essence issue 93 by essence magazine

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ISSUE 93 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

Royal fan

Tina Daheley interview

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contents Issue 93 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

8 | Interview | TINA DAHELEY

There are not many people who can count Prince William as a fan, but broadcaster Tina Daheley can. Andrew Peters talked to her about her career, her work ethic and her choice of football team.

14 | Art | JEREMY HOUGHTON

For the centenary of the Royal Air Force, British painter Jeremy Houghton has been tracking down and sketching the remaining WWII airmen who flew in Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters.

16 | Comedy interview | GRIFF RHYS JONES

The multi talented Griff Rhys Jones appears at G Live with his show Where Was I?. essence caught up with Griff for his thoughts on the show and globetrotting.

18 | Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Emanuela of Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design offers advice on how we can make our gardens resistant to hot summers.

22 | Travel | ROVOS RAIL

Kevin Pilley boards the Pride of Africa for a rail journey like no other and shares his luxurious trip with an eclectic collection of people.

30 | Motoring | BMW

Euan Johns enjoys the environmentally–friendly BMW i8 Roadster.

34 | Fashion | LUXURY SUMMERWEAR

Pain de Sucre has excelled in creating beachwear for well over 30 years, and Heidi Klein launched the UK’s first one-stop holiday shop in 2002.

44 | Artisan food | EAT SURREY

Shirlee Posner meets Ben Govier of Dylan’s Ice Cream in Haslemere, crafting real dairy ice cream made with local ingredients.

48 | Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month: Dip in Brilliant in Chelsea.

54 | Legal | MUNDAYS

Fiona Moss, corporate and commercial solicitor at Mundays LLP, offers tips and advice about what to expect and plan for when selling a business and how to achieve a smooth sale.

58 | Sport interview | HOLLIE PEARNE-WEBB England hockey defender Hollie Pearne-Webb is considered one of the world’s best players and is tipped be a star at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in London this summer.

62 | Events | SURREY

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

68 | essence | PROPERTY

A selection of the area’s finest houses from some of Surrey’s best estate agents.

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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 Sales director: Debbie Pell telephone: 07836 565699 or 01932 834907 email: debbie@essence-magazine.co.uk Commercial director: Jane Barnfield-Jukes telephone: 07795 206030 or 01932 834900 email: jane@essence-magazine.co.uk Contributors: Kevin Pilley, Andrew Peters, Euan Johns, Fiona Moss, Stephanie Brookes, Emanuela Alladio, PJ Aldred, Jennifer Sutton, Lizzy Parrot, Shirlee Posner, Linda Seward.

essence magazine

Maple Publishing Limited, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Any artwork will be at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made in writing to the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. essence reaches key addresses in Cobham, Oxshott, Esher, Weybridge, Guildford and outlying areas. Properties in all the major private estates, including St George’s Hill, the Crown Estate and Wentworth Estate, receive the magazine 10 times per year. essence is also distributed to selected estate agents and is available at city businesses and all esa apartments throughout 17 locations in the south-east. Design and production www.domino4.co.uk © Maple Publishing 2018 Maple Publishing Limited, Howard House, 70 Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8AL

14 Early to work Radio 1 and BBC Breakfast’s Tina Daheley is a very early riser who finds the mornings much easier after an initial cup of tea. Apart from the crack of dawn starts, she has a reputation for hard work and can also count the Duke of Cambridge amongst her fans. In this summer issue of essence, Andrew Peters finds out the origins of her work ethic. Early rising fighter pilots during the Battle of France in 1940 were able to experience the sunrise twice – once as they flew over to France and then again upon returning to base in England. When Britain stood alone that same year, the ‘few’s’ exploits saved Britain. Now in this, the RAF’s 100th year, ‘The last of the few’ have been immortalised by artist Jeremy Houghton. Also in the magazine, Griff Rhys Jones talks about his worldwide travels and Kevin Pilley samples the Pride of Africa on an epic rail journey from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. Environmental issues are never far from the mind these days, as Euan Johns discovers BMW seem to be ahead of the supercar pack with the wonderful i8 Roadster. It’s been a hot, dry summer so far and pertinently Emanuela of Alladio Sims Garden Design looks into creating a garden that can cope with the heat. Stephanie Brookes samples the Punjabi cuisine of Dip in Brilliant in Chelsea, whilst Shirlee Posner meets Surrey’s own Willy Wonka, Ben Govier of Dylan’s Ice Cream in Haslemere. Cool summer swim and beachwear is the name of the fashion game and style needn’t be sacrificed. Pain de Sucre and Heidi Klein show how. It’s a summer of sport and the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in London looms large as essence talks to one of England’s rising stars, Hollie Pearne-Webb. As always, this issue of essence has a mix of health, beauty and legal advice. Don’t miss the diary of events and places to visit, together with the pick of some of the region’s finest properties. The essence team

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EARLY

RISER There are not many people who can count Prince William as a fan, but broadcaster Tina Daheley certainly can. Andrew Peters talked to her about her career, her work ethic and her choice of football team. >>> PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

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Interview | TINA DAHELEY

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uring the 2015 general election and the 2016 EU Referendum, Tina Daheley fronted a number of debate programmes which viewers described as a breath of fresh air. She’s taken on Crimewatch (co-hosting with Jeremy Vine), BBC Two’s Victoria Derbyshire show (standing in for the host when she’s away) and Breakfast on BBC One at weekends – all in addition to the mornings she does for Radio 1, complete with 5am wake-ups. Q Tina, you initially toyed with law and computer science, but what made you decide to become a journalist and presenter? A I would love to say it was my lifelong ambition to be a journalist, but the truth is I didn’t see anyone like me on television growing up, so I would never have dreamed of journalism as a career option. As first generation immigrants to the UK in the 1970s, my parents had always told me I needed to work twice as hard as anyone else in this country to get on, if not harder. I opted for law initially, which I hated, so I switched to computer science. After graduating with a first and turning down PhD funding, I decided to do the unthinkable – a crazy gap year doing a masters in broadcast journalism. The rest is history. Q You’ve a reputation for hard work. Does that hold you in good stead for your early mornings? A Not really, you just get used to feeling permanently jet-lagged. During the week it means I squeeze more into my day and end up working very long days as a result. I’m naturally a night owl so find it hard to go to bed early. Q How do you find these early mornings, especially at the weekend? A When I present weekend Breakfast on BBC One, my first alarm goes off at 3.30am (I have staggered alarms, I’m paranoid). That is brutal, but once I’ve had a cup of tea I’m good to go. Q What was your first big break? A Getting my first permanent newsreader job on the Radio 1Xtra Breakfast Show with Trevor Nelson. Q Which person (if any) has been your biggest influence? A My parents. I get my work ethic from them and they’ve always fully supported my education and career. Before exams I’d stay up until the early hours of the morning doing last minute revision and my mum would stay up with me, insisting on making me food or a cup of tea. It’s sometimes the small things that mean the most. She’d always put us first. >>>

“My parents came to the UK and their ‘work hard’ ethic was instilled in me. You have to work twice as hard as anyone else.” Tina Daheley PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

Tina with host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show Nick Grimshaw PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID M. BENETT

Q Last year you hosted the BBC election night Newsbeat for younger voters. Did you enjoy that? A I loved it. It really annoys me when people say young people don’t care about politics. They do care, but the fundamental problem is that politics doesn’t look or sound like them. And they find shouty debates a complete turn-off. After my TV election debates, it was massively rewarding to hear from younger viewers that it was the one bit of election coverage they watched from start to finish because a) it wasn’t shouty for the sake of being shouty and b) they actually learnt something. Q Can you relate to younger people’s current situation of high tuition fees, exorbitant housing costs and zero hour contracts? They sound like challenges you would relish. A Of course I can relate. I only paid off my tuition fees and student loan debt five or six years ago and I didn’t pay anywhere near as much in fees as students are paying now. And when you add to that mix the rise in insecure work and home ownership being out of reach for most young people, it’s really tough. Q You’ve a gentler approach to interviewing politicians than certain well-known male presenters. What’s the reasoning behind this style? A A producer on Panorama once called me an iron fist in a velvet glove and that pretty much sums me up. People are more likely to reveal something new about themselves and let their guard down if they are relaxed. It’s disarming. Too often interviews are about the presenter’s ego. Q Do you push yourself hard to try and improve all the time? A Yes, I can’t help it, it’s exhausting!

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Interview | TINA DAHELEY PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

Profile: Tina Daheley Broadcaster and presenter Tina Daheley’s work stretches across news and current affairs, sport and the arts, appealing to a wide range of diverse audiences. She is perhaps best known for hosting the news and sport to nearly six million listeners every week on BBC’s Radio 1 Breakfast Show alongside Nick Grimshaw. Tina joined the BBC in 2007 and has presented a wide variety of factual and documentary shows. During the 2015 general election and the 2016 EU Referendum she fronted a number of debate programmes that viewers described as a breath of fresh air. She took on Crimewatch co-hosting with Jeremy Vine, BBC Two’s Victoria Derbyshire show (standing in for the host when she’s away) and Breakfast on BBC One at weekends – all in addition to the five days a week she does for Radio 1 – and has recently started to present Woman’s Hour on Radio 4. Tina has interviewed a host of high profile names. Most recently she was invited by The Royal Foundation to host their forum with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Tina was one of the lead presenters for BBC News during the 2017 and 2015 general election campaigns and the EU Referendum, hosting the final election debate on BBC One and leader interviews on BBC Two, Radio 1 Newsbeat and the BBC News Channel. Away from news, Tina fronted the BBC presentation team for the London 2012 Olympics and co-presents the hit BBC Three series, Free Speech. Tina also fronted women’s football for BBC Sport. She hosted last year’s Women’s FA Cup Final live from Wembley in front of a record audience and also presented live coverage of England Women’s Euro Qualifiers and The Women’s Football Show. She hosted the Women’s Football World Cup in Canada in 2015.

Q Were you pleased to front the recent interview with the young royals? A It was massively flattering to be personally asked to do it. When I met Prince William for the first time at Kensington Palace he told me he’d been listening to me on the radio for years and was a big fan, which took me by surprise. Q You’re extremely versatile and have covered a fair amount of women’s football in recent years. Would you like to cover more sports? A I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world presenting women’s football tournaments, but I no longer have enough time to fit it all in! The upside is that I can now enjoy watching sport more as a fan. Q So there appears to be some conflicting information about which football team has your support, so I’ll just ask what gave you the most pleasure, Liverpool making the Champions League final or the changing of the guard at Arsenal? A Ha! All I will say is that I am an Arsenal fan and my fiancé is a Liverpool fan, so we watched and celebrated Liverpool going through to the Champions League final together. If it was Tottenham, it would’ve been a different story. Q You’ve got a more than packed work schedule, but what have you lined up in the near future? A Finally planning and setting a date for my own wedding.v

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LAST OF THE FEW To mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force, a special portrait has been created by artist Jeremy Houghton of the four remaining airmen who flew in Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters during WWII. The portrait, along with another of the seven remaining bomber airmen and other works, is currently on tour, with the exhibition culminating in a silent auction for charity. ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT JEREMY HOUGHTON

The Last of the Few by Jeremy Houghton

eremy Houghton is a British painter whose work attempts to capture movement. For the centenary of the Royal Air Force, Jeremy has been tracking down and sketching the remaining airmen who flew in Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters during WWII. He has created a group picture of the four surviving fighter pilots who flew on the Battle of Britain entitled ‘The Last of the Few’, and a group picture of the seven remaining bomber airmen entitled ‘The Last of the Many’. Both these pictures are being silent auctioned this summer, with 100% of the proceeds from the sale going towards RAF Air Cadets. These portraits, accompanied by further historic aviation works, will tour various galleries. At the request of ‘The Last of the Few’ (Wing Commander ‘Tim’ Elkington, Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum, Wing Commander Thomas Neil and Wing Commander Paul Caswell Farnes), this group portrait was drawn simply with pencil, “to keep it simple, with no unnecessary frills or decoration”. This unique picture is being auctioned in aid of RAF Air Cadets through the Coachmaker’s Charitable Trust. essence INFO

To place a silent bid for either ‘The Last of the Few’ or ‘The Last of the Many’, please visit www.jeremyhoughton.co.uk. The current highest bid is £25,000. The auction will close on 15 July 2018.

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Art | JEREMY HOUGHTON

Profile: Jeremy Houghton Jeremy’s career has been marked by contrasting experiences and places (he studied in France and then worked for a number of years in South Africa). As well as a long-standing commitment to the countryside, Jeremy’s work spans a broad spectrum – from the arresting drama of dynamic sports to the quiet, unhurried pace of traditional rural life. Since he began to paint full-time in the mid-2000s, he has divided his practice between creating standalone pieces in the studio using reference photographs and sketches, and producing work via documentary residences. Over the last ten years he has been invited to detail the life of a number of high-profile communities, from those at Windsor Castle and Highgrove to last year’s Wimbledon Championships, and the competitors at the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. With each of these projects, Jeremy is interested in getting beyond public perception, documenting instead the everyday scenes that characterise an event Wimbledon by Jeremy Houghton or place. Although Jeremy’s focus ranges quite widely, his technique remains a constant. His precise deployment of areas of white canvas, or unpainted paper, against areas of liquid colour enables his subjects to shimmer in the liminal territory between figuration and abstraction. With extraneous detail removed, the paintings are also hard to place, giving them an ahistorical quality that serves to underline their fluidity. Artist in residence – recent 2017 Championship Artist, Wimbledon 2016–17 Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing, America’s Cup 2016 Official Artist for the James Hunt Estate 2015 Goodwood for the Earl of March 2014 Windsor Castle for Her Majesty The Queen 2013 Highgrove for His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Tour Artist for the Aston Martin Centenary Tour

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“There’s something for everyone – even the armchair traveller!” Griff Rhys Jones 16 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2018

Comedy interview | GRIFF RHYS JONES

WHERE WAS I? The multi talented Griff Rhys Jones appears in July at G Live with his show Where Was I? essence caught up with Griff for his thoughts on the show and globetrotting. Q Griff, it can’t be a bad job travelling the world on camera… A It really is the greatest gig. The only issue is Michael Palin; he took over the world, so when I say: “I want to go there”, producers reply: “Palin has already been.” So I thought of a new angle, which would allow us to go to places Palin had already been. The new buzzword became ‘Jeopardy’ and the game was ‘Scare the **** out of Griff’ and they have since thrown me off mountains!

Q You have been to many countries. What was your favourite and why? A I’m a fond Brit. Young people are too fast to jump on a plane. I would say don’t forget The Lakes, the Scottish Highlands and Somerset… There are so many beautiful places in Britain. That said, I long to go to Japan, but my favourite place is Finland: the south coast has 80,000 islands – extraordinary.

Q You’re a comedian, writer, actor, presenter, TV production founder and now explorer. That’s a lot of strings to your bow! A So many strings it’s difficult to fire my bow! I’m not trying to impress though. Where Was I? is for anybody and everybody; it addresses the major things like youthful freedom and then suddenly finding yourself having kids and then they leave home. This show is all about forgetting your taxes and your daughter’s dog and going travelling – you can ask questions too.

Q What is the funniest thing that has happened on your travels? A We had a crazy time in Morocco. It was the 1980s and my wife and myself had walked about 100 yards when a man who wanted to show us around stopped us. We said no and he started following us, swearing, when at the next 100 yards we met another man who wanted to be our guide. Again, we said no, so he joined the swearing group. Crazy Morocco!

Q Do you still race in regattas? A I do and I really enjoy it, but I’m no good at it. It’s a glam arena, but I own an old wooden boat – we can’t beat the billionaires.

Profile: Griff Rhys Jones He has wandered from The Torres Straight Islands to Mali, from Moscow to Dar es Salaam, ridden ‘the train of death’, jumped from a burning boat in the Galapagos, sat with tribal elders and been ordered off their island. He has unwillingly climbed up mountains and abseiled down waterfalls, gone window cleaning on New York skyscrapers without a safety rope and clambered through Manchester’s most demanding sewers. But mostly Griff Rhys Jones has made great TV about his travels, including Greatest Cities, A Slow Train to Africa, In Search of the Black Rhino, Burma and The Forgotten Army, several series of Three Men In A Boat and programmes on mountains, rivers, lost routes and tribal art. Where Was I? looks behind those ‘making of’ snippets for the real truth about TV travel. It’s the truth about making travel television, and the truth about wanderlust.

Q What is the scariest thing that has ever happened during your travels? A Every Wednesday during rush hour in Paris they stop the traffic so people can inline skate around the monuments. We were filming, so I decided that I would try on the Friday. Let’s just say traffic didn’t stop and I wobbled along, hoping I lived! Q The question everyone wants to know the answer to is what is the best way to pack a suitcase – fold or roll? A Everything of mine is in containers: socks, electricals... So it doesn’t answer your question, but come along to my show and I will tell you how to get an upgrade! Q What is your message to anyone that hasn’t yet got tickets to your show? A Come along! We had a hoot the last time I was in Guildford. I promise it’s a funny show. essence INFO

Griff Rhys Jones: Where Was I? G Live, London Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2AA Thursday 12 July, 7.30pm. Tickets: £22.00 Telephone: 01483 369350 (Monday–Saturday, 10am–6pm) Website: www.glive.co.uk

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hot to water Too

With ever more unpredictable weather, we need sturdy plants capable of coping with long dry spells. Matt-forming ground covers are more and more essential and acaena microphilla ticks many boxes: evergreen, interesting leaf shape and long lasting globular burrs carry the interest across the seasons IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW, 2015

Emanuela of Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design offers advice on how we can make our gardens resistant to hot summers.

he weather is hotting up and thirsty plants are showing the first signs of strain. Shrivelling leaves, droopy flower heads, browning leaves, stumpy growth… All clear signs plants are suffering and not coping well with summer dry weather. What to do? Watering is a costly resource, to the planet and us, but there are ways around it, to avoid irrigation. If designing a new garden, why not make it drought tolerant? This month we consider five design solutions that really can make a huge difference.

Gravel gardens are wonderful: low maintenance, soft and tactile, they create the perfect backdrop for plants to ‘pop’. They are flexible too as they complement both contemporary and traditional schemes. IMAGE COURTESY

Gravel gardens – they are easy to install, low maintenance, generally low cost, environmentally friendly and look good all year round. OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, Gravel is permeable and therefore acts as mulch keeping the soil cool RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW, 2015 and moist underneath so plants are super happy. Gravel offers an instant, perfect backdrop to plants making them ‘pop’ and look good. It’s one of the most versatile materials, available in many shades, so it can be matched to other hard Profile: Alladio Sims surfaces in the garden and beyond. For a more Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Ltd was established in 2015 after Jon Sims and Emanuela Alladio collaborated on a Silver classic look, choose lighter gravel that blends well Gilt winning show garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower with bricks and lighter stones; for a contemporary Show. The two directors continue their collaborative approach take, choose grey gravel that looks fabulous against throughout their practice wood, black or brown. with Jon’s background in Celebrate shade – shade creates a micro climate

within the garden, bringing the temperature down instantly, which in turn means plants won’t bake in the afternoon heat, even the ones with larger, greener leaves. So plant a tree or a series of hedges to create some shade in the garden and carpet underneath with shade and drought tolerant plants that will keep the scheme lush and fresh, even in the hotter months.

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interior architecture giving distinctive spaces and Emanuela’s passion for plants and photographic eye adding great texture and contrast. Jon and Emanuela in the show garden they created for the Istanbul Flower Festival in 2016

Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Grasses are perfect for a drought proof garden: low maintenance and not very thirsty, they look stunning against the low evening summer light IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW, 2015

A gravel garden wouldn’t be complete without some large boulders to form a series of focal points. Large rocks give the garden an instant Mediterranean feel, perfect for a dry garden IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, BESIKTAS INTERNATIONAL FLOWER FESTIVAL, 2016

Plant more grasses – they look good in winter with their golden silhouettes and moving flower heads and they thrive in the hottest of summers, glowing in the evening sun and softening the transition between perennials. Often native to dry sunny prairies, they are perfect for dry spells and don’t require extra watering. Create drifts of colour through mass planting of single varieties – tight mass planting of single varieties of drought tolerant plants can create a painterly swathe of colour in the garden that looks great in summer months and minimises water requirement in hotter months. The key to this planting style is as always good soil preparation, so don’t forget to incorporate lots of compost and to mulch with a thick layer of gravel or composted bark so that plants become established well before the heat kicks off. Choose silver foliage plants – silver and soft furry leaved plants cope

very well with drought, reflecting the light and heat away from them to keep cool and very upright, even in the hottest of summer afternoons. The amazing tall candelabra silhouette of verbascum bombyciferum reminds us of wild Mediterranean coastal paths, the silvery foliage of olive trees, teucriums and lavenders is further proof that this is the choice colour to survive the driest of summers. Hopefully these five steps have demonstrated how easy it is to create a wonderful, drought-free garden that will embrace the summer weather, however dry or wet this may be. v essence INFO

Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Limited Regional office: Lower Bourne (Farnham), Surrey Website: www.alladiosims.co.uk Email: Hello@alladiosims.co.uk

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Vintners | FINE WINE PARTNERS

Altogether now, say “Cheese” Summertime is here and to Lizzy Parrott, resident cheese expert at Cellar One and Fine Wine Partners, on the cheesy side.

ith so much of Mother Nature’s finest available right here on our Surrey doorstep, it seems a shame to remain steadfastly attached to our dining tables. With the glory days of summer upon us I’m embracing the humble picnic and whilst we enjoy one of England’s finest landscapes what better to satisfy our palates than some of England’s tastiest morsels. One of the simplest of pleasures but how many of us can relate to that sense of anticipation at the sight of each picnicker’s contribution to the group cheese board. And if you number a cheese fanatic or two among your friends and family they will have had the pleasure of a good excuse to visit their local cheese specialist and deliberate over every choice and taste a few in the process. If you hold your nose in the face of such pongy delights as Stinking Bishop (‘more tea vicar?’) there are many more exquisite English cheeses to provide a rich variety of tastes and textures. Practicalities can spoil our fun at this time of year. A gorgeously ripe and runny cheese might hit the spot but if it meets an adventurous ant as it trickles off the side of the cheese board you might find them trying to sip your wine to wash it all down! So with these constraints in mind, here are my top four suggestions to see you through summer:

Bosworth Ash Log – A smooth and creamy goat’s milk cheese rolled in salted ash and decorated with a sprig of rosemary. Pair it with a cool climate sparkling wine and enhance the delicate flavours of honey. Cornish Kern – Supreme

Champion at the World Cheese Awards 2017. Buttery, caramel notes and a deep savoury aroma, if you like Comté or Gouda this is a must try. Accentuate the nuttiness of Cornish Kern with a light red wine such as a New World Pinot Noir, keep it in the ice bucket and serve slightly chilled.

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PAVEL TIMOFEEV | 123RF.COM

Tunworth – A deliciously decadent Camembert style cheese produced in Hampshire and housed in a poplar wood casing ideal for serving al-fresco, “Best Camembert in the world” says Raymond Blanc. The flavours are nutty and distinct, with a fudgy texture and sweet mushroomy aromas. Match with the stone fruit flavours of a cool climate, unoaked Chardonnay and savour the complexity of Tunworth. Shorrock’s Lancashire Bomb

– A rich and creamy Lancashire cheese, no one will miss this standout on the cheese board, it packs a punch both visually and on the palate! If your picnic hamper does not stretch to a Palo Cortado try a Bordeaux blend from the cooler climates of Margaret River. Something to convey the cheese from plate to mouth is a must and if you have not got a local bakery to provide some good crusty French baguettes then I would stock up on a stack of Peter’s Yard Swedish Crispbread, who needs a plate when you have an edible alternative.

essence INFO

Fine Wine Partners Thomas Hardy House, 2 Heath Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8TB Website: www.finewinepartners.co.uk Email: info@finewinepartners.co.uk Telephone: 01932 428600

Site tour at Rovos Railâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yard, Capital Park, Pretoria PHOTO COPYRIGHT: THOMAS RYAN

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Travel | ROVOS RAIL

Count Nicholas Kevin Pilley boards Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa for a rail journey like no other and shares his luxurious trip with an eclectic collection of people.

Pride of Africa, Dar es Salaam station PHOTO COPYRIGHT: THOMAS RYAN

ALL IMAGES ARE PROPERTY OF ROVOS RAIL TOURS (PTY) LTD EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED

he collective age on board the world’s most luxurious train journey was roughly 2,019. But Count Nicholas and resident hair stylist Craig pushed the grand total up well beyond three thousand. And the rest of the Rovos Rail staff upwards to four. There were forty-six guests on the epic 3,568 mile, 15-day trip up the spine of Africa from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam via Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. Rohan Vos, who made his money through auto parts, was determined to fulfil Cecil Rhodes’ dream of a line connecting the Mother City with Cairo. The Pride of Africa is Rovos Rail’s flagship route, running six times a year, and costing over £11,000 per head. After a red carpet arrival, canapés and chamber music, Mr Vos personally waved us off from Cape Town’s Platform 23. For £1,100 per person a day, you get the finest South African food, wine and bottled water, 24/7 laundry, air conditioning, an open-balconied observation deck, two lounges with wingback chairs and sofas, a smoking lounge, clawfoot bathtubs or en suite showers, complimentary biltong, tea and coffee, gateaux and threetier cake stands, top-of-the-range, select and very ‘Instagrammable’ toilet rolls, sparkling wine, welcoming moist towelettes returning from off-train excursions, an executive chef, two chefs, ten waiters, personal maids, discreet bodyguards and all the visas and border formalities sorted. As well as a pair of goggles. So you can stick your head out of the train. Tunnels permitting. Thrown in is a tour of the Kimberley Diamond Mine; two nights and four day/night game drives at the Botswana border Tau Lodge at the 170km perimeter fence Makidwe

Rohan and Anthea Vos

>>>

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Leopard in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa PHOTO COPYRIGHT: THOMAS RYAN

Crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge The Lusaka line, Zambia PHOTO COPYRIGHT: THOMAS RYAN Reserve where, at breakfast, you can be joined by an abluting elephant at the terrace waterhole; one night full board at the £900 B&B Victoria Falls Hotel (sleeved, collared shirts and closed shoes under chandeliers amidst colonial kitsch in the formal Livingstone Room dining hall); a sunset Zambezi cruise; the option of a bungee jump off the bridge and a day in the Selous Game Reserve famous for its big-maned lions and big tuskers. And the chance to smell Lusaka. Plus the opportunity to meet a former scaffolder from Bedford, a schoolmaster from Salisbury, two Russian lawyers and personal friends of the mayor of Moscow, several American doctors, a Swiss air ambulance nurse, a few CEOs, a South African nougat mogul (South Africans make up six per cent of guests) and a newly-married Japanese couple: professor of accounting and his bride, a former student. The professor learned to speak English in Barnet. And last, but not least, you get a Count. Nicholas Schofield, whose grandfathers were from Bradford and the Isle of Man, has been the resident Rovos Rail historian for twenty-five years, clocking up over “450,000 Nicholas Schofield, whose clicks of clackety-clack.” He wears a rabbit fur safari hat with a self-designed zebra skin grandfathers were from headband: “Like an Australian slouch hat, but not. Like one Churchill favoured. I have Bradford and the Isle of Man, some available at $US75 plus P&P!” He is called the Count because he counts guests out and counts them in has been the resident Rovos Rail from escorted tours of Pretoria and other excursions. He gives daily lectures historian for twenty-five years, where ‘The Big Six’ – yawning Swedes, sleeping Austrians, dozing French clocking up over “450,000 couples, napping Germans, catnapping Americans and hungover Brits are clicks of clackety-clack.” common sightings. Meals are served in the refurbed, nearly a hundred-years-old, cherrypanelled, teakwood-pillared Belle Epoque restaurant with its ‘singing’ cut crystal wine glasses, starched linen napery, solid silver cutlery, tassel-tied curtains and romantic low lighting. Menus include traditional South African Bobotie – spiced beef mince oven-baked with a layer of savoury egg custard, served with peppadew, kiwi fruit and banana chutney. Drunken Pecorino (ewe’s milk cheese soaked in a wine musk) precedes a dessert of melktert – a sweet pastry >>>

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PROPERTY INSURANCE CLAIM?

GET EXPERT HELP THE LAST THING YOU WANT IS A PROBLEM CLAIMING. CLAIM MAKERS HANDLE YOUR CLAIM TO MAKE SURE YOU RECEIVE ALL YOU ARE ENTITLED TO. Free, no obligation assessment Telephone: 020 8004 3972 Website: www.claimmakers.co.uk

Station Lounge snacks Final evening on board the Pride of Africa PHOTO COPYRIGHT: THOMAS RYAN

crust with a dusting of cinnamon served with fruit coulis – and a small syrup-coated South African doughnut known as a Koeksister. The Pride of Africa also serves ostrich, croc tails and fillet of springbok with roasted sweet potatoes and black cherry compote. Chef Otto Hank’s signature dish is chocolate fondant. Amarula – made from the superfruit of the ‘elephant’ or ‘wedding tree’ – is a popular digestif. Says Otto: “It is excellent with ice and a great view.” Cummerbunds, regimental uniforms, tiaras and national costumes are optional, but jacket and tie compulsory. Diners are hailed by a mini-xylophone. The gongs have gone. But the bygone days of rail travel are atmospherically recalled. “The train is an institution,” says Schofield. “And a great social leveller. The group dynamics are fascinating. You see first impressions go spectacularly wrong. Stereotypes and preconceptions overturned. Elegant conversation is encouraged. Cellphone and laptop use discouraged. “You are forced into conversation to survive. We have no casino. Or gym. Although the train doctor has an exercise bike, mainly for himself.” The extraordinarily encyclopaedic and very personable Mr Schofield fields the questions. What do you call a group of zebras? A dazzle. A group of giraffes? A journey. Bump into him along the half-mile long, 21-carriage, jungle green and ivory train, give him a date and he won’t let you down. 1741? “Two years before the Battle of Dettingen. King George II was the last king to lead an army into battle.” 1502? “Da Gama was appointed first Portuguese viceroy of India. A title taken over by the British in 1858.” Follow him the length of the train and he will tell the story behind the cabin names – Mafeking, Baker (who designed Pretoria as well as Delhi) and Zulu chiefs like Dingaan and Shaka. You learn about Africa in comfort and security. The first stop on the world’s most salubrious train journey is Matjiesfontein, venue in 1889 of the first cricket match between South Africa and England, who lost. On an eight-minute tour of the town on >>>

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Rovos Rail porters

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Crossing the Kafue Railway Bridge, Zambia PHOTO COPYRIGHT: THOMAS RYAN

Rovos Rail dates and prices 2018/19

the fringe of the Karoo desert on a 1968 London double decker, Elvis impersonator and local pastor Johnny ‘Showtime’ Thennison took us to the Lord Milner Hotel, named after a Cape governor, and then played honky-tonk over a Kudu lager in the 130-year-old Laird’s Arms. The town was used by TB suffers and as a military hospital and once stabled 10,000 horses. It contains the world’s largest private collection of Boer War memorabilia, including an impressive and very nostalgic array of turn-of-the-century commodes and chamber pots. Renalda the curator proudly introduced me to her 1890 stove and period steam irons. At Pretoria’s Capital Park, you visit the Rovos yards where 100-year-old carriages are restored. The original steam locos from Birmingham and Glasgow were named after Vos family members. Running out of names, Rohan Vos named one Zog after his pet Dalmatian. They make cameo appearances shunting the electric-locos into the yards. There is also a museum run by ex-driver Gert van Vuuren. Schofield lectured for “ten happy years” at Vista University, a black-only university in the Mamelodi township. “Now I can talk history all day long. And get paid for it,” he said. He offers advice. “Don’t wear white and drink Pinotage when we are travelling through Zambia. And don’t have your hair done either. It’s pretty shaky!” No-one was on the inaugural northbound run in 1993. But now Rovos – which runs luxury train hotel trips throughout southern Africa as well as into Namibia – is one of the most luxurious brands in the southern hemisphere. The ‘civilisation to wilderness’, Cape Town to Dar es Salaam trek is the flagship route. We get to see a little-known part of Africa, a route barely travelled. My favourite part is between Makambako and Mimba where the train drops over 1,000m through matted jungle. On the Chinese Tazara line, you see the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. The train brushes the side of the forest and you feel you can stretch out and touch the mountain. A rival to the Hex River Mountains outside Cape Town, glorious.v essence INFO www.rovos.com

All images are property of Rovos Rail Tours (Pty) Ltd.

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2018: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam: 30 June and 29 September. 2018: Dar es Salaam to Cape Town: 13 March, 17 July, 4 September and 16 October. Royal Suite: US$21,550 pp (single supplement upon request) Deluxe Suite: US$16,500 pp (single supplement US$7,130) Pullman Suite: US$12,450 pp (single supplement US$5,530) 2019: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam: 29 June and 28 September. 2019: Dar es Salaam to Cape Town: 24 January and 15 October. Royal Suite: US$22,190 pp (single supplement upon request) Deluxe Suite: US$16,995 pp (single supplement US$7,385) Pullman Suite: US$12,820 pp (single supplement US$5,695

The Pride of Africa route, Cape Town to Dar es Salaam

Transforming your space that reflects your passionâ&#x20AC;Ś DESIGN CENTRE

Russell House, Molesey Road Walton-on-Thames Surrey KT12 3PJ 01932 851 331 www.interior-fabrics.co.uk info@interior-fabrics.co.uk DESIGN CENTRE

At our new design centre in Walton-on-Thames we offer a fantastic selection of fabrics, wallpapers, homeware and soft furnishings, plus fabric brands such as Casamance, Voyage, Ian Mankin and Jim Dickens to name a few. Our bespoke services include interior design, both domestic and contract, made-to-measure curtains and blinds, upholstery, cushions and foam replacements. A family-run business, established over 50 years, why not visit our showroom opposite the Esher Rugby club (free parking available).

Handcrafted bespoke luxury tree houses 01892 750 090 info@blueforest.com www.blueforest.com

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Motoring | BMW

THE

BUTTERFLY EFFECT

Forget congestion charges and some road tax, but watch where you park, this car has wings. Euan Johns dispenses with the hair shirt and enjoys the environmentally–friendly BMW i8 Roadster.

rom concept to completion, BMW’s jaw-dropping i8 hybrid coupe supercar set a new standard in its class when it appeared over four years ago. Quite simply, it stood out from the pack, combining potent performance whilst giving the earth a big hug at the same time. It had its faults (haven’t we all), but these have been ironed out to a large extent in the new coupe version and there is now a roadster too. Jonathon Porritt, the environmentalist, published a book entitled The World We Made some five years ago. The book works back from a futuristic 2050 through the eyes of imaginary professor Alex McKay to the present. It optimistically painted a picture of how we go from today’s environmental issues to a better future using current technology. As we know, problems persist and some are getting worse (think the p word), but the future comes closer with another mesmerising car that cocks a snook at the doommongers. The BMW i8 Roadster is a wonderful example of what life can be like: exciting, good looking and all without increasing the hole in the ozone layer. Like Porritt’s book, the future looks bright and BMW seem to have lassoed the spirit and technology and are racing towards it. A general word about electric cars for those of us who still think it’s something for the geeks. There are now over three million electric vehicles worldwide and over 120,000 in the UK. Major manufacturers are making serious commitments and the UK government provides useful incentives to go electric. Batteries are far better and motorway driving is now on the route planner, although it will use more electricity. As a general rule, London has the most charging points, and it’s true to say that the UK’s infrastructure is in its infancy. Aids such as Zap Map help drivers see where charging points are located, but there’s no guarantee they will be free on arrival. BMW offers the ChargeNow card which opens up an array of over 5,500 charging points. Anyway, it’s not beyond the wit of man or woman to work out a strategy, and with cars like the Roadster you’ll want to go electric, believe me. >>>

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There can be no denying the appeal and feelgood factor. Oh, and the butterfly effect is great for making an entrance...

Now, back to the Roadster. Supercars are meant to be wild, powerful beasts and whilst the i8 isn’t quite in the Pete Townshend bracket, it does more than most to trigger the testosterone. Any (perceived) deficiencies are made up by its outlandish good looks, coupled with show-stopping doors. The Roadster is not that much different from the coupe, but offers the option of getting some wind through the hair. Truth is, it’s not been transformed into a 911 Porsche, but driving is much improved from the original coupe. The steering has more feel, the brakes more intuitive and the shift from energy regeneration to braking is smooth. The EV-only mode is another side to this car’s persona, ensuring it will happily drive at 75mph with a range of 33 miles. In electric mode, the i8 is still serene, the ride quiet and supple. This makes it a very effective town car. Obviously, the real consumption of the BMW i8 depends entirely on personal patterns of usage. Due to the electrical drive components, individual driving behaviour has a higher influence on petrol consumption than is the case in conventional vehicles. With a fully charged battery, the maximum purely electrical range of 33 miles can be fully utilised. If the eDrive button is activated, a purely electrical speed of up to 75mph is possible – twice as fast as before. In the driving modes Comfort and Eco Pro, the petrol engine is automatically switched on by an intelligent operating strategy, and also for recharging the battery. In Sport mode, the petrol engine is running continuously. Depending on the type of driving and length of route, the more often the highvoltage battery is charged by cable or Wallbox, the more the car can be driven purely electrically, reducing overall consumption. Using the BMW Wallbox cuts charging time from over four hours to under three. Environmentally-friendly practices are a main focus of the BMW i Series. Most of the aluminum used is obtained from recycling or created using a renewable energy source. The interior accent strips, door trim, roof liner, floor mats, body pillar trim and floor covering are all made of textiles derived from recycled materials. The BMW i8 Roadster still looks as if it came out of science fiction and has a price tag from £124,730. There can be no denying the appeal and feelgood factor. Oh, and the butterfly effect is great for making an entrance, but be careful whilst parking at Waitrose as if you’re not careful you’ll provide any audience with an after-dinner anecdote. v

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essence INFO www.bmw.com

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Concorde Experience

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Delila navy kimono jacket £145 Rubens top £105 Yona bottoms £60

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Beachwear | PAIN DE SUCRE

PARADISE FOUND Pain de Sucre has excelled in creating swimwear for well over 30 years. Precursor of bikini jewellery, the brand offers a stylish range of swimwear combining sophistication and creativity. With innovation in the choice of shapes, Pain de Sucre oozes French elegance, attracting an international clientele. Inspired by haute couture, Pain de Sucre also offers high-end lingerie, revisiting and reinterpreting classic cuts with creative sensuality and sophisticated subtleties. Beachwear has pushed the boundary between lingerie and ready-to-wear clothing to create fascinating pieces of couture.

essence INFO

Pain de Sucre 192 Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5XP Website: www.paindesucre.com Telephone: 020 7349 0068

Esther black dress ÂŁ140

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>>>

Reva long gingham print sheath dress ÂŁ120

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Ulyana Sergeenko

Haute Couture Spring Summer 2018 collection

Moorea lace trim kaftan Â£180

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Swimwear | HEIDI KLEIN Bequia scallop soft ring bandeau top £100 Bequia scallop tie side bottom £95

Core textured U bar one piece £220

CELEBRATED STYLE Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein launched Heidi Klein – the UK’s first one-stop holiday shop in 2002. The focus was on exclusive styles and prints and that has ensured a celebrity following including Kate Moss, Olivia Palermo, Sienna Miller and Jennifer Aniston, as well as maintaining a strong relationship with the press and a loyal customer base. As Heidi confirms: “We set “We set out to reinvent swimwear shopping into an exciting and enjoyable experience, while providing everything our clients desired in order to look and feel gorgeous on holiday, all under one roof.”

essence INFO

Heidi Klein 257 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, London SW1X 0BP Telephone: 020 7259 9418 174 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London W11 2RW Telephone: 020 7243 5665 Website: www.heidiklein.com >>> St Barths oversized shirt £180

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Seychelles smocked V top Â£140

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Bohemian style

These days, thanks to the rise of boho fashion in the naughties and popular events such as Goodwood Revival and Secret Cinema, everyone is getting in on the action.

he ‘fashionistas’ of the early part of this century took to layered skirts and lacey tops to ape the style of the carefree gypsies of the past. This led to a dramatic change in styling for weddings, with brides opting for a more relaxed, unconventional home-made look for their big day. Quirky and artistic, boho styling is often a mix of eras, styles and tastes and the setting for such a wedding spans many types of location that have an earthy, romantic connection with nature. As the decade has evolved, we have become more conscious of the environment and an increasing number of brides have been turning to wearing vintage dresses. Today’s brides are finding unique pieces to enhance the individuality of their weddings. The gowns of the 70s with their synthetic, floaty layers give an ethereal feel, the look enhanced if a sheer hooded cape is added. This style allows experimentation with skirt lengths, with many brides selecting a shorter length dress for a 70s inspired look. A 50s’ dress suits those of us who are pear shaped and can be turned from elegant prom to rockabilly with just a change in hair and accessories; 60s’ dress and jacket combinations make fantastic mother-of-the-bride outfits and come in an array of colours, fabrics and patterns. The iconic A-line shift dress is not just flattering – it is practical as workwear leading into a party in the evening.

The search for the perfect vintage clothing combination is all part of the fun, with charity shops, car boot sales, auctions, antique markets and vintage clothing shops becoming popular destinations. For those who would prefer to look for inspiration online, then online bidding and clearance auction sites are great places to start. If shopping online, sizing can be a factor for consideration with vintage sizes often coming up smaller than today’s profile. The difference can be significant, with a 1970s’ medium dress equating to a modern extra small (XS). essence INFO

PHOTOGRAPHER: www.amandaduncanphotography.co.uk Instagram: Photographer @aduncphotog MAKEUP: www.victoriachaineymakeup.com Instagram: Makeup @victoriachaineymakeup WARDROBE AND STYLING (original vintage dresses): www.surreyartswardrobe.org.uk Instagram: Wardrobe and styling @surreyartswardrobe CAMPERVAN: buttercupbus.com Instagram: Campervan @buttercupbus FLOWERS: Email: flowersbysusiekennedy@outlook.com “Flowers by Susie Kennedy” Facebook group. MODEL: Abigail Blundell ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PEEKEEDEE1 | 123RF.COM

At their best right now Crates Local Produce, located in Horsham’s historic centre, bursts with fresh, seasonal food offering taste, health and economic benefits.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SIEGFRIED DAMM | 123RF.COM

Raspberries

Given the fragrance and flavour of these berries it comes as little surprise the fruits are produced by a member of the rose family. Although the season is short, it’s worth waiting for local raspberries which are far tastier than any imports. The delicate fruits have a short shelf life and work really well with all the other berries available in summer, so desserts become vibrant and full of flavour. It’s an old favourite, but a good summer pudding brings a smile to anyone’s face. Our tradition of jam making from these red delights is no accident as preserving ensures we can enjoy their sweetness through the winter.

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANNA PUSTYNNIKOVA | 123RF.COM

Local ice cream

The plight of our dairy farmers has been well documented and the price they get for their milk hardly covers basic costs. There are a growing number of dairies producing cheese, butter and ice cream. Our local dairies are creating the most amazing ice creams. What makes local ice cream even better than the mass produced, high water content ice creams is the rich milk cows produce once they are grazing outdoors. It’s also far fresher and not frozen for months on end before sale. Most local farm shops, cafés and even cinemas are now stocking ice cream made close to home.

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

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PEEKEEDEE1 | 123RF.COM

Food | CRATES LOCAL PRODUCE

In season recipes

Raspberry Pavlova cake

Raspberry Pavlova cake SERVES FOUR

Ingredients: Four egg whites 250g caster sugar One teaspoon white wine vinegar One teaspoon cornflour One vanilla pod or one teaspoon vanilla extract 600g raspberries or mixed berries 350ml double cream Mint leaves to garnish Method: w Heat oven to 150Â°C or gas mark 2 and prepare some parchment paper by cutting out a large circle at least the size of a dinner plate. Place on a baking sheet. w Whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks and slowly whisk in the sugar until the mix appears glossy. Then whisk in the vinegar, vanilla and cornflour. w Spread the mix thickly on to the parchment paper within the circle, but create slight walls around the perimeter. Bake for one hour, turn off the heat, but leave the meringue to cool within the oven. w Whip the double cream until thick, spread into the crater of the cooled meringue and just top it off with the berries and mint leaves.

Stout beer float

SERVES ONE

Ingredients: One bottle or can of good quality stout Two scoops ice cream, vanilla or chocolate Chocolate or chilli sauce Method: w Freeze a pint glass for around 20 minutes and chill the stout. w Simply pour the stout into the cold glass, leave the head to die back to around half and add in two scoops of vanilla ice cream. w For a really different float, use chocolate ice cream and drizzle over a runny chocolate or even chilli sauce. Stout beer float

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Wonka vibes

Shirlee Posner meets Ben Govier, the Willy Wonka of Dylan’s Ice Cream in Haslemere, crafting real dairy ice cream made with local ingredients.

ylan’s award-winning ice cream parlour may be tucked away in Haslemere, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Expect out of the ordinary creations such as Bumble Bee, a concoction of dark chocolate and honey-striped ice cream or Carrot Cake, a blend of desiccated fresh carrot, spices and raisins. New flavours come and go with the seasons too and customers’ ideas also flourish – like the new vegan offering: oreo and coconut – as do specials for Halloween (charcoal and marshmallow) or fruit from a local allotment. In fact, this shop has a bit of a Willy Wonka vibe as it is always experimenting, so at any given time the weird and wonderful could be on the menu. I met Ben Govier last year when I was helping organise Secretts Sweet Corn Festival. A huge seasonal tradition in the USA, the festival features all sorts of corn-themed food, and apparently sweetcorn ice cream is delicious. I knew that Ben’s frozen delights had a huge local following, so he was charged with the task of making some for the festival. It was a great success, so I was delighted that he is coming back this year with some new ideas for the event. For those who have not visited his delightful ice cream shop in Haslemere, watch out for Ben and his two 30-year-old Bedford Rascal ice cream vans as he attends around 300 local events each summer.

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When Ben went to university, ice cream was not in his life plan: he was going to be an accountant. After graduating, he realised he wanted to do something creative and as he had always loved making ice cream as a child, he decided to go into business. Ben started his ice cream-making facility in Manor Farm in Langrish where he’s been for the last ten years, however, in the autumn, he’s moving to a larger site with more freezer space. Some might wonder why Ben called his business Dylan’s, I certainly did! Ben and Jerry’s was just too famous, so Ben named the business after his pet. The family labrador Dylan’s name was snapped up and the company’s distinctive logo features a paw mark. When Dylan’s started, it was just the production facility, a five-litre ice cream machine and a (clapped out) old ice cream van that Ben picked up on ebay. He sold solely at events, birthdays and weddings, but in 2014 he found a retail outlet in Haslemere in a little row of shops. Entering Dylan’s, there’s a sense of community and it’s impressive how creative Ben is in becoming involved with his neighbourhood. Competitions with local schools to create new flavours, collaborations such as our sweetcorn ice cream and bespoke flavours for local restaurants. Ben is also interested in the provenance of ingredients too. A lot of small ice cream makers use commercial pastes and flavourings, but not here. Ben likes using real food ingredients and for his dairy-based ice creams he uses milk sourced from a local farm. Dylan’s Ice Cream isn’t super rich with a high cream content: it is flavour-packed playful concoctions.

Artisan food | EAT SURREY

Strawberry, coconut and banana ‘nice’ cream Traditional ice cream is delicious, but it does contain cream and sugar. ‘Nice’ cream is all the rage at the moment as it uses ripe bananas to give the sweetness, is easy to make in a food processor or blender (one with a strong motor) and it’s ready to eat immediately. This is one of my core recipes I used to make when my kids were young, frozen in lolly moulds or eaten straight away. It’s also a good one to involve kids in the making too. This version uses canned coconut milk solids – I use the leftover clear liquid for curries or smoothies – but this can be replaced with mascarpone for a richer finish or vanilla yoghurt. It can, of course, be made with any frozen berries: I pick every day from my raspberry beds and what we don’t eat we freeze for treats like this. Strawberries are naturally high water content berries, so the texture will not be as creamy as the dairy-rich version. Serves four (vegan) Ingredients Three sweet, ripe bananas, peeled, chopped and frozen Two punnets of strawberries, dehulled and frozen Half teaspoon vanilla paste or essence (optional) One 400ml can of full fat coconut milk, separate the solid coconut cream to use and reserve the liquid for inclusion in a curry or smoothie Method w Blend all ingredients in a power blender/food processor until an ice cream consistency is achieved. wFreeze for longer in a container if a more solid finish is preferred. wServe with fresh berries.

With a menu of twelve ice creams always available, the staples are (surprisingly) not vanilla and strawberry, but honeycomb and lemon meringue. These have been firm favourites since the shop opened and have a fan base of their own. In the summer months, Ben produces fruit ice creams using locally sourced fruit. He reckons there are about five whole strawberries in each portion and he also makes intense, fruity sorbets, chocolate-rich creations and specials. In 2016 his blackcurrant ice cream and raspberry sorbet both won two gold stars in the Guild of Fine Food Great Taste awards. That’s a nod to the skill he has developed producing his products. From Dylan’s parlour one litre tubs can be bought to enjoy at home which are priced at around £6. Want a special flavour made for a party or event? That’s no problem here. Ben produces bespoke flavours for local restaurants too. In addition to ice cream, the parlour also sells local coffee from Horsham Roasters, prepared barista-style, and gorgeous tea sold in drip mugs from All About Tea in Portsmouth. Cakes, brownies and flapjacks are from Crosbies and keeping it in the family most days Ben’s mum, Anne, can be found behind the counter. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes out of Ben’s kitchen next. We already had an idea for a collaboration to make a spiced pumpkin ice cream for Secretts Pumpkin Week – can’t wait to try that one! essence INFO

Dylan’s Ice Cream 1 Junction Place, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1LE Website: www.dylansicecream.co.uk Shirlee Posner is a food writer and blogger at www.eatsurrey.co.uk and provides social media management, web copywriting and food photography.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 45

Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERY

LEMON AND POPPYSEED CAKE with citrus drizzle This is a deliciously soft, lemon scented loaf cake dotted with fragrant poppy seeds and drizzled with a citrus icing and, did I mention, so easy to make! I topped this one with plump, sharp blackberries to add a wonderful colour and contrast to the sweet sponge. Enjoy a slice with a nice cup of tea or perhaps a cheeky G&T! It’s summer on a plate. w In a large bowl, mix the butter

Ingredients Four large eggs 225g unsalted butter 225g caster sugar 225g self-raising flour Zest of two lemons 50g poppy seeds For the lemon icing 85g caster sugar Juice of one lemon Handful of blackberries Method w Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan), gas mark 4. Grease and line a 20x10cm loaf tin.

and sugar together until light and creamy. This can take about five minutes. w Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition and adding a little of the flour if the mixture begins to curdle. w Fold in the flour, then add the lemon zest and poppy seeds. w Spoon into the tin and bake in the oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, depending on the oven. Test with a skewer or tooth pick and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. w Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the tin and then turn out on to a wire rack. Whilst letting the cake cool, make the drizzle by mixing the lemon and caster sugar together. Add a little at a time to get the right dropping consistency – too thin and it will melt away! w Top with grated lemon rind, blackberries or any preferred fruit.

essence INFO

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

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46 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID P MACDONALD

MY MONTH IN FOOD Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, Dip in Brilliant in Chelsea.

have to admit, with any prospective restaurant review, I’ve already studied the menu many times before I’ve even ventured inside the dining room, eager to examine each potential dish in finer detail. I’m also fascinated with how each restaurant ‘story’ came to fruition: all the inner workings that go on behind the scenes are all part of the overall experience for me. My interest was certainly piqued in the case of Dip in Brilliant, as this family-run business has a long and successful history throughout London’s restaurant scene. Celebrity chef Dipna Anand is at the helm of this latest venture: a trendy Punjabi eatery, right next door to Chelsea Football Club. The first restaurant was established back in 1975 when Dipna’s father, Gulu, first opened the original Brilliant restaurant in Southall. This more recent venture perfectly blends a modern dining aesthetic with traditional Thali-style sharing platters.

Papri Chaat (top left) and Fish Pakoras PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES

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Award-winning celebrity chef Dipna Anand PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DIP IN BRILLIANT

The first dish of Papri Chaat started proceedings with an infusion of bold, fresh flavours: a layered starter of spiced chickpeas and diced potatoes, topped with savoury vermicelli, tangy yoghurt and tamarind. It’s the perfect dish to demonstrate the importance of contrasting textures. Added to the mix was a generous portion of freshly fried Fish Pakoras, lightly golden in appearance with a crisp, gram flour batter. The creaminess of the Tilapia worked deliciously well encased in the delicately spiced coating.

Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Chicken Tikka Masala

Paneer Makhani

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES

After a little appetiser respite, we welcomed to the table the culinary national treasure that is Chicken Tikka Masala – the first of two mains to arrive. It’s one of those dishes so fixed in our culinary consciousness that the simple joy of this dish can be taken for granted. It’s also the case that many of our experiences of eating Chicken Tikka Masala are via the local takeaway, which is not often up to typical restaurant standards. However, if it’s being recommended by the house I gladly heed the advice. The chicken pieces were perfectly cooked, velvety in texture and generously smothered in the restaurant’s self-named ‘Brilliant’ sauce – no hint on the menu as to the specifics of the closely guarded secret, but the tomato-rich gravy brimming with onions, ginger and chilli was a satisfying and comfortingly familiar dish.

Gajar Ka Halwa PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES

In this case, pale yellow hunks of cheese, bathed in a rich, ruby sauce was nothing short of comfort on a plate. In these warmer months of lighter eating, it can be forgotten there are also days when only true indulgence will do. This was one of them. The final offering of the evening was a dessert of Gajar Ka Halwa: an unctuous, sticky mound of freshly grated carrot, artfully moulded together by smooth, sweet caramel. It’s a cleverly balanced dish whereby the richness of the caramel never overpowers the fresh tang of the carrot, stopping it from veering into sickly-sweet territory. The addition of a crunchy pistachio and almond topping gives much-needed texture to the soft, chewy carrot. For evening feasting and leisurely lunchtime indulgences, Dip in Brilliant hits the mark on all counts, serving hearty, delicious dishes which satisfy those most savoury of food cravings… just try and leave a little room for dessert – your inner glutton will thank you for it. essence INFO

Dip in Brilliant 448-450 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW6 1DL Websites: www.dipinbrilliant.com; www.stephaniebrookes.com Telephone: 020 3771 9443 Email: info@dipinbrilliant.com

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DIP IN BRILLIANT

The second curry of Paneer Makhani was perhaps the more decadent of the two, gratifyingly laced with cream and butter. I was particularly looking forward to this dish as paneer has become a new favourite ingredient after preparing it for a recent article, and I couldn’t believe how long I’d lived without it: it’s become a feature in my weekly shopping basket. The fact that it also has a fairly mellow, milky flavour makes it the perfect blank canvas for salads, summer barbeques and, most notably, in all-or-nothing, butter-rich curries.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DIP IN BRILLIANT

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Relaxation and refinement

Château de Berne Hotel & Spa, located in Provence countryside, is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux network. This beautiful and spacious spa offers 800 square metres of wellbeing and pampering with products by Cinq Mondes©, along with breathtaking views over vines and olive groves. Features include an indoor upstream pool and swan neck fountain, jacuzzis, a sauna, steam room and two VIP duo cabins with whirlpool baths. ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT CHÂTEAU DE BERNE HOTEL & SPA

genuine pledge of quality, with expert knowledge in spa treatments, Château de Berne offers guests and visitors alike a genuine moment out of time in this haven of peace, with celebrated Cinq Mondes’ treatments and rituals. The Spa also offers three single cabins, a special ‘exfoliation’ room fitted with a steam room, two privatisable duo cabins with whirlpool baths and a beauty salon. The Spa’s beautiful, sunny terrace, with its exceptional vista over vines and olive groves, is a must-do part of the Spa experience.

Cinq Mondes spa treatment brand is now present in over 30 countries and acclaimed by top-ranking spas the world over. The Cinq Mondes’ product range consists of natural and unique cosmetic treatments, inspired by ancient beauty recipes. Specially designed for professional spa care, they combine efficiency and safety and are the fruit of extensive phyto-aromatic research. The range adheres to the strict Nature Laboratory Charter (Charte Laboratoire du Naturel®) to guarantee the highest-quality, dermatologically-tested products, containing only organic or natural ingredients, free of paraben, phenoxyethanol, silicon, mineral oils and artificial colouring. A pioneer in the elaboration of petrochemical-free formulas, Cinq Mondes has always given priority to active biological ingredients with equal efficiency and sensory benefits. All products are certified with the Ecocert-Cosmebio label.

essence INFO

Website: www.chateauberne.com Telephone: 00 33 494 604888 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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811

Psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry and counselling For adults, young adults, children and Enabling couples people to help themselves Enabling people to help themselves We can all have difficulties in everyday life and encounter problems that we simply find hard to cope with alone. You may feel worried, anxious, low, confused, isolated or may be experiencing difficulties in relationships. These feelings and thoughts may persist and become overwhelming. In these circumstances it is difficult to know which way to turn. At times like these it can be helpful to talk things over in confidence with an experienced counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist who will enable you to explore your concerns in a safe, contained environment, to help you develop appropriate strategies and techniques to cope with your life difficulties in a more effective way. We offer clinics in Weybridge and East Molesey.

Take a step forward and contact the practice for a free telephone consultation:

Telephone: 01932 705 760 www.thepractice.co.uk 8114 The Practice 4pp DL lealfet AW.indd 1-2

24/10/2016 09:10

Facing up to summer

Our skin is our largest organ. We subconsciously put it through stresses and strains every day. Why is looking younger for longer so important to us? Is there anything we can do to reverse the ageing process or slow it down? Epsom Skin Clinics explore the options.

here are three layers within our skin: the epidermis, dermis and sub-cutaneous layers: each layer distinct in shape, components and function. These layers work collectively to repair, protect and maintain the skin as a whole. The epidermis is a miraculous, self-renewing unit that continuously repairs itself. Skin changes are related to environmental factors, genetic makeup and nutrition. The greatest single factor is sun exposure. This can be seen by comparing areas of our bodies that have regular sun exposure with areas protected from sunlight. In our twenties, our skin is typically functioning at its full potential. Great collagen support keeps the skin firm, with hydration levels at the highest to give a youthful glow. How skin is cared for within this decade will determine what kind of damage we may have to deal with in years to come. It’s important to take the right steps to prevent DNA damage and premature ageing which can be irreversible. The face and neck change with age: around the age of 30–40 is when women notice a loss of muscle tone and thinning skin resulting in a drooping appearance. The outermost layer of our skin thins and changes in the connective tissue reducing the skin’s strength and elasticity. Sebaceous glands produce less oil and our hyaluronic production slows down resulting in a drier complexion. Muscles become less toned and able to contract. These changes often begin at around age 40 in women and age 20 in men. Two treatments at Epsom Skin Clinics offer excellent results. We often associate light exposure with skin ageing and damage, however light also has many positive influences. It helps us produce vitamin D and provides energy and serotonin. It can promote healing, reduce inflammation, pain and prevent tissue

Visit the website for seasonal offers and packages and sign up to the newsletter. 0% finance available. www.epsomskinclinics.com PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ALIAKSEI KAPONIA | 123RF.COM

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Beauty | EPSOM SKIN CLINICS

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANNA OM | 123RF.COM

damage. The differences between the effects of light are the amount and parts of the light spectrum we are exposed to. Ongoing exposure to UV is very damaging, controlled levels of red, blue and near Infrared light are clinically proven to be beneficial. LED Photo Therapy is known for its regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike more invasive procedures, LED Photo Therapy is a safe and year round treatment option for all skin types without discomfort or downtime. Dermalux™ instantly awakens a tired and dull complexion. After just one twenty-minute treatment, skin is hydrated, plump and radiant. Light therapy also promotes a feeling of wellbeing, helping to relieve the stresses and strains of everyday life. Dermalux™ can be used in conjunction with other treatments that aim to lift, reshape and reform the facial structure. Silhouette Soft Thread Lift™ facial treatment appeals to those wishing to tighten sagging facial contours and increase the production of collagen. Specialised surgical threads made from polydioxanone (PDO) are injected into the skin using a fine needle. The threads are held in place by cones positioned in opposing directions causing a tension in the skin, delivering an instant lift. Silhouette Soft can be used on any part of the body, but its main use is on the jowls, cheek area and neck. The threads dissolve after six to eight months. During this time, they stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, thickening and strengthening the skin from within and improving elasticity. The results will improve over time and last up to 18 months. essence INFO

Epsom Skin Clinics Website: www.epsomskinclinics.com Telephone: 01372 737280

Olivia Rose Olivia Rose Surrey is a new, beautifully-styled hair and beauty salon in the charming village of Claygate, conveniently located five minutes from the A3 and a 20 minute escape from the big city. Their award-winning team listen to what clients really want and teach how to maintain a look at home, or provide a low maintenance style. The promise Olivia Rose make is to listen, every visit, every time. A tailored bespoke service is given to clients. Olivia Rose offer something different in a tranquil, zen-like environment throughout the salon featuring an exclusive Relaxation Room. Oil blends are carefully selected each week, and are dependant on the weather, atmosphere and time of year. This ensures clients feel relaxed and stimulates mind and body to their highest potential. The colour and hair care products used are from luxury brand Davines. The performance and sustainability of the brand makes it a perfect partner for the salon. Olivia Rose offers all new guests 25 per cent off their first visit. Simply visit the website www.oliviarosehairbeauty.co.uk to download your voucher and for terms and conditions. “As a regular of Olivia Rose, I wanted to say what a lovely experience it is every week to have my hair blow dried. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Jade provides a very high level of professional expertise and my hair always looks great after my visits. I would 100% recommend Olivia Rose.” Susie (April 2018)

essence INFO

For more information and to book, please contact a member of the team. Olivia Rose, 12 The Parade, Claygate, Esher, Surrey KT10 0NU Telephone: 01372 466 603 Email: info@oliviarosehairbeauty.co.uk Website: www.oliviarosehairbeauty.co.uk ADVERTORIAL

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Selling a business – top tips Fiona Moss, corporate and commercial solicitor at Mundays LLP, offers tips and advice about what to expect and plan for when selling a business and how to achieve a smooth sale.

Fiona Moss is a solicitor at Mundays LLP. Fiona specialises in corporate and commercial law and deals with acquisitions and disposals, joint venture/ shareholder arrangements and investment as well as general corporate governance and compliance and procedural issues. On the commercial side, Fiona covers general commercial agreements, distribution, licensing, consultancy and is a franchise specialist acting for franchisors and franchisees alike. Fiona can be contacted on 01932 590611 or fiona.moss@mundays.co.uk

How much is my business worth? w Before a buyer is identified, consider getting an independent valuation of your business as knowing what price to expect for the business can be of assistance during price negotiations. w A valuation may also help identify key issues that need to be addressed before a sale can proceed. w Bear in mind that there are a number of ways to value a business and usually the value comes down to what a prospective buyer is willing to pay. Preparation Preparing well in advance is key to achieving a successful and more profitable outcome. Sound accounting information, key employees locked in, intellectual property protected, customers and suppliers contracted with on clear and beneficial terms will go a long way to enhancing the value of your business and achieving a smoother transaction. Consider asking your accountants to provide you with a financial audit and your solicitors to carry out a legal audit in each case in contemplation of a possible sale. Shares or assets? A share sale involves the shareholders selling their shares in their company to the buyer. The company being sold will carry on business as usual and it is the ownership of that company that changes. For employees, customers and suppliers of the business nothing on the face of it changes. The buyer acquires all the assets and liabilities, whether or not it knows about them. With an asset sale, however, it is the company itself which sells its assets to the buyer. This will include physical assets such as land and equipment, but also the business name and intellectual property. To the outside world they will deal with a new entity, the buyer. A buyer

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can pick and choose the assets it acquires and any liabilities it will and will not assume. Often the decision on whether to structure the sale as a share sale or asset sale will be driven by tax considerations and advisers will need to be involved to ensure the most efficient position is achieved. Entrepreneur’s relief can reduce your capital gains tax rate from 20% to 10% on the first £10 million of qualifying capital gains made in your lifetime. This is very valuable to sellers if available and will require a sale of shares not assets. Heads of terms Heads of terms can be a useful tool as they set out the intentions of the parties at an early stage and avoid misunderstanding. They will generally not be binding under English law and are intended to have ‘moral’ force only, save for certain provisions such as exclusivity, costs and confidentiality which are expressed to have legal effect. w Keep them short and direct. w Assess the likely level of interest before granting a period of exclusivity to any one prospective buyer. w Confidentiality provisions may be brief and a separate agreement may be required to properly protect the business. Confidentiality Confidentiality is always key. The potential buyer may be a competitor or commercially you may simply need to maintain secrecy until completion. w A confidentiality letter or non-disclosure agreement (‘NDA’) should be put in place. w The NDA should cover the fact negotiations are taking place and the provision of information as part of the proposed sale. w Even with an NDA in place, consider withholding particularly sensitive information until much later in the sale process.

Legal | MUNDAYS

Due diligence Due diligence is the term used for the investigations a prospective buyer will undertake on the company and its business – to check its assets, liabilities and state of ‘health’. Sellers should expect to receive a long list of enquiries and requests to provide accompanying documentation. This is where your earlier preparation will more than pay for itself. w Establish who is responsible for providing information in advance and where necessary involve a small team with individual responsibilities. Balance this against the need to keep the proposed sale confidential. w Provide all information clearly and in good time following the numbering used by the buyer. w Ad hoc questions are generally to be avoided. In some circumstances though a Q&A section of the data room may be appropriate where the other party can ask you commercial questions. w Be upfront with any issues, but ensure you provide this information in the clearest way with appropriate legal advice and explanations. Disclosure The sale and purchase agreement will inevitably contain warranties that are factual statements or promises about the company such as “there is no litigation” or “the list of employees is up to date” for example. If any of these statements are not accurate, a seller will have to disclose against any warranties as to why they are not completely accurate (and usually provide further documentation in order to avoid a warranty claim). In this way the buyer gets comfort that it knows about any possible ‘skeletons’.

w The disclosure letter is extremely important

as it will qualify any warranties that the seller is required to make. It can help protect the seller in the event a claim is made by the buyer against the seller for breach of warranty. w A full disclosure exercise should always take place so as to flush out any issues. w It is best to meet with your lawyer and run through each of the warranties contained in the sale and purchase agreement with a view to prompting specific disclosures. This can be a fairly lengthy process, but, because fair disclosures will act as a shield to any warranty claim, should not be avoided or rushed. Completion and post completion When all the documents are agreed and are ready to be signed, they will be signed and dated and the purchase price paid. On a share sale, the legal title to the shares will not actually transfer until the stamp duty is paid and the share transfers registered. w Completion can take place in person or remotely by scanning over copies of signed documents without the need to meet. w Unless there is a need to achieve a certain deadline, the proposed date set for completion should give the parties enough time to carry out the investigations whilst maintaining impetus. w Following completion, there may be a number of registrations (share transfers, resignation of directors, releases of security). On an asset sale some of the assets being transferred will need to have a change of ownership registered or approved, for example, leases, trademarks, domain names and patents.

When will I be paid? Whilst it is usual for a sum of monies to be paid at completion, we commonly see sellers waiting for up to two years for staged payments (known as retentions). Such payments may even be conditional or weighted depending on future revenues or profits (known as earn-outs). In these cases the sellers may have to remain working in the business to ensure the profit and/or growth forecasts are met. If the performance targets are not, then the full sale price may not be achieved. w Ensure that discussions take place early on about the structure of payments and what security measures or guarantees might be available in the case of payments which take place after the deal completes. w If a seller is retiring or selling due to personal reasons, which means he can no longer continue in the business, he should be clear as to these expectations. w If a seller will remain involved this should be either through a negotiated service contract or new consultancy agreement. What happens after the sale? For many people the sale of their business involves the release of capital and it is sensible to have a clear plan as to how such capital can be used or invested, taking account of future needs. This will include decisions such as what assets to invest in and what level of risk is acceptable. Sellers may need to consider updating their Wills to take account of the increased capital and should also ensure appropriate tax planning allowing wealth to be distributed to relatives in the most tax efficient manner.v

essence INFO

Mundays LLP Cedar House, 78 Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1AN Telephone: 01932 590500 Website: www.mundays.co.uk The contents of this article are intended as guidance for readers. It can be no substitute for specific advice. Consequently we cannot accept responsibility for this information, errors or matters affected by subsequent changes in the law, or the content of any website referred to in this update. © Mundays LLP 2018.

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DEFYING

convention

eaders may not fully recognise her name: the woman in red who scooped in Team GB’s last shoot out shot and jumped with golden glee as the British women beat the Dutch in the hockey final so dramatically at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Even since making her England debut just five years ago, Hollie Pearne-Webb has witnessed a huge surge in the popularity of women’s sport. International success across rugby, football, cricket, netball and hockey, amongst others, has seen the stature and profile of women’s sport and its stars reach an unprecedented standing. “The journey has been a long one and it’s definitely not over yet, but the improvements in the perception and public awareness of women’s sport over the last few years have been incredible,” says Hollie. “There are so many factors involved in making this happen, but there are women hockey players now who are household names, which even when I started my international career wasn’t really the case.” Hollie, who combines her England defensive duties alongside her work at DEFRA where she is completing her Chartered Institute of Management Accountancy (CIMA) qualification, believes that having more high-profile female sports stars can only help young girls as they navigate their teenage years. “There are so many pressures facing young girls and women in how they’re meant to look and conform these days. I think sport has so much to offer girls beyond general health. You develop resilience and discipline, learn about how to handle setbacks and how to assert yourself. It’s so important that when girls pick up magazines or check their Instagram feed that they see strong, athletic women and the only way this happens is with increased media exposure. The more of these role models they see, the more likely they’ll be drawn into sport.”

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When it comes to player of the tournament awards, hockey logic dictates that goalkeepers or forwards receive the accolades. But England defender Hollie Pearne-Webb’s stock has risen to such an extent that she is now considered one of the best global players and will be one of the stars at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in London this summer. Women’s hockey has capitalised on its success at both London 2012 and Rio 2016 where the GB team won bronze and gold medals respectively. There are now double the number of girls playing than in 2012, and with over 80,000 tickets sold already to this summer’s hockey World Cup at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, hockey is set for a further boost. Hollie comments: “England Hockey has been great in tapping into the hockey family and those passionate about the game. The number of coaches and volunteers working at clubs and schools giving people the opportunity to play is fantastic. As a squad, we’re Hollie, centre, with teammates Alex Danson (left) and Ellie Watton (right) after winning bronze at the Commonwealth Games from the Gold Coast, Australia 2018

Sport interview | HOLLIE PEARNE-WEBB

Hollie Pearne-Webb, England v South Africa, Commonwealth Games from the Gold Coast, Australia 2018

always encouraged to go out to schools to get in front of children and hopefully inspire them into the sport.” The sixteen best teams in the world will descend on London between Saturday 21 July and Sunday 6 August for one of the showpieces in the hockey calendar, and Hollie and the team will be going all out to put on a display. “Rio will forever be a highlight in my life. It felt like the culmination of decades of work from all the players who’d played part-time alongside their careers, who’d sacrificed to get us to the point where we could train full-time and compete with the best. But to have the chance to play in a home world cup isn’t something a lot of players get to experience, and it will be such an honour if I get to line up against India on 21 July.” England is currently ranked second in the world behind defending world champions, the Netherlands. The current squad is a mixture of new players and those who were part of the last Olympic cycle like Alex Danson, Maddie Hinch and Hollie. The game has moved on even since Rio and Hollie knows there can be no lapses in concentration, such is the level of competition at the top of the world game. “We have a really nice balance of young and more experienced players. There’s so much exciting talent in our squad, but it takes time

to gel and build that cohesion. Since Rio, we’ve won bronze medals at last year’s European Championships and at this year’s Commonwealth Games, but I’m hopeful our performances will go up a level for the World Cup. There are probably six teams all capable of beating each other on their day which just shows how ‘on it’ we’re going to have to be. But we’re all so determined to perform and give the home fans something to cheer. I know England’s matches are sold out, but I’d encourage anybody to come along and watch a game: the atmosphere, hockey and fan zone will make for great days out.” Hollie and the GB team achieved their vision for Rio to ‘be the difference, create history and inspire the future’. If they prevail on 5 August they might just do it all over again. essence INFO

The 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 2ST between Saturday 21 July through to Sunday 5 August. Website: www.englandhockey.co.uk Investec, the specialist bank and asset manager, support women’s hockey from grass roots level through to the national team. For more information visit investec.co.uk/hockey

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | essence-magazine.co.uk 59

Reading lounge The Beautiful Summer

EDITOR’S PICK

It’s the height of summer in 1930s’ Italy and sixteenyear-old Ginia is desperate for adventure. So begins a fateful friendship with Amelia, a stylish and sophisticated artist’s model who envelops her in a dazzling new world of bohemian artists and intoxicating freedom. Under the spell of her new friends, Ginia soon falls in love with Guido, an enigmatic young painter. It’s the start of a desperate love affair, charged with false hope and overwhelming passion – destined to last no longer than the course of a summer. The Beautiful Summer is a gorgeous coming-of-age tale of lost innocence by one of Italy’s greatest writers. Published originally in 1949, the novel won the Strega Prize for fiction in 1950, Italy’s most prestigious literary award, and remains a landmark work of European fiction. By Cesare Pavese RRP: £7.99 112 pages • Paperback ISBN: 9780241983393 Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd www.penguin.co.uk

Spitfire: A Very British Love Story The iconic Spitfire found fame during the darkest early days of World War II. But what happened to the redoubtable fighter and its crews beyond the Battle of Britain, and why is it still so loved today? In late spring 1940, Nazi Germany’s domination of Europe had looked unstoppable. With the British Isles in easy reach, Adolf Hitler was convinced that Great Britain would be defeated in the skies over her southern coast. What Hitler hadn’t planned for was the agility and resilience of a marvel of British engineering that would quickly pass into legend – the Spitfire. John Nichol’s passionate portrait of this magnificent aircraft, its many

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innovations and updates, and the people who flew and loved them, carries the reader beyond the dogfights over Kent and Sussex. Spanning the full global reach of the Spitfire’s deployment during WWII, from Malta to North Africa and the Far East, then over the D-Day beaches, it is always accessible, effortlessly entertaining and full of extraordinary spirit. By John Nichol RRP: £20.00 448 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781471159206 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd www.simonandschuster.co.uk

How To Break Up With Your Phone Are you addicted to your phone? How to Break Up With Your Phone is a practical and useful plan to help conquer mobile phone addiction in just 30 days – and take back your life in the process. Recent studies have shown that spending extended time on our phones affects our ability to form new memories, think deeply, focus and absorb information, and the hormones triggered every time we hear our phones buzz both add to our stress levels and are the hallmark signs of addiction. Award-winning science journalist Catherine Price explores the effects that our constant connectivity is having on our brains, bodies, relationships, and society at large. Catherine offers an easy-to-follow plan that enables phone users to identify goals, priorities and bad habits to create a new, healthier relationship with their phone and establish habits and routines to ensure this new relationship sticks. By Catherine Price RRP: £12.99 192 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781409176268 Publisher: Orion Publishing Ltd www.orionbooks.co.uk

Literature | REVIEW

The Handmaid’s Tale

EDITOR’S PICK

The President is Missing

HOW PLANTS WORK Form, Diversity, Survival consultant editor

A classic work of feminist fiction, a frighteningly real dystopia that speaks afresh to every new generation of readers. A chair, a table, a lamp. Above, on the white ceiling, a relief ornament in the shape of a wreath, and in the centre of it a blank space, plastered over, like the place in a face where the eye has been taken out. There must have been a chandelier, once. They’ve removed anything you could tie a rope to. Offred lives in The Republic of Gilead, to some a utopian vision of the future, a place of safety, a place where everyone has a purpose, a function. But The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire – neither Offred’s nor that of the two men on which her future hangs. Brilliantly conceived and executed, this powerful evocation of twentyfirst century America gives full rein to Margaret Atwood’s devastating irony, wit and astute perception.

By Margaret Atwood RRP: £8.99 320 pages • Paperback ISBN: 9780099740919 Publisher: Vintage Publishing www.penguin.co.uk

Stephen Blackmore

with a foreword by Sir Peter Crane

How Plants Work This book is the product of an unprecedented collaboration between former US President Bill Clinton and bestselling thriller writer James Patterson. Amid an international crisis, the impossible has happened: a sitting US President has disappeared. What follows is the most dramatic three days any president has ever faced. Full of details only a President could know, Bill Clinton and James Patterson have written the most authentic, gripping and presidential thriller ever. “Working on a book about a sitting President — drawing on what I know about the job, life in the White House, and the way Washington works — has been a lot of fun,” Clinton revealed in a statement. “And working with Jim has been terrific. I’ve been a fan of his for a very long time.”

Reboot your Health

Form, Diversity, Survival

All the plants around us today are descended from simple algae that first emerged more than 500 million years ago. While new plant species are still being discovered, it is thought there are around 400,000 species in existence today. The huge diversity of forms that these plants take is staggering. How Plants Work draws from a wide range of examples and this book is a fascinating enquiry into, and celebration of, the rich complexity of plant life. By Stephen Blackmore RRP: £30.00 368 pages 400 illustrations • Hardback ISBN: 9781782406976 Publisher: Ivy Press www.theivypress.co.uk

When was the last time you stopped to tune in to your body? Most of us have shockingly little awareness of how badly our body is functioning, let alone how to take charge of our own health. In Reboot Your Health, Sara Davenport reveals her holistic blueprint for wellbeing: a DIY manual to help assess the function of each of the body’s systems and build a clear and detailed map of health. Once a ‘Health Baseline’ is established, it can be returned to, year after year, to monitor progress. Everyone has the ability to take charge of their health and this book provides the tools needed to restore balance and discover a healthier, happier you. Sara Davenport set up Breast Cancer Haven over 20 years ago and it is now one of the UK’s leading breast cancer charities. By Sara Davenport RRP: £12.99 364 pages • Paperback ISBN: 9781788170550 Publisher: Hay House UK www.hayhouse.co.uk

By Bill Clinton and James Patterson RRP: £20.00 528 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781780898391 Publisher: Cornerstone www.penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

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Spotlight on... War Horse

New Victoria Theatre, Woking Wednesday 1 to Saturday 18 August War Horse, the National Theatre’s acclaimed play based on the much-loved novel by Michael Morpurgo, is following eight record-breaking years in London’s West End with a UK tour. The play tells the moving story of Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, as he is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France at the outbreak of World War I. He serves on both sides during an extraordinary journey, before finding himself alone in no-man’s land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm – too young to enlist – cannot forget Joey and embarks on a mission to bring him home. Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical event full of drama, music and presenting the incredible life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company.

Tickets: atgtickets.com/woking

Theatre Richmond Theatre Richmond

Dorking Halls Dorking

Tickets: dorkinghalls.co.uk

Tickets: atgtickets.com/richmond

Wednesday 25 to Thursday 26 July Dinosaur World Live

Wednesday 11 to Thursday 12 July Teletubbies Live

Interactive show discovering a prehistoric world.

Perfect fare for a first-time theatre visit for young children. Saturday 1 to Saturday 8 September The Height of the Storm

Compelling family drama starring Jonathan Pryce and Eileen Atkins.

New Victoria Theatre

Wednesday 8 to Thursday 9 August Teletubbies Live

See listing under Richmond Theatre.

Epsom Playhouse Epsom

Tickets: epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Woking

Wednesday 11 July Dan Snow: an evening with

Tickets: atgtickets.com/woking

‘The History Guy’

Monday 2 to Saturday 7 July Thriller Live

Celebrating the career of MJ.

Historian, broadcaster and television presenter recounts memorable experiences.

Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 July Evita

Farnham Maltings

Lloyd-Webber’s classic musical. Wednesday 1 to Saturday 18 August War Horse

See Spotlight above.

Farnham

Tickets: farnhammaltings.com

Wednesday 11 July and 8 August Stand-up Comedy Club

New Wimbledon Theatre

Up-and-coming comedy talent in a club environment.

Tickets: atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Thursday 12 July Northanger Abbey

Wimbledon Wimbledon

Saturday 21 to Saturday 28 July Madagascar The Musical

‘Move it, move it’ to this new, hit musical for ages five and up.

Cyphers Theatre Company perform Jane Austen’s tale of growing up, told in Cyphers’ own inimitable style.

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Peter Becker as Friedrich with Joey and Topthorn,War Horse 2017–2018 UK Tou

7–2018 UK Tour PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BRINKHOFF/MÖGENBURG

essence | EVENTS

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G Live

Rose Theatre Kingston

Tickets: glive.co.uk

Tickets: rosetheatrekingston.org

Thursday 12 July Griff Rhys Jones: Where Was I?

Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 July Little Baby Bum

An evening of comedic anecdotes and reminiscences. See essence’s interview with Griff on page 16.

New live show.

Guildford

Saturday 14 July Big Fish Little Fish ‘Sailing the Seven Seas’ Pirate Family Rave

Fancy dress, pirate-themed raving for families with children up to eight years old on a dance floor filled with bubbles and glitter. What are you waiting for? Friday 3 and Saturday 4 August Dinosaur World Live

See listing for Dorking Halls.

Guildford Castle Keep Castle Street, Guildford Tickets: pranksterstheatrecompany.org.uk

Kingston-upon-Thames

Thursday 30 August to Sunday 2 September A Winter’s Tale

By Youth Music Theatre UK.

The Leatherhead Theatre Leatherhead

Tickets: theleatherheadtheatre.com

Sunday 5 August Journey’s End

R.C. Sherriff’s vision of life in the trenches in 1918. Commemorating the centenary of the end of World War I, this is an emotional production of an anti-war classic.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Friday 13 to Saturday 21 July

Guildford

(not Monday 16 July) The Taming of The Shrew

Tickets: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Shakespeare’s comedy featuring the fiery Katherine and boisterous Petruchio performed inside the historic Guildford Castle Keep.

Guildford Shakespeare Company

University of Law, Portsmouth Road, Guildford Tickets: guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk

Friday 13 to Saturday 28 July (excluding Sundays) Love’s Labour’s Lost

Saturday 14 July, 2.30pm Puss in Boots

Performance, puppets and audience participation. Saturday 14 July Griffin and Jones: Homemade Miracles

Slapdash magic at its best.

Music Boileroom Guildford

Shakespeare’s romantic comedy set in summer 1939: full of colour, wit and wordplay. Suitable for families, picnics welcome and on-site licensed bar available.

Tickets: theboileroom.net

Haslemere Museum

Lingfield Park Resort

Tickets: chapterhouse.org

Tickets: lingfieldpark.co.uk

Wednesday 25 July Sense and Sensibility

Saturday 11 August Paloma Faith

The grounds of the Museum provide a perfect setting for outdoor theatre. Bring a picnic.

Award-winning British female artist appears at Lingfield as part of her ‘The Architect’ tour.

Haslemere

Griff Rhys Jones, G Live

Paloma Faith, Lingfield Park Resort

Throughout the summer

A community hub showcasing music, events and the arts. See website for gig details.

Lingfield

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Guildford Shakespeare Company, 2017 performance

essence | EVENTS

Spotlight on... Dunsfold Wings & Wheels Dunsfold Park, Cranleigh Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 August This exceptional summer event returns to Dunsfold Aerodrome (home to BBC television’s Top Gear) for the final bank holiday weekend of the year. Enjoy five hours of exciting aviation displays, including the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Royal Navy Black Cats and RAF Chinook. Don’t miss the Wheels Zone where a plethora of supercars, classic and vintage favourites and monster trucks will perform demonstrations and passenger rides. Other delights include military and stunt zones with tank rides, emergency services’ demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulation, military outlets, static aircraft, a fairground and over eighty retail outlets selling a variety of products and gifts. The site will also play host to a craft marquee and vintage village. I know we say this frequently, but this event really does have something for the whole family to enjoy over the weekend. Facilities include free parking, on-site camping, a variety of food outlets and a licensed bar. Open 9am to 8pm, for best ticket prices visit the website below.

Tickets: wingsandwheels.net Left: Apache attack helicopter with pyrotechnic explosion PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOHN UWINS

Richmond Theatre Richmond

Festivals

International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF)

Finding Farnham Festival

Various venues, Kingston-upon-Thames

Farnham Museum, West Street

Information: iyafestival.org.uk

Spectacular live tribute concert.

Information:

Friday 6 July to Sunday 15 July

Thursday 23 August Richard Thompson

farnhammaltings.com/museum

Great songwriter and guitar virtuoso performs.

Celebrating archaeology with excavation and more.

Tickets: atgtickets.com/richmond

Saturday 14 July One Night of Queen

Saturday 28 July

Showcasing inspiring theatre, music, dance and comedy by and for people aged 27 and under.

Weyfest

Sandown Park

G Live Beer Festival G Live, Guildford

Tickets: weyfest.co.uk

Tickets: sandown.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Tickets: glive.co.uk

Friday 17 to Sunday 19 August

Wednesday 25 July An evening at the races with Plan B

Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September

Esher

Evening racing followed by live music from the BRIT Award winner.

Enjoy ales from the country’s independent brewers, alongside live music, hog roast and barbecue.

Wednesday 1 August An evening at the races with

Guildford Summer Festival

The Rural Life Centre, Farnham

Boutique-style festival for all ages featuring Aswad, The Christians, 10cc and The SAS Band with Paul Young and Toyah, plus lots more.

Woking Food and Drink Festival

George Ezra

Various locations

Popular singer Ezra follows the evening racing.

Information: guildfordsummerfestival.co.uk

Information:

Thursday 9 August An evening at the races with

To Sunday 12 August

wokingfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Nile Rodgers and CHIC

Evening racing followed by the very exceptional, multiple GRAMMY-winning artist Nile Rodgers performing with CHIC. Expect plenty of ‘Good Times’.

The Festival continues with many events to enjoy including the Guildford Lions Raft Race, Cheese and Chilli Festival, concerts, theatre, sport, exhibitions and more – too many to list here. See the website for details.

Woking town centre

Exhibitions Guildford House Gallery High Street, Guildford Information: guildford.gov.uk/guildford house

Saturday 14 July to Sunday 16 September The Discerning Eye collection

39 artists are represented with small works spanning all media.

Haslemere Museum High Street, Haslemere

Information: haslemeremuseum.co.uk

To Saturday 1 September Beautiful butterflies and magnificent minibeasts

Family-friendly, interactive exhibition, with drop-in workshops.

Museum of Farnham West Street, Farnham

Friday 31 August to

Information:

Sunday 2 September

farnhammaltings.com/museum

This free-to-attend, unticketed festival serves up three days of live cookery demonstrations, appearances by celebrity chefs, artisan stalls and more.

To Saturday 22 December Behind Closed Doors: 300 years of Willmer House

The Museum celebrates the 300th anniversary of its home.

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Cinemas Cranleigh Arts Centre 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org Farnham Maltings 02152 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

New Ashgate Gallery Farnham

Information: newashgate.org.uk

To Saturday 21 July Vicki Nigoumi

New paintings by the artist. Saturday 28 July to Saturday 8 September Edge of the Ocean

Celebrating holidays by the coast.

National Trust National Trust properties offer perfect venues to explore this summer. We list a few here, but visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more.

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum

Box Hill

Woking

Information: 01306 878554

Information: thelightbox.org.uk

Friday 6 July to

Saturday 14 July to Sunday 7 October Photographs around Woking:

Sunday 23 September Nature’s harvest trail

Sidney Francis in the 1920s and 30s

Experience the superb views at Box Hill and marvel at nature’s bounty on this school holiday trail, suitable for ages two and upwards.

An insight into life in Woking. Wednesday 25 July to Thursday 30 August Summer holidays at The Lightbox

Tadworth

Fun, inventive workshops and more.

Clandon Park

Watts Gallery

Information: 01483 222482

Compton, Guildford Information: wattsgallery.org.uk

To Sunday 28 October James Henry Pullen: Inmate – Inventor – Genius

Gallery show emphasising Pullen’s status not as a mechanical copyist, but as an innovative artist.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

near Guildford

Until October Previously-unseen spaces

Claremont Landscape Garden near Esher

Information: 01372 467806

Saturday 18 August to

Information: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Sunday 2 September Creepy-crawly fantastic

Paintings, photographs, artworks and more for viewing and sale.

Little owl, Surrey Wildlife Trust PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JON HAWKINS

The basement at Clandon Park is open for the first time since the devastating 2015 fire.

Mill Studio, Guildford

Wednesday 4 to Thursday 19 July Yvonne Arnaud art

Box Hill, National Trust PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NT/JOHN MILLER

beasts trail

Follow the trail to hunt for teeny bugs and minibeasts.

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The Loxwood Joust

essence | EVENTS

Leith Hill Place near Dorking

Information: 01306 711685

Sunday 26 August Busking for Vaughan Williams

Celebrating the life of one of the best-known English composers, individual and small groups will perform at Leith Hill Place, with visitors encouraged to leave donations for the music to be split between performers and house.

Polesden Lacey

Great Bookham, near Dorking Information: 01372 452048

Out and about Birdworld

Holt Pound, Farnham Tickets: birdworld.co.uk

Monday 16 July to Monday 3 September 50 days of summer

Celebrating Birdworld’s 50th anniversary year with a special trail each weekday, animal extras and entertainment sessions.

Every Sunday in June, July

Brooklands Museum

and August Lazy jazz Sundays

Weybridge

Tickets: brooklandsmuseum.com

Relax on the South Lawn as local bands play live on the terrace.

Saturday 28 July Supercar day

Weekdays from Monday 23 July

Enjoy supercars at close quarters.

to Friday 31 August Summer craft activities

Monday 30 July to Friday 24 August Summer holiday family fun

Create a different craft every week of the summer holidays.

Running Monday to Thursday, car rides up Test Hill or along the Members’ Banking of the old Race Track, along with lots more.

Runnymede and Ankerwycke

Windsor Road, near Old Windsor Information: 01784 432891

Available to view now Writ in Water artwork

A new public architectural artwork is available to view at Runnymede to celebrate the legacy of Magna Carta. In addition, on Saturday 28 July, 4 August, 11 August and 25 August don’t miss the family learning activities celebrating the artwork.

Winkworth Arboretum

See the world’s best cyclists battle it out on a 200km route through London and Surrey.

The Garden Show

Loseley Park, Guildford Tickets: thegardenshowonline.com

RHS Wisley

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 July

Woking

Fabulous gardening show.

Tickets: rhs.org.uk/wisley

The Loxwood Joust

Loxwood Meadow, West Sussex Tickets: loxwoodjoust.co.uk

Remembering final race meetings held before the outbreak of WWII.

Holiday Family Fun

Saturday 4 and 11 and

Claygate Flower and Village Show

Surrey Wildlife Trust

Claygate Recreation Ground

Information: surreywildlifetrust.org

Information claygateflowershow.co.uk

Sunday 29 July Chobham Common evening wander

Monument Green, Weybridge

Entertainment includes a funfair, tug of war, classic cars and dog show.

Look and listen for nightjars, bats, and owls as part of Heath Week.

Sunday 29 July

Enchanted Horsham

Thursday 6 September Understanding owls

Saturday 14 July, 1.30pm

For all budding palaeontologists.

Sunday 5 and 12 August

Two weekends of mediaeval mayhem.

Weybridge Community Day and RideLondon

Various venues

Information: allaboutweybridge.co.uk

Cheer on the RideLondon cyclists in Weybridge at this artisan market and community day.

Horsham Park

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 July

Performed by The Herald Players.

Sunday 29 July

An afternoon talk about a variety of European owl species and tour of the British Wildlife Centre.

Sunday 2 September The Jurassic Discovery Summer

Tickets: enchantedhorsham.co.uk

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August Outdoor theatre: Treasure Island

Information: prudentialridelondon.co.uk

Saturday 21 July to

Information: 03442 491895

Explore the Arboretum as darkness falls whilst camping under the stars and seeing the sun rise. Event includes activities with wildlife expert, Jonnie.

Prudential RideLondon

Sunday 12 August Brooklands Reunion

Godalming

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July Big Camp

Brooklands Reunion, Brooklands Museum

A summer wonderland for all ages.

Painshill Park

Farmers’ markets Camberley Saturday 21 July and 18 August, 10am–3pm Cranleigh Every Friday, 9.30–11am Epsom Sunday 1 July and 5 August, 9.30am–1.30pm

Cobham

Farnham Sunday 22 July and 26 August, 10am–1.30pm

Tickets: painshill.co.uk

Guildford Tuesday 3 July and 7 August, 10.30am–3.30pm

Friday 17 and Saturday 18 August Open air cinema

Haslemere Sunday 1 July and 5 August, 10am–1.30pm

Starlit screenings of The Greatest Showman and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Milford Sunday 15 July and 19 August, 10am–1.30pm Ripley Saturday 14 July and 11 August, 9am–1pm Walton-on-Thames Saturday 7 July and 4 August, 9.30am–2pm Woking Thursday 5 July and 2 August, 9am–2pm

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Finding your next home... BARNES Private Office www.barnes-london.com

Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk

Trenchard-Arlidge www.trenchardarlidge.co.uk

John D Wood www.johndwood.co.uk

Curchods www.curchods.com

Broadway and Parsons Green takes Grosvenor Billinghurst 17 minutes to Oxford Circus and just www.grosvenorb.co.uk half an hour to Canary Wharf. Heathrow Airport is 32 minutes away from nearby Hammersmith Underground. Winkworth Fulham has a vibrant mix of shops, www.winkworth.co.uk restaurants and bars, whilst Bishops Park and the river provide some peace and quiet. Nearby Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated schools include Fulham Cross Girls School, London Oratory School as well as APW Lettings independent schools such as Fulham www.apwproperty.com Prep School.

For further information please contact Octagon on 020 8481 7500 or Strutt & Parker on 020 7731 7100. Waterfords www.waterfords.co.uk

Octagon 020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK www.octagon.co.uk

Knightswood House £5,750,000 Oxshott, Surrey

Knightswood House is set on a south-backing plot, approaching one acre, in the exclusive and private Crown Estate. This impressive six bedroom property was built by renowned developers Octagon and has been refurbished more recently by our clients. Entering into the impressive hallway, the ground floor accommodation comprises of four reception rooms, as well as a beautifully finished open plan kitchen/breakfast/ family room. This area leads directly through to the dining room and the drawing room, creating a fabulous entertaining area with views of the private gardens. On the first floor is the impressive master bedroom suite with a dressing room, bathroom and a superb gymnasium with floor to ceiling glass. There are four further bedroom suites as well as a separately accessed staff flat with a bedroom, living area, kitchen and shower room.

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The beautifully maintained south facing gardens are mainly laid to lawn and, with the well-established borders, they provide a wonderful degree of privacy and seclusion. The extensive terrace at the rear of the property provides a magnificent place to entertain over the summer months. There is also a luxurious outdoor swimming pool. Superb extensive garaging can house up to nine cars with six garages and three 'stackers'. Knightswood House is well located for Oxshott High Street and both Esher and Cobham are nearby with their selection of shops and restaurants. Oxshott has an excellent selection of schools including Danes Hill. Oxshott train station provides a regular service into London Waterloo in around 35 minutes. The A3 is close by offering direct access in to London and the M25.

essence

PROPERTY

8 High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DY Telephone: 01932 588288

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8 High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DY Telephone: 01932 588288

Cobblers Cottage, Station Approach ÂŁ895,000 Oxshott, Surrey

A rarely available, charming period cottage built in the 1880s (extending to over 1,300 sq ft). Cobblers Cottage has been updated and carefully refurbished by its current owners to a high standard, blending original features with contemporary style, whilst maintaining its charm and character throughout.

On the first floor, there are three double bedrooms and a family bathroom boasting porcelain floor tiles, limestone wall tiles and black quartzite feature wall. The bath is programmable to fill to a specific depth and temperature with an Aqualisa shower above with additional power shower if needed.

Enter into the boot room with ample storage and split stable doors, leading to the reception rooms including the double aspect study and kitchen with Alpha range cooker, combi oven/microwave, integrated washing machine and dishwasher and solid wood oiled counters. The separate dining area has bifold doors leading to the courtyard. The bright living room has a Rais stove, beautiful solid oak flooring and bifold doors leading onto the decking area and beyond, bringing in the views of the surrounding Oxshott Heath.

Outside, the driveway leads to private parking for several vehicles and a shed and separate summer house. To the rear of the property is a beautiful secluded garden with a large decking area and garden gate leading onto the heath, with ample walks right on your doorstep.

The master bedroom is on the ground floor with stunning views over the garden and an ensuite with underfloor electric heating, porcelain tiles, Aqualisa walk-in shower with floorâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;ceiling stone tiles and custom built-in wood shelves.

Cobblers Cottage is located in a beautiful, semi-rural location nestled within Oxshott Heath, accessed just off Station Approach, offering almost immediate access to Oxshott train station with frequent services to London Waterloo in under 35 minutes. Oxshott high street and both Esher and Cobham are nearby with their selection of shops and restaurants. Oxshott has an excellent selection of schools including Danes Hill. The A3 is close by offering direct access to London and the M25.

APW Lettings, Weybridge 134 Oatlands Drive • Oatlands Village • Weybridge • Surrey • KT13 9HJ t: 01932 857300 e: weybridge@apwproperty.com Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm

www.apwproperty.com 85 Onslow Road, Burwood Park, Hersham, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 5AY £6,000 per month Available now UNFURNISHED Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, four receptions Situated in the desirable private estate of Burwood Park, this attractive and spacious five-bedroom, detached family home with kitchen/breakfast room and separate utility room. Living/dining room, family room and sauna. Master bedroom with dressing area and ensuite shower room. Integrated garage and attractive rear garden. A short drive/walking distance to Walton station.

Grannom, The Fairway, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0RZ £4,650 per month Available 30 July UNFURNISHED Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five receptions On a private gated road this exceptional home has a superb outlook to the rear across St George’s Hill golf course. Five bedrooms (four ensuite) with wooden floors to main reception rooms and bedrooms, luxury kitchen/breakfast room and utility room. Separate fifth bedroom/ au pair suite above integral garage. Pretty rear gardens and driveway with ample space for off street parking. Short drive/30 minute walk to Weybridge station.

Connecting people & property, perfectly. Pharaohs Islands, Shepperton TW17 5

• Set on the River Thames • Built in 1903 • South facing river frontage Pharaoh’s Island is a private island which is accessible only by boat, located between the towpath at Shepperton and Hamm Court. Guide price £2,250,000

adam.burlison@knightfrank.com 01932 964454

Curzon Road, Weybridge KT13 5

• Many character features • High ceilings and feature fireplaces • Spacious rooms throughout An Edwardian house perfectly located between the high street and station. Guide price £1,500,000

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adam.burlison@knightfrank.com 01932 964454

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3581

Connecting people & property, perfectly. Waverley Road, Weybridge KT13 3

• Off-street parking • 25ft living/dining room • Master suite including dressing room A semi-detached Victorian cottage perfectly located for Weybridge station. Guide price £695,000

adam.burlison@knightfrank.com 01932 964454

Godolphin Road, Weybridge KT13 7

0.8 Acres

• 0.8 acre landscaped grounds • Private gated road • Self contained annexe Located in a gated road on the edge of St George’s Hill in a mature landscaped plot. Guide price £3,450,000

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adam.burlison@knightfrank.com 01932 964454

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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES

WOODLANDS RIDE, ASCOT £2,195,000

High Pines is approached through electric gates across a large driveway creating ample parking for multiple cars leading to a double garage. The property is a wonderful, detached family home which has been extensively renovated by the current owners to create a bright, spacious and well-proportioned five bedroom house situated within one mile of Ascot town centre.

WINDLESHAM ROAD, CHOBHAM £1,095,000

A well-proportioned, three bedroom detached family home situated behind electric gates right in the heart of Chobham. Full planning permission has been granted to create a stunning house to include five bedrooms, four reception rooms, study and three bathrooms. North View is conveniently located giving easy access to the village offering an excellent array of boutique shops and restaurants. Woking town centre is approximately 4.5 miles away with its mainline station into London Waterloo in approximately 22 minutes.

SUNNINGDALE | 01344 291639 sunningdale@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/sunningdale

OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

Beechwood Avenue, Weybridge, Surrey Offers in excess of ÂŁ2,500,000. Freehold. Enjoying an exceptional location in one of the most desirable private gated roads in Weybridge, Martin Flashman is delighted to offer for sale this this newly-built, six bedroom, family home providing over 8200 sq. ft of superbly appointed accommodation. Situated in a lovely, quiet, tree-lined road in the very heart of the Oatlands area of Weybridge, sitting on a generously wide .35 acre plot with delightful outlooks all round. Perfectly placed, providing easy access to both Walton and Weybridge town centres with their broad mix of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as some very picturesque stretches of the River Thames and its delightful riverside walks. Very importantly, The Clock House also falls within the catchment of some of the most sought after local schools in the borough and provides a tremendous cross section and choice of excellent fee-paying schools. There are also numerous leisure facilities, including a choice of golf clubs, various sports clubs and fitness gyms close by. Central London is a 28-minute commute by train from Walton station. 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27 Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8AE / 01932 857700 weybridgesales@martinflashman.co.uk / www.martinflashman.co.uk

St George’s Hill, Weybridge

£8,200,000

This magnificent family home extends to approximately 11,290 sq ft and has superb entertaining facilities as well as an indoor swimming pool complex and spa. Set in secluded and level gardens of 1 acre, the property is located on a prime road within an exclusive estate. EPC D 01932 843322

andrew-grant@curchods.com

St George’s Hill, Weybridge

£4,950,000

A charming arts and crafts Tarrant built home dating back to 1912 with 5/6 bedrooms, 5 reception rooms, a lift and an indoor swimming pool complex. Extending to some 8,866 sq ft the property is situated in stunning secluded grounds of just under 1.5 acres. EPC E 01932 843322

andrew-grant@curchods.com

Maximum exposure on the UK’s leading property websites when you sell or let with Curchods Essence Magazine July 2018.indd 1

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COBHAM VILLAGE

PRICE £995,000

A Victorian character attached house with high brick and flint garden wall to three sides. Period features over 2000 sq ft to an adaptable layout benefitting from south aspect garden. Five reception rooms. Large kitchen/diner with Rayburn. Three double bedrooms. En suite and family bathroom. Three log burners. Cellar. Delightful landscaped, secluded garden with extensive patios. Walking distance of shops. No onward chain. EPC: E

SOLE AGENTS

01932 864242

COBHAM/LEATHERHEAD BORDER

GUIDE PRICE £1,000,000

A generous attached lodge with one acre PADDOCK and large manageable south west backing garden. Good size rooms with high ceilings. Gated carriage in-out driveway with two large garages. Three reception rooms. Kitchen/breakfast room. Three double bedrooms. Bathroom and shower room. Two stables. EPC: D.

SOLE AGENTS

01372 843833

BEST INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENT

Plot 4, Westbury House, £1,450,000

Bagshot Road, Chobham GU24 8DD • Prices from £900,000 to £1,550,000 • Freehold Helmsley Park is a development of five individually designed three and five bedroom traditionally built homes, enjoying open plan living surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Plot 5, Highgrove House, £1,550,000

WATERFORDS CHOBHAM • 32 HIGH STREET, CHOBHAM, SURREY GU24 8AA • 01276 903300 • WATERFORDS.CO.UK

Arbrook Lane Esher KT10 • £2,175,000 • EPC rating: C

Situated in the popular Arbrook Lane area of Esher is this simply stunning detached family residence. This exquisite home offers accommodation including five bedrooms, wonderful kitchen/breakfast room, home office/gym, and arguably some of the very best views in Esher over the rear garden (extending to approximately 200 ft), the River Rythe and the fields beyond. Beautiful dog walking areas are within easy reach and the A3/M25 trunk roads allow access to international airports at Heathrow and Gatwick.

Hurst Road, East Molesey KT8 • £1,195,000 • EPC rating: D

Situated in a stunning location overlooking the River Thames at Hampton Court, this exceptional period residence with development potential (stpp) is a great prospect for commuters and families alike. Offering accommodation over three floors, the open plan lower ground floor, 53 ft family room is a standout feature. Situated moments from Bridge Road with its thriving cafe culture and range of chic shops and restaurants, and in close proximity to Hampton Court station for journeys into London Waterloo.

ESHER 01372 462211 • WWW.JOHNDWOOD.CO.UK

Cyber-threats and smart devices: What you should know Charlie McCourt, Co-Founder and Director at Equippd Ltd, offers advice on keeping smart homes safe.

ven if you only pay partial attention to the media, you would be hard pressed to miss the discussions about how armies of hackers with evil in their hearts are working night and day to infect all the digital devices in your home. While, like many topics, the media is overhyping the threats to a degree, there really are some things that you should think about when it comes to your home network and smart devices. Equippd prides itself on being able to design and install smart home technology in a way that is unobtrusive and nearly invisible (have a look at the opposing page). Invisibility, however, can lead to an “out of sight out of mind” mentality, so we wanted to share some of our knowledge and experience with cyber security, and simple steps you can take to help make your digital world safer.

What are the risks?

In some obvious and other not-so obvious ways, more and more of the devices we all use daily are becoming ‘smart’. In broad terms being “smart” means a device can be connected to the internet, send and receive data to other devices and services more efficiently, and be remotely accessed from anywhere in the world. Smart devices can, for instance, allow you to know when someone rings your doorbell, send you video of who’s at your door, and let you talk to them all while you are in another country. This kind of functionality is wonderful and can be very useful, but that usefulness comes with potential risks. Essentially, smart devices are small, custom-built computers with internet connections and, as soon as anything is connected to the internet, it can be vulnerable to attack. If one of these ‘digital intruders’ can connect

essence INFO

Telephone: 020 8191 7887 Website: www.equippd.co.uk ADVERTORIAL

80 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2018

to one of your smart devices, then it’s possible for them to spy on all the data being transmitted, or even take full control of the device and use it for their own means. There are many examples where hackers have compromised smart devices such as CCTV cameras, allowing them spy on people in their homes – not a comforting thought. When you have smart devices in your home you are accepting real risks but, thankfully, those risks can be addressed with a few straight-forward processes and habits. These can be regarded in the same way as protecting laptops and PCs at home. Just as you should be using antivirus protection and good passwords for any computer, similar things should be done with smart devices. It takes a little bit of commitment and some focus, but you can take control of your smart devices and make sure they are as protected as possible. For example, Top tips;

w Eliminate a huge amount of risk by using unique and difficult to guess user names and passwords (you can find out how to do this in your device’s user manual). w Reduce risk further by purchasing devices that have been reviewed and recommended by reputable organisations and sites like CNet and TheWireCutter. w This recommendation comes directly from the America’s FBI and sounds almost too simple: turn your wireless router off, then back on. Doing this simple act will reboot the device and purge it of a nasty virus that could be infecting it. In the next two articles in this series on smart device security, I will talk about the threats and vulnerabilities posed by devices such as CCTV cameras, Smart TVs and IOT (internet of things) devices and how to deal with those threats.

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