Life Magazines (Berkshire editions) January 2023

Design & Installation of Kitchens in Surrey & Home Counties for 40 years.

FROM THE EDITOR

Painshill is a stunning landscape garden in Cobham Surrey with 160 acres of woodland, meadow and lake. Designed in the 18th century as a living painting, the landscape invites you to walk around a work of art. Discover beautiful garden buildings such as the Temple of Bacchus or Gothic Temple and watch as stunning views unfold before you.

A new digital tour launched recently at West Horsley Place gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover more about the fascinating history of the Grade I listed Manor House.

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Farnborough is the goto exhibition for self builders and renovators. No matter what stage your project is at, they will help you to bring it to life! Come along for tailored, one-to-one advice; browse 1000s of new and innovative products to improve your home; and discover the ins and outs of everything from planning regulations for extensions and managing renovation budgets, to stylish kitchen design and integrating underfloor heating.

Great Fosters has every reason to celebrate the new year. Just before Christmas the AA awarded the hotel its coveted five star rating. Rated and awarded by the AA’s professional inspectors Great Fosters is one of only 30 five star hotels in England.

Faye Manning Editor

FAYE MANNING

24-29 JANUARY

SURREY HILLS PLEIN AIR PAINTERS EXHIBITION

The Surrey Hills Plein Air Painters will be displaying over 200 pieces of exciting new and original art, all for sale at affordable prices. The paintings should appeal to every taste, featuring different subjects and styles. There will be a selection of unframed paintings for sale too.

Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA

THE CALENDAR

28 JANUARY

TANDRIDGE (CATERHAM) MUM2MUM MARKET NEARLY NEW SALE

Buy pre-loved top quality baby, children (0-6 years), maternity and pregnancy items and baby equipment at a fraction of their price! Up to 20 stalls packed with bargains. 10:30am12:30pm. Entry only £2 (kids free)

The Arc, 39 Westo Drive, Caterham, Surrey CR3 5XY

17-21 JANUARY

SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE VALLEY OF FEAR

A mysterious, coded message is received, a warning of imminent danger, drawing Sherlock Holmes and the faithful Dr Watson into a tale of intrigue and murder stretching from 221B Baker Street to an ancient moated manor house to the bleak Pennsylvanian Vermissa Valley. Faced with a trail of bewildering clues, Holmes begins to unearth a darker, wider web of corruption, a secret society and the sinister work of one Professor Moriarty. Original music, stylish theatricality and magical story-telling.

Yvonne Arnauld, Millbrook, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UX

4 FEBRUARY - 12 MARCH

HOUSEPLANT TAKEOVER – DEEP SEA DIVE

Find yourself in a colourful reef below the surface of the sea, where familiar houseplants mix with other weird and wonderful plants from the Wisley Glasshouse collections, colonising undersea rocks, shipwrecks and treasure chests.

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB

14-15 JANUARY

THE HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW

Self-build specialists, renovation experts and leading brands - all under one roof.

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Farnborough is the go-to exhibition for self builders and renovators. No matter what stage your project is at, we’ll help you to bring it to life! Come along for tailored, one-to-one advice; browse 1000s of new and innovative products to improve your home; and discover the ins and outs of everything from planning regulations for extensions and managing renovation budgets, to stylish kitchen design and integrating underfloor heating.

Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre Trenchard Way, Farnborough, Surrey GU14 6TQ

21 JANUARY

BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATIONS

Celebration of Robbie Burns commencing in the atmospheric Denbies Cellar followed by dinner and a traditional Scottish Ceilidh band in the Conservatory.

Denbies Wine Estate, London Road Surrey, RH5 6AA

29 JANUARY

LINGFIELD ANTIQUES, COLLECTABLES & VINTAGE FAIR

With 170+ indoor stalls all bristling with all variety of amazing antiques, collectables and vintage items - at Lingfield Park Racecourse. A great place to buy unusual and unique items, with a fantastic Swing singer also performing throughout the day! Lingfield Park Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Lingfield. Surrey. RH7 6PQ

13-15 & 18-21 JANUARY CINDERELLA

Come join The Oxted Players and Cinders on her journey to finding a happy ever after with the prince of her dreams. As usual it’s not a smooth journey with the bumps in the road being provided by an evil stepmother, a pair of ugly sisters and not one but two fairy Godmothers along the way! Throw in a couple of henchmen, a battle of the bands, protesting children and maybe the odd ghost or two and you have the recipe for a great night out for all the family. So come and see our Cinderella, find and wed her Royal fella!

Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0AA

11 FEBRUARY

1920S MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PARTY

Join Concord Oddfellows for a murder mystery dinner party, raising much-needed funds for Camberley Hope Hub. Dust off your suit jacket and don your feathered headbands for a 1920s murder mystery you won’t want to miss! With a delicious threecourse dinner and incredible entertainment, local friendship group, Concord Oddfellows is hosting this fantastic charity event, with proceeds to be donated to Camberley Hope Hub. St Mary’s Church and Centre Park Road Camberley Surrey GU15 2SR

Denbies Before the Clouds by Jacky Cowdrey,

DIGITAL TOUR LAUNCHES AT WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Anew digital tour launched recently at West Horsley Place gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover more about the fascinating history of the Grade I listed Manor House.

The tour, which is available on the free app Smartify – for visitors to West Horsley Place along with virtual visitors from around the world - features the recollections of people from the local community who knew Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe (1915-2014), the last private owner of West Horsley Place.

From Gordon Bufton, who lived in the house as a boy in the ‘50s and ‘60s when his parents worked for Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe, to Ian Wright, then manager of Squire’s Garden Centre, whose dog was a favourite of the Duchess, the new tour brings to life the recent past of West Horsley Place.

It is the culmination of Our Stories, an intergenerational community project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund that brought together young people aged 15-18 to interview older people about their memories of West Horsley Place, Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe and the village of West Horsley to create an oral history. 14 young people took part in the project, learning about their local history and gaining new skills, and 29 older people, who shared their stories and were able to create new connections. The full interviews will be held by Surrey History Centre and will be available as a resource for future generations.

Our Stories was devised by West Horsley Place Trust to combat loneliness and to improve wellbeing as part of a wider two-year programme of public consultation and activity supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund that is, for the first time, enabling a wide range of people from the local community to experience how heritage spaces can transform health and wellbeing.

Commenting, Ilona Harris, Director of West Horsley Place Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be launching this new tour here at West Horsley Place. It’s the perfect way to capture people’s stories and memories, and it has been a pleasure to bring all ages together with this project. Visitors to our Open Days will be able to enjoy this audio

tour as they explore our ancient Manor House and, for the first time, we can welcome virtual visitors from anywhere in the world. I’m so looking forward to seeing people experiencing the house in a new way as they listen to Our Stories.”

Ian Wright, who participated in the project, said: “It was a huge privilege for me to have been invited to participate in the West Horsley Place oral history project as it had a been a huge privilege for me to have known the Duchess and welcomed so many times in to her wonderful home.”

“The Duchess was a unique character full of fascinating stories which she gladly and willingly shared with me. She and her family had lived through, experienced and been part of so much of the history of the 19th and 20th century. We became firm friends and I used to relish my weekly visits to the house. Every visit filled me with wonder as she recounted her life stories to me. Those years are fondly remembered as some of the best years of my life and I have been glad to record the memories of a person the likes of which we won’t see again.”

Our Stories are available on Smartify now by searching West Horsley Place. For further information please visit westhorsleyplace.org

“We’re delighted to be launching this new tour here at West Horsley Place. It’s the perfect way to capture people’s stories and memories, and it has been a pleasure to bring all ages together with this project”

ENDLESS DAYS OUT AT PAINSHILL

Painshill is a stunning landscape garden in Cobham Surrey with 160 acres of woodland, meadow and lake. Designed in the 18th century as a living painting, the landscape invites you to walk around a work of art. Discover beautiful garden buildings such as the Temple of Bacchus or Gothic Temple and watch as stunning views unfold before you. For entry all year round, prices start at just £55.

Enjoy endless days out at this beautiful place. For one fee you can enjoy watching the seasons change, or give as a gift. Give someone daffodils, bluebells, summer picnics, stunning autumn colour and winter wonderland walks, all for one price.

It is a well-known fact that being outdoors and connecting with nature on a regular basis is hugely beneficial for people’s mental and physical health. Painshill offers everyone a place of tranquillity, beauty and charm. It offers families somewhere to get back to nature and couples a garden made for romantic walks. Make amazing memories with membership.

For families there are a number of trails throughout the year which are all included in membership. Last Christmas, for example, Painshill had a statue trail of superheroes for the children,

and those young at heart, to enjoy.

All income generated from ticket sales, membership and the gift shop goes back into preserving and protecting the beautiful landscape at Painshill so you are supporting a charity as well. The gift shop is full of unique products including Painshill honey and Painshill Sparkling Wine.

Gin lovers will absolutely love the Painshill Kitchen Garden Gin. It is flavoured with botanicals grown on site by the Painshill landscape team. The Kitchen Garden Gin is a refreshing taste made with lemon balm, rosemary and shredded rhubarb. It is distilled by The Gin Kitchen in Dorking and only made in small batches so is truly an exclusive and local product.

It is available in the Painshill gift shop. Take a look at painshill.co.uk for more information.

“The Kitchen Garden Gin is a refreshing taste made with lemon balm, rosemary and shredded rhubarb”

WattsArtistsGallery Village

WORKSHOPS:

Watts Creatives workshop: A Sense of Place with Tom Voyce: 15 February

Join 2017’s Sky Landscape Artist of the Year winner Tom Voyce for a day of sketching, exploring composition and painting across the Artist Village to find your own sense of place. Suitable for 13 – 18 year olds.

EVENTS: Des Oliver and The Atchison Quartet: What does it mean to be a black composer? 24 February

Acclaimed contemporary composer and film maker, Des Oliver will share a screening of excerpts from his landmark documentary series, Identity and the Anxiety of Influence. A discussion with Oliver and Watts Gallery’s Faces of Fame curator Dr Emily Burns will follow.

To conclude, enjoy a live performance of Oliver’s celebrated musical composition, The Diasporic Quartets, alongside works by Philip Herbert, Tunde Jegede and Dominque Le Gendre, performed by the leading ensemble The Atchison Quartet. Immerse yourself in this eclectic musical landscape that draws influence from the rich traditions of West African to classical music.

Tom Voyce and Grace Ellen in Conversation with Alistair Burtenshaw: 15th February

The two young artists featuring in our exhibition A Sense of Place at Watts Contemporary Gallery (20 January - 27 March) discuss their inspirations and methods of working.

TOURS:

Gardener’s Tour

First Tuesday of the month: 7 February and 7 March

Discover the gardens and grounds of our estate in the company of Chris Sharples, Verey Head Gardener. On this walking tour, Chris will point out what to look for each month and chat about the ongoing restoration of the grounds at Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village.

A SENSE OF PLACE

19 January – 26 March 2023

Young landscape artists Grace Ellen (returning to Watts Contemporary after featuring in Heartlands in January 2022) and Tom Voyce (winner of Sky Landscape Artist of the Year in 2017) show how the places around affect them, and how they distil the landscapes of Surrey, Cornwall and the USA into their beautiful paintings. Free entry. All works for sale.

Grace Ellen, Zig Zag Zennor, acrylic on panel

Tom Voyce, New Court Gallery Interior, oil on board

Luxury Surrey Hotel awarded Five Stars by The AA

Great Fosters has every reason to celebrate the new year. Just before Christmas the AA awarded the hotel its coveted five star rating. Rated and awarded by the AA’s professional inspectors Great Fosters is one of only 30 five star hotels in England outside London to hold this accolade. Ian Heath, Operations Director commented: ‘We’re thrilled that Great Fosters has been awarded five stars by The AA. This is the culmination of four years of investment in both the property and the team. Major refurbishments have taken place at the hotel since we purchased Great Fosters in 2018 and I am thrilled for Prem Kumar and his team that their passion, dedication and determination to offer our guests the highest standards of hospitality have been rewarded with this rating. It is the best start to 2023 that we could have wished for!’

Great Fosters is steeped in royal history and if you haven’t yet visited it’s the perfect place in which to retreat from Winter. Turn into the drive to see a magnificent Tudor building complete with chimney pots and tower and enter through a traditional wicket door to a warm welcome and a roaring log fire.

The estate has plenty to offer with a new menu that includes some enticing vegan dishes too if you are partaking in Veganuary. We are looking forward to trying the wood fried beetroots with vegan burrata, toasted seeds and pickled walnut. Head Chef Michael Mealey has recently returned to Great Fosters and his new a la carte menu, focussing on good quality local ingredients used creatively, launches this month. The Estate Grill also offers a very good value midweek lunch & supper menu at £29.50 for two courses or £33.50 for three. Or why not book into the newly launched Tudor Pass which now has Alex Payne at the helm? The Tudor Pass offers a superb tasting menu (£120 per person) at lunchtime and in the evening from Wednesday to Saturday; the restaurant is intimate with only seven tables and you’ll find many of the dishes presented at your table by Alex and his team, thus bringing the kitchen into the restaurant (but without the usual noise!).

Afternoon tea at Great Fosters has been a longstanding tradition and with warming log fires a plenty you can enjoy scrumptious sandwiches, light as air scones and dainty patisserie in the cosiest of surroundings.

alexanderhotels.co.uk/great-fosters telephone 01784 433 822 gfhotel@alexanderhotels.com

“Great Fosters is steeped in royal history and if you haven’t yet visited it’s the perfect place in which to retreat from Winter”

PORTRAIT OF SHAKESPEARE GOES ON DISPLAY

By Alex Green

Aportrait said to be the only signed and dated image of William Shakespeare created during his lifetime has gone on display in London.

Its owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, is offering the piece for sale by private treaty – without an auction – for a figure of more than £10 million.

It is the work of Robert Peake, Sergeant-Painter to King James I, and is signed and dated 1608.

Prior to 1975, the picture hung in the library of a stately home in the north of England, once home to the Danby family. Since then it has been in private ownership.

Those behind its sale claim that the connections between Shakespeare and Peake are “extensive”.

They say Peake was regularly commissioned to paint the portraits of high-ranking members of the Court and Jacobean society.

They also noted he was commissioned by the Office of the Revels, which oversaw the presentation of plays, and worked in the premises in Clerkenwell, London, where some of Shakespeare’s plays were rehearsed.

However, only two paintings of Shakespeare, both posthumous, are generally recognised as valid – the engraving that appears on the title page of the First Folio, published in 1623, and the sculpture at his funeral monument in Stratford-upon-Avon.

“Prior to 1975, the picture hung in the library of a stately home in the north of England, once home to the Danby family. Since then it has been in private ownership”

Shakespeare died in 1616, at the age of 52.

Art expert Duncan Phillips, who investigated the work ahead of the sale, said: “There is more evidence for this portrait of Shakespeare than any other known painting of the playwright.

“It is a monogrammed and dated work by a portrait painter of serious status with connections to the artist who produced the image for the First Folio.

“The picture has survived the past 400 years almost untouched by wear and tear thanks to its ownership by a family of Shakespeare enthusiasts who hung it in their library.”

However, Shakespeare expert Michael Dobson told the Daily Mail claims the painting is of the Bard are “wishful thinking”.

The painting went is on display at Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

St Valentine Collection 2023

CŒUR À CŒUR ‘Heart to Heart’

Available online and in boutiques from 13th January 2023

With St Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Pierre Marcolini offers you ‘Cœur à Cœur’ creations that are both audacious and sumptuous! When Pierre created his ‘Cœur à Cœur’ collection to celebrate this Lovers’ Day, he wanted to shake up the existing formula, by adding fervour to Love, and make opposing flavours confront each other. To unite and bring together the most vivacious and the more virtuous characters.

HEARTS UNITE

Chewy bites combining two halves of a heart to enjoy a single delicacy for two. On the red side, the crunchy Piedmont hazelnut and Japanese charred sesame are accompanied by a Quimper lace topped with a hazelnut Gianotti. On the pink side, a tender hazelnut praline is sprinkled with hazelnut chips. When ‘Cœur’ is unwrapped, people’s hearts will also be wrapped up in a single mouthful of pleasure and tenderness.

Hearts Unite Bite 60g - £11.90 each

THE HEART BOX

A beautiful metal box with delicately rounded contours, shimmering colours encompassing creations, which are surprising to reveal: vanillapepper, hazelnut or Yuzu mandarin hearts, nougats, caramel palettes, or milk twists. Enough to vary emotions and increase sensations tenfold. Box with 9 chocolates 64g - £16.90

PLUMIER PETITS BONHEURS

What a delight to find the famous ‘Petits Bonheurs à la noisette’, wrapped in a golden paper specially decorated with hearts for the occasion. Just waiting to melt in lovers’ mouths. Sixteen chocolate treats, beautifully nestled in a Plumier box. 144g - £23.00

GOURMET ADDICTION FOR THE FOODIES!

This assortment contains:

• The Heart Box

• Plumier Petits Bonheurs

• Milk Rochers treats

• Five O’clock Bar

• Duo Praliné Hazelnut Biscuit Box 503g - £71.00

DESSERTS CŒUR À CŒUR

Finally, to make hearts beat faster, a pastry to swoon over and share together. The dessert consists of a lemon Genoa bread topped with a toasted sesame nougatine. The strawberry heart is accompanied by a light Madagascan vanilla mousse with a hint of Timut pepper, all coated in a white chocolate shell. A small raspberry heart delicately crowns this dessert to sweep people off their feet. Desserts Cœur à Cœur 230g - For 2 people£15,00

Hearts to be won, pleasures to share!

THE DETAILS

Visit marcolini.com and their Marylebone boutique plus counters in Selfridges, Harrods, and worldwide. Facebook.com/PierreMarcolini Twitter/ Instagram @pierremarcolin

The Deer

of Richmond Park

Richmond Park was originally a deerhunting park, and still has 300 red deer and 350 fallow deer. When Charles I moved his court to Richmond Palace (no longer standing) to avoid the plague in London, in 1625, he turned his manor into a deer park with herds of fallow and red deer. The park was enclosed with an 8 mile long brick wall in 1637. Most of the wall that still encloses Richmond park is the original. The Royal deer have been maintained in Richmond ever since.

The deer have played a major role in the Park’s history and have shaped the landscape too. Their special grassland habitat depends on grazing and the parkland trees have a distinctive ‘browse line’ as the deer eat all the leaves and twigs growing below about 1.5 metres. Deer grazing also prevents tree seedlings from growing, keeping the grassland open. For young trees to survive they need to be

protected against damage from deer antlers for some 50 years.

During the autumn the deer ‘rut’ (breeding season) takes place. The red stags and fallow bucks compete for females (known as hinds and does respectively). At this time, the large males roar, bark and clash antlers in a spectacular way in an attempt to fight off rivals and to attract as many females as possible. The young are born mainly in June, and are hidden by their mothers amongst the bracken and long grass. Females and their young are very vulnerable and sensitive to disturbance at this time Herds of red and fallow deer roam freely within much of the park. The herds are culled in November to keep numbers manageable and the park population healthy.

The British Deer Society and the Deer Initiative of England and Wales, who are regarded as the main welfare organizations dealing with the welfare and management of deer nationally, recognise that parkland deer numbers must be managed and that removal of some of the deer is necessary each year to keep populations at acceptable levels.

The keeping of deer in enclosed English parkland has a long heritage. Although many ancient parks were originally maintained for hunting purposes, in recent times it is recognised that the deer herds of the Royal Parks in London are an integral part

“The keeping of deer in enclosed English parkland has a long heritage

of the parks’ ecosystem, as well as being a valuable amenity and educational feature. These parkland deer are wild animals, which are not regularly shepherded or handled; they are left to breed normally and to establish normal social behaviour.

All deer parks have a maximum capacity of deer numbers, which must not be exceeded to avoid problems of disease and damage to the natural environment (the complex ecosystems for which Richmond Park is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserve and a

European Special Area of Conservation, being of particular importance). The deer are wild animals, so never try to touch or feed them.

Always keep a respectful distance, especially if you have a dog. As well as deer, a range of other mammals lives in the park, though they may not be as obvious. These include Fox, Rabbit, Shrew, Mice and Vole. Unfortunately the Brown Hare, which was once common in the Park, has vanished as a consequence of increased disturbance.

The Park’s diverse landscape, abundant insects and plentiful tree roost sites are good habitat for bats. There are recent records of at least nine species including all 3 species of Pipistrelle, Noctule, Serotine, Brown Long-eared and Daubenton’s bats. bAs well as deer, a range of other mammals lives in the park, though they may not be as obvious. These include Fox, Rabbit, Shrew, Mice and Vole.

Unfortunately the Brown Hare, which was once common in the Park, has vanished as a consequence of increased disturbance. The Park’s diverse landscape, abundant insects and plentiful tree roost sites are good habitat for bats. Th ere are recent records of at least nine species including all 3 species of Pipistrelle, Noctule, Serotine, Brown Long-eared and Daubenton’s bats. royalparks.org.uk

“During the autumn the deer ‘rut’ (breeding season) takes place. The red stags and fallow bucks compete for females (known as hinds and does respectively). At this time, the large males roar, bark and clash antlers in a spectacular way in an attempt to fight off rivals and to attract as many females as possible”

THE CONNAUGHT IN MAYFAIR UNVEILS NEW CIGAR MERCHANTS

the space, each with a fold down shelf hidden in its arm to be used for resting drinks. An outstanding feature is the Swiss extraction system, which through the floor and ceiling, silently and constantly cleans the air to stop the space getting too smoky. Lalique ashtrays and glassware, French crafted lighters, a sharp, velvet-jacketed team and the sounds of JazzHop combine to complete the ambiance.

The Connaught on Carlos Place has unveiled a new hidden gem in the heart of the hotel – The Connaught Cigar Merchants. The intimate room is home to one of the finest cigar collections in London with exemplary spirits. Guests and customers can drop in and shop the collections or sit and sample the cigars with views of majestic Mount Street.

Guests enter The Connaught Cigar Merchants speakeasy-style via an unassuming door in the Red Room. An Italian crafted humidor spans the length of one wall, brimming with boxes of cigars. Lajca – one of only 33 ‘Masters of Havana Cigars’ in the world – has curated a collection of over 170 Cuban cigars spanning regular production to extremely rare and vintage varieties, showcasing Cuban tobacco craft at its very best. Highlights include the Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva, one of the finest post-embargo cigars on the market, and Montecristo Sublimes – a highly sought-after, velvety-smooth smoke. Lajca and his team of Cigar Sommeliers will advise on helping to build personal collections and source bespoke requests.

A collection of extremely rare spirits has been handpicked – ranging from vintage Japanese whisky to unique rums, to complement the cigars. A 42 year old blend of single malts has been produced to mark the opening of the Cigar Merchants, in a limited release of 200 bottles.

Seven tan leather and walnut club chairs sit in

THE DETAILS

The Connaught Cigar Merchants opening times are 4pm – 1am Monday to Saturday and 2pm –10pm on Sunday. Guests must be 18 or over the-connaught.co.uk

“Guests enter The Connaught Cigar Merchants speakeasy-style via an unassuming door in the Red Room”

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”

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,

Above, right: The First Porsche 911 in 1963

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

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

BONE IDYLL DISTILLERY & BAR IN KINGSTON UPON THAMES

five ready-to-drink cocktails: bottles of Pink Gin Cosmo, Margarita, Barrel Aged Negroni, Passionfruit Daiquiri and Espresso Martini are all £30.

THE GIN SCHOOL

Learn the arts of mixology within the stunning surroundings of the Bone Idyll distillery, featuring 10 x 2 litre copper pot stills. Choose from a variety of premium botanicals and experiment with gin mixology flavours from sweet, to sour, to spicy. And if you love your gin, you can always reorder more - all recipes will be kept on file.

What’s Included in Your Gin Class, A 2.5hr at £125 per person, includes 3 double gin & tonics, Bone Idyll gin tasters, bar snacks (per person), a 700ml bottle of your own gin and a £5 discount to spend at the Bone Idyll shop.

THE BONE IDYLL TEAM

Sam and Alex are respected mixologists, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs with a strong track record and wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. They have four other restaurants: No.97, Cento Uno, and The Hideaway, all in Surbiton, and One One Four in Teddington. In 2020, No 97 & One One Four were listed in the top 50 restaurants in the UK.

distillery currently produces six speciality spirits, including vodka, a Barrel Aged Gin, Blushing Pink Gin, and London Bone Dry Gin”

THE BAR, SPIRIT & COCKTAIL COLLECTION

Founded by husband-and-wife team Sam and Alex Berry, Bone Idyll opened in June 2022 and is a Kingston-based bar and distillery making small batch spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs), packed with passion, attitude, and taste.

“The bar and distillery space are about kicking back and relaxing. Contemporary in design, I wanted to create a really stylish vibe, that included an exclusive space for the gin school, that felt like being at home” Sam Berry

THE SPIRIT & COCKTAIL COLLECTION

The distillery currently produces six speciality spirits, including vodka, a Barrel Aged Gin, Blushing Pink Gin, and London Bone Dry Gin priced between £30-£40, plus a range of

Email hello@boneidyll.co.uk t: 0208 161 0440 boneidyll.co.uk @bone_idyll

“The

A school with family at its heart

successful learners. As they mature, pupils are expected to stretch themselves and push their own boundaries and limitations.

Learning is brought to life outside the classroom and the school offers an exciting co-curricular programme designed to enrich students’ school lives but also to teach valuable life skills such as perseverance and teamwork.

At Claires Court, sport is for all students to enjoy whatever their ability and a huge variety of sporting activities are on offer. With its close proximity to the River Thames and local lakes, older students can opt to sail, kayak or canoe during games lessons twice a week. In fact the school has a strong rowing reputation with recent wins at Henley Royal Regatta and the British Rowing Championships cementing their national reputation.

With a strong track record on pastoral care, Claires Court in Maidenhead is a school for families, where community is central to its ethos.

Founded over 60 years ago by the Principals’ parents, Claires Court offers a diamond shape education providing a unique opportunity for girls and boys to be educated during their Junior and Senior years separately, coming together for trips, visits and sporting events, whilst its Nursery and Sixth Form pupils benefit from co-education.

This is a school where pupils are encouraged to be the very best they can be and make a positive difference in everything they do. The curriculum extends far beyond the basics and students experience an education which equips them well for life in a changing, fast-paced and challenging world.

The school has a strong and coherent learning philosophy, the Claires Court Essentials, which focuses on developing a variety of skills and behaviours that young people need to be

Book a visit at clairescourt.com or email registrar@clairescourt.com. An extensive coach service is available serving the surrounding area.

The school’s values of responsibility, respect, loyalty and integrity are lived and breathed throughout the school community, encouraging students to develop a moral sense of worth and personal values which will hold them in such good stead in their lives to come.

Juniors enjoy a range of activities such as chess, parkour, bushcraft and swimming on site.

The Benefits of Online Schooling vs Traditional School

Minerva’s Virtual Academy is a unique, online independent school for pupils aged 12 - 18. Pupils study the British Curriculum from the comfort and safety of their own home, wherever they live in the world, receiving an affordable, world-class education to rival traditional school for the first time. The school enables its pupils to thrive academically, make friends online and off, and helps them develop the skills needed to succeed in the modern world. Pupils choose from 20 subjects at GCSE and A Level. Personal mentors support each child outside lesson hours. A dynamic weekly timetable includes live lessons, virtual assemblies, after school clubs, wellbeing sessions, and an exciting co-curricular learning programme called “World Changers” that tackles the most urgent issues of the day. Minerva’s Virtual Academy is run by Headmaster Lawrence Tubb, who taught at Wycombe Abbey for nine years, and is supported by a team of outstanding teachers and mentors who’ve come together to re-define what’s possible for school-age children in the 21st century.

• Pupils can receive a world class education at home, anywhere in the world

• Pupils can study at speeds that suit them - they are no longer held back or silenced by the class majority

• Anxious pupils can gain confidence by leaving the pressure of the traditional school behind them

• Pupils receive higher quality one-to-one attention via personal mentors

• Parents are closer to their children on a daily

basis, helping to create strong family bonds ‘We think the pandemic has been an opportunity for us to reflect on what is important and we are getting very comfortable with the fact that there are many paths to success for children and that traditional school does not always bring out the best in every child. Overall, Minerva has been a life-saver for all of us. It has been a great experience and it has brought out the best in our daughter.’

Mr & Mrs W. minervavirtual.com

“The school enables its pupils to thrive academically, make friends online and off”

D ESTINATIONS: The Holiday & Travel Show 2023

Discover a world of adventure as the UK’s leading travel event returns Olympia London, 2nd - 5th February 2023

Now in its 28th year, the UK’s longest running travel show, Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, in association with The Times & The Sunday Times is returning to Olympia London, this February.

Travel is back and Destinations is the place to be for much-needed travel inspiration! It plays host to more than 300 leading travel companies, including the top travel operators as well as specialist, independent travel brands. Plus, over 70 tourist boards from around the world will be represented.

The Essential Event for Travel Inspiration

With a diverse range of tour operators, tourist boards, hoteliers and airlines, visitors can explore and research unlimited travel ideas for their next holiday. There will be old favourites as well as new brands to discover.

These include: Flight Centre, Explore, Cosmos, Viking Cruises, APT, G Adventure, Audley Travel, Intrepid Travel, Trailfinders, Aurora Expeditions and Authentic India Tours, Classic Collection Holidays, Explora Cruises, Wellness & Safari, Ponant and Polar Routes to name a few.

Expert Advice

From activity to adventure holidays, safaris to sight-seeing, family holidays to solo expeditions, honeymoons to babymoons and cultured city

breaks to cruises, visitors can expect one-to-ones with travel experts who can help tailor-make their next dream holiday to anywhere in the world. Local tour guides from around the world touch down at Olympia specially to talk to visitors and provide inspiring in-depth knowledge of destinations

Visitors can take advantage of exclusive showonly offers, discounts and upgrades. They’ll have their tastebuds tantalised with global flavours in the daily cookery demonstrations and learn how to take perfect holiday photos at the Travel Photography Masterclasses. Visitors can also hear from the leading voices in the industry, as they take to the stage to tell their tales of travel, and impart valuable travel advice, in a line-up of expert talks, interviews and panel discussions.

THE DETAILS

Booking your next escape has never been easier.

For more on Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show and ticket information, visit: Olympia London: destinationsshow.com/ london/welcome

DISCOVER ULTIMATE LUXURY WITH SANDALS RESORTS

The pioneers of Caribbean all inclusive, Sandals and Beaches Resorts offer unparalleled luxury, quality inclusions and beautiful locations all included in the price of your holiday.

From tropical vistas and soft sandy beaches to unlimited fine dining, soak up the romantic atmosphere in one of 19 luxury holiday destinations that Trailfinders offers. Tee off from elite golf courses at selected resorts, unwind in indulgent spas, discover an underwater world with PADI® certified diving trips, or try some of the thrilling watersports and fun land activities on offer.

All inclusive Global GourmetTM Dining is one of the main features of any Sandals Resort,

serving a range of dishes from multiple themed restaurants. Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa for instance has 11 exceptional restaurants at the resort to scintillate your taste buds with cuisine ranging from sophisticated Italian fare at Mario’s to sumptuous seafood at Barefoot by the Sea.

Whether it’s been a day of watersports or a restful afternoon sunbathing on a powder white Caribbean beach, unwind at one of Sandals Resorts signature Red Lane® Spas where treatments can be purchased locally. Inspired by beautiful traditions and majestic natural backdrops, from tropically-infused skincare and body care treatments to aromatherapy massages that embrace each unique location.

Come the evening, rest assured you’ll be staying in one of the Caribbean’s most luxurious and opulent suites. Ranging from dramatic cliffside villas with spectacular 180-degree ocean views to lavish Skypool Butler Suites with infinity-edge plunge pools that blur the line between ocean and sky.

Whatever it is that makes that getaway so special to you, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable holiday. With various resorts across the Caribbean including romantic getaways to Barbados and family friendly beach breaks in Turks & Caicos - there is a Sandals Resort to suit everyone!

Trailfinders offers a range of all inclusive Sandals & Beaches Resorts and their expert travel consultants are a mine of information about where to go, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want alone time with a loved one or to make lasting family memories – they are the perfect people to ask.

Visit trailfinders.com or call 0207 795 4551

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

ACCORD – (of a concept or fact) be harmonious or consistent with

children.

Under our Accord scheme, the one lawyer’s role is to facilitate negotiations and advise both parties on whether the proposed agreement from their negotiations has fallen within the parameters of potential outcomes. It will, however, be inappropriate for that lawyer to be involved in substantive negotiations. Whilst it is not possible for us to act for both of you if there is a conflict of interest between you, it is open to you to waive any conflict of interest if you have provided your informed consent. Informed consent means that you need to be in possession of all relevant material facts, to enable you to make a decision. Part of this process will involve full financial disclosure.

The process itself is broken down into 8 steps:

1. Initial contact.

2. Individual one-to-ones.

3. First joint meeting. 4. Reviews.

5. Second joint meeting.

6. Third joint meeting. 7. Reflection.

8. Drafting agreement (and finalise divorce).

THE DETAILS

Accord – one couple, one lawyer, one aim - is a new scheme that Moore Barlow has recently launched for couples separating or divorcing, to enable them to resolve matters in relation to children and/or financial matters by using the same lawyer.

For many years now, clients have often wanted to instruct one lawyer together to deal with their affairs upon separation or divorce and could not understand why it was not possible for them to do so, particularly when they had reached an agreement. However, until very recently this was prohibited by solicitors’ professional regulations. With the launch of the “no fault” divorce process in April 2022, it became more apparent many clients would like to work collaboratively with each other to try to resolve matters in an amicable and conciliatory way. The Family Solutions Group also produced a report called “What about me?” to promote the removal of conflict upon family breakdown thereby reducing the potential harm to

At the point of initial contact, we will discuss the process with you in more detail and will thereafter constantly keep matters under review. The key aim is to enable you to reach a solution together and for that to then be put into a legal document known as a Separation Agreement (if not divorcing) or a Consent Order if you are. By working collaboratively together, matters can be progressed at your own pace and in a nonconfrontational way.

We are also able to instruct experts jointly, who may be required to provide a report, for example, pension experts, counsellors, etc. By having a common aim, any instructions can be streamlined and dealt with swiftly.

We offer the scheme on a fixed fee basis which enables you to budget and share the costs of the process, as opposed to you each having lawyer’s bills. We acknowledge that some couples may wish to have additional meetings and the process can be adapted to suit your individual needs and requirements.

If you would like to find out more about this new process, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Mandy

Spring Partner, Family Team mandy.spring@moorebarlow.com

01483 748566

Disclaimer

This information is for guidance and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking full legal advice.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

IMAGE: QUEEN OF PUNK DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD’S FASHION LEGACY

FASHION & BEAUTY

WRAP UP WARM

Pretty and practical, these stunning knitted hats have several options. One is covered in buzzing bees on a tan ground with mustard bee silhouettes. Perfect for wrapping up warm in the colder months, it features a lovely faux fur pompom and is sure to make a stylish statement. There is also a version with a lovely faux fur pompom where coral pink stars sit against the grey melange colour ground. sophieallport.com

KEEPING IT PERSONAL

The Zodiac Crystal Personalised Bracelet is a delicate chain bridged by a zodiac charm of your choice. The zodiac charms feature crystals set in a pattern to represent unique constellations. Each constellation is inset with tiny sparkling crystals representing your zodiac star sign. bloom-boutique.co.uk

FABULOUS FLAMINGO

Take a look at our Teal Serendipity Cosmetic Bag. Whether you are jetting off to an exotic location, on a business trip, or looking for something stylish to place on your bathroom vanity unit our designer wash bags and make-up bags are a stylish and organised way to carry all your essential toiletries and cosmetics. claire-louise.co.uk

FEELING FRESH

Our iconic Ginger & Lime fragrance is a clean, masculine scent, with a blend of citrus lime and warming ginger to gently cleanse and recharge the senses. baylisandharding.com

THE WEEKENDER

Our new weekend bag is the perfect gift for couples to take on a romantic weekend away together. Personalised with their first initials and surname, its a practical gift for newlyweds heading off on their honeymoon or for couples spending a night away for their anniversary. sundaysdaughter.com

SHIVANI PATIAR

Personal Stylist

I established my Personal Styling business in 2019 after 20 years in Fashion and Beauty with brands like Harvey Nichols, John Lewis and Fashion Magazines, also studied at London School of Fashion and qualified in 2019 at London College of Style in Personal Styling with a Distinction.

CONTACT

ME to

www.crownwoodmedispa.co.uk

Introducing SylFirm X

Ageing process and environmental factors are not kind to the skin which becomes thinner, drier with uneven tone and texture. This gives the dreaded crepey appearance, facial redness and pigmentation. Healthy skin is smooth, elastic and clear of blemishes.

There are many energy based devices which are being used to treat skin concerns.

Microneedling radiofrequency delivers energy through very fine needles which penetrate the skin at different depth allowing on controlled heating effect and stimulation of collagen remodelling resulting in rejuvenated, firmer and smoother skin.

Most people think that microneedling RF is used for skin rejuvenation and tightening as well as the reduction of scars and stretch-marks.

As a skin experts we are always looking for technology which addresses common skin concerns. SylFirm X is the world’s first and only dual-wave microneedling RF system with FDA and CE certification. It employs innovative technology founded upon the “Na” effect created by it’s inventor by Dr JongJu Na who is a dermatologist himself. The “Na effect” refers to the shape of the heat injury which is like a teardrop which maximised the thermal effect, minimises the epidermal damage and makes it much more comfortable.

SylFirm X has a continuous wave CW which non-selectively coagulates the skin resulting in tightening effect, reduction of skin laxity,

pores, wrinkles and scarring. The other pulse wave selectively targets lesions and is effective in reducing redness and pigmentation associated with conditions such as rosacea or melasma. The latter is associated with disruption of the basal membrane of the skin which SylFirm X strengthens preventing pigment getting into the deeper layers. It simultaneously targets the vascular component of melasma and is best combined with specialist skincare and a broad spectrum sunscreen.

SylFirm X can also be used for scalp rejuvenation and stimulation of hair growth as well as treatment of excessive sweating. Combined with the application of hyaluronic acid skin boosters with antioxidants or growth factors it can be used as the delivery system of vital skin nutrients eliminating the need for painful injections.

We launched SylFirm X this month and continue launch offers. To find out more contact Eternal Clinic on 01932300340 or go to eternal.clinic. To find out more contact Eternal Clinic on 01932 300340 or go to www.eternal.clinic

Rosacea

Diffuse redness

Melasma

Skin tightening on décolletage

Come and try the new revolutionary microneedling radio frequency for skin tightening, hair & scalp rejuvenation, reduction of scars as well as facial redness and pigmentation including melasma.

If you think that this FDA cleared, clinically proven technology is what you need scan the QR code and call us on 01932 850282 to book an appointment. All treatments are customised and carried out by skin and laser expert dr Beata who will carry out skin analysis and design a bespoke treatment plan for you.

Find Your New You in 2023 with The Cosmetic Doctors Company

The Cosmetics Doctors Company ,Esher, offer a comprehensive range of cutting-edge treatments to help you look and feel your absolute best.

We are: Dr. Peter Forrester MBBS FRCA Ms. Helen McEvoy MSc MA MBBChir FRCS (Plast) Jennifer Luyt, Senior Aesthetician.

thus improving skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

IntraCel: Cleverly combining the proven techniques of micro-needling and radio frequency (RF). INTRAcel may improve skin tone, tighten sagging skin, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and reduce acne scarring.

Facial Peels: Returning a healthy glow to a dull looking complexion; revitalising sun damaged skin, improving fine lines, wrinkles and uneven tone are all part of the chemical peel’s appeal.

Dermaroller: May improve the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, and acne scarring.

Hand rejuvenation: Mesotherapy (a non-invasive non-surgical technique) in combination with hyaluronic acid reverses the appearance of ageing.

With over 20 years experience in non surgical cosmetic medicine, Peter specialises in minimally invasive facial anti ageing treatments.

Our results and reputations speak for themselves. Most of our clients come to us either through professional recommendation or word of mouth endorsement.

We offer both established and the latest treatments; this balance helps us to help you make safe and effective choices.

Come and see us soon to chat through the many services we offer, and how we can help you with:

Wrinkle reducing and skin smoothing injections: A highly effective way to reduce forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet.

HA Dermal Fillers: A highly effective way of restoring facial sagging and volume loss. Fillers are particularly effective at improving smoker’s lines around the mouth. Images in the media of hugely plumped lips and cheeks have given HA fillers an undeservedly poor reputation. When used appropriately the result will be subtle and natural-looking. It will definitely not look like you have had fillers.

Profhilo: Increasingly popular skin rejuvenating injections designed to improve skin hydration, stimulate the production if collagen and elastin

Hyperhydrosis: Significantly reduces excessive underarm sweating.

Advanced skincare: Scientifically proven strategies for skin; including anti-ageing and long term skin health.

Cosmetic Surgery procedures include:

• Breast Enlargement

• Breast Mastopexy (uplift)

• Breast Reduction

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

• Liposuction

• Body contouring

• Skin lesion and Mole removal

The Cosmetic Doctors Company

6 Esher Park Avenue, Esher, Surrey KT10 9NP

Telephone 01372 890 890 cosdocs.co.uk

(Plast)

Helen is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospital and she consults privately from her rooms in Esher.

Jennifer brings to us 40 years experience in the high end beauty therapy industry and, has practiced as a Senior Medical Aesthetician for the last 11 years.

Dr. Peter Forrester MBBS FRCA

Ms. Helen McEvoy MSc MA MBBChir FRCS

Jennifer Luyt

THE BEST & SAFEST HANDS

(Sir Bruce Keogh Department of Health 2013. Review of the Regulations of Cosmetic Interventions).

At present, in the UK any facial injections and fillers can be administered with very little training or expertise by non-medics and in a non-medical setting which is putting everybody at risk and can leave the NHS picking up the pieces of the improper use of treatments. Many reputable medical clinics and medics including Dr Sina Salimi (Founder and Medical Director of estetica clinics for Berkshire, Surrey and Greater London) have been pushing for stricter regulations in order to protect patients and the industry as a whole.

Dr Salimi and his highly trained team stress strongly that any injectables or rejuvenate facial treatments are medical interventions of the ageing process and are not to be classified as beauty treatments. These medical procedures and treatments always require proper, medically lead assessments in order to ensure the best

judgements and should only ever be administered and undertaken by medical professionals. Weighing in on this fact, every cosmetic procedure carries some degree of risk and there is a vast difference in a practitioner’s ability to handle a situation where complications may occur, compared to a non-medic. And then there’s aftercare. Doctors have a duty of care that extends beyond just the treatment.

In a world where image is everything and the demand for facial enhancements, restoration and rejuvenation have exploded the market, Dr Salimi and his estetica clinics offer a huge and varied scope of non-invasive and cutting-edge treatments fully catering for their wide ranging, loyal, long list of patients within a luxurious, medical environment.

“A person having a non-surgical cosmetic intervention has no more protection and redress than someone buying a ballpoint pen or a toothbrush”

“In a world where image is everything and the demand for facial enhancements, restoration and rejuvenation have exploded the market, Dr Salimi and his estetica clinics offer a huge and varied scope of non-invasive and cutting-edge treatments”

With 37 years combined experience within the facial aesthetics industry and a lengthy list of credentials under their belts, Dr Salimi (DDS/ Sweden), MSC Aesthetic Med QML) and Parisa Bahramian (Mpharm, Member of Royal Pharmaceutical Society) at estetica utilise both science and creativity in order to perfect their patient-bespoke treatments and approach each case as a ‘stand-alone’ by creating a tailored face map using 3D imagery, and VISIA machine (treatment dependant) centred on the patients desires, realistic outcomes and recommended plan plus the discussion and elimination of nonbeneficial procedures.

What should I expect during my consultation at estetica?

The consultation for restoration versus enhancement is a science itself and is never taken lightly by Parisa and Dr Salimi who fully invest in each case from start to finish and beyond. They are fully aware of the bombardment felt by the public over treatments available on the market and sympathise with those whose visions and outcomes are often muddied by wanting it all without knowing the full extent of each treatment. Their professional approach is very much to debunk the myths surrounding the incorrect belief that one solution will fix everything or that all treatments do the same. Some treatments work

better combined with other treatments, some treatments you can’t have with others.

Did you know, for instance, that there are 15 types of chemical peel?…..all with slightly varied outcomes and results?

Did you know that there are various fillers of differing consistencies for administering in different skin depths and conditions?

Did you know there are many energy devices using ultrasound, micro-needling, radio frequency and laser technology for collagen stimulation and skin tightening?………..How do you know which one is best for you and your skin?

This is where Practitioner knowledge, qualifications and credentials come in to play. Not only this, but also proper risk assessment, product knowledge, selectivity, and solid reputation.

You can rest assured that you are in the best and safest hands from start to finish and beyond at estetica

To book for:

• Fillers

• Anti-wrinkle injections

• Laser treatments

• VISIA skin analysis

• 3D imaging

• Collagen boosting treatments

• Skin Bespoke packages

• Profhilo

• Revolutionary skin tightening Endolift

• and much, much more for all your facial aesthetic, skin and cosmetic dentistry needs, call 01932 570 099 or book online at esteticaa.co.uk and visit one of the estetica clinics in Chertsey or Windsor

HAPPY NEW YEAR… HAPPY NEW HAIR!

At Academy, precision cutting, sophisticated styling, luxurious colour, and great customer service is the norm. Our highly motivated, passionate, and experienced professionals take pride in creating classic and trend led looks, and in delivering outstanding hair and beauty treatments day in day out. “Family Hairdressing, Individual Style,” is the mantra of owners, Franco Capozzi and Salv Mulé, both of whom are that’s unique and individual to everyone. Now’s the ideal time to book in with our talented team across our five friendly Surrey salons.

We would like to wish all our wonderful Academy Clients a joyful and prosperous new year, and look forward to seeing you soon!

FIND US AT:

Academy Salon Esher 91 High Street, Esher 01372 466400

Academy Salon Weybridge 81 Queens Road, Weybridge 01932 8522891

Academy Salon Hersham 10 The Green, Hersham 01932 252464

Academy Salon Cobham 42 High Street Cobham, Surrey 01932 864929

Academy Salon Claygate 105, Hare Lane, Claygate 01372 462 724

academysalons.com

Winner British Business Hairdressing Awards 2019 and Winner Salon Business Awards 2020

Our Menopause and PMS specialists offer individualised holistic treatment and support for the perimenopause, post menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and PMDD for women of all ages.

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”

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

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.

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

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

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

Fired Earth

It’s an exciting time at Fired Earth. As well as the launch of the new Cobham showroom in Holly Parade, this year also marks the brand’s 40th anniversary.

Fired Earth began selling terracotta (or ‘fired earth’) from a farmhouse in Oxfordshire in 1984, when such tiles were rarely seen in British homes. The company has continued to blaze a trail in the world of interiors ever since, becoming renowned for its beautiful tile collections, as well as for its paints and bathrooms.

Knowledgeable showroom staff are always delighted to talk customers through the best options for their homes, whether it’s a quick room update with a fresh coat of paint or a major renovation.

Fired Earth has an ever-evolving selection of products for every style of home and for a wide range of budgets, and there’s a host of inspiration to be found in-store.

Tile collections include everything from handdecorated wall tiles and gleaming glass mosaics to timeless stone flooring, superbly engineered wood, and exceptionally robust porcelain tiles that can cope with whatever life throws at – or drops on – them.

Bathroom collections include everything from luxurious freestanding baths and showers to

basins, taps and cabinetry in an inspiring array of styles and finishes. Whether your dream bathroom comprises a wet room-style shower with minimalist, pared-back accessories or a show-stopping copper bath set against a backdrop of jewel-like metallic mosaics, Fired Earth has everything you need.

The perfect paint can really tie a scheme together. Fired Earth’s curated collection ranges from versatile, hardworking neutrals through to harmonious pastels and bold accent colours. Whether you live in a compact town house, a centuries-old cottage or a city apartment, there are options for every interior. Six stunning new shades have recently been added to the collection, including Taos House – a timeless burnt orange that would make a warm and welcoming choice for hallways – and Silver Needle – a soothing and sophisticated soft umber that you’ll want to use from room to room.

With so much to choose from it can be helpful to call on expert advice when planning a project. Fired Earth offers bathroom design, and virtual styling services to provide all the expertise you need to help you create your dream interiors. Please ask in-store for details.

Fired Earth, 3 Holly Parade, High Street, Tel: 01932 867 639 firedearth.com

MB Architecture –beautiful sustainable design for today

For many the New Year is a call to action to make the big decisions and this often includes our homes. Do you see this reflected in your work?

“We get a lot of new enquiries in January which accounts for some 25% of the projects we complete each year. We are a family-run practice with over 70 years’ combined experience and are always surprised at the level of enquiries and pleased at the level of trust that people put in us to deliver.”

What are clients looking for when they contact you?

“Clients love that we work with them all of the way through the project, from the initial concept and feasibility discussion, through to the day we hand back the completed building to them with the work completed to a high standard. It’s so rewarding to know that our clients are happy with their fantastic buildings and spaces ready for their family and guests to enjoy.”

You work primarily with premium properties in Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire, have you noticed a change in demand?

“Our clients include private home owners as well as medium and small-scale developers. In the last three years, maybe due in part to the Brexit and Covid events, we have seen a growth in people taking their first steps into property development and they rely on our experienced professional guidance and support. In common with individual home-owners, they also like our endto-end service, our strong links with numerous local authorities and other professionals in the building industry. It smooths the journey.”

Has the pandemic led to any other changes?

“The pandemic has led to more hybrid working and a greater need for multi-purpose rooms designed for both work and leisure. The more time that we spend in our homes, the more we understand what our homes do well and what they could do better. Clients continue

Meet Matt Bickerton, whose architectural practice is with you for the journey

“We work with our clients every step of the way, from the first initial design ideas and sketches through to the day we hand back a building to them with all the work completed”

to like large communal spaces for family and entertaining but they also want separate rooms that might be used as a home office, a snug, a formal living room, a playroom, a home gym, or a games room. They are also keen that their homes are sustainable and comfortable all year round.”

As an architectural practice you’ve a strong interest in creating sustainable homes, what does that mean and are clients looking for greener options?

“We enjoy designing homes that are practical and provide a sense of wellness and we understand the value of creating spaces that are a sanctuary for mental well-being. Our combined experience allows us to introduce a more environmental architectural style that introduces increased light with spaces more in tune with nature. We consider the materials we use and have included ideas for green roofs and living walls in projects.”

Have economic pressures had an effect on environmentally-friendly elements of home design?

“Efficiency and sustainability are today inextricably linked. Families have a great awareness of their impact on the environment as well as feeling the increase in energy costs. We look to make the property thermally efficient and with our new builds it is even possible to have no energy bills all year around by carefully designing and specifying the building.”

What is the key to success in any of your projects?

“That’s easy – planning! This starts with realistic timelines from inception to completion, factoring in the key deliverables and the stages of the project. We provide numerous design formats, from 2D drawings to models with realistic computer-generated 3D images and a video walk-through of the property and garden. 3D visuals are a great way to make informed decisions and visually explore options before the build commences, and a lot cheaper!”

What other elements do you factor into your timeline?

“It is a journey for sure: obtaining planning permission, producing technical drawings and a detailed scope including finishes as well as tendering and procuring for quotations. Then there are the lead-in periods and physical work on site, ensuring the right contractors and specialists are chosen for the project and all with the right details, the right price, and the right programme.”

These projects are serious investments, what helps potential clients to take that first step to see their hopes of a dream home become a reality?

“We form very close bonds with our clients and we know it’s absolutely key that we get everything spot-on. The amount of thought and experience we put into the design phases is one of our unique selling points to make this once in a lifetime opportunity special.”

THE DETAILS

Please contact us for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project. For more information visit www.mb-architecture.uk or contact us on 01483 363 065.

AN ELEGANT RETIREMENT

If you’re over the age of 55 with connections to Windsor, leading retirement developer, Beechcroft, is offering you a unique opportunity to buy a brand-new apartment at Pinewood Place for 30% less than the full market value.

For almost four decades, Beechcroft has been creating outstanding, award-winning retirement communities for active, independent over 55s. All Beechcroft homes are energy-efficient, easy to maintain and designed to provide plenty of light-filled living space and high-quality fixtures and fittings.

The 12 two-bedroom, discounted market sale apartments at this exclusive, gated, retirement development are set within Bramley House, each with allocated parking and either a balcony or private garden. Private gardens, as well as the landscaped setting, are maintained by the Estate Manager who ensures that communal areas are maintained to the highest standards. Living at Pinewood Place, you’ll enjoy a relaxed retirement, maintaining your independence and privacy but, as part of a community of friendly, like-minded neighbours, you’ll have the possibility of a whole new social life on hand.

To take advantage of this outstanding opportunity, you’ll need to have local connections to Windsor. Beechcroft’s sales office and show homes at Pinewood Place are open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Saturday inclusive and the sales team will be happy to discuss eligibility with you.

The discounted market sale apartments start from just £350,000 for a two-bedroom, second floor apartment with lift access. This apartment features a lovely open-plan living area with double doors opening onto a private balcony. The kitchen features a range of integrated appliances and the master bedroom comes complete with fitted wardrobes.

If you’re not eligible for a discounted market sale apartment, current prices at Pinewood Place start from £595,000 for a two-bedroom apartment with balcony, set on the first floor.

THE DETAILS

For further information on Pinewood Place or Bramley House and the discounted market sale apartments, please call Beechcroft’s sales team on 01753 963943. Details of all Beechcroft developments are also available on the website at beechcroft.co.uk.

• Brick piers

THE MAYFAIR ANTIQUES & FINE ART FAIR

London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 January 2023

The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair is returning to London’s West End and the five-star London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Over 40 fine art and antiques dealers are starting the year in style - with this fair organised by Ingrid Nilson of The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited, which returns after the pandemic. The Fair is a traditional, highquality event, that will be held in the glamorous Westminster Ballroom and foyer.

The fair will feature some thirty-five distinguished specialist exhibitors, drawn primarily from The British Antique Dealers’ Association and LAPADA The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers.

The aim is to present a varied selection of high-quality art and antiques, giving visitors the opportunity to browse and acquire the finest period furniture, enamels and boxes, traditional and contemporary sculpture, oil paintings and watercolours, antique and modernist jewellery, English and Oriental ceramics, glass, clocks, vintage watches, 20th century design pieces and many other decorative and rare objects spanning the centuries.

The fair has a magnificent international following including interior designers, collectors and, with its central location, lures foreigners visiting London,

as well as people seeking unique pieces for their interiors. January’s fair promises many different disciplines from specialist dealers, including clocks from Antiques Roadshow expert Richard Price.

The fair has its own light refreshments available and being in a five-star hotel in London’s West End, it comes with all the trappings expected of a hotel of this calibre, complete with Gordon Ramsay restaurants Lucky Cat and the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, as well as the cosy 1920’s cocktail bar The Luggage Room.

Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the eclectic choice on offer and the comfortable surroundings of the five-star hotel in the heart of Mayfair.

THE DETAILS

£10 at the door - free re-admission with programme.

Facebook: @AntiquesDealersFairLtd

Instagram: @adflfairs

Twitter: @ADFLfairs

mayfairfair.com

Fair Opening times: Thursday 12.00–20.00

Friday 11.00–18.00

Saturday 11.00–18.00

Sunday 11.00–17.00

The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, Duke Street, London W1K 6JP

Delphin Enjolras ‘ The Tea Party’ . Cambridge Fine Art

English Regency Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Timepiece, Richard Price

Two Buccellati rings from Anthea AG Antiques

Edgar Degas ‘Four Dancers Evolving ‘Haynes Fine Art

New wallpaper launch

Divine Savages x Natural History Museum part II

Following on from their first hugely successful collaboration in 2019, London design duo Divine Savages has once again joined forces with London’s iconic Natural History Museum.

After delving into the archives, they have created new wallpaper designs & colourways inspired by the museum’s vast array of specimens, original illustrations and paintings spanning centuries of natural history exploration. It’s a stunning project both Jamie and Tom have been so proud to revisit - wallpaper billions of years in the making!

Brand new ECO wallpaper, bespoke GOLD LEAF and textured FAUX SUEDE papers, as well as LIMITED EDITION art prints and NEW wallpaper designs.

ECO WALLPAPER

- new designs ‘The Fierce & The Fabulous’ & ‘Little Botanize’ are on new EcoWallpaper. It’s a sustainable choice, passes standard wallpaper wash tests and it’s a joy to hang! There are approximately 30% less greenhouses gases produced during the manufacturing process as this method uses renewable PLA (plant derived

thermoplastics) instead of oil based Polyester (PET plastic) fibres.

BOLD WITH GOLD - the Gilded Age is coming with this brand new gold leaf wallpaper. As part of a bespoke design service, Forbidden Bloom will be given the gilded treatment for those extra special projects.

TACTILE & TEXTURE - taking sumptuous details to the next level with the Forbidden Bloom print in a new tactile soft faux suede wallpaper, available in Bone colour and a large scale monochrome mural.

EXTINCTOPIA - the playful dinosaur print is reinvigorated with a whimsical new colour palette of subtle and daring shades.

ART PRINTS - introducing the playful Extinctopia design as a collection of limited edition art prints to colour coordinate with our wallpapers.

THE FIERCE & THE FABULOUS - this brand new pattern is inspired by some of nature’s most flamboyant supermodels. With striking colours and enthralling patterns, Mother Nature sure knows how to work it!

020 8798 2715 divinesavages.com

“The playful dinosaur print is reinvigorated with a whimsical new colour palette of subtle and daring shades.”

Top Tile Trends 2023

The Interior Design world is a bustling, regularly changing, landscape of newly emerging dynamics. Understanding these dynamics, features and trends is a key step to creating an exciting design within a home. The Baked Tile Co. has curated this essential press release to highlight the Tile Trends that are set to take 2023 by storm, helping to guide, educate and inspire home owners when designing their dream home.

TERRACOTTA

We saw this organic style tile emerge a little while ago and demand continues to grow - the trend ‘Terracotta Bathroom’ has risen 98% in the last 12 months on Pinterest, and nearly 50% for ‘Terracotta Kitchens’!

Suitable for a number of interior styles, terracotta has a rustic natural appeal, but traditional style terracotta also comes with a lot of maintenance. Baked Tiles have sourced a wonderful collection of terracotta-effect porcelain that boasts all the aesthetic beauty of natural terracotta, but with none of the laborious sealing or treatment. Furthermore, natural terracotta isn’t suitable for use in UK gardens, but all Baked Tiles terracotta ranges are also frost proof, so perfect for creating beautiful garden schemes.

TOP TIP: Use wide joints for a rustic traditional aesthetic, or tighter joints for a more ‘Moroccan vibe’

MURAL DESIGNS

As pattern is becoming more coveted within general interiors, mural designs are now taking centre stage in beautiful bathrooms and kitchens. Thanks to

advances in tile production, you can now use large scale flowing pattern in wet areas, and some are even suitable for external use due to their frost proof qualities. This increase in production has led to a noticeable increase in demand - the ‘mural wall tile’ trend has flown up a staggering 135% over the last 12 months on Pinterest!

TOP TIP: To really make a mural POP, pair with a tile that contrasts with the background for prominence

BORDERS, CORNERS AND MOULDINGS

Next year, interior schemes will be all about the detail. A fresh idea for those home designers under a certain age and a memory provoking flashback for those of us who remember the trend in the 90s. The same applies to tile design, we are seeing a glorious selection of tiles with coordinating or matching borders, corners and mouldings, all designed to add additional detailing.

Unmistakably nostalgic, this is a great way to add traditional or period style into a home. Following swiftly behind the popularity of timber panelled

SMALL FORMATS

For far too long we were limited to 40x40cm, 30x60cm and 60x60cm sized tiles - but now design trends have moved on and embraced more traditional small format tiles. 15x15cm floor tiles are all the rage, they can be used to great effect on their won, or when combined with other small formats like 5x15cm brick shaped designs. Many designers are delighted to be introducing more intricate tiling schemes with the use of smaller sized, porcelain, terracotta effect and glazed product.

TOP TIP: ‘Use small format plain tiles to add detail and texture to a space, without having to rely on pattern.’

walls, we are about to see a return of wallpaper borders, elements that can be used to layer pattern within a design scheme.

TOP TIP: Use borders to define feature areas, such as a tiled panel behind a range cooker, or to produce a rug effect within an open plan space

LIGHT, BUT NOT WHITE!

If you love light filled, bright interior schemes, maybe this is the one for you. As an antidote to maximalist style, more designers are moving towards softer lighter schemes, but the secret to this trend is to use ivories and very pale peachy tones - stay well away from bright white! Think soft warm matt whites, bleached pale terracotta tones, or pale ivories.

Layer texture, and contrast gloss and matt finishes to creating interesting bathroom or cloakroom schemes. The demand of homerenovators seeking a minimalistic aesthetic has rocketed in recent times, with Pinterest highlighting a whopping 180% rise in searches

for ‘minimal living room’ and ‘minimalist home’ together. Proof that less really is more…

TOP TIP: ‘When creating paler colour schemes, ensure you have layers of light colour and texture. If you match everything in the room perfectly, the results will be a flat uninteresting scheme’

COLOURED GROUT

Heck, why not go for it? Who wants white or grey grouts, when there is the huge collection of 50 colours available to the home designer from Baked Tiles?! Use contrasting grouts to add colour, highlighting tiling layouts or interesting shaped tiles. Use the gap between your tiles to bring in extra detail and punchy colour to a room. Take the opportunity use it as a design detail, rather than just an understated and inevitable space between your tiles.

TOP TIP: ‘When using coloured grout remember the smaller the tile, the more impact the grout will have on the look of the overall space. Coloured grout used on really tiny tiles can sometimes change the perceived colour of the tile...so be aware!’

STRIPES

Have you noticed the return of small-scale prints, striped and checks within traditional homes? Pretty, detailed interior schemes require a dainty approach to tile specification and combining coloured tiles to create pretty stripes in one perfect option. Don’t just take our word for itLiving Etc magazine confirmed that ‘adding stripes and depth leads to further texture’ elevates your dynamic home design...

TOP TIP: Striped layouts also give you the opportunity to add height to low ceiling, by running stripes vertically or width to a narrow wall by running them horizontally, pretty and design savvy!