From the
editor Welcome to our April issue...
W
ith the classic car market fizzing, auction specialist, Historics, comes to Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, May 20 with a feast of 150 fine classic motorcars for sale. Join Painshill this Easter for the unique opportunity to observe falconry flying displays in the stunning setting of Painshill’s magnificent 18th century landscape garden. Among other exciting Easter activities including their Easter Eggstravaganza and Wild Easter Camp for children aged 8 -13 yrs. The Investec Derby Festival held at Epsom Downs Racecourse is one of the biggest social events in the British calendar, taking place this year on Friday 2 June (Investec Ladies Day) and Saturday 3 June (Investec Derby Day). Craft In Focus is delighted to be returning to RHS Garden Wisley this Spring to be staging its annual contemporary craft and design fair within the Garden. This has become one of the most popular contemporary craft events in the UK and is an event not to be missed! Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest single estate vineyard, is located in the heart of the Surrey Hills. As well as producing award winning wines, Denbies chateau style winery is open daily for tours, tastings and dining with two restaurants, Wine and Gift Shop, art gallery and farm shop. There is also Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast Accommodation located in the heart of the vineyard, perfect for a close to home ‘wine country break’. The European Tour’s leading players will encounter a new-look West Course for this year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, and the team behind the multi-million pound revamp have given the first glimpse into what the professionals can expect in May.
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Faye Manning Editor
PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD 17, The Broadway, Old Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5HZ, UK www.thelifemagazines.com Editor Faye Manning
Fashion Editor Hazel Englander
Accounts Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet
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Editor Assistant Katie Miller
account Manager Anita Hill
Sales James Marshall
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Sub Editor Alex Lux
Design/ Production Emma Andrews
Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith
LOVE LOCAL – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AG E : E A ST E R HO L ID AY F UN AT H A M HOUS E A ND G A RD E N
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16 & 17 april, 1Hatchlands may Park Pony Magic Pony rides for children. A truly magical experience with beautiful, safe ponies and experienced handlers. Children are led on a 3-5 minute ride, suitable for 2-11 year olds. Booking not needed. A National Trust Event, 12pm-3pm. Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT
[events]
the calendar 22 & 23 april
Fleecy Frolics Lambing Weekend The College’s annual lambing event, now held across two days, is a celebration of nature and countryside crafts. The Saturday (12-4pm) is a smaller more hands-on day which is ticket only no tickets will be available on the day. However, the Sunday event is open to all and tickets can be purchased on the gate or online at www.merristwood.ac.uk. Merrist Wood College, Holly Lane, Worplesdon, Surrey, GU3 3PE
“Encouraging pleated metal to curve and stretch in a designed direction, using hammers or a rolling mill, is a serendipitous way of working”
until 15 april
Emma-Jane Rule exhibition An exhibition of work by the winner of the 2016 Rising Star competition. Using the technique of foldforming alongside more traditional metalworking practices such as hammer forming and hand raising, Emma-Jane explores the malleable and intriguing natures of silver and copper. Encouraging pleated metal to curve and stretch in a designed direction, using hammers or a rolling mill, is a serendipitous way of working. Creating many opportunities for the metal to evolve and dictate the final form. 10am to 5pm. New Ashgate Gallery, Waggon Yard, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7PS 10 april 2017
10 april
Events at denbies
Early Birds at Haslemere Museum Early Birds is for families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition to come along and enjoy the museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Explore the galleries and their will be an opportunity to handle special objects. 11am to 1pm with donations to the museum welcome. Haslemere Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere Surrey, Gu27 2LA
10-30 april
THE SIXTIES THE ROCK ‘N ROLL YEARS PHOTOS OF RIPLEY IN THE SIXTIES Mainly a photographic exhibition showing some of the lost shops and buildings of Ripley. Together with a homage to Ripley’s most famous son, Eric Clapton. 10am to 12.30pm, free entry. Ripley Museum High Street, Ripley Surrey, GU23 6AF
4-17 april
Wine & Chocolate Tasting Tour For wine and chocolate lovers, this indulgent event is the perfect combination. Tours take place at 2.30pm and 3.30pm, £16.65.
10-13 april
National Gardening Week Events will happen all over the country for National Gardening Week. Share in the fun at the four RHS Gardens – this year’s theme is all about helping new gardeners to get inspired and grow plants. More details at www. nationalgardeningweek.org.uk.10am to 6pm, normal garden admission applies. RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB
until 15 april
Sparkling Wine Tasting & Gallery Restaurant Dinner Your evening includes a cellar tasting of three of Denbies’ internationally award winning sparkling wines and a three course meal in the Gallery Restaurant. 7pm, price is £40 or £30 for loyalty club members.
11 & 12 april
The Daffodil Show, Wilsons Wood Hundreds of blooms in over 100 classes, the perfect place to see the range of daffodils grown and learn how to grow and show them. The Horticultural Competitions run by the RHS are open to all (you don’t have to be an RHS member) and free to enter. They cover a wide range of ornamental plants as well as fruit and vegetables; a variety of prestigious trophies and prize money are awarded to winning entries. 10am to 5pm, normal garden admission applies. RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB
until 27 april
Watts 200: Monumental Murals Monumental Murals offers a unique opportunity to appreciate his frescoes Apollo and Diana and Achilles and Briseis, 200 years after his birth. 11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Watts Gallery, Watts Gallery Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Compton, Surrey, GU3 1DQ
29 APRIL - 1 MAY
Vintage funfair in Hersham Carters Steam Fair is believed to be the largest travelling vintage funfair in the world. There is free entry to the fairground with rides and attractions for all ages – from small-children rides to exciting thrill rides. There will be traditional side-stall games, classic fairground food and a unique opportunity to experience vintage rides dating back from 1890s to the 1960s. Dogs welcome. 11am-8pm. Hersham Green, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 4HL
22 april Epsom Tennis Club Open Day
20 april
Cheese & Wine Making Experience Learn all about cheese making with local cheese maker, followed by an insight into wine making with Denbies wine specialist. Enjoy a morning at Norbury Blue Dairy, based at Norbury Park Farm in Mickleham, with lunch at Denbies followed by an afternoon of wine appreciation and tasting. 10am to 4pm, £89.50 per person. All at Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA
For sport lovers, this is a great opportunity to go and play tennis at Epsom Tennis Club. Players of any age and levels of tennis ability are welcome at this open day. There will be free coaching on the day, racket testing and the opportunity to meet, and play tennis with the members. From 11am to 3pm. Epsom Tennis Club, Woodcote Lane, Surrey KT18 7QN april 2017 11
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[events]
EASTER FUN Some of the best events for all the family this Easter in Surrey and Berkshire
EASTER HUNTS UNTIL 13 APRIL
Haslemere Easter Bunny Hunt Kids can enjoy visiting Haslemere businesses for the chance to win a traditional chocolate bunny with a twist! Rather than the normal, charming bell around the neck, three of our bunnies will have a real pearl! A list of participating retailers will be available from Haslemere Educational Museum along with your trail card. So why not hop along to the Museum for your chance to enter the draw to win one of our three special bunnies or for the chance to win a cuddly bunny! Free to enter. Haslemere and the surrounding area Surrey GU27 2LA
14-17 april
Ham House and Garden Easter egg trail Enjoy a special trail around the gardens to win a Cadbury Easter bunny, plus art activities and storytelling. 10am-4.30pm. Buy your egg trail at the Easter stall in the garden. Ham House and Garden, Ham Street, Ham, Richmond-uponThames, Surrey TW10 7RS
15-17 APRIL
Cadbury Easter hunt in the mill Find the bunnies with hidden information, then break the code to claim your Cadbury’s Easter egg. Decorate an egg to take home. 11am to 4pm, £3. Shalford Mill Shalford Guildford Surrey GU4 8BS 12 april 2017
“Enjoy a special trail around the gardens to win a Cadbury Easter bunny”
15 april
Family-friendly Open Day at Albury Vineyard Visit Albury Vineyard for a familyfriendly open day on Easter Saturday. Pop in any time between 11am and 4pm for tastings of award-winning sparkling wines, and entertain the little ones with a vineyard bunny run, colouring and stickers, and chocolate of course. Albury Vineyard Silent Pool, Shere Road Albury, Surrey GU5 9BW
Image: John Mobbs
14 APRIL A Concert for Good Friday A selection of Bach’s most beautiful and moving music, perfectly matched to the mood of Good Friday, is being performed at St Martin of Tours Church in Epsom on the evening of Friday 14 April. Soprano Natalie Johnson-Hyde and mezzo Sarah Denbee present duets and arias from the St Matthew and St John Passions alongside other Bach works. They will be accompanied by an ensemble of baroque instruments. The concert is in the lovely surroundings and superb acoustics of Epsom’s largest historical building. 7.30 pm Free entry with retiring collection welcome. St Martin of Tours Church, Church Street, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4PX
“Soprano Natalie Johnson-Hyde and mezzo Sarah Denbee present duets and arias from the St Matthew and St John Passions alongside other Bach works”
UNTIL 13 APRIL
Ham House and Garden Easter holiday fun For Easter fun for all the family, head along to this event where kids can play during the Easter break. There will be lots of different things to do, including art activities, storytelling, aspring trail and a range of 50 things activities. Booking is not needed so just turn up. This is a National Trust event, running 10am-5pm. Ham House and Garden, Ham Street, Ham, Richmond-uponThames, Surrey TW10 7RS
17 april
Guildford Lions Easter Fayre Guildford Lions will be putting on their annual family fun day in aid of local charities This year will feature The Spectacular Knights of the Crusades who will transport the audience back to mythical England creating two epic displays of A tale of Richard the Lionheart and The Legend of King Arthur. Oak Barn Vets will host the fun dog show judged by TV vet Jamie Crittall. There will be a host of other activities to entertain the family including a monster car boot, a food and craft market, a classic car display and a range of children amusements. A bar will be available to quench your thirst or you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a hot meal from the food court. Parking and entrance is £2 before 10.30am, £5 after 10.30am. Pedestrians £2. Car Boot sale set up from 8am, dog show £3. Registration is from 11am, show starts at 11.30am and the medieval shows are at 1pm and 2.30pm. Shalford Park, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8AA
until 17 april
Easter Garden Detectives and the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt gold bunny. Bring your family along for a full day of Easter fun every day and join in with arts and craft sessions. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever! 10am to 5pm, normal garden admission applies. RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB
-10 april, 10-13 april & 15 april 3Oxted Easter Trail
Image: John Millar
Look out for bunnies and chicks springing up all over Oxted town centre over the school Easter holidays thanks to the Love Oxted Easter trails. The fun family-friendly trails, which run every day except Sundays and Good Friday, will see youngsters follow the clues, hunt for bunnies and chicks in shop windows and discover some treats along the way. Two trails will be created covering both main high streets: the Easter Bunny Trail on Station Road East and the Easter Chick Trail on Station Road West. Participants will be able to pick up a trail sheet at Oxted Library, Tandridge Leisure Centre and a number of other designated points around the town. Trail sheets can then be posted in one of the special post boxes to be in with a chance of winning a star prize. Station Road East and Station Road West, Oxted, Surrey RH8 9HT
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11 april
Easter Egg-citement at Haslemere Museum Easter at the Museum promises to be lots of fun with a great range of Easter arts and crafts activities for your little ones to choose from. There will also be a special Easter garden trail for children who will be rewarded with a chocolate treat when they find the characters hidden throughout the gardens. You can be sure this fun packed morning will be Easter fun for everyone! Family drop-in event, no booking needed. 10.30am to 1pm. Members £2 Non Members £4. Haslemere Educational Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2LA
15 april
Easter with Home & Vintage Head along to the first fair of the year in the lovely village of Grayswood, Surrey to sample a wonderful selection of Handmade & Vintage. French, Vintage finds, furniture, linens, textiles, clothing, handmade treasures & fresh flowers and plants to get you, your homes and gardens ready for spring. The pretty flower filled tearoom will be open serving Hot cross buns and yummy tea and cakes served in true Home & Vintage style & can be taken onto the terrace to enjoy the stunning views of the village green. Take your friends and family along to enjoy a typically English country village sale in the heart of the Surrey countryside. Easter treats for the children and a playground to play on whilst you shop plus the village green for four legged friend to run around on (dogs on leads are very welcome and also get a treat on the door). £1 entry, under 10’s free Grayswood Village Hall, Grayswood, Surrey gu27 2dj
“There will be a special Easter garden trail for children who will be rewarded with a chocolate treat” 1 4 APRIL 2 0 1 7
3-13 april
YAT Youth Theatre Workshops Play In A Week - The Easter Holiday Challenge Have your kids got what it takes to create an entire show from scratch? Two weeks; two casts; two plays – from meeting each other on the first day, they will go through casting, devising, blocking, rehearsing, learning lines, designing, finding and making sets, fitting costumes and gathering props. It’s an intensive week of theatre and the perfect opportunity to be part of a polished production fully supported by the YAT professional production team. 10am to 4pm, £150-£185. Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Millbrook Guildford Surrey Surrey GU1 3UX
EASTER AT WATTS GALLERY 11-14 april
Terracotta Rabbits Get crafty in the pottery studio over the Easter holidays. Learn the basics of clay modelling and make your own rabbits using terracotta clay. 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2 pm to 4pm, £9.50, must be pre-booked. At Foyle Pottery Studio.
14-17 APRIL
Alice in Wonderland Easter Egg Hunt Can you find Alice in Wonderland in the Artists’ Village woodlands? Follow the Easter trail to reach the Mad Hatter and his basket of chocolate eggs. Drop in 10.30am - 4pm, Free with admission, £9.50, Half price Tuesday £4.95. At the Watts Studio Woodland. Both at Watts Studios Woodland, Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Compton, Surrey, Surrey GU3 1DQ
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HPC, The London Polo Club The historic HPC, The London Polo Club is once again gearing up for the summer with their first event on Sunday 30th April, to kick off the polo season.
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nly eight miles from Hyde Park Corner, the Club is the last remaining polo club in Greater London. Players and spectators find themselves nestled between the leafy cover of Richmond Park and the River Thames, overlooked by the stunning Jacobean Ham House. The club now boasts one of the busiest schedules of competitive polo and charity events, and known for excellent playing and social facilities combined with a relaxed family atmosphere. Founded in 1926, the club has an established and distinguished reputation at over 90 years old. HPC was the first club to restart the game of polo in the UK following the second world war, this was largely due to the efforts of Billy Walsh who was honoured by HM the Queen in 1985 for his efforts reviving the club and the sport. Billy’s career in the game brought a great deal to Ham. He captained the Ham team that won the Roehampton Cup in 1947, the first post war edition of the competition. Ham has had many royal visits over its history. Prince Charles played at the club in several high profile events during the 1980s and 90s. Since 2000 Princes William and Harry have been on the field for a number of charity events over its history. Charity days like these at Ham have raised around £2 million over the last 15 years. As well as these big events there is a full programme of polo every Sunday. Spectators are always welcome and there is plenty of pitch side parking and picnic space. A day at HPC, The London Polo Club is a truly British day out as well as being one of the most inexpensive ways to entertain family and friends. The club also offers social membership which allows you to use the fantastic clubhouse restaurant and bar. Set in more than 21 acres, the Club has 3 polo fields, all suitable for helicopter landings by arrangement. Agreed and paid for in advance, the Club welcomes helicopter landings from all over the country, and are happy to offer 30 minutes parking included free of charge within the landing fee. For advance bookings, please contact helicopters@hampoloclub.com
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“The club has an established and distinguished reputation at over 90 years old”
There is ample parking for quick and easy limo access to nearby central London and the surrounding area. Its close proximity to the River Thames means the nearby River Boat service at Richmond can be accessed for trips into and out of London. For those who are not satisfied with just spectating, the club offers polo lessons with a number of HPA qualified coaches and a string of quiet school ponies for novices to learn on. For the 2017 fixtures list please visit www.hampoloclub.com HPC, The London Polo Club, Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AH twitter.com/HamPoloClub https://www.facebook.com/ TheLondonPoloClub https://www.instagram.com/hampoloclub
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POLESDEN LACEY’s april events
the GREAT
OUTDOORS
Outdoor events making the most of Surrey and Berkshire
until 12 april
Spring holiday children’s trail Claremont’s tragic princess loved her garden. See the secret locations in the garden that were loved by Princess Charlotte. A National Trust Event, 10am to 4pm. Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9JG
things to do AT HATCHLANDS PARK 9 & 23 april, 7 may
Paws in the park For dog walkers who’d like to have a walk with others now and again, why not join this pack of four-legged friends for a stroll every other Sunday? Enjoy a wander in the park with a chance to chat and give your dogs the opportunity to show off (or practice!) their lead work and social skills. The first ten arrivals each day can enjoy a well-earned complimentary cuppa at the Coach House Cafe. Booking not needed. 11.30am-1pm. Free entry. Meet at Hatchlands Park reception building.
until 13 april
Mole’s springtime stroll This Easter, grab Mole’s map and explore the park, as well as the house on selected days. From messing about on the river to the battle of Toad Hall, play out the elements of this classic Wind In The Willows springtime story across the parkland. 10am-5pm.
“See the secret locations in the garden that were loved by Princess Charlotte” 18 april 2017
3 may
Tree Walk Enjoy a stroll around Hatchlands Park with the gardener and discover the fascinating collection of ancient and unusual trees. 11am to 1pm. All at Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT
Calling all new mums! ‘Buggyfit’ is the ultimate fitness class for mums and babies. Buggyfit sessions cater for all fitness levels to help women get back into shape following the birth of their new arrival. This post natal exercise program aims to help strengthen and stabilise the post pregnancy body, specifically targeting those weaker muscles. Classes vary each week to always keep exercises interesting and fun in the fabulous fresh air and beautiful grounds. Booking Not Needed. A National Trust Event, 10am-11am. Meet outside the Cowshed Café at 9.45am for 10am start.
11 april
Dog Walking Club For those with dogs wanting to get fit and meet new friends, this is the perfect event. Head to the beautiful Polesden Lacey estate with your canine friends on the second Tuesday of each month. Booking not needed, please note that dogs should be kept on leads. A National Trust Event, 9.30am-10.30am, free to attend.
26 APRIL
The Ramblers Walk Head along for a wonderful walk around the Polesden Lacey estate on 26 April. Join volunteer leader Catherine Williams for a nice stroll around the beautiful countryside. This event is ideal for anyone and everyone as long as they are capable of doing an hour and a half walk. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead at all times. Booking not needed. 9.30am-11am. Free entry. Meet outside the coffee shop. All at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD
Image: Hatchlands Park
6 &Buggyfit 10 april
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Historics’ early consignments give a good indication of why Ascot Racecourse is sure an extremely popular destination on May 20th… (estimated values in brackets)
CLASSIC ATTRACTION With the classic car market fizzing, auction specialist, Historics, comes to Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, May 20 with a feast of 150 fine classic motorcars for sale
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here is an adage that says that the interest and value in old houses will always be strong because they are not made any more, and the same can be said of classic motorcars. In fact, according to Historics, the substantial classic car auction specialists, classic cars have successively bettered all other investment categories besides gold. The bullish nature of the market is reflected in many hundreds attending Historics’ regular auctions, where typically, over 80% of cars consigned will pass to delighted new owners. All of which provides a fascinating backdrop to Historics’ biggest sale of the year, at Ascot Racecourse, on Saturday May 20th, where a mouthwatering and very varied collection of 150 classic motorcars will come under the auctioneer’s hammer. We asked Historics’ Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille, just why sales of classic cars are so buoyant: “In part, the momentum comes from the nature of generic modern-day cars, which tend to lack personality and, or course, depreciate significantly in value. “A well-bought classic motorcar is far more likely to appreciate in value, although buying a classic car solely for investment is rare. Most buyers do so for
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the joy of ownership, driving pleasure, and meeting like-minded people. And very rarely is a classic car the everyday mode of transport.” One thing that was clear from Historics’ last auction in March, held at their Brooklands Museum home, is that their sales are immensely popular. The auction hall buzzed with anticipation from the many hundreds there, all clutching their catalogue and awaiting the call to arms as the auctioneer got the sale underway. What’s fascinating is that it doesn’t have a sombre, straight-laced business feel at all, in fact quite the opposite. The sheer pallyness of people who are bonded by their joy and interest in classic cars gives the auction almost a carnival atmosphere, but in a thoroughly professional environment where superb classic cars and significant money change hands. With consignment estimates ranging from the equivalent of a week in the sun to many hundreds of thousands of pounds, it’s a fascinating dynamic. Edward concluded: “We aim to mirror the full breath of the classic car owner market, from the serious collector to the more modest buyers, and welcome giving impartial advice to anyone who is thinking of first-time classic car ownership, so they are able make a measured, sensible decision”. Historics ‘Spring Classic’ auction at Ascot Racecourse on May 20th is preceded by two viewing days of all 150 consignments on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th. Entry is by catalogue, in advance or on the day. Visit the Historics website – www.historics. co.uk - for full information and to view the constantly updated list of cars consigned, or call 01753 639170
1950 Packard Patrician Saloon (£20,000-£24,000) 1954 Jaguar XK140 Roadster (£110,000-£135,000) 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL (£90,000-£110,000) 1962 Jaguar E-Type S1 Roadster (£90,000-£110,000) 1964 Alvis TE21 DHC (£75,000-£85,000) 1968 Porsche 911S (£220,000-£250,000) 1970 MG Midget Mk.III (No Reserve) 1972 De Tomaso Pantera (£120,000-£150,000) 1981 MGB Roadster (£10,000-£14,000) 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (£28,000-£34,000) 1994 Lotus Esprit Turbo S4 (£20,000-£24,000) 1995 Ferrari 456 GT (£38,000-£45,000)
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About Painshill Painshill is one of Europe’s most important 18th century landscape gardens. The 158-acre landscape garden represents the vision of an English gentleman, The Hon. Charles Hamilton. Inspired by Renaissance art and his Grand Tours across Europe, he created a sequence of breath taking and surprising vistas. The landscapes, originally created between 1738 and 1773, form living works of art into which Hamilton placed follies for dramatic effect. Charles Hamilton’s ambitions, however, exceeded his funding, and he was forced to sell the estate in 1773. Painshill was held by a series of private owners over two centuries and ultimately fell into dereliction Painshill Park Trust, a registered charity, was formed in 1981 to restore the landscape garden, now Grade 1 Listed.
Painshill has undergone significant restoration in recent years. The Visitor Centre, which was opened in 2001, welcomes over 75,000 visitors every year. Painshill currently has over 1500 members and is supported by over 100 volunteers. In 2011, Painshill received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Painshill Education Centre provides lifelong learning to over 11,000 school children and adults each year. School activities are tailored to the National Curriculum and the landscape gardens enable the education department to offer unique activities that span a variety of subjects including history, science, geography and ecology. www.painshill.co.uk
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A day of ‘Wings & Wonder’ at Painshill J oin Painshill this Easter for the unique opportunity to observe falconry flying displays in the stunning setting of Painshill’s magnificent 18th century landscape garden. Among other exciting Easter activities including their Easter Eggstravaganza and Wild Easter Camp for children aged 8 -13 yrs. England’s most elegant 18th century landscape garden, Painshill, are also inviting you to experience the delights of two falconry flying displays within the gardens, for their exciting ‘Wings & Wonder’ event on Sunday 23rd April. A chance to experience the landscape like never before, enjoy an exciting falconry display by Henfold Birds of Prey, who will be showcasing their selection of beautiful birds on the Meadow at Painshill. From owls, falcons and hawks to an eagle, vulture and raven, visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in handling sessions throughout the day, complete with various talks on falconry by experienced Falconer, Barry Ryder. An exciting yet educational day for all the family, ‘Wings & Wonder’ is a great opportunity to learn
more about the ancient art of falconry. Originally used as a tool for catching food for the table, the art is first thought to have originated in the Far East, with the first recording being as far back as 1700 BC. Although only a good 279 years old in comparison, what better place to bear witness to this stunning art than in the beauty of Painshill’s 18th century garden. Created between 1738 and 1773, by the Hon. Charles Hamilton, Painshill was inspired by the Renaissance art and Hamilton’s Grand Tours across Europe. Creating a sequence of breath-taking and surprising vistas for his guests, the landscape formed living works of art into which Hamilton placed follies for dramatic effect – most of which have been restored for you to see today! A fantastic opportunity to admire the beauty of Surrey’s hidden gem, Painshill’s Wings & Wonder event takes place on Sunday 23rd (display showings are at 11am and 1.30pm) and admission is included in the standard entry fee. For more information or to book please visit www.painshill.co.uk
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Investec International Music Festival welcomes return of Sarah Connolly
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his season’s Investec International Music Festival (4,6,7 May 2017 )sees the welcome return of the world renowned mezzo soprano Sarah Connolly CBE who will be joined by the celebrated soprano Rosemary Joshua and the English Concert, one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras to perform a dazzling all Handel programme in what promises to be an evening of exceptional music making. Both Sarah Connolly and Rosemary Joshua are acclaimed performers in Handel’s operas and the concert, which takes place at 5.00 pm on Sunday 7 May 2017, Mairlot Hall, St Teresa’s, Effingham, will include excerpts from some of the composer’s best loved operatic works including Agrippina, Ariodante, Solomon and Theodora. The 2017 Festival also features Gary Hoffman, the internationally acclaimed cellist who will be joined by the revered international violinist So-Ock Kim, the violist Philip Dukes and the Sitkovetsky Trio to perform favourite pieces from Faure, Ravel and Schubert. This concert takes place at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking on Thursday 4 May at 8.00 pm. A pre-concert supper can be booked direct with Denbies on 01306 876616. On Saturday 6 May at 7.30 pm at the Anniversary Hall, St Catherine’s Bramley, the Festival hosts a true piano extravaganza, two world class pianists and two Steinways – what could be better than that! Wu Qian and Juho Pohjonen, both Lincoln Centre Music prize winners will deliver an exciting
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and contrasting programme in this state of the art auditorium. The evening will include Schubert’s Fantasie in F Minor, arguably his most important work; Gershwin’s jazz influenced ‘An American in Paris’; plus the thrills and trills of Suite No 2 from the brilliant Russian composer Arensky. According to Sandy Burnett, the former Radio 3 presenter, musician and author “The 2017 Festival has all bases covered – from the extrovert exuberance of operatic showpieces by Handel through to the exquisite intimacy of Schubert, whose F minor Fantasie is one of the best-loved piano duets of all.” Sandy will be hosting an Insight Evening at the historic Guildhall, Guildford on Thursday 27 April, at 6.30 pm to share his thoughts on this Season’s composers and their music. The evening will include a complimentary gin tasting from multi award winning local distillery Silent Pool. Tickets for the Insight Evening can be reserved by emailing Julia@iimf.co.uk David Richardson, divisional director of Festival sponsor Investec Wealth and Investment said, “All credit to the Festival directors as the calibre of artists is once again outstanding this year. We are delighted to be in a position to play a part in bringing such world class performers to the local stage in Surrey.” Delicious ‘Great Taste Award’ winning KOKOH chocolates from local artisan chocolatier, Joanna Marshall will be available to buy at selected performances.
TICKETS
Festival tickets priced £25-29 (concessions available) can be purchased from www.iimf.co.uk or in person or by phone from the Festival Box Office. Guildford Tourist Information Centre, 155 High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ. Tel 01483 444334.
Main Image: Sarah Connolly Above: Gary Hoffman Below: The English Concert
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The Investec Derby Festival 2 6 APRIL 2 0 1 7
“Joining Emilia is two time Investec Derby winner and three time Investec Derby ambassador Frankie Dettori MBE”
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he Investec Derby Festival held at Epsom Downs Racecourse is one of the biggest social events in the British calendar, taking place this year on Friday 2 June (Investec Ladies Day) and Saturday 3 June (Investec Derby Day). It is a supreme challenge for three-year-olds over the unique undulating Epsom Downs track with the mile and a half course renowned as the most prestigious flat race in the world and Britain’s richest race, worth £1.5million. The classic trials leading up to Investec Derby Day either encourage or dampen the hopes and dreams of breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys, racegoers and punters. The event is always packed full of action and a range of attractions are available throughout both days.
“Investec Ladies Day will include the Style Award where glamour and well-dressed ladies will be in contention for some fabulous prizes
with Rachel on creating a stunning floral hat to wear on the day!” Joining Emilia is two time Investec Derby winner and three time Investec Derby ambassador Frankie Dettori MBE. Britain’s best-loved champion jockey won the race in 2007 on Authorized and again in 2015 on Golden Horn, and will be looking for a further win in 2017 to add to his impressive tally. Frankie Dettori commented; “The Investec Derby is the greatest flat race in the world and something I’m incredibly honoured to have experienced and represent. I am very proud to have won it twice and it is something I will continue to strive to win again as long as I continue to race.” Completing the line-up are male fashion influencers Teo Van Den Broeke and Grey Fox, both bringing their own individual style and flair to this year’s Investec Derby campaign, alongside Ella Catliff of “La Petite Anglaise” who will guide on women’s fashion and style for the Festival. Investec Ladies Day tickets start from £5 and Investec Derby Day tickets from £15. For further information on the enclosures and to book tickets please visit www.epsomderby.co.uk and www.investec.co.uk/derbyfestival or call Epsom Downs Racecourse on 0344 579 3004.
Investec Ladies Day will include the Style Award where glamour and well-dressed ladies will be in contention for some fabulous prizes and broadcaster Jo Whiley (from BBC Radio 2) is confirmed as the DJ for the official After Party on Investec Derby Day. The DJ set will take place in the Hyperion Marquee, the après-racing venue at the Investec Derby. This year’s Investec Derby Festival ambassador line-up is headed by the acclaimed British actress, Emilia Fox who is best known for her longstanding role as Dr Nikki Alexander in “Silent Witness”. Inspired by her love of gardens, Emilia will collaborate with royal milliner and Investec Derby fashion consultant Rachel Trevor-Morgan to design an exclusive, bespoke hat to wear on Investec Derby Day. Emilia Fox commented; “I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the Investec Derby.” She added, “I love horse riding with my family and to be involved in such a historic, prestigious event as the Investec Derby is a complete privilege and joy. I also adore gardening in my time off, so I can’t wait to work APRIL 2 0 1 7 2 7
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Craft In Focus returns to RHS Garden Wisley 27 April – 1 May 2017
Craft In Focus is delighted to be returning to RHS Garden Wisley this Spring to be staging its annual contemporary craft and design fair within the Garden. This has become one of the most popular contemporary craft events in the UK and is an event not to be missed!
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raft In Focus has always been at the forefront of promoting the best of the UK’s designer makers and their events have been placed above all other shows of their kind by The Independent. The event at Wisley showcases some of the finest contemporary craftmakers in various disciplines all of whom have been selected to exhibit at this event. Visitors will be able to see and purchase fine art, furniture, interior accessories, textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, sculpture and garden furniture.
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Craft In Focus events offer the public a calibre of exhibitor not always seen at other craft fairs and, once again at Wisley, visitors will be able to view and purchase contemporary craft and art from amongst 170 exhibitors whilst also enjoying the beautiful spring garden with its huge plant collection. All exhibitors have designed and made the work that they display and have been selected for their individuality and innovation in contemporary design, as well as outstanding technical ability. The UK has a wealth of individual and talented designer makers and artists who produce wonderful original items that simply cannot be found amongst the mass-produced and imported goods on the high street. This event is therefore a must visit for those wishing to start to explore what the UK’s professional designer makers have to offer..
THE DETAILS For further information contact Craft In Focus 01622 747 325 or visit the website: www.craftinfocus.com. Venue address: RHS Garden Wisley, Nr Woking, GU23 6QB. For more information on RHS Garden Wisley, including admission prices see www.rhs.org.uk/wisley.
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Not Just award winning wines
Images courtesy of www.denbies.co.uk
“The Denbies team are coming to the final stages of this season’s pruning and tying downs of the vine”
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enbies Wine Estate, England’s largest single estate vineyard, is located in the heart of the Surrey Hills. As well as producing award winning wines, Denbies chateau style winery is open daily for tours, tastings and dining with two restaurants, Wine and Gift Shop, art gallery and farm shop. There is also Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast Accommodation located in the heart of the vineyard, perfect for a close to home ‘wine country break’. Spring is an exciting time in the vineyard. As the days are getting longer and warmer temperatures are enveloping all areas of the vineyard, the Denbies team are coming to the final stages of this season’s pruning and tying downs of the vines. Signs of the 2017 harvest are breaking through with the Hillside Solaris showing the first buds, this early ripening vine, planted three years ago will be producing its first full year of grapes. Cautious of a late frost, the vineyard team are constantly on standby at this critical time in the vineyard’s cycle. Visitors to the estate can learn all about the frost protection methods employed at Denbies in their 20 minute film that accompanies the indoor wine tours. Easter is starting early in Dorking this year with the Kokova Chocolate Fair taking place at Denbies Wine Estate on Sunday 9 April from 10am until 4pm, a prime opportunity for all chocolate lovers to unite and indulge their passion and discover the world of premium chocolates. Showcasing a selection of award-winning chocolates, handcrafted by skilled chocolatiers, Kokova will be offering a collection of chocolate-related stalls, selling and showcasing handmade chocolates, truffles, fudge, marshmallow, perfect for Easter gifts. With free entry, enjoy browsing, sampling and buying some of the most amazing chocolates the UK has to offer.
There is an abundance of activity available at the vineyard over the Easter break, whether enjoying a ‘Wine and Chocolate Tasting Tour’ or simply enjoying the 265 acres under vine with 7 miles of public footpath, there is plenty to suit all tastes and budget. Horse & Carriage Rides are taking place on Good Friday: Friday 14 April, taking place from 12noon until 3pm with a leisurely 25 minute ride through the vineyard (weather permitting) £7.50 per person. Denbies outdoor vineyard train will also be available daily on the hour, taking visitors to the highest point of the vineyard with fabulous views overlooking Ranmore, Box Hill and Dorking, cameras are strongly recommended for some memorable viewpoints. Easter Sunday Garden Room Carvery with live jazz will be available from 12 noon – 3pm, overlooking the closed courtyard it is ideal for all the family. In addition the third floor Gallery Restaurant will be serving Sunday lunch throughout the day. Not to be missed the Rampant Rooster Morris Dancers will be performing at Denbies on Easter Monday at 11am and 2pm (Free entry and if you are really lucky, an opportunity to join in). Denbies has a range of 16 wines and produces over 450,000 bottles of wine per annum. Denbies currently produces and supplies wine to most major UK supermarkets. Denbies wine can also be purchased from the Denbies Wine and Gift Shop and on-line www.denbies.co.uk Denbies is located in Dorking, Surrey with direct rail access from London Waterloo and Victoria mainline stations. For further details on Denbies Wine Estate, events, prices and reservations, visit www.denbies.co.uk. Denbies Wine Estate Ltd, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA
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Old Windsor’s new culinary treat The Oxford Blue
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he Oxford Blue is a welcome addition to the village of Windsor; originally a pair of gamekeeper’s cottages dating back to the 1800’s, Chef Proprietor Steven Ellis has aided a complete renovation. Renowned Chef Patron, Steven Ellis, who was the former Sous-Chef at Gordon Ramsey Royal Hospital Road (3 Michelin stars), has spent the last 10 years developing his skills at some of the top restaurants in the country including working alongside Andrew Pern at the Star Inn, and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen. Steven uses French cooking techniques with a heavy English influence and specialises in all things British and game.
“Renowned Chef Patron, Steven Ellis has spent the last 10 years developing his skills at some of the top restaurants in the country” Ellis’s dedication in the quest of exceptional home-grown produce elevates suppliers from the lowly ranks of privates to that of esteemed generals. Fish for Thought in Bodmin and Keltic Seafare in Dingwall (north of Inverness), is just a sample of The Oxford Blue’s specialist suppliers whose produce is beautifully showcased and interpreted. Enclosed by the Windsor Great Park, even The Oxford Blue’s sourced game is fit for royalty, whilst their own garden delivers herbs and edible flowers from the soil straight to diner’s plates. Dishes of: Braised Suckling Pigs Trotter, Pie & Mash, Game 3 2 APRIL 2 0 1 7
Crouton, Fisherman’s Stew; and Sirloin of Beef offer a glimpse into Ellis’s culinary direction In charge of the pastry is Ellis’s partner Ami Blakey, meeting originally at The Star Inn 6 years ago, Ami has spent time honing her skills in some of London’s top restaurants; from The Ledbury, to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. With a diverse menu of desserts including: Earl Grey Soufflé with Biscuit Ice Cream; and Blood Orange Parfait, a sweet treat will certainly prove difficult to resist. The Oxford Blue’s team also includes general manager Daniel Crump and restaurant manager Margriet Vandezande-Crump, who has created a unique yet sophisticated drinks list at the Oxford Blue. The husband and wife team, and best friends and former colleagues of Steven, have themselves worked for some of the country’s best – Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Petrus and Adam Byatt’s Trinity. The complete renovation has granted the pub 60 covers, whilst a wine attic functions in lieu of a traditional cellar. As we greet the summer months, The Oxford Blue also welcomes an outside dinning terrace capable of hosting 16 extra covers. www.oxfordbluepub.co.uk
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A First look at Wentworth’s revamped West Course T
Extensive changes to all bunkers and all 18 greens since last year’s BMW PGA Championship. Player feedback shaped the improvements to the famous West Course. Ernie Els, Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley played a leading role
he European Tour’s leading players will encounter a new-look West Course for this year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, and the team behind the multi-million pound revamp have given the first glimpse into what the professionals can expect in May. Ernie Els Design, spearheaded by the South African four-time Major winner, and renowned consultants European Golf Design led the extensive renovation programme over the past nine months, working closely with an advisory team which included Thomas Bjørn, Paul McGinley and David Jones, who represented the views of the Tour players, and Wentworth’s Director of Golf Courses & Grounds, Kenny Mackay. The comprehensive changes to the famous West Course – home to the BMW PGA Championship since 1984 - were shaped by the feedback given to Bjørn and McGinley by current European Tour players, with the improvements focusing on the greens and bunkers. All 18 greens were stripped of the old turf and re-seeded with a new creeping bent, improving both the appearance and playability of the putting surfaces, while four greens – on the eight, 11th,
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14th and 16th holes – were completely rebuilt and five greens – on the third, fourth, fifth, 12th and 15th holes – were partially rebuilt. A sub-air system was also installed on all greens to help make them firmer and faster, and new irrigation and drainage was also introduced. Furthermore, all bunkers were redesigned and reconstructed, with 29 bunkers completely removed from play, helping to more closely realign the course with Harry Colt’s original vision, whilst also being cognisant of the demands of the modern game. Work began eight days after Englishman Chris Wood won the 2016 BMW PGA Championship and the renovation programme is due to be fully completed towards the end of April in time for this year’s Championship, which launches the European Tour’s new Rolex Series from May 25-28. Els said: “It’s been a real team effort. It’s been hard work, but it’s been a wonderful experience. I think the product you’ll see this time will be something the players will really enjoy. The guys will have smiles on their faces again. Their bad shots will get punished, but not as badly as before. “We’ve improved the greens and taken bunkers out, and restored holes to their former glory. Some holes won’t even have bunkers on them anymore.
“All bunkers were redesigned and reconstructed, with 29 bunkers completely removed from play, helping to more closely realign the course with Harry Colt’s original vision”
The crowds will enjoy it and the players will too.” Bjørn also believes the European Tour’s leading players will appreciate the changes when they get the chance to see them for themselves at May’s BMW PGA Championship. “There was certainly a feeling to get this golf course back to where it was,” said the Dane. “It will still be a really tough test, but we’ve taken some of the tough obstacles out which we didn’t think Wentworth was all about. “It is an old style course and it had probably been a little over-modernised, so we brought it to where we think it should be and back to the traditions of this golf course. “We listened long and hard to the views of the Tour players. You have to when you have such a big event on a traditional golf course with so much history. The BMW PGA Championship is a fantastic event, one of the best in the world, and now there is a golf course here which is really worth playing, and which is right up there with the very high standard of the event.” McGinley said: “The players wanted to go back in the direction of the old Harry Colt design. They wanted the contours on the greens to be softened, and the bunkering to be changed. I certainly
“It will still be a really tough test, but we’ve taken some of the tough obstacles out which we didn’t think Wentworth was all about”
couldn’t see out of the bunkers before, and not many guys could. So those were the two big things we changed. “We’ve also put in a sub-air system into the greens which will dry them out and get it back to a firm, fast golf course, which players have always loved playing in the past. “It’s going to be a stellar field for the BMW PGA Championship, with all the leading players on the European Tour, and with the new golf course it will be great for Wentworth, great for BMW and great for the European Tour, so I think we are going to have a terrific event this year.” Jeremy Slessor, Managing Director of European Golf Design, added: “The feedback from the Tour players over the last few years was so consistent about what needed to happen. “Working with Ernie Els and his design team, and working with the advisory group of Thomas, Paul and David Jones, we were able to come up with a cohesive plan which will give the members and the Tour players a much more honest test of golf.” Four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy, who won the prestigious title in 2014, will get his first chance to see the new look West Couse when he headlines the field for the 2017 BMW PGA Championship from May 25-28.
TICKETS
Fans can also ensure they are there to see the revamped course, just go to www.bmwpgachampionship. europeantour.com to take advantage of the early-bird ticket offer, with details of general admission tickets. Official Hospitality packages, onsite parking and grandstand seating available. Alternatively, contact the European Tour’s dedicated Hospitality Sales Team, who will be happy to answer any queries and discuss the various hospitality options, on enquiries @europeantourhospitality.com or +44 (0) 1344 840681. Wentworth Drive, Virginia Water GU25 4LS 01344 842201 www.wentworthclub.com
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The Little Welly “Goes Wild” hits Norbury Park, Surrey!
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igger, better & muddier than ever before, the UK’s biggest children’s obstacle course, The Little Welly “Goes Wild” returns to The Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Norbury Park, Surrey on the weekend of May 13th & 14th. With 30 big obstacles over a 3km course, kids will have the time of their life as they run, jump, climb, swing, slide and crawl through the wildly popular outdoor adventure series in the glorious surroundings of the reserve near Dorking. This one of a kind experience has been designed for children aged four & over and parents and carers are welcome to join in all the fun. After scaling the towering heights of The Big Slide, conquering the looming Tyre Mangle, splashing through the Mud & Water Pits, braving the NEW Spider’s Web, fearlessly facing the Three Jumped Dragon, giving it all for THE Wall, bouncing around in the Foam Pit and balancing on the Long Pole Run, (just a selection of some of the obstacles)! every child can proudly collect their shiny medal & enjoy all the other fun activities on site. As if this wasn’t enough, The Surrey Wildlife Trust have created a fun programme of activities for all the family to get involved with. A Wildlife Photographic Exhibition, Leaf Bashing (making Art by bashing leaves), Cooking Marshmallows over camp fires, getting muddy in The Mud Kitchen, meeting real live animals, such as Reptiles, Hedgehogs, Fire Lighting lessons, Mini-beasts
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Hunt, Quiz area for adults & a Bush Tucker Style Challenge. “The Surrey Wildlife Trust believes that all children should be able to explore their wild side and The Little Welly “Goes Wild” offers just such an opportunity,” said the Trust’s Sophie Coad. “Set in the beautiful surroundings of Norbury Park, children will be able to get active, have fun & be more connected with nature.” The fantastic Festival Village has something for all the family to enjoy: Laser Tag, Parkour demonstrations & workshops, Bertie Slippers on stilts, pony rides, den building, football darts, toddler course, Bungee trampolining, a huge stage with live music & entertainment & an array of culinary delights to feed all the family. Something for everyone! Rachel, founder of The Little Welly “Goes Wild” says, “The entire team here are passionate about instilling a love & appreciation for being outside & active in the next tech centric generation.” A brilliant day out for all the family whatever the weather!
the details Course tickets for children are £16 Course Assist tickets for Adults are £7.50 General Admission is £5 Plus VAT & booking fee Car admission is free For more information and to book tickets online for individuals, groups, birthday parties please visit: www.thelittlewelly.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TheLittleWelly Twitter www.twitter.com/TheLittleWelly Instagram @thelittlewelly #thelittlewelly
EDUC ATION
Cranleigh Thinking C
ranleigh is a leading co-educational weekly boarding and day school set in a stunning rural location in more than 280 acres on the edge of the Surrey Hills. Our beautiful campus is exceptionally well equipped, with outstanding classroom, studio, performance and sports facilities. There are strong links between the School and Cranleigh Preparatory School and pupils also join from a wide variety of other prep schools across London and the Home Counties, creating a lively, House-based community of young people who are drawn together by their inherent love of life and by getting involved in everything Cranleigh has to offer. Visitors to Cranleigh are always struck by the warmth and friendliness of our community. Cranleigh is a vibrant school which is large enough for diverse opportunities and yet small enough for every individual pupil to be known, supported and encouraged, whatever activities they undertake. The range of choices available across all year groups is designed to broaden horizons and offer both challenges and opportunities to flourish. A high staff to pupil ratio, dedicated House staff and a nurturing tutor system all ensure that pupils’ personal wellbeing is paramount. Cranleigh demonstrates powerfully that academic success does not have to be achieved at the expense of excellence in co-curricular activity. Our examination achievements and university entrance continue to excel, our music and drama flourishes
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and our sportsmen and women achieve at the highest levels. We continually seek the most innovative approaches to teaching and learning, which bring us first-class results year on year. Our belief that the teaching of every subject can be enriched by putting the emphasis on teaching pupils to think is a core part of our approach to the curriculum. Key to ‘Cranleigh Thinking’ is the involvement of philosophical methods of discussion, debate and inquiry, which add excitement and rigour to lessons right across the curriculum. We are learning to see ourselves as ‘Socratic mentors’ to our pupils, teaching them not by providing them with the right answers but with the right questions, the ones that will enable them to take the next step on the path to understanding. Cranleigh Thinking is based on four key principles: teaching through questioning, learning through thinking, dialogue not monologue and teaching to think, not teaching to the test. We take the view that when education is carried out like this it is both more enjoyable and more memorable. It doesn’t mean we have stopped caring about those all-important exam results; it does mean that we are making sure that they aren’t the only thing Cranleighans take away from their time with us. We want them to discover the joyful freedom that comes from learning to think for themselves. Cranleigh School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh GU6 8QQ
“Cranleigh Thinking is based on four key principles”
DIALOGUE
INQUIRY
CRANLEIGH THINKING REFLECTION
DISCOVERY
EDUC ATION
Letting off STEAM at Downsend! D
ownsend Prep School is a strong supporter of the collaboration between Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM). Learning across subjects is fundamental to the STEAM approach at Downsend and they believe the development of inquisitive mind-sets is best achieved by overlapping subjects. They encourage the children to generate their own ideas and in the process acquire valuable lifelong skills. They believe that a passionate interest and ability in the STEAM subjects can inspire and upskill children to be creative and productive in whatever their future choice of career. Tamsin Groocock, Head of Science at Downsend says “Downsend’s pupils become problem solvers, information gatherers, team players and evaluators. They must be able to convert information into knowledge and to apply it to real life. It is less about how much you know and more about what you are capable of doing with what you know.” Downsend’s STEAM teaching encourages openended inquisitiveness in the children, accepting failure as a necessary part of the process and uses continuous feedback to embed learning. The children are taught that success is characterised by not fearing the unknown, by embracing new challenges and accepting that collaborative working is the best and most enjoyable way to learn. Classroom learning is enriched with real outside world events including an audience with British astronaut Helen Sharman, teaching the topic of materials through Space and investigating Martian soil, a robotics curriculum collapse day and entering a team into the SATRO Surrey STEM competition.
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The success of Downsend’s approach has come from hard work by staff across all subject areas to collaborate and be creative and inspirational themselves. Tamsin says “As teachers, we never stop learning ourselves and this STEAM collaboration, has exposed us to different teaching methods and new skills; inspired us to take a fresh outlook and helped build a strong team culture.” Recent training funded by the European Space Agency gave Tamsin and her colleagues contact with a wide variety of new Space resources. This term Tamsin is collaborating with the Maths and Technology departments to build a scale replica of the International Space Station with her STEM club enthusiasts. She is also running the Downsend’s Space Challenge on their Open Morning on 6th May. Come and meet the STEAM team and learn how they inspire children every day. Prep School Main Site: 1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8TJ
EDUC ATION
THE BENEFITS OF THE W
ith options ranging from boarding schools to modern alternative curricula, there is almost certainly a school to suit each and every child. Here are some of the reasons why parents are choosing to give their children the unique experience of private school and why it’s worth the financial investment.
Enriched academic opportunities One of the accepted benefits of private schools is that they provide exceptional and challenging educational experiences through extracurricular activities, Advanced Placement courses, and the International Baccalaureate programme, just to name a few. The IB programme focuses on school work and on developing you as a whole person. Private school students constantly score top marks on standardized tests and college entrance exams, and many schools have a 100 per cent rate of students attending their university of choice.
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Controlled class sizes A comprehensive study on class size made by educational researchers Bruce Biddler and David Berliner in 2002 showed that the smaller the class size, the better the average student performs on academic achievement tests. The gains from smaller class sizes are stronger the longer a child is exposed to them. Private schools vary greatly in size, but depending on their teaching style, almost all focus on the importance of small class sizes to individually help students’ weak areas and advance their strengths.
Dedicated teachers In a study completed by the Fraser Institute in 2007, 91 per cent of parents surveyed said the dedication of the teachers was their main reason for choosing private school. Instructors are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding advanced degrees in their field. Within the tight-knit school community, students have close relationships with their teachers
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL who commonly act as role models. In addition, small class sizes make staff members more readily available for extra help or to further challenge individual students.
Parental involvement Private schools are built around open communication between parents and administration, and they make it a priority to involve parents in the community. From frequent parentteacher meetings, social events such as parent breakfasts and family camping weekends, and the participation of parent committees in fundraising initiatives, families become an integral part of the child’s education. This common ground also helps strengthen parent-child relationships.
A safe environment Private schools have reputations for maintaining high standards for discipline and respect. Lower staff-to-student ratios allow for more effective observation and control of school grounds. The strong sense of community found in private schools also discourages dangerous behaviour. In the Fraser Institute study, around 72 per cent of parents surveyed with children in the private school system strongly agreed that their school was safe, which greatly improves the quality of the child’s educational experience and achievement. The discipline they learn also improves their rates for success in post-secondary education when they are in control of their class attendance and achievement.
Ample resources At private schools, you’ll find incredible resources to support student learning in the classroom, sports field, art studio, and beyond. Quality resources provide students with the opportunity to fully explore their interests and talents.
Development for today’s and tomorrow’s world Private schools go beyond offering the mandatory subjects required by provincial curriculum; they can offer students a wide range of specializations including arts programs, athletics, maths and science. Private schools are responsible for producing many leaders in politics, business and society, with a history of adapting quickly to changes in technology and culture. And today, they are also sought by parents of children with special needs such as behaviour problems or learning disabilities.
Extracurricular activities While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts or clubs. This involvement helps stimulate students in their studies, as noted in a study at Stanford University that found that students involved in the arts are more motivated to learn and are three times more likely to win a school attendance award. Extracurricular activities can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of academics while developing skills and engaging in valuable social situations. APRIL 2 0 1 7 7
EDUC ATION
Your choice
through-school or stand-alone prep school?
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hen parents are considering independent education for their children, the decision needs to be made between a through-school, where children move up to the senior school from Year 9, or a stand-alone prep school. Independent education is separated into four stages: Pre-Prep for ages 4-7 (Reception to Year 2), Prep for ages 7 to 13 (Year 3 to 8), Senior School for ages 13 to 18 (Year 9 to 11) and Sixth Form for ages 16 to 18 (Years 12 and 13). Most parents are aware of the differences between the independent and maintained sectors, however the benefits of a through-school education are often understated. Through-schooling provides a smooth transition during the important phases in a child’s school life, offering stability and consistency to minimise the disruption of moving schools. There are significant educational advantages in through-schooling as it allows teachers and parents to track the child’s progress from the age of 4 to 18 and enables prep and senior school staff to work cohesively towards a smooth transition from one stage of school life to another. In addition, senior school teachers are subject specialists and often teach across both schools, which means they are often able to call upon the resources of the whole department. The move up to Year 9 can prove quite daunting for some in adapting to new ways of teaching and learning and finding their way around a larger campus. Some take this in their stride, but for others, the continuity of moving up to the next stage in a school they already know can increase a child’s confidence. Not many stand-alone prep schools offer the same range of extra-curricular activities that a 8 APRIL 2 0 1 7
through-school can. Shared campus facilities are generally more extensive and allow younger children access to senior school facilities. Through-schools offer busy parents a onestop-shop for their families and there is often the financial benefit of a sibling discount. The idea of a through-school does not suit everyone. Some parents prefer to keep their options open by choosing a stand-alone prep school that prepares its pupils for Common Entrance. Others find the smaller, more intimate community a more comfortable introduction to school life. Ultimately the most important factor for parents is whether their child will be happy and thrive at school. Open Days provide an excellent opportunity for families to view the facilities of short-listed schools. They can get a feel for the ethos, ambience and spirit of the community, and meet the head, teachers and pupils. A personal tour tailored to individual requirements should follow, to allow for a more detailed discussion with the Head and to see the school on normal working day. This process enables parents to make a more informed decision on which school is right for their child. Hurstpierpoint College offers through education from Reception to the end of the Sixth Form with key entry points at Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12. Pupils are welcome to join Hurst, subject to the College’s admissions procedures, at any point, provided there is space available. The next Hurst open morning takes place on Saturday 13th May and places can be booked on line at www.hppc.co.uk or by contacting the admissions department on 01273 836937. Hurstpierpoint College, College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks BN6 9JS; www.hppc.co.uk
EDUC ATION
Hundreds of local children enjoy first ever Literary Festival H
undreds of local children have been taking part in St George’s Junior School’s inaugural Literature Festival, which was held over two days on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 March. Children from St George’s Junior School, Weybridge were joined by 540 pupils from local schools, including: Cardinal Newman; Cleves; Ongar Place; St Anne’s; St James’; St Charles Borromeo; and St Paul’s to take part in a wide selection of literary events. St George’s Junior School was delighted to welcome authors, illustrators, story tellers and a roaming poet to the two day event. Marcus Alexander, Nicholas Allen, Lauren Child, Joe Craig, Paul Geraghty, Julia Jarman, A.F.Harrold, Ollie Heath, Gill Lewis, Steve Weatherill and Holly Webb all captured the children’s imaginations with talks
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“Children from St George’s Junior School, Weybridge were joined by 540 pupils from local schools”
and workshops on aspects of writing and illustrating books, whilst providing the children with fascinating insights into the life of an author. In addition to the author visits, pupils found the school transformed into a literary wonderland with visits from Horrid Henry, Mog the Cat, the Gruffalo, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Winnie the Pooh, the Jolly Postman, a stormtrooper, daleks and a full size Tardis. Workshops were held for pupils on board a Storybus, taking the children into the wonderful worlds of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Gruffalo, Commotion in the Ocean and Room on the Broom. It is hoped that every pupil left the event inspired to develop their love of reading and writing. St George’s Junior School Weybridge, Thames Street, Weybridge KT13 8NL
EDUC ATION
I’m gonna sing, sing, sing…! “Children who show great aptitude for singing start in the training choir, T-voices, which helps them build the key skills of listening and reading music”
WORDS: James Wilkinson, Director of Music, St George’s School Windsor Castle
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ross the threshold of St George’s School, Windsor Castle and the sound of children’s voices can’t help but invite you in. Founded for the Choristers of St George’s Chapel in 1348, the school has a strong focus on music, and singing is a key part of that. With over ten choirs and vocal ensembles led by a superb team of singing teachers and vocal coaches, the pupils all find their voice and follow whichever style of singing inspires them. Children who show great aptitude for singing start in the training choir, T-voices, which helps them build the key skills of listening and reading music. Added to the work the children do around the Kodály method in their academic music lessons, these keen young singers learn to sight read and sing in parts. They then build in phrasing and shaping of the sound so that by the time they stand in front of their audiences, they have complete ownership of the music they are performing. They can then move to the Chamber Choir from nine years old. This choir encompasses both girls and boys who are not choristers. Rehearsing several times a week, the Chamber Choir sings for all number of occasions – services and concerts in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, tours to foreign countries, collaborative workshops and masterclasses with other schools and much more besides. The recent to tour to Kraków provided
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some super opportunities, including singing 100 metres underground in a salt mine, performing to several hundred people in churches and basilicas and leading a Polish primary school in a day of sharing music. The choir has really taken flight in the last two years. Competitions, recordings and more foreign tours are all part of the plans emerging for this talented group of musicians. If a more classical style is not to a pupil’s taste, provision is made for Jazz and Music Theatre; choirs and bands cater for these as do a wide variety of performance opportunities, ensuring the school has an eclectic and holistic approach to singing. As well as the large choral provision in school, the Choristers of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle spend their week rehearsing and singing for the weekly round of daily services as well as special events and concerts. These boys live at the school as boarders, starting their instrumental practice at 7am! Whilst it is an intensive music programme they undertake, it is a highly enjoyable and rewarding one. Whatever choir or ensemble they sing in, the children at St George’s leave with great musical skills and confidence in their ability to make music. If music be the food of success, then play on! St George’s School, Windsor Castle, Windsor SL4 1QF; 01753 865553; www.stgwindsor.org
As well as the large choral provision in school, the Choristers of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle spend their week rehearsing and singing for the weekly round of daily services
EDUC ATION
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HEALTH &
beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i mag e : A C A D E M Y S A L ONS
Boost your beauty sleep
Don’t worry if you’ve failed on the clean eating front; there’s a new buzzword for 2017 that doesn’t involve chomping on any raw veg to make you look more sprightly... WORDS: Lisa Haynes, Press Association
Health & beauty
The Neal’s Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist, available from nealsyardremedies.com
ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy, available from espaskincare.com
This image and far right: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout
Pure Elixir 02 Smart Sleep Supplement, available from pureskinelixir.com
This Works limited edition Deep Sleep Shower Gel, available from thisworks.com
NEOM Energy Burst eau de parfum, available from neomorganics.com
S
tep forward ‘clean sleeping’. It has nothing to do with how often you wash your duvet, but everything to do with pure, unadulterated slumber. Another Gwyneth Paltrow ‘Goop-ism’, the actress-turned-lifestyleguru attributes her A-lister glow to a clean-sleeping regime: “I believe it should be your first priority even before you think about your diet,” she says in her new book, Goop Clean Beauty. “The lifestyle I lead is based not just on clean eating, but also on clean sleeping: at least seven or eight hours of good, quality sleep - and ideally even 10.”
PRE-DUVET RITUALS
PROBLEM: Can’t sleep We’re now getting less sleep than ever, according to research. Three-quarters of Brits (74%) sleep less than seven hours per night, while 12% snooze for less than five hours - compared to 7% in 2013, according to The Sleep Council’s Great British Bedtime Report. “If you’re not sleeping, you’ll find your stress hormone levels will go up,” says Dr Nish Joshi, holistic guru and founder of the Joshi Clinic. “Sleep habits are so important - avoid caffeine and wine at night, sleep in a well-ventilated room, and make sure your bed and pillow are comfortable. I recommend taking chamomile or valerian about half an hour before bedtime, for a restful night.” BEAUTY SLEEP SOS: This Works Limited Edition Deep Sleep Shower Gel, £15 (thisworks. com); Neal’s Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist, £15 (nealsyardremedies.com); Pure Elixir 02 Smart Sleep Supplement, £30 for 30 days (pureskinelixir.com).
THE NIGHT SHIFT
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask, available from esteelauder.co.uk
RISE AND SHINE
PROBLEM: Can’t wake up Woken up feeling less than refreshed? It’s possible your alarm’s interrupted a natural sleep cycle, resulting in that groggy feeling and telltale eye bags. Thankfully, you can fake eight hours’ sleep with cheat products and quick-fix massage techniques. “Reduce puffy eyes by massaging a gentle, healing eye cream in the direction of your lymphatic drainage, moving under the eyes towards the temples,” advises Nuriss skincare expert, Dr Anita Sturnham. “Skincare with antioxidants, such as vitamins C, B and E, will help boost and repair tired and dull-looking skin.” BEAUTY SLEEP SOS: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask, from £10 (esteelauder.co.uk); Benefit Eye Bright Instant Eye Brightener, £17 (benefitcosmetics.com); NEOM Energy Burst 100% Natural Eau de Parfum, £49 (neomorganics.com).
BUY IT NOW Fresh off the back of his SS17 runway, Marc Jacobs has collaborated with British artist Julie Verhoeven to create two bright print pouches. Choose from the Hi-Shine Gloss Lip Lacquer Set (with three glosses), £49; or Velvet Reality Eye Collection (with eyeshadow, mascara and eye crayon), £45. The limited-edition pouches are available online at harrods.com
PROBLEM: Won’t sleep If insomnia’s not an issue, but there simply aren’t enough hours in the day for decent duvet time, your skin could be suffering. Sleep is vital for skin, as it’s when cells goes into repair mode - creating new ones and removing toxins. “Lack of sleep can lead to signs of ageing,” explains Susan Harmsworth, skincare expert and ESPA founder. “Skin research shows cell regeneration is highest between 12am and 1am, while skin exfoliation and blood flow is increased between 12am and 4am. This is why night-time products are so beneficial for the skin’s repair systems.” BEAUTY SLEEP SOS: Sarah Chapman Limited Edition Supersize Skinesis Overnight Facial, £50 from March 1 (qvcuk. com); ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy, £35 (espaskincare.com); Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Eye Mask With Copper Oxide, £25 (lookfantastic.com). APRIL 2 0 1 7 6 1
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Spring Clean Your Skin With the experts at the Light Touch Clinic
WHY LIGHT TOUCH? Harley Street expertise in Surrey ••• CQC-registered ••• Multi-award winning clinic ••• Industry-leading results ••• Award-winning treatments ••• 95% of patients rated their customer experience as good or very good
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At the Light Touch Clinic, we take a holistic approach to rejuvenate and improve the quality of your skin. However, did you know that many of our facial treatments can be used on the body too? In this month’s article we take a look at how our world-class treatments can help your skin look fab from head-to-toe.
Peels If your skin is looking a little tired and dull or you have acne, a peel with our experts could be what you need! Using a careful cocktail of acids, our skin experts can use peels to tackle pigmentation, improve skin texture and make your skin more youthful. As well as safely resurfacing the skin, our advanced peels also increase the production of collagen. This helps improve elasticity so your skin looks and acts younger. Our peels can also be used off the face to rejuvenate the skin and treat acne on the chest and back. You can have a peel as a one-off treatment before a special event or you can take a course of peels for superior, long-term results.
BEFORE
after
INTRAcel INTRAcel is one of our most popular skin treatments at the clinic. Combining micro-needling with radiofrequency energy, INTRAcel boosts the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of healthy, youthful skin. This results in firmer, less wrinkled skin for you. Off the face, INTRAcel is a brilliant treatment for rejuvenating the neck and décolletage. In addition, INTRAcel is fantastic for treating acne as it destroys the acne bacteria on the skin and regulates oil production. This treatment also helps improve the appearance of acne scarring. We can use INTRAcel to effectively treat acne on the face, back and neck.
Profhilo Neither a mesotherapy treatment or a filler, Profhilo is a bioremodelling treatment. Using a special technique, Profhilo is carefully injected to add weightless volume for a youthful look. Profhilo also has a unique lifting and tightening effect to remodel sagging and ageing tissue. This makes it especially good for treating crepey skin. Not only can we use Profhilo to revitalise the face, it can also be used to rejuvenate the neck, décolletage, hands and upper arms.
Skinboosters
BEFORE
after
Our skin quality changes as we age: skin becomes drier and less elastic as collagen and elastic fibres disintegrate. Fortunately, we have a solution in Skinboosters. Using a series of Hyaluronic Acid microinjections, Skinboosters gently and naturally smooth the skin from within. This means soft, radiant and hydrated skin for you. Skinboosters are a great treatment for the face, neck and décolletage. Exposed to UV damage on a daily basis, our hands can give away our true age and can be difficult to rejuvenate. However, we can also use Skinboosters to gently revitalise the skin on the back of your hands.
Ready to spring clean your skin? Call the clinic on 01932 849552 to book a consultation with one of our specialists. THE DETAILS
Light Touch Clinic, 50 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8DS www.lighttouchclinic.co.uk info@lighttouchclinic.co.uk 01932 849552 APRIL 2 0 1 7 6 3
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Charity Fashion Show a Runaway Success A
cademy Salons Creative Team, and Headquarters Kingston created the hair for the 14 models used for the Front Row Fashion Event held at the Roof Gardens in Kensington. The fashion show featured leading UK designer pieces from Club Boutique, Weybridge, beautiful seasonal occasion wear from Rocco Women and bespoke gowns by designer Malika Hemici of Aya Couture, Esher. The make up, to complement the stunning looks was provided by Liz Patey Make up. Over £50,000 was raised to support Back Up Trust with its services to transform the lives of people affected by spinal cord injury. Salv Mulé Salon Director from Academy Salons said “It is always a great pleasure to work on this amazing event, we always have fun, show off our creative hair ideas, gain valuable experience and raise money for such an incredibly important charity.” “It was a great event and we owe a huge thank you to everyone for making it such a success. The money raised will make a real difference to the lives of people affected by spinal cord injury,” said Back Up CEO Louise Wright.
Imagery: Linda Scuizzato Neverland Photography
Academy Salons Creative Team behind the scenes
10 The Green, Hersham, Surrey KT12 4HL T: 01932 252 464 ••••• 42 High Street, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3EB T: 01932 864 929 ••••• 105 Hare Lane, Claygate, Surrey KT10 0QX T: 01372 462 724 ••••• 91 High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9QA T: 01372 466 400 ••••• 81 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9UQ T: 01932 852289 ••••• www.academysalons.com Academy Salons - finalists for the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2016.
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We Are BAck ! Dr Peter Forrester & Ms Helen McEvoy are pleased to announce their return to Esher Park Avenue. Together, we offer a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Including cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive surgery, minimally-invasive facial anti-ageing treatments and advanced skincare.
Dr Peter Forrester MBBS FRCA Peter has over 20 years experience in cosmetic medicine. As an expert in this field, he is highly regarded by his patients from Surrey, South West London and further afield. He practices an integrated approach to non-surgical facial enhancement using combinations of therapies designed to produce significant improvements with minimal recovery time. He believes that offering a highly personal approach ensures that your experience is satisfying, effective and importantly, very safe.
Dr Peter Forrester Ms Helen McEvoy MSc MA MBBChir FRCS (Plast) Helen is a consultant Plastic Surgeon at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital where she has a special interest in breast surgery. She is fully trained and accredited in all aspects of Plastic Surgery and in her private practice she undertakes facial surgery, breast enlargement, breast reduction & uplift, tummy tuck, liposuction and body contouring surgery. In her Private Practice at 6 esher Park Avenue she offers consultations for people considering plastic or cosmetic surgery as well as a range non-surgical injectable treatments.
Ms Helen McEvoy
6 Esher Park Avenue, Esher, KT10 9NP Tel: 01372 890 890 enquiries@cosdocs.co.uk
Discreetly situated just off the High Street
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Get your kids active through exercise I
t’s never been more important to get children active. With use of the internet, mobile phones and computer games, this has resulted in lower levels of activity in children – which could potentially set them up for health problems later in life. That’s why kids need to get more active. There are plenty of activities that the whole family can get involved in which the kids will love (and parents too!). These will set a great example and contribute to keeping your children fit, active, and most importantly, healthy. Here are some top tips on getting your kids active through exercise….
Park life Whether it’s going on the swings and slides, or going for a walk followed by having an ice lolly, young children love the park. It has many places to explore and they can run around to their hearts content. It’s also free – which makes it an even more attractive option!
Activity trip Family days out such as visiting the zoo or a similar attraction usually involve an entire day walking around. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and is a beneficial cardiovascular activity for children and adults alike. So, a Saturday family day out can also be a Saturday family workout!
Fun run A fun run is a non-competitive opportunity for the family to exercise together and usually comes with a medal at the end. Children love rewards, which will be a great incentive for them to participate. There are many charity events that cater for the whole family, and the kids will learn about charities helping 6 6 APRIL 2 0 1 7
those less fortunate.
School Activities There are many after school clubs that run activities for all ages, whether it be tennis, athletics or hockey, there’s certain to be something to interest your children – and organisers are always looking for helpers to marshal, coach, and generally help out, so there are plenty of opportunities for the entire family to be involved.
On your bike Cycling is a fantastic, fun-filled activity, and is adaptable to every age. If your children are very young, they can either sit in a special trailer or be strapped into seats on the adults’ bikes.
Walking The simplest of all exercise activities, it is good exercise and can be pitched at every age level. Even the youngest kid can toddle a short way. Decide where to make the walk more interesting to your children.
Swimming Playing in a pool is ideal for a family workout, and you’ll find that the kids will love jumping in and out all day! Swimway offer excellent swimming courses across London teaching children from baby upwards to feel comfortable in the water, to paddle and then to swim. You are right there with them, and with trained instructors they will be perfectly safe. With a little thought and planning, there are plenty of opportunities to get the kids active through exercise, with the additional benefit of some quality family time together!
H EALTH & BEAUTY
GUCCI TIMEPIECES & JEWELRY ADDS NEW EXTENSIONS TO LE MARCHÉ DES MERVEILLES COLLECTION
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ucci Timepieces & Jewelry is pleased to release new additions to the Le Marché des Merveilles collection, which offer a rich palette of materials, mirroring the creative aesthetic of the House today, and champion the workmanship of this constantly evolving watch range. The animal motifs – the tiger, bee and snake - are the hallmarks of this line, and are elegantly worked into these new extensions, which are defined by exquisite embroidery or finely-cut coloured leather. Two timepieces in this range come with a soft brown Toscano calfskin strap; three others have a sportier look and are fitted with a nylon strap featuring the striped Gucci web. These variants also have GucciÊs expression, ÂLÊAveugle par AmourÊ woven onto the strap in bold urban lettering. A detail that distinguishes Le Marché des Merveilles timepieces is the use of embroidery on the nylon dials, where intricate designs of a snake, tiger or bee are offset by the web striped background. Cases are coordinated to the colours of each timepiece, worked in warm yellow gold PVD or stainless steel version. The snake is also framed on a special leather variant, crafted from a single piece of leather used for both the strap and the dial. Here, a grainy leather strap is embellished with a highly detailed red snake design that spirals along the strap before being captured under the sapphire glass. This piece comes with a polished stainless steel case. Each watch in the Le Marché des Merveilles collection is presented in a 38mm size and is engraved with the bee design on the case back.
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About Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry Gucci Timepieces, one of the most reliable and consistent fashion watch brands, with a clear design approach and positioning, has been designing, developing and manufacturing iconic Gucci watches since the early 1970s. Rigorously made in Switzerland, Gucci watches are recognized for their innovative and contemporary design, quality and craftsmanship and are distributed worldwide through the exclusive network of directly operated Gucci boutiques and selected watch distributors. Since January 2010, Gucci Timepieces has also been distributing the Gucci Jewelry collections, capitalizing on the expertise gained in the watch sector and leveraging the synergies between the watch and jewelry industries. www.gucci.com
“Two timepieces in this range come with a soft brown Toscano calfskin strap; three others have a sportier look”
H EALTH & BEAUTY
Over the
rainbow... words: katie Wright, Press Association
M
ake-up has the power to transform your face, but this season’s boldest catwalk looks will send your mood soaring too, as saturated shades make a case for ditching the nudes, like, NOW. Plus, this is a trend which spans the winter/spring divide, so it’s worth investing in a few vivid pigments to see you through to summer. From ravishing red (and, no, not just lippie) to ultra-violet, here’s how to work the rainbow trend in the real world...
RED-Y FOR ANYTHING Described as ‘explosions of colour,’ at the AF Vandevorst show, powder pigment was dropped at random with a pipette over eyelids. To soften this daring look, take a shimmery, dark red eyeshadow (or blush, which you’ve probably already got at home) and use your finger to tap it onto to the outer eye corner, then blend out with a blusher brush for diffused, subtle colour which is particularly flattering on hazel and green eyes. Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Apex, £16.50 (www.illamasqua.com); Lottie London Blush Crush in Harry, £4.95, Superdrug (www.superdrug.com)
ORANGE APPEAL Attention, scarlet lip devotees: try switching out your blue-toned red for a zingy orange every once in a while, and discover the joy of a fruity pout, a la 7 0 APRIL 2 0 1 7
the Proenza Schouler catwalk. If you’re fair-skinned, a shiny peach or coral shade works best, while matte tangerine and red-orange really pop against olive and darker skin tones. MAC Lady Danger Lipstick, £15.50 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk); NARS Audacious Lipstick in Geraldine, £25 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk)
The 3ina The Eyeshadow 126, available from 3ina.com
HELLO, YELLOW! Backstage at I’m Isola Marras in Milan, MAC’s Michelle Magnani blended yellow and orange cream colours to create a custom ochre shade, that was painted over the eyelids and waterline then gently smudged out. Magnani added a swipe of hot pink under the eye, but this look is more wearable if you stick with just yellow on the eyes and finish with a sheer magenta wash over the lips. MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in Genuine Orange, £14 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk); MAC Chromaline in Primary Yellow, £16 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)
GIVE IT THE GREEN LIGHT The ‘urban warriors’ on the Emilio Pucci SS17 catwalk were daubed with a wide slick of emerald paint in the eye crease, creating a fierce flash of colour. Tone down this gutsy look by drawing a floating green pencil line in the crease and blending it Sixties-style, or use a metallic green liquid liner to
3ina The Colour Eyeliner 508, available from 3ina.com
trace a sharp cat-eye flick. 3ina The Colour Eyeliner 508, £7.95 (www.3ina.com)
The NARS Audacious Lipstick in Geraldine, available from narscosmetics.co.uk
BUY IT NOW
BOLT FROM THE BLUE Inspired by the Roaring Twenties, models’ eyes were ringed with masses of pretty powder blue at Thom Browne. If you’re blessed with huge, doll-like eyes, this look will totally work on you - if not, a finer line of shadow in a shade that contrasts your eye colour is more flattering. Complete the look with a dash of baby pink blusher and a pale lip. 3ina The Eyeshadow 126, £6.95 (www.3ina.com)
INDIGO FOR IT At Vivienne Westwood, nails were painted a stormy navy, the perfect shade if you want to go dark in the mani department without going full-on goth. Give your talons the indigo treatment with Essie’s inky Bobbing for Baubles. Essie Bobbing for Baubles Nail Polish, £7.95 (NailPolishDirect.co.uk)
Essie Bobbing for Baubles Nail Polish, available from NailPolishDirect.co.uk
TRIED &TESTED
VIVID VIOLET ‘Violet lipstick?!’ You might exclaim, but just a cursory glance at the #purplelips hashtag on Instagram proves a purple pout really is the way forward. On the Ohne Titel catwalk, the girls were given a moody purple hue, which looks gothically gorgeous against a porcelain complexion, but if you’ve a darker skin tone, a brilliant violet, whether matte or moist, will really zing. Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick in BTCH, £20 (www.illamasqua.com); Nizz Purple Haze Lipstick, £16 (www.nizzcosmetics.co.uk)
All product images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout
Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick in BTCH, available from illamasqua.com
Tapping into a major spring fashion and beauty trend, this year’s MAC Viva Glam collection is bright pink perfection. Created in collaboration with actress of the moment Taraji P. Henson, the fuchsia matte Lipstick and pearlescent Lipglass are on sale on February 16. As always, the full RRP (less VAT) helps to fund the fight HIV/AIDS via charities all over the world. MAC Viva Glam Taraji P. Henson Lipstick, £16.50, and Lipglass, £15 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)
MAC Chromaline Primary Yellow, available from maccosmetics.co.uk
Can a revolutionary hair brush ever be enough to ditch the straighteners? Gemma Dunn finds out... “When Sharon Rabi launched the DAFNI Ceramic Straightening Brush back in 2015, her invention took the beauty world by storm. The brush, made with a unique 3D ceramic surface, promises professional-looking results in just three minutes - and now there’s a new travel-friendly version, called DAFNI Go - but does it really work? Well, after six weeks of daily use, I can honestly say my straighteners are now sadly gathering dust. This wonder tool gives me straight locks but without compromising on volume. There’s no need to even section the hair before use; just ensure it’s dry, tangles have been brushed out, and then get to work. If you’ve got thick hair, you’ll brush through with ease; for finer hair like mine, you may have to hold the hair away from the head slightly, so as to not catch the heat on your neck and ears. And unlike straighteners, I can easily reach the pesky spot at the back of my head. DAFNI, you’re my new best friend!” DAFNI Go Straight Hair Straightening Brush, £99.95, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com) APRIL 2 0 1 7 7 1
BLUE VELVET SHOES
Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.
Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 Buy online: www.bluevelvetshoes.com
t: 020 3544 4002 e: sales@ajp-bathrooms.co.uk w: www.ajp-bathrooms.co.uk
luxury outdoor
living &
gardening – Celebrate the great outdoors this Spring – i mag e : r h s w i s ley
OUTDOOR LIVING
It’s time to get busy in the garden
W
ith winter behind us and the pleasure of longer, sunnier days to look forward to, it’s natural that thoughts turn to the garden. Spring is a wonderful season, full of sudden splashes of colour as daffodils, crocuses and tulips arrive, green shoots and buds appear and trees are transformed by blossom – gardens are waking up. It also means there is plenty of work to be done. Work that may well have been ignored through the cold winter months, and that now needs to be done quickly if your garden is going to look its best throughout the summer months. The list of things to do is long, with plenty of pruning, weeding, mulching and feeding to be done in the flower beds. Lawns need to be mowed regularly, they may need feeding and any moss raked out. Ponds will need clearing, patios cleaned and decking restored. Fencing may need repairing or replacing after months of rain and wind. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by that ‘where on earth do I start’ feeling. And if you’re out at work during the week, have commitments on the weekend, or just have a lot of garden to deal with, you may well feel defeated before you’ve barely begun. But you don’t have to throw down your secateurs in despair and frustration. Your garden should be something you can enjoy, not a chore that you start to resent, so why not consider hiring a gardener to make life a little easier? 2 APRIL 2 0 1 7
Introducing Diamond Garden Care
“Your garden should be something you can enjoy, not a chore that you start to resent”
Set up in 2009, Diamond Garden Care provides a professional gardening service throughout Surrey and Berkshire. The team is well equipped, with the right tools for every gardening job, and you’ll be amazed by how quickly your garden can be transformed from unruly jungle to beautifully manicured. Diamond Garden Care also prides itself on its horticultural expertise, so if you want help to plan a new planting scheme for your garden they can give excellent advice and, of course, make it happen. If you’re green-fingered and enjoy working in your garden, there’s no reason to stop. You can still do the jobs you want to do, but leave other tasks to your gardener – working together, your garden will soon look stunning. If your gardening knowledge is limited, don’t have enough time or you’re simply not horticulturally inclined, Diamond Garden Care can take care of everything. From a full day’s work to get on top of everything to regular weekly visits, the team will ensure your garden is well maintained – leaving you free to enjoy your outside space to the full. For more information visit www.diamondgardencare.co.uk. Phone 07768 120733 or email weybridge@diamondgardencare.co.uk to arrange a free no-obligation visit.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Pot luck WORDS: Hannah Stephenson
E
very year I have a number of casualties among my terracotta pots, which end up broken or cracked in the depths of winter. Replacing them can be an almost impossible decision, thanks to the plethora of garden pots available both from retailers and online, from huge Grecian-style glazed urns, to light resin contemporary planters. If you’re going to invest in new pots, make sure they match the outside of your property and the style of your garden. If you live in a centuries-old cottage featuring original brickwork, for example, you may want to steer clear of contemporary urban planters. While some manufacturers claim their terracotta pots are frostproof or frost resistant, I would advise you take care of them anyway to minimise risk of flaking and cracking. Glazed terracotta pots are generally more
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frostproof than unglazed ones, but if compost in the pot becomes waterlogged and then the water freezes, it will expand and crack the pot as well as killing the roots of your plants. Move terracotta pots near to the house during the winter months or wrap them in bubble wrap or horticultural fleece to protect them - and make sure you have adequate drainage holes and drainage material in the pot, standing the pot on feet. If you do need to refresh your garden pots, there are possibilities for all tastes:
DESIGNER PLANTER Laura Ashley has branched out on to the garden scene with a new range of frostproof glazed terracotta pots in pastel blue, available in selected Wyevale Garden Centres and fully available across 108 stores from March 20, from £6.99-£34.99. For stockists, visit www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk
“If you do need to refresh your garden pots, there are possibilities for all tastes”
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT Growing spinach
LIGHTING UP TIME Soft lighting can create a great ambience in the garden - and you can highlight your plants with Dutch design company Elho’s flower light which features a contemporary planter with the stylish solar light connected by a wooden frame. Available in white, anthracite and mint, Flower Light charges by natural sunlight. RRP £34.99. For stockists, visit www.elho.com
WATER-WISE STYLE Lechuza has come out with another stylish contemporary planter, the Cubeto bowl planter, ideal for lower-growing plants, either for permanent or temporary planting. It’s a smooth, bowl-shaped lower-to-the-ground pot made from lightweight plastic, but which looks a lot like stone and comes with a subirrigation system featuring a colour-coordinated liner, drain plug, water level indicator which reduces risk of over-watering and water supply shaft and which makes watering easy. Available in stone grey, sand beige or classic black. From £17.99, www.lechuza.co.uk
YAKUTA WATER JARS If you want something bespoke that no-one else will have, look no further than these unique Chinese vases, finished with a stunning hand-painted glaze. They come in a range of sizes, from small pots to huge urns in greens, blues, yellows and browns. Prices range from around £9 upwards, depending on size, from Roundwood of Mayfield (www.roundwood.com).
TUDOR TWIST This uniquely shaped wooden planter from specialists Lichfield Planters has an unusual twist
reminiscent of a Tudor chimney pot. Constructed with square lengths of Scandinavian red pine treated with a high quality, plant-friendly, water-repellant preservative. The floor of the planter is 30cm from the top, so you don’t need to fill it up completely with compost. Weighing more than 25kg (size 35cm x 35cm x 80cm), it’s stable even in strong winds. £125, www.thelichfieldplantercompany.co.uk
COLOUR STATEMENT Eye-catching planters can look amazing against a plain white house wall or minimalist backdrop. These new Satu Bumi egg planters in white base, black dip and gold band provide a splash of rich, vibrant colour in a minimalist setting. They are made from glass fibre reinforced concrete which is frostproof. Available in three sizes, from £90. For stockists details contact, visit www.laminvale.co.uk or phone 01949 844 871
BACK TO NATURE New for this year is a natural-looking range of lightweight, frost resistant contemporary planters within the The Nature collection from Cadix. The lightweight pots are equipped with a special rib structure that uses hydrograins to keep plants healthy and provide smooth water drainage. Row white egg planter (left) RRP £39.99, ivory Brix vase elegant RRP £44.99. For stockists details, visit www.cadix.co.uk/stockists.
You can now be sowing true spinach - the annual, green leafy plant as opposed to perpetual spinach or leaf beet, a biennial which can be sown later next month - in short rows once every three weeks to give you a succession of crops throughout the summer. They key is to pick it when the leaves are small, before it starts to bolt. Prepare the seedbed well, raking in balanced fertiliser and water if the soil is dry and sown thinly into drills 1cm deep and 30cm apart. The first few sowings should be protected with cloches. Through March and April, continue to sow small amounts of true spinach at intervals. Thin the seedlings to around 10-15cm apart and use the thinnings in salads. Good varieties include ‘Giant winter’, which will overwinter from an autumn sowing, and ‘Mikado’ and ‘Amazon Seed’.
BEST OF THE BUNCH Elaeagnus This tough, fast-growing evergreen is ideal for growing as hedging, with its resistance to coastal winds and tolerance of the elements. Leaves may be plain green or silvery, or there are types with silver or gold variegation that look great in full sun. Small clusters of bell-shaped fragrant flowers are borne in summer or autumn, occasionally followed by small berries. Grow them in fertile, well-drained soil, preferably in full sun. Deciduous types are also available. Good bets include E. ‘Quicksilver’, a deciduous, clump-forming shrub which grows to 4m, flowering in summer, and E. x ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’, a dense evergreen with green and yellow variegated leaves and creamy white flowers in autumn. Prune deciduous types in late winter or early spring and evergreens in mid-to-late spring. APRIL 2 0 1 7 5
OUTDOOR LIVING
The Future of Outdoor Living With Bioclimatic Terrace Covers And Pergolas
B
eing able to spend more time outside all year has been made easier by a unique type of terrace cover. The Biossun bioclimatic pergolas provide a solution to spatial problems at home, while also keeping in line with today’s environmentally conscious consumer. Often described as a hybrid solution between a conservatory and an exterior awning, the Biossun pergola provides protection and optimises your outdoor space, particularly as they can be easily attached to your home, or freestanding in the garden, or on a patio. Tim Sharples, owner of Cedar Nursery in Cobham and the only stockists of Biossun in Surrey, says: “We are increasingly meeting customers who want to extend their outdoor living space but want to upgrade from a canopy or umbrella, without adding a conservatory. “The Biossun pergola not only looks stunning, but it really does provide a solution to extended outdoor living, due to the motorized and automated louvred roofs which will offer protection from the elements or let the sun flood in.” Each Biossun is made to order and can be finished in a choice of nearly 400 colours. 98% of
“Each Biossun is made to order and can be finished in a choice of nearly 400 colours” the materials used in Biossun bioclimatic patios are aluminium, a completely recyclable material. The pergolas have three key programmed positions - fully open, open in opposition to the sun and fully closed, or set an intermediate position to suit you–all controlled electronically. And there is no need to worry about your garden furniture when you’re away - the slats will automatically close to shelter your outdoor furniture from a sudden shower. Cedar Nursery have a fully working pergola installed on site and they are open seven days a week for viewings of the system in operation. Tim says: “Customers who have bought a Biossun have been delighted with the product, one of the reasons being it has helped them extend their time in the garden well into the autumn months as well as allow them to be outside in the varying climates of British summer!” There are all sorts of exciting accessories that can be added to your pergola to really create an eye-catching home – LED strip lighting, sliding windows and recessed lighting. The team at Cedar Nursery are happy to give advice on the full list when you call in, or ‘phone. For more information about the Biossun Pergola at Cedar Nursery, please call 01932 862473, or clic www.landscaping.co.uk/ garden-buildings/biossun 6 APRIL 2 0 1 7
OUTDOOR LIVING
90 years of open gardens M
WORDS: Hannah Stephenson
any gardeners and the wider public will be visiting an open garden this year, one which is opened to the public on one or more specific days of the year to raise money for nursing and caring charities. The National Garden Scheme, which is celebrating its 90th birthday this year, remains the biggest charitable funder of both Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie. Its president is high-profile baker and gardener Mary Berry, who has opened up her own NGS garden for 20 years, while the scheme has undergone a revamped image which is more informal than the old one and a newly designed ‘Yellow Book’ - which lists details of this year’s open gardens. It has just announced that £3 million will be donated to its beneficiaries in 2017 as a result of funds raised through garden openings in 2016, and George Plumptre, the charity’s ebullient chief executive, explains: “In our 90th anniversary, it’s wonderful to celebrate all our new gardens coming in, but also look at the gardens which opened 90 years ago and are still open - even Sandringham,
“In our 90th anniversary, it’s wonderful to celebrate all our new gardens coming in, but also look at the gardens which opened 90 years ago and are still open” 8 APRIL 2 0 1 7
thank you, Your Majesty!” This year, 3,650 gardens will be opening for the scheme, including more than 500 new and returning gardens, 270-plus groups of gardens, 38 allotment groups, 15 school gardens and 10 hospice gardens. When the scheme started in 1927, two gardens opened on Whit Sunday - Hatfield House in Herts and Sandringham, Norfolk. The Times sent a photographer to Hatfield House, capturing the first visitors. “What interests me is the way that we represent how gardening has diversified. In the 1920s most
MORE INFORMATION Do you think your garden could be opened to the public for the NGS? Or do you just want to visit one of the open gardens? To find details of all gardens opening near you, visit the NGS website www.ngs.org.uk or download the free NGS ‘GardenFinder’ app.
Scotland’s Gardens (www.scotlandsgardens.org) runs a similar open gardens scheme to raise money for charity
Ulster Gardens Scheme (www.ulstergardensscheme.org.uk) holds open days to help raise funds to support work in National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland.
The NGS ‘Yellow Book’ is available from all good bookshops and all counties have their individual booklets, which can be picked up via the NGS website www.ngs.org.uk
OUTDOOR LIVING
”We always visit a garden to have a look before they open. Everybody thinks there’s a certain stamp of quality if you are opening for the National Garden Scheme”
of our gardens were country houses, country cottages - all rural,” enthuses Plumptre. “One of the fascinating things is that a number of gardens, like Great Dixter, a famous garden in Sussex and the famous home of Christopher Lloyd, and Sissinghurst (Kent), which is even more famous, were brand new when they first opened before the war and now, in our 90 years, they have grown to become national icons. “In 1980, there were 30 gardens opening within the M25 and today there are 300. It’s that growth of diversity which reflects how people garden. Many more of our owners do all the work themselves. In the 1920s most of the gardens that opened relied on gardeners. Today, you do it yourself and so when you open, it’s the fruits of your labour that people are seeing. “City gardens are developing slowly, which is
really exciting. Groups of gardens in villages is another really important development of recent decades.” He says it is still sometimes a challenge to get people to open up their gardens to the public just for one or two days of the year. “We always visit a garden to have a look before they open. Everybody thinks there’s a certain stamp of quality if you are opening for the National Garden Scheme. “We do get a number of people who say, ‘Oh, I couldn’t possibly open up my garden to the public for the National Garden Scheme because I’m not nearly good enough’ and then you find that actually they’re one of the best. Gardeners are very modest folk. They don’t push themselves forward. It’s normally a friend who says, ‘You must go and see that garden’.”
BEST OF THE BUNCH Hyacinth These gorgeous spring bulbs are famed as much for their heady fragrance as their colourful showy spikes of flowers in shades ranging from white to deep purple. Among the best blue flowered varieties is Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Blue Jacket’, which bears waxy deep blue flowers with purple veins, and ‘Carnegie’, which is white. Plant them in early autumn for March or April flowering - but avoid touching the bulbs with your bare hands as they can cause allergic reactions - in deep, well-drained fertile soil in sun or partial shade, 10cm deep and 7.5cm apart. You can plant them closer together in containers and they look amazing in large shallow bowls in single colours. Make sure you place them close to the patio door or an open window which will allow you to inhale their delicious fragrance on spring days. Plants can be lifted once the foliage has died down and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted again in autumn.
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OUTDOOR LIVING
Sutton Green Garden Centre Run By Gardeners For Gardeners plant area is one of Surrey’s best kept secrets, to keep it that way we won’t go on too much but we found several people who said they pop in every single day and one customer who is happy to do a 5 mile detour a few times a week just to get a coffee! “I can’t find better” he remarked.
You get the same community feel in the quirky Florist department, run by Elaine, her passion is obvious and infectious
I
ndependent Garden Centres have become scarce in recent years, which is a shame considering the loss of expertise and dedicated service, however at Sutton Green old fashion values are important to every member of the team; it’s a real gem. This exciting independent Garden Centre has so much to offer with so many departments, concessions to outdoor activates, you will find big surprises and something for everyone, for example plants that are not available in mainstream centres, short run gift items locally made and speciality items throughout the store. The Centre is family owned and run by people who really love gardening; this is obvious from the warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and the genuine willingness to help. It’s not just the many site departments or the colourful stock, it really is the people that make the difference. Between them, the various staff members have hundreds of years of knowledge to draw upon. Among them are award winners for growing vegetables, flower blooms, Woking in bloom, allotment plots, flower photography, RHS show and TV gardens and more. Sutton Green provides beautiful colourful plants and quality garden products often from a small geographical radius. Manager Kevin explains, “our Christmas trees for example are grown in Surrey, we actually shake hands with the man who cuts
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them for us, then there’s our tall chatty chap called Mark, who grows Sutton Greens hedging, woody shrubs and Hosta, he lives locally and is passionate about growing” Nestled within the plant area is the Farm Shop where the produce includes home and locally grown fruit and vegetables, artisan cakes contributed by local residents, preserves, biscuits, pasta, meats and so much more. For many this store is the only outlet they need, you will often find plums or apples from neighbouring gardens where the glut might have been swapped for local bread or eggs, the community comes together and delights in high quality local produce. You get the same community feel in the quirky Florist department, run by Elaine, her passion is obvious and infectious “she can do miracles” said a customer. Every day you can hear new visitors proclaiming, “I didn’t know all this was going on here”. Being blessed with fifteen acres the site is always playing host to various activities, the website will keep you up to date and includes details of activities such as Archery for all ages, Rugged Earth Adventures for 6-12 yrs which operates year round and the not to be missed seasonal Firework displays, Big Top Circus and Weekend Music Festivals. Plenty of things to look out for! The Blue Shed Coffee House, also found in the
Do-little Pet Supplies offer everything you need to look after your pet, a unique free home delivery service, (pet food can be heavy and bulky), onsite grooming by appointment and small animal boarding, where else would you find that all under one roof. The Family Tent shop stocks everything for the keen or novice camper and has a huge outdoor display area, oh and by the way it’s called the family tent shop for a reason, you may be greeted by any one of several people but they are all members of one big happy family, the youngest is Charlie who’s very fast on his feet for a Toddler, so please be patient with him. Other site attractions include a Craft department “it’s an Aladdin’s cave” say many visitors, amongst all the wool and buttons you will find many (not on the high street) things you didn’t know existed. There is also an onsite Car Wash, a vast Garden Buildings display area, a Stove Shop and much more.... If the sun is out you might need more time for your visit than expected. Guildford Road, Sutton Green, Woking, Surrey GU4 7QA; 01483 237832 www.sutton-green-garden-centre.co.uk
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A VIBRANT & COLOURFUL GARDEN
SPRING into SUMMER
Other Attractions include: • Farm Shop • Pet Shop • Craft Shop • Coffee Shop • Camping Centre • Garden Buildings • Car Wash and more...
With Beautiful 1ltr Alpines 3 for £10 Perennials 1ltr size 3 for £10 50ltr size Compost 3 for £10
We have many more great deals and ideas for your garden. On the A320 between Guildford and Woking, GU4 7QA
Telephone: 01483 237 832
www.sutton-green-garden-centre.co.uk
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5.30pm Sunday: 10am to 4.30pm
OUTDOOR LIVING
Inspiring
pools A
beautiful home needs the final flourish to make it complete. And a stunning pool, hot tub or spa will ensure you and your family make the most of it. Whether you’ve got an indoor or outdoor space to use or if there is an existing swimming pool that is a little tired and in need of refurbishment – you’ll need the support of an expert to realise your ultimate vision. BTU Pools, one of Surrey and the South East’s preeminent pool companies, have been in the business of caring for swimming pools and making their clients visions a reality for over 40 years. ‘When our customers are looking for our help, it is more than just a practical exercise.’ Says Wayne Coleman, BTU Pools Contracts Manager. ‘A swimming pool is a long-term investment in a homeowners lifestyle. So, our role is to help them achieve an outcome that reflects their personality, budget and family needs. And then to maintain and service it for them for as long as they want to continue using their pool.’
Designed for living As well as creating the ideal environment for enjoying the sunshine, the swimming pool space can equally be a unique social and entertainment space. And with well-being high on the agenda for everyone nowadays, the addition of a pool house, gym, sauna or hot-tub can really inspire and encourage a healthy exercise regime. But, key to a great pool is great design, whether it’s a new pool or a refurbishment project, BTU Pools expertise is in designing, and installing new pools and remodelling and refurbishing existing ones. But, the ultimate aim is to elevate the area into something elegant and aesthetically pleasing, exciting and at the end of the day, a statement of you and how you live. The team at BTU can call on the latest technologies, techniques and pool construction methodologies to deliver the most effective solutions. 1 4 APRIL 2 0 1 7
Day to day support BTU Pools can undertake all the tasks that are required for the day to day management and maintenance of a swimming pool from cleaning and servicing to replacing tiling, coping stones and surrounding patio areas, to servicing and updating plant and equipment. But, not everyone has the budget or the space to stretch to a full swimming pool and entertainment area in their homes! This does not preclude you from enjoying the delights of a swimming pool. Hot –tubs are an affordable option and who doesn’t dream about sitting under the stars (winter and summer) enjoying a glass of bubbly? But for seasonal outdoor family fun? An above-ground pool is a real option. They can be installed and filled in a few hours and with a little care can provide family enjoyment during the summer heat. BTU Pools can be found at Wyevale Garden Centre, Woking where staff can advise you on how to make the most of your outdoor or indoor space. And you can pick up the pool supplies, equipment and accessories you need. Simply add water!
THE DETAILS To contact BTU Pools call on 01483 727 444 or visit their website www.btupools.co.uk.
The Pool Shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am till 5:00pm from April till September.
BTU Pools, Wyevale Garden Centre, Egley Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 0NH
“Who doesn’t dream about sitting under the stars (winter and summer) enjoying a glass of bubbly?”
Make your dream home complete with a stunning swimming pool or hot tub from BTU Pools.
Simply Beautiful poolS • Pool design and construction • Maintenance and renovation • Pool and spa supplies, equipment and accessories
BTU POOLS
BTU Pools, Wyevale Garden Centre, Egley Road, Woking, Surrey. GU22 0NH Tel: 01483 727444 I Fax: 01483 755254 I email: enquiries@btupools.co.uk I www.btu-pools.co.uk
OUTDOOR LIVING
TIME TO PLANT YOUR SUMMER BULBS
S
ummer bulbs are ideal for patio containers and add beautiful colour to borders without taking up much space. Buy dry bulbs when they’re as fresh as possible. Summer bulbs are usually on sale from early spring onwards when they are dormant. Healthy bulbs will feel firm and show no signs of mould or damage. Look for bigger bulbs as they’ll produce bigger blooms.
When to plant
Summer bulbs, such as alliums, agapanthus and cannas, should be planted in spring, when the soil is beginning to warm up. The ideal soil temperature is 13°C as in colder soil bulbs will not start to grow and may rot. Aim to plant dry bulbs directly after purchase. Bulbs you have stored over winter should be planted at the end of their dormant season.
Type of soil
Different bulbs need different soil types but summer bulbs generally like a warm, sunny position. Free-draining soil is important as bulbs are susceptible to rotting. If you have heavy, clay soil dig in one to two buckets of coarse sand per square metre. Adding well-rotted organic matter will also improve drainage.
How to plant • Dig individual holes for each bulb or a trench for many bulbs. Place bulbs in the holes without pushing down hard. • Make sure the growing point is pointing upwards and cover with soil and firm. • Pot-grown bulbs may be planted directly in their 1 6 APRIL 2 0 1 7
Different bulbs need different soil types but summer bulbs generally like a warm, sunny position
desired position in a border where you want them to flower. This is known as planting ‘in the green’. • For these plants make a hole wide and deep enough to allow room for the roots to spread and plant the bulb at the same depth as before. • Many summer bulbs are ideal for growing in patio containers, especially tender species. These can then be lifted in winter and stored.
Planting depth and spacing
Use the bulb as a guide and plant it two or three times its depth. Space them approximately two to three bulb widths apart.
• Tree Surgery • Stump Removal • Hedge Trimming & Reductions • Tree & Shrub Planting • NPTC Certified Arborists • Free Professional Advice & Quotations • Qualified, Experienced & Insured • 24 Hour Emergency Call Out
It needn’t be a grind… Professional stump grinding
• Member of The Arboricultural Association Tel: 01403 753395 Mob: 07787 553175 Email: leigh@surreyandsussextreesurgery.com Website: www.surreyandsussextreesurgery.com
OUTDOOR LIVING
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OUTDOOR LIVING
April FUN AT
1 April Cyclamen Spring Show Late spring-flowering cyclamen species will be exhibited and on sale along with companion plants and expert advice. 10am – 4pm.
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1 – 17 April Easter Holidays and the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny. Bring your family along for a full day of Easter fun every day and join in with arts & craft sessions. Follow the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever!
8 – 9 April Birds of Prey Weekend
10 – 16 April National Gardening Week
Bring the whole family to discover all about birds of prey. See the magnificent birds up close, with agility displays at 11am and 2pm.
Events will happen all over the country for National Gardening Week. Come and share in the fun at the four RHS Gardens – this year’s theme is ‘Helping New Gardeners to Grow’. More details at www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk closer to the time.
RHS WISLEY Throughout April and May Peony and Snowball Viburnum Trials Come and see the RHS Plant Trials of Paeonia and Viburnum plicatum on the Trials Field that will be coming into flower during April and May.
About RHS Garden Wisley Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
22 April Photography Morning
23 April Mammillaria Society Show
Enjoy an early spring morning in the garden to take the perfect photograph of the spring colour. Open from 7.30am.
See plant displays and listen to specialist talks about this large and diverse genus of cactus. The event is for everyone from experts to novices and also features photographic displays. 10am-4pm.
27 April Spring Craft Fair More than 170 exhibitors will offer the chance to buy direct from the best artists and craftmakers in the UK, all within the beautiful and inspiring setting of RHS Garden Wisley in spring. See all that shines at the Festival of Silver, a collection of some of the finest contemporary British silversmithing created by established and up-andcoming UK silversmiths in the Glasshouse Gallery. 27 April-1 May.
29 April British Iris Society Late Spring Show Colourful shows of late spring flowering Iris. Specialist plant sales, photographic displays and the chance to chat with iris experts. 11am - 4pm, Hillside Events Centre
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OUTDOOR LIVING
David offers the following tips to tackle the core lawn jobs you can start doing as soon as the weather is dry enough. MOWING: Don’t forget to mow and get into a routine, but make sure to mow at a sensible height, lowering gradually as you mow more frequently. Remember to maintain that sharp blade. AERATION: If the weather is suitable, hollow-tine aerate your lawn when conditions allow and before the onset of dry weather.
Love your lawn WORDS: Hannah Stephenson
D
o we, don’t we? Just when you think it’s time to get the mower out in the fine spring weather, the heavens open and everything has to be put back inside again. Spring can be unpredictable - frosty or mild - but if the weather starts to improve, soil temperatures rise and the grass soon grows. If it’s a poor spring, hardly anything seems to happen at all,
“If you treat your lawn the same you do a cherished shrub, you’ll make a huge difference”
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so be prepared to implement your lawn care plans any time soon - but be flexible. David Hedges-Gower, a regular on BBC radio, RHS lecturer and National Trust advisor, author of Modern Lawn Care, explains that all the mistakes we make with our lawns come from one problem. “We view the lawn as just an outdoor living carpet; we forget that it is made up of plants with the same needs as the flowers, shrubs, vegetables and trees in the rest of the garden. “So, with a housekeeping mindset, we cut it mercilessly as soon as it begins to grow in the spring to get that smooth green carpet effect; and we only think about what we can see, that green surface. We forget about the thatch layer and the soil underneath and the nourishment the grass needs for strong, healthy growth.” If you treat your lawn the same you do a cherished shrub, you’ll make a huge difference, he advises, and it takes less time than you spend putting right all the problems caused by neglect. “Just like that shrub, your lawn needs to be pruned - that’s scarification, removing a good portion of the dead matter that forms the thatch layer. This lets light and air embrace the grass plants.” You’ll need to look after your soil, aerating it to let the oxygen through, letting it breathe and helping vital microbes and good bacteria to thrive. The lawn will also need feeding four times a year, with food suited to each season. Modern Lawn Care, priced £17.99, is available from www.davidhedges-gower.com/modernlawn-care-the-book
SCARIFICATION: As the ground temperature begins to rise, this is a great time to prune your grasses and remove thatch and moss. FEEDING: If scarifying, apply a good balanced feed afterwards, which will allow new grasses to flourish once all the moss and debris has gone. MOSS: If you are doing renovation or maintenance scarification, apply moss treatment and remember to do this after scarification, not before, as you achieve better success. DISEASE: Continue to be vigilant - changing weather means changing disease patterns. Thankfully, as weather improves, grasses get stronger so there will be less chance of disease occurring. DEBRIS: Keep material, twigs, leaves, furniture, off your lawn as much as possible. REPAIRS: Start or continue minor repairs to lawn edges, bare areas etc SEEDING: If the temperature is rising, begin to sow seed, to take advantage of early spring sunshine. If it’s in the ground it will have a chance. TOP DRESSING: Should you wish to apply any dressing material, do so now. WEEDS: Weeds will start to germinate as it gets warmer and you can apply selective herbicides now if you want to use them. Stick to improving your grass health and you may not need to.
OUTDOOR LIVING
One of the finest and most eclectic selections of sculpture in Britain today
develop the exhibition with ever-changing exhibits, artists and landscaping projects with hundreds of commissions, trees and plants being introduced every year as pieces are bought and seasons turn. Open All Year, Mon - Sun10am - 5pm. Adults £10, Concessions £5. Jumps Road, Churt, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2LH; 01428 605453
T
he Sculpture Park in Churt Village, Surrey is one of Britain’s most atmospheric selling exhibitions with on average 700 pieces of outdoor sculpture along two miles of trail, set within 10 acres of picturesque woodland and wildlife inhabited water gardens fed by two natural streams. There is also an indoor gallery space placed in the centre of the gardens showcasing a further selection of interior sculptures and wall-hung artworks. In total there are examples of work from over 300 artists, from upcoming British sculptors to established internationals. Behind it all is local artist and businessman Eddie Powell, together with sons Charlie, Oscar and old friend Nicholas Ruffe have created this eclectic curation of 20th Century, Modern and Contemporary sculpture and began the build back in 2001. He continues to invest, diversify and
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Top: Lady Sanctuary and her Foal by James Doran Webb Left: Sally Mathews, Wolves This image: Turtles swimming through Kelp by Piers Mason
“In total there are examples of work from over 300 artists”
HOME &
PROPERTY
– A collection of Surrey and Berkshire’s finest house and garden companies, plus stunning homes for sale in the area – I M A G E : L IVING O A K
H OME & PROPERTY
Building a Luxury Swimming Pool to Meet Your Needs Whether you’re looking for a high-end swimming pool with the latest technology or a more conservative design, Origin can work to your specification. The company has extensive experience producing award winning designs that meet the needs of a wide range of homeowners.
The Blueprint Range Origin’s Blueprint Range descends from the company’s heritage of simple timber buildings and offers customers a truly spectacular extension of their home. This entry level swimming pool presents an uncomplicated design that streamlines the building structure and finish, whilst still creating a place for you and your family to relax, keep fit and entertain. The range is fully customisable and Origin will work with you to ensure it includes all the elements for your dream swimming pool, whilst designing something that is in keeping with your family’s taste. It is available in a range of different sizes and building styles, so you can personalise the door and window layouts, whilst also selecting which extension modules best meet your needs.
Aldbury Blueprint The Aldbury Blueprint is a perfect example of 1 0 2 APRIL 2 0 1 7
a popular Barn style building presented with the Blueprint range finishes. The swimming pool has all the charm of a country barn conversion and is suitable for any size garden, whilst remaining uncomplicated to keep costs down. The fully insulated building structure is finished in a timber weatherboard on the outside. This gives you flexibility over the design as it can be painted in a wide range of colours to suit even the most adventurous palate. The 8m long by 5m wide barn houses a 7.7m by 3m heated liner pool, perfect for maintaining an active lifestyle. It features a porch extension, enabling you to admire the garden on a frosty morning from the warmth of the pool house, or alternatively, the space can be opened up to entertain when hosting summer barbeques or parties. Internally, the pool house is light, relaxed and informal. It features a changing area, wet room shower, toilet and plant room. As opposed to more costly mosaic tiles, the pool chamber is finished in a specialist vinyl pool liner available in a range of colours and patterns. The walls of this pool house are finished with timber to avoid the additional costs that come with plastering and painting walls. All of these small choices make a big difference to the bottom line, but you are still left smiling every time you walk into your pool house.
Arena Blueprint The Arena Blueprint is similar to Origin’s popular Olympic design, but with the Blueprint range finishes. This streamlined and uncomplicated approach allows you to transform your property with a luxury swimming pool, whilst keeping within budget. The 8.6m long by 4.5m wide building houses an 8m by 3m heated liner pool, providing the perfect space for a challenging exercise regime. By simply substituting expensive features that are not a necessity to the pool house structure, you can reduce the cost of the overall project. For example, instead of aluminium bi-folding doors, the Arena Blueprint pool house features timber glazed sliding doors, which can also be opened up during the warmer summer months. Plus, instead of using porcelain tiles to surround the pool, rubberised flooring can be used to provide a safe and attractive finish.
Why Origin are Different Both of these designs demonstrate the small changes that can be made to a swimming pool design to ensure it meets your requirements, whilst sticking to a budget. For every swimming pool that Origin builds, it offers a bespoke consultation phase so you can discuss your ideas and desired spend with an experienced member of the Origin team. The company will advise on the best ways to achieve your dream pool, whilst also showing examples of what can be accomplished. This will help bring your ideas to life. Origin has over 35 years’ experience building award-winning designs and will manage the entire installation process, removing the need for individual contractors. As the company specialise in the design, construction and maintenance of home swimming pools, they have a long-serving team of experts who will be able to guide you through the whole process. This includes architects, swimming pool designers, engineers and project managers. To speak to the Origin experts please contact 01895 453996
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H OME & PROPERTY
BATHED IN STYLE Surrey based Miscellanea of Churt, established in 1980, offers an unrivalled spectrum of interiors from authentic traditional through to cutting edge contemporary.
“You will find influences gathered from around the globe”
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F
rom humble beginnings, Miscellanea has become a place of pilgrimage for anyone seeking to create unique and individual surroundings. Initially, and still, specialising in Bathrooms, their repertoire has extended into a full Interior Design Service to include Kitchens, Bedrooms, Libraries, Studies etc. or simply single items of Bespoke Furniture, all of which have organically grown to satisfy an ever increasing demand from their discerning clientele. Whatever your design requirement a trip to Miscellanea’s recently extended, and magnificently refurbished showroom, is a must. Here you will find influences gathered from around the globe reflecting the eclectic mix of today’s modern lifestyle. Whilst fashion understandably dictates trends, Miscellanea pride themselves on their ability to capture each clients’ individual ethos enabling them to provide unique Interiors of true distinction. This is a Showroom where every style is celebrated – from 14th Century Medieval to 21st Century Hi-Tech – all in settings that surprise and test the imagination – a truly inspirational space. Colour too is rejoiced, and grey, beige and cream
are harnessed to pave the way for more dramatic schemes providing a visual feast for each and everyone who visits. Interwoven into the Interior settings are unique works of art, sculpture, mirrors and a plethora of home accessories, all chosen to compliment, and enhance the settings on display. At Miscellanea they are pleased to inspire and demonstrate to you the best methods of successfully using your space to its fullest potential, whilst always keeping your ideas at the forefront of their design work. Originality, creativity and passion, characterise their designs – all of which are hand drafted for each and every individual client, all underpinned by a quality, precise and professional service from start to finish. Miscellanea has to be a 2016 destination for anyone wanting to create an Interior of true originality or those who are simply looking to purchase a quirky single item to complete their existing room. Crossways Churt, Churt GU10 2JA; 01428 714014; www.miscellanea.co.uk
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Milners, a cut above…
Milners is a well-established flooring and soft furnishings company with over 30 years in business. The company has developed successfully through the development and maintenance of the positive relationships with suppliers and customers alike
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arry and his team provide friendly advice which can be tailor-made for you. Their in depth knowledge of their products is often above and beyond that which would usually be expected, and together with their excellent customer service, means that customers return time and time again. The Ashtead showrooms offer a wide range of flooring and soft furnishings to suit every budget. The flooring products include many beautiful carpets, stunning rugs and the finest range of hard floorings from Amtico and Karndean, through to a choice of wood and laminates. Milners Soft Furnishings offers the very latest style trends, sumptuous fabrics and a gorgeous range of shutters and blinds that will set off your windows beautifully. All the products are carefully selected from leading and well-known suppliers and the ranges are constantly updated to keep up with the changes in fashion. But as with all retail businesses, it’s the people that make the difference and Milners have an outstanding friendly team with years of experience. They can help you throughout your purchase, offering guidance on the best products available, and working within any pricing guidelines so you really will receive a personal and bespoke service. They can also provide free samples, design guidance and a full interior design service if you need it. Their accomplished team of in-house fitters will come and measure for you and then fit either the flooring or the window dressings and curtains to the highest possible standard. It’s their aim to provide the best possible experience for their customers and regular and returning customers are the best testimony. Positive testimonials mean that Milners are still doing the right thing – this most recent one demonstrates that: “We have just had Karndean Design flooring supplied and fitted by Milners. We have had a 1st class experience dealing with them from the moment we walked into their fabulous showroom to the finish of supply and fitting. I can not recommend them highly enough and we will only be using them for the other rooms in our new home.” If you are looking to update your décor and transform your home – whether it’s all at once, or one room at a time, Milners will help you. To find out more about their design service and range of products, visit their website at www.milners.com or call them on 01372 271871, or better still, pop into the showroom, meet the team and see it all for yourself.
SHOWROOM OPEN
MON - SAT 9AM - 5PM The Hersham Centre Molesey Road, Hersham Surrey KT12 4HL
SUPPLY, DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF LUXURY BATHROOMS Walton Bathrooms offer 6,000 sq. ft. of showrooms with over 60 new displays, a dedicated tile studio and experienced in-house designers. All products shown are by Villeroy & Boch from the decadent and luxurious ranges - Astoria (top), Legato (left) and Artis Titan (below).
SHOWROOM TEL: 01932 224 784 CONTRACT SALES TEL: 0208 481 7970 EMAIL: SALES@WALTONBATHROOMS.CO.UK SHOP ONLINE AT: WWW.WALTONBATHROOMS.CO.UK
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Connecting with Nature, inside
t Living Oak, a Cobham based company specialising in the design and installation of oak frame buildings, they have a different ethos for their oak frame designs. Their take is ‘less is more’, which you might think is a bit unusual, but they aren’t looking to overwhelm your new space with oak, which can sometimes make the space feel closed in or smaller than it actually is. By combining oak frame, traditional building techniques, and other sympathetic materials, their designs will balance dramatic space with comfortable living. Oak is a naturally tactile product and the grain encourages you to touch it and connect with nature, giving you the feeling that you’ve brought the outdoors, inside. Living Oak will help you create a space which is inviting and encourages you and your family to become immersed within in. Living Oak can be as involved in your project as much or as little as you need – by managing your whole project from initial design through to handing you the keys at the end, or alternatively, if your life’s dream has been to build your own oak framed home, Living Oak will just supply the frame and glazing, so you can immerse yourself in all the other parts of the project yourself. Living Oak frames are all bespoke and made to order, if you have a Grade II listed home and envisage an extension which is a complete contrast to the existing building, or you would like to gain more living space in your oak framed home or want to double the size of your 16th century cottage, Living Oak can help you achieve your dream. Their design team will listen to you, so you achieve what you want, they will guide and advise you, but the final decision will be yours because it is your home. Stuart MacArthur, owner of Living Oak 1 0 8 APRIL 2 0 1 7
“Living Oak can be as involved in your project as much or as little as you need”
commented, “There is something incredibly tactile and energising about the beautiful grain in a piece of oak. There is also something special about having large oak posts and beams forming the super structure of a kitchen extension or family room and that the structure has grown from a single acorn. To find out how Living Oak could help you incorporate an oak frame into your home, or to get design inspiration from their other projects, visit livingoak.co.uk, or call 01932 590111.
Showrooms: 78 & 82 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8DL • Telephone: 01932 856850 • www.whw.co.uk
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Why Homeowners Are Warming To Solid Roof Conservatories
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any UK homeowners can be exasperated by badly designed and specified existing conservatories, complaining they are simply too hot in summer and too cold in winter. It is therefore important that if a double glazed glass conservatory is what is required, that it is expertly designed and installed by well-established conservatory experts so it can be used all year round thanks to heat reflective glass, an insulated base, a roof vent to release any heat build-up, plenty of ventilation and a high quality double glazing specification that keeps the cold out and warmth in. The alternative to a glass or polycarbonate roof, is an “insulated warm roof �, better known as solid roofs with tiles. There is the traditional full blown extension option with either a flat roof or a timber pitched roof with heavy slate roof tiles, or nowadays there are several lightweight, yet incredibly robust aluminium solid roof options that each offers even better insulation than traditional
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roofs, plus with some systems there is a choice of attractive lightweight tiles in both aluminium and UPVC (the latter are more expensive, but aesthetically look like traditional slate tiles). Just like double glazed glass roofs, solid roofs can be installed on conservatories in a matter of days, as long as the existing base, windows and doors are structurally sound enough to take the heavier weight of an insulated solid roof. By opting for a solid roof, rather than a standard glass one, you will improve thermal and acoustic insulation. However, you do lose the natural daylight afforded by glass roofs, whilst gaining a structure that is more akin to an extension, hence why solid roof conservatories fall under the England and Wales Building Regulations. Both aluminium tiled and UPVC tiled solid roofs can be built in many conservatory styles including: Edwardian, Victorian, Lean-To or Bespoke conservatories to name but a few. The whole point of buying any modern conservatory is that you should be able to use it as and when you like. It can be incredibly annoying if it was not designed for 24/7 use, and thanks to not having enough ventilation, an insulated base or heat reflective glass, or is cold during the winter as the double glazing fitted was not of a sufficiently high specification. A solid “warm” roof offers even better roof insulation, primarily because it contains insulated plywood and rigid insulation board. Any loss of natural sunlight as a consequence of opting for a Warm Roof can be off-set by the inclusion of one or more double glazed Velux style roof windows or on some system, large double glazed fixed roof lights. These sloping roof windows keep you in close contact with the outside and afford views of the sky above. The Velux opening roof windows will also help ventilate the space which you will be particularly thankful for on hot summer days. If you already have a conservatory that is nowhere near as comfortable as you want it to be, then in all likelihood you’ll need to replace the entire structure (apart from the base and any walls) with one that has a Warm Roof or high specification double glazed roof, windows and doors. It simply is not sensible to put a highly thermally efficient new roof on top of non-thermally broken products, as all your heat will literally go out the window. If you do choose a solid roof instead of a double glazed one, you will possibly need Planning Permission, so make sure you check what permissions you are legally obligated to obtain (and how much they each will cost) before ordering a solid roof conservatory. If building a new solid roof conservatory onto a new foundation, you may not need planning if you are adding a warm roof structure under Permitted Development Rights, assuming a) the P.D. rights have not been withdrawn, and/or b) there are sufficient P.D. rights left to build the solid roof conservatory to the size you’d like it to be. If your dwelling is a “new build” developers sometimes
“If you do choose a solid roof instead of a double glazed one, you will possibly need Planning Permission”
place restrictions on them, so you would be wise to check your particular situation out. Solid Roof Conservatories are in the eyes of the law an extension, so Building Regulations Approval is required, whether you are building a new one, or having a glass roof replaced with a solid one. In the latter case, if your conservatory was built under planning permission, you will need to re-apply for planning, as you are changing from an exempt structure (i.e. a conservatory with a glass roof) to a non-exempt extension. If you would like a free design consultation with an experienced expert, contact Hazlemere Window Company on 01344 989938, who since 1985 have been manufacturing and installing double glazed conservatories and orangeries and also supply and fit solid roof conservatories. To find out more about warm roofs and/or double glazed conservatories visit www.hazlemere.co.uk
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Declutter by design words: Sam Wylie-Harris
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e’ve all heard the saying, ‘tidy house, tidy mind’, and there’s a lot of truth in it. Maximising your space and ridding yourself from all that clutter can be far more positive than you might think. Not only can hoarding cause us anxiety and stress, but freeing your home of unwanted stuff means you can actually display the things you really love, creating a style statement with a dual purpose.
But where to start? HALL OF FAME First impressions count, and the hallway offers a clear vision of what the rest of the house may look like. Storage benches are the perfect way to declutter your hall, and baskets grouped together in varying sizes can be functional as well as fun. And don’t pooh-pooh the humble shoe rack; it can take care of wellies, trainers and everyday shoes, and you can always turn one of the shelves into a makeshift wine rack!
SHOW KITCHEN “Even if you have ample storage space in your
kitchen, it’s important it’s well organised, so you can really make the most of it,” says Terry Brown, commercial director at Benchmarx Kitchens. “You can ensure you maximise usable space by choosing different storage solutions that work best for your needs. If you’re keen to have more space for food items, why not incorporate a larder/corner pantry unit into your scheme, which will ensure that all of the available space is used?” Also, don’t feel you have to be traditional. Once you’ve ditched any chipped crockery, glassware and old cutlery, clever ideas - such as a step ladder or open shelving units - can be used to display favorite pieces, chinaware, chopping blocks, storage containers and even cookware.
LOVE YOUR LIVING ROOM This is the place that needs to work extra hard, especially if you want to keep it clutter-free, as it’s where we relax, watch TV, entertain - and display all those precious family photos, paintings, books and pretty knick-knacks. Back in vogue, a dresser or cabinet can not only mask a TV screen when not in use (and unsightly cables), but provide extra storage space for possessions you can’t bear to part with. Another must-have, a butler’s tray (with a removable tray) is a modern yet timeless way to serve cocktails, canapes or a TV supper, and with a wide table top it can double up as a sideboard. And if you’re not sure where to store those glossy magazines, winter throws and small soft furnishings, a footstool with hidden storage, covered in a favorite fabric, could become a key feature (it’ll also come in handy for putting your feet up after all this tidying!).
BEDROOM BLISS Taking time to create a clutter-free boudoir, with the focus on a few crucial items - like crisp bed linen, a tidy dressing table, fresh flowers and a radio instead of a TV - will look AND feel relaxing, and therefore help you get a decent night’s sleep, too. An untidy wardrobe, strewn with clothes that should have gone to the charity shop years ago, might mean you start the day with unnecessary stress as well. But with a little thought, you can make the most of your accessories, while hiding more mundane items behind closet doors. Your color scheme could add a sense of calm, too. “Cool tones of soft greys and neutral light-grain wood are key bedroom color palettes this year. Our stunning new color combinations, such as cashmere, stone and satin white, also work with this trend perfectly to create a tranquil space,” says Rachal Hutcheson, design expert. Along with calming those wardrobe woes with fitted units, an ottoman bed means heaps more storage to stow things away, without taking up extra space in the room. 1 1 6 APRIL 2 0 1 7
nu:builds london basement and construction specialists n planning
applications control n architectural and interior design n structural engineering n building
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wall agreements design and CGI n M&E drawings n project and site management n 3D
+44 207 731 6841 info@nubuilds.com www.nubuilds.com 10-12 Fulham High Street Fulham, London, SW6 3LQ
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ICONIC DESIGN Iconic Directors, Nick Barlow, Nick Bird and Andrew Long have collectively 60 years’ worth of experience in the design, construction and project management of new build and refurbishment properties. Delivering a turn key project management service, the team at Iconic here provide a further insight as to the pitfalls of not having proper representation when starting a build project. The evolution of the team at Iconic now aims to mitigate these risks for self-build clients. For more information, please contact us at www.iconicad.com
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The risks of going it alone Despite watching Grand Designs and reading the glossy self-build magazines, for an amateur there’s a lot still to be learnt about project management, how to do it and how not to do it. Many self-builders make the fundamental mistake of taking charge of the project management process themselves, often fitting it in around full-time jobs and children. This means that they’re not always around to answer questions or solve problems. Often, by the time they arrive on site, small problems have turned into big problems, and lack of experience and knowledge in construction can then compound those problems
Budgetary control During the construction phase, procedures for project control and record keeping become indispensable tools. These tools serve the dual purpose of recording the financial transactions that occur as well as giving managers an indication of the progress and potential problems associated with a project. For cost control on a project, the construction plan and the associated cash flow estimates can provide the baseline reference for subsequent project monitoring and control. Overruns in particular cost categories signal the possibility of emerging problems and give an indication of exactly what these are.
Alleviating those risks – the benefits of project management The key ingredients for effective project management are time and communication. Time is required to keep everything running efficiently, to maintain contact with everyone engaged on and to keep track of its progress. Proper communication will ensure that everyone involved in the project will be aware of the project schedule and what is required of each person in order to stick to that schedule. The project manager must be available throughout all stages of the project, and should ensure that everyone knows how to get in contact at any point. The team at Iconic have extensive experience in the development of private residences located in some of the most exclusive locations in London & Surrey. We offer the client a complete ‘hand holding’ service from plot finding through construction to completion, one that ensures the client’s interests are safeguarded and that quality & financial control is managed effectively.
Successful delivery of the end product The team at Iconic believe that the process of building one’s own private residence should be a smoothly managed process in which the financial & quality interests of the client are paramount. We have all heard many horror stories of clients being misled and stung with unforeseen variations by builders who have not properly commercially appraised the project at the start. Iconic Project Management removes much or all of this risk. As a result Iconic can be on hand to act as a buffer between the developer or main contractor and the client, and to provide the expertise often lacking in a self-build project. It may feel like an added cost, but ultimately it will pay its way by ensuring that the project is completed on time and on budget, achieves the maximum value for a site, and most importantly delivers the client’s expectations. For more information about how Iconic can help you, please contact www.iconicad.com