Life Magazines (Kent Editions) January 2023

The Chartwell Gardens

A place of solace and rejuvenation. Open daily from 10am until 4pm

THE TEAM

customer deposit 30%. At the end of the agreement, there are three options: i) Retain: Pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle, ii) Return: Return the vehicle, or iii) Renew: Part exchange your Honda for a new one. You do not have to pay the Final Payment if you return the car at the end of the agreement and you have paid all other amounts due, the vehicle is in good condition and has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book and the maximum annual mileage has not been exceeded. Excess mileage charge includes VAT at current rate. Indemnities may be required

OUT & ABOUT

– We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month –

16 FEBRUARY

PERNICE: MADE IN ITALY

One of the biggest rock stars of dance and Strictly favourite. Strictly Come Dancing 2021 champion and dance heart-throb Giovanni Pernice invites you to join him on a journey to his homeland for his brand new 2023 production of Made In Italy. Joined by an outstanding ensemble of some of the best dancers and singers from the Ballroom and theatre world, this show promises to be a fantastic night out! This Italian themed show features an incredible soundtrack, stunning choreography and beautiful costumes. But be warned… in Italy, it can get HOT HOT HOT!!!!

The Marlowe, The Friars, Canterbury Kent CT1 2AS

[EVENTS]

THE CALENDAR

22-25 FEBRUARY

EGYPTIANS

From the minds of writer David Greig, composer John Browne and director Ramin Grey, The Foreign Office return with the UK premiere of the second in the trilogy adaptation of Aeschylus’ plays, Egyptians, after the smash hit of The Suppliant Women.

University of Kent CT2 7NB

27 JANUARY 2023

GARETH GATES IN THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS

The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time. This nostalgic musical journey pays tribute to the life and career of those four boys from Jersey, who started singing under a street lamp but soon went on to become one of the most recognised groups in history.

Central Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS

GIOVANNI

25 FEBRUARY

MAISIE ADAM: BUZZED

Join Maisie for an evening of right good jokes. Fresh from Live At The Apollo, A League Of Their Own, Mock The Week, and The Last Leg, Best Newcomer nominee Maisie Adam is back with her new show Buzzed. Rammed with witty observations, high-octane energy and some right good jokes, this high-energy show promises to be better than whatever else you had planned (unless you had plans to go dancing with Cher).

The Marlowe, The Friars, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2AS

17 MARCH CRANBROOK COMEDY CLUB

The best place to watch live stand-up in Cranbrook! We know we haven’t announced our comedians yet but there is an earlier bird discount running until we do. Laugh until your ribs ache, and chuckle until your cheeks hurt!

The Queens Hall Theatre, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JD

14 FEBRUARY CARTOON CIRCUS LIVE - GRAVESEND

All the fun of the circus comes to The Woodville in Gravesend on Tuesday 14th February at 3pm when the laughter-packed stage show Cartoon Circus Live combines the comedy of pantomime with the thrill of the circus. The one hour Half Term family show features some of Britain’s funniest clowns, award winning international circus artists, traditional slapstick comedy, illusions, the amazing girl in the spinning bottle, magic, a huge giant dancing bear, cartoon characters, an acrobatic human slinky, puppets, prizes and surprises. Woodville Pl, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1DD

2 acre garden created over nearly 40 years on south facing slope below the Greensand Ridge. Spectacular views. Snowdrops and hellebores, many tender plants, china roses, agapanthus, salvias and grasses flourish on light soil. Topiary continues to evolve with birds at last emerging. Lavender ribbons hum with bees. Pool enclosed in small walled white garden. A green garden was completed in 2018.

Knowle Hill Farm, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1ES

ALL YEAR

4&5 FEBRUARY CHARTWELL

Chartwell’s hillside gardens reflect his love of landscape and nature. They include the lakes he created, the kitchen garden and the Marycot, a playhouse designed for his youngest daughter Mary. Beyond the gardens there is expansive woodland with looped trails and natural play areas.

Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS

KNOWLE HILL FARMOPEN GARDEN FOR NGS

15 FEBRUARY

DARA O BRIAIN: SO, WHERE WERE WE?

Yes, he’s back on tour, and he will never stop again, because that’s clearly what caused all this trouble. Instead, in his new show So, Where Were We? Dara will hardly mention the last year and a half, because who wants to hear about that, but will instead fire out the usual mix of stories, one-liners, audience messing, and tripping over his words because he is talking too quickly, because he’s so giddy to be back in front of a crowd.

The Marlowe, The Friars, Canterbury Kent CT1 2AS

27 JANUARY

MID-KENT ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Prof. Tennyson, former Head of Department at Physics and Astronomy at UCL and a global expert on Atomic and Molecular Physics, is currently Editor in Chief of the new Journal “RAS Techniques and Instruments”. In his talk, he will describe the many facets and some unexpected wonders associated with “Water in the Universe”.

Bredhurst Village Hall Hurstwood Road Kent ME7 3JZ

13 FEBRUARY

THE PRINCESS & THE FROG

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess. She loved playing with her golden ball but one day she drops it in the pond. When a very friendly and very bouncy frog offers to retrieve it in exchange for her friendship, she is far from keen.

Malthouse Theatre, Malthouse Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7JA

19 FEBRUARY

DODDINGTON PLACEOPEN GARDEN FOR NGS

10 acre garden, wide views; trees and cloud clipped yew hedges; woodland garden with azaleas and rhododendrons; Edwardian rock garden; formal garden with mixed borders. A flint and brick late C20 gothic folly; newly installed at the end of the Wellingtonia walk, a disused pinnacle from the southeast tower of Rochester Cathedral.

Doddington Place, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 0BB

ALL YEAR

PETTS WOOD AND HAWKWOOD

An oasis of peace and tranquillity only 13 miles southeast from the centre of London Full of natural history, the area is a haven for all kinds of bird, butterfly, amphibian and plant life. The Hawkwood Estate and the remainder of the woodland was donated in 1957, with the entire estate now covering 136 hectares or 338 acres.

Chislehurst, Kent, BR5 1NZ

The Big Cat Sanctuary

Annual Open Days

The Big Cat Sanctuary’s annual open days are the organisation’s biggest awareness and fundraising event of the year. It is the one time in the year when the Sanctuary opens its gates to the public to welcome families including children of all ages to see some of the most endangered and iconic cats on the planet.

This event is an opportunity for the charity to give an insight into the why they provide welfare and care for big cats living in a facility in the Kent countryside, the conservation initiatives they support around the world as well as the importance of maintaining genetic diversity in some of these critically endangered species.

Guests get to enjoy interactive falconry shows and dog shows. In the demonstration by Animals Saving Animals, an antipoaching dog training organisation, these amazing dogs descend from a 25ft high tower to simulate being deployed from a helicopter before apprehending the decoy amidst smoke and gunshots. It’s an incredible show and brings home just how effective these dogs are

26th to 30th July 2023

in helping save wildlife. There are keeper talks by our cat team members who explain how they take care of our cats on a dayto-day basis, providing enrichment to keep them stimulated both mentally and physically and how the captive populations are helping to save their cousins in the wild.

In the marketplace, you can browse a range of ethical or sustainable stalls, some representing the wildlife charities we support. Whether you’re looking to take home artwork of your favourite resident cat, branded Big Cat Sanctuary merchandise or try some locally sourced produce, there is something for everyone.

There is a variety of tasty food and drink available including a Garden Bar, BBQ, Street Food, ice creams, sandwiches, chips, cakes and much more. It is a fabulous family day out, timed just as the schools break up for summer.

These days are incredibly popular, and the tickets sell out fast, if you would like to come along and kick off your summer holiday break with a treat, why not visit the website to book your tickets before they sell out.

THE DETAILS

The Big Cat Sanctuary Headcorn Road, Smarden, Kent TN27 8PJ T: 01233 439150 www.thebigcatsanctuary.org

“It is a fabulous family day out, timed just as the schools break up for summer”

MUSEUM OF THE MOON AND BLOOD & BATTLE HEAD TO GREENWICH THIS WINTER

UK artist Luke Jerram’s astonishing installation Museum of the Moon is coming to the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich this winter. As the nights draw in there’s no better time for Jerram’s illuminated installation to be displayed in the magnificent Painted Hall. In-situ until the 5 February 2023, the Old Royal Naval College and its majestic 18th century, baroque Painted Hall is the perfect setting for these two breathtaking artworks to come together.

Visitors to this magical setting can experience the seven metre, to-scale Moon, created using NASA imager y, as it hangs in the awe-inspiring Painted Hall. The imagery features minute detail of the lunar surface, taking the viewer right round to the dark side of the moon. The internally lit installation features a surround sound composition by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones for a stunning and profound art-meets-nature experience. Tickets include entry to the Painted Hall, use of a multimedia guide, guided tours of the historic grounds, access to the Victorian Skittle Alley and unlimited re-entry for a year.

A host of specially curated events will be taking

place to celebrate the moon including moonthemed lates, an exclusive Moonlight Dining Experience, and even a chance for children to meet Santa telling a moon-inspired story on selected dates. In the New Year look out for wellbeing, yoga and sound bath workshops in the Painted Hall under the Museum of the Moon.

Visitors can also indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea in the historic Admiral’s House on selected Sundays in December and visit newly opened exhibition Blood & Battle: Dissecting the Life of William Beatty which explores the fascinating –and sometimes grisly – life and work of renowned 19th-century naval surgeon and physician, Sir William Beatty, complete with a replica of a makeshift medical bay. This exciting new exhibition is located in the Visitor Centre and runs until 25 March 2023.

Situated on the banks of the River Thames in Maritime Greenwich, ideally located opposite Greenwich Pier for arrival by boat, or 2 minutes’ walk from Cutty Sark DLR, the Old Royal Naval College is the perfect place to enjoy a fascinating day out this winter. ornc.org

“Visitors to this magical setting can experience the seven metre, toscale Moon, created using NASA imagery”

ASCOT RACECOURSE

Enjoy 26 racedays throughout the year

Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot Racecourse remains a pillar of British sporting and social culture. Welcoming almost 600,000 guests each year, Ascot’s stature, reputation and famed celebration of occasion is admired the world over.

As one of the largest and most prestigious racecourses in the world, Ascot has been hosting some of the finest racing events, including Royal Ascot, for more than 300 years.

With 26 annual racedays and several other events throughout the year, Ascot has something for everyone to enjoy that encapsulates the thrill of horse racing, the pleasure of a day spent at a memorable venue and the many experiences to be had whilst there, from the Michelin star chefs providing exquisite Fine Dining to the live music and entertainment across the lawns.

Revered across the globe, Royal Ascot attracts the finest horses to compete for over £9,500,000 total prize money. Synonymous with sartorial elegance, magnificent millinery, exquisite cuisine and unforgettable celebration, it is an event that must be seen to be believed.

Situated at the height of the British summer social season, from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2023, Royal Ascot is the perfect occasion to enjoy with friends, family and loved ones. The thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd, the delicious refreshments and the outlandish outfits

combine to create an unforgettable experience to be shared and remembered with your nearest and dearest.

Outside of Royal Ascot, the racecourse’s flagship summer occasion, other racedays include the Peroni Nastro Azzurro May Racing Weekend, QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend, QIPCO British Champions Day, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and Concert, to name just a few.

Additionally, four dedicated family days, complete with free entertainment for little ones and teens through to grown-ups, take place at Ascot each year. From roaming entertainment to fairground rides, face painting, fireworks, and seasonal delights – there’s an occasion at Ascot to suit every preference, for all ages, throughout both the Flat and National Hunt seasons.

Find out more at ascot.com

“Situated at the height of the British summer social season, from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2023, Royal Ascot is the perfect occasion to enjoy with friends, family and loved ones”

Chartwell 14 January - 5 March

An exhibition of cartoons showcasing the life and legacy of Britain's most recognisable political figure through the satirical eye of Punch Magazine.

Churchill in Punch

Energy Efficient New Builds

With the cost of living an increasing worry across the UK, energy efficiency is fast becoming the most talked about topic surrounding the UK housing market.

It is therefore unsurprising new-build homes are growing in appeal amongst many buyers with energy saving features included as standard, modern interiors and luxury finishes.

Across Kent, developer Berkeley is responding to this demand by offering traditionally styled energy efficient new build apartments and houses in a rural, yet well-connected setting, meeting the wish lists of all buyer types.

Hollyfields, located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, is fast becoming an established community offering sought after family homes, coach houses and apartments all with energy saving features included.

Here, residents can enjoy modern rural living at its finest. Tunbridge Wells offers a fantastic array of amenities and a train station – from which journeys into London take 44 minutes** to London Bridge. Plus, the station is easily accessible via a dedicated residents’ shuttle bus. Prices start from £365,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £437,600 for a two-bedroom coach house and £875,000 for a fourbedroom house.

Just a few miles away is Foal Hurst Green in leafy Paddock Wood. Here, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes are set surrounding a nature reserve and a picturesque duck pond and bandstand, with Foal Hurst Wood adjacent.

Berkeley is retaining much of the natural landscape including mature trees and hedgerows, providing rich ecological value locally and creating a sense of escape that feels worlds away from the 41 minutes** into London Bridge by train from the town’s station, located just one mile away. Prices start from £495,000 for a three-bedroom house.

Launching in early 2023, Farmstead at Tannersbrook, in the quaint town of Cranbrook, comprises an exclusive gated collection of 28 threeand four-bedroom houses and a five-bedroom farmhouse. Prices will start from £630,000.

THE DETAILS Berkeley

For more on Berkeley’s new homes across Kent, visit www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/ developments/kent

“New-build homes are growing in appeal amongst many buyers with energy saving features included as standard”

Foal Hurst Green

Paddock Wood, Kent TN12

Prices From £495,000†

Set in an idyllic countryside location, this collection of 3, 4 & 5 bedroom houses are surrounded by meadows, a 5-acre nature reserve and ancient woodland.

01892 884 713 | foalhurstgreen.co.uk

Hollyfields

Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2

Prices From £365,000†

A distinctive collection of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom coach houses and 4 bedroom homes, surrounded by excellent schools including St Peter’s CEP School†† which is located on the development.

01892 884 521 | hollyfields-hawkenbury.co.uk

Quality homes, perfectly placed in three stunning locations across Kent

Award-winning developer Berkeley presents an impressive collection of houses and apartments in the heart of Kent. All homes come with superfast fi bre broadband connectivity*, home office options and the majority have outdoor space. Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Farmstead

Hartley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17

Prices From £630,000†

A gated collection of just 28 private, 3 and 4 bedroom homes and a 5 bedroom farmhouse. Each one thoughtfully designed and inspired by the local surroundings, providing traditional homes but with a contemporary twist.

01580 428 102 | farmsteadtannersbrook.co.uk

*High speed broadband connectivity available subject to customer connection (download speeds may vary). †Prices correct at time of print. Artists illustration of Farmstead is indicative only. Photography of Hollyfields and Foal Hurst Green is indicative only. ††Places subject to availability and entry criteria. ‡Travel times are approximate only. Source: Google Maps

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY and the second hand handbag market

The market for second hand luxury accessories is particularly boyant, with the market for second hand handbags by top designers such as Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton at an absolute premium.

Hermès is number one when it comes to luxury handbags. As a company which brands itself on excellent craftsmanship, Hermès is a company which has been handed down through six generations of the same family, and each of their bags uses the finest leathers and takes days to craft. The Hermès Birkin bag is arguably one of the most prestigious, expensive and coveted bag in the world. It was inspired by songwriter and actress Jane Birkin who met the head of Hermès on an Air France flight in 1984. During the flighty Jane had complained that there wasn’t a bag around that was elegant yet large enough to carry all that she needed. The Head of Hermès took note and the ‘Birkin’ bag was born.

There are various versions of the ‘Birkin’ with the bags made from luxurious exotic reptile skins such as crocodile and lizard commanding the highest prices. Each season Hermès updates it colour ways and leathers with some colours and versions being discontinued making them more desirable on the second hand market. Other bags by Hermès also in high demand are the ‘Kelly’ so called after Grace Kelly appeared with it covering her pregnancy in 1954, the ‘Retourne’ and the ‘Evelyne’. Many Birkin and other

Hermès bags have waiting lists so demand for second hand pieces is stronger than ever.

Another timeless classic the iconic Chanel 2.55 bag was designed by Coco Chanel in February 1955 hence the name 2.55. At the time it was met with great controversy as it was the first women’s bag to come with a strap. The iconic classic flap bag came in many colours, and editions have changed over the years but the design has largely stayed the same with the 2.55 bag becoming a highly desirable staple for any woman.

Buyers of luxury bags expect them to be excellent condition, with premium prices being paid for those with original receipts, dust bags, ‘raincoats’ (for Hermès bags), padlocks, boxes, tags etc.

If you have a luxury bag or any designer accessories that you would like to have appraised with a view to auction, please contact Catherine Southon on 0208 468 1010 or email catherine@catherinesouthon.co.uk

1. An Hermès Kelly 28 leather bag, Sold for £5000 plus Buyers premium. 2. An Hermès swift golden brown/camel ostrich Birkin 30 bag, Sold for £10,500. 3. An Hermès Birkin 30 white Veau Swift leather bag, Sold for £7000. 4. A Chanel black quilted lambskin 2.55 handbag, Sold for £2,400. 5. A small Louis Vuitton monogram leather vanity case, Sold for £1,100. 6. Chanel 2.55 Quilted Handbag & Purse Estimated Price Between and £3000, To Be Auctioned on Wednesday February 8th

THE DETAILS

Chislehurst Business Centre

1 Bromley Lane, Chislehurst Kent BR7 6LH

T: 020 8468 1010

www.catherinesouthon.co.uk

Catherine Southon Auctioneers & Valuers

THE CINEMA AT SELFRIDGES

It is the first time a department store anywhere in the world has taken the step to offer such a facility permanently. The three-screen luxury cinema destination is fitted with the latest stateof-the-art sound and vision technologies to ensure your viewing experience is world-class.

Open all year round, with daytime and evening timetables, you can watch the latest releases across a mix of blockbusters and independent films. Alongside some Christmas classics you can also cosy up to see ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’-set more than a decade after the events of the first film, learn the story of the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

Also the long-awaited ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ – the joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time.

Ticket prices range from £12 to £20 depending on screening days and times and usual concessions, plus a priority membership scheme which includes free ticket allowance and a host of benefits and services.

The Cinema at Selfridges also offers an extensive food and beverage menu to cater for all

tastes including vegan, served from the cinema’s own informal restaurant. A la carte is available in the restaurant only with dishes from £8 to £19 for sharing plates and served throughout the cinema’s opening hours, with afternoon tea (including a vegan afternoon tea) available during the afternoon.

Alcohol, mocktails and soft drinks are available from the main bar or the cinema’s tuck shop drinks corner. Prices are from £12 for alcoholic beverages and from £10 for mocktails, both wine and Champagne are available by the bottle with some by the glass

The Cinema at Selfridges is located at 400 Oxford Street with an entrance both at the heart of the store on its lower-ground floor, and direct street access from 40 Duke Street, allowing customers in and out regardless of the store’s operating hours.

THE DETAILS

Open 7 days a week 12pm-9pm

For more information and to purchase tickets call 0800 123 4000 selecting option 5. Email: boxoffice@selfridgescinema.com or visit selfridges.com/cinema

Preparing Children For Change

Dr Emma Margrett, Head of Prep School at Radnor House Sevenoaks, explains how parents can support children through the transition to secondary school.

Between secondary entrance examinations and school allocation announcements, it is a challenging time for year 5 and 6 students about to take the next step on their educational journey. It’s daunting for parents too, but there are a few ways to help your child to navigate the way forward.

Praise for effort rather than achievement

Children who are praised for effort rather than outcome are far more likely to push themselves further. If your child is taking examinations, particularly to secure a place or scholarship, reward preparation rather than results. Also discuss what happens if they are unsuccessful, so they understand alternative opportunities are open.

Let your child make mistakes

Lost uniform and difficult homework – in our diligence to be the best parents, we sometimes prevent children from learning from their mistakes and developing independence. When preparing for tests and interviews, parents can run through practice questions with their children but should encourage them to devise their own answers. Stumbling over a rehearsed polished answer can dent confidence on the day and inhibit performance.

Include your child in conversations but make the final decision

Children in this age bracket want to feel consulted for decisions that involve them, yet asking a 10 year-old to choose their future school is a huge responsibility. This age group is keen to please. often picking what they think their families want to hear rather than what they actually want. Help them to frame their opinion by highlighting aspects they would enjoy at different schools but also explain that it is your role to make the best choice for them. If your child does not perform well under pressure, consider an all through school such as Radnor House, which avoids testing at 11 or 13 and allows seamless progression.

Still unsure? It is always worth consulting with teachers, who can advise based on your child’s academic capabilities and personality. Good luck!

Radnor House Sevenoaks is a co-educational independent day school for students aged from 2 to 18. Book a space on our Prep School Open Day on 18th March 2023: www.radnor-sevenoaks.org/opendays-tours

“It is always worth consulting with teachers, who can advise based on your child’s academic capabilities and personality”

THE HORROR SHOW! A TWISTED TALE OF MODERN BRITAIN

Until 19 February 2023. Embankment Galleries, Somerset House

Somerset House presents a major exhibition exploring how ideas rooted in horror have informed the last 50 years of creative rebellion.

The show looks beyond horror as a genre, instead taking it as a reaction and provocation to our most troubling times. The last five decades of modern British history are recast as a story of cultural shapeshifting told through some of our country’s most provocative artists.

The Horror Show! offers a heady ride through the disruption of 1970s punk to the revolutionary potential of modern witchcraft, showing how the anarchic alchemy of horror – its subversion, transgression and the supernatural – can make sense of the world around us.

Featuring over 200 artworks and culturally significant objects, this landmark show tells a story of the turbulence, unease and creative revolution at the heart of the British cultural psyche in three acts – Monster, Ghost and Witch. Each act interprets a specific era through the lens of a classic horror archetype, in a series of thematically linked contemporaneous and new works:

MONSTER

Opening The Horror Show!, Monster delves into the economic and political turbulence of the 70s

and the high octane spectacle and social division of the 80s. Against a backdrop of unrest and loud uprising, it charts the origin story and ascent of the individuals who will go on to disrupt, define and destroy British culture, while exploring the monsters which plague society today.

GHOST

Ghost marks the collapse of hyperinflated 80s culture into an uncanny temperature change that presided over the 90s and early 00s. It traces an unsettling path through to the global financial crisis of 2008, a turning point in time between a century of old and new, at the dawn of a digital age of faceless audiences and invisible cyber wars.

WITCH

Witch focuses on a Britain spanning 2008’s financial crash until the present day and celebrates the emergence of a younger generation and their hyper-connected community – a global coven readily embracing a dynamic grounded in integration and equality.

The exhibition will have an accompanying programme of talks and events, for more information and to purchase tickets, visit somersethouse.org.uk

Above:

Below:

Top left: © Derek Ridgers. Courtesy Of Derek Ridgers Editions

Zadie Xa. Courtesy of the artist

© Juno Calypso. Courtesy of the artist

CHURCHILL IN PUNCH: A CARTOON BIOGRAPHY

AWinter Exhibition at Chartwell explores how the image of Churchill was used repeatedly by cartoonists to celebrate, poke fun at, and make comment on, his life events. Showcasing the life and legacy of Britain’s most recognisable political figure through the satirical eye of Punch magazine.

Punch was a weekly magazine that provided its viewership with humorous social and political commentary. Founded by journalist Henry Mayhew and wood-engraver Ebenezer Landells in 1841 the magazine became renowned for its use of entertaining cartoons and sophisticated wit. E.H Shepard, Richard Doyle, and Alfred Bestall are among a raft of well-known artists whose work appeared in print.

Winston Churchill, distinctive in stature, permanently smoking a cigar and giving the V-forVictory sign, continues to be a familiar image. Few political figures have enjoyed such an enduring legacy of achievement and recognition. Born in

1874, Churchill lived through an age of great cultural change and is a figure deeply embedded in the twentieth century political narrative.

Winston featured in over 600 cartoons published by Punch Magazine in his lifetime and after. The exhibition is a selection chosen to showcase the breadth of topic and time where cartoonists were inspired by Winston. Learn more about his life through depictions of him as a cherub, a man of many hats, a winged bulldog, and Winnie the Pooh. The exhibition has been co-curated by Katherine Carter, Chartwell Property Curator, and Gary Stiles, author of Churchill in Punch, and in partnership with TopFoto.

When to visit The Winter Exhibition runs from Saturday 14 January until Sunday 5 March 2023. The grounds at Chartwell are open daily 10am-4pm. Enjoy a winter walk around the gardens and wider estate when you come to see Churchill in Punch. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

“Winston Churchill, distinctive in stature, permanently smoking a cigar and giving the V-for-Victory sign, continues to be a familiar image. Few political figures have enjoyed such an enduring legacy of achievement and recognition”

“REBEL WITH A CELLO”

Visionary. Spectacular. Rule-breaking. Sunday 12th November 2023, London, The O2

The bad boy of instrumentalists and founding member of 2CELLOS known simply as HAUSER announces his much anticipated, first-ever worldwide solo tour “Rebel with a Cello” which includes two UK dates at o2 Apollo Manchester and London’s The O2.

Armed with the momentum from his last and final sold-out 2CELLOS tour, the superstar cellist and visual artist is launching the ultimate musical, showcasing his signature performance pyrotechnics alongside his romantic and soulful, playing sound and style.

And while music’s mischievous romantic is including everything his fans have come to know and love through his visual media presentations, like the wildly popular “Beach Party” and musical dreamscapes like the “Alone Together,” visual concepts, HAUSER’s first “Rebel with a Cello” tour features a third act of rocking and rhythmic retro into modern globally-influenced dance tracks from his new solo album which is available Worldwide now, “The Player.” Dance with him and experience the captivating magic. HAUSER has a new video out now. HAUSER. He is a rockstar with a cello...and this is only the beginning.

THE DETAILS

HAUSER, LIVE. ‘REBEL WITH A CELLO’. The Worldwide tour.

UK DATES:

Saturday 11th November 2023

O2 Apollo Manchester Sunday 12th November 2023 London, The O2

VIP meet and greet packages available. Tickets from Eventim.co.uk, ticketmaster.co.uk, axs.com hauserofficial.com FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE | TIKTOK

WHAT DOES YOUR FAVOURITE ROYAL PARK MEAN TO YOU?

GREENWICH PARK

The last 18 months has seen the parks become an even more essential backdrop to our lives, offering a sense of normality in a changing world and at times being literally the only places to go. This winter, Royal Parks are asking for your donations to support their work caring for the nature, landscapes and rich heritage that make the Royal Parks what they are for everyone who needs them.

From boating lakes to birdsong, grand gardens to kids’ playgrounds, visit the parks today and find your escape from city life.

KENSINGTON GARDENS

Covering an area of 265 acres, Kensington Gardens is planted with magnificent trees and ornamental flower beds. It is a perfect setting for Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, Peter Pan statue and the Serpentine Gallery. Did you know? you can pick up tips for growing fruit and vegetables from the park’s very own allotment which is also home to a number of chickens.

HYDE PARK

Once the hunting ground for Henry VIII, this large royal park is best known for its famous Speakers’ Corner and Serpentine Lake, home to waterfowl and oarsmen. The Lido only opens for the summer, but the Swimming Club is open all

year round so brave folk can swim in frigid waters, sometimes as cold as 4C.

The 74-hectare space is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it overlooks the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College. It is an amazing mix of 17th century landscape, stunning gardens and a rich history that dates back to Roman times and a small herd of Fallow and Red deer. There’s also a children’s playground where kids can run around and exhaust themselves.

BUSHY PARK

At over 1000 acres, Bushy Park lies just north of Hampton Court Palace and is famed for its mix of waterways, gardens, and roaming herds of red and fallow deer.

Visit the Upper Lodge Water Gardens, a historic gem hidden away in the north of the park. See if you can spot the arresting birdlife, from kingfishers to kestrels. And enjoy a walk in the peaceful Woodland Gardens.

RICHMOND PARK

One of London’s most breathtaking landscapes, the 1,012-hectare space is made up of woodland, grassland and ponds attracting hedgehogs and bats

Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park

Richmond Park

hibernating in winter. But the park is best known for its 630 wild red and fallow deer. Discover the Isabella Plantation woodland gardens, refuel at Pembroke Lodge tea rooms and enjoy distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound.

ST JAMES PARK

St James’s Park includes The Mall and Horse Guards Parade, and surrounded by landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall. The park’s famous flower beds are a familiar backdrop to pageants including Trooping the Colour, as well as state visits and other ceremonial occasions. Enjoy impressive views of the lake and fountain, watch the resident pelicans at feeding time, or while away a sunny afternoon in

guns are fired to mark special royal occasions.

BROMPTON CEMETERY

The Grade I listed Brompton Cemetery is the wellloved resting place of over 200,000 people and a haven for wildlife. Nestled among the spectacular trees and undergrowth are over 35,000 gravestones and monuments with the amazing stories of all the people buried there since the 1830s, including some well-known names like Emmeline Pankhurst and John Snow.

VICTORIA TOWER GARDENS

YOUR GIFT TO THE ROYAL PARKS

When other locations were forced to close, Royal Parks worked even harder to make sure they were there for everyone who needed them, providing free access to nature, playgrounds and spaces to exercise, all while managing biodiversity and preserving the landscapes’ rich heritage.

That work never stops, with park teams out and about all year round tending to the special places that have become like a second home for many.

If you value your Royal Parks please make a donation. Your gift will help care for precious green space in London that plays an essential role in the lives of millions of people each year.

a deckchair.

THE REGENT’S PARK

‘Regent’s Park’ covers 197 hectares, consisting of formal gardens, shrubberies, sports pitches, rough grassland, a large lake, small enclosed wood and a canal. Regents Park also houses various structures and organisations, including the iconic ZSL London Zoo. Walk through the elegant flowerbeds in the Avenue Gardens, see more than 12,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens, or hire a rowing boat and join the ducks on the boating lake.

THE GREEN PARK

‘Green Park’ is a peaceful refuge; a triangle of mature trees and grasslands, offering a quiet retreat from city life, right next to Buckingham Palace. Visit a range of memorials, fountains and statues and look out for Royal Gun Salutes when ceremonial

A small pocket of green space in the heart of Westminster, between the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, Millbank and Lambeth Bridge. Look out for memorials celebrating freedom, including the Buxton Memorial which marks the abolition of slavery. And for children the Horseferry Playground includes a sandpit, dance chimes and a water play feature. Whatever personal connection you have with your Royal Parks, your gift will go towards conserving and improving the 5,000 acres of parkland in our care, impacting the lives of millions of people each year.

Please give what you can by visiting royalparks.org.uk/ support-the-parks

Regent’s Park

Green Park

Victoria Tower Gardens

St James’s Park

Brompton Cemetary

Cédric Grolet Unveils A New Afternoon Tea At The Berkeley

The menu evolves and changes with the seasons but for Autumn, Grolet features the chef’s iconic vanilla flower, a Paris Brest, a pistachio cookie and, for a purist English nod, a scone with cream and jam. The sweet piece de resistance is a glistening trompe-l’œil green apple which, inside, features fresh apple and dill. The savoury goodies are Grolet’s highly intricate take on avocado on toast and a trompe-l’œil burrata which reveals tomato gel and basil pesto when cut open. A mini comté cheese and bacon quiche, warm from the oven, is bought to table mid-service to complete the savoury offering.

ABOUT THE BERKELEY

Cédric Grolet – one of the world’s best pastry chefs – opened the doors to his first patisserie outside of France, Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley in February 2022. With a string of accolades citing him as the best pastry chef in the world, Grolet is known for his trompe-l’œil artistry and legendary Instagram channel which has a following of 3.6 million, which he runs himself with signature flair and spontaneity.

Guests seated in the surroundings of The Berkeley Café designed by Remi Tessier, are welcomed with an iced vanilla tea and Grolet’s cake stand – perfectly paired with tea, coffee or champagne – showcasing two savoury and five sweet creations.

In true Cédric Grolet style, surprising touches are presented throughout the service such as chef’s circulating the room with trays of freshly baked madeleines.

Cédric Grolet’s Goutea at The Berkeley is £85 per person, served seven days a week and bookable at noon, 2pm and 4pm. Reservations can be made by visiting theberkeley.co.uk/restaurants-bars/ the-berkeley-cafe

Nestled between bustling Knightsbridge and leafy Belgravia, The Berkeley is the essence of contemporary chic and innovative luxury. Stunning rooms and suites are accompanied by Michelin-starred cuisine from Marcus Wareing, a fashion favourite afternoon tea at Prêt-à-Portea and Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley, courtesy of one of the world’s most famous pastry chefs. Complete with the Blue Bar and The Berkeley Bar & Terrace for drinks, the Bamford Wellness Spa and a rooftop pool with jaw dropping Hyde Park views, The Berkeley continues to surprise and enchant.

“In true Cédric Grolet style, surprising touches are presented throughout the service”

London’s Best Winter Walks

A festive walk with family or friends couldn’t be more perfect to experience the spirit of winter in the capital. From sprawling treks across the city’s parks and nature reserves, to inner-city urban trails, here are just some of the best walks to enjoy in London.

BUSHY PARK

At over 1000 acres, Bushy Park lies just north of Hampton Court Palace, Bushy is famed for its mix of waterways, gardens, and roaming herds of red and fallow deer. Visit the Upper Lodge Water Gardens, a historic gem hidden away in the north of the park. See if you can spot some of the arresting birdlife, from kingfishers to kestrels. And enjoy a walk in the peaceful Woodland Gardens after fuelling up at the Pheasantry Café.

HYDE PARK

REGENT’S PARK AND PRIMROSE HILL

The Regent’s Park (including Primrose Hill) covers 197 hectares, The park consists of formal gardens, shrubberies, sports pitches, rough grassland, a large lake, small enclosed wood and a canal with embankments. Regents Park also houses various structures and organisations both public and private, including the iconic ZSL London Zoo. Primrose Hill has a character all of its own, at the summit of this grassy hill are stunning panoramic views from 63 metres above sea level from six different viewpoints.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH

Stretching from Hampstead across to Highgate, a roam across beautiful Hampstead Heath takes you to the countryside. It has provided inspiration for countless films, books and poems. with its 320-hectare wood and 18 ponds - three of which are reserved for wild swimming if you can brave the elements! Climb up Parliament Hill, stop to admire the spectacular views and continue towards the stunning Kenwood House, renowned for its impressive landscaped gardens.

Once the hunting ground for Henry VIII, this large royal park is best known for its famous Speakers’ Corner and Serpentine Lake, home to waterfowl and oarsmen. The Lido only opens for the summer, but the Swimming Club is open all year round so brave folk can swim in frigid waters, sometimes as cold as 4C. For over 150 years, the most dedicated have been getting up early on Christmas morning and swimming in the freezing lake! Hyde Park is also home to the hugely popular Winter Wonderland, open until January 2022.

Primrose Hill

Hampstead heath

RICHMOND PARK

One of London’s most breathtaking landscapes and among the best places to enjoy wildlife. The 1,012-hectare space is made up of woodland, grassland and ponds attracting hedgehogs and bats hibernating in winter. But the park is best known for its 630 wild red and fallow deer – so have your camera ready if you want to catch their misty breath on a frosty day. Discover the Isabella Plantation woodland gardens, refuel at Pembroke Lodge tea rooms and enjoy distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound.

HOLLAND PARK

Located in one of the most desirable areas in London. amble around its formal gardens, loop the woodland in the north of the park then follow the path into Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden with stone lanterns, a waterfall and carp-filled pond. Look out for herring gull and black-headed gull in winter and squirrels and free-roaming peacocks all year round. The park also has an orangery, tennis courts and a cricket pitch.

WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS

1,140 acres of countryside amidst the urban surroundings of Wimbledon, Putney and Kingston-upon-Thames. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, the Commons provide an important home for wildlife With woodland, scrubland, heathland and mown recreation areas – and nine ponds. They are the home to a wide variety of bird, animal and plant life. Being an unfenced Common, the whole area is open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the year for visitors to explore, relax and unwind. You will also see avid horse riders from the nearby Wimbledon Village Stables.

GREENWICH PARK

On a crisp winter’s day, there are few better places to be than at the top of Greenwich Park. The 74-hectare space is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it overlooks the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, with the River Thames and Canary Wharf in the distance. Greenwich Park is an amazing mix of 17th century landscape, stunning gardens and a rich history that dates back to Roman times and a small herd of Fallow and Red deer, harking back to its royal hunting past. There’s also a children’s playground

HIGHGATE CEMETERY

Although it may seem a little macabre, Highgate Cemetery is one of England’s greatest treasures and one of the most peaceful, idyllic walks in the city. Notable writers, musicians, philosophers including George Eliot, Karl Marx, Jean Simmons, George Michael and Malcolm McLaren… and some rather well-off unknown individuals are laid to rest here. It has incredible architecture, mausoleums, and individual graves amongst an eerie gothic setting. A guided tour is well worth the cost, giving insight and knowledge of its fascinating history.

BATTERSEA PARK

With its gardens and sculptures offering the chance to escape through botanics and brief history lessons to far-flung destinations around the world, Battersea Park is one of the prettiest and most varied green spaces to walk in London. The Grade II-listed, 200-acre park boasts a spot of inner-city tranquillity - the Old English Garden: a walled hideaway in which a lily-covered pond and vibrant foliage is tended to by a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winner. Battersea Park also holds a children’s zoo, a boating lake, and a playground.

where kids can run around and exhaust themselves. There are many more parks and open spaces to discover in London, all bringing a bit of countryside into the capital.

Richmond Park

Wimbledon Common

Greenwich Park

Holland Park

Highgate Cemetery

Top reviews and awards for Bromley restaurant

Whn last month’s issue of Chislehurst Life magazine, we introduced the Copper Ceylon restaurant in Bromley, which at the time was hot from winning the title Best Restaurant London Suburbs in the British Curry Awards 2022 – aka, the ‘Curry Oscars’. Earlier in the year, it had been named as the best Sri Lankan restaurant in the London Curry Awards 2022.

The restaurant has clearly made quite a splash with its customers too. For example, two recent Trip Advisor reviews were titled ‘Hidden gem of Bromley’ and ‘Fantastic’. Similarly, recent Facebook reviews include these:

‘Came here for lunch today with my daughter, omg what a fantastic find. The staff were very attentive and helpful, food was amazing and so were the cocktails. Definitely coming back here!!’

THE DETAILS

Copper Ceylon 32 East Street, Bromley BR1 1QU T: 020 7018 6565

W: copperceylon.com

And…

‘Top night!! We had a party of 8 for a big birthday celebration and we stayed until the early hours, they couldn’t do more for us. The place had amazing food (Sri Lankan curries were amazing)! cocktails were delicious with great attentive service. After 10pm a DJ turned up and it turned into a bit of a club. Excellent. Dan - as our host - and all his team were fabulous and we have already booked to go back later this month.‘

So, with Valentine’s Day coming up, why not check out the Copper Ceylon as a place to take your loved one?

You can also look out for events at the restaurant in 2023. In 2022, the Copper Ceylon hosted a Ukraine fundraiser with the Mayor of Bromley and Bromley Rotary Clubs, and its own Sri Lanka charity fundraiser and casino night.

Special nights are on offer at the Copper Ceylon all year round. The restaurant is open on Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 2pm, when it has a DJ and a line-up of entertainers from belly dancers to fire eaters.

Serving cocktails and a menu of dishes from the highly authentic to the innovative, the Copper Ceylon offers a range of exciting choices including Jaffna Mutton Curry, Pork Black Curry, Hot Batter Squid, Pumpkin Mustard Curry, and, on the dessert menu, Watalappan, a traditional Sri Lankan desert made using coconut milk, cardamom, eggs, kithul and nutmeg.

You can look forward to our review of the restaurant in an upcoming issue.

“Came here for lunch today with my daughter, omg what a fantastic find. The staff were very attentive and helpful, food was amazing and so were the cocktails”

The American Bar at The Stafford London

Cocktails and Dreams with new food menu from Lisa Goodwin-Allen

The American Bar takes its place alongside the hotel’s 380-year-old wine cellars, secluded courtyard, stunning private dining rooms, and hugely popular restaurant, The Game Bird.

Food: American-Inspired Menu by Lisa Goodwin-Allen...

Lisa Goodwin-Allen oversees the menus in The Game Bird restaurant and The American Bar, offering an all-day menu inspired by the bar’s American history and connections. To start, snacks include BBQ pork ribs, sticky buffalo wings, Montgomery cheddar mac and cheese bites and loaded potato wedges. To follow, large dishes include chipotle chilli dog, pastrami-cured smoked salmon bagel, lobster thermidor sub, and cobb

THE DETAILS

thestaffordlondon.com Reservations: 020 8493 0111 dining@thestaffordlondon.com

The American Bar Instagram: @americanbarlon Twitter: @StaffordLondon Instagram: @thestaffordlondon Facebook: @TheStaffordLondon

salad. For dessert, warm homemade doughnuts, banana split and soft serve sundae will provide the perfect end to an indulgent dining experience.

Cocktails: Alchemy of Equilbiurm...

Created by Director of The American Bar Benoit Provost and Director of Mixology Salvatore Megna, the cocktail list is inspired by the equilibrium and balance between the four classic elements: water, earth, air and fire, and highlights how when working in harmony they create the fifth element: quintessence. Each of the four elements is represented in four different cocktails.

The American Bar at The Stafford London belongs to the great tradition of American cocktail bars that became renowned in London during the 1920s and 30s and remains one of the longest surviving American bars in the capital. With its lively atmosphere, secluded cobbled courtyard for al fresco drinking and dining, quality service and old-school glamour, it is no wonder the bar remains a popular meeting place for hotel guests and visitors alike.

75 years of Porsche

The first vehicle to bear the Porsche name was registered on June 8, 1948: It was the 356 “No.1” Roadster. This is the day on which the Porsche brand was born. And purchased by a woman called Jolanda Tschudi, of Switzerland .

The Type 356 turned Ferry Porsche’s dream of a sports car into a reality. “His vision at that time embodied all of the values that still define the brand to this day”, said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Tradition is a commitment. Without our tradition and without our core values, we would not be where we are today”, explained Blume. “We have the solid technological expertise, creative employees and unique team spirit. We have what it takes to ensure that the Porsche brand continues to fascinate.”

The successor model to the 356, the Porsche 911 designed by Ferry Porsche’s son Ferdinand Alexander, finally gave the company its breakthrough as one of the leading manufacturers of sports cars in the world, both from a technical and a design perspective.

The Porsche 911, presented to the global public for the first time in 1963, has now been built over a million times. “Although the 911 has been consistently developed in the intervening decades and enhanced many times over with new,

innovative technologies, no other vehicle has managed to retain its original essence in the same way as the 911”, says Blume. “As the centrepiece of the brand, the 911 has become the sports car of dreams, winning the collective heart of enthusiasts all over the world.”

In 1966 presented as the ‘Safety Cabriolet’, the Porsche 911 Targa was launched. And the following year the Porsche 911 R was built for use in motorsport. Weighing 800 kg, it had a 6-cylinder, naturally-aspirated and horizontallyopposed engine producing 154 kW (210 PS), making it incredibly fast.

“In the beginning I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of. So I decided to build it myself.”

–Ferry Porsche

1948-2023

“His vision at that time embodied all of the values that still define the brand to this day”

the first road-approved car to complete a lap in under 7 minutes - 6 minutes and 57 seconds to be precise - shaving 14 seconds off the previous record.

2017 was definitely a year to celebrate: the onemillionth 911 rolled off the production line - a style icon and the unmistakeable face and heart of the Porsche brand.

Fast. Puristic. Emotive. For the past 75 years, the Porsche brand has been synonymous with sports car construction at the very highest level. porsche.com

In 1972 The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was launched as the sporty leading model of the 911 range. And in 1975 at the height of the oil crisis, Porsche presented the first 911 Turbo – the world’s first production sports car with exhaust turbocharger and pressure regulator. And in 1977 conceived as the successor to the 911, the Porsche 928 broke new ground in terms of technology and design. It was powered by a light-metal alloy V8 engine.

The one millionth Porsche rolled off the assembly line on 15th July 1996. And to leave the 20th century in style the 911 series was rounded off with an exceptional sporty version, the 911 GT3.

Celebrating the new millennium, Porsche displayed its high-performance Carrera GT sports car at the Louvre in Paris and in 2002, presented its third car line: the sporty, off-road Cayenne SUV. Series production of the Carrera GT commenced in 2003 and by 2006, 1,270 units of the fast (up to 330 km/h) high-performance sports car had been built.

At the Geneva Motor Show 2010, Porsche presented the 918 Spyder high-performance hybrid as a concept study for the 21st century sports car. The Boxster Spyder was a radical return to the origins of the roadster: two seats, enhanced performance, no room for incidentals. Marking 2013, the 918 Spyder set a Nürburgring lap record:

The one millionth Porsche rolled off the assembly line on 15th July 1996.

Celebrating 70 years of Porsche, The 911 Speedster Concept

1972 Porsche Carrera RS

The one millionth 911 sold in 2017

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

OF PUNK DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD’S FASHION LEGACY

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 01.

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FENDI, Kids FF Logo Backpack in Red. £750

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BURBERRY, Girls Cotton Jersey Logo T-Shirt in Pink. £160

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MONCLER, Girls White Cotton Tracksuit. From £280

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WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING 101

Christmas and the New Year is, without doubt, one of the most popular times for engagements so if you are reading this with a shiny new ring on your finger then huge congratulations…2023 has started off well!

Once the initial excitement of the engagement has sunk in, your mind might start to wander towards ‘the dress’ often accompanied by a bit of an overwhelming ‘where do I begin’ feeling! That’s where we step in and hand you over to Russell Blackburnowner of award-winning Bridal Boutique Blackburn Bridal to share his top five tips on wedding dress shopping for brides-to-be.

When Should You Start Shopping

We recommend you start your shopping quite early on, 12 months before the big day is perfect. Bridal designers tend to have a 6-10 months lead time, this then allows time for your alterations to ensure everything is carried out in a timely manner with no stressful rush at the end!

Research Research

Before you jump head first into dress shopping spend some time looking for inspiration. Instagram, Pinterest, Blogs and Bridal magazines are all great places to gather ideas. Start collating images and dress styles that you like the look of. Then find the bridal boutiques that carry the type of dresses and designers that have caught your eye.

Setting Your Budget

Before you start shopping set your budget. Once you have set your budget make sure these costs are in line with the dresses and boutiques you are planning to visit. Share this information with your bridal boutique as the last thing we would want is for you to fall in love with a dress that is way out of budget.

Guests Of Honour

Think carefully about who you would like to bring with you. I always recommend bringing no more than 2-3 guests maximum. Bring friends and family whose opinions you trust and know will make the experience a fun and enjoyable one.

Trust Your Gut

The dress hunt can often be surprising. You may think you want one look before falling in love with something entirely different, but this is ok! Ultimately you are looking for the dress that makes you feel happy, confident and super special.

I hope these tips have given you an insight into what to expect (and prepare for) when dress shopping. Most of all trust the process and have fun!

Meet Russell Blackburn at the Bull’s Head Hotel Wedding Showcase in Chislehurst on Sunday 26th February.

For information on entry visit www.thebullsheadhotel.co.uk/weddings

THE DETAILS

Blackburn Bridal

If you want to book in to visit the boutique visit

www.blackburnbridal.co.uk call 0208 297 1188 or email info@blackburnbridal.co.uk

Queen of punk Dame Vivienne Westwood’s fashion legacy

By Prudence Wade.

Few individuals disrupted fashion quite like Dame Vivienne Westwood, who has died aged 81.

Known for her counterculture aesthetic and commitment to the environment, fashion wouldn’t be where it is today without Westwood carving her unique path.

She continued working until the end of her life, with the announcement on her Instagram page reading: “Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better. She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future.”

Tributes have already started pouring in from the world of fashion, music and beyond, with Chrissie Hynde – lead singer of the Pretenders – tweeting: “Vivienne is gone and the world is already a less interesting place.”

Westwood certainly made the world a more interesting place throughout her career – these are some of the major ways she broke boundaries…

She brought a punk aesthetic to high fashion

With her provocative and boundary-pushing designs, Westwood helped set the fashion tone for the punk movement in the 1970s.

She opened a shop with her then-partner Malcolm McLaren on the King’s Road in 1971 –later called SEX – which was frequented by some of the biggest names in punk – including the Sex Pistols, who McLaren managed.

During this time, Westwood’s designs set the tone for punk fashion – think ripped T-shirts, lots of safety pin embellishments and tartan accents. Westwood often used anti-establishment iconography in her clothes – particularly subverting traditional images of the monarchy.

In 1998 she told The Independent: “I was a punk before it got its name. I had that hairstyle and purple lipstick. Girls stopped me in the street and said, ‘Look at the state of that’.”

She made the environment a central focus

The climate crisis might be top of the agenda now, with brands like Stella McCartney using eco-friendly materials and emphasising the need for sustainability in fashion.

But when Westwood started talking about sustainability way back in Eighties, she was seen as something of an outlier. She used traditional tailoring from Savile Row and put great importance on how garments were made –

The late great designer championed punk fashion and was committed to environmental sustainability.

considering the supply chain long before many other major players did.

Her work was always political, and she made her explicit focus the environment in the Noughties. In 2012, Westwood appeared on the catwalk during London Fashion Week in a T-shirt saying ‘climate revolution’, and in 2015 she drove a tank near former prime minister David Cameron’s home to protest fracking.

Some have struggled with Westwood’s message to ‘buy less’, while she still produced multiple new collections a year. However, this was something she was conscious of, with the Vivienne Westwood website reading: “We know there is a contradiction between our activism and the industry we are part of. Fashion creates products which are too often disposable, and which – through their creation, distribution and eventual disposal – can have a disproportionately negative impact on our planet, its wildlife and people.

“We know this and we know we must do better. We have been adapting the way we make our clothes and accessories over the last few years to reflect the growing urgency to change how the industry operates but, in this time of climate crisis, we must go further.”

Westwood continued to post on her blog (climaterevolution.co.uk) up until her death – in November she praised the young activists who threw soup on Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting, writing: “Young people are desperate. They’re wearing a T-shirt that says: Just Stop Oil. They’re doing something.”

She championed androgyny in fashion

Over the past few years, androgyny has become big business in fashion – championed by the likes of Brad Pitt, who wore a skirt on the red carpet in August.

This arguably wouldn’t have happened without Westwood. From the beginning of her career, she’s pushed the boundaries of gender in fashion, putting men in skirts and women in sharp tailoring.

One clip that’s been going viral on social media since Westwood’s death shows an extremely awkward TV interview when she was introducing her autumn/winter 1988-89 collection, called Time Machine. Westwood had male models wearing pearls, and the interviewer asked – to the giggles of the audience – “Tell me about the twinset and pearls for men, has it caught on? I have not seen a

lot of men wearing twinsets and pearls.”

Westwood replied: “You might see your bank manager in five years wearing that” – proving she was far ahead of her time. The audience may have been laughing at Westwood’s designs at the time, but her prediction eventually came true – a string of pearls is current fashion icon Harry Styles’ signature look.

She constantly subverted expectations Westwood’s fashion was meant to challenge and subvert expectations. She first introduced corsetry into her designs in the 1970s, and it remained her signature style in the decades that followed.

With corsets, Westwood was one of the first designers to experiment with the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend (one that is still in fashion today), and she used them to make a strong statement for female empowerment and liberation – challenging their original meaning of restriction.

As American designer Marc Jacobs said in his tribute to Westwood: “You did it first. Always. Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance.”

“We have been adapting the way we make our clothes and accessories over the last few years to reflect the growing urgency to change how the industry operates”

Toxins and Detox

Nowadays, we are constantly bombarded with toxins, but what is a toxin?

Atoxin is a substance that can cause us harm when sufficient quantities are absorbed, inhaled or ingested. Some easy-to-spot toxins are junk food, alcohol, cigarettes, air pollution, heavy metals, and BPA. Others tend to get overlooked since we don’t necessarily think of them as toxins. Examples include body fat, radiation, EMF (Electro Magnetic Field), sleep deprivation, stress, and anxiety. We can also face emotional and energetic toxins like negative thoughts or being in a toxic relationship.

Luckily our bodies can release toxins through natural physiological processes like urination, sweating, breathing, and even thinking. But problems can arise when the organs are overloaded or don’t work as they should. The result is a build-up which could cause an array of issues.

For example, perhaps you begin to experience some fatigue or brain fog. You may develop anxiety, digestive issues, muscle and joint aches, or even struggle to fall asleep.

If we don’t address this over-toxicity and help our bodies to eliminate these accumulated toxins, we might end up in a chronically toxic state. This can lead to much more severe conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases and even cancer.

What is the solution?

The first and most important action we can take is to avoid, or at least reduce, the number of offenders. We can start with what we eat and drink. Eating organic food and drinking good-quality water is the first step in relieving the body from toxicity. Then, we might want to avoid using chemical cleaning products around the house. Nowadays, there are so many natural alternatives that it’s easy to make a healthy swap. We might want to invest in a good air purifier, or some air-cleaning plants or crystals, adding some nice vibes to our homes as a secondary effect. Reducing contact with toxic people is the next big step.

But in the end, we can’t avoid toxins altogether. What we can do, is help our main detoxification organs function at their best by regularly (and gently) detoxing them.

I highly recommend that anyone who takes their health seriously should try some detox practices or attend a detox retreat once a year to reboot their body and mind.

www.thedetoxmaster.com

Cristiana Sanna is a qualified Naturopath, Nutritional Therapist and Bi-Aura Practitioner. She works with naturopathic principles, and her main fields are detox, as well as preventative and reversive medicine. She also hosts detox retreats in the UK and abroad.

Kate’s most Googled fashion moments of 2022

With royal tours and plenty of engagements in the diary, the Princess of Wales had a busy 2022 – and her wardrobe was more than up to the challenge.

From colourful outfits and vintage-inspired looks to sombre black mourning outfits, Kate’s fashion has been characteristically polished throughout the year.

But which outfits piqued our interest the most? There were particular days of the year we turned to Google to find out more about what Kate was

wearing. These are the top days – and corresponding outfits – we were looking up Kate’s fashion.

FOR THE QUEEN’S FUNERAL

For the sombre occasion of the Queen’s funeral in September, Kate wore a black Alexander McQueen coat dress with a wide-brimmed hat and veil. Pearls are traditionally worn by the royals in mourning, and Kate accessorised her look with the late Queen’s Japanese pearl choker necklace –which she also wore to Prince Philip’s funeral the previous year.

From Alexander McQueen coat dresses to yellow Eighties-inspired outfits, these are the royal looks we’ve been searching for this year. By Prudence Wade

FOR JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Kate wheeled out a series of enviable outfits for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, and the outfit that had people rushing to Google was the pastel yellow Emilia Wickstead outfit, worn to a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. The elegant midi dress featured wrap detailing underneath the bust and was teamed with a matching hat by Philip Treacy and the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings –which were given to the late Queen as a wedding present by the Hakim of Bahrain in 1947.

AT A SERVICE FOR THE QUEEN

Ahead of the Queen’s funeral, Kate attended a service for the late monarch in Westminster Hall. She kept her outfit simple – a black Catherine Walker coat dress, worn with a pearl and diamond brooch.

AT THE PLATINUM JUBILEE PAGEANT

Kate continued her run of colourful Jubilee outfits for the pageant, choosing a raspberry Stella McCartney to watch the show. The cut of the dress was quite demure – with long puff sleeves, a high neck and midi length, but the bright colour made it feel a lot more fun. While fans went wild for her outfit, she was almost outshone by fouryear-old Prince Louis – who struggled to sit still during the two-hour pageant.

AT A CHARITY POLO MATCH

Proving a midi dress is always her go-to, the day after the pageant Kate stepped out in a white version to watch the Prince of Wales play in a charity polo match. She turned to one of her favourite designers, Emilia Wickstead, for the occasion, and looked elegant in the simple white dress with black piping.

LEAVING THE BAHAMAS

Kate switched up her style for the royal tour around the Caribbean in March – while she packed some failsafe midi dresses and suits for the trip, she was also a bit more experimental with vintage finds and unusual colours. The most searched-for outfit from the trip was the yellow Alessandra Rich dress she wore leaving The Bahamas. With puff sleeves, peplum detailing and a bow on the front, the vibe was distinctly Eightiesinspired – and quite different to the silhouettes we’re used to seeing Kate in. While most of Kate’s outfits tend to sell out immediately, this one is still available to buy – and has been reduced from £1,690 to £1,014 on Net-A-Porter.

AT CARDIFF CASTLE

We can only imagine how many coat dresses Kate has in her wardrobe – this was one of the most popular of the year, a red version by Eponine London (which she first wore back in 2021). Kate donned the outfit for a Jubilee visit to Cardiff Castle – and as red is the colour of Wales, we can’t imagine her choice was an accident.

AT WIMBLEDON

As a patron of the All England Club, Kate is a familiar face at Wimbledon – and this year she took Prince George to the Royal Box for the first time, to watch the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios. Kate kept things light and summery in a navy blue polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich, with the cut reminiscent of the yellow dress she wore by the same designer in The Bahamas.

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

How to dress in arctic weather

Plummeting temperatures may have you wondering how to keep warm – while still looking good.

GET LAYERING

“The trick to staying warm yet stylish in the winter is in the layers,” says Jo McLaren, head of e-commerce at luxury cashmere brand N.Peal (npeal.com).

“Everyone needs T-shirts, cardigans and jumpers in the winter to help build an outfit set for the cold day ahead. Whether you’re looking for function and versatility with a cardigan, or following the plain white tee trend of autumn/ winter 2022, layering is the perfect way to style your favourite pieces.”

TRY SOME KNITWEAR

“One of the trends seen on the runways this autumn/winter was an abundance of knitwear. With rising costs of heating, designers seemed to

suggest wrapping up in your favourite knitwear,” McLaren says.

“Cashmere is a timeless and stylish way to wrap up warm. To add colour or uniqueness to your outfit, try different textures and shapes, such as cable knit and Fair Isle-style jumpers.”

You could see the inclement weather as an opportunity to shake up what you wear, with McLaren adding: “I love this time of year as it allows you to really experiment with colours, layers and textures, and create outfits that are truly your own.”

GRAB A STATEMENT COAT

McLaren’s favourite way to dress up a winter outfit is a statement coat.

“Investing in two or three coats with different colours, textures, patterns and thickness can help

“Cashmere is a timeless and stylish way to wrap up warm. To add colour or uniqueness to your outfit, try different textures and shapes, such as cable knit and Fair Isle-style jumpers.”

By Imy Brighty-Potts.

you rotate the same layers, but create a different aesthetic each time,” she advises.

And there are so many ways to get creative with a coat, with Boohoo fashion expert, Claire Asher (boohoo.com), also favouring a statement coat.

“Not only will it keep you protected from the elements, but you can also create a high-end look just with a statement jacket and inexpensive basics. Consider using your outerwear to make the most of bold block colours, striking prints and fluffy faux furs, which will guarantee to amplify any minimalist outfit – while keeping you warm and cosy.”

SIZE UP IN SHOES

When picking your winter boots, McLaren says: “Opt for a bigger size so you can wrap your feet up in thermal socks.”

Equally, instead of buying new, you could have a look at what you already have – and see if anything can be given a winter makeover.

“With many shoes now having more grip in the soles, it’s most likely you can repurpose your existing collection for the frosty outdoors,” McLaren recommends.

ACCESSORISE

“Nothing can switch a plain outfit into a showstopper like accessories. Winter accessorising

is the perfect time to wear chic pieces, like a cashmere scarf with matching gloves,” explains McLaren.

“Accessories are also the perfect way to add colour to those wintery monotone jumpers, whether that’s a pop of red for the festive season or your favourite geometric pattern.”

You could even stay warm with some trendy earmuffs, which Asher calls “a fun yet practical accessory for the colder seasons – a trend loved by Bella Hadid.

“Not only are fluffy earmuffs a charming retro fashion statement, but they are also the perfect cold weather accessory when it comes to keeping our ears warm. The fantastic thing about earmuffs is that you can style them with pretty much any outfit.”

CLARIDGE’S UNVEILS FIRST SPA IN ITS HISTORY

In a ground-breaking project that has seen teams of experts excavate five floors into the London clay, to pave the way for the next 200 years of Claridge’s life, the legendary Mayfair hotel announces the opening of its first ever spa.

Situated three floors down with 7,000 square feet of space, Claridge’s Spa is a haven of wellness and tranquillity featuring its first ever swimming pool, steam rooms, sauna and seven treatments rooms. The space is an epicentre of wellness, showcasing healing rituals, a knowledge of restorative body work and the latest bioinnovation to amplify emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. The service is signature fivestar Claridge’s, with touches of the iconic timeless glamour synonymous with the hotel. Claridge’s Spa offers both a best-in-class list of resident brands including Josh Wood, Augustinus Bader and FaceGym, and an ever-evolving roster of visiting wellness masters, featuring nail artist Harriet Westmoreland and acupuncturist Ross J. Barr, ensuring guests are expertly treated, head to toe.

Guests cross the iconic monochrome lobby and embark on a journey to a sensorial space of calm serenity, with sounds of flowing water, a visual play of light and shadow, and energy-cleansing music. Escaping the bustle of the capital, spa guests can feel time moving at a slower pace and experience a sense of replenishing restoration. The heated swimming pool is central to the spa, framed by a striking, multi-vaulted ceiling and stone columns. Cabanas set back from the water

offer privacy to relax and unwind. In addition to private consultation spaces, the treatment rooms are oak panelled and ensuite, where each treatment is personalised to the individual, inspired by the ancient concept of omakase (‘leaving another to decide what is best’).

The piece de resistance is Josh Wood at Claridge’s – a dedicated hair and beauty space within the spa, where celebrated British hair colour expert Josh Wood brings his hand-picked dream team of A-list stylists to the hotel. This collaboration sees his first home in Mayfair, and a 21st century reimagination of what haircare looks like in hotels.

THE DETAILS

Claridge’s Spa is open to both hotel and outside guests, MondaySunday 8am-9pm. 90 minute treatments include access to the pool. To book treatments please call 0207 409 6565.

claridges.co.uk/spa

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JANE FONDA TURNS 85:

The actor and activist’s most iconic fashion moments

With a career spanning seven decades, multi-talented actor, activist, fitness guru and beauty brand ambassador Jane Fonda is showing no signs of slowing down as she celebrates her 85th birthday (December 21).

As famous for her movie roles and workout videos as she is for her commitment to battling the climate crisis, the octogenarian – who recently revealed she is cancer-free after undergoing a course of chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – has brought us some truly iconic style moments throughout the years.

From Sixties siren to red carpet star, here are some of Jane Fonda’s most memorable fashion looks, both on and off screen…

BARBARELLA

The daughter of American actor Henry Fonda, Jane Seymour Fonda was born in New York in 1937. Following in her father’s footsteps, she began her acting career on Broadway before landing her first big screen roles. Fonda achieved sex symbol status with the release of 1968’s Barbarella, a sci-fi spoof where she donned a series of skimpy

futuristic outfits to play the space-travelling title character.

THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON’T THEY?

The following year, Fonda picked up her first Academy Award nomination, recognised in the best actress category for her role in the critically acclaimed satire They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? Set during the Great Depression, the prophetic film centres around a dance marathon with couples competing for a cash prize. Fonda wore a Thirties-style red polka dot dress to play failed actor Gloria Beatty.

9 TO 5

Teaming up with other entertainment icons, in 1980 Fonda starred alongside country music superstar Dolly Parton and acting great Lily Tomlin in smash hit 9 To 5. The comedy caper sees the working women taking on their sexist boss, with Fonda wearing many of the office

Katie Wright looks back at the Oscar-winning star’s most epic outfits.

attire classics of the era, such as pussybow blouses and pencil skirts, topped off with oversized specs and voluminous hair.

WORKOUT GURU

After publishing a fitness book, in 1982 Jane Fonda’s Workout was released on VHS and sparked an exercise craze. Fans also flocked to buy outfits like the actor-turned-aerobics instructor, who favoured leg warmers and shiny leotards.

EMMY AWARDS

Embracing a more sleek, polished look in the Nineties, Fonda dazzled at the 1992 Primetime Emmys in a black sparkly sleeveless gown.

ACADEMY AWARDS 2000

Dressed by Vera Wang – known for her bridalwear – at the 2000 Oscars, Fonda chose a cream satin corset gown teamed with fingerless opera gloves and a matching shawl. It was in her 60s that Fonda debuted the short, layered haircut for which she’s now famous.

FASHION FOR RELIEF

Former model Fonda took to the catwalk aged 73 to close out the star-studded Fashion for Relief charity event in 2011, sashaying down the runway in a gold lace couture gown by Marchesa.

ACADEMY AWARDS 2013

A vision in Versace at the 2013 Oscars, Fonda chose a bright yellow, long-sleeved gown with sharp shoulders and gold detailing at the waist, teamed with statement earrings and a gold clutch bag.

GOLDEN GLOBES

Showing off a more fashion-forward outfit at the 2016 Golden Globes, Fonda – who was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in Youth – looked incredible in a white Saint Laurent couture gown. The actor later revealed she chose the dress, with its voluminous ruffle detailing, to hide the bandages from her recent mastectomy.

KYN BICKLEY Opens With Life Enriching Sensory Garden

Innovators in later life care, KYN, will be launching a brand-new care home in Bromley in February 2023. One standout feature will be its sensory garden – designed to help residents boost their wellbeing, and even inspire reminiscence of memories and sensations for those living with dementia.

Gardens are special spaces. They can improve our wellbeing in many ways, helping us feel calm or giving a sense of purpose.

KYN is harnessing the power of plants with the launch of its first care home, KYN BICKLEY, in Bromley next month.

As part of its pioneering approach to care, KYN commissioned Andy Pringle from LUC, an awardwinning environmental consultancy, to design a unique sensory garden to improve residents’ physical and emotional health, and enrich the lives of those living with dementia.

Set in two acres of landscaped gardens, KYN BICKLEY features a games lawn, orchard, tranquillity garden, two terraces, and a vegetable and fruit patch. An apothecary’s garden (also known as a physic garden), a form of garden where healing herbs and plants are grown, has also been incorporated to boost physical and emotional health, as well as mood and cognitive health.

The terraces and herbaceous borders reflect KYN’s architectural style, while winding pathways framed by pergolas lead residents to the sensory garden and orchard. Routes around the garden are circular in nature and are designed to encompass a broad variety of experiences with heightened sensory features and

lots of light, textures, colours, sights, scents and sounds to create a tranquil atmosphere. Pringle explains: “The garden is designed to appeal to all the senses. Colours are seasonal, placed for maximum contrast, or grouped in clusters. Energising hues are carefully balanced with oak garden furniture features with a natural finish, to avoid overstimulation that can cause distress to those living with dementia.

“As well as the soothing sounds of nature; bees buzzing, birds singing, the wind rustling through plants, the LUC team has chosen plants with evocative smells such as thyme, rosemary and jasmine.”

To encourage outdoor activities for residents, KYN BICKLEY offers a range of relaxing sensory experiences for those with a passion for gardening. Elevated pots and flower beds enable easier access for keen gardeners who may have limited dexterity and mobility.

THE DETAILS

KYN BICKLEY

Bickley Park Road, Bromley, London BR1 2AZ

To book an appointment or for more information: T: 020 4530 9700

E: KYNBickley@kyn.co.uk W: www.kyn.co.uk

Images are indicative and not photos of the gardens

“The garden is designed to appeal to all the senses. Colours are seasonal, placed for maximum contrast”

Exercise to improve sleep

With colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours and potentially seasonal blues upon us, it can sometimes feel harder to stay motivated and maintain an exercise routine. However, if you’re looking to keep rested and improve sleep, you should be focusing on your physical activity routine.

King Edward VII’s Hospital GP, Dr Hagar El-Habti to discuss how and when you should be exercising for a better night’s sleep.

How can exercise impact sleep? As well as increasing deep sleep and calming your mental activity, exercise can prevent conditions that can cause insomnia. Various illnesses and diseases like obesity, depression and pain, to name

a few, can cause people to suffer with poor sleep, but regular exercise and remaining fit can alleviate symptoms in some cases.

You might think that exercise would make you more tired during the day, but having a regime and working out can also battle sleepiness and fatigue during the day, and actually boost your energy levels, which means you’ll be more tired by bedtime, and drift off more quickly – subsequently promoting higher quality sleep.

What kind of exercise can help improve sleep? Whilst each person should adopt the routine and exercise that works best for them, there are a few things to note.

If anxiety is keeping you up at night, you could focus your exercise regime on tackling that.

“You might think that exercise would make you more tired during the day, but having a regime and working out can also battle sleepiness and fatigue during the day”

Aerobic exercises that increase heart and breathing rates, like brisk walking, running or cycling can make getting off to sleep easier by lowering blood pressure and reducing anxiety.

And if you really want to get a good night’s sleep, you should try exercising outdoors. This can boost your body’s circadian rhythm and exposure to daylight on a bracing walk or playing sport can help to keep you alert during the day, and as the sun goes down can trigger the body’s production of melatonin, which is what makes us feel sleepy.

What time of day is best to exercise?

Everyone is different, and what works for you might depend on whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, as well as any underlying health conditions. It’s recommended to stop exercising at least 90 minutes before you plan to go to bed, as this allows endorphin levels and core body temperature to return to levels that are favourable to sleep.

If evenings work better for you, try to avoid more vigorous forms of exercise such as HIIT as they can raise your core bode temperature too much, and in turn impact on the quality of your sleep. Alternatively, you could try stretching, resistance or light aerobic exercise to get the benefits of a workout without raising your body temperature too much.

Thinking of starting running?

Senior Physiotherapist at King Edward VII’s Hospital, Ella Moffat, suggests these top tips to

MORE INFORMATION

If you are concerned by your sleep issues or exercise problems, you can discuss your concerns and options at a same day appointment with a King Edward VII’s Hospital GP or physiotherapist.

Tel: 0203 930 1392 Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm kingedwardvii.co.uk

Marylebone, London

help prevent the risk of injury when you start running:

•Always warm up properly, with 10 minutes of stretching exercises before you run

•When first starting, run for short intervals, interspersed with walking – the ‘Couch to 5k’ app will encourage this

•Don’t run too fast - keep to a slow and sustained pace

•Try not to run every day. It is important to give your muscles time to rest and recover before running again. As you become more experienced, you can begin to run on consecutive days, but always remember to listen to your body

•Try to relax when you run, with your shoulders down

•Aim to mix up your running surfaces too – run on a mix of roads and grassy surfaces where possible to help cushion the joints

•Don’t run on a full stomach – leave at least two hours between finishing a meal and going for a run to avoid getting a stitch

Dr Hagar El-Habti

HOUSE & GARDEN

IMAGE: WILLOW ALEXANDER

AN ODE TO CURVES

Tstraight lines and angles gradually edged out in favour of the round. In the home, curves are calming, they imply comfort, softness and safety – no objects threatening to bash shins or cause dents here.

PLAY TIME

Now roundness has really kicked off, the newest designer pieces showcasing exaggerated, extravagant, expressive curves that go over-thetop with size, scale or configuration. While in more traditional shapes this may be too imposing or impactful for indoors, without angles the new forms are childlike and friendly – often with a dash of the cheeky or whimsical.

AU NATUREL

These designs also hint at the organic, many of the shapes appearing gently smoothed over time, or obviously sculpted by human hands. While perfect circles, discs and spheres still play a part in the contemporary interior, they’re supported by forms that are imperfect, tying in with our ongoing love affair with nature and bringing the outdoor in to create an inherently relaxing mood.

PRODUCT PICKS

Round and round

Is it a piece of art, or something practical? The Stami daybed by Milanese designers Studiopepe for Gallotti & Radice is all about curves, its straight lines almost invisible. A tale of two halves, its lower frame – if it can really be called that – is composed of impossibly delicate slices of black stained ash, which seem to loop and grow around the cushions above, flawlessly providing levelled support while making its own visual impression. The upholstered upper section is so sleek it looks naturally formed, the oval and cylindrical leather cushions impossibly smooth like something made in the digital world rather than reality. Stami daybed by Gallotti & Radice, £7,880

“Is it a piece of art, or something practical? The Stami daybed by Milanese designers Studiopepe for Gallotti & Radice is all about curves”

Stami daybed by Gallotti & Radice, £7,880

Denver Dattero

Supersized

Made up of just two substantial segments, the seat of Lema’s Claire armchair by Norm Architects nods strongly to nature, combining epic upholstered forms with a slick, minimal frame. The two cushion sections are rounded like a pair of pebbles eroded by time and slowly drawn together, their exaggerated size and quiet-yet-monumental curves at once indulgent and humble, emanating warmth and serenity.

Claire armchair by Lema, £3,100

Charismatic contours

Making an impression with its wing-like double backrest, finding strict linearity on the Aldora Sofa by Cristina Celestino for Moooi is like playing a long game of hide and seek. Its impressive backrest inspired by the arcing lines of Calla Lilies and prompting visions of pretty flying insects, the flowing flamboyant form is both somewhere to get comfortable on as well as an upholstered sculpture, bestowing joy and character on the room with its presence alone.

Aldora Sofa by Moooi, £3650 chaplins.co.uk

Perfect imperfection

Combining the organic with geometric precision, the Maxim Argile dining table by Pio and Tito Toso for Cattelan Italia melds a perfectly rounded, touch-me-smooth table top with a trio of alluring concave legs. Expertly crafted from liquid cement which is poured into a mould in the same way a sculpture is produced, when solidified the material has a gentle, tactile finish. The simple, oversized shapes imbue the design with a natural feel, its base akin to mysteriously enlarged petals or leaves creating a subtle yet striking statement.

Maxim Argile dining table by Cattelan Italia, £5980

“Lema’s Claire armchair by Norm Architects nods strongly to nature, combining epic upholstered forms with a slick, minimal frame”

This image and middle right: Maxim Argile dining table by Cattelan Italia, £5980

Above and below: Aldora Sofa by Moooi, £3650

This image and top right: Claire armchair by Lema, £3,100

Building Trends for 2023

Acheap poorly made kitchen can ruin the look and function of any extension. The biggest trends we are seeing here a Baltic Star Design & Build are for luxury kitchens with open plan space incorporating kitchen diner and a dayroom space for families to gather in. There is also a move towards robust family-proof flooring to withstand wear and tear.

For luxurious form and function of a kitchen, the units need to be of high-quality materials such as hardwood veneered interiors and dovetail solid oak drawers to add to the feel of luxury when doors and drawers are opened.

Integrated lighting into units is another way of adding layers of luxury. Options such as the routed in LED, as shown in the photo, avoids glare and shows off the unit interiors when opened

Robust flooring such as hard-wearing exterior limestone ensures the floor can survive family life for years to come. Easy to clean and resistant to stains and chips, it works incredibly well with underfloor heating and retains heat for hours.

Luxury kitchens are for life. They are durable and can be repainted in years to come when you want to update colour schemes. Despite the upfront cost, they ultimately save money as they will out last any off the peg kitchen solution by decades.

For your project journey contact info@balticstarbuild.co.uk. For further information visit www.balticstarbuild.co.uk

“A larder with oak Veneered interiors with integrated lighting and hidden kitchen area with worktop is the ultimate luxury addition to any kitchen”

“Islands with drawers are a practical luxury solution and a beautiful contrast with the hardwearing limestone flooring”

The Top 10 Home Improvements to Invest in During 2023

Loft conversions, new kitchens or bathrooms, real wood flooring and smart home wiring have been revealed amongst the top 10 most value-adding property features to invest in right now, according to new research.

A recent study, conducted by Flooring Superstore, analysed live Rightmove listings and collaborated with top property experts to unveil which home improvements have the potential to add the most value to a property.

The Rightmove research suggested that real wood floors were most likely to have a positive impact on property prices in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh. The investigation also highlighted that underfloor heating can increase the overall value of a home too, with this energy efficient form of heating most likely to boost property prices in London, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Glasgow, and Birmingham.

According to industry experts, homeowners should look to invest in improvements that add to the overall footprint of their property. Creating extensions or home improvements that modernise, improve the general condition of, or

add interest to – such as creating a dedicated work from home space, installing underfloor heating, or restoring original features came out on top.

Creating a loft conversion or extension was the most likely improvement that significantly adds value. New kitchen, open plan living, restoring original features, new bathroom, designated working from home space, new windows and doors, approved planning permission, smart home wiring, real wood floors and underfloor heating were other aspects that were likely to add value.

While having a bath within the main bathroom –not just a shower – or having a working fireplace had minimal impact on the property’s value, these installations could sway a sale if in line with the personal preferences of the prospective buyers.

Installing solar panels are a potential risk due to the respective tariffs, the fact that some see them as an eye sore, and the repair/maintenance costs. If the solar panels are leased rather than owned outright, it can make a property unmortgage-able. Similarly, outstanding planning permission could potentially damage the value of a property, as it implies that there’s a problem with it.

The average potential percentage increase per home improvement revealed the following:

Rank Home improvement

1 Loft conversions / extension

2 New kitchen

3 Open plan living

4 Restoring original features

Potential impact on property value Estimated % increase

Significantly adds value +19.38%

Adds value +9.38%

Adds value +8.33%

Adds value +7.38%

5 New bathroom Adds value +6.88%

6

Designated WFH space

Adds value +6.33%

7 New windows and doors Adds value +4.83%

8

Approved planning permission Adds value +3.75%

9 Smart home wiring

10 Real wood floors

11 Underfloor heating

12 Bath in bathroom (not just shower)

13 Solar panels

14 Working fireplace

15 Outstanding planning permission

Adds value +3.67%

Adds value +3.33%

Adds value +3.00%

Neither adds nor damages +0.67%

Neither adds nor damages +0.50%

Neither adds nor damages +0.00%

Potentially damage value -1.25%

“Our research suggests that there are plenty of opportunities for homeowners to add tangible value to their properties. Real wood flooring has the potential to add up to 5 per cent to a sale price in some areas. We recognise the value of real wood flooring, which is why we have the Direct Wood Flooring brand and team of experts to advise on grades, shades, grains, trends and much more. However, if real wood is out of your budget or not practical for your lifestyle, then you can still get the premium look for less with our vinyl or EvoCore alternatives. Waterproof and scratch resistant, EvoCore is an extremely versatile range; suitable for all areas of the home. Practical, hardwearing and easy to maintain it’s great for busy family homes too.

“For most of the top value-adding features in a home that our research revealed, flooring is an important consideration. For example, whether you’re getting an extension, new kitchen or bathroom, you need to consider functionality and style when it comes to the flooring type. On trend designs such as the popular parquet, is not only eye-catching and super stylish but instantly associated with luxury – for that all important first impression. Available in hardwood, laminate, EvoCore and vinyl designs, there’s a range suitable for every project too.

“Whichever home improvements you are looking to invest in, it’s likely that your current flooring will be disrupted, so try to take advantage of this by updating your flooring at the same time”.

flooringsuperstore.com

As well as improvements within the property itself, expert advice suggests that landscaping outdoor space can also be a good investment to make. A well-maintained garden has the potential to add anywhere between five to 20 per cent to a property’s value – perhaps more as lockdown has created an increased demand for outdoor space. For those looking to revamp their external areas, artificial grass is easy to maintain, weather-proof, and pet-safe, so could be a good option.

Jessica Fox, Senior Marketing Executive, at Flooring Superstore commented:

“Our research suggests that there are plenty of opportunities for homeowners to add tangible value to their properties”

GARDEN DESIGNERS on a mission to do good!

Willow Alexander Gardens is a full-service design and build company that has revolutionised their business model to be more sustainable and become the UK’s first certified Carbon Neutral Garden company here in the UK.

They are experts at delivering chic and timeless spaces that are horticulturally focused and minimally impact their surroundings. Working from their showroom and offices on the Southeast London/ Kent boarders, this dynamic team of creative horticulturalists are helping hundreds of families in the local area take better care of their outside spaces.

“Care is at the heart of what we do. We care for our clients, the gardens we design for them and care about how they impact the planet” …

“...At Willow Alexander Gardens we understand the art of good design, and the delicate balance between nature and hard form. With every project we do we help our clients forge a deep connection to their outside space and how it can best work for them. We treat each project holistically, taking into account lifestyle requirements and style preferences as much as composition, planting, textures and tones. Our garden designs are known to include discerning and unique features such as sustainable composite decks, custom ponds, and bespoke garden buildings that are designed to minimally impact the planet…”

Willow Alexander gardens also offers a dedicated maintenance and aftercare division that covers Southeast London and Kent that has gained the

international carbon-neutral standard. This phenomenal achievement has allowed them to join the United Nations Climate Neutral Now initiative to further commit to their reduction strategy.

Whether you are looking to have your outside space redesigned or just need a little more help in the garden, Willow Alexander sets the bar for garden care services in the area, and the UK.

Visit their website to find out more or book an appointment to visit them in their showroom. www. willowalexandergardens.co.uk

“Care is at the heart of what we do. We care for our clients, the gardens we design for them and care about how they impact the planet”

BEAUTIFUL HERITAGE INSPIRED WALLPAPERS

colours, contemporary furniture and soft tones. A wonderful way to incorporate this style into your home is with a tartan inspired wallpaper mural.

Wallsauce.com boast a vast range of beautiful heritage style wallpapers, one we particularly love is this beautiful Grey Tartan design. This wallpaper pairs perfectly with rich, wooden furniture and an exposed wooden floor. Add in your contemporary elements through a modern style chair and a rattan rug for a beautiful contrast of modern and classic.

Add a classic twist with beautiful panel-inspired wallpaper

The modern take on the classic heritage style sees traditional elements - such as panelling -paired with contemporary accents to create a wonderful blend of ‘old meets new’

To create a classic heritage dining room, adorn your walls with this stunning Beige Wood Panels wall mural and accessorise with a chunky wood dining table and white and muted gold accents. If you’re looking to add a touch of old-world charm and splendour to your space, you can explore the full range of panel inspired wallpaper Wallsauce. com has to offer.

Don’t shy away from patterned wallpapers

Creators of custom-made wallpaper murals, Wallsauce.com have gathered together its most beautiful heritage inspired wallpapers. These stunning designs are guaranteed to transform your home into a gorgeous country side escape.

Wallsauce.com has a wide range of beautiful wallpapers for every room and every style.

Whether you are decorating your bathroom or your hallway, its stunning array of collections are ideal to complement a vast range of interiors.

Not only are these wallpaper murals made to your wall dimensions so that waste is minimal, but the peel-and-stick material is also recyclable!

Take on tartan for your heritage style room

Born out of the combination of classic designs mixed with traditional elements, heritage inspired décor is easy to replicate with the right mix of rich

THE DETAILS

To discover more beautiful designs, head over to wallsauce.com.

Rich colour palettes and patterned wallpapers are essential when it comes to creating heritage style décor. This stunning tile-inspired wallpaper is perfect for those who are not fans of plain beige and cream walls and prefer to inject personality into their rooms.

The muted blue and orange tones are designed perfectly to match beautiful natural wood furniture, such as a set of drawers, flooring and other accessories such as storage baskets. Natural wood furniture is the first stop when it comes to creating a gorgeous heritage style due to its exposed material and warm hue.

Oversized florals are always welcome

Wallsauce.com is known for its vast collection of stunning floral and botanical wallpaper murals. Luckily for us, floral designs are perfect for accentuating your heritage style room.

The wonderful combination of a classic floral

wallpaper with contemporary wooden furniture gives this room a stunningly modern twist. The warm, natural beige hues of the wooden furniture bring a cosy vibe to the space.

Accessorise further with soft, white curtains on your windows or patio doors and choose smooth ceramic materials for any lighting or ornaments you wish to display. Include a dash of wicker material, such as your rug or as a planter.

Muted tones and floral designs are made for Heritage rooms

The Heritage style uses muted, understated tones to create a warm atmosphere. A vintage inspired design, such as this Tulip Pattern wallpaper mural from Wallsauce.com, is the perfect choice when it comes to choosing a patterned wallpaper for your room.

Combine the muted floral greens with an exposed wooden floor and dark wooden, contemporary furniture – such as a bench, coffee table or chest of drawers, depending on your chosen room. Lay down a cream or beige rug to add a hint of cosiness to your space, now you have a beautiful heritage style room.

All of these stunning heritage style wallpaper murals from Wallsauce.com are made-to-measure and printed using environmentally friendly inks. Choose from three materials including peel and stick, paste the wall or classic premium.

“The Heritage style uses muted, understated tones to create a warm atmosphere”

WELCOME TO THE ENGLISH CHIMNEYPIECE

Are you looking for wood burning stove or bespoke fireplaces in Kent?

If you are then let The English Chimneypiece be your number one choice today.

We can offer you both modern and classical style fireplaces, wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet your every specification so you can be sure that, whatever it is you want, we are the perfect company for you

Wood Burning, Multi Fuel Stoves and Fire Surrounds in Sevenoaks

Our team are hugely experienced, with our business having been trading for over 20 years now, and so you can rest assured that you will receive workmanship of only the highest quality.

We pride ourselves on our close attention to detail which means every job receives our 100% dedication, along with our first rate customer care, where we put you and your requirements ahead of everything else.

Such is our vast level of experience, we are able to provide you with a huge range of services such as:

• Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves

• Bespoke Fireplaces and Surrounds

• Restoration and Reproduction of Fireplaces

• Gas and Electric Fires

THE DETAILS

The English Chimneypiece

3 St. Botolph’s Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3AJ 01732 740 811 english-chimneypiece.co.uk

Which are available in a wide range of top quality materials like stone, marble, granite, slate, wood and cast iron.

Fireplaces in Sevenoaks

We are HETAS registered and we employ experienced, GAS SAFE registered engineers to prove our quality and increase you peace of mind. Our staff give a professional yet friendly service and we are approachable for our clients which means we are able to work together to provide the perfect fireplace for them.

Our company is based in Sevenoaks, Kent. We serve both retail and trade clients, contractors, designers and insurance companies. With free quotations available, site surveys, as well as our popular image creation service, you can be sure that you will be 100% satisfied with the finish we provide you with. Our surrounds are made in Britain, hand crafted and, if required, made to measure. Our workshop is based in Kent.

CHOICE, QUALITY & DESIGN

Want to enhance your bathroom space but finding the compact area hard to work with? Fear not, as there are plenty of ways to utilise smaller bathrooms, including everything you need to make the room appear larger.

Taking advantage of things like natural light, corners and clever storage is important and will help your compact bathroom to feel less restricted. There are ways to make the small space feel bigger without having to spend a fortune on knocking down your wall to fit a new window.

One of these is to create an illusion of space, install mirrors onto your bathroom wall, as this will reflect light well creating the effect of an open window. In addition to this if you are looking to open up the space in your bathroom, go for a mirror that is back lit, at the same time helping to create a minimalistic vibe in your bathroom.

One of the reasons why small bathrooms can feel even smaller is the lack of storage. If you own a wide array of bathroom essentials (such as skincare products, hair products and oral products), consider investing in a shelf to hold all your soaps and bottles.

While it might be the obvious choice to go with shower curtains, sometimes traditional isn’t always better. To make your bathroom space feel more open, consider forgoing the curtains and choose a clear glass screen to separate your shower area from the rest.

Instead of separating tile patterns for your bathroom floor and your shower, use a consistent tile type to tile your floor, as having unbroken patterns creates a greater perception of depth, making your bathroom feel more spacious.

Your bathroom is a precious and private space, and chances are, you are going to spend a significant amount of time in it, so why not invest in building it up to look exactly the way you want it? You don’t need a mansion to make a masterpiece, and we hope that our tips have guided you in working with whatever limited space you have, to create the stylish space you always wanted.

If you are looking for more inspiration to create that tranquil bathroom space, you’ll find plenty of superb design ideas for small bathrooms (and even large ones) at our Eltham and Biggin Hill showrooms.

THE DETAILS

H Lilley & Co Ltd

157 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Kent, TN16 3JR hlilleyelectricalandplumbing.co.uk

“Your bathroom is a precious and private space, and chances are, you are going to spend a significant amount of time in it”

FEEL THE WARMTH

INTERIORS

Made for those who want to experience the delights of being totally wrapped in linen, our Warm Clay bedtime bundle, in a vintage-inspired dusky pink, is made from super soft 100% stonewashed European flax. Our Bedtime Bundles consist of a duvet cover, a sheet and a pair of pillowcases. Opt for a consistent Warm Clay colour-scheme or contrast with our classically crisp White linen sheets, with the option to add on extras if desired. Linen keeps you cosy and warm in the winter, cool in the summer and is highly breathable. pigletinbed.com

TIMELESS STYLE

Timeless and effortlessly stylish, Olive & Barr truly celebrates the glory of British craftsmanship with shaker kitchen cabinetry handcrafted by skilled artisans right here in the UK. oliveandbarr.com

STYLISH STORAGE

This compact multi drawer unit provides the perfect perch for your TV. Our wood and metal drawer unit features two different vintage style cast iron handles on rich coloured solid mango wood drawers and paired with a modern grey body. vincentandbarn.co.uk

GREEN GIANT

We simply love this striking, giant ceramic vase vital grasswith a grass green glaze. 40cm height x 26cm diameter. curatedliving.co.uk

MADE WITH LOVE

These hand stitched silk embroideries show simple designs of flowers, with a pair of pink butterflies fluttering above, or an intricately stitched design with pink and mauve peony flowers They are finely worked and are typical of the delicate needlework used to decorate traditional Chinese costumes. They come mounted and framed as shown. shimu.co.uk

GUARA NTEE

ARAUG EETN

IMAGINATION IN PLAY HUUBIE

Have you ever dreamt of creating a magical place in your garden…a place that stimulates fun and togetherness for all of your family, a place created bespoke to your needs and dreams, a place that enhances your lifestyle.

Huubie imagine, design and build unique experiences that provide active play, hours of family fun, and adventures that everyone can enjoy. Their imagination runs wild, so that every Huubie build is sure to be amazing and unique to each creation.

Huubie is driven by the vision of its founder, Paul Prentice.

Paul is an expert when it comes to the magic and benefits of active outdoor play, not just for kids, but inclusively for the whole family.

Paul’s vision is to change attitudes and appreciation of active play and it’s proven values, creating inclusivity so that everyone can benefit, both physically and mentally.

“The look of pure joy on faces when they are carried away enjoying fun activities is something that really ignites my passion”.

Making fun memories that last a lifetime.

Huubie’s aim is to bring out the beauty of natural fun in every project, prising kids away from their screens to release energy, promote healthy lifestyles and make treasured family memories that are priceless. All of the creations add to the fun by having the Huubie signature of being ‘wondrously wonky’, a whimsical and magical touch.

Always bespoke to suit your needs and dreams.

Huubie’s creations are hand-crafted from quality materials, everyone a ‘one off’, a masterpiece in imaginative design, built with passion and years of

experience. Huubie’s 4 step process is designed to make it easier for their customers, it’s quite simply… consult, imagine, design and build.

And there’s more… commercial and educational projects.

Huubie also stretch their brand of playful active fun into commercial creations that benefit communities and businesses. They also work in the education sector to help kids experience the benefits of active play, essential for healthy minds, bodies and a positive spirit.

Complement the look and build imaginative spaces.

To complete the unique look Huubie take commissions to create bespoke, hand-crafted furniture and accessories, plus glamping pods, studios, outdoor bars and work spaces.

Huubie imagine, design and build unique experiences that provide active play, hours of family fun, and adventures that everyone can enjoy THE DETAILS

Are you concerned about potential leaks or costly water damage?

Are you one of 70% of home owners in the UK incorporating a mineral felt flat roof? Mineral felt generally has a slow breakdown often allowing water ingress to cause unnecessary damage before anything can be visibly detected within the home.

A failing roof & the warning signs- look for signs of cracking around the roof edge, pipes, upstands and roof lights etc. Beware of blisters on the roof surface, during colder months they can become brittle and crack. The home-owner should also be made aware that insurance companies will no longer accept any liability for any external or internal damage caused by a leaking flat roof which is over 10 years old.

Further very important information: - all property owners please be aware when a flat roof is replaced there are Building Regulations that the homeowner and the contractor must comply with. Failure to comply can leave the homeowner open to major problems when selling the property. Please call for free information regarding the regulations.

In 1999, High-Tech Roofing first introduced the most advanced flat roof technology to the homeowner. Protan, based in Norway, has a pedigree in the design and manufacture of water-

THE DETAILS

Hi-Tech Roofing

We welcome you come and visit us at 850 London Road, Leigh-onSea, Essex SS9 3NQ. Our opening hours are Mon to Fri 9:30am till 4:30pm and Sat 10am till 2pm. However, we do offer a service whereby we will open upon request outside of opening hours. Please call to arrange an appointment.

T: 0800 22 66 66 www.flatroofs.net

proofing materials dating back to 1939, and producing the first roofing membrane in 1971.

Protan is our preferred PVC single-ply flat roofing system and will cope with all climates, millions of square metres are installed here and abroad with a proven track record stretching over four decades. Protan is predominantly an architect-specified roofing system, winning many awards serving the very competitive commercial sector.

A High-Tech roof is dimensionally stable and solar reflective, the material is unaffected by climate change and 100% resistant to moss & algae growth. The membrane has a unique anti-slip finish allowing the roof to be walked on and is aesthetically pleasing. As it is a vapour permeable product it will never blister or become brittle and crack. High-Tech will create a 100% storm resistant watertight roof, maintenance free and guaranteed for life never to leak.

We will be delighted to welcome you at our showroom located in Leigh-on-sea. This gives us the opportunity to show you first hand our superb Lifetime Guaranteed flat roofing systems. We have a variety of displays showing the glass skylights and roof lanterns offering the opportunity to view everything before you buy.

A new textile collection rooted in age old skill

Textile and wallpaper designer, Kate Loudoun Shand, unveils a new range of textiles this October that celebrate the art of block printing and present a new take on a classic stripe.

In a landscape of botanical prints and patterns, the brand felt a compelling need to offer something different. Inspired by the iconic Cabana Stripe, with its minimalist, bold pattern, the new collection offers a series of compelling stripes with character and depth and which are designed to stand the test of time.

The range features three new designs with a total of 10 colourways that together make a grounding colour palette. Dhaaree Stripe comes in berries, blue and Jaipur rose; Chaand Stripe comes in brown and pink, soft blues and putty and green; and Evelyn Stripe comes in lawn, deep

water, rust and winter rose. There is also a new cushion design using the Chaand Stripe in brown and pink.

On the new collection, Kate Loudoun Shand comments: “I’ve always wanted more stripes in the line. There’s a lack of stripes with zest and personality in the market and I want this collection to be the answer to that. Through the block print technique I was able to bring texture to the design and produce something that is less flat and more friendly, in keeping with our house style.”

“We work with a family-run business who have been block printing for generations. For me l love the alchemy that happens when the block is carved by hand and the design is then printed by hand; each element of the pattern is unique and there’s not a machine in sight,” Shand adds. kateloudounshand.com

Kate Loudoun Shand

Designed for living

At Stoneham, the values we’ve been building into our bespoke kitchens for the last 150 years haven’t changed. Every hand-built Stoneham kitchen fulfils its own streamlined elegance both effortlessly and exquisitely. It’s about making the very best of the best – the finest woods and natural materials, the most innovative features and latest technology, supremely crafted by the most knowing and capable hands. Appointed kitchen centres available locally and nationwide. For a colour brochure and details of the Centre most convenient to you call 020 8300 8181 or visit: www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk

Stoneham plc, Powerscroft Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5DZ. Factory Showroom Opening: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12 midday.