam for 20 minutes, until the outer leaves can be easily pulled off and the heart can be pierced softly with a knife. w Prepare the grill or barbecue for direct, high heat. Brush the artichoke all over with the herb infused oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the artichoke halves on the grill or barbecue cut side down. Cook for five to ten minutes, until charred-grill marks appear. w Serve by sprinkling the cut sides with more lemon juice and mayonnaise, or with melted butter.

Method 1: w Pit and de-stalk the cherries (setting aside some half cherries for garnish) and place in a large pan. Add 150ml water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the fruit softens. w Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Squeeze in the lemon juice, add the brandy and bring back to the boil. w Cook for a further 15 minutes and test by spooning a little onto a plate.

Allow to cool for a minute and it will wrinkle if pushed slightly. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool fully. w Pour just over half of the cherry compote into medium sized glasses, top with all the frozen yogurt (or ice cream), pour in the remaining compote and finish with whipped cream or crème de fraise and a few half cherries.

Enjoy in the heat of the summer!

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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Connecting with rural food

Shirlee Posner seeks and finds a perfect example of rural food retailing in the modern world in the depths of the beautiful Surrey countryside, Ockley Farmers’ Market.

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Michaela Allam, Norbury Blue Cheese Co.

urrey is a county of contrasts with Guildford full of designer shops smattered with a few independents and a small but growing fine food culture. But a lot of the great finds are ‘not on the high street’ and Ockley Farmers’ Market is a prime example. Situated between Dorking and Horsham, it’s close to Leith Hill and the borders of Sussex and Surrey.

This market only started four months ago and it’s a collaboration between two Surrey hard core food couples.

Michaela and Neil Allam are the producers of Surrey’s most famous cheeses, Norbury Blue and Dirty Vicar (featured in essence two years ago). They have been selling on the farmers’ market circuit throughout Surrey since Michaela (who grew up on a farm) started making the cheese in 2001.

Michaela met her husband Neil, a watercress grower, at one of the markets she attended and he joined the business when he said “I do”.

Recently they moved into a house on Coles Lane in Ockley, which came with the former Ockley Nursery. Being situated next to Village Greens’ Farm Shop in Coles Lane was a great move. Farm shop owners James and Catherine Dampier have been selling Norbury Blue and Dirty Vicar in both their farm shops since they started Village Greens ten years ago. With a shared passion for the local artisan food movement, and the fact that Village Greens sells the Allams’ cheese, the couples started to chat about working together.

Village Greens holds a food fair every September and last year for the first time it

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was held at the Ockley Nursery site. Neil and Michaela felt they wanted to do something with the land they had acquired with their lease. They were already in the process of moving cheese production from their first site, having outgrown the space on Michaela’s father’s farm, relocating to the Albury Estate. Situated next to the Silent Pool Distillery on a site being developed to house other artisan food producers too, gives them a larger production capacity for their popular cheeses and helps maintain standards. Cheese, as it turns out, is tough to manage.

As the food fair was such a success, Michaela and Neil decided to launch a monthly farmers’ market in collaboration with Village Greens. The aim was to create a regular event for the local community that centred around great food. In April this year the first Ockley Farmers’ Market took place. It was a soft launch giving local producers an additional retail outlet in which to sell their produce. Now local at Ockley means local. Kevin from Pimpernel Fisheries, based in Salcombe, is the trader who travels the furthest.

He brings squid, plaice and whatever else is brought in on a catch. This is wild catch, not farmed, so stock of certain fish cannot be guaranteed with inland markets having to allow for food miles for fresh fish. Apart from this exception, most of the traders are within a fifteen mile radius of the market.

The Ockley Farmers’ Market has its own unique personality. Many traders come from farming families and producers who have been in the game for many years. They don’t necessarily have the business savvy or technical skills of city start ups, but they do sell good, honest, traceable food in a chilled out environment.

Artisan food | OCKLEY FARMERS’ MARKET

Pan fried Halloumi cheese with fresh raspberry vinaigrette Innovative salads are one of the best elements of summer eating. For maximum flavour impact, it’s important to start with some great core ingredients. This time of year is perfect for creating some culinary classics that will keep the taste of summer on a plate well into autumn. Fruit vinegars have increased in popularity over the last few years, but because of the amount of fresh fruit needed, end up being quite expensive, so why not make your own? This year I had a glut of raspberries, so in addition to jam, I made some raspberry vinegar. It was so simple and the result is a glorious tasting pink vinegar that will be gracing my home grown salad leaves this season.

Raspberry vinegar This is a ratio recipe, so for around 400g raspberries, add 400ml of white wine vinegar. Place together in a stainless steel or glass bowl and mash gently to help release the fruit juice. Cover with cling film and leave in the fridge for two to three days. Drain the fruit mixture through a muslin or jelly bag and discard the fruit. Pour the vinegar into a stainless steel saucepan, bring gently to the boil and stir in 75g of caster sugar.

As soon as the mixture is boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for approximately ten minutes. Add more sugar if needed. While the vinegar is cooking, sterilise a couple of bottles (I saved mine from vinegar used) by filling them with boiling water. Once the vinegar is ready, discard any foam formed on top. Leave to cool slightly, then pour into sterilised bottles and store in a cool, dark place. The vinegar should last for up to a year, but it may discolour slightly.

Raspberry vinaigrette Two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Two tablespoons raspberry vinegar Pinch Maldon salt w Combine ingredients and mix well.

Salad This is delicious for a light lunch or as a summer starter.

Ingredients (serves 4) One pack of Halloumi cheese, cut into slices of approximately five to seven millimetres thick One dessertspoon of extra virgin olive oil Four handfuls of baby salad leaves Small bunch of fresh multicoloured radishes, cut very thinly A few red heritage carrots in julienne strips Fresh baby basil leaves to garnish A few chopped pistachios (optional) Raspberry vinaigrette (see left)

Method w Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the Halloumi slices and cook until slightly golden on each side.

Don’t overcook as the cheese will become too rubbery. w While the cheese is cooking, place a handful of leaves on each plate and heap with radish slices and a spoon of carrot strips. Top the salad with cheese slices and drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette. w Garnish with basil leaves and pistachios and serve immediately.

On market days, Michaela, of course, sells her cheese, while Neil mans the barbeque grilling sausages from nearby Home Farm, which also has a stall. He also roasts a large pork joint supplied by Home Farm of which thick, juicy slices are served in brioche buns from Chalk Hills, a fabulous artisan bakery who also supply wonderful sour dough breads, pastries, meringues and rolls.

Chalk Hills artisan bakery

Fresh coffee is served by local roaster Surrey Hills Coffee, based just down the road in Forest Green (with a coffee shop in Guildford too). Surrey Hills Coffee has made quite a name for itself in the relatively short time it has been around. Coffee can be bought to prepare at home, or a freshly made cup can be enjoyed while perusing the market stalls, accompanied by freshly baked pastries from Chalk Hills.

On market and non-market days barista coffee can be bought from the Village Greens’ Farm Shop which uses coffee from Coffee Real. This longer established brand has been ethically sourcing and roasting to perfection single estate coffee from the most extraordinary small coffee producers globally. This element of the market is fantastic for the many keen Surrey cyclists as they recharge on a challenging ride.

Other stalls at the market include Jam Packed, a small cottage industry business making traditional jams, chutney and piccalilli. Jam Packed’s tag line is ‘hand stirred in Surrey’ which after spending a lovely morning in its kitchen, I can vouch is true. Big Blue Biltong is also a new start up selling a range of delicious, unctuous, textured, cured meat. Olives and Olives and Things Things complement the

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English Rose Finest Dry Gin from Silent Pool Distillers

biltong for pre-dinner nibbles.

For a serious meal, there are products from nearby Etherley Farm, the closest producer to the market, including free-range poultry, duck, lamb, eggs and honey.

At Christmas, Etherley Farm turkeys are top quality and sold by as many local butchers as can get their hands on the limited supply. Turkeys can also be bought direct.

On the alcohol front, market beer is provided by a couple of local breweries and changes from month to month, but last time I was there it was Firebird Brewery. Well known locally, it teamed up with Jam Packed to produce chutney featuring Firebird beer. Silent Pool Distillers also attend this market with a growing catalogue of intriguing flavour mists, fruit cordials and seasonal specials.

There are around twenty stallholders at each Ockley Farmers’ Market and I urge readers to visit.

It’s a glimpse into the life of food producers who work hard under adverse conditions to bring delicious products to the marketplace. Visitors will leave feeling more connected to their food and the people who make it. essence INFO

Ockley Farmers’ Market, Village Greens’ Farm Shop, Coles Lane, Ockley RH5 5LS Facebook: @OckleyFarmersMarket Instagram: @ockleyfarmersmarket@OCKLEY_FM Twitter: @OCKLEY_FM Websites: www.vgfarmshop.com, norburyblue.co.uk and www.eatsurrey.co.uk Shirlee Posner is a food writer and blogger at www.eatsurrey.co.uk and provides social media management, web copyrighting and food photography.

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Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERY

GIN AND LEMON CAKE

Gin is in and what better way to celebrate this deliciously crisp drink than put it in a moist, lemon scented cake!

Seeped in gin and bursting with citrus flavours, this is summer on a plate, best served warm outside in the garden with a nice refreshing gin and tonic. We have added some raspberries for a splash of extra colour and tang.

Ingredients w 225g unsalted butter, softened w 225g caster sugar w Four eggs w Finely grated zest of two lemons w 100ml gin w 250g self-raising flour Gin drizzle w 150g granulated sugar w 75ml gin w Juice of two lemons

Method w Heat the oven to 200˚F/180˚C fan/gas 6. w Cream the butter and unsalted sugar until a pale, soft texture is achieved. w Beat in the eggs one at a time (with a spoonful of flour in between if it looks like it’s curdling). w Add the flour and then stir in the lemon zest and gin to achieve a soft dropping consistency. w Spoon into a baking tin and place in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, testing with a toothpick to make sure the cake is properly cooked through. w Whilst cooling, make the drizzle by mixing the sugar, gin and lemon juice together. Taking a skewer, prick holes across the top of the cake and then spoon the drizzle mixture over, allowing the mix to seep into the sponge. w Serve as is or add a splash of colour by decorating with fresh raspberries.

essence INFO

TOP TIP: Before adding the lemon gin drizzle, place the cake on a wire cooling tray over a baking sheet to catch any drips.

Website: www.jenscupcakery.com Telephone: 07751 553106 Email: mail@jenscupcakery.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenscupcakery Twitter: @jenscupcakery Blog: www.ilovejenscupcakery.wordpress.com

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 49

ELSPETH BEARD

LONE RIDER THE FIRST BRITISH WOMAN TO MOTORCYCLE AROUND THE WORLD

Publishing 6 July 2017 • £14.99 • Hardback Includes maps and 2 x 8pp colour plate sections of wonderful photos Elspeth took during her journey • Michael O’Mara Books

Lone Rider

For more information, please contact: Ana McLaughlin | ana.mclaughlin@mombooks.com | 02078195911

The first British woman to motorcycle around the world www.mombooks.com

Michael O’Mara Books

@OMaraBooks

In 1982, at twenty-three and halfway through her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard left her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6.

Armed with limited savings, a tent, a few clothes and some tools, all packed on the back of her bike, she was determined to prove herself. She had ridden bikes since her teens, and was well travelled. But nothing could prepare her for what lay ahead.

When she returned to London nearly two and a half years later she was stones lighter and decades wiser.

She’d ridden through unforgiving landscapes and countries ravaged by war, witnessed civil uprisings that forced her to fake documents, fended off sexual attacks, biker gangs and corrupt police convinced she was trafficking drugs. She’d survived illnesses, loss and accidents that had left permanent scars.

In an age before email, the internet, mobile phones, satnavs and, in some parts of the world, available and reliable maps, Elspeth achieved something that would still seem remarkable today. Told with honesty and wit, this is the extraordinary story of a unique and life-changing adventure.

Elspeth Beard is a motorcyclist and award-winning architect.

She runs her own architecture company, specialising in creating and re-modelling interesting and unusual buildings. She lives in a converted water tower in southeast England.

Maximum Who

Citizen Clem

This is the definitive account of the group’s rise through the sixties.

Lovingly created to immaculate standards of editorial, design and print, this is a book to be treasured not only by Who fans but by all rock afficionados. The book has a limited edition print run of 1,500 numbered copies.

Maximum Who strikes the perfect balance between lavish illustrations and anecdotal, sometimes humorous recollections by Pete Townsend, Roger Daltrey and the late John Entwistle. In fact it is the only book in which all three have written text.

Several other key members of the band’s circle, including Glyn Johns and Bob Pridden, as well as pop artist Peter Blake, add their thoughts on their experiences with the band.

The book captures the madness and melancholy of The Who’s glory years.

Each copy is quarter-bound in blue leather with silk-screened red cloth and gilt page edging, and is housed in a cloth bound slipcase with silk-screened Who artwork, gold foiling and leather trim.

The story of Clement Attlee is much more dramatic than he himself ever made out - and not without an element of heroism. Here was a man born in the governing class who devoted his life to the service of the poor; who was carried off the battlefield three times in the First World War; who stood shoulder to shoulder with Churchill at Britain’s darkest moment, and then triumphed over him at the general election of 1945.

Atlee’s government of 1945-51 included Ernest Bevin, Herbert Morrison and Nye Bevan and was the most radical in history, giving us the NHS, National Insurance, NATO and the atomic bomb. In many ways we still live in a world of Attlee’s creation.

This book pierces the reticence of Attlee and explores the intellectual foundations and core beliefs of one of the most important figures in twentieth-century British history, arguing that he remains underappreciated, rather than simply underestimated. It will reveal a public servant and patriotic socialist, who never lost sight of the national interest and whose view of humanity and belief in solidarity was grafted onto the Union Jack.

The Who in the sixties

By Ross Halfin RRP: £295.00 Published by Genesis Publications www.genesis-publications.com

By Elspeth Beard RRP: £14.99 320 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781782438045 Published by Michael O’Mara Books www.mombooks.com

50 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

A Biography of Attlee

By John Bew RRP: £30.00 688 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781780879895 Published by Quercus Publishing www.quercusbooks.co.uk

The Visual History of Type A definitive resource to the history of type communication, The Visual History of Type includes every major typeface produced since the advent of printing in the 1450s until the present day. The book is a comprehensive survey, with an emphasis on the direct, faithful representation of 320 key historical type designs presented in their original specimens.

This book will be the definitive publication in its field, appealing to graphic designers, educators, historians and design students.

It will also be a significant resource for professional type designers and students of type.

It is a fascinating coffee table book for the general reader interested in the history of communication and visual culture.

Paul McNeil is a graphic design practitioner specialising in typography and information and systems design. He is currently course leader for MA Contemporary Typographic Media at the London College of Communication.

By Paul McNeil RRP: £60.00 Available 11 September 2017 688 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781780679761 Publisher: Laurence King Publishing www.laurenceking.com

PRESS RELEASE Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Pen & Sword Books Ltd

General 'Boy'

London's Gangs at War

47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS Tel: +44 (0)1226 734267 Website: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk Email: enquiries@pen-and-sword.co.uk

Literature | REVIEW

PRESS RELEASE 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS Tel: +44 (0)1226 734267 Website: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk Email: enquiries@pen-and-sword.co.uk

The Life of Lieutenant General Sir Frederick Browning Author: Dick Kirby.

Author: Richard Mead.

Foreword By: H R H Duke of Edinburgh.

Highlights Cover s the heyday of Londons gang era.

Inside story of the Krays, Richardsons and Fraser who terrorised the Capital.

Written by much published ex-policeman who was there.

Highlights

Tremendous story telling of horrendous crimes, corruption and brutality.

The 韛rst biography of this distinguished WW2 general who was a pioneer of airborne forces and commander of the 1st Airborne Corps.

The 1950s and 1960s saw a changing of the guard in Londons gangland. A new and even more breed of criminal emerged to replace the ageing generation of likes of Examines where the blame for the failure of the Arnhem MARKET GARDEN ruthless operation Sabini, Mullins and Hayes. should fall.

Throws light on Brownings unusual marriage to Daphne du Maurier, the celebrated Protection rackets on bookies, club owners and shops were commonplace. Prostitution novelist. and drugs offered rich pickings. Police corruption was all too commonplace.

Strong Royal interest as post-war Browning was a key adviser and member of HM The Thanks to media interest the names of Charlie Richardson, Mad Frankie Fraser, Scarface Queens and Prince Philips staff.

Smithson and the Nichols became as widely known as they were feared. And then there Foreword by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh were the Kray Twins, whose notoriety and brutality became watchwords. But as this NEW BOOK RELEASE Strong serialisation prospect give the books military, royal and literaryinsider interest book reveals they did not have it all their own way. For a thrilling and shocking story RRP: Londons Gangs at War is in a class of its own.£14.99 What makes it so chilling is that the This is the 韛rst biography of Boy Browning, whose name is inextricably linked with the murders, torture and mayhem actually ISBN:happened. £9781473898998 creation and employment of Britain's airborne forces in the Second World War. Commissioned into the Grenadier Guards, Browning served on the Western Front, the earning About Author 288 PAGES · PAPERBACK a DSO during the Battle of Cambrai.

PUBLISHED: JUNE 2017 Dick Kirby was born in the East End of London and joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967.

As Adjutant at Sandhurst, he began the tradition of riding a horse up the steps at his the twenty-six end Half of years service spent withMILITARY Scotland Yards Serious Crime Squad PENwas & SWORD of the commissioning parade. Browning represented England as a hurdlerand andthe Great Flying Squad.

Britain at the 1928 Winter Olympics. In 1932 Browning married Daphne du Maurier, who Kirby and magazines on a regular basis, as well as appearing was ten years younger and became one of the 20th century's most enduring andcontributes popular to newspapers Author photographs can be on television and radio. The Guvnors, The Sweeney, Scotland Yards Ghost Squad, Brave novelists with titles such as Jamaica Inn and Rebecca. made available request.

Line Death on the Beat and Scourge of Soho areupon all published under the Wharncliffe True Browning commanded two brigades before being appointed to command Crime 1 Airborne imprint and he has further other published works to his credit. On retirement he lives Division in 1941, later acting as Eisenhower's advisor on airborne warfare near in theBury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Kirby can be visited at his website: www.dickkirby.com.

Mediterranean. In 1944 he commanded 1st Airborne Corps, which he took to Holland for Operation MARKET GARDEN that September. Allegedly coining the phrase a bridge too far, he has received much of the blame for the operations failure.

Truly Madly Guilty

Classic Hendrix General ‘Boy’ The ultimate Hendrix experience

From the bestselling author of Big Little Lies, now a gripping 50 years ago, on 18 June 1967, HBO series, comes Liane Moriarty’s Jimi Hendrix took to the stage at new novel Truly Madly Guilty.

The Monterey International Pop Music Six responsible adults, two Festival. Introduced by Rolling Stones’ best friends and one day that In late 1944, Browning became Chief of Staff to Mountbatten.

1948 he became guitarist Brian Jones Inas “the most changes everything.

Comptroller and Treasurer to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip and then Treasurer to the latter following the Queen's accession.

He was a close adviser to the Royal couple who exciting performer I have ever heard”, This is a story which beginsrespected with his judgment.

Hendrix left the audience amazed as By this time Boy and Daphne lived separate lives with Boy working at the Palace in London a barbecue in the suburbs... and Daphne reluctant to leave beloved Cornwall although marriage remained heherended the set by the kneeling over his intact. Questions exist as to Daphne's sexuality and Boy had a succession of discrete By the end of it a lifelong friendship mistresses. After a nervousguitar, breakdownpouring probably duelighter to marriagefluid problems, he resigned over it, in will be in tatters, a marriage onandthe 1959 retired to Cornwall. Browning died in March 1965. setting it on fire, smashing it on the About the Author rocks and an innocent bystander stageRichard andMead throwing the remnants Educated at Cambridge University, is a chartered accountant with wide out dead. In just one evening sixcommercial lives experience. As a military historian he specialises in the Second World War. into the crowd.

This is his second book. He lives near Cirencester, Gloucestershire. will change for ever.

The event proved to be a defining “If you liked her earlier novels The moment in both Hendrix’s brief Husband’s Secret, or Big Little Lies, but brilliant career and rock music you will love Truly Madly Guilty. history. Classic Hendrix is the ultimate Filled with so many twists and turns. anthology made in collaboration with It keeps you guessing until the very the performer’s legendary recording end. A perfect summer read” engineer, Eddie Kramer. It forms Reese Witherspoon. the most comprehensive visual memoir of Hendrix ever published

By Liane Moriarty with forewords by Noel Redding RRP: £5.99 and Joe Perry, plus reminiscences 480 pages • Paperback from Mitch Mitchell, Chas Chandler, ISBN: 9781405932097 Eric Clapton and many more of Hendrix’s peers. The biographical Published by Penguin Books Limited text draws on archival quotes from www.penguin.co.uk Hendrix himself and the book is illustrated with nearly 300 of the greatest photographs of him ever taken sourced from archives of celebrated photographers, including Jim Marshall, Gered Mankowitz, Baron Wolman, Jean-Pierre Leloir and Linda McCartney.

The last 450 copies in the edition are signed by Eddie Kramer and his portrait of Hendrix, entitled ‘From The Other Side of the Glass’, is reproduced on the book’s perspex cover.

Edited by Brad Tolinski Foreword by Eddie Kramer RRP: £295.00 Published by Genesis publications www.genesis-publications.com

London’s Gangs at War NEW BOOK RELEASE RRP: £12.99

ISBN: £9781473894761

The Life of Lieutenant General Sir Frederick Browning

240 PAGES · PAPERBACK PUBLISHED: JUNE 2017

PEN & SWORD TRUE CRIME

This is the first biography of Boy Browning, whose name is inextricably linked with the creation and employment of Britain’s airborne forces in the Second World War. Commissioned into the Grenadier Guards, serving on the Western Front, he earned a DSO during the Battle of Cambrai. In 1932 he married Daphne du Maurier, who became one of the 20th century’s most enduring and popular novelists with titles such as Jamaica Inn and Rebecca.

Browning acted as Eisenhower’s advisor on airborne warfare in the Mediterranean. In 1944 he commanded the 1st Airborne Corps, which he took to Holland for Operation Market Garden, allegedly coining the phrase ‘a bridge too far’.

In late 1944, Browning became Chief of Staff to Mountbatten. In 1948 he became Comptroller and Treasurer to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip and then Treasurer to the latter following the Queen’s accession.

He was a close adviser to the Royal couple who respected his judgement.

By this time Boy and Daphne lived separate lives with Boy working at the Palace in London and Daphne reluctant to leave her beloved Cornwall although the marriage remained intact. After a nervous breakdown, he resigned in 1959 and retired to Cornwall dying in March 1965.

By Richard Mead RRP: £14.99 288 pages • Paperback ISBN: 9781473898998 Published by Pen and Sword Books www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

The 1950s and 1960s saw a Author photographs can be changing of upon the request. guard in London’s made available gangland. A new and even more ruthless breed of criminal emerged to replace the ageing generation of the likes of Sabini, Mullins and Hayes.

Protection rackets on bookies, club owners and shops were commonplace. Prostitution and drugs offered rich pickings. Police corruption was all too commonplace.

Thanks to media interest the names of Charlie Richardson, Mad Frankie Fraser, Scarface Smithson and the Nichol Gang became as widely known as they were feared. And then there were the Kray Twins, whose notoriety and brutality became watchwords.

But as this insider book reveals, they did not have it all their own way.

For a thrilling and shocking story, London’s Gangs at War is in a class of its own.

Author Dick Kirby was born in the East End of London and joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967. Half of his twenty-six years service was spent with Scotland Yard’s Serious Crime Squad and the Flying Squad.

Kirby contributes to newspapers and magazines, as well as appearing on television and radio. The Guvnors, The Sweeney, Scotland Yard’s Ghost Squad, and Scourge of Soho are all published under the Wharncliffe True Crime imprint. He has further other published works available on his website: www.dickkirby.com.

By Dick Kirby RRP: £12.99 240 pages • Paperback ISBN: 9781473894761 Published by Pen and Sword Books www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 51

Surviving the summer holidays – a guide for separated parents Ahead of the school holidays, Josh McEvoy, Solicitor at Mundays Solicitors, gives consideration to some of the issues arising for separated parents when planning summer holidays.

T

Josh McEvoy studied law at the University of Cambridge and completed his Legal Practitioner Course at BBP Law School in London.

Josh now advises clients on cases involving all aspects of family law with a particular focus on the financial consequences of divorce and separation and private law disputes involving children.

Josh can be contacted by telephone on 01932 590692 or by email at josh.mcevoy@mundays.co.uk

52 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

he children have finished school, the suitcase is packed and the long-awaited holidays are about to begin. The approach of the summer holidays can be an exciting time for the whole family, but for parents who have separated, it can represent a time of frustration and confrontation if they are unable to reach agreement on the holiday schedule with their former partner.

It’s not unusual for family solicitors to notice an increase in enquiries from separated parents concerning holidays away with their children as the summer approaches. How will the care of the children be split? Who is going to go away with the children and when? Is the permission of the other parent required?

Planning ahead

As with many issues in life, the key to reducing tension and avoiding disagreement is good communication and planning ahead. This does not simply mean a few weeks ahead, but rather establishing plans well in advance through the summer. The school holidays will usually represent a break from the usual pattern or routine and therefore require careful thought and consideration.

The holidays are fixed in advance and as soon as schools provide the dates for the next academic year you should begin to plan where the children will spend their time. This way, if there are any disagreements, you give yourselves more time to resolve issues.

Always remember holidays are also for the children to enjoy and any disagreements over plans and dates will impact on this.

All decisions should be made with the best

interests of the children in mind. Where possible, try to be flexible and accommodate the plans of the other parent; a failure to do this could lead to resentment and might affect their willingness to be flexible in respect of your future plans. This resentment may also seep into other day-to-day parenting issues and ultimately it is the children that suffer when parents are unable to work together.

Travelling abroad

If you intend to travel outside of England and Wales then you will need the permission of all persons with parental responsibility for each child. If you travel without such permission, you are potentially committing child abduction which is a criminal offence. The exception to this is if you are named as the person that the PHOTO COPYRIGHT: IRINA SCHMIDT | 123RF.COM

Legal | MUNDAYS PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DOLGACHOV | 123RF.COM

child lives with under a Child Arrangements Order, then you may take the child out of the jurisdiction for up to 28 days without the consent of others with parental responsibility.

It is therefore recommended that you consult with the other parent and give them as much notice as possible before booking a holiday. This will avoid potential disappointment and wasted expenditure. It is advisable to ask for written consent in the form of a letter or email and likewise you should be willing to provide the same to the other parent if they plan to travel with the children.

Remember that consent can subsequently be withdrawn and if this is the case you must not take the children out of the country or you will be committing a criminal offence. If you cannot get the appropriate consent from the other person with parental responsibility, then it is possible to seek the permission of the court to remove the children from England and Wales for a temporary period (see below).

When seeking the consent of the other parent, make sure you share as much information as possible with them about your travel plans. The more information you share, the more likely it is they will consent to the holiday as it will provide them with peace of mind as to where the children will be going.

Holidays in the UK

Although you do not need the other parent’s permission to take a holiday anywhere in England and Wales, as set out above, if a proposed holiday differs from the usual routine or schedule you should look to agree those changes with the other parent in good time before the holiday dates. Again, the court can make orders in respect of such holidays if this cannot be agreed voluntarily (see below).

Top tips Try to agree holiday schedules in advance and give sufficient notice to other parents about any intended trips. Put the children first and make sure that any arrangements remain child focussed.

Be prepared to be flexible and co-operate. The ability to communicate and compromise is a key skill and you should not seek to dictate terms or plans to your former partner. Remember, if you make things difficult for your partner to take a holiday with the children do not be surprised if they do the same to you in the future. This is also the children’s holiday and any dispute between parents will ultimately impact on them.

If you intend going away, communicate in good time to the other parent full details of your travel plans, including (but not limited to): w Your proposed holiday dates; w Travel plans (including flight numbers (or similar) and times); w Details of accommodation; and w Emergency contact details.

Ideally seek the consent of the other parent to your proposed travel plans before you book, but certainly do not leave it until the last minute to seek their agreement.

Always consider in advance whether any documents required to travel, such as passports or European health cards, will need to be exchanged between parents.

Some countries will also require a signed letter of consent or parental consent affidavit (for example, South Africa) from the non-travelling parent.

Agree ways for the children to keep in touch with the other parent during the holidays – and encourage them to do so.

Applications to the Court

If you really can’t agree on holiday plans, then you can make an application to the Family Court to determine the issues. This may be to decide what time the children are to spend with each parent or grant permission to travel on a holiday abroad. The sole consideration of the Family Court when determining such issues will be the welfare of the children.

An application to the Court should be a last resort once you have exhausted all

attempts to reach an agreement with your former partner. Quite apart from the financial and emotional cost of legal proceedings, you will be handing over control to a judge and will lose any say in the outcome of the decision. A good family solicitor will first explore your options to reach an agreement before advising you to issue an application. v

essence INFO

Mundays LLP Cedar House, 78 Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1AN Telephone: 01932 590500 Website: www.mundays.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 53

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Tax | EVERFAIR TAX

Choose with confidence No one likes tax, but as Benjamin Franklin declared, tax is one of the two certainties in life. For peace of mind it’s important to have your tax affairs in order, so how to go about it? Here Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax, based in Weybridge, offers advice.

K

nowing how to choose a well-qualified and competent tax advisor and ensuring they have the necessary experience is essential.

Be sure to base your decision on the quality of the advisor and first impressions, with cost being a secondary consideration. Bear in mind that incorrect or out-of-date tax advice can be very costly later down the line, and the cheapest advisor will not always provide the best service.

Presently, anyone can call themself a tax advisor as the tax advice industry is unregulated.

Always check professional qualifications and membership of a recognised professional body. These advisors will have passed rigorous professional exams, are required to keep skills and knowledge current and provide annual statements to their professional organisation to prove this. In addition, they are also required to hold professional indemnity insurance.

The Gold Standard professional body for tax advisors is the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT): www.tax.org.uk and US advisors should hold the Enrolled Agent (EA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification.

However, finding an advisor can still be difficult and The Tax Advice Network will help

here: www.taxadvicenetwork.co.uk. This online network of pre-vetted tax advisors enables users to search for an advisor, according to the type of advice required.

Having selected a company, look at the services they offer. If you are looking for international tax advice, a firm with experience in this area is required. A good place to start is by checking the firm’s website. Arrange an initial face-to-face meeting with the advisor, which should be provided free of charge. Ask plenty of questions, get to know them and get a good feel for whether they understand your particular requirements.

To follow up on your meeting, reputable advisors will then provide a tailored scope for the work required, the basis on which they charge fees and a quote for the work. Ideally quotes should be compared from two or three different advisers before choosing one.

Everfair Tax prides itself on having tax advisor-client relationships that last for many years and it’s important to select someone you will trust and who understands your needs.

Please visit www.everfairtax.co.uk for further advice, or feel free to give us a call.

essence INFO

Gillian Everall is Managing Director and Head of Private Client Tax Services for Everfair Tax based in Weybridge. Specialising in UK, US and Expatriate Tax advice, this is a unique tax advisory and compliance service to help manage personal, international complexities, or the changing of family or business circumstances.

Telephone: 01932 428536 Email: gillian@everfairtax.co.uk Website: www.everfairtax.co.uk BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PHOTO COPYRIGHT: OLEKSANDR KOVALCHUK | 123RF.COM

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 57

Theatre | PETER PAN

Magical theatre

in magical surroundings

Chapterhouse Theatre Company Open-air Garden Theatre Tour of UK and Ireland 2017 Chapterhouse Theatre Company are delighted to present an all new production of Peter Pan directed

by Philip Stevens with performances at Leith Hill Place on Wednesday 2 August, 2pm and 6pm.

J

oin Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter, far away on the magical island of Neverland. There they encounter the enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruellest pirate of them all, Captain Hook. Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award-winning writer Laura Turner, with beautifully designed costumes, music and songs.

essence INFO

Peter Pan Leith Hill Place, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6LY Tickets and information from: Leith Hill Place (01306) 711685; See (0871) 220 0260 Adult £15/child £10/family (two adults and two children) £44 10% discount for parties of 10 or more Gates open at 1pm and 5pm Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating Parking in the Rhododendron Wood car park in Tanhurst Lane, 400m walk to venue Websites: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events, www.seetickets.com

“What Chapterhouse does is theatre at the coalface, carried by the power of acting... and they do it with distinction.” The Stage 58 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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A HOUSE FOR ALL

SEASONS Chantal Borciani discovers a Devon country pile perfect for special occasions, Huntsham Court, that is unstuffy yet elegant.

ALL IMAGES PHOTO COPYRIGHT: EVOLVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Archery, pistol shooting and laser clay shooting are on offer at Huntsham Court

Casino-themed events are available at Huntsham

Huntsham offers flexible corporate conference and retreat facilities

Try Huntsham's wine tasting activities

60 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

2pp_Venue_Layout 1 07/07/2017 12:33 Page 2

Venue | HUNTSHAM COURT

MAKING IT EASY

Huntsham Court guests can use any suppliers, but these are tried and tested: Heidi the Van Vintage style catering from a classic Citroen H van, the famous slow roast seven hour low n’ slow pork, beef or lamb is heaven. heidithevan.co.uk

The Travelling Pizzeria A perfect street food experience with distinctive, artisan pizzas served from a Citroen H van. Joint owners of the business - Julie Horner West gold and best local and Jonathan Dandy food to go award 2016. won the Taste of the travellingpizzeria.co.uk

The Devon Pantry Using locally sourced ingredients, this catering outfit can produce beautiful breakfasts, lunches or dinners over the course of a stay. devonpantry.co.uk

Vintage Afternoon Teas Splendid vintage crockery, Tivertonbased Tiddy Teas is perfect for weddings or birthdays. tiddyteas.co.uk

Tom’s Pies Made in small batches, these homemade pies use farm assured ingredients. toms-pies.co.uk

I

t can be difficult to find the perfect venue for a special occasion.

Anyone who has searched for a wedding, anniversary, big birthday or corporate party venue will no doubt have come up against astronomical corkage prices, lists of rules and regulations as long as the arm, inflexible check in and out policies and big headaches.

Huntsham Court in Devon models itself as an ‘un-hotel’. The owners, Damian Llambias and Christopher Badham, not only have taken fastidious pride in the renovations of this baronial country mansion, but also in cultivating a venue that offers almost endless flexibility and possibilities depending on the occasion. Their ethos is that everything is there to be enjoyed, so guests can truly feel at home.

Available for private hire for short breaks, private parties, functions and weddings, Huntsham Court can accommodate up to 130 day guests and up to 85 overnight guests in 35 spacious bedrooms, though it can also play host to much smaller events as well. With a dovecote licensed for civil ceremonies and a picturesque church situated on the estate and footsteps away from the front door, weddings are a speciality at Huntsham.

Situated in Devon close to the Somerset border and Exmoor National Park, it’s handily located, with a direct two hour train service from Paddington arriving at Tiverton station just a 12-minute drive away.

Cocooned in rolling pastures and woodland, the house was completed in 1869 as a private residence for the Acland Troyte family and designed by renowned architect William Burges. Numerous owners followed, but after falling into disrepair Huntsham Court was purchased by current owners Christopher and Damian in January 2012, who were inspired to purchase the house after planning their own civil ceremony.

With great vision, the couple embarked on the huge project to restore the house to its former glory. Damian’s background in the arts and interior design is evident throughout. There are grand Victorian rooms with tall ceilings and four-poster beds, while the second floor is home to eight beamed attic rooms, actually our favourites.

Nice touches include a farmhouse kitchen and pantry, a bar complete with wingbacks and open fire and a state-of-the-art sound system that runs through all main rooms to really get the party started.

Now newly refurbished, the house boasts five grand reception rooms, manicured gardens, a croquet lawn, tennis court and a plethora of adjoining family rooms, romantic bedrooms for two and capacious honeymoon suites (plural as there are a fair few bedrooms that most venues would consider honeymoon worthy!).

This stunning property, of course, comes at a price. And while the two-night, exclusive weekend hire for all 35 bedrooms and thus sleeping

Huntsham Court

for 82 adults and six infants starts at £12,800 (or £78 per person, per night), the house is available for smaller parties with groups taking 19 bedrooms (sleeps 44) for a reduced rate. The lowest prices start from £7,500 for two nights’ full hire with 19 bedrooms, working out at £86 per person per night. It’s an indulgent stay, but no more than many boutique hotels and with the run of the place, there is a lot of fun to be had.

Guests have complete freedom to use whatever suppliers they choose or they can self cater and cook in the catering-grade kitchens. If required, guidance is on hand and five hours of planning help is included from the events’ team within the rental price. There are no extra fees for corkage, storage, function or handling fees and complimentary use of the banqueting set including tables, chairs, table linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware is included.

There is a warmth to Huntsham’s team that instantly puts guests at ease: the owners and staff take real pride in not only their corner of Devon, but also the house itself. Activities on site and in the surrounding area are plentiful. Birds Hill Days offer archery and pistol shooting in the grounds of Huntsham plus clay shoots, while Land Rover Experience West Country’s base is situated a short drive away. Yoga, meditation, massage, beauty, hair and make-up can be arranged, while the house boasts badminton, table tennis and a children’s play area.

Whether escaping the rat race for a weekend with friends and family, organising a corporate event, planning a big birthday bash or a special day, Huntsham Court allows guests to do things their own way.  essence INFO Website: www.huntshamcourt.co.uk Email: enquiries@huntshamcourt.co.uk Telephone: 01398 361277 Direct trains to Tiverton run with Great Western Railway from Paddington.

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Cactus and windmill, Fuerteventura PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANNA IVANOVA | WWW.123RF.COM

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Leisure breaks | FUERTEVENTURA

LA ISLA BONITA – the island of eternal spring TOP TIP: FUERTEVENTURA FLIGHTS Thomas Cook Airlines, recipient of the 2016 World Travel Award for Europe’s Leading Charter Airline, offers low fares, simple check-in procedures and a high level of on board comfort and service. For more information visit https://www.thomascookairlines.com.

Fuerteventura donkey PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NITO500 | WWW.123RF.COM

Fuerteventura, located only one hundred kilometres from the coast of North Africa, covers 640 square miles and is the second largest of the ‘Islas Canarias’. Recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009, Fuerteventura attracts visitors keen to explore its protected area and hordes of outdoor sports enthusiasts take advantage of the year-round favourable climate, writes Rebecca Underwood.

K

nown as the ‘island of eternal spring’, Fuerteventura is not as developed as the other Canary Islands and has retained its charm and natural volcanic beauty. This island may be small, but it offers more than one hundred kilometres of pristine coastline. Water babes will be rewarded with gorgeous white sandy beaches, tranquil spots for uninterrupted leisurely dips in the sea and it’s a surfer’s paradise due to the Atlantic Ocean’s considerable swells reacting to the summer Trade Winds.

For golf fans, the Salinas de Antigua 18-hole golf course, designed by world champion Manolo Piñeiro, is a popular attraction, and the surrounding hills and winds demand a tactical approach to the round. Volcanic and sand bunkers, lakes, natural vegetation and areas of desert will surely challenge the most experienced, and the par 4 11th hole tests the player’s skills as the ball must be played over the water.

La Oliva in the northern sector is a charming and serene village and was Fuerteventura’s political centre from the seventeenth to the mid nineteenth century. Fabulous beaches, turquoise blue seas and a slow, sedate, pace of life is there to experience.

Art lovers will be enchanted by La Oliva’s Casa de los Coroneles, a traditional stately home, once the residence of the island’s colonel. Thought to have been built in 1740, the property has been sensitively restored and reflects the AndalusianCanarian architectural style perfectly. The imposing façade of the upper floor features eight windows >>>

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PATRONATO DE TURISMO DE FUERTEVENTURA

Fuerteventura's natural beauty PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PATRONATO DE TURISMO DE FUERTEVENTURA

TOP TIP:

For more information on Wimdu properties worldwide, including Fuerteventura, visit www.wimdu.co.uk/fuerteventura. Featured property reference: ELYDBCCS.

A windsurfer's impressive performance

with intricately carved wooden balconies. Such extravagance in bygone days confirms the wealth and power of the property’s original owner and above the main entrance there’s a plaque adorned with a fine coat of arms.

Although today the interior is sparse, the ceilings are a work of art and visitors are welcome to view photographs showing how the property looked prior to restoration.

To view examples of local art, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Centro de Arte where spacious exhibition halls house contemporary works by local artists. For those in need of a breather, there’s a rather lovely shaded courtyard with a cacti garden surrounded by a selection of interesting sculptures.

Betancuria, around 36 kilometres from La Oliva, is another delightful small town lying in a scenic valley and offering a fascinating glimpse into local culture. The town was once the island’s capital and is named after Jean de Béthencourt, the French explorer who led an expedition to the Canary Islands in 1402.

Invaded by marauding pirates in 1593, Betancuria was destroyed and although it remained the capital, residents eventually moved away in search of more fertile land. In 1834 La Oliva was declared the first city until 1860 when Puerto del Rosario emerged as the new capital.

To learn more, visit the town’s Casa Museo

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Arquebiologico and then wander around the ruins of the fifteenth century Franciscan convent of Saint Buenaventura. Be sure to visit the adjacent Church of Santa Maria de Betancuria and appreciate the elements of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Mudéjar architectural styles.

Fuerteventura’s main attraction, along with its beaches, is the Corralejo Nature Reserve. Located on the north-eastern end of the island, the area is made up of golden, rolling, sand dunes shimmering in the sunshine. Stretching out for around ten glorious kilometres, this is the ideal spot for an afternoon picnic followed by a prolonged snooze.

For those seeking ample space and keen to take advantage of the freedom that renting a privately owned property provides, Wimdu.co.uk offers more than 300,000 properties worldwide. I selected a two-bedroom apartment, located in Corralejo, and only 35 metres from the nature reserve.

Covering an area of 50 square metres, the apartment is set in a peaceful and private residential complex and it provided a welcome retreat after long arduous days of exploration. The south facing terrace and direct access to two spacious swimming pools, surrounded by palm trees swaying in the breeze, was just the ticket.

Fuerteventura, which translates to ‘strong fortune’, is, quite simply, a Spanish treasure.  essence INFO Website: www.visitfuerteventura.es/en

Enjoy a Band A seat to see Homeland’s F Murray Abraham on stage in

The Mentor

this summer and dine at The Delaunay for £52.50.

Academy Award winner, Hollywood legend and star of hit TV series Homeland, F Murray Abraham plays Benjamin Rubin, a cantankerous old writer, whiskey aficionado and pedant, still basking in the reflected glory of long-ago success. Martin Wegner is a rising young literary star, heralded as ‘The voice of his generation’. When they meet, two huge egos clash in this perceptive and compelling comedy about art and artists and the legacy of fame.

Writer of The Mentor, Daniel Kehlmann, is a German literary phenomenon, even beating JK Rowling on the bestsellers’ list.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see his work performed outside of Germany.

HHHH “Deftly translated by Christopher Hampton. Daniel Weyman…brilliant. A sprinkle of Homeland stardust” Daily Mail Located in the heart of theatreland, The Delaunay is an all-day café-restaurant inspired by the grand cafés of mittel-Europe.

The beautiful Old World dining room creates a sense of occasion and atmosphere from first thing in the morning, late into the evening. The Delaunay was the second restaurant from Corbin & King, opening in 2011 after The Wolseley.

The critically acclaimed The Mentor is now playing at the Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand until 2 September.

This £52.50 package includes a Band A ticket to see The Mentor at the Vaudeville Theatre (usually £52.50) and a meal at The Delaunay including soup, classic or wild mushroom Flammkuchen (Tarte Flambée), a mixed leaf salad, glass of wine or beer and coffee or tea, valid for all performances excluding Saturday evenings until 30 August.

To book, call 0330 333 4814 or visit NimaxTheatres.com and quote promo code DELAUNAY where prompted.

Running time: 90 minutes. No interval. Age recommendation: 12+.

Terms and conditions: This package is valid for Monday to Friday evening performances at 7.45pm and Thursday and Saturday matinees at 3pm for a meal before or after the show until 30 August 2017, subject to availability. It includes a Band A ticket to see The Mentor at the Vaudeville Theatre and a meal at The Delaunay including soup, classic or wild mushroom or Flammkuchen tart (Tarte Flambée), a mixed leaf salad, glass of red or white wine or beer and coffee or tea. Guests must be seated by 1pm pre-matinee, 5.15pm post-matinee, 5.45pm pre-evening and 10.30pm post-evening performance. No cash alternative available to any elements of the package. Alcohol for over 18s only. Table must be reserved by the customer directly with the restaurant, quoting ‘The Mentor’ before the date attending.

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spotlight on...

The Loxwood Joust Loxwood Meadow, Loxwood, West Sussex Saturday 5, Sunday 6, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August Now in its sixth year, The Loxwood Joust is described as “two weekends of mediaeval mayhem” and is a unique, fun and educational day out for all the family. From 10am to 6pm, visitors will see an all action jousting tournament, a concert stage featuring performances from singing group the Mediaeval Babes, a battle camp and market place. In addition, companies of actors, wandering minstrels, a court jester and dance troupes will all compete for attention. Activities on offer include have a go archery, face and wound painting, pelt the peasant and a sword school. New for 2017 is Gilbert Savage, the executioner, who will demonstrate his new rack, a replica of one used in the Tower of London. With plenty to eat, drink and be merry about, an experience not to be missed.

Information: loxwoodjoust.co.uk

Richmond Theatre

Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 September Dirty Dancing Film to stage classic. Have the time of your life...

Richmond

Information: 0844 871 7645 or

Thursday 27 to Friday 28 July Datong – The Chinese Utopia European premiere of three-act chamber opera.

Friday 18 to Sunday 20 August The Gruffalo Fabulous Tall Stories’ production.

Tuesday 29 August to Sunday 3 September The Railway Children A new stage production of this classic tale.

Monday 4 to Saturday 9 September Wait Until Dark Creepy thriller revival.

atgtickets.com/woking

New Wimbledon Theatre Wimbledon Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July Dance Overture 17 Jazz, ballet, contemporary dance and musical theatre.

Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September The Tiger Who Came To Tea Musical play based on the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr.

For ages three and up.

Information: 0844 871 7646 or atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Information: 0844 871 7651 or atgtickets.com/richmond

Cranleigh Arts Centre Cranleigh

New Victoria Theatre Woking Monday 10 to Saturday 15 July Grease Danny and Sandy fall in love all over again...

Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 August Derren Brown – Underground The master of psychological illusion visits Woking.

Friday 4 August As You Like It MadCap Theatre Productions return with entertaining and fastpaced open air comedy performed in the rector’s garden of St Nicolas Church. Bring chairs and a picnic for an evening not to be missed.

Information: 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org

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Knights jousting, photo copyright: The Loxwood Joust

theatre

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essence events Dorking Halls

Haslemere Museum

Dorking

Haslemere

Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 July We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Fabulous Michael Rosen book brought to life on stage.

Sunday 10 to Tuesday 12 September Greg Davies: You Magnificent Beast Inbetweeners’ star back with his first stand up show in four years.

Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 July The Guildburys Theatre Company – Nell Gwynn Warm-hearted comedy telling the story of Nell in the grounds of the Museum. Bring a picnic and enjoy.

Information: guildburys.com or haslemeremuseum.co.uk

Information: 01306 881717 or dorkinghalls.co.uk

Pranksters Theatre The Castle Grounds, Guildford

Epsom Playhouse Epsom Thursday 31 August Milton is Nearly Out There Whimsical comedian on tour.

Wednesday 13 September Jeremy Hardy: Live 2017 Comedian in his fourth decade as a stand up this year.

Information: 01372 742555 or epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Gag House Comedy

Friday 21 to Saturday 29 July Shakespeare’s As You Like It Innovatively set in summer 1977 as Rosalind, Celia and Orlando escape a grey Jubilee and Punk London.

Information: pranksterstheatre.org.uk

Rose Theatre Manor House School, Kingston Wednesday 2 to Thursday 3 August Pride and Prejudice Rose Youth Theatre perform outdoors at Manor House School.

Komo, Guildford

Information: 020 8174 0090 or

Wednesday 26 July Komo Gag House, Guildford Part of Guildford Fringe Festival.

rosetheatrekingston.org

Information: gaghousecomedy.com

Guildford

G Live Guildford Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 July The Tiger Who Came To Tea See Wimbledon Theatre listing.

Friday 18 and Saturday 19 August Dinosaur World Interactive new show featuring life-like dinosaurs.

Tuesday 29 August to Saturday 2 September Blood Brothers Legendary musical by Willy Russell.

Not Yet Suffragette, Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Friday 14 to Saturday 22 July Fabulous 50...

The most popular musicals of the last 50 years.

Friday 8 to Saturday 9 September Not Yet Suffragette Feminist theatre and stand up comedy in the Mill Studio.

Information: 01483 440000 or yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Derren Brown, Underground, New Victoria Theatre, Woking

music

Information: 01483 369350 or

Boileroom

glive.co.uk

Guildford

Guildford Shakespeare Company

Throughout summer A creative community hub for music, the arts and events.

University of Law Gardens, Portsmouth Road, Guildford

Information: theboileroom.net

Friday 14 to Saturday 29 July The Two Gentlemen of Verona A new staging of one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies.

Electric Theatre Guildford

Information: 01483 304384 or

Friday 4 August A night with BR James Surrey’s finest soul singer and band.

guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk

Information: electrictheatre.co.uk

68 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Milton Jones, Epsom Playhouse

July Aug 17 events_Layout 1 30/06/2017 20:19 Page 5

spotlight on...

Wings and Wheels Dunsfold Aerodrome

Photo copyright: Euan Guilor

Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 August, 9am–9pm A welcome return of this exceptional family event on August bank holiday weekend. Both days offer a five hour airshow featuring The Red Arrows (pictured left), RAF Eurofighter Typhoon solo display, RAF Chinook Display, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster and two Spitfires) and many more. In addition, the ‘Wheels’ element includes a two hour motoring show, the Brooklands’ motoring demonstration and a stunt zone. The Arena will feature aviation and motoring simulators, interactive car shows, children’s inflatables, a fairground and retail village with over 80 stands selling a variety of products and gifts. Don’t miss the new Vintage Market this year. Weekend passes, Grandstand tickets and camping facilities are available and this year’s show supports Brooklands Museum and Help for Heroes in their fundraising.

Information: 08712 305572 or wingsandwheels.net

Epsom Downs Racecourse

festivals

Epsom

Always the Sun Festival Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September Musical talent across four stages, alongside workshops, food and lots more. See website for line-up.

Information: 01372 477747 or

Cheese and Chilli Festival

epsom.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Shalford Park, Guildford

Farnham Maltings

Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 July Tastings, competitions, live music, stunt and craft shows and more.

Every Friday throughout July and August and Friday 1 September Grills & Guitars Live music from local bands with food straight from the barbecue.

Check website for summer line-up.

Information: 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com

exhibitions

Master Park, Oxted

Thursday 20 July, from 4pm Jockey Club Live: Culture Club Evening racing and live music from eighties’ band Culture Club.

Thursday 3 August, from 4pm Evening racing with jazz Racing followed by music in the Oaks Hall.

Farnham

Oxted Beer and Music Festival

Stoke Park, Guildford

Tickets: alwaysthesunfestival.co.uk

Cranleigh Arts Centre

Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July Great bars, bands, food and sport.

See website for details.

Cranleigh

Information: oxtedbeerfestival.com

Guildford Summer Festival Various locations To Saturday 12 August With over 100 diverse events to choose from, see website for details.

Information: cranleighartscentre.org

Information: 01483 444333 or

West Street, Dorking

summerfestival@guildford.gov.uk

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout July Time Gentlemen Please: The story of Dorking pubs Telling the tale of the public houses of Dorking.

Tickets: cheeseandchillifestival.com

Weyfest G Live Food and Drink Festival 2017 G Live, Guildford Sunday 10 September Artisan breadmakers, wine producers, growers, cake specialists and more.

Rural Life Centre, Farnham Friday 18 to Sunday 20 August With performances from Alison Moyet, Buzzcocks, Jools Holland, Ralph McTell and more.

Tickets: weyfest.co.uk

Dorking Museum

Information: dorkingmuseum.org.uk

Guildford House Gallery Guildford

Information: glive.co.uk

Sandown Park Racecourse

Tuesday 18 to Saturday 29 July Young Artists Summer Cranleigh Decorative and Fine Arts Society and the Arts Centre join forces to present creative talent in local schools.

Esher

Guildford Fringe Festival

Woking Food and Drink Festival

Thursday 10 August, from 4pm An evening at the races with Olly Murs Evening racing and live music from X Factor runner-up Olly Murs.

Various locations

Woking

To Sunday 30 July Theatre, comedy, poetry, music, visual arts, children’s shows and workshops. See website for details.

Friday 1 to Sunday 3 September Cookery demonstrations, talks, exhibitor stalls and a new cheese and wine zone.

Saturday 15 July to Sunday 10 September Quilt Art: Dialogues A major exhibition of new work from internationally-acclaimed textile artists celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of Quilt Art.

Information: 0344 579 3012 or

Information: 0333 666 3366 or

Information: 01483 743021 or

Information: 01483 444751 or

sandown.thejockeyclub.co.uk

guildfordfringefestival.com

wokingfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

guildford.gov.uk/guildfordhouse

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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

Haslemere Until Friday 1 September Discovering Dinosaurs Family-friendly exhibition.

Information: haslemeremuseum.co.uk

Museum of Farnham West Street, Farnham To Saturday 26 August Olive Edis, war photographer Britain’s first female war photographer.

from The Ingram Collection of Modern British Art. Saturday 12 August to Sunday 5 November Face to Face: The figurative sculpture of Sean Henry A show of artwork from the Woking sculptor made over the last 15 years exhibited at the gallery and in outdoor locations across town.

Information: thelightbox.org.uk

Information: 01252 715094 or

Watts Gallery

farnhammaltings.com/museum

Compton, Guildford

New Ashgate Gallery Farnham To Saturday 5 August Graham Dean: Dirty Yellow New works from one of Britain’s most powerful figurative painters.

To Saturday 5 August Sarah Spackman: Observations Contemporary figurative artist, well known for her still life paintings.

Jane Austen Day, Painshill Park

To Sunday 26 November G F Watts: England’s Michelangelo A showcase of the artist’s most important works.

Information: 01483 813593 or wattsgallery.org.uk

Photo copyright: Sean Henry

Haslemere Museum

Photo courtesy of Painshill Park

cinemas

‘Seated Figure’, 2015, bronze and oil paint and ‘Seated Figure’, 2015, bronze and exterior paint

by Sean Henry, The Lightbox Gallery and Museum

national trust

Information: newashgate.org.uk National Trust properties offer

Surrey Sculpture Society

perfect venues to explore this

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking

summer. We list a few here, but

Saturday 19 August to Sunday 24 September Showing over 80 sculptures set within the beautiful Wisley gardens.

visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more.

Claremont Landscape Garden

Information: surreysculpture.org.uk

Esher

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum Woking Saturday 15 July to Sunday 1 October Is there still life in Still Life?

Celebrating the still life genre drawn

Tuesday 1 to Friday 4, Monday 14 to Friday 18 and Monday 21 to Friday 25 August Wild Learning Toast marshmallows, practice fire lighting and explore wild spaces.

Information: 01372 467806

70 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Valerie Blue Vase with Daffodils by Sarah Spackman, New Ashgate Gallery

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Hatchlands Park

Hampton Court Palace

East Clandon

East Molesey

Saturday 22 July to Sunday 3 September

Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 July

Summer trail

Sword fighting, courtly games, music and knights competing for glory at the Tudor court.

Information: 01483 222482

Information: hrp.org.uk ©RHS, Lee Beel

Explore the park and ancient woodland with a fun summer trail.

Don’t forget to visit the natural adventure area.

Tudor joust

Ladyland Farm Meath Green Lane, Horley

Polesden Lacey

Open August weekdays, 11am–3pm

Great Bookham, near Dorking

Summer holiday visits

Saturday 22 July to Sunday 3 September

Bring a picnic and have a fun day on the farm.

Polesdenopoly

Information: ladylandfarm.com

Cottage Garden, RHS Garden Wisley

Go wild summer crafts

The Garden Show

Grab a bag of craft activities and games and explore the woods.

Range of exhibitors, children’s entertainment and more.

Information: 01372 452048

Information: 01243 538456 or

Saturday 22 July to Sunday 3 September The Famous Five Inspired Summer Adventures Summer holiday activities based on Enid Blyton’s best-loved story series.

Tuesday 5 to Sunday 10 September RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show Celebrating 25 years of the Flower Show.

nationaltrust.org.uk

thegardenshowonline.com

Information: rhs.org.uk/wisley

out & about

Mane Chance Sanctuary

Sandown Park Racecourse

Life-sized version of the classic board game.

Saturday 22 July to Sunday 3 September

Loseley Park Guildford Friday 28 to Sunday 30 July

Monday 28 August, 2–4pm Bank holiday botany A guided stroll through Happy Valley, Fox Lane in Old Coulsdon.

Tuesday 5 September, 10am–3pm Scything for beginners Learn the art of scything at Bay Pond Educational Nature Reserve.

Information: 01483 795440 or surreywildlifetrust.org/events

Theme Parks

Beaulieu Supercar Weekend Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire

Monkshatch Garden Farm, Compton

Saturday 2 September

Big summer open day

Superheroes Return Family Fun Day

Saturday 5 to Sunday 6 August Get up close and personal to the world’s most prestigious supercars.

manechancesanctuary.org

Information: beaulieu.co.uk

Information: 01483 351526 or

Information: 01202 669900 or merlinentertainments.biz

Information: sandown.co.uk

WWF Living Planet Centre Woking

Painshill Park

Various locations

Portsmouth Road, Cobham

Wednesday 26 July, 11am–2pm Minibeasts and microscopes A family event at Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve in Leatherhead.

Throughout August Be part of a piece of community artwork celebrating our beautiful rivers and wildlife. See website for session dates.

Sunday 16 July, 10am–4pm

Farnham

Jane Austen Day

Monday 7 to Friday 11 August Mini beast safari week A bug-themed activity trail and more.

Brooklands Museum

Take a trip back in time to celebrate the life of Jane Austen on the bicentenary of her death.

Monday 24 to Friday 28 July, Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August and Monday 7 to Friday 11 August

Weybridge

Wild summer camp

Sunday 16 July, 10am–5pm Supercar day All-marques event with demonstrations on the MercedesBenz World track and Test Hill.

Monday 24 July to Friday 25 August Summer holiday family fun Car rides (Monday to Thursday) plus more. See website for details.

Learn about den building, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and more.

For children aged eight to thirteen.

Information: brooklandsmuseum.com

Enjoy terrific flat racing with lots of entertainment for youngsters.

Surrey Wildlife Trust

Birdworld

Information: birdworld.co.uk

Open throughout the summer With Legoland at Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park at Chertsey, we are spoilt for choice in our region.

Esher

Sunday 20 August, from 12 noon Tours of the park, stalls, tombola, merchandise, barbecue, live band and special guest Eamonn Holmes.

Various locations

Information: painshill.co.uk

RHS Garden Wisley Woking Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 July Arts Fest Craft stands, live music and more.

Information: wwf.org.uk/whatson

farmers’ markets Camberley Saturday 15 July and 19 August, 10am–3pm Cranleigh Every Friday, 9.30–11am Epsom Sunday 6 August and 3 September, 9.30am–1.30pm Farnham Sunday 23 July and 27 August, 10am–1.30pm Guildford Tuesday 1 August and 5 September, 10.30am–3.30pm Haslemere Sunday 6 August and 3 September, 10am–1.30pm Milford Sunday 16 July and 20 August, 10am–1.30pm Ripley Saturday 12 August and 9 September, 9am–1pm Walton-on-Thames Saturday 5 August and 2 September, 9.30am–2pm Woking Thursday 3 August and 7 September, 9am–2pm

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 71

FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION – PERFECT IN FORM AND FUNCTION www.aparattus.pt • info@aparattus.pt Space is an exclusive collection that will give elegance and personality to your home

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: (JEMIMAH) MOTIEJUS SALKAUSKAS, DG CORPORATE LONDON. (INTERIOR SHOTS) HALO DESIGN INTERIORS

The

hotel

home

Jemimah Barnett is a Property Advisor and Acquisitions Specialist guiding her clients through buying and investing in property. Required to have her finger on the pulse of all changes in the luxury property industry, Jemimah is an expert at spotting emerging trends and here she shares her thoughts with Emily Bird on the hotel home trend currently taking the industry by storm.

A

s property prices have risen, so have buyer expectations. The past couple of years have seen an explosion of fashion-focused forays into the housing market. The latest iteration sees permanent homes adopting hotel-style services and amenities – and this trend looks like it’s here to stay.

74 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2017

In the past decade we have seen the emergence of a new genre of hotel – the ‘fashion concept hotels’ – savvy collaborations between fashion’s biggest names, and the market leaders in luxury hospitality.

Versace offered up its uber decadent ‘Palazzos’, first in Sydney and then in Dubai, Karl Lagerfeld entered the arena with the Monaco ‘Odyssey’, Armani and Bulgari opened multiple sites, and old hotel stalwarts like Claridge’s and St Regis clamoured to bring in big name design houses to rework their spaces in line with this unstoppable trend.

These highly notable forays into the space have set the standard for a new sort of lifestyle – one where the experience of fashion, art and living become more fluid. These hotels and brands cater to the wealthy and mobile (the new ‘global super-rich’), and these consumers demand an end-to-end experience that requires the luxury aesthetic and level of service to be maintained as they move throughout their lives and around the globe. Just like couture, fashion predictably filters down to the high street; we now begin to see this trend for ultra-amenitied and stylish living flowing downward and outward into other markets.

The next step down this path should have been obvious: the hotel home. No longer is a house just a house: developers are scrambling to deliver new offerings that provide a seamless transition from the

Interior trends | JEMIMAH BARNETT

world of hotel living and concierge service. Buyers, even in the midmarket, are beginning to scrutinise the developer offerings and seek out style and added extras. Blending the hotel experience with the idea (and the privacy) of a fixed and stable home is the new holy grail of housing. And since these savvy consumers are the ones with the cash, homebuilders are paying attention.

Delivering comfortable, private homes, with the amenities and services of a hotel, the hotel home is a trend that’s here to stay.

Technology has reshaped our lives in a number of ways: modern buyers are busier and more mobile than ever. That makes managing and maintaining a permanent home much more difficult. It’s unsurprising that we have seen buyers begin to favour apartments rather than houses, especially those in portered blocks. The number of new developments boasting twenty four hour concierge service has increased enormously, and buyers are willing to pay for this added safety and convenience.

Whilst we go about our busy lives, it’s nice to know there is someone there to collect the mail, or let in the maintenance team.

Pools, gyms and ‘resident spas’ have been on the list of musthaves for a while now. In-house luxuries make the home much more like a hotel stay, and more and more developments are plumping for cinema rooms, bowling alleys and indoor golf ranges.

Technology has also driven a demand for a more stylish home.

Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and the blogosphere raise our awareness of trends, and give us a real-time glimpse into the stylish homes of the rich and famous. Whilst the big developers often used in-house design teams, these days many are falling over themselves to bring in big names from the world of fashion, art and interior design. It’s no longer uncommon for buyers to ask “who did the interiors?” – they assume a notable name would have been drafted in for the task. It can even command a premium.

Even the humble ‘furniture pack’ has been transformed in accordance with this trend. ‘Like the show homes? – they’re done by three different designers; you can choose your favourite, and buy the lot – right down to the candles and flowers.’

Blending the hotel experience with the idea (and the privacy) of a fixed and stable home is the new holy grail of housing.

Buyer expectations have risen enormously, and the market has quickly adapted to deliver what they’re after.

As always, these luxury trends filter down from the top: see some of London’s most boujis developments, from The Lancasters (one of the city’s first ‘super prime’ developments), right up to the forthcoming 20 Grosvenor Square (by luxury developer Finchatton, with services provided by the Four Seasons). The Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge services the (in) famous One Hyde Park residences.

But the hotel home is no longer the preserve of just the moneyed few, as more and more homebuilders get in on the action. Large scale British developer Berkeley Group now offers concierge services, pools and gyms at most of its inner London sites, and units can be bought for significantly less than £1 million.

Luxury is becoming a necessity and it will be interesting to watch these value added trends ripple out from major cities to more suburban areas over the next 10 years. essence INFO

Websites: www.jemimahbarnett.com, www.amara.com This article first appeared in The Lux Pad, www.amara.com/luxpad

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Oasis of excellence

essence meets Hannah Markland, manager at Moore Place care home in Esher, to discover more about this contemporary residential home.

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sk Hannah Markland, the new manager at Moore Place care home in Esher, what the favourite part of her day is and without hesitation she’ll say that it’s chatting to the residents. “They are a real group of characters from all walks of life with amazing experiences,” she beams.

“Spending time with them reminds me how much I love my job at Moore Place care home.”

Moore Place – an oasis

Hannah, who studied health and social care, brings with her a wealth of experience in the care industry which spans 16 years. “I gained most of my knowledge from a nurse that I worked with.

She was an outstanding old-fashioned matron who put me through my paces as a young carer, but taught me so much about always achieving high standards and excellent care.” Such ambition, coupled with her great skills, is what has helped Hannah move forward in her new role as home manager at Moore Place.

A modern, high-quality residential care home set in luxurious and stunning surroundings, Moore Place, provided by Anchor Group, offers first class care and facilities, with spacious en-suite rooms in a light, contemporary and elegant setting over five floors. “You certainly can’t beat the views and the close proximity to Esher High Street, allowing residents to remain independent by enjoying trips to the local shops.”

Hannah continued: “We are also situated within the Surrey greenbelt, overlooking the Moore Place Golf Course. Our gardens are beautifully landscaped with colourful flowerbeds and a greenhouse for the green-fingered residents.”

With cosy lounges, a coffee lounge, an activity room, cinema and a hair and beauty salon, residents are never short of anything to do at Moore Place.

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Excellence in care

A big part of Hannah’s approach to care is getting involved and not just sitting behind a desk all day.

She enjoys meeting healthcare professionals and building relationships in the local community.

“This way I can understand what is part of their agenda and how Moore Place can fit in.”

One of Hannah’s current projects is to focus on the dining experience at Moore Place. “It’s such an important part of our residents’ lives,” stresses Hannah. “Our chefs spend time and effort producing fantastic food and part of the experience is the service of the food which involves appealing presentation and ensuring it is visually colourful.” The environment during meal times is also a huge part of the dining experience.

“The dining room needs to be relaxed and enjoyable. We have to remember that we wouldn’t enjoy a meal in a restaurant where waiters were chatting with each other, so in that respect our residents deserve to have a wonderful meal time too,” she explains.

ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT: MOORE PLACE, ANCHOR GROUP

Care homes | MOORE PLACE

Advice on choosing a care home

Enjoying events and activities

A recent event at Moore Place that the residents, relatives and staff have taken part in is a screening of ‘The Sound of Music.’ This was following new research from Anchor which revealed the classic film is the favourite family film of today’s over 55s. “The screening was a great opportunity to bring different generations together for something everyone can enjoy,” enthused Hannah.

The summer will see several events at Moore Place, including resident and family barbecues, a staff and resident fun day and a cocktail party just to name a few.

Hannah understands that one of the biggest challenges facing relatives today is the anguish and guilt associated with having to place a loved one in a care home. “That’s why it is so important for us to build relationships with the relatives so that we can support them as well as the resident through this transition,” says Hannah.

Hannah’s advice to anyone looking for care is to ask as many people in the home as possible about their experiences: “Everyone will have a different experience of care and you need to hear a range of opinions.” Speaking to the staff is also very important as they will help make an informed decision.

“While a typical day at Moore Place is certainly busy… we are constantly thinking of new ways to enhance our residents’ lives and engage them in the day to day running of Moore Place. Their opinions matter to us – after all this is their home and we look forward to making it as comfortable as possible for them.”

Moore Place

Moore Place in Esher is a contemporary residential and dementia care home set in luxurious and comfortable surroundings. Meticulously finished to a very high standard, it offers first class care and facilities. En-suite rooms are available for up to 60 residents, in an atmosphere of light, spacious and elegant surroundings.

Residents live a full, rich and meaningful life in the company of supportive, like-minded people. If you are looking for a home for yourself or a loved one, why not find out more about what Moore Place has to offer?

essence INFO

Website: www.moore-place.org.uk Telephone: 0808 102 5084

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NO FEAR,

NO PROBLEM

Potter, designer and author Jonathan Adler is on a mission to bring modern American glamour to homes across the globe. Through his timelessly chic furniture and home accessories, he is succeeding in this mission across the world, from his native New York to London. Jane Pople speaks to this icon of modern interior style and finds out why fearlessness is his best interior style advice.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY JONATHAN ADLER

Caine Desk

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Interior style | JONATHAN ADLER Jonathan Adler pictured with his Bond console

Baxter T-Arm Sofa with Bullion Fringe

Q Jonathan, what do you enjoy being most: designer, author or potter, and which is the most challenging?

A Being a designer, author and potter is about problem solving. Each has similar challenges – a sofa has to be comfortable, a book has to be readable, a teapot has to pour tea. The hardest part of my day is running a business like mine – whenever your job involves shipping large, heavy and fragile things around the globe, there are going to be headaches.

Q What do you think is the secret to great interior style?

A Fearlessness. Don’t worry about any so-called rules. We live in an ‘anything goes’ world, and if you love it, it will work. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q Has opening stores in Britain taught you anything new about British interior style – how, if at all, does it vary from American tastes?

A Our customers in Britain are more bold and daring than our customers in the US. American consumers play it safe, while my British consumers go for over-the-top stuff like my giant Perspex foot or my brass bird bowls.

Plus, nobody understands patina the way the British do.

Q You work with non profit organisation Aid to Artisans. Can you explain a little about its aims and why you chose to work with it?

A Aid to Artisans pairs designers with craftspeople in developing countries. It’s through the organisation that I discovered the unbelievably talented craftspeople in the Peruvian workshops where we make pottery and textiles.

Ether Sofa in icy velvet

Q Your style of ‘irreverent luxury’ is truly unique. How do you remain inspired and continue to create designs that are unlike anything else on the market?

A Inspiration is an unpredictable sprite, and I try not to think about it too much. I keep my eyes and my mind wide open.

Q What is the worst advice you have ever received?

A My pottery teacher in college told me I had no talent and I should move to New York City and become a lawyer. It was the best advice I never took. Every creative person needs a naysayer to rebel against.

Q How would you describe your own interior style and what is your favourite room in your home and why?

A Three words: modern American glamour. Our apartment is grand and fun and comfy. My favourite room is my dining room – it has amazing double height ceilings (rare in New York City) and it makes eating my morning granola feel like a special occasion.

Q What is your most treasured possession?

A If there were a fire I’d throw my hubby Simon over one shoulder and our rescue pup Foxylady over the other; the truth is the rest is just stuff.

Q You’ve just discovered a time machine that can take you to either the past or the future, what year do you go to and why?

A I wouldn’t mind a trip back to the jet-set ‘60s, but the truth is I’m always looking forward.

Q How would you spend your perfect day off?

A Paddleboarding, reading, watching TV and eating roast chicken at our home on Shelter Island. Not all at the same time.

Q What does the rest of 2017 hold for Jonathan Adler? Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or new ranges?

A More, more, more. More brass, more acrylic, more modern American glamour.  essence INFO Websites: uk.jonathanadler.com, www.amara.com, www.aidtoartisans.org This article first appeared in The Lux Pad, www.amara.com/luxpad

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Charity | THEIR FUTURE TODAY

Honoured to transform lives Lynn Stanier founded charity Their Future Today after the Asian tsunami of 2004 devastated areas of Sri Lanka. Recently she was awarded an MBE for her community services in the country.

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s we all remember, the devastation to the lives and livelihoods of people affected by the Asian tsunami of 2004 was immense.

In Sri Lanka, a country with which Lynn Stanier was familiar as she ran a specialist sports tour and holiday company, the destruction was on a scale the country was ill prepared to deal with effectively.

In response to an appeal from her local agent in Colombo, Lynn flew out to Sri Lanka in 2005 to see the evidence first hand.

The tsunami had left Hindu temple in Sri Lanka after tsunami 4,500 orphans crammed PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANN DUDKO | 123RF.COM into already over-stretched orphanages. Moved by the immense suffering they saw at a government children’s institution in Galle, Lynn vowed to do something to help. On her return to the UK she appealed to the Disaster Emergency Committee of charities to step in and was advised that “the initial disaster had been dealt with” and “there were no plans to assist in the rebuilding”.

And so Their Future Today was born as an act of human justice.

Lynn galvanised friends, clients and colleagues into action. Entirely self-motivated, Lynn launched and organised many fundraising activities and coerced friends and supporters to visit the institution and take up her cause.

Determined that every penny would be spent directly, immediate focus was put on building trust with local government to make drastic improvements necessary to transform the Galle institution. Today, Lynn is currently working with the Southern Province Commissioner and ministers to introduce a foster care system and is delighted she has secured a promise to part fund from the Sri Lankan government to help drive this forward.

Since 2005 Their Future Today has helped around 16,000 children and employs 26 local people in Sri Lanka.

Says Lynn on being awarded an MBE: “I would like to believe that this honour will help us to raise our profile further, as so many people are unaware of the many problems still faced. It is so sad, that 80% of 8m children in orphanages around the world have families too poor to support them. We know the damage abandonment causes, so we must help strengthen families and end institutionalisation.”

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Lynn Stanier with Piyumi and her mum,the first child TFT housed and reunited, May 2010

Profile: Their Future Today Determined to make a difference at grass roots level in Sri Lanka, Their Future Today (TFT) led by Lynn Stanier first concentrated on water and electricity supplies to the children’s institution in Galle. Washing machines were installed, clothes, bedding, new cots, mosquito nets, medicines, vitamins, nappies, baby milk, rice, toys and provisions were supplied.

In 2008 TFT completed a total restoration of the Galle institution with security fences, landscaped gardens and play areas, and over time began employing additional housemothers and physiotherapy and speech therapists to improve the care of the children.

TFT began to focus on education in 2009 and has given more than 12,000 parcels of schoolbooks, as well as bags, shoes and school uniforms, to enable poor rural and institutionalised children attend school. Many children have now completed their education and the gratitude the charity receives on behalf of supporters from parents and children is truly humbling.

TFT has created libraries, classrooms and new dormitories in other institutions and provides them with computers and sewing machines. Teachers are employed for vocational training as well as training in childcare and hygiene for institutionalised girls who are then employed to work as junior housemothers in the baby institution, giving them a lifeline.

In 2015 TFT International Preschool opened in a poor rural village to give families the opportunity not only to send their children to preschool and be cared for while parents work, but to also learn English from the age of three. Numbers attending have more than doubled in one year.

essence INFO

www.theirfuturetoday.com

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