Mayfair Life Magazine March 2014

MAYFAIR & ST JAMES’S LIFE

MAYFAIR LIFE & ST JAMES’S

ISSUE 58

MARCH 2014

w w w. t h e l i f e m a g a z i n e s . c o m

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SATURDA Y 19 APRIL 2014 TWICKEN STADIUHMAM

London Wasps - The Stinger WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM

LONDON WASPS ARE RETURNING TO TWICKENHAM STADIUM WHERE THEY WILL BE JOINED BY LITTLE MIX IN A DAY PACKED WITH RUGBY AND ENTERTAINMENT.

THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2014

L O N D O N L I F E | E V E N T S | FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y | H O U S E & G A R D E N

After last year’s successful relaunch of the new Chelsea Art Fair under the directorship of Ben Cooper, it will be returning to the Chelsea Old Town Hall in April. Offering an equally wide selection of well-known artists and some new discoveries, 40 of the most respected modern and contemporary art galleries from around the country will bring their highlights - many shown on the London Fair scene for the first time.

When it comes to finding inspiration, there is little that can beat drawing on great resources to ignite our imaginations. London Design Week 2014 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is the first port of call for designers, architects and style-seekers who need to keep one step ahead. It is the perfect mix of style, imagination and direction design.

Gavin Gardiner Ltd’s first auction of 2014 comprises over 200 lots including a rare pair of 12-bore Hammer Ejector shotguns by London-maker James Purdey & Sons, that were built in 1895 for the Hon. Harry Stonor. Estimated to fetch £20,000-30,000, the guns will be part of the auction, which will take place at Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street, London.

Bonhams international auctioneers and valuers, return for their exclusive annual auction of Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia at RAF Museum, Hendon this April. The aircraft hangars and historic aviation displays provide a magnificent backdrop for the auction. There will be between 60 and 70 motor cars on show, with an expectation of approximately 1,000 registered bidders.

And with the viewing audience, attendance will be high. The eager bidders and audience will be made up of a wide range of collectors and classic car enthusiasts, with a huge passion for motoring in style.

This gives you just a small taste of exciting events & articles featured in this month’s issue...

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Faye Manning Faye Manning Editor

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD, THE RIDINGS, WOODFIELD LANE, ESSENDON, HERTS , AL9 6JJ.

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Interior Design & Architecture

Welcome to our March issue...

refresh Architecture Chartered Architects Design and planning Building specification and regulation Construction project management

Interior Design Kitchens Bathrooms Livings Rooms Dining rooms Studies

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Bedrooms

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Whatever you wish for in terms of style, we have the experience and expertise to create it for you, combined with first class design and project management skills, which ensures that your project is a complete success. A turnkey solution for today’s discerning client.

Our team of Chartered Architects & Interior Designers will inspire you with individually tailored and refreshing designs that will add value as well as style to your home.

If we sound like a company you would like to work with please call for an initial consultation, it is free and without obligation, or visit our website to view our recent projects.

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Ask the

EXPERTS Your guide to private maternity care at The Portland Hospital

If you’re considering private maternity care, you’ll want to find out as much information as you can in order to make the best decision for you and your family. The Portland Hospital is London’s only private maternity hospital, and last year our dedicated midwives provided exceptional levels of care and support to over 1,700 mothers-to-be. They understand the questions and concerns that you’ll have at this important time, so this is their guide to help you make an informed choice on your maternity care.

At The Portland Hospital, you’ll find a nurturing and supportive environment in which to welcome your baby into the world.

Our team of world-class obstetricians and midwives can offer you and your partner control over how you want to give birth, supported by the highest standards of comfort, safety and clinical excellence.

Can I choose the type of birth I want?

You can opt for either consultant-led care, where a consultant obstetrician looks after you during pregnancy and birth, or midwife-led care, where our small team of expert midwives support you throughout your pregnancy and delivery. Either way, you’ll develop a close relationship with the team in a welcoming and relaxed environment, where your care is tailored to your personal choices.

All birthing options will be available to you where medically suitable, including water birth, natural delivery or caesarean section. And you’ll always receive one-toone midwifery care on the labour ward, supported by high staff-to-patient ratios of 1:4 during your antenatal and postnatal care. Throughout your pregnancy and delivery, our midwives will be on call 24 hours a day to offer advice and reassurance to both you and your partner.

Is pain relief readily available?

You’ll have 24-hour access to a consultant obstetric anaesthetist who will administer epidurals and other types of pain relief as soon as you decide that’s what you want.

Once you’re comfortable again, they’ll continue to monitor that it is working well for you until your baby is born.

What happens in an emergency?

We are committed to the highest standards of safety and have a range of on-site emergency facilities, with three operating theatres for planned procedures and a dedicated emergency operating theatre on the labour ward. The latest data from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology confirms our emergency caesarean section rate to be very low – just 6.2 per cent compared to the national NHS average of 11.6 per cent.

A dedicated neonatal intensive care unit, special care baby unit and transitional care provision are all available for babies born from 30 weeks, alongside a highdependency unit for mothers who may require a higher level of monitoring.

We have an excellent safety record and our rate of temporary admissions to intensive care is extremely low (just

Premium delivery packages start from £7,330

0.002 per cent, compared to the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ expected rate of 0.25 per cent), but on the very rare occasion when this might be necessary, you will be transferred to the adult intensive care unit at our sister hospital just around the corner.

What about aftercare?

Following your baby’s birth, you’ll stay in one of our private en-suite rooms or exclusive suites. You can stay with us for as long as you need to – your package includes one night’s stay and we can arrange for additional nights if you would like to stay longer. Your partner is welcome to stay with you overnight, and you can both enjoy our full range of room services.

Our team of midwives will look after you and help with breastfeeding and our nursery nurses can care for your baby while you get some well-earned rest between feeds. You’ll also be able to attend our postnatal classes.

What does the package include?

Our delivery packages start from £7,330, and you don’t need private medical insurance. You can join the service at 12, 20 or 30 weeks of pregnancy.

Our midwife-led care package includes:

• all antenatal appointments with the midwife team • two consultations with a named consultant obstetrician • all routine ultrasound scans • all blood tests as routinely required • one-to-one midwife care during delivery • 24-hour consultant anaesthetist epidural services on site • 24-hour stay in hospital in an en suite room with the option to stay longer • facilities for your partner to stay overnight in your en suite room • consultation with a physiotherapist • a six-week postnatal check with a midwife.

Where can I find out more?

The next step for most couples is to come and see our facilities for themselves. Located in central London, we are open for tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

To book your tour, call us now on

020 7390 8202 Or visit www.theportlandhospital.com to book your tour online.

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Contents Editors Letter Ask the Experts

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Contents 11 Local Life, Arts & Events The New Chelsea Art Fair London Design Week 2014 The Vintage Fair 2014 Daisy Ball Twenty Bishop vs Coe

12 14 16 18 20

Cover story The Stinger

22 22

Be:Fit London 24 The BNY Mellon 2014 Boat Race 26 Gavin Gardiner Ltd 28 The London Shooting Club 30 Bonhams Car Auction 32 Bond in motion 34 Charlie’s Chocolate Advernture 36 Prestat 38 The Ultimate Luxury Chocolate Gift For Easter 40 Brides The Show 42 The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier 44 The Vogue Festival 2014 46 Fashion London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2014 Highlights Beautifully enhancing your individual style The end of the road for musical theatre?

The Prestigious Dog Day Afternoon

49 49 54 56 58

Food & Drink A truly glamorous and exotic time Bar Galante, Sloane Avenue, End of month parties

60 60 62

Feature Greystones

64 64

The Queen’s Property Empire

66

Education Sydenham High’s Aladdin casts a spell North London Collegiate School Excellence in Education Fairley House

68 68 70 72

Health & Beauty Highgate Private Hospital: Providing First-Class Healthcare For The Local Community Q&A with Healthy Balance Genetic Testing and Breast Cancer Family History The Angelina Jolie Effect The Laboratory Winner Of The Uk Health Club Of The Year Award Launch yourself into 2014 at Wandsworth Leisure centres Discerning Transformations

78 78

keep winter at bay with beautiful new timber windows

80 82 84 86 88

House & Garden The Chefs’ best kept secret Original Kitchens / Kitchen and Bedroom Transformations Let the light shine in with Wandsworth Sash Windows Extend your house... into the garden!

91 91 92 94 96

Loft & Basement Conversions Guide Deep Designs For The Latest In Conversions look down the perfect solution to your space needs Going up in the World The Benefits of Having A Loft Conversion Homeowners love loft conversions Dream homes from down under Extending More Than A Helping Hand

1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

The Importance of Good Design in the Home Spring Home Interiors at Neptune Home John Bly The Sofa Table

Chill out...

116 118 122

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 406 Merton Road, London SW18 5AD or call us on 020 8877 8920

www.ayrtonbespoke.com

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SUR L’AVENUE 2010 BY

SABINE BY MARK KAR

JAMIN PROMENADE

ASICK

DOG STAR I BY STEPHEN PAGE

The New Chelsea Art Fair brings the best UK modern and contemporary art galleries

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10th - 13th APRIL 2014 CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL, KINGS ROAD, SW3 5EE

fter last year’s successful relaunch of the new Chelsea Art Fair under the directorship of Ben Cooper, it will be returning to the Chelsea Old Town Hall in April. Offering an equally wide selection of well-known artists and some new discoveries, 40 of the most respected modern and contemporary art galleries from around the country will bring their highlights many shown on the London Fair scene for the first time.

Flat and three-dimensional works of art with prices up to £50,000, making this the perfect Fair for keen collectors and first-time buyers alike. The chic boutique Fair encourages visitors to take their time to look around and talk to dealers in a relaxing, contemporary atmosphere.

This year, the Fair sees some of the best galleries from Cornwall and Devon exhibiting on the King’s Road, including Falmouth-based Beside the Wave, Lighthouse Gallery and Stoneman Gallery from Penzance and Totnes dealer White Space Art. They are bringing a wide range of art depicting the South West of England and artists from the region.

For the first time, Didier Ltd will be selling iconic jewellery by leading 20th-century painters, sculptors, designers and architects, and as such bringing a new dimension to the Fair, which will work well with some jewellery by other contemporary artists sold by some of the exhibiting galleries.

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Several galleries will be exhibiting sculptural art as well, but the leaders in life-sized sculptures are Muse,The Sculpture Gallery. Muse’s key sculptor Philip Jackson will be joined by several other established and emerging UK and European sculptors.

While the Sheridan Russell Gallery focus on UK artists, among them Shaun Brosnan, Stephen Page and Mel Fraser, who will create a life-size sculpture especially for the Chelsea Art Fair.

Other top end galleries and contemporary art dealers exhibiting include Francis Iles Gallery, Camburn Fine Art, Carina Haslam Art, Woodbine Contemporary Arts, Wren Gallery and The Russell Gallery, who will bring works by artists collected by well-known art collectors, museums and celebrities around the world.

There will be some exciting talks on various aspects of modern and contemporary art to give visitors the opportunity to engage more with the art on view.

The Chelsea Art Fair will support the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Charity again this year and a percentage of specific works of art will go directly to the charity.

More information and E-Tickets can be found on www.chelseaartfair.org or on Twitter and Facebook.

For more details, of the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Charity please visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk

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LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2014 A THRILLING EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND COLLECTION LAUNCHES TRADE PREVIEW SUNDAY 9th, MONDAY 10th AND TUESDAY 11th MARCH ALL WELCOME WEDNESDAY 12th, THURSDAY 13th AND FRIDAY 14th MARCH DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR, LOTS ROAD, SW10

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hen it comes to finding inspiration, there is little that can beat drawing on great resources to ignite our imaginations.

London Design Week 2014 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is the first port of call for designers, architects and styleseekers who need to keep one step ahead. It is the perfect mix of style, imagination and direction design.

The event reflects the dynamism, ingenuity and genuine passion for design today and has plenty to offer whether you are a fan of classic contemporary, an admirer of cutting-edge cool or just keen to seek out the best of the best.

Think product diversity of tremendous breadth and beauty from the who’s who of the international design scene as 500 brands at 99 Design Centre showrooms (as well as outside participants in Chelsea) debut their new ranges. This dynamic event offers a comprehensive overview of the latest fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, lighting, accessories, kitchens, bathroom, outdoor living, tiles, carpets and much more.

Situated in the heart of one of the world’s truly global cities, London

14 MARCH2014

Open from 10am-6pm

FREE ENTRY

Design Week 2014 brings together people from both home and overseas for an inspiring exchange of ideas. A packed programme includes ‘Conversations in Design’ with influential global names including Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Sophie Conran, Emma Bridgewater, Jay Jeffers, Judith Wilson, Daniel Hopwood, Rory Dobner, Ptolemy Mann and Bunny Turner.

There is also a professional practice session on how to make the best of social media. International showrooms throw open their doors to host engaging talks, workshops, presentations and meet the designer sessions with some of the brightest and most creative minds in the industry.

Add to this courtesy transport, a show-stopping restaurant, specially commissioned installations, book signings and a design blog on the pieces and the people making waves, London Design Week 2014 is definitely one not to miss.

With a wealth of design DNA, it is the essential barometer for spring/ summer 2014.

Call 020 7225 9166, email enquiries@dcch.co.uk or visit www.dcch.co.uk #LDW14

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KEATS HOUSE

THE VINTAGE FAIR 2014 SUNDAY 6TH APRIL - 11AM- 4PM KEATS HOUSE, KEATS GROVE, HAMPSTEAD, LONDON NW3 2RR

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his will be the third fair held at the historic Keats House, and is back by popular demand for 2014. Put on your glad rags and shop until you drop! Vintage Fashion, accessories and decorative arts in the inspiring environs of Keats House

Independent stall holders will mainly be selling items from the 1920s onwards, including clothing, accessories, homeware, jewellery, ornaments and crafts.

Vintage tea and cake stalls make a great addition to the buzzing atmosphere.

The success of the fair is down to the mix of Vintage glamour and the beautiful Keats House setting. The sale takes place in a lovely 1930s hall situated in the gardens of the Regency house museum.

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The Vintage Fair is just one of the many exciting events held at Keats House as part of their regular 4 monthly event programmes.

Their events include a wonderful mix of activities often including educational talks, poetry mic sessions, workshops and fun events for children (to name but a few!) showcasing emerging talent as well as big names.

And of course in the house itself, Keats’ spirit lives on where he composed some of his best known work between 1818 and 1820, and we hope that Keats himself would have been pleased and amused at how they are keeping his enduring legacy alive.

It’s £2 drop in and Keats House are offering ‘fair goers’ - half price entry to the museum (next door to the sale).

Half price entry is £2.75, £1.75 for concessions.

For more details, please visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/keatshousehampstead

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Daisy Ball Twenty SATURDAY 10th MAY 2014 - GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL, PARK LANE, LONDON, W1

A glittering charity ball is to be held at a Park Lane hotel to raise vital funds for blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

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uests who attend Anthony Nolan’s 20th annual black-tie event, the Daisy Ball, will be celebrating to save lives at the prestigious Great Room at the Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Saturday 10th May 2014. Anthony Nolan was the world’s first bone marrow register, established 40 years ago. The blood cancer charity has been saving lives for four decades by matching remarkable people willing to donate their bone marrow to complete strangers in desperate need of a transplant. But for every person they help, there is another they can’t find a match for.

In order to help a patient in need a donor must be found who has a matching tissue type, and there are millions of variations. It can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. As it costs £100 to recruit each potential donor to the register, it is essential for Anthony Nolan to fundraise in order to grow the register. The Daisy Ball raises over £160,000 each year, enabling the charity to recruit more donors to the register, identify more matches and save more lives.

The spectacular, entertaining and lifesaving event attracts over 750 guests, including celebrities such as sporting legends Andrew Strauss, Angus Fraser, Mark Ramprakash, Richard Hill, Victor Ubogu and Alan Curbishley.

The night includes a scrumptious three course meal, inspiring real life stories and world class cabaret entertainment. There is also a surprise headline act, with previous performers The Osmonds, Kid Creole and the

18 MARCH2014

Coconuts, Heather Small and the cast of The Jersey Boys.

Guests will have the opportunity to win fabulous prizes in the raffle and bid on incredible unique experiences throughout a silent and live auction. Past prizes have included luxurious holidays to South Africa and Turkey, once in a lifetime cooking experiences with celebrity chefs Brian Turner (always in attendance) and Angela Hartnett.

Anthony Nolan is seeking donations of exciting auction prizes to raise as much as possible from the event.

Guests who support Anthony Nolan’s lifesaving work by taking a table at the Daisy Ball will enjoy A sparkling champagne drinks reception A delicious three course dinner A superb live band An opportunity to take home fabulous unique auction and raffle items A star-studded cabaret and surprise headline act Individual tickets are priced at £240 or £2880 for a table of 12.

For more information on booking tickets or to donate a luxury prize to the night, please contact the Anthony Nolan Special Events Team on 0207 424 6686 or email daisyball@anthonynolan.org.

116 Fulham Road Chelsea London SW3 6HU Tel 0207 373 3668 26 England’s Lane London NW3 4TG Tel 0207 4499 594 12 Lichfield Terrace Sheen Road Richmond TW9 1AS Tel 0203 166 4008

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BISHOP COE VS

Sporting heroes to go head to head for Sport Relief

FRIDAY 21st MARCH 2014 QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK & LEE VALLEY VELOPARK

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he BBC and Comic Relief have announced that Sport Relief hero John Bishop and four-time Olympic medal winner Sebastian Coe will captain two teams of celebrities in a series of sporting challenges at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park including Lee Valley VeloPark as part of the Sport Relief Night of TV on Friday 21st March.

Comedian John Bishop, who completed a punishing ‘Week of Hell’ challenge for Sport Relief in 2012 and Sebastian Coe, Olympian and chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will each captain a team of stars who will battle it out in five different sporting events. The two rival teams will be made up of famous faces from the worlds of sport and entertainment - with the Clash of Titans trophy up for grabs, the competition will be fierce and the challenges demanding.

On the night, the teams will compete in a variety of events including track cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, synchronised swimming and a swimming relay with Gabby Logan presenting all the action from Lee Valley VeloPark whilst Clare Balding will be at the London Aquatics Centre.

It promises to be an incredible night of entertainment and the public has the opportunity to buy tickets from the two venues and cheer on their favourite team. Tickets are on sale and are £15 plus bookings fees applied by Ticketmaster and at least £2.50 will be donated to Comic Relief by the BBC. John Bishop said: “For Sport Relief 2012, I spent a week of pain cycling, rowing and running from Paris to London. To say it was tough is a huge understatement. But now, two years on, I am back again to take on whatever challenges Sport Relief throws at me. Am I intimidated by going up against four-time Olympic medal winner Sebastian Coe? No, I say, bring it on! May the best man win.”

Sebastian Coe said: “As chairman of the London Organising Committee

20 MARCH2014

for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I spent the best part of ten years preoccupied with the planning and delivery of London 2012. Not once did I imagine that less than two years later I would find myself back at the park competing. I hear John Bishop has quite a competitive streak but I know these venues inside out – something that, probably unrealistically, I am hoping will play to my advantage.”

On Friday 21st March the BBC will treat the nation to a special night of Sport Relief TV, with presenters Gary Lineker, Davina McCall, David Walliams, Claudia Winkleman, Jack Whitehall amongst others, hosting a star-studded show full of celebrity performances, comedy sketches, highlights from this year’s challenges and films about the incredible work Sport Relief supports. Del Boy and Rodney will be back on TV screens after 10 years with a special Only Fools and Horses Sport Relief sketch, featuring one of the show’s biggest fans – David Beckham. Four brave Paralympians will swap their sports kit for sequins and will take on a group dance challenge in a Sport Relief Does Strictly special, with Tess Daly revealing the judges favourite on the night.

The Sport Relief Weekend takes place from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March and for the first time ever the public can run, swim or cycle in the brand new Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games. For more information on how to join in the fun and games, raise cash and changes lives, go to sportrelief.com.

Money raised from Sport Relief will be spent helping some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the UK and around the world.

To buy tickets to the Clash of the Titans go to www.ticketmaster.com/sportrelief For each £15 ticket, £10 will go towards event costs and at least £2.50 will be donated to Comic Relief by the BBC. The BBC will not profit from these ticket sales.

C OV E R S TO RY

THE STINGER London Wasps are returning to Twickenham Stadium on April 19, 2014 where they will face Gloucester Rugby.

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aving attracted over 100,000 fans across two years in previous seasons, the Club are looking forward to bringing another bumper crowd to the home of English rugby on Easter Saturday.

The Stinger promises to be much more than just a game of rugby with a packed day of entertainment planned. It will be a day designed to bring together all ages to mark the special event with a diverse range of entertainment on and off the pitch.

We are extremely excited that Little Mix will be the headline act in the pre-match show.

The girls will be performing a taster of their forthcoming arena tour which will start in May 2014.

The 2011 X Factor winners will be taking to the pitch to perform at the Aviva Premiership showdown, which will see London Wasps face Gloucester Rugby on April 19 at the iconic home of English rugby.

22 MARCH2014

Little Mix have gone from strength to strength since being crowned X Factor champions with two Number 1 singles under the belt. But perhaps the moment the pop axis truly shifted was on June 5 2013 when the band’s album, DNA, became the highest debut ever for a British female group’s first album, entering at Number 4 and eclipsing a sixteen-yearold record previously held by the Spice Girls Spice album.

With Sport Relief on board as the charity partner there is a real excitement about the event with lots of initiatives driving awareness of the partnership while raising vital funds for the charity. £1 from every ticket sold to The Stinger will go to Sport Relief and with tickets starting from only £10 this really is a day not to be missed.

To book tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or for more information on the event please visit www.wasps.co.uk.

TICKETS FROM £10 VISIT TICKETMASTER.CO.UK OR CALL 0844 8471867

TWICKENHAM ST GEORGE’S DAY GAME

LONDON WASPS V GLOUCESTER RUGBY #TheStinger

SAT 19TH APRIL 2014

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e:Fit London, the only female consumer exhibition in the UK dedicated to women’s health, fitness and nutrition, has announced that Kirsty Gallacher, Denise Lewis OBE, Victoria Pendleton CBE and Jodie Kidd are to be official ambassadors for the event.

Much loved and respected Sky Sports News presenter Kirsty Gallacher will be formally opening the event. Kirsty is a keen sportswoman who excels at golf, tennis and swimming. Denise Lewis OBE, an Olympic gold winning heptathlete, European and Commonwealth Champion and popular sports presenter, and Victoria Pendleton CBE, Britain’s most successful female cyclist, a double Olympic and 9 times World Champion, will be speaking about their experiences as athletes.

Be:Fit London will be holding free fitness classes in a specially built studio; inspirational talks from top industry experts including athletes and health conscious celebrities covering health, nutrition and fitness; complimentary health checks; a chance to discover the latest fitness trends and fashions; a nutrition area with a wide range of nutritional snacks, drinks and advice from experts to help you eat smart; and a penthouse VIP Day Spa in association with Harper’s Bazaar.

In addition to these, Be: Fit London has also announced three new media partners – Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmo Body and Women’s Health. Harper’s Bazaar will be Be:Fit London’s official spa partner, Cosmo Body will host a ‘challenge corner’ where visitors can sign up for various fitness challenges,

24 MARCH2014

and Women’s Health will be searching for a cover star.

Leigh Fergus, Show and Brand Manager of Be:Fit London, said: “We are delighted that Kirsty Gallagher, Denise Lewis OBE, Victoria Pendleton CBE and Jodie Kidd were keen to be ambassadors for Be:Fit London this year. They are fantastic role models for all women who aspire to get fit and healthy. Additionally, we are thrilled to partner with Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmo Body and Women’s Health, who have all agreed to be media partners at this year’s event and we look forward to working with them to make this the best visitor experience to date.”

Previously known as The Vitality Show, Be:Fit London, the Women’s Health & Fitness Festival, has annually attracted 30,000 women. After launching at the Business Design Centre in 1999, the show has continued to grow, showcasing some of the biggest brands in the health, beauty and wellbeing sector, including Boots, Bupa, Activia, Holland & Barrett, Benefit and Dove.

Annual post-show visitor and exhibitor research reported a gradual decline in interest in the beauty and life-change zones, and a continual growth in the fitness, health and nutrition zones, reflecting the current trend for women-only fitness communities and events.

Tickets are on sale now from www.befitlondon.com.

Advance adult tickets cost £18.

VIP Day Spa tickets cost £50 and have limited availability.

F E AT U R E

THE BNY MELLON

2014 BOAT RACE JOIN THE CROWDS AND LINE THE FOUR-AND-A-QUARTER MILE COURSE FROM PUTNEY TO MORTLAKE TO CATCH ALL THE ACTION!

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he actual race doesn’t last very long; the record, set by Cambridge in 1998, is 16min 19sec. In 2013, Oxford won the 159th Boat Race by 1 1/3 lengths in a time of 17 minutes and 28 seconds, for the distance of exactly 4 miles 374 yards. The atmosphere will be building up along the course all day and your riverside walk, lingering lunch or extended session in the pub will be crowned by a sighting of one of the capital’s great sporting events.

The start of the race is marked by the University stone, a few hundred yards upstream from Putney Road Bridge and for the first quarter of a mile, as the crews pass the historic boathouses of Putney Embankment.

The Finish Line is just a few yards downstream from Chiswick Road bridge and here the crowds on Race Day are as densely packed as those near the Start. What those crowds witness as the crews cross the Line is the ecstasy of the victors and the despair of the losing crew.

SUNDAY 6th APRIL 2014 AT 6PM

swimmer appeared in the race path. The race was restarted with the crews level, however, shortly after the restart, Oxford broke an oar and Cambridge went on to take the win. Umpires are always old ‘Blues’ and will sometimes wear a colour, often a cap, that reveals which university they rowed for.

Sinking is not as rare an occurrence as you might think. If a crew is going to sink, the final stretch after Barnes Bridge is the likeliest place. Due to a strong wind meeting the incoming tide, which creates dangerously choppy water, Cambridge went down in that exact spot in 1978.

In 1898 Cambridge was waterlogged but still finished the race. Oxford sank in 1925, and in 1951, before the race had even started, thanks to a howling gale. And in 1912 both boats sank and the race had to be rescheduled for the following day

On Race Day up to 250,000 spectators crowd the banks of the Thames from Putney to Mortlake to witness the action. Remember, all the riverside pubs will be heaving, with the crowds spilling out onto the towpaths. If you’re planning to watch from a pub, arrive early!

The Boat Race tradition of dunking the winning cox takes place on the north bank by the Mortlake Anglian and Alpha Boat Club after the winning crew has been presented with the trophy. There are large screens at Bishops Park, Fulham and Furnival Gardens, Hammersmith which mean you will be able to watch the whole Race before and after the crews have passed. The parks will also feature food outlets, beer stands and merchandising stalls.

A major part of the umpire’s role is keeping the crews apart as each fight for the best racing line. Last year, the umpire stopped the race after a rogue

BBC1 will be showing the Boat Race live, visit www.bbc.co.uk for more information. For more information:www.theboatrace.org

26 MARCH2014

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EV E N TS

Gavin Gardiner Ltd Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns and Rifles Auction W E D N E S D AY, 1 6 t h A P R I L 2 0 1 4

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avin Gardiner Ltd’s first auction of 2014 comprises over 200 lots including a rare pair of 12-bore Hammer Ejector shotguns by London-maker James Purdey & Sons, that were built in 1895 for the Hon. Harry Stonor. Estimated to fetch £20,000-30,000, the guns will be part of the auction, which will take place at Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street, London.

Sir Harry Stonor was a member of the exclusive Sandringham Set, and shot extensively with the finest gameshots of his day, notably King Edward VII, King George V, Lord Ripon and Lord Walsingham.

He was the Grandson of the 3rd Lord Camoys and spent much of his youth at Sandringham where he developed his capacity for shooting. He became Gentleman Usher to Queen Victoria in 1883, a position he continued to hold under King Edward VII and King George V. He was deputy master of the King’s Household from 1918 until his retirement. He was

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S OT H E B Y ’ S , N E W B O N D S T R E E T, W 1 placed fourth in the 1903 Bailey’s magazine list of the Twelve best shots in Great Britain, a list headed by The King, and Lords Ripon and Walsingham.

As Gavin Gardiner explains: “Hammer Ejector shotguns are rare, as ejector mechanism’s were not available until after the hammer gun had effectively become obsolete. It was essentially only the very finest shots of the day who continued to use hammer guns from Purdey in to the 20th century but fully appreciated the advantages that an ejector mechanism offered to allow for more rapid reloading.”

Elsewhere in the sale, which comprises a fine selection of sporting guns, rifles and shooting accessories will be pairs and single guns by all of the famous London makers as well as classic sporting rifles from Holland & Holland and J. Rigby & Co. For further information please contact 01798 875300 or 07831 645551 or visit www.gavingardiner.com

F E AT U R E

THE LONDON SHOOTING CLUB

The London Shooting Club will launch this summer and will be a new and exclusive members club and concierge service that specialises in providing access to the finest shooting experiences in the UK and internationally.

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ith a host of tailor made experiences and social activities the London Shooting Club will be an excellent way of bringing together like-minded sporting enthusiasts.

Based at the prestigious West London Shooting School but using various prestigious shooting grounds around London, The London Shooting Club will offer unrivalled access and expertise to those interested in shooting, from beginners wishing to take up the sport, to the advanced. Working with leading experts and top shoots to arrange group trips, tailored experiences and instruction in all disciplines of shooting, whether it be a shooting clinic, a training session, private trips to venues of special interest or a talk from leaders in the field of shooting.

It can be hard for city-bound shooting enthusiasts to find quality places to shoot or even just enjoy the company of other followers of the sport. The packed diary of social evenings, lectures and parties which will each bring something a little different, often including the chance to meet leading experts, entry into London’s exclusive private member’s clubs, and late night revelry.

The London Shooting Club will also offer a concierge service for both private and corporate members and their guests providing high quality

30 MARCH2014

shooting throughout the UK and abroad. The Club will use its extensive network of contacts and experience to give its members the best shooting throughout the year.

The London Shooting Club will have four membership levels. Beginner for those looking to learn to shoot, Competent for those who are looking to return to the sport or progress from a novice level and Advanced that is ideal for those shots who are of intermediate to advanced level and able to book game shooting days. The London Shooting Club finally also offers a corporate membership. To get the most out of Shooting Club membership, you need to be comfortable and safe handling a firearm - but it is fine if you’re rusty! Shooting Club Membership is £335 payable annually for Competent and Advanced memberships whilst the beginner membership is £195 annually.

So join the Shooting Club London if you’re game

For more information twitter.com/LondonShooting www.facebook.com/TheLondonShootingClub www.londonshootingclub.com

YOUR TELEVISION IS A CREDIT TO YOU Receive up to £1,300 for your existing television when you upgrade to BeoVision 11*

Enjoy television like never before with the phenomenal viewing experience of the BeoVision 11 Smart TV. Even better, upgrade before 31st March and we will give you a very attractive part-exchange valuation on your current television, no matter the brand or model.

Purchase BeoVision 11-40 and receive £850 in part-exchange for your existing television or £1,300 when you buy BeoVision 11-46 or BeoVision 11-55. 0% interest-free credit is also available to make upgrading even more affordable**.

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*Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 31/03/2014. **Subject to status. Please ask in-store for full details.

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28 TH

1956 BENTLEY S1 CONTINENTAL

APRIL 20 14 RAF MU SEUM HENDO N LONDO N NW4

Classic Car Auction

Bonhams, international auctioneers and valuers, return for their exclusive annual auction of Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia at RAF Museum, Hendon, this April.

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he aircraft hangars and historic aviation displays provide a magnificent backdrop for the auction. There will be between 60 and 70 motor cars on show, with an expectation of approximately 1,000 registered bidders. And with the viewing audience, attendance will be high. The eager bidders and audience will be made up of a wide range of collectors and classic car enthusiasts, with a huge passion for motoring in style.

The vehicles that will form part of the auction will be on view to the public and prospective bidders on Sunday 27th April, with the auction taking place on Monday 28th April. All vehicles up for auction will be on display in the Museum’s Bomber Command Hall and Historic Hangars.

Rob Hubbard, Senior Specialist in the Bonhams Motor Car Department, said: “As a department we are very much looking forward to our annual sale at the RAF Museum in Hendon. It is an ideal location for a sale of collectors’ motor cars and it is always a sale that attracts a good crowd. It attracts worldwide bidding. We hope to continue the success of our 2013 auction with our Hendon sale, and thus the growth of the classic car market.”

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If you are a classic car enthusiast, why not visit and enjoy the spectacle of these beautiful machines, you may well be tempted to make a bid.

RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL About Bonhams Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas.

For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com.

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FROM 21 ST MARCH 2014

THE GREEN JAGUAR DIE ANOTHER DAY 2002

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he London Film Museum and EON Productions are delighted to announce that the BOND IN MOTION exhibition, the largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles, will be on display for the first time in London at The London Film Museum.

This exciting family exhibition will transform the entire London Film Museum space in Covent Garden and will allow Bond fans and members of the public to see the most up to date collection, including for the first time in the UK, the 1/3 scale model of Agusta Westland’s AW101 helicopter used whilst filming 2012’s Skyfall.

BOND IN MOTION will also feature a wide range of vehicles, miniature models, action sequence boards, vehicle concept art and props from all of the James Bond films.

Iconic cars that have featured in the all action Bond vehicle chases will also be on display, including ‘Wet Nellie’ Lotus Esprit S1, from The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977, the Rolls-Royce Phantom III from Goldfinger, 1964 and the Aston Martin DB5 from GoldenEye, 1995.

Tickets are now available from www.londonfilmmuseum.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk or telephone 0207 202 7043.

Tickets priced as follows: adults £14.50; child £9.50, family ticket £38 (2 adults 2 children under 16) and under 5’s go free.

Exhibition will be open 7 Days a Week* 10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm) Saturday - 10am till 7pm (last entry 6pm).

The Museum Shop and Cafe is open during Museum opening hours.

Tickets can be purchased at the venue on the day but to avoid the queues, we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance.

About the London Film Museum The London Film Museum is the only film museum of its kind in Great Britain, promoting the Film Industry and the talent within it. It is selfsupporting, reinvesting back into the museum and within the community, creating a number of local area initiatives that also form an important part of the school curriculum.

The London Film Museum, 45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BN. www.londonfilmmuseum.com ROLLS ROYCE SILVER CLOUD VIEW TO A KILL

LOTUS ESPRIT ‘WET NELLIE’ SPY WHO LOVED ME

LITTLE NELLIE YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE

34 MARCH2014

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Charlies

5 - 21 TH

ST

APRIL

2014

' chocolate adventure

Celebrate 50 years of Charlie and the Chocolate factory at Kew Gardens this Easter

C

elebrate 50 Whipple-Scrumptious years of Charlie and Willy Wonka at Kew Gardens this Easter. Get stuck into themed arts and crafts workshops, based around the four main Chocolate Factory rooms featured in the famous Roald Dahl book, or join the traditional Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 20th April 2014 from 9.30am – 12.30pm. 2014 marks a phenomenal 50 years since Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was first published. The story of Charlie Bucket, the five Golden Tickets, the devilish Oompa-Loompas and the amazing Mr Willy Wonka has become embedded in our culture, having twice been adapted for the cinema and most recently as a hit West End musical. Claire Field, Director of the Roald Dahl Museum says: ‘We are so excited about sharing one of Roald Dahl’s best-known stories with visitors at Kew Gardens and can’t wait to bring a little bit of his magic to such glorious surroundings. We’re sure that visitors, young and old, will enjoy discovering more about Charlie Bucket (and friends!) through crafts, storytelling and, of course, a little bit of chocolate.’

Whipple-Scrumptious Easter activities on offer at Kew Gardens include Create your own Willy Wonka-inspired chocolate bar...

In the Chocolate Room, get creative with a chef from the Roald Dahl Museum café to decorate your very own chocolatey creations. Come up with an ingenious name for your chocolate bar and create a wacky label and package. Sessions run at 11am; 12pm; 1pm; 2pm; 3pm daily, at £3 per bar and £5 for two.

Everlasting gobstoppers and hair toffee in the Inventing Room...

Join Willy Wonka and his head Oompa-Loompa in the Inventing Room, located near the Palm House, for songs and music. You will also be concocting and creating wonderfully weird designs for chocolate bars and indulging in sweetthemed crafts. You just might come up with a brilliant recipe idea for a creation to top Willy Wonka’s everlasting gobstopper! To take part, drop in from 11am – 4pm.

This activity is free.

Go nuts…

Colouring-in and drawing are the focus in the Nut Room, in the Waterlily House.

Get involved in arts and crafts and try creating a moving model of the chocolatier Willy Wonka or dress your very own Oompa-Loompa. To take part, drop in to the Nut Room from 11am – 4pm. This activity is free.

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You’re a poet – you just don’t know it…

Head to the Television Room in the Princess of Wales Conservatory film room to sink into some beanbags and listen to Oompa-Loompa poems and Roald Dahl’s hilarious Revolting Rhymes, as told by storytellers from the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. Also on offer is the chance to sit back and enjoy a short film from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The New Musical. Sessions run at 11am – 11.30am; 12 noon – 12.30pm; 1.30pm – 2pm and 3pm – 3.30pm daily.

This activity is free.

The Glass Elevator (Secluded glasshouse) Get involved in a hands-on-activity exploring the links between our favourite confectionary and the cacao plant from which it is made. There will also be photo opportunities in that all important Glass Elevator.Sessions will run most days from 11am – 1pm. This activity is free.

Face painting and delicious Willy Wonka cream teas Indulge in a cheeky Willy Wonka cream tea as well as a variety of chocolatey treats inspired by this eccentric chocolatier, available at White Peaks and the Orangery from Fri 29th March to Sun 14th April. Face painters will be on hand to transform your experience, so why not explore your inner Violet Beauregard and become a giant blueberry for the day! Face painting will be on offer from 10.30am – 5pm near the new Munch Box tipis at the cost of £4 per face, or 2 faces for £7!

If all this talk of chocolate has piqued your interest and you want to find out more, hop on board the Kew Explorer land train to hear a special narrated tour exploring the history of chocolate.

To board the land train please go to either Stop 1 or Victoria Plaza with tours running from 11am – 12 noon on Fri 29th, Sat 30th, Sun 31st March &, Mon 1st April. Tickets cost £4.50 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.

Spring at Kew Gardens: The Biggest Display of Spring Colour in the Country If all the Easter chocolatey fun on offer wasn’t enough, April also sees Kew Gardens in full spring bloom. Take in the full beauty of over five million bulbs at Kew with our guided ‘Spring Spectacular’ tours and explore the very best of the wonderful bulbs and blossoms on display during the Easter period.

For more details, visit www.kew.org

Easter Family Fun London Transport Museum, Covent Garden

Museum depot, Acton

Saturday 12 – Monday 21 April

Monday 14 – Thursday 17 April

Undertake the challenge to construct a bus during our interactive storytime.

Construct your own bus to take home in creative workshops and explore the museum with our family activities pack.

Hear about the Victorian train carriage that used to be someone’s home, see a special Underground train driven by the Queen and climb aboard a 75 year old train during special behind the scenes tours for families.

KidS Go FrEE

£3 per person, advance booking only – 020 7565 7298

F E AT U R E

I

NEW LONDON GIN EASTER EGG FOR 2014

n 1902, a chocolate shop called Prestat was opened in London by descendants of Louis Dufour, the man who created the world’s first recorded chocolate truffle. Prestat’s reputation for making exquisite handmade chocolates quickly spread and before too long, maharajas, sultans, presidents and stars of the stage and screen had all experienced the delight that only the finest chocolate can bring. Prestat is one of the few British artisan chocolatiers to make all its own chocolates – giving it complete control of recipes and the sourcing of ingredients as well as the opportunity to nurture the traditional skills needed to create its handcrafted chocolates.

Prestat’s quintessential Mints and their Rose and Violet Crèmes were Her Majesty The Queen Mother’s favourite chocolates. Both The Queen Mother and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II granted the business a Royal Warrant and Prestat chocolates continue to be served at every major state banquet.

To celebrate their London heritage, Prestat - chocolatiers to Her Majesty The Queen have created a NEW London Gin Easter Egg. The extravagant egg is made from the finest milk chocolate flavoured with lemon oil. It is then filled with truffles made with ganache flavoured with gin, Mediterranean lemon oil and juniper, all enrobed in a creamy white chocolate.

However, a bite of Prestat’s homage to a London Gin and tonic reveals another secret ingredient - a magical fizz that tingles on your tongue. Prestat’s trademark gold swirls and bright pink run riot on the beautiful box and when you lift the lid you’ll discover a gold-foiled egg nestling on a bed of fuchsia tissue. Available in one size - 170g, £15.

Their other Easter Eggs, in five other flavours, are available in two sizes - 170g, £15 and 227, £23.50 Rose and Violet Crème Easter Egg is crafted from the finest dark chocolate

38 MARCH2014

By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Purveyors of Chocolates

(71%) and filled with Prestat’s legendary Rose and Violet Crèmes which it has been making for more than 100 years. Rose and Violets have long been the English chocolate of choice gracing the drawing rooms of the grandest houses of England. In accordance with this Prestat has been the only chocolate business to have had the honour of being Purveyor of Chocolates to both Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, as well Her Majesty The Queen.

Milk Chocolate Easter Egg and The Dark Chocolate Easter Egg are both filled with The Finest Ganache Truffle – and if anyone knows about truffles it’s Prestat. Antoine Dufour, who founded the company, created the first truffle in 1895.

Sea Salt Caramel Easter Egg - The softest sweet caramel infused with a hint of sea salt fills the finest dark chocolate (71%) – resulting in an explosion of taste.

Marc de Champagne Easter Egg is made from velvety milk chocolate and filled with Marc de Champagne Truffles. They are often chosen for state banquets and first nights, where they are served to kings, queens, princesses and presidents as well as stars of the stage and screen – indeed to anyone who delights in the pleasure that only the finest chocolate can bring.

Ever since Bill Keeling and his halfbrother, Nick Crean, bought the business in 1998, Prestat has enjoyed one of the most exciting chapters in its history. In 2011, Prestat began selling chocolates in the USA. Available at the Prestat shop: 14 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y 6DS. Telephone: 020 7494 3372 Also available in Liberty, Selfridges, John Lewis, and the Prestat concession in Harrods

F E AT U R E

The Ultimate Luxury Chocolate Gift For Easter What do you do if you really want something special and just can’t find it?

When all you yearn for is just the best of its kind in the world - and no-one seems to have produced it; at least not to the standard you desire?

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f you are Roy and Tracey Jones you initially scour the earth for a key ingredient and, when you have finally tracked it down, you create what you were looking for in the first place - the world’s finest luxury chocolate experience. “I wanted to buy a very special present for a very special person on a very special day - her 40th birthday,” explains Tracey.

“Like me she is a chocoholic! I went to the top-end departments stores and even some of the little luxury chocolate boutiques but just could not find what I wanted. There is a lot of nice chocolate about, of course, but, I don’t know, there was always something missing. It was very frustrating and in the end I bought her something else entirely. ”That was the beginning but by no means the end of a two year journey which has reached a triumphant conclusion with the launch of ‘the Chocolate’ Roy and Tracey’s new business dedicated to producing ‘the best luxury chocolate experience in the world.’

What is it?

In its simplest form we are talking about an amazing ‘experience’.

Handmade truffles using an award winning, secret recipe Italian chocolate, filled with champagne, flaked with edible 24-carat gold all enclosed within a bespoke handcrafted boutique box encrusted with more than 450 Swarovski Crystals inside and out. Also made by hand no two of these boxes will ever be the same. The chocolate itself is 63% Toscano Black sourced from a tiny artisan chocolate maker based just outside historic Pisa. The cocoa beans are refined using a traditional granite stone mill and the result has been judged by the Academy of Chocolate as officially the best in the world. What experts call the ganache - basically the mixture of cocoa, cream and a variety of other ingredients to form what consumers think of as, well, the chocolate – that forms ‘the Chocolate’ is a closely guarded secret but Roy and Tracey are happy to confirm that there are several glasses of champagne added to the normal recipe. “As we make everything ourselves we can, of course, produce ‘the Chocolate’ without alcohol if required,” commented Tracey.

40 MARCH2014

You Eat the Gold?

It’s the world’s most expensive foodstuff and has been eaten for millennia.

Although the Ancient Egyptians believed it gave them immortality no such claims are made for ‘the Chocolate.’ (yet). However other authorities do claim that gold has many attributes when eaten, including generating a higher IQ, managing rheumatoid arthritis, developing mystic power and contributing to a long and healthy life. More seriously it is authorised for use in food products in both Europe and the USA. High quality chocolate also has its enthusiasts. They claim that chocolate with over 60% cocoa content (‘the Chocolate’ has 63%) reduces blood pressure, decreases the chance of both diabetes and heart attack, improves the memory and even eases a persistent cough amongst a plethora of other attributes. Be that as it may the fact remains that ‘the Chocolate’ has a fantastic taste that will exceed the expectations of the wildest choccie enthusiast. And the memory of the experience will last and last.

The Products Available online at www.the-chocolate.com and and seasonally at Harrods, the Boutique Box contains 15 chocolates minimum and a weight of 200 grammes (shown above). It retails at £190 including postage and packing. Delivery of this unique hand-made product is within five days or can be expressed for specific delivery date. Various box designs starting from £20 delivered.

Available online and seasonally at Harrods For more information on the Chocolate visit: www.the-chocolate.com

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K I T C H E N

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FA S H I O N

22nd & March 23rd 2014 Batter

se Par Londa on k

Book T ickets Now!

The Ultimate Wedding Day Out! Following the huge success of the inaugural Brides The Show last October, excitement is building for the spring edition of UK’s most luxurious bridal event - opening its doors in Battersea Park this month.

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rides-to-be and their bridal parties will be treated to a wedding planning experience like no other: featuring over 130 of the most prestigious bridal and lifestyle brands, from designers and florists to photographers and venues, the industry’s biggest names will be on hand to help, advise and inspire. These include Ian Stuart, Ritva Westenius, Babington House, Bobbi Brown (official makeup partner), Laurent-Perrier (official champagne partner), Michael van Clarke (official hair partner), Mr & Mrs Smith and The Savoy.

As well as this stellar line-up of exhibitors, visitors to Brides The Show will also be treated to a series of stunning live catwalk shows, curated by Brides Magazine’s fashion director, Bryony Toogood. Showcasing the latest collections from some of the best UK and international designers, including Ian Stuart, Terry Fox, Temperley London, David Fielden, Suzanne Neville and Ritva Westenius.

Bryony says: ‘Your wedding day is that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a proper princess moment, to dress up in something more spectacular than you have ever worn. Our catwalk shows are testament to both the drama of couture and the stylish starlets of the ’50s, with unashamedly exquisite floorgrazing ball gowns and short vintage-inspired bombshell dresses.’

This season, the catwalk shows are Dresses with drama This show embraces all the drama of couture, with breathtakingly beautiful dresses of billowing volume, luxurious fabrics and opulent embellishments. From the ultimate ballgown to whimsical, theatrical shapes, which make an unforgettable statement with floor-sweeping trains and extreme silhouettes, these are future heirlooms.

Roman holiday Reminiscent of the ultimate stylish decade, this is a modern interpretation of mid-century dressing in homage to the female form. From the sexy starlet look of Bardot, Loren and Monroe, to the more demure debutante style of Hepburn and Kelly, think iconic shapes and hourglass figures with nippedin waists.

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And this year, brides-to-be can get even closer to the action by booking their Gold Catwalk ticket. This VIP experience will enable ticket-holders to pre-book their seats in the first front two rows. It also includes a glass of complimentary Laurent-Perrier champagne, plus gifts from Bobbi Brown, Michael van Clarke, Mr & Mrs Smith and Amara gift-list.

Interactive and fun features The Imagination Room For added inspiration, visitors can also get hands-on, with the return of the hugely popular Imagination Room. With live DIY workshops on everything from bespoke bunting to personalised favours - hosted by the best in the business.

Bobbi Brown Bridal Beauty Salon and The Salon Michael Van Clarke Beauty guru Bobbi Brown is once again advising brides at The Bobbi Brown Bridal Beauty Salon. And The team at The Salon by Michael Van Clarke will be wowing brides-to-be with all their hair know-how. Visitors can book one-on-one beauty and hair appointments on the day or in advance via the show website.

The Sommelier’s Table with Virgin Wines The Sommelier’s Table is the perfect spot for brides to take a seat and let the experts guide them through the finest wines, champagnes and food trends to make their big day a success – there will be tastings and demonstration throughout the day.

With all this, and so much more, Brides The Show is the ultimate wedding day-out. Opens this week. Book tickets now!

Ticket Offer For Life Magazine Readers We are delighted to offer our readers a 25% discount on tickets to Brides The Show – please quote “LIFE” when purchasing your ticket.

For a full list of all the show attractions and further general show information please visit the website at: www.bridestheshow.co.uk Tickets can also be booked via www.seetickets.com

A LITTLE BIT OF LUXURY FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY OR NIGHT

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FA S H I O N

The Fashion World of

From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk BARBICAN ART GALLERY, LONDON 9TH APRIL – 25TH AUGUST 2014 KYLIE MINOGUE MEDEE GOWN THE SURREALISTS COLLECTION

The first major exhibition devoted to Jean Paul Gaultier, the celebrated French couturier, opens at the Barbican in April 2014.

This dynamic installation of more than 140 cutting-edge couture and ready-to-wear garments explores Gaultier’s fashion world, from his witty and boundary-pushing designs to his ceaseless interest in society, identity and a beauty borne of difference.

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he exhibition includes costumes for film and performance including iconic pieces such as the conical bra and corsets Madonna wore during her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour, stage costumes designed for Kylie Minogue as well as pieces created for the films of Pedro Almodóvar and Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element.

The exhibition also features a wealth of photography by collaborators such as Miles Aldridge, Richard Avedon, David LaChapelle, Pierre et Gilles, Herb Ritts, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol, as well as footage of catwalk presentations, concerts, music videos, films, dance performances and Gaultier’s cult television show, Eurotrash.

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FA S H I O N

DITA VON TEESE FLAUNT CIRCE ENSEMBLE BUTTONS COLLECTION

EMIL LARSSON BODY CORSET WORN BY MADONNA BLOND AMBITION WORLD TOUR

Jean Paul Gaultier said: “I am super excited that the show is coming to London for two reasons. The first reason is that I always want to go to London, because London, for me, is a special place. In England I’ve got so many souvenirs and I’ve had so many experiences and I must say that the English were the first ones to come to my shows and appreciate my fashion. If there is one place other than Paris that I should like to live in, it is London. I’ve got so many connections with London and feel at home there, even sometimes more than Paris. I like the spirit, the humour and little adventures that were funny, like Eurotrash. The second thing is the Barbican. It’s an honour for me because it’s a wonderful gallery and a wonderful place with extraordinary architecture and I think that showing my work there will be beautiful.”

My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) and Federico Fellini’s La Strada (1954) and Satyricon (1969). The programme will be crowned with a Screen Talk with Jean Paul Gaultier in Barbican Cinema 1 [date tba], when he will formally open the season.

Designed as an installation rather than a conventional fashion retrospective, this theatrically staged exhibition presents pieces created between the early 1970s and now, many of which are being shown in Britain for the first time. Keenly interested in all the world’s cultures and countercultures, Gaultier has conceived a new kind of fashion in both the way it is made and worn. Through twists, transformations, transgressions and reinterpretations, he not only erases the boundaries between cultures but also the sexes, redefining the idea of androgyny or playing with subverting hyper-sexualized fashion codes.

The Film World of Jean Paul Gaultier To complement the exhibition, the Barbican presents a special film season curated by the celebrated French couturier. Jean Paul Gaultier’s selection includes films in which he worked as costume designer, from early titles such as Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) to his extensive collaboration with Pedro Almodóvar in films such as Kika (1993), Bad Education (2004) and The Skin I Live In (2011). The season also includes films which have inspired and influenced Gaultier’s life and work, such as Elia Kazan’s A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Jacques Becker’s Falbalas (1945), Robert Hamer’s Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), Stephen Frears’

Barbican Art Gallery, London, 0845 120 7550, www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery Opening hours: Saturday to Wednesday, 10am – 6pm Thursday & Friday, 10am – 9pm, Bank Holidays: 12noon – 6pm Ticket prices: £7.25 - £14.50, Under 12s: Free

Barbican Art Gallery One of the leading art spaces in the UK, Barbican Art Gallery presents the best of international visual art with a dynamic mix of art, architecture, design, fashion and photography. From acclaimed architects to Turner prize-winning artists, the Gallery exhibits innovators of the 20th and 21st centuries: key players who have shaped developments and stimulated change. The Curve is dedicated to a vibrant programme of new commissions, created by leading international artists in direct response to this distinctive gallery space.

About the Barbican A world-class arts and learning organisation, the Barbican pushes the boundaries of all major art forms including dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. Its creative learning programme further underpins everything it does. Over 1.5 million people pass through the Barbican’s doors annually.

Find us on Facebook | Twitter | Flickr | YouTube www.barbican.org.uk MARCH2014 45

FA S H I O N

THE FESTIVAL 2014 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

29TH & 30TH MARCH 2014 QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL, SOUTHBANK CENTRE, SE1

B

ritish Vogue have announced the exciting news that Naomi Campbell, Alexa Chung, Alexandra Shulman, Angela Missoni, Daniel Marks, Franca Sozzani, Grayson Perry, Jack and Lazaro of Proenza Schouler, Karlie Kloss, Lily Allen, Luella Bartley, Manolo Blahnik, Mary Katrantzou, Miroslava Duma, Phoebe Philo, Pixie Geldof, Rosie Huntington - Whiteley, and Valentino Garavani, and Central Saint Martin’s Fashion MA course director Louise Wilson, are among this year’s Vogue Festival speakers.

The group of internationally renowned names will each share their experiences, wisdom and advice through a series of talks and panel debates that will take place - this year in partnership with Harrods - at the two-day extravaganza on 29th & 30th March at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre. “We are very excited by the Vogue Festival 2014 line-up, which is a great mix of personalities and issues,” said Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman. “This year the Vogue Festival is even larger with more talks and activities. Our partnership with Harrods has allowed us to create an even more enjoyable experience with a lot for people to do between hearing our guest speakers.” The talks will provide the public with access to some of the industry’s most influential designers, photographers and personalities - who are sure to entertain and inspire audiences with their insights, talent and knowledge.

We are delighted to be partnering with Vogue for the Vogue Festival 2014,” said Chiara Varese, Harrods director of customer relationship management and personal shopping. “The fashion world is artistic, inspirational, innovative and sophisticated, but most of all it’s exciting and fun.

We look forward to adding to the unique customer experience for which this event has become well known and best loved. This natural partnership between our two brands will bring together in an innovative way the world’s leading influencers, designers and fashion-savvy crowd, in luxury style.”

Alongside the main schedule of talks and discussions, a host of must-see fashion activities will be available for visitors.

Interviews, panels, trend talks and workshops

46 MARCH2014

will be encouraging ticket holders to get involved in some of the fashion industry’s most current and interesting issues. Show and Tell stations will be offering guests the chance to meet with Vogue fashion editors and get feedback on their fashion designs. Ticket holders will also have an opportunity to experience the beauty and glamour at the forefront of British Vogue with a Harrods Live catwalk, Vogue shop and café, styling talks, makeovers and Vogue cover shoots with Chanel accessories.

Tickets are available and will provide guests access to leading designers, photographers, celebrities, models and fashion editors who will be offering a unique insight into their lives and work.

To purchase tickets from the 20th February 2014 (19th February for Southbank members) visit www.vogue.co.uk/voguefestival and follow @BritishVogue and #VogueFestival on Twitter.

About Vogue Vogue is the fashion bible. With circulation standing at 200,608 (ABC Jan-June 2013) and readership at 1,398,000 (NRS Jan-June 2013), the multiplatform brand reach of British Vogue extends to a further 1,698,862 online (Google analytics (Aug-Oct 2013.)

About Harrods At the forefront of luxury retail, Harrods offers the finest merchandise from its iconic Knightsbridge store. Unashamed grandeur, unrivalled choice and customised personal services attract loyal customers and international visitors. From its humble beginnings as a grocer and tea merchant in 1834, to the Terracotta Palace filled with luxury merchandise, Harrods continues to go from strength to strength, guided by its philosophy ‘anything is possible’. From haute couture to pet accessories, the finest luxury merchandise is showcased in the lavish setting of the Knightsbridge store, stretching across seven floors and 330 departments. There are over 27 eateries to satisfy every taste, and a selection of premier services from By Appointment Personal Shopping to Harrods Bank and Gold Bullion. The Brompton Road store truly has it all.

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www.arts.ac.uk /csm/shortcourses Short Course Office, Central Saint Martins, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4AA, UK. Email: shortcourse@csm.arts.ac.uk Sign up for special offers and updates by email: www.arts.ac.uk/csm/subscribe.

Telephone enquiries and Customer service: 020 7514 7015 (From overseas dial +44 20 7514 7015)

FA S H I O N London Fashion Week is always exciting and inspirational, and last month’s event proved to be just that.

London Fashion Week presented another unrivalled opportunity for both established designers and newcomers to present their latest collections. A constantly buzzing key event for those who haven’t got the patience to wait until the latest fashion designs and stylish fashion trends make it into the fashion magazines.

CARA DELEVINGNE MODELS MULBERRY © DAVE BENETT

A world of catwalks, celebrities, and fashion glitz...

LONDON

FASHION WEEK AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

MARCH2014 49

FA S H I O N

NAOMIE HARRIS, TINIE TEMPAH AND HARRY STYLES, FRONT ROW AT BURBERRY PRORSUM SHOW BURBERRY PRORSUM FINALE

BURBERRY PRORSUM

BURBERRY PRORSUM

ANNA WINTOUR AND BRADLEY COOPER, FRONT ROW AT BURBERRY PRORSUM SHOW

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

TOM FORD

T

he magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the fashion designers’ and fashion stylists ’cutting-edge collections but the media excitement that accompanies them. The allure of the show is exceptional and London Fashion Week continues to be the top fashion event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe, with international press attending from 42 countries. It’s a week where designers are free to create at will and experiment with new trends for clothing. The world watches as fashion history is made.

who graduated from the college several years ago. She has gone on to dress women from Michelle Obama to actress Emma Stone.

While we are all thinking about our Spring and Summer wardrobes, designers were showcasing this year’s Autumn and Winter Collections. And with a buzz of anticipation for a blockbuster season of shows – it was one of the event’s biggest line-ups yet.

Hunter, best known for those sturdy, no-nonsense wellies seen on trendy young attendees of music festivals like Glastonbury, debuted its clothing range in a basement space set up to look like a dark forest, complete with a watery runway and realistic looking birch trees. Models - both male and female - splashed down the catwalk in colorful raincoats and capes, shorts and miniskirts, belted trench coats and puffy winter jackets. Everyone, of course, sported Hunter boots that came in a range of colours and styles, including a heeled ankle-length version.

For the first time, celebrity designer Tom Ford staged a womenswear catwalk show in London, while singer Rihanna created a stir with her debut fashion collection. While major players like Burberry, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood still lead the British fashion scene, the most closely-watched design heroes of the moment - are all under 40 years old: Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou, Erdem. And they are just some of the most recognisable names among more than a dozen ambitious, emerging talents that have put London on the international style map.

“The buyers who come to London don’t go to just one or two shows - they go to nearly every show, every day. You miss the show, you miss the hot new trend,’’ said Caroline Rush, the British Fashion Council’s chief executive.

Bora Aksu, the Turkish designer based in London, showed off a collection that contrasted tough leather with romance and ethereal silhouettes. Central St Martins, the storied art college from which superstars like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen graduated, put on a graduate show, that was bursting with youthful creativity. “It was really a breath of fresh air. At this stage you should experiment as much as you can,’’ said Roksanda Illincic, 50 MARCH2014

Other notable designers showing at this season’s five-day event included L’Wren Scott, the American partner of Mick Jagger; Julien Macdonald, a celebrity favourite, who returned after a two-season break; and Jonathan Saunders, who wowed with his classy prints and patterns.

HUNTER MAKES A SPLASH WITH DEBUT SHOW

Hunter had drummed up considerable publicity for the event, and its front row VIPs included Vogue editor Anna Wintour, singer Jessie J, as well as designer Stella McCartney. Just to make sure it leaves an impression on guests, the brand closed with a little magic performance and a shower of playing cards. It was a cool touch, and entertaining to boot.

BURBERRY PRORSUM Burberry revealed the Burberry Prorsum womenswear Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, The Bloomsbury Girls, The collection takes creative inspiration from the British decorative art of the Bloomsbury set and Charleston, the country home and meeting place for the writers, painters and intellectuals who formed the group. Collections included relaxed trench coats, Blanket ponchos , Equestrian topcoats and tea dresses. Fabrics included hand-

FA S H I O N

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD RED LABEL

JOHN ROCHA PETER PILOTTO

JOHN ROCHA

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD RED LABEL

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD RED LABEL

ISSA LONDON FINALE

painted leather, suede and shearling. Double cashmere, Crepe silk, and embroidered tulle lace. Colours included elderberry, cameo pink, antique rose, deep bottle green, burnt sienna, lavender grey and camel.

Guests included musicians Harry Styles, Tinie Tempah, Laura Mvula, Lianne La Havas, actors Bradley Cooper, Naomie Harris, Felicity Jones, Melanie Laurent, Daniel Brühl, Jamie Campbell Bower, film producers Harvey Weinstein, Mohammed Al Turki, photographer Mario Testino, media personalities Greg James, Cat Deeley, Olivia Palermo, Poppy Delevingne and Felicitas Rombold. Models walking the show included Suki Waterhouse, Cara Delevingne, Jean Campbell, Malaika Firth, Neelam Johal, Matilda Lowther, Jourdan Dunn, Charlotte Wiggins, Edie Campbell, Sung Hee Kim and Xiao Wen Ju. The custom-built show space opened up to reveal British musicians Paloma Faith, Ed Harcourt and Rhodes performing live to the 1500 guests at London’s Kensington Gardens. The specially arranged runway soundtracks are available for download on iTunes.com/Burberry.

CENTRAL ST MARTINS The collections of eleven students were shown to an audience which included alumni, press and industry. MICHAEL POWER and Ondrej Adamek will be two very happy Central Saint Martins MA graduates, jointly scooping the evening’s L’Oreal Professionel Creative Award, judged by star alumni Christopher Kane. Power for his black and colourfully beaded tunics and dresses that hung purposefully heavy over shorts and wader-style boots beneath; and Adamek for his 3D dresses, Part of an 11-student line-up, it was a solid show with clearly defined ideas from each student. Teruhiro Hasegawa brought us Maleficent-style gowns in red and black, terrifying but very elegant; Drew Henry opted for boxy severe shapes in khaki, hides draped in there too or incorporated into boots and gloves; and Rory ParnellMooney gave us a sense of the calm and solemn for oversized and cloakorientated menswear in a sober palette of gentle blues, visor caps worn up top to ecclesiastical effect.

HOUSE OF HOLLAND

JOHN ROCHA Finding inspiration in the dusk dark light of Icelandic skies and revisiting his love of the work of Pierre Soulages, John Rocha Autumn/Winter 2014 is an exploration of romanticism. It is at once dark and light, sophisticated yet youthful, nonchalant and passionate. As in all John’s work there is a symmetry, a balance between the tender and the strong, the stark and the ornate. The palette, grounded in all the textures and shades of black, is under lit in dusk shades with midnight greens, shadowy garnet and forest smoke. Raw-edge tweed trapeze coats and cropped jackets fall from the shoulder. Skirts and tunics are layered in embroidered tulle, lace and silks..

Great coats wrap the body in velvets, and sweetly figured dresses and shells define the silhouette, creating a play on both volume and sculptural forms.

Informed by his enduring love of texture and structure, AW14 is filled with John’s particular vision of subtle strength and intricate beauty.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD RED LABEL Red Label clothes give a picture, an impression of a woman who is born in the privileged world, she is warm and looked after. She feels important; she’s engaged with the world and cares about it (‘Don’t Frack my Mother’, Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon); she’s artistic and adventurous. The first look alone would say everything – the voluminous swagger of the coat: underneath – a silky frilled shirt and velvet skirt. She looks like someone who’s going somewhere. The post-war privileged dripping in pearls, fur and a powerful understanding of sexuality – a woman who wears fur trimmed hot pants and voluptuous scarlet taffeta gowns one moment, and no-nonsense pinstripe suits the next. Hourglass jackets flared at the hip adorned with giant black hearts, outsized tartan cropped suits, and a crinoline caged skirt with bronzed frill.Vivienne Westwood’s 16 year-old granddaughter, Cora Corre, stole the show in a cascade of dark brown curls, printed blouse, bell mini skirt and triangle print tights, and accompanied her grandmother hand in hand for the finale.

MARCH2014 51

FA S H I O N TEMPERLEY LONDON

PALOMA FAITH

JASPER CONRAN

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

JASPER CONRAN

TEMPERLEY LONDON The start of a new and exciting era for Temperley; the attitude for Winter 2014 is much savvier and sexier.Luxurious layering of separates, rich tailoring and sexier shortened lengths have given the collection increased depth for its Designer positioning covering day, cocktail and evening wear.Intricate pattern, texture and colour are key. Inspired by the ornate detail of Spanish cathedrals and Byzantine architecture; prints echo mosaics, laser cutting emulates stained glass and embroidery is inspired

by Chasuble garments. Layered daywear pieces and wearable silhouettes instill a heady romance and celebrate the opulence of another era.Colours mix shades of cobalt, navy, grey, oyster, ochre and rose and are peppered through bold graphics and bright floral patterns. Temperley weaving a little bit of romantic folk-law into everyday life with an overall savvier, funkier and very wearable feel.

JASPER CONRAN Day 2 of London Fashion Week and Jasper Conran offered a master class in how to dress like a real woman. The world famous designer showcased his Autumn /Winter 2014 collection that promises to flatter the female form.

Conran has described women’s fashion as being ‘rather shapeless’ of late and was keen to present an alternative that celebrates womanly curves. The stunning collection featured silk-lined dresses with cutaway backs, and soft leather jackets designed for day to evening wear. Coats in black, grey, blonde and sugar spun pink with belted waists over cashmere, soft leathers and silk tulle dresses with a ‘quadruple stretch’ were a show-stopper. The neutral palette was brightened up with bursts of tangerine orange. And showing that he knows a woman’s mind, Conran kept accessories to a minimum with just one envelope bag and a mid-high heel.

PETER PILOTTO Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos’ newest collection is inspired by hybrids 52 MARCH2014

HUNTER ORIGINAL

and fusion. The collection is a play on contrasts and extremes, combining sports with formal, summer with winter, embellished surfaces with strict lines. Architectural knit sweaters, skirts and scarves feature energetic intarsia patterns and ribbed textures. Executed in a palette of bitter lemon, tomato and pale blue. Wool jacquards are used for sleek coats inset with graphic patterns, sometimes adorned with embroidery. Colour is intense and dynamic, black juxtaposed with rich fuschia , cobalt and sulphur yellow, alongside soft pastels.

PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND Their Autumn/Winter 2014 Womenswear Collection reflects a powerful experimentation with texture and structure. Ultra flat 2D knitwear is married with highly textural 3D elements to present a precise juxtaposition across designs. Unique ready-to-wear 3D printing techniques have been used across the brands heritage knitwear allowing organised and organic textures to seamlessly combine. Each look mixes an urban style with refined silhouettes, slouched trousers in a tuxedo Batavia fabric are paired with distinguished jackets and twin-set style sweaters. The collections colour palette is intentionally simple with sharp shades of off white, blacks and greys, punctuated by sunshine orange and crimson red.

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON An attitude of optimism and high-glamour is reimagined for Autumn/ Winter 2014 Collection. Matthew Williamson’s woman is empowered and composed, exuding a playful and exuberant spirit. Elongated shapes with subtly-raised waistlines in outerwear and tailored A-line skirt suits create a defined and constructed silhouette. This is contrasted with feminine shapes in silk, slinky jersey and chiffon for day and eveningwear. The optimistic mood of the collection is captured in the star motif, reinterpreted through embroidery, fabric and print. Stars are playfully arranged into geometric polka dots, or contrasted with a bold graphic print, inspired by a Georgian rug; eluding to interiors of the 70s jet-set. A palette of Jonquil yellow and

FA S H I O N TOPSHOP UNIQUE

TWIGGY WITH MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

DAVID KOMA

DAVID KOMA

CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS COLLEGE

CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS COLLEGE

KELLY OSBOURNE & NICK GRIMSHAW AT MULBERRY SHOW

PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND

deep red is contrasted with gem-like hues of amethyst and pacific opal blue, offset with graphic monochrome and metallic.

ISSA LONDON Issa presented their Autumn/Winter Collection at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery. The collection marks a further evolution for the brand, showcasing signature Issa elements, including draping, print, and feminine silhouettes, whilst exploring new categories including tailoring and outerwear. Issa’s reputation for print is prevalent, and for Autumn/ Winter 2014 these prints have been developed further and replicated through varying techniques and fabrications including jacquard, flock, intarsia and hand knit, to make for a highly technical and tactile collection that embraces the playful and feminine side of the brand.

Embroidery, flocking and contrast trims are also utilised to explore texture: velvet piping and rubberised zigzag trims add tactile interest to necklines and hems.

DAVID KOMA For Autumn/ Winter 14, David Koma’s collection was inspired by the portrayal of women in the Renaissance paintings of German artist, Lucas Cranach the Elder. This collection of sleek and structured silhouettes is a strict evolution from previous seasons. Necklines are higher, hemlines lower, with re-interpretations of corsetry throughout. While Koma’s trademark thigh-grazing A-line skirts and tailored dresses spliced with leather still underpin the collection, there is a stronger, more masculine edge. Boxy outerwear and loose fitting trousers mark a change in direction, with the arm proving the new erroneous zone. The opposition between the vertical and the horizontal is central– bold leather strips are hand-woven into exquisite jackets and dresses. A striking combination of supple leather, glossy pony skin and flocked chiffon demands attention, but it’s the electric shocks of brightviolet, pure cream, cobalt blue and steely grey that make major impact. Koma and the women he

designs for are calm and in-control.

WHISTLES For Autumn/Winter 2014, Whistles presented a collection focused on eveningwear. Whether the Whistles woman is staying in or going out, she dresses in soft textures, oversized shapes, fluid lines and blurred prints.

Sweaters are worn cropped and loosely fitted, or tucked in casually.

Some with an oversized roll neck or ribbed panelling. Combined with wide leg relaxed trousers or skirts that fall to the mid calf. Outerwear is deliberately oversized. Overcoats come in soft wools in shades of blue, green and grey. Patterned with large checks that give a feeling of a blanket enveloping the wearer with warmth. Lilac becomes a key colour for eveningwear. A thick pelted faux fur coat is the ultimate in luxurious comfort. Navy and black are also staple colours, in rich faux ponyskin or heavy satin fabrications, they are brought up to date in a bandeau top that finishes below the waist or a dress with it’s origins in sportswear detailing, a racer back flows in to a full skirt. Bags are boxy and compact or elongated and soft. Clutches feature soft faux fur bracelets.

So now we can look forward to the trends that will be hitting the high streets for Autumn and Winter 2014, and re-create the look so stylishly presented on the catwalk.

London Fashion Week is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers. The event is organised by the British Fashion Council (BFC) and funded by a number of sponsors. London Fashion Week puts London and British Fashion firmly on the global stage, generating orders in the region of £100m; the event itself contributes £20 million to the London economy in terms of direct spend and attracts visitors from over 25 countries including US, France, Italy,Russia, Middle East, China and UAE. WWW.LONDONFASHIONWEEK.CO.UK MARCH2014 53

FA S H I O N

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aving now lived and worked in the fashion industry based here in London for more than 10 years Cristina has accumulated a strong knowledge of the needs of today’s fashion customer. Through research and constant requests from friends and colleagues she has identified a massive opportunity for handpicked, high quality, unique and well priced brands from her native Italy to be sold through a network of independently run multi-brand boutiques across the UK. Although the multiples and department stores offer a large range of clothing to a broad range of customers they often miss that something special that a woman can fall in love with and be confident in her personal choice. That uniqueness that also fits beautifully and enhance her own individual style...

making and that can guarantee prime quality production and service.

To give the most to our boutiques we want to be able to guarantee punctual delivery times, quality assurance, territory exclusivity and, at times, to be able to accept small forward orders and welcome inseason reorders with very quick delivery time. This is very rare and is possible by brands that really are made in Italy and benefit from flexible production systems”.

With the added advantage of being able to smooth the communication and channels, and sometimes cultural obstacles, between suppliers located across Italy and UK retailers that often disrupts the successful introduction of Italian brands to the UK. Cristina has now established strong season on season growth for her UK clients offering a very personal service to ensure the end customer receives the best Italy has to offer.

The labels on offer at the showroom have only one thing in common and that is the greatest of quality for the most effortless style and individuality: La Fabrique www.lafabrique.it for a refined and chic total look woman, Rocco Ragni Cashmere www.roccoragni.it, Uno8Uno www.uno8uno.it fashion footwear and Luisa Brini www. luisabrini.it luxury scarfs.

Cristina’s Retailers enjoy the assurance of a “British standard service” with all the benefits of genuinely unique and simply beautiful made in Italy brands: “We select Italian brands that are real gems in the 54 MARCH2014

Located in Fulham, Chic-ca Fashion Showroom has become the must visit venue for buyers and store owners to discover new season ‘goodies’. Mainly centered around womenswear and accessories Cristina is able to provide that special brand in a style only the Italians can do.

For more information and to discover your closest stockists contact Chic-ca Fashion Showroom, South Park Studios, 88 Peterborough Road, London, Fulham SW6 3HH, email info@chic-ca.co.uk or call 0044 (0)788 0645 806.

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F E AT U R E

The end of the road for musical theatre?

James Haddrell, Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre, considers whether the era of the West End musical is at an end

L

ast week Sir Tim Rice, writing partner to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber for stellar hits like Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, told the BBC that the public had lost all interest in new musicals and just wanted jukebox shows like Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You, re-packaged collections of pop hits that everybody already knows rather than new songs and new stories.

With Rice’s From Here To Eternity and Lloyd Webber’s Stephen Ward both now closing in the West End, you can see where his argument comes from, so is it foolhardy for us at Greenwich Theatre to be embarking on a London tour of a new musical without a hint of Abba anywhere in sight?

As I write this we are approaching the end of the rehearsal period for MOMO, a new musical based on the novel by Michael Ende - writer of The Neverending Story. Momo is an orphan, living in a derelict amphitheatre in a Mediterranean country somewhere, enjoying the leisurely, friendly pace of life around her – that is until the mysterious Men In Grey arrive and begin to steal everyone’s time, literally turning it to smoke, and transforming a relaxed, loving community into a bustling, anonymous metropolis. Only Momo, with the help of a clairvoyant tortoise, can save the day.

56 MARCH2014

Thanks to the show’s creators, Filament Theatre, this is a musical destined to take audiences by surprise. With no orchestra, and indeed no instruments, this is a completely a cappella musical with intricate harmonies sung by the 8 strong cast, and it is through projects like this, seeking to reimagine the musical and how it is presented, that the musical theatre world is going to find its future. It may well be true that audiences are dwindling for the kind of traditional musicals that dominated the era of The Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables, but to find the hit musicals of the future we need to explore new ideas. We currently have a musical cabaret about George Orwell headed for New York; The Flanagan Collective - one of our supported theatre companies - has just completed a national tour performing their new folk musical in pubs; and now we head off on tour around London with an a cappella musical. Audiences have not given up on new musicals, but it may well be that it’s time for a change.

Momo plays until 5 April in London, at Polka Theatre, Stratford Circus and Greenwich Theatre.

Call 020 8858 7755 or visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk for information and to book tickets.

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Dog Day Afternoon Cabbages & Frocks Lifestyle Market, Marylebone Village SATURDAY 26TH APRIL 2014 11am-5pm Competition Judges Chamois Rose-Wood of The Independent Rob Alleyne of Dog Owners club and seen on BBC3 “Dog Borstal” Back by public demand Cabbages and Frocks lifestyle market in Marylebone village is putting on another special Dog Day Afternoon.

Competitions run from 2.00pm, each takes approximately 10 minutes “A bit of ruff ” for mixed breeds Best dog trick Waggy tail Miniatures and toy breeds Matching pairs New kid on the Block - Best Puppy Lookalike (dog and owner) Best in show Dress as Smartly as your Dog Masses of stalls to choose accessories for your pet and lots of like minded two and four legged friends to talk to. On the doggy side, look out for Walkies of London who produce dog orientated accessories for their owners, including commissioned jewellery items which can be ordered in silver, platinum and gold. Their unusual dog coats feature scenes from London, such as Guy Fawkes and Churchill.

See also Emily Burrowes who will be 58 MARCH2014

selling commissioned Dog Portraits and limited edition prints.

Happy Dogs who are based in High Wycombe and Notting Hill offer accommodation together with long walks on 25 hectares of National Trust Land near their Berkshire residence. Any overweight pooches out there will be grateful for Diet Dog’s supplements!

Competition prizes from Lily’s Kitchen.

The Mayhew Animal Home, established in 1886 and one of the busiest and most effective welfare organisations in London will be in attendance selling their merchandise. By purchasing their gifts on offer it will help improve animal welfare.

Delicious for dogs will be providing doggy cakes and biscuits. Try not to give them too much of the hog-roast or organic sausage tasters! Fashion and food stalls for you will also be there in abundance on the 26th, including the vintage stall with used Hermes, Gucci handbags and accessories.

Don’t miss out, you may go home with a rosette and purchases for you and your pet. Either way we guarantee you a fun filled day! info@cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk Every Saturday 11-5pm 0207 794 1636 www.cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk

At Llangoed Hall

A truly unique wedding venue Llangoed Hall has an enviable reputation as a truly unique wedding venue and the location provides a stunning backdrop for your photographs.

For details and a brochure call 01874 754525 Email: enquiries@llangoedhall.com • www.llangoedhall.co.uk • Twitter: @TheLlangoedHall Llyswen, Brecon, Powys LD3 0YP

Winner of the Hotel of the Year 2013-2014, Wales Winner of Restaurant of the Year 2014 for Great Britain & Ireland

FO O D & D R I N K

A truly glamorous and exotic time L

ayla is an authentic Lebanese Restaurant with branches in Esher and Wimbledon Village. Head chef Jean Ghanen and his team have created a menu offering a delicious combination of rich traditional Lebanese flavours with contemporary overtones. With a wide range of vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free dishes, the mezze menu has something for everyone and is perfect for sharing.

Intimate alcoves and beautiful décor provide the perfect setting for an exciting dining experience of the highest quality. Whether you’re after a unique mezze breakfast at the weekend, enjoying a light lunch or soaking up the live music and belly dancers in the evening, Layla really does offer something for everyone.

If you just fancy a drink in the lounge, Layla has an amazing cocktail menu

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created in-house by their head mixologist as well as an extensive wine and champagne menu.

The combination of delicious cuisine, elegant cocktails and stunning décor makes Layla a truly glamorous and exotic establishment that deserves a visit.

Esher 110 High Street Esher KT10 9QL 01372 462333

Wimbledon 33 High Street Wimbledon SW19 5BY 020 8944 7696

FO O D & D R I N K

Bar Galante, Sloane Avenue

End of month parties L

MAD MARCH HAIR PARTY, THURSDAY 27TH MARCH 2014 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARLES WORTHINGTON

ocated in the heart of South Kensington, the art-deco influenced bar evokes the dazzling cocktail era of Buenos Aires but with a chic, contemporary elegance. All elements of the experience from the menu and cocktails through to the uniforms, service ethic and interior design - mirror this innovative fusion of style.

Galante combines old-school glamour and contemporary sophistication.

Drenched in crystal chandeliers with mirrored walls, this elegant venue is renowned for its exquisite 1930s and 1940s inspired Argentine cocktails handmade from fresh ingredients.

London’s socialites flocked to Galante earlier this month, for The Après-Ski Soiree, the first in a series of raucous end of month parties, “Galante Galas” Jack Guinness took to the decks to get the party in full swing at the Après-Ski Soiree, which transformed the crystal garnished bar into a luxury ski chalet.

The next party will be the Mad March Hair party on Thursday 27th March in partnership with Charles Worthington. Guests are invited to attend with the wildest hairstyles their imaginations can conjure – for those

62 MARCH2014

who run out of time getting ready a stylist will be on hand at the event to rescue them from their style woes.

Ian O’Reilly, Gaucho’s head mixologist, has given Galante’s cocktail menu some volume by creating a hair-raising range of cocktails in homage to some of the most iconic hairstyles of our time. Cocktails include, The Twiggy, Miss Marilyn and the Posh Bob – a palatable synthesis of chocolate and coffee liqueur.

Throughout the evening waitresses donning interpretations of these iconic hairdos will be serving complimentary food from the bespoke menu created by Gaucho’s Executive Chef, Brett Duarte.

Bar Galante, 87 Sloane Avenue SW3 3DX More information about upcoming events can be found at www.bargalante.com To join the Galante Galas guestlist, please email: rsvp@bargalante.com.

F E AT U R E

GREYSTONES Located in the centre of Radlett this exclusive area has generous house plots with generally substantial houses. Our site previously housed a single bungalow of no historical or architectural note. Our clients brief was to demolish the existing house and replace this with 2 generous houses, one of which to become their new house, the other to sell on.

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F E AT U R E

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ach house is some 600m2 spread over 3 floors, which negotiate the changing levels of the site. As such the first floor from the front approach leads you through to the rear garden level. The highly contemporary properties respond to the surroundings utilising white render, but in simple modernist forms with timber cladding and elegant glazing systems, which create a delicate blend of privacy and views.

The buildings has a simple rectilinear plan form. However is very original due to the use of levels of the site which slope up from the front of the site to show an impressive three storey front elevation with a 2 storey elevation to the rear with a useful basement beneath.

The site itself is tight but space has been efficiently used. The

t: 01525 406677

sophisticated design responds to the site conditions and the small available space to provide maximum impact and a responsive design to the houses themselves.

The two houses are fully rendered with schuco german window systems and levolux louvers, 5 bedrooms and 3 linking reception/ kitchen/dining spaces, cinema and annex facilities including 3 storey laundry shoot.

The Greystone houses were Shortlisted for the Hertfordshire Building Futures Awards 2011. The judges commented: “The Greystones Houses are a perfect example of how sustainable design can be intertwined effectively with modern amenities in a domestic setting.�

nicolas tye architects

e: info@nicolastyearchitects.co.uk

w: www.nicolastyearchitects.co.uk MARCH2014 65

F E AT U R E

THE QUEEN’S PROPERTY EMPIRE

Queen Elizabeth II is worth £320million according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2013 Where does all this money come from?

Firstly, there’s property – the Queen has one of the largest property empires in the world. The Queen’s holdings include Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace. The Crown Estate, the company that owns and manages the sovereign’s land, also owns large swathes of London’s Regent Street, the Royal Parks, Ascot Racecourse and 106,000 hectares of farmland. Other royal assets include an extensive art and fine jewellery collection, and one of the world’s largest stamp collections. Although estimates of The Queen’s wealth include the royal assets, these are not her private property – she can’t sell them. Instead they are held by her as Sovereign on behalf of the nation and they will eventually be passed on to her successor.

So where does HRH’s spending money come from?

The Queen essentially receives an income in three main ways: The Sovereign Grant, the Privy Purse and The Queen’s personal wealth and income. The Sovereign Grant came into existence in April 2012. The Sovereign Grant is equal to 15% of the profits from the Crown Estate from two years previously.

It was worth £31million in the year 2012-13 but the Royal Household’s net expenditure was £33.3million, hence the Queen needing to dip into her reserve fund. With the Crown Estate booming (it made a profit of £253million last year), the Sovereign Grant is £36.1 million for the tax year 2013-14 and set to rise to £37.9 million in 2014-15.

Out of this cash, the Queen must carry out her official duties, and maintain the “occupied” Royal Palaces: Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, Marlborough House Mews, Windsor Castle, the buildings in the Home and Great Parks at Windsor, and Hampton Court Mews and Paddocks.

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What’s in the Privy Purse?

The next source of income for the Queen is the Privy Purse. This is a historical term used to describe income from the Duchy of Lancaster. It’s used to meet both official and private expenditure by The Queen.

The Duchy of Lancaster is a portfolio of land, property and assets held in trust for the Sovereign. It’s administered separately from the Crown Estates and generally used to meet official expenses incurred by other members of the Royal Family. In the financial year ending 31st March 2013, it was valued at £429 million. However the Queen can’t get her hands on the capital of the portfolio, just revenue profits. This secured her an income of £12.5million in 2012-13. The Duchy of Cornwall is yet another property portfolio held in trust, this time to meet, in part, the expenses of the monarch’s eldest son and various members of his family. Prince Charles receives revenue from it to pay for his official activities, as does Camilla as Duchess of Cornwall, William and Kate, and Prince Harry. The estate was valued at £763million last year providing Charles with private income of about £19million.

The Queen’s third source of funding is her personal income. This comes from her personal investment portfolio and private estates. The Queen personally owns the Balmoral and Sandringham Estates. The Queen’s private income is used to meet her “private expenses”.

So, what does the Queen spend her money on?

It’s mostly official duties such as travel for official engagements in the UK and abroad; the maintenance of Royal residencies; funding for the work of The Duke of Edinburgh which supports and complements that of The Queen; and salaries for employees of the Royal Household.

ST JAMES Junior School for girls and boys

School Tours with the Headmistress To book 020 7348 1793 www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk Earsby Street, London W14 8SH Registered Charity No. 270156

E DUCAT I O N

Sydenham High’s Aladdin casts a spell Sydenham School is justly proud of its academic results but is equally proud of its strong tradition in the performing arts – music, dance and drama. The recent senior school production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr certainly cast away the winter blues with an energetic and entertaining performance displaying the terrific acting, dancing and singing talents of some thirty-five girls from across the school. The authentic stage sets, props and costumes plus atmospheric lighting transformed the school’s Longton Hall as the cast transported their audience to the land of the famous Arabian Nights story.

Accompanied by an orchestra of twenty students and staff and supported by a student stage crew, the performance delighted audience members over three evenings last month. The school also

What makes us different is the difference we make...

From scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond the curriculum

Find out more at our Open Events Junior: Wed Sat Senior: Thur Wed Sat

7 May 27 Sept 8 May 26 June 20 Sept

9:30am 10.00am 9:30am 6.30pm 10.00am

Places for girls from 4 to 18 020 8557 7004 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net admissions@syd.gdst.net

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11am 1pm 11am 8pm 1pm

held an Arabian-themed Gala Reception on the final night to raise funds for the school charity, Chain of Hope. It was attended by key members of the charity which provides children suffering from lifethreatening heart conditions with corrective surgery to which they would not normally have access to in their home country.

Headteacher Kathryn Pullen commented: “We’re incredibly proud of what the girls have achieved with this production. The performance was touching and funny as the audience’s reactions testified. There were outstanding performances from all who took part – this was a real team effort from girls across the whole school, year 7 to year 12, supported by committed and enthusiastic staff. It has been a wonderful way to end the first half of the term.”

Independent co-ed pre-prep & nursery 3–7 years . Founded 1976 . Member ISA

Constructing, for life

Excellent and outstanding: 58 times!

Verdict from the latest Independent Schools’ Inspection report: The words excellent (highest rating for Whole School and Key Stage 1) and outstanding (highest rating for Early Years) feature an incredible 46 and 12 times, respectively.

See www.isi.net.

Main entry at 2+, 3+ and 4+.

We look forward to meeting you!

W www.hernehillschool.co.uk.

E enquiries@hernehillschool.co.uk T 020 7274 6336

The Old Vicarage 127 Herne Hill London SE24 9LY

E DUCAT I O N

North London Collegiate School

Excellence in Education

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orth London Collegiate School, one of Britain’s leading schools, was founded by the great Victorian education pioneer, Frances Mary Buss. From its inception over 160 years ago, the School has provided an exceptional education for girls from a wide variety of backgrounds. Set in the grounds of the former home of the Duke of Chandos, NLCS provides a first-class academic education in a parkland setting within London. The School’s extensive coach service enables girls aged 4 to 18 from across London and the surrounding counties to attend.

Whilst ensuring academic excellence and intellectual challenge, equal attention is given to supporting the development of the whole person, aiming to inspire confidence, individuality and self-esteem.

Consequently, the school is a positive and energetic community where girls are encouraged to take advantage of the abundant opportunities open to them, with around 36 productions, 40 societies and 30 foreign trips offered each year. In this friendly, supportive environment, the girls are highly motivated and develop self-belief, independence of mind and an appetite for learning.

NLCS offers students wide academic choice including six modern languages, Triple Award IGCSE Science at 16, drama, art and music.

In the Sixth Form, pupils are offered a choice of A Levels, Pre-U or the

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IB Diploma. The Sutton Trust “Degrees of Success” report placed the School first nationally for proportion of students gaining places to highly selective universities, in keeping with the fact that around 40 girls go to Oxbridge and Ivy League schools each year.

NLCS has a highly international perspective that is unique amongst London day schools. The opening of its sister school in South Korea benefits pupils through exchange opportunities and internships and creates an important connection with the ever-growing economies of the Far East. The School also offers student and staff exchanges with schools in the USA, Australia and Germany, as well as outreach opportunities with a school in Zambia.

Central to the ethos of the School is offering bursarial help to as many girls as possible, making available the best education to bright and able pupils irrespective of their backgrounds. NLCS gives individual support to all girls so that they have the confidence to be future leaders. Courtesy, care and consideration for others underpin community life. NLCS is a diverse and tolerant school where cultural difference is acknowledged and celebrated.

For further information, please visit www. nlcs.org.uk

The Old Vicarage 127 Herne Hill London SE24 9LY

Independent co-ed pre-prep & nursery 3–7 years . Founded 1976 . Member ISA

W www.hernehillschool.co.uk.

E enquiries@hernehillschool.co.uk T 020 7274 6336

Excellent and outstanding: 58 times!

Verdict from the latest Independent Schools’ Inspection report: The words excellent (highest rating for Whole School and Key Stage 1) and outstanding (highest rating for Early Years) feature an incredible 46 and 12 times, respectively.

See www.isi.net.

Clicking, for life

Main entry at 2+, 3+ and 4+.

We look forward to meeting you!

E DUCAT I O N

FAIRLEY HOUSE

Fairley House, described in the Sunday Times as ‘The Gold Standard’ is London’s leading day school for children with specific learning difficulties.

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e offer an education almost unique in that Educational Psychologists, with Speech, Language and Occupational Therapists are integrated into the school curriculum. We enjoy a central London location with excellent facilities.

Fairley House addresses the difficulties of children between 5 and 14 with dyslexia and dyspraxia. There is a staff/pupil ratio of 1: 3.5 and the average stay is two to three years after which children return to mainstream schooling with a new ‘can do’ attitude.

At Fairley House our intention is to provide your son or daughter with an educational experience which rivals that of any mainstream independent school. Many of our alumni have had excellent grades at GCSE and A-Level and progressed to top universities and now have successful careers in a range of areas.

London’s leading day school for specific learning difficulties t: 020 7976 5456 www.fairleyhouse.org.uk

...and all of a sudden, nothing is impossible.

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www.hurtwoodhouse.com

Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

We all look forward to meeting you at our

Open Mornings Wednesday 19th March 9.30-11.00 Tuesday 3rd June 9.30-11.00 Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available

020-8670 5865 Prep Department, 70 Thurlow Park Road, SE21 8HZ Pre Prep Department, Elmcourt Road, SE27 9BZ email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

CE 4084 Inde schools guide ad:Layout 1 1/14/14 11:31 AM Page 1

Fulha m Prep School

Is your child passionate about music, or in tune with a wide curriculum of subjects?

Find out how your child can reach their full potential by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8) www.fulhamprep.co.uk

F

S

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL www.westminster.org.uk

‘For the right girl or boy, simply the best.’ Good Schools Guide

16+ ENTRY FOR GIRLS & BOYS To find out about Open Days and online registration please look at our website.

13+ BOYS ENTRY To request a prospectus or to arrange a tour of the school, please call 020 7963 1003 or email registrar@westminster.org.uk For information about 7+, 8+ and 11+ entry to Westminster Under School please go to www.westminsterunder.org.uk Westminster School is a charity (No. 312728) established to provide education.

TAP1953_LifeMagazineAd_137x210mm_V1.indd 1

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Highgate Private Hospital Providing first-class healthcare for the local community If you are looking for first-class private healthcare with cutting edge technology and outstanding standards of nursing care and clinical excellence provided in a friendly atmosphere, then look no further than Highgate Private Hospital.

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stablished for over 30 years, Highgate is a leading private hospital serving the needs of North London and the surrounding areas.

Easily accessible from central London and the home counties, the hospital is located in the centre of Highgate and offers everything you would expect from a local private hospital including outpatient clinics, private healthcare and treatment in most medical specialities including Orthopaedics, Urology, Gynaecology, Cardiology, ENT, Respiratory, as well as Imaging and Diagnostics. Highgate Private Hospital is also proud to be able to offer physiotherapy, private GP services, pharmacy and much much more.

With 14 outpatient consulting rooms, 4 operating theatres, minor operating suite, endoscopy suite, physiotherapy suite and a High Dependency Unit should further treatment be necessary, Highgate Private Hospital can accommodate all types of surgery from tonsillectomy to hip replacement. All patient bedrooms are private en-suite rooms, equipped with flat screen TVs, complimentary wifi and toiletries as well as a newspaper of your choice. Friends and relatives are welcome to visit at any time throughout the day.

A wide range of nursing care services are also available including hearing tests, dressings and removal of clips/sutures, health screening, ECG’s travel vaccines, phlebotomy, ear syringing, urine flow rate as well as pre and post-operative checkups.

The hospital is currently undergoing a multi-million extensive redevelopment and expansion programme, which is due to be completed in January 2014. As part of this programme a new multimillion pound imaging department has already opened at the Hospital.

The new diagnostic suite at Highgate Private Hospital gives patients access to state-of-the art equipment and specialist services, including Computed

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Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), 3/4D Ultrasound, Digital Fluoroscopy and Digital X-Ray services.

The diagnostic suite, measuring 2,500sq ft, is an extension to the existing hospital on View Road, Highgate, and is situated on the first floor above the hospital’s new theatre department. This new facility is a milestone in the Highgate’s ambition to create a brand new private hospital right in the heart of North London which meets not only the needs of the local community but one that delivers some of the highest standards of imaging in London.

Highgate Private Hospital provides 5-star hotel standard facilities and services in a hospital environment and boasts more than 200 of London’s top consultants and specialists who serve the healthcare needs of the local community.

Whether you are an inpatient, day case or outpatient you will be cared for by a team of professionals who are dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible treatment. The hospital welcomes both insured patients and those choosing to pay for their own treatment and is accepted by all major health insurers.

Flexible appointment times and longer opening hours are offered at Highgate Private Hospital and onsite complimentary car parking is provided.

For more information or to make an appointment call 020 8341 4182 or email enquiries@highgatehospital.co.uk www. highgatehospital.co.uk

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KENSINGTON GARDENS

TREATMENT AVAILABLE

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

QA &

In this month’s article Healthy Balance Integrated Medicine practitioners share their advice on your health issues.

This issue, Steven Fullagar and Rebecca Cox contribute.

Q. I have hip pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis.

I am in my early 60’s and would like to remain fit and active. What should I do?

A. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem with hip joints and according to Arthritis Research UK, affects about 1.5 million people in this country. Osteoarthritis is the result of a progressive loss of cartilage (the cushioning that lines the joints), which can then lead to boney changes and potentially, deformity of the joint. Whilst OA in the hip joint is common, less than half of those affected have significant pain.

The current best advice for OA is to remain active, which is in keeping with your current goals. All cartilaginous joints like to be moved as this massages the cartilage and keeps it as healthy as possible. If you are unsure what movements or activities are suitable then a consultation with an osteopath or physiotherapist can be very beneficial. These physical therapists can help to keep joints moving and loosen muscles and will provide you with a self-help plan, which may include prescribed exercises and dietary advice.

Listen to your body - any activities that cause an increase in hip pain may not be suitable but the hip pain should not prevent you from attempting activities in the first place. You are already on the right track, keep going!

Q. Can acupuncture help me combat the winter blues?

A. With the onset of darker and colder nights, our mood can be affected, impacting our sleep patterns, our diet and energy levels.

For some people it can be worse; sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may experience symptoms of depression or even have depression throughout the year.

According to the Depression Alliance, at least one person in every six becomes depressed in the course of their lives with one in 20 people diagnosed as clinically depressed. Fortunately, complementary therapies are now playing a bigger part in the way patients tackle mental health issues. Acupuncture is increasingly being used both on its own and in conjunction with other therapies, such as psychotherapy and antidepressants, in the UK. Acupuncture is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a proven treatment for depression.

The British Acupuncture Council website will tell you that treatment offers patients the chance to see the relationship between their mind and body – that how they eat, drink, and exercise impacts on their mental health.

Acupuncture is a great way of empowering patients to care better for themselves in the future. I recommend that you have a look at www.acupuncture.org.uk

Steven Fullagar is a GOsC registered Osteopath and on the Committee of the Osteopathic Sports Care Association (OSCA).

Rebecca Cox is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and is a member of Buckinghamshire’s Acupuncture for Childbirth Team.

The information in this column is intended as a guide only and not treatment itself.

If you are worried about a health problem please see your health care practitioner for detailed advice.

For any further information or questions please contact; Healthy Balance, 51 High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0AL 80 MARCH2014

www.healthy-balance.co.uk Telephone: 01494 867272

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rom allergies to arthritis and sports injuries to stress management, our practitioners have the expertise to meet your health needs.

We optimise your treatment whether you seek a conventional medical pathway, a drug free approach, or a combination.

Easy access to evidence-based medical practices Holistic, integrated healthcare with a multi-disciplinary approach 41 minutes train journey from London Marylebone Why pay London prices?

Private GP | Allergy Management | Osteopathy | Physiotherapy Dermatology | Nutrition | Hypnotherapy | CBT | Counseling Chiropody & Podiatry | Acupuncture | Yoga and much much more... www.healthy-balance.co.uk

51 High Street Great Missenden HP16 0AL 01494 867272

State-of-the-art facilities | Private car park | Extensive opening hours | Health insurance welcome

pindrop_advert_Layout 1 10/10/2013 17:18 Page 1

The only 100% invisible hearing aid Now available at Pindrop Hearing

Let's face it, the biggest problem with hearing loss is people knowing about it, as they can see your hearing aid. But this is no longer an issue with the new Lyric hearing aid.

The aid is placed deep in the ear canal and can be worn for months at a time - while sleeping, showering* and even exercising. What's more there is no need for daily insertion and removal or the need to change batteries! So not only will those around you not realise you have a hearing loss but you can truly forget it too!

Lyric can only be fitted by specially trained audiologists.

Book your appointment today and start forgetting your hearing loss.

Call us on

0207 487 2660

Pindrop Hearing are London’s leading independent audiologists, with offices in Harley Street and in Chelsea Recommended by GPs and ENT Consultants State of the art consulting facilities Detailed hearing assessment using Speech in Noise tests Wax removal using micro-suction, the safest and cleanest way to remove ear wax Independent advice on different manufacturers and types of hearing aid Balance assessments and rehabilitation

*Lyric is water resistant, not waterproof, and should not be completely submerged underwater.

Pindrop Hearing, 107 Harley Street W1G 6AL & Chelsea Outpatients Centre, 280 Kings Road SW3 5AW

Call today on: 0207 487 2660 info@pindrophearing.co.uk

www.pindrophearing.co.uk

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Genetic Testing and Breast Cancer Family History The Angelina Jolie Effect

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he recent publicity surrounding Angelina Jolie’s decision to talk about her family history, her decision to have genetic testing and the prophylactic surgery she has had, has raised awareness of the potential benefits of analysing the breast cancer genes to give more accurate information on an individual’s personal risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. However several key clinical issues require clarification.

Traditionally genetic testing has been offered to families in which there is a strong family history with several closely related individuals in a particular family having developed cancer. We know that different cancer types can occur in families; a well-known pattern is breast cancer and ovarian cancer occurring in the same family; another well recognised pattern is bowel cancer and womb cancer.

Testing for the breast and ovarian cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) follows a two stage clinical process. In the first stage we take a blood sample from a lady in the family who has developed either breast or ovarian cancer, and then analyse the complete sequence of her BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes.

These genes are made up of the letters C, G, A and T arranged in a long and unique sequence. The BRCA1 gene is made up of 100,000 letters arranged in sequence, and a faulty gene is caused by a very subtle change in the sequence, often consisting of a single spelling mistake, which can be found anywhere in the entire sequence.

Only if we manage to identify a spelling mistake in the blood sample of the individual with breast or ovarian cancer can we then move on to the second stage of the process, and determine whether a well relative in that same family has inherited the same spelling mistake. If she has the same mistake

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WORDS BY DR JAMES MACKAY Consultant Genetic Oncologist in the London Breast Clinic then she has inherited the faulty copy of the gene and is at significantly increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer at some time in her life. If she does not have that specific spelling mistake then she has inherited the good copy of the gene, and has the same risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer as anyone else of her age in the general population. We follow a similar two stage process in families with a strong history of bowel cancer, but look at the sequence of a different set of genes; those we know are involved in inherited bowel cancer. However we often see families with a strong history of breast and ovarian cancer, in which we cannot identify a fault in either BRCA1 or BRCA2.

Recently a new test has been introduced into the UK private sector by Myriad Genetics Inc, which examines the sequence of 25 genes from a single blood sample, thus allowing a much wider range of genes to be examined in any family. The early results (from 40,000 samples tested) suggest that we are able to identify faulty genes in many more families, allowing us to give a much more accurate estimate of an individual’s risk of developing different types of cancer, and therefore encouraging more targeted screening strategies.

It is now even more important than before to ensure that everyone offered genetic testing is given accurate and understandable information about their own individual risk, and the clinical implications of the genetic test results for them.

Dr James Mackay The London Breast Clinic, 108 Harley Street, London W1G 7ET Info@108harleystreet.co,uk Tel 0207 563 1234 www.108harleystreet.co.uk

108 Medical Chambers at 108 Harley Street is a consultant-led and delivered independent clinic offering the highest standards of professional care with a minimum of delay in relaxing and friendly surroundings.

MEDICAL CHAMBERS 108 HARLEY STREET LONDON WIG 7ET

The specialist clinics located at 108 Harley Street are:

The London Breast Clinic – Fully integrated breast care service for all benign and malignant disease with on site digital mammography, ultrasound, cytology and core biopsy allowing rapid diagnosis. Breast screening, genetic and family review also available on site.

The London Skin Clinic – Experts offer same day consultation and surgery under local anaesthetic for conditions including melanoma, skin cancer, cysts and other benign lesions, together with diagnosis and treatment of general dermatological conditions.

The Gilmore Groin and Hernia Clinic – Over 30 years’ experience of the diagnosis and treatment for sportsmen and sportswomen with Groin Disruption / Sportsman’s Groin (Gilmore’s Groin) and adductor injuries, together with herniae of all types both primary and recurrent. Both open and laparoscopic repair are available as appropriate.

The London Rectal Clinic – Expert opinion and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, malignant and benign disease of the colon and rectum including rectal bleeding, haemorrhoids, pilonidal sinus, fissure and fistula. Bowel cancer screening is also available.

The London Sports Injury Clinic – A cutting edge, multidisciplinary service that specialises in non surgical solutions for sports and orthopaedic injuries. In addition the clinic focuses on human performance and wellness. “You don’t have to be a professional athlete to be treated like one”.

108 X-ray and Imaging – Rapid access to full field digital mammography, ultrasound and where appropriate needle aspiration cytology or core biopsy.

A full range of plain film investigations, general ultrasound including abdominal, gynaecological and small part imaging. A full breast screening service is also available.

For more information visit: www.108harleystreet.co.uk Telephone

Facsimile

Email

Web

020 7563 1234

020 7563 1212

info@108harleystreet.co.uk

www.108harleystreet.co.uk

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

THE LABORATORY

L

uxury, style, space and elegance create the perfect environment to escape the many pressures of a hectic London life. Relaxation is essential to both the body and mind and the Laboratory Spa and Health Club provides a gateway to undisputed tranquillity. The Laboratory boasts an effortless and peaceful ambience in drawing you in and leaving you wanting more.

Winner of the UK Health Club of the Year award 2012/13 (National Fitness Awards) and Voted Best Private Health Club and Spa in London by Time Out; ‘the Club exudes an air of sophistication that strikes you the minute you walk through the feng-shui lobby. The Lab offers a unique atmosphere rarely enjoyed in other clubs’.

Tight for time? Our experienced Fitness Team will ensure your workout programme gets you tip-top results safely before you head off to work or why not squeeze a class into your day for a super-fast, super-intense workout that will leave you positively buzzing with renewed energy and vigour!

The Juice Bar is the ideal place to enjoy fresh and healthy snacks, and catch up with other members of the Club. Freshly made

No expense has been spared at the Lab from fresh flowers in the changing rooms, to the finest cutting-edge workout equipment.

The flawlessly finished workout areas complement the stunning swimming pools, personalised fitness and well-being programming and the choice of over 100 different fitness classes at each club.

Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and mostrespected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable of group exercise classes to cater for every age, interest, and schedule. Schwinn cycling, BodyPump, salsa, aquatics, yoga, pilates, qi gong and so much more! Regular courses are also held, from meditation to Zumba and hula hooping workouts, pole-dancing and motivational talks.

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juices, home-made light meals and refreshments made from the highest quality ingredients make for a scrumptious menu.

In each Club there is a spectacular 25 metre swimming pool. These beautiful award winning pools are cleansed with the latest UV light technology, ensuring the highest possible standards of hygiene with minimal levels of chlorine. This enables members to bathe in comfort in the finest water

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

WINNER OF THE UK HEALTH CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD possible. Whether it’s a few gentle lengths before a steam or serious lane swimming as part of your cardio-vascular workout, it’s heaven for anyone who enjoys a swim.Each pool area incorporates twin spa baths, a wonderful relaxation area, marble steam rooms and Scandinavian saunas to help completely unwind.

The Lab’s philosophy is to not just treat the body on its own, but the mind and soul as well.

The Laboratory Spa & Health Clubs are one of the few remaining independent, privately owned Clubs in London. The original flagship site opened in 1995 with the impressive backdrop of Alexandra Palace in Muswell Hill. The Club is surrounded by its own luscious and secluded gardens where you can sun-bathe or chill out in private.

At The Laboratory, unlike most other clubs, there is no annual contract. Vas Hava, Director says “Our members stay with us because they value what we offer and love what we do.

We provide an oasis of calm in a busy life. We aim to help you achieve your goals and increase your individual wellbeing.

At the Lab you will be transported to a world of serenity, where muscle tension and the mind›s concerns simply melt away allowing you to emerge refreshed, balanced and energised.”

Lab members have full use of all facilities. Non members are welcome to use our Day Spa.

The Day Spa at The Lab is a haven of peace and calm that provides a chance to escape the stresses of daily life.

The newly-refurbished treatment rooms are the perfect backdrop for the exceptional team of highly-qualified spa therapists and holistic therapists to deliver a broad range of exceptional treatments including facials, massage, body care therapies , hot stone and reflexology, to name but a few.

For further information contact us on: 020 8457 3300 (Mill Hill) or 020 8482 3000 (Muswell Hill) Mill Hill: 1a Hall Lane, NW4 4TJ Muswell Hill: The Avenue N10 2QE www.labspa.co.uk

MARCH2014 85

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Launch yourself into 2014 at Wandsworth Leisure centres DC Leisure Centres in Wandsworth are pulling out the entire stop’s to be a contender in the New Year’s fitness boom 2014.

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he New Year usually means the start of many new gym memberships a fact that has not been missed by DC Leisure who manage 6 Leisure Centres in the borough of Wandsworth. Wandsworth Leisure Centres are leading the way in providing affordable fitness for everybody, with low cost memberships available at various sites.

All Centres have state of the art Kinetika gyms containing the latest next generation fitness equipment. They also have fully furbished work out studios which provide various types of classes to choose from including Zumba, Spinning & Body Pump. With most classes available during the day and evening, you are able to fit exercise into your schedule.

The brand of fitness which is named ‘kinetika’ offers a wide range of membership packages that are designed to suit almost anyone’s needs, as well as offering flexibility and great value for money.

A number of centres also have health suites allowing customers to unwind after their workout. Whilst Tooting Leisure centre has a new fully furbished Professional sports and therapy room. Specialising in Pre & Post event massage, chronic musculoskeletal injury treatment, Myofascial realise, Lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular facilitation & Pregnancy massage.

When joining on a Kinetika membership during January 2014 members will benefit from 5 free 1-2-1 coaching sessions with a fitness instructor.

This is called the Kinetika journey and new members who attend these sessions and follow their new fitness programme are guaranteed results or they will be given there money back.

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With fantastic swimming facilities for all age groups. A Kinetika swimming membership gives you unlimited use of swimming pools at Balham, Latchmere, Putney and Tooting Leisure centres. As well as use of Tooting Bec Lido during the summer season.

Wandsworth Leisure Centre’s have a welcoming feel and offer lots of activities for the whole family. With crèche facilities available at specific sites our registered facilities are run by fully qualified and experienced staff. We provide a safe environment for all children from aged 12 weeks to 5 years.

The crèche sessions are carefully timed to coincide with some of work out classes and allow you plenty of time to attend a class, workout in the gym or have a swim.

The sites have a wide range of junior activities such as football, gymnastics and swimming lessons. With kitneka krew membership available for 11-15 year olds, this includes use of our kitneka gyms, Kinetika crew classes and swimming during public swimming sessions. Also keen footballers may want to check out Wandle Recreation Centre in Wandsworth with its outdoor 3G football pitches which are available for hire.

With centres located in Balham, Battersea, Putney, Tooting, Wandsworth and Roehampton why not visit your local centre and see what they have to offer you this New Year.

For further details on how to find your nearest centre visit the website www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk

Get Active Get Results 3 month membership includes: • Results guaranteed or your money back • 5 FREE 1-to-1 sessions with a fitness instructor • Unlimited use of the gym • Swimming • Workout classes • Health suite Swim only memberships also available

3 month fitn ess membersh ip for only £1 20 Results gua ranteed

Contact us to get active today!

Balham Leisure Centre Elmfield Road, Balham SW17 8AN 02087729577 Latchmere Leisure Centre Burns Road, Battersea SW11 5AD 02072078004

Putney Leisure Centre Dryburgh Road, Putney SW15 1BL 020 8785 0388 Roehampton Sport & Fitness Centre Laverstoke Gardens Roehampton SW15 4JB 020 8785 0535

Tooting Leisure Centre Greaves Place, Tooting SW17 ONE 020 8333 7555 Wandle Recreation Centre Mapleton Road, Wandsworth SW18 4DN 020 8871 1149

Terms and conditions apply.

Membership offer only available until 31 March 2014.

DCL77922

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit our website

Managed by DC Leisure on behalf of Wandsworth Council

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

DISCERNING TRANSFORMATIONS I

BY JAMES CONCI-MITCHELL, FOUNDER OF SIX3NINE PERSONAL TRAINING PRACTICE

n todays society it seems everybody is in a rush to get somewhere.

With the development of smart phones and tablets it is not often that we are more than a few seconds away from a wealth of information.

From a complex analysis of the current financial markets to the location of your favourite coffee shop, it takes no more than a moment to answer pretty much any question a person can think. At first glance this might seem wonderful, but as with most things, there is a cost. Much of the content presented to us via the internet is not necessarily what it seems.

Opinion reigns supreme which can make fact difficult to discern from fiction. This combined with the fact that most websites are trying to sell you something creates a minefield of misinformation for the typical browser which can lead those with a genuine interest into some real trouble.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the fitness industry. Health and fitness websites continually bombard their audience with the latest miracle supplement or body transformation program.

Spectacular pictures of overweight white collar professionals miraculously turned into chiseled Adonis’s are all too common, and promises are made that you too could achieve the body of your dreams if of course you’re willing to pay the price. Appeals are made to our emotions, scientific research is presented to back up claims and there is always some figure of perceived authority confidently endorsing the wonder product.

Despite what is presented via these websites, and regardless of how desperately a person might want the results, deep down inside we all know the truth.

THERE IS NO MIRACLE SOLUTION. A lot of factors are at play when looking at how quickly somebody can change their body shape. What is their training history? What is their current condition? How willing are they to change their diet? How much time can they commit? Even their genetic predisposition can play a big role in how they progress. All these aspects and more must be factored into the equation before even a rough inclination can be given as to how long results might take to achieve, and only in very rare cases is somebody 88 MARCH2014

in exactly the right place in their life to see a dramatic change over a short period of time, despite what many website might suggest.

So you see, the discerning individual approaches health and fitness slowly and methodically. They integrate changes in a manner geared more towards sustainability and efficiency over short term aesthetic improvement.

Recognised and ethical fitness professionals will be sought in order to provide the technical knowledge required, but the good ones wont promote an unrealistic time frame. The focus should always be learning how to enjoy safe and effective exercise, whilst getting creative with healthy nutrition. Most importantly all changes implemented must be permanent, after all, you are a product of your own lifestyle.

You can be sure those models used in the website ads didn’t build their chiseled abs using a magic wonder supplement, but rather by adopting and enjoying a healthy lifestyle over the long term. There really isn’t any replacement for hard work and discipline, so get learning how to make positive changes to your own lifestyle in a way that you can enjoy, and perhaps you will achieve that body of your dreams.

BETTER YET, YOU MIGHT JUST KEEP IT… At SIX3NINE Personal Training Practice, Covent Garden we take a no nonsense approach to training. We believe freedom of movement is the key to success for those wishing to improve their fitness. With this in mind we have created a bespoke area, free of traditional gym equipment, designed to allow our clients to move freely in as much space as possible.

With demanding lifestyles, todays professionals can struggle to prioritise fitness and exercise in an effective regime. At SIX3NINE our hand-picked trainers ensure you are working out at the right intensity, in the safest manner and with the most effective exercises for your goals.

Book a complimentary exercise and nutrition consultation today by emailing info@six3nine.com quoting ‘Life’.

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OPENS 10TH MARCH

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Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm

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WINNER! BEST EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTOR 2014 Brushfield St

Only 10 minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street station

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H OUS E & GA R D E N

The Chefs’ Best Kept Secret!

Described as ‘the chefs’ best kept secret’, Nisbets is the largest supplier of professional kitchen equipment in the UK. With over 25,000 products available online at nisbets.co.uk, and a growing number of retail stores, the company has come a long way since starting out as a catalogue business over 30 years ago. Open to both the public and the trade, Nisbets stores across London are a haven for any budding gastronaut, offering high quality professional equipment at low prices.

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Selling everything from potato peelers to pasta makers, keen home cooks can kit out their kitchen with the latest culinary gadgets as seen on shows such as “Masterchef” and “The Great British Bake Off’’; with products from respected brands including KitchenAid, Dynamic, Santos, Kenwood and Samsung, as well as Nisbets’ popular own brands such as Buffalo and Vogue.

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Popular choices include the new Vogue range of cast iron oven to table casserole dishes, which are available in two sizes in a choice of black, orange or red. Whether you’re LONDON cooking for family or for friends, these beautifully designed dishes are ideal for everything E1 STORE from cooked meats to stews and casseroles and have excellent heat-retaining properties that provide even heat distribution for perfectly cooked food. The lid of the dish also features an innovative moulding shape, which allows the contents to ‘self-baste’, enhancing the flavours.

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Other firm favourites include the Dick Red Spirit Knife range. Combining centuries-old Asian craftsmanship with state-of-the-art German technology, the Red Spirit range offers the ultimate in precision, quality and reliability. Made from high alloyed stainless steel, which is laser tested to ensure it provides the most precise cut possible, these professional-level knives are a culinary must-have.

Old Spitalfields Market

Brushfield St

Away from the kitchen, Nisbets offer a host of products worthy of any dining table. From exquisite crockery, cutlery and beautifully cut glassware, Nisbets’ range of handmade olive wood presentation boards offer the perfect way to impress at any dinner party; whilst the after-dinner coffee is made easy with the Dualit Espressivo coffee machine. Featuring unique 3 in 1 functionality to produce the perfect coffee from ESE pods, NX and Nespresso ® capsules and ground coffee, the machine provides instant hot water and steam on demand.

Order online before 5pm and spend over £50 (ex.VAT) for free next day delivery, or utilise the stores’ Call, Pay & Collect service if you’re in need of something in a hurry. Simply call to check your item is in stock, pay over the phone and collect within the hour. Visit www.nisbets.co.uk to see the full range of products.

WIN! A SET OF RED SPIRIT KNIVES Dick knives are probably the highest quality available in the world. Made in Deizisau, Germany by the same family since 1778, they have a worldwide reputation amongst chefs for producing knives and sharpening equipment.

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To enter, simply send your name, address and a contact telephone number to: nisbetscomp@rlpltd.co.uk by 30th April 2014.

Set includes one chef’s knife, one flexible fillet knife, one santoku knife and one paring knife.

Terms and conditions.

Draw will be made on 6th May 2014 and the winner will be notified by telephone within one week.

Prize will be dispatched by Next Day Delivery and a signature is required.

MARCH2014 91 10/03/2014 09:56

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Original Kitchens / Kitchen and Bedroom Transformations

W

hen it comes to spending money on your kitchen, whether simply updating your worktops and doors or installing a whole new design, everyone wants to know they’re getting the best quality materials, the highest level of service at the best possible price. Choosing the right company for the job can feel like a tough decision, but with Kitchen & Bedroom Transformations (KABT) and Original Kitchens (OK) your ideal kitchen or bedroom is closer to home than you think.

KABT and OK have been designing and fitting bespoke kitchens and bedrooms since 1995. They’re big enough to turn your grand ideas into reality, but small enough to give it that personal touch.

For Owner, Mike Whitmore, transforming kitchens and bedrooms is all about excellent customer service. “At KABT and OK we’re always working hard to ensure that our Customers get what they want; we believe that quality service is a key ingredient in creating your ideal kitchen or bedroom.”

“We are being asked to provide a wide range of kitchen and bedroom improvements, from full bespoke re-designs to simple upgrades, such as replacing worktops and doors.

“People don’t always have or want to spend a lot of money, but they can still get the kitchen or bedroom makeover they’ve always wanted,” says Mike. “We have a huge choice of doors, worktop styles and colours, all sourced from a variety of manufacturers. We can always find what is right for our customers.”

For a full bespoke redesign - “We offer a free design consultation and survey that is scheduled at a time to suit you. We will come to your home, listen to your needs and requirements and discuss various options accordingly. We will measure the layout of the room and then go away and create realistic 3D

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visuals of what your proposed new kitchen or bedroom will look like. As a starting point, these drawings can then be used for further discussions until you are completely happy / satisfied with the new look and layout.”

“We will not try to sell you a kitchen or bedroom from a book – we will use brochures and catalogues for guidance, but rather create a completely unique kitchen or bedroom designed specifically for you. We do not think that a kitchen or bedroom can be designed correctly without seeing the actual room.”

With a kitchen or bedroom transformation – “We will measure all of the doors, drawer fronts and worktops etc. and take into account all of the components required to transform the existing installation and offer a no obligation price within the same visit. This would always be followed up by a written specification.”

“We never use hard pressure sales tactics as we believe that this undermines the industry as a whole and does not represent our ethos as a reputable independent retailer.”

Why not give KABT and OK a call and arrange your design consultation and survey?

After all, it is FREE. Call today and start transforming the heart of your home, and the way you live.

Kitchen & Bedroom Transformations with Original Kitchens 6 Marion Crescent, Orpington Kent, BR5 2DD 01689 831400 www.kabt.co.uk

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London’s oldest supplier of British & European quality Door, Window and Cabinet Hardware

Locks & Handles

Architectural Components Ltd Unit 2, 25 Effie Road, Fulham, London SW6 1EL close to Fulham Broadway station

Tel 020 7751 3397 Fax 020 7736 1282 sales@knobs.co.uk Comprehensive stocks held at the showroom of all associated architectural ironmongery, locks & latches, hooks, brassware, electrical switch & socket plates, taps and bathroom accessories.

www.doorhandles.co.uk

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Let the light shine in with Wandsworth Sash Windows

A

s spring arrives and the days become longer, attention turns to the great outdoors. However, the blossoming daffodils and blue skies can become ruined if you are attempting to appreciate the landscape through a shabby sash window.

This is the perfect time of the year to renew and refresh your windows to ensure that you can fully appreciate your outside space during those lovely springtime months and beyond.

Wandsworth Sash Windows is a local firm with a showroom in Battersea and all our joinery is made in England. Our size means that you would be dealing with the same people from quote to installation who allocate considerable attention to each individual job.

One of our ideas to spruce up your windows would be to have them overhauled. As well as replacing the beading to ensure full draught proofing this would also include brand new ironmongery and sash cord.

Nowadays, the trend for sash window maintenance is to install Victorian-style double glazed sashes into the existing outer box

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frame. The great advantage of this option is that you benefit from longer lasting, warmer windows without having to put up with the great plumes of dust associated with completely stripping out and replacing the entire frame.

More and more, the concern for residents of London is to reduce sound disruption from the busy streets. Acoustic glass is something which can also be used in sash windows as effective noise insulation without compromising on the traditional look.

Another fashionable choice we recommend for the finishing touch is to opt for plantation shutters, allowing privacy without needlessly blocking out the sunlight. One of the reasons for the recent popularity of these shutters is that they are incredibly easy to maintain.

Contact Wandsworth Sash Windows, who offer these services amongst others, and quote “Your Magazine� upon enquiring for a 10% discount.

H OUS E & GA R D E N

EXTEND YOUR HOUSE...

INTO THE

GARDEN! After all the rain we have had this year, surely we must be in for a hot, dry Summer? Is your garden ready for it?

A

nthony de Grey Gardens has been designing, building and maintaining gardens in London since the seventies.

Whether you want a complete makeover or just a tidyup, their trained staff can help. Shrubs and trees that are pruned at the correct time of year always look their best – it’s all too easy to miss the deadlines when you’re busy, so let the professionals take care of it for you.

Perhaps you need something to camouflage the dustbins, or the garden shed, or the play area or to increase privacy and support your boundary plants – Anthony de Grey Trellises bring structure and depth to your garden all the year round. Made to measure and available in a range of over 100 colours they support the plants during the Summer and improve the view in Winter.

Lighting completes the picture! Anthony de Grey Garden Lighting is a range of sensibly priced garden lights exclusively imported from New Zealand where they know a thing or two about outdoor living. Look

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out onto your outdoor room in the Winter, and fling wide the doors and invite the garden in during the Summer.

Clever planting can create privacy if you are overlooked and it’s so important to choose carefully to ensure that plants and shrubs thrive.

Anthony de Grey Gardens will bring their years of experience to your garden and maximise its potential, often using less common species to create the wow effect.

Space is very precious in this overcrowded city so use your garden to maximum advantage and give Anthony de Grey Gardens a call, to talk through your unique area and how to make the best use of it For more information contact Anthony de Grey Gardens, Trellises and Garden Lighting Broadhinton Yard 77A North Street London SW4 0HQ on 020 7738 8866 or email sales@anthonydegrey.com www.anthonydegrey.com

TREEHOUSE HARDWOOD FLOORING

QUALITY ENVIRONMENT FOR QUALITY OF LIFE Specialists in high quality solid and sustainable hardwood flooring We carry a huge range of woods from around the world, displayed at our Notting Hill showroom in large sample boards to assist clients, designers and architects, in planning interiors.

Board and strip flooring wood block and decking, bespoke floor production.

Other services, special project installation, wall panelling, staircases, doors, worktops, cabinetry, natural stone & many other interior related products.

Exceptional value, experienced craftsmen, quality installation.

Showroom : 116 Talbot Rd, Notting Hill, London, W11 1JR Dsic 46 Gutlin Clocks 10/10/05 4:53 PM E-mail sales@treehouseflooring.co.uk Tel: 020 7460 0376 www.treehouseflooring.co.uk

SYLVANUS WOODCRAFT

Bespoke Furniture, Kitchens, Bookcases and Wardrobes, Built in Cupboards, Architectural Joinery, Sash Windows & Doors, Wooden Step Ladders Call 07968 275 145 or sylvanus@sylvanuswoodcraft.com 35 Enterprise Ind Est, Bolina Rd, London SE16 3LF

www.sylvanuswoodcraft.com

GÜTLIN CLOCKS & ANTIQUES

One of London’s largest selections of antique grandfather clocks and French mantel clocks All types of antique clocks repaired and restored. FREE ESTIMATES! 606 King’s Road SW6 2DX Tel: 020 7384 2804 www.gutlin.com E-mail: mark@gutlin.com

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Wall-to-wall imagination Fantastic wallpaper murals. Any wall, any size, any space.

Simply choose a mural from the thousands available, enter your wall measurements and resize the design to fit your wall. Email: hello@ohpopsi.com Tel: 0161 923 0234. * To receive your 20% discount, simply like and message us on Facebook quoting ‘London Life.’

For news & offers: facebook.com/ohpopsi

LOFT & BASEMENT C

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BA S E M E N TS & C O N V E R S I O N S GU I D E

DEEP DESIGNS How the latest thinking in basement construction combines stunning design with innovative space and keeps the planning authority onside.

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here’s an obscure law that says “whatever the size of your home, you always need more room”. In the search for extra space many Londoners dig down, rather than trade up.

Building a basement can be the perfect solution in the space race. You might have an aging parent who needs to be nearby. Perhaps you want room for a nanny or au pair. Maybe you’re running a home business and need an office. Or it’s recreational: a gym, a pool, a wine cellar or a cinema.

Whatever the reason, extra space can change your family’s life and lifestyle.

Cranbrook Basements has been designing and constructing basements for many years. It has vast experience of meeting and overcoming challenges that seem daunting to the homeowner: there’s always a solution, whether to planning or technical problems.

It’s true that, with many contractors, building basements doesn’t make good neighbours. That’s one reason why Local Authorities are considering planning policy changes for basement construction.

Cranbrook has always operated a good neighbour policy and worked 2 MARCH2014

to the highest construction standards, which gives Cranbrook a high reputation with planning authorities. If you’re faced with either expanding or moving (with the cost, disruption and stress involved) but worry that planning permission for a basement might be a hurdle, consult experts like Cranbrook to see what’s possible within planning policies.

Cranbrook’s architectural and design team works closely with clients, developing creative and original features for new living space, optimising the use of space and doing it in a planning authorityfriendly way. Statutory and technical matters are also addressed. A Party Wall Agreement is essential if your property adjoins another. Constructional details are provided to adjoining property owners; their Chartered Structural Engineer can check them. Soil investigation including – if needed – trial excavation and laboratory analysis makes sure that proposals meet British Standards and Building Regulations.

What can you do with a basement? Provided planning requirements are satisfied, the sky is the limit!

c B Cranbrook Basements

26-28 Hammersmith Grove London W6 7BA Swimming pool 6 Wine cellar 6 Family room 6 Gymnasium 6 Guest suite 6 Spa 6 Cinema 6 Kitchen

www.cranbrook.co.uk 0800 525 883 Free no obligation initial design survey, feasibility advice, quotation and 3D visualisation

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BA S E M E N TS & C O N V E R S I O N S GU I D E

For The Latest In Conversions

LOOK DOWN

W

hen it comes to thinking about the style of the basement, you will need to carefully consider the architectural detailing of the existing property.

Replicating all the period features of the exiting house can look horribly pastiche if it is not done thoughtfully. There might be a beautifully detailed cornice or period tiled floors there, but out of context on a new basement they could look very out of place. It’s often best to leave that style behind and embrace the modern in the basement rather than attempting a fake match. A solid oak or walnut staircase with glass balustrades, very simple doors and square-profile molding can elegantly signal your entrance to a very different space and establish a new character.

The basement hallway is an important part of the design as it sets the scene for the whole floor, but it is often overlooked. Ultimately, when you arrive you don’t want to feel as if you are in a basement!

Consider angling the staircase so that you arrive into the centre of the hallway rather than facing an end wall, use glass balustrading to allow maximum light and visual space, and at all costs avoid a design which features a long thin tunnel for a corridor with doors leading off it. Depending on the architecture of the house, you may be able to introduce a angled wall to the hallway to create the impression of increasing space, while floor-to-ceiling glass panels move light around

4 MARCH2014

and create an interesting feature in the hall, leading the eye into the next room.

Living spaces and bedrooms need to be adjacent to a light well so they can have windows or external doors for natural light and ventilation, so they tend to be the front and/or back of the basement, where it is possible to dig a lightwell. The footprint of a typical Victorian terraced house is long and narrow so they tend not to have space at the side of the property for a light well. Semi-detached or detached houses can benefit from additional lightwells to the sides of the property.

Ancillary rooms less needy of natural light, such as laundry rooms, shower rooms, plant rooms and storage areas, as well as staircases, are usually best placed in the middle of the basement.

Basements are incredibly versatile additions to traditional homes and can add significant value, but you should always visit completely basements of the company you are considering working with so you can agree exactly what you do and don’t like, and know what you can expect to achieve with them.

Images and words courtesy of of The Oxford & London Building Consultancy Ltd and BasementWorks Ltd

Choosing a top-end basement company should not be for those who don’t need to ask about the cost.

Based upon our most popular bespoke basement designs, our basement packages offer outstanding quality at fixed prices.* Whether you are looking to increase your living space with a cinema room, playroom, study, or gym, or you need extra bedrooms for your family or a nanny, we offer a complete design and build package at a price you can rely on.

If you’re considering a basement you’ll have a few questions in mind already. Call us today and let us provide you with the answers. You can also register on our website for an invitation to our next basement open evening at a recently completed project.

* Some conditions apply, please ask for details.

020 8877 0555 www.basementworks.co.uk

BA S E M E N TS & C O N V E R S I O N S GU I D E

THE PERFECT SOLUTION TO YOUR SPACE NEEDS

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stablished in 2008, Estbury Basements have become one of the leading basement companies operating in and around the London area. Their growth and success has largely been down to their specialist knowledge and experience coupled with their personal client approach. The company has, and continues to be built largely on referrals and recommendations from past and present clients.

Estbury Basements was formed initially, when their owners were reconnected through a mutual friend some 6 years ago after not seeing each other for over 15 years. They originally met at school 20 years earlier! Danny had been working in basements the entire time and Richard had a building company that was looking to capitalise on the ever-increasing demand for basements.

It made perfect sense to combine their knowledge and expertise.

The idea was to create a company that could compete with the largest out there but strip it back, lose the sales staff and big offices and offering the clients a direct and personable approach without compromising on the workmanship and final finish. This meant that they could offer an excellent service for a very competitive price, which very soon propelled them into the company they are today.

Still applying those rules as their foundation, Estbury Basements have built up a great team around them, including a full design department consisting of a highly experienced Architect, Engineer and Interior designer, all with proven backgrounds in basement designs.

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In addition to this they also have a very specialist and knowledgeable site management and personnel team but managing all the while to keep a close-knit team, they have resisted the urge to grow further and risk losing touch with their clients.

Estbury Basements are proud of their highly experienced construction team and have a designated fit-out arm for the perfect finish. 2014 has seen the launch of their new division that caters just for waterproofing and specializes in transforming cellars into usable spaces.

They can either offer a full bespoke turnkey service taking you through the planning stage, design, construction and fit-out through to hand over or manage each section separately. Either way they are confident they can help you transform your home Danny and Richard have seen a tremendous growth over the past few years in basement requirements due to the increasing cost of properties limiting the options to relocate so the demand for basements has never been greater.

Please feel free to call Estbury Basements for a free no obligation consultation.

Either Richard or Danny will be at the initial meeting and you will have constant contact with them throughout the whole process for complete piece of mind.

Tel: 0844 357 9420 info@estbury.com www.estburybasements.com

BA S E M E N TS & C O N V E R S I O N S GU I D E

Going up in the World The Benefits of Having A Loft Conversion

The most obvious benefit of having a loft conversion is adding space to your home.

In fact there are many reasons why people choose to have their loft converted.

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oft conversions have been shown to add around 20% on top of your property’s value, according to the latest Housing Market Research. This can add up to somewhere in the range of £15,000 - £35,000. The value of your property will increase no matter what you use the converted space for. This can be useful as the loft is often out of the way of the rest of the house. In order to get the most benefit from your loft conversion, carefully work out the costs to make sure that these do not add up to more than the conversion will be adding to the value of your property.

Ideas for Your Converted Loft Loft conversions are created for many different purposes…

Home Office…a loft conversion can be perfect for creating that home office. It is important to have a quiet space when working, and a loft will provide this.

A Loft Bedroom…

Perhaps the most common use of a loft conversion, also popular in creating a unique master bedroom away from the rest of the house.

Loft bedrooms are one of the easiest conversions, and will require electricity though not much else.

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Bathroom…

When creating a master bedroom you may choose to add in an luxury en-suite bathroom. This is also popular, though requires more work due to the plumbing involved and installation. The main issue will be the sewage from the toilet, which an expert can help you to work out.

You should also get advice on whether your boiler will be adequate for a bath or shower.

A Play Room...

If you have children, this is an excellent use of the space. Just make sure the access to the loft is safe for your children to use. This shouldn’t be too difficult, as there are many great stairway options now available for converted lofts.

Stages of your Loft Conversion You may be thinking of a DIY loft conversion, though it is a lot easier and safer to call in the experts. Do you really know how to make your conversion structurally sound? Can you waterproof your dormer? Do you know if your boiler needs to be upgraded for plumbing in the loft?

How to install a staircase? All of these can have a huge impact on health and safety, which experts can deal with safely and more conveniently.

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We create your loft space

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✔ LOFT CONVERSIONS LOFT CONVERSIONS ✔ LOFT LOFT CONVERSIONS CONVERSIONS ✔✔EXTENSIONS EXTENSIONS REFURBISHEMENTS ✔ LOFT CONVERSIONS ✔ ✔ EXTENSIONS ✔ EXTENSIONS REFURBISHMENTS ✔ ✔✔ EXTENSIONS REFURBISHMENTS REFURBISHMENTS ✔ REFURBISHMENTS

An architect or surveyor will be required in order to determine the loads that will be placed in the building to make sure that your property is still structurally sounds.

This is extremely important in all building and planning regulations, so will be required on top of your builder.

Not all loft conversions will need planning permission, but you will always need to check this for sure before going ahead. Even if you do not need planning permission, you will still need to comply with building regulations which will include inspections. It is much easier to check regulations before starting work – which will also save you money by avoiding problems down the line.

0800 634 8271

Converting a loft is a cost-effective way to extend your living space while investing in your home.

We’ll guide you through the basics of your loft or attic conversion, as well as technical aspects such as lighting and energy supplies.

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The best thing is to shop around before going ahead with the conversion, as this will help you find the best quote and service in a loft conversion company, get them to give you a cost agreement, as well as an agreement of certain dates that points of work will be completed.

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You will need to be able to reach your loft easily once it has been converted, and your loft conversion company will help you determine your options when it comes to stairs. They should comply with fire regulations, and may need to be altered if used by small children.

Most loft conversions take a few months to complete, and the planning stages can be even longer if you need planning permission. Inspections may need to be carried out, and you may need to get an agreement if the work disrupts your neighbours. The building work itself should take around 1 or 2 months to complete, but get an agreement on certain building stages from your loft conversion company.

See us at the show

STAND 1N101 email: sales@centrallondonloft.co.uk www.centrallondonloft.co.uk

BA S E M E N TS & C O N V E R S I O N S GU I D E

Homeowners LOVE LOFT CONVERSIONS Last year loft conversion company, Econoloft, which has worked across London and the South East for over 40 years, saw an 18% growth in sales compared to 2013, as more homeowners than ever convert their loft and improve rather than move.

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or most cramped families living in Greater London their primary concern is gaining additional living space and the most popular reason for a loft conversion remains a master ensuite as homeowners look to gain more room. Becke Livesey from Econoloft said: “We convert hundreds of lofts every year and our typical customers will be the family who love where they live but find as the family unit grows, the family home shrinks! Their first instinct is to buy a something bigger but moving from a two to a three bedroom home or from a three to a four bedroom house can push the mortgage into another price bracket altogether and that all important extra room can cost £100,000 plus.”

And it’s not just homeowners that recognise the advantages of a loft conversion - Econoloft has also seen a spike in the number of property investors using loft conversions to add value to a property before they re-sell.

Raymond Gavin has been investing in the London property market for some time, buying properties, renovating them and selling them on. Until recently he had been nervous about using a loft conversion to improve his properties.

Another popular reason for a loft conversion is to make space for live in help like an au pair. Becke adds: “Childcare payments in London can be the equivalent or more of a mortgage which is why employing an au pair can be much more cost effective. The au pair however, will need her own room and our customers have discovered that having a loft conversion to make room for an au pair will often work out cheaper than paying for several years of nursery fees!”

“Econoloft installed a double bedroom and ensuite in the attic and because of my experience in the construction industry; we decided it would be more cost effective if they took the conversion to shell fit out rather than completion.”

Whatever the reason for your loft conversion, it will not only meet your family’s needs now but is also an investment for the future. Becke said: “Adding more space to a London home will without doubt add value to your property which is why it makes sense to improve rather than move.

“The loft conversion is a fabulous return on investment,” he said. “The space has made a huge difference to the layout of the whole property and has pushed it into another price bracket completely.”

...and investors are catching on too!

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“I was under the impression that a loft conversion would be a difficult and lengthy process,” he said. “But I decided one three bedroomed terraced house in particular was just crying out for a conversion.

He spent £23,000 on the conversion which he says added over £40,000 of profit to the final price of the house.

For more information about an Econoloft loft conversion call 0800 269 765 or email sales@econoloft.co.uk

Econoloft is one of the country’s most respected loft conversion companies and as a family business established for over 40 years, it is considered by many as the loft conversion authority.

PLEASE NOTE: Planning permission rules relaxed 1st October 2008

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For a FREE no obligation brochure or home visit, tel: 0800 269765 or email: sales@econoloft.co.uk

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Add Space. Add Value. Use Your Loft

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THE LOFT CONVERSION AUTHORITY

INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEES & DEPOSIT PROTECTION SCHEME AS STANDARD WITH EVERY CONVERSION

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Dream homes from down under

EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOME INTO YOUR DREAM HOME? REBECCA RICHARDSON HAD. SHE AND HER HUSBAND JAMES LOVED THEIR FAMILY HOME, BUT LONGED FOR A LITTLE MORE SPACE, SO BEGAN TO EXPLORE THEIR OPTIONS. “We contemplated moving, but the estate agent said ‘you have a fantastic house in a great location, you would be mad to move’,” Rebecca explains.

They suggested we spoke to Qualitas about a basement conversion, which we didn’t think was an option because our house had concrete foundations”.

It turned out the building did have a lot of concrete in the foundations, but not the concrete raft that would have made extending downwards impossible. So Rebecca met with Nick Woodworth and Jonathan Woodcock to discuss the project.

She loved their can-do attitude and shortly afterwards work began to add two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a cinema room, a cloakroom, a utility room and a wine cellar to the property.

Qualitas were also recommended to Camilla Johnson when she and her husband Julian Banks decided to convert their basement and reconfigure the ground floor of their house.

As an interior designer, Camilla knew exactly what she wanted to achieve and was delighted to find a company who really understood her ideas.

Camilla says: “I had a vision of what I wanted and of the three companies we spoke to, Qualitas had the best understanding of that.

“Once we agreed the project, they managed the entire process from obtaining planning permission to managing the build.”

The noise, dust and stress associated with extending can put people off,

12 MARCH2014

but the realities of having the basement converted were far less impactful than Camilla had anticipated.

“The whole time they worked on the basement they didn’t come into the house. So it didn’t seem to upset anyone and didn’t really interfere with our lives. When they did knock through to the ground floor they installed our existing kitchen in one of the bedrooms, so we were able to use that instead.”

Rebecca was also thrilled that disruption was kept to a minimum throughout the project and is adamant that any upheaval was well worth it for the results. “Most building work has its problems, but Qualitas were direct and honest and not fazed by any set-backs,” continues Rebecca.

“We love our new basement. We often watch movies as a family in our new cinema room, it’s created a real family space.”

Camilla credits Qualitas’s focus on the finer points for helping to bring her vision to life. “I really admired their impressive attention to detail and the standard of their work,” Camilla adds. “I knew exactly what I wanted and am very particular about quality and finish and the result was exactly what I visualised.

“I’m happy to recommend them to anyone looking to transform their home,” she concludes.

Qualitas provide a one-stop solution for basement conversions, extensions, new builds and architectural services.

Call 020 8432 5120 or visit www.qualitasconstruction.com

Building for your Future Designing and Creating your Perfect Family Home

www.qualitasconstruction.com info@qualitasconstruction.com Tel: 020 8432 1520

BA S E M E N TS & C O N V E R S I O N S GU I D E

EXTENDING MORE THAN A HELPING HAND

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itting at home staring at the wall. You’re wondering where it all went. The floor space, the emptiness, the size. When you moved in nobody told you the baby would grow into a never stationary, room clogging, toy collecting, space eater. Why no warning on the length of the in-laws’ visits? Remote working seemed so convenient back then but a desk at the office now feels like an escape. You continue to stare. That wall seems ever so close. Much nearer than it used to. If only you could move it.

It may seem like a daunting prospect taking on such a project but with MyLondonExtensions you would be guided every step of the way. Making dream homes come true is what they do. By keeping your worst nightmares at bay. They provide a full service from start to finish: architect provision, planning guidance, building control, party wall consultancy, interior design. Whatever it is you need for your revamped home, MyLondonExtensions provide it.

Specialising in basement conversions, kitchen extensions and loft conversions, they are the right choice to make your house a bigger home. It’s a huge undertaking turning the place upside down just to get it all just right. Must perfection be painful? A contractor that not only leads, but also listens makes all the difference. At MyLondonEx14 MARCH2014

tensions they have years of experience of turning things around on track and on budget. From your initial idea to notepad scribble to 3-D model to happy reality, their team of professionals are there to support you in every way.

Be it functionalism or fantasy, MyLondonExtensions know how to make your home the home it should be. Some extensions are built out of necessity - that extra bedroom for the newborn. Or just for the wow factor a change can bring, a games room you’ve always wanted or the dream kitchen you thought you could never have.

Whatever the reason, nothing is out of reach. They can take you there.

Solving your problems and overcoming obstacles is fuel for thought, be they design, architectural or budgetary issues. Whether you want renovation for a leisurely playroom, extension for a minimal but massive kitchen or future proofing for shifting work patterns, they will get you there.

So, if you’re still staring and staring, wishing you could move that wall - Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And the right way is with MyLondonExtensions. www.mylondonextensions.com

H OUS E & GA R D E N

CASAMOOD MATERIA PROJECT RANGE PICTURE COURTESY OF FLORIM LINEA RANGE PICTURE COURTESY OF GARDENIA ORCHIDEA

LINEA RANGE PICTURE COURTESY OF GARDENIA ORCHIDEA

The Importance of Good Design in the Home

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ood design is important in all aspects of life and especially in our homes where we will often use a product on a daily basis; it should mean that the products we buy and use are both aesthetically pleasing but also fit for their intended purpose. But good design is sometimes hard to judge – we have probably all bought a beautiful item at some point, attracted by its looks, that turned out to be disappointing in the way it functioned or in how well it lasted. Most of us would happily buy a piece of artwork simply for its aesthetic value because it’s only purpose is to look good but when a product also has to fulfil a function then good design requires it to be more than just beautiful.

So there is more to consider than simply aesthetics and good function; something must also work in a way that is pleasing to use. An item that serves its purpose but is awkward and difficult to use is certainly not a well-designed product. Good design should also be long-lasting both in terms of the quality of the product, the attention to the finer details and its enduring appeal. A highly fashionable item will rapidly lose its appeal but a well-designed one will never appear dated, as evidenced by the resurgence in popularity of furniture from the 50s and 60s.

Of course, we expect good design when we buy a “designer” label product for our home – we expect something beautiful and useful and increasingly we have been buying into the European lifestyle of iconic designers such as Philippe Starck and the home ranges of prestigious designer clothing brands such as Versace.

High-end designer home products are more than just accessories; they encompass furniture, lighting and practical items such as bathroom sanitary ware and tiles. The designer bathroom products and tiles being produced by internationally recognised brands such as Philippe Starck and Versace fulfil the criteria of good design because they are both gorgeous

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to look at but fulfil a very practical function using technical innovation to ensure they continue to fulfil their function for many years.

Bathroom tiles are both practical and decorative objects that can create a stunning visual impact but, unlike a work of art, they also create a backdrop that allows other aspects of a luxury bathroom to shine through.

They offer the opportunity to create a calming, relaxing space reminiscent of a boutique hotel in our own homes or they offer the opportunity to be bold and create something quite unique.

Whether your preference is for interior design that veers towards understated minimalism or towards something more daring, there are designer products that will enable you to express your individuality.

Colour, whether muted or bold, is more important than ever in our homes; no longer are we satisfied with a limited colour palette we now want a wide choice so we can select just the right shade for our personal living spaces. Vivid colours are being used to make a dramatic statement such as in the bathroom below where textured red porcelain tiles from Italian manufacturer Gardenia have helped to create a distinctive, individual space.

Italian products are synonymous with exceptional design quality and, as such, many of the designer tiles available from leading retailers such as Décor Tiles and Floors are produced in Italy. But if Italian designer tiles do not fit your requirements or budget there is a huge range of tiles in an astonishing variety of colours, patterns and textures from reputable manufacturers across the globe.

For more information contact Décor Tiles and Floors 14 Greycaine Rd, Watford, Herts WD24 7GP Call 01923 248531 or email sales@decortiles.co.uk www.decortiles.co.uk

H OUS E & GA R D E N

THE CHICHESTER

THE SUFFOLK

Spring Home Interiors S

at Neptune Home

pring’s a great time to think about home improvements. For inspiration, come and see us at Neptune Home Fulham, now open on the Wandsworth Bridge Road. This stunning new showroom showcases the full range of Neptune products from hand made kitchens to contemporary classic dining, living, bedroom and bathroom furniture, as well as home accessories. The concept of Neptune is simple: to offer the finest quality furniture and outstanding design at a price that does not cost the earth.

Neptune’s timeless kitchen designs, combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology.

Hand made from solid wood utilising traditional joinery techniques, every cabinet is built upon a solid interlocking frame using mortice and tenon joints - no chipboard or MDF is ever used in a Neptune kitchen. And with an average kitchen costing just £15,000, Neptune also offers outstanding value for money!

The Chichester is the ideal choice for a country kitchen - a classic painted kitchen, designed to complement a traditional home. Hand painted in Limestone as standard, the kitchen is available in 27 alternative colours. For a painted finish, but with a more contemporary feel, the Suffolk fits the bill with its traditional Shaker-style clean lines. Hand painted in Dove Grey as standard, complementary dining furniture and dressers are also available.

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For a modern rustic kitchen, the Henley is a contemporary take on oak.

The organic curves, natural timber and authentic detailing transform this traditional kitchen into a celebration of modern design.

Neptune’s bedroom collection features solid wood, hand-painted bedroom furniture, ranging from beds (with removable linen head boards enabling customers to easily change them to match the décor) to wardrobes, bedside tables, dressing tables and chests of drawers.

For a Scandinavian feel, choose the Larsson bed with its pretty hand carved detail or for a more traditional look, opt for Chichester, painted in Old Chalk, and available with either a low or high footboard. And during March, spend £500 on bedroom furniture and receive £50 in vouchers.

Terms & conditions apply Neptune’s solid wood bathroom cabinets not only look stylish, but provide essential storage space. Washstands are available in countertop and undermount versions. With a huge range of base and wall units available, it’s easy to create a bespoke-style bathroom without a designer price tag! neptunefulham.com 87-93 Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, London Tel: 0207 371 99 97

Have you heard...

“Your furniture is really beautiful and the service is excellent.”

Richard, St Albans October 2013

neptunefulham.com Neptune Fulham 87-93 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London SW6 2TD 0207 371 99 97 info@neptunefulham.com

DINING

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Sawn stone steps Architectural ironwork Waterproof guarantee

t: 020 8673 8785

info@englishcitystone.co.uk

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THE CURTAIN FABRIC FACTORY

FREE ESTIMATES FULL MAKING & FITTING SERVICE

Your local shutters specialist Request your free home survey for expert advice, measuring and a no-obligation quote.

Call FREE on 0808 250 2582 or visit premiershutters.co.uk See us at:

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Uniquely designed to fit into existing timber frames or direct to brick or stone Available in over 200 RAL colours Accurately replicate your traditional style windows

Installed by our own craftsmen Full consultation service

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sales@thwc.co.uk

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Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield

Probably the largest stock of Curtain & Upholstery Fabrics, Blinds, Curtain Tracks & Poles in West London Tel: 0207 386 0008 Fax: 0207 381 8879 Email: cfpolytrad@aol.com www.curtainfabricfactory.co.uk 230/6 NORTH END ROAD, FULHAM W14 9NU

H OUS E & GA R D E N

JOHN BLY ANTIQUES

The Sofa Table Whatever your views on Global Warming, extreme weather conditions are nothing new in the UK. The Romans found our island sufficiently warm to maintain outdoor swimming pools and walk around in togas, and Henry VIII had more than 300 vineyards producing good white wine.

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adly these had all but disappeared by 1600 as we entered a cold spell. There was some respite from this during the last quarter of the 18th century when a series of excessively hot summers encouraged a complete turn around in fashionable clothes and fine furniture, from the rollicking rococo to restrained classicism.

But this was not to last and within one generation and precisely 200 years ago this January, elephants were walking on the Thames as a three-month cold ‘snap’ culminated in the heaviest frost ever recorded in the British Isles. Circuses, funfairs, market stalls and blazing brazier fires kept people and animals active and warm on the ice.

My mention of fine furniture might seem out of context but the extended heatwave that had preceded the cold enabled the young female glitterati to wear the latest diaphanous and unstructured ‘Empire line’ dresses, which in turn allowed them to recline upon daybeds and sofas.

You couldn’t recline in the earlier multihooped skirts, for all would be revealed and heaven forbid. So once laid out and

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at ease, a table of suitable height and proportion on which to rest a book or papers was required.

No such piece had yet been built and no one knows who created the prototype but by 1795 every up-to-date family had one. It was called a Sofa Table, formed of a long, narrow, rectangular top with a small fold-down leaf at each end. Under the top was a shallow frieze containing two or four drawers and the whole thing stood on two standard ends, swept out legs and castors to the feet.

On the earliest examples these end supports were not connected and so the table could be pulled over the sofa as well as up to it. However the open frame was unstable and a connecting rail was added. After c.1810 a centre pedestal became equally popular in addition to the standard ends and the two models remained in vogue for much of the 19th century.

I wonder if our current phase of unusual weather will have any such direct or positive effect on our furniture industry. Something inflatable might be worth thinking about.

John Bly 533 Kings Road, Chelsea john@johnbly.com

bulthaup

Invest in your lifestyle and home, visit the bulthaup specialists at Kitchen Architecture.

“If you‘re looking for a kitchen without compromise then this is the place for you“ The World of Interiors Kitchen Architecture: London | Oxford | Cheshire London showroom. 145–149 Lower Richmond Road. Putney. London SW15 1EZ. T: 0208 785 1960 www.kitchenarchitecture.co.uk for design ideas and case studies Kitchen Architecture, UK‘s award-winning retailer of bulthaup kitchens Winner: Showroom of the Year 2012 for the UK kitchen industry Winner: Master Retailer of the Year 2011 for the UK kitchen industry Winner: Master Retailer of the Year 2010 for the UK kitchen industry

© Morgan Sendall

ROCA LONDON GALLERY THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR YOUR BATHROOM PROJECT The Roca London Gallery is a resource centre for anyone working on a bathroom project: homeowners, interior designers and architects.

The state-of-the-art showroom is the perfect destination for bathroom inspiration, showcasing a wide range of products and accessories.

Visitors can explore the 1,100m2 space, browse the many design books available and a dedicated team is always on hand to help.

The Gallery also hosts an active calendar of social and cultural events, exhibitions and installations focused around Roca’s values: design, innovation, wellness and sustainability.

Station Court, Townmead Road, London, SW6 2PY, UK Phone: + 44 (0) 20 7610 9503 • info.londongallery@roca.net Opening times: Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5:30pm • Saturdays from 11am to 5pm Admission Free www.rocalondongallery.com – Follow us