essence issue 98

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ISSUE 98 | FEBRUARY 2019

Also inside this issue:

Serious and funny

MAGIC CARPET RIDE Rolls-Royce Cullinan THE KISSING CAPITAL Roquemaure in France

Andi Osho interview

ON A MISSION Dr Michael Mosley

www.essence-magazine.co.uk essence is available online and free to subscribers

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essence | NEWS ROUND-UP

NEW LOOK SQUIRE’S

The licensed café bar at Squire’s Garden Centre in West Horsley offers menus to meet a range of dietary needs with a wide selection of freshly prepared food, including hot and cold meals all complemented by a wide choice of teas, coffees, cold drinks and wine. A newly-built pavilion with retractable roof and climate control is available for event hire.

Squire’s café bar is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4.30pm on Sundays, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVE BENNETT FOR FORMULA E

ELIZABETH HURLEY AND JUSTIN THEROUX TOGETHER Liz and Justin experienced the thrill of FIA Formula E Championship’s BMW i8 car recently in Marrakesh. While Justin’s ex wife Jennifer Aniston may be moving on, the On The Basis of Sex and Bumblebee star was moving up, as he cosied up with the English actress over an exclusive candlelit dinner, hosted by FIA Formula E Championship Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag. The pair were also joined by Tamara Beckwith and fashion designer Patrick Cox. Season 5 of the Championships will feature 13 races in 12 of the world’s most exciting cities, including street races in Hong Kong, Paris and New York City as well as returning to China and Monaco. FIA Formula E Championship is the world’s only fully electric street racing series. Find out more on where to watch at FiaFormulaE.com

#pyjamaparty Get the look that’s trending on Instagram. Celebs, models, reality stars and influencers – they’re all at it, getting glammed up for bedtime and sharing stylishly bedtime snaps with their Insta-followers. Some celebs are going solo with gorgeous nightwear selfies, like Lydia Bright and I’m A Celebrity’s Georgia Toffolo.

Others, including Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevigne, are snuggling up with their besties for a stylish sleepover snap. Steal their style with this gorgeous nightwear buy from Pretty You London.

Website: www.prettyyoulondon.co.uk

VegfestUK 2019 As one of Europe’s leading food, health and lifestyle events, VegfestUK has become synonymous with the best in vegan living. After launching ten years ago, the festival is returning to the Brighton Centre 23 and 24 March 2019.

VegfestUK have also announced dates for their alwaysepic London event, which will fall across 26/27 October at Olympia – their biggest event in the city to date.

Website: www.brighton.vegfest.co.uk/tickets/

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NEW ART TREND

Interest in artist Michael Olsen’s butterfly wall art installations is growing as he creates his butterfly art using hand-painted feather butterflies in all shapes, sizes and colours, mounted in transparent acrylic boxes. Michael has been creating these works of art for the past six years. An installation can take between four to six weeks and Michael can create bespoke designs to match particular wall colours, a client’s own design or theme, or to fit a specific size of wall space. His works of art are already featured in over 25 galleries across the UK and abroad.

Website: www.butterflyart.co.uk

contents Issue 98 | FEBRUARY 2019

6 | Interview | ANDI OSHO

British-born actress Andi Osho is a successful stand-up comic and has since gone on to have a career as an actress in film, television and theatre. Andi talks to essence about her exciting plans for this year.

12 | Town & country | WEST SUSSEX

Just over the Surrey border neighbours the beautiful county of West Sussex offering a wealth of sporting experiences and traditional British pastimes. essence explores what’s on offer.

6

14 | Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Emanuela Alladio and Jon Sims of Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design look at the aspect of circulation in a garden.

16 | Education | SCHOOL OPEN DAYS

Andrew Peters offers guidance on what to look out for from headmasters and teachers during school open days.

26 | Travel | ROQUEMAURE

Kevin Pilley educates his mouth in the kissing capital of the world, Roquemaure in France.

32 | Fashion | OLIVIA ARBEN

International model and local girl Olivia Arben has partnered with the British Heart Foundation and used social media to raise awareness and encourage people to combat throwaway fashion culture.

16

36 | Motoring | ROLLS-ROYCE

The Cullinan is Rolls-Royce’s attempt at the ultimate SUV: Euan Johns considers whether the endeavour has been a success.

39 | Tax | EVERFAIR TAX

Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax offers guidance on owning property overseas.

40 | Legal | MUNDAYS

Sarah Duckworth and Judith Fitton, partners at Mundays LLP, discuss topical points currently arising in family and divorce law.

42 | Finance | PMW

26

Simon Lewis, CEO at Partridge Muir & Warren, points out the importance of having a ‘light hand on the tiller’ to make portfolio adjustments in uncertain economic times.

44 | Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, Skylon at the Royal Festival Hall.

48 | Artisan food | EAT SURREY

Shirley Posner introduces readers to Plantissimo, a new micro sourdough bakery.

54 | Theatre interview | MICHAEL MOSLEY

Dr Michael Mosley is a man on a mission and talks to James Rampton about his forthcoming theatre tour, Trust Fast Health.

36

56 | Events | SURREY

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

62 | essence | PROPERTY

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

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FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 3

SAMUEL JAMES PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Managing your own building project can be a daunting task especially if you’ve never done it before. It takes a lot of time, it can be stressful and mistakes can be costly.

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Hiring a professional project manager can save you time and money and gives you peace of mind in the knowledge that your project is being managed efficiently and safely whilst ensuring quality and attention to detail is meticulously maintained.

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32 62 essence 98 COVER: ANDI OSHO PHOTOGRAPHER: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

essence team

Editor: Andrew Guilor Contributing editor: Louise Alexander Publishing manager: Rebecca Peters Production manager: Linda Seward Designer: Sharon Smith Digital design: Jason Mayes telephone: 01932 988677 email: editor@essence-magazine.co.uk Commercial director: Jane Barnfield-Jukes telephone: 07795 206030 or 01932 834900 email: jane@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising sales enquiries telephone: 07980 956488 or 01932 988677 email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk Contributors: Kevin Pilley, Andrew Peters, Euan Johns, Stephanie Brookes, Emanuela Alladio and Jon Sims, PJ Aldred, Shirlee Posner, Jennifer Sutton, Linda Seward, Judith Fitton, Sarah Duckworth, Gillian Everall, Simon Lewis, James Rampton.

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 2019 Maple Publishing Limited, Howard House, 70 Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8AL

12 Not everything can be boxed Blue Monday has just gone and good riddance to it, no love lost there. Does everything these days have to have a catchy name and be neatly pigeon-holed?

As we all know, life isn’t like that and essence interviewee Andi Osho doesn’t fit into any particular compartment. Andi cut her teeth in the hardest arena of all: stand-up comedy, made a huge success of that and now plies her trade as a very successful actress to be seen this month alongside Adrian Lester, Sean Bean and Billy Zane in Sky One’s new street race drama, Curfew.

It is, of course, the month in which Valentine’s Day falls and, as Kevin Pilley discovered at Roquemaure’s kissing festival, a wine is best sampled on a kiss.

If that sounds a little too much, some traditional British pastimes are to be found just over the border in West Sussex and Euan Johns takes an off-road magic carpet ride in Rolls-Royce’s Cullinan, surely the most sumptuous of all SUVs currently on the market.

Emanuela and Jon of Alladio Sims Garden Design help us plan a garden, whilst local, internationally-renowned model Olivia Arben champions reusable fashion with the British Heart Foundation. Dr Michael Mosley is on tour with his show Trust Fast Health, whilst Stephanie Brookes visits Skylon at the Royal Festival Hall and Shirlee Posner goes baking with Plantissimo Bread.

As always, this issue of essence has a mix of tax, legal, financial and foodie advice, alongside a great theatre competition for The Twilight Zone. The diary of events offers places to visit during the dark winter months and there’s a pick of some of the region’s finest properties.

The essence team

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 5

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

6 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

Interview | ANDI OSHO

Serious and funny British-born actress Andi Osho has had an impressive 15 year career to date; she is best known for being a successful stand-up comic, but has since gone on to have an exciting career as an actress in film, television and theatre, notably Channel 4’s highest rated drama to date, Kiri, alongside Sarah Lancashire, and horror movie Lights Out directed by David F. Sandberg. Here Andi talks to essence about her plans for this year.

Q Andi, you began your career in TV production and then started acting. What attracted you to acting?

A It was something I’d always wanted to do, but was too scared.

However, in my mid-20s, I had a quarter-life crisis and decided to give it a go. Working in TV for ten years gave me some experience and contacts that made it a little easier, but it was still terrifying. What spurred me on was the thought that I didn’t want to die having never tried.

Q Shortly afterwards you changed and became a stand-up comedian. How did you break into stand-up?

A I didn’t switch lanes. I just added stand-up to what I was already doing. Getting my acting career off the ground was slow in the early days, so I got into stand-up so I could perform more regularly. It was as simple as that. I had no aspirations to be on TV or tour or anything like that. I just wanted to perform.

Q Early in your career you won the Funny Women Award (out of 180 competitors). Were you surprised by that?

A Winning the Funny Women Award was a total shock. In fact, when they called out my name, I checked with the other comics that it was definitely me who had won. I just couldn’t believe it, I’d only been doing stand-up for five months. As far as I was concerned, I was just this interloper who was winging it. It was a great night and opened a lot of doors.

Q You’re an extremely versatile talent, can you describe a typical day if there is such a thing for you?

A I go through phases where my day looks a particular way. At the moment I’m writing a book, so a typical day involves dragging my reluctant body to the gym before sitting down to a day of editing. I’ve completed the book so now I’m working on turning that first draft into something vaguely readable and funny. It’s a comedy so as well as coming up with a compelling story, I want people to laugh all the way through it. That takes a while to get right.

Q Confidence plays a huge role in life especially in a public, media-facing job such as yours – would you agree?

A Yes, but I think it’s also important to balance that confidence with authenticity so that you don’t feel you have to pretend to be something

or someone you’re not. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gained confidence from just learning more about who I am, avoiding toxic situations and people and being more present.

Q Is it easy to switch between comedy and ‘serious’ acting?

A I don’t think of it as comedy acting or serious acting. It’s just acting.

I prepare for any role I take on and hope it’s what the director wants and that the style of acting I’ve gone for matches what everyone else is doing! Also, weirdly, despite my stand-up background, I haven’t been in many comedies. I tend to get cast in serious stuff like Kiri.

Q You’ve been very successful at Celebrity Mastermind – what’s your secret?

A Pick a topic that doesn’t require too much research! I chose The Matrix as my specialist topic the first time. I loved the films anyway which made it infinitely easier. The second time I chose John Humphreys as my specialist subject. That was harder to research and I felt like a bit of a stalker! It was worth it though because on the night it was funny hearing him ask questions in the first person. I’m glad he was so game. >>>

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 7

Jason Thorpe (El Capitano) in the Team Awesome VW van in Sky One’s Curfew SKY UK, GARETH GATRELL. PHOTO COPYRIGHT: TIGER ASPECT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED 2018

Q You’re a playwright. Can you tell us a little about this?

A I’ve dabbled with playwriting, but my real passion is screen writing.

I’ve had a few small commissions with E4 and SkyArts, but my goal is to follow Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s lead and get my own show made.

That’s the dream.

Q Have you noticed a change in attitude towards women and minorities from when you began your career?

A Definitely. There’s a lot more inclusion on screen, but there’s also more acceptance of the conversation. Previously, people would host panels and wax lyrical that things needed to change, then everything would stay the same. Now there’s much more action to go with that talk. It’s exciting because all we’re really after is for the media to reflect how the world is, diverse. The next battle front is diversity behind the camera which is still painfully mono-cultured.

Q What’s the question you never get asked, but would like to be?

A Would you like us to commission your TV series?

Q This year looks exciting for you. Firstly, you’re starring with Sean Bean and Adrian Lester in Sky One’s drama, Curfew. Can you tell us about this?

A It’s a mad show that I’m not even sure how to describe. It’s basically about the contestants of an illegal street race from London to Scotland where the winner gets helicoptered to an island far away from the totalitarian government that has taken over the UK. See. It’s mad.

Q What made you choose to play a part in Curfew?

A Curfew is exactly the kind of show I would watch, so to get cast as Jenny is a total dream. I love high concept shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Walking Dead. Tonally, Curfew is a long way from them, but there are similar elements. Unfortunately, I can’t say more without giving too much away! >>>

QUICK FIVE Dog or cat? Cat Favourite current TV programme? This Is Us Guilty pleasure? Million Dollar Listing: LA Main inspiration? Happiness Glass half full or half empty? I got a smaller glass and then it was full.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

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Adrian Lester (Simon Donahue) and Andi Osho (Jenny Donahue) in Sky One’s Curfew SKY UK, GARETH GATRELL. PHOTO COPYRIGHT: TIGER ASPECT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED 2018

Q Anne Mensah, Sky’s head of drama, has described Curfew as the perfect Sky One show: funny, emotionally truthful and, above all, fast. Would those be your thoughts?

A I think that’s the perfect description. It’s a real mash-up of high drama, humour, tender moments, blood, guts and lots of tears. There’s something in it for everyone.

Q Could it be described as Mad Max set in the UK? A I wouldn’t argue with that, although it’s about more than just the race. On a subtle level, it’s about government overreach and what that can make people do. It also touches on corporate greed. I told you, something for everyone.

Q Has Curfew offered new challenges for your acting career?

A Definitely. This is the first time I’ve had a leading role and that comes with a lot of challenges and responsibilities. Luckily, I was surrounded by so much talent I was able to absorb and learn a lot from them. It’s not every day you get to work with the likes of Miranda Richardson, Adrian Lester and Sean Bean, so I took full advantage.

Q Were you any sort of petrolhead prior to Curfew and, if not, has this sparked an interest?

A Absolutely not. If someone asks what type of car I have, I say black. I wouldn’t say Curfew has turned me into a petrolhead, however, the first day we saw all the vehicles together when we filmed the start of the race it was pretty exciting. Not every character gets to drive a cool car though.

My family, the Donahues, end up in something very, very sensible.

Q In spring you team up with Mark Strong in DC Comics’ Shazam! – it looks like fun. You play Ms Glover. Can you tell us about the part?

A Yeah, I was delighted to be offered this role by the director, David

10 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

F. Sandberg. We’d worked together before on Lights Out, so he knew I was a safe pair of hands. The cool thing about it is he recently revealed on Twitter that my character is his way of tying his debut, Lights Out, to the DC Universe. The guy’s got game.

Q Are you a DC comic book fan?

A I wouldn’t say I’m a comic book fan, but I do really like their superheroes. Who doesn’t love Superman and every iteration of Batman has been fantastic and wildly different. Wonder Woman was a sensation. I couldn’t believe I was crying at the end of that film. And now we have Shazam! which looks like it’s gonna be a blast.

Q What would be the ideal drama/film and part for you?

A Any job where you really get to explore a character and get lost in it is something I would relish. Or anything that requires learning a new skill would be awesome. I’m always jealous of actors who come away from a job knowing jujitsu or how to play the piano.

Q What are your future ambitions?

A As I said, I would love to get my own show off the ground. I’d also love to land a film role that I can really get my teeth into. I watched Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody. He was amazing and the role was an actor’s dream. Opportunities like this are rare. And, of course, I would dearly love to see my novel on the bookshelves! Other than that, I try to let things unfold as they will. I’ve been very fortunate over the last 15 years getting to work on amazing projects with fantastic people, so I’d love to carry on like that! v essence INFO

Curfew starts Friday 22 February, 9pm Sky One. www.sky.com Andi Osho will also be seen in DC Comics’ Shazam! due to hit cinemas this spring.

Psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry and counselling For adults, young adults, children and couples 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: 0333 0096 321 www.thepractice.co.uk

Sporting destination Just over the Surrey border neighbours the beautiful county of West Sussex, famous for its South Downs National Park. Among tranquil walks, stunning scenery and quaint towns, the county offers a wealth of sporting experiences and traditional British pastimes. essence explored the very best on offer.

Cowdray Park Polo Club

There’s nowhere more welcoming or beautiful to learn polo than at The Academy at Cowdray Park Polo Club, ‘Home of British Polo’.

There is no need to have riding experience before your first polo lesson which are offered to children and adults alike all year round. Polo, the ‘Game of Kings’, is the most exhilarating sport and the Academy offers the perfect transition from beginner to full blown player. The Cowdray Park Polo Club is run by Guy Verdon, a polo player with a 30-year playing career who has coached throughout the world.

Keen to watch, rather than play? Cowdray Park offers a laid-back and friendly atmosphere for any of its social members, who are all welcome to watch their games.

Contact Charlotte.verdon@cowdraypolo.co.uk, telephone: 07957 468220 for further information.

The Goodwood Estate

Perched on the edge of the South Downs National Park the estate offers sporting action ranging from cricket to horseracing and world-famous motorsport to flying. Horseracing has been a part of Goodwood since 1802 and consists of 19 unique race days between May and October.

The calendar highlight is perhaps the Qatar Goodwood Festival – known as ‘Glorious Goodwood.’

There are two main motorsport events for non-members. July’s 25 year-old Festival of Speed attracts about 250,000 visitors each year and is based outside Goodwood House on the Hill Climb.

The Goodwood Revival is in September at the Motor Circuit. Now established for 20 years it celebrates the circuit in its heyday from 1948 to 1966. Only cars from the era can race and the entire site is dressed in the period along with all the visitors. It is one of the biggest historic motor racing events in the world.

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CHRIS ORANGE

Hownhall Shooting School

Ever fancied taking up one of Britain’s most traditional sporting pastimes – shooting? Hownhall Shooting School is in Henley, near Easebourne and based on the Cowdray Estate. This is a wonderfully relaxed shoot with free tea and coffee and its well renowned homemade flapjacks. Nestled in a very calming wooded quarry, with paths that lead you from one backdrop to another, Hownhall Shooting has an almost Zen like experience.

Town & country | WEST SUSSEX PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BEN WRIGHT

Hownhall is a relaxed English sporting/game shooting orientated, practice facility. Its layout lends itself to new and seasoned shooters of all levels, building confidence for the novice and pushing the boundaries of the established. Its attention to safety and etiquette makes Hownhall the perfect venue, for that city escape or team event, with wonderful catering options and bolt on entertainment.

Popular ‘have-a-go’ packages are aimed at the novice participant.

The starter packages provide the beginner with a complete introduction to the sport, supplying all equipment, including the use of a gun and all safety requirements. ‘Have-a-Go’ sessions start at £65 plus VAT and one-to-one lessons for the established shot start from £115 plus VAT. Hownhall Shooting School is currently available on the Cowdray Estate website, with its new website www.hownhallshooting.com going live on March 1 this year.

Where to stay? The White Horse, Chilgrove

This award-winning boutique inn is surrounded by rolling hills at the foot of the South Downs, has Goodwood Estate on its doorstep, and is the perfect base to explore the countryside and absorb the tranquility of the surrounding estates.

The welcoming bar has leather armchairs, open fireplaces, flagstone floors and art-filled walls, and offers an extensive range of local West Sussex ales and spirits. Its restaurant has an awardwinning menu with all the game and fish provided by local suppliers and friends. The White Horse has a carefully curated wine list, ask to order from the “Red Book” of the world’s finest vintages.

Each of the Inn’s bedrooms opens out onto a private courtyard with views of the Sussex countryside.

As part of its ‘Winter Breaks’ deal the dog-friendly White Horse is offering special room prices from £74.50 per person throughout February and March. Enjoy a complimentary Sipsmith Hot Gin, a delicious dinner with a loved one, snuggle up for the night in a stylish en-suite room, and wake up to a homemade breakfast for two.

Where to go for lunch? The Welldiggers Arms The Welldiggers Arms is an original country pub with a spacious dining area that features large windows overlooking the South Downs.

Perched on the outskirts of Petworth, the great British countryside is at the heart of this 300-year old, dog-friendly establishment.

Enjoy delicious locally sourced food; from fresh seasonal game, to fresh vegetables and herbs. The extensive bar has anything from West Sussex Real Ales and fine wines to a refreshing Sussex Chilgrove Gin. There is an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs prepare your food too!

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 13

How to get from

A to B

Fig. 1: A happy mix of formal and soft elements (garden 1)

Emanuela Alladio and Jon Sims of Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design look at the aspect of circulation in a garden.

C

irculation is a key element when designing a garden. Expressed through paths and destinations, it can take many different forms. Here we look at some of them.

Paths can be designed as a straight line, following the most direct route to get to a destination – that might be a seat, a sculptural element or a view; as a meandering route – allowing time to linger and take in the surroundings; as an unpredictable route that leads you out and then lets you go your own way onto lawns, into woods or around a pond, and as a zigzag route that opens onto unpredicted elements or reveals the next surprise, be it a view or another unexpected space.

Gardens are all shapes and sizes and taking this into account is key when choosing the path options for each site in order to deliver the circulation that best suits a garden.

A couple of years ago we created a show garden for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show for Jacksons Fencing. It set out to illustrate a community of gardeners and became a study investigating just how different the paths crossing six equal sized and shaped front gardens could express a personality. The result was an eclectic mix of styles, atmospheres and solutions that was greatly admired by the public. While the spaces were small, the results are scalable and clearly show how a path gives structure to the personality of a garden.

Our first garden welcomed a happy mix of softer and more formal elements (Fig. 1) – the rectangular stepping stones in a matte honed natural stone chosen in two different sizes and spaced at regular intervals through the gravel connecting the front door to the gate, while the surrounding gravel in a complementing tone let the path merge with dry borders, softening and blurring the edges. Here the chosen line was straight, so quite formal, but with staggered ends showing the benefit of stepping stones that allow the movement to be more dynamic thanks to a mixture of stone sizes and offset joints.

Stepping stone paths would work equally well across a lawn loosely or directly linking to spaces beyond it. They are relatively easy to construct and look very naturalised once they are allowed to settle in.

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Fig. 2: Reminiscent of the Mediterranean (garden 2)

Profile: Alladio Sims

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

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

Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS Fig. 3: A staggered path in natural stone cuts through this very feminine, romantic cottage garden (garden 3)

A wandering route is a great solution for those who like a more romantic or relaxed garden, and the materials chosen in our second garden show just how free its form can be, from a simple path mowed out of long grass or a meadow to a loose, windy gravel route through a dry garden, or a chipped bark path disappearing into a wood, naturalising to perfection as it ages. Wandering along such a path one is often surprised by sudden clearings, or peaceful sunny corners perfect for a bistro table and chair set. A haven for contemplation and relaxation.

In line with this relaxed approach and perfect for a sunny courtyard, our second garden (Fig. 2) used bricks laid across a diagonal straight line, cutting through the space and blurring the boundaries with surrounding gravel mulch borders. This is quite an informal path that brings to mind the Mediterranean, and with it images of gardens in Italy or Greece where plants and hard materials mingle to soften boundaries and delight Fig. 4: Roof tiles reworked into a country garden path (garden 4) the eye. Laying bricks across the route makes the space appear bigger and slows you down, inviting you to take time and linger.

The way the path is laid was key to the feel of our third garden (Fig. 3). Using standard stone slab sizes to create a staggered path gives a clear route, but with a more naturalised edge.

The soft pastel shades of the planting and picket

fence complement the natural hues of the chosen paving stones in this contemporary English cottage garden: a good alternative to a traditional red brick. Spilling on top of the path, the dreamy planting softens the staggered edges and draws you in to smell the blooms.

Recycling can throw up some great solutions and in garden four we reused clay roof tiles on edge (Fig. 4). Rustic, upcycled materials with gaps left for the plants to colonise create a strong textural element that fits in perfectly with the exhuberant nature of the surrounding planting in this garden. There are other options for recycled materials, including bricks, broken slabs or even wine bottles, used base up, could work. They do lend themselves to a loose winding path given the mismatched nature of the materials and this would make the perfect choice in a classic country garden.

The paths in gardens one to four sought to illustrate paths that offer flexibility in their design. The last two gardens were aimed at showing paths that took control with crisp edges that give strong transitions between soft and hard landscape. Garden five (not pictured) presented a curved path which showed how the route may soften in line, but unlike other wandering pathways, nothing was left to change: the slabs were perfectly cut, laid and grouted and the finish was the same as one would expect on a kitchen floor. When selecting a curved path, material choice is key as most hard path materials are rectangular. We selected large slabs so the edge kept the cut pieces larger and the angled direction of laying led the eye to the side, broadening the sense of width.

The last garden really illustrated a garden path Fig. 5: Eye pleasing harmony – a classic formal path (garden 6) that takes control of the space around it (Fig. 5). This straight and perfectly symmetrical path provides a very precise solution to a classic design. The planting falls in line, reflecting the very high degree of precision by extending the mirroring effect to the left and right of it. Requiring a solid base and very neat edges, the paving slabs are consistent in size and tones complementary to the formal planting. In larger gardens, straight paths are used to lead the eye to a special view or feature at the end, and are perfect for creating long views in line with windows or doors.

The backbone of any garden design, next time you wander down a garden path, you might not help but notice its very own unique story, or even think if I was a path, which path would I be?v essence INFO

Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Limited Website: www.alladiosims.co.uk ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD., THE SECRET GARDEN PARTY @ RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW 2015

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 15

SEARCHING FOR THE

right balance Heading for a school open day? Andrew Peters offers guidance as to what to look out for from headmasters and teachers alike.

T

o judge from one visit whether you feel a particular school can get all the variables right so your child leaves as the educated and well-rounded young adult you hope for is a difficult thing.

Key to it all will be the headmaster and the quality of their teaching staff. Their attitude and aspirations to finding that elusive educational sweet spot between the league table ratings of academic achievement and considered pastoral care and wellbeing will be crucial.

Prospective parents whose child is off to school face a daunting choice and by talking to headteachers and teachers alike will be able to glean information as to whether a particular school will be able to get the best out of their child. We all know there are many external forces that will seek to undermine these efforts. In the past this would have been peer pressure centred around alcohol and drug taking, but the modern incarnation of this is the beast of social media which has now overtaken all of this.

Rightly or wrongly schools are amongst many organisations facing increasing pressure to solve society’s ills. In relation to schools this is obviously a consequence of children spending a large amount of time at these educational institutions. Here is where pupils have the time to develop strong relationships with adults, and this is where the quality and attitude of the teachers comes to bear. As educators, schools are perfectly placed to help and more time should be spent on how best to achieve this. >>>

IMAGE COURTESY OF CRANMORE SCHOOL

16 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

essence

EDUCATION FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 17

IMAGE COURTESY OF REED’S SCHOOL

“Ask any of the many actors who have emerged from school who first inspired them, and it will be almost certainly always be a teacher.”

The headmaster has an important and crucial role as they must ensure that they are satisfied with the quality of teaching on offer. It’s up to them to employ and promote the right teachers to the right posts and therefore make their vision of success both achievable and achieved. A headteacher will always have in their mind an ideal for their school, a vision of how everything runs to defined methods, principles and practices that offer the best outcome for the children placed under their guidance and tutorledge as they pass from being a child to a young adult.

Ideally at school pupils would take full responsibility for their learning and parents would promote this, working with the school to do so to bring about the desired result.

Pupils should know that learning involves risk taking and as Churchill famously said, “failure is not fatal it is the courage to continue that counts”. It is indeed an essential path to success. Pupils should be learning from their own mistakes, experience the consequences of their actions and develop an ability to cope and manage adversity on the own.

Teaching requires a variety of factors for a teacher to attain success. Commonly these can be regarded as having a deep subject knowledge coupled with the fact that they want to extend that knowledge beyond the absolute confines of the syllabus they are imparting through their teaching, reading and writing.

Above loving a particular subject, a good teacher must be an effective communicator and someone who will create a passion for that subject in their pupils. It’s extremely useful if an individual teacher can communicate equally well on a one-to-one basis as to a group. Notwithstanding the fact that a teacher knows their subject they should be good learners and looking to keep learning themselves. All subjects move forward with time, obviously the sciences as an example, but even history with its established chronology and facts is subject to new findings and interpretations. In the last issue of essence, the interview with Dan Snow is testament to that fact. >>>

18 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

King’s College Wimbledon The Sunday Times London Independent Secondary School of the Year 2017/18 There are 433 boys in the junior school (ages seven to 13). In the senior school, there are 860 boys aged 11 to 18, with over 100 girls in the sixth form.

The school occupies nearly 20 acres on the south side of Wimbledon Common and owns a further 24 acres of playing fields nearby. The school’s boathouse is on the Tideway at Putney.

Dates to note.

Junior school open morning Friday 21 June, 9.30am–12 noon.

For entry at 11+ open evenings to be held in June and October 2019.

www.kcs.org.uk

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www.tutor-doctor.co.uk/surrey www.tutor-doctor.co.uk/berkshire Contact us to book a free consultation Walton Weybridge Shepperton Hersham 01932 640103 Kingston Thames Ditton Teddington 020 3633 6012 Reading Maidenhead Wokingham 0118 449 2191

Benefits of choosing a private education for your four year old Manor House School’s Head of Prep, Ms Suzanna Lopez, outlines the benefits of an independent education and why it’s best not to wait.

1. Higher academic standards and achievements The ages of four to seven years are crucial in setting the pattern of progression future learning in Literacy, Mathematics and other core areas.

2. A better teacher to pupil ratio guarantees discipline and a stronger work ethic At Manor House is 12 pupils. The smaller ratio encourages our girls to work harder.

RGS Guildford IMAGE COURTESY OF RGS GUILDFORD

Good teaching has always been a collaborative experience so that any pupil is encouraged to dig deeper and search wider, continuing to ask questions and therefore not be satisfied with the mundane and ordinary.

What goes on beyond the classroom is also important, the ability and willingness for teachers to coach a team, run a society or mentor student magazine contributors makes for a well-rounded individual whose enthusiasm will importantly rub off on their pupils. This co-curricular ability has, on numerous occasions, provided a breakthrough for pupils in particular subject previously deemed impossible to master. So when that particular teacher happens struggle alongside pupils in whatever activity the breakthrough comes, and the pupils moves on.

In this day and age, a teacher must also have a well-developed pastoral sensibility, in other words possess as much emotional intellect they have intellectual firepower. Teachers who are good at what they do empathise with all their pupils from the weakest to the strongest, the introverted and extroverted. Being able to coax out of youngsters their worries and concerns, hopes and fears does not come naturally to some but can be encouraged by the correct guidance and effective training. The best teachers are therefore likely to have more than one string to their bow and after all is that not what you would want for your child?

Parents should worry less about the particular curriculum offered and more about how it is delivered, so question the head, the teachers and the pupils themselves to see if that particular school can find your child’s sweet spot and develop it. This will then go a long way to provide your child with the best chance to leave school as a well-adjusted individual with a strong sense of themselves, proud of their abilities and knowledgeable about their shortcomings and weaknesses. They will be aware that through their ability to learn they will be able to continue improving, never relinquishing a sense of curiosity, not afraid to ask for help when required and have a strong sense of their place in today’s increasingly competitive society.

An education should produce a child who enjoys challenges, values friendships, is able to take risks without fear of failure, and on leaving school has discovered their talent and passions, but above all themselves.

20 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

3. Superior classroom technology All the classrooms at Manor House are equipped with computers and interactive whiteboards. The aim is that Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils (up to Year 3) will also have access to a set of tablets, as part of the school’s iPad for Learning initiative.

4. Better feedback and parental participation opportunities All the Early Years teachers and teaching assistants at Manor House have iPads with the Tapestry app installed. Manor House hosts two parents’ evenings and six drop-in sessions, and parents receive two (mid and end of year) formal reports.

5. Greater opportunities for sport and outdoor studies The school offers a complete educational experience from two to 16 years, our Reception pupils benefit from access to all the sports facilities used by the Prep and Senior pupils.

6. Inspiring and nurturing creativity from an early age Manor House builds on its’ academic reputation by attaining similar success in the performing arts.

Manor House School, Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, Surrey KT23 4EN Telephone: 01372 458358/457077

www.manorhouseschool.org

Schools | OPEN DAYS

Guildford High

Affording the fees

Let’s face it, school fees are quite a lump of cash. The Independent Schools Council advises that day school averages around £15k and boarding £30k a year. So, do the maths, multiply by seven, add trips and equipment, and the starting point is around £125k, and that’s assuming the child attends state primary school to commence their education.

What’s the best way to save? To start, set a realistic target for what needs to be paid and bear in mind over recent years school fees have outstripped inflation.

A simple premise is to start saving as soon as possible and get compound growth working for you. Remember two things, firstly interest rates aren’t going to do the trick, they’ve been poor and aren’t going to change in the near future. Secondly, investing in shares or any other assets carries risks along with the potential for larger gains. In the long run these should be better than cash, but this isn’t saving for a pension and the time frame is more limited.

For those who already have some savings or grandparents or family members willing to help, it may be worth exploring paying some of the fees in advance. Lifetime gifts to a certain level are free of tax. This, of course, assumes your child will be happy at the chosen school – not always a given.

For the early years, cash will be need and some of the fees may be payable from income. Overall, probably the best savings vehicle will be an ISA as any savings placed in one grow free of any tax. The allowance per person currently stands at £20k per year, so a couple could save £40k a year tax free. v

The best way to find out about life at uildford High School is to come and visit us. We hold regular visitors’ mornings throughout the year, which will give you a real avour of a day at the Junior and Senior School. You will also have the chance to hear from Mr ibb, Head of Junior School or Mrs Boulton, Headmistress, and to talk to girls, visit lessons, meet staff and ask questions. Junior and Senior School visitors’ mornings take place from 10am–12 noon.

Dates to note.

Junior School Thursday 28 February, Thursday 2 May and Tuesday 4 June Senior School Wednesday 6 March, Tuesday 19 March, Wednesday 24 April, Thursday 9 May, Tuesday 11 June If you would like to attend one of our visitors’ mornings please visit our website, email guildford-admissions@guildfordhigh.co.uk or call us on 01483 543853.

www.guildfordhigh.co.uk

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

“Excellent results achieved with a big dollop of humour, humanity and freedom of thought” The Good Schools Guide

PARENTS’ INFORMATION MORNINGS MONDAY 11 MARCH 2019, FRIDAY 26 APRIL 2019

PUPILS’ INFORMATION MORNINGS FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2019, WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2019, THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019 2018 GCSE RESULTS: 34% grades at Grade 9 (4.3% national average) Performance and Recreational Rowing Programmes Please contact reg@swps.org.uk to reserve a place at our information events, for further details or a prospectus.

GUILDFORD ROAD I CHERTSEY I SURREY KT16 9BN 01932 574900 I www.swps.org.uk

B1311 SWPS 118x176mmL.indd 1

11/01/2019 16:00 FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 21

Supporting the performing arts Cranmore School headmaster, Michael Connolly, considers why the performing arts are essential to the curriculum.

I

n an ideal world every school curriculum provides both breadth and depth for all pupils, even at a relatively young age. However the increasing focus on exams, especially in core subjects, has had a detrimental effect on the performing arts within education. All children should enjoy music and yet it appears to be under severe threat. The concerns raised by Lord Black last autumn were widely reported in the national press. Addressing the House of Lords, he bolds claimed that “Music in this country is now facing an existential crisis which only urgent radical action from government will be able to reverse.” Indeed, this should not have been a shock as the media had already identified a worrying trend. It was an authoritative journal – The Economist – which highlighted this issue a year ago with the depressing statistic that typically only one in 20 children will sit GCSE in music.

It should be a matter of concern to all of us that music is being marginalised in many schools. We all know that very young children from nursery age onwards enjoy learning songs and playing with percussion instruments. It is vital that teachers can harness this energy and enthusiasm so that children will be able to progress with their musical education by engaging in more challenging and complex activities. Whether or not they take up a musical instrument, all children should continue their musical education through singing. The children at Cranmore School are fortunate because the school runs several choirs which allow pupils to develop their singing talent to a high standard. For example, several have performed

22 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

IMAGES COURTESY OF CRANMORE SCHOOL

Schools | OPEN DAYS PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANNA YAKIMOVA | 123RF.COM

on stage with a professional opera company. As pupils progress through Cranmore they benefit from individual instruction in a wide range of instruments – we have almost 20 specialist music staff who cover everything from violin to trumpet, drums to pipe organ.

However, music should not be confined to being a solitary activity which is why our pupils play together in various ensembles and in our full orchestra.

Sadly drama is also a subject which is sometimes not given the attention it deserves in some schools. Thankfully, good schools seek different opportunities for pupils to gain confidence in publicspeaking and performing in drama productions too. Teachers know that some children who are reticent in class can really take on a different persona when on stage and act with true flair and panache.

On a more positive note, dance is gradually getting a foothold in schools and it is proving to be popular for both boys and girls. This might be partly due to the influence of “Strictly” as many young people regard it as essential Saturday night viewing. In any event, it must surely be a good thing that an interest in dance is being kindled in the younger generation, especially given the health concerns which have been flagged about childhood obesity.

The creative opportunities which music, drama and dance provide are essential in any curriculum. As well as the enjoyment and skills which children develop from these activities, one must not forget the teamwork involved which further enhances pupils’ communication and social skills. It does seem that we are always ready to heap praise on talented individuals in sport, but we should give full and equal credit to those children who achieve great things in the performing arts through their own hard work and commitment.

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

essence INFO

Cranmore School Epsom Road, West Horsley KT24 6AT Telephone: 01483 280340 Email: admissions@cranmoreprep.co.uk Website: www.cranmoreprep.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The world is a stage The school play is still a highlight of the academic year, but the number of pupils taking CSE music, drama and the creative arts is falling.

What do Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston and Damian Lewis all have in common Like this year’s golden globe winner Oliva Coleman resham’s in Norfolk) they all began treading the boards at school. Talent can be spotted early on as was the case with a certain Benedict Cumberbatch.

He was identified by his drama teacher at Harrow as being a 13-year-old of exceptional acting ability, a combination of intellect and intelligence.

The creative arts subjects are being cut back with the consequent result that pupil numbers taking these at SCE have fallen to a -year low Independent schools see the performing arts as a vital cog in the children’s education encouraging confidence and self-esteem. They are also an important part in the UK’s creative industries which generate over £80 billion a year for the economy.

Even if pupils don’t take music or drama as a subject share the huge benefits from just getting involved. Putting on a show is a major undertaking with lots of jobs to perform to get the show on the proverbial road. Set design, construction, costume design and logistics all provide confidence, opportunities for teamwork, problem solving and communication, the list goes on. The whole team can rejoice in the success of any event.

It’s not just that though the subject matter of a musical or play may well tackle for example bullying or body identity and image and do so in a different way and from a different perspective.

School productions are an excellent means to teach all the life skills such as compromise, perseverance, patience, and respect and perhaps most importantly that as in life things don’t always go to plan and when things go wrong you have to adapt quickly.

At the end of the day a pupil who sits quietly at the back of the class not saying much may perhaps be the next Benedict Cumberbatch or Olivia Coleman. If they don’t have the opportunity, then who will find out what could have been?

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 23

my_first_choice_school

important_dates_2019

i CALENDAR

OPE DA S AT-A- LA CE

Reserve a place at 2019 open events by contacting the school directly by phone, email or using the online booking facility (where available).

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: GRAHAM OLIVER | 123RF.COM

ACS Cobham.

Halliford School.

Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1BL Telephone: 01932 869744 (admissions) Email: cobhamadmissions@acs-schools.com Web: www.acs-schools.com Open mornings: Saturday 9 February, 10am–12 noon (ages 2–18); Wednesday 13 March, 9.30–11.30am (ages 2–9); Thursday 14 March, 9.30–11.30am (ages 10–18).

Russell Road, Shepperton, Middlesex TW H Telephone: 01932 234921 (registrar) Email: registrar@hallifordschool.co.uk Web: www.hallifordschool.co.uk Open days: Saturday 2 March (whole school open day), student-led tours from 9.30am, last tours 10.45am, presentation from the headmaster at 11.30am; Tuesday 26 March and Thursday 2 May (visitor mornings).

Box Hill School.

Old London Road, Mickleham, Dorking RH5 6EA Telephone: 01372 373382 Email: admissions@boxhillschool.com Web: www.boxhillschool.com Open days: Saturday 2 February, 10.15am– 12 noon (open morning); Thursday 14 March, and Tuesday 14 May, 11am–12.15pm (school at work day); Tuesday 11 June, 6.15–8pm (open evening).

Charterhouse. odalming, Surrey D Telephone: 01483 291500 Email: admissions@charterhouse.org.uk Web: www.charterhouse.org.uk Open mornings: Saturday 2 February, Saturday 2 March and Saturday 23 March, all 9.30am. To book a place, contact visits@charterhouse.org.uk.

Cranmore School.

Epsom Road, West Horsley KT24 6AT Telephone: 01483 280340 Email: admissions@cranmoreprep.co.uk Web: www.cranmoreprep.co.uk Open mornings: Saturday 2 March and Friday 3 May. PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CATHY YEULET | 123RF.COM

.Danes Hill School.

Leatherhead Road, Oxshott KT J Telephone: 01372 849203 (admissions enquiry) Email: registrar@daneshill.surrey.sch.uk Web: www.daneshillschool.co.uk Open morning: Personal tours take place on three mornings each week during term time.

Feltonfleet.

By eet Road, Cobham, Surrey KT DR Telephone: 01932 862264 Email: admissions felton eet.co.uk Web: www.felton eet.co.uk Open mornings: Friday 8 Marchand Friday 3 May, both 9–11am. Saturday 28 September, 9.30–11.30am.

Gordon’s School.

West End, Woking PT Telephone: 01276 858084 Email: registrar@gordons.school and sixthformregistrar@gordons.school Web: www.gordons.surrey.sch.uk Open mornings: Held during the autumn term.

Dates to be announced.

Guildford High.

London Road, uildford SJ Telephone: 01483 543853 (admissions enquiries) Email: guildford-admissions@guildfordhigh.co.uk Web: www.guildfordhigh.co.uk Open mornings: Thursday 28 February, Thursday 2 May and Tuesday 4 June, all 10am–12 noon (junior school); Wednesday 6 March, Tuesday 19 March, Wednesday 24 April, Thursday 9 May and Tuesday 11 June, all 10am–12 noon (senior school).

24 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

.Hampton Court House.

Hampton Court Road, East Molesey KT8 9BS Telephone: 020 8614 0857 (admissions) Email: admissions@hchnet.co.uk Web: www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk Open days: Thursday 28 February, 2.30pm (ages 9–16); Thursday 14 March, 7pm (sixth form).

Manor House School.

Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, Leatherhead KT23 4EN Telephone: 01372 457077 (admissions) Email: admissions@manorhouseschool.org Web: www.manorhouseschool.org Open morning: Wednesday 6 February, 9.30am (prep and senior school); Monday 4 March, 1.30–3pm (nursery drop-in); Thursday 21 March, 1.30–3pm (reception taster); Thursday 9 May, 9.30am (prep and senior school).

Queensmead School Windsor.

Kings Road, Windsor SL A Telephone: 01753 863779 Email: mail@queensmead.org.uk Web: queensmeadwindsor.org.uk Open days: Wednesday 6 March, 9.30am–3pm (years 7–10 activities day), 3.30–5.30pm (whole school open afternoon); Wednesday 10 April, 9.30–11.30am (open morning).

Reed’s School.

Sandy Lane, Cobham KT11 2ES Telephone: 01932 869001 (admissions) Email: admissions@reeds.surrey.sch.uk Web: www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk Open mornings: Saturday 2 March and Saturday 11 May. Timings vary so please visit website for further details.

Schools | OPEN DAYS Reigate Grammar School.

Maximising the open day

St George’s Ascot.

Reigate Road, Reigate RH2 0QS Telephone: 01737 222231 Email: info@reigategrammar.org Web: www.reigategrammar.org Open days: Wednesday 6 February, Thursday 7 March, Thursday 2 May, Thursday 16 May, Tuesday 18 June and Friday 21 June, all 9.15-11.30am (working open mornings).

Royal Grammar School Guildford.

High Street, uildford BB Telephone: 01483 880600 Email: admissions@rgs-guildford.co.uk Web: www.rgs-guildford.co.uk Open morning: Saturday 5 October, 10am–12.30pm.

Sir William Perkins’s School.

Wells Lane, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7DZ Telephone: 01344 629920 (admissions) Email: admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk Web: www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk Open morning: Friday 8 March, 9am.

St George’s, Weybridge.

Junior School: Thames Street, Weybridge KT13 8NL Telephone: 01932 839400 College: Weybridge Road, Addlestone KT15 2QS Telephone: 01932 839300 Email: contact@stgeorgesweybridge.com Web: www.stgeorgesweybridge.com Open morning: Saturday 27 April, 9.30am–12.30pm (junior school); Saturday 27 April, 9am–12.30pm (college).

IMAGE COURTESY HEATHFIELD SCHOOL

Tasis.

uildford Road, Chertsey KT B Telephone: 01932 574900 Email: reg@swps.org.uk Web: www.swps.org.uk Parent information mornings: Monday 11 March and Friday 26 April, 9.30am–12 noon.

Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe TW20 8TE Telephone: 01932 582316 (admissions) Email: ukadmissions@tasisengland.org Web: www.tasisengland.org Open morning: Saturday 2 February, 9–11am.

Read up on the school: do your homework.

Be aware of, but don’t be led by league tables.

They are based on historic information, the school may be changing.

Dress for comfort, not to impress.

Talk to other parents.

Talk to pupils.

Listen to the Head and governors.

Take notes.

Use all your senses: look, see, hear.

Examine noticeboards around the school.

Keep an open mind.

Watch your child as they go round, listen to what they say.

Ask questions.

Trust your instincts.

Don’t forget this is not about you, it’s about your child.

Assisted places available

MAR

2 OPEN MORNING

NEW

TRANSPORT ROUTES

09.30 -11.30 Saturday 2nd March 2019

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

01483 280340

www.cranmoreprep.co.uk

admissions@cranmoreprep.co.uk

West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6AT

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 25

Nun’s the

WORD

Kevin Pilley educates his mouth in the kissing capital of the world, Roquemaure in France.

I

t was my first time. I had never kissed a nun before. She threw back her coif and grabbed me. Our lips met. She tasted divine and smelled heavenly. She tasted of Lirac blanc with a hint of pâté de pays and she smelled of nine different grape varieties. She was full-bodied, very soft in the mouth and determinedly fruity. As far as nuns go, she was clearly no novice. In fact, she was no nun at all. Only dressed up as one. Her favourite patron saint allowed it, just for the day.

“That is your first grand cru kiss, monsieur,” she giggled, unclamping herself from my face. I couldn’t stop from licking my lips. Her bouquet was irresistible. “Today you will embrace all the good things that life has to offer in France. Wine, women and song!” she declaimed, picking up her habit and wobbling off down the road to assault more innocent and unsuspecting men.

Roquemaure, in the Gard region of south-east France, on the other side of the Rhône river from the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, is a picturesque and very intimate village. But, once a year, it gets more intimate than usual when everyone starts kissing anything and anyone that moves. For a whole day, Roquemaure hosts the world’s longest and most passionate ‘snogathon’. It hosts the world’s first and so far only, kissing festival.

La Fête du Baiser, in honour of the patron saint of all lovers, is held on the Saturday after St Valentine’s Day. Everyone dresses up in period costume and the wine and embraces flow all day long. By the end of it, you’ve lost all feeling in your lips and you have lost the power of speech.

This is for two reasons. You have drunk too much, and you have kissed and been kissed too much, and your tongue forgets how to form the right shape to make intelligible words and coherent sentences.

St Valentine’s remains are kept in Roquemaure’s fourteenth century collegiate church and paraded every February through the streets of the village, not far from the city of Avignon. Couples visit the church all year round to renew wedding vows and pledge their troth in front of the large glass cabinet which stands in front of the altar. What are reputed to be the patron saint of lovers’ mortal remains (a couple of shins and a few ribs) are kept in what looks very much like an old aquarium.

The Festival is sixteen years old and was started by the local priest, father René Durieu. It commemorates the arrival of the relics in La Midi Mediterranean in 1868. They had been bought at a relic auction in Rome to cure the area’s diseased vine stocks. The local vines, planted in the

26 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

Travel | ROQUEMAURE

twelfth century by the Crusaders amongst the oaks, cypresses, olive trees and chalky Lauze stones of the garrigue region, had been devastated by phylloxera (les taches de Roquemaur) and a rich landowner, Maximilian Richard, who owned the domaine of Clary, bought the relics. He had introduced the disease through American rootstock.

Within four years the ancient vines were healthy again. Roquemaure’s favourite son and most famous resident even has his own winery and wine label.

St Valentine was bludgeoned to death and then decapitated in 268 by the Roman emperor, Claudius II the Cruel. He had been caught performing illegal marriage services for Roman soldiers. Valentin refused to renounce God and while awaiting execution, he cured his gaoler’s daughter of blindness. Touched by his fate, she is said to have planted an almond tree on the Flaminian Way and he became the official ‘patron des amoreux’ in 1496.

“The custom of sending Valentine cards and messages comes from the Roman pagan fertility festival of Lupercalia which was held on Mont Palatin. The Latin word ‘vale’ also means look after yourself,” said Jim Davidson, who I met while queuing for commemorative stamps at the Festival post office.

Born and bred in Scotland, Jim moved to Roquemaure twelve years ago and used to run the town’s Clement V hotel. He told me that his village was once an important wine shipping river port in medieval days. Long before, Hannibal and his elephants came to Roquemaure on the banks of the river Rhône and set up camp for a brief period before continuing their long and historic march across the Alps to Rome. Before I could find out more, I was grabbed from behind and swung around.

“Only the French know how to kiss.

They have made an art of it. They have studied it scientifically. They have conducted experiments for centuries!”

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MIRKO VITALI | 123RF.COM

“Welcome to the capital des amoreux!” said a young and happily tipsy girl who proceeded to plant a very wet kiss on my mouth.

“Today lip pressing is like grape pressing!” giggled one of her friends, taking her turn on my bruised and battered lips. “You haven’t tasted fine wines until you have tasted them from the mouth of a beautiful woman!” Soon, through a combination of lipstick and red wine, my face was the same colour as the orange-pink terracotta roofs of the low-lying Provencal countryside.

A slightly older lady, but no less friendly, came up and offered her own mouth. I accepted her invitation to a tasting. Her mouth was smooth, combining the subtlety of Clairette grapes with the delicacy of Calidor. Her lips would have made an excellent accompaniment to Provencal cooking or white meat.

Barrel organists sang ‘chansons du amour’ around the fountain in the town square, Place de la Pousterle. There was a market under the tower on a huge rock (Rupa Maura) which gives the village its name. The tower was once the residence of Louis of Anjou. Storeholders sold local

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JOZEF POLC | 123RF.COM

Pont Saint-Benezet and Avignon Cathedral, France PHOTO COPYRIGHT: IAKOV FILIMONOV | 123RF.COM

cheeses, truffles, gingerbread hearts, cacti, lavender honey, walnuts, olives and speciality sausages. Everyone else was either kissing or drinking. Free wine was everywhere and its effects wherever you looked.

“We are kissing connoisseurs!” cried Sylvie, who said she was a local historian. “We go for four pecks and long clinches. Un! Deux! Trois! Quatre!” she shouted, demonstrating on my cheekbones and ribs. “We hate all that air kissing. The mwaa, mwaa! C’est tres désagréable! Only the French know how to kiss. They have made an art of it. They have studied it scientifically. They have conducted experiments for centuries!”

Over yet another glass of complimentary Cellar St Valentine rosé, Madame Riou told me that a Prussian, Von Stephan, probably produced the first Valentine postcards in 1865.

Although Valentine’s Day is only a recent custom in France, in the fifteenth century, Charles of Orleans, after twenty years of imprisonment in England, established within the French court a tradition of sending messages of love and affection. Nine million Valentine cards are now sent every year and Roquemaure opens a special post office selling envelopes and stamps, signed with a loving kiss from La Capitale des Amoreux.

I told Madame Riou that I heard St Valentine’s Day originates from Italy where young women were hit over the head with a goat’s bladder to get them pregnant. I didn’t see her after that.

The lady dressed up as a nun was now being uninhibitedly affectionate towards a man dressed up as a monk. A man on stilts was looking a little frustrated. I was then accosted by three middle-aged women dressed as peasants.

The harrowing ordeal lasted nearly three minutes before they tottered off, carrying their wine bottles with them, in search of further prey.

“We have the best tastings’ lips in the whole of France,” said a lady in a bonnet. “Some are aromatic like Lirac rouge wine. Some are honey and bloom like white Lirac.” By way of a degustation, she gave me a small kiss or ‘poutin’ as it is known in Provencale.

A man on a penny farthing bicycle wobbled past, shouting: “Vive St Valentin! Vive La Fête du Baiser!”

A teenage girl approached singing. “Au coin de la tenre bouche. A l’ombre du nez finement aile. C’est la qu’il est, pour moi. Le plus beau lieu du monde!” she sang as I roughly translated into my schoolboy French: “At the corner of your mouth, in the shadow of your impressively-shaped nose. That is the place for me. The most beautiful thing in the world!”

The wine and the occasion were beginning to work their magic and I took things and one passing blonde lady into my own hands. I took a deep breath and crushed her lips onto mine. After a minute, faking fluster and fanning down her ardour, the lady managed a: “Monsieur!” I raised an eyebrow and gave her my ‘well-aged’ look. v

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT: RYAZANTSEV DMITRIY | 123RF.COM

“You have not tasted fine wines until you have tasted them on the mouth of a beautiful woman!”

essence INFO

Roquemaure is a small town situated on the right bank of the Rhône. This medieval-style city is surrounded by the vineyards of one of the five vintages of the Côte du Rhône.

It is a link between Provence and Languedoc, located 10km from Orange, 15km from Avignon and 40km from Nîmes.

The closest airport to Roquemaure is Avignon.

Visit www.easyjet.com for information. www.grapeescapes.net

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

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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

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 29

LUXURY REDEFINED Ikos Resorts have redefined all-inclusive holidays with their Infinite Lifestyle concept, bringing a new era of hospitality to the Mediterranean.

Deluxe Collection Pool, Ikos Oceania Left: Superior Double Room, Ikos Dassia

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aunched three years ago Ikos Oceania and Ikos Olivia were voted number 1 and number 3 best all-inclusives in the world

by TripAdvisor. Last year saw the opening of Ikos Dassia in Corfu and in May this year, the new Ikos Aria will open its doors in Kos. Ikos Resorts’’s five-star luxury, child facilities, private beaches, a la carte restaurants (overseen by Michelin-starred chefs), and exceptional service make it an easy choice whether seeking total relaxation or an active family holiday.

All resorts offer a range of activities, from tennis and beach badminton to aqua aerobics and yoga. You can take a course at the sailing academy, scuba dive or enjoy a private boat tour. If you wish to spend some romantic time with your partner whilst your children are entertained in the OFSTED standard crèche and kids’ clubs, then all the resorts offer uninterrupted time in their ‘Quiet Zones’.

The exquisite dining options are set Ikos apart from other allinclusive offerings. You’ll find sumptuous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as à la carte menus prepared by Michelinstarred chefs. Complemented by an array of fine wines, the experienced Ikos sommeliers can guide you through an extensive selection of local and international wines. You don’t even have

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to ‘eat in’ every evening as Ikos offer a ‘Dine Out’ experience.

Selected local restaurants serve a tempting choice of traditional Greek dishes, all part of the all-inclusive experience.

Other perks include 24-hour room service, beachside/poolside waiter service and West End quality shows. If that doesn’t appeal, enjoy a relaxing drink in one of the superb bars. Branded spirits even in your mini bar are all included.

Deluxe Collection guests can benefit from a Deluxe Concierge service, exclusive pool and beach areas, Anne Semonin spa treatments and even a romantic dinner set on the beach.

Ikos Oceania

The first member of the Ikos family, Ikos Oceania offers an array of 290 elegant rooms and suites. Its landscaped gardens cascade gently down to a private beach below with breath-taking views of the Aegean Sea. Burn those calories at the fitness centre, relax at the Ikos Spa by chic Parisian Beauty Brand Anne Semonin. Children of all ages are catered for with a fantastic programme of organised fun events and games, morning and afternoon, each day of the week.

Ikos Olivia

Located at the Gulf of Toroneos in beautiful Halkidiki, it extends over 22 acres of landscaped grounds, in which ancient olive trees and fragrant firs provide shade and privacy. The resort offers panoramic views of the Aegean sea and boasts a lagoon pool with a swim up bar. The Exclusive Deluxe Collection guests can take advantage of their own dedicated pool and beach area.

Ikos Dassia

Situated on Corfu and framed by fragrant woodlands, this resort welcomes you with dazzling views across the turquoise Ionian Sea. With 25 acres of stunning gardens on a beachfront setting, all 411 luxurious rooms, suites and villas come with perfect views, spacious balconies, private gardens and individual pools. There are six a la carte restaurants featuring Michelin starred menus and a selection of authentic Greek tavernas.

Don’t miss the Mini Adventure Driving experience where guests can have a Mini Cooper for the day to explore the sights of this stunning island at their leisure.

Ikos Aria

Situated on an idyllic beachfront location stretching across 47 acres on the southwest coast of the island, 45 minutes from the town of Kos and 20 minutes from Kos International Airport. The luxury all-inclusive resort will offer 373 contemporary and stylish rooms and one and two-bedroom suites for couples and families. They will come with an array of features including private balconies, gardens and large private pools, all with panoramic views across the Aegean Sea. Ideally located for exploring the island’s best beaches and historical sites, guests staying at the resort can visit Mastichari beach and its emerald waters, swim to the tiny islet of Kastri or enjoy views of Turkey whilst delving into ancient Greece at Asklepieion, an ancient medieval temple founded by Hippocrates.

Ikos Aria

Looking for something different?

Create your own authentic, off-the-beaten-track, Sri Lanka experience withwill open on the Coming in 2020, the first Ikos property in Spain Ikos Andalusia

Looking for something different?

Create your own authentic, off-the-beaten-track, Sri Lanka experience with

sun-drenched Costa Del Sol, close to Marbella. This promises to be a complete game-changer, bringing the Infinite Lifestyle concept to the Iberian Peninsula. Definitely one to watch for summer holidays in 2020! essence INFO

To find out more about any of the properties featured visit www.letsgo2.com or call their award winning team a call 020 8329 2690.

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FEBRUARY 2019 || essence-magazine.co.uk essence-magazine.co.uk 00 31 March 2018

HEART ON HER SLEEVE Olivia Arben first started her modelling career when she was a 15-year-old working for hair salons in and around her local Mole Valley area. She has gone on to work with many leading industry names, including boohoo, L’Oréal and Wolf & Badger.

Olivia suffered the loss of her father to heart failure at 16 and has become a dedicated British Heart Foundation Ambassador. Working very closely with the Foundation she helps raise awareness about high cholesterol, sharing her own experiences with familial hypercholesterolemia.

This is a genetic disorder that means cholesterol levels are higher than normal from birth.

Most recently, Olivia partnered with the British Heart Foundation to promote its new clothing campaign, centred around affordable, sustainable partywear during the festive season. The Foundation is keen to encourage people to shop with it and then donate the clothes back, therefore offering a sustainable solution to combat the ‘buy now, throwaway later’ fashion culture. This also helps the Foundation raise funds for life saving research at the same time.

Keen to combine her working life as a model and help raise awareness amongst young people of the importance of keeping a healthy heart, it made sense for Olivia to visit her local British Heart Foundation shop in Dorking which showcases a great range of items, both new and donated. These can easily become wardrobe staples or statement pieces.

If asked at the many red carpet events where she bought the clothes she is wearing, Olivia is more than likely to answer: The BHF in Dorking.”

Olivia believes that with the plethora of models and bloggers using Instagram to show off outfits, using the hashtag #boughtatbhf will raise awareness and encourage more young people to visit charity shops.

essence INFO

Website: www.instagram.com/oliviaarben

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Fashion | OLIVIA ARBEN

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BURLINGTON SLIM BRIEFCASE ISLE BLUE

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Motoring | RO

S-RO

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MAGIC CARPET RIDE

OES O

RO D

The Cullinan is Rolls-Royce’s attempt at the ultimate SUV, as Euan Johns considers whether the endeavour has been a success.

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here was good news recently for Rolls-Royce. Against a backdrop of falling (ne “A Rolls in the desert plummeting) car sales, the brand shone like a beacon through the mist and clouds is above rubies.” T.E. Lawrence. of what is being classed as the perfect storm for car makers. For Rolls-Royce, with models coming to the market such as the Cullinan, it’s hardly surprising the company is enjoying a sustained level of success.

The Cullinan is the first ‘proper’ SUV the company has produced, and true to form there have been absolutely no compromises anywhere. Of course, the name should provide a clue, as this incredible piece of engineering is named after the largest diamond ever discovered and which is now part of the British Crown Jewels.

The Cullinan design does set it apart from all other SUVs which tend to fall into rather bland design territory these days. This car has a brutish, but classy, strangely reassuring and caring appearance. It gives the (correct) impression that it’s able to negotiate any kind of terrain the driver would care to tackle and still feel as though floating.

This modern incarnation does have over 100 years of pedigree to draw upon.

Lawrence of Arabia’s nine car fleet of armoured Rollers (two Silver Ghosts) used in the Arabian deserts made his guerrilla war against the Turks very effective.

All this testifies to the durability of this particular marque. Launched in 1906, the Silver Ghost remains the definitive Roller. Coachbuilders could fit in every possible luxury a customer desired, but the car’s success came from its bones.

In one example of its durability, British entrepreneur Frank Norbury sealed the hood of a Silver Ghost 40/50, removed the toolkit, then drove it 620 miles through the difficult mountain passes between Bombay and Kolhapur. As a publicity >>>

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 37

“What’s unique is the ability to absorb the road without thought and simply let yourself get lost. You don’t so much drive as you float, and it seems to get almost smoother the faster you go. Sometimes making pictures is as much about getting there as it is about the image itself.”

Cory Richards, National Geographic photographer

stunt, it was a triumph, and soon every potentate all over India had to have one.

So, back to its modern-day incarnation, the Cullinan takes an already fabled ‘magic carpet’ level of ride to new heights. The car went through extensive challenges to reach this position, undergoing gruelling tests (almost to destruction) all over the planet. As a result, off road rubble and ruts are effortlessly smoothed to provide something akin to a feeling of floating and gliding over all terrain, allowing driver and passengers to sit back and enjoy the ride.

It’s the impressive technology such as the electronically-controlled shock absorber adjustment system that uses air compresson to actively push down any wheel it detects losing traction, so every wheel is in contact with the ground with maximum torque, that successfully transfers the marque’s fabled ‘magic carpet ride’ off the road – no mean feat.

The Cullinan has a completely reworked 6.75 litres twin turbo V12 engine that delivers power at exactly the right torque at the lowest revolutions so it can boldly go where no-one has gone before (in a Roller).

There’s no doubt that a sedate, stately progress suits this car best, but that’s really the point. For those intending to buy one, they aren’t thinking of entering Le Mans, they want a comfortable ride. This is best achieved when settling into the sublime rhythms the car invites. The soporific seduction is an almost total absence of mechanical, wind or tyre noise.

Back to the looks. It is all a bit ‘chromy’ for want of a better expression, there seems to be a lot of that. Perhaps this is an echo from the past and a nod to it. Boxy yes, a little, but all these quibbles tend to be smoothed over and forgotten after spending a little time with the Cullinan. There’s no doubting the incredible standard of finish and the cabin quality can only be described as opulent and superb.

Its looks may not be to everyone’s taste, and the price, well, we’ll skip over that for the moment so as not to discourage. Quite simply, the Cullinan is the most luxurious 4x4 money can buy. Rolls-Royce has succeeded in setting a new standard in the luxury SUV class, but whisper it quietly: the price tag is around the plus £275K mark.v

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essence INFO

Website: www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Tax | EVERFAIR

Could you owe tax on overseas property income?

Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax offers guidance to essence readers owning property overseas.

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ver the past few months we have seen an increase in the number of people coming to us for advice regarding overseas properties.

It seems that many holiday home owners are unaware that they may be liable for UK tax on rent received from overseas properties, and often it is thought that reporting the rent in the foreign country is sufficient. This is not the case.

UK tax is due on income from an overseas property after the relevant expenses have been deducted and an annual tax return should be submitted to HMRC detailing this income.

This applies for UK domiciles even if the rental income has not been brought into the UK. To avoid double taxation, a credit is given against any tax due on this income in the UK, for any tax already paid on the same income in the foreign country. You therefore only pay the UK tax if it is higher than the overseas tax.

Any additional UK tax would be due by 31 January for the previous UK tax year and this is the same deadline for the filing of the return.

An amnesty offered by HMRC which allowed taxpayers to correct any omission errors on their part ended in September 2018. The preferential penalties for any outstanding tax payments also ceased and unfortunately, new legislation under the requirement to correct rules is now levying penalties of between 100% and 200% of the tax owed, in addition to the original late payment.

It is therefore important that anyone who believes they may have unpaid overseas tax liabilities should now urgently contact HMRC themselves, or seek professional help in order to minimise, where possible, the penalties due.

It is also worth being aware that should the property be sold it is subject to capital gains tax at 28%, or 18% for a basic rate taxpayer, with the gain being calculated after deducting relevant costs of purchase and sale. Where the property was acquired in a foreign currency, the purchase price and net sale proceeds are converted to sterling, using the relevant exchange rates at the date of purchase and sale, which can also have a significant impact on the taxable amount.

If you would like further information, contact Everfair Tax’s friendly team or visit our website.

We will be happy to assist.

essence INFO

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

Telephone: 01932 320800 Email: gillian@everfairtax.co.uk Website: www.everfairtax.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 39

EXPERT ADVICE IS STILL KEY Sarah Duckworth and Judith Fitton, partners at Mundays LLP, discuss topical points currently arising in family and divorce law.

Judith Fitton is a partner in the family team at Mundays LLP and has 25 years of experience in the field of high net worth divorces.

She was named by the Legal 500 Directory in 2018 as a leading individual in this area. Judith has a niche practice in cohabitee matters and disputes between non-married couples regarding their property interests and their children. She is accredited by Resolution (a national organisation of family lawyers) as a specialist in the fields of cohabitee disputes and complex financial remedies. Judith is known for her pragmatic and constructive advice.

Judith Fitton, partner, can be contacted on +44 (0)1932 590557 judith.fitton@mundays.co.uk

40 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

Brexit and family law By the time this article is published, we may or may not have certainty over our future as far as ‘Brexit’ is concerned. Family law has been intertwined with Europe for many years now.

Some of it good, some not so. We will be losing our place in the European Judicial Network which has been a subtle influence for good in establishing a working forum for discussion and monitoring the practical operation of family justice across the member states.

If we are on our own, we will have autonomy and can act independently in the field of global family law, but time will tell if our withdrawal from the European Union impedes family law from continuing to adapt and change in a way which reflects changing social values and effects modernisation of the family justice system. We will dispense with the complex Maintenance Regulations that have caused confusion and difficulty which most family lawyers will not lament the loss of.

Most importantly there will not be chaos or void. Civil servants have been working behind the scenes for many months and the necessary Statutory Regulations are ready to roll where required. Otherwise we are back where we were before in regard to divorce law jurisdiction. We are a contracting state to the Hague Conventions (along with all the other global countries who are signatories) and we will continue to be covered by these once we are out of Europe. Importantly, it is the Hague Convention which ensures the swift return of children who are wrongfully abducted and this facility will continue uninterrupted.

Divorce law reform Another hot topic is divorce law reform. There has been a lot of press coverage last year about the case of Mrs Owens whose petition on the basis of her husband’s ‘unreasonable behaviour’ was rejected (reluctantly on a technicality) by the Supreme Court, whilst at the same time the Court emphasised sympathy for the applicant and the need for a change in the law.

Currently, to prove that a marriage has irretrievably broken down, a spouse has to rely on one of five ‘facts’ including separation for two years (if you agree) or five years if there is no agreement. Alternatively, either ‘unreasonable behaviour’ or ‘adultery’ can be relied upon if either party want what is termed a ‘quickie’ divorce. This means that at the very start of relationship breakdown, things often ‘kick off ’ with acrimony as blame is found in

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Legal | MUNDAYS

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order to draft the Petition. To most family lawyers this situation is counter intuitive.

The Government is finally acting and has launched a consultation on ‘no fault’ divorce law reform. In the meantime, and on a practical level, it is now possible to issue online divorce applications as part and parcel of the drive to bring Court technology into the 21st century. A word of warning, however. An online application for divorce is just the process or paperwork required for dissolving the marriage. This does not deal with the sharing of the finances which is a separate exercise.

Family Judges have discretion to ensure that income and capital needs are met following a divorce and there is a fair division. This does not necessarily mean an equal split. This is why it is essential to take some legal advice as to what an appropriate financial settlement should look like. That is the position, in a nutshell, where there is a marriage or a Civil Partnership.

Unfortunately, the position is different where there is a breakdown in a cohabiting relationship which we address below.

The Family Courts continue to be increasingly strangled for cash and resources in the attempt to modernise and streamline and Judges are bogged down with the time they need to deal with people who are unable to afford legal representation resulting from the withdrawal of Legal Aid for most family cases.

We always consider the alternatives to the Court process, including mediation and collaboration. In addition, there is a sort

of ‘private’ track developing with the use of private court hearings and arbitration. This means that divorcing parties have privacy, choice of Judge or Arbitrator, timing and venue. These alternative options, in our view, are often a better way.

The new family – cohabiting couples The fastest growing type of family group in the UK is heterosexual cohabiting (i.e. unmarried) couples, with or without children. Such groups are largely outside the financial protection offered by family law which focusses almost entirely on married couples or couples who have entered into a civil partnership.

For instance, a woman could live with her partner in his house for 25 years, leave her job to bear him children, care for them, care for him and run the home, then he could ask her to leave his house and she would not be entitled to ask for any financial assistance from him. If the children have grown up, then she is not entitled to ask for help from him for their housing or other needs as their carer.

If her name is not on the deeds of the house and they never reached an agreement that she would have a share in the property or she never acted to her detriment in reliance upon what she believed to be such an agreement, then she cannot make a claim against him either for a share in the equity of the home, which she could use to buy her own separate property.

Is this a huge injustice that requires amendment to the law to allow such

Sarah Duckworth is a partner in the Mundays’ family department.

Sarah has specialised in family law for more than 20 years.

She was noted by the Legal 500 Directory for recommending the best approach to take at all times while being kind and considerate during stressful times. She is an accredited specialist with Resolution, which is a national organisation of over 6,500 family lawyers and other professionals committed to promoting an approach to family law which is sensitive, constructive, and cost effective. Sarah is an expert in all areas of family law and has particular experience in dealing with complex and high value financial cases.

Sarah Duckworth, partner, can be contacted on +44 (0)1932 590567 sarah.duckworth@mundays.co.uk

claimants the right to seek a share of their former partner’s wealth? Or should we allow people the right to ‘opt out’ of the legal framework of marriage or quasi marriage and allow them autonomy to make their own arrangements, without fear that the law will suddenly come into their relationship and permit the redistribution of their wealth?

Opinion is divided, and in the meantime, expert legal advice is key.

essence INFO

Mundays LLP 400 Dashwood Lang Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT15 2HJ 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 2019.

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 41

OUTLOOK FOR 2019 A melting pot of negativity Simon Lewis, CEO at Partridge Muir & Warren, points out the importance of having a ‘light hand on the tiller’ to make portfolio adjustments in uncertain economic times.

2018

was the worst year for investors since 2008.

The year started badly when investor sentiment deteriorated as a consequence of the escalating trade dispute between the US and China, but there was an unexpectedly prolonged recovery in sentiment during the summer months. The severity of the fall that we saw in financial markets at the end of the year was a consequence of the fact that markets had managed to get ahead of themselves during that period. What occurred in October and December was a reality check for investors as fear about the possible consequences of a number of factors bubbled to the surface.

Although an uncomfortable experience at the time, the fall in financial markets has been a good thing because it means that the value of financial assets now better reflects their future potential. There is therefore more scope for positive returns from here forward.

However, investors should be warned that such potential might take a long time to be realised because for the time being, sentiment is likely to be dominated by a number of negative influences.

US Monetary Policy The big driver behind financial market volatility is the trend and outlook for US monetary policy. I covered this extensively in previous articles but in summary, rising interest rates are increasing the cost of borrowing globally and quantitative tightening (‘shredding’ $50 billion a month of the money ‘printed’ as a result of quantitative easing) is reducing financial market liquidity.

Brexit We should not underestimate the economic damage being caused by the political stalemate that we have found ourselves in and there is sadly no end in sight. There is the continued uncertainty over what our future terms of trade will be and as a consequence, many businesses, domiciled in both the UK and overseas, are struggling to justify investing in the UK. But just as significantly, the UK Government is currently dysfunctional, which means that insufficient attention is being paid to how the country will deal with the profoundly disruptive impact of technology and changing consumer behaviour. No one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that our high streets are dying in the face of competition from internet shopping, as they are burdened with rising wage bills and an unfair tax regime.

I think that had most voters anticipated what a palaver this was going to be, we would have all stayed at home and chosen to not vote for anything at all. I suppose it is no real surprise that there

is such division in Parliament when we consider that there was clearly such division among the electorate. Yes, the result was in favour of leaving, but it was finely balanced and one would expect in a democracy that Parliament would reflect the views of the people and that is exactly what it is doing. So it isn’t necessarily that Theresa May is doing a particularly bad job; although clearly there is room for improvement. The reality is that no one currently on the political scene would seem to have the capability of resolving this to the satisfaction of everyone, because opinions are so polarised. I think that it is likely that we will lurch on from political crisis to crisis for some time to come. Businesses need to have an idea of what the future is going to look like so they can plan and at the moment this just isn’t possible, so the outlook for the UK economy is not going to improve any time soon.

However, looking at the situation through the prism of an investor, there is already a lot of bad news in UK share prices (specifically, those of small and medium sized quoted companies that have a domestic focus), so a reasonable bounce is likely once the outlook becomes clearer.

The US Economy Looking across the Atlantic again we have Donald Trump and his dispute with Congress over a wall that he wants to build. Although it now appears it will be more like a fence and indeed there is a fence there already; so it doesn’t seem like such a big change after all.

It has become more of an ideological division; on the right of the political spectrum we have those who want to keep people out and on the left those willing to welcome them with open arms. Being pragmatic about this, the reality is that South America generally is a place of political and economic instability and there is a natural flow of migration from South to North that is likely to accelerate. Look at what is happening in Venezuela for example, it is likely that more people are going to leave because there is no future for them. It isn’t necessarily unreasonable for a nation that has become a magnet for people who want to leave unstable countries to have some form of control over who can enter. In many ways it is no different from the debate about Brexit and the argument to have more control of our own borders and of immigration. It is the same issue; it is just that Trump expresses it in a rather unsavoury way.

So, we have this government shut down in the US. In the short term the effect on the economy is not that significant, but in the long term the dispute will cause greater uncertainty. The simple fact that many federally employed workers are not being paid will have an impact, resulting in a slowdown of the US economy.

We should not underestimate the economic damage being caused by the political stalemate that we have found ourselves in and there is sadly no end in sight

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Finance | PMW

China As the US and China trade spat continues to escalate, there are concerns about what impact it will have generally on global economic growth. Not to mention the fact that last year it became clear that the Chinese economy is slowing down at a faster rate than previously thought, and everyone knows that there is a lot of corporate debt in china. There are concerns about whether the Chinese government have the financial tools to properly deal with a crisis that might erupt there in the event that the debt becomes unsustainable.

Europe But all is not rosy in the rest of Europe. The Eurozone has been recovering, but the European central bank will be ending its quantitative easing programme in 2019, at least that is their plan.

That will mean that financial markets in Europe will be less liquid as a consequence. Considering political risks, the elephant in the room last year was Italy and the fact that they were not cooperating with Brussels. They were not prepared to follow the Brussels economic rules and had their belligerence continued that could have resulted in a significant loss of confidence in the European banking system, because Italy has huge amounts of debt. Government debt, much of which is on the balance sheet of European banks and if you started to mark down the values of that it would mean that some of the banks would become significantly less solvent. But that risk seems to have been abated for the time being. At the end of the day that debt is still there so there are still risks for Europe.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SHUTTERSTOCK

Asset Classes In terms of asset classes, commercial property has had a reasonable run more recently but is now under pressure. In particular, the retail sector for lots of reasons, as mentioned above, that are not connected to Brexit or Trump. We are seeing a fundamental shift in the way in which consumers shop and that means that the high street is less relevant today than it once was.

You cannot drive through many towns these days without seeing shops that are boarded up. In fact, I drove through a town recently where a Woolworths shop was still boarded up. Bearing in mind that they went into liquidation in 2008, effectively it means that shop has been empty for 10 years. I suspect there is a lot of pain to come for the UK commercial property sector and it will be imperative that those investing in property, take these factors into account.

What is on the horizon?

As I have said, looking at fundamentals, the fact that markets have fallen means that they offer better value than they did before. Much of the froth has come out of share prices and this means there

is now more chance that we will see positive returns during the course of 2019. Even considering this, we need to be realistic and expect those returns to be modest, because of the fundamental point that generally speaking interest rates are rising. Rising interest rates in today’s money means that the future value of long-term cash flows is reduced and that feeds through to share prices, giving a fairly level outlook for corporate profitability.

So what do we think will be the main themes in 2019? We are hopeful that there will be some improvements for the prospects of the UK during the course of the year. For our clients that will mean that in due course we will be looking to strengthen our position in terms of exposure to sterling and also exposure to the UK economy, through exposure to small and medium sized companies in the UK; although at present it is still too soon to rush in as there are still too many political risks that present themselves.

So there is definitely potential, but it is really important right now that investment portfolios are well diversified and that appropriate time horizons are being considered. I am positive that there are many investors out there who are unwittingly holding investment that are particularly vulnerable to the next stage in the economic monetary policy cycle, so it makes sense for people to get their financial affairs reviewed to ensure that their better equipped to deal with the results of any predicted changes in 2019.

As far as our own clients are concerned, we play an active role in ensuring that the portfolio reflects where we are in the journey from a financial and economic prospective. Our style is to make lots of small adjustment on the ‘tiller’, to use a sailing analogy.

You get a smoother journey if you make frequent small changes to your strategy rather than large infrequent ones. We use a little and often approach, rather than waiting for years and making big changes as a result of negative impacts on financial markets. This results in a much smoother experience, due to the fact that return on investment is as much about luck as judgement and the luck is timing and timing is impossible to predict. Yes of course with the benefit of hindsight you can always predict the best times to buy and sell, but at the time you do not have the knowledge of hindsight and therefore to move things around little and often is lower risk.

We will certainly continue with this strategy as we believe it is why we continue to deliver for our clients and why we will be celebrating 50 years in business in April 2019.

If you are concerned that your investments may be vulnerable, get in touch and find out how we can help you to diversify your portfolio.v

essence INFO

Simon Lewis is writing on behalf of Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd (PMW), Chartered Financial Planners, based in Esher. The Company has specialised in providing wealth management solutions to private clients for years and was recently voted Family Office of the Year 2018 at the City of London Wealth Management Awards. Simon is an independent financial adviser, chartered financial planner and chartered fellow of the Chartered nstitute for Securities and Investment. The opinions outlined in this article are those of the writer and should not be construed as individual advice. To find out more about financial advice and investment options please contact Simon at Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd. Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Telephone: 01372 471 550 Email: simon.lewis@pmw.co.uk If you would like to receive similar articles by email please visit: www.pmw.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 43

Skylon PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES

MY MONTH IN FOOD Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, Skylon at the Royal Festival Hall.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID P MACDONALD

I

f I was to pick one restaurant that we all need to discover over the next month, Skylon would be my definitive choice. Now, there is a reason for this, not least the arrival of newly-appointed executive chef, Helena Puolakka, but on an entirely pragmatic level, the dining room lends itself to what we all crave during these winter months: light.

One of the many highlights of this restaurant is its floor-to-ceiling windows which provide a continual draw for first-time diners. In these gloomy, shorter winter days, this wow-factor aspect of Skylon could almost be prescribed as a holistic necessity. Just sitting with endless views over the South Bank lifted my spirits no end and instantly put me into a better frame of mind. And that’s even before the starters arrived.

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As a now semi-regular to the restaurant, I was intrigued to see the newly revamped menu, courtesy of Helena. Renowned for her superlative modern cuisine, she has worked with some of the world’s leading chefs, including Pierre Koffmann and Gordon Ramsay, throughout her twenty-two years in the industry. In her new role, Helena draws on her Finnish roots to bring unique Scandinavian ingredients and techniques to the Skylon kitchen.

The first menu choice was an easy pick as a lover of game: Pan fried quail, confit leg and sweetcorn purée. The artfully-presented plate was an immediate stand-out, not least for the playfullypresented purée. The quail, with its rich gamey flavours, was perfectly partnered with the mellow creaminess of the sweetcorn and the delightfully tart juniper sauce.

Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Pan fried quail, confit leg and sweetcorn purée PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES

Above: Chicken ballotine Below, right: Blackcurrant, Greek yoghurt,crystallised chocolate with sweet wine foam PHOTOS COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES

This was followed by a classic dish of Chicken ballotine, served with girolles, turnips and a vin jaune sauce. As anticipated, the quality of the ingredients shone through with a tender, velvety chicken and a perfectly rich and syrupy vin jaune sauce. The generous scattering of girolles added a satisfying earthy note, superbly matched with the creaminess of the puréed turnips. Quite simply, the most elevated comfort food you could wish for.

Perfect winter feasting.

To round off the meal, Blackcurrant, Greek yoghurt, crystallised chocolate with sweet wine foam that felt like an altogether healthier, final option. At first sight, you are met with an unexpected presentation: a bowl of gleaming white foam, which while not immediately appetising, is certainly intriguing. As the components mix together, the vibrant purple hue of the blackcurrants come to the fore: it’s a mouthful of the softest, cloud-like yoghurt with a satisfying burst of sweet blackcurrant, and a final gratifying crunch from the crystallised chocolate. It was an immediate highlight of the meal. I’m aware with the ever-changing seasonal menu at Skylon, this dessert is not likely to appear on the menu again any time soon. If only the kitchen would allow the occasional request!

It’s now my third visit to Skylon and it has never once disappointed. From the moment you arrive, the relaxed, yet scrupulous service is assuredly brilliant. I always think the better the service the more I can truly enjoy the meal to its fullest. Skylon is now firmly in that exclusive club of restaurants where I feel confident knowing all future visits will be as seamless as the last. essence INFO

Skylon Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX Telephone: 020 7654 7800 Email: skylonreservations@danddlondon.com Websites: www.skylon-restaurant.co.uk; www.stephaniebrookes.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 45

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PEEKEEDEE1 | 123RF.COM

Food | CRATES LOCAL PRODUCE

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: VISIONSI | 123RF.COM

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MARGOUILLAT | 123RF.COM

Jerusalem Artichoke

An interesting looking root vegetable first cultivated by native Americans and part of the daisy family, early Italian settlers named it girasole, Italian for sunflower, which later changed to Jerusalem.

With a nutty, sweet flavor and artichokelike taste, they make a brilliant addition to any collection of roasted vegetables. They can be fried, sautéed, mashed or puréed to make delicious soups. Containing very little starch and being rich in fructose makes them a healthy choice for diabetics and is what gives them a sweet flavour. Resembling ginger root, the vegetable will store well in a cool environment.

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Milk

Milk is hardly seasonal, but many dairy farmers are still under considerable pressure, and it’s worth reminding ourselves of the different types. Most supermarket milk is homogenised and pasteurised. Some studies suggest homogenisation has led to an increase in heart disease, others believe it has led to increased milk intolerances in children. Whatever may be true, it’s undeniable that the taste of milk has changed through the homogenisation process.

Non-homogenised and single farm milk is still available from specialist food shops.

It’s well worth rediscovering: on its own, in tea and especially in coffee, and worth every penny more than the mass produced, multi-farm milk.

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

Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERY

In season recipes Winter root gratin

Crème caramel

Ingredients: 700g Jerusalem Artichokes One small to medium sized celeriac 200ml double cream 200ml whole milk 50g hard cheese: Cheddar or Parmesan 40g butter Two cloves garlic Fresh nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients: Five eggs, fresh as possible 120g caster sugar 500ml milk, semi or whole Two drops vanilla extract

SERVES TWO OR FOUR AS A SIDE DISH

Winter root gratin

Method: Pre-heat the oven to 170°C/ gas mark 3 before preparing the root vegetables.

Peel or scrub the Jerusalem Artichokes, slice thinly and place in a bowl of cold water with some lemon juice to prevent browning.

Peel the celeriac and slice to same thickness as the artichokes and set aside.

Mix together the milk, cream, grated nutmeg and seasoning.

Grease an ovenproof dish with around half the butter and arrange the drained artichokes in layers interspersed with layers of celeriac, adding crushed garlic and seasoning to each layer.

Pour over the milk and cream liquid, add small dabs of the remaining butter and finish with grated cheese.

Bake for at least one hour and ten minutes and allow the top to golden. Serve as a delicious winter main or side.

SERVES FOUR

Blackberry and apple cupcakes This Valentine’s, why not look after a loved one and treat them to a sweet treat bursting with heart-healthy berries and fruits? These delicious blackberry (high in antioxidants) and apple (fibre-rich) cupcakes will show you care, whilst taking care of their sweet tooth! Top with a swirl of blackberry frosting and a blackberry.

For the caramel: 150g caster sugar 50ml water Four medium dariole moulds or ramekins to serve Method: Pre-heat the oven to 170°C/ gas mark 1.

Whisk four of the eggs plus just the yolk of the fifth egg with the caster sugar to form a smooth paste and mix in the milk and vanilla.

Once mixed thoroughly, sieve this into a bowl and set aside.

In a small, heavy pan, boil the sugar and water without stirring until it forms a syrup and darkens slightly in colour to a golden brown. Pour this into the moulds or ramekins, then add the egg and milk mixture.

Place these into a large roasting tray or tin and fill to around halfway up the moulds with boiling water to create a bain-marie.

Place in the oven for 40 minutes, remove and cool.

Turn out the moulds onto plates for an easy and delicious custard dessert covered in rich caramel sauce.

Crème caramel

TOP TIP: To add a fruity filling, use a melon baller to scoop out a piece of cupcake when cool and fill with blackberry jam.

Ingredients: 225g unsalted butter 225g soft light brown sugar Four medium eggs 225g self-raising flour Two large eating apples, peeled and finely grated Pinch of salt One teaspoon ground cinnamon One teaspoon vanilla extract Punnet of blackberries, keep some aside for decoration For the buttercream frosting: 500g icing sugar 110g unsalted butter Two tablespoons milk Two tablespoons of blackberry jam Method Heat oven to C F and line a 12 hole baking pan with cases.

Beat the butter and sugar together until soft and creamy and then add the eggs one at a time.

Sift the flour, cinnamon and spices into the mix and blend until combined. Don’t overmix as this can make the cakes heavy. Add the vanilla extract and grated apple.

Spoon into the cases and bake for around 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

The cupcakes should be lovely and fluffy and well risen.

Whilst the cupcakes are cooling, make the buttercream by mixing together the butter and icing sugar on a low speed until it resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add in the milk a little at a time until a nice creamy consistency is achieved and then blend in the blackberry jam.

Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe or spoon the frosting on top and then finish off with a blackberry or two. Or buy some fondant icing from a supermarket and use a heart shaped cookie cutter.

essence INFO

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

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 47

Plantissimo:

the proof is in the proving Shirlee Posner introduces readers to Plantissimo Bread, a new, micro sourdough bakery producing small batch, hand kneaded, slow fermented, vegan organic bread to order.

E Eva Harrison

va Harrison is a new wave baker. She has honed her craft over the last few years and is actively building the business she launched late last year. Currently, bread can be bought from Plantissimo’s online shop for pick up in Sutton on Saturdays.

I am always impressed by anyone who gets their head around making sourdough bread from scratch without adding commercial yeast. It’s a scientific process which comes from knowing exactly how the biga (starter) is behaving and when to add more flour, or as the experts would say: “feed it”. Harnessing wild yeasts present in the flour by allowing them to become active by adding water is a serious skill.

Sourdough bread has risen in popularity during the last decade and it took us Brits a while to catch on to the trend before we realised this bread was superior in so many ways. Don’t be fooled by sourdough bread available in supermarkets as these breads are often given a helping hand in the final prove by having a little commercial yeast added to achieve the desired size to look good on the shelf and speed up the process. These copycats have a softer crust and far less flavour and texture than authentic sourdough. It’s all a matter of time, literally.

It’s not often that new start-ups get all the elements right. Sometimes there is a great product, but terrible online support or presence, or a terrible product with a digital footprint that is far from the real story. Here all is as it should be.

Eva moved from her native Russia to the UK to study animation. With an interest in design, she enrolled at the London University of Arts and graduated in design and animation moving in to web design. Eva still works in this area and manages her bread business in the evenings and

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weekends with her husband. A few months in and she feels she is close to the point where she could concentrate on the business full time.

Now the slick website and style start to make sense. But why move from computers and design to making bread? Eva, like a lot of her peers, became concerned about industrial practices in the food industry and wanted to know more about the provenance of the food she eats. A growing interest and love of bread making meant she often took extra bread to work to share with colleagues.

Many were so impressed they insisted on paying her and orders started to roll in. By this time, Eva had become aware of Bread Angels and decided to go on one of its courses on how to set up and run a micro bakery. Bread Angels are part of the Virtuous Bread movement and to find out more, see the link below.

Eva uses organic flour from Shipton Mill which is milled from a mixture of wheats sourced in the UK and further afield. We have a long history of importing high protein flours from

abroad to produce one of our staple foods as we don’t have quite the right climate to produce high yield, high protein crops. There is luckily an emergence of heritage wheats being grown in the UK by farmers who grow for Shipton and other millers, including Sussexbased Trenchmore Farm, located just over the Surrey border.

In addition to a range of organic flours, Eva also uses organic seeds, nuts and fruit in her breads. There are 11 loaves in her core range, including her Surrey Hills’ multi-seed, rosemary focaccia, sundried tomato and walnut, dark rye, roasted garlic and fennel seed or wild card. Some of her regular customers love the wild card, a new or experimental loaf, which adds an element of surprise.

The process is small batch baking currently by hand, although Eva recognises she may soon need to buy a machine to manage an increasing order book. For her bread to be ready for Saturday pick up, she creates the dough early on Friday morning. Each loaf must go through two proves, taking place over a 20-hour period or proving with stretching and folding until finally the dough is ready for the remaining ingredients: nuts, seeds, fruit or herbs. The dough is divided and placed in bannetons (proving baskets with a fabric lining) which give the bread its final shape, then it is turned out prior to baking and scored. Eva says she loves this process: as a baker she is fascinated with traditional leavening and natural fermentation and makes her bread using the same method used centuries ago.

Bread is such an important food and I can see how much Eva’s business means to her. I sampled bread from the selection and I am hooked: it’s got real texture, flavour and all the loaves have a distinct personality. Pop over to the Plantissimo website to order bread for pick up. It may also be available in a few outlets soon too.

Follow Eva on Instagram, facebook and Twitter. essence INFO

Plantissimo online shop Website: www.plantissimo.co.uk Find out more about the Bread Angel movement by Virtuous Bread Website: www.breadangels.com Shirlee Posner is a food writer and blogger at www.eatsurrey.co.uk and provides social media management, web copywriting and food photography.

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 49

TOP 2019 TRENDS Rick Hay, Healthista nutritional director, provides essence with his rundown of health and fitness ideas to look at, digest and consider for this year.

2

019 is set to bring us some exciting new trends in the health and fitness area. Top of my list is the rise of the meso or phytonutrient – which are really the therapeutic powerhouses in our herbs, spices, fruits and veg. They are part of the bigger trend of plants as medicine and are things like curcumin which is the active ingredient in turmeric.

It is actually the curcumin that delivers the anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits.

Also look out for:

EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate which are plant phenols in green tea that have powerful and proven antioxidant benefits.

Anthocyanins in red and purple foods, such as cherries, and lycopene in tomatoes have some good research behind them, as do berberines from the herbs golden seal and barberries – they can help balance blood sugar and also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Safranal, from the spice saffron, is showing promise for its anti-depressant and appetite suppressing properties.

Nootropics

Another area of nutrition that is gaining popularity is Nootropics. These are herbs or nutraceuticals that help to boost brain power and cognition.

There are also Nootropic drinks to help with brain fog, poor memory, anxiety and lack of focus.

Herbs like Bacopa, Rhodiola, Ginseng and Ginkgo lead the way with mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps also being popular.

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L Theanine from tea and green tea helps to promote relaxing alpha waves and is found in many formulas.

The Nootripic trend comes hot on the heels of last year’s adaptogenic stress-relieving herbal trend which saw Ashwagandha lead the way.

Eudeamon, founded by Surrey psychotherapist Jane BarnfieldJukes, has some good formulas to assist with mental performance and cognition – they include vitamin B6, magnesium, 5HTP and rhodiola rosea.

One word of caution about Nootropics is to be aware of the caffeine levels in many of the formulas – many rely on the brainboosting benefits of caffeine in a dose that is too high. This can lead to you feeling jittery and stressed.

Diet-wise there is a new healthier form of keto that is on the rise – it is in line with the current rise in plant-based eating. I am talking about the eco/vegan keto. Advocates are adopting the same high fat, high protein principles that work for those on keto without the animal produce.

High on the list of foods are things like avocados, tofu, tempeh, vegan meat and cheese replacements, coconut oil, plant-based protein powders, non-dairy yoghurts, nuts and seeds. Above ground, veg is encouraged as are some fruits like blackberries and raspberries.

Superfoods continue to be on trend so be on the lookout for these powerful botanicals: Boabab and lucuma are both rich in vitamin C which helps with collagen production and skin health are becoming more popular. >>> >>>

With help from our range of nutraceutical health food supplements that promote psychological and emotional well-being.

A British Company. Name and business address of the holder of the certificate of registration: Eudeamon, Howard House, 70 Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8AL More information is available at www.eudeamon.com

Now available to buy at amazon

grass and chlorella or mixed berries, beetroot and cherries. These brightly coloured powders contribute towards your five a day and can help to increase your fibre intake as well. They are rich in antioxidants that help to fight free radical damage in the body – helping with recovery and performance.

Inulin, which is a fibre often from chickpeas is being heavily marketed as it helps to fight visceral fat.

Beetroot and tart cherry when taken together is great to enhance sports performance. This combination helps with energy production and increases nitric oxide levels which help with that much needed burst of energy.

Match Green Tea continues to grow in popularity as it has fat burning properties that exceed that of regular green tea – it is like a turbo-charged version of green tea and can be readily found around town in cafes as a latte.

Plant-based proteins and milks like rice, hemp, quinoa or amaranth are great to help with hair, skin and nail health and if you add them to your morning smoothie they will help with weight loss and with feelings of fullness.

They are widely used in smoothies and smoothie bowls and are favourites of those wanting the consume less dairy.

Algae oil intake continues to be on the rise to help increase omega-3 intake in vegans. Algae oil is a vegan source of healthy omegas that helps with cognitive function, brain health and cardio vascular performance.

Vitamin formulas that come together with botanicals are also on trend. Botanicals are herbs that help to balance many of the body’s system. You may see things like vitamin C together with elderberry or bilberry and green tea with selenium and other minerals. I like these combinations as the botanicals, vitamins and minerals work synergistically and provide many more phytonutrients and enzymes than are found in a regular diet.

The last group to consider are the Super Green and Super Red blends – these often contain spirulina, wheat grass, barley

In terms of fitness there are a few activities to watch out for.

High Intensity Interval Training or Burst Training is where you speed up and slow down during your workout or exercise delivers faster weight loss and overall fitness results.

LISS is really the opposite – it’s Low Intensity Steady State – so think a brisk walk that goes for thirty minutes or so. This can particularly help to reduce visceral fat around the middle.

In fact doing HIIT one day and LISS the next is great way to get fitter faster.

Resistance training using resistance bands is making a come back – this type of training helps to improve bone density and is one of the best ways to tone and shape flabby body parts.

On the note of fitness come backs, online training and fitness DVDs like Beach Body’s T25 continue the trend of working out at home.

Whole body vibration platforms are popular in gyms and have become more affordable – leading to them becoming a go-tohome workout choice to help with cardio vascular health, toning and with overall fitness levels. They work by activating muscle fibres and often come together with resistance bands and training DVDs. They fit into the realm of accelerated exercise – which means proponents have to spend less time working out. essence INFO

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52 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

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FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 53

11/01/2019 10:32 11/01/2019 10:32

Man on a MISSION Dr Michael Mosley talks to James Rampton about his forthcoming theatre tour, Trust Fast Health with Dr Michael Mosley.

Q Michael, what inspired you to go on tour for the first time?

A For some reason, about a year ago, BBC Worldwide asked me to do a tour of Australia to promote a new book, The Clever Guts Diet.

I played some really big venues with 2,000 seats.

Q Was it nerve-wracking?

A Yes. It was unbelievably scary. I normally only perform to three people in a TV studio, and if that goes wrong, you can do it again and again. But I had huge nerves on the tour of Australia. I’d stand there in the wings thinking: “Blimey, that’s a lot of people, and they are all here to see me! Why am I doing this? Why did I ever agree to this?”

It gave me a whole new respect for stand-up comedians.

Q So how did it go?

A It went remarkably well. You realise that people have come along to the show because they like you, and they tend to be very warm.

The time on stage just flew by. It was really exhilarating. Now I can’t wait to do my Trust Fast Health tour around the UK. Q Do you relish the prospect of a Q and A with your audience at the show?

A Yes. This will be a very interactive show. We don’t want lots of questions about ingrowing toenails, but I’m sure that people will ask very insightful questions. It’ll be great hearing what people find funny and curious.

Q Are you also looking forward to meeting your fans?

A Yes. I’ll be signing books after the show and people can come and talk to me. I love chatting. I really enjoy finding out what’s going on with them. People often stop me in the street. It’s a fantastic feeling when people tell you that you have helped to turn their lives around.

There is great power in taking control of your own life.

54 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

Theatre interview | MICHAEL MOSLEY

Q What will you be discussing in the show?

A First I trained as a doctor, but now I’ve been in telly for 34 years as a science journalist and behind the scenes. In that time, I’ve seen a huge revolution in medicine and personal health. That’s what I’ll be talking about in the show.

Eat, Fast and Live Longer, about my search to reverse diabetes, which led to me finding out about the 5:2 Diet. That propelled me into the limelight. I then produced another BBC documentary, The Truth About Exercise, and that was very popular too. It blew away a lot of myths.

Q What has changed most dramatically in that time?

A A number of things have overturned ideas we all previously believed. For instance, a lot of things we were told about diet have turned out not to be true. On my first day at medical school, the Dean said to us: “You’ll study here for six years, but within ten years most of what you’ve learnt will be out of date.” He was right. The medical world’s understanding of diet and fitness is changing very fast, and that’s what I want to tell people about. There is a vast gap between what medical experts know and what the general public know. It’s a ten year gap.

Q Why did the 5:2 Diet become so popular?

A People didn’t know you could diet by intermittent fasting. But the fact that I managed to lose twenty pounds and reverse diabetes by following the diet was pretty compelling. The book’s been a New York Times’ bestseller, published in 42 countries and sold three million copies. It triggered an enormous amount of research. I want to share the latest research with the audience. I’ll show them people whose lives have been transformed by 5:2.

Q Can you give us an example of a medical revelation you will be making in Trust Fast Health?

A One of the big myths is that a fast diet won’t work. But all the evidence now is that rapid weight loss is effective. Your weight loss at two weeks will predict your weight loss at four weeks and six weeks. The only thing that matters is that it’s a good diet.

Bad diets will always fail. There are 20,000 different diets out there and most of them are terrible.

Q You have had enormous global success with your 5:2 Diet. What inspired you to invent it?

A Six years ago I discovered I had Type 2 diabetes. My dad died from it. He did a lot of crazy diets and none of them worked. That led me to find out about intermittent fasting. Then I made a BBC documentary,

Q Do you think Trust Fast Health can help to change people?

A Yes. You start the journey by coming to a show like this. That inspires you to look further and find a supportive community. I’m a big fan of websites – they create a fantastic community. We’re social animals and can get huge support from people who have been through the same thing. This show is a starting point.

Q What do you hope that audiences will take away from Trust Fast Health?

A I hope that they’ll have a really good laugh – humour is incredibly important. But most of all, I hope they’ll be inspired and think: “Golly, I really want to find out more about this.” People are very interested in this stuff and know it can alter the trajectory of their life. They want to know more about it. My show will give them more information, loads of interesting insights and lots of surprises. People are not going to be told the same old nonsense – they’re going to learn stuff that will blow their socks off. At the end of the show, I want people to turn to their neighbours and say: “Blimey, I never knew that!”

Q Finally, you feel very passionate about exploding health myths in Trust Fast Health, don’t you?

A Absolutely. People are confused because there is an awful lot of nonsense out there. I want to cut through all that and show people where the truth really lies behind all those bewildering newspaper headlines. I want to debunk all those myths in Trust Fast Health.

I’m 100 per cent evangelical about this. I’m on a mission!

essence INFO

Trust Fast Health with Dr Michael Mosley will be at Richmond Theatre on Monday 18 March and at New Victoria Theatre, Woking on Sunday 24 March. For a full list of tour dates and ticket details, visit www.michaelmosley.co.uk.

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 55

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

Theatre Richmond Theatre Richmond

New Wimbledon Theatre Wimbledon Wimbledon

Tickets: atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Tickets: atgtickets.com/richmond

Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 February Avenue Q

Tuesday 5 to Wednesday 6 February Elmer the Patchwork Elephant

Smash hit musical on a new UK and Ireland tour.

A celebration of David McKee’s classic children’s book series.

Monday 11 to Saturday 16 February The Rocky Horror Show

Sunday 10 February Adam Kay – This Is Going To Hurt

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical.

(Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor)

Tuesday 26 February to

An evening of stand-up and music.

Monday 11 to Saturday 16 February The Girl On The Train

A gripping new play adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel and starring Samantha Womack.

Monday 18 to Saturday 23 February Trial by Laughter

A new play from Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, writers of The Wipers Times.

New Victoria Theatre Woking

Tickets: atgtickets.com/woking

Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 February Ghost – The Musical

Musical stage version of the emotional film.

Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 February Glengarry Glen Ross

Darkly funny classic by David Mamet starring Mark Benton and Nigel Harman.

Saturday 2 March Fame the Musical

30th anniversary tour.

Cranleigh Arts Centre Cranleigh Wimbledon

Tickets: cranleighartscentre.org

Friday 15 February Fagin?

Join Fagin as he reviews his situation during his final night in prison before being executed.

Dorking Halls

Dorking Wimbledon Wednesday 27 February Russell Kane: The Fast And The Curious

Turbo-charged comedian on tour.

For ages 12 and over.

Farnham Maltings Farnham Wimbledon

Monday 25 February to

Tickets: farnhammaltings.com

Saturday 2 March Abigail’s Party

Tuesday 26 February Shut Down

A celebrated comedy from the pen of Mike Leigh.

Dance theatre asking what is it like to live as a man today?

56 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

Trial by Laughter, Richmond Theatre PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PHILIP TULL

Tickets: dorkinghalls.co.uk

Shut Down, Farnham Maltings PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BOSIE VINCENT

essence | EVENTS

G Live

Guildford Tickets: glive.co.uk

Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 February Horrible Histories

Performances of Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians.

Boileroom Guildford

Tickets: theboileroom.net

Throughout the year

Guildford Shakespeare Company

A community hub showcasing music, events and the arts.

See website for gig details.

Tickets:

Cranleigh Arts Centre

Holy Trinity Church, Guildford guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk

Sunday 3 to Sunday 24 February Measure for Measure

GSC’s 40th show promotes and encourages discussion around preconceptions of gender and power structures.

Rose Theatre Kingston

Cranleigh

Tickets: cranleighartscentre.org

Friday 22 February Amiran Zenaishvili

International classical piano player performs Beethoven and Brahms.

Epsom Playhouse Epsom

Kingston-upon-Thames

Tickets: epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Tickets: rosetheatrekingston.org

Friday 15 February Go Now – The Music of

Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 February Vienna 1934–Munich 1938: A Work In Progress

Written, devised by and starring the iconic Vanessa Redgrave.

The Moody Blues

Tribute band performs the classics.

G Live

Thursday 14 to Saturday 23 February Zog

Guildford

Based on the much-loved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Thursday 7 February The Vaccines

Thursday 28 February to Saturday 9 March Stones In His Pockets

Award-winning, delightful comedy.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford

Tickets: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 February Sherlock Holmes – The Sign of Four

The game’s afoot...

Monday 18 to Saturday 23 February Art

Nigel Havers, Denis Lawson and Stephen Tompkinson star.

Horrible Histories, Awful Egyptians, G Live PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MARK DOUET

Music

Tickets: glive.co.uk

Award-winning popular band on tour.

Thursday 21 February Mike & The Mechanics

Mike Rutherford (ex-Genesis), Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar perform.

Friday 1 March 10cc

Led by co-founder Graham Gouldman, this legendary band have announced new 2019 dates.

Southern Pro Musica G Live, Guildford

Monday 25 February to

Tickets: southernpromusica.org

Saturday 2 March A Song At Twilight

Sunday 3 March, 3pm Family Classics

A Noël Coward play starring Simon Callow and Jane Asher.

A programme of colourful orchestral pieces.

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 57

Snowdrops, Ankerwycke, National Trust PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NT/JONATHAN BUCKLEY

WIN

tickets to see the criticallyacclaimed The Twilight Zone in the West End

You are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination.

Next stop, The Twilight Zone…

Adapted by Anne Washburn (Mr Burns) and directed by Olivier Awardwinner Richard Jones, this “piercingly smart” (Time Out) production of the acclaimed CBS Television series lands at the Ambassador’s Theatre, fresh from a rapturously received, sell-out run at the Almeida Theatre.

Hailed as “a treat from far beyond” (Evening Standard), this “whirling paranormal kaleidoscope” (The Guardian) leads you on a chilling journey into the unknown, through eight stories set where the extraordinary is ordinary, the impossible probable, and where you’re never entirely sure what’s real and what’s your imagination. But don’t worry. Your imagination can’t hurt you…can it?

Gold Border Carnival by Tessa Pearson, Monoprints, New Ashgate Gallery

For a chance to win a pair of tickets for The Twilight Zone, simply visit www.essence-magazine.co.uk and answer the following question: Name the director of The Twilight Zone. Is it: a) Tom Jones b) Richard Jones c) Chris Jones Closing date Wednesday 25 February 2019.

essence INFO

Don’t let time slip away – book now. The Twilight Zone is playing at the Ambassadors Theatre from 4 March (all preview tickets £25 or less).

For more information and to book tickets, call 020 7395 5405 or visit twilightzonetheplay.com.

Terms and conditions: One reader will win a pair of Band A tickets to see The Twilight Zone at the Ambassadors Theatre, valid for Monday to Thursday evenings at 7.45pm and Thursday matinees at 3pm from 4 March to 4 April, excluding 12 March and subject to availability. No cash alternative.

Travel and accommodation not included. TM & 2019 CBS.ARR. All Rights Reserved.

58 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

Aerial Suspension by Clare Strand, Women in Photography, The Lightbox

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: THE ARTIST

essence | EVENTS

Spotlight on...

The Great Brick Safari RHS Wisley, Woking

Until Sunday 3 March, 10am–4.30pm Don’t miss a treat! This year, RHS Wisley’s Glasshouse will be taken over by more than 40 LEGO brick sculptures on The Great Brick Safari. Nestled amongst the lush foliage in both the temperate and tropical zones of the cathedrallike Glasshouse, these life-sized brick creations, including an elephant, lions, meerkats, turtles and a gorilla, are magnificent. In addition, there are stunning brick plants created especially for RHS Garden Wisley including a Venus Fly Trap, Golden Barrel Cactus, Bird of Paradise and Water Lilies. Visitors can learn about the animals and plants as they discover the sculptures, such as their natural habitats and the conservation efforts taking place around the world to protect them. In addition, during half term from 16 to 24 February, don’t miss the LEGO brick workshop.

Tickets: rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley The Great Brick Safari, RHS Wisley PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BRIGHT BRICKS

Festivals

New Ashgate Gallery

Watts Gallery

Hatchlands Park

Information: newashgate.org.uk

Information: wattsgallery.org.uk

Information: 01483 222482

Haslemere Hall

To Saturday 13 April Spring Craft Collection

To Sunday 17 March Christina Rossetti: Vision & Verse

Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 February Nautical knot trail

Tickets: thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk

Ceramics, jewellery and textiles.

Saturday 16 February

To Saturday 23 February Maker in Focus: Ken Eardley

Explore the Victorian poet’s connection with visual art.

Have a go at tying sailing knots with this fun sea-themed trail.

Until Sunday 24 February Inspired by Nature: Celia Lewis

Polesden Lacey

The Whiskey Affair

A lively and fun festival for fans of whiskey. Discover new brands and blends alongside live music.

unravel... a festival of Knitting Farnham Maltings

Farnham

Decorative and vibrant ceramic ware.

To Saturday 23 February Emma Dunbar: Colour in the Snow

Dynamic paintings.

Tickets: farnhammaltings.com

To Saturday 23 February Peter Hayes: Fire, Earth, Water

Friday 22 to Sunday 24 February

Renowned sculptor and ceramicist.

In its eleventh year, this is one of the leading independent events for knitting and crochet enthusiasts.

Exhibitions Haslemere Museum High Street, Haslemere

Information: haslemeremuseum.co.uk

To Saturday 2 March

The fascinating history of Haslemere.

McAllister Thomas High Street, Godalming

Saturday 2 March to Saturday 13 April Monoprints: Tessa Pearson and Louise Davies

An exhibition bringing together two artists with a passion for bold colour.

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum Woking

Information: thelightbox.org.uk

To Sunday 31 March Cyril Mann: Light and Shadow

An exhibition of the painter’s work.

Compton, Guildford

Original prints and paintings by Surrey artist, Celia Lewis.

near Guildford

near Dorking

Information: 01372 452048

Until Tuesday 30 April Fire and Earth: The Compton Pottery

Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 February Half-term trail: Polesden pairs

Exploring materials and advances.

A fun trail for children aged four and upwards.

National Trust National Trust properties offer perfect venues to explore any time of the year. We list a few here, but visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more.

Claremont Landscape Garden near Esher

Runnymede and Ankerwycke near Old Windsor

Information: 01784 432891

Sunday 10 and Sunday 17 February, 11am–12.30pm Snowdrop walk

Tour Ankerwycke’s historic parkland and enjoy its beautiful show of snowdrops.

Winkworth Arboretum Godalming

Information: 01372 467436

Information: 01483 208936

Information:

To Sunday 2 June Women in Photography:

mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

A History of British Trailblazers

Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 February Half-term trail: Shapes and sizes

Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 February Half-term trail: Shapes and sizes

Ongoing The Winter Exhibition

In-depth survey showcasing achievements of female photographers working in Britain.

Get outside in the fresh air and discover all things great and small with this children’s trail.

Lots of fun discovering all things great and small with this outdoor children’s trail.

Artwork by Gallery artists.

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 59

Sam Beare Community Team at work in Weybridge Woking & Sam Beare Hospices is a charity that cares for over 2,000 patients with life-limiting conditions and their carers and families each year across six Surrey boroughs, including West Elmbridge.

Pipistrelle bat, Surrey Wildlife Trust PHOTO COPYRIGHT: AMY LEWIS

Out and about

RHS Wisley

Birdworld

See Spotlight on previous page.

Holt Pound, Farnham

Woking

Tickets: rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Until Sunday 3 March The Great Brick Safari

Tickets: birdworld.co.uk

Tuesday 12 February Darwin Day

Over 70% of this care is provided in the patients’ own homes whether a private residence, care or nursing home. There are two community teams delivering this care, the Sam Beare Community Team is based in Weybridge, and the Woking Team based at the hospice building in Goldsworth Park. The Sam Beare Community Team is made up of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Specialist Palliative Doctors, Counsellors, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

Monday 18 to Friday 22 February Penguin activity week

Commemorating the anniversary of Darwin’s birth.

Brooklands Museum

Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve, Leatherhead

Weybridge

Information:

Shelagh Musoke is the Community Team Lead: “We recently received 54 new referrals which has been added to the existing number of around 240 patients the Sam Beare Community Team are caring for.

This shows an increasing number of people requiring our help.”

Tickets: brooklandsmuseum.com

surreywildlifetrust.org/events

Monday 18 to Friday 22 February Half-term family fun

Saturday 16 February,

Every patient’s situation is unique so it’s important we are able to respond to their requirements. For younger patients this often includes providing care for their children and partner. Our service is integrated and responsive, we are all under one roof in Weybridge, located in the middle of the community. Our dedicated team of palliative care specialists continue to provide vital care and support to patients, and those closest to them, at a precious and difficult time in their lives.

All of the services provided by Woking & Sam Beare Hospices are free, this includes support for families and loved ones. To continue providing this service we are asking the community to help us be there in the future. Whether you choose to make a donation, donate goods to or purchase from our shops or give your time, you will be helping to support us.

essence INFO

To find out more about the work of Woking & Sam Beare Hospices and how you can support us, visit www.wsbhospices.co.uk

60 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2019

A celebration of all things penguin for half-term at Birdworld.

Popular car rides and children’s tours of Concorde.

Saturday 2 March Concorde Golden Jubilee Celebration

Marking 50 years since the first Concorde flight.

Richmond Park Half Marathon Richmond

Registration: 1m2go.co.uk

Sunday 24 February, 10am start

A 13.1 mile distance race held entirely within the beautiful boundaries of Richmond Park, starting and finishing at Sheen Gate.

Surrey Wildlife Trust

9.30am–12.30pm Forest school training taster

Discover how the schools work and the benefits of learning through play in the outdoors.

Wednesday 27 February, 10am–1pm Understanding the ecological constraints of a project

The basics of local and national species protection legislation.

WWF UK Living Planet Centre Woking

Tickets: wwf.org.uk

Thursday 21 February Earth Hour

Half-term family workshops.

The Great Wall of The Great Wall of

China Trek China Trek

19 0 2 t p e S 12 - 20 ept 2d0ve1ntu9re!

Sndraising a a fu on0 1Jo2in -us 2 adventure! draising Join us on a fun

£349 reg. fee, £2,880 min. sponsorship.

For details visit pah.org.uk/china £349 reg. fee, £2,880 min. sponsorship.

For details visit pah.org.uk/china

Cause for adventure

A growing number of people from all walks of life are signing up to undertake challenges to raise funds in memory of a loved one. One of the most tempting – and spectacular – is to trek the Great Wall of China.

T

he ideal challenge for those with a passion for history and a sense of adventure, the Great Wall of China trek is an opportunity to discover China’s hidden charms, astounding cultural past, traditions and mythology.

The first leg of this amazing adventure is to tackle the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall: built in 557AD, this section is renowned for its stunning water towers, restored to their former glory. The trek then leads to the start of Heaven’s Ladder – a steep, narrow climb of 300 steps which rewards visitors with stunning views over the Yanshan Mountains.

Trekkers will then have a few days to take in further spectacular views and winding trails through fields, woods and villages – seeing the Wall’s original and restored parts, including impressive watchtowers.

The final day of the tour culminates in breathtaking views from atop a section of wild Wall in Beijing. At the end of the trek, a day or so exploring Beijing beckons; from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, to the famous Pearl Market and ancient Hutongs district.

Great Wall 2019 hopeful Maggie Hennessy has every good reason to join the trek. She says: “When I saw the China trek advertised

by Princess Alice I thought what better way to help raise funds for this wonderful hospice and enable it to continue providing the high level of professional and loving care that was given to my late husband Bruce in 2016. I honestly don’t know how we would have managed without its help in those final challenging weeks and indeed helping me to come to terms with his loss in the months afterwards. The trek next year is giving me a goal on a personal level and I’m looking forward to making new friends and new memories.”

essence INFO

Find out more at the information meeting, Tuesday 12 February, 6.30pm, at Princess Alice Hospice, Esher. RSVP: clairewoodward@pah.org.uk ADVERTISING FEATURE

Now is your chance to not just see the Great Wall of China, but also trek along it! Join a nine-day adventure conquering one of the Seven Wonders of the World, make lifelong friends in a country steeped in history while raising vital funds for Princess Alice Hospice.

From the moment trekkers sign up, they are supported every step along the way. There’s a dedicated event co-ordinator on hand to help with anything from providing travel details to discussing fundraising ideas and what to pack. On the trip itself will be an experienced leader and UK doctor – as well as local guides whose job it is to help trekkers make the most of their trip safely and happily. Princess Alice Hospice has, for more than 30 years, provided free, high quality, specialist end of life care to tens of thousands of people.

© Princess Alice Hospice. Registered charity no. 1010930 and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales no. 1599796 © Princess Alice Hospice. Registered charity no. 1010930 and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales no. 1599796

FEBRUARY 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 61

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Finding your next home...

RNES P

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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

16/02/2018 62 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 201917:22

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

essence

PROPERTY

Le Chene £5,950,000

Eaton Park Estate, Cobham An impeccably presented family home, arranged over three oors, inclu ing ase ent leisure co le an a staff at.

This prestigious home offers six bedroom suites, is situated in a secluded position providing security and privacy and is set within beautifully landscaped grounds covering circa 0.65 acre.

Through the electric wrought iron gates, a sweeping driveway takes you to the property, emanating an air of grandeur. An impressive double height entrance with high ceilings and natural light, exceptional levels of specification and craftsmanship re ect the property’s opulence.

The drawing and dining rooms present a stylish and chic space for formal entertaining, along with the bespoke kitchen by Extreme Design which is open plan to the breakfast/family area. Fully equipped with Miele appliances,

every attention has been taken in creating a kitchen/family area which is a delight to spend time in. The magnificent family room with temperature controlled wine room and the breakfast area also provide a perfect space for family living. From here, French doors open on to the terrace and gardens with southerly orientation, designed by Creepers.

Five bedroom suites are offered on the first oor, the master bedroom benefitting from the added convenience of his and her’s dressing rooms and a large, luxury bathroom suite. Above the triple garage is a self-contained staff at providing a further bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette.

Le Chene has been designed to create a significant space for leisure, relaxation and entertainment. From the family room, stairs lead down to the impressive leisure complex with swimming pool, adjoining gymnasium, steam room, changing facilities, spa bath and access up to the gardens.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018–19 | essence-magazine.co.uk 63

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

The Laurels Lettings – £8,995 per month Woodland Drive, Cobham

A spectacular luxury home in a private gated development of just three houses with ample accommodation arranged over three floors. Ideal for entertaining, this thoughtfully designed property is a must see.

Woodland Drive places modern luxury in a classical secluded setting, with innovations and materials sourced worldwide. The home offers the ultimate in domestic comfort, with high specification fixtures, fittings and technology to improve your quality of life.

The property has generous room sizes and large glass elevations flood the property with light. Comprising five/ six bedrooms in the main house, four bathrooms, living room, dining room, games/media room and large kitchen/

breakfast room. A separate annexe mirrors the style of the main house which has its own shower room. Additionally there is a gym and double garage. The garden features a hot tub and fully equipped outside kitchen ideal for alfresco dining. Oxshott 1.5 miles, Esher three miles, Guildford 14 miles, central London 19 miles (distances approximate).

Schooling in the area is well catered for and includes Reed’s, Danes Hill, Parkside and the ACS International Schools all within easy reach.

Transport links are exceptional; Heathrow and Gatwick airports are equidistant from The Laurels, while the A3 and M25 are easy to reach and a direct service into Waterloo is provided at Stoke d’Abernon station.

TVW

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TVW Essence Whole Page Advert Jan 2019.indd 1

10/01/2019 12:41:10

Sunningdale’s majestic mansion

The launch of this stunning new home, Titlarks House, marks the first collaboration between Octagon and ebbell Homes.

Approaching 1 , sq ft and located on one of Sunningdale’s premier private roads, Titlarks House, with seven reception rooms, five bedrooms and two staff suites, is a property of mansion proportions that is certainly set to make quite the statement.

A unique triple height grand reception hall, circa 1, sq ft and over 44 ft in length, incorporates a galleried landing from which a delicate, bespoke chandelier hangs, helping to create the ultimate entrance and space for entertaining.

This expansive home is set across two floors, with the ground level reaching over , sq ft and hosting seven reception rooms. These include the super room’; a kitchen/breakfast/family room featuring marble worktops hand finished units by Charles orke, with a curved glass wall offering views to the indoor swimming pool.

As well as a formal dining room with space to seat sixteen, and a luscious drawing room, hidden behind the at home study sits a library/cigar room, beyond which a private bar provides the ideal space for a grown up one while the children can kick back with a good film in the T den.

The first floor offers the grand master bedroom, with a specially designed walk in shoe wardrobe, his’n’hers dressing rooms and en suite bathrooms, plus a sitting area and a balcony to overlook the south west facing garden for those sunshine filled al fresco breakfasts. There is a gym ad acent to the master suite with a separate staircase linking the leisure complex below. The additional four double bedrooms are fully equipped with dressing rooms, built in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms, while a lift provides easy access between the two floors.

Titlarks House boasts an envy inducing leisure suite, complete with a spa, sauna, steam room and treatment room. While the

The fourth floors are home to a family bathroom and the additional double bedrooms, each featuring built in wardrobes and two also enjoying en-suites.

Kim comments; “This is my first opportunity to work with Octagon since founding my luxury interiors company, and to come on board at the concept stage is exciting, allowing us to create a truly aspirational home to show their potential purchasers.

Broadway and Parsons Green takes 17 minutes to Oxford Circus and just half an hour to Canary Wharf.

Heathrow Airport is 32 minutes away from nearby Hammersmith Underground.

Innovative outdoor space includes the Fulham has a vibrant mix of shops, covered lower courtyard gardens, restaurants and bars, whilst Bishops landscaped space to the front and Park and the river provide some “The Bishops Row townhouses are rear, as well as private balconies and peace and quiet. Nearby Ofsted surprisingly large inside, so we are terraces. The pièce de résistance in ‘outstanding’ rated schools include focusing on creating free flowing outdoor living comes in the form of 1 m x 5m indoor swimming pool with glass sky lights is protected Fulham Cross Girls School, London spaces within the show home to the roof top terraces from Plots 8 and from the elements during the winter months, the complex has a Oratory School as well as demonstrate how flexible the 9, which give residents unbeatable full wall of fold back glass doors, allowing for the most exclusive independent schools such as Fulham different rooms and levels can be. views towards the River Thames. of indoor/outdoor living during the warmer months.

Prep School.

Using sophisticated tones and Plot 9 will also feature a lift to all floors. textures, from greys, Aspirational interiors have been created by im Harvey, with bronze finishes This modern mansion is located within easy walking distance For further information please Launching the Showhome bespoke artwork andwithin muralsPlot adorningand walls, and lust worthyto herringbone of Sunningdale town centre, with its shops, boutiques, cafes, woven leathers contact Octagon on 020 8481 trains 7500go into 1 in earlyfurnishings February, Octagon brought including an art deco style mirrored bar, complete restaurants and mainline train station where and geometric prints, the scheme is or Strutt & Parker on 020 7731 7100.

Kim Harvey Kimglassware Harvey Interiors with of crystal perfectly complementing the high Waterloo every 15 minutes.

Heathrow Airport is ust contemporary and elegant withLondon a Octagon fixtures and finishes throughout.

14 miles and Central London is 25 miles away. onboardquality to create an aspirational tailored finish, inspired by classical scheme within the London British style and history.”

An additional feature of this Guide price: £15m. Contact Octagon on 020 8481 500, townhouse.

In addition to the highstunning new property is the mature and secluded landscaped gardens, all set in circa or Knight Frank on 01344 624732.

Bishops Row offers exceptional quality finishes and specifications 1.4 acres. Titlarks House will be perfect for summer soirees, transport links in to the West End and synonymous withwhen the Octagon name, especially considering the second commercial kitchen the above City. Nearby each room has been given a personal inside. The two self contained staff suites have Putney Bridge station provides access to Sloane Square and feel, with bespoke cabinetry and hand independent external access and the detached garage has London Victoria, whilst Fulham for four cars. sourcedspace artwork throughout.

020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK

Exceptional Grade II listed family home.

1

7

4

4

14.5

2 Frensham, Nr. Farnham, Surrey GU10 Believed to have been built around the 1500's and extended over the years.

The high ceilings and character features of this family home are evident.

Outside there is a fantastic party barn currently used as an art studio.

• • •

Beautiful gardens and grounds Array of outbuildings Outstanding position

Our expert agent, Nigel Mitchell, looks forward to helping you. nigel.mitchell@knightfrank.com 01483 665932

Guide price

£4,250,000 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

The perfect combination of town and country.

1

7

5

3

2 Fort Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 Set in one of the finest positions central Guildford has to offer, with the most spectacular country views and 50 yards from 23 acres of open Downs. Built in the 1920's and offering in excess of 4,154 sq.ft.

• • •

Self-contained annexe Grass tennis court Close to Pewley Downs

Our Guildford expert, James Ackerley, looks forward to helping you. james.ackerley@knightfrank.com 01483 665932

Guide price

£3,000,000 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Pennypot Lane, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8DJ • £750,000 Set within an idyllic, semi-rural location this period home falls within easy reach of Chobham Village and has been refurbished to a high standard but retains period features.

Juniper Drive, Bisley, Surrey GU24 9HQ • £685,000 Tucked away in a small cul-de-sac, this vastly improved four bedroom detached residence is set within the highly popular Flowers development in Bisley, built by Charles Church.

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

Claremont Avenue, Esher KT10 • Price on application • EPC rating: C

Wonderful, detached, family home of approximately 3,500 sq ft, which sits in a super plot and offers exceptional living accommodation including five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two receptions, fantastic kitchen/dining/family room, utility and spacious summer house/study. Esher town centre and train station are within close proximity offering routes into London Waterloo, along with access to the picturesque West End village green with pond and Garsons Farm.

Plot 43, Pelhams Walk, Esher KT10 • Price on application • EPC rating: tbc BUILDING PLOT – DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY (plot 43) – PHOTOS INDICATIVE CGI

Situated in arguably one of the most idyllic picturesque areas of Esher is this wonderful development opportunity.

Nestled in the exclusive Esher Place private estate, this beautiful west facing plot overlooking the River Mole and the fields beyond, with planning permission for a stunning detached residence of approximately 7,000 sq ft.

ESHER 01372 462211 • WWW.JOHNDWOOD.CO.UK

COBHAM

PRICE £1,195,000

A superbly presented, renovated and redesigned family home featuring a most complete and exacting standard of immaculate, aspirational accommodation. Just over 2,500 sq ft. Three reception rooms. Re-fitted kitchen/breakfast. Utility. Four double bedrooms. Re-fitted bathroom and en-suite shower room. South west backing landscaped garden. EPC: C.

SOLE AGENTS

OXSHOTT

01932 864242

PRICE £830,000

A spacious (over 2,000 sq ft), semi-detached town house in a smart gated development. Large kitchen/breakfast room, five bedrooms including bonus room/ bedroom with en-suite, master en-suite and family bathroom, reserved parking for two. Walk to High street, schools and station. NO ONWARD CHAIN. EPC: C.

SOLE AGENTS

01372 843833

OXSHOTT – PRIVATE ESTATE

REDUCED PRICE £1,349,000

Situated in Knott Park, a family home recently improved and well presented. Four double bedrooms, three receptions, kitchen/breakfast room and secret first floor den. Screened private rear garden with intriguing ‘facilities’, double garage, sauna and ample outside parking. Scope to extend STPP. EPC: D.

SOLE AGENTS

01372 843833

Estate Agents in Cobham, Stoke D’Abernon and Oxshott for over 80 years

Country house of Country house of over 14,000 sq ftof Country house over 14,000 sq ft over 14,000 sq ft O O O CALL: 01932 247777 EMAIL: warren-fraser@curchods.com CALL: 01932 247777 EMAIL: warren-fraser@curchods.com CALL: 01932 247777 EMAIL: warren-fraser@curchods.com

ccupying this stunning 3.5 acre southerly facing setting with views towards the fourth fairway at Burhill Golf this stunning 3.5 acre southerly facing setting Clubccupying and neighbouring paddock land.

This substantial and with views towards the fourth fairway atconstructed Burhill Golf commanding country house was thoughtfully ccupying this stunning 3.5 acre southerly facing setting Club and neighbouring land.

This substantial and in Walton-on-Thames inpaddock 2012 and includes anBurhill indoor Golf with views towards the fourth fairway at commanding country house wasidyllic thoughtfully constructed swimming pool complex in this parkland setting.

Club and neighbouringinpaddock land.

This substantial in Walton-on-Thames 2012 and includes an indoor and commanding country house was thoughtfully constructed swimming pool10complex in this idyllic parkland setting.

7 in Walton-on-Thames in92012 and includes an indoor swimming pool10complex in 7 Price: 9 this idyllic parkland setting.

Asking £5,950,000 7 Price: 10 9 Asking £5,950,000 Asking Price: £5,950,000

“This is an excellent agency, and I would use them again without hesitation. The manager Warren a very tight ship and every again member of staffhesitation. has treated memanager with “This is an Fraser excellentruns agency, and I would use them without The the utmost attention and professionalism. wouldn’t hesitate to hesitation. use again and Warren runs a very tight ship and every member of staff hasthem treated memanager withto “This is an Fraser excellent agency, and I would useI them again without The themand unreservedly to others.” the utmostFraser attention professionalism.

I every wouldn’t hesitate to use again Warren runsand arecommend very tight ship member of staff hasthem treated meand withto recommend them unreservedly to others.” the utmost attention and professionalism.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again and to M R B , W A L T O N - O N -T H A M E S recommend them unreservedly to others.”

M R B , W A L T O N - O N -T H A M E S M R B , W A L T O N - O N -T H A M E S

Mansion set in Mansion set in over 1 Acre Mansion set in over 1 Acre over 1 Acre T T T

his magnificent family home of grand proportions was constructed by and for the his magnificent familymansion home ofwith grand current owner. Stunning superb proportions was constructed by and for entertaining facilities, indoor swimming poolthe his magnificent familymansion home ofwith grand current owner.

Stunning superb complex and spa.was Secluded and level gardens on a proportions constructed by and for the entertaining facilities, indoorStswimming poolestate. prime road on the exclusive George’s Hill current Stunning superb complexowner. and spa.

Secludedmansion and levelwith gardens on a entertaining facilities, indoor swimming poolestate. prime road on the exclusive St George’s Hill complex 7 and spa.

5 Secluded 8 and level gardens on a prime road on the exclusive St George’s Hill estate.

Asking 7 Price: 5£7,750,000 8 7 Price: 5£7,750,000 8 Asking Asking Price: £7,750,000

CALL: 01932 84322 EMAIL: andrew-grant@curchods.com CALL: 01932 84322 EMAIL: andrew-grant@curchods.com CALL: 01932 84322 EMAIL: andrew-grant@curchods.com

We believe in a different perspective.

Our Chichester kitchen, painted in Shell.

Carter table ÂŁ1,590 & bench ÂŁ450 Neptune Weybridge, 10 Church Street, KT13 8DX, 01932 901234

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